Marketing - Critical Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marketing - Critical Marketing - Essay Example Several monographs and edited volumes on critical marketing have been published†. The first use of the term ‘critical marketing’ in relation to the critical cultural as well as social theories is in the work of Hansen (1981). (Moufahim and Mitussis 2009). Critical marketing in general sense implies that any marketing idea has to be discussed threadbare focusing on its positive attributes as well as its faults, thereby coming up with necessary modifications and corrections. This point was put by forward by Friat and Tadajewski (2009, p.127) who stated that critical marketing involves â€Å"any position that judgmentally evaluates a body of discourse (including marketing) with the intention to find any faults or problems to be challenged and modified or corrected.† However, the key fact that has to be considered when viewing ideas critically is the time-bound factor. That is, what is/was viewed critically could change with time and context. Certain critical pe rspectives about an idea that gets formed during earlier periods of history could change now with contribution by other experts and thinkers. Thus, the crucial point is, critical perspectives will be mostly dynamic with the change of time, situation, contexts, etc. This is particularly relevant to the critical marketing idea of cultural stereotyping. As Hackley (2008, p. 154) with the aid of Tadajewski and Brownlie (2008) point out Marketing is a field of social and cultural studies as well as a set of social practices. That is, while launching marketing campaigns targeting a particular customer base, organizations will focus on that customer base’s various attributes including cultural attributes. The most common cultural attributes will be congregated and viewed stereotypically by the marketing team, to come up with effective and at the same time relevant marketing campaigns. However, at the same time, these stereotypes may not be accurate all the time, and as Hackley (2009 , p.155) states there are micro-level criticisms regarding the â€Å"promotion of stereotypes of race, gender and body type† through advertising campaigns. Cultural stereotype is the term given to a commonly held view about people belonging to a culture by the public, particularly the ‘outsiders’, which can include the other cultures as well as business organizations. Basically, different cultures and other entities will have different stereotypes of their own cultures and importantly about other cultures. For example, â€Å"The Germans think the French are resourceful; the British think they are humorless and short-tempered. The Dutch think the French are not very serious; the Spanish think they are cold and distant. The Americans think they are pleasant and intelligent, yet pretentious.† (de Mooij 2005, p.41). Thus, cultural stereotyping includes certain abstract familiarities as well as key commonalities that could be seen among the individuals belongin g to a particular cultural group. In a way, cultural stereotyping is a standardized and at the same time a kind of simplified view about particular sections of the people, based on commonly visible attributes or assumptions. However, those assumptions could be mainly generalizations in sizable cases, and so could be inaccurate at certain times. Bennett (1990, p.17) defines cultural stereotype as a social or mental grouping among individuals based on common, exaggerated and even inaccurate

Censoring Student Publications Persuasive Essay Essay Example for Free

Censoring Student Publications Persuasive Essay Essay Imagine that you are a high school student and have just received the newest edition of your school’s newspaper. As you are flipping through the pages, you discover a terrible article written about you. How would you feel? Recently, there has been much debate on whether high schools should be able to regulate the content of student publications, such as newspapers and magazines. Censoring student publications would be beneficial because they may contain inappropriate things. Also, it would be favorable because the material in student publications may be offensive to its readers and the text may bepoorly written. Because of this, high school officials should have the right to control the content of student publications. First of all, student publications should be censored because they may be filled with inappropriate content. Some high school students are not mature enough to determine whether certain subjects and language are usable. Without censoring student publications, students may publish something with an inappropriate subject. Since it is used throughout today’s entertainment, they may also use vulgar language. It is not appropriate for school, so high school officials should be able to censor student publications in case it is used. As a result of inappropriate subjects and vulgar language, the content of student publications may be offensive to its readers. If a student publisher does not like a fellow student, he or she may publish an article about that student. Of course, it will be something terribly offensive. Since student newspapers are given to the entire student body, practically everyone will see it. This will lead to a higher chance of bullying. Bullying is already widespread, so it does not need to be increased by angry, careless teenagers. Lastly, most high school students are not good enough writers to publish a newspaper or magazine. Students’ articles will not always be grammatically correct and presentable. Their research will be insufficient because they do not do enough research about most topics and write mostly off the top of his or her head. The articles will also be bursting with bias. Most students are not able to write an article without including bias because they are not mature writers at his or her age. Because of this, student publications should be censored. In conclusion, high school officials across the nation should have the right to control what goes into his or her school’s newspaper or magazines. Because of immaturity and carelessness, students may publish an article about an inappropriate subject and include crude language. Content of student publications may be offensive and increase the risk of bullying. Also, the newspapers and magazines may be poorly written due to the lack of writing maturity. It is essential to students’ wellbeing that a law be passed that allows high schools to control their student publications for every school in the United States not just Hazelwood School.

Shallow Persecutions :: essays research papers

In April of 1999, two students shot 15 fellow students and a teacher in Columbine High School. A few years before that, a teenage boy committed suicide in his bedroom. What do these two have in common? In both instances, their choice of music was to blame. Alternative music has been the center of a lot of controversy as well as a scapegoat for many adolescent tragedies. This type of music is meant to be different and it is being persecuted because artists do not fall into the categories of R&B and pop rock. Music is the artist’s livelihood and religion. Condemning the music is breaching both an artist’s freedom of expression and religion. Millions of teenagers listen to alternative rock groups such as Marilyn Manson and Nine Inch Nails every day. These same teenagers walk into their schools every morning and don’t blow their classmates’ heads off. These same teenagers don’t go home and blow their own brains off. However when these things do happen, parents all over the country start protesting against the entire genre of alternative rock. Alternative rock has become a national scapegoat for adolescent violence. But is it really to blame? The parents that protest are probably the same ones that deny that the teens lashed out because of bad parenting. Of course it can’t be that because parents such as themselves are all perfect. This sort of attitude is precisely why teenagers respond to their environment so violently. Parents refuse to get help because they’re afraid of how they as parents would be perceived. Some parents even refuse to admit that there is a problem in the first place. With this view, parents often search for something else that might have caused such violent behavior. That is where alternative rock comes in. Parents say that it breaches hate, violence, and anti-Christianity. However, are they really protesting these issues or the way the artists look? Ricky Martin’s Livin’ La Vida Loca glorifies a prostitute but there wasn’t a huge uprising over it. He even makes a music video that is near pornographic. Ricky Martin is off the hook because he has a pretty face. He can do anything and sing anything he wants as long as it is legal. On the other hand, if Marilyn Manson calls their CD â€Å"Anti-Christ Superstar,† the whole country erupts in disbelief. This shallow hypocrisy is enough to make anyone sick.

