MARKETING Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

MARKETING - Essay Example e study has been considered the IKEA, which has a very good reputation among its competitors due to its unique marketing techniques, which differentiates it from the other companies in the market. In this regard, background information of the IKEA has been discussed, which will allow to consider the company as a customer-oriented company or vice versa. The different operations of the IKEA have been analyzed with relation to it growth in home-furnishing sector of the market. In order to compare its operations and activities, different competitors of the IKEA have been examined and analyzed during the paper. Findings and analysis part has been considered to identify the IKEA’s operations, if they have fallen according to the criteria of the customer-oriented companies. In the marketplace, the strategic position of a product is described by the utilization of four Ps, which is referred as the marketing mix. Although some additional Ps has been integrated by some marketers, but the four Ps are the standardized and typical constituents of the marketing mix, which are promotion, place, price, and the product. (Coe, pp. 23-25) When a specific volume of units is considered for the mass production of an object or a service on a large scale, it is referred as a product. The hotel industry is one of the typical examples of the abovementioned description of the product. Moreover, motorcar, computer operating systems, etc. are some of the uncommon examples of a mass produced service. When a product is produced, the producer requires the payback of expenses that are borne by him/her. In other words, a customer has to pay for the product and the amount is referred as its price. Competition, material costs, market share, and perceived value are some of the factors that determine the price of a product. It is very important that a business organization should select a place that may be effective for product purchases by the customers. In other words, place is another very

Court News Essay Example for Free

Court News Essay Editorial Despite our report of the 30th November regarding her majesty’s speech to the House of Commons in which she stated she would act only for the good of her people, it has to be admitted that there is still an air of disquiet in the country regarding the future of the monarchy. The queen, although still in good health in body and mind, is now in her 68th year and the length of her reign is unprecedented. The future of a Protestant monarchy must be assured for the sake of the country, its stability and role in Europe. Around the World It is reported by our correspondent in Utrecht that a burgher of that city, one Oliver Van Noort, a former inn keeper, has recently completed a three year voyage in which he claims to have sailed completely around the world. His voyage, which he reported in a letter to the authorities in the Netherlands caused much excitement. Theatre News, by J. Q. Adams Mr William Shakespeare, author of such entertainments as ‘Julius Caesar’ which was well received, has this year come up with two new plays in contrast. The Merry Wives of Windsor’ is a light hearted comedy to lift the dullest spirits. It features that lovable rogue, Falstaff. , known of course from earlier works. This can be seen for the price of one penny every Monday and Tuesday at the Globe Theatre, Southwark. As this is such a popular play there will be extra boat men around to ferry passengers. For those of a more serious turn of mind the tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, the title role being played by Mr Richard Burbage and the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, will be performed on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Fashion K. Emerson Spain continues to be a major influence upon English fashions. The work of Mistress Dinghen Vanderplasse with her knowledge of starching methods continues to be important, especially as ruffs remain in fashion, though they tend to be on smaller scale than on previous years. Silk, hand knitted, stockings were a popular present for many ladies this Christmas past, including her majesty, despite the cold weather. The majority though still prefer stockings of cloth or wool for both durability and warmth. The farthingale, so popular at court, as can be seen in her majesty’s recent portrait, has been estimated to have reached a width of 48 inches in some cases. Will this impractical garment continue to be fashionable in the new century? Recent Legislation by E. Cubberley The recently enacted, and much needed, Poor Law is already bringing changes in our society. It says much for the legislature that they have taken such care to ensure the care of unfortunates. Poor children will be properly apprenticed and trained in a trade as well as in their letters.. The richer member of society will fulfill their social obligations by providing supplies for the poorer folk in difficult times. No more should we have to report upon poor waifs being found starved to death in harsh weather s happened last winter when the harvest was so poor. And think of the benefit to the country of so many young people properly equipped for a trade This, together with the stopping of the monopolies which favored only a few, will benefit all of her majesty’s subjects.

Emily Dickinson - The Feet Of People Walking Home :: essays research papers fc

One of Emily Dickinson’s poems, formally titled â€Å"The feet of people walking home,† is of some interest in its own merit. Unlike some of Dickinson’s other poems, such as the ones that exist among other versions due to a few dissimilarities, this poem is duplicated verbatim. To the untrained eye, this triviality would often be overlooked, were it not for the fact that Emily Dickinson had not intended on publishing many of her poems. Why, then, did she duplicate this poem? Perhaps a more in-depth analysis of the poem, as well as the current events in Dickinson’s life, would answer this query. Estimated to have been written in the year 1858, the poem begins its first stanza by conveying the emotions of gaiety and joyfulness, which are associated with passage to heaven. A much more somber note pervades the second stanza, in which Dickinson uses metaphors to compare the entrance to heaven with the act of theft. The third stanza combines the previous two by hinting at the theory that those who are already in heaven do not want more people entering heaven’s gates, because that would diminish the high status that heaven and angels hold. The tone in the first stanza is of joyousness and excitement, as people make their way to heaven. Dickinson uses the words â€Å"gayer,† â€Å"hallelujah,† and â€Å"singing† to emphasize the uplifting feeling here. It could be argued that this is the point in the humans’ lives (or deaths, or afterlives, depending on how one looks at it) when they reach the pinnacle of happiness, for they have finally entered heaven. The humans, now dead, would then acquire wings, immortality, and an angelic status that rises far above that of humans. Much like Dickinson’s other poems, this one uses metaphors to represent similar things, such as â€Å"home,† which represents â€Å"heaven,† â€Å"snow,† which represents the â€Å"clouds† on which heaven resides, and â€Å"vassals,† which represents the â€Å"angels† who serve God. The second stanza shares a relation to the first, but it could be described as being completely opposite in tone. Dickinson uses the words â€Å"extorted,† â€Å"larceny,† and â€Å"death† to emphasize the crime that is personified here. Dickinson uses more metaphors in this stanza to compare the onrush of people entering heaven to divers who take pearls from the sea. In both cases, a sense of â€Å"value† is diminished, or perhaps even lost. Referring back to the first stanza, Dickinson subtly states that the status of angels would no longer be as honorable or magnificent as it is now if everyone were to acquire wings, achieve immortality, and enter heaven.

Down Syndrome Essay -- Biology Biological Medical Essays

Down Syndrome They used to be called "Mongoloids," an ethnic insult coined by John Langdon Down, an English physician during the nineteenth century. But now they are known as people, individuals with a condition known as Down syndrome. (3). It wasn't until the 1960s that Jerome Lejeune and Patricia Jacobs discovered the cause of Down syndrome (also called trisomy 21). But with technological advancements within the scientific community, more and more information has been gathered about the condition that affects about one in every one thousand children born around the world. (4). Research shows that Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by certain chromosomal abnormalities. Chromosomes within cells are composed of proteins and genetic information in the form of DNA. Human cells normally contain 23 pairs of chromosomes to make a total of 46 chromosomes in each cell. When sex cells (eggs and sperm) divide through the process of meiosis, one cell splits into two parts so that each of the resulting cells only has 23 chromosomes, rather than 46. But many errors can occur during cell division. During meiosis, the chromosomes are supposed to split and go to different areas of the cell. This step in the process of meiosis is called disjunction. But sometimes during cell division, a chromosome will not detach and it will stay with its pair chromosome. This results in one of the new cells having 24 chromosomes and the other having only 22 chromosomes. An error such as this is called nondisjunction. If a cell with this error mates with a normal cell, the fert ilized egg will end up with an uneven number of chromosomes. (3). In the instance of Down syndrome, 95 percent of all cases are caused by nondisjunction, and 90 p... ... some cells, researchers get closer and closer each year to discovering the mystery of trisomy 21. With every new development, and with increased education and research, the quality of life improves for the people who, not long ago, were exiled from society for being "different" from other people. Internet Sources: 1)"Prenatal Screening for Down Syndrome", http://www.ds-health.com/prenatal.htm 2)"Comprehensive Speech and Language Treatment for Infants, Toddlers, and Children with Down Syndrome", http://www.ds-health.com/speech.htm 3)"Trisomy 21: The Story of Down Syndrome", http://www.ds-health.com/trisomy.htm 4)Down Syndrome: Background Information", http://www.nas.com/downsyn/faq1.html 5)About Down Syndrome", http://www.ndss.org/aboutds/aboutds.html#PPgenetic 6)About Down Syndrome http://www.ndss.org/aboutds/aboutds.html#PPmedical

