Sunday, January 19, 2020

For Whom The Bell Tolls(term-paper) -- essays research papers fc

When reading an Ernest Hemingway novel, one must try very hard to focus on the joy and encouragement found in the work. For Whom the Bell Tolls is full of love and beauty, but is so greatly overshadowed by this lingering feeling of doom--a feeling that does not let you enjoy reading, for you are always waiting for the let down, a chance for human nature to go horribly awry. This feeling is broken up into three specific areas. In Ernest Hemingway's novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls, humanity is exploited through brutal violence, unnecessary courage, and hopeless futility. Hemingway has the uncanny gift of imagery, and he possesses a brilliant mastery of the English language. He is adept at manipulating words and weaving complex sentences; furthermore, "Meticulous description takes its place†¦For Hemingway†¦description is definition." (Tanner 228) All of this genius can show the ultimate beauty and grace of existence, but the flipside to that is the same devices used to show all of the wonder and greatness in life can also be used to show to many hardships and painful truths we must endure, such as violence and gory injustices: â€Å"Then some one hit the drunkard a great blow alongside the head with a flail and he fell back, and lying on the ground, he looked up at the man who had hit him and then shut his eyes and crossed his hands on his chest, and lay there beside Don Anastasio as though he were asleep. The man did not hit him again and he lay there and he was still there when they picked up Don Anastasio and put him with the others in the cart that hauled them all over to the cliff where they were thrown over that evening with the others after there had been a cleaning up in the Ayuntamiento.† (Hemingway 126). The mob-violence that is portrayed in that passage is one inspired by ignorance, weak wills, and alcohol. All through Pilar and Robert Jordan’s flashbacks, one cannot help but be overwhelmed with feelings of disgust towards humankind. These stories are not uncommon, either. Most of the people fighting against the fascists in this novel have similar stories. It is absolutely horrid to hear these anecdotes in which people tell in great detail how they saw their parents, siblings, cousins, and so on, die is extremely heart wrenching ways. One little girls family was murdered in a particular... ...rible situation comes along to undermine the reader’s faith in human nature. From his meticulously descriptive anecdotes, to his realist narratives, in his novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls, Ernest Hemingway exploits humanity through brutal violence, unnecessary courage, and hopeless futility. Works Cited Frohok, W.M. â€Å"Ernest Hemingway—The River and the Hawk.† The Novel of Violence in America. Mississippi: Beacon, 1957. 166-98. Hemingway, Ernest. For Whom the Bell Tolls. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1940. 1-471. Howe, Irving. A World More Attractive: A View of Modern Literature and Politics. New York: Horizon Press, 1963. 65-70. Tanner, Stephen L. â€Å"Hemingway’s Islands.† Southwest Review. Winster: Southern Methodist University Press, 1976. 74-84. Tanner, Tony. â€Å"Ernest Hemingway’s Unhurried Sensations.† The Wave of Wonder: Naivety and Reality in American Literature. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1965. 228-57. Villapiano, Gavino. Interview. Off-Camera Conversation with my Father. By Nicholas Gavino Villapiano. New Jersey: 1999. 1-2 Wain, John. â€Å"The Conflict of Forms in Contemporary English Literature.† Essays on Literature and Ideas. St. Martins: Macmillan, 1963. 230-35

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Impact of integrated marketing communication on brands Essay

