Literature Review on Econometric Case Study of Mondragon- Free Sample

Question: Depict about the Econometric Case Study of Mondragon? Answer: Presentation The current task gives the full depiction of the determination procedure for retail staffing by considering the contextual investigation identified with Clarks. It additionally gives the full depiction of the retail divisions which it incorporates the entire data about the organization. The examination will likewise depict the entire determination procedure of workers which help in breaking down the enrollment and choice system. Clark International Ltd. is notable British International retailer and maker which were established in 1825. The organization is occupied with assembling footwear. The items where organization bargains are joyance shoe, desert boot, wallabee and desert trek. Perhaps the best result of the organization is Clarks shoes for which it turns out to be increasingly well known is the Desert Boot, Desert Trek and Walla honey bee (Winiewski and Rakus, 2014). The Clarks shoe does the arrangement of the greatest quantities of the marked shops and furthermore the huge quantities of the establishments with the assistance of which it does the selling of generally the outsider circulation. Clarks shoes do the reception of the different social symbols with the progression of the various highlights and the sub societies. They likewise do the advancement of the different away from based on the necessary enhancement of the requests of the clients. So as to depict the procedure, Clarks received streamlining methodology of the client encounters, the primary targets of the system is to improve the change by upgrading the client assistance. Then again, the organization additionally began plotting the methodical testing procedure based on doing the assessment of the different key parts of the deals in legitimate request. The quantity of staffs at Clark International Ltd. is around 15788 till 2014. Despite what might be expected, there was 15% representative turnover in most recent two years (Oh et al 2012). Points and goal of the examination: The general point of this specific examination is to gather substantial and solid data encounters, perspectives and furthermore the desire for the both the managerial staffs and bolster staffs and discover the variables on which the advancement of the staff of Clarks shoes depends (Jauregui et al. 2015). This examination expects to gather information to research the determination procedure inside the retail organization. The exploration had the accompanying explicit goals (Messnarz et al. 2014): To comprehend the current enrollment and advancing procedure inside business of Clarks To comprehend the worker determination process in retail industry To look at the advantages of advancing staffs in retail industry Motivation behind the examination: This task utilizes philosophy to examine of the effects of the determination procedure with regards to the retail staffing. It will likewise inspect the entire determination process for retail staffing (Yu, Chang and Chou, 2014). It fundamentally centers around the staff turnover of Clarks shoes and furthermore how this influenced by the advancement of staffs (Kang and Hustvedt, 2014). Writing audit As referenced by Abraham (2014), each representative can be propelled to act in beneficial way. Then again, determination process in retail business depends on interior sources and outer sources. Two of the inspirational procedures received in Clarks retail industry are; distinctive execution based prizes and evaluations (Hitt et al., 2009). Aside from this, Clarks furnish their workers with preparing in regards to their new executed framework. Brannan et al. (2011) expressed retail industry depends on two components, that is, clients and representatives. Each retail association is having distinctive advancement and choice method inside the matter of their staffs (Adams and Deakin, (2014). Clark is well known for retailing of footwear and the quantities of representatives are more than 16,000. So to make each worker function as a group, persuasive systems are significant. As referenced by Adams and Deakin (2014), a portion of the interior sources required in choice procedure of Clark retail industry are as Move procedure of workers Giving advancement in position and assignment Giving retirement alternative to workers Inner ad with respect to empty position and others Choice procedure of Clark should be successful with respect to all procedure, that is, systems, strategies and new workers. Aside from this, choice procedures help Clark to choose the most meriting workers (Adams and Deakin 2014). The choice procedure depends on capability, abilities and number of opening. In setting to this Sellitto (2015) referenced, each determination procedure in retail industry have their own favorable position. A portion of the significant preferred position of determination system is with respect to appropriate arrangement process (Adams and Deakin, 2014). Then again, it likewise helps in leading enlistment in a deliberate way. In setting to this Cheese (2013) expressed, determination in retail industry must be successful, if capability and abilities are examined appropriately (Paiva et al. 2015). Each position has their own arrangement of aptitudes and capability prerequisite. For instance, the abilities and capabilities required for shop floor workers in ret ail are not quite the same as shop administrator. The significant aptitudes required for group pioneers in Clark retail is as; chief, they ought to be acceptable in dynamic. As referenced by Delaney, Burchielli and Connor (2014), group pioneers assume the job of spine in any association. Their primary job is to impact and rouse representatives to work appropriately. Aside from this, they are answerable for examination of the qualities and shortcomings of their colleagues. This investigation procedure encourages them in the persuasive procedure. As expressed by Ewing (2013), each worker has an alternate arrangement of aptitudes and ability. They likewise have various qualities and shortcomings. In this way, group pioneers ought to consistently break down their qualities and shortcomings and specialized topics (Cheese, 2013). Aside from this, group pioneers ought to likewise have great reasoning capacities which help in critical thinking (Litchfield, 2014). Additionally group pioneers ought to have a decent information on the retail b usiness working procedure. The region and national administration at Clarks retail attempts to build up their business exercises. As referenced by Ewing (2013), techniques contrast area by district, that is, each store has distinctive arrangement of systems. These procedures help in advancing their business and expanding their benefit. Then again, national administration systems help in advancing business in national market (Turner, 2013). Showcasing and publicizing procedures help to advance their business. The advancement procedures with respect to national representatives are additionally extraordinary. The exhibition examination and prize framework is chosen according to the store area. In this setting Hitt et al. (2009) expressed, limited time system with respect to representatives government assistance depend on store area and deals. These procedures help association to propel their representatives to perform better. Furthermore, these systems help in expanding efficiency and benefit. As referenced by Hi gson (2013), in the event that procedures are arranged appropriately, at that point they will help the association in a positive way. Then again, the aptitudes and capabilities required for shop floor level workers are not quite the same as top level chiefs. Store floor level workers helps in expanding deals and the benefit of the Clark association (Hitt et al., 2009). Aside from this, store floor levels have obligation with respect to the administration of in house (Branstetter et al 2014). That is, they are answerable for overseeing account, selling, workers and others in their store. In this setting Linsenman and Kingaard (2011) remarked that shop floor workers assume a significant job in deals exercises. They impact clients or the store guest in buying. The significant ability required for good shop floor representatives is impacting power as affecting or persuading force will assist them with increasing their deals. Then again, they ought to likewise know about the clients decisions and requests (Nair et al 2014). As referenced by Pride and Ferrell (2014), Clarks the board pays a section in dealing with all exercises and techniques. That is, they are liable for arranging and execution of procedures and strategy. Aside from this, the administration of Clarks is liable for keeping up balance between the business action and representatives (Turner, 2013). The board ought to have center information about specialized and correspondence frameworks. The administration of Clarks help in tackling issues and in the dynamic procedure (Robbins and Coulter, 2009). The methodologies chose by the board of Clarks help in expanding their business and benefit. Then again, the board is additionally work for improving the brand picture of the organization (Rhodes, 2014). As remarked on by Sawford, (2014), the zero hours contract framework received by Clark influences their representatives and the choice procedure. Party time contract help Clark to furnish their representatives with variety in working time and wages. The zero agreement framework influences the participation model of staff, as each worker begin picking their own time for working. The determination procedure of working time influences the participation the executives framework (Shimomura and Kimita (2013). Then again, the board likewise may think that its hard to deal with the workforce, which influences the inspiration procedure. In any case, a portion of the administration staff of Clarks retail isn't supportive of party time contracts, as they feel that it might de-inspire representatives to work and which would additionally influence the choice procedure (Geppert, 2014). It is realized that party time contracts implies employing laborers with no assurance to do work. Because of that , representatives may not be giving hundred percent in the work (Powell et al 2014). Procedure Moral way to deal with study: The premise of the execution of the pertinent systems the investigation it needs to demonstrate all

