The darkling thrush with particular emphasis on time and change Essay Example For Students

The darkling thrush with particular emphasis on time and change Essay The Darkling Thrush was written by Thomas Hardy on the last day of the nineteenth century. The subject of the poem is about the transition of one century to the next in time and change. The atmosphere is set in the first stanza because we see that it is set in a cold winters day; When Frost was spectre-gray/And Winters dregs made desolate. Hardy deliberately personifies the season and frost because it makes the weather more powerful and it also gives it human qualities. Further more, the use of winter gives the idea of depression and death which is what Hardy is trying to tell the reader. We will write a custom essay on The darkling thrush with particular emphasis on time and change specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now This stanza is obviously setting the atmosphere of the poem; it shows Hardy is not looking forward to the future and the only thing he knows will happen is death. A good example of this is in the quotation The tangled bine-stems scored the sky/ Like strings of broken lyres. This demonstrates a vivid image of brambles cutting through the sky; showing an idea of death coming from the writers imagination. Hardy is trying to show the reader that the turn of the century offers no hope. In the first stanza he only thinks of cold, gloomy, and death as what happens in the rest of his life. A reason for this attitude might be because he is alone. We know this because in the poem it has the lines And all mankind that haunted nigh/Had sought their household fires. It shows that he is solitary which means that he is depressed and probably jealous of those who had partners. Moreover, when someone is alone time seems to take an eternity because you have no one to talk to and nothing to keep yourself occupied. The second stanza shows Hardys bitterness towards the future because he refers to the past hundred years as a human corpse covered by cloth; The Centurys corpse outleant,/His crypt the cloudy canopy. In the same way as saying that he has no longer got anything to live for in the future. The change of the new century offers him no optimistic thoughts. Hardy felt that the past was a good part of his life but the future offered him no purpose of being alive. The quotation: The ancient pulse of germ and birth/Was shrunken hard and dry, shows his affection of the past, which is described as being one of growth and energy to change at the turn of the century to think that his life would be crushed by a new era. It was as if everything had withdrawn and everything was dieing. Hardy explains that every spirit upon earth had no energy and was not looking forward to the forthcoming years. This stanza portrays the idea of death, no vigour and nothing to look forward to. Hardy is surprised to hear a voice arose among/The bleak twigs overhead in the third stanza. It was a bird singing a full-hearted evensong Of joy illimited; this is a good contrast because a bird is singing a joyful song full of gusto when Hardy himself seemed fervourless. However, the appearance of the singing bird surprised him also; An aged thrush, rail, gaunt and small,/In blast-beruffled plume. This description is the equivalent of Hardy like a mirror image of himself. There is irony here because he is like the thrush, old and feeble, but the Thrush is ecstatic even though it is a miserable looking bird. Hardy seems to show admiration for the bird because he appreciates the bird as being happy and giving everything it had seeing that it was aged; Had chosen thus to fling his sole. .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba , .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba .postImageUrl , .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba , .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba:hover , .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba:visited , .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba:active { border:0!important; } .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba:active , .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uae17118013fa3919d37cc83dd643ebba:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Criticism Of the Sick Rose EssayNevertheless, the reader understands that Hardy still felt that the new year offered no delight explained by the hyperbolic line: Upon the growing gloom. He is exaggerating the point that as everyday goes by there is a build up of despondency. Hardy is obviously confused by why the bird is so energetic in a time of what he saw as depressing; he was trying to comprehend the singing Thrush. This third stanza contains contrasts between the depressing atmosphere and the joyful singing of the thrush and the lifelessness of old Hardy and the energy of the old bird. The last stanza illustrates Hardys confusion because he cannot understand any reason for the bird to be happy; So little cause for carolings/ Of such ecstatic sound. A reason for this maybe because of his old age, he must have thought there was not much for him to live for because he was alone, unloved in a new century which offered him nothing to look forward to. Even so, he felt the bird must have known of some prospect for the reason that it was so active and blissful; His happy goodnight air/Some blessed Hope, whereof he knew/ And I was unaware. The capital H on hope further makes it more powerful to Hardy. It shows he was desperate to find optimism, which he used to have in the past because he looked back with fondness, but he could not find any enjoyment in the future. At this point the reader can comprehend the reason for the word Darkling in the title of this poem. This is because Hardy is in the dark at the turn of the century. He had been transformed from being a man full of life in the previous century to be pessimistic in the next. Reasons for this are proven in the previous stanzas of the poem because he mentions that he is alone. He had no partner, which he used to have in the past, to accompany him and he was getting older; all this equated to no Hope for the future. Hardy wrote the poem The Darkling Thrush with the main theme of time and change in mind. He was noticeably depressed throughout the poem and must be confused during this point in his life because he was trying to find an answer for why the Thrush is singing with such zest, which signifies how he thought anyone could be content with their life. Hardy therefore tells the reader that he believed that there was no hope in the future for him to adjust.

Free Essays on Mahabharata

The â€Å"Mahabharata† holds a place of special revere in Indian society. An ancient tale, thousands of years old, it inspires poets, writers, and artists across the globe. Its creator is unknown, expect as the mythic figure of Vyasa, a poet and seer who appears in the verses he is supposed to have written. Likely the poem was authored by countless writers who grafted its many tales and moral stories onto the skeleton of this epic tale of the five brothers. Foremost among these brothers is Yudhishthria, the eldest. He was born to be a king. A pillar of morality, intelligence, restraint, and confidence, but he possessed a small weakness, his love of fortune. He is a gambler at heart, or else he longs to test his luck at the throw of the dice in order to escape from the walls of sacred duty that surrounds him. Yudhishthira is the model Hindu hero. He encapsulates the tenets of this great religion, and is so well-versed in them that they have become part of his soul, one that is immortal, destined to eternal joy in India’s heaven. Still, he has a price to pay. He must lead his brothers in battle. Fight the great war of the Bharatas, the â€Å"Mahabharata.† Dharma, one’s sacred duty, is truly the subject of the Mahabharata. Called a monstrosity by some critics because of its sheer size, the national epic of India nevertheless has a consistency of vision. Employing the numerous voices of varied storytellers, priest, demons, and heroes, the poem describes the Hindu ideal of scared duty. Similar ideas can be found in western philosophy. As mentioned in â€Å"The Republic†, Plato’s conception of the ideal state placed each individual in his or her specific place in society, each with duties and responsibilities that assure happiness for everyone. The Greek philosopher also elaborated an idea of the transmigration of the soul, reincarnation or samara. The ancient Indians knew of the existence of the Greeks... Free Essays on Mahabharata Free Essays on Mahabharata The â€Å"Mahabharata† holds a place of special revere in Indian society. An ancient tale, thousands of years old, it inspires poets, writers, and artists across the globe. Its creator is unknown, expect as the mythic figure of Vyasa, a poet and seer who appears in the verses he is supposed to have written. Likely the poem was authored by countless writers who grafted its many tales and moral stories onto the skeleton of this epic tale of the five brothers. Foremost among these brothers is Yudhishthria, the eldest. He was born to be a king. A pillar of morality, intelligence, restraint, and confidence, but he possessed a small weakness, his love of fortune. He is a gambler at heart, or else he longs to test his luck at the throw of the dice in order to escape from the walls of sacred duty that surrounds him. Yudhishthira is the model Hindu hero. He encapsulates the tenets of this great religion, and is so well-versed in them that they have become part of his soul, one that is immortal, destined to eternal joy in India’s heaven. Still, he has a price to pay. He must lead his brothers in battle. Fight the great war of the Bharatas, the â€Å"Mahabharata.† Dharma, one’s sacred duty, is truly the subject of the Mahabharata. Called a monstrosity by some critics because of its sheer size, the national epic of India nevertheless has a consistency of vision. Employing the numerous voices of varied storytellers, priest, demons, and heroes, the poem describes the Hindu ideal of scared duty. Similar ideas can be found in western philosophy. As mentioned in â€Å"The Republic†, Plato’s conception of the ideal state placed each individual in his or her specific place in society, each with duties and responsibilities that assure happiness for everyone. The Greek philosopher also elaborated an idea of the transmigration of the soul, reincarnation or samara. The ancient Indians knew of the existence of the Greeks...