Figure 1 As mentioned above, having a good and effective brand can be achieved by various factors and approaches and one of these is through integrated marketing communication. Integrated marketing communication is known as a strategic coordination of multiple communication voices. The objective of this is to optimize the effect of persuasive communication on both the non-consumer and consumer including trade and professional audiences by coordinating the elements of the marketing mix which include public relations, advertising, package design, promotions and direct marketing (Moore & Thorson 1996). In this regard, it is evident that different approach can be used to ensure that the information of the brands is being conveyed on the targeted market. Furthermore, IMC is also considered as a strategic approach for coordinating all messages and media utilised by a company to collectively affect its perceived brand value (Keegan, Moriarity & Duncan, 1992). In addition, IMC is also referred to as a cross-function approach for generating and sustaining good relationships with clients by controlling or managing strategically all the information sent to them and by purposely encouraging two-way dialogues with target market. Integrated marketing communication has been considered to have an effect in brands. Accordingly, its concept that aims on managing customer relationship has the ability to drive brand value for the company and generate desire results (Clowe & Baack 2004). Through the integrated marketing communication, brands are strategically promoted through the use of various promotional elements as well as marketing process to communicate the message of the company and the brand to the specified target market (Moore and Thorson, 1996). It has been noted that integrated marketing communication is aiming on using direct communication so as to bring behavioural changes among consumers who will purchase a specific brand (Shimp, 2000). Integrated marketing communication also relates the message to the client which brings behavioral changes that helps the brand to establish a strong and tight relation with the target market. Furthermore, the context of integrated marketing communication stresses on the significance of coordination and synergy so as to develop and maintain a strong brand image. By using various communication instruments through the integration concept of marketing communications, industries have the ability to use effective methods to strengthen their brands with their target market and promote stronger brand names to their targets (Kotler, 2004). The IMC approach can also be considered to affect or influence brands positively by giving the brands the chance to sustain their competitive advantage among clients by identifying the most useful and appropriate methods in communicating and establishing good customer relations, which include strong relationships with stakeholders including the employees, investors, suppliers interest groups and the public in general. The main objective of the communicating brand image is to instill a stable and consistent impression among their clients (Fill, 2002). In addition, Integrated Marketing Communication affects brand in a way that it gives the opportunity for the brand to sustain its marketability. The application of integrated marketing tools can enable the brands to communicate with the other target segment. For instance because of the increasing popularity of the world wide web, each company that invests in having their own website will have the chance to reach consumers locally and internationally. This means that the reach of the brand are also extended and expanded in the global market. Through the use of integrated marketing communication. With this, brands of different company will be able to Emerge quickly in the marketplace since the tools and approaches of integrated marketing communication will act as shop window for many businesses today. In addition, this will also permit the clients to easily know important information about a specific brand and to know the different features a specific brand. In addition, the integrated marketing communication is also important in impacting the brand since this will served as a marketing communicating approach for effectively promoting the brands, which will aim to result in a more sales from other distribution channels. The rationale for choosing this marketing channel is that Integrated marketing communication can help brands to meet target consumers worldwide and this could be a great opportunity to be developed and in order for brand to be quickly recognized by the target market. In this regard, the overall campaign element of the brand must be integrated so as to attain the desirable marketing communication objectives. It is said that the target market do not separate or divide sponsorship, advertising, sales promotion, and internet as marketing communications approaches. The clients tend to receive the messages about specific brand from various sources and set up either favourable or unfavourable image of the brand. As far as the company is concerned, the source of the brand information is not that important. What is more essential with is the content of the information conveyed and to what degree the brand promise has been actually delivered to the target market (Fill & Yeshin, 2001). It can be said that all campaign activities lead down to marketing communication and the vital efficient communication is to comprehend how the clients process the vast amount of information that comes their way each and every day and how it helps the brand to reach their target audience (Fill, 2002). In order to sustain the competitive advantage of the specific brand, the market must be able to select only the important message that the management perceive to be important in enhancing the brand value and ignore the rest. If the marketing information is to be selected and process, the management must ensure that it include sensory and life experiences which can easily be determined and change into a unified context, have mental relationships to other categorized brand ideas, and fit into the categories and mental linkages that consumers have already created for themselves. Conclusion The context of branding is said to be useful in terms of comprehending and analysing the competitive position of an organisation. The brand of the company remains an important part of marketing communication as it is mostly recognised by their clients. It can be said that the heavy consideration on marketing communication in branding can create the impression that the brand can be promoted through the use of integrated marketing communication. In this analysis, it shows that brand image strengths and effectiveness is important to sustain the competitive advantage of the company. Much has been said about the importance of having a strong and effective brand image. Based on this analysis, it can be said that a strong and effective brand is something that can influence the choice of the target market and meets the brand personality provided. It can be said that each organisation must have a brand image which addresses the dimensions and characteristics of strong and effective brand. In order to achieve this, the company must be able to manage the brand efficiently. By and large, it can be said that brands have many useful attributes. A brand can be used by the company as promoting recall, as assets, in providing premium and quality in the market, and in generating perceived differentiation. It can also be said that brands is a complex phenomena and it can easily be understood using metaphors such as linking brands into a person. Analysis has shown that to be able to have a strong and effective brand, it must be able to meet the needs and demands of the clients and the company itself. In addition, analysis shows that the use of integrated marketing communication is an important aspect to make the brand be more attractive and appealing to the target market. It can be concluded that integrated marketing communication affect the brand’s competitive position by enabling the target market to know more about the brands. And eventually contribute to increasing sales; notably, integrated marketing communication can help in new institutional development and launches of the brand. In addition, the study shows that a strong and effective brand has the ability to produce audiences in a multi-channel environment that enables the company to be known in the global market. Second, strong and effective brands can be an outcome of an effective integrated marketing communication approach. Reference Aaker, D. (1991). Manage Brand Equity. New York: The Free Press. Aaker, D. A. & Joachimsthaler, E. (2000). Brand leadership. New York: Free Press Asher, J. (1997). Promoting brand identity: what’s your name again? ABA Banking Journal, Vol. 89. Bailey, S. , & Schultz, D. (2000). Customer/Brand Loyalty in an Interactive Marketplace. Journal of Advertising Research, 40(3), 41. Balmer, M. T. J. 7 Wilson, A. (1998). Corporate identity: there is more to it than meets the eye. International Studies of Management & Organization, Vol. 28. Biel, A. (1992). How brand image drives brand equity. Journal of Advertising Research, 32, 6-12. Brassington F, Pettitt S (2000). Principles of Marketing. 2nd edition. Harlow: Financial Times Pitman. Clowe& Baack (2007) integrated advertising, promotion and marketing communications 3rd edition. Pearson Prentice Hall. Engel, J. , Blackwell, R. and Miniard, P. (1995). Consumer behavior, 8th ed. Orlando, FL. : The Dryden Press. Fill C (2002) Integrated marketing communication.oxford butterworth heineman Laforet, S. & Saunders, J. (1999). Managing brand portfolios: Why leaders do what they do. Journal of Advertising Research, Vol. 39. Keller, K. L. (1993). Conceptualizing, measuring, and managing customer-based brand equity. Journal of Marketing, 57(January), 1-22. Kim, H. , Kim, W. G. , & An, J. A (2003). The effect of consumer-based brand equity on firms’ financial performance. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 20 (4), 335-351. Kotler, D. (1997). Marketing management: Analysis, planning, implementation and control (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Kotler, P. (1999). Marketing management analysis, planning, implementation and control (9th ed. ), Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, NJ: Prentice. Hall Inc. Kotler et al (2004). Principle of marketing, the European edition. Kotler, P 2001 Marketing Management. Northwestern University: Prentice Hall International, Inc. McCombs, M. (2003) Everything you know about branding is wrong, expert advises: Guess who’s really in charge? Available at [brandharmony. com]. Accessed July 16, 2008.

