Globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 9

Globalization - Essay Example Alternatively taken as synonymous with globalization are the concepts of free market, economic liberalization, westernization or Americanization, technological (Internet) revolution, global integration, and internationalization (Scheuerman, 2006). â€Å"†¦the fundamental changes in the spatial and temporal contours of social existence, according to which the significance of space or territory undergoes shifts in the face of a no less dramatic acceleration in the temporal structure of crucial forms of human activity.† (Scheuerman, 2006) Broken down to its essential concept, globalization is the change in our culture because of the growing insignificance of time and space in our lifestyle and in the manner we deal with one another. People get in contact and interact in progressively shorter periods of time, and often almost instantaneously, such that the illusion of no-distance is perceived to exist among us. This is not confined to the use of electronic means of communicating long distances, but encompasses rather the vast area of elements and attributes that define human existence. This definition given to globalization also precludes the idea that any one country or culture dominates the acculturation process. Globalization had been associated with Westernization (or Americanization), giving way to â€Å"a psycho-cultural underdevelopment†¦ expressed in a desire to imitate blindly the Western way of life, thought, and development pattern† (Dhaouadi, 2002). In the first half of the twentieth century, it is undeniable that the US and Western Europe were the predominant net providers of capital in the world, and Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and much of the rest of the world were net users. Classical economists argue that economic growth depends upon capital accumulation, and in the case of a lack of it, then capital infusion to generate production (Muhammad, Majeed,

Marketing of Company Revive Gum that Removes Stress Essay

Marketing of Company Revive Gum that Removes Stress - Essay Example Products such as energy drinks and vitamins have become a popular commodity amongst consumers. Moreover, the features of our product extended far beyond just the traditional needs of the customer. The innovation of making a product that not only is packed with energy boosting supplements such as L-Carnitine, treated for failing memory, Echinacea, proven to improve immune system response, ginseng, but would also whiten teeth. The gum industry according to studies is also a huge market accumulating for 60% of the market share and is estimated to be worth $19 billion in sales. Also, gum is such a cheap commodity that is purchased by every demographic group from children to senior citizens. Hence, the group decided that this would be a great market to enter in. Revive, is an innovative gum product that is scientifically proven to reduce stress in everyday basis. Revive uses all natural vitamins and ingredients that are proven to enhance memory, diminish stress, and enable the person to a chieve unbelievable focus. Revive uses key vitals ingredients such as B12, B-6, L-Arginine that energizes the nervous system. Revive also uses all natural ingredients such as Fluoride and Calcium to whiten teeth. Revive is the only product in the market possesses all these features. One of the major problems identified in today’s society is the fact that people are engaged in activities that produce stress. Our study proved that around 70% of the population was heavily involved in stress-related activities. Clearly, a solution was needed to resolve that particular problem. Furthermore, research showed that people admitted that they are a better person as far as coping with stress is concerned. In addition, 60% of the people approved that dealing with stress in a natural way gives them a positive direction in life. Most people also reported feeling weak and lethargic when faced with stress. Clearly, people wanted to feel better and live better, which became a critical componen t in developing our product. Hence, as smart marketers, we decided it was a smart idea to create a product that not only whitens teeth but also acts as a stress reliever.

A Data Flow Diagram Information Technology Essay

A Data Flow Diagram Information Technology Essay Other than data flow, system requirement specification also need to be focuses. A requirements specification is a document which is used as a communication medium between the customers and the supplier. When the software requirement specification is completed and is accepted by all parties, the end of the requirements engineering phase has been reached. In the end of the assignment, we will learn about the flow of system shown uses Data Flow Diagram and how Requirement Specification work. 2.0 Data Flow Diagram Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a graphical uses to represent the flow of data in a system. It shows the flow of data as they moving between input and output. The purpose of using Data Flow Diagram as a representative of a system is to provide a simple method of describing how the system work without needed to focus on the detail of the computer systems. Symbol of Data Flow Diagram A Data Flow Diagram uses 4 basic symbols as representative of process, data stores, data flow and entities. There are few different versions of DFD uses but still it is also serving as the same purpose. Description Symbol Entities It uses can represent a human, subsystem or system. This where certain data comes from / goes to. People often draw external entities on the edge of a diagram. Process A process is a function or activity where the manipulation and change of data takes place. A process can be decomposed to better level of details purpose of representing how data is being processed within the process. Data Store A data store represents the storage of data required and which it produced by the process. Examples of data stores: database, membership forms, and more. Data Flow A data flow represents the flow of the system, whereby its direction represented by an arrow head that shows at the end of flow. 2.1 Level of Data Flow Diagram A Data Flow Diagram is hierarchical, divide into 3 types: Level 0 Level 1 Level 2 2.1.1 Level 0 DFD In level 0 DFD, it only focuses on the context view of the flow in 1 process which is the most simplify version of DFD. 2.1.2 Level 1 DFD In level 1 DFD, it goes deeper then level 0, which it expand the graphical model into more complex that represent the flow of data. 2.1.3 Level 2 DFD In level 2 DFD, it focuses more closely in one particular process in level 1. 2.2 Rules of Data Flow Diagram There are few rules that must be follow when creating a Data Flow Diagram (DFD): Data flow that connects YES NO A process to another process Check mark symbol A process to an external entity Check mark symbol A process to a data store Check mark symbol An external entity to another external entity Check mark symbol An external entity to a data store Check mark symbol A data store to another data store Check mark symbol 2.3 Student Registration System Below is an example of 3 different types of Data Flow Diagram uses in a simple student registration system for a college: 2.3.1 Level 0: Registration Form Student registration system Student Confirmation Letter 2.3.2 Level 1: 1.0 Verify Availability Open course D1 Accept / Reject result Registration form Course Course info Course enrollment 2.0 Enroll Student Student Student info Registration Confirmation letter D2 3.0 Confirm Registration Student Update info 2.3.3 Level 2: Course Open course D1 1.0 Verify Availability Advisor Registration form Student Course info Reject 1.1 Permission Course enrollment Accept Confirmation Letter 2.0 Enroll student Student Registration Student info D2 Update info Payment Registration fee 2.1 Account D3 2.2 Course payment method Receipt issued 2.2.2 2.2.1 Installment Financial aid Update info 3.0 Requirement Specification In a large project the analyst could also have a number of people work under them. Theses extra staff would carry out the questionnaires, observations and interviews, required to develop the overall specification. When developing a project, an agreement between the client and project team are formed. Document of requirement specification gave the information to client or customer regarding the project. 3.1 Layout of Requirement Specification The requirement specification is carefully listed and highlighted according the following: Scope of the system Objectives Timing Constraints Inputs Outputs Processing requirement Contract 3.1.1 Scope of the system This offers a context for the system within the organization. For instance, the scope will regularly define what it will not do and general explanation of what it will do. 3.1.2 Objective It laid out point by point so it is clear define that what the system needs to do. Table or bullet points could be used in this process. 3.1.3 Timing In this section, it provides a timeline of how the project will proceed and the time require for it to be done. 3.1.4 Constraints It is referring to the budget and manpower that which is available for the project. 3.1.5 Inputs In this section, it defines what inputs are needed by the system. It will provide outline details of the input screens, data capture forms, automated system feeds and more. It doesnt try to be very technical at this point instant it just an overall idea of what will be accepted into the system and how this is to be achieved. 3.1.6 Outputs A system has to produce an output in one form or another. In this section, it will describe the expected form of outputs. For example, output viewing screen, printed reports and graphs, files created and stored, and any output data feed to other system and so on. 3.1.7 Processing requirement Between the process of Input and Output, processing in the middle is required. This part of Requirement Specification defines the processing to be carried out. Processing details are include: Procedures Validation details Acceptable limits of processing times 3.1.8 Contract The requirements specification is in result of a contract between the end user and the people that responsible for delivering the project. 3.2 Important of Requirement Specification Its important to note that a requirement specification contains functional and  non-functional requirements only; it does not offer design  suggestions, possible solutions to technology or business  issues, or any other information other than what the  development team understands the customers system requirements  to be. A well-managed requirement specification could accomplish four major  goals: It provides feedback to the customer A requirement specification is the  customers assurance that the development organization  understands the problem and issue to be solved and the  software behavior necessary to locate those problems.  Therefore, it should be written in standard language, in an explicit manner that may also include  charts, data flow diagrams, table, decision tables, and so  on. It decomposes the problem into component parts The  simple act of writing down software requirements in a  well-designed format organizes information, places borders  around the problem, solidifies ideas, and helps break down  the problem into its component parts in an orderly  fashion. It serves as a input to the design specification As  mentioned previously, the requirement specification serves as the parent document  to subsequent documents, such as the software design  specification and statement of work. Therefore, the SRS  must contain enough detail in the well-designed system  requirements so that a design solution can be planned. It serves as the parent document For testing and validation  strategies that will be applied to the requirements for  verification. 4.0 Conclusion In system analysis and design, it focuses on the improvement of creating a good system of information data. By learning the proper way of analyzing and designing / developing a system, it could lead us into deeper understanding about the system. In the above assignment we have learn the usage of Data Flow Diagram which serve as a guide for developer and analyst to check the flow of the system, and we also have learn that when creating a system software, a documentation regarding the software project are also an important step to do.

raising a child with a disability Essay -- essays research papers

Raising a Child with a Disability: Journal Entry #2: Summary:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This article mainly examines ways in which parents can deal properly with the news of being told that their child has a disability. There are a few stories in the article which emphasize the way the parents felt when they found out about their child’s disability. In most cases, the parents felt shattered, overwhelmed and completely shocked. The article explained that parents have an expectation of having that â€Å"perfect† child and when one is told that the child is not so perfect, their dreams and their lives become devastating. The reading examines ways in which to build a support system as well as ways in which to keep a balance in your life. The author indicates the importance of keeping a positive attitude when in this situation. Main Points:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This article was very interesting and there are a few key points that stand out. The author explained that it is important to be an advocate for your child by learning as much as you can about the disability that they have. Also, she mentioned that if a parent keeps on living in denial about the illness or disability, that this will never help the child or the parent. I also found it interesting when she spoke about support within the family as well as outside the family. Lastly, I thought it was important for her to mention the strain that a family with a disabled child will incur. Reflection:   Ã‚  Ã‚  ...