Alcoholism 11

Alcoholism Alcoholism is one of the biggest medical problems in the Western world. Alcohol has been around since biblical times. The problem continues to grow every year and has a negative impact on society. Nearly every town and city has restaurants that serve alcohol, and has stores where it can be purchased. For these reasons, the nature of alcoholism needs to be exposed. The problems that arise from this disease need to be shown. The purpose of this paper is to talk about the problem, the cause and effects, and the treatment process. Alcoholism is the habitual or compulsive consumption of alcoholic liquor to excess according to Webster’s New World Dictionary. An alcoholic has no control over drinking and continues to use alcohol even though adverse consequences occur (Hurley 71). Alcohol affects the alcoholic’s family and work, they ignore responsibilities and assignments. In nineteen fifty six alcoholism was recognized as a disease by the American Medical Association. Fishman 28) When the National Council for Education on Alcoholism (now known as the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependency) was formed, their first and most prominent principle was, â€Å"Alcoholism is a disease† (Nicolaus 136). The disease has serious consequences on the drinker and society as well. Even though there is much concern about drugs, next to tobacco, alcohol is the most widely used drug in the United States (Hurley 71). Alcohol impaired drivers caused thirty two percent of traffic related fatalities in two thousand eight (â€Å"Alcohol Impaired Driving†). In 1996 nearly thirty six percent of incarcerated criminals were under the influence of alcohol when committing their crime (â€Å"Alcohol and Crime†). Indeed, alcoholism has become a public concern, since it had begun to influence society as well. There are two types of alcoholism, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency. An example of alcohol abuse is random binge drinking. A person is alcohol dependent when that person can’t stop drinking without withdrawal symptoms. â€Å"There is no known cause of alcoholism. † (Van Voorhees) Alcoholism is described as a drug addiction. There are several factors that play in its development. They are divided into two main groups, psychological and social. Psychological factors include anxiety relief, conflict in relationships, depression and low self-esteem. Some examples of social factors are the ease of getting alcohol, peer pressure, social acceptance of alcohol use, and a stressful lifestyle. (Van Voorhees) There are other factors that lead to excessive drinking. â€Å"Research suggests that certain genes may increase the risk of alcoholism, but which genes or how they work is not known. (Van Voorhees) Studies have shown that family history is a factor as well. People whose parents abused alcohol have a higher risk of alcoholism. It is a given that alcoholism leads to physical and mental problems. But how does excessive consumption of alcohol affect the daily life of alcoholics? What are the effects of alcoholism in everyday life? The organ most sensitive to alcohol is the brain. The cerebrum is affected first. It is in control of sensation, perception, speech, and judgment. The cerebellum is the second part of the brain affected. The cerebellum is responsible for coordination and balance. A person under the influence of alcohol will have slurred speech, loss of balance and uncoordinated movements. The excessive alcohol user is usually unable to judge accurately what he or she can or cannot do. Drinking alcohol increases confidence and diminishes abilities. This misplaced confidence often leads people to judge themselves competent to perform tasks that are beyond their abilities. (Fishman 37-41) An alcoholic’s job and family are also affected by alcoholism. In couples it affects communication, which in turn, increases conflict levels. It has also been proven that domestic violence increases in alcoholic families. Alcohol use affects parenting. Family life can become chaotic and have poor quality environment. The children are exposed to the parent’s increased conflict (â€Å"Alcohol and the Family†). An alcoholic’s attendance to work is affected by drinking. They are chronically late and their productivity is decreased. The effects of alcohol in everyday life can be further explained through specific examples. In terms of finances, an alcoholic would be irresponsible. The bills would not be paid on time, prompting the collection agencies to take action. An alcoholic would not be stable enough to manage his or her own money; thus, incapacity for money management is an effect of alcoholism in everyday life. In terms of employment or schooling, an alcoholic is most likely to be tardy. However, the person can altogether skip school or work to drink. Even socializing with friends is affected by alcoholism. An alcoholic usually does not like it when other people offer their opinion about his or her drinking habits. He or she is irritated by comments and critiques of their drinking. As a result, the alcoholic would soon drink in secrecy. Another effect of alcoholism in everyday life is the lapses in memory and interest. Due to the aforementioned effect on the brain, it follows that even memory is not spared from the dangers of alcohol. Alcoholics usually suffer from â€Å"blackouts† (Fishman 40). These are instances when they could not remember appointments and the like. Moreover, the activities that the person used to enjoy would cease to be enjoyable, due to the effect of alcoholism (Fishman 42). These are some of the examples of how alcoholism affects everyday life. Alcoholism is a treatable disease. There are treatments available for this condition, and several medications have made it possible for alcoholics to fully recover. In the treatment of alcoholism, there are several steps to take into account: intervention, detoxification and rehabilitation (Fishman 60). The first step is intervention. It takes someone else to point out the problem for them to realize that they need to get help. The most familiar approach in intervention is the confrontation between alcoholics and the concerned party. It was only recently when studies have shown that intervention would be more effective if it was done with â€Å"compassion and empathy† (Medline). The next step is detoxification. The objective of this step is to stop the drinking of alcoholic beverages. This phase in the treatment is tough for the alcoholic, as the intake of alcohol will suddenly be stopped. That is why detoxification usually takes place in an inpatient set-up, in which the environment is â€Å"controlled and supervised† (Van Voorhees). During the process, every medication is cautiously measured to hinder withdrawal from taking place. The moment the symptoms of withdrawal are absent, the giving of medications would be gradually stopped. The duration of detoxification usually lasts from four to seven days. These days, there is a kind of detoxification that is in the outpatient set-up, but still under the guidance of a physician. While in detoxification treatment, it is important that the patient has a balanced diet, as well as vitamin supplements. This is because there are complications that happen with alcohol withdrawal, and the patient must be as healthy as possible (Fishman 83-84). If the detoxification process stops people from consuming alcohol, the rehabilitation process guides people to fully recover by staying away from alcohol (Van Voorhees). This fourth step in the treatment is more comprehensive, as it prepares the patient for complete recovery in the long run. Not only does rehabilitation stop people from drinking, it allows them to create a network of support to encourage their continuous road to recovery. Rehabilitation programs usually involve â€Å"counseling, psychological support, therapy, education and skills training† (Fishman 85-88). There are two kinds of rehabilitation programs: the short-term and the long-term programs (Fishman 89). The former requires less than a month, while the latter could range from a month to a year or longer. There is also the outpatient counseling option, which is suitable for those who have just finished an inpatient treatment. Aside from this, there are the support groups dedicated to the endeavor of recovery of alcoholics. Examples of which include SMART Recovery, Women for Sobriety, and Alcoholics Anonymous (Van Voorhees). There are three recognized medications in treating alcoholism. The first one is Disulfiram. The medicine works by disrupting the metabolism of alcohol, causing a metabolite that would make the person sick if he drinks even a small amount of alcohol about two weeks after taking the medicine. The second drug is Acamprosate. It is believed that this drug helps people to abstain from alcohol; it also decreases the symptoms that come with abstinence (â€Å"Alcoholism†). The third drug is Naltrexone, which works on the brain to decrease alcohol cravings (Barbour 145-146). It is crucial that people are made aware of the causes, effects and treatments of alcoholism. This awareness would help prevent the problem of alcoholism. People should be reminded that alcoholism is not just the problem of an individual but also of society. Works Cited Alcohol and the Family. Aug 2004. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Web. 15 Dec 2009. . Barbour, Scott. Alcohol. San Diego: Greenhaven Pr, 1998. 145-146. Print. Fishman, Ross. Alcohol and alcoholism. New York, NY: Chelsea House Pub, 1986. Print Hurley, Jennifer. Addiction. San Diego: Greenhaven Pr, 2000. Print. â€Å"MayoClinic. com. † Alcoholism. 08 May 2008. Mayo foundation for Medical Education and Research. Web. 15 Dec 2009 . National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Alcohol-Impaired Driving. , 2008. Web. 28 Nov. 2009. Neufeldt, Victoria, and David Guralnik. Webster. 3rd college. New York, NY: Webster, 1989. Print. Nicolaus, Martin. Empowering Your Sober Self. 1st. San Francisco, CA: Jossy-Bass, 2009. Print. United States Department of Justice. Alcohol and Crime. , 2008. Web. 28 Nov 2009. Van Voorhees, Benjamin. â€Å"MedlinePlus. † Alcoholism. 15 Jan 2009. Web. 15 Dec 2009. .

The Significance of Architectural Ideas

What is the significance of architectural ideas? The question begs the question of which architectural ideas should be considered in the first place. While it may be true that there have been a huge number of architectural ideas since the beginning of human civilization, it is important to limit the question at hand. At the least, what can be done is to appropriately categorize architectural ideas according to their chronology. In doing so, we are confining ourselves to a more specific and easier task. There is little reason to doubt that earlier architectural ideas have influenced the more contemporary ones. Theories on how buildings are to be designed have long existed, perhaps as early as the time when human beings began to first conceptualize their dwellings and their places for worship and other social activities. For the most part, early civilizations had to consider their needs and means. They had to reflect on building structures for the sake of providing shelter, security and a place of worship. They also had to consider their level of architectural skills and the materials available during the time. These basic considerations for early architectural ideas are significant for the people back then since their needs and means limit what they can design and actually build which, as a consequence, delineate the characteristics of their architectural designs. In his De Architectura, Vitruvius provides one of the few surviving earliest examples of architectural designs. He suggests that good buildings should have three basic characteristics—durability, utility, and beauty (Pellecchia, p. 378). Apparently, these three precepts have remained integral to modern architectural ideas. Thus, it is only fitting to say that these ideas are significant inasmuch as they have set in motion a well-established standard in envisioning the designs of buildings regardless of certain sizes and scopes. More importantly, these foundations for architectural ideas give rise to more complex yet more specific approaches in designing buildings according to the balance between these basic precepts. For instance, an architect may give more preference to utility over beauty without having to abandon the latter completely. Another architect may focus more on the aesthetics of the building without neglecting the durability of the structure. There are other influential architects in earlier times—such as Leon Battista Alberti and Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, among others—but it is sufficient to say that their contributions in terms of architectural ideas can never be denied. However, that is not to say that new architectural ideas have not materialized in more recent years, or that architects are simply confined to the ideas of the earlier generations. For example, the American architect Louis Sullivan who is considered to be the â€Å"father of modernism† once suggested that form follows function (â€Å"Louis Sullivan and the Architecture of Free Enterprise,† p. 42). It has been an overriding force in 20th century architectural designs, influencing architects to take more consideration of the practical use of buildings rather than their aesthetics. The general direction of architecture at that time became more focused on the intended function of buildings, thereby relegating its aesthetic aspects to a lesser degree of importance. Buildings were designed according to how they will serve their purpose, or how they will address the primary intention behind their construction. A museum in New York, for instance, will have to be designed based on how a museum ought to function and not on how the structure will stand visually appealing to its visitors. The â€Å"form follows function† approach stands in direct contrast to the idea prevalent during the 19th century that architectural design should bestow more significance to aesthetics. John Ruskin, for instance, proclaims that a building is not strictly a product of architectural ideas if it is not adorned in certain respects (Bliss, p. 37). Thus, an office building will not only have to serve its purpose. Rather, it will also have to be appealing to the senses of its occupants. The shape of the building will not only have to be sufficient enough in order to accommodate the target number of occupants. It will also have to be ornamented with figures on its topmost floor, or its windows will also have to be visually appealing when viewed from a certain distance. This formidable clash between architectural ideas only signifies the fact that each idea belonging to a certain generation is presumably significant first within that generation and second to the generations which later used that idea as a platform for other architectural ideas. This observation is clearly manifested in the way 19th and 20th century architectural ideas stand in opposite ends. They contradict each other in terms of approach but subsequent generations of architects may have found their own ways to strike a balance between the two. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the primary concern for each of these generations is on the nature per se of the architectural design. In more recent times, the idea that architectural designs should follow the concept of â€Å"sustainability† reflects the notion that these designs should also take into consideration the prevailing social and environmental conditions (Watson, p. 121). Much of what can be called â€Å"sustainable buildings† is designed in such a way that they minimize environmental hazards or that they promote an ecologically friendly environment. This type of architectural idea is significant today since it directly addresses major environmental concerns including the use of natural resources. For example, the use of wind turbines and solar panels in providing electricity to modern buildings can help lessen the demand for electricity derived from coal-powered electric plants. Also, designing buildings with larger glass windows allows for sunlight to penetrate and provide the light, thereby reducing the need for light bulbs during the day. In essence, the approach places great premium on the environmental effects of architectural designs, from lighting fixtures to the materials used in the ornamentation of the structure. With the continuous depletion of the planet’s natural resources and the unending threats to the environment, sustainable architectural designs significantly help in reducing the environmental dangers. If the proper allocation of â€Å"earth-friendly† materials for the aesthetic construction of a building reaches a global scale, there is reason to believe that the present environmental problems will be addressed in the long run with far-reaching benefits. As it can be observed, architectural ideas belonging to certain generations reflect the respective social conditions and aesthetic interpretations in those times. Looking back, the early architectural ideas still have their influence on contemporary designs. Architects still have to consider the durability, utility, and the beauty of the designs of their buildings, without which buildings will be devoid of use, will disintegrate faster and put thousands of lives in grave peril, and will look as though they are sore to the eyes so much so that they fail to inspire those who dwell in them. Architects will also have to reflect on whether or not they have to put form over function, or the other way around, especially with regard to the very intention of why the structure needs to be constructed. Ideas in the field of architecture can truly survive great lengths of time precisely because they remain significant not only for those who lived those ideas during their time but also for those architects today who seek inspiration. One architectural idea may give rise to another. Or an architectural idea being criticized for its preference for function over form may result to yet another idea harmonizing function and form into a single design. At any rate, it can be said that the significance of architectural designs rests on their application. If they hardly apply to any immediate need, they may lose their influence and eventually become mere footnotes in the annals of the history of architecture.

