Themes essays

Themes essays The novel, The Joy Luck Club, written by Amy Tan is divided into many vignettes that each treat a different topic and theme. Every flash back or story of each character has s a different theme, however, there are three themes that appear constantly in the story. Most of these themes are shown by most of the characters in the novel. Sometimes for some it was really obvious, while on the other hand for others it was not. The first theme that appeared constantly throughout the novel was sacrifice. Sacrifice was mainly shown by An-Meis mother whose name was Nuyer. The way she sacrificed herself was that she killed herself to give her daughter a stronger spirit. When the poison broke into her body, she whispered to me that she would rather kill her own weak spirit so she could give me a stronger one. (Tan, pg.271) In this example it shows the great sacrifice her mother did for her daughter. Another sacrifice shown is when Nuyer cuts her own flesh to save her mother popo from dying. An example of this is, My mother took her flesh and put in the soup. She cooked . . . to try to cure her mother this one last time. (Tan, pg.41) In the example given it is shown how a daughter is willing to do anything for their mother just as in the last example where the mother is willing to anything for her daughter. These types of sacrifices were seen along through the novel in between the mothers and daughters. Howeve r, sacrifice was not the only theme seen throughout the novel. The second most important theme is lack of communication. This theme can be seen two times in one single vignette. One way it is seen is the mother has no-good communication with her husband for the reason that they do not understand each others languages well as seen in the following example, My father who spoke only a few canned Chinese expressions, insisted my mother learn English. So with him, she spoke in moods and ...

Rubber Chicken Bone Science Experiment

Rubber Chicken Bone Science Experiment You wont be able to make a wish on a wishbone with the rubber chicken bone science experiment! In this experiment, you use vinegar to remove the calcium in chicken bones to make them rubbery. This is a simple project that illustrates what would happen to your own bones if the calcium in them is used more quickly than it is replaced. Materials for This Project VinegarChicken boneJar big enough you can cover the bone with vinegar While you can use any bone for this experiment, a leg (drumstick) is a particularly good choice because its normally a strong and brittle bone. Any bone will work, though, and you can compare bones from different parts of a chicken to see how flexible they are initially compared with how they change when calcium is removed from them. Make Rubber Chicken Bones Try to bend a chicken bone without breaking it. Get a sense of how strong the bone is.Soak chicken bones in vinegar.Check on the bones after a few hours and days to see how easy they are to bend. If you want to extract as much calcium as possible, soak the bones in vinegar for 3-5 days.When you are done soaking the bones, you can remove them from the vinegar, rinse them in water and allow them to dry. While you have vinegar handy, how about using it to  make a bouncy ball from an egg? How It Works The acetic acid in the vinegar reacts with the calcium in the chicken bones. This weakens them, causing them to become soft and rubbery  as if they had come from a rubber chicken. What Rubber Chicken Bones Mean for You The calcium in your bones is what makes them hard and strong. As you age, you may deplete the calcium faster than you replace it. If too much calcium is lost from your bones, they may become brittle and susceptible to breaking. Exercise and a diet that includes calcium-rich foods can help prevent this from happening. Bones Aren't Just Calcium While the calcium in bones in the form of hydroxyapatite makes them strong enough to support your body, they cant be made completely of the mineral or they would be brittle and prone to breakage. This is why vinegar doesnt completely dissolve bones. While the calcium is removed, the fibrous protein called collagen remains. Collagen gives bones enough flexibility to withstand everyday wear and tear. It is the most abundant protein in the human body, found not just in bones, but also in skin, muscles, blood vessels, ligaments, and tendons. Bones are close to 70% hydroxyapatite, with most of the remaining 30% consisting of collagen. The two materials together are stronger than either one alone, in much the same way reinforced concrete is stronger than either of it components. Science Ideas to Explore Carbonated soft drinks are also acidic. What happens if you soak bones in soda rather than vinegar?Teeth consist almost entirely of the calcium mineral hydroxyapatite. What do you predict will remain of a tooth if you soak it in vinegar for a long time? How about the effect of soda on teeth?