363 Word on Being Disrespectful to Teachers Free Essays

My 363 word on why I was being Disrespectful I’m sorry for my conduct that day. I realized that I wasn't right when I left the room without your consent. I ought to have remained in my seat. We will compose a custom article test on 363 Word on Being Disrespectful to Teachers or on the other hand any comparable theme just for you Request Now I ought to have left when you called my column or my name. I realize that I wasn't right. That will never happen again. The motivation behind why I had left was on the grounds that I was attempting to beat supernatural occurrence to the storage since she take excessively long. Furthermore, she occupies all the room. I realize that, that was puerile. I realize I should be progressively conscious in light of the fact that I have been extremely rude to you. What's more, I guarantee that it will never happen again. Will I get those equivalent evaluations prepare that you didn’t get put in on the grounds that I truly need that? I have been dealing with my conduct. Furthermore, the awful conduct I have been given will change. Now and then when I have a terrible state of mind I will be ill bred. Here and there when I am discourteous is the point at which someone has planned something incorrectly for me. Or then again when another instructor or grown-up reprimand me for something that I foul up. Be that as it may, what I fouled up doesn’t concern an awful day. I don’t recollect whether my demeanor was a decent mentality, however I realize that my conduct was on point until toward the finish of the class time frame. We should regard our instructors in such a case that we don’t regard individuals that are more intricate and more experienced than us it will think about us prior down in our lives. Educator Cadet Essay iframe class=wp-installed content sandbox=allow-contents security=restricted style=position: supreme; cut: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px); src=https://phdessay.com/educator cadet-paper/insert/#?secret=u6v82QyyWh information secret=u6v82QyyWh width=500 height=282 title=#8220;Teacher Cadet Essay#8221; #8212; Free Essays - PhDessay.com frameborder=0 marginwidth=0 marginheight=0 scrolling=no/iframe Albeit once in a while our instructors may make a blockhead of us and mortify us and at times humiliate us in the cruelest manners we ought not fight back bad. In the event that we know all the standards in the school we should report it to the head or somebody that is a piece of the school and can tell the educator that he/she is accomplishing something extremely, incredibly, wrong. Rather we ought to consistently inquire as to whether you can please leave the space to go to my storage. I ought to have quite recently held up until you called my line. Step by step instructions to refer to 363 Word on Being Disrespectful to Teachers, Papers

Drawing on the literature, critically discuss the positive and Essay

Drawing on the writing, fundamentally talk about the positive and negative factors that may legitimately or in a roundabout way impact administrations laborers work execution - Essay Example This is on the grounds that; the potential purchasers figure their own recognitions with respect to the association and its administration quality on grounds of its staff effectiveness and administration execution (Brown, et al., 2002). This examination paper means to fundamentally break down the positive and negative effects of administration worker’s work execution. It is profoundly levelheaded to lead this basic investigation since it means to appraise the elements that may both legitimately and in a roundabout way impact the nature of working inside an assistance giving association. In this time of â€Å"consumerism†, the organizations expect to expand utility of its potential purchasers and thus their business income. In any case, it ought to be noticed that clients fulfillment got from the items or administrations of an association impressively relies upon the nature of administrations gave by the representatives of the organization. Consequently, from the examina tion and ramifications of this paper, administrative specialists of various organizations can kill the potential issues looked by them in human asset the board and subsequently improve the nature of their working in since a long time ago run (Brown, et al., 2002). Market analysts treat work asset of an association as a sort of capital. This is on the grounds that a laborer gains cash with the assistance of procured instruction, work understanding and information. Initially human capital was seen to be a microeconomic idea yet after some time its suggestions are likewise connected up with the field of macroeconomics. Lucas presented the â€Å"New Growth Theory† of financial matters and asserted that human capital profitability and monetary development is legitimately relative to one another (Brown, et al., 2002). An ascent in the effectiveness level of human capital assists with increasing financial overflow obtained by the benefit making firms inside a nation lastly prompts development of its national household profitability level. Scientists have expressed that nature of tutoring, instructive degree of guardians, previously and hands on preparing essentially impacts the

Paying NCAA Athletes

Paying NCAA Athletes September 8, 2013 Forbes has run a great response to a recent Times cover story in which the magazine espoused paying NCAA athletes. In an article in Forbes by Tom Van Riper entitled Sorry Time Magazine: Colleges Have No Reason To Pay Athletes, Van Riper rips apart the arguments presented in the Times piece that strongly support changing the NCAA system so big-time college athletes can get paid. We at Ivy Coach happen to agree with a number of points that Van Riper Makes. College athletes should not get paid. Its as simple as that. First of all, as the commercials so tell us, the vast majority of NCAA athletes go pro in professions other than sports (i.e., they become doctors and scientists and lawyers and architects, etc.). The vast majority of college football and basketball players dont go pro. But indeed there are a select few who are talented enough to make it to the next level pro sports. But its not as though these athletes arent receiving financial compensation for playing their sport at their university. The vast majority of these athletes who will eventually turn pro are on full scholarships. They are receiving free educations! An education is worth something in this world wouldnt you say? As Van Riper asserts in the piece, Most have to invest $100,000 to $200,000 to get that coveted college degree. A  scholarship athlete doesn’t. We would only like to add that college degrees at highly selective colleges can certainly run upwards of $200,000. As the Forbes piece also points out, these NCAA athletes  are also getting a unique opportunity to brand-build. They often get national television exposure. They get to showcase their talents and their personalities for the nation. Thats worth lots in our estimation! And they get to showcase their talents in association with pre-established brands like Notre Dame Football and Duke Basketball. Anyhow, where do you stand on this issue? Were curious to hear from our readers. Should NCAA athletes get paid?

Interaction between Political and Social Life in Ancient...

Interaction between Political and Social Life in Ancient Imperial Rome The interaction between political and social life in Ancient Rome has been accurately portrayed in the well researched novel, The Course of Honour, by Lindsey Davies. However as this is a fictional novel told as an interesting story instead of fact, the information given must be corroborated with several primary sources to correct any inherent biases. Lindsey Davies is an author who specialises in writing about life in Ancient Rome. Her novels are famous for the detective work of Marcus Didius Falco, with books such as Last Act in Palmyra, Venus in Copper, A Dying Light in Corduba and The Iron Hands of Mars winning her the Sherlock Holmes Award for†¦show more content†¦83) But when Vespasian, in the course of his general triumph, restored stable government to Britain... (Tacitus, p.68) As well as being a strong source of information about political life during this time, the novel also catalogues the struggles faced before and after marriage by Vespasians mistress, the freedwoman Caenis. Their forbidden relationship is threatened as Vespasian reaches the height of his political career. Caenis was but a footnote mentioned in history which Davies has sanctified into a wonder woman without whom Vespasians career could not have possibly succeeded. This obvious glorification of a story is an example of a bias used to make a tale more interesting, and the lack of historical sources commenting on Caenis only proves that she is nowhere near as important as Davis makes her out to be. Regardless, this novel achieves its aim as an interesting secondary source of information on Imperial Rome from two totally different perspectives- that of a slave and freedwoman, and that of an emperor. 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Psychlogy Of Fashion Essay - 1748 Words