Understanding Customers and Competitors Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Understanding Customers and Competitors - Essay Example Understanding Customers and Competitors At the same time every company has its customers with limited budgets. They are free to choose to purchase from a company or other then that company who offer the same goods and services and at the same time competitor of the first company. Customers also free purchase totally different substitute goods and services by means of their limited funds. Companies those offer similar goods and services are the direct competitors of each other. Thus it is most important to understanding the Customers and Competitors A company's marketing environment consists of the actors and forces outside marketing management's ability to develop and maintain successful transactions with its target customers. The marketing environment offers both opportunities and threats. Successful companies know the vital importance of constantly watching and adapting to the changing environment. Treacy, M. & Wiersema, F. (1993) mentioned that marketers take the major responsibility for identifying significant changes in the environment. More than any other group in the company, marketers must be the trend trackers and opportunity seekers. Although every manager in an organisation needs to observe the outside environment marketing it, marketers have two special aptitudes. They have disciplined methods-marketing intelligence and marketing research- for collecting information about the marketing environment. They also spend time in the customer and competitor environment. By conducting systematic environmental scanning, marketers are able to revise and adapt marketing strategies to meet new challenges and opportunities in the marketplace. Evans, J. R., & Berman, B. (1990) has stated the marketing environment is made up of a microenvironment and a microenvironments. The microenvironment consists of the forces close to the company that affect its ability to serve its customers- the company, suppliers, marketing channel firms, customer markets, competitors, and publics. The macroenvironvent consists of the larger societal forces that affect the microenvironment- demographic, economic, natural, technological, political, and cultural forces. Kotler, P., Armstrong, G. (2006) argued that marketing environment is made up of five microenvironmental and six macroenvironmental components. The microenvironment consists of other actors close to the company that combine to form the company's value delivery system or which affect its ability to serve its customers. The first microenmental component is the company's internal environment- its several departments and management levels- as it influences marketing decision making. The second component

Lifestyle and Health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Lifestyle and Health - Essay Example This is so for the different elements of the physical body generally work in harmony with each other to maintain a good health, but this can only be possible if a healthy lifestyle is maintained (World Book Encyclopedia, 1994). Positive lifestyle factors can hugely improve the state of health of the individual. The World Book Dictionary defines health as that state of being well or not sick. Hodal (2005) further asserts that this should also encompass the optimal state where the physical, mental and social well being of the individual is attained. There should be a more holistic approach in considering health. There should be an interrelation among the different aspects of the human body, including the lifestyle, to achieve the optimum state of health (Hodal, 2005). Everyone has always been told to eat a healthy diet. What does this proposition really entail Having a healthy diet means eating the right food and feeding the body with the essential minerals, vitamins, proteins, fats and carbohydrates that are crucial for an individual to properly function (Hodal, 2005). Food is needed to support the body. Food is needed to make one healthy. Food is also part of the lifestyle of any individual. This is why any food, particularly eating the healthy diet, is one big chunk in the positive lifestyle factors and a necessary element to fight off nutritional diseases like obesity or extreme fatness (World Book Encyclopedia, 1994). Being active and mobile are also essential to health. It was declared not too long ago that one epidemic that is threatening Asians is the diabetes (Zabriskie, 2002). Diabetes, once it has invaded the body, cannot anymore be eradicated; the adverse effects, however, can still be avoided (Zabriskie, 2002). The best solution so far, to control the disease is to have an active. It was further pointed out by Zabriskie (2002) that having a healthy diet, lots of exercise, seeking regular check ups and controlling the weight are important elements in the lifestyle of a person, especially for the diabetic. It is truly undeniable that a healthy lifestyle is needed to improve on the health and whole being of the individual. In much the same way, the negative lifestyle factors also have a major impact on the health of an individual. It was shown that there are behavioural and social issues that can really threaten the healthy state of the body of the individual (Lyons and Langille, 2000). Before, society is concerned with the threat of infectious diseases; today the main concern is the hazard of leading unhealthy lifestyles (World Book Encyclopedia, 1994). There are many negative factors that people imbibed in their daily life like smoking, overeating, drinking, lack of sleep and lack of exercise. Such stressful behaviours can affect the overall body of the person and lead to ailments and health problems (National Women's Health Resource Center, 2006). Obesity is one health problem that people today are facing. This is a significant problem that has come about because of unhealthy and poor diet. It was found that the average American diet is high in salt, sugar and fat, characteristic of foods that encourage obesity (Smith and Pergola, 2002). Experts also declared that there is a sudden threat of diabetes in Asia and it has been tagged as the 'silent killer' (Zabriskie, 2002). This was generally attributed to the drastic and negative lifestyle change among Asians. Eating mainly Western cuisine, drinking

Theoretical Model Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Theoretical Model Analysis - Assignment Example Lydia Eloise Hall was born in New York City on September 21, 1906 (Currentnursing.com, 2012); she received her basic nursing education in 1927, her Bachelors in Public Health Nursing in 1937, and her Masters in teaching Natural Sciences in 1942 (Banda, Amadasun, Angoma & Howe, 2009). Lydia Hall established and directed the Loeb Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx from 1963 to 1969 (ANA, 2013). It was at the Loeb Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in the late 1960’s that Hall developed her theory, known as Care, Core, and Cure. â€Å"She postulated that individuals could be conceptualized in three separate domains: the body (care), the illness (cure), and the person (core)† (Nurses.info, 2010). These separate domains, or aspects of the person as a patient were envisioned as overlapping circles, and that each circle influenced the others. Hall stated that â€Å"Everyone in the health professions either neglects or takes into consi deration any or all of these, but each profession, to be a profession, must have an exclusive area of expertness with which it practices, creates new practices, new theories, and introduces newcomers to its practice† (Parker, p. 117). ... s exclusive to nursing, and while nurses played a part in the other two circles, they shared those circles with other professions and the patient themselves. The core aspect of the theory focuses on the patient themselves, and the relationship that the professionals who are working with the patient have with the patient themselves. Nurses share this circle with all of the helping professions that have a relationship with the patient; it emphasizes â€Å"the social, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of the patient in relation to family, institution, community, and the world† (Nursing Theories, 2013). Essentially, the core aspect helps the patient learn what their role is in the healing process, and works to provide the patient with enough information to be able to make an informed decision in regards to their situation. The care aspect of the theory focuses on the hands on bodily care of the patient, and is considered by Hall to be exclusive to the nursing practice. It is comprised of the teaching and learning activities, and the patient may explore and share their feelings with the nurse; the nurse’s goal is to comfort the patient. It is considered to† include the â€Å"motherly† aspects of care, which comprises of helping the patient meet their needs, where help is needed.† â€Å"Hands on care for patients produces an environment of comfort and trust and promotes open communication between nurses and patients† (Nursing Theories, 2013). The third and final aspect of the theory is the cure aspect. It consists of the application of medical knowledge. It is based on the pathological and therapeutic sciences. The nurse is the patient’s advocate with the other disciplines that may be included in this circle. The nurse assists the patient in their

