Dominozz Pizza Research Paper Essay

Founded: In 1960 by Thomas S. Monaghan in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Ownership: In December 1998, investors, including funds managed by Bain Capital Inc. , a leading private equity investment firm, together with management and others, acquired a 93% stake in the Company, which was formerly owned by founder, Thomas Monaghan and his family. Description: Domino’s Pizza has been dedicated and committed to quality service, product and delivery excellence for more than 40 years, making it the world leader in pizza delivery. Domino’s is the largest privately held restaurant chain, and the eighth largest of all restaurant chains in the world. Products: Domino’s Pizza offers Crunchy Thin Crust, Ultimate Deep Dish and Classic Hand Tossed pizzas with a number of regional toppings. Side items include Domino’s Bread Sticks, Double Cheesy Bread, CinnaStix and Buffalo Wings. Beverages consist of icy cold Coca-Cola products. Stores: Domino’s Pizza operates a network of 6,977 owned and franchised stores in the United States and 64 international markets. Employees: Over 120,000 associates are employed by Domino’s around the globe, 15,000 of those are corporate employees, of which 550 work at the worldwide headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Each Domino’s store employs 15-30 part-time and full-time individuals Officer’s: David Brandon, chairman and chief executive officer Jim Stansik, special assistant to the CEO Harry Silverman, chief financial officer and executive vice president, finance/administration Tim Monteith, chief information officer Hoyt Jones, executive vice president, flawless execution-franchise stores Patrick Knotts, executive vice president, flawless execution-corporate stores Patrick Doyle, executive vice president, Domino’s Pizza International and acting executive vice president, build the brand Mike Soignet, executive vice president, maintain high standards Tim McIntyre, vice president, corporate communications Elisa D. Garcia C. , executive vice president and general counsel Patti Wilmot, executive vice president, people first. National Charity: In August 1998, Domino’s Pizza began a long-term relationship with Easter Seals, which has become the corporation’s first national charity of choice. Through this alliance, Domino’s is dedicated to helping children and adults with disabilities and their families. Distribution: Through its network of 18 domestic distribution centers, Domino’s Pizza Distribution regularly supplies more than 4,600 pizza stores with more than 150 products, ranging from dough to pizza boxes. The number of products offered by DPD continues to expand. Similarly, the ongoing demand for new technology and basic equipment is provided by DPD’s Equipment & Supply division, which offers items such as make lines, crew uniforms and ovens as well as merchandise support for national promotional programs. Industry: Pizza is a $30 billion per year industry. Approximately 3 billion pizzas are sold in the U. S. annually through 61,269 pizzerias. Each man, woman and child in America eats an average of 46 slices (23 pounds) of pizza a year. Pepperoni is America’s favorite topping (36% of all pizza orders); approximately 251,770,000 pounds are consumed each year. Inovations: Domino’s HeatWave hot bags were introduced in 1998. Each heated hot bag contains a patented heating mechanism warmed via electricity. Once unplugged, this technology keeps the pizza oven-hot during a normal delivery. The outer material of the bag is made with water-repellent nylon rather than the vinyl material previously used. Inside the bag is 3M Thinsulate insulation, which eliminates unwanted moisture, keeping the pizzas both hot and crisp. To allow Domino’s stores to concentrate on making and delivering pizzas, Domino’s developed a central commissary system. This relieves stores from long hours making dough, grating cheese and preparing toppings. Today, Domino’s Pizza Distribution provides high quality dough and ingredients nationwide, keeping the company’s pizza consistently delicious. Other pizza and fast food companies in the U. S have adopted this same system. Fresh and delicious pizza has always been a priority at Domino’s Pizza. Domino’s was the first to use a fiberglass tray for dough, which simplified dough handling and ensured better preservation. Domino’s was the innovator behind the sturdy, corrugated pizza box, which keeps moisture from weakening the box, while preventing cheese from sticking to the top during delivery. A delicious, crisp crust is one of the most important parts of the pizza. In search of the perfect crust, Domino’s developed the pizza screen, a mesh tray that helps cook pizza crust more evenly than a tray made of wood or stainless steel. Today it’s hard to miss pizza delivery cars — thanks to Domino’s Pizza. Domino’s invented the 3-D car-top sign, which is currently used by a variety of industries, including taxis and driving schools Company history. In 1960 Tom Monaghan and brother James purchase â€Å"DomiNick’s,† a pizza store in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Monaghan borrowed $500 to buy the store. Then in 1961 brother James trades his half of the business to Tom for a Volkswagen Beetle. By 1965 Tom Monaghan is sole owner of company, and renames the business â€Å"Domino’s Pizza, Inc. †Next Tom opens the first Domino’s Pizza franchise store opens in Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1967. Then in 1968 the company headquarters and commissary are destroyed by fire, also the first Domino’s store outside of Michigan opens in Burlington, Vermont. Then in 1975 Amstar Corp., maker of Domino Sugar, files a trademark infringement lawsuit against Domino’s Pizza and then in 1978 the 200th Domino’s pizza store opens. Now it is 1980 and a Federal court rules Domino’s Pizza did not infringe on the Domino Sugar trademark and Tom gets to keep his trademark. I n 1983 Domino’s first international store opens in Winnipeg, Canada. The 1,000th Domino’s store opens. By 1984 ground is broken for new headquarters, Domino’s Farms, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Then in 1985 Domino’s opens a remarkable 954 units, for a total of 2,841, making Domino’s the fastest-growing pizza company in the country. Then Tom decides he needs to try something new so in 1989 he decides to introduce the Pan Pizza, the company’s first new product. Domino’s opens its 5,000th store. In 1990 Domino’s Pizza signs its 1,000th franchise. In 1992 Domino’s rolls out bread sticks, the company’s first national non-pizza menu item. In 1993 the new Crunchy Thin Crust pizza is rolled out nation-wide. The Company discontinues the 30-minute guarantee and re-emphasizes the Total Satisfaction Guarantee: If for any reason you are dissatisfied with your Domino’s Pizza dining experience, we will re-make your pizza or refund your money. In 1994 tom has a big because Buffalo Wings are rolled out in all U. S. stores, the first Domino’s opens in Eastern Europe in Warsaw, Poland and the first agreement to develop Domino’s Pizza in an African country was signed by Specialized Catering Services, Inc. In 1995 Domino’s Pizza International division opens its 1000th store. First store opens on African continent, in Cairo, Egypt. Another big year for the company is 1996 when Domino’s launches its web site on the Internet (www. dominos. com). Domino’s rolls out flavored crusts, for limited time only promotions, nationally for the first time in company history. The company reaches record sales of $2. 8 billion system-wide in 1996. In 1997 Domino’s Pizza opened its 1,500th store outside the United States, opening seven stores in 1 day on 5 continents consecutively. Domino’s Pizza launched a campaign to update the company logo and store interior with brighter colors and a newer look. In 1998 Domino’s launches another industry innovation, Domino’s HeatWave, a hot bag using patented technology that keeps pizza oven-hot to the customer’s door. Domino’s Pizza opens 6000th store in San Francisco, California in April. Domino’s Pizza founder, Tom Monaghan, announces retirement and sells 93% of Company to Bain Capital, Inc. In 1999 David Brandon is named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Domino’s Pizza. Domino’s Pizza announces record results for 1999. Worldwide sales exceed $3. 36 billion. Revenues increased 4. 4% over 1998. Now this brings us to the year 2000 where Domino’s Pizza International opens its 2000th store outside the United States. Domino’s Pizza celebrates 40 years of delivering pizza and innovation to homes around the world. During the past four decades, Domino’s has paved the way for businesses involved in food delivery, employing practices that have set the standard in the industry. Domino’s Pizza announces record results for 2000. Worldwide sales exceed $3. 54 billion. Revenues increased 5. 3% over 1999. Mission Statement Since 1960, Domino’s Pizza has been committed to providing our customers with the best-tasting, highest-quality pizza, using only the finest ingredients, and delivering it directly to their door. That is what made us the world leader in pizza delivery. We continue to focus on our Vision: Exceptional People on a mission to be the best pizza delivery company in the world. (Domino’s) Company Mission Good pizza. It’s our mission. And while it may seem like a simple one, the lengths we’ll undertake to fulfill it are anything but. We hand-stretch our crust for maximum flavor. We pioneered the Domino’s HeatWave? bag so our customer’s pizza is always delivered hot. And we use only the freshest, highest quality ingredients. (Domino’s) But at Domino’s, we’re not only dedicated to quality service, product and delivery; we’re dedicated to our staff. Nearly all Domino’s Pizza franchise owners started out as Domino’s store employees. With focused vision, hard work, and at least one year’s service as store manager, you can have the opportunity to make the leap into franchising with one of the most innovative and exciting companies in the fast food industry Founded in 1960, Domino’s makes and delivers nearly 6 million pizzas a week in over 60 countries around the world. Domino’s has more than 6,000 stores (85% of which are owned by franchisees) with 1999 worldwide sales of more than $3. 3 billion. As a franchisee, you’ll have a positive influence on people lives and the community you serve. But owning a Domino’s Pizza store isn’t for everyone. It’s a lot of hard work. It is for the strong, determined individual who understands our mission and knows what it takes to make it come true. (Domino’s) Social Responsibility Domino’s Pizza, founded in 1960, is the recognized world leader in pizza delivery. Domino’s Pizza operates a network of company-owned and franchise-owned stores in the United States and international markets. But Domino’s isn’t just about delivering; it’s also about giving back to the community. Domino’s Pizza believes that an essential component of its corporate responsibility is to provide support to charitable organizations that benefit the communities where our employees and customers work and live. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Domino’s is committed to supporting initiatives and causes in its hometown while also participating in national programs that align with our vision, guiding principles and strategic focus. (Domino’s) In February 2001, Domino’s Pizza announced an exclusive national partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Domino’s Pizza has made a corporate decision to devote our philanthropic resources exclusively to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Domino’s has made an ongoing commitment to Make-A-Wish to deliver wishes to children with life threatening illnesses and to assist Make-a-Wish with their benevolent volunteer efforts through heightened awareness and direct contributions. The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Make-A-Wish is the largest wish-granting organization in the world, with 81 chapters in the US and 22 international affiliates on five continents. Since its founding in 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted a wish to every qualified child referred more than 83,000 wishes to children around the world. Wishes are granted through private donors and more than 20,000 volunteers worldwide. (Domino’s) In addition to being civic-minded, Domino’s Pizza is also concerned about its team members’ needs. In 1986, Domino’s Pizza Partners Foundation was established to assist employees in time of special need or tragedy as a result of natural disasters, unexpected afflictions, on-the-job accidents, and other emergencies. The Foundation’s primary support comes from voluntary employee payroll deductions, company functions and special events. Since its inception, Domino’s Pizza Partners Foundations has helped thousands of Domino’s Pizza employees and their families with financial, emotional, intermediary and advisory assistance. (Domino’s) Centralization Domino’s Pizza has a highly centralized when it comes to what the franchises will sell and how they will sell it. All the decisions concerning food products and ingredients and what new products will be offered all come from top management and the stores have to follow this structure rigorously. Now on the other hand when it comes to training of the employees things are quite different. At Domino’s Pizza, 85 percent of a non-supervisory employee’s training occurs on the job and is proved by the store manager or franchise owner. Each employee is trained to fill most of the shop’s five jobs, (order taker, pizza maker, oven tender, router and driver), which helps during rush hours when a crewmember does not appear for work. Performance standards are demanding; the order taker must answer the call within three rings and take the order within 45 seconds. The pizza maker must make the pizza and place it in the oven within one minute. The oven tender must take one pizza out while putting another I within 5 seconds and cut and box the pizza by the count of 15. Although the bulk of training is on the job far away from corporate headquarters, Domino’s corporate training staff maintains some control over training by providing a variety of training aids. The staff makes available to shop management 14 videotapes on such tasks as delivery, dough management, image, and pizza making. Each shop also displays corporate-produced training posters with job hints and reminders throughout the work place. Store managers are trained by a six-week course, typically a six-month MIT program that includes coursework in pizza dough management, people management, cost management, and how to conduct on the job training of hourly employees. Manager trainees progress through five levels of training with higher performance requirements and more responsibilities at each level. On the job training is an important part of the training program. Many franchise owned and all company owned stores send management trainees to the regional training center for classes taught by corporate trainers; however management training often is decentralized, with franchise owners conducting the MIT courses themselves. Franchise owners must be certified to conduct the formal courses for their manager trainees. The certification process requires that the owner complete a â€Å"Training Dynamics† course on how to teach manger trainees; observe certified teachers training the MIT series of course; and then co-teach the series with a regional trainer, who must approve the franchisee’s performance. () The quality of training provided by the franchise is enhanced by the owners substantial in store management experience. With all of these different ways of training in the end it is still a decentralized structure. Activities Domino’s pizza is having a little problem with their turnover rate, which is now in the vicinity of 300 t0 400 percent with employee but a lot less managers. Therefore managers do all they can do to keep there young employees happy, one of the reasons the turnover rate is so high is because of the age of the average employee is 18 to 21. The culture that surrounds Domino’s is a young one with open minds for new ideas; it also is one for caring and giving for and to the community. This culture was first started by Tom Monagham in 1960 and is now carried on by CEO David Brandon. Technology has played a major role in Domino’s since the beginning, with help of computers so that your address can be pulled by just the use of a telephone number, the caller id system which is now linked to the computer so address is automatically pulled up when you call in and the heatwave bag which allows the pizza to be hotter when it arrives at your door. All of these things have allowed Dominos to adapt to the times and keep it a strong running company. Also there new ideas on food products and menu items have also allowed them to stay head of the game making them a top competitor in there market. The efficiency with which Dominos run is remarkable in the aspect of time but if you look at there turnover rate it is something that might need some work, however dealing with people of that age group it is hard to get anyone to commit to delivering pizzas for life. In conclusion Dominos is a company that started in 1960 with a single store and went public and now has stores all over the world. This once little pizza shop is now global and has met up to all the challenges that face a company when it’s growing stages. The culture is one that stood the test of time so far and has a great look for the future. With all of this in mind Domino’s Pizza is a company that we will see for along time into the future.

