Synthesis and analysis paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Synthesis and analysis paper - Assignment Example The major similarity amongst all these three rumor theories is that everything about a rumor is psychological and hence the reason why many tend to believe it to be true. They are a creation of the mind and hence can only be stopped by the mind once an individual or group loses their psychological perspective. The other similarity is that all the three authors agree that it is easier to spread than stop a rumor, once it is created it only grows and spreads even wider. Despite their similarities, the three rumor theories have their own differences. Knapp’s theory for example explains that rumor are caused and driven by an emotion humans may be having. These emotions are wish, fear as well as hostility (Behrens & Rosen 360). When an individual encounters any of the above emotions, he is bound to react through coming up with a rumor and spreading it to further protect and mask his true emotions. Unless the emotion behind the rumor is addressed, the rumors will keep on coming. DiFonzo however seems to differ about the source and cause of rumors. He explains that rumors are a creation of society to serve either personal or social purpose. Once this purpose is served, then the rumor ceases until the next personal or social need occurs. The extent of the rumor and its magnitude depends on the personal or social level. This is the same across groups as well not only individuals. Sunstein believes that rumors work in a cascading manner where the more it is spreading, the more people it is pulling in and the faster it continues to spread. They originate small but continue to spread and increase to the level of people starting to believe them to be true despite the half-truths it holds most of the time. He further indicates that this rumor can be used to effect positivity into humans in fields such as politics (Behrens & Rosen 390). There was a wide spread rumor a few years back through some of it

M&A in India in Past Few Years Essay Example for Free

MA in India in Past Few Years Essay Abstract The process of mergers and acquisitions has gained substantial importance in todays corporate world. This process is extensively used for restructuring the business organizations. In India, the concept of mergers and acquisitions was initiated by the government bodies. Some well known financial organizations also took the necessary initiatives to restructure the corporate sector of India by adopting the mergers and acquisitions policies. The Indian economic reform since 1991 has opened up a whole lot of challenges both in the domestic and international spheres. The increased competition in the global market has prompted the Indian companies to go for mergers and acquisitions as an important strategic choice. The trends of mergers and acquisitions in India have changed over the years. The immediate effects of the mergers and acquisitions have also been diverse across the various sectors of the Indian economy. Till recent past, the incidence of Indian entrepreneurs acquiring foreign enterprises was not so common. The situation has undergone a sea change in the last couple of years. Acquisition of foreign companies by the Indian businesses has been the latest trend in the Indian corporate sector. The Indian IT and ITES sectors have already proved their potential in the global market. The other Indian sectors are also following the same trend. The increased participation of the Indian companies in the global corporate sector has further facilitated the merger and acquisition activities in India. The various factors that played their parts in facilitating the mergers and acquisitions in India are favorable government policies, buoyancy in economy, additional liquidity in the corporate sector, and dynamic attitudes of the Indian entrepreneurs are the key factors behind the changing trends of mergers and acquisitions in India. Even though mergers and acquisitions (MA) have been an important element of corporate strategy all over the globe for several decades, research on MAs has not been able to provide conclusive evidence on whether they enhance efficiency or destroy wealth. There is thus an ongoing global debate on the effects of MAs on firms. This article seeks to explore the trends and progress in MAs India. Electronic copy available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1618272 MERGER ACQUISITION IN INDIA: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY The phrase mergers and acquisitions (abbreviated MA) refers to the aspect of corporate strategy, corporate finance and management dealing with the buying, selling and combining of different companies that can aid, finance, or help a growing company in a given industry grow rapidly without having to create another business entity. In business or economics a merger is a combination of two companies into one larger company. Such actions are commonly voluntary and involve stock swap or cash payment to the target. Stock swap is often used as it allows the shareholders of the two companies to share the risk involved in the deal. A merger can resemble a takeover but result in a new company name (often combining the names of the original companies) and in new branding; in some cases, terming the combination a merger rather than an acquisition is done purely for political or marketing reasons. Mergers may be broadly classified in (i) Horizontal mergers: A situation when two or more merging companies manufacture similar product in the same industry. (ii) Vertical mergers: A situation when two or more merging companies work at different stages of manufacture of a same product. (iii) Conglomerate mergers: A situation when two or more merging companies operate in different industries. The word acquisition, also known as a takeover or a buyout, is the buying of one company (the ‘target’) by another. An acquisition may be friendly or hostile. In the former case, the companies cooperate in negotiations; in the latter case, the takeover target is unwilling to be bought or the targets board has no prior knowledge of the offer. Acquisition usually refers to a purchase of a smaller firm by a larger one. Sometimes, however, a smaller firm will acquire management control of a larger or longer established company and keep its name for the combined entity. This is known as a reverse takeover. Another type of acquisition is reverse merger, a deal that enables a private company to get publicly listed in a short time period. A reverse merger occurs when a private company that has strong prospects and is eager to raise financing buys a publicly listed shell company, usually one with no business and limited assets. Electronic copy available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1618272 Reasons for Merger and Acquisition †¢ Operating synergies: The uniting of two firms improve productivity or cut costs so that the unlevered cash flows of the combined firm exceed the combined unlevered cash flows of the individual firm †¢ A vertical merger between a supplier and a customer, eliminates various coordination and bargaining problems †¢ A horizontal merger between competitors, produces a less competitive product market and cost savings from combining RD facilities and sales forces †¢ Financial synergies: Information and incentive problems may cause cashstarved firms to pass up positive NPV projects, but cash-rich firms to overinvest in negative NPV projects †¢ Conglomerates can use internal capital markets to transfer funds from negative NPV projects to positive NPV projects †¢ †¢ Enhance the flexibility of the organization Reduces bankruptcy risk Objectives In this article an attempt has been made (i) To examine the presence of trends and progress of MAs in Indian corporation. (ii) To analyze year-wise and industry-wise variance in number and amount of MA deals. Hypotheses To cover the above objectives following hypotheses have been formulated: 1. There is no significant difference in number and amount of MA deals in between years and between industries. 2. There is no significant difference between MA progress in manufacturing and service sector Industry-wise Trends of MAs The industry-wise trends in number and amount of MA deals between 2000 and 2007 are presented in the Table 1 and Table 2 and the industry-wise trends and progress of MAs have been analysed on this basis Food and Beverages: India is the worlds second largest producer of food next to China, and has the potential of being the biggest with the food and agricultural sector. The Indian food market is estimated at over US$ 182 billion, and accounts for about two thirds of the total Indian retail market. According to industry experts, the market for carbonated drinks in India is worth US$ 1.5 billion while the juice and juice-based drinks market accounts for US$ 0.25 billion. Growing at a rate of 25 per cent, the fruitdrinks category is one of the fastest growing in the beverages market. The Indian food processing industry plays a significant role in diversifaction of agriculture products, generates employment, enhances income of farmers and creates a surplus for export of agro-foods. The important reason of the MA activity initiated in this industry are deregulation, restructuring disinvestment, restructuring by parent companies and presence of foreign players. Textiles Industry: Until the economic liberalization of Indian economy, the India Textile Industry was predominantly unorganized industry. The opening up of Indian economy post 1990s led to a stupendous growth of this industry. India Textile Industry is one of the largest textile industries in the world. Today, Indian economy is largely dependent on textile manufacturing and exports. India earns around 27% of the foreign exchange from exports of textiles. Further, India Textile Industry contributes about 14% of the total industrial production of India. Furthermore, its contribution to the gross domestic product of India is around 3% only. Textile Industry involves around 35 million workers directly and it accounts for 21% of the total employment generated in the economy. However the important reasons for the MAs in these sectors are: growth of power looms and handlooms sector at the cost of mill sector which has ultimately resulted in making them sick and unviable. This has led to an increase in the closure of mills; in addition, continued and persistent use of old plant and machinery has led to low profitability in the mill sector and thereby forcing some of mills to closedowns. Chemicals, Drugs and Pharmaceuticals: Under this category companies operating in the industrial groups of chemicals, drugs, pharmaceutical, cosmetics petrochemicals and rubbers have been taken into account for analyzing the trend and progress. The drug pharmaceutical industry in India meets around 70% of the countrys demand for bulk drugs, drug intermediates, pharmaceutical formulations, chemicals, tablets, capsules, orals and injectibles. There are about 250 large Pharmaceuticals manufacturers and suppliers and about 8000 Small Scale Pharmaceutical Drug Units which form the core of the pharmaceutical industry in India (including 5 Central Public Sector Units). These bulk drugs and pharmaceuticals manufacturers produce the complete range of pharmaceutical formulations i.e. medicines ready for consumption by patients and about 350 bulk drugs i.e. chemicals having therapeutic value and used for production of pharmaceutical formulations. Owing to a significant increase in Pharmaceuticals exports, Indias USD 3.1 billion pharmaceutical industries are growing at the rate of 14 percent per year. It is one of the largest and most advanced among the developing countries. Even the number of pharmaceuticals exporters, manufacturers and suppliers is increasing tremendously, the factors that contributed to increase in MA activity in these sectors are: Introduction of the process Patent Act in 1970, which required Indian companies to recognize international process patents. This has given an opportunity for the Indian companies to grow. This growth is associated with MAs and the emergence of WTO has brought about fundamental changes in the pharmaceutical industry. Trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS) of WTO require all Indian companies to comply with international patents. This has mainly happened in the form of MAs. Non–metallic Mineral Products: In this sector, cement and ceramics manufacturers are the primary players. The factors responsible for MAs are: before 1999 cement industry faced many problems like liquidity crisis, inadequate expenditure on infrastructure and costs of inputs. South-east Asian crisis brought narrowed profitability resulting to the bigger players withstanding the pressure of lower profitability and smaller and marginal players closing down or merging with big players and trying to appear favorable for a takeover. National Quadrilateral Road Project and State Government Policies to construct the irrigation projects could be other factors responsible for this boom. Basic Metal, Alloy and Steel: This is one of the oldest and traditional industry sectors in India. Companies operating in metals, alloy, steel and related concerns are grouped under this head. The factors contributing to MAs in this sector are: Slowdown of the economy during the year 1996-97, the capital markets, remaining depressed for the past couple of years, drying up sources of investment funds for industry, small and medium corporate finding it difficult to access institutional funds and export growth subjected to competitive pressure from imports. Information Technology and Telecom: Companies operating in the IT, Software, telecom and convergence sector are clubbed in industry, the central government has formed an independent department of information technology. Since the removal of restrictions on foreign capital investment and industrial de-licensing, India’s Telecom industry has shown large growth The Important factors for increasing MAs in this sector are: Consistent efforts were made by the department of telecom and its constituent organizations for upgrading and expanding the telecom networks and services and the Initiation of internet and web based developments and introduction of cell phone in India;. Automobiles and Automobile Ancillaries: Companies operating in automobile sector, locomotives, transport and spares have been included under this head. The Indian transport industry has been gradually playing a catalytic role for producing a wide variety of vehicles, passenger cars. Important factors responsible for an increase in MAs in this sector are: Globilalization is pushing global auto majors to consolidate, to upgrade technology, enlarge product range, access new markets and to cut costs. Competitive pressure and presence of global players have resulted in a number of MAs in this sector. Energy, Power, Gas and Oil: Companies operating in the field of energy, power, gas and oil are included in this group. Important factors responsible for an increase in MAs in this sector are, low rate of growth in power generation depressed the growth rate of industrial production and has necessitated immediate attention of big companies like Reliance Industries and due to unavailability of power and frequent disruptions have given an impetus to MAs in this sector..