How and When to Apply for Social Security Benefits

How and When to Apply for Social Security Benefits Applying for Social Security benefits is the easy part. You can apply online, by telephone or by walking into your local Social Security office. The hard part is deciding when to apply for your Social Security retirement benefits and rounding up all the documents youll need when you do. Are You Eligible? Becoming eligible to get Social Security retirement requires both reaching a certain age and earning enough Social Security credits. You earn credits by working and paying Social Security taxes. If you were born in 1929 or later, you need 40 credits (10 years of work) to qualify. If you stop working, you stop earning credits until you return to work. No matter what your age is, you cannot get Social Security retirement benefits until you have earned 40 credits.​ How Much Can You Expect to Get? Your Social Security retirement benefit payment is based on how much you made during your working years. The more you earned, the more youll get when you retire. Your Social Security retirement benefit payment is also affected by the age at which you decide to retire. You can retire as early as age 62, but if you retire before your full retirement age, your benefits will be permanently reduced, based on your age. For example, if you retire at age 62, your benefit would be about 25 percent lower than what it would be if you waited until you reach full retirement age. You also need to remember that monthly premiums for ​Medicare Part B are usually deducted from monthly Social Security benefits. Retirement is a great time to look into the pros and cons of a private Medicare Advantage plan.   According to the Social Security Administration, the average monthly benefit paid to retired workers in May 2017 was $1,367.58.   When Should You Retire? Deciding when to retire is totally up to you and your family. Just keep in mind that Social Security replaces only about 40 percent of the average workers pre-retirement income. If you can live comfortably on 40 percent of what youre making at work, problem solved, but financial experts estimate that most people will need 70-80 percent of their pre-retirement income to have a comfortable retirement. To draw full retirement benefits, the following Social Security Administration age rules apply: Born in 1937 or earlier - Full retirement can be drawn at age 65Born in 1938 - Full retirement can be drawn at age 65 years and 2 monthsBorn in 1939 Full retirement can be drawn at age 65 years and 4 monthsBorn in 1940 Full retirement can be drawn at age 65 years and 6 monthsBorn in 1941 Full retirement can be drawn at age 65 years and 8 monthsBorn in 1942 Full retirement can be drawn at age 65 years and 10 monthsBorn in 1943-1954 Full retirement can be drawn at age 66Born in 1955 - Full retirement can be drawn at age 66 and 2 monthsBorn in 1956 Full retirement can be drawn at age 66 and 4 monthsBorn in 1957 Full retirement can be drawn at age 66 and 6 monthsBorn in 1958 Full retirement can be drawn at age 66 and 8 monthsBorn in 1959 Full retirement can be drawn at age 66 and 10 monthsBorn in 1960 or later Full retirement can be drawn at age 67 Remember that while you can begin drawing Social Security retirement benefits at age 62, your benefits will be 25 percent less than what they will be if you wait until your full retirement age as shown above. Also keep in mind that no matter when you start drawing Social Security benefits, you must be 65 to be eligible for Medicare. For example, people who retired at their full retirement age of 67 in 2017 could get a maximum monthly benefit of $2,687, depending on their work and income history. However, the maximum benefit for persons retiring at age 62 in 2017 was only $2,153.   Delayed Retirement: On the other hand, if you wait to retire beyond your full retirement age, your Social Security benefit will automatically increase by a percentage based on your year of birth. For example, if you were born in 1943 or later, Social Security will add 8 percent per year to your benefit for each year that you delay signing up for Social Security beyond your full retirement age. For example, people who waited until age 70 to retire in 2017 could get a maximum benefit of $3,538. Despite getting smaller monthly benefit payments, people who start claiming Social Security retirement benefits at age 62 often have good reasons for doing. Be sure to consider the pros and cons of applying for Social Security benefits at age 62 before doing so. If You Work While Getting Social Security Yes, you can work full or part-time while also getting Social Security retirement benefits. However, if you have not yet reached your full retirement age, and if your net income from working is higher than the annual earnings limit, your annual benefits will be reduced. Beginning in the month you reach full retirement age, Social Security will stop reducing your benefits no matter how much you earn. During any full calendar year in which you are under full retirement age, Social Security deducts $1 from your benefit payments for every $2 you earn above the annual net income limit. The income limit changes every year. In 2017, the income limit was $16,920.   If Health Problems Force You to Retire Early Sometimes health problems force people to retire early. If you cannot work because of health problems, you should consider applying for Social Security disability benefits. The amount of the disability benefit is the same as a full, unreduced retirement benefit. If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, those benefits will be converted to retirement benefits. Documents You Will Need Whether you apply online or in person, you will need the following information when you apply for your Social Security benefits: Your Social Security numberYour birth certificate, or proof of U.S. citizenshipYour W-2 forms or self-employment tax return (or both) for the last year you workedYour military discharge papers if you served in any branch of the military If you choose to have your benefits paid through direct deposit, you will also need your banks name, your account number and your banks routing number as shown on the bottom of your checks.​ Working While Collecting Social Security Retirement Many people choose or need, to keep working after claiming Social Security retirement benefits. However, if you continue work after claiming early retirement benefits your Social Security benefits may be reduced until you reach your full retirement age. If you retire at age 62, Social Security will deduct money from your retirement check if you exceed a certain amount of earned income for the calendar year. For example, the income limit in 2018 was $17,040 or $1,420 per month. The income limit increases annually. Until you reach your full retirement age, Security will reduce your benefit by $1 for every $2 you earn over the income limit. Once you reach your full retirement age, you will receive your full Social Security retirement benefit with no limitation on how much income you earn from working. The worse news is that Social Security does not apply the early retirement work penalty by simply deducting a small amount from each monthly benefit check. Instead, the agency may withhold several months’ entire checks until the total reduction is paid off. This means your annual budget will have to account for a certain number of months without a benefit check. Complete details on this decidedly complicated process can be found in Social Security’s pamphlet on â€Å"How Work Affects Your Benefits.† You can also use Social Security’s earnings test calculator to see how much your reduction will be and when your checks will be withheld. Also note that if lose your job, you may still qualify for unemployment benefits even though you are also collecting Social Security retirement benefits.

Berenguela of Castile

Berenguela of Castile About Berenguela of Castile Known for: role in the succession of Castile and Leon; regent of Castile for her brother Enrique I Occupation: briefly, queen of LeonDates: January/June 1, 1180 - November 8, 1246Also known as: Berengaria of Castile More About Berenguela of Castile Berenguela was born to King Alfonso VIII of Castile and Eleanor Plantagenet, Queen of Castile. An arranged marriage to Conrad II of Swabia did not happen; he was murdered in 1196 before the marriage was held. Berenguelas Marriage In 1197, Berenguela was married instead to Alfonso IX of Leon, her dowry including lands were settlement of a conflict between Leon and Castile. In 1198, the Pope excommunicated the couple on grounds of consanguinity. The couple had five children before they dissolved the marriage in 1204 to remove their excommunication. Berenguela moved back to her fathers Castilian court, with her children. Berenguela and Castile When her father, Alfonso VIII, died in 1214, her mother Eleanors grief was so great that Berenguela had to handle the burial of Alfonso. Eleanor died less than a month after her husband did. Berenguela then became regent for her young brother, Enrique (Henry) I. Enrique died in 1217, killed by a falling roof tile. Berenguela, the eldest daughter of Alfonso VIII, renounced her own claim to the throne in favor of her son, Ferdinand III, later to be canonized as Saint Ferdinand. Berenguela and Alfonso IX - Battles Over Succession Berenguelas former husband, Alfonso IX, believed he had the right to rule Castile, and he attacked Berenguela and Ferdinand who won the battle. Berenguela and Alfonso IX also fought over who would succeed Alfonso in Leon. He wanted his daughters by his first wife to be preferred in the succession. Alfonso tried to marry one of these elder daughters to John of Brienne, a French nobleman and crusader who had been named King of Jerusalem. But John selected instead Berenguela of Leon, a daughter of Alfonso by his second wife Berenguela of Castile. Some of their descendents became Englands House of Lancaster. Unification Under Ferdinand When Alfonso IX of Leon died in 1230, Ferdinand and his mother Berenguela negotiated a settlement with Ferdinands half-sisters, and he brought Leon and Castile together. Berenguela of Castile remained an active advisor of her son, Ferdinand III. Background, Family: Mother: Eleanor, Queen of Castile, a daughter of Henry II of England and Eleanor of AquitaineFather: Alfonso VIII of CastileSiblings included: Urraca of Castile, Queen of Portugal; Blanche of Castile, Queen of France; Mafalda; Constanza; Eleanor of Castile; Enrique (Henry) I of Castile Marriage, Children: Husband: King Alfonso IX of Leon (married 1197-1204)Children:EleanorFerdinand IIIAlfonsoBerengariaConstance

