Introduction to Social Sciences

Topic of study – Sociologist and Psychologist â€Å"Do people from deferent background Influence they choice of school they go to? † This topic Is derived from the article, which states: â€Å"What we are seeing Is that the students who are going to some of the more brand-name schools, they're all coming from a certain background†¦ Expanded financial help for students who are keen to enter top independent schools but are put off for fear they cannot afford it or fit in. This might be of interest to both sociologist and psychologist, looking at the activities/ behavior of small groups at ground level, both will then examine whether what is mound on small scale applies on large scale. 1. 1 Sociologist Approach For sociologist, the question they might ask could be: â€Å"How did this social idea comes about? ‘ Sociologists study the social norms and values, and also social processes like formation of power and status relationship. In this case, they may be int erested to find out how come most students that are enrolled In elite schools are from better background.The social function for hilling practice might derive from schooling. It might be believed that students that graduated from an elite school have higher neighborhood school. This would then drive the parents who have adequate financial ability to enroll their children into a better school so that their child may have a better chance of getting employed in the future. As a result, students from better background will end up in top independent school as their parents can afford to put them through the education. 1. 2 Psychologist Approach As for psychologist, they may ask: â€Å"How do groups influence human behavior? They are interested in how it will develop one's belief system. In this case, it is said that students from better background are enrolled in top schools. That being said, what ill happen if a student from normal background were to be awarded with study grant to be e nrolled in the elite school? If students from top schools are mostly from better background, they will start thinking that because they come from better background, they are entitled to go into this school. Consequently, will a student from normal background choose to enroll into the elite school, if given study grant?There could be fear of being ostracizes and not being able to fit in due to the differences. While both disciplines are concerned on the same topic, the emphasis on sociology is the individual in interaction with others. On the other hand, psychology focuses on the individual, which explains human behavior. 2. Topic of study – Political Scientist and Economist â€Å"How effective is introducing niche program able to accommodate multiple pathway of success? † This might be of interest to both political scientist and economist as it both consists of decision making.The topic is derived from the article that mentioned: â€Å"†¦ Opportunity arises becau se we have been committed to this philosophy of many alternative ways of success. † 2. 1 Political Scientist Approach For political scientist, they study on who gets what, when and how. In short, they decide how the society should operate. They analyses the forms the institution takes and the process that emerge. Political scientists look at how the policy introduced will impact the situation. In this topic, the policy is introduced and time is taken to find out how effective is the proposed policy. . 2 Economist Approach For an economist, usually it decides on how to allocate scarce resources, deciding what to produce, how and for whom. In this case, they will be interested to know if the policy introduced will affect the labor market. With the program introduced, will it eve any significant impact on how the distribution, production, and consumption of might be an increase in new businesses emerging from graduates since the school they attended focuses on personal interest a nd competencies, rather than academic standing of school.On the other hand, there is also a concern whether Singapore will have enough Jobs to support the increase in graduates. 3. Social Science Discipline, Chosen Topic of Study and Hypothesis The social science discipline chosen to discuss in this essay will be sociology and the selected above topic: â€Å"Do people from different background influence they choice of school they go to? † 3. 1 Hypothesis With this topic, the hypothesis formed is: â€Å"Having a better background can influence the student's choice of selecting top school†. 3. Variables They key variables are â€Å"better background†, â€Å"type of students† and â€Å"choice of top school† Independent variable, which can be changed during the study, is â€Å"Background†. Different type of background can be chosen to study anytime. Background is chosen as it can affect the type of school a student enrolls into. Having a better background means student can afford to study in independent school. Dependent variable, which would be measured and counted in the study is â€Å"Choice of top school†. Choice of top school means the results of what the student chosen.Will a student from better background choose to enroll into a normal school because of the extra-curriculum offered or will the student choose a top independent school because he/she knows that they can afford it? This is the variable that is observed during the study. Controlled variable, which is not changed throughout the study, is â€Å"type of students†. The same type of students (graduating students who is at the stage of choosing their schools) is used for this study. It will not be fair if the students used are of different age group as they may have different maturity level in their way of thinking.Choosing the same age group of graduating students to study on the choice of school chosen to enrolled into will be the most desirabl e. 4. Developing Research Design This is the stage after hypothesis is formed. Decisions must be made about how best to obtain the data through research methods. By personalizing variables, questioned are asked to covert them into a form which is measurable or testable. In this topic, we are discussing about: â€Å"Having a better background can influence the student's choice of school†.Do student has siblings or friends in the school they are enrolled in? – This is to measure if the choice is affected by other factors such as peers. How many students enrolled in top independent schools come from better background? -This is to measure the past and existing patterns, whether the social structure is built in a way that it influences them to choose the school because ‘it's the way. 4. 2 Research Methods To test and bolster hypothesis formed, there will be research carried out and the 2 hat will be discussed here will be Survey and Secondary Data Research. 4. . 1 Sur vey Research This method is used for establishing facts and subjects of research will be a statistically valid sample of a population. A series of questions will be asked to collect the data needed. Questionnaires will be designed in a way that does not lead the subject. No. Question What is the top factor in mind when choosing a school? (a) Affordability (c)Friends/siblings state: 2. (b) Vicinity (d) Rank of school Others, please If given a choice to enroll in any school, will an elite school be your choice? (a) Yes (b) No For both answers, please explain why: 3.Do you think it is important to be in a school you feel socially accepted? (a) Yes Once these questions are designed, the next step is to survey the sample population. This survey can only be used at the point of time when the student is preparing to enroll 4. 2. 2 Secondary Data Research This method of research gathers relevant information on one's research topic. One will be able to discover what other researchers have wr itten related to that topic and what research methods they have used. It can also be used to obtain other research studies/methods backup or contradict one's findings.As extracted from Ministry of Education Singapore Preliminary Replies, it shows that there is higher percentage of students from better background in top independent schools. With this backed up from a credible source, it supports the hypothesis that students from better background tend to be influenced and choose a top independent school. 5. Possible outcome of study This study shows that there is a possibility of social gap between the rich and poor in Singapore. Due to the influence that because students that comes from better background are choosing to enroll in brand-name schools, they think they are entitled to enter this school.This is a concern, as this social gap will also affect other factors such as the economic in Singapore. The income between rich and poor might widen, as the poor never got the chance to s tudy in a good school for a better Job in the future. Policymaking is vital in Singapore as it maintain order in a country. It is a good effort to introduce niche program in schools and taking steps to tear down any walls that may reinforce elitism in Singapore. Definitely, there will not be instant results shown on how effect a policy is but people must be willing to accept and give it time to work. Introduction to Social Sciences Topic of study – Sociologist and Psychologist â€Å"Do people from deferent background Influence they choice of school they go to? † This topic Is derived from the article, which states: â€Å"What we are seeing Is that the students who are going to some of the more brand-name schools, they're all coming from a certain background†¦ Expanded financial help for students who are keen to enter top independent schools but are put off for fear they cannot afford it or fit in. This might be of interest to both sociologist and psychologist, looking at the activities/ behavior of small groups at ground level, both will then examine whether what is mound on small scale applies on large scale. 1. 1 Sociologist Approach For sociologist, the question they might ask could be: â€Å"How did this social idea comes about? ‘ Sociologists study the social norms and values, and also social processes like formation of power and status relationship. In this case, they may be int erested to find out how come most students that are enrolled In elite schools are from better background.The social function for hilling practice might derive from schooling. It might be believed that students that graduated from an elite school have higher neighborhood school. This would then drive the parents who have adequate financial ability to enroll their children into a better school so that their child may have a better chance of getting employed in the future. As a result, students from better background will end up in top independent school as their parents can afford to put them through the education. 1. 2 Psychologist Approach As for psychologist, they may ask: â€Å"How do groups influence human behavior? They are interested in how it will develop one's belief system. In this case, it is said that students from better background are enrolled in top schools. That being said, what ill happen if a student from normal background were to be awarded with study grant to be e nrolled in the elite school? If students from top schools are mostly from better background, they will start thinking that because they come from better background, they are entitled to go into this school. Consequently, will a student from normal background choose to enroll into the elite school, if given study grant?There could be fear of being ostracizes and not being able to fit in due to the differences. While both disciplines are concerned on the same topic, the emphasis on sociology is the individual in interaction with others. On the other hand, psychology focuses on the individual, which explains human behavior. 2. Topic of study – Political Scientist and Economist â€Å"How effective is introducing niche program able to accommodate multiple pathway of success? † This might be of interest to both political scientist and economist as it both consists of decision making.The topic is derived from the article that mentioned: â€Å"†¦ Opportunity arises becau se we have been committed to this philosophy of many alternative ways of success. † 2. 1 Political Scientist Approach For political scientist, they study on who gets what, when and how. In short, they decide how the society should operate. They analyses the forms the institution takes and the process that emerge. Political scientists look at how the policy introduced will impact the situation. In this topic, the policy is introduced and time is taken to find out how effective is the proposed policy. . 2 Economist Approach For an economist, usually it decides on how to allocate scarce resources, deciding what to produce, how and for whom. In this case, they will be interested to know if the policy introduced will affect the labor market. With the program introduced, will it eve any significant impact on how the distribution, production, and consumption of might be an increase in new businesses emerging from graduates since the school they attended focuses on personal interest a nd competencies, rather than academic standing of school.On the other hand, there is also a concern whether Singapore will have enough Jobs to support the increase in graduates. 3. Social Science Discipline, Chosen Topic of Study and Hypothesis The social science discipline chosen to discuss in this essay will be sociology and the selected above topic: â€Å"Do people from different background influence they choice of school they go to? † 3. 1 Hypothesis With this topic, the hypothesis formed is: â€Å"Having a better background can influence the student's choice of selecting top school†. 3. Variables They key variables are â€Å"better background†, â€Å"type of students† and â€Å"choice of top school† Independent variable, which can be changed during the study, is â€Å"Background†. Different type of background can be chosen to study anytime. Background is chosen as it can affect the type of school a student enrolls into. Having a better background means student can afford to study in independent school. Dependent variable, which would be measured and counted in the study is â€Å"Choice of top school†. Choice of top school means the results of what the student chosen.Will a student from better background choose to enroll into a normal school because of the extra-curriculum offered or will the student choose a top independent school because he/she knows that they can afford it? This is the variable that is observed during the study. Controlled variable, which is not changed throughout the study, is â€Å"type of students†. The same type of students (graduating students who is at the stage of choosing their schools) is used for this study. It will not be fair if the students used are of different age group as they may have different maturity level in their way of thinking.Choosing the same age group of graduating students to study on the choice of school chosen to enrolled into will be the most desirabl e. 4. Developing Research Design This is the stage after hypothesis is formed. Decisions must be made about how best to obtain the data through research methods. By personalizing variables, questioned are asked to covert them into a form which is measurable or testable. In this topic, we are discussing about: â€Å"Having a better background can influence the student's choice of school†.Do student has siblings or friends in the school they are enrolled in? – This is to measure if the choice is affected by other factors such as peers. How many students enrolled in top independent schools come from better background? -This is to measure the past and existing patterns, whether the social structure is built in a way that it influences them to choose the school because ‘it's the way. 4. 2 Research Methods To test and bolster hypothesis formed, there will be research carried out and the 2 hat will be discussed here will be Survey and Secondary Data Research. 4. . 1 Sur vey Research This method is used for establishing facts and subjects of research will be a statistically valid sample of a population. A series of questions will be asked to collect the data needed. Questionnaires will be designed in a way that does not lead the subject. No. Question What is the top factor in mind when choosing a school? (a) Affordability (c)Friends/siblings state: 2. (b) Vicinity (d) Rank of school Others, please If given a choice to enroll in any school, will an elite school be your choice? (a) Yes (b) No For both answers, please explain why: 3.Do you think it is important to be in a school you feel socially accepted? (a) Yes Once these questions are designed, the next step is to survey the sample population. This survey can only be used at the point of time when the student is preparing to enroll 4. 2. 2 Secondary Data Research This method of research gathers relevant information on one's research topic. One will be able to discover what other researchers have wr itten related to that topic and what research methods they have used. It can also be used to obtain other research studies/methods backup or contradict one's findings.As extracted from Ministry of Education Singapore Preliminary Replies, it shows that there is higher percentage of students from better background in top independent schools. With this backed up from a credible source, it supports the hypothesis that students from better background tend to be influenced and choose a top independent school. 5. Possible outcome of study This study shows that there is a possibility of social gap between the rich and poor in Singapore. Due to the influence that because students that comes from better background are choosing to enroll in brand-name schools, they think they are entitled to enter this school.This is a concern, as this social gap will also affect other factors such as the economic in Singapore. The income between rich and poor might widen, as the poor never got the chance to s tudy in a good school for a better Job in the future. Policymaking is vital in Singapore as it maintain order in a country. It is a good effort to introduce niche program in schools and taking steps to tear down any walls that may reinforce elitism in Singapore. Definitely, there will not be instant results shown on how effect a policy is but people must be willing to accept and give it time to work.

