The Coercion used in Continental Army Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The Coercion used in Continental Army - Essay Example Very little scholarly work had been done on military discipline and enforcement in the American army during the Revolutionary War. The neglect is not for lack f source material. Thousands f orderly books, manuals f instruction, court martial transcripts, and other primary sources exist in private collections and in local and national repositories, including the National Archives and the Library f Congress. Most f this material is readily available to researchers, and some f it, most notably in George Washington's papers, has appeared in print. Ward is the first historian to examine the primary sources in depth, however, and he has written a pioneering study f a very important element in the military history f the Revolutionary War. Washington was no touchy-feely general. As Ward explains, he developed his understanding f military discipline from study and observation f British practices during the French and Indian War. Discipline during that war followed standard eighteenth-century practice. Penalties were cruel--from whipping and riding the wooden horse to public hanging--and intended to terrify rather than to correct. Washington was as enthusiastic as any other officer in applying this discipline, often more so. And in the Revolutionary War, he made tough discipline a centerpiece f his military philosophy. The relatively democratic, easy-going methods common to the New England militia in early 1775 were not for him; and on taking command f the Continental Army later that year, he quickly instilled an authoritarian, hierarchic system that came down hard on everything from cowardice and desertion to foul language, gambling, and female camp followers. Ward's focus is less on policy formulation than on the effect that Washington's discipline--developed in consultation with Congress and the generals--had on the common soldiers. This emphasis on the average man helps to keep the book far more fresh and exciting than any purely administrative study. At all levels, from officers' guards, pickets, and police, to provost guards, executioners, and field musicians, Ward explores what it meant to live under Continental Army discipline, making use f numerous interesting anecdotes. At times, Ward's tendency to hop from one topic to another makes for haphazard reading, but the narrative, though at times awkwardly written, never loses interest. What is missing is a coherent overall sense f how military discipline evolved during the war, and particularly f how lessons learned during the course f the conflict influenced the development f U.S. Army discipline in succeeding eras. The book lacks a concluding chapter to bring all f the loose ends tog ether, instead ending rather abruptly with a discussion f military executions. Still, there is no question that Ward has written the definitive study f American military discipline during the Revolutionary War. The inability to adequately equip the troops stemmed from the structure f the Commissary Department, and its adjunct, the Quartermaster Department. Military officers normally headed these departments, but

The Silent Language Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Silent Language - Assignment Example In his book ‘, Edward T. Hall notes down the importance of mastering these skills for an American, who aspires to conduct successful business abroad (Cardon, 2008). This paper will, therefore, evaluate the important things that an American businessman needs to familiarize with while in a foreign land as addressed in The Silent Language in Overseas Business (Hall, 1960). Some things are acceptable in one culture, but may also be offensive in another culture. For instance, as Hall notes, an American will realize that a Latin American time might be quite spontaneous with their time, but when doing business with an Arab, he will realize that Arabs will tolerate interruptions in between. However, that will not lessen the seriousness of the business being conducted. With this in mind, an American should seek to understand the various cultural practices in a foreign state by acquainting himself or herself with the social, ethnic and economic dissimilarities of the people in that state. As Hall has stated, an understanding of various cultural differences will go a long way to make business transactions quite easier to conduct (Cardon, 2008). This includes an understanding of the communication in terms of time, space, material possessions, friendship patterns, and agreements. Hall makes it clear that people’s actions can act as a perfect means of conv ersing in one culture, while in others; it is words that do most of the expression (Hall, 1960). A person’s behavior communicates a lot and so are the attitudes and material possessions. Cultural interactions, according to Hall, can be explained in three levels; formal, informal, and technical. Formal forms include those instances when one does something inappropriately but is corrected and shown the right way. Informal involves learning the ways of a certain people by imitating them. Technical forms of learning, on their other hand, are similar to the experience of a teacher to a student (Hall, 19560).  

The role of an Operations Manager

The role of an Operations Manager Operation management is the business function that plans, organizes, coordinates, and controls the resources needed to produce a companys goods and services. Operations management is a management function. It involves managing people, equipment, technology, information, and many other resources. Operation management is the central core function of every company. This is true whether the company is large or small, provides a physical good or service, is for profit or not for profit. Every company has an operations management function. Actually all the other organizational functions are there primarily to support the operations function. Without operations, there would be no goods or services to sell. The marketing function provides the needed capital. It is the operations function, however, that plans and coordinates all the resources needed to design, produce, and deliver the merchandise to the various retail locations. Without operations, there would be no good or services to sell t o customers. The role of operations management is to transform a companys inputs into the finished goods or services. Inputs include human resources, facilities and processes, as well as materials, technology, information. Outputs are the goods and services a company produces. LOreal is one of the leading cosmetics companies in the world. It has already been operating a Citrix terminal server farm for several years. However, by early 2004, the tried and tested manual installation practiced by the administrators had reached its limits, leading to instability in the system. LOreal was able to fully automate the installation of its terminal servers and thus considerably increase the stability and its IT infrastructure. LOreal beauty products with the range of cosmetics stylings products for men and women. LOreal has developed activities in the field of cosmetics, concentrating on hair colour, skin care, sun protection, makeup, perfumes and hair care. LOreal is active in the dermatological and pharmaceutical fields. Role of the Operations Managers Some people (especially those professionally involved in operations management!) argue that operations management involves everything an organisation does. In this sense, every manager is an operations manager, since all managers are responsible for contributing to the activities required to create and deliver an organisations goods or services. However, others argue that this definition is too wide, and that the operations function is about producing the right amount of a good or service, at the right time, of the right quality and at the right cost to meet customer requirements. Operations managers are responsible for managing activities that are part of the production of goods and services. Their direct responsibilities include managing both the operations process, embracing design, planning, control, performance improvement, and operations strategy. Their indirect responsibilities include interacting with those managers in other functional areas within the organisation whose roles have an impact on