It has been said that individuals act out the roles that are associated with their identities and positions in society. This statement clearly relates to the case studies provided in the assignment package. It states that we have to look the part to play the part. This is an ingenious statement because what we look like is often controlled by society and its positions we take. An example would be the career positions that we usually desire to occupy. If we do not own businesses, we tend to want to work for large companies. Such companies, admired by us, are usually image-controlled. Disney employs 32000 people on Orlando and it operates the most obsessive image-control program outside of military. Companies, including Disney want their†¦show more content†¦However, women began to adopt masculine look since it was approved by society for them to wear pants. This adaptation process is still progressing; and women now are adapting to the disregard for wearing makeup, styling ha ir, and even wearing mens attire such as neckties. Places like McDonalds have adapted a uniform that entails wearing a necktie for both sexes. A necktie is associated with responsibility, intelligence, sophistication, and status. Women needed a symbol that would send the message stating those social positions. There is neckwear that is targeted for women; and that is a scarf. These body enclosures are not only used as a form of protection, but also as an item of identity display (the adornment theory). It is a good idea to make use of womens neckwear to go along with the procedures of feminine grooming for a job interview, because as I stated before, it demonstrates responsibility, intelligence, sophistication and status. Those are the main social positions an individual would want the employer to perceive. All human beings have different interests, styles, and appearances. However, when it comes to responsibilities it all narrows down to categorizing humans by age, gender and income. One of our main responsibilities is working after getting a job. Our parents encourage us during our childhood and adolescence to be ourselves. However, when time arrives to actually seek employment weShow MoreRelatedThe Value Of Stilt Houses Built Over Water Pre 19th Century2298 Words   |  10 Pagesinvestigate the value of stilt houses in Borneo because as a singular building how it became the container of a life for various the tribes. Following the migratory patterns of these tribes into Borneo and across it, I hope to unravel how these tribes ‘fashion’ their environment but more importantly the characteristics of the stilt house and its value to its community. The map below shows where Borneo is in relation to the Southeast Asia area. Tim Ingold mentions in an essay that, â€Å" Human beings are

Identify Marks and Spencers market position and de Essay Example For Students

Identify Marks and Spencers market position and de Essay termine why they nearly collapsedIdentify Marks and Spencers market position and determine why they nearly collapsedIntroductionMarks Spencer is one of the UKs foremost retailers of clothing, foods, homeware and financial services, boasting a weekly customer base of 10 million in over 300 UK stores. Marks ; Spencer operate in 30 countries worldwide, and has a group turnover in excess of 8 billion. It has specific values, missions and visions. Its main vision is to be the standard against which all others are measured, its main mission is to make aspirational quality accessible to all, and its main values are quality, service, innovation and trust. (www.marksandspencer.co Did You Ever Wonder Where And Why We Live The Way We Do? With The Goal EssayMarks and Spencer are also making big changes in their childrenswear department. They have always applied strict safety testing and have the best quality childrens clothing on the market, and if improved can become very successful as the fol lowing quote outlines:I think the biggest threat to the retail scene at the moment is Marks and Spencer. Marks and Spencer is very interesting. They have suffered recently but I think theyre more of a threat if they get their act together and get things right in childrens clothing they could make a huge difference much bigger than any foreign retailers entering the marketplace. Source: MintelIn addition, Childrenswear is keen to involve personalities who are fans of Marks ; Spencer, so Marks and Spencer were delighted in February 2002 to sign David Beckham, a real style icon and role model, to help with their boyswear range. The first products arrived in stores in September 2002, and David Beckham himself has starred in adverts promoting the DB07 clotheswear range. Many of Marks and Spencers marketing activities since 1998 can be defined using Ansoffs matrix. This provides a useful framework for identifying alternative strategies based on products and markets. Although it does not focus specifically on the way in which competitive advantages are gained, it does help businesses such as Marks and Spencer to consider the different options available to them in terms of growth strategies. Each section of the Ansoff Matrix shall now be defined and adapted to Marks and Spencer where believed to be necessary:Market PenetrationThis involves selling more of the same product to the same customers, much like Marks and Spencer have been with the menswear clothing range. This strategy involves increased usage by encouraging customers to use a product more frequently i.e. loyalty bonuses. Product DevelopmentThis involved the development of new products for existing customers, i.e. the David Beckham range of clotheswear for children. Also the Blue Harbour and Classics range from Marks and Spencer. Market DevelopmentThis is the process of developing new markets for existing products. This can be achieved by targeting new segments or entering new geographical markets, as evident when Marks and Spencer brought 120 skilled jobs to the garment industry in Northern Ireland. DiversificationThis is seen as a risky strategy. It introduces new products to new markets. The level of risk is affected by the extent to which the new strategy is related or unrelated to existing business. This proves that things are looking promising for Marks and Spencer, they have bright ideas that are coming into place and are becoming recognised again due to the infiltration of famous faces such as David Beckham and granting him his own clothing range. Their marketing focus is on their clothing range which is probably the right idea due to competitors such as Tesco introducing their own clothing range. To incorporate their own style and image is something their competitors cannot comprehend to, so this is a huge step in the right direction for Marks and Spencers. ConclusionTo conclude, Marks and Spencers obviously suffered from the period of decline. The fall in profits proved this and they were made to count the costs. In fairness though, they have bounced back and are pushing towards the market position they were always proud to hold, at the very top in their sector. This is evident with the new clothing range they have released and the capture of a household name such as David Beckham, they are heading for the top again. The SWOT analysis outlined the problems they faced and the opportunities they had to come back, but as you have read, they have outlined a major focus on their clothing range since 1998, and the profits are starting to come in again. With the Zip, Blue Harbour and Classics range of clothing, they have a vast array of clothing lines to offer new and existing customers. Things can only go up for Marks and Spencer after the disarray of 1998, and if current evidence is anything to go by, they are certainly heading in the right direction. This audit has given a clear view of the problems that were faced and how they have overcome these problems and what the future has in store for Marks and Spencer in terms of marketing. Total Word Count (Excluding SWOT Analysis, Diagrams, Quotes and References) : 2498 wordsReferencesOwww.marksandspencer.co.ukOwww.mintel.comODavidson, H 1997, 1st Ed, Even More Offensive Marketing, Penguin Books, St IvesOFill, C, 2002 Marketing Communications Contents, Concepts and Strategies, Prentice HallODrummond and Ensor, Strategic Marketing Management, p. 149, Butterworth HeinemannOJoisce, Ted Lecture Notes for Marketing Planning and Marketing CommunicationsOMeek, H ; Ensor, J, p. 150, Strategic Marketing Management: Planning and Control, 2001, Butterworth Heinemann, OxfordOPiercy, N 1997, 2nd Ed. Market-Led Strategic Change Transforming the Process of going to Market, p. 27, Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford)OWelsh, CEO of General Electric adapted from Relationship Marketing Lecture Notes, 21/10/2002

Personal Statement (Oxford) free essay sample

The passion is rooted from the place where I grew up, and sparked by a practice of environmental change research I experienced recently. I grew up in Zingier, Annexing, China ?a small oasis located in the junction between the Yellow River and Tenure Desert in northwestern China. My feeling on this land has been a complex mixture of love and sigh, as folks are nurtured by this land, but also tortured by frequent sand storms and very dry weather. During my college life in Jungian University, l, as a volunteer, participated in a research project to study the environmental changes and the corresponding socio-economic effects around Saputo. As impressed by the fresh scene of Saputo, the place where once engulfed by desert has been covered mostly by vegetation. Because of the success in desert-control, Saputo is known as a Miracle in the history of the worlds desertification control. I was honored to be invited to participate in the field investigation led by Professor A from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. We will write a custom essay sample on Personal Statement (Oxford) or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Through participating in the research project, I obtained the knowledge on the history of the desert movement and principles overriding the desertification control.I have also learned that the achievement of Saputo desertification control project has attracted the attention of experts and scholars from many parts of the world, including the Dean of SST Cross College of Oxford university, Professor who visited Tenure Desert with Professor Hung in 2007. Deeply impressed with the success of desertification control at Saputo, I have been very interested in topics related to geography and environmental conservation since then. For this, I have done some studies on climate change, ecological protection, energy inspiration and environmental economics. I have also been keeping in a close contact with Proof.A for consulting and discussing issues on geographical and environmental aspects. Through my contacts with Professor A, who used to be a research fellow at Oxford university, and many other sources including the information shown on the website of Oxford University, understand well that Oxford University is one of the leading universities in geography in the world. Following my passion and maturing self-conscious, I started to draw my own blueprint cautiously I would make all my effort to ran an offer from Oxford University for studying in the programmer of Nature, Society and Environmental Policy.Armed by the knowledge and skills gained from my college study, I will dedicate myself on environmental protection in my hometown. Am truly convinced that choosing to become an Oxfords dark blue is the best choice to fulfill my lifes pursuit. I sincerely hope that I can be admitted as a postgraduate student of Oxford University, and I am very confident of my capability for completing my studies at Oxford university.