Employer branding

Footings of mentionsThis study highlights the lifting consciousness for the development of Employer Branding construct and its benefits for the administrations in present competitory labor market. The struggle between effectual employer stigmatization and employees ‘ rights and satisfaction toward organisation has been examined in this study with specific focal point on the unethical and commanding consequence.Introduction:Employer stigmatization is the perceptual experience of employees ‘ about an organisation as a topographic point to work. It ‘s designed for motivation and procuring employee ‘s alliance with the vision and values of the organisations. From the HR perspective the construct was subsumed the older term INTERNAL BRANDING that was basically the procedure of pass oning an organisation ‘s trade name value to its employee.Employer stigmatizationThe construct of EMPLOYER BRANDING was created in the 1990s by Simon Barrow, who founded People in Business ( now portion of TMP Worldwide ) and was the co-author of The Employer Brand. 1 In the yesteryear, Barrow had been a consumer goods trade name director and headed up an advertisement bureau in London, but subsequently became the main executive of a enlisting bureau. He was instantly struck by the similarities between the challenges faced in advancing consumer goods and in advertising the strengths of an administration ‘s employee proposition. Both, he recognised, required a strong trade name, and so the construct of employer stigmatization was conceived. He defined employer branding as a set of properties which make the employees feel more close to the company and take pride of being associated with the company they work for. Employer stigmatization is in kernel the mental apparatus of an employee where he or she receives mental satisfaction in the same mode as when he or she uses a merchandise of a preferable trade name. Employer stigmatization is hence a set of attitudes, every bit good as an array of activities and characteristics enabling the procedure of branding to be more effectual. They could be psychological ( behavior of higher-ups ) , economic ( compensation bundle, benefits ) or functional ( possible to turn, occupation assigned harmonizing to capableness ) . These definitions indicate that employer branding agencies advancing and constructing an individuality and a clear position of what makes an organisation different and desirable as an employer. It has similarities with merchandise and corporate stigmatization but the cardinal difference is its ‘ more employment particular.Recruitment and employer stigmatizationDeveloping an employer trade name is a combination of following vision, values, and behaviors, and presenting a service that shows committedness to outdo pattern and service excellence. It begins with the enlisting procedure that offers figure of tools that can be used to make perceptual experiences of an using organisation, these tools are:Job advertizement and descriptionInterview procedureOffer lettersInformation battalion for new recruitersEmployee enchiridionsInitiation and preparation.The enlisting procedure is an of import manner to construct a positive relationship between the organisation and employee. Throughout the process, the organisation can make a strong and positive position about them ; even it can be extended to unsuccessful campaigners as good.When employees have accepted the earnestness and truth of the employer trade name, they will transport it frontward, actively advancing the trade name to co-workers and clients. However, employer stigmatization which is fundamentally untruthful will non work and is likely to be counter-productive.Benefits of Employer BrandingLong-run impact: Successful employer trade name can hold a positive impact on enrolling for a considerable sum of clip while sing any Major PR issues.Increased volume of self-generated campaigners: The figure of appliers tends to increase each twelvemonth as the employer branding gets stronger. Cases of a 500 % addition of applications have besides been observed.Addition in quality of the appliers: The quality of campaigners will besides better dramatically ; persons who ne'er would hold considered in the yesteryear will get down applying.Higher offer-acceptance rates: The rate of credence addition proportionally with the addition of image and good will of the company.Higher Employee Motivation: Employees can be easy motivated, or will remain motivated longer in the company because of the sensed pride in working for the company, and better direction patterns ( by and large ) that is tied-in with the company ‘s trade name image, therefore doing it a company people work for because they chose.A stronger corporate civilization: Employment stigmatization can assist beef up house ‘s corporate civilization because of the inactiveness it additions from the really kernel of employer stigmatization ; doing a company desirable to work for.Diminished negative promotion and image: Effective stigmatization can nail jobs by covering with negative remarks and fixing effectual counter measurers.Increased director satisfaction: As a direct consequence of increased involvement from more able and adept ap pliers, the directors will hold more clip for managerial maps as the demand to give more clip to recruitment procedure will diminish with the quality of the applicant group.Healthy competition: Employer stigmatization is similar to merchandise stigmatization. Hence to maintain a company desirable, it has to update its UPS and maintain up with its promise of bringing. This increases healthy competition and besides makes the companies better by the minute.Increased stockholder value: The ripple consequence of the company ‘s good will via employer stigmatization can besides positively impact a house ‘s stock monetary value.Support for the merchandise trade name: If a company has a superb trade name image, it is more likely that its merchandise will harvest the benefits of it and be branded automatically. This helps particularly when the company launches a new merchandise.The trade name kernel should sum up what the trade name stands for, going the karyon for merchandise dev elopment, all communications and even HR enterprises for employees. Its definition should besides be consistent with the corporate vision/mission and values. For illustration, Volvo is a good illustration of a trade name description is Volvo – â€Å"Style, driving pleasance and superior ownership experience while observing human values and esteeming the environment.† Volvo ‘s values and associations reflecting this trade name individuality are what are considered to be typically Norse – e.g. â€Å"nature, security and wellness, human values, elegant simpleness, originative technologyand the spirit of stylish/innovative functionality† . For Volvo, this description non merely mirrors the psycho-graphic profile of the ideal client for their autos, but besides summarizes what Volvo as a company means to all its workers — its employer trade name. These are intrinsic values that Volvo workers can associate to, what they believe in and why they feel comfy doing a committedness to their occupations. One can easy visualise the types of HR plans that would animate a sense of pride and re-enforce these intangibles – e.g. nature, wellness, security and other meaningful human values.‘Living the trade name ‘Life THE BRAND is placing with an organisations trade name value to such an extent that employees ‘ behaviors fit precisely to the image that the concern is seeking to portray to its clients ( Alan Price 2007 ) . The alliance between employees ‘ behavior and value of organisation ‘s trade name image is really of import. It is suggested that administrations need to guarantee that the re is no spread between what the administration is stating in the outside universe and what people believe inside the concern. The employees should be perceived as Brand embassador and trade name selling would merely be successful if they LIVE THE BRAND. From this position:Organizations have encouraged employees to â€Å"buy in† to the concern vision and values.They have to guarantee that everyone in the organisation clearly understand the intent of the common set of values.Harmonizing to Ind ( 2004 ) , the subjects discussed are likely to be of involvement to HR and selling practicians every bit good as those involved in internal communications within administrations. Employees themselves are expected to internalize characteristics and facets of the administration ‘s trade name to guarantee that they become trade name title-holders, therefore assisting to stand for to administration ‘s trade name to the outside clients. Such an attack instantly raises some interesting jobs associating to equality and diverseness as it expects each employee to portion a peculiar set of values and act in conformity with these values. The employee branding attack being recommended by Ind raises a figure of challenges for those interested in an equality and diverseness docket. An administration that aims to guarantee that employees are populating the trade name will specifically take to pull and enroll employees who already portion the values of the corporate trade name. Furthermore, those already employed within the administration will be encouraged to internalize the values of the administration. Clearly, there are jobs for promoting diverseness here, with one of the rules of diverseness direction being an credence and acknowledgment that people are different and single differences ( particularly of values ) should be welcomed. Inherently, a populating the trade name focal point is likely to travel against such a rule. Ind makes the point that promoting employee designation and committedness to the administration ‘s trade name values might deny an look of individualism. However, Ind suggests that internal s tigmatization combined with leting employees to be empowered will enable freedom with order.Denial of individualism ( dress codification policy )When it comes to â€Å" professional image † , many employers are gaining that Standards of frock and personal presentation are indispensable therefore holding a policy on frock codification can be of import. Where the employees meet clients, they act as the store window for the company and the benefits of presentable visual aspect are obvious. However, even where the employee ‘s work is internal, there are less touchable benefits such as:Making a squad atmosphere,Engendering criterions of professionalism, andMaking a corporate image.As employers are gaining this, they are paying more attending to the visual aspect of their employees and the image and perceptual experience of the concern – frock, training and personal hygiene are all portion and package of this. However, the issue of work topographic point frock codifications can be extremely controversial. It is critical that employers are cognizant of the favoritism issues that dress codifications can make.Issues with work topographic point frock codificationsIn administrations with uniforms, the issues can be more broad ranging. For case, at the Greater Manchester Police Force, bureaucratism and involuntariness to accept alteration has hampered the debut of hijabs for Muslim adult females. At Inchcape Fleet Solutions – where all 140 non-senior staffs are provided with polo shirts or blouses branded with the company logo – the manner of the uniform does non accommodate all staff and most â€Å" do non like have oning it † . This would impact their tempers at work and accordingly affect their public presentation.Ailments of favoritismFurthermore, a ailment was raised informally by the staff forum of kid trust fund supplier Family Investments and relates to the fact that adult females can have on pants that are non full length, while work forces can non. Employees have requested that the company allows trunkss to be worn, every bit long as they are below the articulatio genus Besides, in September 2006, a British Airways worker has been suspended and attended an entreaty over have oning a cross at work at Heathrow Airport. She claims the suspension is prejudiced, particularly since the air hose allows Sikh employees to have on traditional Fe bracelets and Muslim workers to have on headscarves.BA has said it will reexamine its unvarying policy in visible radiation of the media storm the narrative has provoked.Employer stigmatization and favoritism jurisprudence There are three countries of favoritism relevant to dress codification policy:Sex Discrimination Act 1975Religious or Belief Regulations 2003Disability Discrimination Act 1995.Sexual activity favoritism and frock codificationsThere is the obvious potency for sex favoritism in any frock codification, which sets different demands for work forces and adult females. Past claims have challenged policies that:adult females must have on skirtswork forces should non hold long hairWork force must have on a neckband and tie.The instance of Matthew Thompson who objected to the frock codification imposed by the Department for Work & A ; Pensions at his topographic point of work, a occupation Centre in Stockport, can besides be a good illustration. Mr Thompson claimed that the frock codification discriminated against male employees as they were forced to have on a neckband and tie whereas female employees could have on Jerseies to work. The Employment Tribunal found in favor of Mr Thompson saying that the frock codification was prejudiced as the demand to have on a neckband and tie was gender based and there were no points of vesture that were imposed on adult females in the same office. From the Thompson instance, it became clear that employers should be careful in the manner that they draft their frock codifications. Employers are non prevented from enforcing frock codifications that require employees to have on specified points of vesture every bit long as the codification is drafted in such a manner as to be even-handed between work forces and adult females. For illustration, occupations in the City, the current convention is for both work forces and adult females to have on suits. The convention is that a adult male should have on a tie with a suit but the same does non use to a adult female. A frock codification necessitating a â€Å" smart suit † could use to both sexes but be enforced in a non-discriminatory mode appropriate for each sex.Religion/belief favoritism and frock codificationsA frock codification that requires employees to move in a manner contrary to their spiritual beliefs, hazards being indirectly prejudiced. Therefore, a frock codification prohibiting headdress will be prejudiced to male Sikhs, who must have on a turban. The best manner to avoid these jobs is to be every bit non-specific as possible. A widely worded frock codification necessitating smart visual aspect, with non-binding illustrations of suited frock, can non fall foul of specific clothing-related beliefs. To cross-check your frock codification against the chief faiths ‘ vesture beliefs, refer to Acas ‘ Guide on Religion and Belief which has a utile chart at Appendix 2 ( pages 40-50 ) . It may be possible for employers to objectively warrant a frock codification contrary to any of these beliefs, if it can be done so objectively. For illustration, employees at a cocoa mill were successfully prohibited from holding face funguss for wellness and safety grounds. However, employers should be really wary of trusting on nonsubjective justification as the tribunals are loath to accept it. There may be a inquiry grade in some instances whether a individual ‘s positions are beliefs. Harmonizing to Acas, Rastafarianism ( which requires the erosion of a chapeau ) is a belief system. Certain political beliefs or powerful sentiments such as nationalism ( the erosion of an American flag badge ) may or may non be regarded as beliefs. Employers should esteem beliefs that are strongly held whether or non they are spiritual in nature.Disability favoritism and frock codificationsDisabled employees may non be able to follow with a frock codification, for illustration, an employee with a neck hurt unable to have on a tie. However, by and big, this demand non impact the manner the codification is drafted ; alternatively, employers should be sensitive in the enforcement of the frock codification. In drumhead, employers should be rather a spot flexible when composing a policy on employee frock or visual aspect. Reasonable flexibleness and sensitiveness to the employees ‘ racial differences should be allowed in the frock codification to do employees comfy and any struggle and jurisprudence suits, while run intoing the Trust criterion of Dress codification. This position is echoed by administrations such as Broker Network, which believes that employees should be able to do their ain judgements on what is best to have on. Many companies are now turning their dorsums on the construct of ‘dress-down Fridays ‘ , choosing alternatively to ditch smart business-wear every twenty-four hours of the hebdomad. A study of 560 administrations has found that four out of five employers believe a more relaxed frock codification leads to greater productiveness. Nine out of 10 administrations that replied to the canvass by the Peninsula employment jurisprudence consultancy had declared ties an unneeded portion of their frock codification.DecisionThe issues discussed above create a challenge for HR professionals involved in employee focused branding undertakings, particularly those where employees are expected to portion a specific set of values. That is that such enterprises will doubtless make a tenseness and potentially conflict with rules underlying an equality and diverseness docket. Ind ‘s suggestion that inside-out stigmatization allows freedom and order remains unconvincing even when the emplo yees are involved in building the trade name values. An administration that dictates a set of values for employees to internalize is still a homogenising force. Administration ‘s that truly take diverseness programmes earnestly will hold to undertake this tenseness. One possible manner out of this riddle is to include equality and diverseness consciousness as a cardinal value included in the internal trade name proposition.RecommendationsAny guidelines should be carefully drafted, and employers are advised to handle any petitions to dress contrary to the company codification for spiritual or racial grounds with regard. Employers should confer with the employee in inquiry and discourse how to suit sensible petitions, and seek to happen a favorable solution. A court will be more likely to be sympathetic to the employer where a policy is required for wellness and safety intents, instead than merely to keep a corporate image. Decide what limitations on employees ‘ visual aspect are necessary and why. For illustration, instructors are expected to have on reasonable footwear, suited for the activities their occupation involves. Restrictions should non be inordinate or unreasonable, for case take a firm standing on suits or ties in the office when employees are non customer-facing. Set out the guidelines clearly, and include the principle behind any limitations. Explain why limitations may be placed on some employees but non others ( for illustration, no organic structure piercing for those runing heavy machinery for wellness and safety intents, and those working within a cafe of a supermarket may hold stricter codifications enforced on them than those who work in the same shop, but do n't come into direct contact with nutrient ) . Give employees notice of when the policy will come into force. Allow employees a grace period before training for non-compliance. Explain what will go on if employees are found to be in relentless breach of the policy ( disciplinary action and, potentially, dismissal ) . Give the name of an person that employees can speak to if they feel they can non follow with the policy. Current statute law on issues that could take to favoritism should be reviewed from clip to clip, and staff enchiridion should be read by employment attorneies to guarantee conformity. Guidelines should besides be updated to suit the statute law. Base the policy on business-related grounds. Explain your grounds in the policy so employees understand the principle behind the limitations. Common business-related grounds include keeping the organisation ‘s public image, advancing a productive work environment, or following with wellness and safety criterions. Require employees to hold an appropriate, well-dressed visual aspect. Even insouciant frock policies should stipulate what vesture is inappropriate ( such as perspiration suits, trunkss, and denims ) and any particular demands for employees who deal with the populace. Communicate the policy. Use employee enchiridions or memos to alarm employees to the new policy, any alterations, and the punishments for disobedience. In add-on, explicate the policy to occupation campaigners.Use the frock codification policy uniformly to all employees. This can forestall claims that the policy adversely affects adult females or minorities. However, you may hold to do exclusions if required by jurisprudence. ( See following suggestion. ) Make sensible adjustment when the state of affairs requires an exclusion. Be prepared to suit petitions for spiritual patterns and disablements, such as caput coverings and facial hair.Apply consistent subject for frock codification misdemeanors. When training lawbreakers, point out why their garb does non follow with the codification and what they can make to followMentions:Edwards, M. R. ( 2008 ) Employees as a Focus of Branding Activities: A Review of Recent Contributions to the Literature and the Implications for Workplace Diversity, Equal opportunities international. Vol 27 ( 5 ) pp. 447-481 [ online ] Available from: www.emerald.com [ Accessed 1 April 2009 ] Carrington, L ( 2007 ) EMPLOYER BRANDING [ Online ] Available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //globaltalentmetrics.com/articles/EB_2007_Brandempl.pdf [ Accessed 26 March 2009 ] Wolff, C. ( 2007 ) Employers USE DRESS CODES TO ENHANCE CORPORATE IMAGE, IRS. Issue 878. Available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.xperthr.co.uk [ Accessed 26 March 2009 ] Downes, J. ( 2007 ) POLICY CLINIC: DRESS CODES, [ online ] Available from:hypertext transfer protocol: //0-www.xperthr.co.uk.lispac.lsbu.ac.uk/article/81919/policy-clinic — dress-codes.aspx? searchwords=Policy+clinic % 3a+Dress+codes [ Accessed 26 March 2009 ] Millar, M ( 2006 ) EMPLOYERS RELAXING WORK DRESS CODE CAN HELP IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY, [ online ] Available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.personneltoday.com/articles/2006/07/26/36558/employers-relaxing-work-dress-code-can-help-improve.html [ Accessed 26 March 2009 ] Dr. Sullivan, J ( 2008 ) EMPLOYMENT Stigmatization: THE ONLY LONG-TERM RECRUITING STRATEGY, [ online ] Available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.drjohnsullivan.com/content/view/183/27/ [ Accessed 26 March 2009 ]Stephen Morrall, S & A ; Urquhart, C ( 2003 ) SEX DISCRIMINATION – ARE DRESS CODES DISCRIMINATORY? [ online ] Available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.drjohnsullivan.com/content/view/183/27/ [ Accessed 26 March 2009 ]Gronlund, J K ( 2008 ) HOW EMPLOYER BRANDINGCAN FOSTER TRUSTS AND LOYALTY? [ Online ] Available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.employerbrand.com/Points_pathf.html [ Accessed 26 March 2009 ]