operations. Such areas include marketing, finance, accounting, personnel and engineering. Operations managers responsibilities include: Human resource management the people employed by an organisation either work directly to create a good or service or provide support to those who do. People and the way they are managed are a key resource of all organisations. Asset management an organisations buildings, facilities, equipment and stock are directly involved in or support the operations function. Cost management most of the costs of producing goods or services are directly related to the costs of acquiring resources, transforming them or delivering them to customers. For many organisations in the private sector, driving down costs through efficient operations management gives them a critical competitive edge. For organisations in the not-for-profit sector, the ability to manage costs is no less important. Decision making is a central role of all operations managers. Decisions need to be made in: designing the operations system managing the operations system improving the operations system. The five main kinds of decision in each of these relate to: the processes by which goods and services are produced the quality of goods or services the quantity of goods or services (the capacity of operations) the stock of materials (inventory) needed to produce goods or services the management of human resources. Operational strategy The operational side of marketing refers to the day by day tactics of how to manage things like advertising, pricing, and so on. It is just the same with operations. Operations strategy looks at the long-term issues of how to manage the resources which produce products and services. The more operational subject of operations management looks at the more detailed and shop floor issues of designing, planning and controlling, and improving the resources which produce products and services. Operations strategy is concerned with the specific decisions which shape and develop the long-term direction of the operation. Think of content as the building blocks of an operations strategy. The process of operations strategy refers to the procedures which are used to formulate operations strategies. It is the way we go about the activity of devising strategy. Think of operations strategy content as what the LOreal is deciding to do and process as how the LOreal has made that decision. The market requirements perspective starts from the commonsense notion that any operations strategy should reflect what the LOreal is trying to do in its markets. Companies compete in different ways, some may compete primarily on cost, others on the excellence of their products or services, others on high levels of customer service, others on customising their products and services to individual customer needs, and so on. The operations function therefore must respond to this by providing the capabilities which allow it perform in an appropriate manner to satisfy the requirements of its market. In some ways this is a translation task because the techniques and language used by marketing managers to understand the requirements of markets are different to the language and techniques used by operations managers to manage their productive resources. LOreals goals and objectives LOreal USA is the leading beauty company in America, which develops and manufactures haircare, haircolor, skincare, color cosmetics and fragrances. Our distribution network of salons, mass market, specialty and department stores makes us the most comprehensive beauty company in the U.S. We offer exciting positions, flexible development paths and outstanding rewards that will give your career a whole new look. The LOreal Sales Education Coordinator (LSEC) is an employee of Salon Centric, a wholly owned subsidiary distributor of LOreal USA. Salon Centric is a leading and rapidly growing national wholesale distributor of professional products to the salon and beauty industry. This position will be responsible for the development, management and execution of all education strategy and efforts within the assigned territory for the LOreal brands. RESPONSIBILITIES: Coordinate and participate in monthly sales meetings. Coordinate and facilitate regional quarterly trainings and certifications. Development, presentation and management of Elite salons education plans. Facilitate trainings for new sales consultants and participate in training boot camp. Must work in alliance with the respective Prestige Account Manager in the achievement of the regions goals and objectives. Teach a minimum of 12 classes per month, facilitate hands on workshops and coordinate cluster classes. Presentation of LOreal world tour, academy programs and strictly business programs. Shadow and mentoring of new LOreal Sales Education Coordinators and LOreal Artistic Educators. Open new color conversions and retail doors for Serie Expert, Texture Expert, Homme product lines Responsible for the delivery of strategic education classes, events and programs. Coordinate communication flow between key partners including LOreal Professionnel, SalonCentric and the customer. Provide support for salon specific events promotions. CONCLUSION In a nutshell, LOreal is one of the leading cosmetics companies in the world. They are very innovative and invest a lot of money in research and development. Products are positioned in high-priced segment because of their quality. They offer well coordinated products for different target groups. To keep their strength alive they have to observe their competitors. It is a very flexible development paths and outstanding rewards that will give your career a whole new look. LOreal will benefit from the end of destocking, easier comparison base and increased innovation.For next year, a return to 4% growth would require to keep a high single digit growth momentum in the Rest of the World and to return to low single digit growth in developed market, which we feel is a realistic assumption. However, most of it will be offset by a negative forex impact based on current rates.

Lord Of The Flies: Flames Of Determination :: essays research papers

Being a part of a group of children having to adapt after being trapped on a island with no surrounding civilization is an unimaginable situation. However, William Golding shows just how terrifying it can be in his novel, Lord Of The Flies, by his use of symbols to represent hardships. The main symbols, which best portrays characteristics are the fire and the conch; symbols leadership and confidence. Ralph feels the need to create a better place as he attempts to get everyone home. Although he is demanding, Ralph shows that he has good ideas and can enforce what he thinks should happen: "Shut up," said Ralph absently. He lifted the conch. "Seem to me we ought to have a chief to decide things," (Golding, 22)." His forcefulness gains respect and a confident response from the others. "Ralph smiled and held up the conch for silence," (Golding, 23)." The conch is mentioned and revered as one of the symbols of such power. As Ralph blows the conch, the others draw nearer, compelled to follow: "By the time Ralph had finished blowing the conch the platform was crowded," (Golding32). Piggy, however, was aware of the conch first, but Ralph was credited with its discovery and use. When it was first found, Ralph thought it was a stone in the water but Piggy saw it as the shell and explained what he knew about it: "A stone." "No. A shell." Suddenly Piggy was a-bubble with decorous excitement. "S'right. It's a shell! I seen one like that before. On someone's back wall. A conch he called it. The shell emits a deep harsh note boomed. Ralph was amazed at the sound. "Gosh!" (Golding, 17) The sheer importance of the discovery of the conch, in addition to its appealing sound, it symbolizes the unity of everyone. Ralph, again, shows his leadership abilities as he recognizes the use of the conch, "Conch?" "That's what this shell's called. I'll give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when he's speaking," (Golding, 33). This designation shows the beginnings of organization and sharpening skills of the children. Another symbol of strength and command is the fire. Enforcing the rules proves to be a difficult task, but the children would rather play than keep the fire going. Ralph gives the idea for the fire, but it seems to be a formidable task: There's another thing.

