Hca/250 Motivation and Organizational Culture

Motivation and Organizational Culture HCA/250 Amy Carson University of Phoenix 4/2/13 Ayame Nakamura is a Japanese immigrant who is employed by a drug organization in California. The company’s administration is confrontational and interferes with Ayames ethnic background and also challenges her cultural background. This paper will discuss workplace motivation techniques, the influence of organizational culture and the role of management in workplace psychology. Workplace motivation techniques: Administration plays a significant role in psychology at the work place.Some of the major duties they are responsible for are setting standards for good work etiquette while maintaining quality and quantity for their goods and services. Management may need to take on many different roles to achieve these responsibilities. For example; the role of a firefighter to extinguish tempers of customers and coworkers, the role of a police officer to settle disputes and maintain discipline or orde r, or as a friend to encourage trust and honor among the company. Whatever problem that may arise, administration needs to have the ability to cope and solve them in a quick and proficient manner.The atmosphere must have a secure, impartial and equality feeling for both the workers and management in the workplace. Security is not just a physical feeling of being safe in the office but also assurance of their mental state regarding job stability, fair treatment, mental and physical comfort without harassment, favoritism or unfair judgments. Administration should be comprised of leaders, individuals who positively impact other people while not abusing the administrative powers. Management has 5 key elements that incorporate self-awareness, inspiration, societal skills, sympathy as well as self-administration.Anyone in an administrative role must be regarded as reliable, honest, skilled, persistent, open to suggestion, and dedicated in the eyes of their workers. Build a foundation, If an employee knows nothing about a company’s history than there is no feeling of investment which in turn keeps that employee un interested in the company’s future. When creating an atmosphere, a happy company is a productive company. Employees look for advancement within their company. Without the ability to develop growth in a career, most employees feel trapped in a dead end job.Take consideration of current skills and future goals of employees to decide what may become of them down the road. Improving your professional training programs and educational development for employees will instill a feeling of investment in their future and your company’s which will translate into improved job performance. It is important not to forget the fun, give unexpected diversions like a free pizza lunch, an early leave day or anything that will show your appreciation in an unplanned way. Acknowledging contribution of employees can make a huge morale boost especially if recog nized in front of their coworkers.Offering incentives to perform well will give motivation and competition to employees. Put your money where your mouth is by honoring all promises that you make to an employee. Failure to pay up may lose not only the trust of that employee, but of all who hear their story. Career coaching is a good way to provide employees with the ability to reach the next professional level. Bring in professionals that offer personal counseling for life’s dilemmas whether personal or professional because both can affect the work environment. And finally, match a person tasks to their talents or they will be unconfident or more prone to failure.Influence of organizational culture No matter how different or similar one culture to another is, the other culture will seem abnormal because it is a system of informal rules that govern the behavior of that society. Cultural organization is unique and configures their norms, beliefs, values, and behavioral character istics into the individual and groups that unite to get things accomplished. Patterns begin to evolve and become a rule of basic assumption; whether it is a new idea, one recently discovered or under development by a certain group as they learn to cope with internal integration and external adaptation problems.Cultural characteristics are hard to define because culture is multi-dimensional with integrated components that intertwine at different levels and ever-changing which takes time to establish and therefore time to change it also. Culture becomes the fabric or social glue that unites its participants, this will counteract any processes that are different becomes an unavoidable side-effect of life in an organization. Mutual understandings and a shared system of meanings becomes the basis of communication in a cultural organization.Functions of a society need to be fulfilled with a certain amount of satisfaction or culture can impede the efficiency of that organization. Problems with this concept arise when trying to categorize culture or when, why, or how corporate culture should be changed or finding the best, healthiest or most desirable one. References: Arthur unknown 1999-2013 retrieved on 4/3/2013 from: http://www. allbusiness. com/motivate-your-employees/16567613-11. html#gsc. tab=0 Armstrong, Michael 2009 retrieved on 4/3/2013 from: http://av4kc7fg4g. earch. serialssolutions. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/? ctx_ver=Z39. 88-2004&ctx_enc=info%3Aofi%2Fenc%3AUTF-8&rfr_id=info:sid/summon. serialssolutions. com&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:book&rft. genre=book%20item&rft. title=Armstrong%27s+Handbook+of+Human+Resource+Management+Practice&rft. au=Armstrong%2C+Michael&rft. atitle=Organizational+Culture&rft. date=2011-01-01&rft. pub=Kogan+Page+Ltd&rft. isbn=9780749452421&rft. spage=383&rft. epage=399&rft. externalDocID=1718700036

Hamlet’s procrastination: a study on his failure to act Essay

Hamlet is a play written by William Shakespeare, between the years of 1599 and 1601, under the reign of King James I. The play, set in the kingdom of Denmark, recounts the tragic tale of how Prince Hamlet enacts revenge on his Uncle Claudius, for murdering his father, (King Hamlet), marrying Gertrude, (his widowed mother, King Hamlet’s wife), and succeeding to heir of the throne. The tragic flaw, (Hamartia), of the protagonist Hamlet, is arguably his procrastination in the enactment of his revenge. Throughout the play, Hamlet had many opportunities to avenge his father’s death by murdering Claudius; however, there was always seemed to be something restricting him. There are many reasons as to why Hamlet may have delayed the revenge: be it the fact that Hamlet feared the consequence of killing, maybe he doubted the ghost, it could be that Hamlet didn’t want to hurt his mother, or maybe even the fact that he was a renaissance Prince, and didn’t believe in violence. Hamlet’s procrastination cannot be proved by either one of these theories, but rather, a complex combination of them all. The most notable reasons as to why Hamlet delayed in the killing of Claudius are because he doubted the nature of the ghost, and the consequence that came with killing another man, and because he did not want to hurt his mother. Whatever the case, it is quite evident that Hamlet procrastinated the avenging of his father’s death, thereby causing the deaths of Gertrude, Laertes, Polonius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and most importantly, himself; this procrastination – no other factor – is refutably Hamlet’s tragic flaw. At the beginning of the play, the ghost presented itself. No one knew who, or what the ghost wanted. It was Horatio who had to speak to the ghost: â€Å"If thou art privy to thy country’s fate, / Which, happily, foreknowing may avoid, / O, speak! / Or if thou hast uphoarded in thy life / Extorted treasure in the womb of earth, / For which, they say, you spirits oft walk in death, / Speak of it: stay, and speak† (Shakespeare 1. 1). Hamlet was not sure however who the ghost really was. Following his religious beliefs, Hamlet may have easily interpreted the ghost as being an evil spirit. To determine whether Claudius was guilty of killing his father, and furthermore clarify the identity of the ghost, Hamlet conducted a play, in which the murder of his father was re-enacted. This play, known as the murder of Gonzago, was directed by Hamlet in which Horatio, would observe the reaction of Claudius. If Claudius would become hesitant, Hamlet would then know, the ghost spoke the truth: â€Å"I’ll have grounds / more relative than this – the play’s the thing / wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king† (Shakespeare 2. 2). Horatio observed that Claudius did react hesitantly, and therefore, Hamlet now knew that Claudius was guilty. Hamlet was quite religious. This is seen in the prayer scene: â€Å"Now might I do it pat, now he is praying; /And now I’ll do’t. And so he goes to heaven; / And so am I revenged. That would be scann’d: / A villain kills my father; and for that, / I, his sole son, do this same villain send / To heaven. † (Shakespeare 3. 3. 77-82). This quote explains to the audience that Hamlet is very religious; he fears the result of killing. If he was to kill Claudius while Claudius himself was praying, Claudius would have been sent to heaven, (as his soul was cleansed), and Hamlet would have been forced to suffer the sin of killing. And finally, the last possible reason was that Hamlet did not want to hurt his mother. Hamlet did not want to upset his mother, especially after the ghost, Hamlet’s father, warned Hamlet to not hurt her in any way. Hamlet said, â€Å"will speak daggers to her, / but use none† (Shakespeare 3. 2). This indicated Hamlet’s protection to his mother. He spoke to her in an abrupt tone at times, but never physically treated her in any such way. Hamlet didn’t want to kill Claudius because he didn’t want to see his mother suffer a loss of another loved one. Sigmund Freud, a great scholar, goes deeper than this, and explains the situation as, â€Å"Oedipus Complex. † Freud explains that Hamlet is in love with his mother. In Shakespearean time, incest was not publicly acceptable. Claudius was the only person that was forcing Hamlet to not have sexual relations with his mother. Hamlet, in his subconscious mind, had a desire to do exactly what his uncle had done; that is, get rid of the husband so that he can have Gertrude for himself. If that is true, Hamlet cannot act because he is fighting against his subconscious; he knows he wants something that is entirely evil, and if he were to go through with it, he would be no better than Claudius. Freud continues this analogy with the fact that Hamlet is only able to kill Claudius at the end of the play, because his mother has just died. Therefore, Claudius serves no further purpose, and Hamlet can complete his revenge. Throughout the play, it is quite evident that Hamlet’s tragic flaw is his procrastination in the avenging of his father’s death. Most scholars tend to agree with the fact that the, â€Å"Oedipus Complex,† seems to be most logical in the explanation of his procrastination; still, some critics believe that Hamlet simply thinks too much. He wants the murder of the King to be perfect. Claudius has to go to hell. The people have to know about the murderer Claudius. Hamlet spends too much time planning and not enough time doing; thus, making the King’s murder more complicated than other murders he has orchestrated. This procrastination is ultimately responsible for the deaths of most major characters, and the entire outcome of the play. Had Hamlet enacted his revenge at the beginning of the play, the play as a whole would have been un-existent. Not until everybody is dying, including himself, does he realize that he should not have waited so long. He understands the consequences of his delay, and all of his pent-up rage explodes, and he murders the King; getting the revenge he was after from the beginning. It seems at this point, however, that it is no revenge at all, but simply the last tragic mistake of lifeless indecision. Works Cited N.A. â€Å"Why does Hamlet delay the Revenge.† http://www.bookrags.com/essay 2005/11/27/135143/31. Book Rags, 2006. Web. Nov. 2, 2011. N.A. â€Å"Hamlet.† http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamlet. Wikipedia, Nov. 2, 2001. Web. Nov. 2, 2011.

Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 9

Assignment - Essay Example alued and measured and as such how organizations will effectively communicate the contents of their business plan to key stakeholders such as the relevant investors and employees. Lastly this paper will provide my opinion on which of the three businesses is the most likely to succeed and which of the three businesses is most likely to fail. The format that this paper will take is to first present the business case, present a little background information on the company and follow up with the relevant analysis by conducting a marketing plan, operational plan, financial plan, an a human resources plan for each business. The first sample business plan that this paper will address will be Singapore Airlines proposed all business class service. According to the Company Website (2010) Singapore Airlines has introduced a daily air service to New York (Newark) and to Los Angeles on their new A340-500 which would be fitted with 100 seats configured in a 1-2-1 floor pattern. According to BTN Online (2008) it was the case that the airline had first proposed the idea a few years ago and had proposed a price at approximately $8,200 per person for the Newark flight. While this seems like a dramatic change for the airline it was the case that the company had been moving this direction for quite some time, as many of the same planes in operation have a two class system and feature only a total of 181 seats. Singapore airlines have long been known as the flagship carrier of Singapore, and operate a fleet known to be one of the larges air carriers in Asia. It is the case that the company according to their website has been in operation since 1947 when the company was founded as Malaysian airways. The company has long tried to differentiate itself from a number of its competitors as offering one of the more premium flying experiences in the world and as of 2010 it ranks among the top air carriers globally in terms of revenue earned from passenger kilometers. As the company is

Report - Usability and Anthropometrics for ROWENTA Intensium Bagless Assignment

Report - Usability and Anthropometrics for ROWENTA Intensium Bagless Vacuum Cleaner - Assignment Example By the end of the report a clear evaluation of the appliance achieved by experimenting it with users will be covered. The report also offers an analysis of performance in regard to ergonomic principles. Although, it is widely thought that bag-less vacuums were developed just the recently, the features have been in use since time immemorial.  The previous vacuums, for example used bag-less qualities until about three decades ago, when the feature was discarded.   The manufacturers abandoned making bag-less vacuums on hygienic grounds.   The usability of such appliances was low.  One had to remove the bag part off and empty the dirt in the garbage. This was a daunting task, especially when a dustbin or refuse disposal was not near.  Additionally, the appliance’s use over time would result in the clogging of the filtration in the bag, following more dust accumulation (Gavriel, 2012). Most users were prompted to wash the cloth bag in order to achieve adequate efficiency when the cloth had become dirty.  The current world has, however, seen the comeback of the bag-less vacuum. Rowenta Intensium Bag-less Vacuum Cleaner is arguably one such equipment that is as well-lik ed as before due to its effective usability qualities. According to Gavriel (2012), the primary reason behind the widespread use of the appliance is that one does not need to purchase vacuum bags to operate it. This implies more savings on the part of the user.  Additionally, as the chamber in which dirt collects becomes increasingly filled with dirt, it should just be removed and emptied in the refuse bin.  Another advantage of using the Rowenta appliance is that any more accumulation of dirt in the chamber does not impact its continued functionality, and that one can practically read the amount of dirt being absorbed by the vacuum cleaner, hence the ease to tell whether the appliance is functioning well, and the level of dirt

Solar Panel Energy as an Alternative to Traditional Electrical Energy Research Paper

Solar Panel Energy as an Alternative to Traditional Electrical Energy for Residental Dwellings - Research Paper Example The solar energy is a significant source of energy to all living things on the earth. Traditionally, individuals depended on fossil fuels such as coal and oil for electricity production. However, coal and oil being fossil fuels are infinite and cannot be renewed or regenerate themselves. According to research conducted, it is evident that the fossil fuel reserves will become exhausted in few centuries to come. Traditionally, there existed a belief that an alternative fuel to coal and oil would be nuclear power. However, its rate of nuisance is characterized by the 1986 Chernobyl catastrophe in Japan. This has made solar energy to be regarded as the best replacement for fossil fuels. This is because of its greatest accuracy and safety. In addition to that, it is the most reliable and impressive energy source. For instance, the solar radiation on an average day can be five times higher in summer as compared to winter. Nevertheless, in winter to be precise during the sunny day, it is po ssible to capture a radiation of 4-5kWh/M2 /day. This is possible in regardless of the temperatures within the surrounding (Brown, 2006). Solar systems and panels are significant in solar power exploitation and have application in various dimensions. These are such as, domestic hot water preparation, heating of pool water, technology process heating and heating of buildings via heat input. In residential dwellings, there is incorporation of solar thermal systems that are modern without any difficulties in the facilities of the building (Hodgson, 2008). Furthermore, the systems have a longer lifespan (more than 20yrs) thus making them to be effective in complementing the modern technology of heating. Thus, the purpose of this proposal is to analyze solar panel energy as an alternative to traditional electrical energy for residential dwellings. Problem Statement The demand for energy in the world is increasing rapidly. People require energy to communicate, light their houses, and prep are their meals among other functions. The demand is as a result of increased population growth and individuals living standards. The utilization of energy in the world has doubled over centuries. The main source of energy being utilized in the world is oil whose production is projected to peak in the coming few years. Another most utilized source of energy is coal. Coal and oil greatly pollutes the environment. For instance, they are the major causes of climate change and acid rain. That is why the world needs urgently cleaner energy to satisfy its energy demands and reduce negative environmental impacts as a result of traditional method of electrical production. Justification of the study Many environmentalists and scientists perceive that the world needs to reduce on its greenhouse gas emission for purposes of decreasing global warming. Greener energies such as solar power provide a solution to this problem. Even though solar energy is a cleaner alternative source of energy, ther e exist many challenges that need to be addressed. The challenge is such as its ability to be utilized on a wide scale and replace the utilization of fossil fuels as the principal source of energy. In comparison to other methods of electricity production, solar energy is a renewable form of energy that is clean; the solar panels can be utilized sufficiently and effectively to heat homes and water.

Online Social Entrepreneur Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Online Social Entrepreneur - Essay Example From the essay it is clear that social enterprises are relatively different from the traditional commercial organizations in the sense that they apply business and commercial strategies for maximizing improvements in human and environmental well-being. As such, social enterprises are directed by the ultimate goal of making real change in the human life while not focusing on maximizing their own profits. There is therefore a fundamental difference between how social enterprises and commercial organizations approach the business. This discussion stresses thatmobile apps have been a new revolution in the international economy wherein small developers have been able to develop small applications fulfilling various purposes. Over the period of time, millions of applications have been developed for various platforms including Apple iOS, Google Android as well as Windows 8. These applications are sold through various business models wherein some are offered free, some are paid whereas some are hybrid in nature offering some features for free while premium features are paid in nature. This research proposal will outline as to how business models followed by mobile apps can have potential applications for the social enterprises. This paper will comprises of a literature review, research question and methodology, analysis and results, discussions and the implications and finally recommendations and conclusion will be offered.

The Impact of Price Changes on the Brand Equity of Toyota in Saudi Essay

The Impact of Price Changes on the Brand Equity of Toyota in Saudi Arabia - Essay Example .............................................................................................................. 5 Table of Contents .................................................................................................................. 6 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................... 8 1.1 Background of the Research Problem ........................................................... 9 1.2 Problem Statement ........................................................................................ 11 1.3 Aims or Purpose of this Study....................................................................... 12 1.4 Research Objectives ....................................................................................... 12 1.5 Research Questions ........................................................................................ 13 1.6 Significance of the Study ..................................... .......................................... 13 1.7 Rationale for Choosing the Research Topic.................................................. 13 1.8 Research Procedure ...................................................................................... ... ............................ 19 2.1 Conceptual Framework and Research Hypothesis ........................................ 20 2.1.1 Conceptual Framework .................................................................. 20 2.1.2 Research Hypothesis for Further Verification ............................... 22 2.2 Importance of Establishing Strong Brand Equity †¦.....†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 26 2.2.1 Brand Loyalty ................................................................................ 29 2.2.2 Brand Awareness ............................................................................ 34 2.2.3 Brand Association ........................................................................... 36 2.2.4 Perceived Brand Quality ................................................................. 39 2.3 Importance of Effective Pricing Strategy ...................................................... 41 2.4 Significance of Pricing over the Development of Bran d Equity †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...... 46 2.5 Significance of Price Changes on Consumer Behavior ............................... 49 2.6 Chapter Summary ....................................................................................... 53 3. Research Methodology ............................................................................................. 56 3.1 Research Hypothesis ..................................................................................... 3.2 Research Survey Questionnaire Design........................................................ 3.3 Target Population, Sample Size and Research Venue .................................. 3.4 Research Ethics ............................................................................................. 4. Research Findings and Analysis