Introduction To The Industrial Revolution History Essay

Introduction To The Industrial Revolution History Essay Someone says the beginning of the first Industrial Revolution is in the year of 1795,but until 1830 it hasnt really vigorously spread all over the world. In most of the view, the industrial revolution originated in midland of England, middle of the eighteenth century. The British Watt improved steam engine later. Through a series of technical revolution , manual labor began to change into machine production . Then the Industrial Revolution spread to the rest of Europe from the UK, in the 19th century it spread to North America. And this is the age of machines. The histrionic meaning of Industrial Revolution is it was a period from 1750 to 1850 where changes in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, transportation, and technology had a profound effect on the social, economic and cultural conditions of the times. Almost everyones life was influenced by it everyday. Part Two: The effects of Industrial Revolution on the society The Agricultural Revolution created the chance of Industrial Revolution. The enclosure movement forced many people moved to city. For they had no land anymore. These people became the labor of the capitalist. Also through colonialist wars England accumulated huge capital fund. The process of mechanization, make labor productivity can be doubled, industrial production and trade with unprecedented speed growth, various social economic indicators were obviously improved. However, the working condition of workers was very poor at that time. Dangerous machinery ,poor living conditions,working class was not clean,mothers taken away from children to work in the factory, families suffered .Poor workers were at the hands of the wealthy factory owners, who mistreated then with harsh punishments and unrealistic working hours and schedules. Human became parts of machines. There was no human right in factories. In terms of social structure, the Industrial Revolution witnessed the triumph of a middle class of industrialists and businessmen over a landed class of nobility and gentry. Ordinary working people found increased opportunities for employment in the new mills and factories, but these were often under strict working conditions with long hours of labour dominated by a pace set by machines. As late as the year 1900, most industrial workers in the United States still worked a 10-hour day on average, yet earned from 20 to 40 percent less than the minimum deemed necessary for a decent life.However, harsh working conditions were prevalent long before the Industrial Revolution took place. Pre-industrial society was very static and often cruel-child labour, dirty living conditions, and long working hours were just as prevalent before the Industrial Revolution. On the other hand, industrial revolution was brought benefit to the country. The industrial revolution changed the European and American countries economic structure and the labor structure . In Britain, for example,the agriculture of England in the proportion of GDP dropped from 45% in 1770 to 22% in 1841, then 6% in 1901, industrial accordingly increased from 24% to 34% and 40%. The agricultural labor population in the proportion of the total labor population in 1801 was 35% ,it decreased to 9% in 1901, industrial labor was increased from 29% to 54%. That means increase of the national finance.And the process of urbanization. At the same time, big gap between the proletariat and the capitalist class began to bring social problems to those countries which was at the age of machines.Labour movements liked storm across all over the world. So there was a new kind of unionA trade union ,It is an organization of workers who have banded together to achieve common goals such as protecting the integrity of its trade, achieving higher pay, increasing the number of employees an employer hires, and better working condition. The trade union, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members and negotiates labour contracts with employers. The most common purpose of these associations or unions is maintaining or improving the conditions of their employments. Besides,the transportation system in Great Britain has developed fast. First is Canals. They were the first technology to allow industry materials to be easily transported from one place to another, for example ,coal. A single canal horse could pull a load dozens of times larger than a cart at a faster pace. By the 1820s, a national canal network was in existence. Second is roads. Much of the original British road system was in poor condition before the industrial revolution. Most of these road were managed by thousands of local parishes, but from the 1720s turnpike trusts were set up to charge tolls and maintain some roads. The last is railroad. Construction of major railways connecting the larger cities and towns began in the 1830s. But the fact is such railway network only gained momentum at the very end of the first Industrial Revolution. After many of the workers had completed the railways, they did not return to their rural lifestyles but instead remained in the cities, providi ng additional workers for the factories. Industrial Revolution not only changed the lifestyle of people at that time,but also enlarged peoples knowledge range. With the appear of printing machines, most people could have access to books and newspaper .The information revolution began. Also with the help of steam engines, people can move farther and faster than before. So they could bring information back and keep the news fresh. And new inventions or new technology spread all around the world. Part Three: What can we Chinese draw from this historical event

Albee and Williams Use of Virility in Their Plays Essay -- Literary A

The sexual dominance of male characters over their female counterparts in the plays establishes their superiority and control. Both playwrights suggest that a degree of personal status is acquired by sexually dominate women. The rape scene shows Stanley’s use of power sexually through rage and strength, used to illustrate his final defeat of Blanche and establish himself as ‘King’ of his territory, ‘limited to expressing basic desire’ . ‘Since earliest manhood†¦ his life has been pleasure with women... giving and taking of it... with power and pride’. It is a power he can achieve over women that they cannot over him. ‘Let’s have some rough house! [He springs towards her, overturning the table. She cries out... he picks up her inert figure†¦ carries her to the bed]’. The use of stage directions portrays Blanche’s passivity, and gives the audience a better understanding of how the event empowers Stanley ; also the enjambment, ‘Don’t you come towards me another step or I’ll-‘, intensifies Blanche’s lack of power comparatively with Stanley’s. Similarly Albee shows men’s power through the ability to overpower; George asserts ‘I’d take you by force, right here on the living room rug.’ It is telling that at the end of the play he takes her to bed, after destroying her illusion. Albee also uses sexuality as a tool for battle, Martha says ‘I was necking with one of the guests’ in an attempt to antagonise her husband; his nonchalant response undermines her quest for power, ‘... Good... Good you go right on’. Women show a submission to the power of men, even Blanche admits that maybe Stanley is what they need to ‘Mix with [their] blood’, whereas she treats Mitch with contempt, rolling her eyeballs when he can’t see and ridiculing him in ... ... http://www.gradesaver.com/a-streetcar-named-desire/study-guide/major-themes/ (accessed October 2010). Harold Bloom, K Harvey. Dark Humour. Infobase Publishing, 2010. Kolin, Philip C. Tennesse Williams: A guild to resear and performance. USA, 1998. Oxford Dictonary . Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 1989. Roudane, Matthew. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?: Towards the Marrow. Shmoop Univeristy, inc. . Shmoop. 2010. http://www.shmoop.com/afraid-of-virginia-woolf/ (accessed October 2010). Shmoop University, Inc. Shmoop. 2010. http://www.shmoop.com/streetcar-named-desire/ (accessed October 2010). Small., Brustein 10 Quotation. Robert C. New York, USA: Penguin Group, 2004. Williams, Tennessee. A Streetcar Named Desire. London, Great Britain: Methuen Student Edition, 1984. —. A Streetcar Named Desire. London, Great Britain : Secker & Warburg Ltd., 1984.

