Monday, September 30, 2019

Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian Summary

January 17, 2013 Nicole Samuels The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian Chapter 1-3 Summary In chapter one, we are introduced to the narrator, Arnold Spirit, nicknamed Junior. He describes himself, as being of lanky build, with an overly large skull, feet and hands. He has a medical condition called Hydrocephalus, which is an excess of fluid in the skull causing swelling of the brain.Junior went through a very risky surgery at the age of 6 months, which would normally kill or permanently damage the brain of the patient, but luckily came out undamaged. Junior has frequent seizures, a lisp and stutter. He matured having 42 teeth and had to get 10 pulled all at once with minimal novocaine. He could only have cheap glasses with big black frames. He lives on the reservation and is the weakest and smallest of them all so is beat up frequently and belongs to â€Å"the Black-Eye-of-the-Month-Club†. He tells us about how he loves to draw, and that it is the only thing he is go od at.Chapter two is where Junior reveals that he is poor, saying that he is â€Å"just a poor-ass reservation kid living with his poor-ass family on the poor-ass Spokane Indian Reservation†. He also gives us the very important math equation of â€Å"Poverty = empty refrigerator + empty stomach†. He tells about how good a piece of KFC chicken tastes after not eating for a long time. He tells us about how he wishes he could blames his parents for their poverty but cant because he loves them too much and they were born into poverty as were their parents, and their parents, and so on and so forth.He talks about how his parents had dreams but didn’t do anything about it, and draws a picture of who his parents could have been if they had followed their dreams. He tells us about how being poor makes you feel, like you’re hopeless. Junior also delves into a painful memory and tells us about the time he heard his father shoot his dog Oscar, who was his best frien d, and could do nothing about it. In the third chapter we are introduced to Juniors best human friend, Rowdy. Rough, mean, rude, and willing to beat up anything and anyone, Rowdy watches out for Junior.Rowdy convinces Junior to go the Spokane tribe’s annual Labor Day celebration, the Powwow. While there Junior angers Rowdy and Rowdy shoves Junior and he runs away, straight into three 30 year old men who beat him up. Rowdy finds him on the ground and vows revenge, and gets it later that night when the men have passed out. He shaves off their eyebrows and cut off their braids, which are a big deal to native men. Junior tells us more about Rowdy, and in his calculations they have spent more than 48,000 hours in each others company.Chapter 9-11 Summary Junior worries that Roger will take revenge for Junior having punched him in the face, wishing Rowdy were still his friend. He asks his grandmother for advice and she tells him it means that roger respects him, but Junior believes she is just crazy. The next day Junior’s parents don’t have enough gas to drive him to school, so he starts the 22 mile trek to school. Along the way junior runs into Eugene, his father’s best friend. Eugene is an alcoholic of the happy sorts, and he gives Junior a ride to school on his motorcycle.When they arrive at school, all the white kids just stare at junior and Eugene, and Roger passes by Junior but doesn’t kick his butt, only says he’ll see him around, and looks impressed. Juniors pretty pumped over this and says Hi to the porcelain beauty Penelope only to be shot down by her, and thinks to himself that he may have impressed the king but the queen still doesn’t approve of him one little bit. In chapter ten Junior tells us the story of Dawn, a beautiful Indian girl with legendary braids who he fell in love with at the age of twelve.Junior had no shot with Dawn, but still confessed to Rowdy his love for her. Rowdy tells Junior that Daw n does not care about him. At all. But Junior still loves her. And so he cries over her, and tells us he is the opposite of a warrior because he is too emotional. He asks Rowdy to keep everything a secret, and Rowdy does. It is Halloween in chapter 11, and Junior goes to school in the simplest and cheapest costume he can think of, a homeless man, because he already has the wardrobe for it.Penelope goes a homeless woman, saying it is a political statement against the treatment of homeless people in the USA, and is going trick-or-treating for spare change to donate to the homeless. Junior says he is making a statement against the treatment of homeless Native Indians in the USA, and will also go trick-or-treating for spare change, and maybe they cold donate together. Miraculously Penelope agrees. Later that night, while trick-or-treating, Junior is jumped by three guys in Frankenstein masks who kick him, spit on him and take the money for charity.Junior wonders if one of the guys was R owdy. The next day Junior tells Penelope what happened, and she is horrified and tells him she will put his name on her donation anyway. Junior thinks that after this Penelope and he will get closer, but of course this doesn’t happen. You do not become popular overnight. Junior wishes he could go to Rowdy for advice to get Penelope to like him, but already knows Rowdy would say â€Å"The first thing you have to do is change the way you look, the way you talk, and the way you walk. And then she'll think you're her fricking Prince Charming†

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Bromination of trans-cinnamic acid Essay

Abstract The bromination of trans-cinnamic acid was completed to determine dibromide’s stereochemical structure and its mechanism. After the addition of bromine to trans-cinnamic acid, the product was identified by its melting point and infrared spectrum resulting in erythro-2,3-Dibromo-3-phenylpropanoic acid after comparing similar properties. Introduction In this lab, the bromination of trans-cinnamic acid was completed to determine dibromide’s stereochemical structure, and from there determine whether the reaction is carried out by the usual bromonium ion mechanism or a different mechanism. This is important in the determination of dibromide’s stereochemical structure, as a mechanism can be affected by changing a reactant’s structure. Cinnamic acid was used in this lab because as a naturally occurring compound, it has many different uses. It is used as a flavoring, in perfumes, and is a source to a large number of other natural substances. Cinnamic acid is helpful in providing flowers with their bright colors, butterflies with their colorful wings, and gives fall leaves their distinguishable color. These examples reveal the day-to-day uses of cinnamic acid, and shows that the addition of bromide to this particular acid is nothing extremely complex or an uncommon chemical compound, it is easily obtainable. After the addition of bromine to trans-cinnamic acid, the product is identified by its melting point and infrared spectrum. The product could be erythro-dibromo, threo-dibromo, or a combination of both. Although obtaining a product consisting of both erythro and threo is possible, it results in an impure substance with a broad melting point range that contrasts pure dibromide. These particular compounds of erythro and threo are named as such to distinguish their two chiral centers, but no plane of symmetry. Both of these compounds are derived from simple sugars, erythrose and threose (Figure 1). Figure 1. Structures of Erythro and Threo Products Compared to Erythrose and Threose After completing the addition of bromine ion acetic acid to a solution of trans-cinnamic acid in the same solvent, the product that is obtained can be identified by comparing the properties of erythro-2,3-Dibromo-3-phenylpropanoic acid and threo-2,3-Dibromo-3-phenylpropanoic acid. Results and Discussion Melting Point: The melting point was determined to be 202 °C, which is extremely close to the literature value of erythro-2,3-Dibromo-3-phenylpropanoic acid, 204 °C. This is the first indicator that the product obtained possess a stereochemical structure resembling erythro-2,3-Dibromo-3-phenylpropanoic acid. Infrared Spectrum: The Infrared Spectrum’s collected from the starting material and the product look almost identical, with functional groups C=O(1700 cm-1), O-H(3300-2600 cm-1), and C=C (1680-1640 cm-1) present. Mechanisms: Although a variety of mechanisms can be suggested for the addition of bromine to an alkene, the addition of bromine to the C = C in our final product illustrates an anti-addition. Experimental The reaction was done in the fume hood with proper safety gloves on throughout the entire experiment. 10.0 mmol of trans-cinnamic acid was combined with 6.0 mL of glacial acetic acid with a stirbar in a 50 mL round-bottom flask. The round-bottom flask was placed on a magnetic stirrer with a separatory funnel over the flask with the stopcock closed. 8.2 Ml of 1.25 M solution of bromine in acetic acid was poured into the separatory funnel and stoppered immediately. After starting the stirrer, the bromine/acetic acid solution was added in 5 portions once the color had faded to a light orange, about every 6 minutes, totaling 30 minutes for this process. Once the last addition of the bromine solution was added, the reaction stirred at 50 °C for 15 minutes. At the end of the 15 minutes,  cyclohexenes were added drop wise while the stirring continued until the solution was colorless. To separate, the mixture was cooled in ice water until crystallization was observed. Through vacuum filt ration, the solid product was collected and rinsed with portions of ice cold water until the odor derived from the acetic acid had disappeared. The 2.3-dibromo-3-phenylpropanoic acid was dried in order to measure its melting point. References 1 Experiment is a modified version of an experiment found in: Lehman, J.W. Operational Organic Chemistry: a problem-solving approach to the laboratory course, 3rd ed., Prentice-Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 1999. 2 www.sigmaaldrich.com 3. www.chemicalbook.com

Saturday, September 28, 2019

RFID Technology Deployment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 7000 words