Students Should Take Up Part-Time Jobs During School Holiday

1. America's love affair with Taylor Swift seems to have hit a rough patch. She quickly won over fans by sharing her everygirl boyfriend woes, including how she was dumped by Joe Jonas during a 27-second phone call. 2. The most recent blowback comes from her fan mail dumping scandal. As omg! reported Tuesday, hundreds of letters that had been carefully crafted (and decorated with stickers and glitter! ) by her loyal fangirls and boys and sent to the star were discovered, unopened, in a Nashville dumpster. Though a spokesperson for the singer explained it was an accident, there has been a strong backlash – even here on omg!Then there was the unnecessarily harsh comment Swift directed at Tina Fey and Amy Poehler for making a joke – again, a joke – about Swift's taste in younger men. Not only was the one-liner from the Golden Globes tame – and not so off-base considering her last two boyfriends were both 18 – but the star's love life is a daily punch l ine both on TV and the Internet, so it was unclear why she singled out the two very likable – and darn funny – comedians with the stinging comment to Vanity Fair that, â€Å"There's a special place in hell for women who don't help other women. 3. Perhaps the most damaging blowback has become Swift's ex-boyfriend bashing. While it was once charming to hear a story of her heartbreak woes (we have never ever ever felt the same about Joe Jonas! ), Swift has been blowing through famous boyfriends – others have included Harry Styles, Jake Gyllenhaal, John Mayer, Taylor Lautner, and Conor Kennedy – and then making money off them by slamming (most of) them in her songs.Her performance at the Grammys, in which she was viewed to have mocked Styles by breaking into a faux British accent mid-song, especially raised eyebrows and prompted us to ask, â€Å"Is Taylor Swift the Worst Ex-Girlfriend Ever? † It's that unapologetic nature that rubs some the wrong way, especially when not all of her exes have the huge worldwide platform she does to defend themselves. 4. Taylor Swift has an incredibly strong brand and her earning power remains as high as just about anyone in music,† Forbes senior editor Zack O'Malley Greenburg tells. â€Å"She has done pretty well by writing about it. How many hit songs has she had? Maybe if she settles down – and perhaps gets married – there will be other things to write about. † Until then, she should keep in mind, â€Å"If you're talented and doing well – like she is – you really don' t need to take personally everything that everyone says about you. †

UK PERSONAL STATEMENT(4000 CHARACTERS), TEACHER REFERENCE Essay

UK PERSONAL STATEMENT(4000 CHARACTERS), TEACHER REFERENCE - Essay Example Having successfully completed the International Baccalaureate, a highly demanding and comprehensive course, I hope to continue my academic journey in the field of my interest. Besides textbook learning, IB equipped me with extracurricular skills in three different areas-creativity, action and service, helping me develop as a versatile and a well-balanced individual. The creativity component of CAS was the area that I found most enjoyable and fulfilling. It allowed me to pursue my passion for theatre, consequently obtaining a main role in the Senior School Performing Arts festival. Later I performed in various other festivals such as the Broadway Chorus, the Boarders Play as well as helping out in the middle school house music festivals. During the past two years, I undertook and attended forums on world issues, participated in Model United Nations conferences and debates which helped me foster a deeper understanding of world issues such as poverty, human rights and globalisation. The editorial position with the school magazine also heightened my understanding of teamwork and management. As part of service, I participated in groups such as Amnesty International and Bombs Begone, a charity working to remove the landmines in Cambodia.

Global Supply Chain Management Case Study Report Essay

Global Supply Chain Management Case Study Report - Essay Example e supply chain that allows the achievement of business objectives, before an attempt is made to determine whether a lean approach or agile approach to manufacturing and supply chain management is most appropriate for Wal-Dart. However, the analysis using Fisher’s (1997) model proves inconclusive, although Singh and Sharma’s (2009) definition of lean manufacturing appears to describe the outcome desired by Wal-Dart, and Bruce et al (2001) find that, in the fashion and textile industries, aspects of both lean and agile approaches, that they termed â€Å"leagility†, can be appropriate. A more radical approach to Wal-Dart’s problems is suggested by Lee (2010) who considers that the whole of the supply chain should be reviewed and revamped if necessary, which allows a holistic view to be taken and also provide an opportunity for Wal-Dart to introduce a more sustainable supply chain. A more detailed analysis is undertaken using Slack et al’s (2009) four stages of a fast fashion supply chain: design, manufacture, distribution and sales. Several issues are considered that fall across the different stages, including information supply from the retail outlets, the inability to change the manufacturing locations in the immediate short term, the possibility of setting up distribution service centres with their own transport service, and using enterprise resource planning to integrate the whole supply chain for more immediate, accurate provision and use of information. The overlaps of these areas across the four stages supports the idea of a holistic approach to resolve the problems. This idea is further supported by Lubowe (2009) who finds that senior management support, organisational structures and technology are key ingredients to a successful global integration strategy involving three key elements of repeatable processes, optimised assets and integrated op erations. Overall, there is no one best solution to the problems Wal-Dart is experiencing revealed by

Software Requirements Specification Research Paper

Software Requirements Specification - Research Paper Example It further contains the detailed description of all the requirements specified. The proposed software will help the customers to reserve rooms from any remote location of their pleasing. The involved end user will mainly be the system administrator and the anticipated customers. Either John or Jane will be responsible for making and keying in client reservations, when they call in to make one. The product perspective for the B&B Online Booking Software System provides an interactive environment via its various interfaces. The system will additionally have a database to aid in better record keeping and management of user information. It would entail: Software interface – The software interfaces required mainly include the viewing applications, that is, web browsers like Firefox Mozilla, Google Chrome and Internet Explorer preferably of the latest version. An Apache HTTP Server, PHP, MySQL and flash player for the graphics acceleration of the web components, will also be mandated for the web application IT project. The functional requirements for the proposed system define the fundamental and basic components that contain all the necessary information for the successful software requirements specification. This information would enable the final booking system to function

Kenya Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Kenya - Essay Example Most of the arts and crafts made from woodcarvings, kisii soapstones and clay. The arts, jewellery, traditional clothes, and crafts signify decoration, adornment and traditional lifestyles of the communities (Sobania 22). Ethnic communities like Samburu, Turkana and Maasai prefer physical beauty in their artistic expressions. Samburu and Maasai communities wear traditional dressings that are decorated with traditional beads and animal skins. The decoration beads signify social status and different stages of passage and initiation. In addition, Maasai morans (men in early adult stage) are expected to carry cultural rungus (clubs) and wrist knives. The Kamba ethnic community is internationally known for its wood crafting skills and traditional kiondos (baskets). The Kisii ethnic community practice soapstone handcrafting from locally quarried soapstone and some items carved includes soap dishes, ashtrays and egg cups. Some of the places that visitors can find cultural artifacts include Nairobi gallery, Nairobi National museum, Gedi ruins, Nairobi railway museum, Fort Jesus, the Bomas of Kenya, Banana hill art gallery, and Karen Blixen Museum that is owned by Baron Blixen (Sobania 56). Kenya has numerous globally recognized films and accomplished filmmakers. Some Hollywood films filmed in Kenya include the snows of Kilimanjoro that features Gregory Peck and Out of Africa Hollywood’s film that features Robert Redford and Meryl Streep. Other international films that feature Kenya include Bob Rafelson’s mountains of the moon, German’s nowhere in Africa and BBC’s big cat diary. The rich savannas, Great Rift Valley, dense forests and glacial mountains offer unique locations for filming internationally recognized films such as US TV series like Survivor Africa and constant gardener. Kenyan has a strong oral and literature traditions that pass to generations through poems, plays and books by reputable Kenyan writers (Saffer 78). Many poets revo lve around early ancestors, folk stories and colonial influence in the country. One of the best-known poets is Ngugi wa Thiong’o whose work is based on struggle for independence and subsequent dictatorial regimes in the country. For instance, his work on weep not child and wizard of the crow has attracted him global recognition. Kenya has a variety of music and dances that are associated with different ceremonial occasions. The Maasai sing traditional dances during occasions such as thanks giving, and initiation ceremonies. The Luhya people have the Isukuti dance that entails drum beating and blowing animal horns during cultural festivals such as bull fighting (Pateman 256). The Chuka and Kamba tribes have a distinctive dancing style that involves beating drums clasped between the thighs and acrobatic dancing while Kikuyu people have the Mugithi dance (Sobania 89). The Luo people dances include the ohangla music that comprises some beats borrowed from Congolese lingala and be nga music. Internationally recognized musicians include Fadhili Williams, Daudi Kabaka and Eric Wainaina. Different communities in Kenya have different cuisine. However, cultural communities prefer boiling, steaming and roasting their traditional foods such as Nyama Choma meat. Coastal communities prefer fish while tribes living in mountains prefer tubers, arrowroots, cassava and cereals (Pateman 223). Nomadic ethnic groups like Maasai still eat raw cattle milk, raw blood and raw meat preserved

