Household changes, I.E Lifecycle changes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Household changes, I.E Lifecycle changes - Essay Example The Life-Cycle Model of Consumption and Saving tells us that younger people have a tendency borrow money so they can spend it on education and housing ( Browning and Crossley, 2001). Young people spend their money on buying things while they are young professionals. As for young people, their tendency is to go overboard in their purchases which make them work harder to pay off credit card debts. Because of this young people incur debts through credit card. If this is a common behavior for most people, then old people have few money left for them at that time they badly need it : for hospitalization and burial. By the time this young people reach middle age, debts have already piled up since they are burdened with their child’s education and house mortgage. As they approach old age or retirement, the savings ( if there are any) are slowly used since they get sickly and have medical bills. Over-all, a person’s savings in a lifetime is really small unless you are used to s aving money as a

Pvr Cinemas Essay Example for Free

Pvr Cinemas Essay INTRODUCTION Over the last decade, India has registered the fastest growth among major democracies and is now the fourth largest economy in terms of ‘‘purchasing power parity’’.Over the years, spending power has been steadily increasing in India. On an average, 30-40 million people are joining the middle class every year. The consumption spending is rising due to increasing disposable incomes on account of sustained growth in income levels and reduction in personal income tax over the last decade. The Indian Entertainment Industry is expected to significantly benefit from this fast economic growth, as this cyclically sensitive industry grows faster when the economy is expanding. When incomes rise, proportionately more resources get spent on leisure and entertainment than on necessities. Although over 90 years old, the Indian film industry was only accorded the status of an industry in 2000. Consequently, it is only during the last five years that the Indian film industry has been able to attract financing from banks, financial institutions, private equity investors and corporations. Prior to 2000, the industry was almost solely reliant on private and largely individual financing. Although corporatisation of the film industry has started, the film industry is currently largely unorganized and fragmented. Going to the cinema is one of the most popular entertainment options in India. PVR CINEMAS Priya Exhibitors (p) ltd is a part of the diversified Bijili Group, which has interests in transport, finance and construction sectors all over India. After a downturn in the industry in late 80s when the onslaught of video wars at its peak cinema has now been rejuvenated with the latest international trends in cinema exhibition reaching India’s shores swiftly with the arrival of satellite TV. The capitals cosmopolitan audience is becoming increasingly aware of the advanced cinematic technology that enhances the movie going experience and this has whetted their appetite for watching movies on the â€Å"big screen â€Å".To cater to the increasingly sophisticated tastes of the audience Priya exhibitor Pvt Ltd. totally refurbished the existing cinema in June 1991 including installation of a Dolby stereo sound system. They also gained exclusive rights to screen blockbusters from major distributors mainly Warner brothers, 20th century fox, united international pictures, small wo nder then that the cinema has become the focal point for entertainment in the capital for both the young and old attracting over 30,000 patrons a week. Infact, â€Å"Speed† set a national box office world record of Rs.785000 in its first week of screening at PVR (the highest ever for an English film), which is remarkable considering the relatively low price of a cinema ticket in India.Buoyed by the overwhelming success of the cinema after upgrading, Priya exhibitors ltd have taken he next initial step for setting up the first multiplex in the country in a joint venture with Village Roadshow Ltd, Australia’s entertainment corporation.PVR is a brand name synonymous with state-of-the-art cinema exhibition in India. PVR specializes in developing and operating state-of-the-art Multiplexes.PVR Cinemas are the leading cinemas in the country with an emphasis on design, technology and service. Over the last three years, PVR has established itself as a very strong brand associated with movies, quality exhibition and youth-targeted promotions.The company was conceived as a Joint Venture between the Bijli family,headed by Mr. Ajja y Bijli as Indian Promoters and Village Roadshow Limited of Australia, one of the largest multiplex operators in the world with more than 1500 screens under operation. PVR has been a pioneer in multiplex development by setting up India’s first multiplex PVR Anupam4 at Saket in city of Delhi. The company has since grown to become the largest cinema exhibition player in the country and has 5 theatres with 19 screens in city of Delhi/Gurgaon under its operation.The Cinema can boast of the highest box office collections in India for five consecutive years since its opening. Located around the Cinema in the same complex are a number of up-market restaurants, pubs and fast-food eateries that make it a popular youth hangout place and indeed an entertainment experience for the entire family.PVR Priya, a 25-year-old cinema still considered the best Cineplex in Delhi, was completely renovated and brought into the fold of PVR in January 2000. PVR Priya boasts of the highest box office collections in the city of Delhi after PVR Saket. It also has the distinction of having the widest screen in India. Following the tremendous success in South Delhi, PVR expanded to WestDelhi in 2001 with the launch of two new multiplexes PVR Naraina, and PVR Vikaspuri. PVR Naraina, with four screens and 830 seats, was launched in August 2001. PVR Vikaspuri (3 screens, 921 seats) was launched in November 2001.PVR Group has re-opened one of Delhis oldest and most popular cinema hall, Plaza; now known as PVR Plaza. With a seating capacity 22 of 300 seats, the all new single screen auditorium has been renovated and refurbished to bring back its former glory. The cinema, unique in its nature, combines the look and feel of the 50s with the state-of-the-art cinema viewing technologies of today. The most recent addition to the chain is PVR EDM, this three-screen multiplex, located in the popular East Delhi Mall, is equipped with the stateof- the-art technology and is one of its kind in the vicinity.The three-screen multiplex has a total seating capacity of 723 seats. It is equipped with the latest THX-approved three-way surround sound system with real life sound effects and state-of-the-art projection facility with the latest Xenon-based technology. The stadium seating arrangement ensures unobstructed viewing from anywhere in the auditorium. STP OF PVR CINEMAS SEGMENTATION On the basis of customer preferences, we may classify PVR under the Clustered category. This is owing to the fact, that out of the entire masses they have clearly defined their target audience and aim to cater to them. Also, PVR is a Concentrated Market because they only cater to the premium movie-going audience i.e. SEC A and SEC B.PVR Cinemas has approx. 22 million movie goers per month Consumer Demographic Segmentation Age: 61% between 18 and 49 Gender: 47% Males / 53% Female Income: 61% have income over 50K Education: 55% of adult movie-going audience has attended/graduated college*. Of these adults, 37% have college degrees or higher Consumer Psychographic Segmentation PVR Movie Goers are people with high resources and can be classified as â€Å"Experiencers† who seek variety and entertainment. Spend a comparatively high proportion of income on fashion, entertainment, and socializing. â€Å"PVR Movie Buffs† generally have the following major tendencies:- -Go outside the home for entertainment -Participate in sports and other active lifestyles -Hard to reach through other traditional media -lighter television and radio users, but heavy internet users -Receptive to advertising in movie theatres, consider as part of their movie going experience Consumer Behavioral Segmentation Usage rate: 1/3 of the population attends the movies one or more times per month. WHAT? 1. What benefits that the customer seeks? – Complete movie going Experience. 2. Factors influence PVR’s demand? – Price, movie, day, time of the day, day of the week, month etc. 3. What function can the product perform for the customer? –Entertainment. 4. What are the important buying criteria? – Price, ambience, placement, quality service, premium positioning, status symbol. 5. What risks does the customer perceives – risk of being overcharged, risk of being in an emergency like fire at the theater. HOW? 1. How does customer buy the product? – Online /Telebooking / In person 2. How long does the buying process take? – Simple and prompt 3. How do the various marketing mix elements influence the customer at each stage of buying? 4. How does product fit in to their lifestyle? – Entertainment product for the premium. 5. How much would they be willing to spend? – PVR had started with tickets being priced at Rs 125 with special counters available for tickets worth Rs 7. Even when all tickets are now priced at Rs 145, there is no change in the amount of customers that PVR receives, which means that people are willing to pay. 6. How much do they buy in one transaction? – Almost always more than 1 ticket. Depends upon the person, movie playing. TARGETING PVR being the first of its kind has always been a market leader and therefore its offering to the customer is Innovative. PVR has premium pricing and they target mainly SEC A and SEC B. PVR has brought to its customers the experience of Luxury Cinema. PVR uses the concentrated method as they have target a much focused audience out of the entire masses. PVR witnessed tremendous success Europe Lounge in Delhi. PVR Cinemas has also recently introduced the concept of luxury viewing to Bangalore. Gold Class Cinemas have been introduced for the first time in India, are two ultra luxurious exclusive auditoriums, each equipped with plush and fully reclining seats and generous legroom. Patrons can also enjoy star like treatment at the exclusive Gold Class lounge which provides an excellent pre cinema experience with scrumptious food and beverages PVR Priya of PVR’s chain use Differentiation method for pricing. It practices different price slabs for different target audience. For instan ce, they have tickets ranging from Rs 45 (for the youth) to Rs 140 (for the upper-class i.e. SEC A). POSITIONING PVR had, and still has a very well planned market position. Its premium positioning affects the customers perceptual positioning. Therefore, they decided on their marketing strategy and pricing, keeping the target market in mind. In case of PVR, they make use of all their tangible elements to prove to their customers that their movie tickets are worth the price they are paying. Also, since some of the other movie theatres (which are not multiplexes) are still offering movies at rates as low as Rs 35, it is the task of its marketer to ensure that PVR comes across as a superior brand in terms of cinema viewing as well as the experience. It’s positioning is evident in its mission statement also which says† A commitment to deliver the best quality cinema viewing Everywhere, Every time.† MARKETING MIX – 7 Ps 1. SERVICE PRODUCT/ SERVICE PACKAGE A product (in the marketing context) may be tangible, intangible or both. In case of services, on the contrary, the tangible component is nil or minimal. In services, there is no or very little tangible element because of which they are considered as benefits, which are offered to the target market. First, a service is a bundle of features and secondly, there benefits and features have relevance for a specific target market. Therefore while developing a service product, it is important that the package of benefits in the service offer must have a customers perspective. 5 product levels are as follows:Core Benefit is the MOVIES that the customer comes to a cinema hall for,along with the attendant experience of PVR. The expected product in PVR’s case would be ambience, hygiene, good service, parking, candy bar etc.PVR has augmented its product offerings: * Luxury cinema PVR has brought to its customers the experience of luxury cinema.After the tremendous success of Cinema Europa in Delhi, PVR Cinemas has introduced the concept of luxury viewing to Bangalore as well. Gold Class Cinemas have been introduced for the first time in India, are two ultra luxurious exclusive auditoriums, each equipped with 32 plush and fully reclining seats and generous legroom. Patrons can also enjoy star like treatment at the exclusive Gold Class lounge which provides an excellent pre cinema experience with scrumptious food and beverages. * Bulk Bookings There are special arrangements for bulk bookings (of twenty or more tickets) done by corporates. Details can be filled online and PVR executives themselves get in touch with the concerned people. * E-booking and tele-booking PVR also provides the factility of e-booking, which was first started by PVR, it has now been copied by Satyam cineplexes as well. It also offers telebooking * Parties at PVR PVR has also started helping customers in planning birthday/kitty parties at PVR. They have made PVR a wholesome entertainment experience than just a movie watching spree. * Movie newsletter and magazine To keep its customers hooked on to movies and to PVR, it has also come out with an online newsletter called ‘PVRWire’ is directly mailed to the subscribers and can also be downloaded from their website.They have also launched a movie magazine called ‘Movies First’ . * Movie vouchers They have also taken out the unique concept of movie vouchers which people can use as gifts. Many corporates have also started using these as incentives and rewards for their employees.The vouchers are available in denominations of Rs 100 to Rs 350 and a * minimum of 25 coupons needs to be purchased to avail of the offer.The following options are available in Delhi/NCR The Delhi PVR Movie Money Voucher costs Rs 150/- and is valid right through the week across all cinemas (except PVR Gurgaon Cinema Europa)PVR Gurgaon (Cinema Europa) PVR Movie Money Vouchers cost Rs 160/- The following options are available in BangaloreClassic Mon -Thur : Rs 100/-All Week (including Weekends) : Rs 130/-Europa Mon -Thur : Rs 130/-All Week (including Weekends) : Rs 150/-Gold Class All Week (including Weekends) : Rs 350/- + Rs150/- for food and beverages (optional) THE SERVICE PACKAGE The â€Å"package† concept of services product suggests that what you offer to the market is a bundle of different services, tangible and intangible, but there is a main or substantive or ‘core’ service and around it are built the auxiliary/peripheral/facilitator. It is important to note that facilitating services ate mandatory and if these are left out, the entire service would collapse. Yet another type called supporting services, don’t facilitate the consumption of core services but are used to increase the value and thus differentiate from the competition.Quality Assessment through RATER in case of PVR Focused on developing a procedure for quantifying customer’s service quality can be measured in following dimensions: * Reliability – Ability to perform promised service dependably and accurately. PVR is a very well established brand name, and the audience is given excellent experience of the basic product i.e. the movie as well as the other elements involved. Hence, it is very much capable of good delivery of the service it provides. There is no flaw in the quality of the service and is always delivered on time. * Assurance – Knowledge and courtesy of employees and their ability to convey truth and confidence.Since PVR is a high contact organization, the employees are well trained in all areas regarding customer interaction and courtesy. PVR movies being a service, heavily relies on its employees, as they are the only mode of direct communication made with the customers. They are well trained and are definitely able to convey the confidence that the brand name represents. * Tangibility – Appearance of physical facilities, equipment, personnel etc PVR movies have a lot of tangible elements present like the employees (staff), the movie halls, the candy bars, rest rooms etc, all of which are highly maintained and well kept. * Empathy – Caring, individualized attention to the customer.Even though in a service like this customization is not possible, the employees of PVR Cinemas are always very helpful and provide the customers with good assistance whenever needed. From the employees made to sit at the ticket counter to the employee that guides customers to their respective seats in the cinema hall, all employees deliver a very helpful attitude towards the target audience. * Responsiveness – Willingness to help customer with prompt service.The employees of PVR are fast and prompt at delivering their service and are taught to cause as less inconvenience as possible to the customers. If a customer places an order via telebooking / online reservation etc, the delivery of the tickets is made well before the show timing at the customer’s doorstep. The employees are well trained. 2. PRICE To many customers, high price means high quality. Services pricing follows the price and practices of pricing of goods and therefore are either cost based or market based. Within these, categories of price may be profit oriented, government controlled, competition or customer oriented. But the characteristics of services do influence the pricing and therefore different methods of pricing are followed in their case. PVR when started off had a huge advantage of being the only one of its kind in Delhi to begin with. Therefore, they could charge a higher amount to its target audience, as they did not hesitate to pay the sum for the new concept. This high pricing helped them make maximum gains. Also, PVR had, and still has a very well planned market position. Its premium positioning affects the customers perceptual positioning. Therefore, they decided on their marketing strategy and pricing, keeping the target market in mind. Hence,we may say that the pricing as well pays a strategic role in their marketing plans.In case of PVR, they make use of all their tangible elements to prove to their customers that their movie tickets are worth the price they are paying. Also, since some of the other movie theatres (which are not multiplexes) are still offering movies at rates as low as Rs 35, it is the task of its marketer to ensure that PVR comes across as a superior brand in terms of cinema viewing as well as the experience. The movie theatres market is a Free Market, even though the government in the past regulated it. This allows PVR as the market leader to set its own prices. Prices that had originally started from Rs 125 (for evening shows) and Rs 90(for morning shows and weekday plans) have increased to a high of Rs 150 and the lowest is Rs 100. The high pricing however has not led to any change in the footfalls that PVR gets. Even in slighter crowded shows, the occupancy rates as low as 35% reaches PVR’s break-even points.PVR Priya has a slightly different pricing system, which varies from Rs 45 to Rs 150 for different slabs of consumers. This has been done to mainly attract the youth and to keep the concept of movie going still affordable at one of its chains.The pricing at PVR Europa is Rs 160 and a Gold Class ticket is charged at Rs. 750. It offers superior ambience, environment, seating, viewing etc in the sum. 3. PLACE / DISTRIBUTION Services are generally created and delivered to the buyer at the same time,therefore creation of time and place utilities is a vital function in services marketing. Irrespective of middlemen or direct sales channel, the factor of location keeping in view the potential markets is the most significant in channel selection and distribution.The issue of location here plays a very important role, as all PVR Cinema Halls are stationed at good locations in the city, which gathers a large number of footfalls for them every day. PVRs usually open at an eventful yet untapped location, followed by which (as we saw in case of Anupam PVR Saket) other retail chains get opened around it as well. Their places are always well situated and are well linked. PVR does not have any other channel of distribution, as their service is sold solely at their chains. They do follow any franchisee outlets, even though they indulge in ticket sales online and via telebooking. The only intermediary involved for proc uring movies are Indian as well as international movie distributors, by way of whom they acquire the movies. * Distribution of Movies The Company has also recently forayed into the Distribution of Hollywood film titles in the country through its 100% subsidiary, PVR Pictures. By virtue of its strong brand equity and partnerships with major independent Hollywood studios like Miramax, Newline Cinemas etc. that are not represented in India through their own offices, PVR has managed to procure and distribute titles in the country. With the advent of the multiplex revolution across the country, the company sees a great opportunity to fill up these upcoming multiplex screens with Hollywood titles. The has successfully distributed major Hollywood titles like Rush Hour 2 , Wedding Planner Chicago , Choclat ,Spy Kids 2 , Makdee etc. 4. PROMOTION Promotion is a very vital part of the marketing mix especially in the case of services. The customer needs to trust or have belief in the service, as he has to pay for it pre-experience. Therefore, it is very important to sell the service in the best possible way. Usually the objective of promoting a service may be to create a brand image, establish a personal relationship with the client and to create an impression of competence, honesty and sincerity to win the buyers’ confidence in sellers’ abilities to deliver the service efficiently. To promote these, the marketer generally employs indirect selling techniques, as it is usually not possible to use the conventional promotion tools like advertising. Promotion activities like community relations, event management, media blitz, corporate identity programs have relevance. 3rd parties like government, unions and interest groups are important, as they are capable of influencing market access. PVR as a brand indulges into print advertisements on every Friday giving out the latest movie schedules. Any new developments are communicated to the audience via press releases. Hence there is a strong element of PR involved. Apart from that, they usually have contests pertaining to latest festivals like Valentines Day, New Years Eve, Oscar Movies Week etc. PVR also has a host of online promotional contests associated with movies The latest one relates to the film King Kong.They are also in collaboration with cellular services like Airtel have SMSand-win contests and give out free tickets to the winners. Also, PVR attracts a lot of commercial shooting / media coverage via programmes etc which promotes it as a brand in a big way. Organizing Star Events on Premiers of movies like ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ helps PVR relate better with its target audience i.e. the youth. The whole PVR banner and its exterior environment including movie hoardings, banners etc help promote the concept of movie viewing as well as PVR as a strong and successful brand. PVR also hosts premiere shows with leading movie stars visiting the various PVR cinemas. They also host numerous fun events for children while screening animations etc.