The Entrepreneurial Qualities of Richard Branson and Their Impact to Business in the Virgin Group

The Entrepreneurial Qualities of Richard Branson and Their Impact to Business in the Virgin Group Introduction It is evident that modern business firms operate in an increasingly complex and competitive environment. Many companies are dealing in the production of either similar products or services or close substitutes. Therefore, business leadership has become one of the most admired qualities in doing business.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Entrepreneurial Qualities of Richard Branson and Their Impact to Business in the Virgin Group specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Modern business leaders are called upon to be more proactive and more entrepreneurial so that that they can be able to drive the business companies that they are leading to success. Success here refers to leading the company to make profits and attain a strong competitive edge over other companies. There are many Chief Executive Officers leading several companies in the world today. However, all of these CEOs cannot be termed as having the qual ity of entrepreneurship (Clark, 2009). According to Fletcher, 2002, entrepreneurial Chief Executive officers are those who are able to seek and build opportunities for the company using well informed business strategies. In the context of business leadership and management, an entrepreneur can be defines as a person who is able to lead the business to mold a business from scratch to greater heights. The entrepreneur develops unique qualities that steers the business through different business environment situation and ensures that the business attains success. An entrepreneur is the main defender of the business and the source of all the growth and success of the business. In other words, the success of the company lies on the shoulders of the entrepreneurial chief executive officer (Shaw, n. d).This paper is thus is going to discuss Richard Branson as one of the entrepreneurial chief executive officers in the world. The paper will discuss the personal and business qualities that de fine Branson as an entrepreneurial Chief Executive Officer. These qualities will be contextualized in order to clearly link Branson to the growth and business success of the Virgin Group. It is going to be argued in this essay that as an entrepreneurial CEO, Branson has become a main pillar of the Virgin Group. Therefore, without Branson, the company can hardly maintain the levels of achievement it has attained today. Brief history of Branson and entrepreneurship Grant, 2005 ascertains that Branson began showing his entrepreneurial qualities in the year 1967 when he quitted schools to launch a magazine. By then, he was only 16 years old. He believed in himself and in the idea that his magazine was going to help young activists in raising their voice. As is with many businesses, the magazine business had a lot of challenges. The business was not fetching money as had been expected.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your fir st paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, as a young entrepreneur, Branson did not give up in business. He quickly resorted to the business of selling records via the mail. He sold the records at highly discounted prices. He integrated the magazine business with the record selling business by running advertisements of the mail orders. Therefore, the magazine business was enhanced in that the adverts on the record mails attracted more people into buying the magazines. It is through this that Branson managed to rent a shop above a store that sold shoes where he opened a store that sold discount records. This store was dubbed ‘Virgin’ because it was a unique store in an area where such business has not taken place ever. Also the name ‘Virgin’ resonated from the fact that all the people involved in starting this business were brand new entrepreneurs who had not engaged in business before (Grant, 2005). As the store picked up, Branson faced many more hurdles one of them being an arrest for evading taxes. He was released on condition that he was going to pay taxes. Branson learnt from this experience. He began to formalize his business by introducing accounting and bookkeeping functions to help in monitoring and managing revenues. He continues in sourcing for opportunities and expanding his business. By the year 1983, the virgin business had grown to comprise approximately 50 companies with more prospects of growth. The business had diversified into different ventures. This is what Branson sought to achieve. Branson was also motivated by his spirit of anxiety which propelled him into wanting to do new and challenging things. Branson dared to do many things that seemed challenging and impossible according to his friends. However, his motivation and hardened spirit led him to achieving even in the most daring business activities. One of the most daring activities which Branson engaged in was the idea of launching an airline co mpany. This was also one of his biggest challenges (Grant, 2005). Overview of entrepreneurship qualities of an entrepreneurial chief executive officer It is important to understand the qualities that help CEOs to run firms to success. Chief executive officers are main strategists of companies. This means that they are the major determinants of the success of a business firm that they are leading. Therefore, a great chief executive officer is the one who crafts the vision of the firm and sets effective strategies that will help the organization to realize the vision. The CEO should be able to set a healthy environment which encourages creativity from the top managers of the company. The CEO sets and determines the business direction to be taken by the company. The CEO helps the firm in identifying the best market that the firm can enter and the best business opportunities for the company to venture into. The chief executive officer studies the market and the competitors and identifie s the best line of products that can bets suit in the market and bear profits for the company (Fletcher, 2002).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Entrepreneurial Qualities of Richard Branson and Their Impact to Business in the Virgin Group specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The other important role that has to be played by the CEO is the identification of differentiation and diversification strategies for the company. These are the major competitive strategies that help the company to gain a strong position in the market. All these lead to the establishment of strong brands for the company which results in great business achievements. Entrepreneurs go beyond the expectations as they do not peg on the statistics or common views about business but believe in making attempts in every venture. They do not rely on the interpretation of statistics but believe in risking to invent new ideas and moves in business (Fletcher, 2002). Richard Branson and the Virgin Group of Companies – initiating and controlling business growth Borowiec, 2008, argues that successful business leadership starts with entrepreneurial minds. Talking of entrepreneurial minds, Richard Branson had an elaborate entrepreneurial mind which led him to starting the Virgin Business. Richard Branson is undoubtedly one of the best known entrepreneurs not only in the United Kingdom but also the entire global scene. Branson is the brainchild behind the virgin business. He has propelled the Virgin business to what is today. He is argued to be the man behind all the products and services that bears ‘virgin’ as a brand name. Richard Branson has played a lifelong role in the success of the Virgin business making it tom produce brands that are now recognizable globally like the Virgin Airways. Branson has transformed a single business into a conglomerate of businesses under the Virgin banner. These businesses are now sprout all over the globe and are performing well. This is one of the most competitive brands in the world’s airlines industry which challenges even the oldest airline companies that began their yeas way longer before the commencement of the Virgin business. One of the greatest challenges of a business is to venture and succeed in a business field that is dominated by well-known world-class firms. The Virgin Group has panoply of business which range from wedding gowns to condoms, airlines and even financial services. Both of these businesses offing by the Virgin Company have proved competitive in that they are wrestling a market share from companies that produces similar or complement goods. The giant companies are feeling a pinch from the market competition generated by Virgin Group products. Branson has grown into a flamboyant business leader who commands enormous publicity for the Virgin Group. He is an admired entrepreneur and business leader in the entire world. He has been the base on which the Virgin Group business has expanded its reach and luster in the global business (Borowiec, 2008).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Branson and his tenure of management at the Virgin Group: a combination of entrepreneurial and leadership skills As mentioned earlier, the name Richard Branson cannot be separated from the Virgin Group of companies. Burns, 2008, supports the observation that Branson began this business and has been a major contributor in each and every development that takes place in the company. As it is now, the Virgin group is now comprised of over four hundred firms which have come courtesy of Richard Branson. Branson has ascertained that cultivating entrepreneurial spirit in the company is not a simple exercise. It needs hard work and commitment all of which he has put in the company. To sustain the running of the four hundred companies, Branson came up with a very brilliant strategy which has sustained good running of individual companies making up the Virgin Group (Mills, 2007). As the president and the chief executive officer of the Virgin Group, Branson sought to ensure that all the compani es making up the groups are run well. To achieve this, Branson realized the need to have motivated directors to run these companies. He crafted a strategy which ensured that each of the individual directors has a certain percentage of shares in the company which he or she is managing. This is a motivator of performance in the companies. The directors ruin the companies with passions knowing that the outcomes are beneficial not only to the companies but also themselves. This has really boosted the performance outcomes of the individual firms of the Virgin group. Branson ensures that the directors are well guided on how to drive business in the companies that they