RFID Technology Deployment - Essay Example Nevertheless, most suppliers were ready to beat the January 1 2005 deadline while others were in the pilot study stages (RFID). For Wal-Mart however, deployment was slow due to the overwhelming data available for the firm. This overwhelming data was a result of failure to adopt an incremental approach in the deployment of RFID. In comparison, METRO Group, Nestle, and Albertsons each used an incremental approach and effectively succeeded in deploying the technology (RFID). RFID deployment ensures a higher profit margin for a business. However, firms should use three critical areas to gauge the effectiveness of the technology. The first area is the maturity of the organization using the Capability Maturity Model. Secondly, organizations should gauge the effectiveness of investing in RFID by a better inventory management and control. Finally, another area to gauge the investment is by gauging the effectiveness of the automated method in manufacture of the passive tags (RFID). The U.S. D oD implemented the RFID technology in 2003. Importantly, DoD’s suppliers use either the passive program or the active RFID program. In this regard, this technology helps the DoD monitor the flow of supply along the frontlines. In addition, the technology is crucial to reduce losses and misplacement of its supplies. Finally, the technology is crucial in enabling a constantly moving force replenish its stocks through a better system of inventory (RFID). 2.1.2 RFID Technology: Basics, Advantages, and Disadvantages The passive RFID market is growing at a faster rate in comparison to the active RFID markets since the products are smaller and easier to use. In effect, their small size ensures small data storage capacity in comparison to the active RFID products that allows multiple files stored in the database. Consequently, active RFID products have a quick transfer rate of data in comparison to passive RFID products. However, both products are easily mounted on a plane surface an d are flexible enough (RFID). Programming RFID tags enhances security levels on who can read what part of the data. On the other hand, the level of programming is useful to allow only a few people gain the access to the operation and handle the RFID tags since the power to the chip has to meet a certain threshold for operation to take place. However, there is a limitation in the level of programming. In this regard, effective programming requires connection to a network (RFID). In addition, some tags have security features that act as anti-theft deterrents. The battery power capabilities vary in different RFID tags. On one hand, active tags draw their power from readers with a ten-year limit of battery life while passive tags have no battery power. On the other hand, semi-active tags, also known as semi-passive tags, have flexible and low-cost battery used to run the chip’s circuitry. However, unlike the active tags, they do not boost the radio frequency range though they off er a better range in comparison to the passive tags. The failures in battery have been crucial in slowing the growth of active RFID tags.

Friday, September 27, 2019

The Purposes Essential in the Present Management Function Research Paper

The Purposes Essential in the Present Management Function - Research Paper Example The leaders in a firm also possess the ability to motivate people in accomplishing the dream. They also keep the staff focused on elevating the firm to attain its objectives while inspiring them in conquering whatever obstructions they meet. Conversely, management intended for recruitment, resources, and predetermined short-term aims for personnel to make sure productivity as well as giving the direction of achieving the long-term objectives. Teamwork is a virtue all contemporary leaders struggle to achieve. Furthermore, making a team depicts showing an elevated degree of trust that a majority of enterprising people in the agency are disinclined to offer. Leadership gives the vision, whereas the team gives the trail and course on the manner to reach there. Scrutiny of administration or rather management looks to manage by the employment of fear in addition to, tasks being rigidly outlined. Additionally, management wheels the course as well as giving the trail, rules, and wherewithal to attain the firm’s goal. Many articulate that, the dissimilarity between being a director and that of a leader is that directing is perceived in matters of career whilst leadership is a vocation or talent. As a leader, an individual should possess plainly distinct assurances and most outstandingly, the audacity of one’s assurances to observe them come into realism. Effectual skills in leadership are nurtured and polished by time, incidents, and a factual need to be more than being a manager, but actualize in being a factual leader. A question is asked on the directors and leaders role in the present day environment.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Research Methods Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Research Methods - Assignment Example The oil export business has also allowed the countries to participate in the international trade and thus the countries are developing in order to compete with the developed nations (Narayan and Smyth, 2007). Since oil producing sector is the most important sector in the middle-east and the GCC nations this is considered for carrying out a detailed study. The aim of the research is to carry out an overall analysis of the performance of the oil producing companies of middle-east by focusing mainly on the GCC nations and the revenue generated them. Since crude oil is on high demand in the international market hence it would prove to be an interesting topic of discussion for most of the researchers. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have a number of features in common that is their structural economic features as well as there are significant differences. The common features comprise of high dependency of the other nations on the hydrocarbon as well as the oil production of the middle-east and the GCC nations (Arouri and Rault, 2012). The countries are expected to earn a large portion of their revenue from the oil export business. Oil producing companies face challenges due to the fluctuations in the oil prices where some of the oil importing countries reduce their dependency on the oil and hydrocarbon and set up a separate non-oil sector. There is a possibility of economic diversification that takes place in the international market that would in turn reduce the demand for oil. Study says that, the member nations of GCC are adopting the method of economic diversification with UAE and Bahrain, acting as the most advanced in this field of economic diversification. According to the study, the GDP growth in the non-oil sector has exceeded that of oil producing sectors in the international market, but the non-oil sector are controlled by the government expenditure which is further dependent on

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Course Project Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Course Project - Coursework Example In this case, the body that is in power to manage disaster should be focused to deal with is matter. Decision-making is a fundamental element that can be described as a daily routine matter. This is because in everything that is done decision should be put in the first place. Thus, decision-making can be defined as a process of gathering cognitive choices among many alternative possibilities (Köksalan, 2011). The person making the decision should select the logic choice from the available options (Köksalan, 2011). However, the nature of its existence and the historical background of the events (Köksalan, 2011) describe the decision-making. Therefore, in order to have a quality decision making the problem must be identified. Secondly, the outcomes should be clearly noticed. While managing the vulnerable hazards like flood wise decisions should be made to make sure that people do not die because of its effects. In many areas where floods are experienced malaria, turns to kill large number of such poeple like children and pregnant women (Hardman, 2009). Additionally, chole ra turns also to become a killing disease because of poor sewage. Thus, floods as they are prone in many areas in the corrective measures should be implemented to in order to meet the level of its risks. In this scenario, the article is hereby to identify disaster/emergency problems such as floods. According to the facts of scholars, floods are storms that are because of natural occurrence (Hardman, 2009). Since, the flashing of flood occurs unexpectedly the decision should be wisely made because of its consequences (Hardman, 2009). For instance, floods might cause the death of animal, people, and destruction of properties (Hardman, 2009). It is the responsibility of the state government to make clear decisions towards how to deal with such problem if it is experienced (Hardman, 2009). In this case, the government might decide to evacuate the residents

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

How do you as an Early Years leader or potential Early Years leader Essay

How do you as an Early Years leader or potential Early Years leader demonstrate effective leadership to respond to the challenge - Essay Example Effective leadership is often deemed as quite an important element that is essential in the successful accomplishment of any particular goal. Basically, people understand a leader as a person who is followed by others for his/her ideals and strong principles. Leadership is also a concept of organising people and leading them towards meeting set targets of any particular work. In every domain of the society, the role and the importance of a leader are quite significant and can hardly be ignored. Some of the major roles of leaders include leading, commanding, guiding as well as influencing people (Daly & et. al., 2004). Similar to the importance of leadership in various domains of the society, its significance in the Early Year’s sector is also considered as quite vital. It will be worth mentioning in this regard that leadership in the early years is quite different and critical as compared to their importance in other sections of the society. Contextually, it would be vital to obtain a critical understanding of the concept, approach and characteristics of leadership in the Early Years sector. A leader in the Early Year’s sector plays an imperative role to provide a right direction to the children in their early stage of life and train them towards a better future. Their role in particular involves inspiring children and teenagers with the clear and precise vision that could enable them to face the challenges and changes that will be occurring inevitably in their life will as they keep growing (Janet, 2006). This study will primarily intend to demonstrate the various aspects of effective leadership that is essential with regard to deal with the challenges and changes usually emerging in this Early Year’s sector. In the process, the discussion will also evaluate the views and theories of various studies that are associated with the aspect of Early Year’s leadership and management. The paper will also highlight some of the challenges tha t prevail in the Early Year’s leadership sector and accordingly certain strategies will be developed to deal with the same. Discussion In the recent years, extensive research has been conducted on the early years of children and the impacts of the adults that are associated with them in their beginning stage of learning. Children in this age usually follow those people who are closely in association with them in their daily activities comprising education, play and other activities, which further influences their futuristic goals and vision in life. In this regard, the people associated with the children, who include parents and teachers, have a key role to play as Early Year’s leaders. Early Years Leadership and Management- Theories and Literature Children in their early years are often observed to be reluctant to perceive themselves as leaders or managers in the near future, certainly as they lack such a complex understanding as adolescents or adults. Correspondingly , the role of the Early Year’s leaders comes into existence. Leadership in the early years mainly

Monday, September 23, 2019

Leadership And Management In Organization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Leadership And Management In Organization - Essay Example Management, like leadership, is ethically neutral (Charan et al 2001). I understand that managers mobilize and allocate resources; they staff and ensure the continuing vitality of the team; they create and maintain appropriate procedures. They also direct, delegate, and coordinate, and they provide a system of incentives to motivate and encourage productive behavior. Managers also establish reporting systems, perform evaluations, and assign accountability. Common to both managers and leaders is the focus on the results they produce, which are based on the goals they pursue (Hoyle and Wilmore 2002). I would like to research the relations between leadership and managerial success as measured by achievement, not by the process used to accomplish the results. The research will benefit my personal communication skills and will help me to deal with difficult managerial situations in my job. Based on this results-oriented philosophy of management, the new definition of management focuses on outcome Remember that managerial performance is not judged entirely in terms of success or failure. Rather, performance is measured in terms of progress in relation to the goal. The focus is on lessons learned, and learning is a core value (Cole, 2005). In this sense, success becomes a journey, rather than a destination. We cannot produce positive results every time.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

