Berkeleys Theory Of Immaterialism Essays - Ontology, Perception

Berkeleys Theory Of Immaterialism Essays - Ontology, Perception Berkeley's Theory of Immaterialism As man progressed through the various stages of evolution, it is assumed that at a certain point he began to ponder the world around him. Of course, these first attempts fell short of being scholarly, probably consisting of a few grunts and snorts at best. As time passed on, though, these ideas persisted and were eventually tackled by the more intellectual, so-called philosophers. Thus, excavation of "the external world" began. As the authoritarinism of the ancients gave way to the more liberal views of the modernists, two main positions concerning epistemology and the nature of the world arose. The first view was exemplified by the empiricists, who stated that all knowledge comes from the senses. In opposition, the rationalists maintained that knowledge comes purely from deduction, and that this knowledge is processed by certain innate schema in the mind. Those that belonged to the empiricist school of thought developed quite separate and distinct ideas concerning the nature of the substratum of sensible objects. John Locke and David Hume upheld the belief that sensible things were composed of material subezce, the basic framework for the materialist position. The main figure who believed that material subezce did not exist is George Berkeley. In truth, it is the immaterialist position that seems the most logical when placed under close scrutiny. The initial groundwork for Berkeley's position is the truism that the materialist is a skeptic. In the writing of his three dialogues, Berkeley develops two characters: Hylas (the materialist) and Philonous (Berkeley himself). Philonous draws upon one central supposition of the materialist to formulate his argument of skepticism against him; this idea is that one can never perceive the real essence of anything. In short, the materialist feels that the information received through sense experience gives a representative picture of the outside world (the representative theory of perception), and one can not penetrate to the true essece of an object. This makes logical sense, for the only way to perceive this real essence would be to become the object itself! Although the idea is logical, it does contain a certain grounding for agnosticism. Let the reader consider this: if there is no way to actually sense the true material essence of anything, and all knowledge in empiricism comes from the senses, then the real material essence can not be perceived and therefore it can not be posited. This deserves careful consideration, for the materialist has been self-proclaimed a skeptic! If the believer in this theory were asked if a mythical beast such as a cyclops existed he would most certainly say no. As part of his reply he might add that because it can not be sensed it is not a piece of knowledge. After being enlightened by the above proposed argument, though, that same materialist is logically forced to agree that, because the "material substratum1" itself can not be sensed, its existence can not be treated as knowledge. The materialist belief has, in effect, become as futile as proving that the cyclops exists; his ideas have lead him into skepticism. Having proven that the materialist is, at best, a doubter, Berkeley goes on to offer the compelling argument that primary and secondary qualities are, together, one thing. As the materialist believes, primary qualities of an object are those things that are abstract (not sense oriented). Examples of these would be number, figure, motion, and extension. Secondary qualities are those things that are concrete (sense oriented), such as color, smell, sound, and taste. The materialist feels that these primary qualities persist even when the secondary ones are not there. Thus, if a person were blind, then that individual would not be able to hear or to touch items; yet the so-called real qualities such as figure would remain existent in the objects. As previously shown, the materialist is agnostic in his belief of these real (primary) qualities. It is here that Berkeley directs an alternate hypothesis: that the abstract primary qualities don't exist at all. In fact, the immaterialist position states that these qualities are merely secondary in nature, as they, too, can not be perceived as being separate from an object. For inezce, if a person is asked to imagine a primary quality