Irwin Shaws The Girls in Their Summer Dresses Essay -- Girls Summer D

Irwin Shaw's The Girls in Their Summer Dresses In The Girls in Their Summer Dresses, it is necessary to explore the personal differences that cause problems in the relationship of the couple. The details of the story will lead to a conclusion that for Michael the relationship could just be a mere convenience or an affection solely generated by his physical wanting of Frances, so with the way she looks and appreciates the girls of New York. Frances calling the Stevensons shows her attitude which is passivity and lack of idealism to confront the relationship with his husband. She is going to call the Stevensons because, she and her husband have nothing more to discuss about. Michael?s way of looking on women as mere bodies could suggest a kind of degradation?which is to define a woman only as an erotic or sexual figure. There is an irony in the relationship of the couple which is the bloodless horror from the truth expressed that somehow the things are not, and never have been, what they used to pretend about themselves. It is clear in the details with Frances that she had an initial feeling of insignificance and she wanted to be loved and acknowledged by her husband. The sentence, ?I?d do any damn thing for you? points to a certain desire to be recognized as a good wife because of some degree of sensitivity that a man is needed in the family as the head and without him everything is nothing. The ?desire to please her husband? could also be attributed to lib...

The Dead Essay -- Essays Papers

The Dead 1) Symbolic meaning of snow†¦ a. Beginning when first enters Aunts house (warmth) he is out of the snow = coldness, isolation and inhumanity. But when enters the home he is surrounded with warmth and acceptance. Pages 10-11 b. Page 25 Gabriel was nervous about presenting his speech and sought comfort at a window. Looking outside at the falling snow, Gabriel he received a form of release, escape and feeling that he is unknown. c. At the end of the story, when Gabriel is with his wife Gretta, snow symbolizes a â€Å"new awareness†. He realizes that he looks too heavily upon himself and should look towards others and become more compassionate. 2) Characteristics of Gabriel†¦. a. Pages 12-13 When contemplating speech he considers changing it because he feels that nobody... The Dead Essay -- Essays Papers The Dead 1) Symbolic meaning of snow†¦ a. Beginning when first enters Aunts house (warmth) he is out of the snow = coldness, isolation and inhumanity. But when enters the home he is surrounded with warmth and acceptance. Pages 10-11 b. Page 25 Gabriel was nervous about presenting his speech and sought comfort at a window. Looking outside at the falling snow, Gabriel he received a form of release, escape and feeling that he is unknown. c. At the end of the story, when Gabriel is with his wife Gretta, snow symbolizes a â€Å"new awareness†. He realizes that he looks too heavily upon himself and should look towards others and become more compassionate. 2) Characteristics of Gabriel†¦. a. Pages 12-13 When contemplating speech he considers changing it because he feels that nobody...

Tesco and Oxfam Stakeholders

Stakeholders – a group of people or organisation that has interest or concern in an organisation.For most of the businesses it is vital to have stakeholder groups because it may affect business efficiency, may increase sales, or even it may help for the business to reach its aims and objectives more effectively. Although, there are loads of stakeholders in a business, but not all of them have equal voice. For example, customers of the business are entitled to fair trading practices but they are not entitled to the same consideration as the company employees. Stakeholders can affect or be affected by the organisations actions, objectives and policies.The key stakeholders in a business include the following:Customers – Individuals who receives or consumes products (goods or services) and have the ability to choose between different products.They want a business to produce the high quality production which would have better value. Also customers would like to see improveme nts in brands, productions and services produced by the business. Employees – Individuals, who work part-time or full-time under a contract of employment, whether oral or written, express or implied, and have recognised rights and duties. The company provides them with a livelihood; employees are seeking for security of employment, promotion opportunities in work and good rates of rewards.Suppliers – Individuals who supply goods or services for the business.They want steady and prompt payment form the businesses, also they want to be valued by the company they serve. Owners – Individuals who possess the exclusive right to hold, use, and benefit-from the business. They are the most important individuals in the business. Usually the owners would be shareholders who invested loads of money and their own time in a business and because of this they would love to see their share of profit increasing and the value of business rising. Trade unions – An organisati on whose membership consists of workers and  union leaders, united to protect and promote their common interests.They are seeking to secure higher wages and better working conditions for their members. Employer associations – Organisation of employers generally from the same industry working together for the interests of all member companies on tasks like trade union negotiation, sharing information and advice, and approaching other companies. They are representing the interests of employers in specific industries. Local and national communities – Group of individuals who live in particular area or district. The actions of business can have massive effects on the communities.The community leaders therefore try to represent the important interest groups. Governments – group of people that rule a community or unit. It sets and administers public policy and exercises executive, political and sovereign power through customs, institutions, and laws within a country . They want businesses to succeed, to create more jobs and to pay taxes. Governments want to see thriving businesses that take a full responsibility at looking after the welfare of society.Tesco stakeholdersLike the most successful companies Tesco has its own stakeholder group.This includes the following:CustomersColleagues / EmployeesSuppliersInvestorsNon-governmental organizationsStakeholders influence on TescoStakeholders have a large influence on businesses including Tesco. Particularly on this organisation stakeholders have a very large impact, because all of them can affect the business efficiency, profits, growth and working environment. Tesco is trying to pay as much attention at each stakeholder as it can, because company wants to reach its aims and objectives and most important to expand and gain higher profits.Customers – Customer QuestionTime meetings are invaluable. Colleagues hear customers' views on everything, starting from how they are serving them in stores to  Tesco role in the community.Tesco is trying to figure out what customers like and don’t, to improve their brands and production, customer service and all other service that business produce. This is because company wants to gain more loyal customers who would make repeat orders and the effect of this would lead to higher profits which are essential to Tesco. Employees – Colleagues give them their feedback through the Viewpoint colleague survey, Colleague Question Time sessions and Colleague Forum process. Tesco is trying to make better working conditions for its employees, rise wages and etc., because this might affect business efficiency. If employees will be proud of working for the company and satisfied about working conditions they might treat customers more effectively and this also would lead to more satisfied employees and customers.Suppliers – Tesco core value is â€Å"treat people how they would like to be treated†, and it's something they apply firmly to their supplier relationships. Tesco is trying to have the close relationships with its suppliers because they want all their production to be distributed at stock when it is needed. Also Tesco want to make steady and prompt payments for suppliers, and to be valued by the company which supplies production. Investors – Tesco Investor Relations team regularly meets analysts from the financial institutions which invest in Tesco or represent shareholders of the business.Tesco is trying to gain as high profits as they can, because company investors or shareholders might thing about investing more money in to the business because of its success and development. Tesco wants to make its investors satisfied because it may affect business future. Non-governmental organisations – Tesco regularly meet with non-governmental organisations to understand and respond to issues of concern. Tesco is trying to know what people are expecting for the company, what they think about new plans, expansion, wages, areas where stores are located and etc. Tesco is doing this because it might affect business.Oxfam stakeholdersOxfam is a charitable trust but it also Tesco has its own stakeholder group.This includes the following: CustomersTrustees and donorsTrade unionsPartnerships (includes the following)Local project partnersCampaigning alliesCorporate partnersInstitutions and governmentsSuppliersStakeholders influence on OxfamStakeholders have a large influence on businesses including Oxfam. Particularly on this organisation stakeholders have a very large impact, because all of them can affect the business efficiency, profits, working environment and reaching the aims and objectives of the business. Oxfam is trying to pay as much attention at each stakeholder as it can, because company wants to reach its aims and objectives.Customers – Customer Question Time meetings are invaluable. Colleagues hear customers' views on everything, starting from how they are serving them in Oxfam and their role in the community.Oxfam is trying to figure out what customers like and don’t, to improve their production they are selling, customer service and all other service that business produce. This is because company wants to gain more customers who would buy products and the effect of this would lead to higher profits that would be donated to fight poverty.Trustees and donors– Trustees and donors give them their feedback through the Viewpoint trustees’ and donors survey, Trustees and donors Question Time sessions and Trustees and donors Forum process. Oxfam is trying to make better working conditions for its employees, because this might affect business efficiency.If employees will be proud of working for the company and satisfied about working conditions they might treat customers more effectively and this also would lead to more satisfied employees and customers. This means that Oxfam will gain higher profits who would help to fight poverty.Non-governmental organisations / Trade Unions – Oxfam regularly meet with non-governmental organisations like Trade Unions to understand and respond to issues of concern. Oxfam is trying to know what people are expecting for the company, what they think about future plans, events and etc. Oxfam is doing this because it might help for business to reach its aims and objections, gain higher profits that would help to fight poverty.Partnerships – Oxfam  regularly meet with their partnerships like Local project partners, Campaigning allies, Corporate partners, Institutions and governments, and Suppliers to understand and respond to issues of concern, to create new projects who would stop poverty. They meet to create new advertisements who would reach the bigger audiences as possible.Also Oxfam meet with partnerships to create as cheap as possible operational cost, so that they could donate more money for people in need. Local project partners – Oxf am works with more than 1,000 partner organisations on their projects worldwide. They are the local NGOs, producer groups, co-operatives and small businesses who understand issues that keep local communities trapped in poverty.Throughout, Oxfam aim to build local skills and experience those communities can be in control of their own lives. Campaigning allies – Oxfam is working with them to get their campaign issues in front of the largest possible audience; they work with a whole range of campaign partners. These include environmental and humanitarian NGOs , unions, faith groups and celebrities.For example, the Robin Hood Tax alliance includes charities such as Barnado's and Friends of the Earth, plus all the major trade unions and faith organisations such as the Salvation Army. Corporate partners – Whether it's a small business supporting a specific project, or a larger company looking to give something back, Oxfam work with a range of businesses in the UK and worldwi de.There are a variety of ways companies help Oxfam: through staff fundraising (for example, payroll giving); commercial partnerships (when the company donates a percentage of their income); by arranging for staff to donate their unwanted items; or by donating ‘gifts in kind' (for example, flights for aid workers to get to a disaster zone). Institutions and governments – Oxfam also work closely with, and receive funding from, institutions and governments, including the UK's Department for International Development (DfID), the European Union and the United Nations.In 2010/11, more than 40 institutional donors contributed an all-time high of  £173.5 million to Oxfam projects worldwide. And, in a year of large-scale disasters including flooding in Pakistan and the Haiti earthquake, institutions contributed a total of  £115 million to Oxfam humanitarian responses. Suppliers – Oxfam suppliers deliver the wide range of goods and services they need to support their emergency, development and campaigning work. Oxfam have over 3000 suppliers in the UK,  and many more based near to their overseas programmes. Using local suppliers helps Oxfam keep operational costs down and supports local economies.Conclusion of Tesco and Oxfam stakeholders groups influence on businesses Nowadays stakeholders have increased their influence on business activities. The community citizenship and social responsibility have been consistently included into business management. Customers, employees, communities and business partners are among key stakeholder groups that carry weight in company decisions and activities. Understanding the impact of these stakeholders on business is important for all businesses no matter what size it is.Tesco and Oxfam have few similar stakeholders’ influences on the businesses. These include: Both stakeholder groups help for businesses to improve.  Oxfam and Tesco stakeholder groups help for the businesses to deal with everyday issues. Both businesses pay attention at their customers.  Both businesses pay attention at Non-governmental organisations such as Trade unions, communities and etc. Tesco and Oxfam make meetings with their stakeholder groups.As you can see Tesco and Oxfam stakeholders have pretty much the same influence on business. Tesco and Oxfam stakeholders are the key people who help for organisations to improve themselves and reach their aims and objections no matter what they are or do. Also stakeholders of both organisations help for businesses to create new future plans, events and concentrate on issues affecting the business environment and efficiency.