Econimic impacts on Emirates Airline Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Econimic impacts on Emirates Airline - Essay Example Operating in 55 countries and to 77 destinations, Emirates airlines is one of the major airliners in the world at present. It has started its operations from Dubai in 1985 and currently serving in almost every major destinations of the world. It has won the best airliner award many times because of the excellent services it offers to the customers. But still it is facing stiff challenges at present due to the recession. This paper briefly analyses the economic environment of airline industry in general and emirates airlines in particular. Financial experts believe that Emirates airlines future could be determined by Dubais sister emirate, Abu Dhabi government (Milmo et al). Currently Dubai is undergoing a severe financial crisis and the reports from Dubai shows that one of the biggest organizations in Dubai, â€Å"Dubai world† is on the verge of destruction because of financial crisis. Dubai government is waiting for Abu Dhabi’s help in sort out the economic problems. â€Å"Emirates is owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, which is in turn controlled by the Dubai government† (Milmo et al). The current financial crisis of the Dubai government may force the government to think in terms of a merger between Emirates and the Abu Dhabi counterpart Al-Itihad. The increased focus on diversification by neglecting other areas of business has created a strategic failure in the Emirates’ airline business. Emirates blindly went after acquisition strategies to extend the wings by overlooking other areas like the service sector. Stakeholders and their interests were overlooked by the company when they concentrated more on other aspects of the operations. The customer service standards have been adversely affected and the reputation of the airline has been affected badly in the last few years. The bargaining power of the sellers is low at present especially because of the current global recession. At the same time increased

Friendship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Friendship - Essay Example This seems to be contradictory to authors who seem to have the idea that friends who are equal tend to bond more closely than those that are unequal. From a critical examination, friendship should be complementary as the parties people are unique beings with different capacities and potentials. The author seems to hold the idea that friendship is crucial in eliminating loneliness among individuals who are isolated from their families. Those who have little contact with their relatives and families benefit by entering into strong friendships with those who they associate with every day. In chapter one, Steinbeck states, "Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They dont belong no place....With us it aint like that. We got a future† (13-14). The implication of this statement is that the purpose of friendship is to eliminate loneliness that one may suffer from after isolation from their family members. Steinbeck holds the idea that friendship is an important perspective of life for many people. Another idea that the author puts across is that friends are meant to look after each other for the sake of their own good. On this note, friendship is meant to be a two way relationship in which all parties benefit symbiotical ly. One of the characters, Lennie, in chapter one says that â€Å"because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and thats why†, a statement that shows the nature of their friendship (14). This is the foundation of the relationship between the two friends. In this light, the story provides that friendship is crucial as it provides members of the society with an opportunity to benefit from social relationships. There is a great controversy on whether friendship is based on the inequality of the partners or on their similar attitudes. From the beginning of the novel, we note that the two friends, Lennie and George, are

Escape and Evade Training Essay Example for Free

Escape and Evade Training Essay The applications of military simulations can be categorized into three types: 1) those for research, development, and acquisition, 2) those for the study of advanced concepts and requirements and; 3) those for training, education and military operations. In the first group, simulation models provide insight into the cost and performance of military equipment, processes, or missions that are planned for the future. The second category allows the military to develop a doctrine of operations, create an internal organization, and select materials for acquisition. The third group of applications includes a simulation system involving specific military scenarios where soldiers and military personnel test doctrines, experiment with new ideas, and assess the usefulness of military concepts in a real warfare situation. The Vehicle Driving course familiarizes Soldiers with driving skills needed to traverse rough terrain. (from American Army) A simulated environment in military training most often consists of a virtual model of a three-dimensional representation of a system that is operating in a digital three-dimensional environment that includes military vehicles and humans that would appear on a battlefield. In this virtual model, individual soldiers are immersed in a system that generates visual, aural, and tactile stimuli that aims to train, test, or measure the ability of the human to respond in a desirable manner to the stimuli (Smith, 2007, p. 2). The US military also use constructive models where the user is not immersed in the virtual environment but is the one controlling the elements of the model. The constructive model is different from the virtual model lies in the method of human interaction, the lack of a three-dimensional representation of the object or system, and the number of objects being controlled by the user. In the constructive model, the user could control several objects or groups of objects. Computer technology has however developed constructive simulations known as Semi-Automated Forces (SAF) systems where the human user and intelligent models of human behavior embedded in the software both control the objects in the simulated system. The user maps out and directs the mission while the SAF supports the user by providing detailed control of activities like movement and engagement. The advantage of constructive models are that they allow a user to comprehend the operations of a much broader battlefield and to capture the behavior of a higher-level aggregate of objects, Also, constructive models could represent the organization, representation, and information that are used in the real military organizational hierarchy. (Smith, 2007, p. 4) Military simulations also consist of engineering models that represent properties of materials, liquids, aerodynamics, servomechanisms, and computer control of specific systems in an attempt to understand the physical capabilities of the system at a level that is accurate enough to be used to design the system. Through the use of advanced computer technologies and modeling techniques, the military could develop digital models of systems that are nearly as predictive as are live physical tests because sensor, communication, and recording equipment can be placed at the precise place and time of interest. Military engineering models also include interactions between two physical objects or between an object and its environment. The primary benefit of using simulated models is that learners are not limited to using just a few physical prototypes and could conduct experiments in infinite variations to collect data from all points in space and time around the event of interest. (Smith, 2007, p. 3). The American Army website features virtual games that provide players with the most authentic military experience available, from exploring the development of soldiers in individual and collective training to their deployment in simulated missions. The required training missions give the player an idea of what its like for real U. S. Army Soldiers to train for duty. The training games include Basic Combat Training (BCT), Advanced Individual Training (AIT), Advanced Marksmanship (Adv. Mkshp), Airborne School (Airborne), Medic Training (Medic), Special Forces Training (SFAS). Virtual simulation in healthcare and medical training Virtual simulation is now widely for medical instruction and study as it effectively links classroom learning with real-life clinical practice. Guided by their current medical knowledge, medical students are able to learn important clinical skills in simulated true-to-life medical settings before they work with real patients. Simulation-based techniques immerse medical students in real-life learning situations for various types of learning in terms of knowledge, tasks and skills, decision-making, and teamwork. It offers focused learning experiences that cannot be readily obtained using traditional techniques or in real patient care situations. Knowledge of facts, concepts, and the relationships between them such as the fundamental description of human biology and physiology, the applied description of the human body in health and disease, the conceptual and practical basis of therapy, evidence-based protocols that guide optimum therapy are more mastered through virtual simulation classroom techniques (Stanford School of Medicine). Unlike some other disciplines that utilize words, drawings, numbers, and spreadsheets, health care requires psychomotor skills of the clinician who lay hands on a patient and perform important procedures. Tasks and skills that encompass the practical and physical parts of medicine and health care could well be developed and honed through virtual simulation because these psychomotor skills can only be mastered hands-on training. Such skills include physical examination, blood drawing, invasive procedures (such as spinal tap or chest drainage) and complex surgical procedures (such as laparoscopic surgery or cardiac surgery) and catheter-based interventions (such as â€Å"cath-lab† procedures treating aortic aneurysm or carotid artery blockage). (Stanford School of Medicine)