A Discussion of the Negative Impact of NAFTA on North America Essay

A Discussion of the Negative Impact of NAFTA on North America The North American Free Trade Agreement was passed in November of 1993 and went into effect on January 1, 1994. The agreement aimed to eliminate tariffs between Canada, Mexico and the United States, leading to the eventual creation of free trade among these three countries by the year 2008. Supporters of NAFTA billed the agreement as a wonderful opportunity to create jobs, stimulate competition, and free North America from harsh and often unfair tariffs that restricted trade between the three nations. From a theoretical perspective, NAFTA appeared to have the makings of a highly beneficial relationship between Canada, Mexico and the United States. Despite the great expectations of NAFTA, it seems the agreement has fallen short of its promise to increase the economic and social livelihood of these countries. In this paper I will discuss the economic and social impact of NAFTA on Mexico, Canada and the United States. I will show how free trade has damaged both the Canadian and Mexican economies because it has made the success of both countries too dependant on the success of the United States. In addition, while NAFTA certainly benefits a portion of the populations in Canada, Mexico and the US, it harms another, namely the working population. This harm is apparent in the loss of jobs for this portion of the population along with the widening wealth gaps that are apparent in all three countries. In sum, NAFTA must be reformed in a way that gives as much emphasis on the importance of labor and social development as it does to the protection of investors, finance and big business. Free Trade Creates Dependencies Both Canada and Mexico are very diff... ...dden Costs: Trade agreement results in job losses, growing inequality, and wage suppression for the United States. Economic Policy Institute. 2001. 2.) Salas, Carlos. The Impact of NAFTA on Wages and Incomes in Mexico. La Red de Investigadores y Sindicalistas Para Estudios Laborales (RISEL). 2001. 3.) Campbell, Bruce. False Promises: Canada in the Free Trade Era. Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. 2001. 4.) Faux, Jeff. NAFTA at Seven: Its Impact on Workers in all Three Nations. Economic Policy Institute. 2001. 5.) Arroyo, Alberto. NAFTA and the Mexican Economy. The Mexican Action Network on Free Trade (RMALC). http://www.developmentgap.org/rmalecon.html 6.) World Bank. Inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean. World Bank: Social/Economic Policy. October 8, 2003.