Leadership – Charismatic Individuals or Contingent Characteristics

Leadership – Charismatic Individuals or Contingent Characteristics? A brief analysis of charismatic and situational leaders, leadership and styles. Linesh Palayadan, Cass Business School, City university London, UK. â€Å"Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skilful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better† – Harry S. Truman It goes without saying that human beings couldn’t have achieved what they have achieved if they had not worked in groups.Teamwork is probably one of the most important â€Å"inventions† of mankind which does not get explicitly mentioned when one refers about the tools and evolution of human beings from the pre-historic times. None of the magnificent creations of human beings we see today could have been possibly achieved without humans coming in teams and working for a common goal. Teams by themselves ca nnot be successful if they do not have a clear direction or vision. The team is bound to fail in achieving the results if there is no coordination, synchronisation and communication between team members.The concept of team itself comes into existence only because of the arising of a necessity or a goal that would benefit the society, and the means to achieve it cannot be implemented by an individual, however able and skilful he or she may be. Members of the team can be of extremely different personalities, skills and characteristics and every member has his/her own ideas on how to achieve the common goal. It is precisely at this point that the need for a leader arises.What is required is a leader who can channel the necessary skills from the team members towards the common goal and maintain the harmony and coordination between them at the same time. Numerous theories have been postulated on how a leader should be and what the characteristics of the leader should be. Some theories hy pothesised that leaders cannot be made but are born and those personalities or so called â€Å"traits† cannot be cultivated in a person who is not already a born leader while others strongly suggested that given the right circumstances, leaders emerge based on situations and contingencies.Organisations put forward certain requirements for interviewing candidates for its key posts. We all have come across requirements in Job advertisements like good communications, effectiveness in groups, taking initiative, firm under pressure etc. (S Fineman, Y Gabriel, D Sims, 2011). Are these the only qualities of leaders? Can a person with those qualities be successful as a leader? Do these qualities exist as inborn traits in a person? Or can these qualities be inculcated in a person through training and development? What are the different kinds of leaders?What makes a leader outstanding from others? These are some of the questions that we will try to analyse with the help of some specifi c theories which have been proposed before. Two main theories that propose the idea that the qualities required for leadership are inborn in the person or are â€Å"traits† of an individual are the â€Å"Trait theory† and â€Å"Charismatic leadership theory†. While the Trait theory has its origins in the early twentieth century, charismatic leadership theory is more recent and is more or less a return to trait theory.The Trait leadership concept was proposed in Thomas Carlyle’s â€Å"great man† theory where he proposed that â€Å"The history of the world is but the biography of great men†(Carlyle, 1907). He believed that leaders have certain immutable traits which cannot be developed in others. Remarkable developments in behavioural sciences since have led to the decline in favour for the great man theory (David L Cawthon, 1996). The charismatic leadership theory states that the leaders have an innate set of abilities or charisma which canno t be explained (Conger & Kanungo, 1988).These leaders first try to understand the opportunities, possibilities and constrains as well as the preferences and needs of the team members. They then set a vision for a path which accommodates opportunities as well as the preferences and needs of the team members. The final stage is the actual implementation of the vision, motivating the followers in the process. At this stage they also stage demonstrations which projects their image, courage, dedication to the cause, sacrifice etc. (C Jacobsen, R J. House 2001).Charismatic leaders are often value driven, visionaries and have a trail of success stories which motivates the followers. The primary risk of this style of leadership is that it may not be effective in all the contexts and such leaders can fade into oblivion as soon as the context changes. Perhaps the most striking example of Charismatic leadership is that of Sir Winston Churchill who proved to be a very effective war time leader and prime minister but was voted out when elections were held after Page 1 he war because people did not consider him as somebody who could effectively handle post-war reforms (Roy Jenkins, 2003). One of the strongly criticized and censured leaders of all times is Adolf Hitler who because of his war crimes and atrocities, went down in history as a bad leader. How did he rise from his humble beginnings to the all-powerful leader of a country which had the potential to be the most powerful country in the world if had won in the Second World War? The art of leadership†¦ onsists of consolidating the attention of the people against a single adversary and taking care that nothing will split up that attention. – Adolf Hitler Hitler took advantage of the fact that people in Germany were disillusioned with the leadership at that time and they were looking for a leader who would turn their insult and injury into victory and fame. (Gardner, 1995, p. 334)He was a wonderful orator wh o could mesmerise his audience with his speech through which he was successful in convincing the people of Germany that he was their only hope and only he could catapult Germany to the realms of success and prosperity.His charisma in motivating the masses(John Dreijmanis, 2005) through speeches, vision and aggressive nationalism led to mass hysteria, hope and a sense of pride and nationalism in the people, which in turn catapulted him to the highest realms of power. His leadership notwithstanding the ultimate failures he had was instrumental in uniting German people and hence can be classed under strong Charismatic leadership.One of the most recent, remarkable and widely reported event in India was the movement against corruption by a common man named Mr Anna Hazare (NY times, Oct 2011). Until recently little was known about the man nationwide and in a span of about 6 months almost every household in India knew about him because of his protest against corruption and his demands to b ring a corruption prevention watchdog with unprecedented sweeping powers which had the potential to put many corrupt politicians and officials behind bars (Reuters Aug 2011).A social worker and an ardent follower of Mahatma Gandhi(N Y times August 18, 2011), Mr Hazare is a 74 year old man, who is not a mesmerising orator, but still managed to mobilise hundreds of millions of Indians throughout India and abroad to pressurise the Indian government to constitute such a watch dog. He later went on to sit for an indefinite hunger strike until his demands were met. The use of technology for the movement was unprecedented. Indians all over the world used online media web-sites like twitter and Facebook to move mass opinion in his favour and to hold protest rallies in major capitals of the world.Such was the scale of support for him that Indian government finally relented to agree to his demands (Times of India, Sep 2011). In the Indian capital of New-Delhi, hundreds of thousands of people from different parts of India descended on to the venue of the peaceful protest, provoking government fears for law and order problems. Different Business schools in India conducted studies as to how this frail old man was able to mobilise masses in such huge numbers and provide leadership to them in what is described as one of largest protest movements in post-independence India (Businesstoday, Aug 2011).They wanted to know how his leadership example could be useful for the future business leaders. Under his leadership many volunteers and charitable organisations came together under one umbrella for organising and maintaining the venue and order, organising and coordinating media related activities, publicity, logistics etc. His leadership style is more of a democratic form of leadership although there is a major element of charisma attached. Weber, 1968 has pointed out that a charismatic leader is likely to appear when social situation makes people feel distress (RJ House, 2001).I n this case the people of India have been so much frustrated with corruption that right environment was created for the emergence of such a leader. Shamir, House and Arthur (1993) have described in a bit more detail as to what those conducive conditions could be. They have listed four situations that can catalyse the emergence of Charismatic leaders. First, the situation is perceived as a threat to important values. Second, relationship between goal accomplishment and performance is unclear. Third, the situation is unstable and fourth it requires exceptional effort.These situations give rise to a weak psychological situation in which a charismatic leader can easily emerge and influence the followers provided he is able to offer hope and solution to the people. In the above example and also in case of post-world war I Germany, situations were quite favourable for the emergence of a charismatic leader. Bendix (1985) states that in such situations it is not certain that a charismatic l eader will evolve in spite of the prevailing conducive conditions and utter necessity for such a leader(C Jacobsen, R J. House, p77, 2001). He also says that it is entirely possible that a charismatic who ossesses none of the above said characteristics may emerge a leader by articulating ideological, moral or other values relevant to the prevailing conditions. Another theory of leadership called behavioural model (Blake & Mouton, 1964) states that all leaders can be placed on a grid which evaluates them based on their people concern and task completion concern. According to Page 2 behavioural model, different kinds of leaderships may be prevalent in different organisations which may go from one extreme to another in terms of concern for people and concern for task.A firm in which managers exhibit so called â€Å"impoverished or indifferent† style leadership, where managers have little concern for job completion or people, is rich in disorganisation, dissatisfaction and dishar mony. The other extreme end of this style is â€Å"Sound style† where there is high concern for people and productivity. Such organisations are bound to succeed as they have high productivity and motivation and belongingness among employees is also very high.Some organisations exhibit â€Å"country club style† leadership where concern for people is very high but not for productivity. The leaders do not want people to be unhappy and such organisations are not very successful. Another extreme is the â€Å"Dictatorial style† where there is no concern for people but very high concern for productivity. Productivity in such organisations may be very high in the shorter term but these organisations suffer from high employee turnover due to enforcement of strict rules, regulations and punishments.Most of the organisations follow what is called the â€Å"middle-of-the-road style† where leaders show some concern for both people and productivity hoping to achieve ac ceptable results. One of the most prominent schools of thought in leadership theories is â€Å"Situational or Contingency theory†. Proposed originally by Hersey & Blanchard, 1982, it states that leaders must vary their leadership style based on subordinate’s competency and commitment. A leader’s style should be â€Å"Delegation† if the team members are competent and committed, â€Å"Telling† or directive if they are neither competent nor committed.In case where the team members are competent but not committed the style should be â€Å"Participating† and the final case in which the team members are committed but not competent, the style should be â€Å"selling†. Fred Fiedler’s contingency model states the relationship between leadership style and favourableness of the situation (Fred Luthans, 1992). His studies suggest that situations are favourable for the leader if the three dimensions are high, the dimensions being 1. Leader- member relationship 2.Degree of task structure 3. Leader’s position power through formal authority. He also found that if the above dimensions are very favourable or very unfavourable, directive or â€Å"hard-nosed leaders† are more effective whereas lenient leaders are more effective in situations where the dimensions are moderately favourable. My extensive experience in various successful IT and engineering companies, compel me to come to the conclusion that these companies have adopted situational leadership as their main strategy.The reason for this may be that such companies require their engineers to be productive from day one and as they become more experienced, they are expected to assume the ownership of the modules they work on and become the point of contact for all issues on the module. The leaders in such cases assume different forms of situational leadership to deal with different team members depending on their willingness and ability. Once the leader is convinced of the team member’s competence and commitment, delegation is the form of leadership he or she chooses for that team member.Since performance in terms of the quality of work done and sticking to schedule is the main criteria in assessing the performance in such companies, telling style of leadership is also very common and results in redundancies many times when the team members are unwilling and unable. In larger companies, Transformational form of leadership (Bernard M. Bass, 1985) is also not very uncommon nowadays in which the leader takes care to develop and transform his or her followers through, inspirational motivation, intellectual simulation, idealised influence and most importantly individualized consideration.Leadership whatever form it may assume is an essential skill without which the society will have little progress. Leaders need courage, vision and determination to change things for better. The need for better leaders will never cease to exist and right people with right skills will always seize the opportunity to lead the world for a better tomorrow. References 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Ann Florini. The Right to Know: Transparency for an Open World. New York, 23: Columbia University Press. Bass, B. M. 1998. Transformational leadership: Industrial, military, and educational impact.Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum Bendix, R. 1985. Reflections on Charismatic leadership. Blake, R. , Mouton, J. 1964. The Managerial Grid: The Key to Leadership Excellence. C Jacobsen, R J. House 2001 Dynamics of charismatic leadership A process theory, simulation, and tests 75-112 The leadership quarterly 12 David L. Cawthon, 1996. The Great Man Theory Revisited, Business Horizons. Fred Luthans, 1992. Organisational behaviour 276,277 Hersey, P. , & Blanchard, K. , 1982. Management of organizational behaviour, 4th ed. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.John Dreijmanis, 2005 A portrait of the artist as a politician: the case of Adolf Hitler, 3, Science Dire ct. S J. Zaccaro, Zachary N. J. , 2003. Leadership theory and practice: Fostering an effective symbiosis, Science direct. Page 3 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. S Fineman, Y Gabriel, D Sims, 2011. Organising and Organisations. Roy Jenkins, 2003. Churchill: A Biography, Victory in Europe and Defeat in Britain, PP789-819 (Paperback) http://www. nytimes. com/2011/08/21/world/asia/21india. html? _r=1 http://www. nytimes. com/2011/08/22/world/asia/22india. html http://in. reuters. om/article/2011/08/24/idINIndia-58938520110824 http://www. washingtonpost. com/world/india_agrees_to_protesters_demand_on_graft_panel/2011/04/09/AFFyy05C_story. html? wprss=rss_homepa ge http://www. nytimes. com/2011/08/19/world/asia/19hazare. html http://businesstoday. intoday. in/story/fms-students-study-annas-stir-against-corruption/1/18220. html http://articles. timesofindia. indiatimes. com/2011-09-02/ranchi/30105617_1_munish-thakur-case-study-lokpal-movement Special thanks to Prof Cliff Oswick, Ca ss Business School, for Guidance and permission to use his lecture materials and contents. Page 4