are running. Therefore, he does not just expect outcomes but he ensures that he sets necessary business steps to help in getting positive outcomes. Being entrepreneurial means that one is always busy with coming up with thinking and rethinking strategies of improving performance. One must be ready to fully commit him or hers elf to the business as he also embraces the aspect of delegating duties (Burns, 2008). As an entrepreneur, one must ensure that all the staffs of the company get to understand the vision and objectives of the company. It is easy to work on course especially so when all the employees and organizational leaders are aware of the course that they are working for. The chief executive officer in any company is the vision holder of the company. Branson ensures that all the employees of the company are on course by organizing for transformational seminars. In these seminars, they get to discuss the progress of business. They identify the hitches of doing business and the remedies possible to beat the hitches. He uses these meetings to challenge the staffs on how to work towards attaining the goals of the company. Transformational meetings and seminars have proved to be effective for the Virgin Group. They portray the business as it is and lays down the possibilities of changing or adjusting the course of working (Howard, 2010). Brands and branding is an important tenet of business more so in this competitive era. One of the most important roles of an entrepreneur is to brand the company as this is what will position the company in the competitive global market. If there is any are in which Branson has been successful both as a chief executive office and an entrepreneur, then it is his ability to brand the Virgin Group. First of all, Branson has ensured that he is the ‘first’ brand of the company. Branson has patented himself to the company and carries the company on his shoulders. Whenever he appears anymore, he is not just as a CEO or president. He is seen in terms of the company itself. This has helped in easing marketing and the conducting of public relations for the company (Kapferer, 2008). Branson has this character of pulling the media to the company and thus publicizing the company and its products. This resonates from his personal characteristics which he tailor makes to work in favor of the business. While many other companies spend a lot of resources in creating an image for their products and services, Branson only dedicates time to public relation thereby highly saving on business expenses (Borowiec, 2008). Branson is argued to spend a quarter of his time in conducting both direct and indirect public relations. He does this with vigor such that he fully attracts the media thence the public and by effecting attracting free advertisement of the Virgin Group and its products. This is contrary to many other Chief Executive Officers who dedicate huge sums of money for advertising and public relations. Branson is creative and innovative and always devices means of attracting the attention of the public without spending financial resources. The Virgin Groups has found an easy way of marketing and public relations which is its CEO (Dearlove, 2007). Branson has driven the company into fully discharging corporate social activitie s. In the recent years, Branson has been setting aside huge sums of money to help in fighting the effects of climate change and other corporate social activities. Corporate social responsibility has come to be an important parameter on which companies are judged by the public. Full participation and discharge of corporate social duties work to the advantage of the company (Dearlove, 2010). Branson has instilled the principle of time management in the Virgin business. He emphasizes a lot on the skill of good management of time in order to achieve the objectives of the business. Branson spends most of his time; about a third troubleshooting, a third on developing and enforcing charitable work and the remaining third on inventing new business projects for the company. He has fully put the company at the center of his plans with the company taking the highest priority (Brook-Hart, 2008). Rifkin, n. d, observes that Branson loves challenges in business and takes them as opportunities for growth. This is a rare phenomenon as most Chief Executive officers view challenges as obstacles to business which have to be fully fought using organizational resources. He is a daring business leader who approaches and confronts challenges head on. He is courageous and daring. This quality enabled him to initiate the Virgin Airlines which according to many was considered to be an overambitious and unattainable business for the Virgin Company. As of today, the Virgin Airlines is one of the most outstanding Airlines in the world’s aviation industry with big shares in the US, UK and Europe. He is guided by the motto of being the bets in each of the business which the company ventures into. He works on a conclusive assumption that significant profits prevails in even the smallest potions of the expansive business in the market. The success of Branson can also be associated with his ability to attract customers by taking their points of view and personalizing them. This makes it easy for him to introduce and implement these viewpoints (Haig and Haig, 2011). According to Mitchel who wrote in the British management journal, the winning formula used by Branson is found in the clashing business values of the 1960’s. These are money versus morality, company versus consumers, profit versus people, formal versus informal and big business versus the small consumers. Others are conventionality versus novelty, planning versus spontaneity, secrecy versus openness and hierarchy versus egalitarianism. Branson has always chosen the humanistic path and has managed in turning to the Virgin business. These values are synthesized in the five basic criteria of the Virgin products. These include high quality, innovation, good value for money, challenging to the prevailing alternatives and lastly is that the products must have a sense of fun. This has driven the venturing into several businesses with success being attained in every business that is ventured into. Busine ss Implications to the Virgin Group if Branson Leaves the Company Well, there are no prospects of Branson leaving the company. However, many people argue that the Virgin Group can suffer from major business shocks if Richard Branson was to leave the company today. Their argument is that the virgin business has so much been centered on Richard Branson to an extent that no other person is known who can publicize the company in the Absence of Branson. This according to marketing and branding experts was is one of the major shortcomings of Branson. Building the business around his name alone an overshadowing all other people in the company thereby making the now and the future of the company to revolve around him. This has risked the future of the business. There are a number of serious implications is at all Richard Branson was to step down as the CEO of the Virgin Group of Companies (Kapferer, 2008). The first significant effect will be a drop in business due to the shock and the effo rt to choose a person to replace him who may not match even a half of his impact. Therefore, the confidence of customers in the company will significantly drop followed by lapses in the share prices of the company products on stock exchanges. This can be equated to the case of Apple Incorporated and the death of Steve Jobs, its long serving ad most trusted CEO. The company shares dropped significantly as it struggled to cope with the reality of the demise of Jobs (Lynch, 2012). The other serious business implication will be a significant loss of publicity for the Virgin Group business. A lot of public relations duties are accomplished by Branson. Therefore, finding another person to conduct publicity the way Branson did can be quite challenging. Branson is known to be the main representative of the Virgin Business in the public domain. The Virgin Group may also be forced to pump huge sums of money in advertising the brands of the company; an activity that was easily accomplished by Branson at very minimal costs. The cost of running the business will thus shoot up resulting in the reduction of profits that are made by the company. This will also be combines with other disorientations in the company leading to a period of underperformance. The company can take a long time to learn to deal with the situation. However, the major supportive thing for the company to peg on will be the strong brands that have been developed by Branson. This was the case in Apple where the strong brands of products developed under Jobs helped the company to pick upon the demise of Jobs (Lynch, 2012). Conclusion The entrepreneurial qualities of CEOs are essential in business growth of any company. Richard Branson is among the most outstanding entrepreneurial CEOs. Branson started the Virgin business and through a powerful combination of leadership and entrepreneurial qualities has managed to develop ecstatic brands which cut across business borders globally. The Virgin Group can suffer from major business shocks if Branson leaves the company. Reference List Borowiec, A 2008, Facets model based on an entrepreneur Richard Branson. Web. Brook-Hart, G 2008, Business benchmark: Students book, Cambridge Univ. Press. Cambridge [u.a. Burns, P 2008, Corporate entrepreneurship: building the entrepreneurial organization, Palgrave Macmillan, New York. Clark, T 2009, Demystifying Business Celebrity: Leaders and Gurus. New York, Routledge Publishers Dearlove, D., 2007, Business the Richard Branson way: 10 secrets of the worlds greatest brand builder. John Wiley Sons, Hoboken, NJ: Dearlove, D., 2010, The unauthorized guide to doing business the Richard Branson way: 10 secrets of the worlds greatest brand builder, Capstone, Chichester. Fletcher, H 2002, Entrepreneur to CEO: The difficult transition, Harvard Business Review. Grant, R, M., 2005, Richard Branson and the Virgin Group of Companies in 2004, Case Fifteen. Web. Haig, M and Haig, M 2011, Brand success how the worlds top 100 brands thrive and survive, Kogan Page. London. Howard, C., 2010, Instant wealth, wake up rich!: Discover the secret of the new entrepreneurial mind, Wiley, Hoboken, N.J. Kapferer, J N, 2008, The new strategic brand management: Creating and sustaining brand equity long term, Kogan Page, London. Lynch, G 2012, Apple lacking quality control after Steve Jobs death, says ex-employee. Web. Mills, A. J 2007, Organizational behaviour in a global context, Broadview Press, Peterborough. Rifkin, G n. d., How Richard Branson Works Magic. Web. Shaw, B G, 2012, Entrepreneurs and enterprise. Web.