The behaviour of the workers

Part ( a )Read the short infusion from the authoritative survey of Donald Roy and discourse the undermentioned statements:The behavior of the workers was unethical.The behavior of the direction staff was unethical.The first statement set Forth to discourse is true to state in most facets of the article but there are some points made in the article which disproves the statement ‘The behavior of the workers was unethical‘ . The system of the work at the Chicago machine store was unjust to the workers and so it must hold been hard for the workers behave in an ethical mode with the managerial hierarchy at the workshop. I myself worked in a company where there was a welding workshop and the work forces completed the work for their ain benefit and non as aid to the company. The industrial relation issues were chiefly caused by the workers but it was because of old bad direction that let the workers The article foremost describes the workshop ‘s work forces opposition to the directors ‘ control over the workshop work forces. There was clearly a extremely unethical motive for work. Unlike in a good work force where workers are motivated by there directors and communicating is good, alternatively the work forces worked with and for each other to accumulate the most intelligent program against their directors and crush the system in topographic point, ‘relationships that supply support to the operator group in its opposition to and corruption of officially instituted managerial controls on production ‘ . Clearly managerial accomplishments were non decently used to command this conspiring and conniving. The workers were still moving extremely unethical to be doing such control at their degree. The workers, as stated, could work truly difficult but frequently laid back on certain occupations they were deemed impossible and unjust. The workers should hold been working to the best of their ability all the clip as portion of their trueness to the company and directors. Alternatively they played with the system until the reached their most moneymaking solution. ‘Machine operators non merely held back attempt ; sometimes they worked hard. ‘ Obviously the workers were good skilled and they were non being utilised to the best of their ability by their directors but this still does non suit their inducement for work ‘the fluctuation in work attempt ‘ . Another illustration from the infusion about their unjust and â€Å"hopeless prices† was the Gus Schmidt instance where he was â€Å"given a monetary value of $ 1.00 per 100 for reaming one hole, beveling both sides of three holes, and registering burrs on one terminal of one hole.† This is merel y one illustration from the infusion which helps us seek to accept the grounds for the workers unethical behavior. These sorts of rates for work are evidently really put offing for skilled craftsmen. The behavior of the workers in relation to the occupations they had to execute was extremely unethical. For the â€Å"stinkers† of occupations the workers would hold no regard or respect to the company belongings. They besides had no respect for the quality of merchandises they were bring forthing. As a consequence, the oblique actions of the workers could do long term harm the company ‘s repute and provide clients with defective insecure merchandises. ‘Many â€Å"stinkers† would non give before the whitest heat of intelligence or the most high-handed neglect for company property† The grounds for their actions were clear and the director as a leader to the work force should hold corrected this misconduct at that place and so. But any consideration for the company was disregarded by the workers. Communication with direction instead than each other in the planning of malicious actions at work would be a much more ethical solution and could salvage the co mpanies repute. Donald Roy ‘s usage of linguistic communication in the infusion and response to his clip as portion of the work force aid to underscore the workers arch and unethical behavior. Donald Roy describes the personalities and actions of the work forces in the workshop as ‘malicious ‘ , ‘vindictive ‘ , ‘cultivating ‘ , scoffers, ‘prestidigitation ‘ , ‘cavalier ‘ and that ‘s merely to call a position. All of these features of the workers can merely take to the finding of unethical work force. On my work arrangement one could besides depict some of the fitters in this manner. And by stating some, I mean some because all workers do n't act this manner unless enticed to act this manner by a few crooked leaders. This seems to be the same kind of work environment at the piece devising workshop. Although stating this, people have their ain head to do their ain picks in life. As an overall my decision of the workshop work forces in this article is that the behaved extremely unethical. In the 1940 ‘s occupation clime occupations were scarce and so one would believe they would be looking after their occupation instead than endangering it. I could see where the workers were coming from in some of their actions but alternatively of all the conniving and intriguing they should hold been more committed to their company as an employee duty. Simple communicating could hold perchance solved most of their troubles. In comparing to the workers the directors behaved moderately ethical mode. Although as a director it was their duty to be trained in how trade with this unethical behavior. The ethical criterions of the concern should hold been included in staff preparation. The directors at this workshop seemed to about turn a blind oculus to the departures on of the workers. It was unethical for them to believe that merely because the quotas were being reached that it was alright for the workers to command how they work themselves. Besides cognizing that the quota for the production of merchandises was realistically unachievable meant they themselves were criminals every bit good as the workshop work forces. Besides the directors ‘ willingness to turn a blind oculus to the quality of merchandise being manufactured for the populace is socially unethical. Communication is critical in any company and from reading this infusion there is no communicating between direction and workers apparent in this Chicago machine store. From Donald Roy ‘s position it seemed as though the direction did nil to better this faulty communicating ‘It will demo that the relevant components of debatable production state of affairss may include â€Å"lateral† lines of interaction between subgroups of he work force every bit good as â€Å"vertical† connexions between managerial and worker groups.† From my clip on my work arrangement, I can see how these perpendicular connexions can organize and how hard they are to rectify. The director of the oil terminus was continuously keeping meetings to repair the bad communicating and industrial relation issues. This kind of attempt does non look to be present at the work store. The direction are non doing the company as efficient and productive as they are able to. The workers are able to â€Å"make-out† which reflects severely on both directors and workers. Some of the workers are clearly intelligent people bearing in head they are able to â€Å"figure the angles† for optimal return for themselves. Although all the intelligence used by the workers is strictly revengeful to contend the systems set in topographic point by direction it could be utilised for a greater benefit to the company. Not merely were the workers damaging the company ‘s repute but the directors were besides. The directors should hold a sufficient system in topographic point to look into the quality of the pieces being green goodss for the clients. The system at the workshop encouraged unethical behavior by presenting fillips to measure over quality. There is no grounds from this infusion for publicity of quality in the workshop and such managerial behavior should be regarded as unethical in my sentiment. Having made my points for the directors unethical I besides believe they were seeking to get the better of the corrupt work store. They were merely looking at it from their ain positions and did non acquire the input of the workers. ‘The â€Å"syndicate† besides proved unequal in besieging each of a series of â€Å"new rules† and â€Å"new systems† introduced by direction to bowdlerize all alterations and improvisations and coerce a rigorous attachment to the regulations ‘ This illustration illustrates the directors ‘ willingness to implement alteration. The methods of amending the workers system did non offer an economic advantage to the worker and so would non do as a solution to the corrupt working system. Throughout the infusion the moral values and regulations of the direction vary. The directors do try to alter the current corrupt system but they are besides individual minded in believing they have the best solution which they obviously do non. They moreover do non look to follow up on the illegal actions of â€Å"making-out† performed by the operators. To reason on whether direction behaved unethical this infusion I will state, one can non hold unethical workers without some influence from unethical directors ‘ .Part ( B )Describe any alterations to the operation of the machine store that you would do if you were appointed director. I know that in the 1940 ‘s industrial dealingss were nil like they are now but the most of import things for the directors to alter is the degree of communicating between the director and the workers. Directors are the people specifically responsible for accomplishing the aims for the company. [ 2 ] The directors of the Chicago piece doing company make non with keep the indispensable direction activities ( planning, organizing and commanding ) or the direction accomplishments ( taking, pass oning and actuating ) . Managers ‘ must besides be capable of alteration and I would promote alter both with the workers and directors. Although perchance non allow for the 1940 ‘s, I would engage a human resource director to cover with the intensifying problem in industrial relation issues. The issue of unachievable fillips should be resolved by either extinguishing that method of productiveness or a just bound should be agreed upon. Communication as stated in the article is non present in the company and is an of import issue. Communication would greatly better the ethical behavior and the efficiency of the workshop. The extract provinces on many occasions that communicating is non present, one such illustration is ; ‘The procedure that is reputedly in demand of attending: communicating ‘ The directors need to be trained in communicating accomplishments. This involves verbal, written and ocular communicating. For effectual communicating the directors need to let provender back from the workers. As a director I would let the workers to voice their sentiments. Feedback would assist work out the issue with the fillips because as a consequence a just bound could be established by both parties. A 3rd party who is non-biased should be introduced ab initio until trust has developed between direction and workers. A 3rd party could do the fairest determination in this hostile environment. A quotation mark from Richard Branson, president of Virgin Group, on motive, which sums up the company in inquiry ; â€Å"If you have happy extremely motivated staff you can accomplish anything. If you have demoralised staff your company will shortly disappear.† I think a better method of motive for the workshop would be utilizing the Maslow ‘s theory of motive instead the fillip system in being used by the directors. This theory is aimed at bettering the morale and inducement of the workers. Self-actualisation is the most of import of human demands, as stated in Maslow ‘s theory, and is achieved by publicity. I think if the workers are motivated by occupation chances such as a managerial place of supervisor they will be more dedicated to the company. More dedication would ensue in better quality merchandises and more efficient productiveness. Bing a director of the workshop I would concentrate on this managerial accomplishment merely every bit much as communicating. Introducing a human resource director would assist to bit by bit mend the jobs of the workshop. The responsibilities of a human resource director include, pull offing industrial dealingss, rewarding, protecting, human resource planning, measuring, preparation and enlisting. [ 1 ] Pull offing the industrial dealingss at the workshop would decide the struggle between workers and the directors. The HR director could honor the workers suitably for work done in replacing of the fillip system or they could better the current system in the infusion. Workers who feel they are being treated unjustly could avail of protection from the HR director when pass oning with directors. Performance assessment in the workshop would assist supervisors supervise more specifically what workers are making and workers would hold ends and marks to work for. The HR director would guarantee all safety, communicating and any other relevant preparation was being carried out. All of these issues being addressed by a human resource director would acquire the company closer to an ethically witting work topographic point. I, as a director, would hold extremely developed planning, actuating and communicating accomplishments. I would be willing for alteration and insist that the workers were excessively. I conclude that I would extinguish the fillip system and alternatively implement the Maslow ‘s theory of motive. I eventually think using a human resource director would be of the extreme importance.