Biographical Interpretation Works In Relation Essay

Many literary works come across as hard for explanation, it’s been a problem since literature has been a main stay in society. Over time many styles of interpretation have been both approached and adapted by readers and critics alike. One of the most popular is the biographical interpretation. This is when a reader makes use of details regarding the life, times and works of an author as a means of solving interpretive problems. The biographical interpretation is a very good way to get inside the readers head because the past, and your past experiences are what shape your mind as it matures over time, even the smallest experience can make a decent sized impact on one’s thought process. Mark Twain is a good example of an author that has been analyzed, possibly even over analyzed. By every angle he has been looked at, most notably for his works on The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. If you were to read his book The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn without taking a look at any biographical pieces about Mark Twain you would undoubtedly not get as much out of the novel as you would in contrast, if you were to read the biography. To prove the point the help of the semi-biographical essay The Life of Samuel Clemens and the Reception of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn will be called upon throughout the essay. At the beginning of the biographical essay there is an excellent explanation of the personal side of Twain â€Å"the only clear picture is that Twain was a man of paradox† (pg. 19). The reason this excerpt fits the topic of biographical interpretation is because one key word within that quote, that key word being paradox. A paradox is a statement that seems contrary to common sense and yet is perhaps true. With The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn being the novel that we are taking a look at in contrast to the biographical side of Mark Twain this word, paradox, fits perfectly since there are paradoxes running throughout the novel. A good example of a paradox in the novel is from the mouth of Huck Finn himself: When it was dark I set by my campfire smoking, and feeling pretty satisfied; but by-and-by it got sort of lonesome, and so I went and set on the bank†¦ and counted the stars and drift-logs and rafts that come down, and then went to bed; there ain’t no better wa y to put in time when you are lonesome; you  can’t stay so, you soon get over it. (Pg. 62) The paradox that has been spoken by Huckleberry is that depression and lonesomeness can be slept away. Which when first heard can be looked over and seen as straight out nonsense. However if it is thought about closely most people that are depressed can be get a quick fix from what makes them depressed by sleeping through it as much as they can, sort of like sleep and relaxation was the drug of it’s time. It may sound inconceivable now, but in the era that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was penned the idea of sleeping, or rather lounging around for days was not that inconceivable because they did not live the busy lifestyle in which we live in current time. This is just one of many paradoxes throughout the book that reflect the author in a great way due to the fact that he was known as a living paradox because of the way he lived his life. For a man that made money out of writing about adventures of rafting down the Mississippi and barely getting by money wise seem so interesting. But grew up living in Connecticut for a good amount of time in his life and also seeking to be filthy rich, and have no worries is most likely the biggest paradox of his life. Another way that the book of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn can be looked at from a biographical perspective and make sense is the fact that the main characters in the novel have a very similar background as to which they grew up in. In a paragraph written by an African American professor of eastern studies and a writer of African-American folktales and poetry. A man by the name of Julius Lester speaks of the relationship between Huck, Tom, and Mark Twain himself in a very unique manner. Just after he speaks of how he does not recollect ever reading the writings of Mark Twain, but then says something to the effect of what American child hasn’t read the tales of Huck and Tom so maybe he has, but the literature was not that significant to his life. What Lester has to say is something that most people taking the biographical interpretation approach should use as an approach to all authors in relation to the characters they write of: I do have an emotional memory of going to H annibal, Missouri with my parents when I was eight or nine, and visiting the two-story frame house where Mark Twain lived as a boy-where Huck and Tom lived as boys. (Pg. 341, Morality and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn) This is a great comment because when you take a novel and  try and put a biographical interpretation onto that novel you need to take a very close look at the characters and their relation to the author. That is the mainstay of the biographical interpretation, how the characters are at all a parallel to the author. With Mark Twain himself growing up for part of his life on the Mississippi it gave him great knowledge of what he was talking about, and it gave him the roots of the characters that are now notable American icons. Him having the knowledge of the Mississippi, and of southern life in America at that time influenced the characters and the novel infinitely. Whether it is a satirical look at the way American life was at that time is a whole different essay. With all of this in mind it can be said that he sure lived the life of Huck and Tom whether it be on a lower level, or a parallel these characters and Mark Twain are one in the same. These are only a few examples of how the biographical interpretation of a novel is a very reliable approach to analyzing literature as long as you know that the biographical information is accurate. Doing this will also make the novel much more enjoyable because if you read the biographical essay, paragraph, novel, etc. Then you will be able to go along the book and be able to not look down upon the book, but look more for the reason that that author had said what he said, and what he really meant by it. It is about looking from the inside and looking out at the novel for the reasons behind what was said, instead of looking into the novel for the reasons to not read the book altogether