Midterm Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Midterm - Term Paper Example However, as time went by, the rifles become widely recognized, and now citizens all through the United States can own one just by filling out a permit form. This has seen the crime level all over the United States increase more than any other nation out there (Alpers, 2012). This paper will draft a law to the House of Representatives in an effort to restrict the American law regarding the possession of these assault type rifles. Policy Prohibition against Importing Importing assault type rifles should strictly be a governmental task or if a permitted party wants to import an assault type rifle into the United States, it should be done with the knowledge of the government. Any coming in rifle, whether through the boarder, port or airport terminal, should be checked to clarify whether the government has allowed the importation of the firearm (Strassel, 2013). Also, in order to ease the importation of these firearms, it essential that the government imposes extremely huge taxes on the p eople importing the assault type rifles. People import these weapons from other nations because of the cheap cost of assembling them abroad, as well as the affordable taxes imposed on them during importation (Jones, 2013). Ownership Specified parties should also be the only groups allowed to possess assault type rifles. It is essential for people to note that guns are meant to kill people (Simmons, 2002). Therefore, ownership of assault type rifles should strictly be left to bodies, which seek to protect the citizens of American such as the police force (Strassel, 2013). Regular citizens who want to possess assault type rifles should have extremely strong reasons as to why they want to possess the weapons. For instance, if they notice an impending danger, they should be allowed to possess an assault type rifle only for a short while till the danger capsizes. Transportation Transposition of assault type rifles should be done with strict consent of the government. If it is possible, a law officer should be present whenever there is mass transportation of these assault type rifles (Jones, 2013). Also, in order to avoid any tension or theft during the transportation of the rifles, it is essential to transport the weapons through vehicles that are not recognized by ordinary citizens. Some might attempt to steal them during the transportation. Huge taxes should also be imposed on the transportation of these assault type rifles, and the transportation should be done during the day. The destination of the weapons should be known by the government before the transportation is done (Jones, 2013). Use of Assault Type Rifles Capable Of Firing in Semi-Automatic or Automatic Modes Use of assault type rifles capable of firing in semi-automatic or automatic modes should be permitted to people who have undergone certified training on how to fire a weapon (Malcolm, 2012). This is to avoid any stray shots in case a situation arises where a person with a permit is forced to use t he assault rifle in public. An assault type rifle, which is capable of firing semi-automatic or automatic modes, should also be made more expensive than normal assault rifles that fire only a single shot. In this way, people will shy away from purchasing this rifle and settle on the less ordinary assault type rifle. Only wealthy people can afford the above extremely expensive assault rifle that can easily be tracked by the government (Malcolm, 2012). Rationale or Purpose It is positively true that

Discuss a detail summary of chapters 3, 4, and 5 in the book The Essay

Discuss a detail summary of chapters 3, 4, and 5 in the book The Economics of Women, Men, and Work, Blau, Ferber, & Winkler, 6 - Essay Example In this book, the gender roles and issues has been covered extensively in both the workplace and the family as one economic unit, shifting roles in this varying economy, the distribution of time to the workplace and the family, and the gender differences in diverse economies. In this book, the excellent picture of the dispersion of gender in an average family structure and the working culture is manifested. This is one of the most famous and popular books on the subject of socio-economic science, which have been of great help to the study of the scholars as well as educating the general people. In this paper, we are going to look at three specific chapters, viz. chapter 3, 4 and 5, from the book. These three chapters teach about the family as an economic unit, allocation of time between labor market and family, and an overview of differences in occupations and the respective earnings. Chapter 3: Family as an economic unit In the chapter three, the most important subject of discussion was the neoclassical economics. Neoclassical economics deals with the theory that economic constraints actually lead to sustained and steady growth, where the ratio of the capital to every micro economical unit is constrained. In this case, we are talking about the family economic unit. Along with that, topics of specialization and exchange have been conferred in detail. The chapter has also shown the economic consequences of marriage along with the various ways of how a family can work to maximize their economic bargaining power. This chapter deals with sociology, psychology and economics in a household, and provides a great depth into the workings of the regular life. Chapter 4: Allocation of time between family and workplace In the fourth chapter, it starts discussing with the definition of labor market, types of labor market, dispositions of any labor market, and the general work culture. It also discussed various issues such as the market time, the non-market, their significan ces, their advantages and disadvantages, and their effect on the household life. Labor working hours trends have been dedicated a full section for this purpose. But the primary focus of this chapter is the surge of women in the labor force. It started during the World War II, and since then, the general gender structure in an ordinary workplace has tremendously changed over the time – married mothers with older children after the World War, married mothers with younger children in the 1960s-80s, and single and unmarried women in 1990s-2000s. It has taken a huge leap towards the liberalization and increased participation of women in the work force. Even the employment disparities of the black community are discussed in detail. Chapter 5: Differences in occupations and the respective earnings Although the name of the chapter gives an impression that it is focused on the various occupations, and the possibilities of income respectively, the chapter deals with something more than that. It starts with the definition of human capital, and then steers off to the gender biases in the field of human capital investment. Whether in the field of education, job trainings or occupations, there have always been significant biases against certain genders. In this chapter, it strives to throw light on that aspect of education and occupation. Though it can be said that the most part of the chapter