THE GLOBAL ECONOMY Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

THE GLOBAL ECONOMY - Assignment Example PEC and shale oil producers, end of Quantitative Easing (QE) in the US economy which led to the rise in the dollar value and subsequent fall in the oil prices. Oil prices fall when the world produces more oil than it is able to consume in which case there is a production surplus. Vice versa, a production deficit comes about when the demand for oil is greater than the amount of oil that is being manufactured. However, oil prices have plummeted to half of what they used to be since June. Crude oil has now dipped below $50 a barrel for the first time since May 2009 and US crude has also fallen below $50 a barrel† (2015). In the last decade, oil prices were high because of the rising demand for oil in most of the world but this growing demand could not be met and supply remained low due to conflicts in the oil producing Middle Eastern region, for example Iraq. By 2014, oil production increased exponentially and due to surplus oil being produced, the price of oil fell dramatically. This was caused by a significant increase in US oil production. Because of soaring oil prices, multiple American and Canadian companies started drilling for â€Å"new, hard-to-extract crude in North Dakotas shale formations and Albertas oil sands† and advanced methods like fracking and horizontal drilling began to be used (Plumer, 2015. The introduction of American shale oil in the market has added â€Å"4 million new barrels of crude oil per day† (Plumer, 2015) to the oil market while the global production is â€Å"75 million barrels per day† (Plumer, 2015). Iraq emerged as one of the major contributors to the recent boom in oil production. After the US led invasion of Iraq, oil production was disrupted due to constant war, turmoil and sanctions. However, since 2008 due to efforts being made to bring about stability and curb violence, we have seen a boom in Iraqi oil production. â€Å"Over the next five to seven years, Iraq could be supplying nearly half of the incremental growth in world oil

IT Evolution in Global Banking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

IT Evolution in Global Banking - Essay Example The customers can also access their bank accounts, withdraw cash, pay bills, get bank statements, deposit cash and even buy products without having to visit their bank branches. Indeed, what technology has facilitated is the reduction of physical conduct between the customer and the banker bringing in a new phenomenon known as virtual banking. Information technology can offer a bank a competitive edge over other banks (Singer, Ross & Avery 2005) The internet invention was the greatest breakthrough for banks in carrying out their transactions with customers (Wanderi 2012). As internet access is enhanced, more and more banks are turning to online banking services. Such services are more convenient to customers and the banker, they also save time and costs and increase efficiency. Banks that do not adopt technology are likely to be unpopular among the customer base. Automated teller machines, television banking, virtual banking, internet banking, mobile banking, online pay bill, mobile commerce, social media payments, credit cards and debit cards are some of the examples of how technology is changing the banking industry (Kendrick 2011). This paper will discuss the evolution of information technology in the banking industry with emphasis on internet banking, growth of e-commerce and virtual banking and new delivery channels such as PC banking, mobile banking and TV banking. Discussion The most important concept is the internet. In early years of internet, banks normally used the internet for internal purposes such as publishing of corporate data and offerings. At this time, internet was mainly used in banking as a tool of information dissemination to customers and the general public. This was then followed by banking internet services such as checking account balances online, paying utility bills online and online transfer of funds. Many banks feared transacting over the internet because of the security threats. However, with the growth in software and information technology infrastructure many banks have embraced this technology (Vaidya 2009). Internet has enabled banks to open up websites where customers can now access their products and services. The banks do not need to put up advertisements in the media or do customers have to go to the banks in order to learn about the products and services of banks. All they need to do is just access the website and learn about the banks products and services. These calls on banks to embrace information technology because not doing so might make their products and services unpopular. Internet has facilitated a new concept called virtual banking in the banking industry. In this case, the banks offer their products and services only through electronic means without any physical contact with their customers. This is gaining popularity as the global economy grows and access to the information technology is enhanced throughout the world. This model normally operates without many branches because they do no t need to physically interact with customers. Given that they do not require many personnel and the maintenance costs are low, they normally offer competitive prices for their products and services. The people around the world are getting busier and have no time to spend on bank transactions and hence there is a shift from traditional banking to virtual banking.

The Efficient Market Hypothesis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Efficient Market Hypothesis - Essay Example In this way, only information bears the power to move market prices. There happens to be three levels of market efficiency as delineated by Fama (1970) viz. weak, semi-strong and strong. According to Fama (1970), weak form of market efficiency that market prices are affected by a stock's past performance and previous returns. The semi strong form of market efficiency suggests that market prices reflect all the available information. This degree of market efficiency exists when there are no under or over valued securities in the market and when new information affects market prices very rapidly. The strong form of market efficiency elaborates that all types of information, whether public or private, affects market price of securities. Despite the importance of the Efficient Market Hypothesis, its validity is highly debatable in the literature which is discussed in this essay. According to the Efficient Market Hypothesis, stock prices move in negative and positive directions while responding to information and announcement of events. However, there has been staunch concern owing to market anomalies that indicate deviations from Efficient Market Hypothesis such as Holiday effect [e.g. Ariel (1990)], Monday effect [e.g. French (1980)], November effect [e.g. Bhabra, Dhillon and Ramirez (1999)], January effect [e.g. Bhardwaj and Brooks (1992)] and P/E ratio effect [e.g. Basu (1977)]. Critics are also of the view that movements in stock prices also reflect psychological factors and irrationality on the part of investors [e.g. La Porta, Lakonishok, Shliefer, and Vishny (1997), Shleifer and Summers (1990) etc.]. There has also been significant evidence that economic conditions great affect stock returns [e.g. Schwert (1989)]. The following paragraphs examine the Efficient

Strategy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Strategy - Assignment Example 2) According to Wal-Mart, it needs substantial brands to form associations with it in order to attract affluent customers and also have a tendency of increasing peripheral business by selling other commodities. Therefore, forming associations with Levis’ allows it to attach a designer brand name with it that is accepted and received well in affluent customer’s segment. 3) Considering this case study, Wal-Mart has an edge over Levis’ in this corporate strategic alliance. This is so because Levis’ needs Wal-Mart for its business expansion as its own showrooms and other smaller retail networks have been proven incapable of attracting major customer base. Secondly, Levis’ has made considerable capital investment along with extensive business restructuring to suit Wal-Mart’s model. Therefore, Levis’ is dependent on Wal-Mart for cost-recovery and further business revival. Whereas Wal-Mart has a tendency of switching to other suppliers who wi ll offer better profit margins without incurring much liability. Therefore, Wal-Mart has a greater bargaining power as compared to Levis’. 4) Wal-Mart follows a broad target/ cost leadership generic strategy (Porter, 1980). It has multiple product lines that cater to every demographic segment. Furthermore, it has an extensive retail model with around 9000 stores worldwide. Such extensive network makes it a premium choice of suppliers due to which it has a greater bargaining power to persuade suppliers for providing their products at considerably low prices, as compared to other retail stores. 5) ‘Barriers to entry’ is an edge used by various leading market players to create obstacles for preventing new competitors from easily entering into market, industry or particular area (Sullivan & Sheffrin, 2003). Wal-Mart has developed a state of art automated system that is synched with its suppliers through point-of –sale mechanism. Therefore, the moment a product is bought, a supplier is notified which results into timely product delivery. As a result, customers prefer to stay with Wal-Mart since they know that their desired product will be available readily. This strong link with suppliers requires higher switching cost which is difficult to incur for its competition. As a result, their customers would also prefer Wal-Mart over them (Competing with information technology, n.d). 6) Value chain constitutes of following activities along with examples from Wal-Mart’s case study: Production- No self-production, acting as a retailer Production Management- Inventory management Quality Management- Extensive IT network and huge workforce Marketing & Sales- Sales teams dealing with suppliers General management- store management, venue management Marketing and sales management- Sales team heads dealing with suppliers in a particular industry Accounting and Finance- In-house finance department performing general accounting, forecasting etc. Res earch and development- Constant acquisition of market intelligence and tools to make IT its niche. Human Resource Management- Extensive handling of employees’ daily attendance, payroll, deployment etc (IMA, 1996). 7) Out of all the above mentioned activities, production management is the most important activity. Although Wal-Mart is a