Essay What to Read for Your Own Pleasure This Summer

Essay What to Read for Your Own Pleasure This Summer Essay: What to Read for Your Own Pleasure This Summer? An old saying goes: ‘One who reads a lot, knows much – and its really true! During each academic semester, students bookworm and improve their academic knowledge gradually. But theres another important part of studies and reading: self-study, self-actualization and the simple joy we get from reading books! Reading is a part of our personal development that enriches us with new ideas and broadens our outlook each time we take a book into our hands. In addition, when we read we’re brighter of spirit and more likely to be in a good mood because we’re soaring with intellectual and cultural achievements! Why shouldn’t we? We’re worth this investment! Here are some books worth reading this summer: We can start with a rather interesting and overwhelming book The Literary Lives of the Inklings written by Carol and Philip Zaleski. It will definitely grab your attention. Its a very deep and profound overview of such literary giants as J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis and offers details of their lives, descriptions of people who were their true friends and able not only to support and understand, but also to inspire one another with new and bright ideas. The book is full of biographical details, which lead to a better understanding of the fantasy genre. (Dalfonzo, 2015) Another curious book suggested for consideration is titled Who Built That: Awe-Inspiring Stories of American Tinkerpreneurs by Michelle Malkin. Its a well-known fact that the economy of the USA is generally represented by entrepreneurs. Malkin’s book is dedicated to such people. Malkin tells the stories of famous men, their ideas and know-how which earned them success and worldwide fame (Furchtgott-Roth, 2015). You’re highly likely to find this book useful and inspiring. Who knows, maybe it will lead to your own inventions! If you’re attracted by the life-stories of the celebrities, Scott Eymans book John Wayne is right for you! Its always a fascinating experience to see a famous person differently and to get to know more about the events of their life, which led them to take this or that decision (Furchtgott-Roth, 2015). A proven path to success always draws attention because it can serve as a perfect example for others to follow. Theres every chance that the book On Duties’ written by Cicero centuries ago is still relevant today! The concept of the book is to show the meaning of leaving both fabulous and helpful life. The same as its title, the content of the book presupposes each person can be viewed in the light of service to mankind. Illustrated with bright examples taken from history, and written in a form of letters addressed by the father to his son, this literary work of a Roman orator, consul and politician is meant to be used as a life guide essential for increasing of self-motivation and personal development (Mehan, 2015). The books we’ve suggested for your summer reading are very different from one another so there is sure to be at least one that will be of interest to you! Reading for pleasure and enjoying oneself at the same time in the summer; is there a better self-studying alternative for a thoughtful and determined student? If you need  some book report / literature review or book review writing help welcome to our custom essay writing service which will help you online!

The Pros And Cons Of Outsourcing Essays - Human Resource Management

The Pros And Cons Of Outsourcing Essays - Human Resource Management The Pros And Cons Of Outsourcing Besides hiring workers through their company, businesses often choose to lease or rent them from outside leasing companies. The term outsourcing is referred to as using leased employees or hiring outside staff. These employees can be noted as temporaries, temps, contract employees, or casual workers. Throughout the past decade, this practice has become a more accepted method for hiring firms to attain the services of outside workers. This fairly new business practice can be benefiting to the business although in some ways it may be inadequate. Employee leasing can give you many benefits that can be obtained by hiring independent workers. The leasing company hires highly trained and experienced workers who are brought in only when needed and then are disposed at the end. This becomes an opportunity for the business to use sufficient workers without the trauma and expense of laying off their own employees. This is by far easier for the employee and the employer due to the intermediary which is the leasing company. This intermediary takes away the unnecessary steps which often occur in business situations. Another contributing factor in having leased employees benefiting the company is the fact that you do not have to pay and withhold federal and state payroll taxes for these people. The leased employee does not require benefits or workers compensation. This cuts out the costs a great deal for the company. In most cases, leased employees have a certain expertise, which eliminates the need to train former employees to do jobs involved with the area in which a skill is needed to learn. In the case where a company has employees with a lack of internet skills, the leased employee can definitely be used in a positive manner.

African American Impact on Sports

A life is not important except in the impact it has on others lives. This quote was said by Jackie Robinson who was important in paving the way for other black athletes in professional sports. He was the first black baseball player to play in Major League Baseball. What would professional sports be without all the greatest black athletes such as Michael Jordan, Muhammad All or Jackie Robinson? Today the NAB is filled with a large majority of African American players. The NAB would be nothing without those players. Muhammad All was a boxer, businessman and social activist for equal rights for all races.He wanted equal opportunities for all men, regardless of color, to be successful. Michael Jordan was considered the best basketball player of all time with five regular season Most Valuable Player awards along with three all-star Maps. He had a huge impact on the sport, dominating it from the mid 8(Yes through the late asss. Professional sports and society would not be the Same without them. African American athletes, including Jackie Robinson, Jim Brown, Muhammad All, Michael Jordan and others had a huge impact on American society and sports such as baseball, boxing basketball and football.Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia. Throughout his 10 year long career he was constantly fighting for more rights for blacks in sports and society. Jackie was the first African American to play in Major League baseball. He was the youngest of five children who were raised in poverty by a single mother. Him and his family already had a hard life even aside from all the racism they faced living in the south in the early 1 asss. His older brother Matthew was one of his biggest inspirations for him to PUrSUe his talent in athletics.Matthew won an Olympic silver medal in the 1 936 Olympic games. After high school Jackie went to the University of California where he lettered in four different varsity sports. Before he could graduate he had to drop out for financial reasons. He then went on to play semi-pro football in Hawaii, but the season was cut short due to the starting of World War II. For two years he served as a lieutenant in the United States Army. However he was arrested for not moving to the back of a interracial bus. The charges were later dropped and he was given an honorable discharge. He had a lot of courage and was very against segregation.After his discharge he laded professional baseball in the negro leagues. But because of Robinsons great success he was soon hired by Branch Rickety to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers, in the white league. Branch knew Jackie would be facing severe racism but told him to fight it and stay strong. Throughout his career Robinsons courage was tested. Even many of his teammates were against his playing on their team. Jackie and his family received many threats and criticism. Despite all this adversity Robinson still was extremely successful and was leading the AAA league with a . 349 batting average and . 985 fielding argental.This success got him promoted to the ML and the first game a black player ever played in an ML game was April 15, 1947. The harassment continued. Many teams threatened to not sit out against the dodgers and even some of his own teammates threatened to not play. However Dodgers Manager Leo Drencher told his other players that he would trade them before Robinson. Leo had a very strong loyalty to him. Some people defended Jackie including baseball commissioner Happy Chandler and league president Ford Brick. Jackie Robinson was successful in showing how talented a player e was by being able to push through all the racism and adversity.His first year he helped the Dodgers win the National League pennant. He also led the league in stolen bases and won the Rookie of the year award. In the 1949 season he had a . 342 batting average and led the league once again in stolen bases. This led to him being named the National leagues Most Valuable Player. All these impressive feats led him to be labeled as a hero of the sport. Robinson also became a vocal champion for African-American athletes, civil rights, and other social and political causes. In July 1949, he testified on scarification before the House Un-American Activities Committee.In 1 952, he publicly called out the Yankees as a racist organization for not having broken the color barrier five years after he began playing with the Dodgers. He was very active in social activism for blacks rights. His biggest focus was impacting others lives. Which is shown in this quote said by Jackie Robinson, A life is not important except in the impact it has on others lives. He had a great impact on many peoples lives successfully completing his life goal. After Jackie died his wife created the Jackie Robinson Foundation, which provides nouns students with mentoring programs and scholarships.This program has given 50 million dollars in scholarship money to students across the country. This program was described in the New York Times as, that might be the best educational effort in the country. Jackie was one Of the most influential people on the lives of young people especially young black athletes. Without him this country would not be the same. Cassias Marcella Clay, now known as Muhammad All, was born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 1 7, 1942. He has shown throughout his life that he is not afraid of any fight-?inside or outside the ring. Growing up in the segregated South, All experienced firsthand the prejudice and discrimination that African-Americans faced during this era. He faced racial discrimination head on and it even help Muhammad discover his talent in boxing. When All was 12 his bike was stolen and he told a police officer that he wanted to beat up the thief. Well, you better learn how to fight before you start challenging people, the officer said. This police officer also owned a gym and trained boxers and took Muhammad under his wing and trained him. His first fight ever was in 1954 and was an mature fight that he won by split decision.Only 6 years later he won an Olympic gold medal. Then in 1 964 he claimed the throne as heavyweight champion of the world. Soon after Cassias turned changed his religion to Muslim and changed his name to Muhammad All. Later All created a lot of controversy in the government by refusing to fight in the war after being drafted. Alias reason was that he was a practicing Muslim minister, and that his religious beliefs prevented him from fighting in the Vietnam War. (Bio) The government took All to court and he was found guilty of refusing to join the military.All appealed the ruling and after a long court battle the ruling was overturned. However the boxing association still took away Alias titles and suspended him. In 1970 he returned to the ring. That year All took part in what was called the fight of the century. This fight was between All and Joe Frazier, two of the greatest veering in boxing. After 15 rounds of brutal boxing Frazier bested Muhammad in knockout fashion. Later in 1974 they had a rematch and All got revenge by beating Frazier. His last ever fight was a loss to Tremor Berwick to lose his Heavyweight title in 1 981.He announced his retirement in a press conference following the fight. After his retirement he still was very involved in the community and become a great philanthropist. Over the years he has been involved in many charitable activities such as the Special Olympics and the Make a Wish Foundation. He was also extremely active in fighting for equal rights for African Americans. Outside of boxing, Alias message of black pride and black resistance paved the way for the civil rights movement. (skyline) More recently in 2005 he was given the Medal of Freedom by George Bush. Bush also created theMuhammad All Center in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Alias thoughts on this building are Many fans wanted to build a museum to acknowledge my achievements. Wanted more than a building to house my memorabilia. Wanted a place that would inspire people to be the best that they could be at whatever they chose to do, and to encourage them to be respectful of one another. (BIO) Muhammad All is arguable the greatest, and most inspirational men ever. He was constantly helping people and working to make lives better for those around him. These great men have influenced the lives of an uncountable amount of people.