The Carrot Seed Is a Delightful Classic Picture Book

The Carrot Seed Is a Delightful Classic Picture Book The Carrot Seed, first published in 1945, is a classic children’s picture book. A little boy plants a carrot seed and takes care of it diligently even though each member of his family gives him no hope that it will grow. The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss, with illustrations by Crockett Johnson, is a story with a simple text and simple illustrations but with an encouraging message to be shared with preschoolers through first graders. Summary of the Story In 1945 most children’s books had a lengthy text, but The Carrot Seed, with a very simple story, has just 101 words. The little boy, without a name, plants a carrot seed and every day he pulls the weeds and waters his seed. The story is set in the garden with his mother, father, and even his big brother telling him, â€Å"it won’t come up.† Young readers will wonder, could they be right? His determined efforts and hard work are rewarded when the tiny seed sprouts leaves above the ground. The final page shows the real prize as the little boy carries his carrot off in a wheelbarrow. Story Illustrations The illustrations by Crockett Johnson are two-dimensional and just as simple as the text, with emphasis on the boy and the carrot seed. The features of the little boy and his family are sketched with single lines: eyes are circles with a dot; ears are two lines, and his  nose is in profile. The text is always placed on the left side of the double-page spread with a white background. The illustrations found on the right side are yellow, brown, and white until the carrot appears with tall green leaves and a bright orange color highlighting the prize of perseverance. About the Author, Ruth Krauss The author, Ruth Krauss was born in 1901 in Baltimore, Maryland, where she attended the Peabody Institute of Music. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Parsons School of Fine and Applied Art in New York City. Her first book, A Good Man and His Good Wife, was published in 1944, with illustrations by the abstract painter Ad Reinhardt. Eight of the author’s books were illustrated by Maurice Sendak, beginning in 1952 with A Hole Is to Dig. Maurice Sendak felt fortunate to work with Krauss and considered her to be his mentor and friend. Her book, A Very Special House, which Sendak illustrated, was recognized as a Caldecott Honor Book for its illustrations. In addition to her children’s books, Krauss also wrote verse plays and poetry for adults. Ruth Krauss wrote 34 more books for children, many of them illustrated by her husband, David Johnson Leisk, including The Carrot Seed. Illustrator Crockett Johnson David Johnson Leisk borrowed the name â€Å"Crockett† from Davy Crockett to distinguish himself from all the other Daves in the neighborhood. He later adopted the name â€Å"Crockett Johnson† as a pen name because Leisk was too hard to pronounce. He is perhaps best known for the comic strip Barnaby (1942–1952) and the Harold series of books, beginning with Harold and the Purple Crayon. The Carrot Seed and Children The Carrot Seed is a sweet delightful story that after all these years has remained in print. Award-winning author and illustrator Kevin Henkes  names The Carrot Seed as one of his favorite childhood books. This book pioneers the use of minimal text reflecting the here-and-now of a child’s world. The story can be shared with toddlers who will enjoy the simple illustrations and understand planting a seed and waiting seemingly endlessly for it to grow. On a deeper level, early readers can learn lessons of perseverance, hard work, determination, and belief in yourself. There are numerous extension activities that can be developed with this book, such as: telling the story with picture cards placed in a timeline; acting out the story in mime; learning about other vegetables that grow underground. Of course, the most obvious activity is the planting of a seed. If you’re lucky, your little one will not be content to plant a seed in a paper cup  but will want to use a shovel, sprinkling can...and don’t forget the wheelbarrow (HarperCollins, 1945. ISBN: 9780060233501). Recommended Picture Books for Small Children Other books young children enjoy include Maurice Sendaks best-known classic picture book, Where the Wild Things Are, as well as more recent picture books like by Katie Cleminson and Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by James Dean and Eric Litwin. Wordless picture books, such as The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney, are fun as you and your child can read the pictures and tell the story together. The picture book  And Then Its Spring  is perfect for young children eager to plant their own gardens. Sources Ruth Krauss Papers, Harold, Barnaby, and Dave: A Biography of Crockett Johnson by Phillip Nel, Crockett Johnson, and the Purple Crayon: A Life in Art by Philip Nel, Comic Art 5, Winter 2004

Nursing shortage and its effects on the provision of health care Term Paper

Nursing shortage and its effects on the provision of health care - Term Paper Example Despite renewed efforts at reform in most European countries, the number of uninsured people continues to grow, the cost of healthcare continues to soar, and the safety and quality of care are queried. The great challenges of the healthcare system need significant attention on the part of health experts, policy makers and the society. One problem that has continued to dog the health care sector over the last five years has been the perennial shortage of registered nurses as well as other health care professionals as a demonstration of the fragility and faults in the health care system. For health care delivery to be efficient, reasonable, and inexpensive, there must be an ample stream of knowledgeable, well spread and employed certified nurses. While the general quality of care seems to have responded progressively to the rising emphasis on evidence-based practice and performing procedures, major inequalities in quality stubbornly persist. The health care system and the nursing profe ssion are once more witnessing a shortage in nurses that is augmented by shortcomings of the system and the ever-rising need for health care, as the baby boomers grow old. The intricate environment of challenges of the health care system requires major attention on the part of health care professionals, policy makers and to a smaller extent the public.In all the health care literature available today, the widely accepted elements of health care reform are the ability to get health care, its quality, cost, and the workforce.

Can America assassinate its citizens justifiably Research Paper

Can America assassinate its citizens justifiably - Research Paper Example The event of the death of Anwar Al-Awlaki through predator drone missile strike raises some relevant questions about the violation of human rights, absence of advance warning and the violation of international law. Preventive measures taken by the government and other intelligence agencies often contributes confusion and fear among the people or America face severe crisis in justifying its actions against terrorist groups. Thesis Statement: The study mainly investigates can America assassinate its citizens justifiably without advanced warning and due process? The doctrine of Radical Islamists discloses that they always require the status of separatist. AL Qaeda and its related extremists groups search a puritanical and strictly fundamentalist Islam. They believe that the modern especially, Western culture and ideologies become act as a prominent threat of their religious faith. In this juncture, one cannot avoid the chance of preventing the threat of global terrorism. Government acti ons against terrorist groups need a well organized plan it needs an effective criterion in determining its citizens. Through the process of ensuring advanced warning or due process against suspected persons, government can assassinate its citizens justifiably. ... But the assassination of Al-Awalaki has explored the administrative failure of the Obama government which loosening standards for extra judicial killings could go down in to a horrifying use of administrative power. William Fisher examines that â€Å"Most of the major human rights groups condemned the killing as an affront to the U.S. Justice system and the values underlying it† (Fisher). The word â€Å"terrorist† is applied to him and has been put on U.S assassination mark without due process. Relevant criticisms had risen against Obama administration and its action against a U.S citizen. Eminent personalities including the Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul, have recommended the beleaguered killing of an American could be an impeachable administrative failure for President Obama (Gneiting). His assassination simply highlights the fact that the administration secret standards for putting people, including American citizens, on a hit list. Therefore, If the Gove rnment just declare anyone, anywhere a hazard to the national security and assassinate him without due process, the rights of all citizens are in threat. Even though an American citizen, Obama administration had taken the rare way of authorizing the targeted killing of Awlaki (The New York Times). U.S military officials had kept an unclear identifying record about Awlaki’s death and it denotes the injustice. Assassinating a citizen without advanced warning or due process explores the dangerous use of government power. It is part of common knowledge is that the Fifth Amendment ensures citizen’s rights to live without fear. As a citizen who lived in the United States, Al-Awalaki has the right to