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Adrian Gauci Learning and Development Strategy – Adrian Gauci – Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT †¢ Employee Development of HR development is about the provision of learning, development and training opportunities in order to improve individual, team and organisational performance. †¢ The definition of development suggests a fulfilment of innate potential and ability through continuous involvement rather than just timely interventions to satisfy gaps in knowledge and ability.Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci Learning and development †¢ Learning and development is the process of acquiring and developing knowledge, skills, capabilities, behaviours and attitudes through learning or developmental experiences. It is concerned with ensuring that the organization has the knowledgeable, skilled, engaged and committed workforce it needs. Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci Learning and development Learning is a continuous process that not only enhances existing capabilities but also leads to the development of the skills, knowledge and attitudes that prepare people for enlarged or higher-level responsibilities in the future. †¢ As explained by Honey and Mumford (1996): – ‘Learning has happened when people can demonstrate that they know something that they did not know before (insights, realizations as well as facts) and when they can do something they could not do Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, before (skills). ’Adrian Gauci Learning and development †¢ Development is concerned with ensuring that a person’s ability and potential are grown and realized through the provision of learning experiences or through self-directed (self-managed) learning. It is an unfolding process that enables people to progress from a present state of understanding and capability to a future state in which higher-level skills, knowledge and competencies are required. †¢ Training involves the application of formal processes to impart knowledge and help people to acquire the skills necessary for them to perform their jobs satisfactorily.Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci KEY L&D TERMS †¢ LEARNING: Learning is relatively permanent changes in behaviour that occurs as a result of practice or experience. †¢ EDUCATION: The development of Knowledge, values and understanding required in all aspects of life rather than the knowledge and skills relating to particular areas of activity. †¢ DEVELOPMENT: the growth or realisation of a person's ability and potential throug h the provision of learning and educational experiences. Training: The planned ; systematic modification of behaviour through learning events, programmes, and instruction which enable individuals to achieve the levels of knowledge, skills and competence to carry out their work effectively. Source: Armstrong-handbook of Personnel Management practices. Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci Elements of learning and dev Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation SupervisorAdrian Gauci Characteristics of formal and informal learning Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci ROI †¢ Return on investment (RoI) is advocated by some commentators as a means of assessing the overall impact of training on organizational performance. It is calculated as: Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci Learning and development strategy Learning and development strategy represents the approach an organization adopts to ensure that now and in the future, learning and development activities support the achievement of its goals by developing the skills and capacities of individuals and teams. It can be described similarly as strategic human resource development, defined as follows. Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci Learning and development strategy It is fundamentally concerned with creating a learning culture that will encourage learning and will provide the basis for planning and implementing learning activities and programmes.†¢ This concept of a learning culture is associated with that of the learning organization. Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Diss ertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci Elements of L;D strategy Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci A learning culture A learning culture is one that promotes learning because it is recognized by top management, line managers and employees generally as an essential organizational process to which they are committed and in which they engage continuously. †¢ Reynolds (2004) describes a learning culture as a – ‘growth medium’, which will ‘encourage employees to commit to a range of positive discretionary behaviours, including learning’ and which has the following characteristics: empowerment not supervision, self-managed learning not instruction, long-term capacity building not short-term fixes. Reynolds suggests that to create a learning culture it is necessary to develop organizational practices that raise commitment amongst employees and – ‘give employees a sense of purpose in the workplace, grant employees opportunities to act upon their commitment, and offer practical support to learning’. Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation SupervisorAdrian Gauci The learning organization The learning organization, as defined by Senge (1990) †¢ The learning organization is one – ‘where people continually expand their capacity to create the results they truly desire, where new and expansive patterns of thinking are nurtured, where collective aspiration is set free, and where people are continually learning how to learn together’. Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian GauciThe learning organization †¢ Harrison (2000) learning organization remains persuasive beca use of its – ‘rationality, human attractiveness and presumed potential to aid organizational effectiveness and advancement’. †¢ Wick and Leon (1995) refer to a learning organization – as one that ‘continually improves by rapidly creating and refi ning the capabilities required for future success’. Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci EMPLOYEE TRAINING Training is an important part of an organization’s long-range strategy: – Global competition and flatter organizational structures require multi-skilled employees – Focus on life-long learning – Diverse employees with varying cultural values – Developments in information technology require new skills and training strategies – Increased motivation – Individual goals equating with those of the organisation – Social benefits eg traning from government â€⠀œ Newly acquired skills for future use Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation SupervisorAdrian Gauci †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ BENEFITS OF T;D TO ORGANISATIONS Provision of trained human resources Improvements of existing skills Increased employee knowledge Improved job performance Improved customer service Greater staff commitment Increased value of the organisation's human assets The personal development of employees Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci PROCESS OF TRAINING †¢ SYSTEMATIC TRAINING †¢ PLANNED TRAINING Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation SupervisorAdrian Gauci PLANNED TRAINING †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Identify and define training needs Define the learning required Define the objectives of training Plan training programme Decide who provides the training Implement the training Evaluate training Modify training programmes basis on the evaluation. MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), Adrian Gauci DEFINING TRAINING NEEDS †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ JOB TRAINING ANALYSIS ORGANSATIONAL ANALYSIS PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL JOB ANALYSIS CUSTOMER FEEDBACK OBSERVATION OF EMPLOYEES RECORDS OF EMPLOYEES PERFORMANCEAdrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci TRAINING OBJECTIVES †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ PREREQUISITE EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES EDUCATINAL OBJECTIVES BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci Learning and Development Activities Learning  and  Development  Activities †¢ case  study  exercises †¢ action  learning  activities †¢ modern  apprenticeship †¢ Employee  mentoring †¢ Group  /  Departmental  Ã‚  Exercises †¢ Situation  Simulation Management  coaching   †¢ Corporate  University †¢ Instruction  Lectures †¢ Outdoor  Learning  Activities   †¢ Training  by  role  playing See Page 1022 (Appendix in Armstrong Book) Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci The Training System Needs Assessment Evaluation Training Objectives Implementation Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci Training Techniques On-the-job †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Job rotation Apprenticeships Coaching Mentoring Delegation by supervisor †¢ Work shadowing †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Off-t he-job †¢ Lectures & videos Vestibule training Role-playing/Cases Simulation Self-Study & Programmed Computer-based (CBT) Virtual reality Web-based/Intranet Video-conferencing Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci Training & Development Strategies Cognitive T&D Strategies Environmental Behavioural Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation SupervisorAdrian Gauci Training Evaluation Criteria Reaction Organizational results Training Evaluation Criteria Behaviour Knowledge Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci LEARNING ORGANISATION †¢ Learning might be the acquisition of a new skills, new knowledge, a modified attitude or a combination of all three. †¢ The process of acquiring knowledge through experience that leads to a change in behaviour. Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation SupervisorAdrian Gauci LEARNING ORGANISATION An organization that has an enhanced capacity to learn, adapt and change – Systems thinking – Personal mastery – Mental models – Shared vision – Team learning Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci LEARNING ORGANISATION (CONTD. ) Garvin (1993) has suggested that LO are good at doing five things: †¢ Systematic problem solving-relying on scientific methods, insisting on data rather than assumption. Experimentation Kaizen (continuous improvements) †¢ Learning from past experience †¢ Learning from others †¢ Transferring knowledge quickly and efficiently throughout the organisation Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci SIX FACTOR MODEL OF LO Kandola a nd Fullerton have produced a six factor model of a LO: †¢ Shared vision †¢ Enabling structure †¢ Supportive culture †¢ Empowering management †¢ Motivated workforce †¢ Enhanced learning Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation SupervisorAdrian Gauci LEARNING STYLES Kolb & Honey and Mumford Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci LEARNING STYLES Learning style theory can be used in the design and conduct of learning events or personal development programmes. Learning situations can be designed to fit the learning style of participants. Coffield (2005) stressed the importance of individuals’ ‘thinking styles’ – that is, their automatic way of organizing and processing information during learning – and of their ‘learning strategy’, meaning the pproach they adopt to try to overco me the limitations of their natural thinking style. Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci EXPERIMENTAL LEARNING CYCLE Kolb provides one of the most useful descriptive model of the adult learning process. The LC suggests that there are four stages that follow from each others. †¢ Concrete experience: either planned or accidental †¢ Reflective observation: looking back at the experience. †¢ Abstract conceptualisation: seen as generalising from reflection and developing hypotheses based on experience and knowledge. Active experimentation: Testing the concepts or ideas in new situation. Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci KOLB`S LEARNING STYLES †¢ ACCOMMODATIVE: Strong preference for concrete experience and active experimentation, learning by errors. †¢ DIVERGENT: preference for concrete experiences , but to reflect on these from different perspectives. †¢ ASSIMILATIVE: Indicates that knowledge is gained by incorporating experiences into already existing cognitive structure. †¢ CONVERGENT: prefer to experiment with ideas.Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci KOLB`S LEARNING STYLES †¢ Accommodators who learn by trial and error, combining the concrete experience and experimentation stages of the cycle. †¢ Divergers who prefer concrete to abstract learning situations and refl ection to active involvement. Such individuals have great imaginative ability, and can view a complete situation from different viewpoints. †¢ Convergers who prefer to experiment with ideas, considering them for their practical usefulness.Their main concern is whether the theory works in action, thus combining the abstract and experimental dimensions. †¢ Assimilators who like to create their own the oretical models and assimilate a number of disparate observations into an overall integrated explanation. †¢ Thus they veer towards the reflective and abstract dimensions. Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation SupervisorAdrian Gauci Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci The Axis Concrete Experience – CE (feeling) ——- Abstract Conceptualization – AC (thinking) Active Experimentation – AE (doing)—– Reflective Observation – RO (watchin g)Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci Divergers and Assimilators †¢ Diverging (feeling and watching – CE/RO) – These people are able to look at things from different perspectives. They are sensitive. They prefer to watch rather than do, tending to gather information and use imagination to solve problems. They are best at viewing concrete situations several different viewpoints. Kolb called this style ‘Diverging' because these people perform better in situations that require ideas-generation, for example, brainstorming.People with a Diverging learning style have broad cultural interests and like to gather information. They are interested in people, tend to be imaginative and emotional, and tend to be strong in the arts. People with the Diverging style prefer to work in groups, to listen with an open mind and to receive personal feedback. Assimilating (watching and thinking â⠂¬â€œ AC/RO) – The Assimilating learning preference is for a concise, logical approach. Ideas and concepts are more important than people. These people require good clear explanation rather than practical opportunity.They excel at understanding wide-ranging information and organising it a clear logical format. People with an Assimilating learning style are less focused on people and more interested in ideas and abstract concepts. People with this style are more attracted to logically sound theories than approaches based on practical value. These learning style people is important for effectiveness in information and science careers. In formal learning situations, people with this style prefer readings, lectures, exploring analytical models, and having time to think things through.Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor †¢ Adrian Gauci Convergers and Accomodators †¢ Converging (doing and thinking â₠¬â€œ AC/AE) – People with a Converging learning style can solve problems and will use their learning to find solutions to practical issues. They prefer technical tasks, and are less concerned with people and interpersonal aspects. People with a Converging learning style are best at finding practical uses for ideas and theories. They can solve problems and make decisions by finding solutions to questions and problems.People with a Converging learning style are more attracted to technical tasks and problems than social or interpersonal issues. A Converging learning style enables specialist and technology abilities. People with a Converging style like to experiment with new ideas, to simulate, and to work with practical applications. Accommodating (doing and feeling – CE/AE) – The Accommodating learning style is ‘hands-on', and relies on intuition rather than logic. These people use other people's analysis, and prefer to take a practical, experiential approac h.They are attracted to new challenges and experiences, and to carrying out plans. They commonly act on ‘gut' instinct rather than logical analysis. People with an Accommodating learning style will tend to rely on others for information than carry out their own analysis. This learning style is prevalent and useful in roles requiring action and initiative. People with an Accommodating learning style prefer to work in teams to complete tasks. They set targets and actively work in the field trying different ways to achieve an objective.Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor †¢ Adrian Gauci HONEY ; MUMFORD LEARNING STYLES Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci HONEY ; MUMFORD`S LEARNING STYLES †¢ ACTIVIST: a dynamic learners without bias †¢ REFLECTOR: an imaginative learner and the person, who observes phenomena, thinks about them and then choose how to act. †¢ THEORIST: Who adapt and apply their observations in the form of logical theories. PRAGMATIST: a commonsense learner who only likes to study if they can see a direct link to practical problems. Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci HONEY ; MUMFORD`S LEARNING STYLES †¢ 1. Activists who involve themselves fully without bias in new experiences and revel in new challenges. †¢ 2. Reflectors who stand back and observe new experiences from different angles. They collect data, refl ect on them and then come to a conclusion. †¢ 3.Theorists who adapt and apply their observations in the form of logical theories. They tend to be perfectionists. †¢ 4. Pragmatists who are keen to try out new ideas, approaches and concepts to see if they work. Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Ad rian Gauci Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation SupervisorAdrian Gauci Kolb vs Honey ; Mumford Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor Adrian Gauci INDIVIDUAL BARRIERS TO LEARNING †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ LACK OF INFORMATION TIME MONEY APATHY ANDLACK OF MOTIVATIO CULTURE AGEISM SPECIAL NEEDS SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS LACK OF CONFIDENCE Adrian Gauci BA (Hons), MA, Dual MBA (New York) – Business Lecturer and MBA Dissertation Supervisor