Friday, January 3, 2020

Aristotle s Views On Metaphysics And Epistemology

Nolynn Kaufman Professor Jacobs Paper 1- What is Real and How to Know It 10-1-2014 What is Real and How to Know It Throughout time, people have always had varying views and ideas of everything. Through philosophy, these views and ideas can be put into solid words, theories, and assertions. Two very influential and famous philosophers are Plato and Aristotle. Although Aristotle was a student of Plato, they have differing views of metaphysics and epistemology. Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that attempts to give a complete and systematic account of all reality and existence. Epistemology is a branch of philosophy that studies the nature and grounds of knowledge; epistemology asks what something is and how it came to be. One’s metaphysical position influences and affects their epistemological view by forming opinions on what is real or not and coming to knowledge through experience and/or by their metaphysical beliefs of reality. Metaphysics is essentially one’s view on reality and what is real. According to Plato, there are two worlds; one that consists of the forms (non-material and abstract ideas that possess the highest and most fundamental reality), and one that we live in that consists of physical things that seem real and are able to be detected by the 5 senses. Plato thinks that the only world to be concerned with is the one of forms, for that is the only real one. According to Aristotle, there is only the sensible and physical world that we liveShow MoreRelatedLogic, Metaphysics, Epistemology, And The Value Theory1244 Words   |  5 PagesA1.) The four main divisions in Philosophy are: logic, metaphysics, epistemology, and the value theory. †¢ The division of logic is essentially the division in which all reasoning of our knowledges is deemed correct. Logic focuses on arguments within reasoning and accounts for which arguments will be successful and which arguments will fail. The special subject of logic is the breakdown of the the three Laws of Thought: the law of identity, the law of contradiction, and the law of the excludedRead MoreDifferences Between Idealism and Realism3232 Words   |  13 Pagesof reality and of knowledge that attributes to consciousness, or the immaterial mind, a primary role in the constitution of the world, Idealism is the view that all physical objects are mind-dependent and can have no existence apart from a mind that is conscious of them. Chandra and Sharma (2002) show that idealism is opposed to realism, the view that mind-independent physical objects exist that can be known through the senses and has thereby provided an important basis for theories of idealismRead MoreDiffere nces Between Idealism and Realism3232 Words   |  13 Pagesof reality and of knowledge that attributes to consciousness, or the immaterial mind, a primary role in the constitution of the world, Idealism is the view that all physical objects are mind-dependent and can have no existence apart from a mind that is conscious of them. Chandra and Sharma (2002) show that idealism is opposed to realism, the view that mind-independent physical objects exist that can be known through the senses and has thereby provided an important basis for theories of idealismRead MorePhilosophy C100 Quiz 121572 Words   |  7 Pagesthe Bible and the Bible is the word of God is an example of the fallacy of:    | Argumentum ad hominem | X   | Begging the question |    | Straw man |    | Appeal to emotion | 6.   The pre-Socratics were primarily interested in the study of Epistemology.    | True |   X | False | 7.    A proposition whose truth does not depend on sensory experience is known as a(n) ___________ principle.    | a posteriori |    | ad hominem |    | reduction ad absurdum |   X | a priori | 8.    The philosopherRead MoreMy Philosophy Of Life s Philosophy Essay2435 Words   |  10 Pagesimperative (Cesarz, 2007). In this paper, I strive to define metaphysics according to my view of the world around me, epistemology and ethics with regard to the value of life. On Metaphysics I believe that reality is what we perceive it to be. The explanation of reality is limited to what our minds perceive about reality itself. In simple terms, I believe that human beings are limited in what they can know about the world. Metaphysics is all about our sensory constructs, and if we cannot understandRead MoreConcepts Of Knowledge, Reality And Existence2582 Words   |  11 Pagesit. Philosophy is broken up into three concepts; â€Å"an activity, a set of attitudes and a body of content† (Knight, 2006). The body of content concept of philosophy is known as â€Å"epistemology, metaphysics and axiology† (Cohen, 2014). Epistemology is the study of â€Å"the nature of truth and knowledge† (Knight, 2006). Metaphysics is the study of questions relating to reality. Axiology is â€Å"the study of questions of value† and also includes the concepts of ethics and aesthetics (Knight, 2006). Ethics studiesRead MoreAristotle s Philosophy Of The Mind And Soul1176 Words   |  5 Pagesconcepts of change, epistemology, and nature. The scope of this paper is to explain the basic tenants of Aristotle’s philosophy with the hope of shedding some light on his metaphysics and De anima; more specifically, the nature of the human mind and soul in relation to knowledge. Aristotle begins his theory of knowledge with a critique on Plato’s forms. Before sensation and perception can be discussed, a rudimentary understanding of his other theories is necessary. For Aristotle, the Forms did notRead MoreMy Life Experience And My Outlook Essay1627 Words   |  7 Pagesquestions that were lingering in the back of my head for years. And if it did not answer the questions, it certainly gave me the tools to dig deeper into my own thoughts, and ideas, and challenge them. I start off with what philosophy called metaphysics, the study of existence. Growing up in a fundamental religion I always had questions about our beginning, or arche’, as a human race. I was taught the preverbal Adam and Eve idea, but that brought about so many other questions. Who was beforeRead More Heideggers Reading of Descartes Dualism Essay4357 Words   |  18 PagesHeideggers Reading of Descartes Dualism ABSTRACT: The problem of traditional epistemology is the relation of subject to external world. The distinction between subject and object makes possible the distinction between the knower and what is known. Starting with Descartes, the subject is a thinking thing that is not extended, and the object is an extended thing which does not think. Heidegger rejects this distinction between subject and object by arguing that there is no subject distinct fromRead MoreHU4640 Project Part11650 Words   |  7 Pagesway you act in day to day situations. An example of emotion based ethics is happiness. If you are doing something and it makes you happy, you might feel that it is the right thing to do. Intuitionism is a family of views in moral epistemology (and, on some definitions, metaphysics). An example of this is when you get a feeling in the pit of your stomach and your hair stands on end. You might not know why, but something is tweaking your animal instincts. Virtue Ethics (Individualism) and Care

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Essay on Eight Periods of Human Development - 429 Words