The dinosaur ridge in colorado Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The dinosaur ridge in colorado - Assignment Example useum where a road slices through a mountain where dinosaur footprints, bones and fossils of pre historic plants and insects are etched by nature into the scraped rock walls. There were a lot of foreign visitors and local families drawn by the amazing sites, with kids hugging the giant footprints as if feeling the spirit of the pre historic beast. The guide is keen to educate the visitors. According to him, some of the best known dinosaurs, diplodocus, stegosaurus, allosaurus, and Apatosaurus were discovered here in the late 1800s. The main entrance of the museum has the fake models of these dinosaurs, which are just thrilling to observe. Though the museum is not as large as one expects after reading about it on the internet, the experience of having to ride on the old rickety mini-bus, the well-versed tour guides and the touching of the bones and the dinosaur tracks on display makes the tour amazing. The place has a great history as the guides made us discover. There is a mountain on the side whose surface looks like the surface of mars, which according to the guides is what the earth looked like back in the dinosaur days. It is gray, hard and crusty and surrounded by the treasures of fossils that made the geologists and paleontologists to have the site designated as a natural landmark in order to preserve the fossils in 1989. The guides refer to the tracks as the dinosaur freeway. Though they do not reveal the details of the dinosaurs, they are the most popular and spectacular parts of the ridge. The mysterious faint prints, massive and three toes announce the earthly presence of the dinosaurs. In most cases, one will find children staring at the mother and baby footprints perhaps wondering how big the dinosaur young ones could have been. According to the guides, the ridge also has interpretive signs at the trail locations, which explain local geology, trace fossils, paleo-ecology, a volcanic ash bed and how economically, coal, oil and clay have developed

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Development or environmental injustice Essay Example for Free

Development or environmental injustice Essay What does it really take to experience development? What are the defining criteria for development? Is development quantitatively measured or qualitatively evaluated? What are the key indicators of a developing or developed country? The answers depend on the person’s priority and preference. The expansion of metropolitan areas has been referred to as urban development by those who are after the material indicators of development- high rise buildings, wider highways, more cars and more parks. For those who are concerned with the long-term environmental and health effects of urbanization, they call it urban sprawl. For the purpose of having a common point of reference, let me use 1Dr. Howard Frumkin’s definition of urban sprawl: â€Å"the complex pattern of land use, transportation and social and economic development. † This complex pattern requires the extension of urban areas to rural areas, and thus converting the latter to urbanized locality. Urbanization implies vast forest and agricultural lands to be converted to different land uses. Sad to say, the list includes recreational facilities and parks which, for investment and environmental considerations are to be of least priority. Extensive roads construction which provides spaces for suburban dwellers to drive a car just to buy a pack of cigarette in the next block, is not suppose to be of immediate consideration. Besides this qualitative indicators of poor urban sprawl considerations, there are environmental threats of urban sprawl that are needed to be evaluated and be given high priority by the development advocates, as it concerns life of the present and future generations. 2â€Å"Automobile has been a prerequisite to urban sprawl. † (J. E. Anderson) The most adverse effect of heavy reliance to automobiles is obviously air pollution. In the United States, 3about 25% of all trips are shorter than one mile of these, 75% are by car. Another related 4study revealed that only 1% of trips in the US are on bicycle and 9% by foot. Do these figures present impressive urban development rates for the US? I am afraid not because the Netherlands has 30% accounting for transportation on bicycle. These facts rather provide proofs that vehicles are the leading source of air pollution. Despite modern environmental standards, urban air quality remains to be greatly affected by the emission of air pollutants from transport. In the 5US alone, 30% of nitrogen oxide and 30% of hydrocarbon emissions are brought about by mobile sources. In addition, 5carbon dioxide emission, which is the end product of burning fuel such as gas, accounts for 80% emissions. Carbon dioxide is the major greenhouse gas, with global warming potential. Needless to explain, development should no be measured quantitatively, that is by the number of cars that are going to and fro the streets of the cities. Rather, development should be measured qualitatively, that how much does it contribute to the quality of life the residents are to experience when programs relative to urban sprawl are push through. Housing development is a part of urban sprawl, which requires forest fragmentation. 6Chet Arnold of the Center for Land-use and Research at the University of Connecticut said forest fragmentation occurs when â€Å"large, continuous forests are divided into smaller blocks, either by roads, clearing for agriculture, urbanization, or other human development. † This means that housing development requires animal populations in the cleared forests to be thrown out of their natural habitats. Destruction of natural habitats accounts for great loss of biodiversity, which results to ecological imbalance. I agree that man deserve to have decent life and part of it is having a more comfortable living. But humans are not the only residents of the earth. We also have to take into consideration the floras and faunas as part of biodiversity. Let us remember that earth creatures are dependent on each other. Humans, being given the capacity to think and understand over the lower forms of life should see things beyond material and short-term comforts that development brings. Urban sprawl in this context alone is clearly an environmental injustice. Water resources are not exempted from the list of natural resources that are directly affected by urban sprawl. As requisite of urban sprawl deforestation brings forth water pollution. This is besides the effects of pollutants that directly come from factories, sewage treatment plants and local wastes, which are typical to urbanized cities. Rainwater that runs through the deforested lands are not effectively absorbed and thus flows downstream. This process results to lesser groundwater recharge, then water supply shortage follows. Added to the list of negative effects of urban sprawl to natural resources are noise pollution, the heat island effect, soil erosion and the declining fertility rates of soils. The main point of all these is that urban sprawl is the root of many environmental injustices. Air pollution, deforestation, water pollution, soil degradation and the destruction of biodiversity are results of a chain reaction from a single step to what others refer to as urban development. What humans failed to do and still refuse to consider is the future. Development projects, of which urban sprawl is a major player, are focused on comforts and pleasures of today and shortly after tomorrow. The next generation should be taken into serious consideration. There are things that still can be undone, but there are things that cannot. Natural resources that were destroyed can still be replaced, but it takes a century to bring them back to where they used to be. By itself, there’s nothing wrong with development. What makes it undesirable is its planner to consider the future. REFERENCES 1. Frumkin, Howard. Urban Sprawl and Public Health. Public Health Reports. May-June 2002 issue. Volume 117. page 201 2. Anderson, J. Edward. Personal Rapid Transit and Urban Development. Retrieved from http://faculty. washington. edu/jbs/itrans/sprawl. htm on December 19, 2006 3. Koplan, JP, Dietz. Caloric Imbalance and Public Health Policy. JAMA 1999. 282. pages 1579-81 4. Pucher, J. Bicycling Boom in Germany: A Revival Engineered by Public Policy. Transportation Q 1997:51. pages 31-46 5. US Environmental Agency. National Emission Inventory. Air Pollutant Emission Trends. Current Emission Trend Summaries. Retrieved from http://www. epa. gov/ttn/chief/trends/index. html on December 19, 2006 6. NASA. Urban Sprawl: The Big Picture. Retrieved from http://science. nasa. gov/headlines/y2002/11oct_sprawl. htm on December 19, 2006