A child called it Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

A child called it - Essay Example In many cases, the child, because of illness, irritability, or the parents incorrect choice of actions, would not return the desired and expected response. In such an interaction, the child’s purpose can be seen as blameworthy. Pelzer writes that his mother often found any excuse to bit him: â€Å"SMACK!. Mother bits me in the face and I topped to the floor. I know better than to stand there and take the bit, I learned the bard way that she takes as an act of defiance, which means more bits, or worst of all, no food † (Pelzer, 1995, p. 3). As a child, Pelzer cannot resist domestic violence and psychical abuse. This situation creates feelings of helplessness, frustration and anger. A hasty move of children can also generate stresses for both the children and caretakers alike, with the children suddenly uprooted and the caretakers unprepared to meet their needs. In contrast to his siblings, favored by his mother, Pelzer was beaten, bruised and sometimes tortured for a long time. In some instances his injuries threatened his life: For instance, once Dave was stubbed in the chest, and â€Å"the pain from the pinching was more than I could stand. With my teeth clamped tightly on the rag, my screaming was muffled. I felt as though I was hanging from a cliff† (Pelzer, 1995, p. 23). This book is about emotional abuse and psychological distress caused by parents. Pelzer was subjected to emotional abuse and neglect, including malnutrition, being left alone and living in squalid conditions. It seems likely that Pelzer subjected to violent parenting repeatedly asserted his needs and his dependency only to find his caretakers unable to meet them. In such cases, the childrens immaturity would have been experienced by the parents as an intolerable extra demand that competed with the parents own dependency wishes. Frustration and violence to the children then resulted. The author describes: â€Å"I knew if I wanted to live, I would have to think ahead. I could no longer cry like