Free Essays on Genetic Engineering Of Crops

â€Å"Do you take insulin? Have you been vaccinated against hepatitis? Has anyone you know had a heart attack and been saved by a clot busting drug?† (Jaffe, 1) Genetic engineering has saved millions of lives worldwide and is nearly accepted by everyone in the medical community. The genetic engineering of crops has been used for centuries, but not until recently has it gained media attention. It gained their attention when DNA was manipulated or inserted into the crops. Before genetic engineering was capable of manipulating or inserting genes, genetic engineering was only able to express desired genes by breeding. Genetically engineered crops have provided benefits to US farmers such as herbicide resistant, disease resistant, and insect resistant crops. Although there has been a debate over the use of genetically engineered crops, careful regulation, not boycotting, can continue to provide benefits to consumers and producers. The genetic engineering of crops has created a large controversy in the United States as well as the rest of the world. Critics of genetic engineering argue that it creates numerous risks and concerns. These include environmental and ecological issues, ethical issues, animal and human health risks, and social, economic, and control issues. Supporters of biotechnology point out the direct benefits to consumers and farmers especially in underdeveloped countries. The genetic modification of crops in the United States began in the 1970s in California when scientists discovered recombinant DNA. Without going into too much detail, the recombination of DNA proceeds as follows: DNA responsible for a particular phenotype sought after is identified and isolated. Once purified the gene or genes are fused with other pieces of DNA to form recombinant DNA molecules. (Prescott, Harley, Klein, 320) In layman’s terms, it is cutting and pasting DNA to and from plants, animals, and bacteria. When crops are ï ¿ ½... Free Essays on Genetic Engineering Of Crops Free Essays on Genetic Engineering Of Crops â€Å"Do you take insulin? Have you been vaccinated against hepatitis? Has anyone you know had a heart attack and been saved by a clot busting drug?† (Jaffe, 1) Genetic engineering has saved millions of lives worldwide and is nearly accepted by everyone in the medical community. The genetic engineering of crops has been used for centuries, but not until recently has it gained media attention. It gained their attention when DNA was manipulated or inserted into the crops. Before genetic engineering was capable of manipulating or inserting genes, genetic engineering was only able to express desired genes by breeding. Genetically engineered crops have provided benefits to US farmers such as herbicide resistant, disease resistant, and insect resistant crops. Although there has been a debate over the use of genetically engineered crops, careful regulation, not boycotting, can continue to provide benefits to consumers and producers. The genetic engineering of crops has created a large controversy in the United States as well as the rest of the world. Critics of genetic engineering argue that it creates numerous risks and concerns. These include environmental and ecological issues, ethical issues, animal and human health risks, and social, economic, and control issues. Supporters of biotechnology point out the direct benefits to consumers and farmers especially in underdeveloped countries. The genetic modification of crops in the United States began in the 1970s in California when scientists discovered recombinant DNA. Without going into too much detail, the recombination of DNA proceeds as follows: DNA responsible for a particular phenotype sought after is identified and isolated. Once purified the gene or genes are fused with other pieces of DNA to form recombinant DNA molecules. (Prescott, Harley, Klein, 320) In layman’s terms, it is cutting and pasting DNA to and from plants, animals, and bacteria. When crops are ï ¿ ½...

Prodigal vs. Prodigy

Prodigal vs. Prodigy Prodigal vs. Prodigy Prodigal vs. Prodigy By Mark Nichol Prodigal means â€Å"to spend wastefully.† So, what does that have to do with the biblical parable of the prodigal son, and what does being prodigal have to do with being a prodigy? As it happens, there’s no connection between the two words, though an assumption that they are synonymous may lead some people to believe, erroneously, that the phrase â€Å"prodigal son† refers to an impressive young man. For those of you who have forgotten, or never learned, the story of redemption from the Bible, the younger of two sons prematurely demands his inheritance from his father. The older man complies with his wishes, and the youth leaves home, where he foolishly fritters away his fortune. Reduced to penury, he returns home, prepared to beg for forgiveness, but his father welcomes him and causes for a celebration. When the older son bristles at this injustice, for he has worked hard in his father’s service and has received no preferential treatment, the father explains that they should rejoice that the younger son has returned to the family fold. Prodigal, which is derived from the Latin term prodigere, which means â€Å"to drive away or squander,† also means â€Å"lavish,† and in addition it has a sense of luxuriance that may, depending on context, be negative, neutral, or positive. However, the word is usually employed to allude to the parable in references to a redeemed returner as a prodigal son. Prodigy, by contrast, is from a distinct Latin word, prodigium, meaning â€Å"omen or monster† (both of which stem from a precursor word that means â€Å"to warn†). The most common sense of prodigy is in reference to an unusually talented young person, although, more rarely, yet with more fidelity to its Latin roots, it may also mean â€Å"something extraordinary or inexplicable,† or â€Å"a great accomplishment.† Another rare usage is as a synonym for omen. The adjectival form, prodigious, has lost its connection with omen (portentous is often, in its place, applied to omens) and means â€Å"strange or exciting† or, in keeping with the connection to monster, â€Å"enormous.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Punctuating â€Å"So† at the Beginning of a Sentence3 Cases of Complicated HyphenationWhat Is the Meaning of "Hack?"