Board Game Company In Singapore Marketing Essay

Board Game Company In Singapore Marketing Essay This business plan is my year 3 third term final project, in fact, has a certain commercial value. It is not allowed to reprint or copy without my consent. Once discover this action, Ill be notified police to dispose. Number of words: 11,485 Student: Mo Xiaoran (0909005722) Date: 15th OCT 2012 Acknowledgement This project could not accomplish without my friends support and encourage, very thankful. Especial thanks my lecturer Miss. Canny Chow, thanks for her support my business idea, and continue to give suggestion for this project. I wish to thank for my parents support and encourage, thank for their educate me and make me success. Thank You Executive Summary This business plan is described how to start-up a board game company in Singapore. This business project is aim at realize that formal procedures of set up a business in Singapore. Which shows at this project divide into seven part, conception of board game company businesses; company product and services description; industry market and competition analysis; market strategy; funding request; pro-forma sale scale and financial plan. Goblin Games LLP focus on provide a good board gaming environment for players, providing a perfect game experience for customers. Let people realize the benefit of board game, and eliminate prejudice of board game culture. According research and analysis, board game industry is an underdevelopment industry in Singapore, thus it is an opportunity for business, this business plan explained how grasp the opportunity and how to use it make a large profit. In this business plan, Goblin Games LLP provides a comparative reality forecast of sales and investment. As a business plan with S$200,000 investment and can gain profit and second year, it is a worthy business plan. This article is a good business guide for entrepreneur. Introduction A board game is a game that involves counters or pieces moved or placed on a pre-marked surface or board, according to a set of rules. Many time people have some wrong ideas at the board game, some people think board game is a modern product and will have a negative influence on a certain extent, especially the eldership. It is different with people think, board game originated in earlier time. Board games are very popular around Egypt, Greece and Roman, who have been playing them for thousands of years. In 3000 BC, Egyptians used mud gaming boards to play the games. The discovery of the oldest board games has been recorded in the history.. Certainly, many different nationalities play board games in different way, such as Tabula in Roman Empire, Vikings introduced board game named in 400 AD, and at the follow, in 1100, the popular game Draughts was invented in the France, AD. In 1935, the most popular board game was introduced in United States, called Monopoly, this is most of people know the first board game. In the last few years, board games have gained popularity across the globe. Irrespective of other entertainment means, such as TV and video games, they continue to be popular. Description of Goblin Games LLP 2.1 Goblin Games LLPs Establish As we know, Singapore as a country which has the most floating population (in unit area) and the largest population density. It becomes the center of the international tourism in Southeast Asia. It seems that for various reasons, Singapore has a large potential market of entertainment industry (such as board game industry). On the other hand, comparing with the other Southeast Asia countries, Singapore is considered as a business friendly country. Singapore government provides a lot of preferential policy (taxation etc.) for emerging small enterprise, especially the emerging cultural industries likes board game industry. The rudimentary potential market with government support, Singapore becomes the best choice of Goblin Games LLPs enterprise development. 2.2 Current Status Board game industrys characters (emerging industry, not mass production and operation activities, do not need large-scale raise funds) decided Goblin Games is a new limited liability partnership (LLP) in Singapore market. As a LLP company, GG will own many advantages, for example: Separate Legal Identity, Limited personal liability, perpetual succession and Ease of compliance. All of these will help GGs operation more stable. That the reason why GG register to become LLP. Registration of a new LLP must be submitted online use Biz File, ACRAs electronic filing and information retrieval system. The registration processes are as follow (ACRA): 1) Using the identification number and Singapore pass to login to Biz File and submit your online transaction. 2) Engage the services of a professional firm or a service bureau can help you to submit application online 2.3 Registered Name: Goblin Games limited liability partnership. 2.4 Registered Address: According our fact finding, purchase a company land is unpractical, rent a business place is more suitable. Weighting various factors, Toa Payoh is the best choice of our company. About the reasons, the first, Toa Payoh is a resident activity center which different with Orchard, it is more inclined to populated area. Other industry may prefer to local at commercial center. GG focus on provide a leisure service place and convenient customer consumption. (Registered address: Toa Payoh RMT station, Singapore). 2.5 Vision Statement Lynch, R (2009) explained that the vision statement is a challenging and imaginative picture of the future role and objective of an organization, significantly going beyond its current environment and competitive position. Create entertainment, create life Goblin Games LLP devotes itself to create an unqualified and cleanly game environment, providing a high quality customer services. GG will fight for bring joy for customers. Games are our business and pleasure. 2.6 Mission Statement Generally, the mission statement as a statement should include succinct representation which the organization purpose. The mission of an organization outline the broad directions that it should and will follow and briefly summaries the reasoning and values that lie behind it (Lynch, R. 2009) About Goblin Games LLP, the mission statement is as follow: Goblin Games LLP wants to become a world-class board game company with professional and innovative staff. GG focus on providing the best service and board game environment for Singapore players, for our staff, GG wants to set up a professional management team with the love of board game. GG hopes people are able to gain something that positive and useful in the game. 2.7 Objective of Short/Long Run For long term objective, Goblin Games LLP devotes itself to create a better game environment, for peoples happiness. GGs short term objective is aim to realize the long term objective. We strive to recruit professional and innovative staff, provide a high quality customer services and advertise the true board game culture. The main goals of GG company for the first three years of operation are as follows: First rent a large space about covers an area of 500 square meters nearby Toa Payoh MRT Station, nearby center region Singapore. Require the space is divided into fluctuation two parts. The first floor is designed as board game center, provided for customer play board games and pastime. The second floor will become games workroom, it is designed for our staff work, such as design and transformation board games etc. Recruiting some professional who love board games and have work ethic. Provide professional service for customer to attract more board game player, certainly, our surpassing clients expectation. Development and design one or two board games and receive plays favors in center region even whole Singapore. Absorb 150 members in the first operating year, 400 in the following year and absorb more in the third year. GGs board games appear in other board game bar at second operating year, make the payback period within three years. Become one of the best board game service company with the best reputation in Singapore. Planning expansion board game center business in southern part of Singapore. 2.8 Management Team Jon R. Katzenbach explain that in the best companies, a so-called top team seldom functions as a real team, (Business Leader). Set up a management team has a large necessity, it is central in the concept of leader effectiveness. The management team is the entire work group as a collective, not an aggregate of individuals, limited without in the area of freedom allowed by its position in the organizational hierarchy. Nowadays, the management team is used in the enterprise, no matter the enterprises scale. A smart management team will make some great reward and maximum value. In concrete terms, Thomas,G (2012) expounded that build a management team has many benefits are as follow: The members of an organization will be more identified with the goals of the organization and consider about its success if they join in making decisions about those goals and how to achieve them. Set up a management team gives its members a feeling of greater control over their lives; it frees them from the fear of the leaders arbitrary use of power. When group members join in solving the groups problems, they learn a great deal about the technical complexities of whatever the groups work is; they learn with each other, as well as from the leader. Developing a management team is the best kind of improve staffs abilities. 2.9 Company Director: MR. Mo Xiaoran as the GGs director. ACRA is the only authority of singapore company registered. ACRA rule that the company director must reached the age of 18. Director must be Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident or employment pass (EP) holder when the director and shareholder as the same person. The number of director, retirement and reappointment method should be write in to company regulation. Director s responsibilities include make the company decision and negotiations of external activities. 2.10 Company Secretary: MISS. Fish Leong. After the establishment of the company 6 months, company must appoint a legal secretary, her responsibilities include: Timely submit the company act specified in the report and form to commercial note. Take good care of the companys name and meeting record. Where necessary, sign for official contract and the board of director resolution. Ensure that company documents properly covered the company seal. 2.11 Current activities brief summary Basing on the corporations vision and mission, absorb a large number of professional talents, produce a comfortable working environment for staffs, creat more board game for game player. GG not only meet the needs of existing players, but also vigorously promote board game culture to develop more board game players. Striving to let players to experience the game pleasant sensation at the same time, taste to board games excitement and fun, divergent thinking and benefit. Indusrty Analysis 3.1 Board Game Industry All the game company and entertaining services company are belong to entertainment industry. GGs major products are board games and supporting services (Board game center). We perfer GG belong to board game industry. European and American board game industry started early, nowaday, there are some strong industry members, such as Fantasy Flight Games (FFG), Z-Man Games and Hasbro, they are efforts of new entrants to gain a market foothold in Europe and America. In China, there are also have a number of rising board game companies, such Yoka Games and QianZhi, they are promoting the development of Chinese board game industry, but they are not mature enough,most of products are base on Chinese culture. That make the products get into international market will be difficult. In Southeast Asia, the board game industry has just strated, it is an undeveloped market, it is beneficial to GG. 3.2 Porter Five Forces Porters Five Forces model The Porters Five Forces model is defined by David (2009). This model is a widely used approach for developing strategies in many industries. The intensity of competition among firms varies widely across industries. Porter explains there are five forces that impact industry attractiveness and long-term industry profitability. These five forces are: Rivalry among competitors Threat of new entrants Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of substitute products or services Table 1: GGs Porters Five Forces (Source: Create for this enterprise project) 3.2.1 Rivalry among competitors (Strong) Johnson (2010) explained the strength increases as the number of competitors increases or they become equal in size. Demand for the industrys products declines or industry growth slows. Fixed costs or barriers to leaving the industry are high. The intensity of rivalry between competitors in an industry will depend on: 1) The structure of competition. 2) The structure of industry cost. 3) Degree of differentiation. 4) Switching costs. 5) Strategic objectives. 6) Exit barriers. In Singapore board game industry, the case of Goblin games there is less competition, but in the whole game industry, GG face a strong competition, it depends on the board game facing the impact from video games and computer games. Such as the leader of computer games-EA, Blizzard. Some of people prefer to stay at home and play computer games. There are many traditional electronic game centers in Singaporean shopping center. Some kids prefer to play games which can gain prize. As a new industry, it is obvious that board game industry has a clear market leader. It is an opportunity of GG, but it also let some well-known board game companies strategic objectives aim at Asian board game market. When competitors are pursuing aggressive growth strategies, rivalry is more intense. Facing the strong competition, GG must be implementing more effective strategy. 3.2.2Threat of new entrants (Ordinary) It is a factor that indicates the likelihood of entrants coming into an industry and creating competition for existing companies, new entrant to industry will raise the level of competition. Coulter M (2010) describe that the threats of new entrants depend on the barriers of entry. This risk is lower if there are significant barriers to entering the industry, such as regulation, patents or capital requirements. Threat of new entrants is higher if there is an excessive profit to be earned or entrance barriers are lower. As a matter of fact, set up a board game company is different with banking industry, with no need for too much money like bank, however a good board game company has to allocate a set of equipment. In board game industry, originality is base of work, lots of second class board game company has a few new element when they develop games. Blindly imitation cannot gain the customer groups. Nowadays, the society environments make a lots of people become scholasticism. More and more people do not want to innovate. So if recruit the game designer who has the innovation is the key factor to success. As a company, it is difficult to switch the capital. That means once invest capital into board game industry, it is difficult to switch to another industry, vice versa. According the industry analysis, it easy to find that board game new entrants will face a strong competition in the international market of global scope, and competition will be weaker in Singapore. However the new entrants will face the impact from video games industry at the same time. According the Porter Five Forces model, high production-profitability threshold requirement will decrease the threats of new entrant. The most of board game company founders are the hobby board game enthusiast, the companies are difficult to get government financing, once cannot make profit in short term run or has a low profitability ratio, it will be difficult to business. So in board game industry has a relatively high production-profitability threshold requirement. In board game industry, the main products are all kinds of similar games, Arthur A, John E and A J Strickland (2007) described an important barrier of entry is products differentiated or well-known brand names. In Singapore there are not lots of well-known board game corporation. An overall consideration and rational estimation of GGs threat of new entrants are ordinary. 