Friday, September 20, 2019

Self Confidence And Leadership

Self Confidence And Leadership Purpose The purpose of this study is to test empirically whether a relationship exists between self confidence and leadership, with self efficacy as a mediator. This effect is studied with respect to gender differences among the sample population. Design/methodology/approach An online questionnaire was administered to students of XLRI, Jamshedpur. The questionnaire measured the students on various parameters like self confidence, self efficacy, and leadership quality. Gender differences were also recorded for the same. Findings There is a significant relation between self confidence and leadership of an individual, with self efficacy fully mediating this relationship. Also, it was seen that gender plays an important role in defining the leadership among management students. Research limitations/implications Only management students of a B-school were taken as sample. Also, this study administered a structured questionnaire with cross-sectional design. Future research is required on various other parameters that effect leadership quality of an individual. Practical implications The research is carried on management students. Hence, it is expected to act as a guide for organisations in determining the effectiveness of future managers with respect to co-relation between levels of self confidence and their display of leadership behaviour. Originality/value This paper studies the direct effect of self confidence and indirect effect through self efficacy on leadership quality among students of a B-school and how gender differences affects this relationship model. This model, though earlier studied in parts will now be researched upon in totality. Keywords Self confidence, Self efficacy, Leadership, Gender, XLRI, Jamshedpur, India Paper type Research Paper Introduction Leadership has become an important determinant managerial ability. Leadership has been defined as the ability to execute, organize, communicate, motivate and inspire. Several approaches have been proposed for the assessment of leadership ability. These range from specific theories of leadership, such as trait theory, to specific kinds of leadership, such as transformational leadership, to specific dimensions, such as goal setting. However, lately, the best assessment of leadership is on the ability to inspire others through positive exemplary behaviour and through empathetic communication. As such the best description of leadership ability might comprise ability to: Exercise discipline over oneself, demonstrate clarity of thought of life, and possess a well rounded worldview and philosophy on life that combines personal mastery and public interdependence in a benign, non-manipulative way. Display compassion from others point of view, and to truly empathize with others and know their motivations, concerns and preconceptions. Communicate effectively on the basis of an accurate assessment of others perspective and their various levels of drives and motivation. That is, to construct the most appropriate message, and encode and deliver it through language and otherwise in the best way possible so that the recipient has thorough understanding of the idea being communicated. Draw from ones clarity of thought powers of empathy and freedom from vanity so as to assess the situation around him accurately, and to draw a vision of a lofty but attainable future which he considers to be desirable and beneficial to the largest number of people. To inspire large numbers of people towards a common, highly meaningful and motivating goal; guiding and showing them how it is achievable, while facilitating communication at every stage To maintain utmost consideration for, and a personal bond with, the people for and with whom he is working in the process elevating them and making leaders out of them in turn. The above characteristics what a leader is supposed to achieve. However these characteristics are difficult to measure over a short period of time, so alternative methods are use. One such method has been used in this study. Organizations are constantly on the lookout for executives who display these behaviours. As such they are constantly on the lookout for methods which can help predict the leadership abilities of prospective members of the organization. Self confidence is one such measure of leadership abilities (Kaplan, 1986; Popper and Mayseless, 2007). It is considered to be one of the fundamental building blocks of leadership ability and indispensible to leadership success. A person with a high level of faith in himself or herself is likely to be a better executor and motivator. Only a high degree of self confidence can enable a person to make the effort and the choices that go into developing leadership ability. A related trait that is crucial to leadership is self efficacy. The ability to handle adverse situations by taking charge of situations has been found to be determinant of leadership in situations requiring change. This is important because ability to lead positively, empathetically and ethically while facing tough competitive situations requires a belief that one can successfully negotiate such situations without compromising. Furthermore, gender has been an area of focus in study of leadership styles. Studies have pointed out that gender is related to leadership style and performance on various leadership dimensions. Given that leadership abilities of women are expected to draw from somewhat different strengths than men, it can be expected to affect the relationship between self confidence, self efficacy and leadership. Hence we see that there is a need to study the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between self confidence and leadership. Furthermore, given the significant differences found in leadership parameters of men and women, it is important to see how the strength of the relationship between self confidence and leadership abilities is affected by gender. Hence in this study, we seek to study the mediation effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between self confidence and leadership with gender as the moderating variable. Research background and hypotheses Efforts to pinpoint the influences on leadership skills have focussed, for the greater part of the twentieth century, on individual factors such as personality traits and behavioural attributes. In a 1948 literature review, over a 100 studies on trait approach were reviewed and it was found that traits like interpersonal skills, initiative, intelligence and integrity were consistent with leadership capabilities (Daft, 2005). Studies on individual traits have included research on various traits such as honesty, interpersonal skills, initiative etc. Studies have also talked about traits like self-confidence and self-efficacy in relation to leadership (Popper and Mayseless, 2007; Hautala, 2005). This study carries forward these ideas while also attempting to add to knowledge of leadership by studying factors which lead to leadership as well as the way in which other factors moderate this relationship. Self-confidence Self-confidence is a personality trait. One of the most widely accepted definitions of it comes through the Trait Theory of Leadership wherein it is considered one of the most important personality traits used to identify potential leaders (Daft, 2005). If we were to take a more contemporary definition of self-confidence, Merriam-Webster Online defines it as confidence in oneself and in ones powers and abilities. Although there is no singular definition of self-confidence as a construct, a lot of research has been done on the subject and various authors have defined it in different ways. For instance, the reasons for development of self-confidence in an individual have been identified by various authors. Self-confidence may result from a persons belief in whether he or she can performs a task a belief derived from whether or not they succeeded in performing the task in the past (Burns, 1993). On the other hand, self-confidence has also been said to develop in two phases. First, you examine whether you are capable of handling, or have adequate information about, a task and then based on this analysis you decide whether you can handle the task in the present context or situation (Koriat et al, 1980). Self-confidence has most often been linked with the concept of self-efficacy and the two terms are often used interchangeably. Apart from gaining experiential knowledge, a persons self-confidence may also increase through appropriate motivational mechanisms or through reinforcement behaviours (Bandura, 1977). The components of self-confidence have also been studied and they can be divided into internal and external components, ranging from self-love for the former to assertiveness for the latter (Lindenfield, 1995). There are also certain general behavioural indications, which have been linked to self-confidence as components or attributes, viz. a persons air of assurance and the fact that his entry or exit from a space is considered to be of note (Goleman, 1998) In an analysis of self-confidence as a concept, we can find those attributes, which are most representative of self-confidence as a stand-alone concept. These attributes include belief in positive achievements, persistence and self-awareness all of which our questionnaire attempted to capture (White, 2009). Personal characteristics such as willingness to take initiative, effectiveness, self-esteem etc. have also been variously linked to self-confidence (Kacmar and Young, 1998; Pool and Sewell, 2007). Self-confidence measures have, for the most part, continued to measure the attributes mentioned above. However, some new scales to measure it have been developed in recent years, mostly for use in specific professions. The Self-confidence Attitude Attribute Scale was developed to measure the ability of students as well as the amount of work they are willing to perform in order to succeed (Nokelainen et al, 2007). A new measure, the Perceived Self-confidence Scale was also developed for n urses in order to gauge the correlation between willingness to take up managed care and perceived self-confidence (Hayes, 2003) Self-efficacy Self-efficacy is also a construct related to personality and was first developed as part of a study on behavioural change (Bandura, 1977). It was initially defined in terms of an element which helps in development of learning abilities, especially for social or cognitive skills. The concept gained currency over the years and may now be defined as the conviction that one can act in accordance with certain predetermined norms and that such actions will lead to the successful achievement of objectives (Ormrod, 1999). It can also be defined as the belief that our actions can have a modifying effect on the environment and, hence, bring about changes or achieve goals (Steinberg, 1998). Elsewhere self-efficacy, especially among students has been examined and has been described as being capable of imagining oneself achieving a goal completely or as far as one desired to achieve it (Smalley, 1998). It has also been described as, simultaneously, an influence on and a result of socio-cultural n orms and ethnic background (Pajares, 2002). As mentioned above, a similarity of concepts has often led to self-efficacy being used interchangeably with self-confidence. This is also true in the case of efficacy, self-esteem and self-concept. Efforts to distinguish efficacy from self-efficacy have focussed on the fact that efficacy represents actual ability whereas self-efficacy represents a belief in ones ability to accomplish a goal in a designated manner (Sue et al, 2005). The sources which lead to self-efficacy as well as the factors which impact it have been divided under four broad headings learning derived from experiencing something in the past; learning from or comparing oneself with others; persuasion from social relations or even institutions and finally, our reactions to the physiological changes within us during specific situations (Bandura, 1977). Self-efficacy also has certain consequences on behaviour. For example it leads to greater effort and increased focus on ach ievement of goals (Schunk, 1990). It may also make one more competent in generating enthusiasm and motivation for a task (Gonzalez et al, 1990). On the other hand, low self-efficacy could also lead to the reverse, i.e. low competence due to lack of belief in oneself (Pajares, 2002). Self-efficacy, apart from being linked to the above-mentioned constructs (with which it is frequently interchanged), also has an impact on the way we think and act, our thought patterns and behaviour (Bandura, 1977). In order to define self-efficacy or to apply it to their research, theorists and researchers began to devise new ways to describe and measure the construct of self-efficacy. Initially self-efficacy was primarily measured on the General Self-Efficacy Scale (Scherer et al, 1982). However, more recently, apart from the universally accepted scales such as the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (Jerusalem and Schwarzer, 1995), other scales have been developed, such as the Scale of Perceived Social S elf-Efficacy (Betz and Smith, 2000). The latter was developed to measure self-efficacy expectations in the context of actions taken or behaviour demonstrated in social situations. There were six sub-factors to self-efficacy, in this scale, and they included performance in public situations as well as social assertiveness. These scales have also been modified according to the needs of the research (Matsushima and Shiomi, 2003). Leadership Leadership has been identified in various forms over the years. It has alternately been considered a combination of traits, of behaviours, of contingency actions etc. It can be defined as the process by which an individual encourages others, or works with others, to achieve certain shared goals (Chemers, 2002). Over time this definition has become more expansive and now includes the interrelationship between the leader and his followers. Leadership as a construct has evolved over time and this evolution can be divided into six broad types of leadership theories (Daft, 2005). The Great Man Theory of leadership defined it as inherent ability which set apart one man from the rest and he was recognised as a leader while the Trait Theory, which was in currency for nearly half a century, tried to identify those traits which can be influencers or predictors of leadership ability (Robbins, 2008). Other theories have included study of leadership behaviours, leaderships impact on followers, le adership actions to be taken in emergency, interrelationship between leadership and change etc. (Yukl, 1981). ). Leadership or leadership quality (which has been used as a construct in our survey and our research) has also been defined in terms of the people orientation and task orientation of individuals (Hemphill and Coons, 1957; Likert, 1979; Blake and Mouton, 1985). The reasons for leadership definitions being focussed on these two dimensions are the importance of both to the organisation as well as the fact that the presence of both, in an effective leader, is necessary. Irrespective of whether the two orientations are displayed simultaneously or at different situations, it is clear that extensive research has determined them to be present in successful and admired leaders (Fleishman and Harris, 1962). The various constructs which have been related to leadership over time include emotional intelligence and social intelligence (Goleman and Boyatzis, 2008), integrity and self-con fidence (Trait Theory) and other more elusive constructs such as charisma (Influence