Meaning of life, Life Essay

Suffering is an inevitable part of life. We all live in this big labyrinth of suffering. Th only way out of the labyrinth is death. † To live is to suffer, to survive to find meaning in the suffering. Few peopl e actually commit suicide to liberate themselves form suffering. Most people find meaning or purpo se for their life so that they have the motivation to live on. Some think that suffering make them wis er, some think that suffering is a test of faith, there will be rewards for them in the after life if they c an endure the suffering on earth. Some people couldn’t understand but keep going on with their life for their loved ones. Some people keep themselves busy to dodge from the question. My view on this question is that suffering does not make life any more or any less meaningful. Beca use as an atheist, I believe that there is no God, the Universe does not have a divine plan for us. Tha t the existence of life is just purely a miraculous accident. When we die, we stop existing. The time we spend on Earth will not amount to anything in an afterlife in another dimension. Therefore, life i s inherently meaningless, with or without pain and suffering. Human are powerless in the face of m eaninglessness . The only way we can deal with life is to embrace the fact that there is no intrinsic va lue in life. We can only create our own meanings. One can create meaning of life with or without su ffering. But since suffering is an inseparable part of our life, it more or less give us insights on mean ing of life. Dr. Bernard Rieux can best exemplifies my point of view. When the plague got out of control and O ran was placed under quarantine, it didn’t stop the doctor form battling the plague, fighting the war t hat was doomed to fail. At this point, many would wonder what is meaning of of the doctor’s action s when they are all in vain. The answer can be found in a dialogue he shared with Tarrou. Tarrou asked the doctor why he was so committed to fighting the plague if he does not believe in G od. The doctor replied that whether or not God exist is irrelevant and he didn’t have the time to thin k about what waits him in the future and what will come out of his actions. The only thing he knew that there were sick people suffering and they needed to be cured. Even though he admitted that his struggles against death would only be temporary victories and that the plague was what he referred as an†endless struggle†, he said that this was not the reason to give up struggle. From the dialogue, we can see the doctor was aware of the intrinsic meaninglessness of his life, bec ause he said he wouldn’t waste time to think about the existence of God and what his action will lea d to him. If he deemed his life has inherent meaning, he should have thought about the above questi ons. Thought he considered that his life is inherently meaningless, the plague gave me the meaning. The meaning lies in the other people. The doctor was fully aware that his attempts at lifting people out of misery is an impossible task as more and more people became infected and die. And there were no effective cure. Basically, his sitti ng around and doing nothing or wearing himself off to save the patients might just possibly lead to s ame outcome. However, the doctor did not stop his work in face of his powerlessness to alter the situation. Becaus e under this situation, he was left with only two choices, ignore it or act on it. There was no third op tion. The doctor chose the later one because he couldn’t bear to see people suffer and doing nothing about it. It’s meaningless to battle the unwindable battle against the plague. It was not defeating the plague that gave meaning to the doctor. It was the people gave him meaning. It was his compassion for others that keep him going in times of suffering. From the case of Dr. Rieux and his battle against the plague, we can see similarities in the real worl d. The plague is like the amoral universe, and Dr. Rieux represents all the human beings. We are po werless in face of the meaningless of life, just as Dr. Rieux was powerless in face of the plague. But we do have a choice, we can create meanings for ourselves just as Dr. Rieux has learnt from sufferin g and found meanings in helping people. Winston Smith from 1974 1984 somewhat share some similarities with Dr. Rieux in terms of action upon the unchangeable, though he was not such a noble and heroic person as Dr. Rieux. In his case, the unchangeable was the Big Brother. Winston Smith lived in a state where every moves, every wo rds ands every thoughts he made were monitored by the Party. In the instance of living in an extrem e state where even having disloyal thought against the party is in violation of law. The meaning of li fe for Smith was not to start a revolution and topple the party, and change the system entirely. Thou gh Smith had thought about it and desired it to happen. Deep down he believed that it was impossibl e to achieve the goal and sooner or later he would be arrested by the Party. Nevertheless, he set out t o challenge the limits of the Party. He kept a diary which has† Down with the Big Brother† written o n it over and over again. He had an forbidden affair with Julia. Also he joined the Brotherhood whic h he believe is the enemy of the Party. I think the meaning for Smith did not lie in being the hero. What was important for him was to stay as human as possible. Through the rebellious acts against the Party in his own ways, he got to keep his spirit and his human side. That was the meaning he could find for himself. Despite the fact that he was completely compromised at last when he was brought into Room 101, where he was tortured to an extreme degree and indoctrinated to cure his â€Å"insaneness†. He was com pletely broke and dehumanised. His passionate hatred towards the Big Brother turned into absolute l oyalty and love. He should not be blamed for betraying Julia and not upholding what he believed in the first place in such extreme conditions. After all, he did try to rebel against the Big Brother even t hough deep down he knew he couldn’t do anything to overthrow the Big Brother. Dr. Rieux and Winston Smith resolved the question of meaning through their rebellious acts against the plague and the Big Brother. There are people who find suffering itself reveals the meaning of lif e. Father Paneloux is a good example to illustrate this point of view. In his first sermon addressing t he plague. He said that the plague was a punishment by God. That it was the result of the sin of all c itizens. He criticised the people for not attending church and repenting for their sins. Therefore the p lague was reminder of God’s power and the Oran residents should start to change their habits and st art to fear God again. Unlike Dr. Rieux, who is an atheist, Father Paneloux based his life and work on his christian faith. F rom a Christian point of view, everything happens on earth has purpose and fit into the grand plan o f God. Therefore, it was his job to make sense of the suffering of the plague so that he and the peopl e listening to him will be able to endure and continue to believe in God. From his interpretation of s uffering, the meaning of life for Father Panels was more easily understood than Dr. Rieux and Winst on Smith. The meaning of life was really simple, that is to serve and honour God in his will. Though he changes his view on suffering drastically after witnessing the death of an innocent child. He did not view suffering as a punishment anymore. He said that the reason why a innocent child sh ould suffer was not something that human would necessarily understand no matter how hard they tri ed. They just had to keep in mind that it was God’s will. One must keep his faith and God and find t he good in bad situation. In spite of a changing tone, the meaning for Father Paneloux remained the same- to serve God. To conclude, life itself is inherently meaningless. Not even religion can provide an universal answer to the meaning of life. There are no answers for that and never will be. Suffering does not make one’ s life meaningful. But through suffering one might find meanings in life and live a meaningful life. Wu Ngai Ching, Ivy 20189319 Grade: 21/25 ? 19/25 (due to 2-day late submission) Comments: ?Ivy – In terms of the main thesis of the essay, you’ve done a good job delineating your own atheist view on the meaning of life and drew 3 examples from the 2 works to discuss what m ight be the meaning of life for them. Your argumentation is quite right and your analysis of e ach of their reaciton and thoughts on this difficult question is right on. ?However, you simply â€Å"narrated† through the whole essay without really giving detailed or c oncrete evidences from the book. I wish you could provide some passages or quotes from se veral particular moments in the book to clearly illustrate your point. This is one of the ways t o demonstrate that you’ve actually done the reading, and that is also what we’ve been doing in class – making your point across by providing specific passages/instances in the book as c oncrete evidence. So please remember to do so for your final paper!

How to Improve Your Reading Speed

How to Improve Your Reading Speed Sometimes, it can be a pleasure to read slowly, taking the time to pause on an extraordinary sentence or revisiting a passage on a previous page. But this type of reading is a luxury. As we all know, we can often benefit from reading certain documents more quickly. An average reading speed can range from 200 to 350 words per minute, but that rate can vary depending on the material and your reading experience. Its also important to understand what you are reading- even when you improve your speed. Here are a few tips to help you improve your reading speed. Reading Speed Tips Preview the material youre going to read. Look at main headings, chapter divisions, and other relevant material to develop clues about the structure of the work.Adjust your reading speed as you read the material. Slow down when you need to be sure that you comprehend a section of material. Speed up if you are already familiar with (or dont need to know) other sections.Readers can dramatically improve their reading speeds by taking in several words in the line of text at one time (instead of sounding out each word or focusing on each letter of the word). Computer programs like Ace Reader or Rapid Reader  are designed to help readers improve reading speeds with flashing letters and words. You may also want to learn more about other techniques.Another way to improve your reading speed is to focus on the key words in the sentences. A significant amount of reading time is wasted on conjunctions, prepositions, or articles (i.e. a, an, the, but, and, or, nor, but, etc.).Use a pacer like a pen or your finger- as a focal point to draw your eye across the line or down the page. A pacer can help you increase your speed and reduce re-reading. A pacer can also help you to keep track of what you are reading. Talk about what youve read. Some readers find that by talking about their reading with friends or fellow students, they are able to effectively synthesize the material.Determine a reading schedule that works for you. You may find that you cant concentrate on the material for more than an hour (or a half hour). Also, select a time of the day when you are alert and ready to read.Find a reading spot where interruptions or distractions will not disturb your reading.Practice. Practice. Practice. The best way to improve your reading speed is to practice reading. Try out some of these techniques, and then perfect the strategies that work best for you. Other Things to Consider Get your eyes checked. Reading glasses may help.Read everything. Dont miss out on vital information in your pursuit of speed.Dont re-read right away; it will slow you down. If you absolutely dont understand part of the reading selection, go back and review the material later.