Discuss How the Concepts of ‘Race’ and ‘Ethnicity’ Perpetuate Inequality in Australia Essay

‘As concepts, race and nation are largely empty receptacles through and in the names of which population groups may be invented, interpreted and imagined as communities or societies’ (Goldberg, 1993: 79). Race and ethnicity are major contributing factors of racism in Australia today, and the continued racist beliefs of many Australians are the driving forces of inequality in modern Australian society. To truly understand how this occurs one first needs to understand the forms and effects of racism. The modern history of Australia begins with British colonisation in 1788, and reveals many racist practises towards both immigrants and the native population. Until recently, many white Australians shared the belief that ‘civilisation did not begin in Australia until the last quarter of the eighteenth century’ (Manning Clarke, 1962: 3). Through the spread of disease, killings and sexual exploitation, the Aboriginal population was drastically reduced and did not begin to recover until the late 1940’s. To add insult to injury, government policy in the 1960’s produced the ‘stolen generation’, where, for the ‘common good’, Aboriginal children were removed from their families and placed with white foster families. This racist ideology was formalised in 1901 with the introduction of the Immigration Restriction Act 1901, more commonly known as the ‘White Australia’ policy, which excluded ‘Asians’ and ‘coloureds’ from Australian immigration. From the beginning of modern Australia, ideals of racial and ethnic superiority have shaped laws and popular opinions, as well as media representation of migrants and ‘Australians’. Continued division between ‘white’ Australians and Aboriginals, Muslim-Australians and Non-English Speaking Background (NESB) Australians stem from early misconceptions and continued misinformation in a so-called ‘multicultural’ Australia. ‘[Races] are said to be distinctive because members of those races allegedly share certain natural or biological characteristics. Racists believe that these biological characteristics explain why some races are naturally superior to others’ (Bessant J, 2002: 220). Racism itself is a constantly evolving entity, and is both individual and collective. In modern Australia, the most common forms of racism are New Racism, Biological Racism and Class Exploitation. New Racism, although not actually new, is more commonly accepted. By not claiming any biological superiority, new racists can, with good conscience, claim that they are not racist, but are simply trying to protect national identity which could be compromised when integrated with other cultures. New Racism has been an integral part of Australia for more than 200 years. Australia moved through three distinct phases of policy on immigration. 1947-65 was all about assimilation – migrants were expected to move to Australia and become Australians, to leave everything else behind. During this time, high levels of immigration were encouraged, with the majority being British, and only 1 in 10 non-British immigrants were allowed. 1965-72 spawned the idea of integration. It became apparent that assimilation was not working and education projects were put in place to assist migrants – especially those from non English speaking backgrounds. Finally, in 1973, the Whitlam Government abolished the Immigration Restriction Act 1901 and declared Australia to be a Multicultural society. Immigration slowed and the government began to recognise the special needs of ‘ethnic’ Australians. It was during this period of acceptance that, ‘a constitutional referendum gave Aboriginal people citizenship status in 1967’ (Bessant 2002: p225) and allowed Aboriginal people to vote – about 60 years after women. Despite the move towards multiculturalism, race and ethnicity are still determining factors of inequality in Australia, seen mostly through Biological racism and, stemming from this, class exploitation. Biological racism, by definition, is the assumption that our basic biological differences define us in a specific role, or make one group superior to another by a simple matter of genetics. The relationship between Muslim and non-Muslim Australians is a hot topic for debate today, and a perfect example of how biological preferences shape prejudice. Stemming from the historic view of immigration, a recent two year study delved into the issues facing Muslim-Australians and their non-Muslim counterparts. Throughout the study, information was gathered from consultation with religious, academic, community and political leaders, a national random survey of 1,401 Australian voters, focus group deliberations with Muslim Australians throughout the country and a Deliberative Poll assembling 47 Muslim Australians, 329 of those surveyed in the national random survey and a range of competing experts. Concluding a weekend of deliberations, held in Canberra, Australia on March 2-4, 2007, there was agreement between Muslim and non-Muslim Australians that misperceptions and lack of understanding by both parties (many encouraged by the media) are the motivating factors in reinforcing a negative spiral of fear and aggressive behaviour. Young Australian Muslims (mostly born in Australia) are being increasingly alienated and are therefore gravitating away from mainstream Australia – the biggest danger being they may turn to more radical sects of Islam. Many non-Muslim Australians perceive a threat to national security and social harmony by the presence of Muslims in Australia, and 69% of Australians agreed that the media was the biggest factor in straining relations between Muslims and non-Muslims (Issues Deliberations Australia, 2007: 4-5). To best demonstrate the inequality in representation of migrant women in the media, exploration of the content of television advertisements is necessary. Representation of Non English Speaking Background (NESB) women in television advertisements featuring Australians is almost non-existent, and Aboriginal women are totally absent from representation. The most common representation of NESB women in the media, where it occurs, is in the role of servant (for example, advertisements for Malaysian Airlines and Air Pacific) or as comic relief (the fat ethnic cleaner in the 1990’s Pro Hart ad for carpet cleaner). The ‘typical Aussie woman’ is usually represented as a mother. She is blonde, thin and invariably presented within a domestic environment. Advertisements are generally for ‘staples’ (such as shelter, food, cleanliness, finance, health and education) and appear in prime family viewing time slots, where women are placed at the centre of the Australian home. Not only does this image exclude migrants from being an ‘Aussie’ woman, it also suggests that women in Australia should be at home, with children and concerned only with the staples of running a household. Evidence suggests that these images have a negative effect on the self-esteem of ethnic minorities, especially in children, (Berry & Mitchell-Kernan 1982) and that the negative attitudes of the mainstream population towards ethnic minority groups results from these media representations (Committee of Arab Australians 1990: HREOC 1991). These stereotypical representations of ethnic women thus add to the perpetual inequality in Australia, by pigeon-holing migrant women in a submissive role. These advertisements also reinforce the perceptions of migrants as collectively working class citizens (Issues Deliberations Australia 2007) Class division/exploitation is arguably the largest factor contributing to inequality in Australia. The basis of this is that ‘class is not an abstract, objective quality; it has to do with the lived experiences of people, their encounters with hostility and deference and snobbery and exploitation’ (McGregor C 2001: 53) Many migrants become working-class citizens. Lower standards of education and training send immigrants (especially those from non English speaking backgrounds) into jobs using manual labour to earn an income. Working class people are less likely to move up the class ladder, ending up living in clusters. Working class suburbs generally produce working class