Theories). There has been a great deal of empirical evidence over the years to suggest that leadership is affected by self-confidence (Bass, 1985; Popper, 2004 etc.) and also by self-efficacy (Bandura, 1977; Paglis and Green, 2002 etc.). Various measures have been developed over the years to capture the elusive and ever-changing construct of leadership. Some of the scales developed in the last decade included the Revised Self-leadership Scale (Houghton and Neck, 2002), revisions to existing scales on Leadership Scale for Sport and Athlete Satisfaction Questionnaire (Nazarudin et al, 2009), etc. Self-confidence and Leadership From the literature which was reviewed, it was clear that self-confidence was an important part of an individuals personality and, hence, should be an important factor in the development of leadership in him. But, first it needed to be proved that personality has an effect on development of leadership or on demonstration of leadership behaviour. The study of relationship between leadership and personality has found significant interdependence between the two, with self-confidence being an important element of a leaders personality (Hautala, 2005). In one such study personality was divided into four clusters and it was proved that certain types of personality demonstrated greater leadership behaviour (Church and Waclawski, 1998). However, in order to relate the constructs of self-confidence and leadership, more research has been conducted, both empirical and conceptual. While studying transformational leadership through a survey feedback session, it was discovered that one of the important personality components, for those who scored high on leadership was self-confidence (Bass and Riggio, 2006). Similarly a study on the building-blocks of leadership development, has also shown that self-confidence was the most evident variable when it came to determining ability to lead others (Popper and Mayseless, 2007). When it comes to leadership in a business environment, there is ample research to suggest that business leadership is also dependent, to a great extent, on self-confidence. For instance, there has been research on managerial self-confidence and organisational change. The study attempts to formulate a new concept of self-confidence, which can lead to better managerial performance in terms of leading an orga nisation towards change (Bowman, 1999). The current economic environment requires a new set of business leaders with new ideas and a confident leader as well as earning confidence through respect is an important means of achieving success (Darling and Nurmi, 1995). A profiling tool on public sector managers had also discovered a lack of leadership confidence among them, which affected their ability to provide inspiration and support to subordinates and colleagues (Women in Management Review, 2007). Entrepreneurship can intuitively be considered a direct firm of leadership and studies have demonstrated that among MBA students (our sample), higher self-confidence can be statistically correlated with higher levels of entrepreneurship-orientation (Koh, 1996; Turker and Selcuk, 2009). A study on communication in groups has also shown how self-confidence is essential for improved communication (Education + Training Journal, 1960). For prospective managers it, therefore, becomes necessary to develop self-confidence as a means to developing leadership and even communication skills. Self-confidence and self-efficacy As mentioned earlier, self-confidence and self-efficacy are often used interchangeably, primarily due to the similarity of the constructs, which are both dependent on a sense of self-belief. While self-confidence is the belief in ones abilities, self-efficacy is the belief that one is capable of performing a certain task in an expected manner. Studies on either of these constructs tend to focus on the other as well. In a conceptual study on use of these constructs for therapy, self-confidence was advocated for the common man whereas self-efficacy was recommended for use in (Ulmer, 1998). The study felt that self-efficacy had more empirical support as a construct and, hence, self-confidence could be considered a sort of sub-set of self-efficacy, whereby, higher self-confidence would imply higher self-efficacy. The relationship between the two, with self-efficacy playing an important mediating role between self-confidence and effective performance, has also been empirically validated b y another study (Orpen, 1999). Not only are the two concepts interrelated but they can also be used a substitutes for each other for example self-efficacy can be seen as a private form of shoring up faith in oneself, while self-confidence can be seen as the external image we need to present to society in order to succeed It has been suggested that self-confidence can be either a trait or something that is specific to certain situations (Pool and Sewell, 2007). There have also been attempts to redefine these personality traits as contextual concepts so that it would easier to measure them and also to work towards developing them in individuals. It would also be easier to map the exact relation between the two, i.e. how the increase in one leads to increase in the other (Pool and Sewell, 2007). Most attempts at measuring one or the other have culminated in both being measured as a factor of the other. Confidence has been included as one of the six dimensions on the Occupational Self- efficacy Scale (Pethe et al, 1999). Similarly, a study on the Israeli military used the construct of self-confidence as a combination of 3 variables, one of which was self efficacy (Popper et al, 2004). Variants of the constructs have also been found to be related to each other. For example, Social Self-efficacy has been proved to have a high correlation with Social Confidence (Betz and Smith, 2000). Thus, we may say that an increase in self-confidence or high levels of self-confidence is mirrored by correspondingly high levels of self-efficacy. Self-efficacy and leadership It has been seen that high level of self efficacy makes a person better suited for leadership role than a person with a low level of self efficacy. Through the Social Learning Theory, it was demonstrated that leadership development increases with high levels of self-efficacy (Bandura, 1977). Leadership involves being committed to the organisation you work for and self-efficacy at the workplace plays an important role in increasing this commitment (Rastogi and Rathi, 2009). A construct called Leadership Self-Efficacy (LSE) was also designed and the relationship, between LSE and an increase in leadership behaviours, was empirically validated (Green and Paglis, 2002). Studies have not only related individual self-efficacy and leadership but have also shown how increase in a leaders self-efficacy, so far as it pertains to his leadership abilities and job performance, have a positive effect on self-efficacy of the team or group that is being led (Sanchez and Villanueva, 2007). Self-effica cy is also necessary for achievement of stated objectives and the construct has been found meaningful for developing better performances in an organisational setting (Appelbaum and Hare, 1996). Other research has also tried to establish a correlation between self-efficacy at work and the personal traits which can be considered essential for leadership (Schyns and Sczesny, 2010). Career success which could be defined as being able to reach a level of influential leadership is also positively affected by self-efficacy (Ballout, 2009). There has also been an interest in transformational leadership and its relation to self-efficacy for leaders, both male and female (Sanders and Schyns, 2005). For those working in expatriate roles or leading global organisations, self-efficacy has been found to be an important criterion for success (Ang and Dyne, 2006). Self-efficacy also leads to greater job involvement, a prerequisite for effective leadership (Lin et al, 2009). The ability to lead new companies or begin a new venture has been found to be positively affected by high self-efficacy (Alvarez et al, 2006). Self-confidence, self-efficacy and leadership Based on the discussion above, we can say that there is a positive relationship between self-confidence and leadership, self-confidence and self-efficacy and self-efficacy and leadership. But in order to study the relationship between self-confidence and leadership, with self-efficacy as a mediator, further research was involved. The Social Learning Theory was one of the first in establishing a correlation between these three constructs since it showed self-confidence to be an important element of self-efficacy while also establishing its relation with leadership development (Bandura, 1977). Any comprehensive study of leadership as a concept tends to include self-confidence and self-efficacy as two of the most important factors in possessing or developing leadership skills (Conger et al, 1988). Self-confidence and self-efficacy have also been found to influence the thought patterns or actions which lead to leadership development (Popper, 2004). Both self-efficacy and self-efficacy ha ve been shown to have an impact on a persons job capabilities and, hence, ultimately his leadership capabilities as well (Pool and Sewell, 2007). Self-confidence and self-efficacy have also been independently correlated to entrepreneurial leadership abilities and, considering the correlation between the two constructs, one can say that an increase in one would lead to an increase in the other and finally to an increase in leadership abilities (Turker et al, 2008; Alvarez et al, 2006). Attempts to develop future leaders have also shown that increasing self-efficacy and motivating employees to have greater self-confidence are integral to the process (Popper and Lipshitz, 1993). From empirical and theoretical research, the two constructs of self-confidence and self-efficacy have been shown to be related conceptually, since both are dependent on self-belief to a great extent. If we posit that self-confidence has a positive correlation with leadership, then an increase in one should lead to a corresponding increase in the other. However, since self-confidence is related to self-efficacy and self-efficacy is related to leadership, any increase in self-confidence will lead to increase in self-efficacy, which in turn would increase leadership ability. Genders Moderating Role on the Model The definition of gender includes the practices, beliefs and norms, internalised by men and women, with reference to their roles in society. Thus, gender influences individual decision making according to societal expectations. As a sociological entity, it also affects the development of personality and, hence, of traits such as self-confidence and self-efficacy. There has been significant research on how gender affects leadership. The possibility of women attaining leadership roles has been studied with reference to whether a glass ceiling exists and how evaluation of (and by) either gender tends to have an element of bias (Weyer, 2007). There is research to suggest that the types of roles or leadership positions offered to women are often significantly different compared to men (Lantz and Maryland, 2008). The differences in leadership orientation or style, between men and women, have also been studied to identify the varying ways in which they handle change and transformation (Yane z and Moreno, 2008). Leadership effectiveness has been analysed to show that gender differences exist (Chow, 2005). Not only does gender affect leadership but it also has an impact on various abilities and competencies which affect leadership. Studies have shown that women tend to score higher on emotional intelligence, which is generally identified with leadership (Bauch and Rucinski, 2006). There is also a significant difference in the extent to which men and women possess these success-predicting attributes (Hopkins and Bilimoria, 2008). In a study, which is of particular interest to this research, entrepreneurship skills (linked to leadership in the discussion above) were found to be influenced by levels of self-confidence. The self-confidence levels for men and women were qualitatively proved to be different, hampering women in their quest for leadership development and success. Thus, we can say that gender has an influence on the relationship between self-confidence and leader ship. Based on the discussion above, the following hypotheses are proposed: H1. Self-confidence has an impact on leadership quality. H2. Self-confidence has a positive impact on self-efficacy. H3. Self-efficacy has an impact on leadership quality. H4. Self-confidence has an impact on leadership quality by increasing self- efficacy. H5. Gender has an impact on the relationship between self-confidence and leadership quality. Research Model Self-Confidence Self Efficacy Leadership Gender Methods Sample The survey was administered to management students of XLRI of batch 2008-10 and 2009-11. There are total 420 students (294 males and 126 females), out of which 68.03% of the students chose to participate. The response consisted of 127 males and 73 females. Using stratified sampling, 102 males and 58 females were chosen using random number generator. The average age of the sample is around 25 years. The questionnaire was a self-administered questionnaire and it was sent to students using internet. Measure The constructs used here were measured using Likert and Likert-type scale with different range used for different constructs. Leadership quality It is measured using 5-point Likert type scale developed by. A sample item is The more challenging a task is, the more I enjoy it. Self confidence it is measured using 5-point Likert scale developed by Sherer et als (1982). A sample item is I avoid facing difficulties. Self efficacy it is measured on a 4-point Likert type scale using Schwarzer and Jerusalems General Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale (Schwarzer and Jerusalems, 2010). A sample item is If I am in trouble, I can usually think of a solution. Also, gender has been used as a moderator which is a dichotomous variable asking if the respondent is a male or a female. Analysis For the analysis, different methods have been used for different purposes. For measuring the reliability of various constructs the Cronbachs alpha has to be calculated for all the constructs defined in the model. For proving H1, H2 and H3 we are using linear regression model to find out the significance of relationship between the constructs of Self confidence, self-efficacy and Leadership Quality. In order to evaluate the effect of mediator we use the mediator model with multiple regression analysis or MRA which consists of four sequential steps to find out the significance of mediation and the effect of mediation. This analysis supports H4. For evaluating the effect of gender as the moderator, we first do regression analysis between the predictor and the consequent while including only the male gender in the analysis and then we do the same analysis using the female gender. This is done to find out whether gender has a significant role to play on how self-confidence affects leaders hip quality in a person. We use SPSS software to carry out our analysis. Results Reliability: In order to test the consistency of a construct, Cronbachs alpha is calculated. Following are the results for the same. According to some professionals, as rule of thumb, if value of alpha is 0.7 or higher, the construct is considered as reliable. Construct Cronbach alpha Reliability Leadership Quality 0.847 Yes Self Confidence 0.681 Yes Self Efficacy 0.889 Yes Effect of Self confidence on Leadership Quality: This