Free Essays on Why I Think Tobacco Should Be Considered Illegal

I’m here to talk to you guys about why I think tobacco should be considered illegal. According to, The Cancer Council New South Wails, â€Å"tobacco kills more than 10,000 people world wide every day.†(The Cancer Council New South Wails). â€Å"They state that globally every single year 3.5 million people die from tobacco related illnesses.† (The Cancer Council New South Wails). I utterly dislike people who smoke cigarettes. Even though they might say that there are positive effects to it. I think it is harmful to them and the people around them. Too many people notice the consequences of smoking way to late. The Cancer Council New South Wails,â€Å" reveals that by 2020 it is predicted that tobacco use will cause over 12% of all deaths globally. This is more death’s worldwide than HIV, tuberculosis, maternal mortality, motor vehicle accidents, suicide and homicide combined.†( The Cancer Council New South Wails). Startling as it is, it is a reality that we have to face. We need to face the facts and realize that tobacco truly kills and destroys lives with no remorse. Smoking, often not only harms the people that smoke but people around when a cigarette is smoked. Smokers are not the only people who can be negatively affected by smoking. Non-smokers are also in danger of experiencing serious health problems caused by breathing in other people's tobacco smoke. There are three types of harmful tobacco smoke. Mainstream, tobacco smoke, which is directly breathed in through the burning cigarette by the smoker, (Commonwealth Department of Health & Family Services). There is Exhaled Mainstream, that is breathed out from the smokers' lungs and lastly there’s Sidestream tobacco smoke which drifts from the lit end of the cigarette, (Commonwealth Department of Health & Family Services). Both Sidestream and Mainstream smoke are dangerous because they both contain harmful chemicals such as ammonia, benzene, carbon monoxide, nicoti... Free Essays on Why I Think Tobacco Should Be Considered Illegal Free Essays on Why I Think Tobacco Should Be Considered Illegal I’m here to talk to you guys about why I think tobacco should be considered illegal. According to, The Cancer Council New South Wails, â€Å"tobacco kills more than 10,000 people world wide every day.†(The Cancer Council New South Wails). â€Å"They state that globally every single year 3.5 million people die from tobacco related illnesses.† (The Cancer Council New South Wails). I utterly dislike people who smoke cigarettes. Even though they might say that there are positive effects to it. I think it is harmful to them and the people around them. Too many people notice the consequences of smoking way to late. The Cancer Council New South Wails,â€Å" reveals that by 2020 it is predicted that tobacco use will cause over 12% of all deaths globally. This is more death’s worldwide than HIV, tuberculosis, maternal mortality, motor vehicle accidents, suicide and homicide combined.†( The Cancer Council New South Wails). Startling as it is, it is a reality that we have to face. We need to face the facts and realize that tobacco truly kills and destroys lives with no remorse. Smoking, often not only harms the people that smoke but people around when a cigarette is smoked. Smokers are not the only people who can be negatively affected by smoking. Non-smokers are also in danger of experiencing serious health problems caused by breathing in other people's tobacco smoke. There are three types of harmful tobacco smoke. Mainstream, tobacco smoke, which is directly breathed in through the burning cigarette by the smoker, (Commonwealth Department of Health & Family Services). There is Exhaled Mainstream, that is breathed out from the smokers' lungs and lastly there’s Sidestream tobacco smoke which drifts from the lit end of the cigarette, (Commonwealth Department of Health & Family Services). Both Sidestream and Mainstream smoke are dangerous because they both contain harmful chemicals such as ammonia, benzene, carbon monoxide, nicoti...

Using Calculus To Calculate Income Elasticity of Demand

Using Calculus To Calculate Income Elasticity of Demand Suppose youre given the following question: Demand is Q -110P 0.32I, where P is the price of the good and I is the consumers income. What is the income elasticity of demand when income is 20,000 and price is $5? We saw that we can calculate any elasticity by the formula: Elasticity of Z with respect to Y (dZ / dY)*(Y/Z) Price elasticity of income: (dQ / dI)*(I/Q) demand equation dQ/dI 0.32 Income elasticity of demand: (dQ / dI)*(I/Q)Income elasticity of demand: (0.32)*(I/(-110P 0.32I))Income elasticity of demand: 0.32I/(-110P 0.32I) Income elasticity of demand: 0.32I/(-110P 0.32I)Income elasticity of demand: 6400/(-550 6400)Income elasticity of demand: 6400/5850Income elasticity of demand: 1.094 Demand is Income Elastic Next: Using Calculus To Calculate Cross-Price Elasticity of Demand Other Price Elasticity Equations Using Calculus To Calculate Price Elasticity of Demand Using Calculus To Calculate Income Elasticity of Demand Using Calculus To Calculate Cross-Price Elasticity of Demand Using Calculus To Calculate Price Elasticity of Supply

Mgmt3010 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Mgmt3010 - Essay Example 2. Staffing strategy is a term used to denote the long-term plan which provides direction to the organization regarding the staffing issue; the strategy focuses on the supply and demand of the staffing issue with the objective of ensuring that the organization is able to meet the demands of the required workforce. While staffing strategy is created for the longer run, staffing plans are created for the short run and these plans address staffing issues in the short run, the issues addressed are the shortage and surplus of staff members in the short run (Bechet 17). 3. There are two staffing levels, the deficit level, in which the number of staff members required and the kind of skills and abilities required by a company are not available to the company, the second level is staffing surplus when the number of required staff members is higher than the required number and the skills and abilities required are even in compliance with the desired skills and abilities required by the organization (Bechet 79). Staffing level can be determined in a quantitative manner in which emphasis is on the head count and the qualitative manner in which the emphasis is on desired skills and abilities. An organization achieves right staffing levels when their staff members have the desired skills and abilities and the headcount is equal or more than the desired amount of staff members. 4. Uncontrollable actions that arise while an organization develops its staffing model include voluntary turnover, retirement and losses caused as a result of employees taking planned leaves (Bechet 50). Voluntary turnover takes place when employees leave the organization out of their own will, retirements take place when employees reach a certain age and the organization no longer needs them and losses arise because the employee takes leave from the organization due

Analysis of Bosch Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 112

Analysis of Bosch Company - Essay Example Consequently, it has also employed over 306,000 employees who work tirelessly for the success of this company (Savitz 12-56). The company has a clear vision and mission statements that motivate all employees to work harder in ensuring that it progresses positively. The company started as a workshop for engineering but later opened other branches in London, Paris, and New York due to its speedy growth. The company majors on specific technological business sectors, which include the Industrial Technology, Automotive Technology, Automation Technology, and the Packaging Technological sector (De Tolnay). Bosch Company's vision is to improve the lives of all people through technological advancement and development. Robert Bosch main intention was to promote the moral and physical development of the society so that individuals may endure all kinds of hardship and become productive members later in their lives. The vision of Bosch Company was to ensure that most of the society members lived with dignity, consequently leading a quality life and enhancing sustainable advancement in the future through industrial-technological advancement (Savitz 12-56). Consequently, the company aims at improving the economic development of the nation by enhancing financial interdependence and cultural diversification. Additionally, it promotes economic development with the intention of overcoming its challenges and improving the strength of the company. The vision of the company guides it and directs it towards achieving success in the end (De Tolnay). It also acts as a foundation to structural changes in the company consequently resulting in its growth and development. The company's mission steers it towards achieving success since it directs its efforts towards reaching its goals and objectives.  

Metabical Case Questions Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Metabical Questions - Case Study Example From this paper it is clear that once the need is recognized and the problem identified, consumers engage in information search during which they attempt to find proper solutions to the problems. Consumers acquire information from various sources in order to make independent decisions and evaluate the options available for them. Information during this stage can be acquired from the internet, newspapers and even magazines. Once the information on the product of choice is acquired, consumers undergo a process of evaluating the alternatives available. This is done through the analysis of different product brands in stock within the market and whether they can fulfill a current need. During this stage, consumers may also engage other players within the market to acquire information on the different products available.This discussion highlights that  after critical evaluation of the alternatives in the market, the consumers can either decide to make a purchase or not based on how convi nced they are. In this case, the consumer may decide to engage in the metabolic weight loss program based on whether the information acquired was convincing enough or not. During this stage, the consumer determines whether the purchase was well informed and whether a similar decision can be made in the future.  Cognitive dissonance will be embraced in this instance to demonstrate whether the consumer's decision was right.