Discrimination in the workplace Essay

Discrimination in the workplace is a common behavior that occurs in all occupations and industries. It can occur whether you work for a large or small organization, you’re a boss, or just starting out. In an ideal world people would be equal in rights, opportunities, and responsibilities, despite their race or gender. In the world we live in, however, we constantly face all kinds of neglect based on different attributes. All over the world, certain people treat others with prejudice because of particular features they possess. Unfortunately, this happens even in places which, by definition, should be free of all personal prejudices – specifically, in offices and other business surroundings. This phenomenon is called workplace discrimination; not every unfair behavior at work, however, can be assessed as discrimination. So, what exactly is workplace discrimination? Basically, it can be defined as a less favorable treatment towards an individual or a group of individuals at work, usually based on their nationality, skin color, sex, marital status, age, trade union activity, or other defining attributes (Australian Human Rights Commission). It can appear as a denial of certain rights, negligent treatment, intentional underestimating of a worker’s personality or work results and achievements, and so on. A person can be discriminated by their employers, or by their coworkers as well. Discrimination can result into severe psychological consequences for the victim, such as emotional stress and anxiety. Discrimination often causes an employee to leave the workplace, resign from a position, or in severe cases, to commit suicide or act violently against the discriminators. Workplace discrimination can take more open and threatening forms, which are known as workplace harassment. It occurs when an employee is made to feel intimidated, insulted or humiliated, based on such features as race, ethnic origin, gender, physical or mental disability, or on any other characteristic specified under legislation (AHRC). The two most radical forms of workplace harassment are the application of physical violence, or sexual harassment; women are especially exposed to this kind of discrimination. Workplace violence can take several forms: the direct exercise of physical force against a worker that causes or could cause injuries to the worker; an attempt to exercise such physical force; or a statement or behavior that a worker can reasonably interpret as a threat to exercise physical force (Ontario Ministry of Labor). Sexual harassment can  take the form of obscene jokes and allusions; intrusive body contacts; inappropriate gestures, or even direct actions aimed at sexual contact. There are several ways to deal with workplace discrimination; such measures can be held both on the individual and on the collective level. Individuals who have experienced discrimination or harassment at work, are recommended to stand firm under verbal attacks, remain confident about their own abilities and judgments, and try not to stay alone with the abusive person (UnionSafe). At the same time, collective measures can be taken as well. They usually include calling for a meeting in a quiet confidential place in order to admit and discuss the problem; complaining to competent authorities; developing respective policies together with sanctions applied in case there is an infringement enacted by workers. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world, and not all people can enjoy equal opportunities and rights. This refers not only to our personal lives, but to our working environment as well; employees can be discriminated and abused because of certain features they possess, such as the color of skin, their ethnicity or gender, age, marital status, disabilities, and so on. To eliminate workplace discrimination, both individual and collective preventive measures should be made. References â€Å"What Is Workplace Discrimination and Harassment?† Australian Human Rights Commission. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 July 2013. . â€Å"Preventing Workplace Violence And Workplace Harassment.† Ontario Ministry of Labor. N.p., July 2011. Web. 05 July 2013. â€Å"Bullying and Harassment in the Workplace.† UnionSafe. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 July 2013. . Discipline & Discharge An employer may not take into account a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information when making decisions about discipline or discharge. For example, if two employees commit a similar offense, an employer many not discipline them differently because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. When deciding which employees will be laid off, an employer may not choose the oldest workers because of their age. Employers  also may not discriminate when deciding which workers to recall after a layoff. Harassment It is illegal to harass an employee because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. It is also illegal to harass someone because they have complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit. Harassment can take the form of slurs, graffiti, offensive or derogatory comments, or other verbal or physical conduct. Sexual harassment (including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other conduct of a sexual nature) is also unlawful. Although the law does not prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not very serious, harassment is illegal if it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or if it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted). The harasser can be the victim’s supervisor, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or someone who is not an employee of the employer, such as a client or customer. Harassment outside of the workplace may also be illegal if there is a link with the workplace. For example, if a supervisor harasses an employee while driving the employee to a meeting. Prohibited Employment Policies/Practices Under the laws enforced by EEOC, it is illegal to discriminate against someone (applicant or employee) because of that person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. It is also illegal to retaliate against a person because he or she complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit. The law forbids discrimination in every aspect of employment. The laws enforced by EEOC prohibit an employer or other covered entity from using neutral employment policies and practices that have a disproportionately negative effect on applicants or employees of a particular race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), or national origin, or on an individual with a disability or class of individuals with disabilities, if the polices or practices at issue are not job-related and necessary to the operation of the  business. The laws enforced by EEOC also prohibit an employer from using neutral employment policies and practices that have a disproportionately negative impact on applicants or employees age 40 or older, if the policies or practices at issue are not based on a reasonable factor other than age. 2. Which federal laws cover language discrimination? Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that protects individuals from discrimination based upon national origin and race. Some courts and governmental agencies have said that discrimination based on language is a form of national origin discrimination because primary language is closely related to the place a person comes from. So if you are being discriminated against for using that language, or because of characteristics having to do with that language, that is considered essentially the same as if you were being discriminated against because of your national origin. This area of the law is still developing, however, so you should also consult with a local attorney for more information. 6. Can I be asked not to speak my native language at work or to speak English only? A rule requiring employees to speak only English at all times on the job may violate the law, unless an employer shows it is necessary for conducting business. If an employer believes the English-only rule is critical for business purposes, employees have to be told when they must speak English and the consequences for violating the rule. Any negative employment decision based on breaking the English-only rule will be considered evidence of national origin discrimination if the employer did not tell employees of the rule, except in several western states as noted below. In California, as of January 1, 2002, there is a specific legal provision which makes it illegal for an employer to adopt or enforce a policy that limits or prohibits the use of any language in any workplace, unless both of the following conditions exist: (1) the language restriction is justified by a business necessity; and (2) the employer has notified its employees of the circumstances and the time when the language restriction is required to be observed and of the consequences for violating the language restriction. â€Å"Business necessity† is defined as â€Å"an overriding legitimate business purpose such that the language restriction is necessary to the safe and efficient operation of the business, that the language restriction  effectively fulfills the business purpose it is supposed to serve, and there is no alternative practice to the language restriction that would accomplish the business purpose equally well with a lesser discriminatory impact.† In the states of Alaska, Arizona, California (but the above state law still applies), Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, there is a court decision that requires one of the following two circumstances for an employee to challenge a â€Å"speak-English-only† policy in the workplace under federal law: the rule is applied to employees who speak no English or who have difficulty speaking English; or the policy creates, or is part of, a work environment that is hostile toward national origin minority employee s. If, initially, an employee is able to show that either of those conditions applies, the employer must show some â€Å"business necessity,† a sufficiently compelling and clearly job-related need, for the policy. Even if the employer does demonstrate business necessity, the policy is still illegal if there are less discriminatory alternatives to the policy that achieve the same goals just as effectively. At this point, although the law on language discrimination continues to evolve, employees in the U.S. but not in these states do not have to show either of the two conditions. The mere existence of a policy, whether or not it affects or targets national origin minority employees, is evidence of discrimination which may only be overcome by the employer’s business necessity. In Nebraska, a statute called the Protections for Non–English Speaking Employees Law offers several protections for workers whose primary language is not English. The law applies to employers that employ 100 or more workers and recruit or hire non–English-speaking workers residing more than 500 miles from the place of employment, and where more than 10 percent of the employers’ workforces are non -English-speaking and speak the same non-English language. Employers must provide non-English-speaking workers with required written information about the job and obtain the person’s signature on a statement acknowledging having received that information before hiring. Employers are required to provide bilingual employee interpreters to assist non-English speaking workers in carrying out their job responsibilities and to provide them with information on community services. Employers are also required to transport employees who quit within 4 weeks back to the locations from which they were recruited. More people in the workforce are claiming discrimination over  their English-speaking ability or foreign accents, according to federal officials.Workplace discrimination complaints based on national origin — which often involve language ability — rose by 76 percent from 1997 to 2011, when more than 11,800 complaints were lodged with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC attributes the trend to a more ethnically diverse labor force — about 45 million Americans speak a language other than English at home. Civil-rights advocates say workplace environments have grown more hostile in states enacting tough new immigration laws. It is a common dilemma: employees complain about co-workers speaking other languages at work, conflicts arise, teamwork suffers, and morale issues begin invading the organization. These complaints usually center on an employee’s perception that it is rude for co-workers to speak another language at work, that such actions are intended to be deliberately exclusive and to make other employees feel uncomfortable. Employees feel they are being talked about, laughed at or even plotted against. Yet, Title VII protects employees from national origin discrimination, and therefore, employers must allow employees to have conversations in their native languages, unless there is a reasonable business need to require English-only rules during working hours. So what can HR do to resolve this conflict when English-only rules do not apply, such as during break times and lunches, and for businesses that cannot justify such a policy? First, educate employees on discrimination laws and work to f oster inclusion. Start with presentations on national origin discrimination and show the correlation between native languages being allowed in the workplace and the law. Work to create a presentation that shows common misconceptions on both sides and engenders respect for each other. Employees should be well informed of the company’s discrimination policy, which should also include the use of languages and guidance on what would constitute discriminatory or harassing behaviors. It should be communicated to all employees that failure to abide by the company’s policy and its expectations may result in disciplinary action, including termination. HR must also search for ways to ensure that inclusion is an integral part of the company’s culture. Providing a cohesive environment where everyone is respected and valued is vital to ensuring organizational success. Employees may find it  easier to assume that others are deliberately speaking a foreign language to hide something rather th an to take the time to understand another’s point of view. Conversely, always excluding employees from conversations by using another language can be unprofessional, unfair to co-workers and not in the best interests of the employer. Diversity and inclusion training should include awareness of cultural differences and the challenges non-native-English speakers may currently or once have faced, such as trying to fit into a new culture, being understood when conducting daily activities and being accepted and included at work. Employees also need to respect those fluent in more than one language. These individuals are able to speak English, but at times choose to speak to others in another common language. This is a natural way of sharing a part of their heritage while providing enjoyment in speaking a language that they both share. Finally, the organization’s management must â€Å"walk the talk† and be ready to address situations that affect their teams or jeopardize the employer’s goals and vision for the organization. SHRM HR Knowledge Center As a professional member of SHRM, you can receive free, exclusive access to the HR Knowledge Center. Our advisors have many years of HR experience and a wide variety of resources to assist you with your HR questions. You may reach the Knowledge Center at (800) 283-7476, Option #5 or by using the HR Knowledge Center Request Form. Express Requests The HR Knowledge Center has gathered resources on current topics in HR management. Click here to view and request information. Obtain reuse/copying permission – See more at: http://www.shrm.org/templatestools/hrqa/pages/whydosomeemployeesreactnegativelytootherlanguagesatwork.aspx#sthash.961esjei.dpuf Another step HR can take to prevent discrimination is to encourage cooperation and friendly, professional work relationships by creating  diverse departments or work areas throughout the company. Make sure employees know where to report any incidents of discrimination. Be sure to list the name of the Human Resources staff member that can document the complaint or report and is able to answer any questions or respond to concerns the employee may have. It is important that the HR staff member informs the manager or supervisor about the employees mentioned in the complaint so that the manager is informed and can schedule a private meeting with the employee to explain that they will have to answer the complaint. Be sure that all employees know that discrimination complaints are taken very seriously and addressed in a professional manner. Make any decisions regarding disciplinary action in a timely manner so that employees are not left to wonder what the outcome of the situation will be. Another step HR can take to prevent discrimination is to encourage cooperation and friendly, professional work relationships by creating diverse departments or work areas throughout the company. Make sure employees know where to report any incidents of discrimination. Be sure to list the name of the Human Resources staff member that can document the complaint or report and is able to answer any questions or respond to concerns the employee may have. It is important that the HR staff member informs the manager or supervisor about the employees mentioned in the complaint so that the manager is informed and can schedule a private meeting with the employee to explain that they will have to answer the complaint. Be sure that all employees know that discrimination complaints are taken very seriously and addressed in a professional manner. Make any decisions regarding disciplinary action in a timely manner so that employees are not left to wonder what the outcome of†¦