3.2.3 Bargaining power In a setting where both parties have more or less equal bargaining power, the potential to negotiate a resolution that is acceptable to both parties is usually much easier to accomplish. If the balance of power not be equal, one party will have a decided advantage over the other, and be in a much better position to dictate terms. As a result, the party with less bargaining power often has to settle for less than what he or she desires in order to receive any benefit at all from the transaction. 3.2.4 Bargaining power of buyers (Ordinary) The buyers affect an industry through their ability, such as force prices down, bargain for higher quality or more services, or even play competitors against each other, described by Wheelen and Hunger (2010). In the trading market, business profit is low when the bargaining power of buyers is great, and buyer will spend more on the contrary. There are some key factors which affect the bargaining power of buyers. One is the proportion of consumers and supplier (market purchase quantity), the second is the products standard whether has little differentiation between competing products in the industry, sometime the standard is reflected by product price and quality. The third impact factor is whether the industry is key supplying group for buyers. For example, in the case that there are relatively few suppliers of goods or services, and each supplier provides good or services at price are similar to those by his or her competitors. Buyers power is weak if the industrys products are necessaries. Board game industry faces different area will get different result by buyers power. For example, in somewhere that board game into peoples life and the board game industry are strong. That means customer has more choice when face different products. They will choose to buy the cheaper one with better services, so the corporations which have no market and popularity need to reduce the products price and provide better service. In this case, the buyers bargaining power is strong. As we know, Singapores board game industry is a fledging industry. Most board game customers are foreign holiday tourists. According to the characteristics of the most visitors, they dont care about the games expenditure if these games are good enough to attract them. In a general way, people are difficult to impact the products price in an emerging industry with a few competitors, but the most of older generation do not accept game culture. GG must do some promotion through underselling, provide professional guide the new customers and so on. That means GGs board game industry in Singapore will service for customers with a certain extent bargaining power. 3.2.5 Bargaining power of suppliers (Ordinary) Coulter, M (2010) explain that industrys suppliers have bargaining power, they can raise prices or reduce the number of services provided or the quality of products that industry purchases. Except produce board game, GG also operating the game center as a place where gamer play games. It is the main source of income. Most of board game center rely heavily on game company as supplier, the supplier has a lots of stabilized buyer and master the high bargaining power. For Goblin Games, its supplier is not so important in the future. At the present stage, GGs board game center will buy in some famous games for satisfy customers require, but the key lies in promoting own new games. Because of GG in a fledging period, it will face a certain pressure from suppliers bargaining power. 3.2.6 Threats of substitute products or services (Ordinary) The best of way to evaluate this threat is to see whether there are other industries that can satisfy the consumer need that our industry is satisfying (Coulter. M, 2010). The substitute products are few, the threats will be low. It impacts an industry through price competition. Products from one business can be replaced byproducts from another. Most of board game companies product are produce and issue all kinds of board game, the products in board game industry are similar, the only distinguish method is game category, such as simulation game (SLG), simulation game (SIM) and role playing game (RPG) and so on. But in Singapore people it is difficult to get some famous board game which produced by board game company. The traditional games expenditure is higher than board game, it means that end users have high costs in switching to substitutes, in a certain extent, it reduce the threat. There are lots of substitutes in board game industry, but on account of GG board games special nature, Goblin games avoided the strong threats of substitute products, and the threat is able to further reduce through some special operation. 3.3 SWOT analysis SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis is a method for analysis organizations business, resource and environment (Riley, J 2009). The SWOT analysis is the foundation for developing organizations strategies and tactics and that then help the organizations design business operating plan. The key point about SWOT is that: Strengths and weaknesses Are internal to the business. Relate to the present situation. Opportunities and threats Are external to the business. Relate to changes in the environment which will impact the business. Table 2: GGs SWOT analysis (Source: created for this business plan) 3.3.1 Strengths Goblin Games LLP as a new board game company locate in Singapores residential area. Many people want to play board game to pastime and relax, but do not want to leave far away from home (go to shopping center region). GG board game center is their best choice. GG provide a various services. For our board game products, we offer the online order, and we have professional staff response for customers question on official forum. In GG board game center, we provide all kinds of board games and drinks, snacks (include free and charge). When you feel uncertain on one games rule and game method, we have professional staff help grasp the game as soon as possible, help for a perfect game experience with customers. Have a good management team, will gain a good beginning. Goblin Games pay attention to build and train management team. It most important that management team is fill smart people with clear thinkers, understand what needs to be done, and skills of delivering good results. 3.3.2 Weaknesses Weaknesses are the qualities that prevent us from accomplishing our mission and achieving our full potential. These weaknesses deteriorate influences on the organizational success and growth. Because of GG is a new company, it very difficult to in a market place. Even though, Southeast Asia is underdevelopment market, because of this the well-known board game company will not give up the opportunity. Meanwhile, the well-known brands are more popular in peoples mind. In Singapore, there are several old board game bars. People may prefer to expend in here. People are always habit old things and difficult to accept new one. Apple Inc. is a great company, its products drive some new things appear, such as electronic board game. That true has impact for GG board game centers business, but I believe that people will be more like multiplayer games. 3.3.3 Opportunities Opportunities are presented by the environment within which our organization operates. These arise when an organization can take benefit of conditions in its environment to plan and execute strategies that enable it to become more profitable. Obviously, Singapore is a large potential market for board game industry. In this high-speed operation country, many people may be tired of mechanical life. They do not want to face computer, they are care about the health and interpersonal relationship, GG board game center grasp the opportunity and provide a good place for them. Singapore is a business friendly country, and about new culture industry, the government support emerging industry development (taxation, company registry). 3.3.4 Threats Threats arise when conditions in external environment jeopardize the reliability and profitability of the organizations business. They compound the vulnerability when they relate to the weaknesses. Threats are uncontrollable. Seem from external environment, the threat not only from the same industry, but also come from all kinds of public place entertainment and holiday resort, such as internet bar, cafà © bar and video arcade. Because of the industry category, the barriers of entry are not high, there may arise some competitors will form a strong competition in initial stage. Once that it easy to cause the board game industry become low side industry, it is against GGs profit. Products Services Considering the scale of GGs business, GG will not provide much products at present. About the GGs means of profit divide into two parts, one is issue and sell the board games, we have professional board game designers provide the most original design, then the art directors and product department will show the design to board game players. The other part is operation the board game center, in the board game center, we offer a unlimited place with complete equipment and all kinds of board game for customer, we have professional game instructor to help you to understand the games rule as soon as possible. It a good place to relax yourself, make friends and study. Certainlly, we will purchase many board games from other well-know board game companies at present there are many well-know board game companies, such as Yoka Games (Chinese), Fantasy Flight Game (Roseville, MN, America), Z-Man Games (New York, America), etc. 4.1 Description of Products and Services In this part, we will introduce three board games which offered for customers by Goblin Games LLP Board Game center. SAN GUO SHA (Killers Of The Three Kingdoms) This board game include RPG, reasoning, team, hand management factors. Its the most popular board game in China which created by yoka Game. San Guo Sha blend in history and culture of Chinese the three kingdoms and the characteristics of western killer games. According the players indentity with in a game card form. In the game, the player will act a military commander of three kingdoms, combined with the identity of this round, through round and round of strategy and action, gain the final victory with companions. It is a successful board game which assemble the entertaining, competive, interactive, collaborative as one, and focus on cultural connotations. Carcassonne This is a Germen style board game. Carcassonne is suitable for two to five player play together. Carcassonne was designed by Klaus who won in 2001 the Spiel des Jahres prize. This game will take exercise for peoples managing strategy. Every time in game will emerge different strategy and alliance relation The werewolves of Millers Hollow In a brief, werewolves of Millers Hollow is a KillGame with more factors. It has been nominated for the 2003 Spiel des Jahres award. It is suitable for 8 to 18 players play together. The game mainly composed by the werewolf special villagers and ordinary villagers, the werewolfs goal is to devour all the villagers, the goal of the villagers is to find the hidden werewolf villagers and destroy them through a lot testimony which provide by special villagers with special features for the game. This game will exercise peoples observation and analysis ability. About the source of additional revenue, in GGs board game center we provide all kinds of drinks and snacks for customers. Certainly, GG will self-produce some board games to supply for market. This is GGs second part business, look away from long term profit, it has more market value than board game center. Because of the professional board game developers has in no, result in the technology is immature, we are difficult to issue own board game product at present. 4.2 The Charging Standard of Goblin Games Board Game Center In general, the GGs product and service pricing is base on our labor force and equipment cost. According the most of board game bar or board game centers price and make appropriate adjustment. GG try to echo customers consumption concept, at the same time consider own compitive requirement. Set up the basci charging standard are as follow: Table 3: Board Game Center charging standard (*Note: where ph means per hour, all the GG board game center basic charge base on 1 hour. The vip card means membership card which can provide a discount of basic charge in board game center. GGs membership provides ten percent discount, and once the customers number of consumption to 10 times, the customer will get a luckly chance to gain any one board game product.) Market Competition There are a lot of kinds of methods for analysis market, usually it may take two distinct forms. The first is investors look at the market and decide for make investment decisions, whether it is going down or up. The other is used for marketers, they through analysis the target market of their customer and make decision for improve sales and profitability. Board Game Market Outlook Board game industry as a emerging industry, it bring up a market which different with traditional industry. The market are focus on peoples spiritual life rather than substance. Seen from the outside, the board game market coverage is may not big, and somebody think the board game only has young people customer groups. In fact, board game is suitable of each age group. Nowadays, most of the middle-ageds cricle is small, increasingly, people are lack of communicate skills exercise. In board game, player will meet many stranger with same hobby. Nowadays, peoples quality of life has improve. They will be willing to spend for rich leisure life rathan than stay with computer. Board game is a good idea for them. PESTLE PESTEL Model PESTEL is used to find out the current status and position of an organization or individual in relation to external environment and current role. PESTEL can be used as a basis for future planning and strategic management. PESTEL is one analysis mode of external environment. It covers: Political factor Economic factor Social factor Technological factor Legal factor Environment factor Identifying PESTLE influences is very important in a business plan, it help the manager realize the companys external environment, and adopt some strategy on time. 5.2