people. Schools in working class areas are less likely to encourage students to go on to tertiary education and children are more inclined to ‘stick with what they know’ rather than pursue a new course. Ethnicity does not automatically place an individual into any one particular class; however, migrants generally arrive in Australia with little or no money and are disadvantaged from the start. Ethnic Australians are more likely to remain in middle or working-class situations, with very few exceptions to the rule (McGregor C 2001). As previously discussed, the Australian media does little to assist ethnic Australians. By the constant portrayal of migrants in servant/submissive roles, other Australians are less likely to see migrants as anything else, and expect them to remain in these positions of servitude. Throughout Australia’s history, race and ethnicity have played a major part in ensuring that the people of Australia are not treated equally. Media representations show that only a thin, blonde woman is a true ‘Aussie’ mum, and that the role of a migrant woman is only to serve. In addition, popular opinion demonstrates that Muslim Australians are a threat to national security and social harmony; and Aboriginal people have less right to manage their own affairs than do white Australians. Although popular opinion is not necessarily indicative of reality, it does dictate the perceived reality of existence within a society. It is these perceived concepts of one’s race or ethnic origins that cause inequality to prevail in modern Australian society and a huge shift in perception is required to create societal harmony. As concluded in the study by Issues Deliberations Australia, education of both migrants and other Australians is the key to equality for all citizens. Bibliography Bessant, J & Watts R 2002, ‘Chapter 9 – Neighbours and Nations: ethnic identity and multiculturalism’, in Sociology Australia, 2nd Edition, Allen & Unwin, St Leonards, NSW Burdess, N 1998, ‘Essay structure’, in Handbook of Student skills, 2nd edition, Prentice Hall, Sydney Hollinsworth, D 1998, ‘Racism: concepts, theories and approaches’, in Race and Racism in Australia, 2nd edition, Social Science Press, Katoomba, NSW. Issues Deliberations Australia/America 2007, ‘Final Report Summary’, Australia Deliberates – Muslims and Non Muslims, viewed 5th October 2007, ida. org. au/UserFiles/File/AUSTRALIA%20DELIBERATES%20-%20FINAL% 20REPORT %20SUMMARY. pdf>. Martin, J 1996, ‘Signs of the time: Race, sex and media representations’, in The teeth are smiling – The persistence of racism in multicultural Australia, edited by Vasta, E and Castles, S, Allen & Unwin, St Leonards, NSW McGregor, C 2001, ‘What makes class? ’, in Class in Australia: who says Australia has no class system? , 2nd edition, Penguin Australia, Ringwood, VIC.

Macbeth Theme

One of the most fascinating ways in which Shakespeare explores the theme of appearance and reality is through the characters of the witches. The witches bring with them confusion, which infects the natural order. Night becomes day. Duncan’s horses eat each other, Fair is foul, and foul is fair. This quote is fairly early in the text, and sets the tone for the rest of the play. It alludes to the deceptive nature of the play, referring to the idea that things are not always as they seem.The quote itself foreshadows the apparent sinister and deceitful nature of the play, in that it brings forth the idea that things that seem fair, good and true may well in fact be evil or foul. Likewise, things that appear evil may possess elements of good in them. This quote is a key component of the play, as the play itself centres around the idea of deception and that what appears on the outside is not always a true reflection of what lies beneath,. the course of the play, they lead to greater confusion in Macbeth’s mind.They seem to promise him good things, but his life subsequently begins to deteriorate. On the night of the murder, Macbeth sees a floating dagger, but can not decide if this â€Å"air-drawn dagger† is real or a figment of his imagination proceeding from his â€Å"heat-oppressed brain†. His confusion between what is real and what is not seems to increase as the witches’ influence over Macbeth grows. As Macbeth’s actions become more tyrannical and savage, the strain of hiding their (Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s) true nature surfaces. The pair quickly begins to lose their grip on reality.Following Banquo’s murder, Macbeth sees his ghost at the feast. Macbeth has lost the ability to differentiate between appearance and reality. The cause behind Macbeth’s murder of Banquo was his inability to accept anything at face-value. Macbeth turns to the witches when he begins to become â€Å"cribb’d and conf ined†. These are the very â€Å"hags† behind Macbeth’s original confusion. They very quickly bring Macbeth into a state of mind where he becomes totally disconnected from reality. He takes the witches apparitions and predictions literally, believing that he is safe from any harm.The prediction that Macbeth will be safe until â€Å"Birnam Wood reaches Dunsinane† appears to indicate that he will not be threatened any time in the near future. In reality, it is showing him his impending downfall. It is at this stage that the forces of good come together and travel to Scotland to overthrow Macbeth. As the tide turns on Macbeth, the king and queen become more disillusioned and reach the brink of insanity. Suffering from memories of the murder, Lady Macbeth is unable to make a distinction between reality and fantasy.In her panicked state, she takes her own life. Meanwhile, Macbeth is forced to acknowledge that the witches â€Å"lie like truth†. They have e quivocated. Macbeth is at this stage ready to see the world for what it is, not for what he wishes it to be. The play Macbeth is undoubtedly a very shocking and disturbing play. In the course of the play, the boundaries between reality and appearance are in a constant state of flux. As a result, very little is as it seems in the play. The characters are regularly concealing their true natures and their true ambitions and desires.

the growing number of teenage girls being stricken with eating disorders today essays

the growing number of teenage girls being stricken with eating disorders today essays An eating disorder is defined as a preoccupation with dieting and thinness leading to excessive weight loss. Ten years ago, the number of teenagers who suffered from eating disorders was less than 500,000. Today, there are more than three million teenage girls, in the U.S. alone, being stricken with diseases such as anorexia and bulimia. The alarming fact is that more than 15% of these girls will die. There are a number of different causes behind the developement of eating disorders. The stress put on young girls by the opposite sex and the fact that young girls face constant exposure to the be thin message from television, movies, fashion magazines, and the diet industry. Yet, the number one factor that runs through more than 95% of eating disorder victims is the issue of mental illness. Day in and day out, young girls deal with so much pressure from the opposite sex. In a poll taken in 1997, 80% of five thousand men claimed they perceive the perfect woman to be tall and thin. They also said that their idea of tall and thin was 510, 130 pounds. In reality, that description fits less than 5% of the population. Young men sometimes give girls a terrible self-image of themselves. Sometime, the harmless words of an adolescent boy can lead a girl with low self-esteem to a dangerous eating disorder. Take a look a one of todays fashion magazines! The definition of skinny is perceived in every picture. Not too long ago, Marilyn Monroe was the absolute icon of beauty. Today, a Hollywood casting director would tell her to come back when shed lost some weight. Todays standards of beauty are anorexic looking models and movie stars like Calista Flockhart of Ally McBeal. Twenty years ago, models weighed 8% less than the average woman; today, models weigh 23% less than the average woman. The pressure to be thin is greater than ever and young girls are being bombarded with images from...