Contingency theory and Corporate Social Responsibility Essay

Contingency theory and Corporate Social Responsibility - Essay Example An organization placed in the context of a globally interactive environment is in a position to reap huge profits through an efficient organization of its resources and effective coordination between its component elements. No one standard organizational method can be said to be the best way, rather every organization must determine the optimum fit between its component elements. As a result, the Contingency Theory is becoming increasingly relevant in the present day context, especially in maintaining ethical standards of corporate conduct and organizational integrity. The Contingency Theory may be applied in the analysis of the complex interactions occurring among the different dimensions of any particular phenomenon within an organization. As first mooted by Herbert Simon (1976), the contingency organizational theory revolves around the interaction of the organization with the environment and its impact upon the performance outcomes of the individuals within the organization. According to Zeithaml, Varadarajan and Zeithaml (1988), the existing situational factors play a significant role in how organizations are managed, and must be taken into account in order to arrive at one best way in which an organization can be managed for optimum performance and output. These authors suggest a three pronged approach in determining this best solution (a) the identification of important situational factors which function as contingency variables that provide the distinctions between the different situational contexts (b) grouping of these contingency variabl es on the basis of similarity of the contexts that they occur in and (c) analyze each group in order to arrive at the best possible solution and management style and method that is likely to produce the best results (Zeithaml, Varadarajan and Zeithaml, 1988). The Contingency Theory perspective first developed through

Emotional Intelligence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Emotional Intelligence - Essay Example coined the phrase â€Å"emotional intelligence† which they defined as being a type of social intelligence that included the ability to monitor their own feelings and those of people around them. This awareness would allow the individual to use that information to modify their own behavior and speech patterns to greatly increase their chances of successful communication. However the concept of emotional intelligence has been traced back to Edward Thorndike and his work Law of effect research (1911). The key element of Thorndike’s (1911) theory was the idea that in cases where responses are made to a situation, if the consequence of those responses was a positive experience (bringing pleasure) then it was more likely for those responses to be evident again in future similar situations. Conversely those situations that bring about a negative consequence (pain) were not likely to result in recurring responses for future events. Thereby Thorndike offered a positive and negative law of effect. This was the first time that such a theory had been proposed and supported by experimental evidence. His later work on animal intelligence made constant reference to this same theory. For example he noted that in his experiment of a cat in a box that â€Å"gradually all the other non-successful impulses will be stamped out and the particular impulse leading to the successful act will be stamped in by the resulting pleasure†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1898, p.13). He made similar observations about confined chickens. What he was looking for, or appeared to have identified was a connectionist theory that could explain the mechanism behind reinforcer action. This was an idea that was explored by later researchers such as Hull (1943) and more notably Skinner’s work on reinforcement. Skinner’s (1938) work on reinforcement did address a noted criticism of Thorndike’s work: namely circularity and affect. Thorndike’s aim was to find the underlying mechanism for certain actions – namely

America and The World Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

America and The World - Research Paper Example In the system, the minister must be a member of the House of Representatives. Upon recommendation by the president of the House of Representatives the minister is submitted to the king who appoints the prime minister. The head of the government is the Prime Minister and the council of ministers comprises of the ministers and deputy minister from the various department. The current king of Thailand is King Bhumibol Adulyadej also known as Rama IX and is the longest reigning monarch beginning in 1946. Despite the changes in constitution, the monarch is still regarded as the most important part of the government and is supposed to work with other branches of the government for the success of the country (Asfouri 145). The prime minister comes from the party with the majority with the current prime minister originating from the Pheu Thai Party and is called Yingluck Shinawatra. The Gross Domestic Product of the country is 345.7 billion USD that is slightly lower compared to the neighbori ng countries. The country has been affected by changes in governance as a result of the increased coups until in 2007 when the new constitution was implemented which change the governance structure (Fineman 117). ... US and Thai companies to access both markets and address issues of atomic energy, investment guarantees, military assistance, and agricultural sales and economic support (Grossman 65). In 2004, the relationship improved further through the development of the Free Trade Agreement which shaped the economic market by encourages trade between the two countries. In fact, the FTA agreement was going strong until the coup which September 2006 which brought an end to the FTA negotiations. The new military government was engaged in offering compulsory license to several anti-HIV drugs. The move led to the end of the FTA negotiations. There are several issues that have affected the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The first issue that has affected bilateral relations is the unstable nature of the Thai government. The coups have made bilateral negotiations impossible especially when addressing long-term issues. Secondly, the drug menace is the major issue affecting the country. Thailand is a major trafficking route for narcotics from the golden triangle. Thus, it links the domestic and international narcotic markets, which create a challenge when developing the bilateral trade agreements (Baker and Phongpaichit 137). The rice subsidies are a challenge along with issues of patenting and copyright. The rice problem was the major obstacle to the Free Trade Agreement because almost two third of the Thai population are rice farmers and a loss of 35 million rice farmers was an issue that affected Bangkok negatively. The major issue that affected the relationships between the two countries has not been solved making the current situation complex for both countries. The U.S-Thailand relationship is a complex one due to the challenges existing in the agreements. Ireland

After reviewing the history of intelligence, what events have had a Essay

After reviewing the history of intelligence, what events have had a profound impact on U.S. intelligence today - Essay Example One of the most essential events that was crucial for gathering evidence was the civil war. The Civil War was one of the most prominent wars that allowed the nation to create a mesh network of intelligence. As a matter of fact, both sides built intelligence services. Historians argue that North actually relied on the South to gain more advantage and that propelled the information to be execute and analyzed. It was clear that Both sides were greatly interested in what today is called open source intelligence (OSINT). As time progressed, the value of OSINT was never understood until TDR took office. It was under his leadership of OSINT as a president. Roosevelt believed ONI could serve as a valuable tool in solidifying that vision of American as strong military force. Roosevelt took this upon his own hands and used OSINT as a network to promote intelligence. It was heavily utilized to track and monitor possible events that could put United States in risk. Even with all the intelligence tools, the USA got its first reality check during WWI when it had to fight Germany. The fact was clear, intelligence was not sufficient to fight the Germans, who were already intercepting incoming receptions. The United States was completely unprepared for the intelligence. Moreover, much opposition from congress deterred the efforts of the government because of the possible witch hunt, that inevitably followed after WWI. The truth of the matter was that the United States understood this dilemma and began conducting surveillance. As a result, they managed to capture Germany submarines and even intercepted the Zimmerman telegram that changed the whole landscape of events. WWI also signaled the event of the creation of FBI, in which Edgar Hoover was named its director in 1924. Once again as USA relapsed from WWI and WWI, intelligence suffered. It was not until the outbreak of the war in Korea against the communist nations that became a

Law and Business Ethics and Social Responsibility Essay

Law and Business Ethics and Social Responsibility - Essay Example states. Thus, the major U.S. law primarily consists of state law. The U.S. law is framed from various sources including statutory law, constitutional law, administrative regulations, common law and treaties. At the state and federal levels, the U.S. law was mostly derived from U.K. Common law, enforced at the instant of the Revolutionary War. Although the American law has deviated significantly from its ancestor in terms of procedure as well as substance, and has integrated a great number of innovations in the civil law. The main aim of the law is to rehabilitate people and organizations violating the law. In the U.S. law stare decisis pertains to the  sharing  of a case than to  obiter dicta i.e., things supposed by the way, as it has been decided by the American Supreme Court that dicta are not binding but might be pursued if it is adequately persuasive. The U.S Supreme Court has made the stare decisis principle most flexible in cases of constitutional nature. It has been stated by the Supreme Court that is the court provides various reasons for a verdict then each reason unambiguously marked as an independent ground, by the court for the verdict should not be simply treated as a dictum (Burnham, 2006). Microsoft is one of the leading software companies. In terms of CSR, Microsoft has framed mission to serve global communities and play its role in addressing public causes. One such step taken by Microsoft in the fiscal year 2011 involves reaching almost 250 million teachers and students around the globe in collaboration with their partners in learning program by the year 2013 to provide technology to their classrooms (Microsoft 2011 Citizenship report,

America and The World Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

America and The World - Research Paper Example In the system, the minister must be a member of the House of Representatives. Upon recommendation by the president of the House of Representatives the minister is submitted to the king who appoints the prime minister. The head of the government is the Prime Minister and the council of ministers comprises of the ministers and deputy minister from the various department. The current king of Thailand is King Bhumibol Adulyadej also known as Rama IX and is the longest reigning monarch beginning in 1946. Despite the changes in constitution, the monarch is still regarded as the most important part of the government and is supposed to work with other branches of the government for the success of the country (Asfouri 145). The prime minister comes from the party with the majority with the current prime minister originating from the Pheu Thai Party and is called Yingluck Shinawatra. The Gross Domestic Product of the country is 345.7 billion USD that is slightly lower compared to the neighbori ng countries. The country has been affected by changes in governance as a result of the increased coups until in 2007 when the new constitution was implemented which change the governance structure (Fineman 117). ... US and Thai companies to access both markets and address issues of atomic energy, investment guarantees, military assistance, and agricultural sales and economic support (Grossman 65). In 2004, the relationship improved further through the development of the Free Trade Agreement which shaped the economic market by encourages trade between the two countries. In fact, the FTA agreement was going strong until the coup which September 2006 which brought an end to the FTA negotiations. The new military government was engaged in offering compulsory license to several anti-HIV drugs. The move led to the end of the FTA negotiations. There are several issues that have affected the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The first issue that has affected bilateral relations is the unstable nature of the Thai government. The coups have made bilateral negotiations impossible especially when addressing long-term issues. Secondly, the drug menace is the major issue affecting the country. Thailand is a major trafficking route for narcotics from the golden triangle. Thus, it links the domestic and international narcotic markets, which create a challenge when developing the bilateral trade agreements (Baker and Phongpaichit 137). The rice subsidies are a challenge along with issues of patenting and copyright. The rice problem was the major obstacle to the Free Trade Agreement because almost two third of the Thai population are rice farmers and a loss of 35 million rice farmers was an issue that affected Bangkok negatively. The major issue that affected the relationships between the two countries has not been solved making the current situation complex for both countries. The U.S-Thailand relationship is a complex one due to the challenges existing in the agreements. Ireland