There are eight periods of human development that include, prenatal period, infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood. These eight periods make up the three major developmental periods; child, adolescent and adult development. The prenatal period takes place in the first two weeks of conception. Heredity and environmental influences (which are often negative) are also developed during this stage. At this stage the organism is more susceptible to these influences, than during any other period. Infancy is the next stage, various changes start to occur and attachments start to form. Coordination, sensory and motor skills start to develop, as well as the expression of†¦show more content†¦They form relationships with their peers, develop spoken vocabulary, and began to decipher between genders and their roles. Middle childhood is the development of personality, motivation, and inter-personal relationships. Growth at this stage is usually slowed until puberty is reached. Children at this age tend to learn by hands-on learning activities. The adolescent individuals begin to reach sexual maturity and established their identity as an adult. This period marks the transition in which individuals think and reason. They also start to encounter conflicts between their family and their peers. Finally, adulthood consists of early adulthood, middle adulthood and late adulthood. Early adulthood is a stage where individuals are physically in their best condition. Memory and thinking abilities are sharp, life decisions are made, and they take on roles of independence. Middle adulthood is when individuals start to reflect on their lives as a whole. Retirement planning and sadness over unaccomplished goals began to surface, during this particular stage. Some physical changes such as hearing and vision start to take place. Focusing more on health, relationships and becoming tolerable with death are all signs of late adulthood development. The immune system, vision, hearing, and muscle strength start to decline. Loss of memory is a cognitive trait that is relatedShow MoreRelatedThe Stages Of Psychological Development1151 Words   |  5 Pagesto the Erikson’s Eight Stages, humans go through eight stages of psychological development. Each stage occurs at different age groups and they all contain different characteristics. Birth to one year old would be considered the first stage of psychological development. During this time period, the human develops trust towards others and on the negative side the human would develop mistrust for others. One to three years old would be the second stage of psychological development. During this stageRead MoreHow Strategic Management Plan And The Human Resource Planning Process1410 Words   |  6 Pagesanalyze on an ongoing basis to enhance the strategic plan of the organization. The relationship between the eight elements of the staffing process and the human resource planning process helps to determine where there may be a problem and what is needed to bring about a long-term solution. Another approach connected to the human resource planning activities is the organization‘s strategic development and implementation as charted in our text by Plunkett, Allen, and Attner, (2013). As we examine theseRead MoreEssay on RightsOfaFetusPSY3571266 Words   |  6 PagesSanchez PSY-357 February 1, 2015 Amie Perez It is a Life The creation of human life is an extraordinary system of cells combined to make a single individual, unique and beautiful. The only concern is closing the doors to a modern day holocaust. The nation might be blinded, but convincing others who are less human, do not have the same rights to life as you and I? Whether it is a zygote, blastocyst, embryo, or fetus it is still a human being no matter how far along in pregnancy the fetus has rights; evokingRead MoreErik Erikson s Developmental Theory Essay1628 Words   |  7 Pagessteps a developing human should to pass from infancy to adulthood. Erikson identified eight steps of the psychological development. The ideas of Erikson were heavily influenced by an Austrian psychologist Sigmund Freud, who also analyzed the human psychological development and identified psychosexual stages of development. However, Erikson did not emphasize the predominant role of sexual development in psychological development. He argued that the role of culture and society on a human was the most significantRead MoreHuman Development Paper854 Words   |  4 Pages Human Development James West PSY/280 September 26 2012 Robert Keele Human Development Human growth and development starts from the moment a child is conceived and continues until the day we die. There are many different stages of development all depending on the person’s beliefs on how we develop. All theories explain a specific growth and development for a specific time for an individual starting from birth to the time of their death. Not all the theories are agreed on becauseRead MoreErik Erikson s Theory Of Psychosocial Development884 Words   |  4 Pagestheory of psychosocial development and the concept of the identity crisis. His theories marked an important shift in thinking on personality; instead of focusing simply on early childhood event, his psychosocial theory looked at how social influences contribute to personality throughout the entire lifespan. Erik Erikson died May 12, 1994 due to prostate cancer. (Erik Erikson, 2015). Stages of Psychosocial Development Comprehension of Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development requires an understandingRead MoreThe Impact Of Sensory Processing Disorder On Development And Development1500 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction The human life span is from conception to death and can be divided into eight different developmental periods. This essay will focus on the early childhood period that ranges from two to five or six years of age. Firstly, this essay will describe the typical developmental milestones during early childhood and how they play an important role in each developmental stage that follows. Secondly, it will analyse how the home and educational environments influence early childhood. FinallyRead MoreDoes an Infant’s Temperament Shape His/Her Cognitive and Socio-Emotional Development?1333 Words   |  6 Pagescognitive, socio-emotional development. I will discuss various theories of human development, identify the social and emotional domains development and how they affect temperament. I will discuss the eight stages of socialization according to Eric Erikson, and the cultural perspectives of temperament. A person’s temperament, biology, environment, and even attachment to others can affect how social the individual is. Temperament is an important aspect of emotional development. Temperament is theRead More The Nature of Child Development Essay1172 Words   |  5 PagesHuman development has been a subject of interest since ancient Greece and Rome. Different approaches derive from two basic directions: the nativists` and empiricists` ones. The latter method is to regard human development as a gradual change which has been influenced by the individual`s experience .On the other hand, the former approach has found its roots in the biological structure of the human organism which considers our development as a series of stages. However, referring to human developmentRead MoreEarly Childhood Education Is The Most Rapid Period Of Development960 Words   |  4 PagesAfter doing a little research I have come to the conclusion that Early Childhood Education is the most rapid period of development in a human brain. The years from conception through birth to eight years of age critical to the complete and healthy cognitive, emotional and physical growth of children. The brain is part of the central nervous system, and plays a decisive role in controlling many bodily functions, including both voluntary activities such as walking or speaking and involuntary ones

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Theme Of Dehumanization In A Lesson Before Dying - 881 Words