Public Relations Society of America's ethical standards Research Paper

Public Relations Society of America's ethical standards - Research Paper Example Therefore, members of PRSA focus on serving the public, thereby taking obligations that involve operating ethically. In this case, this paper focuses on presenting brief history of PRSA’s ethical standards, their functions and effects on public relation professionals and profession. Moreover, this paper seeks to determine ways through which PRSA has strengthened and weakened certain professionals and agencies. Reputation acquired through affiliation to PRSA is valuable to members; in fact, it is highly dependent upon their ethical conduct (PRSA, Member, 1). In addition, these members focus on setting examples among themselves and other professionals by achieving excellent standards of performance, professionalism and ethical behaviors. Nevertheless, there are situations when emphasis to enforce Public Relation Society of America’s ethical standards has been ignored. In this case, this has led to decision by PRSA board of Directors to expel or bar some parties in the soc iety from joining PRSA membership (PRSA, Member, 1). For instance, individuals who have been involved in sanctions from government agencies or convictions in courts due to issues concerning violating code of ethics become liable to expulsion from PRSA membership. Therefore, PRSA overview indicates that it focuses on prime obligation, which involves promotion of ethical practices among professions, organizations and professionals. History of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Public Relations Society of America commenced in 1950, whereby it was established through a desire to form student counterpart (Garcia, 3). After some time, this interest was diminished, though there were few professionals, who made efforts to rekindle PRSA. Besides, members of PRSA lost their interest on PRSA leading to a notion that discredited PRSA, through claims that it could not be taught. Nonetheless, the chairperson of PRSA’s Education Committee, who was called Howard Penn Hudson, decided to change people’s perception towards PRSA, in 1965 (Garcia, 3). In this case, he made effort to reestablishing initial affiliation with students through clubs, societies and fraternities. The process to rekindle PRSA began by invitation of six schools in 1965 by Ovid Davis, who was the president of PRSA (Garcia, 4). In fact, this invitation was aimed at gathering members together for that year’s National Conference in Denver. In 1967, the president of Division of the educators’ organization, Professor James Young decided to call Association for Education in Journalism (AEJ), thereby establishing his arguments that there was need for PRSA in processes of developing students with professional orientation (Garcia, 4). In fact, this effort was supported by groups of independent student, who did not have guidance to meet PRSA objectives. On the other hand, there where groups, which had a significant interest on the future of PRSA, and this led to establishment of Lo ng Range Planning Committee of PRSA in 1967 (Garcia, 4). Moreover, during the following year, there was an establishment of PRSA chapters in nine schools, which offered courses in public relations, and this has led to developments such as establishment of PRSA’s ethical standards in the present days. Functions of PRSA Ethical Standards One of the significant functions of PRSA’s ethical standards is to apply public relations in order to pivot ethics among its practitioners or members. In future of professionals, who