What To Do When Content Marketing Isn’t Working With Jon Henshaw

What To Do When Content Marketing Isn’t Working With Jon Henshaw You know that content marketing has the potential to grow your company. What if you’re not getting results, though? If you don’t have something unique to say or value to offer, it’s tough to get traction in a competitive environment. How can you create unique ideas and overcome mediocre results? Today we’re going to be talking to Jon Henshaw, an accomplished product builder and content marketer. Jon co-founded Raven Tools and is now with CBS Interactive. We’re going to talk about how to fix broken content marketing. You won’t want to miss today’s show! Powered by PodcastMotor Actionable Content Marketing powered by By AMP070: What To Do When Your Content Marketing Isn't Working With Jon Henshaw 00:00/00:00 1x 100 > Download file Subscribe on iTunes Leave Review Share Some of the highlights of this episode include: What Jon’s been up to over the past decade, from building up Raven Tools from nothing to entering the world of content marketing. Some of the â€Å"wins† that Jon has experienced over the years, as well as a â€Å"loss.† Jon’s process for staying ahead of the curve when it comes to content marketing. Tips on tackling the types of big, unique projects that will pan out, as well as Jon’s thoughts on the risks involved. How Jon promotes his biggest projects for maximum benefit. Where SEO fits into the promotion strategy. Jon’s favorite part of content marketing. Links: Jon on LinkedIn Raven Tools CBS Interactive GA Config Email a screenshot of your iTunes review to podcast@.com If you liked today’s show, please subscribe on iTunes to The Actionable Content Marketing Podcast! The podcast is also available on SoundCloud,  Stitcher, and Google Play. Quotes by Jon: â€Å"One of the great things about content marketing is that it kind of levels the playing field among other companies. You don’t have to have the tens of thousands of dollars or more in paid advertising budget. You just have to have good ideas.† â€Å"The internet is a big place and yes, most things have already been done You have to be even more creative.† â€Å"The part that I geek out the most on is actually putting that content together and writing the code behind that content so that it can perform really well.†

Emerging Technology Case Studay Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Emerging Technology Studay - Case Study Example Today, the major challenge of security officers is what to do with hypothetical attacks? Basically, these security attacks differ from using modern and innovative ways and tools of using standard weapons to making use of extraordinary technologies such as lasers to launch attacks. In this scenario, it is the responsibility of security planners to derive organized and justifiable ways to make a decision which hypothetical or unusual threats to worry about and how to prioritize among them (Jackson & Frelinger, 2009). This paper discusses some of the major security risks associated with cloud computing. This paper will also suggest the ways to deal with these issues. Cloud Computing Risks and Solutions Without a doubt, cloud computing is not only changing but also modernizing the way information technology (IT) is used in organizations today. Additionally, the acceptance and implementation of cloud computing are absolutely accelerating and much of this is being directed by always increa sing requirements for organizations to be more flexible and reliable in addressing varying IT needs (Cervone, 2010; Alter, & Harris). Thus, the idea of our medical organization to move its IT support functions to cloud computing is feasible and effective but there are certain risks associated with this transfer. In this scenario, the major problem that our medical organization can face is that clouds are hosted and maintained globally, hence, the tools, applications and data need to comply with the laws and regulations of the host country. For instance, a number of Canadian states have acknowledged it against the law for applications in their state to be hosted in the USA for the reason that the data would then put through laws of the Patriot Act. In the same way, many tools and applications in the USA cannot be hosted out of the country due to limitations in the export of computer system technology (Cervone, 2010; Alter, & Harris). In addition, due to this, the concern in which cou ntry the cloud is located and maintained is significant to take into consideration in the perspective of concerns associated with conformity, auditability, and eDiscovery. In view of the fact that the cloud computing is a distinction in computer outsourcing, our medical organization will need to have a high degree of self-assurance in the security actions, measures and protocols of their cloud computing supplier. Additionally, our medical organization can face a wide variety of issues related to HIPPA, FERPA, PCI, GLBA however it depends on the nature of the applications and hosted location of the cloud. In this scenario, technologists have already identified and categorized a wide variety of data protection and privacy risks that organizations face while using cloud computing. For instance, in case of our medical organization it is possible that its data can be accessed by hackers, released accidentally, mixed with data from their cloud suppliers’ other customers. Moreover, our medical organization must make sure that its cloud supplier can deal with any requests for information associated with authoritarian or constitutional issues (Cervone, 2010; Alter, & Harris). In order to deal with cloud computing risks our medical organ

Marketing Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Marketing Strategy - Essay Example (Kar, Verbraeck, 2007) In the premature stages of the business, there is need to focus on the marketing blend that is the product, place, price and promotion to plan and bring together your marketing activities. When you launch having to solve problems like these below, then that is the time to begin thinking more about marketing strategy. To accomplish its objective of becoming the most extremely regarded telecommunications Service Company, T-Mobile set out to make straight its present and campaign management approaches. It sought a partner to help it develop a new, customer-centric business model. IBM Global Business Services worked with T-Mobile to develop an initial business case with projected paybacks and roadmap for accomplishing the goal of company of having a particular, event-based, consumer-centric operation management program for all of its subsidiaries. This solution condensed churn speed; the churn rate of one country subsidiary is predictable to improve to 2.8% from 3.2%, nearer to main competitors in that country. Inferior customer acquisition and preservation costs were realized through enhanced, embattled event-based campaigns. (Doole, Lowe, 2005) T-Mobile International wanted to change from a typical product-centric loom to campaign management that is running mainly promotions with pre-selected intention groups to a more customer-centric approach that are focusing on applicable events in the customers life span and facilitates real-time decision-making. It countenanced two main obstacles to accomplish its goals. Primary, the conventional, product-centric loom to promotion management was deeply well established in the company, and the advancement lacked both enough customer-centricity and elasticity to adjust to rapidly altering markets. Next, each of the European company subsidiaries had factually implemented its own promotion management solution, therefore preventing T-Mobile

Exam questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Exam questions - Essay Example If the right is bought, it is called a long call; if the right is sold, it is called a short call. An option that gives the right in due course make a sale at a predetermined price is called a "put" option. If the right is bought, it is called a long put; if the right is sold, it is called a short put. i) Flexibility - Options are an extremely flexible tool. Options can be bought or sold in many different combinations for many different investment opportunities (i.e. Stocks, indices) . This allows for an investor to take advantage of varied market conditions available at a time. Options can be traded to address rising or declining markets, quiet markets or volatile markets with uncertain price directions. ii) Increased trading opportunities – There are a great number of strategies that can be adopted while trading options. These create additional profit and risk management opportunities for traders thus an increase in returns. iii) Limited risk with unlimited profits – If one buys a call option, they benefit from unlimited profit potential as the stock moves higher while the investor who buys a put option, has the benefit of unlimited profit potential as the stock moves lower. Index options are financial derivatives that give the possessor the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a basket of stocks, such as the Nasdaq – 100 index options, at an agreed-upon price and before a certain date. An index option is comparable to other options contracts, the difference being the underlying instruments are indexes. One may use index options to hedge when there is need to protect the value of the portfolio of mixed stocks in case of a market decline. Index puts are utilised in this instance. Index puts are generally used to protect unrealised profits stemming from an investor’s portfolio. There may be various classes of options that are available

Analysis of Jean Watson's Transpersonal Caring Theory Essay

Analysis of Jean Watson's Transpersonal Caring Theory - Essay Example An in-depth analysis of the Jean Watson’s theory suggests that it promotes the worldview of pragmatism rather than realism. This can be estimated from the fact that realists consider reality independent of human mind. To realists, reality is what happens in the world of physics. Realism is more about technicality and science than spirituality or sociology. On the other hand, pragmatism is more concerned with the sociological side of the picture. Pragmatism promotes the belief that humans can make a difference by manipulating things in the right manner. To pragmatists, reality is what is experienced. Reality changes as experiences change. Thus, we can improve our experiences by applying theory into practice. Pragmatism essentially links theory to practice and this is indeed, the crux of Jean Watson’s theory. According to Watson, nursing is â€Å"a human science of persons and human health—illness experiences that are mediated by professional, personal, scientific , esthetic, and ethical human care transactions† Nurses can use Jean Watson’s theory as a guide to learn what kind of interpersonal skills are fundamental to the building up of their rapport with the patients. In order to inculcate the theoretical principles into their practice, nurses need to identify the elements Watson has stressed upon. There are three primary elements of the Jean Watson’s theory, which include the carative factors, the occasion of caring, and the transpersonal caring relationship (Cara, n.d.). ... To pragmatists, reality is what is experienced. Reality changes as experiences change. Thus, we can improve our experiences by applying theory into practice. Pragmatism essentially links theory to practice and this is indeed, the crux of Jean Watson’s theory. According to Watson, nursing is â€Å"a human science of persons and human health—illness experiences that are mediated by professional, personal, scientific, esthetic, and ethical human care transactions† (Watson, 1988, p. 54). Thus, Jean Watson’s theory is based upon the worldview of pragmatism. How can nurses use Jean Watson’s Theory to further nursing knowledge in practice? Nurses can use Jean Watson’s theory as a guide to learn what kind of interpersonal skills are fundamental to the building up of their rapport with the patients. In order to inculcate the theoretical principles into their practice, nurses need to identify the elements Watson has stressed upon. There are three prima ry elements of the Jean Watson’s theory, which include the carative factors, the occasion of caring, and the transpersonal caring relationship (Cara, n.d.). Watson has discussed carative factors in order to distinguish them from the conventional curative factors. Watson believes that the curative factors are meant to â€Å"honor the human dimensions of nursing’s work and the inner life world and subjective experiences of the people we serve† (Watson, 1997, p. 50). Nursing occasion is any occasion in which a nurse encounters a patient with a need of human caring. The transpersonal caring relationship is a human care relationship which is influenced by a nurse’s commitment towards her job and her moral understanding of the nursing practice. In order to integrate the nursing knowledge into the nursing practice,