Battle of Arkansas Post - Civil War Battle of Arkansas Post - John McClernand

Battle of Arkansas Post - Civil War Battle of Arkansas Post - John McClernand Battle of Arkansas Post - Conflict: The Battle of Arkansas Post occurred during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Armies Commanders: Union Major General John McClernandRear Admiral David D. Porter32,000 men Confederate Brigadier General Thomas Churchill4,900 men Battle of Arkansas Post - Date: Union troops operated against Fort Hindman from January 9 to January 11, 1863. Battle of Arkansas Post - Background: While returning up the Mississippi River from his defeat at the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou in late December 1862, Major General William T. Sherman encountered the corps of Major General John McClernand. A politician turned general, McClernand had been authorized to make an attack against the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg. The senior officer, McClernand added Shermans corps to his own and continued south accompanied by gunboats commanded by Rear Admiral David D. Porter. Alerted to the capture of the steamer Blue Wing, McClernand elected to abandon his attack on Vicksburg in favor of striking at Arkansas Post. Situated at a bend in the Arkansas River, Arkansas Post was manned by 4,900 men under Brigadier General Thomas Churchill, with defenses centered on Fort Hindman. Though a convenient base for raiding shipping on the Mississippi, the principal Union commander in the area, Major General Ulysses S. Grant, did not feel that it warranted shifting forces from efforts against Vicksburg to capture. Disagreeing with Grant and hoping to win glory for himself, McClernand diverted his expedition through the White River Cutoff and approached Arkansas Post on January 9, 1863. Battle of Arkansas Post - McClernand Lands: Alerted to McClernands approach, Churchill deployed his men to a series of rifle pits approximately two mile north of Fort Hindman with the goal of slowing the Union advance. A mile away, McClernand landed the bulk of his troops at Nortrebe’s Plantation on the north bank, while ordering a detachment to advance along the south shore. With the landings completed by 11:00 AM on January 10, McClernand began moving against Churchill. Seeing that he was badly outnumbered, Churchill fell back to his lines near Fort Hindman around 2:00. Battle of Arkansas Post - The Bombardment Begins: Advancing with his assault troops, McClernand was not in position to attack until 5:30. Porters ironclads Baron DeKalb, Louisville, and Cincinnati opened the battle by closing and engaging Fort Hindmans guns. Firing for several hours, the naval bombardment did not cease until after dark. Unable to attack in the darkness, the Union troops spent the night in their positions. On January 11, McClernand used the morning meticulously arranging his men for the assault on Churchills lines. At 1:00 PM, Porters gunboats returned to action with the support of artillery that had been landed on the south shore. Battle of Arkansas Post - The Assault Goes In: Firing for three hours, they effectively silenced the forts guns. As the guns fell silent, the infantry moved forward against the Confederate positions. Over the next thirty minutes, little progress was made as several intense firefights developed. At 4:30, with McClernand planning another massive assault, white flags began appearing along the Confederate lines. Taking advantage, the Union troops quickly seized the position and accepted the Confederate surrender. After the battle, Churchill firmly denied authorizing his men to capitulate. Aftermath of the Battle of Arkansas Post: Loading the captured Confederate on transports, McClernand had them sent north to prison camps. After ordering his men to raze Fort Hindman, he dispatched a sortie against South Bend, AR and began making plans with Porter for a move against Little Rock. Learning of McClernands diversion of forces to Arkansas Post and his intended Little Rock campaign, an irate Grant countermanded McClernands orders and demanded that he return with both corps. Given no choice, McClernand embarked his men and rejoined the main Union effort against Vicksburg. Considered an ambitious dilettante by Grant, McClernand was relieved later in the campaign. The fighting at Arkansas Post cost McClernand 134 killed, 898 wounded, and 29 missing, while Confederate estimates list 60 killed, 80 wounded, and 4,791 captured. Selected Sources CWSAC Battle Summaries: Battle of Arkansas PostNational Park Service: Arkansas Post

A Confucian Approach to Paternalistic Leadership and Ethical Judgement Research Paper

A Confucian Approach to Paternalistic Leadership and Ethical Judgement in Chinese Management - Research Paper Example Methodology The research uses a literature review to collect and collate previous researches dealing with the topic and then conducts a critical review and analysis of the literature to develop research propositions. Findings It is found that the Paternalistic Leadership style is underpinned by the Confucian principles and collectivism and that the Paternalistic leaders are able to influence ethical judgment and decision making. Practical Implications It is highlighted that in spite of the numerous advantages associated with the Paternalistic Leadership style there are also several concerns associated with its utility in the modern day globalized and highly competitive business environment. Â  Original Value The current research highlights the gap in the literature regarding comprehensive research that can test the utility of Paternalistic Leadership Style in the context of globalization. 2. Introduction The teachings of Confucius have had a very deep influence on the Chinese societ y. The Government of China also adopted these principles as official philosophy of the state for centuries until they adopted the "Three Principles of the People" when the nation embraced Republicanism. This study takes a look at Confucianism and Its Cultural Context in China and explores how Confucianism relates positively to collectivism in Chinese cultural contexts. According to Confucianism, basic tenets of humanism include principles that guide relationships, promote collectivism and guide ethical standards. The basic principles of Confucianism have a profound impact on the way Chinese organizations operate. The current paper aims to explore the cultural underpinnings of the Paternalistic Leadership styles adopted by the Chinese organizations and also to develop possible implications for the same. The research uses an exhaustive literature review where journal articles are researched and an exhaustive collection of previous research and theories on the subject is obtained. The collected articles are reviewed for their relevance to the topic and then collated under themes that are then discussed critically in the following literature review. 2. Literature Review and Propositions Development (1) Confucianism and Its Cultural Context in China The teachings of Confucius have had a very deep influence on the Chinese society. The Government of China also adopted these principles as official philosophy of the state for centuries until they adopted the "Three Principles of the People" when the nation embraced Republicanism. This study takes a look at Confucianism and Its Cultural Context in China and explores how Confucianism relates positively to collectivism in Chinese cultural contexts. According to Confucianism, basic tenets of humanism include principles that guide relationships, promote collectivism and guide ethical standards. The basic principles of Confucianism can be seen manifested in the culture of China as discussed below. Confucianism Guides Relatio nships in Chinese Culture According to the philosophy of Confucius, each individual has been given a specific role and he or she has to fulfil these duties. The way in which relationships are conducted has been dictated by the Confucian philosophy. For example, according to Wu Lun, there are five relationships that should be carried out in proper manner giving respect to the hierarchy. These relationships are between ruler and subject; father and son; elder brother and younger brother, husband and wife and between friends. In the first four ones, there is a clear hierarchy, where one person has the authority over the others. This means that the superior factor in the relationship have the power to rule over the other factor (Bailey, 2011). Therefore, ruler, father, elder brother and

Projects and their management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Projects and their management - Essay Example eview of the current users, which confirmed that many principles and practices that are enhanced by agile development have been the key criteria that have combined customers, management and engineering principles together. Rather than creating a HTTP form first and then the wireframe, the group was much more efficient in creating an overall website and user form that the users can enjoy.The techniques that the group found effective were using wireframes and workflows because it is easier to visually understand information and choose relevant technologies for their deliverables. The team used many principles of Agile as mentioned above. First and foremost, Without a doubt, the team was imminent about using the SDLC lifecycle. For instance, they gathered the requirements from customers by creating sample prototype. User frames in which a member of each class was created. Each entity was formed in the user design that would create a better experience for the user. For instance, they created a set of requirement sin which after a new member has paid the gym club fees, a receptionist welcomes him and, after some questions, allocates him to a suitable trainer. The receptionist also schedules a meeting between the trainer and the member. These are crucial requirements that are needed to ensure a solid SDLC lifecycle is executed. The group used the planning phase as depicted by gathering requires. The next method of SDLC they approached of analysis is to actually understand how the PHP form would work rather than HTML. This is achieved through regular iterations o f work, known as Sprints which enhance the product as depicted by the team. The team used Sprints by also running SQL scripts alongside with analysis of their products, which was a bonus. It is clear to understand that Agile enhances the churn by reducing defects and defining the product resourcefully. The team evaluated by practicing this technique to steer the direction of the product via this methodology.

Event membership cshemes and whether thry promote customer loyalty Essay

Event membership cshemes and whether thry promote customer loyalty - Essay Example In many cases, the event is itself the product, such as cultural events and the like. The principle, however, is the same, that is, to trigger the curiosity of new customers as well as nurture a stronger relationship with the regular customers in order to court their loyalty. In trying to keep customers loyal, companies have come up with membership schemes by which a customer is â€Å"bound,† in a way, to keep coming back. By â€Å"bound† it is meant that the customer is given an incentive or reward for staying as a member and continuing to avail of the products and services of the company. In 2001, Hayes and Slater conducted a study of cultural organizations. Their aim was to arrive at a typology of the common-interest groups of people who have naturally gathered together and, after the passage of some time, became â€Å"clubs†, then â€Å"membership schemes†. (They are also known by other names like friends’ schemes, societies, and associations). The study of such typologies was considered by the authors to be useful to practitioners. It will help them in the design and evolution of membership schemes for many different purposes. This is especially for the hosting of events and exhibits, in order to make sure there is enough people in the audience. According to the authors, there are four general types of membership schemes: the friends’ scheme, the social club group, the public members’ scheme, and the integrated membership scheme. There are many factors that influence how membership schemes developed. The most important factor is the strong competition that grew between rival organizations, and a lessening of revenues available for funding. For these companies, management found out that the only way to ensure survival was by adopting an entrepreneurial style, which meant earning income in an