Gender Differences Towards Work Life Balance Social Work Essay

Gender Differences Towards Work Life Balance Social Work Essay 4.0 Introduction: The findings and analysis presents all the information that was gathered based on the methodology employed in the earlier chapter. The role of this chapter identifies findings which had revealed and explained employees understanding and perception towards work-life balance incorporated within MEGA through analyzing data. Gender Differences towards work-life balance: Balancing work and non-work commitments requires time management which could be a bit of a challenge. The diagram below illustrates such comparison between both genders. Findings on the average level of employees able to balance work and family life responsibilities on a weekly basis revealed that majority of the respondent indicated that they are seldom able to balance both. The results were given from both genders where the 35 percent of respondent that chose that they seldom are able to balance both were women as opposed to the remainder answered yes they are always able were men. The researcher findings had revealed that apparently women tend to be the ones that basically are seldom capable of achieving work-life balance on a weekly basis. Also the diagram shows that men are better able to have a better work-life balance whether it is often or always as compared to women. Furthermore in addition from the questionnaire another finding was analyzed where it was revealed that from both genders the mean is higher in women who have children compared to men. Figure illustrate that the women within MEGA has the higher number of children as against men who has twice as least. Also analyzing the data in figure () there are three times more women than men working in MEGA. The researcher analysis is drawn upon that the expectancy rate of women is higher to experience conflict trying to balance both work and family responsibilities as opposed to men within this particular organization is because there are more women working in MEGA as against to the number of men employ. Causes of Work-Life Balance Conflict The causes of work-life conflict were analyzed by the researcher to find out the reason behind it. The researcher findings werent a bit surprise by the results from employees. From the figure, the researcher found out that the major causes of conflict between balancing work and personal responsibilities was relating to these four factors within MEGA. The job-relating factor that influences work-life conflict the most was insufficient flexibility in the workplace. Eighty-nine percent (89%) of employees responded that they had difficulties balancing work and personal life responsibilities as a result of not having enough flexibility as compared to sixty-seven (67%) was other contributing factor. Timing of meetings/training was the least whereas working long hours was minimal. Participants were asked to indicate which of the following hinder you in balancing your work commitments in the workplace. Figure ( ) depicts the findings on the relevant categories that hinder employees work achievement. An examination of the chart point out that caring for children at been scored highest where 63 percent of respondent imply that this issue hinders them to achieve work commitments. Followed by a close responds to other and leisure time activities where 23 percent indicated other and 18 percent imply leisure time. The remainder answered further education. The participated managers and supervisors were then asked to describe the importance of work-life balance within the organization. Based on the answers given by managers and supervisors to describe the importance of work life balance, all participants agreed 100 percent that there is positive outcome for having balancing in the organization. They all relate work-life balance as means of assisting employees to reduce stress level which in turn would deliver substantial high productivity, job satisfaction and some level of commitment to the organization. The researcher analysis of the causes of work-life balance conflict is related mainly to insufficient flexibility in the workplace. The result suggests that employees dont have a problem working long hours or overtime. However perhaps if employees are/were given sufficient flexibility to manage both responsibilities tend them would be more likely to minimize work-life conflict. As Robertson (2007) stated in the literature review, organizations that offer flexibility in the workplace give employees the advantage to have good balance between both responsibilities whereas evolving to healthy employees and in return healthy employees are good for business succession. Conversely taking care of children has been pointed out to be the most significant hindrance factor for employees to achieve work commitments in MIC. As Hudson (2005) stated earlier that employees are more likely to be less productive, less committed and highly decisive of leaving the organisation once they are experiencing increased stress due to work/life conflicting issues and are perceived of having no control over balancing work and non-work demands. To be of the same opinion the author analysis is drawn upon where managers and supervisors all understand the importance of incorporating work-life balance in the workplace. All respondents had coincided with Hudson (2005) statement of employees level of positive outcome to organization. Policies On the questionnaire, employees were asked if they currently use any of the work-life policies provided by the organization. The author received 100 percent of all respondent answering that they all use work-life policies that are provided by the organization, however it is a question of how do they utilize such policies. Another question was implied asking if employees were given approval of such work-life policies provided by the organization. Question Yes No Are you given approval of work-life policies 83% 17% Out of one hundred 83 percent stated that they are given approval whereas the remaining 17% had imply that they are not given any approval. Managers and supervisors were asked what is the organization typical way or tools used for assisting or promoting work-life balance. From the interview, the author found that there are work-life policies implemented within MEGA, however there are only a few. Employees are given six (6) days which is applicable as casual leave to assist with personal errands only at managers discretion of granting approval. In addition flexible workings hours are administered where employees can start work from 7:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. where they are allow  ½ hour and finish work between 3:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. in the interim employees must work 7 ½ hours per day. However employees are required to work back their hours by the end of the week in the event that they request time-off or does not work the required amount of hours per day. From the questionnaire, employees were further asked to what extend do the work-life policies make a difference with balancing work and personal issues. From the findings, it revealed from the figure ( ) that 22 percent reply stating that it made slight difference whereas 53 percent of respondents indicated that the work-life policies implemented within the organization makes no difference towards their daily responsibilities. An investigation into MEGA employees attendance records was examined from 2009 to 2010 to make a comparison for how many casual leave was taken and to indicate if there was any trend. Figure ( ) illustrate such findings for both years. The standard deviation of days taken by employees was 23.00 in 2009 and 23.87 in 2010. The figure also shows that majority of employees utilized the full amount of casual days which is six (6) for both 2009 and 2010 followed by the utilization of five (5) casual days. With correspondent to casual leave, from the interview managers were asked how the work-life policies and procedures implemented for employees are. Again from the interview the author findings had revealed mixed respondents from both managers and supervisors. Apparently employees are granted casual leave and flexible time based on each department and managers discretion. In addition to the findings during the interview participants were asked if there are any kinds of penalty or negativity towards employees who avail such policies. Again this question was answered in accordance to each department manager. Majority of the managers explain that employees are not hinder from career progression or promotional achievement however employees must work back the time that are required to work, to complete deadlines and shortage of employees. If employees are not subjective to such rules there would be a reduction in their salary. Supervisors viewed the same responds indicating agreement to the managers. However supervisors stated further that employees are kept back from promotional development in MEGA based on their attendance records not by such individual contributions and commitments to performance. Based on the findings relevant to the work-life balance policies incorporated with MEGA, the author analysis is interpreted as there are work-life policies implemented within the organization, however the methods used to assist employees is not substantially sufficient to fulfill with such balance of work and personal life responsibilities. Yes employees are given flexible working time however 1 hour difference is not considered as a lengthy time to promote it as a method for work-life balance. Also the flexible working hours does not make much difference to majority of the employees. Employees who have such powerful policies to assist them with solving work-life conflict are more likely to deal with balancing both issues easier. Galinsky and Stein (1990) found that employees who have the power to solve work problems were likely to suffer lower stress and felt their job caused less interference with their life. Furthermore even though employees are given approval of such work-life policies, the permission of approval of policies are practice differently in each department. In addition to deal with such work-life challenges majority of the employees result to the utilization of all or most of their casual leave. To a further extent, the findings draw that management resent employees of utilizing such policies. As already explained in the literature review utilization of work-life policies can be perceive a factor correlated to less job security and negative career progression (Rodbourne 1996). Managing Balance: Managers and supervisors were asked to describe the importance of work-life balance. The average respondent by managers and supervisors provided relatively the same answer where they understood that work-life balance is a way of being able to balance both the demands for