Corporations Role in Politics essays

Corporations' Role in Politics essays There is no simple straight line from corporations to politics to job loss in the economy. Nor is it possible to consider politics as being simply corporations making donations to a particular candidate's campaign, and then that candidate somehow shutting down a factory. The issue is more complex, and it is now also global. Nevertheless, the result is pretty much the same as if XYZ Corporation paid off Rep. Smiley Face to vote to increase taxes on XYZ's product's components making it advantageous to move XYZ's plant to Mexico, where the peasants work cheaper and the investors will get a greater return on their XYZ stocks. But because of the interrelationships between corporate America, global commerce and politics, perhaps one of the first places to look at corporate political influence and unemployment is by looking at the events surrounding the World Trade Organization. In 1999, more than 50,000 took to the streets of Seattle to demonstrate against the policies of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Their problem concerned the power and privileges of an elite class that controls U.S. wealth (corporations) and politics. It is also, by extension, a fight against multinational corporations and governments that view workers as no more than pawns in a global chess game (O'Meara 2000) and unemployment as no more than a bunch of numbers on a balance sheet. The media, as is increasingly common knowledge, consists of major corporations with political agendas. The media tried to portray the demonstrators as a bunch of flower children left over from the 1960s. Although some such were involved, mainly, it was a demonstration of "middle- American workers, environmentalists, conservative nationalists and Teamsters and longshoremen, religious activists, campus crusaders against sweatshops, Reform Party furies, feminists, Birchers, hu...

Universal Art and Social Art essays

Universal Art and Social Art essays Universal art and social art are both types of art that tell a story. Universal art portrays a common scene that can be found in almost any culture. Social or cultural art portrays a scene that has a specific time or place in a society or is specific to particular culture or religion. The etching by Kathe Kollwitz, Death, Woman and Child (figure 315, page 227) portrays a woman pressing her cheek against her lifeless child. This piece represents universal art, more specifically Nekya Mythologeme. Nekya Mythologeme stories are about personal struggles, doubt, and anxiety. Death is a common occurrence in all cultures which is why this piece is classified as universal. The sorrow, pain, and grief of death experienced by the family and friends left behind defines Nekya Mythologeme. This piece is shows the unconditional love felt between a mother and child by how the mother has pressed her face as close as possible to the childs, appearing connected. The expression on the mothers face is one of love and complete sorrow. The piece also shows a hand wrapped around the childs neck. The text makes note that it is uncertain if this hand is the hand of death or the mothers hand . If the hand is of the mother, then the story is of how much the mother loves and adore s her child. If the hand is representation of death then the story is of a mother unable to recover from the loss of a precious child, which is probably what the artist was trying to portray. Later in the text Sayre references the fact that this scene is a foreshadowing of the mothers death. Kollwitz piece nearly brought me to tears when I saw it. I have a young child and the mere thought of his death gives me extreme sorrow. Prior to having a child I never knew what an unbreakable bond there is between a mother and child. I believe it is the strongest bond one can have with another human being. Kollwitz used brown ink and w ...

About Plate Tectonics - Introduction and Overview

About Plate Tectonics - Introduction and Overview Geologists have an explanation- a scientific theory- of how the Earths surface behaves called plate tectonics. Tectonics means large-scale structure. So plate tectonics says that the large-scale structure of the Earths outer shell is a set of plates. (see the map) Tectonic Plates Tectonic plates dont quite match the continents and the oceans on the Earths surface. The North America plate, for instance, extends from the west coast of the U.S. and Canada into the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. And the Pacific plate includes a chunk of California as well as most of the Pacific Ocean (see the list of plates). This is because the continents and ocean basins are part of the Earths crust. But plates are made of relatively cold and hard rock, and that extends deeper than the crust into the upper mantle. The part of the Earth that makes up the plates is called the lithosphere. It averages about 100 kilometers in thickness, but that varies greatly from place to place. (see About the Lithosphere) The lithosphere is solid rock, as rigid and stiff as steel. Beneath it is a softer, hotter layer of solid rock called the asthenosphere (es-THEEN-osphere) that extends down to around 220 kilometers depth. Because its at red-hot temperatures the rock of the asthenosphere is weak (astheno- means weak in scientific Greek). It cannot resist slow stress and it bends in a plastic way, like a bar of Turkish taffy. In effect, the lithosphere floats on the asthenosphere even though both are solid rock. Plate Movements The plates are constantly changing position, moving slowly over the asthenosphere. Slowly means slower than fingernails grow, no more than a few centimeters a year. We can measure their movements directly by GPS and other long-distance measuring (geodetic) methods, and geologic evidence shows that they have moved the same way in the past. Over many millions of years, the continents have traveled everywhere on the globe. (see Measuring Plate Motion) Plates move with respect to each other in three ways: they move together (converge), they move apart (diverge) or they move past each other. Therefore plates are commonly said to have three types of edges or boundaries: convergent, divergent and transform. In convergence, when the leading edge of a plate meets another plate, one of them turns downward. That downward motion is called subduction. Subducted plates move down into and through the asthenosphere and gradually disappear. (see About Convergent Zones)Plates diverge at volcanic zones in the ocean basins, the mid-ocean ridges. These are long, huge cracks where lava rises from below and freezes into new lithosphere. The two sides of the crack are continually pulled apart, and thus the plates gain new material. The north Atlantic island of Iceland is the foremost example of a divergent zone above sea level. (see About Divergent Zones)Where plates move past each other is called a transform boundary. These are not as common as the other two boundaries. The San Andreas fault of California is a well-known example. (see About Transforms)The points where the edges of three plates meet are called triple junctions. They move across the Earths surface in response to the different motions of the three plates. (see Triple Junctions) The basic cartoon map of the plates uses only these three boundary types. However, many plate boundaries are not sharp lines but, rather, diffuse zones. They amount to about 15 percent of the worlds total and appear in more realistic plate maps. Diffuse boundaries in the United States include most of Alaska and the Basin and Range province in the western states. Most of China and all of Iran are diffuse boundary zones, too. What Plate Tectonics Explains Plate tectonics answers many basic geologic questions: On the three different types of boundary, plate movement creates distinctive kinds of earthquake faults. (see Fault Types in a Nutshell)Most large mountain ranges are associated with plate convergence, answering a long-standing mystery. (see The Mountain Problem)Fossil evidence suggests that continents were once connected that are far apart today; where once we explained this by the rise and fall of land bridges, today we know that plate movements are responsible.The worlds seafloor is geologically young because old oceanic crust disappears by subduction. (see About Subduction)Most of the worlds volcanoes are related to subduction. (see About Arc Volcanism) Plate tectonics also lets us ask and answer new kinds of questions: We can build maps of world geography in the geologic past- paleogeographic maps- and model ancient climates.We can study how mass extinctions are related to effects of plate tectonics such as volcanism. (see Extinction: On the Destiny of Species)We can examine how plate interactions have affected the geologic history of a specific region. Plate Tectonic Questions Geoscientists are studying several major questions about plate tectonics itself: What moves the plates?What creates volcanoes in hotspots like Hawaii that are outside subduction zones? (see A Hotspot Alternative)How rigid are the plates, and how precise are their boundaries?When did plate tectonics begin, and how?How is plate tectonics connected to the Earths mantle below? (see About the Mantle)What happens to subducted plates? (see The Death of Plates)What kind of cycle do plate materials go through? Plate tectonics is unique to Earth. But learning about it during the last 40 years has given scientists many theoretical tools to understand other planets, even those that circle other stars. For the rest of us, plate tectonics is a simple theory that helps make sense of the Earths face.