My Parents Were Members of a Cult †This is My Story :: Personal Narrative Writing

My Parents Were Members of a Cult – This is My Story There, in the far corner of the room, crouched a little girl. She had sad, brown eyes that were welling over with enormous tear drops. Whats wrong? I asked soothingly. Her only response was a sniffle as if she didn't hear. I couldn't reach her; I didn't know how. Frantically, I began screaming and yelling, waving my arms violently in the air. Why wouldn't she look at me? What was wrong with this child? My parents were divorced when I was only two. I was too young to realize what had happened. Their separation had little effect on me at the time, but I would later realize how much this had hurt me. I was left to live with my mother and my older sister. Within a few years, my mom met a man named Arthur. He was a musician. They began seeing a lot of each other and eventually decided to tie the knot. I dressed in pink with pig tails holding my golden locks back from my face. I looked like an angel, but behind this angelic face was pain and suffering that would eventually surface as a teenager. "This little piggy ran all the way home!," teased my new step-father as he tickled me. It didn't take long to warm up to this guy. Being so young, I don't think I realized that he wasn't my father. I was a kid, nothing affected me so when my mother stopped coming home at night, I didn't worry. Church became a regular routine at the Drummond household. Prayer in the morning, at night, chapters and chapters of the Bible, speaking in tongues, the Holy Spirit. These were things that we became accustomed to. I would hear my mother speaking in tongues. To me, it sounded like a foreign language. I could never understand what she was saying. It was almost scary to see my mother screaming these strange words, but I eventually got use to it. Day after day, I started seeing less and less of my mother. She and my stepfather devoted all of their time to the church. It was called "Christ Church in Action." Before long, we were packing our bags and heading to Smithfield. It was a place I had never heard of, but would later learn to love. We moved so that we could be closer to the church.

Comparing Flatland and Little House on the Prairie Essay -- Comparison

Flatland and Little House on the Prairie Simplicity clashes with stress. Living with the bare necessities, the working class families keep themselves happy. The husband works while the wife cooks the meals and takes care of the children. No desire for excessive amounts of m oney exists, just a desire for a strong bond within the family. Upper-class families or families striving for success invite stress into their lives. Too much stress from greedy desires of power creates tension in homes. The higher people c limb up society's ladder, the more likely their families are to fall apart. Flatland, by Edwin Abbott, presents the two dimensional world as a society with mostly working class families. A. Square, the narrator, enlightene d by a three dimensional experience longs to tell of the new knowledge revealed to him. Having no desire to learn of this foreign land called "Spaceland," the citizens of Flatland have A Square locked up. From past experiences, peo ple in Flatland know that new ideas cause turmoil amongs t themselves. Focusing on having the basics for survival and a strong love within the family produces a peaceful and less stressful environment. The lngles family from Little House on the Prairie, a popular television series, demonstrates the working class. Mr. Ingles works while Mrs. Ingles takes care of the household duties. The family displays a genuin e happiness. They have no modern utilities, but they have each other. They have a strong love within their family, and worldly materials serve little importance to them. A typical family today displays tremendous difference s compared to the Ingles family. Jealously and competitiveness play a major part in showing these varia... ...understandable why the people of Flatland do not have an interest in knowing about Spaceland. They want to keep their lives as they have them. Why did society not reject change? This possibly cannot be answered. Flatland citizens intelligently chose the right turn. Growth in knowledge no doubt brings great new opportunities, but the consequences are not worth it. Who knew that by trying to improve a family's status in society would lead to the destruction of a household? Greed starts off ugly and only gets uglier. The problem with society succeeding belongs to the fact that society does not know when to stop. There are some families that have kept love as the center of their household. These families provide a hope that this "cycle" of selfish, self-gaining, individuals will eventually return to the days of Little House on the Prairie.

Development of a Four Year Old Child Essay -- Papers Psychology Child

Development of a Four Year Old Child Works Cited Not Included Enthusiasm in children is like a ripple in the water ... it spreads. ~Anonymous~ The study of child development helps us understand the changes we see as children grow and develop. A child?s development is divided into five areas: physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and moral development (Mitchell and David 1992). Although each area will be discussed separately, it is important to remember that all these areas overlap. Together, they make up the whole person. Physical development is an increase in body size and shape. Motor development is included in physical development because it shows the development of the large and small muscles. Changes in the brain and nervous system will affect physical and motor development. Emotional development is how the child feels about himself/herself, other people, and the world that they live in. Emotional development also involves children?s learning to distinguish different feelings and express them in culturally acceptable ways (Henniger,...

Humans & Errors Essay

Humans, by nature, are prone to errors. Most likely, its creation is close to errors as well. Since software is one of the many unique things man has made, it also has a high probability to fall into errors. Accordingly, the software that is used to write a Java programming language may contain errors, too. Programmers saw this problem, thus, created an error-handling system that could look in to the world of programming particularly the Java language and its runtime environment. The runtime errors found in Java are otherwise and collectively regarded as exceptions, and the procedure to uncover and deal with such errors is what we call exception handling (Cohn, Morgan, Morrison, Nygard, Joshi, & Trinko, 1996). This describes how closely runtime errors, exception, and exception handling are related to each other. Exception handling is a process. Its main purpose is to detect and take action to exceptions in the most trusted manner. Exception, on the other hand, is the term used as an alternative for errors. This is because exception stands for exceptional or abnormal forms that are not essentially considered errors. Since technology is growing so fast, exception handling becomes important in such a way that it is used as a tool to improve the management of errors as they grow together with technology. Exception handling is a standard approach to the growing number of errors. Precisely, it is important in managing runtime errors because it has an innate characteristic to separate error-handling code from its functional program code. Apart from that, it provides a certain method of call stack wherein the method used to resolve a higher level of error can be used for lower ones. References Cohn, C. , Morgan, B. , Morrison, M. , Nygard, M. , Joshi D. , and Trinko T. (1996). Java Developer’s Reference. Indianapolis: Sams. net Publishing