work commitments and personal life responsibilities as a means of everyday position. Do you think if employees have good work-life balance the organization will be more effective and successful? Employees were asked that if employees have good work-life balance if the organization would be more effective and successful. Figure indicate the respondent from employees pertain to the question. Based on the respondent the majority of employees answered yes to that question. In fact findings revealed that 90% of employees strongly believed the organization would be more effective and successful if the employees have good work-life balance. Furthermore based on the question asked, employees were also asked to specify on the same question how the organization would be successful based on their answer whether the answer was yes or no. The majority of the respondent who answered yes had basically the same response. Majority of the respondent answered by implying that if employees have good work life balance employees tend to work more efficiently whereby the level of productivity would definitely increase because employees are less overwhelmed and would be able to concentrate better. The qualitative findings of employees getting good work-life balance in the workplace were questioned. What could the organization do to help employees balance both work and family life commitments? There were mixed views expressed towards organization assistance with work-life balance. Average respondents had expressed that the organization could be more considerate by acknowledging that as employees they experience challenges juggling both commitments by trying to accommodate important family appointments and demands for work deadlines. The stances by employees had pointed out also that the organization should offer more flexibility in terms of achievable flexible working hours. One respondent stated that organizations should be a bit flexible for the competing responsibilities of getting the kids ready for school, travelling to work, long hours of congested traffic, picking up the kids from school and getting home late at evenings Monday to Friday. While other respondent stated that management need to be more lenient towards employees utilizing such work-life policies that are implemented within the organization. Based on the available answers that was collected through the use of this questions employed, it inherently seems that the organization would benefit by become successful and more effectively from employing good work-life balance. Both managers and supervisors already have an understanding of what is work-life and the importance of incorporating. In fact from the literature review Tourn (2007) had imply that the organization can benefit from work-life balance where the returns would be gains of productivity, lower turnover rate and loyalty from employees. Also Thompson et al., (1999), had implied the same concept. If organizations cannot foster good work-life integration then employees experiencing both private and work stress will likely to suffer from low concentration and in the end lower productivity (Thompson et al., 1999). The greatest benefit for a good work-life balance to be effective and successful is in fact suggested that the organization promote such execution. So it is safe to imply that the evidence speaks for itself. Support for Work-Life Balance Further to the findings, during the interview participants were asked to describe the present work environment position with regards to employees contributions, level of productivity and commitments to the organization. Almost five out of six of the managers explained the present work environment as remotely satisfactory because there is teamwork amongst employees for getting the work done and most of the time deadlines are achieved. One manager explicitly describe the work environment as unbalance because frequently employees are reporting sick whereas work responsibilities have to delegated to a department that is seen as shortage of employees. Supervisors also viewed this question differently by implying that there is reasonable dissatisfaction in the workplace because employees are slightly frustrated and tends to completed only what is necessary on a daily basis. Furthermore supervisor described it as unbalance satisfaction because employees are reporting late or sick frequently causing overlapped of their responsibilities to other employees that are present. From the answers given the researcher draws analysis that the work environment as intrinsically unbalance. Employees are told to take on addition work responsibilities added to their regular job requirement because some employees are frequently reporting sick. Furthermore respondents were asked to indicate which of the following in figure ( ) assist them towards balancing work and family commitments. Based from the figure shown below, a frequency percentage of 44.7 percent disclose that the use of work-life leave available within MEGA was the one to help with the balance of both work and family commitments. Also on further assessment 32 percent of the respondents acquire support from family members followed by a close range of 31.2 percent of support from their supervisors. However statistical finding discover that the participated respondents had specified that the least amount of work-life balance support are from managers by a 16.5 percent. Also to add to work-life conflict, from figure ( ) it has been understood that employees employed within MEGA do not obtain full support from theirs managers. As the researcher recall from the literature review, employees who have family-supportive managers and work in organization that offers family-friendly initiatives tends to stay with the organization (Powell 2010). Participated managers and supervisors were asked during an interview done separately, how managers and the organization currently emphasize work-life balance in the workplace. Answers from both managers and supervisors were somewhat a mixed viewed from the interview. The managers explained that employees are given support where employees can approach the managers with stress relating to feeling overworked and personal issues for the managers are humans and have family lives also. However supervisors begged to differ from managers acknowledgment. Supervisors stated that managers are remotely negative towards employees especially when it comes to problems that are not actually work-related. From the findings it seems that managers had implied that they are supportive towards employees when in fact they arent. Employees and supervisors have both agreed that managers are inflexible towards their employees in the workplace. As Herlihy Maiden (2005) suggested that in order for employees to be effective at work, managers themselves need to be able to make unique contributions to the organisation that lies within the contexts of their own personal condition. So it is evident that managers themselves need to have an imbalance in work and personal life issues in order to contribute and be fully support ive of work-life integration. Overall Discussion From the whole findings that were questioned and examined by the author, the results underline some very importance relationship and differences between the work-life policies and implementation with respect to both employees and the organization. Management already have a clear understanding of what is work-life balance is and the high importance of promoting work-life in the workplace. Management somehow believe that the organization have work-life policies incorporated within the workplace that would assist employees but based on the research done about work-life balance, those methods used by MEGA are not sufficient and well foster to assist with balancing work and life issues. MIC entire organization workforce consists of majority of women employ compared to the men and majority of the women has more than 1 child. Friedman Greenhaus (2000) already noted that women make up half the workforce in organization and is increasing in higher levels. Amongst the gender difference most women in MIC are seldom able to balance both their work and family life on a regular basis. However despite the gap in the gender difference, employees generally are dissatisfied with working arrangement of work-life balance carried out in the organization. Almost the whole of management perceived the present work environment as balance where employees level of commitment and productivity are satisfactory, however the supervisors are not 100 percent in agreement with the level of contributions achieved by employees. The findings from the questionnaires answered by employees also incline grounded analysis that MIC present work environment is not as balance as management perception tow ards it, the author is in agreement with the employees and supervisors responds. Results suggest that the two main factors associated to work-life conflicts within MIC are insufficient flexibility and working overtime. In relation to this employees not have a problem with working overtime however flexibility needs adjusting to assist them to achieving balance with work and personal life demand. Thomas and Ganster (1995) found that proper scheduling which gave a group of employees more control over their time had in fact reduce conflict between work-life responsibilities. In addition employees major hinder for achieving work within MIC is taken up by the responsibilities of taking care of children, other personal responsibilities and leisure time. Given the findings of employees utilizing such policies management are negative towards employee for submitting to such action. In this regard, Hein (2005) had explain that employees tend to be hesitant to proceed to use them because of career concerns or the fact that they receive negativity from line managers and tends to discourage them from using it. The importance of supportive work environment mainly from MIC management is what employees are stipulating on. The result found that employees get a lot of support from family members and supervisors however employees are not fully supported by some of management where they receive negative attitude and resentment from management. The organization foster supportive measurement to accommodate employees yet for majority of employees some departmental culture is embodied in the attitudes and behaviours of their immediate line manager. Such support from managers mitigates the negative effects of work-life conflict occurrence. Employees who have family-supportive managers and work in organization that offers family-friendly initiatives tends to stay with the organization (Powell 2010). http://www.bia.ca/articles/AReportontheImportanceofWork-LifeBalance.htm http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/2009/09/IE0909019I.htm http://www.healthatwork.org.uk/pdf.pl?file=haw/files/Work-lifeBalance.pdf