Technology: Higher Education

Technology Taking Over The person of the 21st century has the luxury of being dependent on technology, allowing for certain weaknesses to sprout out of individuals due to their lack of natural abilities. Technology is the making, modification, use, and knowledge of tools, machines, or techniques, in order to solve a problem, improve a preexisting solution to a problem, achieve a goal, or perform a specific function. It’s true; technology has made life more efficient and reliable. Many great inventions have been possible through technology.Technology is also one of the causes of people becoming lazier, uninspired, and less creative. Technology is not bad in and of itself, but people are misusing it. Planes, trains, and automobiles carry people from place to place at high speeds. Telephones, television and computer networks help people communicate with others across the world. Medical technologies from vaccines to Stem Cell therapy, allow people to live longer, healthier lives. Although most people think technology made life easier, it’s actually making them overly dependent on those technologies.Today’s generation is becoming much lazier because they are too dependent on the latest gadgets. Some of them are unable to do things on their own. Nowadays, people use computers in business, public services, education, and most of all, in entertainment. There are many advantages to this situation. Firstly, computer controlled cars, planes or ships all people to travel safely and reduce travel time. However, a disadvantage to this is that all of these affect our environment in some way or another which eventually ends up harming ourselves.Faster travel times have led to easier dispersal of airborne viruses and diseases between locales, as well as increases in jet lag. Jumping from time zone to time zone can have a detrimental effect on the body. Most powerful countries depend on their industrial power to stabilize their status. Technology made indust rial development increase rapidly. Industries depend more on machines than human power. This newly discovered robotic technology makes human workers obsolete in some factories. Robots have been built to do tasks equally the same or better as humans, leaving them jobless.Robotics are a blessing and a curse to a company. While it’s nice to have a machine do everything, it can lead to issues down the road as customers notice the quality may not be the same as the quality they experienced from human hands. Another major con to robotics is that companies still need employees to manage the machines. When a problem happens, the machine will continue to run instead of stopping and â€Å"thinking† of what needs to be done in order to fix the problem. This is why companies still need to have skilled and qualified employees to run the machines before they cause them to lose millions of dollars.Also, today’s society is based upon quick sound bites and short attention spans. The world is at our fingertips, yet paradoxically, the more we connect, the more we actually disconnect. The internet has taken over, dominating our lives. The internet is an easy access for information from around the world that can be attained within seconds. There are many interactive applications on the internet that can bring distant people closer together without having to commute. Also, shopping has become more convenient. The disadvantage of the internet is that it has become too reliable for most people.People can get â€Å"hooked† on the internet. Some people may take advantage of all these things and scam others for their money, as it is that simple to create a legit seeming website. Despite it’s ease, technology has caused people to become so reliant that, in a poll by CNET, 28 percent of people said they wouldn’t be able to live without high-speed internet. Many people don’t know how to look up information in libraries or encyclopedias. Thou gh technology has allowed us to improve and modify traditional tasks, it has also clouded our realization of the dependency we have on it.America’s education level has become an average ranking. Education has developed into a network of many avenues that now allows the average American to obtain education easier. Higher education has branched out from the traditional university into online degrees, trade schools, and junior colleges. Obtaining a high school education has also advanced : high school students can take AP courses and high school dropouts can get a GED. With all these opportunities, why is it that America ranked as average in the international education ratings?The number of options available has caused our country to have no ambition to excel. Other countries have less options and freedoms which may be the motivation that allows them to achieve higher education rankings than the U. S. Many people are pointing to technology as a cause of childhood obesity. The yo unger generation has lost it’s curious nature to explore the world. Instead, children are hiding behind a TV screen or video game. For adults, the accused culprits are different yet the same, for example people spending more time driving and less time walking or biking to reach their destinations.Technology doesn’t just keep people in their chairs, it changes the way people eat. Obesity in children has increased by thirty percent in the past thirty years in America according to the Center for Disease Control and prevention. Obesity leads to many health problems including, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, respiratory problem, and cardio-vascular disease. The public is carried in street cars; elevators take the place of stairs in our larger buildings, and the necessary activity of the energetic is not directed in the use of muscles needed in running and walking.It is becoming noticeable that people are slowly losing those abilities and letting machines or computers do the wo rk for them. People are no longer required to think. If posed with a difficult or even simple problem people will simply â€Å"Google† it on an iPhone and the answer is found within seconds. Students are also becoming too dependent on calculators. Instead of using a graphing calculator to solve complex mathematical formulas, students turn to calculators for even simple calculations.Though calculators are important in an evolving world, it is still important for teachers to teach students how to do mental math and reasoning (Metz). Scholars, particularly teen scholars, are no longer required to spell correctly. Words like tomorrow, tonight, and before, become 2morrow, 2night and b4 in playful texting conversation. Spell check is also contributing to the downfall of spelling. Too often, people type a word sloppily into a web document and let spell check do the work without even noticing the word was misspelled.We are living in a society which is called â€Å"technologically ci vilized†. Every small work we do is technology dependent. Today every other person is recognized with the device or gadget, he or she carries. Ultimately we can say that, â€Å"living without technology is like living without air†, in this technical world of today. In conclusion, we can use technology but with moderation. If we use it, firstly we should have to check if we can do that action without it. If we are ever in a situation where technology is not present, we will find it difficult to resolve the situation.

Macroeconomics Example

Macroeconomics Example Macroeconomics – Article Example US Money Supply and the Demand for Gold Institute Summary The latest open figures for M3 show that the US money supply has stretched by 9 in the midst of the latest 12 months. As a result of the relative size of the organizations stressed, a little rate change out of budgetary assets into gold would bring about a considerable rate increase in the gold expense. Despite the current a ton of thump, the eagerness for gold stays low. Gold is assembled, not exhausted like all assorted things, consequently the figures which are routinely appropriated demonstrating that the business excitement for gold has by and large surpassed the starting late dug supply of gold for very much a while are misleading. Pretty much all gold mined in the verifiable setting of the world contains todays over the ground gold stock. The late fall in the gold cost to 12 year lows shows an accessibility of the holders of this financial gold to offer their gold at these low levels.Regardless of the demonstrated inade quacy between the supply of starting late mined gold and the business eagerness for gold, or the level of researcher short offering, or the volume of gold advances, an enormous rally in the gold expense wont happen until there is a growth in the cash related energy for gold. A honest to goodness variable in keeping the budgetary excitement for gold is the supply of US dollars. Dollars and gold are battling evidences of cash, and the current trough in the eagerness for gold can also be considered as a top in the energy for dollars. Exactly when this diminishment puts impact begins to be recollected. It is pretty much beyond any doubt that various people will attempt to secure their wealth from being taken through swelling by changing over some of their financial assets into gold. As a result of the relative size of the business divisions concerned, a little rate move out of financial assets into gold would bring about an extensive rate increase in the gold expense. Equaling is center from this location. Nonetheless, if a national bank conveys an abundance of development will uncompromisingly move as will premium rates, and fiscal activity will unavoidably be constrained by the misallocation of advantages determined by knock.OpinionThe US money supply has increased which has also increased the inflation rate. The extra inflation was inflated into goods and other assets, whereas later the money has been routed into monetary assets such as shares and bonds, creating the misconception for the many who carefully watch the CPI and PPI that inflation is under control. This was best explained by Fishers equation which is real interest rate= inflation + nominal interest rate. This can be further explained in graph below using LM model I M/P1 LM1 L4 L3 L Y1 Y2 YThe US dollar played an important part in the demand for gold as dollar is its substitute. Thismeant that the less supply of gold would increase the demand for dollar. This can be shown in graph below S1 S P D1 S P1 DP1P D GOLD Quantity US DOLLAR QuantityHence if the central bank will produce more money inflation and interest rate will rise adversely affecting business activity. If they will produce less money  the economys development also will doubtless be constrained by a lack of the necessary lubricant for transactions.ReferenceSaville, S. (1997).US Money Supply and the Demand for Gold.  Gold-eagle.com. Retrieved 17 December 2014, from gold-eagle.com/article/us-money-supply-and-demand-gold