Algebra in Day to Day Life Essay Example

Algebra in Day to Day Life Essay Example Algebra in Day to Day Life Essay Algebra in Day to Day Life Essay shows him to be _______________ (a) a ruthless manipulator (b) an honourable man (c) a loyal friend (d) a tactful man Answer 5(10): (c) a loyal friend Question 6(a): How do the heavens blaze forth the death of Julius Caesar? Answer 6(a): Calpurnia sees horrible and frightening dreams. She saw a lioness giving birth on the streets, fierce warriors fighting a bloody fight and blood falling on the Capitol, ghosts shrieking and squealing in the streets, the dead coming out of the grave. All these were unnatural happenings and indicated bad omen. Thus heavens â€Å"blaze forth† the death of Julius Caesar. Question 6(b): What does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar of? Answer 6(b): Calpurnia tries to convince Caesar that he should not go out of the house that day as some mishap might happen. She describes her frightening dreams to Caesar and tells him that they indicate bad omen. She tells him for his safety he should not step out of the house. Question 6(c): Why does Calpurnia say Caesars wisdom is consumed in confidence? What does she mean? Answer 6(c): Calpurnia says that Caesars wisdom is consumed in confidence because Caesar decides to go to the Senate ignoring all the signs which foretell him about danger. Calpurnia felt that Caesar had become overconfident and because of this he couldn’t understand there was a threat to his life. Julius doesn’t act wise and declines the idea of staying back because if he did so, he would be considered a coward Question 6(d): What does Calpurnia dream about Caesar? How does Decius Brutus interpret the dream? Answer 6(d): Calpurnia dreamed that Caesar’s statue spouted blood from a hundred places and many Roman people came and washed their hands in it. Decius Brutus interprets it as a lucky and fortunate dream. He says that Rome and Romans will get a new life. Great man shall gather around Caesar and stain their handkerchief in his blood. Distinguished men will get honour at his hands and everything relating to him will be held in utmost reverence. Question 6(e): What are the arguments put forward by Decius Brutus to convince Caesar to go to the Capitol? Answer 6(e): Decius Brutus is a clever man. The arguments put forward by Decius Brutus were that the Senate had decided to present Caesar a crown and if he did not go, then they might change their minds. All this convinces Caesar to go to the Capitol. Question 6(f): Why is Decius more successful than Calpurnia in persuading Caesar? Answer 6(f): Decius Brutus is a great flatterer. He is more successful in persuading Caesar than Calpurnia because his argument appeals to Caesar’s pride. While Calpurnia wishes that Caesar stay at home after seeing horrible dreams, Decius Brutus interprets the dreams lucky and fortunate. According to him, they signify Caesar’s power and influence. He gives Caesar’s ego a boost. Caesar is totally carried away by his words and decides to go to the Capitol. Question 6(g): What is the petition put before Caesar by the conspirators? How does Caesar respond to it? Answer 6(g): The conspirators want that Caesar should call Publius Cimber home as he had banished him. They request him to review his earlier decision. However, Caesar is no mood to relent. He tells the conspirators that he is firm like a Pole Star. His heart will not be softened by bowing and stooping activities and if Mettellus Cimber continues such activities, he would turn him away like a street dog. Question 6(h): Who says Et tu Brute? When are these words spoken? Why? Answer 6(h): These words are spoken by Caesar when Brutus along with other conspirators stabs Caesar. Caesar was stabbed in the Senate House and Brutus too stabs him. Caesar had not expected Brutus to behave in such a treacherous manner. As he tries to defend himself, with his broken heart, he says ‘Et tu Brute’. Question 6(i): In the moments following Caesars death what do the conspirators proclaim to justify Caesars death? Answer 6(i): After Caesar’s death, the conspirators claim that with Caesar’s death tyranny has ended in Rome. They shout slogans like ‘Peace, Liberty, Freedom and Enfranchisement’. They say that although Caesar was a great man, he had become too ambitious. Question 6(j): Seeing the body of Caesar, Antony is overcome by grief. What does he say about Caesar? Answer 6(j): Antony is filled with grief and sorrow on seeing mighty Caesar lying on the ground. He says â€Å"O mighty Caesar! Dost thou lie so low? / Are all they conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,/ Shrunk to this little measure? / Fare thee well. † He said he was totally ignorant of the conspirator’s intentions. He is willing to die at their hands. His life is not as valuable as Caesar’s and he will think himself as fortunate if he is killed by the same sword as the one which killed Caesar. He bids Caesar a sorrowful farewell. He believed that Caesar brought glories, victories and gains in war to the city of Rome. Question 6(k): Whom does Antony call the choice and master spirits of this age? Why? Answer 6(k): Antony calls the conspirators â€Å"the choice and master spirits of this age†. He says this because they had just killed the leader of the Roman Empire Question 6(l): How do Brutus and Cassius respond to Antonys speech? Answer 6(l): Cassius tells Brutus to prevent him to speak at Caesar’s funeral. He knew that Antony was a great orator and his speech will influence the audience. At this Brutus tells that he will address the public first giving reasons for Caesar’s death. Antony will only speak after him and with their consent Question 6(m): Why does Cassius object to allowing Antony to speak at Caesars funeral? How does Brutus overcome this objection? Answer 6(m): Cassius does not think it would be proper Antony should speak at Caesar’s funeral as his speech may change the mind of the audience. But Brutus tells that Antony would only speak with their consent and he will speak first and his speech will enumerate reasons for Caesar’s death. Question 6(n): What are the conditions imposed by the conspirators before allowing Antony to speak at Caesars funeral? Answer 6(n): The conditions imposed on Mark Antony were that in his funeral speech he would not blame the conspirators, but speak all good things about Caesar. He had to speak from the same pulpit as Brutus and tell the people that he did so by the conspirators’ permission. Question 6(o): When he is left alone with the body of Caesar what does Anthony call Brutus and the others? Answer 6(o): Antony prays that Caesar will pardon Antony if he has been meek and gentle with his murderers. Antony calls Caesar the most illustrious man the world has ever known. He curses the men who have killed him. Question 6(p): What prediction does Antony make regarding the future events in Rome? Answer 6(p): Antony says that the Romans will pay for the sin they have committed by murdering Caesar. A curse will fall upon them. The Romans will suffer from various terrible happenings. A furious civil war with bloodshed and destruction will occur in the country. Cruel deeds will be committed frequently. Mothers shall see their near and dear ones cut to pieces before their eyes. The soul of Caesar will