The Beginnings of the Soviet Union Essay examples -- Soviet Union Euro

The Beginnings of the Soviet Union The United States that we live in makes it very hard for us to fathom what a struggling nation is like to live in. In the United States, we are socialized to believe that America is the most superior of all the countries and our prosperity will continue to grow. We are very fortunate to be born into a relatively high standard of living as a society, thus we cannot comprehend what it is like for countries trying to build societies from the bottom up. John Scott portrays this brilliantly in his book "Behind the Urals" as he examines individual people and their struggles as they worked in Magnitogorsk. These citizens worked in the most inhumane conditions, all with the intention to help their country develop under the new system of the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union had just gone through an entire turn around in their political, social, and economic spheres as they went from one extreme to another. The old Czarist government was always out to serve the rich landowners, while treating th e peasantry as second-class humans rather than equals. However, when the Russian Revolution came to a head, and the Red Communists or Bolsheviks defeated the White Czarists, Russia was left with an entirely new system of thought in its government. This ideology viewed the working class and peasantry as the main citizens in their society, while the rich landowners were not nearly as powerful as they once were. Thus the workers of Magnitogorsk held a very important position as they had the responsibility to help the Soviet Union take flight as a country that could compete with other powerful countries of the world, all while working under the most inhumane conditions. John Scott moved to the Soviet Union leaving the United States and in his eyes, its unsatisfactory capitalistic way of governing. Scott may have been aided in making his decision as he saw the United States slip into the Great Depression, a time when the conditions in America reached an all time low. He left his roots in the United States to begin a new life in a foreign country simply because he was disgruntled with American governing and was appealed to by the Soviet philosophy of governing. It tool Scott a tremendous amount of will and fortitude to leave behind everything he knew so well, to start a new life on the other side of the world. He showed his courage as he began... ...derwent, he served his sentence with dignity and was respected as one of the best workers there. In the beginnings of the Soviet Union, and more specifically Magnitogorsk, a diversified group of people from various ethnic, religions, and national backgrounds all put forth their individual efforts to develop the new Russia. The grueling environment that these people lived in developed them into strong and proud workers. In looking to our home front, I cannot find one example that even borders similarities to life in the Soviet Union under Stalin's Five Year Plans. We can study the times, even look to experts in the field for information on the topic, but we can never fully grasp the extreme environment that the peoples of Magnitogorsk lived in. They jeopardized and sometimes even sacrificed their own lives to build up a country. Lives were not lost in the battlefields, but instead on the job as workers froze from the climate while working the blast furnaces. The Soviet Union's success is usually given to the Communist ideology or even Stalin, but instead it was the hard workers w ho came from all over the eastern hemisphere to take on and complete the task of developing Russia.