Web 2.0 Security Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Web 2.0 Security - Research Paper Example The idea of the â€Å"Web 2.0 was given by Darcy DiNucci, an advisor on electronic information paradigm. In this regard, this emerging idea is normally linked with web applications that are helpful to increase the capability to communicate interactive information distribution, cooperation, user-centered plan on the www. Additionally, the web sites which encompass the features of Web 2.0 offer its users the free option to work together or cooperate with each other in the community media discussion as designers of user-produced information material in a virtual society, as compared to those websites where clients are restricted to the inactive analysis of content that was developed for them. Moreover, the instances of Web 2.0 comprise a range of applications like social-networking blogs, websites, video-sharing websites, wikis, web applications, hosted services, folksonomies and mashups. Despite the fact that the idea presents an innovative description of the World-Wide-Web, but it do es not offer an update to some technological conditions, however relatively growing transformations in the means software developers and end users utilize the Web (XIBL; Mysore). Normally, the Web 2.0 incorporates the client-side website browser expertise such as Flash, Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (Ajax) and JavaScript/Ajax frameworks and the Adobe Flex framework like that Dojo Toolkit, Yahoo! UI Library, jQuery and MooTools. In this scenario, Ajax programming utilizes Java-Script to upload as well as download new data from the web server without reloading a page repeatedly (XIBL; Mysore). Web 2.0 uses machine-based connections like that SOAP and REST. In this scenario, servers frequently represent administrative Application Programming Interfaces or simply APIs, however standard APIs (for instance, for positioning to an internet blog or informing a blog revision) are also used in development. Moreover, for the communications in APIs incorporate XML or else JSON payloads (XIBL; Mysore). The new web based or web-supported tools offer a range of effective software features and services to the consumers, workers and business associates. These services could be easily managed and handled. Additionally, the new information technology offers access to a major business resource such as the web server, which gives the capability to access various other useful information resources, for instance database servers (ITSecurity). At the present time, a lot of young people have fully integrated Web 2.0 tools and applications into their professional and personal lives. According to various researches, more than 80% of workers make use of social networking applications or web sites like that MySpace, Facebook and YouTube at workplaces or on their laptops. Thus, it is clear that the fame of video-calling (Skype), instant messaging and peer-to-peer (such as multi-player gaming) is increasing day by day and it is causing augmenting danger for business’s status, networ k performance in addition to information safety (M86 Security). Web 2.0 is definitely very helpful in almost every walk of life. For instance, people read blogs on various latest issues, and place queries on communication board to get response of their questions or investigate specialized debates or forums to get latest knowledge about a definite issue. Moreover, the Web 2.0 applications such as IM (or instant messaging), P2P and Skype frequently offer extra advantages for exchanging information with associates (M86 Security). Obviously, Web 2.0 technology can negatively affect business information security as well as efficiency of organizations. For instance, the lively, interactive website content on Web 2.0 websites can simply divert a worker for hours. Moreover, the businesses are bothered regarding the possible discovery of secret and sensitive data and information by workers when they communicate with other, write messages, write blogs or leave remarks when participating in so cial media (M86 Security). The major examples of Web 2.0 includes

Business Personnel and Human Resource Management Essay

Business Personnel and Human Resource Management - Essay Example Human resource management is the management that helps in the recruitment, selection, training and development of workers in an organization to get members who can work towards achieving the goal of the organization (Aswathappa, 2005:5). Although personnel management and human resource management may seem to be the same, the difference is that personnel management deals entirely with the workforce while human resource management deals with the resources (Pangarkar, 2008:17). The organizational purpose of a company depends majorly on the human resource management. An organization that lacks good and organized human resource cannot achieve its goal. Human resource management is important because it is the management that deals with the recruitment of the workers, without which the purpose of the company cannot be achieved. If there is lack of the workforce, then the organization would not achieve its goal. It is the human resource management that deals with the selection of the newly r ecruited workers, to ensure the workers work in the fields that they can deliver their duties well. The human resource management also organizes for training to the workers to ensure they gain knowledge. The processes of recruiting selection and training of workers, all which lie under human resource management work towards accomplishing the goal of an organization; thus, human resource management have an important impact on the purpose of an organization (Weber, 2008.:51). B. Access the role and responsibilities of a line manager in the Google Company The Google Company is a company formed with the aim of making it easy for people to search for anything from the web. It is a site that understands everything that anyone searches and gives back exactly what people need. Google, being a company like any other has its organizational structure which helps in its daily operation. A line manager is the manager who is closer to the workers, who deals with the issues brought to them by empl oyees or teams and is responsible for a higher level of management for the employees (CIPD, 2013). Line managers are responsible for daily management of workers and issues affecting them. The line manager in this company is the one who manages the operational costs of the company through accessing the company’s operational expenses. Line managers should also provide technical training to the workers. They induce the workers to the job through organizing for trainings in the various job fields in the company. A line manager has the responsibility if allocating the work to different workers to ensure that the right person attends the right duty. It is also their duty to supervise the progress of the work in the company, to check for any failures in delivery of duty by the workers. They also monitor the quality of the work done to ensure that the company meets and maintains its standards. Customers in a given field of business have their needs and desires that need to be address ed. Responsibly, the line manager responds to the needs and complaints of the clients effectively to aid in realization of organizational golas. All these duties of the line manager focus on ensuring a successful progress on the company; thus it is the duty of the line manager to measure the performance of all the operations (Weber, 2008:73). C. Examine the organizational environment that impacts the HRM function in your organization, outlining the impacts of legal and

Web 2.0 Security Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Web 2.0 Security - Research Paper Example The idea of the â€Å"Web 2.0 was given by Darcy DiNucci, an advisor on electronic information paradigm. In this regard, this emerging idea is normally linked with web applications that are helpful to increase the capability to communicate interactive information distribution, cooperation, user-centered plan on the www. Additionally, the web sites which encompass the features of Web 2.0 offer its users the free option to work together or cooperate with each other in the community media discussion as designers of user-produced information material in a virtual society, as compared to those websites where clients are restricted to the inactive analysis of content that was developed for them. Moreover, the instances of Web 2.0 comprise a range of applications like social-networking blogs, websites, video-sharing websites, wikis, web applications, hosted services, folksonomies and mashups. Despite the fact that the idea presents an innovative description of the World-Wide-Web, but it do es not offer an update to some technological conditions, however relatively growing transformations in the means software developers and end users utilize the Web (XIBL; Mysore). Normally, the Web 2.0 incorporates the client-side website browser expertise such as Flash, Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (Ajax) and JavaScript/Ajax frameworks and the Adobe Flex framework like that Dojo Toolkit, Yahoo! UI Library, jQuery and MooTools. In this scenario, Ajax programming utilizes Java-Script to upload as well as download new data from the web server without reloading a page repeatedly (XIBL; Mysore). Web 2.0 uses machine-based connections like that SOAP and REST. In this scenario, servers frequently represent administrative Application Programming Interfaces or simply APIs, however standard APIs (for instance, for positioning to an internet blog or informing a blog revision) are also used in development. Moreover, for the communications in APIs incorporate XML or else JSON payloads (XIBL; Mysore). The new web based or web-supported tools offer a range of effective software features and services to the consumers, workers and business associates. These services could be easily managed and handled. Additionally, the new information technology offers access to a major business resource such as the web server, which gives the capability to access various other useful information resources, for instance database servers (ITSecurity). At the present time, a lot of young people have fully integrated Web 2.0 tools and applications into their professional and personal lives. According to various researches, more than 80% of workers make use of social networking applications or web sites like that MySpace, Facebook and YouTube at workplaces or on their laptops. Thus, it is clear that the fame of video-calling (Skype), instant messaging and peer-to-peer (such as multi-player gaming) is increasing day by day and it is causing augmenting danger for business’s status, networ k performance in addition to information safety (M86 Security). Web 2.0 is definitely very helpful in almost every walk of life. For instance, people read blogs on various latest issues, and place queries on communication board to get response of their questions or investigate specialized debates or forums to get latest knowledge about a definite issue. Moreover, the Web 2.0 applications such as IM (or instant messaging), P2P and Skype frequently offer extra advantages for exchanging information with associates (M86 Security). Obviously, Web 2.0 technology can negatively affect business information security as well as efficiency of organizations. For instance, the lively, interactive website content on Web 2.0 websites can simply divert a worker for hours. Moreover, the businesses are bothered regarding the possible discovery of secret and sensitive data and information by workers when they communicate with other, write messages, write blogs or leave remarks when participating in so cial media (M86 Security). The major examples of Web 2.0 includes

Effects of various types of drugs Research Paper

Effects of various types of drugs - Research Paper Example This essay considers the various types of effects of these drugs as they influence the person or persons who have consumed them. Depressants have are a specific type of psychoactive drug that temporarily limits the functionality of a specific part of the brain or body ("Msds glossary," 2010). There are a broad variety of depressants, many of which human beings consume recreationaly. In these regards, one of the most popularly consumed depressants is alcohol. While most individuals have experienced the effects of alcohol, its necessary to advance an objective understanding of these effects as they relate to different types of psychoactive drugs. Some of the most notable effects of alcohol are disinhibitions. In these regards, the impulses one might think or feel when they are sober but are inhibited to act upon – when under the influence of alcohol – the individual is then considerably more likely to follow through (Myers 2010). Another notable effect of alcohol is slowed neural response. In these regards, significant alcohol consumption slows the users sympathetic nervous system so they oftentim es exhibit effects such as slurred speech, and impaired movement. The slowing of the individuals neural response through alcohol consumption is a highly notable effect, as it is through this effect that individuals oftentimes become involved in fatal traffic accidents. Another highly prominent type of depressant are barbiturates. Barbiturates are understood as, â€Å"can be used as hypnotics, sedatives, anticonvulsants and anesthetics, although they are probably most familiar as sleeping pills ("Barbiturate,"). In these regards, barbiturates are generally understood as tranquilizers for their sedative effects. While in small doses barbiturates have been administered as sleep or pain aids, in larger doses they can be potentially dangerous, leading to impairment of memory,