The Work-Family Interface Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 12

The Work-Family Interface - Essay Example He lived in the rural areas and therefore followed his parents who were farmers too. He married at the age of seventy and began working on his father’s farm before he obtained his own. He would later inherit his father’s farm at the age of twenty-seven a feature that led to the expansion of his business. My grandfather explains that he knew he would inherit his father’s property some day and did not, therefore, struggle to develop a business empire of his own. However, once he took over the management of the business he ensured it grew by diversifying the crops and animals in the farm (Sweet 32). He employed more farmers and even built some small-scale processing plants to ensure that his product had the best quality in the region. He had numerous friends and a large family of six children my father being his last-born. He ensured his children received education thereby enabling them to diversify their career aspirations. I was born nearly seventy years later and in a different setting. I live with my parents in New York where I study and have all my friends. This implies that my life and experiences are different from those of my grandfather. The features of our societies differ thereby influencing our aspirations. I enjoy technology and business. I spend most of my time experimenting and studying new technologies especially information technologies. I enjoy computer programing and has therefore created numerous programs including games and database management programs. Besides technology, I love soccer. I have numerous friends with whom we meet often to watch soccer besides engaging in other part-time activities. I aspire to study and advance my interests in information technology. Furthermore, I aspire to set up a business that deals in the manufacture and sale of computer accessories and programs. Technology is a fundamental aspect of society. The internet among other  other information and communication technologies has revolutionized the world thereby succeeding in creating a global village. This implies that contemporary commercial organizations have reliable ways of expanding their reach in the market and therefore higher prospects of becoming profitable.  

Performance Management Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Performance Management - Coursework Example Various situations have been considered while making the research and a suggestive appraisal form has been framed for implementing in the company. The paper has distinctively two parts. The first part deals with a theoretical review of performance appraisal and the second part deals with alignment of the theories with the practical implications and its effects. The design of the suggested performance appraisal form has been explained in brief. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Part 1 – Critical Academic Discussion 6 Performance Management System – A Theoretical Overview 6 360 Degree Appraisal Method 8 The Way 360 Degree Appraisal Differs from the Other Appraisal Systems 9 Advantages of 360 Degree Appraisal 10 Disadvantages of 360 Degree Appraisal Method 11 A Successful 360 Degree Appraisal 12 Part 2 – Client Report 13 About the Company 13 Importance of Performance Management in Healthcare Industry 14 Prerequisites of Performance Management System in Healthcar e Sector 15 Performance Management for Bromley Healthcare 16 Conclusion 21 Self–Learning Analysis 22 References 23 Bibliography 26 Appendix 27 Introduction Performance is completion of assigned task that is measured against the set standards of perfection and cost. A good performance is the one that meets the set standards and caters to a cost effective completion of the task. In context of an organisation, where an employer – employee relationship exists, the performances of the employees are constantly monitored to ensure a timely completion of the tasks which can result in overall success related to the business unit (Pulakos, 2004). Performance management typically relates to the development of human resource of an organisation by appraisal of their performance. The performance management system can be termed as â€Å"Achilles’ heel† of the whole human resource system. The employees employed in an organization need to be enlightened about the objectiv es of the enterprise and an alignment to these objectives on the part of the employees would lead to achievement of the overall success of the company. Implementation of performance management system helps to measure the achievement of organizational strategy (Pulakos, 2004). Elaborately, a performance management system may be defined as a continuous process identifying the performances of the employees, measuring these performances using various methods and tools, developing the downsides of individual performance and finally aligning the same with the organization’s strategic goals (Health Service Executive, n.d.). Performance appraisal is the activity catering to the formation of performance management system as a whole. There are various performance appraisal systems available globally to measure the performance of any individual. A performance management system considers the various strategic planning initiatives of the organization, it follows an ongoing feedback proces s in order to facilitate the employees develop their performance and the whole process is driven by the line managers of the company (Health Service Executive, n.d.). Among the various methods available for appraising the performance of individuals, this paper intends to shed some light on the 360 degree performance appraisal method and its implications within an organization named Bromley Healthcare on practical basis. Part–2 of this paper deals with the implementation of the 360 degree appraisal method, for all