Ten Critical Steps for Risk Managers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Ten Critical Steps for Risk Managers - Essay Example Argentina is one of the Latin American countries which have a high political risks associated with international business. These risks affect the way international business is done between Argentina and the rest of the world.According to World Bank (2001), managing political risk and other forms of risks associated with international business is something that can be very difficult for businesses. However, experts such as Thomas Cook (2012) have provided useful information regarding the ways in which international businesses can address these issues. For a country such as Argentina, the main issue for international business people to understand is the fact that this country is not stable politically. Countries which have not matured democratically such as Argentina have more and higher political risk and it is necessary for businesses to be able to address these risks in a more serious way. The following ten steps as developed by Cook can be used to manage political risk in Argentina . The first issue to for a manager to consider is selecting a risk insurance firm which is suited to the insurance needs of the business. According to Cook (2012), it is absolutely necessary for a manager to know that the underwriters who they choose are conversant in political risks in the country. In this regard, choosing an insurance broker in Argentina will concentrate on looking for an insurance broker who critically understands the political risks in the country not only in theory but also in practice.... In buying insurance, it is always necessary to understand the nature and extent of the risk involved (Cook, 2012). In this regard, it will be increasingly necessary to understand the political risks involved in Argentina and then look for an insurance provider who will guarantee these risks. It will be necessary to look for an insurance provider who clearly understands these risks and who is able to look at the way in which the business can be shielded from this kind of risk. Thirdly, the manager should consider combining risk and covering them with one insurance policy. There are a number of risks associated with doing international business in Argentina and this will require combining risks when buying an insurance policy. In this regard, it will be necessary to understand the various risks which can be combined in order to make sure that the business is well protected. For instance, apart from political risks, there are other non-political risks which must be looked at in this reg ard, instead of having a different policy for each risk; it could be useful to have one umbrella policy which will protect the business from all the risks. Fourth, constant communication about the contract after it has been put in place is also very important. This is because Argentina’s political environment is very volatile and therefore the nature and extent of political risks in Argentina keep changing over time. Fifthly, constant review and update of the insurance contract is necessary because political risks can change with regard to which regime is in power and also depending on seasons such as the electioneering season. With a country which does not have a concrete public policy, the nature of the governance is purely

Analysis three macroeconomic factors in the UK and how do they affect Essay

Analysis three macroeconomic factors in the UK and how do they affect the profitability of Sainsbury company - Essay Example It can be stated that the GDP growth will positively impact towards improving the profitability of Sainsbury’s. GDP also positively impacts upon public spending which is a crucial aspect for a retail organisation such as Sainsbury’s as it can enable them to garner more profit. Though, slower growth of GDP can create unemployment, which can in turn affect Sainsbury’s profitability as new recruitment can be stopped by the organisation along with investing in any new purchases until the economy gets better (Economy Watch, 2009). Interest Rate and Inflation Rate UK interest rate in March’ 2011 had been registered at 0.5% which is a record low (BBC, 2011). In February 2011, inflation rate of UK rose to 4.4% (BBC, 2011). Interest rate has a major impact on time value of money. Changes in case of inflation rate generally result in alterations in the interest rate. These two factors are the key decision making factors for making any investment decision since these factors have a straight impact upon the ‘investment yield’. In case of the UK, the record low interest rate will support the investment on shares. Rising interest rates slows down the inflation.

Describe an animal that people are working to protect. Explain why it Essay

Describe an animal that people are working to protect. Explain why it should be protected - Essay Example Currently, scientists are estimating that more than 2000 animals are at a risk of extinction with African elephants and rhinos being at the top of the list. Most recent findings have shown that about 20 percent of Africa’s elephants could be killed in the next one decade if proper and swift measures are not taken (Faure para3-8). The main cause of the dramatic reduction in the population of African elephants is illegal poaching and human encroachment to the animals’ habitats. According to a report that was released by the Elephant Summit in Botswana as well as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, more than 22,000 elephants were illegally killed across Africa in 2012 alone, which was a reduction from the previous year where more than 25,000 elephants had been killed. Illegal poaching was found to be more acute in the Central and Eastern African regions where estimated poaching rate was reported to be twice the continental average. Poachers use crooked methods in killing this endangered species such as shooting the animals as well as poisoning them. For instance, in September 2013 cyanide was used to kill more than 300 elephants in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park and led to what was termed as the â€Å"worst single massacre in southern Africa for 25 years.† This are worrying figures considering the fact the continent has about 500,000 elephants and they can easily be depleted in the next one decade if the current poaching rate is not curbed. The rate of poaching had initially dropped though the exercise has started to boom at an alarming rate. In the past century, African elephants were about to get depleted through illegal poaching whereby an estimated 100,000 elephants were being killed yearly and up to 80% of herds were lost in some regions. In Kenya for instance, the population plummeted by 85% between 1973

Written submission Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Written submission - Essay Example The rest of the tenants (15%) are single. There is some ethnic diversity in the estate. The current turnover is at 18%, however, re-letting is a major challenge especially in the case of smaller properties due to the estate’s poor reputation. There is also the problem of a high percentage of the tenants having rent arrears. Most of the customers are in the Housing Benefit scheme and this is one of the major reasons why so many of them have rent arrears. Currently the tenants do not have their own Tenants Association. The level of sense of community is very low, but a few of the residents are eager to change this. There is also very limited customer engagement with Southway and other agencies. Some of the issues and problems facing the estate include a high crime rate which is one of the reasons why the estates has such a high turn over rate and a low re-letting rate. Some of the most common crimes committed in Lowfeaf include burglary and drug dealing. The estate’s physical appearance is also very shabby with poorly maintained gardens and litter scattered everywhere. There is also a lot of graffiti on the walls which makes the place look unfriendly. Lowfeaf estate has an annual community budget of  £10,000 which is currently not being used. The regular staff available includes a community officer and income management officer. There is also the Customer Involvement Team and Your Neighborhood Team Manager who provide support services. There are plans to begin a home improvement programme which is set to take off within six months. There is also an environmental programme which is planned to start in the next nine months. The major issue in this estate is its reputation. Therefore the best plan is one that will help create a good name for Lowfeaf. I have developed a three year plan that will see Lowleaf turn from a shabby-looking, crime-laden estate to one of the most enviable residential areas. The plan

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Strategic Management - Essay Example In addition to being the position of foremost retailer in United Kingdom, it also has the inimitable distinction of being the highest emergent Finance Company and also Internet food retailer business. To accomplish real success in worldwide market, pricing and product quality is necessary. Entry strategy of the product is also very significant for successful launching of business in other countries. The strategic preparation will facilitate every manufacture or service organization to do something that is exclusive and greatly appreciated by the customer. The strategic management is the composite, business extensive and the long terms connotation which deals with basic principles of execution and examination. So that effective strategic management helps the Tesco to increase overall profitability and productivity. â€Å"Supermarket Tesco put up for sales a wide variety of goods online, consisting of baby items and groceries, flowers, electrical commodities ,toddler things, music, vi deo, books, CDs, , DVDs, personal finance and vouchers† (Supermarkets, 2010). ... Tesco offer better environment for purchase goods and other material. Understand the clients to the quality, price and other related items of merchandise.   Tesco introduced new techniques and ideas for achieving the business objectives. Tesco illustrate that the entire retailers are one team.   Tesco also explained that clients enjoy shopping and catch the attention of various new customers by launching new items and to increase their marketplace share. The efforts taken by Tesco does serve as a pointer that the company does seem to have been taking steps for reducing carbon footprints and ensuring a more safer and healthier environmental friendly approach to business. Tesco’s business strategy: Tesco is the chief retailing business and it effectively achieved in the course of purchasing, introducing new things, developing their business in worldwide level. That time sales level raise at the level of 91%. Tesco pleased their customers’ requirements and wants.   C lients are increasing day by day and they are purchasing numerous products from there. They are selling more and maximize the earnings and income increased at the rate of 87%. Without United Kingdom Tesco established their industry in many other states and achieved lot of new clients. â€Å"Tesco supermarket has selected to practice strategic industry unit (SBU) crossways the entire of its business parts with the intention of make best use of the amount of competitiveness inside the individual marketplace regions\s. According to one of the famous author Mockler (2002: 49), says about the SBU. It would envelop†¦ the strategic basis; magnitude and range of the operation; tactical push; the types of goods or services sell and distributed; quality of service and

Written submission Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Written submission - Essay Example The rest of the tenants (15%) are single. There is some ethnic diversity in the estate. The current turnover is at 18%, however, re-letting is a major challenge especially in the case of smaller properties due to the estate’s poor reputation. There is also the problem of a high percentage of the tenants having rent arrears. Most of the customers are in the Housing Benefit scheme and this is one of the major reasons why so many of them have rent arrears. Currently the tenants do not have their own Tenants Association. The level of sense of community is very low, but a few of the residents are eager to change this. There is also very limited customer engagement with Southway and other agencies. Some of the issues and problems facing the estate include a high crime rate which is one of the reasons why the estates has such a high turn over rate and a low re-letting rate. Some of the most common crimes committed in Lowfeaf include burglary and drug dealing. The estate’s physical appearance is also very shabby with poorly maintained gardens and litter scattered everywhere. There is also a lot of graffiti on the walls which makes the place look unfriendly. Lowfeaf estate has an annual community budget of  £10,000 which is currently not being used. The regular staff available includes a community officer and income management officer. There is also the Customer Involvement Team and Your Neighborhood Team Manager who provide support services. There are plans to begin a home improvement programme which is set to take off within six months. There is also an environmental programme which is planned to start in the next nine months. The major issue in this estate is its reputation. Therefore the best plan is one that will help create a good name for Lowfeaf. I have developed a three year plan that will see Lowleaf turn from a shabby-looking, crime-laden estate to one of the most enviable residential areas. The plan

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION - Essay Example These are not only concerning financial dealings but also about the readiness of an individual to own up actions, learn from mistakes and strive for improvement. Here again, supervisor can give a value judgment. Format devised above relies substantially upon measurable parameters on the one hand and upon the assessment of supervisor which itself has a direct relationship with the measurable parameters, thus eliminating subjectivity to a large extent. Greater emphasis is laid on behavioral aspects of an employee compared to traits since the former has a direct and greater bearing upon the success of the individual and his team in achieving the performance targets. Based on the elements of evaluation, in association with the line supervisor concerned, I will develop format for periodical recording of performance. These records are to be maintained by the supervisor for on-going review and also overall review at the time of annual assessment. For annual assessment, I will devise a separate format (again based on the same elements of evaluation) which will be filled-in by the supervisor. This format will have not only the supervisor’s assessment but also a record of his interaction with the employee on the assessment itself and the employee’s own remarks. This will commit the employee for owning up his shortfalls (if any) and spur him to greater efforts in areas of deficiency. Thus, I will work towards an open and transparent system of appraisal, which will meet the due process of assessment. Team performance appraisals are not very relevant in the sales department of an auto company unless the sales persons are grouped as teams. Assuming that Luxurion Auto has teams of salesmen (divided on some basis like a territory or a market segment) and group targets are set for such teams, I will certainly create team performance appraisal