Law and Business Ethics and Social Responsibility Essay

Law and Business Ethics and Social Responsibility - Essay Example states. Thus, the major U.S. law primarily consists of state law. The U.S. law is framed from various sources including statutory law, constitutional law, administrative regulations, common law and treaties. At the state and federal levels, the U.S. law was mostly derived from U.K. Common law, enforced at the instant of the Revolutionary War. Although the American law has deviated significantly from its ancestor in terms of procedure as well as substance, and has integrated a great number of innovations in the civil law. The main aim of the law is to rehabilitate people and organizations violating the law. In the U.S. law stare decisis pertains to the  sharing  of a case than to  obiter dicta i.e., things supposed by the way, as it has been decided by the American Supreme Court that dicta are not binding but might be pursued if it is adequately persuasive. The U.S Supreme Court has made the stare decisis principle most flexible in cases of constitutional nature. It has been stated by the Supreme Court that is the court provides various reasons for a verdict then each reason unambiguously marked as an independent ground, by the court for the verdict should not be simply treated as a dictum (Burnham, 2006). Microsoft is one of the leading software companies. In terms of CSR, Microsoft has framed mission to serve global communities and play its role in addressing public causes. One such step taken by Microsoft in the fiscal year 2011 involves reaching almost 250 million teachers and students around the globe in collaboration with their partners in learning program by the year 2013 to provide technology to their classrooms (Microsoft 2011 Citizenship report,

Literature Review and Empirical Essay Example for Free

Literature Review and Empirical Essay From the early eighties to the nineties, the Standard Rate increased modestly, but is still below its mid-seventies level. While researchers have identified many reasons for the low UI recipiency rates over the past twenty years, many questions remain as to the causes behind the low rate and steps that policy and program officials might take to increase it. While the Standard Rate is the most commonly used measure to evaluate the effectiveness of the UI program, researchers have developed alternative UI recipiency rates to address some of the limitations of the standard measure. The standard measure is expressed as the ratio of the insured unemployed (i. e. , the number of regular UI claimants) to the total number unemployed. Alternative measures have been designed to better capture the effectiveness of the UI program by including the full range of UI programs available to the unemployed (beyond the regular program) and by more accurately defining the UI target population (a subset of unemployed workers). Purpose and Methodology The purpose of this report is to examine why the Standard Rate, as well as alternative recipiency rates, declined sharply in the early eighties and continued to remain well below their midseventies level in the early nineties. We critically reviewed the findings from the research literature to explore the factors others have identified to explain the drop in the UI recipiency rate. The literature review enabled us to identify factors for inclusion in our empirical analysis and to assess the effects of factors that could not be included in our own analysis. Our empirical analysis is based primarily on the methodology used by Burtless and Saks (1984) and focuses only on changes in the UI recipiency rate over recessionary periods. It is important to compare similar economic periods because the UI recipiency rate is higher during recessionary periods and lower during periods of economic expansion. We first replicated the analysis from Burtless and Saks, estimating the effects of various factors that influenced the rate used in their original analysis from the seventies recession (1975-76) to the eighties recession (1981-83). We then extended their earlier analysis by testing the effects of additional factors during that period. Next, we updated the analysis to include data from the most recent recessionary period in the nineties (1991-92). We chose the period in the nineties to be consistent with the periods of rising unemployment rates selected by Burtless and Saks. Finally, we extended their analysis by using the Standard Rate and two additional measures of UI recipiency selected to measure the performance of the UI programs during recessionary periods. Our conclusions about the effects of various factors on the UI recipiency rate are based on the findings from both the critical review of the literature and our empirical analysis. We also present evaluation design options to address some of the limitations of current knowledge. The Lewin Group, Inc. E-1 156059 Executive Summary C. UI Recipiency Rate Measures Four UI recipiency rate measures were selected for the empirical analysis. Standard Rate: number of weekly claims for regular program unemployment insurance benefits, as a proportion of all unemployed workers;1 All Programs Rate: number of weekly claims for all program (regular, extended and federal) unemployment insurance benefits, as a proportion of all unemployed workers; Standard Short-term Rate: number of weekly claims for regular program unemployment insurance benefits, as a proportion of job losers unemployed less than 27 weeks; and All Programs Job Loser Rate: number of weekly claims for all program (regular, extended and federal) unemployment insurance benefits, as a proportion of all job losers. The final three UI recipiency rates deviate from the Standard Rate by changing the definition of UI claimants, unemployed workers, or both. Because the All Programs Rate and the All Programs Job Loser Rate include all UI program claimants, Wandner and Stengle (1996) argue that they are generally better measures of UI coverage during recessionary periods when extended benefit programs are provided. The All Programs Job Loser Rate differs from the All Programs Rate because it targets a subset of unemployed workers (i. e. , job losers) who would be most likely to qualify for UI benefits. The Standard Short-term Rate only includes regular program claimants and the general â€Å"target population† for the regular state program, job losers unemployed less than 27 weeks. This final measure was used in the original Burtless and Saks analysis. All three alternative rates are larger than the Standard Rate because they use either a more expansive definition of UI claimants and/or a more restrictive definition of unemployed workers. From the seventies to the eighties, all four recipiency rates declined sharply (Exhibit 1). The largest reductions are for the All Programs Rate and the All Programs Job Loser Rate. These rates declined by more than the Standard Rate because of the large cutbacks in the extended benefit programs that were implemented in the early eighties. From the eighties to the nineties, the Standard Rate increased slightly. There is not, however, a large change in either the All Programs or All Programs Job Loser rates over this period, due to the small number of extended claimants. If, however, the analysis were extended to periods following March 1992, there would be an increase in both of these rates because of the extension of benefits through the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EU3) program. 2 The Standard Short-term Rate follows the same general pattern as the Standard Rate, though there is a much sharper drop-off in the Standard Short-term rate in the early eighties that corresponds with fewer short term job losers receiving regular program benefits.