Sixth Amendment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sixth Amendment - Essay Example A ruling in a federal court backed the president's powers to confine an American citizen without trial for security purposes or when seen as aiding terrorist attacks, on a closer consideration of the sixth amendment the above action by the president is a gross violation of human rights as stipulated in the bill of rights (Shea, 58). The failure of the state to accord Padilla a speedy trial as allowed in the sixth amendment. Through the due process clause of the fourteenth amendment, which protects the, defendant from delayed trial since the time of indictment to the beginning of the case. The constitution allows a period of six months within which the prosecution should commence trial on all felonies, apart from murder cases; however, Padilla went through unlawful confinement for more than three years this indeed was a violation of the law. Padilla denial of the right to assistance of counsel or any attorney representative, in 2003 Paul.D.Clement then the deputy solicitor general. St ated in court that the accused had no right to a counsel assistance. On his attempt to challenge the president's declaration of him as an enemy combatant. He went on to argue that the laws of war do not recognize the rights of such an individual as in ordinary criminal law:, however, this was a complete contradiction. To the precedents of a similar situation where president Washington. Granted Major John Andre who was a British spymaster also Benedict Arnolds intelligence handler a public trial. According to Abadinsky in his book he stipulates well that going by to the practice of the judicial system an individual should stand trial in the state and district where the crime took place, however, while, in different detention centers, it was unknown where he could stand trial. Padilla went through solitary confinement, sleep deprivation among other inhumane treatments. Padilla faced enhanced interrogation, which also torture by international law. This was a gross violation of civil li berties in the pretext of safeguarding national security (Howard Abadinsky, 129). For the whole time in prison, Padilla faced of with witnesses against him which is not in line with the sixth amendment. Who's clause on confrontation provides the accused with the right of confrontation. To enable him meet with the witnesses face to face for cross examination. Through detention and denial of a speedy and public trial. Padilla did not exercise his right to call his own witness to counter the accusations as provided by the sixth amendment. In the compulsory process clause, which allows defendants. To introduce their own case during the trial, this would have compelled the prosecution to release evidence. For the benefit of Padilla prior to trial creating a fair chance of defense. Such violation in its own stance could qualify for the reversal of any conviction made before the defendant. Though the president claimed to have gained the powers from the congress. Through various resolutions , they become effected when the country is at war; however, it is worth considering that. The so-called war on terror was not war rather it was just a rhetoric. Since the congress is the only chamber that declares war, and it has never done so since world war two. In my own conclusion, it is evident that the unlawful detention of Padilla was a precedent to the abolition of the right to trial