Great Lakes

The North American great lakes including Lake Erie, Michigan, Huron, Superior, and Ontario. Lake Huron is the 3rd largest lake out of all five of them. It measures at 850 cubic meters of water; it extends to about 3,827 miles, measures at 206 miles across, and about 183 miles north to south. The average water depth in this huge lake is 195 ft. These lakes are the largest fresh water supply and home to many of the world’s wildlife. For several years the Great Lakes have served as a dumping ground for many harmful pollutants. Damage from drain pipes and industrial waste produce harmful conditions for the fish, wildlife, and humans dwelling in the surrounding area of the region. Countless people wouldn’t believe so because this is a second home place to many, many families and they travel to this area for their summer vacations. As people travel to the Great Lakes, perhaps they can all see the true of how mistreated these stunning lakes are. The first major source of pollution comes from point source pollution. Point source pollution is simply a direct source of pollution such as a pipe or other vessels. Earlier age industrial companies, such as pulp and paper were located right on the outskirts of the Great Lakes. They were dumping tons of waste including mercury into the water. Some of this polluting was done involuntarily with the malfunctioning of these pipes or vessels. However, some of this pollution was intentional from them thinking that anything would dissolve in the waters and â€Å"neutralize†. Pathogens are another source of pollution to the Great Lakes. Pathogens refer to bacterial organisms found in the intestinal tracts of mammals. Nutrient sources include municipal wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, and agricultural runoffs. There are three major areas which are Saginaw Bay, Severn Sound, and the southeastern shore of Lake Huron Basin. Pathogens have had such an impact on Lake Huron that it had beach closings in these regions due to the findings of E. coli contaminations. Another form of pollution to the Great Lakes is fecal matters. It is believed that fecal matters infested the lakes by sewage. Sewage is known to having some of the most harmful bacteria’s. Putting these bacteria’s into the waters it’s not only polluting them but it’s also making the water quality decline and the bacteria growth will continue to increase (Shear 2006). Air-bound pesticides and fertilizer runoffs are both involuntary forms of pollutants to the Great Lakes. These types of pollutants are deposited into the lakes by the inadvertency of the environment. Testing the tissues of fish and mussels can determine the level of contaminate residing in the waters. Lindane, Dieldrin, Tozaphene, and Chlor-diphhenyl-tichloroethane (DDT) are some of the main harmful substances found in the water (Agency for toxic Substances and Disease registry 1997). Since 1990, Toxaphene has been prohibited yet traces of it still remain. Figure 1 These are all of the pollutants found in the Great Lakes that were reported to Congress. Figure 2 These are the four concentrations of pollutants compared to biomass. Figure 3 This shows the levels of Toxaphene concentration increases, the biomass decreases and vice versa. For humans, interactions with these types of pollutants are extremely likely. You can reach all of the pollutants by simply going to the shorelines. Eating contaminated fish, or wildlife, in pathogen-contaminated waters, can cause infections and stomach disorders. Polluted beaches result in loss of utility for those who have planned to visit or swim in the water; that in turn impacts local economies in the form of lost tourist dollars and the jobs they support (The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) 2012). Tourists enjoy coming there to do activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and boating. Tourism ensures jobs for the many people that live close to the lakes. Many families rely on fishing to feed their families’. This is why caution must be used when eating the fish in Lake Huron. Lake Huron, along with the other Great Lakes, are very important to us. They are our main source of fresh water in the United States. The government is regulating chemicals and other harmful substances that could affect the Great Lakes. Getting laws passed like the Clean Water Act, recognizes the importance of preserving the Americans waters. Thankfully we have groups like NRDC whose main goal is to make sure that Lake Huron, and the other Great Lakes, stays safe for fishing, swimming, and boating. APA Citation Page Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). (2012). The impact of beach pollution. Retrieved from http://www.nrdc.org/water/oceans/ttw/health-economic.asp Shear, H. (2006). The Great Lakes, an Ecosystem Rehabilitated, but Still Under Threat. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment113: 199 -225 United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2012). The effects of Great Lakes contaminants on human health. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/greatlakes/health/report.htm U.S. Environmental Protections Agency. Clean Water Act, July 2006. http://www.epa.gov/r5water/cwa.htm Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ToxFAQs for Toxaphene. Sept. 1997. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts94.html

ESL learners feel anxious when doing reading comprehension tests Essay

This paper will explore in depth all the implications of the claim that ESL learners feel anxious when doing reading comprehension tests. First of all, the psychological and social causes of anxiety in ESL speakers during reading comprehension assignments will be explored and analyzed. Secondly, the level of anxiety will be assessed. Finally, the paper will suggest several ways to reduce negative feeling associated with performing reading comprehension tests by ESL speakers. Psychological causes of anxiety in ESL students partially mirror the experience of any other school related anxiety. Students are unsure of their abilities under the conditions of internal (i. e. a desire for self-affirmation) and external (i. e. a desire to please parents) pressure. Presently, students feel an incredible pressure to achieve and be at the top of their class, since the realization that school grades determine their future comes very early. Therefore, the joy of learning is often transformed into a struggle to excel (DeNoon, 2007). High expectations and competitive environment contribute greatly to the experience of anxiety and even panic. As concerns the severity of anxiety experienced by ESL speakers, it might range from slight psychological discomfort to serious physical symptoms. For example, short-term memory loss might be the result of extreme anxiety (the feeling of suddenly ‘remembering’ the correct answer immediately after turning in the test). Physical expressions of anxiety may include rapid pulse, a feeling of breathlessness, trembling, sweaty palms, dry mouth, chest pains, digestive problems such as nausea or diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, sleeplessness, and stomach ache (BUPA’s Health Information Team, 2004). Anxiety may also result in undesirable social consequences, such as loss of trust between parents and students, since the latter sometimes tend to conceal the difficulties they encounter, as well as test results. Such behavior eventually results in unfavorable family atmosphere. The practical values of this research lies in the field of practices and methods aimed at eliminating the causes of anxiety and helping students benefit fully from the learning process. Negative thoughts about possible failure discourage active learning and, taken to extreme, can produce a generally devastating effect on personality development. Furthermore, anxiety during the testing process can distort result, since students who are able to control their emotions better will tend to get higher score, despite the fact that their knowledge might be less complete as compared to students who suffer from extreme anxiety. Together with exercises aimed at increasing students’ self-confidence, relaxation exercises might be very helpful for those who suffer from anxiety. It is also of paramount importance to teach students to plan their time for taking the test so that they would not feel lost and experience a state of panic. The methods of research will be qualitative and will include questionnaires and interviews. At one hand, questionnaires will help to gather statistically significant data and understand the pervasiveness of the problem. From another perspective, interviews will help to research the problem in depth by analyzing students’ perceptions, emotions, and experiences. Therefore, the combination of these research methods will provide the most accurate picture of anxiety in ESL speakers during reading comprehension tests.