roam to seek revenge of his death Question 6(q): What reasons does Brutus give for murdering Caesar? Answer 6(q): Brutus tells that he killed Caesar because he had become ambitious and wanted to be the king of Rome. He killed Caesar for the betterment of Rome. He was also ready to lay down his life for his country. He honoured Caesar as long as he was heroic but when he became ambitious he killed him. Question 6(r): Who says, Let him be Caesar? What light does this throw on the speaker? Answer 6(r): The third citizen says Let him be Caesar after Brutus has finished his speech justifying Caesar’s killing. Brutus in his speech proclaims that the public can kill him if he too becomes ambitious like Caesar. He has the same dagger for himself and he is willing to lay down his life for his country. The citizens are fully satisfied. They praise Brutus and show their sympathy for the act. Question 6(s): Why is Antonys speech more effective? Answer 6(s): Antony speech is more effective because it is genuine and full of emotions and feelings for Caesar. He very cleverly tells the crowd that Caesar was not ambitious rather he had refused the crown thrice. He enhanced the glory of Rome with his victories. He left 75 drachmas in his will to be given to every Roman. He left his gardens and property for the common use of the people. He tries to gain the sympathy of the people by showing Caesar’s wounded body. The mob is filled with anger after Antony’s speech and they rush to kill the conspirators Question 6(t): At the end of the scene what is the fate of Brutus and Cassius? Answer 6(t): After Antony’s speech, the mob is filled with anger. They rush to kill the conspirators. They burn their houses. Cassius and Brutus plan to face the enemy and discuss their strategy inside a tent. However, both start to quarrel violently but soon become friends. Cassius cannot handle defeat and commits suicide. The ghost of Caesar haunts Brutus. Brutus knows his end is near. He asks Starto to hold his sword, runs on it and dies Answer 7: Person| Extract from play| What it tells us about the character | Julius Caesar| 1. the things that threaten’ d me Ne’er look’d but on my back; when they shall see The face of Caesar, they are vanished. | 1. arrogant| | 2. Cowards die many times before their deaths;The valiant never taste of death but once. | 2. over-confident| | 3. What can be avoidedWhose end is purposed by the mighty gods? Yet Caesar shall go forth; for these predictionsAre to the world in general as to Caesar. | 3. fearless| | 4. I could be well moved, if I were as you:If I could pray to move, prayers would move me:But I am constant as the northern star,Of whose true-fixd and resting qualityThere is no fellow in the firmament. | 4. firm| | 5. Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,Shrunk to this little measure? | 5. great conqueror| | 6. To every Roman citizen he gives,To every several man, seventy-five drachmas. | 6. generous| Person| Extract from play| What it tells us about the character | Mark Antony | 1. That I did love thee, Caesar, O, tis true:If then thy spirit look upon us now,? He would not take the crown;Therefore tis certain he was not ambitious. | Argument | 1. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. | Does not wish to eulogise Caesar| 2. The noble Brutus Hath told you Caesar was ambitious: If it were so, it was a grievous fault, And grievously hath Caesar answered it. ? (b) What fears has the listener expressed? (c) What is the basis for the fears expressed? Answer 10(1): (a) Caesar is speaking to his wife Calpurnia. He speaks these words in response to Calpurnia’s pleadings that he should not go out of the house as his life might be in danger. b) Calpurnia has expressed a fear that the ominous signs during the night might mean that Caesar’s life is in danger. (c) The bases of her fears are the unearthly events during the previous night and the strange dream which she had. Question 10(2): But here’s a parchment with the seal of Cesar; I found it in his closet, ‘tis his will: Let but the commons hear this testament- Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read- And they would go and kiss dead Cesar’s wounds (a) Who speaks these words? Where is the speaker at this moment? (b)What are the contents of Caesar’s will that he is referring to? c) Why does the speaker read Caesar’s will to the citizens? (d) What is the reaction of the listeners to the reading of the will? Answer 10(2): (a) Mark Antony speaks these words. He is in the market place pulpit. (b) The contents of Ceasar’s will were as follows: To every Roman citizen he gave seventy-five drachmas. In addition to this, all his walks, orchards and gardens were to be opened to the public. (c) The speaker reads Caesar’s will to the audience to play on their sympathy, and to make Caesar look like a great, benevolent ruler. (d) On hearing the will, the citizens call Caesar noble, and pledge to avenge his death. Question 12(a): Why was the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar hatched? Answer 12(a): The conspiracy to assassinate Caesar was hatched to prevent him from being crowned the king of Rome. Brutus and Cassius had a grudge against Caesar and they wished to have the power in their hands rather than with Caesar. Question 12(b): Was Caesar really ambitious? Find evidence from the play to support your answer. Answer 12(b): Caesar was not ambitious. He brought many glories and victories to Rome and Romans. He was kind and sympathetic person. He refused the crown thrice. Caesar was very compassionate. He understood the plight of the poor. He promised seventy-five drachmas to every Roman Question 12(c): What was Cassius motive for murdering Julius Caesar? Answer 12(c): Cassius was jealous of Caesar’s growing power and influence. In fact he didn’t wish to see him as the great conqueror of the world. He didn’t want that Caesar should rule the Romans and that is why he wished to murder him Question 12(d): Why was it essential for the conspirators to include Brutus in the conspiracy? Answer 12(d): Brutus was a staunch patriot. He thought that Caesar was a dictator. He was a great friend of Caesar but he joined hands with the conspirators to free Rome from Caesar’s tyranny. He felt that for the welfare, liberty and freedom of Rome, it was necessary that Caesar should be killed. It was necessary for the conspirators to include Brutus as he was friends with Caesar and Caesar would trust him completely. Question 12(e): What were the mistakes made by Brutus that led to the failure of the conspiracy? Answer 12(e): Casca, Cinna, and Cassius jealous of Caesar’s growing power decide to murder him. Meanwhile, Brutus wants that the Romans should be free from the tyranny of Caesar. He, along with other conspirators, decides to kill Caesar. Cassius and Brutus take Caesar to Capitol and stab him. Antony realizes the conspiracy to kill Caesar. He seeks Brutus’ permission to speak at Caesar’s funeral. Brutus agrees and after his speech, Antony speaks. Antony instigates the mob against the conspirators. Brutus and Cassius are forced to kill themselves. The mistake of letting Antony address the mob led to the failure of conspiracy Question 12(f): Comment on Caesars friendship with Antony. Answer 12(f): Antony was a dear friend of Caesar. He did not agree with Brutus