Globalisation and Workplace Diversity

Globalisation and Workplace Diversity The ability to conduct business internationally is an absolute necessity if you hope to remain competitive in todays marketplace. Globalization, has served to stabilize business and financial markets in such a dramatic fashion that many industrialists have yet to reach an understanding of the depth and breadth of the impact it has had on lowering political, financial, and economic volatility. Business globalisation [Def.] refers to a business expanding its sales and their assets over the national boundaries, involving a surge in capital, labour, goods and services. Andrew Jones, 2009, Dictionary of Globalisation, Coca cola is a perfect example, as they have profitably expanded their business in the global consumer market. Coca cola has used various tactics to achieve this. To reduce their production costs, they have established transnational corporations. They have also focused on product branding and positioning, and revised their prices according to the competition. In the past two decades, globalisation has greatly increased. It has had a significant impact on the management of businesses. Globalisation [Def.], as defined by the OECD is The geographic dispersion of industrial and service activities, for example research and development, sourcing of inputs, production and distribution, and the cross-border networking of companies, for example through joint ventures and the sharing of assets (OECD) Globalisation is making the economy of the world increasingly interdependent. This can be seen in the growth of trade, increase in flow of capital and also a boost in Multinational economic activity. For their macroeconomic health, world economies depend on each other. (September 2009, Globalization. Oxford English Dictionary Online ) Glimpse of the Past Globalisation over time Globalisation is not a new phenomenon. In reality, it has slowly and gradually been making its way in the world economy since the dawn of time. Until the recent times its impact has not been visible. The Chief Economist of the World Bank, Nick Stern, divided the expansion of globalisation into three phases: Phase One: initiated in 1870 and ended during the 1920s and 1930s(interwar period), with a descent into global protectionism. This was a time of speedy growth in the international trade. This growth was increased by the economic policies that aimed to liberalise the flow of trade, and also by the rapid development in technology, this reduced the costs, such as of transportation. Phase Two: After the Second World War, the second phase of globalisation was aided by a rise in the world trade and also the reconstruction of the economy. The establishment of new international economic institutions, supported this expansion. In order to promote stability in the monetary system, provide a sound basis for multilateral trade and to help restore economic activity, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank were created. Their aim was to promote economic co-operation between nations. Phase Three: The current wave of globalization is demonstrated by a quick rise in the ratio of trade to GDP for many countries and also by a continuous increase in the flow of capital between countries and the trade of goods and services. http://tutor2u.net/economics/revision-notes/a2-macro-globalisation-introduction.html Main Motivations and Drivers for Globalisation Hamish McRae has argued, Business is the main driver of globalization! (Hamish McRae) A large motivator of globalisation is the desire of MNCs to enhance their profits and returns. Globalisation is also driven by the enthusiastic approach that individual national governments have, to take full advantage of the wider macroeconomic and social benefits that are a result of increased trade of goods, services and the rapid increase in the flow of financial capital. The main drivers of globalisation are as follows: Technological change especially in communications technology. Example: UK taking their business and data to India due to cheaper skilled labour. There has been a massive reduction in the cost of transmitting and communication information- this is a huge factor responsible for the growth of trade using internet technology. Quick and low costing transportation it also includes shipping containers also known as ISO containers. This reduction causes the prices of the manufacturers to come down, and make competing with the local manufacturer uncomplicated and trouble-free. The low costs are as a direct result of the advances in transport technology. The speed and reliability of the transport, makes new and developing markets in the grasps of companies all around the globe. Deregulation of global financial markets the abolition of numerous rules and regulations, for instance, rules concerning foreign ownership (removed from UK in the 1800s). Privatisation also took place, as a result businesses were now open to purchase and/or take-over. This allowed businesses in one country to buy those in another. For example, many UK utilities are owned by French and US businesses. Removal of capital exchange controls the opening up of the capital markets facilitates direct foreign investments. It also encourages freer flow of money across the borders. Free trade numerous barriers to trade have either been removed or relaxed because of regional groupings such as the European Union (EU), where as some have been removed by the WTO making trade cheaper and more attractive. Changes in consumer tastes and willingness to try foreign goods resulting from the arrival of the global satellite the awareness among the consumers has increased. Advancement of the global consumer market; world demand and taste have greatly merged to global demand for numerous products. The second most recognized word in the English language is Coke. Americanization is often seen as a backlash against globalisation. As the products become for and more identifiable, comparatively cheaper and of higher quality it gives a boost to the global consumer. Effects of Globalisation on Businesses The effects of globalization vary from country to country, region to region and of course from business to business. Communications infrastructure is of high importance to modern business, but all countries do not have access to it. There is also the non-traded sector i.e. goods and services that cannot be imported or exported. For example, domestic services are provided where the house is; a clean house cannot be exported. Competition Foreign businesses buy into the domestic market. Deregulation opens up the markets to competition- it encourages innovation and creation of new markets hence challenging the traditional market leaders. Meeting consumer expectations and tastes The high awareness and exposure of the consumers, their high incomes results in them having greater and higher expectations hence forcing the businesses to meet their standard. Economies of scale Selling in the global market allows enormous economies of scale, though not all businesses benefit from it. Choice of location Businesses can now operate from cheaper and more efficient. UK has been seen as an attractive location specifically for financial services. Many businesses have located in UK, boosting their economy and also providing increased competition for the domestic businesses. The increased movement of businesses and jobs has forced the governments to compete with each other to provide attractive and low costing locations. Example Ireland offers Tax Holidays to relocating businesses. Multinational and multicultural management This is one of the biggest challenges faced by businesses and their managers. A multinational business environment is complex and has more variables, thus difficult to manage. A multicultural employment policy results in employees of various nationalities, languages, cultures and religions, in various offices across the globe. Globalization of markets The importance of national borders grows less. Markets are stretching across the border and the MNCs are well placed to take full advantage of this. Globalisation is directly proportional to the economic growth of a country, as it eventually contributes positively in reducing any countrys poverty