Misuse of juveniles in detention centers Research Paper

Misuse of juveniles in detention centers - Research Paper Example These problems cause degradation of the child’s mental and physical health which is explained along each of the issue. At the end, some suggestions are given along with useful tips on how to bring reform and betterment to the system. The conclusion stresses the need to realize the plight of such children and do something about their situation. Keywords: juvenile, detention, sexual abuse INTRODUCTION Juvenile refers to a person who is not yet an adult. The law defines a juvenile to be a person who cannot be held responsible for a crime and cannot be subjected to the sentences reserved for adults. They have separate courts for trials called the Juvenile courts. All the countries have different age definitions for adulthood, but on average we can set the general threshold at 18 years of age. Detentions can be handed to juveniles in juvenile courts over a variety of offenses but these detention terms are different and more lenient as compared to the normal detentions handed out to adults for the same offenses (Krisberg, 2004). There are some laws that are exclusively for juveniles, for instance laws that relate to purchase of alcohol or pornography. The sentences vary in nature from community work to therapy and group discussion behaviors. Tough sentences are only carried out in cases where the crimes are of a significant nature. Though in some developing countries juveniles are send to same prisons as adults. Even in the developed countries, some people are of the view that teenagers should be send to same prisons as normal adults as their crimes have the same repercussions in society. HISTORY The world’s first Juvenile court opened in 1899 in Chicago (Glenn, 2010). Before the nineteenth century juvenile criminals were convicted under the same laws and were termed as young adults. After the advent of the first Juvenile court, the international community eventually realized the need for such courts and separate detention centers. The need arose becaus e when these gullible children were put into prisons where their inmates were mostly seasoned criminals, they came out of the prisons as ones themselves because of the negative influence of those criminals. Some developing nations still don’t possess such separate facilities though. Juvenile courts also take care of the welfare of the children who are abandoned, poor or neglected. Sometimes, crimes such as murders and shootings linked to juveniles are tried in adult criminal courts partly because of the nature and frequency of such crimes and partly because of the public outrage over such crimes (Anderson, 1998 May-June). MSTREATMENT OF JUVENILES Children are an extremely vulnerable class both mentally and physically and therefore, are at the risk of being exploited both outside and inside of detention centers. The main purpose of juvenile detention centers is the rehabilitation of the children. It means that they should be provided with an environment where there problems ca n be handled in a way that makes them give up the habit or act that forced them to end up in the detention center. For example, if the child was convicted for drug abuse, health care should be given to him along with therapy sessions group discussion sessions. But there have been increasing instances where the children have been handled in ways that comes under the

Analysis of Jean Watson's Transpersonal Caring Theory Essay

Analysis of Jean Watson's Transpersonal Caring Theory - Essay Example An in-depth analysis of the Jean Watson’s theory suggests that it promotes the worldview of pragmatism rather than realism. This can be estimated from the fact that realists consider reality independent of human mind. To realists, reality is what happens in the world of physics. Realism is more about technicality and science than spirituality or sociology. On the other hand, pragmatism is more concerned with the sociological side of the picture. Pragmatism promotes the belief that humans can make a difference by manipulating things in the right manner. To pragmatists, reality is what is experienced. Reality changes as experiences change. Thus, we can improve our experiences by applying theory into practice. Pragmatism essentially links theory to practice and this is indeed, the crux of Jean Watson’s theory. According to Watson, nursing is â€Å"a human science of persons and human health—illness experiences that are mediated by professional, personal, scientific , esthetic, and ethical human care transactions† Nurses can use Jean Watson’s theory as a guide to learn what kind of interpersonal skills are fundamental to the building up of their rapport with the patients. In order to inculcate the theoretical principles into their practice, nurses need to identify the elements Watson has stressed upon. There are three primary elements of the Jean Watson’s theory, which include the carative factors, the occasion of caring, and the transpersonal caring relationship (Cara, n.d.). ... To pragmatists, reality is what is experienced. Reality changes as experiences change. Thus, we can improve our experiences by applying theory into practice. Pragmatism essentially links theory to practice and this is indeed, the crux of Jean Watson’s theory. According to Watson, nursing is â€Å"a human science of persons and human health—illness experiences that are mediated by professional, personal, scientific, esthetic, and ethical human care transactions† (Watson, 1988, p. 54). Thus, Jean Watson’s theory is based upon the worldview of pragmatism. How can nurses use Jean Watson’s Theory to further nursing knowledge in practice? Nurses can use Jean Watson’s theory as a guide to learn what kind of interpersonal skills are fundamental to the building up of their rapport with the patients. In order to inculcate the theoretical principles into their practice, nurses need to identify the elements Watson has stressed upon. There are three prima ry elements of the Jean Watson’s theory, which include the carative factors, the occasion of caring, and the transpersonal caring relationship (Cara, n.d.). Watson has discussed carative factors in order to distinguish them from the conventional curative factors. Watson believes that the curative factors are meant to â€Å"honor the human dimensions of nursing’s work and the inner life world and subjective experiences of the people we serve† (Watson, 1997, p. 50). Nursing occasion is any occasion in which a nurse encounters a patient with a need of human caring. The transpersonal caring relationship is a human care relationship which is influenced by a nurse’s commitment towards her job and her moral understanding of the nursing practice. In order to integrate the nursing knowledge into the nursing practice,

A part of presentation Speech or Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

A part of - Speech or Presentation Example r practice platform; whereby on one hand, there is consumer expertise and free creativity, on the other hand the ways that the consumer activities are desirable by marketers. Co-creation however has marketing challenges with the establishment of ambiences that programs the freedom of consumers to exist in ways that allow harnessing of new liberated consumers and productive capabilities (Lury, 2004). The exchange of value and production of products or service depends mostly on capturing and generating iterative social communication as well as cooperation among consumers and corporations and consumers themselves. The principles of co-creation demonstrate the reconfiguration of power and labor characteristic of knowledge based and contemporary capitalism (Prahalad,2000). Putting customers to work is not entirely a new idea. For example, the increase in rationalized processes of the Facebook world that has relied much on appropriating customer work. Facebook allows its users to share their personal information on the website and also collects information from the `like` option then sells the data to other advertising websites hence earning money through the information shared. This makes the company successful and more profitable. Hereby, the co-creation concept illustrates how Facebook transfers the logic of consumer work from the production sphere and process efficiency to innova tion and development of a new product (Ritzer, 2004). Economy of co-creation involves experiments of value creation new possibilities, which are based on expropriation of technological, affective, cultural and social labor of the customer masses. Based on the consumer cooperation, co-creation demonstrates a dialogical model that does not privilege the vision of a company on production but what constitutes on the customer value or the marketing profession. In this case, rather than make customers work to rationalize the process of production as well as focus on their efficiency,