Woman vs Society Essay Example for Free

Woman vs Society Essay The idea of the individual is ingrained in modern society, where oppression, at any angle, seems foreign and is looked down upon. In contrast, the female characters in Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, Toni Morrison’s Sula, and Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper†, are portrayed fighting against the â€Å"man’s world†, an atmosphere present in our country not too long ago. Edna, Jane, and Sula all reject the parameters put upon them by society and attempt to remain separate from it ,yet vary in degree of success due to their preparedness. The needs of individuals take precedence over society’s expectations when they are oppressed; but,if not prepared for the consequences of being outcasted by society, they will inevitably fail. Edna is the least successful among the three women, simply because she was not prepared for her choice of lifestyle. Enda was raised in Kentucky as a Presbyterian, and moved down to the Grand Isle later on. â€Å"Though she had married a Creole,[she] was not thoroughly at home with the Creoles†(Chopin, 12) As such, she is innately opposed to their alien lifestyle. Edna is not confined, but she longs to be separate, distinguished from them: an individual. She recognizes the importance of her identity in saying, â€Å" I would give up the unessential I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn’t give myself† (Chopin, 64). Though her aims were clear, Edna remains chained to society, just by having a husband and children. Edna still attempts to have an affair with Robert, effectively breaking the trust and expectations of everyone around her, yet she cannot fulfill her goal, as even Robert pushes her away for that very reason. It is impossible for her to be independent because of her upbringing. Edna longs to emulate Mademoiselle Reisz, who has reached the pinnacle of independance and freely expresses herself through the piano. The factor which differentiates Reisz from Edna is that she has left society behind, along with the option of family, whereas Edna is held back by that very thing. She sees her own children as â€Å" antagonists who had overpowered and sought to drag her into the soul’s slavery for the rest of her days. But she knew of a way to elude them. †(Chopin, 151). This took the form of Edna’s suicide, resulting in not her escape from oppression, but rather signifying her defeat, acknowledging her inability to overcome society’s grasp on her. Edna was prevented from actively rebelling against society, because her pre-existing commitments prevented her from doing so. In â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper†, Jane Doe, though confined by her husband, is able to fight for herself to assume some degree of independence. As treatment for her depression, she is put to bedrest by her physician-husband, and comes to terms with the limitation set around her. This limitation is the assumed position of authority that a man is expected to have over a woman, especially his spouse. She says, â€Å"I sometimes fancy that in my condition if I had less opposition and more society and stimulus—but John says the very worst thing I can do is think about my condition, and I confess it always makes me feel bad. So I will let it alone and talk about the house. † (Gilman, 1) Jane has already internalized her husband’s authority into her own mind, even interrupting her train of thought to his instruction. She seems to walk in line with what he is telling her to do at the end, but her own rebellious nature seeps out, marking a descent into madness. These repressed feelings are projected onto her obsession with the wallpaper, where a portrait of Jane’s mind is shown. It is ultimately John’s disregarding of his wife, the hierarchy of the household, that is responsible for Jane’s mental breakdown. He vetoes her smallest wishes, such as when he refuses to switch bedrooms so as not to overindulge her â€Å"fancies. † The barrier of understanding leaves Jane no outlet for her to freely express herself. Thus, she writes. But she does this in secret, saying, â€Å"There comes John, I must put this away- he hates to have me write a word. † (Gilman, 2) Jane is actively disobeying her â€Å"authority†, but in hiding it from him she is still limited by John’s expectations of her, which is her weakness. Without him, she would be free as an individual, but John is her pre-existing conditions that holds her back. Jane likens the rest of the women in the world to her own struggle with John. â€Å"There are so many of those creeping women, and they creep so fast. I wonder if they all come out of that wall-paper as I did? (Gilman, 5) Jane clearly resisted in her situation, and she is specific about the women who she thinks have had to break out of the same resistant cage that she had to. They seem so independent, so much freer than her, and after finally escaping that cage, she feels she can relate her situation to theirs. However, Jane’s struggle has driven her ne arly to insanity, and is now unable to be the individual that she strove to be in the beginning. In recognizing the barrier to her individuality, Jane is able to actively rebel against the constructs set by society against women, but at the same time she submits because of her commitment to John. Putting herself in that position causes her to lose herself as a whole, making all of her struggle in vain. Sula differs from both Edna and Jane in that she defies her place in society at a young age and becomes a model individual. When she was a child, Sula lived in a chaotic household, preferring the quiet one of Nel. Sula is not often characterized as the calm individual, but she is described as being able to â€Å"sit on [Helenes] red-velvet sofa for ten to twenty minutes at a time – still as dawn (Morrison, 29). It is very easy to forget this Sula as the narrative progresses, but this passage shows Sula’s search for identity. She is shaping her self into who she wants to be, marking a contradiction of craving the order that she does not have in her home. This state does not last indefinitely; there is a corner point where she changes into her defiant self. As she recalls from her deathbed, â€Å"The one time she tried to protect Nel, she had cut off her own fingertip and earned not Nels gratitude but her disgust. From then on she had let her emotions dictate her behavior. † (Morrison, 140). To her, this was logical and rational, but receives the complete opposite reaction from what she had hoped for. This is a defining point in her life, which is responsible for the disruption she causes in all of the people who interact with her. Sula returns to the Bottom as an adult, characterized not so much as a person, than as a force of nature. She has accepted the consequence of alienation and rejection The repressive nature of society still confronts her. Eva berates Sula for not marrying or having children, but in response, she states, I dont want to make somebody else. I want to make myself†(Morrison, 92). As a women, she is expected of these things, but it is clear that Sula desires to control her identity. She recognizes that any person or thing that compromises her self-determination will limit her from being an individual, by being bound to society’s standards. Yet even Sula falls prey to to this trap, in her relationship with Ajax. â€Å"There was the morning when she actually wondered if Ajax would come by that day. † (Morrison, 131) Through their encounters, Sula was always cautious to keep him under her control, but that morning reveals an emotional attachment to him, however small. This minor detail turns out to be the beginning of her slow death as an individual- this is to be expected-after a life of such detachment from repressive society, the smallest disturbance would amplify itself to ruin her. Only those who are completely isolated from society are able to withstand its parasitic effect on the individual, but Sula, though prepared for the isolation, is caught off guard, and suffers for it. Women in the times of these books are set under strict guidelines by society, and they all recognize it, and attempt to free themselves by seeking their individual self. Edna, Jane, And Sula vary in degree of success, a product of their upbringing, and their ability or inability to accept the consequences of being an individual. Through these oppressed female characters, we see the various outcome of the sacrifice required for independance, but their ties to society bring them down. Is it ever possible to be a distinct individual in any society? Even Sula, who goes to such extremes, fails. How much more do modern people need to strive for this characteristic? Today’s western thinking has encouraged the idea, but perhaps â€Å"their individual† is not truly as free as it claims to be.