Q. Explain how high risk investments can end up contaminating fixed Essay

Q. Explain how high risk investments can end up contaminating fixed income securities - Essay Example This essay tries to answer how the high-risk investments contaminate fixed income securities. Although fixed income securities are safe to invest in, their earnings are relatively low thus it is wiser for an investor to invest in high-risk investments in the short run since the chances of earning more are high. The anticipated higher returns as stated above have led to the contamination of fixed income securities since an investor who aims to generate more income tends to invest in high-risk investments (International Monetary Fund, 2004). Liquidity is another factor of contaminating fixed income securities since the high-risk investments are easily convertible to cash in comparison to the fixed income securities (The Wall Street journal, 2010). This means that fixed income securities demand is low in the open market thus in case of inflation; an investor will lose more due to the depreciation of his principle amount. In high-risk investment, the market is always open thus one can sell his stock when he anticipates that its value will reduce incase of anticipated inflation. The risk of missing opportunity also contributes to high-risk investments contaminating fixed income securities (Moodys manual of investments, American and foreign, 1998). If the investor does not invest in a risky investment and the high returns are realized, he will curse why he did not take the risk. This makes it more possible for an investor to take the opportunity in high-risks investment more than in in the fixed income

Information Technology and Information Systems for Business Essay

Information Technology and Information Systems for Business - Essay Example It also highlights the limitations of this project as well as advantages and disadvantages of implementing this technology in a retail business. Those companies who have already carried out the implementation process of RFID tags into their businesses are taken into account during this report. Conclusion is drawn from the research and recommendations have been made at the end of the report as to whether the company should go for applying RFID tags into their business or not. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether it is feasible for Naisten Pukutehdas to embed RFID tags in the products of all of its stores. This prospect has disadvantages and advantages as well but the pros of this proposal weigh better. It will provide customer satisfaction, a greater, better, newer and easier experience for the customer, optimization of the business, speed benefits to the business and loyal customers. In these challenging and turbulent times, where people find it difficult to risk new technology, this proposal intends to increase the market share of the company as well as to expand the market on cost which is relatively low. The examples of other companies who have successfully gone through this procedure have been discussed and the good and bad of this technology has been discoursed as well. The company of Naisten Pukutehdas started at the end of 1910 when young and vivacious Aino Rosendahl’s ambition of doing a sewing business was put into practice. Since then there has been no looking back. The apparel line includes clothes for young girls and women, ranging from sports, casual dresses, jeans and the famous pants for women and girls. After passing several consequential years, the company just celebrated their 90th anniversary in the spring of 2009. With 11 personal stores in Finland and 2 in St. Petersburg, NA aims to establish Finnish fashion internationally and

Is the US Congress too powerful Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Is the US Congress too powerful - Essay Example In evaluating whether the Congress is "too powerful", it is necessary to consider what it actually does. Congress makes laws, and within the United States this "law-making" role has in fact been made difficult rather than easy. In the United States of America laws are difficult to pass for a number of reasons and in a number of ways. American law is based upon a mixture of English and French law, and the Constitution was designed to produce three co-equal branches of government that would provide checks and balances on one another (Friedman, 1998) . These checks and balances are designed to make laws difficult to pass for a good reason: it stops any one individual, political party or branch of government dominating too much. A weak government makes for a strong people. The co-equal branches of government are designed to make laws difficult to pass. However, in a well-organized administration in which the President has a good relationship with Congress laws can be passed quite quickly and easily. But even when one particular Party has control of the Legislative and Executive branches: the House, the Senate and the Presidency, it can still be difficult to pass laws. This is shown by the difficulties that President Clinton had in 1992-1994 and President Bush has had for much his Presidency. The making of an Ameri... This stops what has been called "the tyranny of the majority" (Brennan, 1996). The President can also veto a bill if it does not have the support of 2/3 of both the House and Senate in order to override the bill. However, pressure put on individual members by key positions such as the Speaker of the House or the Leader of the Senate may moderate the effects of this individual power. Members of each party tend to vote with their party. The process of moving from a Member/Senator's idea through to Bill and on to Law is deliberately set in a complex way. The Bill may be stopped at a number of hurdles, and indeed, the vast majority of Bills never make it to be laws (Sabato, 2006) Overall, a Bill may be introduced by a member of the House or Senate. It is then distributed to each member of the House. The Speaker of the House can then give it to a Committee which will recommend that it be released with a recommendation for passing, release with revision or be set aside entirely and not considered at all. Bills introduced by the majority party tend to be taken more seriously than those form the minority. The majority of Bills that have the support of the major powers in Congress (House, Senate, Presidency) do make it to be laws - the other bills are often never intended to become laws by the Members/Senators that introduce them. In fact they are for discussion or to score political points. The relationship between the House and Senate is designed to produce either compromise or to stop Bills making it to be a law. Bills that pass the House need to be introduced into the Senate, and there they may be adapted or changed to be something completely different in "conference committees" (Wilson, 2005).

Information Technology and Information Systems for Business Essay

Information Technology and Information Systems for Business - Essay Example It also highlights the limitations of this project as well as advantages and disadvantages of implementing this technology in a retail business. Those companies who have already carried out the implementation process of RFID tags into their businesses are taken into account during this report. Conclusion is drawn from the research and recommendations have been made at the end of the report as to whether the company should go for applying RFID tags into their business or not. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether it is feasible for Naisten Pukutehdas to embed RFID tags in the products of all of its stores. This prospect has disadvantages and advantages as well but the pros of this proposal weigh better. It will provide customer satisfaction, a greater, better, newer and easier experience for the customer, optimization of the business, speed benefits to the business and loyal customers. In these challenging and turbulent times, where people find it difficult to risk new technology, this proposal intends to increase the market share of the company as well as to expand the market on cost which is relatively low. The examples of other companies who have successfully gone through this procedure have been discussed and the good and bad of this technology has been discoursed as well. The company of Naisten Pukutehdas started at the end of 1910 when young and vivacious Aino Rosendahl’s ambition of doing a sewing business was put into practice. Since then there has been no looking back. The apparel line includes clothes for young girls and women, ranging from sports, casual dresses, jeans and the famous pants for women and girls. After passing several consequential years, the company just celebrated their 90th anniversary in the spring of 2009. With 11 personal stores in Finland and 2 in St. Petersburg, NA aims to establish Finnish fashion internationally and

Using relevant theories and examples, explain what the Hawthore Essay

Using relevant theories and examples, explain what the Hawthore Experiments demonstrated in relation to Group Norms, Motivations and Leadership - Essay Example Mayo found a general increase in production and in productivity per worker as well as of the group in general, completely independent of any of the changes he made in the experiments. His findings were not in accordance with the then prevalent theory of the worker as being motivated solely by self-interest. It did not make sense that productivity would continue to rise even when he cut out breaks and returned the workers to longer working hours. The segment of the Hawthorne experiments that emphasised the positive effects of benign supervision and concern for workers that made them feel like part of a team became known as the ‘Hawthorne Effect’. The studies were instrumental for the emergence of the human relations school of management and motivational and related theories of worker-behaviour, of participatory management, team building, etc. However, in a true sense the Hawthorne Effect is not just about "positive outcomes†, it is about the absence of any definite correlation (positive or negative) between productivity and the independent variables used in the experiments such as monetary incentive, rest pauses, etc While analyzing the â€Å"amazing† findings of his experiments, Mayo realised that the workers had exercised a freedom they did not have on the factory floor and which had created a social ambience that included the ‘supervisor’ also who tracked their productivity. ‘The talked, they joked, they began to meet socially outside of work’ It is as if Mayo had discovered a fundamental ‘fact’ that seems obvious today, that workplaces are ‘social environments’ and people there are motivated by much more than mere economic self-interest. He concluded that all features of that work environment had social value. This may be characterised as the ‘group dynamics’ of the experiment. When some workers were singled out from the rest of the factory workers, it raised their self-esteem; when they had a friendly

My Room Essay Example for Free

My Room Essay My room is my one and only domain where I carry out various leisure activities such as studying, watching films and television, listen to music, talk on the phone, surf the internet, etc. My room is painted all pink; also, most of the things in my room are all pink. As someone enters my room, the first thing that he or she will see is a cream dresser with a stylish design coated on it. In it, lie all my clothes and personal belongings. Then on the other side of my room, a black plasma television resided on the wall which I enjoy watching my favorite movies, and television shows. Opposite of that, is my full size bed which has pink covers. Also right behind it is the room window, which has sparkly and pink curtains. Next to my bed I have a nightstand where my stereo is on top of it; also on one of the drawers I have my favorite book. On the wall next to my bed, I have a huge sign that says PRINCESS, and around it are pictures from my sweet fifteen. Across from my bed I have my studying and relaxing area where I have a pink desk with my laptop and printer. Right next to it I have a beanbag chair with reading books around it, and thats where I relax, read, and study. Then I have a walk-in closet where I have lots of shoes, clothes, school supplies, and personal belongings. My room is my absolute favorite room in the house, thats where I study and relax. I enjoy my room, and I enjoy doing pretty much anything as long as its in my room!