Renzo Piano Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Renzo Piano - Essay Example Various music functions are usually held at the complex. It occupies a spacious area in the 1960 Olympia area. The building designs such as the three bug-like halls take the form of musical instruments. The unique features of the building attract visitors from different part of the world. It is strategically located near big hotels that can accommodate visitors in the city. It is also close to other attractive places such as the Villa Glori Park. The place is also accessible because it is located near a high way called the Autostrada A1. In addition, it is near a railways station called the Roma Termini. The railways station is only 6 kilometer away from the music complex. Visitors from different parts of the world can easily access it through the Fiuicino airport that is only 33 kilometer to the architecture. The auditorium was built in an area that used to be a parking area. The area is near Parioli and Flaminio districts. Its strategic location and many support services make it an ideal place to hold many types of events (Bennet & William 199). The Music complex is in an open-air amphitheatre with halls that look like music boxes. It spaces are occupied by various concert halls. Each hall has different designs in terms of dimensions and functions. However, the spaces are very flexible and versatile and can be regulated depending of the type of music performance. For instance, its floor and ceiling can be adjusted in order to change the property of the halls. The three concert halls are accommodated in a huge dome-shaped structure within the music complex. One of the halls called the petrassi has enough space to accommodate about 750 seats while Sinopoli hall can accommodate about 1200 seats. The third hall named Santa Cecilia is the biggest among the three since it can accommodate about 2800 seats. The space of the music complex also has other rooms such as the practice rooms where people can practice before

Reaction of a certain article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reaction of a certain article - Essay Example The median is a measure of central tendency in that it is a statistic that generalizes the typical values of members of a sample or population. The median as a measure of central tendency and location parameter is robust and resistant to the effects of outliers, compared to the mean and mode. A data set can be symmetric or skewed. When a data set is symmetric, the right and left hand sides of the distribution are to a great extent balanced around the mean (Stuart 62). Typically, a symmetric distribution is one in which the mean, mode and median are equal or almost equal. The left and right tails of the distribution, therefore, have more or less the same length. On the other hand, when a data set is skewed, the right and left hand sides of the distribution are not balanced around the mean (Rider 149). The measures of central tendency associated with the distribution also tend to be unequal. Furthermore, the tails of the distribution tend to be unequal; one longer than the other. Generally, the skewness of a distribution may hint to the presence of outliers or measurement errors. In his article, The Median Isnt the Message, Jay Gould rightly defines median as â€Å"the half-way point† (Gould par. 2). Gould also rightly notes that the median is a measure of central tendency which, like the mean, can be exploited to one’s advantage when generalizing situations (Gould par. 2). In his article, Gould seeks to convince his audience that the median is not a perfect measure of a distribution and may be subject to misinterpretation. The author also seeks to clarify that in as much as the median is a measure of central tendency, its interpretation depends on whether or not the distribution is normal or skewed, and, if skewed, the direction of the skew. In his case for example, he would have assumed that he had just about eight months to live owing to his medical

Analyses of the Website Gutteridge Haskins and Davey Essay

Analyses of the Website Gutteridge Haskins and Davey - Essay Example The essay "Analyses of the Website" talks about the GHD website (Gutteridge Haskins & Davey, ghd.com/australia) that represents an international network of engineers, architects, and environmental scientists. The paper also analyzes the website's audience and if the website effectively communicates to it. GHD website serves multiple purposes. It shares information to its present and prospective clients. It gives a complete detail to anyone who will open the website, about its history, its values, and the various projects it has undertaken. It also attracts Human Resource from its website where job-seekers can find job opportunities. The website also invites users to give their feedback and is a medium to contact them. One thing written on the homepage of the website is â€Å"At GHD, we think beyond tomorrow to anticipate future challenges† which shows their concern for taking business seriously and representing the company’s values. Dechernatony and Mc Donald say that a corporate brand must give a clear picture and should personify the value of the organization. Hence another purpose is to build its corporate brand on an international level. So that when anyone wants to know about GHD, they would get a clear picture of the organization and its strong brand from its website. The purpose of the website is clearly in-line with the kind of business they are in. GHD is a consultancy firm and for such firms, it is best to provide information about the business to clients or any users of the website. While developing a website, one of the first things that a business needs to ask itself is the target audience. The organization needs to develop personas for the different target audience and then analyse how this audience is going to reach out its website (Jacobson 2007). The target audience for GHD’s website are the present and prospective clients, and the prospective employees. The first target audience refers to businesses and organizations who are working in the areas of water, transportation, environment, energy and resources, property and building. Therefore clients in the area of water refer to organizations dealing with water utilities and other water related services. In the area of environment, the business serves and the website attracts privat e organizations, government organizations and authorities. Furthermore government organizations and authorities look forward to consultancy from GHD in the area of transportations. Similarly the website also attracts audiences from different government and private organizations in the area of energy & resources, and building & property. This

Language Acquisition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Language Acquisition - Essay Example Several theories have been put forward that try and explain this process (Pinker, language acquisition). Some theorists believe that the acquisition of language is a natural and intrinsic part of the child growth process and down play the importance of parental feedback while others believe that it is the result of their surrounding environment and how they interact with others, thereby according significance to adult- child interaction. This paper seeks to analyze the different theories that have been put forward to explain language acquisition evaluating how they all explore the importance of parental feedback in the development of linguistic skills. Nativist theorists believe that a child is born with an intrinsic ability to learn a language which makes it relatively easy for them to learn a new language as opposed to adults who wish to learn a second language. In this sense, language is viewed as part of the human genetic make up; a natural trait similar to birds learning how to fly and fish learning how to swim (Macwinney, 1998). As Macwinney (1998) points out, several researchers believe that since the acquisition of language seems to be unique only to humans and it must be... Theories have been put forward to support this infant innate grammar module. Children seem to exhibit an uncanny ability to respect syntax in their early speech. This lends credence to the belief that the ability to learn language is genetically wired in the brain. However, the nativist theories have been criticized for failing to properly and accurately account for their claims on acquisition of the language, causing researchers to look for other explanations to the inherent human capacity to learn language (Macwinney, 1998). Parental feedback in the Nativism theory Parental feedback is not perceived to be of any significance to a child's acquisition of language. Nativism theorists point out that children do most of the language acquisition by themselves, as illustrated when a family migrates to a foreign country. The parents seem to struggle with the new language and may not master it completely but children will always adapt faster and speak the language more richly and fluently than their parents. This by itself negates any role of parental feedback in the acquisition of language as the children are able to adapt better than the parents. Emergentism This is a branch of nativist theory approach but differs from nativism in that it views the acquisition of language as an outcome not just of the intrinsic biology of human cognition, but also as a result of social patterns of interaction and input. Emergentism views children as learning language through means of a self organizing map with auditory, concept and articulatory as the pillars. A child learns language almost independently by associating different elements to these pillars (Macwinney, 1998). Macwinney (1998) points out that there are neural networks in the brain that will influence the

Visa's Anticompetitive Practices Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Visa's Anticompetitive Practices - Essay Example This will help them come up with business tat can be accessed and supported from any part of the world provided they have a chance to register for this type of service. The other objective that they seek to achieve is maintaining and increasing merchant confidence in using the visa cards anywhere in the world. This means that they must get into collaboration with other likeminded companies that will help them achieve these objectives given the rise in cyber crimes and identity theft in the world. Another objective is to reduce operational expenses by reducing chargeback and linking authentication to ensure data integrity at all times. They also seek to improve purchase security and enhance integrity through the enhancement of security for an internet purchases (Gitman and McDaniel 2008:58). System Components Before 2007, the structure mainly included of four non-stock companies that had been incorporated as group members into the company’s overall structural component. They in cluded visa international service association, the Visa USA Inc, Visa Canada Association, and visa Europe limited. These were the incorporated members of the group. The others-Visa Latin America (LAC), Visa Asia Pacific and visa central Europe, Middle East and Africa- acted as part of the group’s divisions (Modestus 2012:36). ... It was also a warded a minority stake in the main company which makes it a component of the whole. There were also other companies that acted as underwriters when the company underwent the restructuring and this means that its components would be increased when these underwriters were considered (Schlossberg 2008:388). Other components that make up the overall company are the items that form the greater part of the company. As such, debit cards, credit cards and prepaid cards also form the bulk of their company. This is because it is the main aspect that keeps them in business. They also deal with automated teller machine networks and point-of-sale terminals for those who deal with debit protocols without the need of getting into any check-writing privileges (Szoka & Marcus 2010:102). Stakeholders The main stakeholders of this company include the western European operation unit, the merged regional offices; the merchants dealing in different sectors and who depend on the service of V isa Inc for their financial transactions, the shipping sector, banking sector, airlines and those who have bought shares in the company (Modestus 2012:49). Risks Despite the fact that people love this new method of transaction, there are risks that are involved in the long run. When people are conducting these transactions, they are not required to be there in person and this means that the probability of getting involved in illegal transactions is high. People have been allowed to transact from the comfort of their homes through the internet and this means that the only thing the bank relies on for authentication is the phone number or an IP-address. These are aspects that can change suddenly, exposing