Information System Essay Example for Free

Information System Essay Information System In Hotel Seri Malaysia Kangar Hotel Seri Malaysia Kangar is currently using the Guest Centrix system. Being the first Hotel Seri Malaysia branch and the earlier hotel amongst hotels in Malaysia that using and implement the Guest Centrix system in their management. Guest Centrix system has built integration with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, e-mail and many other. It offers a stable and friendly user-interface, improved by the wary use of colour and graphics. Hotel employees can learnt the system quickly, saving the time and money especially in the staff training. The flow of the guest cycle throughout the Hotel Seri Malaysia Reservation The customers or guests who decide to stay at Hotel Seri Malaysia can make their reservation or room booking through hotel’s website, travel agents such as Agoda or booking.com, or call the hotel itself. If the reservation is accepted, the reservation agent or hotel staffs will create a reservation record that linked with Guest Centrix system. This reservation status may include the guests detail and specific request which will help the hotel to provide modified service to the guests during his or her stay. All the details on guests may help the hotel staffs to complete the pre-registration activities such as assigning room according to the request from guest, room rate to be charged to the guest folio during the stay. The hotel staffs need to make sure that the room is available when the guests arrive at the hotel. Arrival After the guests arrive at the hotel, the front office will responsible for the registration and room assignment process. The front office need to clarify the query of the guests especially the details of the room rate or packages that had been booked on. Before that, front office need to make sure the guest’s reservation status before beginning the registration process and checking them in. The guests will filled in the registration form that contain the full name, identification card numbers, home address, billing instruction, reservation details and others. Once the method of payment confirmed and been signed by the guests, the registration process is complete. The guest may be given the key card and breakfast coupons during the stays. During The Accommodation Period During the occupancy, the front office is responsible for managing guest requests and providing the information and supplies to the guests. Also, front office should respond to the guest requests on time in accurate manner and meet the guest expectation of the hotel service. During this period, the security will be main consideration by the hotel. The front office should observe the hotel standard operating procedures in handling the guest key, guest personal property, emergencies that also important. The front office will observe the additional charges that need to be added into guest account that include the restaurant charges, or telephone bills. Departure The last element in guest cycle in hotel is checking out and creating the guests history record. During this stage, the guests will settle down all the outstanding bills or payment to the front office. After completing all the payment, the guest will return the room key card and leave the hotel. The role of Guest Centrix System in Hotel Operation Front Office Guest Centrix system has simplified the front officer in term of reservation, registration, check in and check out of the guests that staying at Hotel Seri Malaysia Kangar. The guests who make room reservation through website or travel agents, Guest Centrix system will create the booking status and store the reservation status in the hotel database. The hotel’s website has been designed to interact directly with Guest Centrix database that allows the guests or customers to see the hotel available rooms at certain date and packages offered. After the guests or customers finished their booking, the system also offers the payment option such as credit card or online banking and the confirmation will be sent by email. During the registration, the front office will indicate the guests booking status before checking in. all the details includes the room or packages that already booked should be available for the guests. The guest can check in to the hotel once the registration process complete. The key card that been given to the guests has linked with the hotel information system. The key card system will provide different information on the room occupancy status which is reserved, occupied, or available. For the checking out process, the front office will notified the guests with outstanding payment during the accommodation period. The outstanding payment is automatically been added in the guests account which is called guest folio. The guest can decide on payment method such as credit card, debit card or cash as long as the hotel accepted it. In addition, the guest information data will automatically store in the hotel information system. The record is called guest history and all the data such as guest personal information, special requirement or even past reservation is stored in Guest Centrix system. This enables the hotel staffs to identify the repeat or new guest that choose the hotel Seri Malaysia Kangar. Housekeeping The front office and housekeeping staffs were linked with each other. All the interactions between both departments especially about the room that need to be clean, inspect or repaired will automatically show in Guest Centrix system. For each room that is occupied or available, the room status will be clean or dirty. The housekeeping staffs are responsible to clean the room so that the room status changes through the Private Branch Exchange (PBX) Interface and record it as clean in Guest Centrix System. PBX interface is used to make connections amongst the internal telephone in all rooms with the Guest Centrix system. The front office will informed the housekeeping staffs by using the walkie-talkie to inspect the room and the housekeeping staffs will monitor the room. After the job done, the housekeeper will press certain code by using telephone at the inspected room and link with the Guest Centrix system and notified the system that the room is already inspected. Food and Beverages For the guests who dine in in the hotel restaurant, all the bills from the restaurant will be insert by the food and beverages staffs in the guest account that will automatically linked to the Guest Centrix system. During the checking out process, the front office may refer into the guests account to distinguish the total payment should be paid by the guests. Hotel Manual System Human Resource Human resource department in Hotel Seri Malaysia is using punch card system to organize the staffs working hour and daily attendance. The hotel will tracked the payroll total through the punch card system. Also, the human resource department using the filing system to manage the hotel staffs record. All the data of permanent, contract and leaving staffs are stored in hotel filing system. Security and maintenance For security and maintenance department, there are surveillance system which is CCTV system that monitors the hotel facilities, and surrounding areas. In Hotel Seri Malaysia Kangar, CCTV system is used to observe different areas from a central control room. In the central control room, there will be one or two security officer that will monitors through the CCTV screen display.

Pickering: The Victorian Gentleman

Pickering: The Victorian Gentleman Pickering the Victorian Gentleman: In the play many characters changed as the play went on like Pickering. Pickering in the play seemed to be a gentleman around others and also treated them as a gentleman would treat them. But in act 4 the reader sees that Pickering is not the man he seems to act or look like. In act 4 the reader sees a switch from being a gentleman to a disrespecting man. The first example is in act 4 where pickering is talking to Higgins, another gentleman who turned out to be a disrespectful man as well, about Liza while she is right in front of them. This demonstrates that instead of acknowledging Liza which is in the room during the conversation he in fact ignores her and then proceeds to talk about her and not in a good way but in a bad way. Before this happened the reader can see that Pickering treats Liza with respect and dignity but now we see that he in fact disrespects her in a very rude way. In act 5 we see pickering acts different towards Liza by acting very respectful towards her. In act 5 he talks to her in a calm very gentleman like way while Higgins goes off on Liza for her attitude in the ending of act 4. In act 5 the reader sees that pickering acts nice and confident towards Liza to convince her to go back to Higgins house to finish what he started. This demonstrates that pickering can act nice towards her Liza by acting like a gentl eman towards her. Pickerings relationship with other characters like Higgin and Liza are respectful and very gentleman like. With Higgins he treats him like an acquaintance or like a friend but nothing more. The reader can see this in act 3 when mrs.Higgin tells her son Liza is not ready to be presented to the public in which in response both Pickering and Higgins both praise Liza for she has become. Another example of Pickering with Higgins is in act 2 where we see that Higgins does not have any personal feelings towards Liza but only professional feelings. Pickerings attitude with Liza is also respectful in a professional and kind way. An example of this is in act 2 where we see when Pickering offers to pay for all the lessons to Higgins for him to transform Liza from a corner street flower girl to a perfect speaking younglady worthy of being in a high class environment. Another example where we see Pickering being very gentleman like to Liza is in act 5 where Liza is talking to Pickering about how he has helped her build the self-respect she had by Your calling me Miss Doolittle that day when I first came to Wimpole Street. That was the beginning of self-respect for me. And there were a hundred little things you never noticed, because they came naturally to you. Things about standing up and taking off your hat and opening doorsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. During the victorian time majority of the men were gentleman or at least nice to other people. Pickering during this time found his role and responsibilities and played it well by being an almost perfect gentleman. The reader sees this in act 5 when Liza gave thanks to Pickering for being a gentleman and treating her like a lady. Your calling me Miss Doolittle that day when I came to Wimpole Street. That was the beginning of self-respect for me. Another way he showed a character that was nothing but a gentleman was when he offered to pay for the lessons that Liza would have to pay for herself with the money that Higgins threw at her in act 1. Pickering gave Liza the opportunity to turn into a high class woman with the ability to be around other high class woman and act like she belonged there. This illustrates that although Higgins only took it turning Liza to a high class woman as a joke, Pickering saw it as an opportunity to turn a flower girl to something much better and he gave h er that option. In the victorian time the culture for men where either respecting women or not respecting them. Like in act 5 Higgins does not respect Liza when confronted about what happened in act 4 but when Pickering does confront her also in act 5 he does so in a manner that respects Liza in a way that does not insult her or disrespect her in any way. In conclusion Pickering shows us that he was a gentleman through most of the play and does not disrespect her in any way because those are part of his values, that is how he treats the majority of characters, and during that time that was the culture at the time.

With reference to An Arrest and An occurance at Owl Creek bridge Essay

With reference to An Arrest and An occurance at Owl Creek bridge Explore Ambrose Beirce's treatment of the theme of justice. Leann Parker With reference to 'An Arrest' and 'An occurance at Owl Creek bridge' Explore Ambrose Beirce's treatment of the theme of justice. Ambrose Beirce lived between the years of 1842 - 1914 ,though his date of death can not be for certain. He lived during the period of the civil war and was the author of supernatural stories. He wrote those stories because he was interested in the war and crime and this led too his two books; 'Tales of soldiers and civilians' and 'Can such things be?'. Justice also played a huge part in Beirce's opinion. He believed that justice had changed during the Civil war and that what was happening was somewhat unfair. He expressed this in a way to make us feel sympathetic. In each state their were different laws ,something you could do in Kentucky you might not have got away with in New York City ,justice was givenfor many different reasons. Law during the Civil warwas very different and the sheriffs (not police) found keeping Law and order very difficult. The two main stories he wrote about were 'An Arrest' and 'An occurance at Owl Creek bridge'. Beirce wrote his stories on the theme of justice and he done this because he wanted to explore the mind and feel hope and peace. The first story 'An Arrest' is about a man Orrin Brower , a fugitive on the run. He was sent to prison for murdering his brother-in-law and has longed for freedom ever since. He eventually manages to escape and runs into the forest but gets lost. He finally makes his way onto a road but on the other side spots a figure of justice who takes him back to the jail but on... ...help out, farquhar thinking he was on his side, he is then hung for doing something bad but his last 3 seconds turn into a lifetime before he is actually hung. Ambrose Beirce chose an innocent man called Peyton Farquhar as his main character because he wanted us to feel sorry for him and angry with the officers for causing the pain inflicted. Farquhar took the role in the war because he had always wanted to be part of it.He was not allowed to fight for his own country so when the enemy tricked him, he was no wiser and was trying to help his side and so he did what the enemy wanted. ' I observed that the flood of last winter had lodged a great quantity of driftwood against the wooden pier at this end of the bridge. it is now dry and would burn like a tow'. In the last moments of his life we learn so much about his personality, feelings and thoughts.