Financial Statement Analysis

Financial Statement Analysis Financial performance, as a part of financial management, is the main indicator of the success or failure of the companies. Financial performance analysis can be considered as the heart of the financial decisions. Rational evaluation of the performance of the companies is essential to prepare sound financial policies and to attract potential investors. Shareholders are interested in EPS, dividend, net worth and market value per share. Management is interested in all aspects of financial performance to adopt a good financial management system and for the internal control of the company. The creditors are primarily interested in the liquidity of the company. Government is interested from the regulatory point of view. Besides, other stakeholders such as economists, trade associations, competitors, etc are also interested in the financial performance of the company. Therefore, all the stakeholders are interested in the performance of the companies but their perspective may be different. Financial analysis helps to highlight the financial performance of the company. It is the process of identifying the financial strength and weakness of a firm by properly establishing the relationship between the items on the Balance Sheet and those on the Profit and Loss Account (Pandey 1992, p109). It is a general term referring to the process of extracting and studying information in financial statements for use in management decision making, for example, financial analysis typically involves the use of ratios, comparison with prior periods and budget, and other such procedures. Financial appraisal is a scientific evaluation of the profitability and strength of any business concerns (Jain 1996, p36). It seeks to spotlight the significant impacts and relationships concerning managerial performance, corporate efficiency, financial strength and weakness and creditworthiness of the company (Srivastava 1985, p59). The objective of financial analysis is a detailed cause and effect study of the profitability and financial position (Hingorani and Ramnthan 1992). According to Hampton, â€Å"Financial Analysis is the process of determining the significant operating and financial characteristics of a firm from accounting data and financial statement. The goal of such analysis is to determine the efficiency and performance of the firms management, as reflected in the financial records and reports†(Hampton 1986, p85). Financial statements are such records and reports, which contain the data required for performance management. It is therefore important to analyze the financial statements to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the company. The financial statements of a business enterprise are intended to provide much of the basic data used for decision making, and in general, evaluation of performance by various groups such as current owners, potential investors, creditors, government agencies, and in some instance, competitors (Benjamin et al 1975, p412). Financial statements are the reports in which the accountant summarizes and communicates the basic financial data. The financial statements provide the summary of a accounts of the company- the Balance Sheet reflecting the assets, liabilities and capital as of a certain date and the Profit and Loss Account showing the results of operation during a period. The financial statements are a collection of data organized according to logical and consistent accounting procedures (Hampton 1986, p85). The function of financial statement is to convey an understanding of some financial aspects of the company. Financial statement analysis involves appraising the financial statement and related footnotes of an entity. This may be done by accountants, investment analysts, credit analysts, management and other interested parties. Financial statements indicate an appraisal of a companys previous financial performance and its future potential (Shim and Siegel 1989, p197). The analysis of a financial statement is done to obtain a better insight into a firms position and performance (Munakarmi 2000). Analyzing a financial statement is a process of evaluating the relationship between component parts of financial statement to obtain a better understanding of the firms position and performance (Metcalf and Titard 1976, p157). The financial analysis is thus the analysis of the financial statements, which is done to evaluate the performance of the company. Ratio Analysis, Trend Analysis, Comparative Financial Statement Analysis and Common Size Statement Analysis are the major tools of the financial an alysis. Financial statement analysis involves the computation of ratios to evaluate a companys financial position and results of operation (Shim and Siegel 1989, p196). Ratio is an important tool of financial statement analysis. The relationship between two accounting figures, expressed mathematically is known as financial ratio (Pandey 1992, p110). â€Å"Ratio used as an index of yardstick for evaluating the financial position and performance of the firm. It helps analysts to make a quantitative judgement about the financial position and performance of the firm. It uses financial reports and data and summarizes the key relationship in order to appraise financial performance (Munakarmi 2000). Ratio analysis is such a powerful tools of financial analysis that through it, the economic and financial position of a business unit can be fully x-rayed. Ratios are just a convenient way to summarize large quantities of financial data and to compare the performance of the firms (Brealey and Myeres 20 03). Ratios are exceptionally useful tools with which one can judge the financial performance of the firm over a period of time (Srivastava 1985, p63). Performance ratio can provide an insight into a banks profitability, return on investment, capital adequacy and liquidity (Clark 1999, p257). The above theories suggest that financial analysis helps to measure the performance of the companies. Different analysts desire different types of ratios, depending largely on whom the analysts are and why the firm is being evaluated. Short-term creditors are concerned with the firms ability to pay its bills promptly. In the short run, the amount of liquid assets determines the ability to pay off current liabilities. They are interested in liquidity. Long-terms creditors hold bonds or debentures; mortgages against the firm are interested in current payment of interest and the eventual repayment of the principal. The company must be sufficiently liquid in the short-term and have adequate profits for the long-term. They examine liquidity and the profitability. Stockholders, in addition to liquidity and profitability, are concerned about the policies of the firms stock. Without liquidity, the firm could not pay the cash dividends. Without profits, the firm could not be able to declare d ividends. With poor policies, the common stock would trade at a lower price in the market (Hampton 1986, p124). Analysis of the financial statement of a company for one year or for a shorter period would not truly reflect the nature of its operations. For this, it is essential that the analysis reasonably cover a longer period. The analysis made over a longer period is termed as Trend Analysis. Trend Analysis of the ratio indicates the direction of change (Pandey 1992, p51). This method involves the calculation of percentage relationship that each item bears to the same item in the base year. Trend percentage discloses the changes in the financial and operating data between specific periods and makes it possible to form an opinion as to whether favourable and unfavourable tendencies are reflected by the data. Comparative Statement Analysis is another method of measuring the performance of the company. It is used to compare the performance and position of the firm with the average performance of the industry or with other firms, such a comparison will identify areas of weakness which can then b e addressed to rectify the situation. From the above discussion, it is clear that performance is the result of various financials variables. Analysis of performance is not limited to analyzing one or two variable(s). it could be analyzed with the help of various financial indicators. Most of the studies, however, devoted to measure the performance in terms of profitability, stock returns, and turnover, risk adjusted returns on investment, dividends, growth of sales, market capitalization. Analyzing stock return constitutes market price per share and dividend per share. The trend of such variables over the period and comparison of the results with the results of the same variables of another firm or another industry indicates the relative performance of the firm or industry.

An Analytical Essay on Comic Relief in Hamlet :: The Tragedy of Hamlet Essays

An Analytical Essay on Comic Relief in Hamlet    In Hamlet, the majority of the comic relief is dark and depressing. The main character is obsessed with death and makes morbid jokes about old age, deception, and corpses. This side of the character is shown so that the reader can understand how much this disturbs the prince. The result of this is a play with some very depressing scenes. Hamlet's negative attitude gives way to many sadistic jests at the events surrounding him. He tells his friend Horatio that the food brought for the funeral was served at the wedding, also. This joke is sad because Hamlet is still grieving while he is forced to endure the pungent incestuous image of his mother sharing a bed with his uncle. This disturbing time for him leads to most of his depressing humor. His family's blatant deception causes him to state sarcastically that if the world is honest, then the end of the world must be near. The reader can identify with Hamlet's feelings of bitterness and disillusionment because of his sarcastic reactions. Fairly soon after, Polonius becomes the object of Hamlet's ridicule. The appearance of this aspect of humor is not surprising due to the cruel nature of the play. Polonius is an older man who forgets what he is saying in the middle of a sentence and absolutely cannot come to a point quickly. Hamlet calls him a "great baby," and Rosencrantz says that when men grow old, they mentally become children. After Polonius is killed, Hamlet refers to removing the body from room as "{lugging} the guts." Since the body has been stabbed, the reader can assume that Hamlet is making light of the bloody, most likely disemboweled corpse. First Polonius is mocked because of his age; then Hamlet returns to him dark humor. The most prevalent form of macabre humor is Hamlet's way of trivializing death. He makes many jokes about this . When he describes how a king could be digested by a beggar, one could envision Claudius cringing. Along with the image of death, Hamlet uses the word "progress," which indicates a royal journey. He taunts the king and death at the same time. Later during the graveyard scene, he asks Yorick's skull: "Quite chapfall'n?" He is asking if the skull is down in the mouth or depressed, which is a sick question to ask of a long dead cranium. An Analytical Essay on Comic Relief in Hamlet :: The Tragedy of Hamlet Essays An Analytical Essay on Comic Relief in Hamlet    In Hamlet, the majority of the comic relief is dark and depressing. The main character is obsessed with death and makes morbid jokes about old age, deception, and corpses. This side of the character is shown so that the reader can understand how much this disturbs the prince. The result of this is a play with some very depressing scenes. Hamlet's negative attitude gives way to many sadistic jests at the events surrounding him. He tells his friend Horatio that the food brought for the funeral was served at the wedding, also. This joke is sad because Hamlet is still grieving while he is forced to endure the pungent incestuous image of his mother sharing a bed with his uncle. This disturbing time for him leads to most of his depressing humor. His family's blatant deception causes him to state sarcastically that if the world is honest, then the end of the world must be near. The reader can identify with Hamlet's feelings of bitterness and disillusionment because of his sarcastic reactions. Fairly soon after, Polonius becomes the object of Hamlet's ridicule. The appearance of this aspect of humor is not surprising due to the cruel nature of the play. Polonius is an older man who forgets what he is saying in the middle of a sentence and absolutely cannot come to a point quickly. Hamlet calls him a "great baby," and Rosencrantz says that when men grow old, they mentally become children. After Polonius is killed, Hamlet refers to removing the body from room as "{lugging} the guts." Since the body has been stabbed, the reader can assume that Hamlet is making light of the bloody, most likely disemboweled corpse. First Polonius is mocked because of his age; then Hamlet returns to him dark humor. The most prevalent form of macabre humor is Hamlet's way of trivializing death. He makes many jokes about this . When he describes how a king could be digested by a beggar, one could envision Claudius cringing. Along with the image of death, Hamlet uses the word "progress," which indicates a royal journey. He taunts the king and death at the same time. Later during the graveyard scene, he asks Yorick's skull: "Quite chapfall'n?" He is asking if the skull is down in the mouth or depressed, which is a sick question to ask of a long dead cranium.