â€Å"Humankind struggles with collective powers for its freedom, the individual struggles with dehumanization for the possession of his soul.† – Saul Bellow. This is what occurs to the characters in the novels A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey. Throughout, it is visible that the individuals encounter several situations in which they are dehumanized, and the effects that it leaves on them is evident in multiple ways. Both novels A Lesson Before Dying and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest demonstrate the brutal theme of social and racial oppression and how shame prevails throughout, resulting in the outbreak of rebellious acts, and leading to the characters’ grueling yet impactful journey†¦show more content†¦Instead of Nurse Ratched taking care of the patients’ wellbeing, she manipulates and controls them by using several methods, such as electroshock therapy and the group thera py sessions. McMurphy immediately notices after the session the strategies that she uses to dominate the patients, and tells them that this is her way of oppressing and degrading them. Moreover, in A Lesson Before Dying, Jefferson’s lawyer calls him a ‘hog’, and it is shown how great of an impact it has on him. During one of Grant’s visits to the courthouse, Jefferson says to Grant, â€Å"I’m a old hog,† (Gaines, page 83). This quote depicts that Jefferson himself believes that he is a hog. He thinks he is not worthy enough and is considered a â€Å"nobody†. He even goes to the extent of sticking his head in a bag of food and eats without his hands to show Grant how hogs eat, which portrays the effect that it leaves on him. Similarly, in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Billy Bibbit’s mother dominates and oppresses him. Due to her controlling behaviours, he never has any experiences with women. Billy tells his mother abou t how he is looking for a wife. She says he has â€Å"scads of time for things like that.† (Kesey, page 295). He then tells her that he is thirty-one years old, and she says, â€Å"...do I look like the mother of a middle-aged man?† (Kesey, page 295). This quote refers to the fact that Billy is an everlasting child. His mom does not let him age accurately because it would mean thatShow MoreRelatedA Lesson Before Dying By Ernest Gaines961 Words   |  4 PagesA Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines implicitly expresses the ideas of racial injustice, dehumanization, and false stereotyping through Ernest Gaines’s use of simple diction. Gaines’s writing style is plainly-descriptive and simple. For example, â€Å"The bag burst open, and there was fried chicken and biscuits and sweet potatoes all over the place.† Clearly, his use of descriptive words are bland and elementary-like. This, however, is intentional because it contrasts with the character of t he blackRead MoreMe Up at Does - Alternate Perspective1757 Words   |  8 Pagesfigurative language; the incorporation symbols and allegorical elements into the poem; the use of symbolism requiring an imagination of each individual reader; and, of course, an underlying theme, which this author leaves to our own interpretation. This seemingly-simple poem actually provides a variety of themes for exploration in seeking to determine the author’s overall meaning behind the composition of E.E. Cummings’s Me up at does. Me up at does introduces us to a 3rd person (limited) speaker