The Prodigal Son

Professor M. Smith English 101 The Prodigal Son, a parable told by Jesus Christ on his journey to Jerusalem and retold in the Gospel of Luke found in the New Testament of the Holy Bible, has become more then a tale of hope for Catholic families to hold on to but for all families to hold on to the faith they have for their children, the new generation, to do right in the world.In many cases there is a rebellious child who wishes and tries to break away from the rest of the family because he or she is feed up with the rules of the house laid down by the parents and believe they can live a lifestyle of their choosing, recklessly and with no thought of consequences that inevitably follows. Without guidance from our love ones, there is no perseverance and with no perseverance, happiness cannot exist.The message Jesus Christ was trying to convey is that God is patient and all forgiving of us but, it is up to us the sinners to realize that we truly need this forgiveness in our lives to move ahead in a positive manner that will reward us during our remainder on Earth and in Heaven to come. A parable is â€Å"a short story with the intent to teach a lesson to its audience (OED)†. I believe, though the tale is of Christianity descent, religious followers of any practice as well as atheists can relate to this story to themselves at one point in their lives or another.As a loving parent I wish all the wonders of the world for my child and for him to reach great achievements throughout his life that are more important than just being financially secure and materialized. These achievements are too have a better understanding of how to live a more fulfilling life and if religious, have faith in God that Thy will guide you to all that is bliss in the world. I can proudly say that many parents live like I do, for the gratitude of their child’s or children’s well being. In this parable, the father exemplifies a true meaning of love for his child.As the story begins, the father is asked by his youngest son to divide all the estate that will be given to him and his older brother once he passes away. The loving father is left with two choices, ignore his youngest son’s selfish request and ostracize him, if willing to, from the home or grant the request and wait suffering for his son to return, learning of his poor judgment and betrayal to his father. A numerous amount of parents teach their kids valuable lessons by allowing them to experience hands on rather than just verbally expressing what could ultimately happen.As human beings we learn much through trial and error in efforts that we can grasp the meaning of right from wrong and avoid making the same mistakes over again throughout our lives. â€Å"Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living† (Luke 15: verse 13). The young son proved to be irresponsible and became n eedy. In efforts to survive he feed pigs for a living but pondered the thought of living at home. ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, â€Å"Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants† (17-19). The son did not come to this decision because he acknowledged his wrong doing but simply desperation to feed himself. He believed in doing this act he would have to deal with the anger and rejection of his father and older brother.He was overwhelmed with fear when he saw his father running toward him but he noticed that the expression on his father’s face was full of joy. â€Å"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heave n and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son† (20-21) and his manipulative speech dissolved into nothing. It was the father’s love and acceptance that showed his son forgiveness.He called for the servants to cloth and prepare a feast for the return of the Prodigal son, â€Å"a person who leaves home and behaves in such a way, but later makes a repentant return (OED),† because â€Å"for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found† (24). Rather than just interpreting this parable as a religious lesson, that God waits for us to return to his love through penance and goodwill, we can use this as a guide to lead us to gain a better understanding and closeness with not just our parents but with all of whom we’ve been in contact with.It’s not an easy thing to do but, quite alright to fail and admit to being wrong because forgiveness doesn’t begin with God but within us. In some shape or form we have al l played the role of the young son, arrogant and lost. Some of us realize, faster than others, that we need forgiveness to overcome. Some of us haven’t forgiven yet those that have hurt us in the past, like the older brother who refused to part take in the return of his young sibling. Forgiveness is a powerful tool that we all possess and that we should all utilize on those who truly seek it.

Fragrances in textiles

Abstraction Fragrance coating of fabric stuff has been greatly expanded and used in recent old ages. It can be done by agencies of several aromatic aromas with manner design techniques as embellishment and applique. This thesis focused on aroma and interior decor. In relation to this undertaking, the subject chosen is â€Å"SPA† . SPA in the word which creates an thought of repose, composure and peaceableness in the head. It is the topographic point where aromatherapy is used. The findings provide an apprehension of different techniques and ways used to implement aromatic aroma to fabric for bed sheets. In this probes factors such as comfort ability & A ; relaxation public presentation, lastingness of aroma and laundering belongingss were investigated. The fragranced cloth can be used in place fabric application such as bed sheets, couch screen, table fabric, wall hanging. Chapter 1 Introduction 1.0 Introduction Aromatic aroma is the survey of the consequence of aroma on human behaviour to look into the relationship between feelings and emotions such as relaxation, quieting, alleviating emphasis excitement, sensualness, felicity and good being. ( 1 )Titleâ€Å"Aromatic aroma in place textile†PurposePurposes of this undertaking are to set up a physical connexion between us and aromas through day-to-day usage in place designing 1.3 AimTo analyze the benefits and side effects of aromatherapy on interior designing.To look into the usage of aroma to add olfactory property to bed linen.Explore ways to add aroma finish to textile stuffs.To develop advanced method of fabric use and embroidery utilizing several techniques ( samples )To suggest originative bed sheets and pillow instances designs.1.4 organisation of thesis ( work program ) Chapter 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW This chapter consists of research work carried out harmonizing to the undertaking purpose and onjectives. It provides a brief reappraisal of the method used to add aromatic aroma to fabric and embroidery and technics used to make originative merchandises for interior decor. 2.1 Introduction Home fabric such as bed linen, pillow screens, bed sheets do non stay fresh due to mundane usage. This textile stuff contains a batch of microorganisms that gives off bad smell. Hence aroma coatings are applied. It adds a batch of values to the merchandise and aroma compound infuse a feeling of wellbeing and freshness. 2.2 AROMATHERAPY â€Å"Aromatherapy can be defined as the controlled usage of indispensable oil to keep and advance physical, psychological and religious wellbeing† . ( Gabriel Mojay’s ) Aromatherapy can be defined as the usage of volatile works oil, including indispensable oils for physical and psychological well-being ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.geocities.com/hotspring/spa/4278/findex.html ) . Aromatic may be classified as a kind of medical intervention or a division of holistic medical specialty. At the same clip it may be believed that aromatherapy is a proved scientific discipline used in the bar and healing of disease. Aromatherapy is the curative usage of plant-derived, aromatic necessity oils to advance physical and psychological well-being. It is often utilize in combination with massage and other curative techniques as portion of a holistic intervention attack. Aromatherapy is the usage of concentrated indispensable oil extracted from flowers, herbs and other works parts for curative utilizations against different provinces. Aroma healer used more than 100 oil, which are separated under the persons which strengthen ( e.g. Rosmarinus officinalis ) , tone ( e.g. lemon grass oil ) or relax ( e.g. orange flower ) other oil usage include basil, Citrus bergamia, black Piper nigrum, camphor, cedar, camomile, fennel, olibanum, Hyssopus officinalis, jasmine, lavender Melissa, patchouly and rose, assorted aromas ( e.g. lemon apple-cinnamon ) are said to better enhanced accomplishment of mental undertakings and cut down clerical mistakes. hypertext transfer protocol: //medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Aromatherapy 2.2.1 HISTORY OF AROMATHERAPY Aromatherapy has been polished since aged times. But the existent day of the month ( or clip period ) when aromatherapy might hold been introduced is much debated. Most adept claims that the ancient Egyptian was the first to pattern aromatherapy. Ancient Egyptians disposal distinguished the physical and religious belongingss of these oils and used them in their day-to-day life. The Egyptians used these oils for their embalmment method and over clip they became cognizant of the mending belongingss of these oils ( 2 ) ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/what_is_aromathery.html ) Egypt was considered the birth topographic point of aroma. It’s been 6,000 ago, Egypt discover the curative net incomes of rub downing with indispensable oil. The usage of aromatics spread all around history from Egypt to Israel, Rome, Greek, and the whole Mediterranean universe. Each society formed patterns of aroma utilizing oil, but during that age, a great trade about this acquisition might hold been lost. India is the lone topographic point in the universe where this usage has been ne'er lost. Essential oil landed in Europe from antediluvian states through reformers. The Europeans use this acquisition to their local workss, for illustration lavender, rosemary and thyme. These oil were non accessible to normal or mean individuals, because they were really expensive. Therefore there was a diminution used of indispensable oil. The Gallic chemist Dr. Rene-Maurice Gattefosse who is considered the â€Å"father† of modern twenty-four hours aromatherapy was the first to utilize the term â€Å"aromatherapy† in the twelvemonth 1928. He was really working in his family’s aroma concern and highly fire himself in a bad luck. He burn his manus what’s more forearm to 3rd grade. He puts his manus to the nearest VAT of cold liquid to decrease the hurting. The liquid was lavender oil. He was shocked to happen as much torment lessening and there was no inflammation, redness or rankling. He realized that lavender was mending the burn. The burn cured without a hint or a cicatrix. For Dr. Gattefosse, this started a life-time of find for him larning about indispensable oil. He began to look into lavender oil and continued continuing a big figure of other oils get downing from different workss. He learned after his many researched that the mending belongingss of workss originate in the indispensable oils. In 1937, he published a book on anti-microbial effects of the oils. An probe of history after World War 2 introduces us to Dr. Gattefosse co-worker Dr. Jean Valnet, who was a curative Doctor. He started his ain probe on the belongingss of indispensable oil during the twelvemonth after World War 1. He was a renewing physician in the Gallic armed force during World War 2. Treating assorted kind of lesion. There was an efficiency of supplies and medical specialties run out including antibiotics. He tried indispensable oils, the lesion mended rapidly and infection was lessen. Many combatants were saved due to indispensable oil. Dr. Jean Valnet has written about indispensable oil therapy and in 1964 published the art of aromatherapy and the motion in Europe had metempsychosis. Around those same clip, a Gallic adult male Albert Coureur, published a book on medical utilizations of indispensable oil and Madam Marguerite Maury, a Gallic biochemist make an exceeding system of using indispensable oil to the tegument with massage and established the 1staromatherapy centre in Paris, Great Britain and Switzerland and learned the rejuvenating belongingss of indispensable oils. â€Å"Her research was published as The Secret of Life and Youth ( 1964 ) . Micheline Arcier surveies and worked with Maury and valvet and their combined techniques created a signifier of aromatherapy that is now used around the universe. Many other Gallic medical physicians deeply skilled in curative indispensable oil followed Gattefosse and Valnet. Today thousand pattern aromatherapy in Russia, France, the Ukrain, England and many other states. Most people do non cognize how indispensable oil went to united provinces but if we look at history, we figure a 3rd coevals characteristic therapist from Switzerland, Anna Marie Butler continued the research of indispensable oil. She gets into contact with Dr. Lapraz and Dr. Durrafourd medical practician with indispensable oil. They were besides the president and General Secretary of the Gallic Phyto-Therapy and Aromatherapy association. She took her extended instruction through these and set up the â€Å"phyto-Aromatherapy† institute in the united province to go on her research on indispensable oil. â€Å"as we all hunt for good wellness and look back to the beginning of a circle. Our ascendants gathered medical workss and herbs to make place redresss for all sort of illness† . With scientific discipline exploratory promotion and the presentation of different sorts of chemical drugs, medical specialties we began to put our well-being in the custodies of the medical foundation. For a pill or medicine of some kind for about any complaint ( along with side effects ) we attempt to mend our organic structures and wellness when they are broken alternatively of maintaining them from interrupting in the first topographic point. As a consequence we distance ourselves with nature and the natural ways that could by and large assist us keep our well-being ( mentally and physically ) . Our organic structure can make good occupation at forestalling unwellness and illness if we take good attention of it and supply it with the right things. Our organic structure were non made to procedure chemicals. These same chemicals can be used in natural signifier ( from works non manufactured transcripts ) to maintain us traveling without side effects. ( 3 ) ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.aromatherapynaturalhealing.com/ ) 2.3 ESSENTIAL OILS Essential oils are the elusive, volatile fluid that is refined from workss, bushs, flowers, trees, shrubs and seeds. They are extremely concentrated oils that have a solid aroma. They are usually made through the process of distillment which separate the oil and H2O based compound of a works by steaming. Essential oil in reverse to the word â€Å"oil† is non by and large oil feelings at all. The bulk of indispensable oil is clear. Essential oil contains the echt kernel of the works it was derived from. Essential oils are extremely concentrated. 2.3.1 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ESSENTIAL OILS AND PERFUM Essential oils are obtain from parts of workss, aroma oils are stimulated made olfactory property or have unreal substances and do non gives the curative advantages that essential oils offer. 2.3.2 ESSENTIAL OIL APPLICATION Few common ways indispensable oils are used today:TOPICALLY Essential oil have a really little size and of the chemical weight of less than 1000m. harmonizing to scientific testing, any substance with a molecular weight below 1000m should be absorbed by the tegument. This mean that indispensable oil have the capacity to perforate the tegument and base on balls into the blood watercourse and into separate zone of the organic structure for internal curative benefits.Figure 1 locallyAROMATICALLY there is cogent evidence that indispensable oil are absorbed into the blood stream when breathed in. the extended sum of blood vass in the lungs absorbed the oils and so go around them all around the organic structure. Using a diffusor can assist you see the advantages of indispensable oil. You can spread lavender to cut down emphasis, melaleuca to cleanse the air, wild orange to better temper, olibanum for religious enlightenment.figure 2 AromaticallyIngestion indispensable oil can be used as p owerful medical specialties. Most indispensable oils are safe for internal usage but a small spot goes long manner. By and large 1-3 beads is assorted with H2O Oils like Mentha piperita, lemon, frankincense bring extraordinary internal benefit and can be taken with H2O.figure 3 consumptionPERSONAL CARE Today the fastest manner indispensable oils are being utilized by doing place made DIY personal attention merchandises. An first-class manner to take benefits of indispensable oils to heighten your beauty, place and long term well-being. Some of the best DIY formulas to utilize indispensable oil with includes ; shampoo, toothpaste, lip balm, organic structure butter and family cleansing agent.figure 4 personal attentionDr. Axe’s Essential Oils Guide(hypertext transfer protocol: //draxe.com/essential-oils-guide/ ) 2.4 AROMATIC FRAGRANCE AS HOME PERFUME Mentions ONLINE SOURCEAromachology – Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AromachologyWhat is Aromatherapyand where did it come from,Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/what_is_aromathery.html ( Accessed: 20th January 2015 ) .DebraAromatherapy & A ; natural healing,Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.aromatherapynaturalhealing.com/Aboutme.html ( Accessed: 28th febuary 2015 ) .Dr. Axe’s Essential Oils Guide,Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //draxe.com/essential-oils-guide/ ( Accessed: 28th febuary 2015 ) .Sophie Borland ( 21 October 2011 )Can aromatherapy oils toxicant you? How bantam atoms ‘may harm liver and kidneys ‘Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2051976/How-aromatherapy-oils-poison-Tiny-particles-oils-damage-liver-kidneys.html( Accessed: 10th December 2015 ) .Fernando Tovia/Philadelphia University/ ToviaF @ PhilaU. edu /Applied Operations Research Natalie Weathers/Philadelphia University/ WeathersN @ PhilaU.edu /Textile and Apparel Marketing ( 2005 )Scent-Infused Fabrics to Enhance Consumer Experiences,Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ntcresearch.org/pdf-rpts/AnRp05/F05-PH03-A5.pdf ( Accessed: 30th November 2014 ) .