Human Resource Management

Human Resource Management The Human Resource Management (HRM) refers to the section of an organization associated with a set of unique, best practices that aim to recruit, develop, reward and manage people in ways that create high performance systems (Bratton, and Gold 2012). Others view HRM as a simple repackaging of good personnel management practices (Som 2008).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Human Resource Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The two definitions show that development in human resource depends on the changes in the markets, social movements, and public policies that are the products of economic and political changes within the society (Nienhueser 2011). HRM started during the industrial revolution in England (Bratton and Gold 2012). According to Nienhà ¼ser and Warhurst (2012), HRM serves to ensure that the organization can achieve success through the proper utilization of employees. More specifically, it aims at increasing organizational effectiveness and capability by use of the available resources. The human resource is concerned with the rights and needs of people through social responsibility (Nienhà ¼ser and Warhurst 2012). The social responsibilities are the responsibilities that the organization has to the society, consumers, suppliers and employees (Nienhà ¼ser and Warhurst 2012). The human resource goals include strategic integration, high commitment, high quality and flexibility (Armstrong 2009, p. 32). The HRM has a number of theories. This includes the strategic HRM theory which is the principal HRM theory (Huselid, 1995). This theory interlinks the employee power and resources to the targeted strategic organizational goals. The theory’s implicit assumption is that a good fit between human resource and the internal and external context can be linked to high performance (Huselid, 1995). However, organizational performance and achievement of goals is attributed to signifi cant factors that are employee related. These are skills, dedication, commitment and productivity. The second theory is knowledge management theory (Huselid, 1995). This theory lists that the organizational outcomes is based on the knowledge of its employees. It adopts a systematic approach that motivates information sharing amongst the employees in order to achieve greater productivity. Another HRM theory is the organizational culture development theory (Huselid, 1995). It takes into account the employees behavioral responses. In general, organizational culture refers to the values and practices upon which an organization is based. Additionally, it plays a major role in determining employees effectiveness and efficiency (Armstrong 2009).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The HRM is characterized by its ability to respond accurately and effectively to the organizatio ns environment. It also complements other organizational system and delivers added value through the strategic development of the organizations. The HRM covers a vast environment of activities with a range of variation across occupations, organizational levels, business units, firms, industries, and societies (Som 2008). There are two versions of HRM: the hard and soft versions of human resource. Hard HRM is a practical approach where people are viewed as passive resources purposed to be used, deployed as well as dispose where necessary. On the other hand, soft HRM is based on humanism. Thus, it is devoted to human interest that views people as responsible and progressive being (Nienhueser 2011). There are the four main roles of human resource professional. They include managing strategic human resources, managing employee contribution, managing transformation and change, and lastly, is managing human infrastructure to support line managers (Kelly and Kelly 1991). Managers need to u nderstand how ethical dimensions of human resource policy and practice fit into the present and future picture. Lastly, they should be able to make a powerful business case for any proposals regarding the development of human resource strategy (Armstrong 2009, p. 104-135). There are factors that influence the level of individual performance in an organization. These factors are motivation, ability, and opportunity to participate in the organization activities. The impacts of motivation on performance depend on the capability of the employee. On the other hand, the capacity to perform depends on the employee. The effects of motivation on performance are additive but interactive (Balnave, Brown, Maconachie and Stone 2007; Huselid 1995). The three factors need to be observed by the concerned organization for it to make progress. As mentioned earlier, people are the most important resources in an organization. Thus, there are ways that have been developed to ensure that an organization obtains and keeps the people it requires. This is vital since it ensures continuity of good personnel in the organization thus facilitating succession. This important function is usually performed by the department of HRM (Thompson and McHugh 2009). The human resource uses different strategies to ensure that it has the best personnel/staff in their organization. The first one is human resource planning. Here, the business assesses the present and future human resource needs of the organization. The second strategy is creating an employer brand.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Human Resource Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This is done by developing the existing workforce in the organization. This is whereby the organization plans on increasing the flexibility of the available human resource. The other strategy is talent management, recruitment and selection, and absent management strategies. Here, the or ganization decides on whether it needs employees from within the organization or outside, recruits, selects, orients and then trains (Armstrong, 2009). Overall, HRM deals mainly with workforce management and regulation within an organization aimed at enhancing its performance. This is well explained using the various principal theories, versions, roles and strategies of HRM. Reference List Armstrong, M 2009, Armstrongs handbook of performance management: An evidence-based guide to delivering high performance, Kogan Page, London. Balnave, N, Brown, J, Maconachie, G and Stone, R 2007, Employment Relations in Australia, Wiley Sons, Australia. Bratton, J and Gold, J 2012, HRM: Theory and Practice, Palgrave, London. Huselid, MA 1995, The Impact Of Human Resource Management Practices On Turnover, Productivity, And Corporate Financial Performance, Academy of Management Journal, vol. 38 no. 3, pp. 635-672. Kelly, J and Kelly, C 1991, †Them and Us†: Social Psychology and â€Å" The New Industrial Relations†, British Journal of Industrial Relations, vol, 29, no. 1, pp. 25-48.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Nienhueser, W 2011, Empirical Research on Human Resource Management as a Production of Ideology, Management Revue, vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 367-393. Nienhà ¼ser, W and Warhurst, C 2012, â€Å"Comparative Employment Relations: Definitional, Disciplinary and Development Issues‟ in C Brewster and W Mayrhofer (eds), Handbook of Research in Comparative HRM, Edward Elgar, Aldershot. Som, A 2008, Innovative Human Resource Management and corporate performance in the context of economic liberalization in India, The International Journal of HRM, vol. 19, no. 7, pp. 1278–1297. Thompson, P and McHugh, D 2009, Work Organisations, Palgrave, London. Human Resource Management Introduction The expression used to refer to human resource management has substituted the conventional phrase for personnel management. The management of human resources is a more tactical and rational approach in the administration of individuals than personnel management.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Human Resource Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It entails selection, recruitment, training, development and compensation of human resources (Storey, 1998: 20). Human resource is responsible for managing the labor force as the most important asset in the organization. The aim of human resource management is to empower workers to work effectively to achieve the organizations objectives. Human resources use continuing strategies to develop the workforce in an organization. Human Resource Management is an indispensable element in the performance of a corporate organization and works together with other dep artments to achieve the organization’s goals. The tasks of the human resource consultant are centralized on the advancement of the labor force in a corporate organization. His strategies should be in line with the needs of the organization. Today, HR practitioners are the strategic partners to an organization. They assist in the improvement of strategies used to realize the organization’s arrangements and aims. Their responsibilities include: selection and recruitment, recognition and rewarding, development of performance contracts and appraisal, employee development and succession planning. This paper gives a description of the human resource activities at Alfalah Bank in Pakistan, explores the major issues faced by the organization, gives a discussion of the implication of the issues, and possible solutions for the issues. Alfalah Bank’s HRM Practices Recruitment This can be defined as the process of searching for applicants and encouraging them to apply for v acant positions in a firm. There are mainly two types of recruitment process: internal and external. Internal staffing is the sealing of vacant positions by choosing from existing employees in a corporate organization where as exterior staffing is the filling of job vacancies by receiving applications from outside the organization (Armstrong, 2006:53). At bank Alfalah, recruitment is made by filling three kinds of job categories for growth and expansion, these are: trainee officers, contractual employees, and top managerial staff. Recruitment is based on the level of requirement needed in each job category. For top managerial posts, the HR officials use either the internal or external sources based on experience and qualification. Trainee officers are recruited through external sources as well as the contractual employees. For both the internal and external recruitment, the organization uses, newspapers, website, and direct application as sources for recruitment (Akber, 2009:20).Adv ertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The recruitment process is normally carried out through the following sources Newspapers and magazines Website Training and development of present employees Retired persons One of the major parts of the process is the online recruitment. It is fast and efficient for both organizations and the applicant. On the website, the registration function is posted together with the available posts. It also gives a lot of information on the roles of the successful candidate and the cultural values and ethics of the organization. Almost half of the total workforce in Pakistan is recruited through the website. Selection Selection is the process of establishing the ideal candidate to fill a certain post. During this process the human resources management looks for recruits who not only are suitable for an immediate post but also for the organizat ion’s development. Standard documentations are used by majority of human resource managers. This documentation compares the job roles to the qualities and skills of the recruits (Bohlander Snell, 2009:6). After the selection process, the successful applicants are notified of their appointment and an induction and training process commences (Compton, Nankervis, 2009:3). At Alfalah Bank, the selection procedure is conducted by the HR officials. For a candidate to qualify for a vacancy in the bank, he must be, a citizen of Pakistan, possess the required qualification having a post-graduate degree or a bachelor’s degree and be aged between 18 and 35 years. After receiving the application forms, candidates with the right requirements are short listed for a written interview. Those who pass the written interview are called for an oral interview where each candidate is given a topic to debate on. Those who pass this test are called for a panel interview. The panel interview is conducted by the president of Alfalah Bank at the head office. Successful candidates are offered the post and training commences (Akber, 2009:25). Issues Human Resource Planning The major issue at Alfalah Bank is Human resource planning. This is the establishment of approaches that are to be used in matching the workforce skills to the needs of an organization. It is the procedure that is used in recruitment, employee retention, and optimization of human resources employment that is needed to achieve organization goal. Human resource planning involves analysis of skills of current workforce, forecasting manpower, and being responsive of customers demand (Holland De Cieri, 2006:102).