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

An Assignment on Human Resource Management Case Analysis

Question: Describe about An Assignment on Human Resource Management with Case Analysis? Answer: Introduction: The report aims at critically evaluating and assessing contemporary theories as well as concepts based on strategic human resource management. It highlights upon the case scenario of Corus organization to provide a deep insight into the aspects of human resource management and associated problems that the department of the Company face(Cameron Green, 2004). The analysis has been conducted with reference to best fit practices as well approaches based upon suitable drivers of performance of jobs. Key challenges that Corus faces with respect to human resource management have been highlighted, followed by appropriate responses as well as strategies to achieve the desired objectives of the organization. Strategic Human Resource Management: Strategic Human Resource Management refers to the vivid intensions of an organization including its plans of achieving organizational objectives through human assets. The concept in built upon three propositions firstly human capital acts as a key source of competitive advantage; secondly individuals who are meant to implement designed strategic plan; thirdly it is important to adopt systematic approach for defining the objectives the organization wants to achieve (Burke, Noblet Cooper, 2013). The process of strategic human resource management includes the utilization of effective approaches for development of specific strategies that are vertically integrated with corporate strategy and with each other horizontally. Sources: (Wilkinson Kannan, 2013) Resource-based approach Strategic HRM bears five main approaches, namely resource-based strategy, increased performance management, attaining strategic fit, highly-involved management, and committed management. Resource-based strategy refers to developing strategic capability. It addresses methods to increase strategic capability by growth of managers as well as other staffs involved in strategic planning. Strategic fit All strategies of human resource need to be aligned as per corporate strategy. These must be an integral part of corporate strategy that contributes towards planning of business process. The actual purpose is to attain a coherent technique for managing members whereby different practices are in fact mutually supportive (Boxall Purcell, 2011). High-performance management This aims at impacting upon organizational performance by means of people in areas like that of productivity, customer service, quality, profits, growth, and finally imparting higher shareholder values. It basically includes rigorous procedure of recruitment as well as selection, effective training and development activities, performance managing processes, and incentive pay system. Increased-involvement management It involves the process of treating organizational members as business partners who need to be valued and respected. The main purpose is to develop a suitable climate whereby management and employees meet and discuss matters of increased involvement and participation to define desired objectives and sharing essential information relating to organizational vision, objectives, and values. Such an approach is helpful in understanding what must be achieved and how it is to be achieved. It has been defined by Storey(Bolton Houlihan, 2007) that hard human resource management emphasizes upon costs that are incurred by organizational human resources. On the other hand, soft human resource management emphasizes upon the human aspects of the concept. Best Practices: Johnson has detailed that best practices refer to those practices of human resource management within an organization that possess additive, universal, and positive impacts upon organizational performances. It relates to the basic fact that such desirable best practices each member would add would result in overall enhanced performances of an organization (Cook, Macaulay Coldicott, 2004). This concept is based on the theory of universalism. In this case, an assumption would be a set of practices aiming at increased organizational commitment or performance to benefit a business firm. Source: (Mitchell, 2007) Brief Summary of the Company: As referred to in the case scenario, Corus was established in the year 1999 on merging of British Steel plc with that of the Dutch Company Hoogovens. Now, it is a subsidiary of Indian Tata group. Corus includes three sub parts Strip Products, Long Products, and Distribution and Building Systems. Corus Strip Products in UK manufactures steel in strip manner(Beardwell, Holden Claydon, 2004). These are utilized within markets of vehicle manufacture, electric appliances, construction, tubes as well as packaging. The Company aims at being a leader within the steel industry with its quality products, high customer service and value to shareholders. Moreover, it is a company with with highly committed members with relative low turnover. Overall costs of payroll are quite low as compared to other costs like raw materials or energy. Cost of labor is only around 13% of total costs. This is actually quite less as compared to other assembly line processes. Problems faced by Corus: Although the Company has been performing effectively and strategically, there are some issues that have been prominent within the organization and often prove to be significant barriers towards positive organizational changes. Change is often regarded as a factor challenging abilities, customs, practices and experiences of individuals (Armstrong, 2008). It is often a threat for an organization. Change may create resistance towards successful change. For instance, on changing job roles, managers as well as employees may feel they are losing out on power. When number of jobs is reduced, other employees feel insecure. This often results in low morale as well as poor productivity. Although the firm increasingly supported change as well as innovation, not every time that it realized success or desirable outcomes. Some of the problems that Corus Strip Products faced are: Workforce issues Corus has an ageing workforce. It possesses an appreciated degree of expertise within the organization including long-standing increased rewards that retained skilled and experienced human assets in the industry. Aged employees with increased technical skills and abilities stayed since these were not that easily transferable. Only a less number of young employees felt attracted towards the industry due to less job opportunities as well as reduction in number of apprenticeship schemes in the nation. Corus plc possessed a history of rewarding lengthy service instead of distinguished service. This refers to the fact that all those members who were retained in the firm for a long period of time often with low productivity were given increased rewards than new members with high productivity(Amann, n.d.). This happens to be an area within Corus that required major changes and improvements so that all those members with increased performances were rewarded adequately. Cultural issues Corus Strip Products is quite successful in traditional industry. This refers to the fact that it had structured activities in relevant business areas. The attitude that is borne in the minds of the organizational people leads to the difficulty in bringing about necessary changes (Sunny Hu Cheng, 2010). Some employees at the organization were frightened of uncertainties as well as considered some initiatives to be threat to current status. Job reduction happened to be one of the most concerning issues for the firm and some of the previous approaches led to several job cuts. Most of the members did not consider it to be concerning since the organization had previously faced some difficult times and even coped effectively. Hence, this made possibility of changes to be further difficult. Performance Measurement: The concept of performance management is one of the most crucial of HRM department. As per research it has been identified that the process of performance management system in the current scenario is much more effective and robust as compared to that in the previous times. Although the system has improved adequately from past, there still remains scopes for further betterment. The company has been conducting performance appraisals by the traditional feedback system, whereby feedbacks from organizational employees are gathered and analyzed to conclude something. Another factor is the inappropriate implementation of the techniques and improper documentation of performance managing system. It has been identified from the research that the aspect of performance management in Corus forms the basis for any other activities of human resource management such as annual bonus related to employee performance rating, decisions of job rotation, training needs and job promotions. Thus, the firm ne eds to emphasize more upon its performance management system (Lee, Lee Wu, 2010). Corus must aim at enhancing its overall performance of human capital along with their self-development. To quite an extent, it has put efforts to address all relevant issues; however due to increased level of subjectivity as well as key decisions related to that. The managers must focus upon the Hertzbergs two factor theory that states factors, one resulting in job dissatisfaction related to hygiene and another resulting in job satisfaction related to motivators. The employees at Corus must be provided with the basic amenities and management must take control of such aspects. Sources: (Amann, n.d.) Organizational Change Management: With respect to change management at Corus, whenever things changed, it had created stress as well panic for its employees. This is especially at the lower level of organizational hierarchy. Every time any change occurred within the operational setting of Corus due to technological or economic or legal and environmental factors, the managers felt the pressure in an unrealistic manner and then these were decentralized to the lower levels in an increased manner(Wilkinson Kannan, 2013). The firm had failed to see beyond the change and assess the probable reasons of changes. This resulted in the faulty interpretations of changes. The managers failed to assess the rising situations and were only short-focused instead of having long forecasting capabilities. HRM Process at Corus: While effects of global financial crisis were quite strong and were felt at varied extents across the entire area where Corus operates, maintaining happy and contented employees as well as providing them enough motivation during the hard times has always remained the central attention for the Companys human resource department. It is a strong realization of the firm that its employees form the most precious human capital that play key role in creating competitive advantage of the business in the world (Wilkinson Kannan, 2013). When the world was hit by the economic crisis, employees of Corus has their own contribution to the tough times and the initiatives to cut off costs as well as increase value in the latter half of the year. Although the Company maintains a well defined policy regarding human resource, yet managing it is not that easy. The employees cooperate as teams and aims at achieving common goals. Yet, the leader has immense roles to play (Das, 2003). There is a lack of open discussion sessions amidst managers and employees to allow people speak and convey feelings. On the other hand, managers also fail to communicate effectively with the employees. There is a sheer lack of commitment, autonomy and confidence among the employees Challenges of Human Resource Management: The human resource managers within Corus have been facing serious issues in the on-going business scenario such as globalization, technological advances, workforce diversity, and political changes including that of legal or environmental changes within information technology. Such challenges are said to enhance the pressure upon human resource managers for attracting, retaining, and nurturing human talent at Corus (Tsui Lai, 2009). Globalization