level. (http://ishrathusain.iba.edu.pk/speeches/globalization/Impact_of_globalization_Mahboobul_Haq.pdf) A- International Regional Institutions, Policies, Governance B Domestic Policies, Institutions Governance Diversity Explained When used in business terminology, Diversity [Def.] refers to a company that has hired a diverse workforce. In the employees they have men, women, and people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. In the global market such a company can understand the market conditions and demographics in a much better way. They can then use this information and equip themselves to thrive. A company that has a diverse workforce is more likely to improve its productivity and their employees are more satisfied, than a company with a limited workforce. The federal and state laws in the US, prohibits the companies to discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity when hiring or assigning employees. Workplace Diversity Diversity in the workplace results in many benefits as well as challenges. Benefits Communication is a key element for the successful running of a diverse company. Along with diversity come substantial benefits. Such as: Better decision making Improvement in problem solving Greater innovation and inspiration for creativity Recognition of the employees talents This leads to: Improved product development Successful marketing Employees having a sense of belonging Greater commitment and loyalty of the workers Challenges Management faces numerous problems in managing a diverse workforce. Many organizational theorists have raised their concerns over the motivation and management of a diverse workforce. Diverse organizational work environment should be considered as low context cultures. Many challenges are to be faced by the management. Such as: Miscommunication within the organization Interpretation of messages can vary from person to person since no two people have the same experience of events Cultural bias including prejudice and discrimination Assimilation UN Global Compact and Global Businesses The UN Global Compact focuses on human rights, labour, and the environment and anti-corruption laws. They have universal consensus and have been derived from: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights The International Labour Organizations Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development The United Nations Convention Against Corruption Companies are asked to embrace, support and enact, within their sphere of influence, a set of core values in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment and anti-corruption. Human Rights Businesses should support, respect and protect the internationally proclaimed human rights; and making sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses. Labour Businesses should uphold the freedom of association; they should focus on the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour; abolition of child labour; and eliminate discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. Environment They should maintain a precautionary approach towards environmental challenges; take on initiatives to promote environmental responsibility; and promote the progress and circulation of environmentally friendly technologies. Anti-Corruption Businesses should get together and work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery. Challenges of Globalisation and Diversity (John Manzoni (2005) The basic challenge that is faced by economic globalisation is to make the global system deliver economic growth more consistently and equitably, as the best way to reduce global inequality and poverty. Globalisation is faced with both region- and subject-specific challenges. The performance of the industrial countries determines Global growth. Their attitudes towards globalisation shall act as a key to the future of the global economy. Thus the governments need to step up and support the right policies; help people deal with the consequences of economic change; and come through on the promises of trade, aid, and also of strengthening the international economic system. In Asia, South Korea had led the way, China and India are also headed on the path to sustainable growth, and it is expected to continue to spread. Fierce competition for markets and talent, scrutiny and in some cases public doubt, the expectations of investors and the market pressures for sustained competitive performance. All these issues will remain challenges, some ever intensified by globalisation. In addition to these familiar themes there are new challenges driven by the changes that are taking place in the global economy. Absence of a framework of global rules No global framework of rules and regulations exists to match the global nature of business. The companies are required to operate by the laws of the country that they are located in. Organization and management of companies Companies must apply delegation of authority, to establish who is responsible for what and to ensure that everyone understands the framework of standards within which they are to do their job. Cultural diversity This is related to cultures and values. Historically business is monocultured. But now it is impossible to do business in this way. Locals have to employed in senior staff roles so that they may bridge the cultural divide. Corporate responsibility for the externalities associated with business activity This issues is certainly not a new one, but has been intensified by globalisation. Conclusion and Recommendations In the 21st century, globalisation is changing the international framework conditions and, consequently, the fundamental conditions as well. Globalisation presents a number of new challenges, for example: The fight against international terrorism Relations between the West and the Muslim World Problems in the area of energy and the environment Conflicts and the suppression of human rights The prospects for continued global growth The fight against poverty, especially in Africa More non-state actors on the international scene The world is moving in the direction of a global network and the new challenges are to be addressed accordingly. This requires strong partnerships and presence worldwide. In the age of globalisation, it is the objective of businesses to contribute decisively to furthering their interests on the international scene and to enable them to pursue a policy internationally that will help foster broad and committing international cooperation regarding the challenges presented by globalisation. The businesses must focus sharply on the challenges presented by globalisation For example terrorism, relations between the West and the Muslim World, new challenges with respect to energy and the environment, global competition, poverty reduction). Must establish open and strong partnerships in domestics markets as well as abroad Implying, among other things, enhanced co-operation with civil society, enterprises, organizations and ministries. They must be present in the hot spots of globalization Implying, among other things, proposals for new embassies and the reinforcement of existing missions. Some argue that globalization is driven by technology, and that it represents an unstoppable force. Perhaps in the long run. We cannot take it for granted that the world will continue down the road of globalization, greater prosperity, and greater democracy. Political, cultural and religious forces play the dominant role in shaping the future of globalization. The world and the economic system we live in are highly imperfect. There is much that needs to be done to make it work better. But as we do that, we should maintain a perspective that reflects what Winston Churchill said of democracy (Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried): The pro-market, pro-globalization approach is the worst economic policy, except for all the others that have been tried In conclusion globalisation creates an opportunity for businesses to expand revenue streams, diversify risk and increase brand equity. Many companies have successfully expanded their business as a response to the drivers of globalisation. There has also been a noticed development in the global strategies of companies as a response to globalisation.