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Human Resource Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Human resource planning is important in every organization because it helps the top management to view HR practices in relation to business decision. The lack of it makes Human resources expensive because HRM can not foresee future problems in order to solve them before they become uncontrollable. It should therefore be incorporated because it guarantees that the relevant individuals are absorbed, in the right position and at the precise time (Harris, et al., 2003:46). Information needed in human resource planning include: identification of the different departments in the organization, analysis of HRM changes in implementation of its strategies, and recruitment and selection procedures used to address these changes (Smith Mazin, 2004:49). Rate of Redundancy The other issue is the ever increasing rate of redundancy. Redundancy is a situation where a business requirement of employee’s specific responsibilities is expected to cease or have already ceased. It occurs when a business relocates, changes it technology, becomes mechanized or launches new services and products. The selection criterion for redundancy is b ased on: the number of employees involved in the redundancy, the skills and experience of employees, and reasons for the redundancy (Ferris, et al, 1995:6). Different organizations use different selection criteria for redundancy. At Alfalah Bank, the redundancy procedure is conducted by the HR practitioners. Employee information regarding performance, attendance as reflected in the attendance record, contribution to the organization, experience, skills, and qualifications is gathered. Before selection for redundancy commences, the organization consults the line managers and HR department on matters relevant to the legislation (Holland, et al, 2007:74). The selection process then commences with guidance from the supporting management under the prevailing circumstances. The number of redundancies necessary is established keeping in mind the skills needed to meet the organizations future goals. (Hammonds, 2003:15). The increase in the number of redundancies at Alfalah Bank has reduced production and customer’s trust for the services offered at the Bank. Solutions Job Evaluation One way of ensuring that human resources are planned properly is through job evaluations. This is an organized grading of jobs according to other jobs in the organization. Job evaluation or classification is normally done when a job position becomes vacant and need to be filled by recruiting a person for the correct level based on the responsibilities (Ulrich, 1996:230). It can also be done when the responsibilities of a job changes. Different organizations use different job evaluation systems depending on their employee groups. Job evaluation system requires the use of job description, occupational standards or guidelines and job category (Legge, 2004:10). There exist four mainly used work assessment methods these are: categorization, positioning, the point method, and factor evaluation. Classification is a method in job evaluation where jobs are categorized according to their clas s description such as clerical job, managerial jobs, the list is endless (Bratton Gold, 2001:72).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This method is commonly used in the service sector where job are classified by comparison with other job classes. After the process of job classification is over, a pay grade is matched with the job. Ranking of job is a line of job appraisal where jobs are graded from highest to the lowest (taking into consideration their value to the business culture). Point evaluation method is a quantitative kind of approach where jobs are assigned points according to their compensable factors. The points allocated to each job are then weighted and their total points tabulated. The total points determine the value of the job to the organization and its pay. Factor comparison appraisal is based on the compensable factors e.g. experience, responsibilities among others. Jobs are ranked on the basis of their value to the organization. Job salaries are determined by the pay rate of these compensable factors (Swamson, 2009:52). Motivational Theory and Reward Remuneration and reward of employees are som e of the ways that can be used to retain employees. By reward we mean that the efforts of the employee are recognized. Singling out and rewarding workers inspires them to look for ways of undertaking their tasks effectively and lack of it can completely dishearten them. A reward system has to be effective and be able to instill the desired behavior for efficient performance (Boudreau Ramstad, 2007:60). The reward system can either use financial mechanism or non-financial. People need to be encouraged and appreciated in order to achieve their mission and that of others. Abraham Maslow (a researcher), explored the connection between reward and motivation and came up with a theory called Maslow’s hierarchy of need. Maslow discovered that human beings have different types of needs that they want to be met. They include; basic needs security, self esteem, self actualization and group needs. To fulfill these needs, sets of motivating rewards have to be used. Some of the basic need s can be fulfilled through provision of good standards of living by means of honest pay structures (Anon. â€Å"Human needs and rewards† 2010:1). Provision of secure working environment coupled with training on safety and health issues can assist in meeting the security needs of the employees. On the other hand, reward systems on job promotion based on employee’s efforts, skills, and experience can help in raising their self esteem and meet the needs that come with it. Employees’ team working groups that are well structured with good communication help in fulfilling the group needs. Self actualization needs can be fulfilled by encouraging employee developments by use of appraisal tool where employees gauge their performance (McNamara, 2010:2). According to Wilkinson (1988:50), the HRM should use a reward system that helps in meeting most of employees’ needs. This will encourage employees and motivate them to work harder to achieve the organizations goals and objectives which in turn will lead to increased production and consequently lower the redundancy rate (Stone, 2008:20). Reference List Akber, Naila, 2009, Human Resource Management (Bank Alfalah HRM Report) Web. Anon. 2010, Human needs and rewards Web. Armstrong, Michael 2006, A Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice (10th ed.). London, Kogan. Bohlander, George Snell, Scott. 2009, Managing Human Resources. London, Cengage Learning. Boudreau, J.W. Ramstad, P.M. 2007, Beyond HR: The new science of human capital. Boston, Harvard Business School Press. Bratton, John Gold, Jeffrey. 2001, Human Resource Management: Theory and Practice. London, Routledge. Compton, R. L. Nankervis, Alan. 2009, Effective recruitment selection practice. CCH Australia Limited. Ferris, Gerald. et al, 1995, Handbook of human resource management. Blackwell HRM series, Blackwell human resource management series. New York, Wiley-Blackwell. Hammonds, S. Engelke., 2003, Redundancy. Legal essentials L aw at work. London, CIPD Publishing. Harris, Hillary et al., 2003, International human resource management. London, CIPD Publishing. Holland, P. De Cieri, H. (Eds.) 2006, Contemporary issues in human resource development, Pearson Education, Sydney. Holland, P., et al, 2007, Contemporary Issues and Challenges in HRM, Prahran. Tilde University Press. Legge, Karen. 2004, Human Resource Management: Rhetorics and Realities (Anniversary Ed.). Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan. McNamara, Carter, 2010, Human Resource Management (and talent Management) Web. Smith, A. Shawn Mazin, A. Rebecca. 2004, The HR answer book: an indispensable guide for managers and human resources professionals. New York, Amacom Div American Mgmt Assn. Stone, Raymond J. 2008, Human Resource Management, John Wiley Sons, Australia, 6th Edition. Storey, John. 1998, New perspectives on human resource management. London, Cengage Learning EMEA. Swamson, Richard. 2009, Foundations of Human Resource Development: Easy read L arge Edition. San Francisco, ReadHowYouWant.com. Ulrich, Dave 1996, Human Resource Champions. The next agenda for adding value and delivering results. Boston, Mass, Harvard Business School Press. Wilkinson, A. 1988, Empowerment: theory and practice. Personnel Review 27 (1): 40–56. Human Resource Management Background Information Effective human resource management is essential for any company to succeed. This entails efficient management of the workforce in order to promote the performance of the company. The human resource at Proctor and Gamble is charged with the responsibility of ensuring excellent service delivery by the company’s employees and this positively impacts on the company’s remarkable global performance and this can partly be attributed to efficient management of the business (Anonymous 2010).Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Human Resource Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The company’s human resource sector aims at maintaining a skilled workforce as well as attracting the best talent to join the company’s workforce in order to ensure it enjoys high and efficient output from its human capital, which is essential for the good performance of the company. Further, the organization puts more emphasis on evaluation and measurement of employees’ engagement and commitment to the roles assigned to them and has in addition established initiatives to promote involvement of the employees in the company’s strategic activities as well as sustenance of benefits. To ensure that it achieves high standards of human resource management, the company has established and developed a human resource department that comprises of change agents, team builders advisors among other human resource specialists who constantly engage in activities aimed at motivating employees and promoting their welfare as well as ensuring the provision of a skilled pool of labor to the company through transparent recruitment of new qualified employees. Human Resource Requirement for Service Being part of Proctor and Gamble human resource team entails the responsibility of developing systems and tools that are directed towards attracting a skilled pool of labor, reward and motivation of the existing employees as well as challenging the employees in order to promote efficiency, innovation, and invention (Anonymous 2010). The human resource management is expected to promote and protect the company’s values, purpose, and principles through inspiring, enabling, and engaging the company’s employees as well as acting as change agents in order to drive towards positive transformation of the company and provide a solid foundation for the company’s culture, external environment as well as company’s goals (Anonymous 2010). The Human resource manager is not only expected to be academically qualified in the field but also has to possess qualities of good leadership coupled with social responsibility which is necessary when dealing with people from diverse backgrounds and social settings who make up the workforce.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 1 5% OFF Learn More Consultation with Stakeholders Proctor and Gamble ensures involvement of the human resource sector as an ultimate business partner in order to promote increase in the company’s growth. This is because the human resource sector ensures that there is simplification of work processes in the company and promotes the creation of a culture that focuses on innovation through pro active labor relations (Anonymous 2010). In addition, the human resource sector in the company seeks to understand and address the needs and wishes of potential employees as well as the current employees in order to strengthen the company’s position as an attractive employer (Anonymous 2010). At Proctor and Gamble, developing the employees into future leaders is one of the major long term strategies of the company. Options required for delivery of service Being on the forefront towards provision of intensely competitive consumer goods in the market, PG puts consumer s atisfaction as the major company’s priority and aims at understanding consumer needs better than their competitors (Lafley 2001). To achieve this, the company’s management must connect these needs to an innovative engine that results in production of improved products that meet the consumer needs (Lafley 2001). Consequently, the human resource manager must have the ability to mobilize the employees towards the achievement of this goal. Service Specifications Being a human resource manager in this company requires you to work on assignments and tasks covering the major areas of human resource management, based on Dave Ulrich human resource champion model (Anonymous 2010). In addition, the human resource executives are expected to map and analyze the company’s salary planning in order to assess its effectiveness in line with the company’s goals, values, and objectives (Anonymous 2010). Agreed roles and responsibilities The human resource managers organize s trategic plans such as those aiming at ensuring team effectiveness improvements; to achieve this, the human resource department facilitates and supports team events by providing constructive suggestions and ensuring implementation of agreed action plan in order to help the teams to become more efficient and effective (Anonymous 2010). Through focus groups and individual interviews, the human resource management can gather adequate data to generate recommendations for Proctor and Gamble on areas requiring improvement in the company’s workforce while putting into consideration the long term vision of the company (Anonymous 2010). In addition, the human resource management is charged with the responsibility of recruiting and evaluating the company’s employees.