At the economic as well as political level, globalization refers to a process of market denationalization, legal and legal systems and politics, that is utilization of global economy. Globalization is an extension across national borders of similar market forces which have been operating for centuries at various levels of human economic activity(Fletcher, 2002). This refers that both world trade as well as financial markets are getting more and more integrated. This also imposes a threat upon the human resource management of organizations like that of Corus group (Hsu, 2015). The managers possess a challenge for dealing with increased number of functions, increased heterogeneous operations as well as increased involvement within personal life of employees. Technological advances A risk exists in adapting with workplace for increased technological changes that influence work nature as well as generate obsolescence (Kazi, 2005). At Corus, advanced technology has reduced the frequency of jobs which require less skills as well as increased number of those jobs that require considerable skills. In fact, it has been a shift from labor work to knowledge work. This demands changes in the organizational setting accordingly. Workforce diversity Workforce diversity includes age, gender, ethnicity, ancestry, physical qualities or abilities, sexual orientation, race, educational background, income, geographic location, educational background, marital status, religious beliefs, work experience, and parental status. The Company is said to face serious challenges due to the existing workforce diversity (Grieves, 2003). The mixture of multiple talents of varied cultural backgrounds, ages, genders and lifestyle within the organization has given rise of issues related to human resource management and requires immediate measures. The challenges that are faced due to workforce diversity may be transformed into strategic asset of Corus if it capitalizes upon these diverse talents. In the recent years, Corus is said to lose its markets as well as talent to its competitors(Andresen Kleiner, 2005). Changes in political or legal environment This refers to the changes within political parties as well as rules and regulation on account of new set of laws. This is another threat that Corus faces since it fails to abide by those rules. Several changes have been taking place within the political as well as legal framework (Leffakis, 2009). The human resource is not efficient enough at Corus to conduct effective practices to bring about the necessary changes or adjustments in the organization. They in fact fail to anticipate changes and face these without any hamper to normal operations. Changes in economic environment This factor involves examination of effects of several factors of production. These include inadequate availability of raw materials, power, electricity, encouraging culture of consumerism, increasing awareness of consumers, demanding quality products, and maintaining upward trend within inflationary pressures, decline in value of rupee, increasing demands of high wages, and enormous costs of employee welfare as well as other benefits (Martin, 2010). In case of Corus, the inflationary economy led to the scarcity of resources, higher cost of machine, labor and material. These raise the operational costs of Corus. Information Technology Revolution The factor of information technology has greatly impacted the human resource management of Corus by means of its customized information system in the department (Truss, Mankin Kelliher, 2012). This even led to a challenge that Corus had to face in terms of using electronic computers for making decisions related to management, and that of impacts of strategic functioning. Besides these the research shows that there are other aspects as well as in Corus that requires adequate attention(Mello, 2006). Some of these are training need analysis, linking rewards as well as recognition with effective performance appraisal, personal development plan, attention towards methods of appraisal, involvement of employees within setting of targets, safety policies, active participation of employees in organizational processes, coordination between superior as well as subordinates, managing time in performance appraisal as well as providing feedback, etc. Source: (Agrawal Thite, 2003) Recommendation for Improvements: In the present on-going situation of human resource management of Corus, the department has been evidenced to face severe challenges in its operations such as globalization, changing information system, workforce diversity, changing economic and legal environment, etc. The challenges that Corus had been facing in context to human resource management may be overcome and managed with some careful planning and implementation of suitable action measures by the organizational management itself (Mitchell, 2007). Although the challenges are inevitable, yet these can be managed effectively with strategic approach. It is important to conduct training for human resource personnel that are cross-cultural in nature in order to help them understand other cultures as well. It is necessary to motivate professional experts on a constant basis so that they do not change organizations that frequently. It is not always important to motivate people with financial means, but it can be achieved even by non-financial means such as increased encouragement, employee training, and job satisfaction(Price, 2004). Human resource department at Corus need to adapt themselves to the technological advancements and keep accepting the positive changes for organizational betterment. The organization need to shift its human resource strategies along with the changing economy. The strategies need to be agile, flexible and adaptive in nature. Whenever technical changes occur within the organizational setting of Corus, it would require implementation of increased training to the existing employees and workers. Since training as well as development acts as the realm of this specific department, it gives rise to a challenge meant for human resource managers (Pugh Mayle, 2009). Therefore, human resource managers at Corus need to initially determine the type of training that would be necessary along with implementation of training measures for ensuring every worker to keep up with the prevailing technical changes. The managers of the specific department must determine the preferred perfect timing for training the employees and the time to recruit the vacant posts with new technical workers at Corus. On account of the changing pattern of information system, it is important that the human resource managers as well as other professionals are given adequate training regarding the adopted human resource information system and supporting them to overcome the emerging challenges (Robinson, 2006). The organization needs to use an effective performance evaluating system as well as career development planning strategy for reducing professional mobility. The situation of aspects related to human resource management may be improved by utilizing motivational techniques whereby the managers may motivate employees and workers with both financial and non-financial techniques (Truss, Mankin Kelliher, 2012). The human resource professionals need to possess a strong sense of responsibility with empowering attitude, capability of providing and receiving feedback, hard work, etc. The professionals at Corus need to master knowledge within group dynamics as well as group functioning, strategies of managing conflict. The employees need to identify themselves with the organizational abilities (Rowley Jackson, 2011). Conclusion: Although the Company has been performing effectively and strategically, there are some issues that have been prominent within the organization and often prove to be significant barriers towards positive organizational changes. Change is often regarded as a factor challenging abilities, customs, practices and experiences of individuals (Sparrow, Scullion Tarique, n.d.). Human resource practices on a general basis are becoming increasingly challenging every day. This is even reflective in case of Corus Strip Products. The firm has been facing several problems such as attracting new employees, retaining existing employees, dealing with workforce diversity, informational as well as technological changes, training needs and processes, managing work culture, etc. For reducing mobility of professional human resource experts, the managers of the department along with higher authorities of Corus need to encourage the people in various ways so as to make them realize their value within the or ganization. References Amann, W.Integrity in organizations. Armstrong, M. (2008).Strategic human resource management. London: Kogan Page. Beardwell, I., Holden, L., Claydon, T. (2004).Human resource management. Harlow: FT Prentice Hall. Bolton, S., Houlihan, M. (2007).Searching for the human in human resource management. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Boxall, P., Purcell, J. (2011).Strategy and human resource management. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. Burke, R., Noblet, A., Cooper, C. (2013).Human Resource Management in the Public Sector. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing. Cameron, E., Green, M. (2004).Making sense of change management. London: Kogan Page. Cook, S., Macaulay, S., Coldicott, H. (2004).Change management excellence. London: Kogan Page. Das, H. (2003).Performance management. Toronto: Prentice Hall. Fletcher, D. (2002).Understanding the small family business. London: Routledge. Grieves, J. (2003).Strategic human resource development. London: Sage Publications. Kazi, A. (2005).Knowledge management in the construction industry. Hershey PA: Idea Group Pub. Leffakis, Z. (2009).The effects of high performance work systems on operational performance in different manufacturing environments. Martin, J. (2010).Key concepts in human resource management. Los Angeles: SAGE. Mello, J. (2006).Strategic human resource management. Mason, Ohio: Thomson/South-Western. Mitchell, D. (2007).Performance management. Chandni Chowk, Delhi: Global Media. Price, A. (2004).Human resource management in a business context. Australia: United Kingdom. Pugh, D., Mayle, D. (2009).Change management. Los Angeles: SAGE. Robinson, I. (2006).Human resource management in organisations. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Rowley, C., Jackson, K. (2011).Human resource management. London: Routledge. Sparrow, P., Scullion, H., Tarique, I.Strategic talent management. Truss, C., Mankin, D., Kelliher, C. (2012).Strategic human resource management. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Truss, C., Mankin, D., Kelliher, C. (2012).Strategic human resource management. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Tsui, A., Lai, K. (2009).Professional practices of human resource management in Hong Kong. Aberdeen, Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press. Wilkinson, T., Kannan, V. (2013).Strategic Management in the 21st Century [3 volumes]. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO. Sunny Hu, H., Cheng, C. (2010). Job stress, coping strategies, and burnout among hotel industry supervisors in Taiwan.The International Journal Of Human Resource Management,21(8), 1337-1350. doi:10.1080/09585192.2010.483867 Agrawal, N., Thite, M. (2003). Human resource issues, challenges and strategies in the Indian software industry.International Journal Of Human Resources Development And Management,3(3), 249. doi:10.1504/ijhrdm.2003.003664 Andresen, K., Kleiner, B. (2005). Effective human resource management in the steel industry.Management Research News,28(11/12), 32-43. doi:10.1108/01409170510785219 Hsu, Y. (2015). The Review of Human Resource Strategies Applying in Hospitality Industry in South California.International Business Research,8(3). doi:10.5539/ibr.v8n3p133 Lee, F., Lee, T., Wu, W. (2010). The relationship between human resource management practices, business strategy and firm performance: evidence from steel industry in Taiwan.The International Journal Of Human Resource Management,21(9), 1351-1372. doi:10.1080/09585192.2010.488428