Genetically Modified Food Essay

Did you know that 62 countries have strict laws against genetically modified foods? 30 of those 62 have eliminated or almost completely banned genetically modified foods from their market (Partovi). All of Europe has almost completely done away with these altered forms of comestibles and requires labeling for anything with even a trace of modified content. GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are in nearly 80 percent of the United States processed foods (Lowery). These genetically modified foods have been linked to several serious health conditions. Among these threats are: obesity, ADHD, and cancer. These foods should be restricted from our American markets. Obesity now kills more people than starvation and malnutrition (Barrow). In America, 63 percent of Americans are overweight (Fox). In places such as Europe, where GMO foods are highly restricted, there are lower rates. America has the highest number of obese people in the world (Fox). Places where GMOs are not present or are harder to find and labeled, there is a lower percentage of overweight people. Monsanto, the world’s largest GMO producer, conducted 3 separate studies of GMO foods affect on animals (Tencer). These findings were published in the International Journal of Biological Sciences. Their test concluded overall increases in the animal’s body weight as compared to the animals starting weight, and the control group. It also showed that â€Å"GM maize varieties induce a state of hepatorenal [i. e. kidney and liver] toxicity. † († Does Genetically Modified (GM) Food Increase the Incidence of Obesity, 2012). Another link to GMO foods has been ADD, and ADHD. I myself have ADD and have done very extensive research on it. I do my best to eat natural foods and do not touch fast foods or soda and a majority of most sweets and junk foods. In animals fed GMO foods, studies have shown that there are similar patterns of behavior and similar physiological issues that plague people with ADD and ADHD. These problems are signs that exhibit quick irritation, aggressiveness and hyperactivity (Daniels). One scientist commented on this study and said, â€Å"They have all of the severe allergy responses, the inflammation and the reddening†¦ the intestinal lining is deteriorating. † (Daniels). This is reflected in people with autism, a mental disability that many psychologists believe umbrellas the ADD and ADHD disability. Another factor driving more children to develop ADD and ADHD are the pesticides used on GMO foods. A study discovered that pesticide by-products were found in the urine of the 1,140 children sampled. â€Å"Children with substantially higher levels of a breakdown product of neurotoxic organophosphate pesticides were twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. † (Zerbe). These pesticides are designed to attack the neurological system of pest, but have been linked to harming humans as well. One of GMO foods worst problems is its link to cancer. In a 2 year study done with rats (yes, done with more animals), the results of GMO foods were shocking. The control group was fed only clean foods, while the test group was fed only GMOs. The test showed that 50 percent more of the test rats died prematurely and 50 percent more of the females developed large tumors and cancer. The tumors in the test group were two to three times larger than the control group and developed in half the time it took the control group (Poulter). Quite of few GMO foods have been linked to cancer through carcinogens. These foods contain small trace amounts of carcinogens. Milk containing rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) is the more notable of these foods; containing higher amounts of carcinogens than most other GMO foods (Collier). Very few studies of the long term effects of GMO foods have been done in America. Short term studies show GMO foods don’t harm us in anyway because they only contain slight amounts of pesticide, poisons, toxins, or carcinogens. 62 countries have strictly regulated or banned these foods because of the possible effects and long term studies of GMO foods. The problems and medical conditions these foods have been linked to are very serious and affect our entire nation. Most of our food has some sort of genetically modified content. Monsanto itself has concluded that GMO foods are harmful to animals, yet they continue to produce and distribute the genetically modified foods anyway. In fact, the Monsanto Protection Act (officially named Section 735) actually â€Å"effectively bars federal courts from being able to halt the sale or planting of controversial genetically modified (aka GMO) or genetically engineered (GE) seeds, no matter what health issues may arise concerning†¦. † (Connor). This basically means we can be fed poison and our own government could not stop them. We should stop the process of all GMO foods until we have researched enough about them to develop safe, poison free foods. Partovi, Ali. â€Å"Are Un-Labeled Genetically Modified Foods Already in Circulation? † The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost. com, 08 Jan. 2013. Web. 28 Apr. 2013. Lowery, Kate. â€Å"Studies Show GMOs in Majority of U. S. Processed Foods, 58 Percent of Americans Unaware of Issue. † Studies Show GMOs in Majority of U. S. Processed Foods, 58 Percent of Americans†¦ Whole Foods Market, 07 Oct. 2012. Web. 26 Apr. 2013. Barrow, Martin. â€Å"Obesity Kills More than Hunger in March of ‘progress'† The Times. The Times, 14 Dec. 2012. Web. 26 Apr. 2013. Fox, Elizabeth. â€Å"Obesity in America Compared to Europe. † LIVESTRONG. COM. Live Strong, 21 Dec. 2010. Web. 26 Apr. 2013. Tencer, Daniel. â€Å"Monsanto, World’s Largest Genetically Modified Food Producer, To Be Charged With Biopiracy In India (VIDEO). † The Huffington Post. The Huffington Post, 10 Mar. 2011. Web. 26 Apr. 2013. â€Å"Global Research. † Does Genetically Modified (GM) Food Increase the Incidence of Obesity? Washingtons Blog, 20 Mar. 2012. Web. 26 Apr. 2013. Daniels, Diane. â€Å"Are Genetically Modified Foods Contributing to the Rise in Autism? † Brain Works. Brain Worls, 14 May 2012. Web. 26 Apr. 2013. Zerbe, Leah. â€Å"Pesticides in food linked to ADHD in kids† Msnbc. com. Rodale, 09 Nov. 2011. Web. 27 Apr. 2013. Poulter, Sean. â€Å"Cancer Row over GM Foods as Study Says It Did THIS to Rats†¦and Can Cause Organ Damage and Early Death in Humans. † Mail Online. Daily Mail UK, 19 Sept. 2012. Web. 27 Apr. 2013. Collier, Richard. â€Å"Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH)/Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rBST). † Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH)/Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rBST). Breast Cancer Fund, n. d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013. Sheets, Connor. â€Å"‘Monsanto Protection Act’: 5 Terrifying Things To Know About The HR 933 Provision. † International Business Times. International Business Times, 27 Mar. 2013. Web. 28 Apr. 2013.

Back Belts

Back belt, also known as â€Å"back support belt† is a lightweight, elastic belt worn around the waist. It becomes popular due to the medical assumption that it protects the back and many workplaces acquire the use of back belts to avoid injuries among the workers. Sakol Trading and Engineering Co. , Ltd. , a Thailand-based manufacturer of medical equipment like back belts and safety slings, guarantees that the back support belt has the comfort and durability to prevent lower back and abdominal pain and injuries during lifting of heavy loads.The belt also reminds the wearer to lift properly, offers extra support to a person’s back during prolonged sitting position and repetitive bending. However, these claims are not supported by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the federal institute responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses. According to NIOSH, None of the s tudies they conducted provides sufficient evidence or data to support the claims that back belt reduces the load force, prevents back and abdominal injuries or stiffens the spine.Therefore, NIOSH does not recommend the use of back belts to the workers. There are several concerns that the controversial belt creates: it restricts the mobility of a person thus reducing the elasticity of the muscles and tendons; it cause strain on the cardiovascular system and; it creates a false sense of security that may make the wearer to lift excessively heavy load. It also causes muscles to be dependent on external support. Companies should not rely solely on the back belts as a safety program.They should let their workers undergo trainings about proper lifting and back support. The workers can be allowed to use back belts if they want to since wearing of it is voluntary. However, they should remember that there is no scientific evidence to support that back belts really work. Reference: †¢ At kinson, Williams. Back Belts: Useful or Not? LP/Gas, Vol. 65, Issue 3, p. 46-47 (March, 2005). Retrieved May 28, 2009 from http://web. ebscohost. com/ehost/pdf? vid=5&hid=4&sid=d76b81c5-3c37-451b-9278-484eeeb125cb%40sessionmgr2#db=bth&AN=16409961

Gothic conventions in ‘The Others’ Essay

The film ‘The Others’ made by Alejandro Amenabar in 2011 is a film about a woman who lives with her two photosensitive children in their large, old home which she believes is haunted by ghosts. This film uses a large range of techniques and ideas to emphasise and contribute to its gothic themes. These techniques include dark and light imagery, symbolism and setting. The Others also uses traditional gothic ideas to develop these themes throughout the movie, including suffering, fixation of death and supernatural elements. Over all these ideas and techniques contribute to the eerie feel and suspense which makes this movie so captivating and gothic. The first technique used in ‘The Others’ is dark and light imagery, throughout the entire film there is a battle between truth and how it is perceived and Amenabar uses this light and darkness as a symbol of this. An obvious example is the curtains which as used to block out all light and ‘protect’ the children. They create a haunting darkness throughout the entire house for the most part of the movie, this is contrasted by the candles the mother walks around with showing how she is the key to the truth. At the end of the movie when the children become aware of the truth- that their mother killed them and they’re ghosts the curtains are removed allowing light or the truth to flood into the house. The use of dark and light imagery helps enhance the gothic themes by creating the mood and setting of the film. Another technique used to create a gothic feeling in the film is symbolism. Symbolism is used to make subtle hints to what the ‘truth’ is and to make you feel like things aren’t what they seem. Some examples are the clothing used in ‘The Others’ where Grace (the main character) wore dark, long dresses which covered up the majority of her body. These outfit choices were not only used to set the time period of the movie but it was also used a symbol. Her clothing was symbolic of the dark, repressive nature of her society and her internal suffering shown in the dark reds of her dresses. One more example is the constant looking of doors which is resemblant of entrapment of the mind and physically. This symbol also is used to depict the hidden secret which the family keeps throughout the film and the doors  are only unlocked when the secret is released. The setting was used in the film ‘The Others’ as the key stepping stone to making the movie have a gothic feeling to it. The main characters live in a large home with many different secret areas and rooms which are made more secretive by the darkness that the curtains create. These rooms are used to foreshadow for the hidden secrets which are contained in their home. The house is surrounded by a large forest which cuts them off from the rest of civilisation, this is used in gothic stories to create a feeling of isolation and to physically represent the psychological separation which the family has from the world. Beyond the forest is covered in fog which emphasises the isolation and secrecy which was a key idea which was repeatedly brought up in the film. A common gothic idea which was used in the film ‘The Others’ was the idea of suffering both physically and psychologically and how they are linked together. Suffering is very often used in gothic stories because it shows the inner darkness of the mind and the evilness of humans. Shown in the film through Grace (the main character) who has been waiting since the war finished for her husband to come home. After years the stress of raising two children on her own and potentially losing her husband weighs on her and causes a psychological suffering which she can’t show in front of her children or staff. Eventually Grace can no longer live with the pressure of her psychological suffering and she snaps which shows the link between psychological and physical suffering and she kills her children and then herself as she can no longer bare living with the thought of what she had done. This traditional gothic idea was used in the movie to show that every day people are capab le of evil and dark things when pushed. A recurring theme throughout the entire film is a fixation with death. This is an idea used in gothic texts because of its darkness and mystery as no one really knows about what happens when one dies but we know it is the ultimate payment in life. Most gothic writers are fascinated with it and have a preoccupation with it in stories as it creates a feeling of eeriness and shows that something is not quite right. This is also linked in with  supernatural elements which work as a symbol for death. In ‘The Others’ supernatural themes and a preoccupation with death are used throughout the entire film from the lingering death of the husband in the war, the book of the dead, the cemetery which surrounds the house and the constant idea of ghosts. All of these examples were used by the director to create suspense and to slowly build up and lead to the ending of the film. Over all the film ‘The Others’ used a large range of techniques and gothic conventions in order to captivate the audience and contribute to a scary and unsettling feel over the course of the movie. These techniques are dark and light imagery which emphasises the perception of truth, Symbolism which uncovers the secret themes and ideas of the film and setting which was used to create the idea of isolation. This movie also uses many gothic ideas in order to communicate the gothic themes, these ideas include psychological and physical suffering, preoccupation with death and supernatural elements. All of these conventions were used effectively in order to create the movie’s gothic feeling.