The social and historical influence Essay Example for Free

The social and historical influence Essay Look at the significance of chapter 5 to the novel as a way to focus on the relevance and effect of the writers use of language to describe setting and characters and what it shows about the social and historical influence? This novel is about an extremely intelligent doctor called Victor Frankenstein who used his knowledge of science to find a way of keeping people alive. Mary Shelleys plot must have been influenced by the changes that were happening around her in Britain during the early stages of the industrial revolution. Scientists at this time were investigating the meaning of life. They were using corpses in experiments. She appears to have a great understanding of the scientific discoveries of that time. Behind the writing is a deeper meaning. Mary Shelley is trying to show us how an addiction to anything is not natural and very often dangerous to our well-being and to our social and mental health. Chapter 5 is a crucial moment because this is when the monster is brought to life. Mary Shelleys opening sentence of chapter 5 is Dr Frankenstein telling us It was a dreary night of November that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils. He goes on to say It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally against the panes. The dismal setting contrasts with Dr Frankensteins expectation and anxiety he is feeling just moments before his creation is brought to life. This setting and events causes us to be alarmed and scared because we start imagining what it would be like to be in his position. He then tells us The monsters dull yellow eye opens and it begins to breathe. We would think that he is pleased that he has succeeded in what he set out to do but he straight away is horrified at his creation and what it has turned out to look like. He expresses his negative feelings many times, such as breathless horror and disgust filled my heart and the demonical corpse to which I had so miserably given life. This shows us that the social influence of looks was as great then as it still is in 2009. Dr Frankenstein is distraught about how his creation looks rather than thinking about the feat he has just achieved, I find it puzzling that he is shocked by its image only after the creature has been brought to life, even though he could have seen what it would look like when it was on the operating table. I believe that this shows Dr Frankenstein was so caught up by the science involved with making this being that he was blind to the obvious This is backed by him saying I had selected his features as beautiful this shows us he genuinely thought it was beautiful when it was being made. This chapter shows us that social influences are similar to that we experience today. Through out the novel Mary Shelly uses language to change the atmosphere. This is most present in chapter 5 in which the monster is born and Dr Frankensteins mood changes from a rather exited one to one of bitter disappointment and then again to cowardice before becoming rather animated at the arrival of Clerval. There is much emphasis on description. Dr Frankenstein describes in great detail the evening, the monster and his changing feelings towards his project. His language is often overdramatic and emotional. At length lassitude succeeded to tumult I had before endured, and I threw myself on the bed in my clothes, endeavouring to seek a few moments of forgetfulness, here he is using descriptive words that would not commonly be used today, this reminds us that this novel was written in the 1800s. Shelley writing style is very catching. I believe this is because she isnt writing as a watcher but as a character. This gives us the best view because we know the characters feeling as well as knowing what they dont, this can leave the reader frustrated, worried, scared, and hopeful such as at the end of chapter five when Clerval arrives and Victor has his nervous breakdown. This is evident when victor imagines what could happen. Clerval asks My dear Victor, what, for Gods sake, is the matter? Do not laugh in that manner. How ill are you! What is the cause to all this? To which Victor replies Do not ask me, He can tell. Oh save me! Save me! All this while Frankenstein had been fighting an invisible monster, had Clerval known like us about the monster many people could have been saved. In conclusion I think Mary Shelley produced a novel that was frighteningly believable. I believe that this book shows us that social influence is massive and Shelley believed that one-day man would hold the meaning to life not God. Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Mary Shelley section.