Effects of Groupthink in an Organisation

Effects of Groupthink in an Organisation Introduction The paper aims to assess the relationship between groupthink and team performance. First, it will review the conceptualisations of groupthink to analyse the effects of groupthink in organisations, focusing how it is formed and its manifestation in organizational performance, especially in group decision making. Secondly, my study will explain whether or not groupthink affects organisational performance through an analysis of the existent theory by Irving. L. Janis and the empirical studies conducted to examine the groupthink and group performance link. Finally, my paper shows some recommendations which reduce negative impacts of groupthink in workplace. Within my study, I also will support ideas by giving implications about groupthink in organisations in the light of theory. In the past several decades, there has been a substantial increase in emphasis on organisation behaviour literature, focusing on group decision making (Branstatter et al, 1982; Kerr and Tindale, 2004). The utilisation of group decision making, conducted in different type of tasks, has been credited with various benefits including improved productivity and enhancement of the quality of work life (Troopman, 1980). However, many researchers also review a potential problem that occurs within groups and that can dramatically hinder group effectiveness from their performance. This disease can be referred to as ‘groupthink’, which is presented the first time in 1972 by Irving L. Janis. The main point of theory on which Janis has been suggested is that the poor decisions of group suffering from groupthink derive from a strong concurrence-seeking tendency that suppresses collective decision-making processes, and leads to fiascos (Janis, 1972). Based on his achievement, a large bo dy of research has shown a conscious awareness of the psychological phenomenon of groupthink as well as formulates some simple strategies to avoid it. A review of groupthink According to Janis (1972), groupthink is described as a â€Å"mode of thinking that people engage in when they are deeply involved in a cohesive in-group, when the members’ striving for unanimity override their motivation to realistically appraise alternative course of action† (1972, p.9). Based on this theory, it is suspected that groupthink occurs when group members’ motivation for unanimity and agreement such as consensus overrules their motivation to evaluate carefully benefits of decisions as well as expression of deviant or minority opinions (Janis, 1972; Robbins and Judge, 2013). Many studies have evidenced that groups and teams can develop a high level of cohesiveness which tends to result in better performance. However, a considerable disadvantage of highly cohesive groups is that their decision making ability can be drastically restricted by Janis’s groupthink hypothesis. Indeed, strong cohesive groups, where group members are friendly and respec tful of other’s opinions, can contribute to faulty decisions and a policy fiasco when such groups are immersed in poor decision making process under in-group pressures (Eaton, 2001). With the same view, in other words, Fincham and Rhodes (1999) argued that highly cohesive groups can create the pressures of conformity that reduce reflexivity, impeding members’ judgement and their ability to reach a correct decision. From this point, it is clearly seen that each member of a group finds it comfortable to be in agreement, following a positive part of the group, rather than to be an opposing force, even if this factor is potential to enhance the efficiency of the group’s decisions. This reveals a reality that individuals who have different opinions from that of the dominant majority have a tendency to withhold or modify their true feelings and beliefs, which leads to distort the decision making process (Robbins and Judge, 2013). In addition, Knights et al (2007) beli eved that groupthink can cause a disadvantage when learning activities stopped as any further development was largely stagnated by a consensus that was more based upon a withdrawal of respect than upon a useful critical insight to assessment of different information and alternative options. Therefore, when the group is attacked by groupthink, the problems are usually discussed and examined in an uncertain way, leaving many possible solutions and useful ideas (Knights et al, 2007). One of the clearest examples of groupthink which can be considered is the the explosion of the NASA Shuttle Challenger, 73 seconds after it launched in January 1986, killing seven astronauts. The disasters could have been easily prevented if the NASA team noticed the concerns from engineers on the readiness and safety of the Shuttle’s structure before it were launched (Moorhead et al, 1991). It could be concluded that groupthink impede the voices of members of the group who have their own opinions b ut are marginalised, and maintain an illusion of group unanimity, which may invalidate team performance and contribute in creating fiascos (Knights et al, 2007). In addition, many researchers studied that the effectiveness of directive leadership is also one of the factors related to groupthink (Flowers, 1977; Mullen et al, 1994). They claimed that directive leadership has a weak connection with information being considered by the group, the discouragement of dissent, fewer solutions being found and more self-censorship by members (Flowers, 1977; Leana, 1985; Moorhead and Montanari, 1986). Based on previous studies, Moorhead et al (1998) believed that individuals’ opinions may be prevented from group interaction if there appears a strong leadership and group members just only follow their leaders without sufficient critical evaluation. For example, if the leader of the group suggests unethical ideas, and the group cannot control the rules to prescribe ethical behaviour, poor decision may be shaped (Sims, 1992). Similarly, Huczynski and Buchanan (2013) concluded that if the group leaders consider their position from the beginning and ap pear to have a strong preference for a particular goal, the groups tend to support their leader’s idea and do not have a chance to suggest alternative information or solutions. Research on symptoms of groupthink Groupthink, in most of viewpoints, is considered as a threat of organization. Fortunately, Janis (1972, 1982) described eight symptoms categorised in three types of characteristics which were experienced from the fiascos and serve as the powerful tool for recognising the existence of groupthink. They are: overestimation of the group (illusion of invulnerability; belief in inherent morality), closed-mindedness (collective rationalisations, stereotyped images of out-groups), and pressure towards uniformity (self-censorship, illusion of unanimity, direct pressures on dissenters, self-appointed mindguards) (Janis, 1972; Hart, 1991). These symptoms, according to Janis (1972), are considered as a collection of a concurrence-seeking tendency that can fade group decision making process and lead to fiascos, and even disasters. In his research, concurrence-seeking plays a vital role in collective decision making process; but, it will become excessive when it occurs too early in a limited acces s. In addition, Hart (1991) pointed that the signal of excessive concurrence-seeking can be derived from the pressures toward uniformity, and concurrence-seeking takes places in the context of misguide policy from the other two types of characteristics. However, According to Choi and Kim (1999), not all symptoms of groupthink tend to be associated with the others. Their study evidenced that pressure on dissenters, collective rationalisations, and self-censorship tend to be positively associated with each other but negatively associated with the belief in the illusion of invulnerability, the group’s inherent morality, and the illusion of unanimity. From that point, they also suggested that groupthink symptoms reflect two different processes that may occur in collective decision making: the positive correlations between the illusions of invulnerability and unanimity with the belief in the group morality, contrary to the emergence of mindguards, self-censorship, pressure on diss enters, and stereotypes of outgroups. Similarly, Park (2000) examined symptoms of groupthink based on the groupthink model’s Janis and went to a conclusion that the symptom groupings tend to produce negative correlations across the divergent processes. This strengthens for the argument of Longley and Pruit (1980) that the symptoms of groupthink have a strong connection with defective decision making process which would qualify as high quality. How to avoid groupthink It is clearly seen that groupthink is an invisible barrier that causes negative effects on group decision making process and lead to serious consequences. However, Janis’s achievement on groupthink theory has paved the way for researchers finding methods to avoid this phenomenon. Macleod (2011) suggested that it is important for managers to foster group cohesiveness along with a shared sense of professional solidarity. At the same time, it is also important to create an impartial comfort zone in which each member of a group is encouraged to have an active voice in the exchange of ideas and in the evaluation of options. Moreover, relevant outside input should be welcomed as a means of providing diverse information and broadening the extent of collaboration. Conclusion In conclusion, a large body of research has examined the negative impacts of groupthink to organisation, focusing on group decision making. All of them are reviewed and examined meticulously from the Janis’s groupthink hypothesis, which claimed that groupthink is clearly seen as an enemy of creativity, bringing threats and major blunders (Simone, 2008). Indeed, groupthink leads to group decision making failures which come from the highly cohesive groups and the strong directive leadership (Flower, 1977; Leana, 1985; Hart, 1991). Developed from this point, before groupthink becomes a potential pitfall in group decision making, controlled attempts to understand its symptoms are not only desirable but highly necessary. If people can do that, the groupthink framework can be applied effectively to analyse defective decision processes and propose recommendations to avoid groupthink in work organisations. Therefore, it is necessary to have more research on the potential threats to ef fective group decision making caused by groupthink to get deeper insight into this phenomenon as well as improve the further ideas and continuous in-depth research for groups.

Personal Narrative - Christmas Memory Essay -- Personal Narrative Essa

I think Christmas has always been one of my favorite holidays. Maybe because of the special atmosphere that you can feel everywhere, in shops, restaurants , pubs and even streets, where you can hear the magical carols, or maybe it's because of its religious background, but what I can tell you for sure is that I can't think of anything more exciting than the image of the entire family preparing the Christmas Tree or fixing the Christmas dishes. When I think of Christmas the first thing that pops into my mind is the delicious Chocolate Cake that only my grandma knows how to prepare. Perhaps this is the reason why, every year, my family and me try to spend our holiday at our grandma's place. So, every year, we all step into the car and try not to think at the long road that we have in f...

An Explication of Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night Essay

An Explication of Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night In this poem Thomas makes a very personal appeal to his father as the latter approaches death. He pleads with him not just to surrender to death but to fight death as long as possible. His plea also becomes universal as Thomas addresses also all other people approaching death, not to accept death as inevitable, but rather to fight against dying. Whether men have been strong or weak throughout their lives, they should still make a stand at the end. Different men approach death in different ways, but no matter what their approach, they should fight against loss itself. Stanza analysis Stanza 1 Line 1 is a repetition of the title of the poem - a line which is repeated four times in the poem. The repetition is functional as it emphasises the theme of the poem: not to accept death without fighting it as long as possible. In stanza 1 three different phrases are used to denote the idea of death namely good night; close of day and dying of light. The poet is very defiant: he emphasises the fact that man must fight. In this stanza the emphasis is on elderly people, " Old age" (line 2). Even elderly people, his father in particular, must not just accept the coming of death gently, but they should still fight it. Also note the contrast between "night" and "light", the rhyme words in stanza 1. Man is entering the night and leaving the light. Stanza 2 In this stanza the emphasis is on " wise men" (line4). Wise people as they approach death, they realise death is something that cannot be avoided: "know dark is right" (line 4).They regret death because they feel their words have not been good enough to light up the lives of others; their opportunity to m... ...ven a hint of what might have been. This is no more than a fleeting glimpse, just as a meteor that shines for a moment and then is gone." Blinding sight" is an example of oxymoron which is a combination of contradictory words placed side by side but which intensifies rather than detracts from the point to be made. Also note the contradiction in the simile " Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay". Stanza 6 In this stanza the emphasis is on the poet's father. It is important to him that his own father resists death with all the strength available to him. "sad height" refers to his old age. His father is asked to shed " fierce tears" in order to give himself a chance of a few more days/ months/ years of life. The theme of the poem lies in the final two lines: " Do not go gentle into that good night Rage, rage against the dying of light."

The Fool in King Lear

â€Å"The Fool both emphasises and relieves the tragedy of the play. † Discuss. The fool is a continual character in the workings of Shakespeare. The Fool is usually a cunning peasant that uses his intellect to outdo people of a higher social status. This is particularly the case in the play King Lear. Lear’s jester, the Fool, is indeed a very strange character. He uses crazy talk and merry songs to give Lear important advice. Not only is he important in the development of the plot but he’s important in the development of Lear’s character and also has an important role in the development of the mood in the play.The Fool is one of the wiser, if not the wisest, characters in the play and emphasises the tragedy in that his sharp and mocking double-talk and his constant stabs at Lear’s dignity add depth while at the same time entertaining. He somewhat narrates and activates the audiences awareness of important issues in the play. This is especially so a t the end of Act III scene ii when the fool addresses the audience. â€Å"This is a brave night to cool a courtezan. I'll speak a prophecy ere I go:†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He is the voice of reason throughout the play which is ironic because of his part as â€Å"the fool†.Furthermore, the king’s jester has an important part in the development of the king’s character. It seems as if the Fool's purpose is to make Lear see the world as it is and to help him laugh at his horrors. He basically acts and speaks as Lear’s conscience. When Lear is foolish, he bluntly points out the mistakes he has made and tries to help his king see the results of his actions. The fool can get away with pointing out the horrid truth because he is supposedly mad but that means that people don’t always listen to his advice where they should.However, Lear almost treats his jester like the son he never had and therefore somewhat prioritizes what he says, even if most of the time it is not what he wants to hear. Perhaps the fool of King Lear is different to other Shakespearean fools because he is not the average comic fool. Some of what the fool says is funny, but mostly he emphasizes the horror of the tragedy. It is humor that lets him go further in helping Lear than Kent or Cordelia without being banished.After Act III scene vi the fool disappears and doesn’t return to the stage again; the reason why this happens is debatable. Most agree that this is because he is no longer dramatically useful to Shakespeare but all agree that the fools absence seems to darken the mood of the play. Once the king has reached his absolute lowest there is nothing more his surrogate son can do for him. He no longer needs to be told the stupidity of his actions because Lear has finally learned to recognize the truth for himself.