Petroleum extraction process Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Petroleum extraction process - Term Paper Example However, to start drilling the reservoir containing the sufficient amount of oil should be found. The researches on oilfield exploration started in 19th century. They were aimed on studying features of bedrocks. The main purpose was to find the rocks that were suitable rock as reservoir of oil (Speight 100). In the beginning of the 20th century surface rock with suitable characteristics were studied. New techniques developed in 1960s provided the possibility of exploration below the surface of earth (Speight 101). New geophysical technologies are based on studying gravitational, magnetic, seismic, electric, electromagnetic and radioactive properties of the bedrocks. The methods are subdivided on techniques without depth control and techniques with depth control. The first group utilize spontaneous responses from local and distant sources that are controlled by the observer. The second group foresees introduction of energy (electric or seismic) into the ground, analyze and interpretation of transmissibility (Speight 101). Gravitational methods are connected with studies of gravitational field which is affected by differences in density of geological bodies. Therefore, the gravimeter detects differences in density, and the detected variations permit to make a conclusion about the presence of rock formations (particularly oil). Magnetic methods are based on detection of the magnetic properties of the rocks. Detected difference provide the possibility to suggest the presence of desired materials. Seismic methods are based on creation artificial shock and detection the time necessary for the vibration impulse to get to the seismic detector. Depending on the obtained results, the conclusion about presence of oil can be made. Electric and radioactive methods are based on the measurement of conductivity and radioactivity (respectively) of the studied

Violet Crawley and Fitzwilliam Darcy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Violet Crawley and Fitzwilliam Darcy - Essay Example Violet Crawley is from a noble family but her family was impoverished. Her marriage brought her a noble title but little wealth since the Earldom was also impoverished. Her children married into money rather than nobility. She was against Robert’s engagement to Cora. This is because she had pride in nobility and not money (Fellowes, 2011). Violet discriminated people on the basis of social classes. Her granddaughter could not marry Mathew Crawley, the new heir of Earldom, since he did meet her expectations as he was from the upper middle class rather than nobility. She also refused to acknowledge the change in Mary’s inheritance which resulted in her forming an alliance with Cora Crawley, her daughter-in-law. Violet has many quarrels with Isobel Crawley. Violet, president the Downton Hospital, has complete control over the hospital’s chief doctor Richard Clarkson and the whole hospital in general. Mrs. Crawley started intimidating the doctor into applying modern medical practices. One of these practices was curing dropsy by administration of adrenaline. This was contradicting to the Countess of Dowager’s protest against administering adrenaline to cure a local farmer. The Countess pursues Clarkson and Isobel into the operation room to air her protests, where she witnesses the farmer being saved. The doctor is forced to appoint Isobel Chairman of the Board in order to prevent further, forcing pride ridden Violet to share power with Isobel (Fellowes, 2011). Violet remained a strong influence at Downton Abbey throughout World War One. On learning Matthew’s engagement to Lavinia Swire, she reacts in distaste as she watches Matthew, now an army captain, match. Rosamund and Violet scheme to intimidate Lavinia in cancelling her engagement to Matthew. They are especially motivated when Rosamund overhears Lavinia being threatened by Sir Richard about a political scandal. But Violet’s pride does not bear fruits because they both do not succeed in convincing Lavinia to end her engagement. When Isobel proposes to Cora that Downton Abbey be utilized as a convalescent dwelling for wounded soldiers, Violet reacts in disgust and with horror at the prospect of strangers living in the house. Cora phlegmatically reminds Violet that she no longer holds the title of Countess of Grantham. Therefore, Cora is the sole decision maker regarding issues of the house. Violet is accused of inability to communicate between social classes, instigating her to expose that she and Carson always had the first promenade at the servants’ ball. This illustrates Violet’s pride (Fellowes, 2011). At one point during the war, an exceedingly burned Canadian officer named Patrick Gordon goes to Downton to recuperate and impersonates Patrick Crawley, who ostensibly survived the Titanic, recuperated in Canada, and was involved in a deadly explosion in the war. Violet reacts with indignation, displaying her pride. When Sybil plans to push through with her marriage to the family chauffeur, Tom Branson, Violet and Robert attempt to persuade her out of it because it would be scandalous to the elite. After their unsuccessful attempt, Violet makes up details about Branson in order to minimize damages to the aristocracy. These details would seem more acceptable by other members of the aristocracy. This suggests a sense of pride in Violet and the aristocracy in

Positive Impact of Woman Labor in Economic Growth Essay Example for Free

Positive Impact of Woman Labor in Economic Growth Essay Labor one of the factors of production and serves as the source of competitive advantage of various countries in attracting foreign investors. Alongside with labor is the concept of productivity which is the largest single component of economic growth especially for those labor intensive countries. Therefore, government of various countries around the globe a lot enough focus on maintaining the equilibrium condition of their labor market in order to achieve impressive economic growth. But with the advent of globalization, the demand for laborers extended up to such point wherein the labor market has to accommodate woman on the pool of labor. But why is that so? Are there any benefits that can be derived from hiring a woman on a certain business firm? This paper aims to identify the effects of woman’s entrance to labor pool to economic growth as well as the factor/s that contributed in order for such event to occur in the labor market. Relationship of Woman Labor and Economic Growth   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Gender bias in labor force is a large factor to some of the countries especially in the Middle East wherein the labor pool is still being dominated by men and discrimination and injustices to women is very much accepted into their society. But there are still those liberal countries that welcome the entrance of women to labor force. Like for instance in UK, women serve as one of the source of higher productivity and economic growth (Walby, 2002). For the past decades, UK is relatively stable in terms of market success due to the improvement of the skills of their labor force and women made a significant contribution for the attainment of such impressive productivity and high performance. The characteristics of women like being keen to details and always want to take their time in order to attain the highest possible quality improved the efficiency and effectiveness of UK’s labor force.   Furthermore, though women are physically weak as compared to men, they are more productive when it comes to making planning and strategies on how to solve various problems concerning the welfare of the company or a business firms. This distinct characteristic of women serves as an avenue towards the improvement of the entire labor pool of UK for the past years. Moreover, it was identified that deficit in the labor force in the UK market provided a room for the market system to accept the entrance of women into the labor force despite of the fact that women have fewer educational qualifications than men; but this draw back on women was already settled by the present young women. Women nowadays compete at par with men in terms of attaining higher positions in the corporate world as they start to attain higher academic degrees. With this increase on productivity of labor force in UK industries started to generate more income and becomes more profitable. Moreover, domestic production is deemed to boost by the time skilled women entered the labor force of UK. In this regard, it is clear that the entry of women to labor force did provide positive impacts on the economic growth of the country. This insight do not suggest that men are already less efficient as compared to women, the point is, with the entry of women in the labor pool, the efficiency and effectiveness of men is further improved by the women. But with regards to physical productivity, still, men are still the one who dominates in the said area. Moreover, with the entrance of women in the labor force, flexibility of the labor pool improves since there were some tasks that only women can perform or requires the experiences of a woman. As a result, the productivity of the labor forces increase and so with the entire economy. At the end of the day, the entrance of women to labor force increases the volume of domestic production as more laborers can now be hired by domestic and foreign firms; as well as the improvement on the quality of the products being produced in the economy due to the innate characteristics of women like their keen attention to details provides lesser rooms for mistakes or errors. Moreover, those increases in the domestic production and higher quality of products will make the GDP of the country to increase which in return will improve the economic and social welfare of every laborers in the market. References Walby, S. (2002). The Impact of Women’s Position in the Labor Market on Pay and Implications for UK Productivity. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from http://www.womenandequalityunit.gov.uk/publications/weu_pay_and_productivity.pdf