Math in Basketball Essay Example for Free

Math in Basketball Essay When I am upset, all I crave is bacon. It seems to bring out the good in everything. The sky is brighter when I eat bacon; the grass is greener; the glass is half full. Bacon just makes everything seem alright. I feel reenergized. Alert. Happy. Bacon is my substance of choice for mood-enhancement, as it optimally raises my dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine levels with no negative effects besides a little weight gain that is easily avoided by the addition of exercise. From an evolutionary stand point, bacon is the ideal food. Back in the day, before there were nutritionists and people ate to survive, cravings were responsible for encouraging the right balance of carbs to fats to proteins as well as the consumption of all necessary vitamins and minerals. Protein, which is found primarily in meat, proved to be one of the hardest nutrients for the ancient human being to find, since they would have to hunt animals in order to obtain it. Because of its importance to the humans diet and its difficulty to obtain, the reward system for proteins tends to be much stronger than that for any other nutrient. Carbs may result in an increased level of serotonin, but proteins release tyrosine into the blood stream which causes the release of massive amounts of dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter. Bacon also has a great fat to protein ratio. Fats are another crucial nutrient because they are effectively concentrated, stored carbs which can be converted into ATP for energy on a cellular level. Containing nine Calories of energy per gram, one gram of fat is enough to sustain an average person in an inactive, waking state for ten minutes, though it may only last me a few seconds when I am riding my horse, Kaptain. This means that the average slice of bacon can sustain the average person for about one whole hour. Maybe twenty-four slices of bacon a day is not the most healthy diet, due to its lack of carbs, vitamins, and minerals, but on a sad, dreary, rainy day, that is pretty close to what I would eat. I would probably add some eggs, pastries, orange juice, and multi-vitamins to the mix in order to have a more balanced diet, but I would definitely feel pretty comforted and happy. Just thinking about a warm, crunchy, greasy, delicious plate of bacon with a side of steaming chocolate chip pancakes is triggering my lateral hypothalamus. My pituitary gland is already telling my mouth to water, my stomach to growl and prepare digestive enzymes, and releasing the hunger hormone ghrelin. Today may not be a sad, dreary, or rainy day, but I am still craving bacons crunchy goodness. Luckily, I can somewhat control my bacon cravings and I have a fast metabolism, or else Im sure my horse would be suffering from intense back problems.

An Analysis of Such a Long Journey by Rohinton Mistry

An Analysis of Such a Long Journey by Rohinton Mistry AN EXPLORATION OF SOCIO- POLITICAL CONCERNS IN ROHINTON MISTRYS SUCH A LONG JOURNEY Abstract Social, political, and historical event continue to be a significant theme adopted by various writers throughout the world to reveal the situations that occurred in the past and continue till date. Contemporary Indian writers use these themes to reflect the impact of events and its effect on the ordinary people. They mainly focus on socio-political issues like war, violence, displaced communities, and marginalization. Rohinton Mistry is one among these writers whose works reflect the contemporary social and political life of the parsi community. Nostalgia, alienation, diaspora, politics and marginalization form the basic tenet of Rohinton Mistrys novels. Such a Long Journey is one of the important works by Mistry which explore the various aspects of India like culture, community, administration, society, life, and faith of the Parsi community. Mistry, re-portrays the historical backdrop of this group and nation as it has been in the post-independence period. This paper attempts to an alyze the experience, anguish, and the nostalgic feeling of the Parsi community in India even after the independence. Keywords: Nostalgia, diaspora, alienation and politics Introduction Parsis are the small group of people described as an ethno-religious minority who are the faithful followers of Zoroastrianism. These minority people are separated from Iran to avoid forced conversion into Islam community. Finally, they came to India and got settled and practiced their faith. India is like a heaven for them but they are subjected to marginalization. Parsis writing illustrates the life and experiences of the past and present-dayParsis in India. Being the minority community, the Parsis feel insecured, alienated, nostalgic and feel threatened by the dominant Hindu culture. These are also major themes in Parsis literature. According to N.S Dharan, post-independent Parsi writing in English is ethnocentric, culture-specific and community oriented (7).Many writers are inclined to write about the contemporary political condition of the nation and their community especially about the Parsi community who merely struggles under the governments hegemony. Bapsi Sidhwa, Firdaus Kanga, Boman Desai are well-known Parsi writers whose works reflect the contemporary socio-political issues faced by the Parsi community. Rohinton Mistry is one among these writers. He is of Indian origin and belongs to Parsi community. Mistry developed as a significant and notable literary figure during the contemporary periods. He was an Indo-Canadian novelist and short story writer. He was born in 1952 in Bombay and immigrated to Canada in 1975. He studied English and Philosophy as a part-time scholar at the University of Toronto. His notable fictional works are Such a Long Journey (1991), A Fine Balance (1995), and Family Matter (2002) and non-fictions are Tales from Firozsha Baag (1987), Searching for Stevenson (1994), and The scream (2006). His works are intact with the major themes like religion, community, politics, human relationship, diaspora, alienation, nostalgia, and homelessness. Such a Long Journey His first novel, Such a Long Journey portrays the common lifestyle and anxieties of the Parsi community during post-Independent India, it also explores the social, political, and cultural chaos during the early sixties and seventies. The title of the novel, Such a Long Journey has been taken from the poem The Journey of the magi by T.S. Eliot. A cold coming we had of it, Just the worst time of the year For a journey, and such a long journey. (qtd in Mistry i) Eliots poem is extremely emblematic. The journey of the three wise man who wants to visit the birthplace of Jesus Christ undertakes a hazardous journey and overcome many problems and difficulties in life. Similarly, this novel is also symbolic representing the long journey of the Gustard Noble who overcomes many ups and downs in his life. The novel is set in Bombay against the milieu of the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971 which gave raise to new independent country, Bangladesh. It also deals with the major political issues like corruption, domination, and unlawful government. The novel has won many awards like Governor Generals Award, the commonwealth writers prize for the best manuscript and has also shortlisted for the Prestigious Booker Prize. Such a Long Journey is one of the remarkable and best works by Rohinton Mistry which portrays the realistic conditions and political history of the Indian society especially the life of the Parsi community before and after independence. Mistry has well studied the history, social and political condition of India during his stay in Bombay and has adapted it in the novel, which is interesting and traditionally significant. Jasbir Jain says that, Rohinton Mistrys work raises a whole lot of other questions specifically related to the homeland and political memory. Neither nostalgia nor memory in itself can account for this rootedness and preoccupation with the homeland and the environment boundaries of the city of birth. (qtd in Dhodiya 42) Such a Long Journey is an imaginative story which explores the life and anguish of the middle-class Parsi people. Amrijit Singh says, Such a Long Journey is the story of Gustad Noble, the little man who holds on to his dignity, strength, and humanity in a sweltering tide of disappointment, confusion, betrayal and corruption (214). The author describes the pitiable circumstances and the melancholic story of Gustad Noble, who is the protagonist of the novel. He belongs to the middle-class Parsi community, who worked as a clerk in a bank. Being a clerk, he has to face many problems in life. He was a dedicated family man, works very hard to uphold his familys financial situation. Noble was a father of three children, elder son Sohrab, youngest son Darius and Roshan, his daughter. He lived in the Khodadad building with his family where most of the Parsis reside. Major Jimmy Bilimoria and Dinshawji are the faithful friends of him who also lived along with the Noble family in the Khodadad b uilding. Parsi communities are shaken by the rise of Shiv Sena in Bombay, the party promises to give job for the middle-class people. The party is against the South Indian immigrants, typically immigrants from Tamil Nadu especially the job seekers. The party Shiv Sena in the novel is despised by the Parsi people as the supporters of the Shiv Sena ill-treated the individuals of the Parsi community as a Parsi crow-eaters. Furthermore offending the communitys funeral cremations, Dinshawji and Gustadare frightened that the Parsis might become second-class citizens in the future. Gustad says, No future for minorities, with all these fascist Shiv Sena politics and Marathi language nonsense. It was going to be like the black people in America-twice as good as the white man to get half as much(SLJ 7). The novel charmingly reveals the certain political conflicts which affected the life of ordinary middle-class people. Dr. Paymaster says, Our beloved country is a patient with disease at an advanced stage. Dressing the wound or sprinkling rose-water over it to hide the smell of decaying tissue is useless. Fine words and promises will not cure the patient. The decaying part must be removed. You see, the municipal corruption is merely the bad smell, which will disappear as soon as the decaying government at the Centre is removed. (SLJ 313) The above quote describes the present political condition of India. Government is the only root cause of all the troubles and problems which occurs in India. Such problematic people should be thrown out of the country. Gustad Nobles hallucinations and ambitions are quite ambiguous. Many uncertain events have taken place in Nobles life. Firstly, his friend Major Jimmy who is a gentleman and also philosopher to him, suddenly disappears from the Khodadad building. Secondly, his son Sohrab refuses to register as a scholar in IIT where he got the admission. Noble has a great hope for his son Sohrabs future and wants to reclaim his familys lost prosperity. But his dreams are spoiled and he loses his hope on him. Moreover, Sohrabs unpleasant behavior during his sisters birthday was unbelievable which shocked Noble and he wanted to know the reason behind his unacceptable behavior. Sohrab replies: Its not suddenly. Im sick and tired of IIT, IIT, IIT all the time. Im not interested in it, Im n ot a jolly good fellow about it, and Im not going there. (SLJ 48) Sohrab discloses his wish to study Arts programme with his friends. Gustadwas unable to control his anger in front of his wife Dilnavaz, who herself was stumped, wants him to be quite. Noble says it is his obligation to look after his sons future. Gustad fears that there is no life and occupation for the minorities in Bombay mainly due to unlawful government. Dinshawji reminds the good old days of the parsis: What fun we used to haveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.parsis were the kings of banking in those days. Such respect we used to get. Now the whole atmosphere only has been spoiled. Ever since that Indira nationalized the banks.(SLJ 38). Noble being an ordinary middle-class man had to face many trials in life. For example, the mysterious parcel which he had received from his friend Major Jimmy, slowly pulled him into a government deception including threats, corruption, and robbery which turns his life into a great tragedy. The mysterious parcel that contained ten lakh rupees invited a lot of trouble which puts him in addition to the existing problem. Moreover, the outside wall of the khodadad building that is considered as the sacred wall and security for his family is demolished by the government as a means of extending the road. These untoward incidents affects Noble so much that he feels frustrated and alienated. The wall is symbolic of the Parsi community. Once it is destroyed, Noble feels that the security of the Parsi community is under threat. Nilufer Bharucha says that the wall both includes and excludes. It is protective as well as reductive. It protects theParsee community from the ingressof the engulfing Indian world. However, it also makes this world isolationist (123). The problems multiplied when Noble found that his friend Major Jimmy Bilimoria was arrested. He is one of his close friends and also like a second father to Nobles children. He utters about his difficulties and Indias political situation during the tenure of Indira Gandhi as the prime minister. Major Jimmy was instructed through the phone by the PM Indira Gandhi to withdraw the sum of 60 lakh rupees from the SBI bank on the emergency basis. Later, police found that it was illegal money and PM refuses to accept that she was directly involved in the money scandal. Major Jimmy was arrested and tortured by the police. He was imprisoned for four years. Finally, he becomes bedridden and died due to heart attack before the period of his imprisonment gets over. This pitiable condition of the Major in the novel is very painful. Mistry beautifully describes the sorrowful situation of the Parsi people through Major Jimmy: On the bed lay nothing more than a shadow. The shadow of the powerfully built army man who once lived in Khodadad building. His hairline had receded, and sunken cheeks made the bones jut sharp and grotesque. The regal handlebar mustache was no more. His eyes had disappeared within their sockets. The neck, what he could see of it, was as scrawny as poor behest Dinshawjis while under the sheet there seemed barely a trace of those strong shoulders and deep chest which Gustard and Dilnavaz used to point out as a good example to their sons, reminding them always to walk erect, with chest out and stomach in, like Major Uncle. (SLJ 267) When Gustard returns from the funeral of Major Jimmy, Dilnavaz asks her son to speak to his father. But Sohrab refuses to speak to his father because he says to his mother about the fathers reaction towards him: its no use. I spoilt all his dreams, he is not interested in me anymore. (SLJ 321).The family is disintegrated due to politics. The distress of the Parsi community is well portrayed in Such a Long Journey. The inhabitants of Khodadad building represents the unity among the Parsi community. Mistry hints that when that wall is destroyed the community collapses. Mani Meitei notices that: though Mistry is highly imbued with an original writers imagination in the development of a flawless story in Such a Long Journey, his awareness of the contemporary social and political situation of India, particularly the period of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, is extremely exciting. As a realist, he wields the weapon of satire, which makes him a ruthless artist, a harsh political satirist and a devout critic of war. (9) Mistry portrays the agony of Parsi community during the reign of Indira Gandhi. The Parsi community stands as a marginalized minority community. Their sense of displacement is perfectly picturized by Mistry thus: Tell me what happens to my life, Rubbed out, just like that? Tell me (SLJ 74). Not only Gustad is affected but also the whole community which lives in the Khodadad building suffers. Gustad tries to bring in unity among the Hindus and the Parsis, but gets deeply hurt when the building collapses. His enthusiasm, thoughts, and desires was destroyed. Firstly, unexpected departure of major Billimoria from the Khodadad building. Secondly, his daughter Roshans illness, thirdly, Sohrabs disloyalty and finally tragic death of his friends makes him to suffer more. In addition to this, the Khodadad building collapses. Mistry stoically says it was becoming too much to bear, Roshans sickness, Jimmys treachery, Dinshawji stupidity, sohrabs betrayal, nothing but worry and sorrow and disapp ointment piling up around him, walling him in, and threatening to crush him. He moved his massaging hand from the forehead to his nape and closed his eyes (SLJ 177). All these incidences falls as a blow on Gustad head. Gustad makes a journey which is full of up and downs. Conclusion The novel clearly explores the socio-political issues which affect the lives of the characters and also the anxieties about their future as minority people. Mistry has effectively intertwined components of Parsi society and religion in his writing. It signifies different classes, professions, caste, and daily lives of the common parsi people in a unique way. He utilize his writing as a weapon against the exploiters and giving the reader information about the political exploitation and its consequence on the common middle-class people. In one of the interviews conducted by Ali Lakhani, Mistry says that a new country is revealed with its wonders, life isà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..a journey without destination. Sort of like a wall that goes on and on with pictures (1-2).Such a Long Journey thus beautifully reveals the huge picture of the Parsi community in India. Works Cited Bharucha, Nilufer.Rohinton Mistry: Ethnic Enclosures and Transcultural Spaces, Jaipur and New Delhi: Rawat Publications, 2003. Dharan, N.S. Ethnic Atrophy Syndrome in Rohinton Mistrys Fiction. Parsi Fiction Vol 2. ed. by Kapadia, Novy. New Delhi. 2004. Dodiya, Jaydipsinh. Perspectives on the Novels of Rohinton Mistry, New Delhi: Sarup Sons, 2006. Print. Meitei, Mani M.-Such A Long Journey and its Critical Acclaim The Fiction of Rohinton Mistry: Critical Studies, ed. Jaydipsinh Dodiya. New Delhi: Sarup and Sons, 2005. Mistry, Rohinton. Such a Long Journey. New York: Faber and Faber Ltd, 1991. Print. Singh, Amrijit. Rohinton Mistry(1952- ). Writers of Indian Diaspora,A Bio-Bibliographical Critical Source. ed. Nelson Emmanuel. Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 1993. Lakhani, Ali The Long Journey of Rohinton Mistry. Interview at the Vancouver International Writers Festival. Canadian Fiction Magazine. 1989.www.rungh.org/issues/Rungh_v2_n1-2.pdf.