Organizational Structure Of The Multinational Companies

Organizational Structure Of The Multinational Companies To create an effective organizational structure is one of the most important tasks for top managers of any company. If everyone in a company is and knows his duties, if there are rules of interaction between departments, companys activities will remind a tuned mechanism which works with maximum results and minimal costs. Organizational structure is a scheme consisting of units and individual officers of the company, located by levels of importance and responsibility, which contains the relationship between them and the chain of command. Depending on the stage of company development (formation, development, stabilization, crisis) require different approaches to build the organizational structure. It is particularly important to control the situation in transition from one stage to another and at the stage of active growth and development of the company. A competently built organizational structure makes it possible to optimize the strength and number of units, to simplify the interaction between units, to distribute evenly the pressure on staff to avoid duplication of functions and their, to eliminate double and triple subordination, to delimit the scope of leaders, define their powers and area of responsibility, increase productivity. Organizational structure is the basis for building an effective system of governance. Large multinational corporations require an organizational structure that can house the usual business functions finance, marketing, RD, production, etc. as well as those functions required for being successful beyond the domestic market. The most appropriate organizational structure will be determined by the overall global strategy of the firm, the relative size of international operations as compared to domestic operations, and the characteristics of the marketplace in which the firm competes. The four basic organizational structures are: International Division, Global Area, Global Product Division and Matrix. By the end of the 20-ies it became clear the need for new approaches to governance, and that happened because of the sharp size increase of enterprises, the diversification of their activities (multidisciplinary), and the complication of processes in a dynamically changing environment. In this connection began to emerge the international divisional structure, especially in large corporations who have to provide some autonomy to its production units, leaving for leadership the strategy development, scientific research, financial and investment policies, etc. In this type of structures is attempted to combine the centralized coordination and the control of decentralized administration activity. One of the leading companies in soft drinks industry, witch is also a multinational company, is The Coca-Cola Company and their organizational structure is an International Division one. International Division Structure represents a more evolved form of organizational system because of the incorporation of specialized division for acting on foreign markets, and that way it is no limit to export. We can observe that they are more concerned about conducting business in other countries. The key management figures in an organization with divisional structure are no longer the heads of functional units, but the managers leading the production department (division). The organization by division, as a rule, is based on one of the criteria: production (product or service) product specialization; by targeting specific groups of consumers consumer specialization of serviced territory a regional specialty. Some main features of this type of structure are: typically set up when firms initially expand abroad, often when engaging in a home replication strategy; foreign subsidiary managers in the international division are not given sufficient voice relative to the heads of domestic divisions; the silo effect: International division activities are not coordinated with the rest of the firm, which focuses on domestic activities; Firms often phase out this structure after their initial overseas expansion. The main advantages of International Division Structure are: it manages a diversified enterprise with a total staff of hundreds of thousands and geographically remote units; it provides greater flexibility and quicker response to changes on the environment of enterprise. expanding the companies borders, separate offices become profit centers actively working on improving the efficiency and quality of production; and closer connection between production and consumers. The disadvantages of divisional structure are: a large number of levels managing by vertically, between workers and the managers of production units 3 or more levels; between workers and company management 5 or more; a large distance between the office staff structure from the headquarters of the company; the key relationships are vertically, and therefore are common problems for hierarchical structures delays, congestion managers, poor cooperation in addressing issues related to the units, etc.; the duplication of functions at different levels and as a result very high cost of maintaining the management structure; and offices tend to remain linear management structure, with all their shortcomings. In conclusion the dignity of divisional structures outweigh their shortcomings only in periods of fairly stable existence, with an unstable environment, they risk repeating the fate of the dinosaurs. With this structure they may embody most of the ideas of the contemporary quality philosophy. Another example of multinational company structure is the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company. That company supports a global strategy in treating each product division as a stand-alone entity with full worldwide- as opposed to domestic responsibilities for its activities and is called the Global Product Division Structure. It facilities the global planning and strategy for the product, but is much less responsive for the local to local conditions and differences in consumer behavior and tastes. The main advantages of this type of structure are: the single chain of communication for information about product and technology for divisions on each level; related production and marketing resources are entirely devoted to products offered by each division, thus determine excellent production and selling results, for each local market; and the possibility for each division to develop independently of international economic activities. The disadvantages of Global Product Division Structure are: local autonomy are is very limited and the local subsidiaries are treated as cost centers as opposed to profit centers; and communication and coordination difficulties between divisions, that can cause loss of opportunities of cooperation on the foreign market. In conclusion an effective organizational structure shall facilitate working relationships between various entities in the organization and may improve the working efficiency within the organizational units. Organization shall retain a set order and control to enable monitoring the processes. Organization shall support command for coping with a mix of orders and a change of conditions while performing work. Organization shall allow for application of individual skills to enable high flexibility and apply creativity. When a business expands, the chain of command will lengthen and the spans of control will widen. When an organization comes to age, the flexibility will decrease and the creativity will fatigue. Therefore organizational structures shall be altered from time to time to enable recovery. If such alteration is prevented internally, the final escape is to turn down the organization to prepare for a re-launch in an entirely new set up. Incoming search terms for the article: organizational hierarchy of 4 MNCs organisational structures for multinational strategies organizational chart for corporations coca cola organizational structure company structure example coca-cola connection between sales and marketing and production Describe organizational hierarchy of 4 MNCs international division structure vs global area division a small company structure working coca cola careers organisational structure Related post Management Styles for Success Organizational Psychology in Human Resource Management Build an Online Business The Importance Of Archive Storage Tags: communication, company development, departments, domestic market, multinational companies, organization, organizational structure, SHARE THIS POST! This entry was posted by admin on November 14, 2010 at 08:43, and is filled under Organizational. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. Articles related Organizational Structure of the Multinational Companies on another sites: Organizational Structure of the Multinational Companies PARTNER MESSAGE CorporateCreditConcepts.com is the great company featuring establish corporate credit for business owner. KEYWORDS MNC Organisation Structures, improve organisational performance coca-cola, advertising strategy Coca Cola, the communication system of a multi -national business in order to enhance its efficiency, how a multinational company selects an organizational structure, sample small organisation structure chart, different sales management styles, relevance of organisational structures in mncs, Structure of Export marketing Organisation, what is the most imporant resource within an organisation, Which of the following HR tasks is typically associated with a multinational corporation (MNC), why training is important in international human resources management?, mulit-national company organization structure chart, the division based on hrm process, HR processes organizational structures products strategy brand

Comparing Science and the Judicial System :: Biology Essays Research Papers

Comparing Science and the Judicial System Science and the Judicial System are two concepts that at face value seem to be very distinct and unique in their own nature, but their cores share interesting parallels. They each propose a different way of understanding how we comprehend and organize order and structure within institutions, yet they do so with similar strategies. In this paper I'll address my understanding of both, what characteristics they share and how these similarities prove them to be inextricably connected by what we call life and its connection to the human experience. Although Science is largely composed of observation, experiments and their results, it is often controversial because perspective and experience play a key role in how data is interpreted. And because perspective and experience undoubtedly vary with each person due to various reasons; how is it possible that we can assign concrete truths to such a varied conceptualization? Scientists fuse logic and philosophy. Traditional science often fails to provide theories and explanations for phenomenons that hold truth and validation in both a scientific context and the context of the human mind. I feel that Science often caters to only a "black and white" way of formulating answers; failing to recognize the gray areas. Often times people try to find the most common and accepted ways to support their theories and in doing so they adapt to the standard and more traditional ways of viewing the world. This leaves less room for creativity and exploration of the mind when trying to formulate "truth". "A body of assertions is true if it forms a coherent whole and works both in the external world and in our minds." Roger Newton (1) Much like science, the justice system in this country is very much based on experience. Although the understanding of these laws is largely composed of formal education, logic and reasoning, there is more to law then these solid and concrete aspects. Experience plays a key role because before obtaining any form of judicial authority one must practice and "get a feel" for what the position entails. Through these experiences one acquires a very personal and first hand knowledge and experience that is necessary before venturing out into his or her field. The judicial system poses a similar problem to that of traditional science. I believe the laws in our justice system are far too clear cut.

A Term Paper :: essays research papers

This short story term report is on the book The Best American Short Stories 1960, â€Å"The Day of the Bullet†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It first takes place in the sixties when Stanley’s wife is reading the newspaper and Stanley sees a picture of his old best friend, Iggy, on the front page. He grabs the paper and reads that Iggy has been shot. Then the story takes us back to the 1920s when Stanley saw Iggy last. Iggy loved golf, and he was always trying to save his money for a golf putter. Stanley and Iggy used to sneak off to a golf course to steal golf balls in the one of the course’s ponds. Then the author shaped a picture in my mind about the last time Iggy and Stanley were there. They saw the golf club owner, Mr. Rose, beat another man. The two boys decided that they should tell the police what had happened.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When they arrived at the police station and told the chief what had happened. He did not believe them, and he called Mr. Rose and Iggy’s father to question them. Iggy tried to get his father to back him up, but he wouldn’t. He agreed that Iggy is just trying to cause trouble.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mr. Rose (pretending to be a nice guy) gave Iggy a dollar bill saying that he paid well if he wanted to help him do house chores. Later, as Iggy and Stanley were walking home, Stanley tried to convince Iggy to give the money to his father for better use. Iggy refused to give the money to his father and commented that he wouldn’t because his father wouldn’t back him up in the first place. That night, Iggy moved away.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In a way, the message is similar to the â€Å"don’t judge people by their looks† cliche, except in this case, the judgment is made by age instead of appearances. People come in all different personalities, and just because a child is younger than an adult doesn’t mean the child is mischievous or wrong. It may be more likely because people tend to mature as they age, but still you can’t judge someone by just their age. It sort of brings up the subject about people going through mental stages in their lives, and nobody is excactly the same place.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On the other hand though, I could be wrong because there is no proof in the story that Iggy has not caused trouble before.