Production of Mutant Based Epsilon Toxin (ETK) Vaccines

Production of Mutant Based Epsilon Toxin (ETK) Vaccines Vaccines improve the immune system of an animal or human by stimulating the production of antibodies to fight and combat bacteria, protozoan or viruses effectively creating immunity against disease (Salisbury 1997). Vaccines commonly contain weakened or dead strains of a virus, bacteria or protozoan which elicits the body’s immune system upon recognition to respond by producing antibodies to fight against the invading antigen. In effect, the vaccine introduces the disease or its causative agent into the body to gain a defence response; as a result if the disease enters the body in the future the body can produce the requisite antibodies to fight the disease faster, as it remembers measures taken to fight against the disease previously. Consequently, the time taken to recognize the disease, provide active measure against the disease and minimize any possible signs or symptoms associated with the causative virus, bacteria or protozoan. Building on this function of vaccines this essay critiques the study and subsequent paper of Li et. al. investigation into the production of mutant based epsilon toxin (ETK) vaccines which can provide protection against intoxication. Costridium perfringes a Gram positive spore forming bacterium, is ubiquitously found in the environment and the intestines of humans and animals. Furthermore, it is commonly found in raw meat and poultry and is also linked to foodborne illnesses and food poisoning (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2014). Presently, there are five known strains of C. perfringes which produce a minimum of twelve known protein toxins (The Centre for Food Security and Public Health 2004). To this end, the epsilon toxin (ETX) is produced by the type B and D strains (The Centre for Food Security and Public Health 2004). Moreover, ETX is a pore forming protein which damages cell walls leading to potassium and fluid leakage from cells and it increases the permeability of the cell membrane resulting in ion imbalance; as such ETX has been suggested as a possible biological weapon (Stiles, et al. 2013). Arizona Department of Health (2004) speculates that in the event of a biological attack the epsilon toxin can be spread through food, water or by aerosolization. While all five strains have the capacity to infect wounds in any species; type B and type D have the ability to cause severe enteritis, in young foals, lambs and piglets, and enterotoxemia in young calves, lambs, goats, sheep and foals just to mention a few (Arizona Department of Health Services 2004). The toxin is also known to cause pulmonary edema and neurological symptoms including recumbence hyperesthesia, convulsions, paddling, dyspnea and loss of conciseness when intravenously injected into animals. They are few reported cases on the toxicity of ETX in humans as the type B and D strains rarely infect humans. However, evidence suggest that it can affect the G-402 and ACHN cell lines of the human kidney highlighting its possible toxicity to humans (Li, et al. 2013). The epsilon toxin is secreted as an inactive prototoxin from the cytosol into the environment as a result of a 32 amino acid residue leader sequence. It is then activated by extracellular serine type proteases of the host such as trypsin or chymotrypsin; which subsequently results in the loss 10-13 amino terminal and 22 or 29 carboxy terminal residues depending on the protease used (Stiles, et al. 2013). Moreover, maximal activation results in the loss of 13N-terminal residues and 29 C-terminal residues producing the third most potent toxin of the clostridia class, loss of these two terminals results in the formation of a more acidic protein which possibly favours more productive receptor interactions (Hunter, et al. 1992). Bokori-Brown et al. (2011) states that the prototoxin can also become activated by C. perfringens ÃŽ » – protease. When activated the toxin becomes relatively resistant to proteases in the gastrointestinal tracts of mammals (Stiles, et al. 2013).The effects of the toxin on the cell membranes lead to cell dysfunction, cell death and suffering in the host which can sometimes be fatal. Proteolysis induces a conformational change in the toxin facilitating homo-oligomerization of the activated toxin on the external surface of the cell (Stiles, et al. 2013). After binding to a cell ETX acts quickly. Two groups of pore forming toxins exist, to this effect ETX is a beta pore forming toxin as it forms a beta-hairpin structure to facilitate membrane insertion (Stiles, et al. 2013). Moreover, the toxin has three domains with implications in the function of the toxin. The first domain, domain I-amino terminus, functions in receptor binding, the central domain or domain II functions in membrane insertion and channel formation (Stiles, et al. 2013). The final domain, domain III located at the carboxy terminus functions in proteolysis activation and act as monomer to monomer interaction sites. Subsequent to the loss of the C terminal peptide from the protoxin monomer-monomer interactions leads to homo-heptamer formation. ETX cause pore formation in cell membranes by detergent-resistant, cholesterol-rich membrane domains that promote aggregation of toxin monomers in homo-heptamers (Stiles, et al. 2013). Evidence from research highlights ETX forms transmembrane pores less than two nanometr e in diameter that facilitates the passage of molecule 1kDa in size, increase intracellular chloride and sodium levels and decreased intracellular potassium levels. Furthermore, secondary effects of the toxin include cytoskeletal dysfunction which affects the integrity of cell monolayers (Stiles, et al. 2013). The general layout and presentation of the paper was good and easy for readers to follow. However, the materials and methods should have occurred before the results and discussion to familiarise the readers with the methods used in the experiment. In doing this readers would have an idea of the type of results to be presented or expected. Furthermore, if presented earlier the procedure could be borne in mind in order to help readers understand the information presented in the results and discussion sections and the relevance of the information to the aim of the research. Additionally, if the methodology is placed earlier in the paper it helps readers to determine the extent of the internal validity of the study, as readers can determine for themselves the extent to which results can be interpreted accurately and with confidence with regards to the methods used to obtain the presented findings. Reliability, a necessary condition for validity, is related to consistency of results and t he extent to which the research can be independently replicated by other researchers (Leacock, Warrican and Rose 2009). Based on the information provided the study is reliable and can be replicated independently by researchers with the relevant resources. In addition the use of graphs, tables and photographs of the gels used in the experiment are good means of presenting information. To this end, it presents data in a concise format allowing readers to easily identify pertinent information and reduces the possibility of readers being overwhelmed if this information was to be fully present using only text. It is also important to note that the use of the photos form the SDS-PAGE and the immunoblotting aids in reader visualisation and acts as a point of reference for readers when examining the results and discussion. The introduction presents a good base for the readers but would have benefited from more in depth explanation on the mode of action and structure of ETX and more background information on mutant based vaccinations. Also a proper comparison of the proposed mutant based vaccine and how it would essentially function in contrast to the existing vaccine which only protects against enterotoxemia caused by the disease would have increased the reader’s knowledge about the topic and reinforce the importance of find a viable vaccine with low toxicity. It is important to note that the introduction provided supportive information from previous research about the amino acid residues present in the structure of ETX and their function. By extension the introduction also highlights the chosen sites for mutation in the toxin based and evidence also presented in the paper. A brief synopsis of the methods used with reference to article presented by Li et al. are as follows; sited directed mutagenesis of ETX in the pTIG-trx plasmid, with the obtained sequence being confirmed using nucleotide sequence analysis. Following this the pTIG-mETXs were transformed into competent E. coli for expression which was also driven with a T7 promoter. The bacteria was then collected and purified through a combination of centrifugation, buffer washes, resuspension, sonification, chelation and elution. The purified protein were subsequently analysed using SDS-PAGE, with the highly purified proteins undergoing dialysis and concentration. The next step employed ELISA to identify the antigenicity of the mETXs and rETX using anti-rETX monoclonal antibodies. After electrophoresis the purified mETX protein were transfer from the SDS-PAGE gel using the western blot technique. The ELISA and western blot steps served to illicit the antigenicity of the mETX which both involving the use of goat anti-mouse IgG during incubation periods. A cell culture and cytotoxicity assay was conducted to determine rETX activity by defining its effects on MDCK cells. Three dimensional structure of two mETXs, mETXF199E and mETXH106P, were generated for structural analysis. The two mentioned not-toxic mETXs were used to vaccinate six week old female mice with the same dosage of antigen being given on days 17 and 38 a week later the mice were injected with active recombinant mETX and observed for 72hours. The following step involved the measurement of sera antibody titers. The final step of the experiment tested mice for passive protection against rETX. The use of ELISA is a good means of detecting the presence of ETX and is one of the assays highlighted by the Arizona Department of Health Services for detection of the toxin due to its high detection rates (Stiles, et al. 2013). ELISA combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of simple enzyme assay by coupling the two, in the experiment it was us to detect the presence of antibodies which recognize ETX (Sino Biological Inc 2014). Additionally, the use of coloured tags indicate a positive reaction when the substrate interacts with the enzyme which also gives visual confirmation of the presence of the antigen or antibody which would have useful implications for this study. Furthermore, it is effective as it produces relatively fast results, which is especially relevant as samples can degrade over time, deterioration may also have implications for the levels of antibodies present. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry uses inmmunoaffinity beads to concentrate ETX or prototoxin from a complex matrix and is also a method commonly used to determine the presence of ETX and may be given consideration if the study is replicated (Stiles, et al. 2013). While ELISA and mass spectrometry are commonly used in the detection they do not determine if the toxin is biologically active. The use of titration was effective as it determined the amount and levels of antibodies required to neutralize the toxin. Random assignment to treatment groups is good as it gives each mouse the same change of being assigned to a group and reduces possibility of bias. However, as only three mice there were used in each group there are possible implications for the analysis of the results, as for experimental research the minimum recommended number is 15 participants for each group, as a sufficiently large sample size is required to produce results among variables that are significantly different (Leacock, Warrican and Rose 2009). A bigger sample size may also be effective in gi ving better credence to the obtained results for each treatment. The use of only female rats can have implications for the generalization of the results and by extension the validity of the study. Furthermore, all of the mice used in the experiment were six weeks in age this does not provide variation and as such does not account for the possible effects age can have on the function of the vaccine and results of the rETX challenge. Validity applies to the generalization of research and the vaccines is aimed for use in animals and humans and these populations contain both males and females, thus the use of one sex in the experiment have implications for generalization of results. The study may have also benefited from longer observation period after the mice were injected with the rETX. Despite the potential market for the vaccine including humans the research was conducted using mice due to ethical considerations. Additionally, the creation of pharmaceutical therapies require severa l animal experiments to be conducted using the treatment under before the ability for a clinical study using humans and the vaccine being offered to the public. The result section has sub headings corresponding to the methods used which aids in easy identification for readers. Some of the significant findings of the research include the yield of six mETXs and up to 98% purity was obtained after purification measures. Additionally, the results showed that the toxin mutants retained the same antigenicity as the rETX. Four of the toxin mutants showed decreased cytotoxicity, while mETXS111Y and mETXS111YF199E showed a slight decrease in toxicity and higher toxicity when compared to rETX thus the researchers excluded the latter two from further analysis. Also of importance is immunization and the subsequent ELISA results of the anti-mETX antibody titres highlighted mETXH106P and mETXF199E showed similar titres and there was no significant difference between the two; but antibody titers also increased after booster immunization. The most significant results demonstrated that mice when challenged with active rETX with dosages up to 100 x LD50 survi ved. In contrast all with dosage of 500 x LD50 or 1000 x LD50 died which have implications for use of the vaccine and provides grounds for further research to obtain vaccines which have a better response to higher dosage of rETX. Investigation into passive protection showed anti-mETXH106P or anit-mETXF199E can completely neutralize a 10 x LD50 dose of activated rETX. The discussion highlighted supporting facts from various sources but there was limited discussion to certain findings of the paper. A possible suggestion is that the authors provide a more in depth discussion about their findings instead of a synopsis. The discussion may have also benefited from a comparison of the mutant based vaccine with the effectiveness of current ETX related treatments. Furthermore in depth explanations of the findings would help readers understand the significance of the findings and implication for future production and use of the tested vaccine. A significant finding highlighted in the discuss ion is that modifications of various amino acid residues result in varying cytotoxicity of the ETX. To this end, the researchers should have discussed why all of the obtained mETX were not tested in the immunization phase. A recommendation is the use of all of the obtained mETXs in the vaccination section of the experiment to determine the possibility of its use as a vaccine to provide immunity against the epsilon toxin. The study did record some success in meeting its aims as two of the mETXs, mETXsH106P and mETXF199E as possible candidates for vaccines against the toxin as they showed strong immunogenicity and safety. However, mETXF199E still has toxicity, as a consequence the researchers have made a possible suggestion to improve the vaccination and lower toxicity. In concluding this article has led to the advancement of the body of knowledge pertaining to protection against ETX. The information from the study despite some limitations is a good read for persons interested in the topic. To this effect, it also provides a theoretical and empirical basis for further study about therapeutic measures to combat the epsilon toxin. It is important to note that it provides a preventative method against the toxin where as other treatments tend to target the ETX related diseases and related symptoms of the toxicity of the toxin, which some treatments delaying the onset of the toxin’s effects or delayi ng or preventing death (The Centre for Food Security and Public Health 2004). References Arizona Department of Health Services. 2004. Epsilon Toxin of Clostridium perfringens Bioterrorism Agent Profiles for Health Care Workers. August. Accessed March 20, 2015. http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/emergency-preparedness/documents/zebra-manual/zm-s5-epsilon-toxin.pdf. Bokori-Brown, M, C G Savva, S P Ferandes da Costa, C E Naylor, A K Basak, and R W Titball. 2011. Molecular basis of toxicity of Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin. The FEBS Journal 278 (23): 4589-4601. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2014. CDC- Clostridium perfrines Food Safety. January 29. Accessed March 20, 2015. http://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/clostridium-perfingens.html. Hunter, S E, I N Clarke, D C Kelly, and R W Titball. 1992. Cloning and nucleotide sequencing of the Clostridium perfringens epsilon-toxin gene and its expression in Escherichia coli. Infection and Immunity 60 (1): 102-110. Leacock, C J, S J Warrican, and G Rose. 2009. Research Methods for Inexperienced Researchers. Kingston: Ian Randle Publisher. Li, Qing, Wenwen Xin, Shan Gao, Lin Kang, and Jinglin Wang. 2013. A low-toxic site-directed mutant of Clostridium perfringens Ɇº-toxin as a potential candidate vaccine against enterotoxemia. Human Vaccines Immunotherapeutics 9 (11): 2386-2392. Salisbury, David M. 1997. Some Issues Related to the Practice of Immunization. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 1 (3): 119-124. Sino Biological Inc. 2014. ELISA Principle. Accessed March 20, 2015. http://www.elisa-antibody.com/ELISA-Introduction/ELISA-Principle. Stiles, G Bradley, Gillian Bartg, Holger Barth, and Michel R Popoff. 2013. Clostridium perfringens Epsilon Toxin: A Malevolent Molecule for Animals and Man? Toxins (Basel) 5 (11): 2138-2160. The Centre for Food Security and Public Health. 2004. Epsilon Toxin of Clostridium perfringens. January. Accessed March 20, 23015. http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/epsilon_toxin_clostridium.pdf.

Existentialism in The Trial by Kafka

Existentialism in The Trial by Kafka The Czech writer FRANZ KAFKA (1883-1924) belonged to a middle class family. His father Herman was disrespectful and ill tempered towards Kafkas escape into the literature work and writing. Kafka became the eldest and only son when his two brothers died and he was aware his role in the family and rest of the life. Franz Kafka is one of the greatest influences on Western literature in the twentieth century. He has inspired a whole range of artists from the creators of the detective story to writers of the television series Twilight Zone. He began work on The Trial in 1914 after a horrendous encounter with his fiancà ©, Felice Bauer, her sister, Erna Bauer, and Grete Bloch (a short-term lover). According to Kafkas friend Max Brod, he never finished the work and gave the manuscript to Brod in 1920. After his death, Brod edited The Trial into what he felt was a coherent novel and had it published, despite the German ban on Jewish literature, in 1925. The manuscript eventually passed from Brods heirs to the German national literary archives in the late 1980s for several million dollars. Since then, new editions have been published and some textual integrity re stored to the English version of the story. He was isolated and subjected to unknown terrifying forces. KAFKA has narrated many stories and novels in his writing. In his novel The Trial he tells the story of a country doctor who goes to check a sick child. When he reaches the sick child home he discovers that child has been consumed by the maggots. In his same novel The Trial, KAFKA relates a story about a man known as Joseph K who has awakened at one night by hammering on his door. He finds that he was under arrest. The Trial in 1926 is his novel with the style of meditations, parable, poetic fragments and sketches. His work is open due to multiple interpretations and difficult categories and reflects the existentialism and modernism. Existentialism is a vast and meticulous philosophy that, in a nutshell, advocates a diverse arsenal of responses and solutions to the existentialist attitude which, essentially, is what an individual feels when confronted by the absurdity of life. Throughout humanity, ruminations and self-proclaimed ultimate truths have assumed various forms: prose, poetry, religion and numerous other doctrines, to name but a few. Kafka has inspired many of the great novelists of the twentieth century. Consequently, there is an incredible amount of literary criticism devoted to his work. The critical material discussing The Trial falls between two poles. On the one hand, Kafka is viewed through a psychological or religious lens that sees the tensions of his work as derived from an oedipal complex or the heritage of the Judaic law. At the other extreme, where few tread, are the positivist approaches of Walter Benjamin, Gilles Deleuze, and Felix Guattari. This latter approach finds a new philosophy, a new politics, in Kafka that is as yet unexplored. Whatever the approach, there is general agreement that Kafka should be praised for his deft depiction of twentieth-century alienation and bureaucracy at the universal level. K., except for a brief friendship with Hasterer, prefers his own company. In the matter of his trial, he didnt want to enlist anyones aid and thus initiate them in the matter even distantly. To do so would be to initiate another person into himself. This is an act he cannot even do in the form of a petition. This is as it should be since the trial is his own, it is his guilt, and no matter what he does or where he goes, that is where the inquiry will be located: he is certainly being treated with strange carelessness. As much as K. desires it, he is not alone. Everyone who knows him also knows about his trial. From his point of view, the entire universe finds him guilty from the casual observer to the men who kill him like a dog. In Kafkas view, there is a way of life for any individual that is the right one, and which is divinely sanctioned. So much is perhaps admitted by most of our moral novelists; but to Kafka this fact itself constitutes a problem of tremendous difficulty, because he believes the dichotomy between the divine and the human, the religious and the ethical, to be absolute. Thus, though it is imperative for us to attempt to follow the true way, it is impossible for us to succeed in doing so. This is the fundamental dilemma that Kafka believes to lie at the basis of all human effort Conclusion Kafka employs the fictional literary elements he constructs to address the very non-fictional, existentialist aspects of society and life. Akin to Dostoyevskys Notes from Underground, it can be interpreted as both a rumination and tirade against impersonal communities, restriction of freedom, and the absurdity of life. It would be foolish to expect that an examination of Kierkegaards argument that religious faith is totally divorced from reason, and of Kafkas private response to it, would lead to a firm conclusion for or against Kierkegaards position. Kierkegaards book assumes that his readers come to it equipped with an attitude of religious belief. Without that, his poetic flourishes would be less effective, and his dialectical proofs would lose force.