The Character of Meursault in The Stranger (The Outsider) :: Camus Stranger Essays

The Character of Meursault in The Stranger Albert Camus wrote The Stranger during the Existentialist movement, which explains why the main character in the novel, Meursault, is characterized as detached and emotionless, two of the aspects of existentialism. In Meursault, Camus creates a character he intends his readers to relate to, because he creates characters placed in realistic situations. He wants the reader to form a changing, ambiguous opinion of Meursault. From what Meursault narrates to the reader in the novel, the reader can understand why he attempts to find order and understanding in a confused and mystifying world. Camus writes in a simple, direct, and uncomplicated style. The choice of language serves well to convey the thoughts of Meursault. The story is told in the first person and traces the development of the narrator's attitude toward himself and the rest of the world. Through this sort of simple grammatical structure, Camus gives the reader the opportunity to become part of the awareness of Meursault. In Part I, what Meursault decides to mention are just concrete facts. He describes objects and people, but makes no attempt to analyze them. Since he makes no effort to analyze things around him, that job is given to the reader. The reader therefore creates his own meaning for Meursault's actions. When he is forced to confront his past and reflect on his experiences, he attempts to understand the reasons for existence. At first, Meursault makes references to his inability to understand what's happening around him, but often what he tells us seems the result of his own indifferen ce or detachment. He is frequently inattentive to his surroundings. His mind wanders in the middle of conversations. Rarely does he make judgments or express opinions about what he or other characters are doing. Meursault walks through life largely unaware of the effect of his actions on others. Meursault is distant from set plans, ambitions, desires, love, and emotions in general. He has a difficult time with emotions such as regret and compassion. The reader sees the nature of his personality in the first few lines of the novel: "Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I don't know." When he hears of the death of his mother through a telegram, he is unattached, and can be considered uncaring.