United States Electoral College Essay Example for Free

United States Electoral College Essay The Electoral College, the mechanism for electing the president and the vice-president of the United States which was first put to use in the 1789 presidential election has already outgrown its purpose and should therefore be abolished (National Archives and Records Administration). Formulated by the country’s founders more than two hundred years ago, the system has undoubtedly grown stale and ineffective and no longer â€Å"conform to our modern interpretation of democracy, which is one person, one vote† (Hough). According to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), although the term could not be found anywhere in the United States Constitution, it is believed to have been actually conceived by the â€Å"founding fathers as a compromise between the election of a president by Congress and election by popular vote. † The term was coined from the words â€Å"elector† and â€Å"college. † The term â€Å"elector† was used to refer to the German princes who were granted the right to take part in the process of electing the German king who later became the emperor of the Roman Empire while â€Å"college† was taken from the Latin word collegium which means â€Å"a body of persons that act as a unit. † Thus the term â€Å"electoral college† means a group of people chosen to elect the President and the Vice President of the United States of America (NARA). A total of 538 electors handpicked by political parties comprise the present Electoral College. Every state has two electors representing their two senators and another elector for each of their congressional representation. This means that a small state with only one congressional representation owing to the smallness of its population is allocated the minimum number of three electors. In 2004, the four states with the highest number of electors were: California (55), Texas (34), New York (31), and Florida (27) while seven small states (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming), and the District of Columbia, had only three electors each (NARA). As congressional representation is determined by the census of population which is taken every ten years, a state’s number of electors could therefore be reduced or increased, without prejudicing the total electors of 538 for the entire country. For instance, based on the 1990 census of population, the state of Arizona was allowed 8 electors for the presidential elections of 1992, 1996, and 2000. After it registered a population increase in 2000, its number of congressional representation and therefore, the number of its electors, was raised to 10 for the presidential elections of 2004, 2008, and 2012 (NARA). In 48 states and the District of Columbia, a presidential candidate who gets the majority of votes in one state is awarded all the electoral votes allocated for that state in a â€Å"winner-take-all† manner. In the states of Maine and Nebraska, meanwhile, proportional voting is practiced. Under this voting system, Maine, which has four electoral votes, gives one vote to the winner in each of its two congressional districts and gives the remaining two votes to whoever gets the majority votes in the entire state (NARA). A simple majority or a minimum of 270 electoral votes is needed to win the U. S. presidency. In case of a tie (269-269 result) in the presidential contest, the Congress of the United States decides the issue while the U. S. Senate conducts the runoff election in case of a deadlock in the vice presidential race. In the history of the presidential election in the country, the congressional runoff was only done twice – in 1800 and in 1824. In the vice presidential race, the United States Senate was called on to decide the issue in 1836 (NARA). This is the first undesirable feature of the Electoral College that many American voters find unacceptable. A tie in the presidential election under this system takes the electoral process away from the hands of the American voters and confers the power to elect the president to a highly partisan congress. In such a scenario, the presidential candidate of the party which controls the House of Representatives would win the presidency regardless of the will of the majority of the American voters. A case in point was the 1824 presidential election. When congress decided on the issue after a deadlock was declared, Andrew Jackson lost the presidency to John Quincy Adams despite garnering a decisive 57. 2% of the popular vote (NARA). Point two against the Electoral College is the fact that the president and the vice president of the United States are not actually chosen by the people but through the electoral votes assigned to the 50 states and the District of Columbia. It is therefore possible for a candidate to win the votes and gain the trust and confidence of the majority of American voters and still lose the presidency – a systemic defect which is tantamount to a disenfranchisement of American voters. This has already happened four times in the political history of the country. The case of Andrew Jackson in 1824 was already discussed earlier in this paper. Another case occurred in 1876 when Rutherford Hayes (R) won the presidency with a single electoral vote majority (185 against Samuel Tilden’s 184) in spite of the fact that only 48. 5% of those who voted went for him while the majority 51. 5% voted for Tilden. Once again, in 1888, Benjamin Harrison (R) won with 233 electoral votes against Grover Cleveland’s (D) 168. However, 90,596 more American voters had chosen Cleveland over Harrison in that election. The most recent case was the 2000 presidential election. President George W. Bush (R) defeated Albert Gore, Jr. , 271 – 266 electoral votes, despite getting only 50,456,062 popular votes (49. 7%) against Al Gore’s 50,996,582 (50. 3%). The official result of that election, in effect, nullified the votes of 540,520 American voters who gave Gore the advantage in popular votes, thereby expressing their preference for Al Gore to be the president of the country (NARA). The Electoral College does not count the votes cast by American voters equally. For instance, in the 2004 election, Wyoming, one of the small states, was allocated three electoral votes. California, on the other hand, whose population was about fifty times larger than Wyoming, only had 54 electoral votes. A simple computation would show us that although California was 50 times as large as Wyoming, its number of electoral votes was only 18 times larger (54/3 = 18). In other words, a vote cast by a voter from Wyoming was given a higher value than the vote cast by a California voter (Bates). Or, expressed another way, one Wyoming voter is equal to 18 California voters. This is plain inequality! Electoral College discourages some voters from participating in the election, thereby resulting to low voter turnout which reduces the credibility of an election. This is true in the case of states which have already been identified as one-party states. For instance in 2004, since California was already expected to vote for the Democratic candidate, chances were that some voters who planned to vote for the Republican standard bearer could have chosen to stay home instead. Indeed, what’s the point of voting when your state is already in the hands of the other party? It would seem as if the votes have already been counted before they were cast (Bates). On the other hand, defenders of the Electoral College claim that under the popular voting, the small states would simply be overwhelmed by the large states and that presidential candidates would tend to overlook them in favor of large states where more votes could be obtained. The opposite had, in fact, been observed during the campaigning which occurred for the 2004 election. Let us return to the example of California, the largest voting state in the country. Because it was already expected to go for the Democratic Party, George W. Bush ignored it in spite of its size and its 54 electoral votes and concentrated instead in the â€Å"swing state of Pennsylvania† which he visited â€Å"more than forty† times. In fact campaigning for the presidency of the United States had always shown candidates spending more time in swing states than in larger states which had already committed to the other side (Bates). Because of its proven ineptness and widespread unacceptability, the Electoral College has been labelled differently by different people. It was likened to â€Å"the vermiform appendix: a useless organ that can cause trouble on occasion† (Abolish the Electoral College? ). It was described by the American Bar Association as â€Å"archaic and ambiguous† when a survey it conducted in 1987 found that 69% of American lawyers wanted the system abolished. The American public have spoken against the system through polls held in 1967 (58%), 1968 (81%), and then again in1981 when 75% of Americans were found to favor its replacement by a popular voting system (NARA). Regardless of the labels, however, the subjugation of the people’s will and the utter disregard for the value of the votes of Americans has rendered the Electoral College unacceptable to the American public. Their disgust and contempt for the system was already shown by the more than 700 proposals for its abolition or modification. They almost succeeded in the U. S. Senate in 1956 when amendments introduced by Republican Senator Karl Mundt (South Dakota) and Texas Democratic Senator Price Daniel won a senate voting with a 48-37 majority. Only their failure to muster the required three-fourths vote of the senate prevented the measures from pushing through (Duchschere). The American people tried again in 1969. Supported by then President Richard Nixon, an amendment was unanimously approved in the House of Representatives only to be stalled in the Senate for almost one year until supporters lost their interest on the measure and it died a natural death. Republican Senator Eastland and Democratic Senator Thurmond, described as â€Å"notorious segregationists† because they had been observed to have â€Å"voted against every civil-rights and voting-rights measure† in the Senate, were responsible for its death (Electoral Justice). Americans now want their votes to be properly counted and their decisions duly respected. As Professor Keyssar aptly put it, Americans today believe that the Electoral College has ceased to mirror America’s â€Å"sense of social equality† (Hough). Hence, it is now time to say goodbye to the antiquated, obsolete Electoral College. The time has arrived to show the civilized world that in the United States of America, every man, every registered voter, has a right to vote and a right to demand that such vote be counted. Works Cited â€Å"Abolish the Electoral College? † Wilson Quarterly. Winter 2001, Vol 25, Issue 1, p. 97. 13 June 2007. http://search. ebscohost. com/login. aspx? direct=truedb=aphAN=4028232site=ehost-live Bates, Nathaniel. â€Å"What Are the Arguments Made in Favor – And Against – the Electoral College? † 26 October 2004. 15 June 2007. http://hnn. us/articles/8163. html Duchschere, Kevin. â€Å"JFK Led Opposition in 1956 Effort to Reform the Electoral College. † Minneapolis Star Tribune. 26 November 2000. 13 June 2007. http://www. freerepublic. com/forum/a3a20ce2a366a. htm Electoral Justice. â€Å"The Electoral College: An Embarassing Vestige of Slavery and Segregation. † 15 June 2007. http://www. iwantmyvote. com/justice/electoral_college/ Hough, Lory. â€Å"Why Do We Still Have The Electoral College? † News Stories. 13 June 2007. http://www. ksg. harvard. edu/news/news/2004/Keyssar_why-electoral_college_102904. htm National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). â€Å"U. S. Electoral College. † 13 June 2007. http://www. archives. gov/federal-register/electoral-college/index. html

Beowulf: Heroism :: Epic of Beowulf Essays

Beowulf’s author is unknown, as are his motives and inspiration for the creation of the poem. Written some four hundred years before the Norman conquests, it is comprised of three thousand, one hundred and eighty-two lines, dramatically reproducing the timeless struggle between good and evil, along with all the variations that accompany such a story. By far one of the most admirable qualities presented to the reader is the notion of heroism, and the importance of honor. The quality of character was a major element of the heroic man in the world of which the story is set. In relation the personality, James V. McConnell wrote; "Let us define personality as the way in which a person thinks, behaves and adjusts to his or her environment. Such a definition would include the persons traits, values, motives, attitudes, emotional reactions, abilities, self-image and intelligence as well as the persons overt behavior patterns." (McConnell, page 610). He then went on further to say, "A complete theory of personality would not only describe the individual’s present style of adjustment but give some notion of how the person got that way and where he or she was going." Throughout the poem, the author allows the reader to see, in action, the true workings of heroes. Men and women who cast aside their own personal needs and desires for the better of others. During this time society sustained a strong honor code. The actions that an individual amassed over their lifetime was the title by which they were known to the rest of the land, both good and bad. A lot was asked of rulers concerning the protection and expansion of the empire, Kings and Queens were known by their conquests and control of the subjects around them. In the prologue we are introduced to a loved and heroic King by the name of Shild. " How Shild made slaves of soldiers from every land, crowds of captives he’d beaten into terror†¦lived to be rich and much honored. He ruled lands on all sides: wherever the sea would take them his soldiers sailed, returned with tribute and obedience." (Raffel, line 4). This section of the prologue clearly defines the times, in that i t immediately sets up the reader for the level of nobility in the tone of the author, in the expression of dignity that accompanies King Shild’s conquests. His life was associated with greatness and at his death his tribute was great.