Essay on The Ethics Audit

Essay on The Ethics Audit Essay on The Ethics Audit Essay on The Ethics AuditThe ethical case under consideration requires adequate response. As a fraud expert, I have investigated possible wrongdoing at a local nonprofit organization based on the established ethical principles. One of the workers, Stacey is involved in the embezzlement of money. Although she has good relations with Jamie, the President of the organization, Stacey has no right to embezzle money. It is necessary to provide a comprehensive response to Jamie regarding the potential fraud committed by Stacey. I should explain to her what is at stake. Nonprofit stakeholders include not only employees and volunteers, their families, clients and community members, but also the government, partners and donors (Non-profit stakeholders). Stacey’s behavior can be viewed as unethical behavior because she has caused damage to many stakeholders, embezzling money. The proper monitoring and control systems should have been in place at Jamie’s organization to prevent suc h a behavior. Ethical code of conduct developed for nonprofit organizations is aimed at actively promoting ethical behavior. Peer review monitoring and other internal control systems could have been used to prevent Stacey’s wrongdoing. These systems are aimed at monitoring compliance with the established ethical laws and regulations. Ethical training for employees could have been used to train employees performing their ethical responsibilities in a proper way. In addition, I would recommend an ethics audit to this company because the organization’s ethics should be systematically evaluated. The organization’s code of behavior should be evaluated to avoid any acts of wrongdoing committed by employees (The Ethics Audit). Â  It is necessary to include different levels of ethics audit, including regular compliance audits, cultural audit. Actually, employees should be well-trained to make ethical decisions based on the organization’s mission, vision and phil osophy (Trevino Nelson 198). Any ethically related issue should be governed by specially developed ethical policies. Thus, ethics audit could improve the organization’s policies promoting ethical behavior of employees.

The Visual Dimension of Hindu Rituals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Visual Dimension of Hindu Rituals - Essay Example From this paper it is clear that since sacrifices are held in high esteem in Hinduism, the people practicing Hinduism often perform them in special places. It is important to remember to remember that ceremonies and other Hindu rites often happen in temple settings. In doing so, they are often directed towards gods and goddesses, who are given a lot of respect and religious concern among those that practice Hinduism. However, it inasmuch as Hinduism has a lot of sacrifices and rituals, a good number of them are often performed in people’s homes. Perhaps the reason given for it is that not all the rituals and ceremonies done are directed towards the gods and goddesses.   Just like in other religions and cultures, death marks a highly critical moment in Hinduism.This essay discusses that  the reason that makes death a very important element for Hindus is that it brings an end to life. Secondly, death ushers one into a new form of life. In this regard, death is simply a trans ition time that all people have to follow for reaching the other form of life. In celebrating the life of the deceased, Hinduism has special funeral rites that have to be performed, better known as shraddha.  These rituals also referred to as samskaras, because they are important rites of passage for the Hindus. Inasmuch as this form of religion may seem to give much emphasis to sacrifices, it is what makes them unique and separate from other forms of religion and cultures across the world.

Case Study Report LVMH Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Case Study Report LVMH - Essay Example The detail analysis shows that the firm cannot be beaten despite the tough competition and hence promises a bright future. Thus the report essentially points out the strategic position of the firm and its present and future prospects. The world’s largest luxury commodity retail group, Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH) functions on the basis of four parameters viz. its product line, pattern of distribution, style of communicating its product offerings to large number of consumers and its price points. The luxury goods group renders greater impact on the first three activities for which the stress rendered by charging high prices gets mediated. Louis Vuitton had used its distribution and communication styles to lure huge groups of customers to its beautifully ordained stores spread along the region. Furthermore, the company spends a lot on advertising activities to create mass awareness of its products and shops. The price strategy followed by Louis Vuitton helps the company earn a huge margin of around 40 to 45 percent. A comparison drawn on the revenue margins of other luxury brand companies reflects that Louis Vuitton stands far ahead in the race. The world-renowned luxury goods brand states that the max imum number of consumers belongs to the middle level groups while the rich elites constitute only a niche segment. However, Louis Vuitton observes that owing to the event of recession the structure of consumer spending has countered a radical change. The consumers of the luxury goods retail chain who were not price sensitive previously became highly aware of the changing economic situation. This resulted in a huge drop of sales of such luxury commodities, which came to be observed as objects of lesser importance. Owing to the change in the market condition brought about by recession the company felt the need to redesign its products to focus on their basic usage parameters rather than making it gaudy. Thus, the price of the