Understanding Native Americans in the Film, Dances with Wolves Essays

Understanding Native Americans in the Film, Dances with Wolves To dance with someone is to become one with him. When you dance, you lay selves aside and you try to move as one person. Every step flows cautiously into the next. You never want to step on the toes of the other person and with your hands you guide each other in various directions, but always together. The dance is a journey; one that brings two often very different people together. For that brief time that the two are dancing they act as one person, laying all differences aside. The film, Dances with wolves, accomplishes this feat. For one hundred and eighty-one minutes it allows us to get caught up in the dance of the white man and the Indians. Dances with wolves, disregards cultural barriers and only focuses on people for who they are as individuals. At the beginning of any dance, people are cautious. They must first "feel-out" the other person. They must get a sense of who the other person is, and what is meaningful to them. In the film, Dances with Wolves," John Dunbar approaches the Indians with this same apprehension. He is a white America who is alone on the frontier. He may be scared of the supposed "savages," but he never lets on. The stereotypical Indian is a brutal savage-like beast who kills for the sake of killing and ravages the countryside. In the first scene of the movie, this is the image that I received. It seemed hard to imagine any sense of brotherhood that could be found in the hearts of the Indians as we watched them scalp an innocent American named Timmons. My initial reactions, however, were disregarded as I continued to watch. I observed the first confrontation between Dunbar and the Indians. It was an encounter much like th... ...ried to a terrorist with a scientifically gifted sneaky child. What I want to say, and I ask you to take this back: We must look at racism as a disease. It is a cancer. It is very good and noble that the President has started this initiative. But you cannot put a band-aid on to treat cancer." Throughout the film and through the powerful testimonies mentioned above we realize the need for us to put stereotypes aside and truly desire to understand the Native American culture. It is only after we have "danced with them" that we can truly know them. Works Cited Dances with Wolves. Dir.Kevin Costner. Perf. Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, and Rodney A. Grant. 1990. videocassette. American Indian Studies. www.jupiter.lang.osaka~v.ac.jp/~krkvls/FinalMovie PBS News Forum. March 1998. www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/race_relations/jan- june98/denver   

Water Refilling Management System

Conceptual frameworkThe Conceptual framework shows the inputs and processes on how the customer and the management works’ within the system. Input refers to the data inputted by the customer and management. The data to be input first by the management are the customer and container information’s. The customer information contains id, name, address, contact number, type, cash balance, container balance and description of a customer, while the container information contains id, type, total count, unit price and description of a container. The system provides each the customer and container id automatically. Customer and container information are required to be in the system first to process transactions.There are four types of transaction, namely: purchase order, delivery, payment and container return. Each of this transaction consists of required information referred in the table below. The customer id, name, type, cash balance, container balances, container type unit pr ice of the specific customer and product are gathered by the system automatically.Table 1.1 Transaction information Purchase order Delivery Payment Container return Customer id Customer name Customer type Container types Unit prices Container tracking id’s (optional) Container count Total amount Comment Customer id Customer name Customer type Container types Unit prices Container tracking id’s (optional) Container count Total amount Mode of payment Comment Customer id Customer name Customer cash balance Payment amount Comment Customer id Customer name Customer Container balances Container types Return count CommentLevel 0.

The Different Ways We Evaluate People

Evaluation and Judgment Checkpoint Evaluation and Judgment Checkpoint Question One: What are the different ways in which we evaluate people? When we meet someone for the first time, we notice a number of surface characteristics—clothes, gestures, manner of speaking, tone of voice, appearance, and so on. Then, drawing on these cues, we assign the person a ready-made category. Associated with each category is a schema (plural: schemata), which, is a set of beliefs or expectations about something (in this case, people) that is based on past experience and is presumed to apply to all members of that category (Fiske & Taylor, 1991). Schemata serve a number of important functions (Gilbert, 1998). First, they allow us to make inferences about other people. We assume, for example, that a friendly person is likely to be good-natured, to accept a social invitation from us, or to do us a small favor. Second, schemata play a crucial role in how we interpret and remember information. Schemata can also lure us into â€Å"remembering† things about people that we never actually observed. Most of us associate the traits of shyness, quietness, and preoccupation with one’s own thoughts with the schema introvert. Question Two: How do these factors play a role in our expectations of other people? Over time, as we continue to interact with people, we add new information about them to our mental files. However, our later experiences generally do not influence us nearly so much as our earliest impressions. This is known as the primacy effect. According to Susan Fiske and Shelley Taylor (1991), they point out that human thinkers are â€Å"cognitive misers. † Instead of exerting ourselves to interpret every detail we learn about a person, we are stingy with our mental efforts. Once we have formed an impression about someone, we tend to keep it, even if our first impressions were formed by jumping to conclusions or through prejudice (Fiske, 1995). Thus, if you already like a new acquaintance, you may excuse a flaw or vice you discover later on. Conversely, if someone has made an early bad impression on you, you may refuse to believe subsequent evidence of that person’s good qualities. Moreover, first impressions can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy. A stereotype is a set of characteristics believed to be shared by all members of a social category. Question Three: What are the disadvantages of these expectations? A stereotype is a special kind of schema that may be based on almost any distinguishing feature, but is most often applied to sex, race, occupation, physical appearance, place of residence, and membership in a group or organization (Hilton & Von Hipple, 1996). When our first impressions of people are governed by a stereotype, we tend to infer things about them solely on the basis of their social category and to ignore facts about individual traits that are inconsistent with the stereotype. As a result, we may remember things about them selectively or inaccurately, thereby perpetuating our initial stereotype. For example, with a quick glance at almost anyone, you can classify that person as male or female. Once you have so categorized the person, you may rely more on your stereotype of that gender than on your own perceptions during further interactions with the person. Stereotypes can easily become the basis for self-fulfilling prophecies. References Morris, C. & Maisto, A. (2005) Social Psychology. Retrieved November 13, 2009, from The Psychology of Science, Axia College e-Resource.

International Standardization and Information-Communication Industries Essay

International Standardization and Information-Communication Industries - Essay Example The reasons for this difference in the electronics companies in the United States and Japan can be traced to historical reasons. In Japan during the early 1960s, the Ministry of the Economy, Trade and Industry helped in the formulation of trade agreements wherein each Japanese developer of computer systems was paired with a counterpart in the United States, with the objective being that of ensuring Japan’s participation in the electronic revolution and to enable it to compete with IBM which was then the most important player in the market for computer systems.(Hagiu, 2005). The result of this policy was the development of incompatible systems, with operating systems for each being different depending upon which U.S. partner the Japanese company was working with; even IBM systems were sometimes incompatible with each other. Thus, in order to enhance profitability, the Japanese electronics companies found it more profitable to develop integrated systems, whereby one company manufactured highly customized systems offering free software and upgrades, as well as all the hardware component parts, sourcing distributors and suppliers and integrating them into the network of the company organization itself (Hagiu, 2005). This also resulted in a gradual elimination of the U.S. counterparts. The Japanese market is now characterized so much by specialized development of software and electronic products from vertically integrated companies that it is difficult for medium sized independent developers/companies to flourish because there is very little scope for the development of popular platforms which justifies mass scale production of software. In the United States on the other hand, the monopoly enjoyed by IBM in the 1960s and its vertically integrated structure was affected after an antitrust suit was filed against the Company (Hagiu, 2005). Due to this suit, there was a public hue and cry against monopolization

US healthcare system Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

US healthcare system - Essay Example The government primarily provides for its employees health insurance. The Americans values and beliefs evidently define the healthcare system. These values and beliefs have for a very long time gone on record to have stalled attempts of health care reforms. This is caused by conflict of values that are deeply rooted. The ideological clash should be solved so that pragmatic changes can be achieved. These values include freedom to choose, fairness, and the responsibility for everybody in health care. A survey showed that the Americans come to the debate about the healthcare with mixed feelings and a small base of the exact knowledge. However, the Americans hold some core values that determine their responses to the proposal made to the national change. We witness many speeches by political leaders and a lot of money being spent on advertisements by interested groups so as to persuade the public to accept their views on which direction should be taken by the Americans in the health care . Experts design messages to rally Americans oppose or support the proposed health care reforms (Shi, et al. 2010). Medicare is a program by the federal health insurance for the individuals that are aged 65 years that have paid and worked into the system, younger people that have disabilities, and those suffering from End-stage Renal Diseases. Medicaid is for individuals and families with limited resources and low incomes. It is a program for social health care. It is a program designed for everybody who has a low income and cannot afford for health care regardless of the age. Both programs are federal healthcare programs, but they also have differences between the two. This includes who is in charge of their running, who qualifies to benefit from them, and the services offered and the amount charged (Smith, D. G. 2002). Medicaid is administered by the

Marketing Strategies for HILTON in Europe Essay

Marketing Strategies for HILTON in Europe - Essay Example This essay analyses marketing strategy of Hilton Group Plc. Though it includes not only hotel business, most of its solutions are illustrated through its European hotels division: Hilton International. The first part of the essay starts with a company background and the analysis of its financial reports. Then market conditions are observed through PEST analysis, SWOT analysis and Porter’s Five Forces tools. Further Hilton segmentation and positioning is discussed. The next part of the essay deals with Hilton brand overview. Finally the marketing strategy of a company is analysed through the four P’s of marketing mix. A special emphasis of the essay is made on the diversification implemented by Hilton to meet different cultural expectations. The researcher then summarise what made the performance of Hilton better. Firstly, franchising strategy has allowed the company to operate its divisions along with modifying them according to changes in national market conditions. Se condly, the brand of Hilton is a synonym for the word ‘hotel’. This was achieved through a continuous quality improvement and proper positioning of services. Thirdly, customers moving to Internet were timely spotted by the board and e-commerce strategy was developed considering previous two principles. To conclude, the researcher tates that despite its international nature, Hilton is closer to customers than many local brands. The company can serve as an example for the fact, that multinational doesn’t always mean distant.