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Human Resource Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Training Support for Human Resource Management In 2 001, the research and development management at Proctor and Gamble called on its human resource to establish and develop a formal training program for its human capital and although these training programs had been in existence in the 80s and 90s, the programs had been gradually diminished in the 90s as a result of the company’s resource issues as well as competing priorities which dictated redirection of investment into other vital areas (Owen and Klein 2007). However, due to the increased need for advanced knowledge and skilled labor at every level of management in the contemporary economy, the leadership at Proctor and Gamble emphasized that the human resource development through the establishment of a corporate university which would have ensured a direct link between corporate learning efforts and the company’s goals (Owen and Klein 2007). A further evidence of the company’s commitment to learning can be highlighted by its collaboration with Accenture which assumed the responsibility for development and maintenance of advanced management systems which have promoted high performance in Proctor and Gamble through the development of internal capabilities in strategic critical core components such as human resource management (Accenture 2009). Accenture played a major role in development of skilled and knowledgeable workforce in Proctor and Gamble by ensuring that PG met its learning objectives through the provision of leading and advanced technologies, enhanced business skills and deep knowledge of the operational management systems in order to promote efficiency in its operations through increasing output of the employees (Accenture 2009). Proctor and Gamble has consequently advanced a robust maintenance support system which ensures reliability of the management system as well as allowing the company to reach its rising global demand for web based training and through the accessibility of the system to over ninety thousands Proctor and Gamble employees, the application has further served to reduce overall operational cost of the company (Accenture, 2009). In addition, a study conducted by Accenture revealed a strong correlation between high performance and the priority that companies place on human capital which further justifies development of an efficient human resource management in Proctor and Gamble. Timelines In order to develop a skilled pool of labor among the existing workforce, one of the major strategies of Proctor and Gamble was to establish a corporate university which entailed formal training for the company’s employees in diverse environment and departments of the organization (Owen and Klein 2007). The human resource faced numerous challenges in the implementation of this move but eventually achieved remarkable success from its implementation.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The human resource management utilized the corporate strategy model through which they sought to breakdown the entire process into basic questions and then provide answers to these questions in order to achieve the intended goal (Owen and Klein 2007). The leadership further sought to define the desired workforce that the company aimed at achieving through the agreement of desired level of competencies among various groups of target learners (Owen and Klein 2007). This was further followed by actual analysis of the state of the existing workforce performance in the company. The corporate strategy sought to define the goals and inspirations of the company as well as facilitating the establishment of the scope of influence in the training program and pioneered the initial description of the company’s goal to succeed (Owen and Klein 2007). Establishment of the research and development universities have served to enhance knowledge and skills among managers and other officials who have consequently transmitted their knowledge to their juniors leading to a culture that upholds knowledge and skills in the organization. Quality assurance measures Proctor and Gamble embrace the philosophy of quality assurance by ensuring that they deliver products of superior quality to the consumers as well as provision of business environment that is condusive for effective performance of quality systems in the company (Anonymous 2010). In order to achieve its quality assurance measures, the corporation ensures provision of superior quality goods to consumers as well ensuring corporate responsibility towards their employees and the community at large (Anonymous 2010). This is evident in the corporation efforts to safeguard its employees against harm y providing a safe working environment. The company is headed for greater success in future due to its implementation of quality assurance measures. Ethical Service Delivery standards and their consistency with organizational code o f conduct The company’s code of ethics outlines the mode of governance in the company and governs the way the affairs of the company are governed (Anonymous, 2010). In addition, the code of ethics outlines the duties of various managers and officials in the company consequently forming basic fundamental rule for the company’s activities (Anonymous, 2010). Proctor and Gamble has formulated guidelines which ensure quality service provision as well as ethical conduct of its employees. Officers in the company are allowed to hold to or more offices but they are prohibited from executing, acknowledging and verifying any instrument in more than one capacity if the instrument is required by the company’s regulation to be executed, acknowledged and verified by two or more officers (Anonymous 2010). This serves to minimize incidences of subjective decision making, discrimination, and corruption among other negative aspects that may arise in leadership positions as well as the recruitment process (Anonymous 2010). These officials are further elected objectively by the board of directors for a predetermined period of time and can further be removed from office by the board upon incidences of misconduct (Anonymous 2010). The board commonly holds annual elections to in order to appoint officials who under normal circumstances hold the office until the end of a specified period of time after which a qualified successor is elected (Anonymous 2010). In addition, any vacancies created in the official positions as a result of death, resignation or other inevitable factors, the board is charged with the responsibility of electing a successor to hold the office for the remaining period of time pending the official election period (Anonymous 2010). This further promotes transparency and consistency in the recruitment process. All officers are expected to effectively perform their duties and take full responsibility of all the duties assigned to them by their se niors. The code of ethics regulates the treatment of human resource in this major corporation by ensuring the implementation of one of its major policies which involves the recognition of interests of the employees in the same token that the company addresses its own interests (Anonymous 2010). For instance, the board of directors is authorized in its discretion to maintain a profit sharing plan, adequate benefit and pension plan as well as granting employees a chance to be heard in matters regarding conduct of business but this goes as far as the board of directors limits (Anonymous 2010). To further promote employee participation towards good performance of the company, the board of directors assists the employees to form part of the company’s ownership by becoming shareholders which further promotes their welfare (Anonymous 2010). Monitoring the Process of Recruitment In most organizations, the process of recruitment is often blurred with malpractices, corruption and often ignores the company’s outlined procedures for recruitment. It is therefore vital for the company to effectively monitor the process of recruitment to ensure fair and objective appointment of qualified personnel. The company may appoint an independent body to oversee the recruitment process after which the independent body submits an extensive report of the procedure followed during recruitment. In addition, the company may conduct an independent survey to assess the productivity of the recruited employee in order to ascertain that he is qualified for the job. Unethical behavior reporting Employment discrimination is a common unethical behavior prevalent in recruitment process and is usually based on race, gender, nationality, and age among other subjective factors which have overall negative long term consequences on the performance of a company (Lucas 2006). The government of United States has put in measures to protect against employment discrimination by enacting laws tha t govern such practices. For instance, the congress enacted the age discrimination in employment act of 1967 which aimed at protecting older people from being discriminated against in job recruitment as a result of their age as well as ensuring that the employees are provided with benefits regardless of their ages (Lucas 2006). Discrimination against older is one of the most common and often ignored form of discrimination in job recruitments. The business culture in most parts of the world perceive the old as less productive relative to the young consequently preferring the young population as worthwhile investment since they have a lower mortality rate and are more healthy (Lucas 206). These preconceived and often false notions may result to unethical practices in employment recruitments giving rise to illegal discriminations against workers in Proctor and Gamble (Lucas 206). Therefore it is important for Proctor and Gamble to ensure that its human resource does not discriminate em ployees based on subjective practices and should ensure that the process is consistent and transparent. Dealing With Measurements and Variations Forced ranking is one of the controversial methods commonly used by major companies to evaluate the performance of the companies whereby employees are ranked against each other based on a particular scheme or design (Lucas 2006). Some companies rank their employees according to the normal distribution curve which they use to identify low and high performers while others place their employees on the quartiles depending on their performance with the low performers occupying the first quarter and the highest performers occupying the last quarter (Lucas 2006). The high performing candidates are eligible to pay increments, bonuses and job promotions while low performing employees lack such privileges. Forced ranking identifies and rewards good performers and forces out the poor performers consequently ensuring that the company improves the loyal workforce and remains competitive in the industry (Lucas 2006). This method of ranking is preferred due to its discriminatory effect towards the non productive workforce and its emphasis on the talented and energetic (Lucas 2006). Companies that have adopted this method of evaluation reject the premise that it is illegal and unethical and emphasizes that it has a valid business purpose (Lucas 2006). However, these evaluation models also display elements of discrimination whereby the older employees are placed at the lower grades in order for the employers to maintain a cheaper and less expensive workforce without breaking the provision of the law governing discrimination against aged workers (Lucas 2006). Consequently, the forced ranking system may facilitate discrimination by acting as a disguise for intentional and illegal age discrimination (Lucas 206). Data from survey of clients and feedback from clients Proctor and Gamble markets over 250 brands across the globe and have a co nsumer base of nearly five billion consumers in over 130 countries (Lafley 2001). The company has achieved remarkable success in consumer satisfaction in its service provision which can e proven y the company’s numerous honorary awards such as being featured in the Fortune magazine’s world’s most admired companies list from 1985 to 2001 and the inclusion in 2001 list of top 50 Net savvy U.S organizations (Lafley 2001). Further, the company has achieved increased profitability over the years which serve to prove popularity of their products across the consumer base. In the fiscal year of 2001, the employees delivered total revenue of $ 39.2 billion (Lafley 2001). Recommended changes for Future Service Delivery Proctor and Gamble should ensure that they retain the older workers since they have a wealth of experience necessary for effective performance of the company (Lucas 2006). Proctor and Gamble should consequently device mechanisms to provide jobs that attract and accommodate older workers into the business environment. This is only possible through the creation of a culture that promotes and honors experience by the human resource emphasizing on qualities such as experience knowledge and expertise rather than energy, fast pace and fresh thinking (Lucas 2006). The human resource of Proctor and Gamble should focus more on role playing exercises as well as the individual ability to handle jobs relevant situations when interviewing applicants rather than focusing on psychometric and verbal reasoning skills in order to provide an equal opportunity for older employees to compete in the job market (Lucas 2006). The company should also provide flexible retirement rates for its employees; most firms have in the past offered early retirements incentives to reduce costs which have consequently resulted in shifting of costs from employee health care accounts into retiree health care accounts (Lucas 2006). Proctor and Gamble should device mechanisms to accommodate and leverage the older segment of the population by allowing the employee to take a specified period of time retirement after which he is reinstated as an independent contractor and this will enable the company to benefit from this pool of experience for execution of special projects (Lucas 2006). Reference List Accenture, 2009. High performance delivered, consulting, technology, outsourcing- helping Proctor and Gamble strengthen a culture of high performance through its learning process. Chicago, Accenture publishing. Anonymous, 2010. PG careers in Western Europe; human resource at Proctor and Gamble-code of regulations. Cincinnati, Proctor and Gamble. Lafley, A G 2001, Cisco success stories: Proctor and Gamble Cisco systems. Available at:  https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/index.html. Lucas, P. 2006. Age Discrimination-Unethical, Illegal and a Missed Business Opportunity for US Business. Web. Owen, L., Klein, E. 2007. First Steps: Instituting Proctor and Gamble†™s RD Corporate University. Ohio, Proctor and Gamble.