that Caesar was an ambitious person who wanted to rule over Rome. In fact he was ready to lay down his life for Rome. After Brutus’ speech at Caesar’s funeral, Antony delivers an emotional speech. He tells the mob that Caesar was not at all ambitious. He refused the crown three times. He said that Caesar had left 75 drachmas for every Roman. Antony appealed to the sentiments of the mob and even showed the wounded corpse of Caesar. The mob was so influenced by Antony’s speech that they turned against the conspirators. Thus Antony showed his affection and respect for Caesar. Question 12(g): Write a brief character sketch of Antony. Answer 12(g): Antony is a dear friend of Caesar. He is also a great orator and craftsman. He spends most of his time in revelry and listening to music. He looks upon life as a celebration in which he has a distinguished part to play. He is extremely devoted to Caesar. He wishes that Caesar should be crowned the king. A clever man, Antony, is successful in fooling Brutus into believing that he is with the conspirators after the death of Caesar. He delivers an influential speech which makes the mob realize conspiracy behind Caesar’s murder. He has genuine love and affection for Caesar and wishes to avenge his death. It is because of his speech, the conspirators are crushed. Question 12(h): What is the role of Julius Caesars ghost in the play, Julius Caesar? Answer 12(h): The ghost of Julius Caesar appears twice in the play: once before Brutus when he is sleeping in his tent, it stood by his bed side and said nothing. The second time it appears in a battle at Philippi. The ghost appeared in front of Antonius and Octavius. It did not say anything. The purpose of the ghost was to make Brutus realize his mistake. He was carried away by emotions and joined hands with the conspirators. Caesar’s death led to turmoil and unrest in Rome. Brutus is unhappy seeing all this and kills himself with his own sword. Question 12(i): Why does Antony call Brutus the noblest Roman of them all? Answer 12(i): Antony’s comment that Brutus is ‘the noblest Roman of them all’ is laced with sarcasm. Actually he wishes to tell the public that Caesar was not at all ambitious as pointed by Brutus but he does not say this immediately rather he cites instances and instigates audience slowly and logically. Antony is a great orator. He first calls Brutus the noblest Roman in order to gain attention and sympathy of the public. Slowly he tells the public that it was not Caesar’s ambition but Brutus’ personal grudge against Caesar that made him kill Caesar. Thus he is able avenge his friends’ death as the mob after hearing Antony’s speech turns against the conspirators. Question 12(j): How do Brutus and Cassius meet their end? Answer 12(j): Brutus wants that their forces should move to Philippi and attack the enemy. Cassius does not agree and leaves alone. On the plains of Philippi, Brutus and Cassius reach with their forces where there are the armies of Octavius and Antony. With the interference of Octavius their wrong doing comes to an end. Then the forces of Cassius and Antony fight in which Antony emerges victorious. Cassius could not accept this defeat and commits suicide. Brutus too is disheartened and kills himself with his own sword. Question 13: A reporter covers the event of the assassination of Julius Caesar in the senate giving graphic details and a catchy headline. Write the newspaper report in about 200 words. Answer 13: This question is to be answered on the basis of your own understanding, experience and thoughts. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, a sample solution has been provided for your reference. Caesar Slandered Today was a dark day in the history of Rome. A great son of soil, Julius Caesar, was assassinated in broad daylight. He was supposed to be crowned the king of Rome but unfortunately it was not meant to be. Caesar came to Capitol to be crowned the king. At the Capitol, Cimber, bent in front of Caesar and pleads for his brother. Caesar had banished Cimber’s brother. Brutus and Cassius also plead on behalf of Cimber. But Caesar does not relent. He is firm about decision about Cimber’s brother. At this point the conspirators started to stab him. Caesar’s great friend, Brutus also joins the others in stabbing Caesar. Caesar is shocked to see this and utters â€Å"You too, Brutus†. After the stabbing the conspirators shouted slogans of ‘Liberty, freedom and enfranchisement’. It is believed that Calpurnia, Caesar’s wife had a premonition about Caesar’s death. She didn’t want him to step out of the house that day. But Caesar was very keen to go to Capitol today. Economic Importance of Tourism in India By Becky Salmela Haase, eHow Contributor X Becky Salmela Haase Becky Salmela Haase has written professionally for newspapers, magazines and websites since 2004. She began her career writing for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Daily Cardinal, the Oregon Observer and ANEW/Brava magazine. Haase has a bachelors degree in international relations from the George Washington University, and a masters degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. * * * Share Intro Tourism is an increasingly vital part of the Indian economy. (Photo: india image by creative from Fotolia. com) Throughout the world, tourism brings money to cities and countries. Tourism also provides jobs for the local residents, further benefiting the destination. India has realized the profits available from this sector. Thanks to its growing economy and promoting itself as a culturally rich and diverse nation, Indias to urism industry now brings billions of dollars into the economy each year. Sponsored Links About India New Delhi is Indias capital. Photo: delhi image by ralf werner froelich from Fotolia. com) More than 60 years into its independence from British colonial rule, India has developed into a strong player on the world economic stage. As of 2010, more than 1. 1 billion people live in India, making it the second most populated country after China. New Delhi is the political capital of India, although Mumbai is the countrys the financial center. Indias Economy Tourism is becoming more and more a vital part of the Indian economy. (Photo: indian currency image by Sid Viswakumar from Fotolia. om) Even though most of the population is rural and still works in agriculture, Indias service-based economy has rapidly brought about a thriving development, especially in the last 20 years when India liberalized its markets. The services sector employs about 30 percent of Indias workforce, yet provides about half of its output. India depended on its large English-speaking, well-educated workforce to develop a burgeoning technology sector, as well. Tourism is a growing portion of Indias economy with an earnings increase of more than 17 percent from 2009. Reasons for Growth The Indian government played an important role in promoting tourism. (Photo: india flag button image by Andrey Zyk from Fotolia. com) Indias government, through its Tourism Ministry, developed a National Action Plan for Tourism to develop this portion of the economy. The plan sought to promote tourism as a way to boost socio-economic development, increase employment, preserve the nations heritage and environment and promote international and domestic tourists to visit India as a way to increase its share of global tourism. Through this plan, the ministry began advertising campaigns at home and abroad. The successful campaign has brought more touristsand their moneyto the country and boosted employment in this sector to more than 20 million people by 2006 Foreign Tourism to India The Taj Mahal is one of Indias most famous attractions. (Photo: taj mahal palace in delhi,india image by Galyna Andrushko from Fotolia. com) In 2006, more than 4 million tourists visited India and spent the equivalent of $8. 