The Psychological Affects of the Holocaust :: European Europe History

The Psychological Affects of the Holocaust The Holocaust was a tragic point in history which many people believe never happened. Others who survived it thought it should never have been. Not only did this affect the people who lived through it, it also affected everyone who was connected to those fortunate individuals who survived. The survivors were lucky to have made it but there are times when their memories and flashbacks have made them wish they were the ones who died instead of living with the horrible aftermath. The psychological effects of the Holocaust on people from different parts such as survivors of Israel and survivors of the ghettos and camps vary in some ways yet in others are profoundly similar. The vast number of prisoners of various nationalities and religions in the camps made such differences inevitable. Many contrasting opinions have been published about the victims and survivors of the holocaust based on the writers' different cultural backrounds, personal experiences and intelectual traditions. Therefo re, the opinions of the authors of such books and entries of human behavior and survival in the concentration camps in Nazi-occupied Europe are very diverse. The Survivors of the Holocaust: General Survey Because the traumatization of the Holocaust was both individual and collective, most individuals made efforts to create a "new family" to replace the nuclear family that had been lost. In order for the victims to resist dehumanization and regression and to find support, the members of such groups shared stories about the past, fantasies of the future and joint prayers as well as poetry and expressions of personal and general human aspirations for hope and love. Imagination was an important means of liberation from the frustrating reality by opening an outlet for the formulation of plans for the distant future, and by spurring to immediate actions. Looking at the history of the Jewish survivors, from the beginning of the Nazi occupation until the liquidation of the ghettos shows that there are common features and simmilar psychophysiological patterns in their responses to the persecutions. The survivors often experienced several phases of psychosocial response, including attempts to actively master the traumatic situation, cohesive affiliative actions with intense emotional links, and finally, passive compliance with the persecutors. These phases must be understood as the development of special mechanisms to cope with the tensions and dangers of the surrounding horrifying reality of the Holocaust. There were many speculations that survivors of the Holocaust suffered from a static concentration camp syndrome.