Labour market Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Labour market - Essay Example Labour market flexibility refers to the ability and the willingness of labour to respond to changes in the market condition, including changes in the demand for work force and the wage rate. The labour market flexibility is an imperative aspect of how labour markets adjusts to supply and demand, it is therefore has a key role to the supply side of the macroeconomics. A flexible labour market is when firms are under fewer regulations concerning the labour force and therefore, can set their own wages, change their work hours and fire employees (Michie & Sheehan 2003, P.131). In contrast, a labour market with low flexibility is bound by some rules and regulations such as requirements from trade unions and minimum wage restrictions. It is good to note that, labour market institutions were seen to block the clear functions of the market by weakening the demand for work force, thus making it not attractive to hire workers by pushing up the wage or by distorting the labour supply, leading t o impairing the equilibrium of market function mechanism (Benner 2003, P.629). The most distinction of labour market flexibility is based on strategies companies use, and they can be grouped into four: External numerical flexibility, it refers to the number of workers from the external market or the adjustments of labour intake. It can be achieved by employing workers temporarily or on fixed contracts, therefore, the employer can hire and fire employees according to the company’s needs, by following the protection legislation. Internal numerical flexibility, it is achieved by adjusting schedules or working hours of workers employed in the firm. It includes part time, overtime and shifts. Functional flexibility, it is where the employees can be transferred to different tasks within the company, it mostly deals with organization of operations in a firm. Financial flexibility, it is where there are differences

Molecular Identity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Molecular Identity - Essay Example As mentioned earlier partially, the NCC and the NKCC2 cotransporters are renal-specific in action while the other five are more widely found and evident throughout the central nervous system (Delpire, E., 2000). The and solute carriers move through plasma membranes always accompanied by in equal proportions in a 1:1 stoichiometry (Gamba, G., 2005). Functionally, these membrane proteins are active in transepithelial ion absorption and secretion, cell volume regulation and setting intracellular anions below or above their electrochemical potential equilibriums (Gamba, G., 2005), among other possible functions. The last activity, specially appertaining to KCC2, is of special interest to this study. The last decade has seen much advance in their study and most of the knowledge that is available on them has become so within this short period. These family members are also extensively involved in the pharmacology and pathophysiology of cardiovascular and neuronal regions of mammalian anatomy. Loop diuretics and thiazide diuretics that are some of the most prescribed drugs in the world target some of the family members while genetic mutations that inactivate three specific members cause inherited diseases like Bartter's, Gitelman's and Anderman's (Gamba, G., 2005). It should be noted here that all the functional-structural characteristics of the above seven cotransporters have not been comprehensively discovered and described. This is amply evident from G. Gamba's extensive 2005 paper investigating comprehensively the hitherto unrevealed functional-structural characteristics of the seven. Thus, that deficiency lends purpose to the dissertation this paper is an introduction to again, specifically in relation to KCC2, the particular potassium-coupled chloride cotransporter this project is investigating.CAD Cells True cultured cell lines derived of purely neuronal origin are of immense value to biochemical and molecular study of neurons and their diverse functional implications together with other neurotransmission elements like the KCC cotransporters in this instance. This is so because primary neuronal cells thrive indifferently in cultures with low reproducibility and often are found mixed with other types of cells not of interest to the particular research at hand (Wang and Oxford, 2000). There are some specific neuronal differentiated phenotype exhibiting cell lines available to the researcher such as the PC12 cells, the P19 cells and the MN9D cells, among others, but these are not purely derived of the CNS and

What is organizational structures Essay Example for Free

What is organizational structures Essay An organizational structure consists of activities such as task allocation, coordination and supervision, which are directed towards the achievement of organizational aims. It can also be considered as the viewing glass or perspective through which individuals see their organization and its environment. Organizations are a variant of clustered entities. An organization can be structured in many different ways, depending on their objectives. The structure of an organization will determine the modes in which it operates and performs. Organizational structure allows the expressed allocation of responsibilities for different functions and processes to different entities such as the branch, department, workgroup and individual. Organizational structure affects organizational action in two big ways. First, it provides the foundation on which standard operating procedures and routines rest. Second, it determines which individuals get to participate in which decision-making processes, and thus to what extent their views shape the organization’s actions. Example:- INTRODUCTION TO ICICI BANK ICICI Bank is Indias second-largest bank with total assets of about Rs.1,67,659 crore at March 31, 2005 and profit after tax of Rs. 2,005 crore for the year ended March 31, 2005 (Rs. 1,637 crore in fiscal 2004). ICICI Bank has a network of about 560 branches and extension counters and over 1,900 ATMs. ICICI Bank offers a wide range of banking products and financial services to corporate and retail customers through a variety of delivery channels and through its specialized subsidiaries and affiliates in the areas of investment banking, life and non-life insurance, venture capital and asset management. ICICI Bank set up its international banking group in fiscal 2002 to cater to the cross border needs of clients and leverage on its domestic banking strengths to offer products internationally. ICICI Bank currently has subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and Canada, branches in Singapore and Bahrain and representative offices in the United States, China, United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh and South Africa. ICICI Banks equity shares are listed in India on the Stock Exchange, Mumbai and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and its American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). As required by the stock exchanges, ICICI Bank has formulated a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for its directors and employees. At April 4, 2005, ICICI Bank, with free float market capitalization of about Rs. 308.00 billion (US$ 7.00 billion) ranked third amongst all the companies listed on the Indian stock exchanges. ICICI Bank was originally promoted in 1994 by ICICI Limited, an Indian financial institution, and was its wholly-owned subsidiary. ICICIs shareholding in ICICI Bank was reduced to 46% through a public offering of shares in India in fiscal 1998, an equity offering in the form of ADRs listed on the NYSE in fiscal 2000, ICICI Banks acquisition of Bank of Madura Limited in an all-stock amalgamation in fiscal 2001, and secondary market sales by ICICI to institutional investors in fiscal 2001 and fiscal 2002. ICICI was formed in 1955 at the initiative of the World Bank, the Government of India and representatives of Indian industry. The principal objective was to create a development financial institution for providing medium-term and long-term project financing to Indian businesses. In the 1990s, ICICI transformed its business from a development financial institution offering only project finance to a diversified financial services group offering a wide variety of products and services, both directly and through a number of subsidiaries and affiliates like ICICI Bank. In 1999, ICICI become the first Indian company and the first bank or financial institution from non-Japan Asia to be listed on the NYSE. After consideration of various corporate structuring alternatives in the context of the emerging competitive scenario in the Indian banking industry, and the move towards universal banking, the managements of ICICI and ICICI Bank formed the view that the merger of ICICI with ICICI Bank would be the optimal strategic alternative for both entities, and would create the optimal legal structure for the ICICI groups universal banking strategy. The merger would enhance value for ICICI shareholders through the merged entitys access to low-cost deposits, greater opportunities for earning fee-based income and the ability to participate in the payments system and provide transaction-banking services. The merger would enhance value for ICICI Bank shareholders through a large capital base and scale of operations, seamless access to ICICIs strong corporate relationships built up over five decades, entry into new business segments, higher market share in various business segments, particularly fee-based services, and access to the vast talent pool of ICICI and its subsidiaries. In October 2001, the Boards of Directors of ICICI and ICICI Bank approved the merger of ICICI and two of its wholly-owned retail finance subsidiaries, ICICI Personal Financial Services Limited and ICICI Capital Services Limited, with ICICI Bank. The merger was approved by shareholders of ICICI and ICICI Bank in January 2002, by the High Court of Gujarat at Ahmedabad in March 2002, and by the High Court of Judicature at Mumbai and the Reserve Bank of India in April 2002. Consequent to the merger, the ICICI groups financing and banking operations, both wholesale and retail, have been integrated in a single entity. Figure.1 Microsoft Corporation Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational software corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services related to computing. The company was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen on April 4, 1975. Microsoft is the worlds largest software maker measured by revenues. It is also one of the worlds most valuable companies. Microsoft was established to  develop and sell BASIC interpreters for the Altair 8800. It rose to dominate the personal computer operating system market with MS-DOS in the mid-1980s, followed by the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems. The companys 1986 initial public offering, and subsequent rise in its share price, created an estimated three billionaires and 12,000 millionaires from Microsoft employees. Since the 1990s, it has increasingly diversified from the operating system market and has made a number of corporate acquisitions. In May 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype Technologies for $8.5 billion in its largest acquisition to date. As of 2013, Microsoft is market dominant in both the PC operating system and office suite markets (the latter with Microsoft Office). The company also produces a wide range of other software for desktops and servers, and is active in areas including internet search (with Bing), the video game industry (with the Xbox and Xbox 360 consoles, and the upcoming Xbox One console), the digital services market (through MSN), and mobile phones (via the Windows Phone OS). In June 2012, Microsoft announced that it would be entering the PC vendor market for the first time, with the launch of the Microsoft Surface tablet computer. In the 1990s, critics began to contend that Microsoft used monopolisticbusiness practices and anti-competitive strategies including refusal to deal and tying, put unreasonable restrictions in the use of its software, and used misrepresentative marketing tactics; both the U.S. Department of Justice and European Commission found the company in violation of antitrust laws. On August 20, 2013, Microsoft announced that its CEO, Steve Ballmer, will retire from the company after a successor is chosen. Microsoft Organizational structure The following is a sample of the Microsoft Executive Organization Chart published by Directions on Microsoft, an independent research firm focused exclusively on Microsoft strategy technology. More samples of our content, as well as a list of upcoming articles and reports are also available. Planning and organization are crucial for an organization to achieve maximum effectiveness and success. Microsoft Company, for instance, has an organizational structure consisting of board of directors who include Steve Ballmer as chief executive officer (CEO), senior leaders, executives, and technical leaders. Founded in 1975, Microsoft has grown today into a worldwide leader in software and services (Microsoft, 2009). The organizational structure of Microsoft proves to be efficient and effective. A comparison to other organizations demonstrates the importance of an organizational structure and shows commonalities as well as differences in structure. A further analysis of Microsoft Company explains the impact of organizational functions to the organizational structure. Lastly, the organizational design of Microsoft exhibits the best structure to meet the organizations needs. The organizational structure for Microsoft’s management, functions, and design all play a key role in the success of Microsoft. The organizational function of any company starts with the employees. Employees are grouped based on knowledge and experience into departments such as marketing, finance, human resources, operations, etc†¦ and is referred to as departmentalization. â€Å"Organization structure is comprised of functions, relationships, responsibilities, authorities, and communications of individuals within each department (Sexton, 1970, p. 23) and is depicted in an organizational chart. An organizational chart identifies the business functions and reporting order.