The Bald Eagle

The bald eagle or Haliaeetus leucocephalus, a specie of sea eagles, is the only eagle that is unique to North America. Recognized for being the national bird of the United States, it can be found today over the North American expanse from northern Mexico, to Canada and to Alaska where approximately half of the estimated total population of 70,000 live (Bald Eagle Information).Together with the Golden eagle, the bald eagle or American bald eagle, is the largest of the eagles. It has a wingspan that reaches some 79 to 89 cm.  long, an average weight of around 14 pounds for males (females are slightly larger and heavier) and a strong and large hooked beak two inches long and one inch deep (Merry  ¶ 1).Classification Class: Aves (birds) Order: Falconiformes (along with falcons, hawks, old-world vultures, condors, buzzards, kites, caracars, ospreys, harriers, accipiters, secretary birds and bateleurs) Sub-family: Buteoninae (together with true buzzards, true eagles and other sea eagle s) Family: Accipitridae (hawks and eagles) Genus: Haliaeetus (all sea or fish eagles) Species: leucocephalus (derived from the Latin word â€Å"leukos† that means white)There are two sub-species of bald eagles: Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus or the traditional â€Å"southern† variety, which lives in the gulf states, south of 40 degrees north latitude and the slightly larger Haliaeetus leucocephalus alascanus or â€Å"northern† bald eagle, which inhabit the states north of 40 degrees north latitude across North America (Bald Eagle Information P 1-3). Living Habits Bald eagles inhabit North America because of the abundance of their diet sources. The rivers and streams in Washington, Montana and Alaska are visited by the American eagles in large numbers during the spawning seasons of salmon, shad and eulachon.The bald eagle is primarily a scavenger bird that feeds on dead, dying or weakened fish and other prey but they have the predatory skills and equipmen t when needed (Merry  ¶ 4-5). Based on radio telemetry, the American bald eagles have been shown to regularly roost right after dawn, alternatively glide and flap on its flight direct to their favorite feeding perch and roost back in the evening (Merry  ¶ 8). Maturity, Mating and Nesting At juvenile age, the American bald eagle is a mix of brown and white feathers. They attain sexual maturity when they reach four or five years of age.Adult eagles are covered with white head, neck and tail feathers and blackish-brown breast and back feathers (General Fact). They build their eyries or nests atop tall trees near bodies of water or coasts where they perch. Bald eagles, who mate for life or until the death of their partners, use and add sticks and leaves to the same eyrie year after year. Two to three eggs are laid every spring; the males help the females in incubating the eggs from 35 to 40 days. The eaglets, when hatched, are covered with grayish-white downy and will need to be fed by their parents until they become six eight weeks old.At 9 to 14 weeks, they fledge and at 4 months old, the eaglets come of their own. As Endangered Specie The American bald eagle was categorized as endangered for over half a century until the United States Fish and Wildlife Service upgraded its status to ‘threatened' in July 1995. Earlier in 1967, the specie was officially listed as an endangered species in most of the lower parts of the country because of continuing decline for several decades because of the loss of habitat, prey and the then widespread use of the pesticide DDT.In 1973, the Endangered Species Act was passed in a bid to halt the loss of several endangered animal species and to help reverse environmental degradation. The Endangered Species Act has been shown to be at least fairly effective at preventing the extinctions of many animal species, including the bald eagle whose number increased from under 500 in 1963 to over 9,000 pairs in 2006 (Wikipedia, Endan gered Species Act  ¶ 19). References bald eagle. (2007). In Encyclop? dia Britannica. Retrieved March 5, 2007, from Encyclop? dia Britannica Online: http://www. britannica. com/eb/article-9011927 Endangered Species Act. (2007, March 1).In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 12:35, March 5, 2007, from http://en. wikipedia. org/w/index. php? title=Endangered_Species_Act&oldid=111852673. General Facts About Bald Eagles. American Bald Eagle Information Site. Retrieved 05 March 2007 from http://baldeagleinfo. com/eagle/eagle-facts. html. Homepage. American Bald Eagle Information Site. Retrieved 05 March 2007 from http://baldeagleinfo. com/index. html. Merry, Sondra. Species: American Bald Eagle or Haliaeetus Leucocephalus. University of Wisconcin. Retrieved 05 March 2007 from .

Performance Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 4

Performance Management - Essay Example Google Inc. has been built greatly and the results all over the world speak for themselves. However, one of the things it has always believed in is that great is not always good enough and this is the reason that it started the putting plans in place to improve how it manages the performance of its employees including the managers. It sought ways to ensure that all its resources are being put into action in making the employees happy, satisfied as well as have incentives enough to work and increase their performance which would ensure sustainability of the company’s success. The planning started with the management as part of the employee team and trying to ensure that its performance increases through making them better bosses. The planning was carried out by a small team but it involved the whole company. The employees were given surveys on what would make the bosses better and the feedback was incorporated in the performance management package. This was in addition to the p erformance reviews given to the managers themselves, the praises and complaints they had been receiving from the employees and even customers among other channels. Google Inc. has another way to review performance management of their employees and this is through the employees setting goals and objectives for themselves and then quantifying all these goals and explaining ways in which they will be able to attain these goals within the specified time. This is meant to empower the employees to plan their work.

Come up with topic and I will discuss it with the professor then u can Essay - 1

Come up with topic and I will discuss it with the professor then u can start writing - Essay Example of 1980s, the welfare reform movement deeply transformed the prospects of the credit so that it no longer represented a modest work incentive, but rather acted as an anti-poverty device capable of raising the living standards of non-working Americans over and above the poverty line. In 1986, the EITC earned considerable credit in the political salience resulting to its radical expansion. A decade later when the Personal Responsibility and Work Reconciliation Act was established to replace the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) to oversee welfare under the TANF program, the credit became the most consistent and the largest anti-poverty tool (Chetty 24). In 1994, when the federal spending on the EITC became consistently higher than AFDC and TANF, it incrementally gained more attention among the US policy makers. By the 2009 fiscal year, EITC benefits to low-income workers accounted to about $60 billion in federal spending, nearly $35 billion more than that on TANF. To show the long-term effects of the shift, EITC disbursal in 1980 was nearly $5 billion, compared to approximately $18 billion AFDC outlays. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 led to the expansion of the credit to include married couples and those families that had more three children. The expansion was ultimately extended through December 2012, and today, it is the largest tax benefit program for low-income working individuals, thus providing substantial tax dollars to the claimants. The economic incidence -- also known as the tax burden -- of the EITC is borne by individuals who suffer economic loss resulting from the taxes. From its outset, the credit triggered increased tax payments made by individuals to the local treasuries and the state. This in turn influenced the relative prices of goods and services, which further resulted to changes in behavior of individuals. Ultimately, a section of the economic burden was (is) shifted from those bearing the legal incidence

The Subway Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

The Subway - Essay Example Overlooking Employee Needs and Expectations 8 b. Deficiency in Complying HRM Policies 9 c. Avoiding Ethical Norms 10 2.5 Conclusion 10 2.5.1 Summary 10 2.5.2 Practical Implications 11 2.5.3 Research Implications 11 References list 13 1. Introduction 1.1 Background of the Company Founded in the year 1965, Subway is regarded as one of the biggest American based fast-food restaurant franchisers, which is primarily renowned for its exceptional deliverance of submarine sandwiches along with broad assortment of fast-food products. Currently, the organisation is operating its business in 103 global nations with 40,975 numbers of fast-food outlets that correspondingly serves millions of customers (SUBWAY 2013). 1.2 Research Title, Question and Objectives Emphasising the current business practices along with various business functions of the organisation i.e. Subway, the title of this research is â€Å"Critically analyse the â€Å"ineffectiveness of employee's compensation & benefits at Sub way in Singapore.† ... In this context, the Human Resource (HR) policies of the organisations are often recognised to provide incomplete or insufficient beneficial aspects to their staff members. Therefore, the rationale of this research can be determined based upon critically assessing the importance of compensation and benefits that can be regarded as major elements of Human Resource Management (HRM) of an organisation. 2. Literature Review 2.1 Introduction to Literature Review Armstrong (2011) critically stated that the offering of an adequate compensation package or any financial incentive can build a productive relationship between the organisations and their respective employees. Therefore, the organisations must need to be ensured providing justifiable compensation and employee benefits. The process would significantly support the employers along with the employees to gain substantial support in attaining considerable growth (Armstrong, 2011). In relation to the present HR policies practiced by Subw ay, it can be affirmed that the organisation should highly focus on providing justifiable compensation facilities to the employees in order to increase its overall business performance and willingness towards attaining the organisational goals. This particular practice can help the organisation in building a strong along with an effective relationship with its employees, resulting in lessening employee turnover rates of the organisation at large. The study of Berber & et. al. (2012) provided a major rationale in determining the role of compensation and benefits within various organisations. The study has analytically demonstrated that effective practice of compensation facilitates an organisation to gain numerous financial and operational