Theory of Absolute Advantage | Analysis

Theory of Absolute Advantage | Analysis Introduction In response to the mercantilism system which dominated economics thought in the 18 century, Adam Smith introduce and gives extension discussion of absolute advantage theory in international trade and illustrate what to do if countries do not stick to the rule and maxim of international trade in An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. Adam Smith prove wrong the belief of international trade between country was zero sum game which means the gaining of a country from international trade was the loss of other country. In additional, the international trade was positive sum game which means countries will gain benefit from trades. In the illustration of absolute advantage theory, Adam Smith illustrate that a country which have absolute advantage over other country if its production capacity in goods and services is greater when using same amount of resources or its produce a good using fewer resources (lower opportunity cost). Adam Smith also says that a country should produce goods where its production capacity is the most efficient and trade those goods where its production is not efficient. In additional, absolute advantage theory can also applies in the regions, cities and firms and tariffs and quotas should not restrict international trade. Adam Smith says the labor is fixed and homogeneous within a country. In additional, he also considers the labor is the only factor of production (input) and technology and production cost is constant in absolute advantage theory. He also illustrate that transportation cost are zero and countries use barter trade system in trading. In conclusion, Adam Smith absolute advantage theory replaces the mercantilist idea and questions the objective of national governments which applies mercantilist idea and acquires wealth through restrictive trade policies. In additional, absolute advantage theory also measure a country wealth through the living standard of its people. Theoretical background and Issues In absolute advantage theory, there are issue which is do all countries have an absolute advantage. Adam Smith does not consider the question if every country has an absolute advantage in the production of some goods. From a theoretical point of view, it could be possible that a country has no absolute production advantages or might lose them over time. Adam Smith’s theory suggests that absolute advantages develop as a consequence of trade and trade might be the incentive ways that leads to the creation of absolute advantages. However, nowadays, international trade is widely spread and the countries do not start equally. Rather, some countries are less productive and poorer. They might have an absolute advantage in those goods which only they are able to produce because of natural environment or condition. But those goods constitute only a small fraction of all traded goods. Smith gives another possibility for less productive countries to have an absolute  advantage. He states that poor countries might be able to compete in the agricultural sector with rich, more productiv e countries. Smith’s reaches this conclusion by state that the division of labor does not equally increase in all sectors of production and that wage levels differ internationally. Another issue in absolute advantage theory is how the trading between developed countries that have an equally high level of development using absolute advantage theory. Unlike the theory of comparative advantage, which is complemented by intra-industry trade theory, Adam Smith’s absolute advantage theory can also help to understand trade between developed countries. Firms in developed countries produce similar industrial products and compete over profits and market shares. Trade and success is determined by absolute production advantages which means that ‘art and skill’ (technology and education of the workers) play a significant role. Since this competition exists domestically there is no reason why this kind of competition should not exist internationally; especially because Adam Smith’s theory does not have a basic difference between domestic and international trade. An additional gain is technology transfer or international learning. Developed countries benefit from it to a greater extent than underdeveloped countries since they are able to make use of technological developments. This can explain, for example, why the technological level of Europe and North America has converged in fifty year. As a result, a rich country benefits more from trade with another rich country than from trade with an underdeveloped country. Discussion: Adam Smith’s Absolute Advantage Theory To illustrate the theory of absolute advantage, presume that there are two countries (China and Germany), producing just two products (rice and cars). Assume that products are tradable without workers and costs are not moving between the two countries, but moving between the two sectors within a country. All workers are equally productive and as the only input in a country. Production technology in China differs from that in Germany (see table below). Suppose that to produce 1 unit of rice, Germany requires 3 units of labor meanwhile China requires only 2 units of labor. Similarly, to produce 1 car, Germany needs 6 units of labor while China needs 8 units of labor. As the result, China is more efficient in the rice production and Germany is more efficient in the cars production. Therefore, China has an absolute advantage in the rice production and Germany has an absolute advantage in the cars production. To illustrate that specialization of production, coupled with international trade flows according to the theory (absolute advantage), can be profitable. In our example, presume that China produces less 1 unit of car yet this save up 8 units of labor so, now the labors can be used to produce 8/2=4 units of rice (opportunity cost of car production in the China). China has now produced extra 4 units of rice although produced less 1 car. Suppose that China must import 1 car from Germany if China wants to consume the same amount of car s like before. Germany needs 6 units of labor to produce this car. Thus, rice production drops by 6/3=2 units of rice (opportunity costs of car production in Germany) as these laborers must bring in from the rice sector. Now note that the total production of rice has increased by 2 units (4 units more in China and 2 units less in Germany), while the total production of cars remain unchanged (1 car less in China and 1 car more in Germany). In conclusion, these extra units of rice show the potential gains from specialization if China and Germany focused on the production of the product which they can produce most efficiently. Both countries can gain benefit from the theory, when they exchange 3 units of rice for 1 car. Argument: Is theory of absolute advantage best describes international trade? Absolute advantage refers to a country’s ability to produce a certain good more efficiently than another country and it has three main arguments. First, it argues that regulations favoring one industry draw away real resources from another industry where they might have been more advantageously employed. Second, it mentions the important of specialization in a society. When someone has some advantages in produce or provides a good or services, he or she needs to specialize in the production. Third, specialization needs to be practice in international commercial policy and nations. It is better when a country is allows to focus on production of goods that it has absolute advantages and then import goods that other countries have absolute advantage. Theory of absolute advantage provides a clear and simple view on international trade and helps country decide what to produces, import and also export but it has some drawback since it fails to explain why free trade can be advantages when one country has absolute advantage in producing all the goods. How would a country without having any absolute advantage in producing any good, join and gain from free trade with other countries. How will this country pay for its imports because it will produce nothing that is cheaper to produce as compared with other countries? This theory ignored to explain how differences in climatic conditions and natural resource can contribute to comparative advantages. Some country has no absolute advantage in all good cause by limited resources and technology may excluded in international trade market and consequently, it will lead to conflict in allocate resources in that particular country and insufficient in production. Theory of absolute advantage focuses on which country can product good by using lesser resources. If there is no trade between countries, then the prices of good will indicates by its resources cost in each country. The difference in prices with no trade will reach an equivalent price with each good being exported from the initially low-price country and imported by the initially high-price country. Smiths approach does not indicate what would happen if the same country had absolute advantage in both products. The theory of comparative advantage introduces by David Ricardo has solve this problem as it do not considers cost in production but opportunity cost. A country will trade in the pattern that maximizes its advantage. Next, absolute advantage fails to illustrate the real situation in international market because of some assumption. First, it does not take transportation costs involved in selling the product into account. For instance, if product is exchanging between China and German, the transportation cost may cause the price even higher than the original price without trade because of long distance. Besides, Adam Smith assumes that exchange rates are stable which the case is seldom and hence it is a limitation. Furthermore, it also assumes that labor can switch between products easily and they will work with same efficiency which in reality cannot happen. In conclusion, we do not think that theory of absolute advantage by Adam Smith best describe international trade in today world. This is because it fails to explain the condition of country that does not have any absolute advantage. In addition, assumptions that not fit to reality like ignore transportation cost, use stable exchange rates and assume same efficiency between labors causes it is not accurate. Recommendation A country with absolute advantage can produce a good at lower marginal cost (fewer materials, cheaper materials, in less time etc.) This means that, the country should implement specialization in the production of such goods. Specialization of good can be made by Research and Development which leads to improvement of existing products or procedures. For example, to increase the Agricultural productivity Scientist such as Biologist and Chemists will need to develop technologies which may eventually lead to more production. For example, if a country has an absolute advantage on producing wheat, farmers of that country has to balance the environmental concerns to meet the need in a sustainable way. In overall, Research and Development helps the countries with absolute advantage to specialize and maximize the productivity. This benefits the countrys economics state. Next, a country in absolute advantage should carry out trade. This is because a country can produce goods more than its need. Therefore they should trade the goods with other countries. The trade can be goods for goods or goods for money. When the country is carrying out goods for goods trade it can acquire goods which it cant produce in its country and vice versa. On the other hand, goods for money trade allow the country to strengthen its economic state and grow further. Conclusion In a nutshell, absolute advantage creates many benefits for a country. However, there are certain limitations to this theory that a country will have to face. Firstly, it does not consider the transportation cost of moving the products from one country to the other. This is because, transportation cost are counted in final selling price of the product. As transportation cost is also a factor in production price sometimes trading can be a loss to a country. Next, the theory also assumes that exchange rates are stable which in reality it is seldom. In the current economic world exchange rates changes rapidly. This can cause major loss to some country if they trade in a wrong time. This is because exchange rates play a major role in trade market. The next limitations are, labors also cannot switch between products and they won’t be able to work with same efficiency. Some labors will only have a few working skills and training which cannot be used to produce variety of goods. So, even though absolute advantage gives many benefits to a country but it also have some negative sides which a country will have to encounter and tackle it effectively.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Adopting the Euro