IT and Organizational Structure Alignment

Information technology has become a vital aspect to any large corporation. Managing information to effectively balance control and coordination is a challenge to business leaders. Correctly aligning structure with information technology can save valuable time and resources. Understanding the relationships between the flow of information and how it relates the chain of command is important to utilize information. Businesses use a variety of structures to align information technology with the organizational structure. In order to effectively align information technology with an organization's structure, the goals of the company and the goals of the information system must be determined. The development of a new structure to accommodate technology is becoming commonplace in business. For example, USAA an insurance provider decided they needed to increase customer satisfaction by providing faster and more effective service. Prior to the change departments were independent from each other and control was highly centralized. The old organization was preventing quick responses in a company where response time is the single most important criteria for the customer. The company flattened its structure and coordinated departments with information systems. This gave employees decision-making power and allowed for quicker response times to the customer. (Garreth, 379) In a production-based company, the information requirements are different. Hewlett-Packard underwent serious change in organizational structure in 1989. The high-tech company was struggling to provide new products at the rate of its competitors. The CEO traced the problem to the product development process. The process was sequential and was wasting time in a highly competitive industry. He redesigned the hierarchical structure of the company and improved the process. He reduced the time-consuming committee based decision-making process and flattened the structure by eliminating two levels of management. The result was interdependent departments that communicated using information technology. This new structure has dramatically reduced the time it takes to introduce new products to the market (Garreth, 382). Business is constantly changing and an organization must be ready to adapt. In today's constantly changing business world, organizational structure and information systems must constantly be evaluated. An organization must be willing to redesign the structure and determine how IT can streamline the process. The coordination between IT and organizational structure can be directly traced to customer satisfaction and profit. Taking advantage of information technologies can greatly improve the performance of a business.

Variable Costing and Samanta Shoes Research Paper

Variable Costing and Samanta Shoes - Research Paper Example Transportation costs are directly proportional to production cost. Transportation of raw materials from one area will affect the shoe price. Materials that are outsourced from remote locations will, therefore, increase the price of the shoe. Research and development costs are directly proportional to the production cost of shoes. Increased research and development will lead to higher shoe prices. Manufacturing of new shoes based on intensive research will also lead to increased shoe prices. 2. Founders’ decision making is mainly influenced by the variable costing method that is mainly affected by production levels. Variable costs are directly proportional to production levels. Absorption costing allows incomes to increase as production levels rise. Use of absorption costing by the management artificially inflates the incomes of the company (Horngren, Datar, & Rajan. p 45). Absorption costing in the period of production depicts that fewer costs are incurred and more income for the

How Professionals Think in Action Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

How Professionals Think in Action - Essay Example Usher et. al. (1997: 143) sum up well the crisis he identifies. The model suggests that learning occurs through reflective responses to the problems of the practice itself; reflection in and on practice creates knowledge. To understand we divide the concept into two parts, viz. professional knowledge and reflection in action and secondly, professional context for reflection in action. Considering professional knowledge and reflection in action first we question the rights and freedoms of professionals; who and to what extent license has been given to them to determine who shall be allowed to practice, their mandate for social control, and their autonomy are also to be questioned deeply and their professional claim to extraordinary knowledge in matters of human importance. Today many professions are facing the crisis of confidence in the professions, leading perhaps to the downfall and also the decline in professional self-image, has resulted in a growing skepticism about professional effectiveness in the larger sense, a skeptical reassessment of the professionals actual contribution to societys well-being through the delivery of competent services based on special knowledge. All the problems are linked and interconnected, environments are turbulent and constantly changing, and the future is indeterminate just in so far as managers can shape it by their actions. Under these conditions what needs to be done is an important question. It is not only the analytic techniques which have been traditional in operations research, but the active, synthetic skill of "designing a desirable future and inventing ways of bringing it about." (Ackoff, 1979) The unique case calls for an art of practice which "might be taught, if it were constant and known, but it is not constant." This leads to a dilemma faced by the practitioners; these practitioners are therefore frequently embroiled in conflicts of values, goals, purposes and interests. Thus, emerging are the competing views of professional practice and therefore, competing images of the professional role, the central values of the profession, the relevant knowledge and skills have come into good currency. According to Edgar Schein, there are three components to professional knowledge; which include an underlying discipline or basic science component upon which the practice rests or from which it is developed, an applied science or "engineering" component from which many of the day-to-day diagnostic procedures and problem-solutions are derived and lastly, the skills and the attitudinal component that concerns the actual performance of services to the client, using the underlying basic and applied knowledge. (24, Schein: Professional Education, 1973) Hence, we see that the researcher's role is distinct from, and usually considered superior to, the role of the practitioner. The perspective of Technical Rationality holds that professional practice is a process of problem solving. These problems of choice or selecting a decision are solved through the selection, from available options and means, and based on which one is the best suited to establish ends. But there is always an increased emphasis on problem solving, and thus problem setting to a large extent is ignored, the process by which we define the decision to be made, the ends to be achieved, the means which may be chosen. In real-world practice, problems do not present themselves to the practitioner as given. The problems must be constructed from the