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Byzantium Civilization :: essays research papers

The Byzantium Civilization started cause of overcrowding in the eight century B.C. that led Greek city-states to send out colonies throughout the Mediterranean basin. In the year of 667 B.C.; Byzas, from the Greek city of Megra, founded Byzantium Civilization at the mouth of the Black Sea. Alexander the Great dominated Byzantium as he built an empire around it stretching from Greece to India. Byzantium was the Christianized eastern part of the Roman Empire. Constantine the Great was a vital figure in the early stages of this civilization. He established toleration for Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and legally transferred his capital from Rome to Constantinople, which is the site of the Greek City of Byzantium. Roman law and political institutions ruled the people there and they spoke Latin and Greek languages. Merchants at this city were able to grow rich cause of its strategic location between the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Constantine liked to import Greek-Roman art f rom throughout the empire. Byzantium art focused on human figures. The most prominent figures that were created were Christ, the Virgin Mary, the saints, and the apostles. The emperor was believed to be divinely sanctioned by god. Human figures were portrayed in sculptures in two different styles. One style expressed power, authority, and grandeur. The other style expresses adoration, sympathy, prayer, and distress. The Attarouthi Treasures consist of fifteen objects: ten chalices, three censers, a wine strainer, and a dove. The artifacts were found buried in the vicinity of the ancient town Attarouthi. This town was a stopping point on the trade routes. The chalices were used to hold wine during the Liturgy. Upright frontal figures decorated most of the chalices with Christ appearing as a beardless young man. The dove represents the Holy Christ that descended over Christ when Saint John baptized him. Crosses and bust-length figures of Christ decorate the censers. The emperor Maurice Tiberius had a medallion that when put together with twelve gold coins and three other medallions that were identical formed a griddle. Griddles of this type were worn as belts or slashes and sometimes even necklaces. Traditionally the Roman emperor would give medallions and coins as gifts to high-ranking officials or nobles. The Processional Cross is decorated on both sides with silver-gilt medallions. On the front of the cross, Christ has his right hand raised in blessing and is flanked by Mary on the left side with John the Baptist on the right.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Feng Shui in the Far East Essay -- essays research papers

Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Feng Shui has been practiced in China for centuries. Throughout ancient China, masters of Feng Shui â€Å"were highly respected meteorologists, astronomers, and other scientists and who were charged with sustaining the good fortune and prosperity of the royal court. It has been guardedly passed down the generations through very specific lineages† (Feng Shui Advisors). It was widely practiced in modern-day China until the Cultural Revolution when Chairman Mao utilized mass force to destroy those with different ideas (Craze 9). It has evolved to be both a science and/or an art, depending on whose opinion is being given or taken. The science comes from the calculations and methodology used to analyze the space/site that one lives or works in. Some consider it an art because there are many aspects to it, and, ultimately, it is up to the person living/working in the space to determine whether it â€Å"feels right† for him/her. Chuen states, â€Å"It is an analytical system developed, not by one person, but by a centuries-old cumulative tradition based on meticulous observation and experimentation† (8). Feng Shui is also described as an â€Å"art of arranging one’s life in accordance with the forces of the universe,† and it â€Å"stretches back over at least 7000 years and probably far further† (Chuen 14). Feng Shui literally stands for wind and water: two of the most bas ic forms of life’s energy. â€Å"Without air we die within seconds.† â€Å"While we can live weeks without food, without water we soon perish† (Chuen 14).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The I Ching, or â€Å"Book of Changes† is an ancient Chinese divination manual and book of wisdom. It is a sacred text that ancestors of ancient China received through their meditative and spiritual practices. Made up of eight trigrams, or gua (kua) and sixty-four hexagrams (combinations of two trigrams) the symbols of the I Ching are known for its oracular qualities (Chuen 24). Each of the eight trigrams, or gua (kua) is associated with an element and a set of specific qualities, polarities, colors, etc. The I Ching, combined with the five elements theory, form the foundation of many Chinese arts, including martial arts, medicine, music, and of course Feng Shui. The I Ching is important to Feng Shui because it contains the â€Å"64 hexagrams [that] are important as they combine the eight house directions ... ...earchers and authors of Feng Shui literature. This was an enormous problem for me because half of what I read said one thing, and half said something different. I believe that the discrepancy may have come when the principles and rules of Feng Shui were translated from Chinese to English. For future study, one could compare all of the different discrepancies, and try to find the original belief or principle. References Chuen, Master L.K. (1996). Feng Shui Handbook: How to Create a Healthier Living and   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Working Environment. New York: Henry Holt and Company, Inc. Craze, R. (1999). Feng Shui Made Easy: An introduction to the basics of the ancient are   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  of feng shui. New York: Godsfield Press. Feng Shui Advisors. (1999). What is Feng Shui: A brief Feng Shui introduction. Internet   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Source. Last Modified 03/09/2002. Internet Explorer April 2, 2002. Available:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.168fengshui.com/Articles/whatis.htm Weightman, B. (2002). Dragons and Tigers: A Geography of South, East and Southeast   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Asia. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Video Games and Violence Essay examples -- classical conditioning, pav

One of the main concerns with respect to violence in video games compared to other media is the fact that games are immersive, and interactive. They are repetitive, and based on a reward system which is a proven psychological component of classical conditioning discovered by Ivan Pavlov. This argument however has been going on since the days of the comic book in the 50's, and because of the graphic violence portrayed in them, parents blamed them for their children's bad behavior. It seems that blaming games, and other media in this way is quite a lazy view to take. Subsequently, it is really using game manufacturers as a scapegoat, while ignoring the bigger issue, the person who has committed this act of aggression or violence, and other issues that have brought them to this point. Apparently, according to a 2001 U.S. Surgeon General's report, the panic over video game violence is twice as harmful as it misdirects energy that could be used in helping kids with problems, and allows them to fester to the point where they break down, and act out in aggression. A more appropriate question would be "Do violent games inspire the gamer to cause violence"? If the game does make a person commit violence, then are they mature enough to be playing it in the first place? Does this mean though one learns to be violent from playing a violent game, any more than watching a violent film, or listening to an aggressive Hip-Hop or Rap song, and have a long term effect to make the player violent and aggressive in real life, where they may otherwise have been non-violent. A prison in Missouri seem to think that they do affect the player, as since 2004 they have been the first to remove them from prison privileges. Whether or not this has r... ...ey, n.p.: New York ; Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2007., University of Cumbria Library Catalogue, EBSCOhost, viewed 23 December 2013. Death Race. (2013) DEATH RACE (Video Game). [Online]. Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Race_%281976_game%29. [Accessed 21/12/2013]. Egenfeldt-Nielsen, S. S., Smith, J. and Tosca, S. (2013) 'Video Games and Risks', Understanding Video Games, Second Edition. New York: Routledge, pp 255-277. Springer. (2013) Video games do not make vulnerable teens more violent. Available at: http://www.springer.com/about+springer/media/springer+select?SGWID=0-11001-6-1433942-0 (Accessed: 29/12/2013). Wendy Stogner. (2007) Do Video Games Cause Violence in Children?. Yahoo Voices. Weblog [Online] 23rd May. Available from: http://voices.yahoo.com/do-video-games-cause-violence-children-359143.html?cat=25. [Accessed 29/12/2013].