Cell phones Essay

Every time a person answers his/hers cell phone, their safety and the safety of others around them are being greatly jeopardized. Cell Phones today pose a major risk to the human body and civilian population. When cell phones heat up they emit radiation that known to increase the chances of someone getting cancer. Besides cancer, other medical complications; such as, arthritis and damaged sleep have increased thought the use of cellular devices. Not only do cell phones cause medical problems, but they also pose a huge security threat with personal information being easily stolen. Overall, the safety of humans is being compromised by the use of the seemingly harmless device, cell phones. Many doctors and scientists are claiming that cell phones are causing medical complications. For instance, the National Cancer Institute states, â€Å"Cell phones emit radiofrequency energy, a from of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, which can be absorbed by tissues closest to where the phones is held† (â€Å"Cell Phones and Cancer Risk†). What this is basically saying, is that the radiation being put out from the cell phones are damaging vital tissues, which is known to increase the risk of cancer. This links back to the main idea of the overall safety of humans, showing that cell phones do cause a serious risk factor to the human body. Another common concern with cell phones is the theory that texting can cause arthritis; â€Å"Repetitive motion can cause pain and inflammation of the basal joint. It can even lead to thumb arthritis† (Eustice). The article confirms that the constant motion of the thumbs can indeed cause arthritis. The safety of the consumer is being compromised when a popular means of communication; such as texting, can lead to a major medical complication. Recent studies show that headaches are increasing tremendously due to cell phones: â€Å"Radiation from mobile phones damages sleep and cause headaches, according to a study by telephone makers† (carter). In this study, researchers found an increasing amount of headaches were occurring with people who use cell phones regularly; opposed to people who rarely use them or don’t use them at all. An increase in headaches is very dangerous to the safety of the human body and can be a gateway to many other complications down the road. After an extensive amount of research, doctors and scientists have found that cell phones do cause medical issues to the human body. Cell phones security is a fairly new issue brought up by a numerous amount of concerned citizens, with the fear that their safety is being jeopardized. As technology increases, more and more people are resorting to devices, such as cell phones, to get them thought the day: â€Å"The more people rely on cell phones and tablets, the more attractive these devices become as targets to thieves and other nefarious types† (Gahran). With all of these devices being used constantly, crooks can easily retrieve the personal information any personal information any person puts out there through the devices they are using. This has become a huge safety issue due to the fact that private information is being stolen from people who expect their information on their cell phones to be safe and secure. A man was shown an application on his cell phone that could link up to other people’s cell phones: â€Å"’It made all the contacts start jumping over to this phone,’ said Gooden† (Kridler). Gooden explained that the application he was shown let him easily access his wife’s phone contacts. His friend that introduced this application to Gooden then went to explain that hackers usually take the contact information and dial premium-rate numbers. The safety of the people who are in others contact information is being compromised when they have result in paying a fee for â€Å"calling† these premium-rate numbers because of someone else stealing their numbers. Boktah, an expert security hacker, states â€Å"Most people have no idea how vulnerable they are when they use their cellphones† (Murphy). Bokath’s job is to hack into cell phones to find and express all of the flaws in the devices, thus demonstrating how easy it is for a hacker to do the same. With all the scamming going on, consumers need to be aware of what they do on their cell phones to protect themselves, as well as the safety of others. Safety from personal information being stolen by hackers happens to be key concern to numerous amounts of people; this way people will not be liable for paying fees or having their identity stolen. Cell phones safety is a key concern, which the vast majority of users brood over. Cellular devices have been known to cause cancer; as well as, an increasing amount of medical problems. Some of these problems are arthritis and damaged sleep. Medical complications are not the only concern; a breach in security is another top concern for people. In essence, safety is top priority for humans, and cell phones are compromising that safety.

A Madmans Diary - 1217 Words

Introduction A Madman’s Diary is China s first modern short story. The author Lu Xun has been well respected and regarded as one of the most well-known political figures in China (Goldman 446-461). Lu Xun has been praised as the warrior against traditional culture and feudal system. Unique narrative structure A Madman’s Diary is very special in its narrative structure. Its setup is very different from the traditional narration in that it avoids the use of classical Chinese. Furthermore, the I narration is used in the story which makes it very effective to involve the readers in the scenes of the story. Lu Xun did not only open a new chapter in modern Chinese literature but also created a new style of narration. Lu†¦show more content†¦There are several symbolic narrations in the story. The symbolism of the story is allegorical (Hanan 68). In the preface, Lu Xun uses an ironic technique by narrated in classical Chinese in order to show a false and polite world made by cannibalistic feudal society. In the eyes of Lu Xun, the madman is the hero who plays a better role in the society because only the madman knows the truth and can rise in rebellion. The madman who is an innovative and reformed thought representative is a symbol of oppressive man-eati ng nature of the feudal system. Even though he tries his best to rise in rebellion, he fails every time. He is trapped in his own mind and can t help considering that he s in the danger of being eaten. The madman could not understand the conspiracy of eating him, so he was suspicious of everyone. When the madman recovers, he is not the hero anymore; also he joins others to be one of man-eaters. Here, Lu Xun s message is clear: The oppressed masses are eaters or the accomplices (Sun L. 464). Only the madman could find the truth of the eaters. However, other people including both the empowered and the oppressed fail to see the oppressive man-eating nature of the feudal system. In addition, the story implies that the society is ruled by the feudal system, and people of all the classes have to abide by the same feudal rules. Also, the story helps usShow MoreRelatedChinese Family Institution And Traditional Rule Feudal Ethical Are Original Source Of Destroying Chinese Individual Though t932 Words   |  4 Pages The second important characteristic that Lu Xun wants to transfer through â€Å"A Madman’s Diary† is that Chinese family institution and traditional rule feudal ethical are original source of destroying Chinese individual thought. In the eighth diary, it describes a conversation with madman and twenty years’ man, â€Å"I asked him: ‘Is it right to eat human beings?’ He replied: ‘when there is no famine how can one eat human beings?’ I realized once, he was one of them; but still I summoned up courage to repeatRead MoreLu Xun2285 Words   |  10 PagesLu Xun’s short story â€Å"Diary of a Madman† marks the birth of modernism in Chinese literature and is the earliest literature works written in modern vernacular Chinese during the May Fourth period. Modeled after Nikolay Gogol’s story with similar title, the story condemns the old traditional Confucian values that have long persisted in t he Chinese society; portrayed by the madman in the story that sees it as a ‘man-eating’ society. Lu Xun despises the idea of a society who adheres to the traditionRead MoreChina s Nationalism And Isolation From Western Society2751 Words   |  12 Pagesrealism with the â€Å"iron house metaphor in his short stories and in â€Å"A Madman’s Diary†, remain a collective consciousness urging for change. Lu Xun, a revolutionary Chinese author, rebelled by calling on the common people and intellectuals to break out of the stagnant, traditional society they have been living in. By exploring Lu Xun’s use of literary realism in the â€Å"iron house† metaphor and his short story, â€Å"A Madman’s Diary†, his desire for a collective consciousness to make an active change becomesRead MoreA Madman And New Year s Sacrifice1510 Words   |  7 PagesZedong to be ‘commander of China’s cultural revolution’ with reference to Lu Xun’s sophisticated and innovative stories illustrating the social unjust and inequality amongst the Chinese people. Thus, Lu Xun’s literature ranging from his short stories ‘Diary of A Madman’ and ‘New Year’s Sacrifice’ were seen as stepping-stones that empowered confidence amongst the Chinese people to convey their utmost intimate thoughts transforming a restless and backward traditional China into a expanding society that