Administration considerations for reliable and valid assessments

Reliability and validity in assessment are of crucial importance.   Issues in administration can have a significant impact on the reliability and validity of assessment results and the inferences that are made about students’ performance based on these results.It is essential therefore that proper techniques of administration be adopted in ensuring that the integrity of assessments is preserved and that the inference made about students’ performance are indeed reliable and valid.Administration considerations will differ based on the nature of the assessment, whether it is formal or informal. For formal assessments there are usually pre-established guidelines for the examiner to oversee the administration of the assessment instrument. It is important that the examiner familiarize him/herself with the proper techniques of administering the specific test so that the reliability and validity of the test can be ensured and preserved.While the assessment may not require for mal training to develop competence the test administrator must understand the protocols of the test, understand what is expected of the students, and follow correct and exact procedures during test administration to ensure that equal and fair conditions are provided for all students.McLoughlin and Lewis (2005) caution that â€Å"measures administered by untrained testers produce highly questionable results that must be considered invalid† ( p. 90). It is therefore essential that examiners are comfortable with all exam procedures and follow these explicitly to avoid invalidating the results produced from such tests.Additionally the tester must also be sensitive to the needs of the students during assessment. The examiner cannot â€Å"praise, prompt or give information† (McLoughlin & Lewis, 2005, p. 94). Examiners must understand correct protocol during test administration. Certain practices should be avoided.The examiner should refrain from confirming or correcting (McL oughlin & Lewis, 2005, p. 95) students’ responses during the test as well as they should avoid coaching students in order to elicit correct responses. Depending on the purpose and nature of the test the examiner may be permitted to repeat oral items for students.The examiner should also encourage students to complete or respond to all items on the test and may use questioning during tests to encourage students to respond to items. Evidently the ability of the tester to adequately preside over the test is a very critical issue in ensuring that test results are valid and reliable.The test administrator sets the pace and the outcome of the test pivots around his/her ability to ensure transparency. By ensuring that the tester is adequately prepared for the test the possibility of incorrect administration procedures will be avoided.The test environment should also be such as provides an atmosphere in which the students can work successfully. As McLoughlin and Lewis (2005) indicate , â€Å"this environment can influence test performance† (p. 90).The test environment should be as comfortable as possible for all students, with good ventilation, adequate and comfortable seating for each student where necessary, adequate space for writing, appropriate lighting, comfortable temperature, minimal external disruptions, minimal distractions such as a view through a window, passersby, other individuals passing freely in and out of the examination room or other visual distractions such as posters.Additionally the examiner has to ensure that all material required for the test are present including material students will need to complete test items.While it is ideal that the test environment is free of all these encumbrances, all these conditions do not have to be satisfied to ensure the validity and reliability of the test. In some instances some aspects of the environment, though they are not at their optimal levels, may not affect students’ performance.How ever, it is difficult to determine how students’ performance will be affected by the environment and thus the examiner should attempt to ensure that the setting is as close to ideal as possible. The examiner could also exercise discretion during test administration to determine if the location of the exam needs to be changed or the exam discontinued completely because of environment. It is not far fetched that a well-prepared environment becomes inappropriate at some point during the exam.Based on the reaction of the students the examiner could determine if the distractions or disruptions are sufficient enough to affect student performance. These provisions ensure that, as far as possible, no external factors negatively impact student performance and that students are adequately provided with the right tools with which to reap success.Another consideration is the preparation of the students for the test. Students should be adequately informed of the time, date, location and p urpose of the test as well as be aware of what exactly is required of them.The time of day is of extreme importance. Researches have been conducted to determine the time of day that will produce the optimal results for students. Recently Hansen, Janssen, Schiff, Zee and Dubocovich (2005) found that students were more vigorous during the evening than in the morning and thus were in a better frame of mind to complete tests.It is difficult, however, for examiners of standardized test to have any impact on the time of administration since often the examining body has a preset time for completion.Another administration consideration is the rapport between the students and the examiner. McLoughlin and Lewis (2005) recommend that the examiner familiarizes him/herself with the students and help them   feel at ease with the examiner. The examiner should also explain the purpose of and orient them towards the test. This includes describing test activities, length and difficulty of the test. The examiner should also inform students of proper exam protocol, informing them how to ask for assistance during the test as well as explain to them any timing signals that may be given. The examiner should encourage students to ask questions about aspects of the test administration that they are uncertain about.Adequate provisions should be made for students to have a break, if possible, during a lengthy test so as to â€Å"ward off fatigue† (McLoughlin & Lewis, 2005, p. 99). These practices would ensure that students know what is expected of them before the test begins so that no time is wasted during the test.The procedures for administering informal classroom assessment are much the same. The classroom teacher should ensure that students are adequately prepared for the test, are aware of the test objectives, are given adequate time to complete it and that no unfair assistance is provided to any student.Also the teacher should make sure the environment is conducive to tes ting with convenient seating and minimal opportunity for cheating. Additionally in administrating certain types of assessment such as observations and interviews, the teacher has to ensure that the objectives to be tested are clearly laid out, with clearly outlined criteria for scoring so that bias is avoided and each student is scored fairly.The use of rating scales, rubrics and checklists help to ensure that assessment is focused and that the correct behaviors are being observed. However at times a teacher may later find that these instruments do not adequately measure all the attributes and that certain key attitudes are not catered for.This is one disadvantage with rating scales and checklists, if a student displays a positive behavior that is not outlined in the rating scale no provision is made for it and the child is disadvantaged.The purpose of assessment is to ensure that each students has an equal chance of performing at their best in the test and thereby demonstrate to th e examiner whether or not they possess certain skills, knowledge or attitudes.Therefore once the examiner adopts these administration considerations the possibilities of measurement error are diminished and test administration conditions will have minimal, if any, negative effect, on student outcome. Students will therefore be able to meaningfully demonstrate their knowledge, skills and attitudes to the teacher. ReferencesHansen, M., Janssen, I., Schiff, A., Zee, P. C. & Dubocovich, M. L. (2005). The impact of school daily schedule on adolescent sleep. Pediatrics, 115, 1555–1561.McLoughlin, J. A. & Lewis, R. B. (2005). Assessing students with special needs. (6th ed.). NJ: Prentice-Hall/Merrill.

Management and Leadership Paper Essay

Main Problems One of the problems with this scenario is the on-going conflict between Richard Leeman, Public Relations Chief over the chemical division, and Donna Olson, Public Relations Chief over the mechanical division. Gene Robertson, Public Relations Director for the Western Area Regional Office, has had to review seven cases in the past six months where Richard and Donna have been at odds with one another. As long as they continue to have problems working cohesively together, the issues will have an impact on the entire company. Richard and Donna, though they may be very talented in their respective roles, are a weakness in the strength of the company as a whole. If allowed to continue, the problems between the two will filter through the respective departments individually and collectively when there is a need to interact. Another problem deals with Gene. As the director over Richard and Donna, he has allowed problems to continue. With seven reported issues over the past six months, and now the current problem at the public relations dinner, Gene is not doing his job as an effective leader to fix a problem that could cause long-term damage to the organization as a whole. If the problems with setting up for the event had been visible to the guests, the effects could have had a negative impact on the company’s future business relationships. It may be that Gene has an issue dealing with conflict resolution. There may also be an underlying issue with Richard’s respect and / or trust in Gene’s decision-making skills. This is believed to be a possibility since Gene instructed Donna to organize the event and Richard felt it necessary to intervene. It is obvious Richard has no respect for Donna, and very likely Donna has no respect for Richard. Another issue with Gene: though he thought hi s instructions were clear that Donna was in charge of the event, it may be that Gene did not effectively communicate this to Richard. Possible Solutions Gene must get this issue under control immediately. According to the case study, the problems between Richard and Donna have not affected the employees under each of them, and the information has not leaked up to Alfred Gamble, the Western Area Regional Manager. In order to be able to keep Richard and Donna in their roles, Gene must address their issues with one another through conflict resolution. It is not uncommon for talented people to have trouble communicating with others, especially those that are similar in leadership styles. It is the responsibility of their leader to address these issues and get them working well with one another. Other considerations may be to reorganize the leadership structure so these two do not have direct interaction with one another. The other consideration is to address performance issues, which could lead to the termination of Richard, Donna, or possibly both of them. Terminating one and not both may lead to on-going problems between the one that i s kept and the next leader promoted to the vacated position. Recommendations Cultures of organizations are developed upon the empowerment of the individual†¦Employees who are empowered are more proactive and can better achieve their goals while being self-sufficient (Brown & Harvey, 2011). A variety of behavioral intervention strategies, such as employee assistance programs, conflict resolution training, wellness and fitness programs and team-building exercises, may prove beneficial in improving the interaction between not only Richard and Donna but all leadership within Steele Enterprises. Gene may even benefit from some personal leadership training programs, one being how to handle conflict resolution, coaching and employee performance improvement planning. Stress management is beneficial to any high performing teams. The role analysis technique is used to clarify role expectations which could increase team cohesiveness and allow them to function better and at a higher level. Role profiles enable teams to better understand the importance of each divisi on’s responsibilities. References Brown, D. R. (2011). Process Intervention Skills. In S. Yagan, E. Svendsen, & J. Collins (Eds.), An experiential approach to organizational development, eighth edition (pp. 198-222). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Michael Gow’s “Away” Essay