Case study development and presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words - 2

Development and presentation - Case Study Example kjet printers of Hewlett Packard are renowned for their vibrant and rich printouts which makes Hewlett Packard a leader in the market of different models of printers. The new inkjet printers of the company provide for durable printing in the offices and can enhance the speed and quality of paper and print work in an office environment. The new Office Jet Pro X range of printers launched by Hewlett & Packard are expected to bring about transformations in the way paper and print works are carried out in the modern offices. The â€Å"Ink it out† tag is give as a form of expression for emphasizing on the importance of a printer in the corporate offices. The main features of the new office Jet Pro X Range of inkjet printers presented by Hewlett Packard are cost effective, fast and efficient for usage. The use of these printers can drive up the efficiency of an organization by supporting the office works in terms of speeding up, quality enhancement and low cost generation for printing works. The inkjet printers are often less preferred by the corporates due to the huge expenses associated with the use of the high quality printers. However, the new series of inkjet printers launched by HP is likely to change the views of the users of printers because, this series of Inkjet printer comes with astounding and impressive features like highly innovative design, less space consuming, and quality driven design and functionalities.. The factor of long wait time in printing is one of the biggest hurdles in inkjet printers. But the new series of inkjet printers launched by HP will change all expectations related to lagging efficiency and time consumption of the inkjet printers because the new HP Office Jet Pro X range of inkjet printers launched by HP can print 55 pages per minute. Reliability and higher price consumable image associated with the inkjet printers have acted as major restraints in the popularity and mass scale use of inkjet printers. However, brands like Hewlett

Topic 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Topic 2 - Essay Example It was analyzed using simple analytical tools. The study found out that teens had a lot of influence in their parents' consumption pattern. The concept of marketing has become broad and refined with seemingly segmentation of the market. It has been well studied to come up with the best marketing strategy for organization. This is because marketing forms the core operation of any profit oriented organization. It is a powerful tool for a business to have a breakthrough in its existence. Currently the scholarly world is concerned with studying the effects of having an effective marketing strategy based on different market segments. (Willis, 1990) Market segmentation has continued to grow day by day as more and more researches are revealing needs of different segments of the market. It has tried to shift from tradition segmentation of male and females, old and young, and other segmentation to more refined one. It has also seen the emergence of consumer clubs sub-culture which has driven the market in another direction. These clubs have gone on marketing spree at one time buying particular goods which seemingly identifies a particular club. (Hall, 1997) Sarah (1997a) defines Culture as some particular values or tastes that define a particular group of people. A sub-culture is a division of a culture with particular tastes or values that are not shared with other members of a culture. Marketing have been targeting a particular subculture within a diverse culture. This has become a valued aspect in any marketing strategy. This is important to address various demographic characteristics that are evident in a particular culture. It has become evident that people within a culture do not share the same values and tastes. For example it will be difficult to find the old and the young sharing the same tastes in fashions. This has become important to address the needs of every subculture and also to help create a notable difference between the two sub-cultures. Marketers have been using the concept of sub-cultures to develop refined marketing strategies that address the needs of each and every group in a culture and on the other hand to mar ket product that are seemingly acceptable to consumers. (Donovan and Henley, 2003) The strategy of manufacturing and branding goods targeting the whole population has not bee very successful. It has led to pile up of goods in warehouse due to low sales. Market research data has revealed manufacturing and branding goods with a particular target to a group with a clear knowledge of its demands in terms of purchase power and the consumption pattern. For example the teen group has been found to fast in consumption compared to the old. A senile member of the community will buy a pair of shoe once in a year while a teen of the same community will have bought more than three pairs of shoes in the same time bracket. This