Advantages and Disadvantages of Adopting the Euro A Study of the Benefits and Costs which Might Result for UK-based Firms Should the UK Adopt the Euro Name: Louise Tibagalika Introduction The euro is the single currency established in 1999, currently shared by 18 countries of the European Union’s Member States (Ec.europa.eu, 2014). Due to the number of advantages such as the stimulation of trade and disadvantages such as economic instability, the decision for the UK to adopt the euro is a big economic and political debate at present which will affect businesses and the public in many ways. The following report will look at the advantages and disadvantages for businesses and answer the question as to whether the UK government should proceed with the decision. Objectives Assess the benefits of the UK adopting the EURO Assess the drawbacks associated with the UK adopting the EURO How businesses can utilise these benefits and survive in the international market Look at the political, economic, social and environmental factors Provide workplace and personal experience Methodology In order to achieve the goals identified above, a variety of different sources have to be explored. The core text; International business by Wall, S., Minocha, S. and Rees, B. and Macroeconomics By Edward Gamber and David C Colander are good places to start as they give a good background on international business and the different factors that effect businesses looking to expand on an international level. To fully assess and answer the posed question the following sources will be useful; Adopting the Euro in Central Europe, Challenges of the Next Step in European Integration: Occasional Paper. 234 (IMFs Occasional Papers) by Susan Schadler; Britain and the European Union Frequently Asked Questions By Stuart Notholt; Britain, the Euro and Beyond by Baimbridge and Whyman European Economic and Monetary Integration, and the Optimum Currency Area Theory by Mongelli, F. P. These sources give good background on the problem and also give different opinions as to the pros and cons associated with adopting the euro. They also provide links to various other sources and explain why this has been an on-going debate for the UK since the European Union formed. As the debate about the UK adopting the euro is consistently in the news and is a much talked about issue due to the economic and political implications, there will be a number of web based sources that will be explored such as; Ec.europa.eu 2014; The euro European Commission S-cool.co.uk. 2014: A-level Economics The Euro Revision Should the UK Join the Single Currency? News.bbc.co.uk. 1997: BBC News | Single currency | Pros and Cons. Wei, L. 2009: Your portal to the world: Pro Cons For UK When Adopting Euro. European Commission Europa. 2011. How the euro benefit us all. Econ.economicshelp.org. 2007. Economics Essays: Why the UK will never join the EURO These amongst other online sources will also give different opinions on the question asked and will be useful as a source before further reading or research is carried out. With the various forums online and the above sources, there will be a large amount of information Main Body Advantages of the Euro The Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) was established to allow the European economy to function well bringing more jobs and greater prosperity for Europeans (European Commission Europa, 2011). There are many benefits to adopting the euro for the UK and for businesses alike which include eliminating risks and cutting costs. The main benefit for businesses is that due to the single currency there will be no costs in exchanging currencies with EU countries which will result in the uncertainty for businesses being reduced. This will help to improve economic welfare and also remove the risk of unforeseen exchange rate revaluations or devaluations (Historylearningsite.co.uk, 2013; Irons and Colander, 2002). Due to the fluctuating exchange rates, businesses would have to take into consideration either export prices being higher or companies being discouraged from exporting within a single market. Therefore by adopting the euro the UK will have more opportunities for cross-border trade (Ec.europa.eu, 2013; CenuÃ…Å ¸e and Drigă, 2010). This would be more beneficial to medium sized UK businesses as they cannot currently take advantage of operating in the euro-zone and gaining profit like Shell and Vodafone and other larger companies. The interest rate of the Bank of England and other central banks is known to be volatile. With a single currency the European Central Bank will focus on economic conditions across the board helping to lower the interest rate. This will be beneficial for investment and growth as the strength of the currency will improve (Ec.europa.eu, 2013). By keeping the interest rate low or stable, this can improve profitability of exports and more businesses will want to invest in UK firms. Also less volatile interest rates will allow businesses to borrow at cheaper rates and also invest more confidently in the long term (Ec.europa.eu, 2013; Irons and Colander, 2002). For this reason the Japanese company Mitsubishi Corporation is keen for the switch and the By joining the EU, UK businesses will be open to price transparency and reduction of information costs. The single currency will also allow consumers and businesses to compare prices which will help reduce the costs of raw materials and further make their customers happy with lower prices (Baimbridge and Whyman, 2008; Ec.europa.eu, 2013). For example new cars in Europe cost less than new cars in the UK, a single currency will remove this price differential. Also the euro will allow better access as investors will no longer be limited to a local market and investors can move capital to areas where it will be used more effectively (Baimbridge and Whyman, 2008; Ec.europa.eu, 2013). The UK is also known to have a very successful labour market and within a single currency this would be highly beneficial not only in that the inflation rate will go down but also as competitiveness will be sustained (Mongelli, 2008). This could also be very useful for SMEs as well as large organisations due to prices going down and hopefully competitiveness will promote more business. Arguments against adopting the Euro Although the arguments for adopting the euro seem strong, some of the positives can be changed into points to support the UK keeping the sterling. By adopting the euro, the UK may be open to instability, lower growth, higher unemployment and economic decline due to not being able to set their own interest rates based on the national economy (Kern, 2002). Although devaluations can be detrimental in some cases, it has been demonstrated in the past that well-chosen devaluations can help an economy out of difficulties. For example during the economic downturn in 2008, many economies of countries within the euro, such as Spain, could not stimulate their own economy by devaluing their currency and therefore increasing exports, this saw their businesses and economies failing and finding it difficult to recover (Historylearningsite.co.uk, 2013; Baimbridge and Whyman, 2008). The physical conversion from sterling to euros will have many costs for banks and retailers which the UK Government is unlikely to cover, such as training staff, changing computer software, creating open euro bank accounts and educating customers. The British Retailing Consortium estimates that British retailers will have to pay between  £1.7 billion and  £3.5 billion to make the changes necessary (Baimbridge and Whyman, 2008). This will affect SMEs, which will not benefit directly from the adoption of the euro and they could potentially force marginal firms out of business and give countries that are not in the euro a competitive advantage. According to the KPMG report, an estimated 3,000 à ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ rms face total costs of up to â‚ ¬56.5 million ( £35.8 million) (Baimbridge and Whyman, 2008). UK Businesses may also have to drive down prices due to the combination of improved availability of information and price transparency. This will be especially troublesome for products that are accessible to cross border trade and will be reinforced by internet shopping (Baimbridge and Whyman, 2008). Inefficient firms will suffer mostly from this and profits will be reduced due to higher levels of competition. Joining the euro would mean that the UK would have to adhere to new labour rules which in some cases govern how employees are hired and fired (Baimbridge and Whyman, 2008; Econ.economicshelp.org, 2007)). As the labour market is more flexible in the UK than it is in others in the euro and UK firms have more independence with employment, joining would be detrimental for the firms as the cost of production would increase and unions would have more power (S-cool.co.uk, 2014; Brugesgroup.com, 2014). Results and Conclusions Based on the findings above the general benefits for the UK businesses adopting the euro are as follows; Lower transaction costs Reducing the uncertainty affecting the profitability of international transactions Lower cost of capital Improved allocation of capital Better use of the common monetary reserves Reducing losses due to different rates of inflation within EMU member countries Improving macroeconomic management and cooperation Improving macroeconomic stabilisation within EU Member States The costs for UK businesses on the other hand are as follows; Deflation and economic instability Costs of change Loss of income resulting from issuing currency Increase of costs necessary to make shock adjustments; Lower economic growth rates Less flexible labour market Comparing the two lists, it would seem that it wold be best for the UK to adopt euro as businesses would benefit from the lower transaction costs, lower cost of capital and better price transparency which could lower invoices and costs of raw materials. This as discussed would benefit customers and could help to boost business. So ultimately it seems that the higher capital costs and an overvalued exchange rate are the results of not joining the euro as well as receiving fewer European visitors (Rickard, S 2002). The costs of the UK adopting the euro seem short term, such as the costs of change and the loss of income due to issuing the new currency. However the less flexible labour market, deflation and the lower economic growth seem to be major factors that have caused the UK to delay the decision to adopt the euro. Those who support the single currency must consider that loss of control over monetary and exchange rate policy may weaken national economic management which, looking at previously strong economies like Germany will have a large impact on trade and business (CenuÃ…Å ¸e, M, Drigă, 2010; Baimbridge and Whyman, 2008) Ultimately there are many factors that need to be considered should the UK decide to adopt the euro or stick with the sterling. The fact that there are political and economic arguments makes it harder to come to a simple decision, and although it appears that the benefits are great, the costs need to be carefully considered as businesses need a strong economy to survive and flourish. Baimbridge and Whyman (2008) quote Healey (2000: 19–20) who states that ‘while the beneà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ts are signià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ cant, cumulative over time and reasonably uncontroversial, the costs are much more uncertain, widely exaggerated and almost certain to diminish with the passage of time’ Bibliography Baimbridge, M. and Whyman, P. 2008. Britain, the Euro and beyond. Aldershot, England: Ashgate. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost), EBSCOhost [Viewed 9 February 2014]. Brugesgroup.com. 2014. From Single Market to Single Currency: Evaluating Europes EconomicExperiment. [online] Available at: http://www.brugesgroup.com/mediacentre/index.live?article=74 [Accessed: 10 Feb 2014]. CenuÃ…Å ¸e, M, Drigă, 2010, Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Euro, Annals Of The University Of Petrosani Economics, 10, 3, pp. 61-68, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, [Viewed 9 February 2014]. Currencysolutions.co.uk. 2011. The Unpredictable Character of British Pound And The Euro Exchange Rate. [online] Available at: http://www.currencysolutions.co.uk/euro/the-unpredictable-character-of-british-pound-and-the-euro-exchange-rate [Accessed: 9 Feb 2014]. Ec.europa.eu. 2013. Business benefits European Commission. [online] Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/euro/why/business/index_en.htm [Accessed: 8 Feb 2014]. Ec.europa.eu. 2014. The euro European Commission. [online] Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/euro/ [Accessed: 9 Feb 2014]. Econ.economicshelp.org. 2007. Economics Essays: Why the UK will never join the EURO.. [online] Available at: http://econ.economicshelp.org/2007/03/why-uk-will-never-join-euro.html [Accessed: 9 Feb 2014]. European Commission Europa. 2011. How the euro benefit us all. [online] Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/general/pdf/how_the_euro_benefits_us_all_en.pdf [Accessed: 8 Feb 2014]. Historylearningsite.co.uk. 2013. What are the arguments for and against joining the Euro. [online] Available at: http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/euro.htm [Accessed: 8 Feb 2014]. Irons, J. S. and Colander, D. C. 2002. Study guide [for] Macroeconomics [by] David C. Colander, Edward N. Gamber. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall. Kern, D. 2002. British Chamber of Commerce Economic Briefing, paper presented at British Chamber of Commerce Economic Briefing, London, 17 February. London: British Chamber of Commerce. Mongelli, F. P. 2008. European economic and monetary integration, and the optimum currency area theory. Brussels: Office for Infrastructures and Logistics. News.bbc.co.uk. 1997. BBC News | Single currency | Pros and cons. [online] Available at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/special_report/single_currency/25081.stm [Accessed: 8 Feb 2014]. Rickard, S 2002, E-Day: the Impact of the Euro on UK Business, Credit Control, 23, 1, p. 14, MasterFILE Premier, EBSCOhost, [Viewed 9 February 2014]. S-cool.co.uk. 2014. A-level Economics The Euro Revision Should the UK Join the Single Currency? | S-cool, the revision website. [online] Available at: http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/economics/the-euro/revise-it/should-the-uk-join-the-single-currency [Accessed: 10 Feb 2014]. Wall, S., Minocha, S. and Rees, B. 2010. International business. Harlow, England: Pearson/ Financial Times Prentice Hall. Wei, L. 2009. Your portal to the world: Pro Cons For UK When Adopting Euro. [online] Available at: http://econsguide.blogspot.co.uk/2009/02/why-is-uk-considered-wise-to-choose.html [Accessed: 9 Feb 2014].