Drama is a genre that is deliberately written for performance, and therefore, the reader’s understanding of the characters and issues is always improved by its staging. â€Å"Staging† in Drama means the process or manner of putting a play on stage. This refers to the positioning of the characters and props, the way the actors move, the way they use their voice and how the character looks. Gore Vidal once said, â€Å"A talent for Drama is not a talent for writing, but an ability to articulate human relationships.† By this, Vidal meant that to convey a play properly, association between the characters has to be real, dynamic action that captures the attention of an audience. Away is a charming play that deals with family, relationship, life, growing up and death. It depicts the final months leading up to the disintegration of the condition of Tom, a boy dying from Leukaemia. In the final stages of his life, he is desperate to achieve all that a normal person would in his short lifetime. Emily McPherson of the Age newspaper says, â€Å"This moving play prompts us to consider what is ultimately most important in our lives,† and also considers how relevant it is to Australians, even today, noting that â€Å"Every Australian can relate to this play and learn about the deeper meaning to life†. One factor of staging is Stage Directions. These are the way the playwright communicates with the director in regards to movements and actions of characters, positioning of props, and types of sets. These aspects affect the way the audience views a scene, as they can reveal issues, power relations, social positioning, and relationships between characters. In the last Act of Away, an entire scene is performed only through Stage Directions, yet it is a major scene in the conclusion of Away. This scene depicts the returning of Coral to her husband, Roy, and the subsequent resolution of their differences. Jim and Gwen are reconciled as well. In the case of Roy and Coral, the audience sees their reconciliation through the symbolic offering of the shells to Roy from Coral. With just stage directions, we can tell that this is Coral offering herself, her old self, to Roy. She is asking for forgiveness and we know through Roy’s kissing of  the shells and Coral herself that he has accepted her apology. The directions on the positioning of the characters on stage have to be effective to avoid audience confusion, as there is often split scenes. The way the set is used (â€Å"use of space†) is a useful medium to show conditions of the scene. These can include time of day, where the scene is set, the time period of which the scene was set, and the motives of the characters. Props are often included to add reality to the scene and often offer symbolism relating to the character that uses them. On Christmas Day at the campsite that Gwen’s family is staying at, Gwen, rushes onto the scene with a 12-inch fake Christmas tree and announces â€Å"If you want to have a Christmas you’d better get started now so we can get it over with. Hurry up. I don’t spending half the day sitting around waiting for people to open their presents.† This Christmas tree, being fake, represents Gwen’s resentment of Christmas- she obviously thinks it is a real chore. This does not make Meg and Jim’s Christmas real- their they are, on a day that is supposed to promote goodwill, the importance of the family and other relevant values, and their mother and wife is acting like she’d rather be any other place than with them- this day is an inconvenience. Characterisation can be defined as the representation of a character on the stage, especially by imitating actions, gestures, or speeches. Every element that combines to make a character is included in characterisation. Costumes are a helpful channel of symbolism and we can learn different things about the characters, both in connotative and deconnotative ways. To exemplify this, look at Vic’s new sunhat, which she comments on in Act Three, Scene Five- â€Å"I love my new hat.† This sunhat represents her role as the dominant partner in the family through Harry’s line â€Å"We could have sheltered under your hat.† The charisma of the sunhat reveals not only her personal charisma, but as this hat is only worn during the holiday, shows what a great time they are having on vacation. Tom also wears a Hawaiian shirt during the beach holiday scene, reflecting his laidback character. This is just one of many hints that are given to the reader to show Tom’s parallels with Puck, even though this one is very subtle. Tom acts and represents the catalyst, through his resolve and vitality; despite the disease he gives  each family hope. He represents the reasons for the reconciliation of each family, just like Puck in A Midsummer Nights’ Dream. Body language can demonstrate relationships between characters and character motive. Gestures show reactions, emotions the character is dealing with and the implications of these emotions. Expressions work similarly to gestures. Both help to put what the character is saying into context. We can see when Tom lies down on the beach during his walk with Meg that he is offering himself to her sexually. Meg rejects this offer. When this scene in viewed in performance, we can tell that Meg is rejecting Tom because she begins backing Away from him and cautiously glancing back at the path they came, wanting to go back to the safety of her parents, where Tom can’t impose anything like this on her. The audience has gone from seeing the two characters walking closely, side by side, to seeing Meg back away, with a different, more guarded attitude, and ultimately leaving him and hurrying back to the campsite. Lighting is helpful in setting a mood for the scene- for example, dark lighting may conjure up a theme of doom and gloom, where as a single spotlight will centre the audience’s attention on that one character. Special Effects are sometimes used in points of extreme climax. An example of a symbolic use of lighting would be in Act Five, Scene 2. It is the last scene of the play and shows the start of the new school year- probably Tom’s last year alive. The lighting becomes bright, summery, morning. This audience can sense that this echoes the dawn of the last stages of Tom’s life. Special Effects, though not noted in the stage directions, could be used during the storm scene, in which Gwen’s family are caught in a fierce storm that leaves the family in even more disarray. Jim describes their feelings like this â€Å"There doesn’t seem to be much use to carry on with your holiday when your van’s a wreck, your boat’s smashed on the rocks and all your clothes are soaked.† The storm embodies the family’s instability and their strained relationships. The reason Tom’s family was bypassed by that storm is because Tom’s family is a happy family who are content with life and the least uncooperative. Special effects highlight climactic points like the storm. Music reflects the dialogue of a scene and can highlight the important issues in the scene. It is also and effective way to set a certain mood or feeling. In Away, Mendelssohn is often referred to in the stage directions. For example, his calming Dreams is played during Act Three, Scene Five, where Tom’s family having a wonderful, relaxing time during there beach holiday. In this case, the music is reflecting the emotions and essence that embodies the scene. Mendelssohn’s music is often referred to in Gow’s stage directions, meaning it is probably the type of music he thinks reflects the play as a whole. Staging will always enhance the audience’s understanding of what is happening on a stage. The reader/audience member’s perspective of the play is always changed through Stage Directions, Characterisation, Music, Lighting, Special Effects and use of space. Earlier, Gore Vidal’s quote, â€Å"A talent for Drama is not a talent for writing, but an ability to articulate human relationships†, was mentioned. When analysing Vidal’s quote, it can be interpreted that Vidal meant that a playwright did not just have to possess the talent of writing, but that to show an accurate portrayal of the relationships that people have to one another, and the ways in which they handle these relationships. It can be deduced that Vidal was referring to the use of not only literature but also staging techniques that would humanise the characters.

International Trade 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

International Trade 1 - Essay Example United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (USDA’s ERS) report says that during the period 2000 to 2004 the world economy grew from $39190 billion to $43363 billion. (www.ers.usda.gov). WTO report says that the Asian region recorded an export growth of 14.5 in 2004. Real merchandise imports in South America grew by 18.5 per cent, which was twice as fast as world trade in 2004. Africa’s trade expanded strongly in 2004. North America’s export recovery, which started in 2003, gained momentum in 2004. The enlargement process of the European Union towards the east fostered an integration process between central and Eastern Europe resulting in sharp rise in intra – industry exchanges, e.g. automobiles. The GDP growth of Asia more than doubled from 2.37 percent in 2001 to 5.42 percent in 2004. Thus, growth of an economy automatically increases the economic components like exports and trade The major chunk of merchandise trading, after oil, around the globe happens in iron and steel, ores, non-ferrous metals and fuels. The growth of this sector also contributes to the growth of global trade. Historically the US has been the major importer of iron and steel, ores and non-ferrous metals. The growth in real estate and construction industry fuelled this need for iron and steel. Being the largest manufacturer of goods also made the US the largest consumer of non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminium. With the emergence of China, the consumption of non-ferrous base metals has gone up drastically. Chinese imports of the metals have increased to extent, where the demand has overshot the production. This increased the prices of base metals like copper. The price of copper in the London Exchange in April 2000 was around $ 1600 per metric tonne and in April 2004 it was around $2200 per metric

North and South Korea Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

North and South Korea - Essay Example About 57 years ago, North Korea together with her allies and US along with her allies mutually declared a cease fire. North Korea misunderstands South Korea thinking that she wants to exercise power on North Korea. In the recent years, enmity between North and South Korea has started to flare up because of killing. On 25 July, 2010, while military drills were taking place in the demilitarized zone of Korea which makes the interface between North and South Korea, it was quite unexpected of North Korea to start firing the troops in South Korea across the border. It was only after two rounds of fire were completed by the soldiers in North Korea that the South Korean soldiers began to counter-shoot. This was an overt expression of disrespect and humility made by North Korea towards South Korea. North Korea is supported by China whereas South Korea is supported by the US. China and US happen to be the two strongest countries of the world. Through interfering in the politics of Korea, US a nd China are actually availing the opportunity to express their strengths against each other. The tension may rise to the extent of causing the Third World War to break out.

Research Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Research Paper - Essay Example The monism argues that the body and the mind make one physical being. This is the basis of this research project. Dualists assert that human beings are a combination of two different units, the mind and the body. Dualists claim that the body and the mind are not connected and therefore, do not influence the working of each other. Dualists argue that after the death, the mind continues to existing on its own but in incorporeal form while the body putrefies or decays (Wingerter, 2011). One such dualist is Rene Descartes, who is one of the most modern philosophers. He believes that the body an the mind are two distinct elements. He formulated the Cartesian dualism theory that was named after him. The theory was put on the method and the meditation. Descartes, in the Cartesian dualism, claims that a human being is made up of two different elements: the body and the mind. This has been used as a proof why the mind has no immortality. Descartes argue that a human being is totally discrete and different to their material body. Descartes believed that the powers of human reason, a faculty of the mind, is the sole basis of knowledge. According to him, faculties of reason through intuition and deduction are natural characteristics of the human mind. Descartes also argues that the body is similar to a machine that is maneuvered by mechanical schemes, and that the mind has nothing to do with the processes underwent by the physical body. Mind and body and not connected to each other, just like the oyster has no connection with the pearl. To further this, Descartes believes that animals are just â€Å"automata† and act without the use of mind or consciousness, and are merely driven by mechanical schemes. This mechanical scheme, as discussed by Descartes, furthers the reasoning that the mind is totally independent of the body. Descartes claims that the brain controls the body mechanically by sending fluids through the neurotransmitters of the brain. This analogy reduce s the brain and the body to pure mechanical objects and puts into context that the it is possible for the mind to exist without the body, and the body to exist without the mind. He states that while the body is a non-thinking, extended thing, the mind is the complete opposite as it is a thinking, non-extended thing. Descartes has also given more evidence to prove that the body and mind are two different and disconnected elements but working in partnership. He argues that the body is by itself dividable while the mind does not have such divisible capability. â€Å"There is a great difference between the mind and the body in as much as the body is by its very nature always divisible, while the mind is utterly indivisible† (First meditation). This was the case in the transplantation of organs. If a person was to receive a heart from another person, where the heart is considered as the key organ for a human being’s body existence, the person does not become a new different person because of this. Transplantation shows how the body can be divided into different parts due to donation of body organs. Descartes argues that a person is made of different molecular structures, a variety of fluids, numerous nerves and body networks. Conversely, if a person dies, we are unable to form a construction of their mind. We cannot detach their thoughts into one part and their personality into another part. This shows therefore, that the mind is not dividable. Critics of this view