Monday, December 2, 2019

Moby Dick Essays - Moby-Dick, Captain Ahab, Ishmael, Moby Dick

Moby Dick The moral ambiguity of the universe is prevalent throughout Melville's Moby Dick. None of the characters represent pure evil or pure goodness. Even Melville's description of Ahab, whom he repeatedly refers to "monomaniacal," suggesting an amorality or psychosis, is given a chance to be seen as a frail, sympathetic character. When Ahab's "monomaniac" fate is juxtaposed with that of Ishmael, that moral ambiguity deepens, leaving the reader with an ultimate unclarity of principle. The final moments of Moby Dick bring the novel to a terse, abrupt climax. The mutual destruction of the Pequod and the White Whale, followed by Ishmael's epilogue occupies approximately half a dozen pages. Despite Melville's previous tendency to methodically detail every aspect of whaling life, he assumes a concise, almost journalistic approach in the climax. Note that in these few pages, he makes little attempt to assign value judgements to the events taking place. Stylistically, his narration is reduced to brusque, factual phrases using a greater number of semicolons. By ending the book so curtly, Melville makes a virtually negligible attempt at denouement, leaving what value judgements exist to the reader. Ultimately, it is the dichotomy between the respective fortunes of Ishmael and Ahab that the reader is left with. Herein lies a greater moral ambiguity than is previously suggested. Although Ishmael is the sole survivor of the Pequod, it is notable that in his own way, Ahab fulfills his desire for revenge by ensuring the destruction of the White Whale alongside his own end. Despite the seeming superiority of Ishmael's destiny, Melville does not explicitly indicate so. On the contrary, he subtly suggests that Ishmael's survival is lonely and empty upon being rescued: "It was the devious-cruising Rachel, that in her retracing search after her missing children, only found another orphan." (724) That single instance of the appellation "orphan" as applied to Ishmael speaks volumes when taken in light of the destruction of the Pequod and her crew. Melville's inclusion of Ishmael's survival as an epilogue, a suffix attached to the dramatic destruction of the Pequod, suggests that Ishmael's survival is an afterthought to the fate of Ahab and the rest of his crew. Ishmael's quiet words at the beginning of the chapter, "Why then here does any one step forth? ?Because one did survive the wreck," (723) indicate a deep humility on Ishmael's part. The question is then raised of why Ishmael is the sole survivor. It is clear that Ishmael significantly differs with Ahab concerning their respective perspectives of the White Whale. Ishmael clearly indicates in the chapter "The Try Works" how disagreeable he finds the mission and mentality of those around him: "?the rushing Pequod, freighted with savages, and laden with fire, and burning a corpse, and plunging into that blackness of darkness, seemed the material counterpart of her monomaniac commander's soul." (540) Here, Ishmael breaks his usual detached observancy and boldly divorces himself from Ahab's mission and those whom Ahab has recruited to aid him . Ishmael further distinguishes himself from the rest of the crew by being the sole non-exploiter of whales in general. Melville makes it clear early on that Ishmael initially chooses to ship on the Pequod for the experiential value of whaling. It has been indicated that his outlook on the whale is the only significantly benign one. Whereas Ishmael is terrified by the "whiteness of the whale," Stubb sees economic gain in the valuable whale oil, subtly hinted at by his overbearing gloating upon his first kill. In the harpooneers, we see a violent savageness, even in Queequeg's otherwise loving nature. To Ahab, the whale is a emblem of pure evil. Even prudent, rational Starbuck looks on the whale as a dumb animal, which it is his duty to exploit. The terror that Ishmael perceives is a consequence of his own vague fear of the whale's "nothingness." What Ishmael fears is the mystical, terrifying manifestation of white in the natural world, coupled with its subversion of the sense of purity attached to whiteness in the human world. Ishmael is distinguished from the rest of the crew in his ability to consider the perspectives of the others. In his role as narrator, Ishmael's ability to detachedly analyze the viewpoints of those around