Personal Attitude Speech FAA Medication Essay

Thesis Statement: I believe all pilots should avoid any type of medications that may slow the thinking process or reaction times before they fly. Introduction I. Many common medications are known to slow the thinking process and slow reaction times. II. I believe all pilots should avoid any type of medications that may slow the thinking process or reaction times before they fly. Body I. Slowness caused by medication can have a substantial negative impact on critical times of flight. a. When encountering bad weather, an unfamiliar area, or even just an unexpected flight event, the slowness caused by some medication could be the final determining factor that causes an accident. b. When encountering these types of conditions, a pilots mind must be clear to make split second decisions. II. Pilots have a great amount of responsibility placed on them with each and every flight. a. Some pilots may have the lives of several passengers behind their every move. b. Other pilots may be flying solo, but in a mishap can still cause danger to themselves or innocent bystanders on the ground. III. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has compiled a list of prohibited medications, recognizing that some medications are valid for concern. a. In 12% of all fatal accidents in General Aviation prohibited medications were found to be a contributing factor (According to analysis of data by the FAA from the past decade). b. A valid point for concern that many pilots are still using impairing medications while operating aircraft, maybe unknowingly. i. Many OTC medications have a ubiquitous presence of sedating antihistamines. Conclusion I. A safe pilot should utilize the IMSAFE (which stands for Illness, Medications, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, and Emotions) to ensure they are safe prior to every flight, paying particular attention to the medications part of the checklist. II. I believe all pilots should avoid any type of medications that may slow the thinking process or reaction times before they fly.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Parts of a Newspaper Essay

A .Headline- the words are printed in a large type across the top or a news paper article to catch the reader’s attention B. Dateline- the words at the beginning of a news article that tell when and where the story was written. C. News article- in a news paper, a story about an event that has just taken place. D. Feature Article – a detailed report on a person, an issue, or an event. E. Editor – one of the people who run a newspaper F. Editorial – an article in which the Editors give their opinion on an important issue. G. International – tells you about the news across the continents. H. Business – tells you the things that are happening business-wise. (media and advertising, world business, economy, stock markets, mutual funds, etc. I. Technology – contains things that are going in and out of style in the technology world. J. Science – contains things that are happening in medical world. (e.g. outer space, environment, etc.) K. Health – talks about modern day human health and health problems. I. Sports – talks about games. (ball games, Olympic games, SEA games, etc.) M. Education – contains the trend n the world of education. (students’ Achievement, schools, etc.) N. Weather – contains the weather for the day O. Obituaries – contains people who passed away and their death should be mentioned to the community. P. Classified Ads – contains open jobs and job description plus job requirements. Other parts include: Cover Page Story, Table of Contents, Editors Pool, Entertainment, etc. Commentary is a series of giving explanations and interpretations Guidelines in Writing a Commentary: There is no recipe for doing commentaries. The elements that make up a successful commentary tend to vary and will depend on the nature of the text and on particular approaches to it. Nor is there a single ‘right answer’ to any passage for commentary. A good commentary may well consist of a number of pertinent questions raised by the passage. However, certain tendencies should be avoided: 1. A commentary should not be prà ©cis of the passage. Summary and description are not commentary. 2. A commentary should not dwell on the context of the passage and should in general avoid venturing into other parts of the work from which the extract is taken. IT should likewise avoid excursions into the wider oeuvre of the author 3. It is not necessary to write out quotations from the passage this can waste valuable time. The following points should be considered: 1. A commentary benefits by paying close attention to the use of language. 2. 2. IT is important to pay attention to the means of representation and to address not only the quest of WHAT is said but of HOW it is said. 3. There is no need to ascribe to the text a definitive meaning or structure. It is fine to problematize the text. Critique – is a method of disciplined systematic analysis of a written or oral discourse. Critique is commonly understood as fault finding and negative judgement, but I can also involve merit recognition, and in the philosophical tradition. It also means a methodical practice of doubt. The contemporary sense of critique has been largely influenced by the enlightenment critique of prejudice and authority, which championed the emancipation and autonomy from religion and political authorities. Critique is an accepted format of written or oral debate. Stating a Purpose: * It is important to state your purpose clearly at the beginning of your talk. Here are some ways to do this: * *talk about – to speak about a subject Example: I’d like to talk about our plans for the new site. * *report on – to tell you about what has been dine. * Example: I’ll be reporting on the progress we have made since last meeting. * *take a look at – examine * Example: First, let’s take a loo at what we have achieved so far. * *tell you about – to give someone information or instruction. * Example: Our reporters will tell you about what is happening in Visayas. * *show – to explain something by doing * Example: The object of the orientation is to show you how to put the theory into practice. * Outline – to give the main facts or information * Example: Give me an outline of the new policy. * *Fill you in on – to give extra or missing information * Example: I will fill you in on the details you just missed during the meeting. * *Give an overview of – to give a short description with general information but with no details. * *highlight – draw attention to or emphasize important facts. * *discuss – to talk about ideas or opinions on subject in more detail

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Men are from Mars, Women Are from Venus Essay

This is the title of the 1990’s Best Selling book which tells that Men and Women are different in their own natural ways. But nowadays, most of the people think that sometimes this is not applicable to both genders. Dual Personality is very common and frequently seen in these days. In fact, Male Vanity is widely experience by most of the men. They are typically described as ‘vain’ in the way they take excessive measures in making sure they always look gorgeous in social situations, quietly suffer from stress levels that are more taxing than what women experience for the same thing, according to researchers. A lot of women wonder how do men became meticulous and how to identify if a man is already becoming vain. So here’s some of my observations regarding with the reasons why a lot of men are experiencing male vanity and the signs of being vain. Women are known for being beauty conscious. We really like to have fair and white skin, looking sexy and gorgeous all the time and to be beautiful inside and out. And to achieve these things, we sometimes depend on beauty products, herbal medicines and Derma Clinics. But nowadays, the rise of male grooming has led to men taking almost twice as many electrical items with them as women, based on new researches. Beauty Products for men are frequently seen on TV ads. They are answering the demand with products streamlined for the male consumer. Clinique has developed an entire line of skin care products exclusively for men. Their ‘All About Eyes’ cream ‘diminishes the appearance of eye puffs, darkness and fine lines.’ They point out that the cream-gel ‘actually helps hold eye makeup in place.’ Yes. We’re still talking about the men’s line. Generally, looking clean and pressed is a good idea. But applying expensive moisturizers, powders and creams before and after bedtime is another thing. Should we call it ‘Vanity’? I guess so. Most of the propagandas that women usually read has reached men. Especially in terms of Diet and Health. We can say that a man that is considered vain is also a diet-crazed. A basic guy’s activities to maintain his good health like sports, balance diet and manual labor are enough to offset a normal diet. But if a man knows about yoga, ab cruncher, pilates or a guy who works for better biceps have no purpose for bigger biceps other than self-admiration is not normal anymore. In terms of their outer looks, Fashion and pop culture have a lot to do with the change. The ultra-slim silhouette and skinny jeans that hit the high-fashion world several years ago have infiltrated men’s departments in mainstream stores like Banana Republic and Old Navy. And because of social media websites like Facebook and Twitter, men constantly are confronted with photos of fit male celebs. Men like to live up to a certain standard, a certain level of providing income. The image of a career, however, has become more important than the actual work. Today, men seek clean, domesticated, polite, sedentary jobs. Fathers used to be firemen, farmers and construction workers, which meant getting their hands dirty. Plastic surgery clinics are reporting a surge in business from men seeking a helping hand to stave off the ageing process. And men aren’t just interested in looking younger, but also thinner and more polished. It is no surprise then that according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), nearly 171,000 Americans under the age of 18, had some form of plastic surgery in 2000 – with the most common operation being rhinoplasty or surgery to change the size or shape of the nose. Joshua Parilla, 25 years old and a call center agent was asked if he shows some signs of being vain as what people had observe to him. And he replied, â€Å"I visit the Parlor twice a month because I want to have a different styles of haircut. Then I visit a massage spa at least once a month as a reward for myself every time I receive my monthly salary. And sometimes I went to a Derma Clinic to maintain my good skin. And I must admit it.† Not only the ordinary men experienced Vanity but also the once who we did not expect to be vain. I had watched a show titled Palaban, hosted by Mareng Winnie Monsod, Malou Mangahas and Miriam Quiambao. Palaban discusses male vanity with Dr. Kho, actor-model Alfred Vargas, Navotas Mayor Toby Tingco, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Manny Calayan and Carole Sarthou of market research firm Synovate Philippines. Women swoon over them and some of their secrets are regimen that includes regularly going to the gym, use of skin care products, getting a hot oil treatment, and even having cosmetic laser treatment. Some of them have taken to stuffing their bag with their own â€Å"kikay kit† (vanity kit). They use products intended for women too. So now, who says only women can be vain? It seems that Vanity truly changed the name of men. And the rise of Male Grooming has changed the point of views of many people. Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus but we are on Earth so there’s no boundaries here. Self-improvement is a good thing as it makes us feel more confident when we face the world. However, our confidence is and should always be in our own selves as individuals.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Aristotle vs. Plato Essay