Free Essays on Homers Odyssey: Scylla and Charybdis :: Odyssey essays

The Odyssey - Scylla and Charybdis One of the most difficult tasks as a parent is to teach your child lifes lessons. Many have tried, and many have failed. But over the ages most successful ideas have come in a form of story or tale. Aesops Fables, nursery rhymes, and other tales of caution are used even today to teach this common knowledge one must have. In the Greek civilization, thousands of years ago, many children were taught through these fun and interesting stories. The Odyssey is one of these tales. Through the many episodes telling the adventures of one man, Odysseus, numerous life lessons and morals were taught to the reader. One valuable episode in The Odyssey is Scylla and Charybdis. Not only does it provide excitement and interest for the reader, but it is an effective part of The Odyssey because of its superb insight to Odysseus character, and the clear life lesson that is taught. Especially in todays' world, one key to making a story interesting or exciting is to include action. For example many recent blockbuster hits are action packed. Titanic, Independence Day, and Terminator 2, all are examples of these hits. The Odyssey is no exception to this trick or technique. In the episode Scylla and Charybdis the plot is filled with intense confrontations, a heroic leader, and more. Some of this can be easily identified, for example, when Homer writes; "... scarcely had that island faded in the blue air than I saw smoke and white water with waves in tumult- a sound the men heard, and it terrified them. Oars flew from their hands; the blades went knocking wild alongside till the ship lost way..." (756-763) What the author is doing is letting the reader foreshadow. A technique which creates suspense, a vital element in any action story. The author then explained what was being hinted at; "... we rowed into the strait- Scylla to our port and on our starboard beam Charybdis, dire gorge of the salt-sea tide. By heaven when she vomited all the sea was like a cauldron seething over intense fire..." (796-800) "... [The] dark sand raged on the bottom far below.

The House on Mango Street Essay example -- The House on Mango Street E

As a young girl, Esperanza is a young girl who looks at life from experience of living in poverty, where many do not question their experience. She is a shy, but very bright girl. She dreams of the perfect home, with beautiful flowers and a room for everyone. When she moves to the house of Mango Street, reality is so different than the dream. In this story, hope (Esperanza) sustains tragedy. The house she dreamed of was another on. It was one of her own. One where she did not have to share a bedroom with everyone. That included her mother, father and two siblings. The run down tiny house has "bricks crumbling in places". The one she dreamed of had a great big yard, trees and 'grass growing without a fence'. She did not want to abandon where she came from, but she knew she wanted to be free of everything that life on Mango Street brought. "They will not know I have gone away to come back. For the ones I have left behind". She is committed to her roots on Mango Street. We witness Esperanza blossoming from a innocent, shy girl to one who witnesses much, but all of this makes her strong and clear about her desires for her life. What she sees is the male domination (machismo), violence and rape. The violence in the home was ordinary to those that lived there and Esperanza knew this. It didn't make Sally stronger. Sally is abused by her father "He never hit me hard", as her mom tends to her wounds. Sally eventually leaves home and gets married at a young age. She ends being ...

The European Union and a Divided Cyprus Essay -- Politics Turkey Greec

The Implications for the European Union of Cyprus being divided between Turkey and Greece The island of Cyprus is the third largest in the Mediterranean with the 2002 population around 705,5000. Its main economic activities include banking, craft exports, merchant shipping, and tourism, which accounts for twenty percent of business (europa.eu.int). For almost thirty years it has been split between Turkish-Cypriots and Greek-Cypriots. The ongoing feud between the two groups and the split of the island in 1974 has lead to much political tension in Europe, especially with the European Union expanding its membership and adding, as of now, only half of the island of Cyprus in May 2004. History Cyprus has always been a center of international trade because of its key location in the Mediterranean between Europe and the Middle East. Greeks settled here in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, bringing the Greek language with them. Because of its close proximity to Turkey, Turks also moved to the island (europa.eu.int). In 1960 the island gained independence from British rule (eubusiness.com 11/4/03). The two groups of occupants had a bi-communal structure with each group speaking their own language and holding to their own traditions until 1963 when violence broke out between the two groups. The United Nations sent peacekeeping forces, which are still there to this day. In August of 1974 the Greek Cypriots tried to join Greece and the Turk Cypriots called for forces from Turkey; this act split the island. The capitol of the island, Nicosia, still has a wall splitting the two sides, much like the Berlin wall (europa.eu.int). The two sides are separated by barbed wire, pill boxes, and soldiers carrying guns (The Economis... ....c6wke3w4>. European Stand on the Cyprus Problem. 19 Dec. 2003 <http://www.kypros.org/cyprus_problem/eudocs/intro.html>. ?Loosening Up? Is there still a chance for settlement in Cyprus??The Economist 17-23 May 2003. ?The Magic of Membership: The lure of the EU may yet settle Cyprus.? The Economist 18-24 Jan. 2003. Relationship with Cyprus.16 Dec. 2003 <http://europa.eu/int/comm/enlargement/cyprus/index.htm Turkey makes EU bid a top priority. 8 Dec. 2003. EU Business Ltd. 8 Dec. 2003 http://eubusiness.com/afp/031208173514.w3fxycbr>. Turkish Cypriots vote in elections crucial for EU, Turkey. 14 Dec. 2003. EU Business Ltd. . 16 Dec.2003 <http://eubusiness.com/afp/031214103303.88diym19>. Vassiliou,George. EU Enlargement and Cyprus Political and Economic Implications. 16 Dec. 2003 "What A Waste." The Economist 15-21 Mar. 2003. The European Union and a Divided Cyprus Essay -- Politics Turkey Greec The Implications for the European Union of Cyprus being divided between Turkey and Greece The island of Cyprus is the third largest in the Mediterranean with the 2002 population around 705,5000. Its main economic activities include banking, craft exports, merchant shipping, and tourism, which accounts for twenty percent of business (europa.eu.int). For almost thirty years it has been split between Turkish-Cypriots and Greek-Cypriots. The ongoing feud between the two groups and the split of the island in 1974 has lead to much political tension in Europe, especially with the European Union expanding its membership and adding, as of now, only half of the island of Cyprus in May 2004. History Cyprus has always been a center of international trade because of its key location in the Mediterranean between Europe and the Middle East. Greeks settled here in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, bringing the Greek language with them. Because of its close proximity to Turkey, Turks also moved to the island (europa.eu.int). In 1960 the island gained independence from British rule (eubusiness.com 11/4/03). The two groups of occupants had a bi-communal structure with each group speaking their own language and holding to their own traditions until 1963 when violence broke out between the two groups. The United Nations sent peacekeeping forces, which are still there to this day. In August of 1974 the Greek Cypriots tried to join Greece and the Turk Cypriots called for forces from Turkey; this act split the island. The capitol of the island, Nicosia, still has a wall splitting the two sides, much like the Berlin wall (europa.eu.int). The two sides are separated by barbed wire, pill boxes, and soldiers carrying guns (The Economis... ....c6wke3w4>. European Stand on the Cyprus Problem. 19 Dec. 2003 <http://www.kypros.org/cyprus_problem/eudocs/intro.html>. ?Loosening Up? Is there still a chance for settlement in Cyprus??The Economist 17-23 May 2003. ?The Magic of Membership: The lure of the EU may yet settle Cyprus.? The Economist 18-24 Jan. 2003. Relationship with Cyprus.16 Dec. 2003 <http://europa.eu/int/comm/enlargement/cyprus/index.htm Turkey makes EU bid a top priority. 8 Dec. 2003. EU Business Ltd. 8 Dec. 2003 http://eubusiness.com/afp/031208173514.w3fxycbr>. Turkish Cypriots vote in elections crucial for EU, Turkey. 14 Dec. 2003. EU Business Ltd. . 16 Dec.2003 <http://eubusiness.com/afp/031214103303.88diym19>. Vassiliou,George. EU Enlargement and Cyprus Political and Economic Implications. 16 Dec. 2003 "What A Waste." The Economist 15-21 Mar. 2003.