Poverty and the US Economy Essay

Today, there are developed, emerging and developing countries in the world. A larger percentage of people live under extreme poverty in most developing countries. In most developed countries poverty exist, but a lower proportion. Most developing countries formulate policies either monetary or fiscal to reduce the prevalence of poverty. However, there is no country without a policy options for elimination poverty. In a broader sense, poverty cannot be eradicated, but can be reduced to a certain level. This is why countries are pursuing various polices that could help reduce poverty in their region. Fiscal and monetary policies are the main tools used in formulating various strategies, actions that aim to reduce poverty. This issue leads us to poverty issue in the United States of America. Then, what are the various policies that can be used to eliminate poverty in the country. Should the policy makers make use of fiscal or monetary policy? Subsequently, what policy tools will be used, fiscal or monetary? In this write up there will be a comprehensive analysis on what policy option that should enacted to eliminate poverty in the USA. To begin with, understanding what fiscal and monetary policy entails is necessary. Then, what is fiscal policy? In a simple term, fiscal policy refers to an effort by the government to manage, influence and guide the tempo or direction of the economy by using its major tools taxation and its total spending. There are two major tools of fiscal policy, which are taxation and government spending. In addition, there could be contractionary or expansionary fiscal policy. Expansionary fiscal policy here means when there is increase in government spending or reduction in taxation. This normally leads to budget deficit and vice versa. While, monetary policy refers to an effort by the government to change the pace of the economy by influencing or controlling the money supply and interest rates. These various policies are pursued by government in other to achieve the basic economic objectives of full employment, stability in price level and growth of the economy. However, in the US the fiscal or monetary policies have to be enacted in other to reduce or eliminate poverty. In performing this task, different things have to be put in their rightful place. Even though, poverty cannot be eliminated from the country yet with a very good fiscal and monetary policies it proportion could be reduce. The reason why I believe poverty cannot be completely eliminated is because of the way economy and nation evolves. From time immemorial, there have been some certain classes of people in the economy. They range from upper, middle and lower classes. In any economy, there will always be the lower class and this comprises of the people living below the poverty line. In addition, there will always be those at the receiving end. Africa can be a very good example of this issue. Therefore, there is way how we would not have poverty in any nation. What can only be done is to reduce drastically the number. In country like the US, the poverty rate can be reduced to a small level if government pursues good monetary and fiscal policies. The government could enact fiscal, monetary policies and both together in the economy to reduce the poverty rate. These would be explained as follows: Firstly, we are going to consider the fiscal policy. Since, our main aim is to reduce the level of poverty. The government could pursue both the contractionary or expansionary fiscal policy. However, global financial crises have an overall effect on the nation’s economy. Moreover, the US government could enact contractionary policy to reduce the level of inflation. Since, the tools of fiscal policy are taxation and government spending. The government should reduce its spending and increase the tax of the elite and the upper class in the nation only. When this is done, the government will have more funds, which could be spent on increasing the aggregate demand of the lower class or people living below the poverty line. In a way the real income of the lower class will be increased through this policy, since the funds will be redistribute from the rich to the poor. In a way, there is the effect that fiscal policy has on the nation at large and on the individual as a whole. In as much as our focus relates to individual then, we pursue those action that will be beneficial to the individual rather than the whole nation. In addition, when government pursue budget deficit the economy is receiving less than what its expend. In this case, the government will have to finance this deficit using different approaches. They could borrow the populace or sell assets. Sale of asset may include the sale of bonds and treasury bills in other to offset the deficit. Treasury bills and bond are example of government tools use to reduce the money in circulation. Government sells these to the public in other to remove money in circulation. This money needed will be gotten from the upper class or the rich by increasing their tax. On the other hand, an expansionary fiscal policy could also be enacted. Here, the government should reduce the tax of the lower class and government should increase their spending on economic activities that could increase aggregate demand of this lower class and result in increased productivity. When government takes this action, the real income or the disposable income of this class of people would increase and thereby increasing their purchasing power. Given that, disposable income is the income that is left for spending when tax has been removed from income. In addition, when government increases their spending they pursue budget deficit. Here, they should incur these funds on economic activities that could increase the productivity and aggregate demand of the lower class. When there is increase in government spending, it means that the government is redistributing its asset to its populace. Thereby increasing total productivity in the economy and leading to increase in total income. This increase in total income will trickle down to the lower class and increase their disposable income. In essence, when government pursues the basic economic objective, they will be solving the issue of eliminating poverty indirectly. Therefore, the government could use fiscal policy in reducing the level of poverty in the nation However, the government in pursuing this objective of eliminating poverty can also use monetary policy. They could also use expansionary monetary policy. In a way, contractionary monetary policy will not be effective in achieving this objective. When they wish to use expansionary policy, the government should influence the interest rate by reducing it using its various tools. When this happens, investment will increase leading to increase in productivity that will trickle down to the lower class. Since, increasing productivity more labor effort would be require in achieving this. Then, there will be increase in employment that will trickle down to the lower class. In a way, more people will be employed and this will include the lower class. This situation will increase the real income of the lower class and will enable them live above the poverty line. However, the contractionary monetary policy will not be effective in this case. Since, under this policy there will be reduction in the rate of interest and consequently leading to decrease in productivity. When productivity is reduced, it means inventory is reducing and companies are sacking workers and this most times affects the lower class. Therefore, this will further worsen poverty situation in the country and contributing to increase in the level of unemployment. In another way, the government could combine both fiscal and monetary policies in other to achieve their objective of eliminating poverty in the country. What is needed is the right combination in other to guide against inflation. The government could influence the interest rate and at the same time enact policy that would make lower income earners pay reduce tax or used to offset the feedback from these policy option. The government could also combine expansionary monetary and fiscal contractionary policies in a way to offset any feedback from this policy options. In conclusion, there are ways the government of the United States of America could use to eliminate poverty. However, we should have it in mind that poverty cannot be eliminated permanently in the country. It could only be reduce to its barest minimum. In a way, the government actions are very vital. The two main policies to be enacted are the monetary and the fiscal policy. Finally, I think the global financial crises have a way of influencing the way these policies will work.

Characteristics of Modern English Drama Essay

Godot’s 60th: The University of Reading archive shows the first night Pic: Roger Pic So why are we still waiting for Godot? How has Samuel Beckett’s play grown from a tiny avant garde performance in Paris to become part of the West End theatre coach party circuit? It’s 60 years since Samuel Beckett’s play Waiting for Godot received its premiere in the Theatre de Babylone in Paris. The first public performance, in its original French form of En attendant Godot, drew an audience of high-brow Parisians, taking in the latest experimental theatre. â€Å"All the thousands who claimed they were there could never have been at the premiere. There weren’t enough seats,† says James Knowlson, Beckett’s friend and official biographer. They also couldn’t have realised that this play, beginning its shoestring-budget run on 5 January 1953, was going to be seen as one of the pivotal moments in modern drama. International appeal So why has Waiting for Godot proved so durable? How has Beckett’s work outlasted the other iconoclasts and angry young writers of the 1950s and 1960s? â€Å"I would suggest the answer lies in its ambiguities. So much is suggested rather than explicitly stated,† says Prof Knowlson. A programme from Godot’s first setting at the Theatre de Babylone in Montparnasse, Paris â€Å"People can read into it what they want to read into it.† This openness to interpretation has helped the play to avoid becoming dated, he says. For a play that’s about the passing of time, it’s curiously timeless. It asks all the big philosophical questions – about life and death and the uncertain purpose of what goes on in between – but in a way that isn’t limited to a particular place or era. And the play has acquired a remarkable record for being performed in very different international settings. No disaster or civil strife is complete without its own Godot. It was performed in Sarajevo under siege in the 1990s, in South Africa it was seen as a critique of apartheid and in the wake of Hurricane Katrina a performance in New Orleans was seen as an emblem of the city’s wait for recovery. Inmates in San Quentin prison in California saw it as their own story in a famous production in the late 1950s. Prof Knowlson’s friendship with Beckett has also created a rich and unexpected legacy for his university, the University of Reading, which now holds the biggest archive of Beckett-related material in the world. From the early 1970s, the playwright began giving manuscripts and notes to Prof Knowlson, stuffed into bags, boxes and suitcases. And this Beckett International Foundation has grown to become the definitive European collection for researchers. â€Å"He adopted us,† says Prof Knowlson – although the attention-shunning writer was never persuaded to visit the archive in person. As Waiting for Godot reaches its 60th anniversary, the university has artefacts and pictures from the original performances. ‘Something extraordinary’ It’s also a reminder of how easily the play might not have happened at all. Samuel Beckett at the BBC recording a series of his plays in 1977There were no famous faces or big funders to back the play. Instead it depended on the actor and director Roger Blin to hustle for cash and a venue – and once it had begun it relied on word of mouth for survival. None of the original cast are still alive – and the theatre itself shut down a few years after staging Beckett’s play. In an interview with French television in the 1960s, Roger Blin suggested the initial power of the play. When Beckett showed him the script: â€Å"I said to myself: This is something extraordinary and it must be put on.† Another playwright who was enlisted in the search for funding fervently promised Blin: â€Å"I will defend this play to the death.† It was still proving controversial when the first English version of the play was performed two years later in London, directed by a 24-year-old Peter Hall. Harold Pinter, also then in his twenties, saw Beckett as the the â€Å"most courageous, remorseless writer going†, while reviewer Bernard Levin described Waiting for Godot as â€Å"a remarkable piece of twaddle†. Not a ‘miserabilist’ Prof Knowlson is himself now one of the most important living links with Beckett. Continue reading the main story â€Å" Start Quote He could be very convivial, very witty, very good company, with a great sense of humour† Professor James Knowlson Beckett’s friend and biographer. And he recognises that the continuing interest in Beckett’s writing is wrapped up in the fascination with the enigmatic character of the author. His photogenic alienation has become a kind of literary brand. But Prof Knowlson argues against the view of Beckett as a â€Å"miserabilist†. â€Å"He could be very convivial, very witty, very good company, with a great sense of humour. â€Å"But there was an element of depression and despair that was part of his life, particularly after the war when he was deeply involved in writing the novels.† He says that Beckett’s idea of a happy Christmas would have been a solitary occasion. â€Å"He would have been preferably on his own and writing. He hated that kind of thing.† The underlying humour is also part of the continuing appeal of Waiting for Godot, he argues. It’s often a peculiarly bleak comedy of resistance, but the thread of humour is always there to leaven the gloom. It’s now a commonplace to see Waiting for Godot described as one of the most important plays of the 20th Century – with its reputation gathering momentum rather than fading away. The kind of movie actors who would have reached the career point of wanting to be in King Lear now want to shuffle across the stage in Godot. Design conscious A key reason for this growing resonance with audiences, Prof Knowlson says, is the visual appeal. Beckett’s strong images appeal to a design-conscious, visually-literate culture. â€Å"They have this strong visual element. I’ve become much more conscious of the filmic quality.† A handbill advertising the first run of Waiting for Godot Prof Knowlson says that he increasingly believes there is a direct link between the plays and Beckett’s interest in painting. â€Å"He was passionately involved in painting, not just that he loved to be with painters, but he was a real expert on 17th Century Dutch painting.† â€Å"He knew these pictures so well, he was so engrossed in these scenes. It seems to me that these pictures are really echoed in Waiting for Godot.† Beckett’s life was changed by the success of Godot – the international impact of the play helped him to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. His publisher John Calder also recalled how the enigmatic Godot could haunt his creator. He recounted how he had once met an anxious Beckett getting off a flight at Heathrow airport. When the plane doors had closed on the runway in Paris, Beckett had heard the loudspeaker announcing: â€Å"Captain Godot welcomes you on board.† â€Å"I wondered if my destiny had caught up with me at last,† Beckett had told his publisher. The Beckett International Foundation at the University of Reading will hold a series of seminars on Samuel Beckett and Waiting for Godot in April 2013.