Born in Northern Greece. Aristotle’s male parent was a tribunal doctor to the male monarch of Macedon where Aristotle himself would be requested by King Philip II to tutor his boy Alexander ( who grew up to go â€Å"Alexander the Great† ) . Aristotle. one of the most influential minds in doctrine including political theory is besides known as the legendary Greek philosopher. logician. scientist. and pupil of Plato. Aristotle studied in Plato’s Academy in Athens. Plato being the pupil of Socrates and besides known as the male parent of political theory helped educate and determine the head of immature Aristotle who so became known as the first political scientist. It was the diverse ambiance in which Aristotle was raised. along with his instruction and so his many travels that gave him the deepness of being able to see and see the good and the mistakes in the universe. Aristotle saw doctrine within the physical universe. He believed that our truths came from physically interrupting down systems and analyzing them to understand them. He had experience with travelling and seeing different universe governments. Aristotle believed one had to interrupt things down through empirical observation and scientifically. Therefore deriving his rubric of political scientist who used scientific methods to analyse and reason his beliefs. ideas. and sentiments. Aristotle believed that one must believe critically and rationally utilizing inductive ground and an empiricist attack. Aristotle studied over 100 governments and analyzed which 1s were the strongest. how they functioned. and which best served the people. He concluded that the best type of authorities government was that of one with a strong in-between category to equilibrate the upper and lower categories to make the most stable and merely society. He believed that this government would be a combination of facets from a civil order ( an elected authorities that has the bulk of the common people’s best involvement ) . nobility ( regulation by the rich but with the people’s involvement in head ) . and monarchy ( a individual swayer if there is the possible that that metropolis has a qualified swayer as such which Aristotle admits is rare and can easy turn into dictatorship ) . Aristotle felt that most people did non hold adequate intelligence or power to manage running the authorities so it is best to set those in power who do. In his work. The Politics. Aristotle is explains that a metropolis is made up of many people. many persons who possess different positions and values. It is the diverse group of the metropolis that makes it a metropolis. If a metropolis were to go more and more a unit so it would lose its singularity in sentiments and do up and get the better of the full definition of a metropolis. Aristotle believes that people are entitled to their ain ideas. sentiments. and ownership. He states in his work ( Politics. page 40-41 ) that is non in the nature of a metropolis to be a unit. Aristotle believes that metropoliss are made up different parts and different entities that work together as a whole. They do non work as one but instead work together. Aristotle provinces that utmost fusion of a metropolis is non a good thing. Aristotle states that â€Å"The metropolis exists for the interest of a good life† . significance that a metropolis is at that place to map as an mercantile establishment to run into the demands of each of its citizens. Each citizen has his ain demand to be met. Aristotle realizes that what makes one individual happy may non do the other happy. â€Å"It is obvious that a metropolis which goes on going more and more of a unit will finally discontinue to be a metropolis at all. A metropolis. by its nature. is some kind of plurality† ( Aristotle. p. 39 ) . Aristotle is reasoning that if a metropolis becomes more and more incorporate so merely one voice is heard and it will so miss the really alone constituents of different voices. maps. and positions that made it a metropolis in the first topographic point. Aristotle believed that a metropoliss intent was to heighten plurality. a diversified metropolis that comes together to map. Known as the first political philosopher. Plato saw all physical things to be illusional. to be â€Å"a shadow of reality† ( Simile of a Cave ) and he stated that worlds are falsely led by their senses. Because of this. harmonizing to Plato- merely a society lead by Philosophers is a merely society ( Republic 473-475 ) . Plato believes that philosophers are the lone 1s to seek out absolute truth and justness and will hence be more educated and more inclined to do the best determinations for the group. At the same clip Plato thought that every individual had the possible to obtain ground. truth. and cognition by â€Å"stepping out of the cave and seeing the â€Å"light† . Plato believed that if people were educated decently so they would do good determinations. He believed people’s basic nature to be good. Whereas Aristotle tended to more of a realist and knew that some people did non hold it in them to â€Å"reason† or to â€Å"see the light† . In his book. The Republic. Plato discusses his belief in making a metropolis like utopia where there are no categories and everyone portions everything including adult females. kids and belongings. Plato’s positions are a bit unrealistic because he seems to non take into consideration human nature. Worlds are of course competitory and with clip would go more individualistic. Plato would non hold with Aristotle’s transition that a metropolis that grows into a unit will finally discontinue to be a metropolis. Plato on the reverse would province that the more of a unit the metropolis becomes. the more of Utopia it will be with everyone in common idea and understanding. common ownership of land. animate beings. and adult females. Plato’s ideal metropolis was that of a Utopian that would be governed by philosophers. He desired a perfect society with no jobs where people were happy. His society would dwell of three categories: swayers. aides and labourers. The swayers would be the philosopher male monarchs. would ever govern the province. The aides ( warriors ) would support the province and the labourers would be responsible for material production of goods needed by the province. Plato believed that the philosopher male monarchs should run the province being that they are the wisest and best possible campaigners. Plato was wholly molded by his instructor Socrates. taking on all of his ideas and doctrines whereas Plato’s pupil Aristotle took on many of his ain decisions and ideas many times beliing Plato’s. Plato was more of a dreamer while Aristotle was more of a realist. Where Plato sought out the â€Å"Utopia ideal situation† . Aristotle sought out how to break the current state of affairs. Another difference about Aristotle and Plato’s attack is that Plato is more focussed on the flawlessness of the universe and how people come to cognize about this. While Aristotle focal points more on the observations in nature and he knows non everything in nature is perfect. Aristotle. unlike Plato. was non focussed or concerned about the thought of a perfect society ; alternatively he wanted to better upon the 1 that he was portion of during his being. He believed that society should endeavor to use the best system it can achieve. He felt that Utopia was unrealistic and pointless. It would be best that society was at its highest possible and you can merely better upon the bing one. Therefore the integrity of a metropolis would decrease the individualism and different constituents that unambiguously make up a metropolis. therefore in the terminal the devastation of the really significance and map of what a metropolis ought to be.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Scholarship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Scholarship - Essay Example But all that changed when I met my present host family for the first time. There was a warm feeling of kindness and understanding from the moment we first met, and somehow they took me in, and treated me like they would treat their very own daughter. There was this instant feeling of connection, and I knew immediately that I was no longer alone. They helped me with English, and encouraged me to talk more and more in the language, urging me not to be shy, insisting that if I did not make mistakes, I would not learn. Slowly, all the chatter around me began to make sense, and it was a relief to be able to greet the people around me in a a language they understood. The family also encouraged me to take part in their life, and to understand the frank, welcoming American culture. In the course of my stay with them, I have been able to visit various American cities like Boston, New York, Kansas City, San Francisco and Los Angeles in their company. I have seen America like it actually is, and not as I saw it earlier on television, and my respect for this country has grown.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

What roles do religions play in Appiahs analysis Essay

What roles do religions play in Appiahs analysis - Essay Example Known to be one of the oldest institutions in the world, the Catholic Church is rich with traditions and beliefs seen through the eyes of devotees. The Catholic Church requires parishioners to attend mass every Sunday and holy days of obligations, such as Christmas, Easter, and Ash Wednesday, among others. We observe a Lenten season which depicts the sacred passion of Jesus Christ. This is a one week celebration of the passion and death of Jesus which culminates on the Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.Another important event is during Advent (the coming of Jesus Christ) which is during Christmas season, depicting the birth of Jesus. This is a happy event which is being anticipated mostly by children. Church services include novena masses at dawn for nine consecutive days ending on December 24. Then, at midnight, Catholic devotees celebrate the midnight mass commemorating the birth of Jesus. All family members gather together after the mass to share a midnight meal an d open gifts given by family members.Devotees of the Catholic religion are also encouraged to confess their sins at least once a year, receive the Eucharist during Holy Communion at least once during Easter season, observe the prescribed days of fasting and of abstinence as established by the Church, and also help provide for the Church's needs. It is my contention that religion is a personal expression of one’s values and beliefs as has been accepted to be part of one’s identity and way of life.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Global reasons for water shortages Research Paper

Global reasons for water shortages - Research Paper Example These reasons in conjunction with uncontrolled population have led to straining of the available water sources limiting access to the resource. Generally, water scarcity is caused by the growing demand for fresh water and depletion of the already strained water sources as people clear and settles on land near water catchment areas (Chellaney, 2013). In essence, such scarcities arise out of two mechanisms; absolute insufficiency and economic inadequacy. Physical insufficiency is attributed to insufficient natural sources of water as demanded by the dependent population. On the other hand, economic water shortages entail unsustainable management of the scarce water resources. This is the major cause of water shortage in developing countries. As earlier mentioned, climate change being one of the major reasons for water shortage in the world contribute to waning glaciers, condensed steam and shrinking lakes (Miller & Spoolman, 2009). There is an increasing need for global leaders to control global warming, pollution and environmental conservation if the problem of water scarcity is to be fully

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Human resource Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Human resource - Essay Example Talent management helps in the integration of different initiatives of the company (Ashton and Morton, 2005). Figure 1: Talent Management System (Source: Ashton and Morton, 2005) Some of the important components of talent management system are as follows: Need- The business need derived from the business model. Data Collection: The fundamental data needed for good talent acquisitions. Planning: Talent and people planning guided by data analysis critical for good talent decisions. Activities: The conversion of plans into integrated set of activities. Results: The cost, measures and effectiveness criteria to judge the value and impact of Talent Management (Ashton and Morton, 2005). Talent management includes organizational assessment and employee assessment focusing on important positions to be filled (Ashton and Morton, 2005).The assessment of the talent management methods include interviews and psychometric testing which are aligned to the company’s competency model. ... Recruitment and selection are a integral part of the talent management activity as the right candidate for the right position not only helps in improving the effectiveness of the companies but also helps in the reduction of administrative costs. Absenteeism of the workers and employees has become a huge concern for many organizations hence the management of the company should deal with problem effectively to reduce the operational cost. Recruitment and Selection The efficiency and quality of an organization depends upon the human resource of an organization. Hiring and selecting the right candidate for the right position becomes essential. Recruitment and selection form the process of hiring the employees. Recruitment is a strategic function of the human resource department. It is the systematic process of generating a pool of qualified candidates for the organizational post. The process of hiring the candidates starts with human resource planning which helps to determine the type an d number of employees an organization needs. Hiring is an ongoing process and not confined to the formative stages of an organization. This is because some employees leave the organization through retirement and resignation. The process stops only when the organization ceases to exist. Recruitment The process of attracting individuals on a timely basis, in sufficient numbers and with appropriate qualifications, to apply for jobs with an organization (Gusdorf, 2008, p.01). The sources of recruitment are as follows: (Source: Author’s creation) Internal Sources a) Job Posting: The traditional method to announce a job vacancy was to post notice on the HR bulletin board but presently the job notice is