Service quality of hospitality information system Essay -- Technology,

Service quality of hospitality information system has emerged as an important function under discussion for the hospitality industry in IRAN which has been identified as one of the efficient structures for the organizational performance within the competitive marketplace regarding hospitality information system (lewis 1993) .The service quality of hospitality information system provide equivalent services ,establishing high service quality ,supplement customer satisfaction, and enlarge the organizational profitability of providers and market share (Hoffman &Bateson 1997). Most organizations within the hospitality industry in IRAN have research about the significance issues to evaluating service quality , customer satisfaction, and customer expectations regarding the service quality. According to Sudipta, &Adittya, (2005), service quality of hospitality information system has emerged as an issue of importance for the hospitality industry it has been identified as one of th e most effective means by building a competitive position and improving organizational performance. However, customer satisfaction and customer expectations are two important factors in evaluating the service quality and make essential decisions concerning future supporting and investment. One of the most important development aspects in hospitality information system is the growing consideration toward service quality of hospitality information system by delivering useful informations and high quality service to the customers .The importance factors of hospitality information system are distributed into different subdivisions which provide useful informations to tourists and customers , not only online brochures and general informations about the p... ...re and increase the organizational profits . Measuring customer perspective of the service quality of hospitality information system at the hotel industry within the Iranian society can being able the hotels as a key tool to provide and analyze customer feedback , policies and practices , employee commitment , education and training , organizational marketing . Met expectation model is one of the main models that hotels are using in Iran, to evaluate the terms of service quality with different perspectives among customers and the organization . The expectations and service delivery from two different perspectives can help the organization to identify the strengths and weaknesses in service quality and service delivery . In addition , this make organizations able to measure service and performance quality of hospitality information system in a broader area .

The importance of Effective Communication in Health-Care Essay

Language barriers have been one of the identified causes of many health problems, including timely and appropriate care, exacerbating existing conditions, and precipitating new ones. In addition to culturally appropriate education, interpreting is one of the approaches commonly used to help bridge the language gap for patients and practitioners. Interpreters are bilingual individuals that provide simultaneous interpretation between patients and medical care providers who do not share a common language (Finke, Light, & Kitko, 2008). This finding suggests that a good relationship is essential for high-quality patient care. (Finke et al., 2008) use qualitative evidence from interviews with medical interpreters, and argue that an interdisciplinary team is oriented in just one direction to care for patients, and bring them to their ultimate level of functioning. Certainly, all of the observations provided by this journal reaffirmed how understanding the basic principles of communicati on should be a paramount skill of any nurse. However, many barriers can disrupt therapeutic communication, and comprehensive assessment is necessary in order to determine the culture, religion, education background, and socioeconomic status of the patient (Finke et al., 2008) Patient centered communication empower nurses with the necessary skills to identify what patients are experiencing and place them in a better position to be empathetic. Meanwhile, creating a better health care experience for the patient and a more gratifying and meaningful career for the nurse (Finke et al., 2008). It is also more likely to effectively encourage patients to be active partners in planning and managing their own care. It is significant for medical care provider... ...5. LaValley, D (2008) Physician- Nurse Collaboration and patient safety. Crico RMF Vol. 26/No. 2 Lee Flicek Cassandra (2012) Communication: A Dynamic Between Nurses and Physicians. Vol. 21/No. 6 McCaffrey, R.G., Hayes, R., Stuart, W., Cassell, A., Farrell, C. & Miller-Reyes C. 2010. A Program to Improve Communication and Collaboration Between Nurses and Medical Residents. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing  · Vol 41, No 4. Retrieve from: http://content2.learntoday.info/ Patak, L., Wilson-Stronks, A., Costello, J., Keleinpell, R. M., Henneman, E. A., Pearson, C. & Happ, M. B. (2009). Improving Patient-Provider Communication. A Call to Action. Volume 39, Number 9, pp 372-376. Williams, M. V., Davis, T., Parker, R. M., & Weiss, B. D. (2002). The role of health literacy in patient-physician communication. FAMILY MEDICINE-KANSAS CITY-, 34(5), 383-389.

Organizing Function of Management Essay

The purpose of this paper will be to evaluate the organizing function of management. The organizing function of management develops internal organizational structure. A key role of the organizing function is to address how people interact in various business environments. Management uses organizing activities to allocate resources, define responsibility, establish expectations, and group employees. â€Å"At high-tech firms such as Google that rely on employee skills, knowledge, and creativity to remain competitive, the importance of people is evident as well† (Bate & Snell, 1, 2009). Human Resources Management at Google Human resources management is a formal system used to manage people in a business environment (Bate & Snell, 2009). Human capital is a source of competitive advantage that is irreplaceable. According to Bate & Snell, â€Å"human resource planning occurs in three stages: planning, programming, and evaluating† (2009). Perfecting the art of human resources management can provide strategic value to organizational performance. The Google Company has secured its place as one of the world’s leading employers. Goggles strategy for effective human resources management is providing employees with unparalleled benefits, perks, and opportunities. Lazlo Bock, Google’s vice president of people operations states freedom, curiosity and highly trained employees has forged Google’s success (HR Focus, 2008). Planning requires Google to forecast future job trends based market fluctuations and company growth. In 2005, Google was hiring about â€Å"10 people a day, adding to a workforce of more than 5,000† (Lohr, 2005). Currently, Google employs approximately 20, 000 people with various backgrounds and skills. Closely monitoring economic trends and labor supply forecast allows the company to manage all available resources. The following rules of engagement with employees, outline by Lazlo Bock, have contributed to Goggles effective human resources management. * Hire learners. They are inquisitive, and when they fail, they will ask how they can do better. * Give people the tools and resources to succeed; then let them. * Work on small projects in small teams. * Keep structures flat. Especially as the company gets big, information needs to flow up. * Discuss everything you can publicly. * Give performance-driven raises. This is helpful in controlling turnover and enhancing retention. * Reward success, don’t penalize failure. â€Å"If you don’t fail, you’re not doing your job well.† Quarterly goals are set and performance evaluations are based on these; the company aims for a 70% success rate. Technology at Google Google was founded on the principle of â€Å"organizing the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful† (Google, 2009). The company original began as a search engine provider. The company quickly expanded products and services to include software, e-mail service, advertising platforms, desktop products, mobile devices, and mapping tools. Google’s list of services and products are too extensive and increasingly expanding. Google’s success can be attribute to the company’s’ expansion of technological services. Google recent advancement has been the development of a new operating system, Chrome, designed to rival its biggest competitors. â€Å"Unlike Windows, Chrome OS is an open-source project like the Linux operating system that’s popular with techies, which means outside software developers are welcome to work on it† (Graham, 7, 2009). The release of Chrome OS as a free open source operating system creates competition with Microsoft’s Windows. Google Assets Google’s ability to control the search engine markets has allowed the company to prosper from advertising campaigns. According to Schonfeld, â€Å"of the 137 billion estimated total searches performed in the U.S. last year, 85 billion were done on Google; nearly 90 percent of all the growth in search volume was also captured by Google (2008). Google’s profits should spike as the country climbs out of recession â€Å"because the company has weeded out a lot of frivolous expenses during the recession† (Liedtke & Girard, 2009). Google went public at $85 dollars a share 2004; current estimates place Google shares at $430 a share (Liedtke & Girard, 2009). The statistics indicated that Google has effectively organized companies assets during difficult economic time. Conclusion  Human resources management and technology play a crucial in business success. Google has perfected work environments that keep employees happy and provides the necessary resources to remain competitive as a company. â€Å"David MacDonald, who joined Google as an account manager in October 2001, says, It wasn’t groundbreaking – search engines had been around for years – but it had a different approach and was all about the people† (Smith, 6, 2008). Google remains one of the world’s leading companies engrossed in the technological revolution. Much of the organizations success arises from Google’s ability to venture into multiple applications. Google refuses to rely on the company’s search engine capabilities to sustain growth. The ability to adapt to economic demands and competition has facilitated Google’s organizational structure.