9 billion U. S. dollars, and this figure rose by about 22 percent each year from 2006 to 2009. Thanks again to its technology and service sectors, foreign business travelers are descending on India in large numbers. Many extend their trips, adding more tourist money to the economy. In fact, foreign tourists from all over the world spend more in India than almost any other country worldwide, according to Economy Watch. Tourists are attracted by Indias cultural diversity, temples, scenery and festivals. Each region of India offers something for foreign visitors, from the Taj Mahal and New Delhi in the north, bustling Mumbai in the West to the religious center of Varanasi in central India and any number of its beaches and coastal cities. Indian Travelers Abroad Indians are a growing part of their countrys tourism sector. Photo: india image by giantorre from Fotolia. com) Not only are foreign tourists traveling in India, its own citizens are taking more vacations, as well. The countrys economic growth increased its middle-class population. This group is contributing the most to domestic travel thanks to an annual 10 percent increase in disposable income between 2001 and 2006. India’s tourism industry is experiencing a strong period of growth, driven by the burgeoning Indian middle class, growth in high spending foreign tourists, and coordinated government campaigns to promote ‘Incredible India’. The tourism industry in India is substantial and vibrant, and the country is fast becoming a major global destination. India’s travel and tourism industry is one of them most profitable industries in the country, and also credited with contributing a substantial amount of foreign exchange. This is illustrated by the fact that during 2006, four million tourists visited India and spent US $8. 9 billion. Several reasons are cited for the growth and prosperity of India’s travel and tourism industry. Economic growth has added millions annually to the ranks of India’s middle class, a group that is driving domestic tourism growth. Disposable income in India has grown by 10. 11% annually from 2001-2006, and much of that is being spent on travel. Thanks in part to its booming IT and outsourcing industry a growing number of business trips are made by foreigners to India, who will often add a weekend break or longer holiday to their trip. Foreign tourists spend more in India than almost any other country worldwide. Tourist arrivals are projected to increase by over 22% per year through till 2010, with a 33% increase in foreign exchange earnings recorded in 2004. The Tourism Ministry has also played an important role in the development of the industry, initiating advertising campaigns such as the Incredible India campaign, which promoted India’s culture and tourist attractions in a fresh and memorable way. The campaign helped create a colorful image of India in the minds of consumers all over the world, and has directly led to an increase in the interest among tourists. The tourism industry has helped growth in other sectors as diverse as horticulture, handicrafts, agriculture, construction and even poultry. Both directly and indirectly, increased tourism in India has created jobs in a variety of related sectors. The numbers tell the story: almost 20 million people are now working in the India’s tourism industry. India’s governmental bodies have also made a significant impact in tourism by requiring that each and every state of India have a corporation to administer support issues related to tourism. - Top of Form Sign-up for our eNewsletter First Name Last Name Email We respect your privacy Bottom of Form A new growth sector is medical tourism. It is currently growing at around 30% per annum. Medical tourist arrivals are expected to reach one million soon. Medical tourism in Asia  has grown rapidly. Medical tourism is approaching fever pitch at the tune of $4 Billion US, fueled largely by the cosmetic surgery market. One of the problems India has, despite having some world-class hospitals, is sanitation. The tourism industry of India is based on certain core nationalistic ideals and standards which are: Swaagat or welcome, Sahyog or cooperation, Soochanaa or information, Sanrachanaa or infrastructure, Suvidha or facilitation, Safaai or cleanliness and Surakshaa or security. Tourism, globalisation and sustainable development Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the global economy and developing countries are attempting to cash in on this expanding industry in an attempt to boost foreign investment and financial reserves. While conceding that the uncontrolled growth of this industry can result in serious environmental and social problems, the United Nations contends that such negative effects can be controlled and reduced. Arguing that tourism needs to be more sustainable, the world body is organising a dialogue this April in the UN Commission on Sustainable Development to bring together national and local governments, the tourism industry, trade unions and activist groups to realise this goal. In the following article, Anita Pleumarom considers whether the global tourism industry can really be propelled towards sustainability under the current international and political regime that underpins the drive towards globalisation. When most people think of tourism, they think about a vacation to a new destination, an island retreat, a beautiful vineyard, or a hike in the mountains. They rarely think of tourism as a source of inclusive poverty reduction in the developing world. The potential of the tourism sector The tourism sector is one of the priority sectors of the Investment Climate Advisory Services for investment generation and regulatory simplification. We and institutions like UNCTAD, as well as the World Economic Forum strongly believe this sector can boost competitiveness , expand economic opportunity and provide a pathway to prosperity in client countries. Unsurprisingly, developing economies like Haiti, Mozambique, the Solomon Islands, Yemen and Zambia recently prioritized tourism as a key target to produce economic growth. But what makes the tourism sector so attractive? While the answer is not 100 percent clear, it is clear that the tourism sector is growing and in particular in developing in transition countries. Its total contribution to global GDP has grown by 21 percent in the last decade to$5,992 billion in 2011 (Figure 1). Source: World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) 2011 The tourism sector has strong links to economic growth. Economic (GDP) growth is of principal concern for all countries, particularly those engaged in poverty reduction as a means to spread wealth across the population. Empirical studies in countries as diverse as Barbados, Croatia, India, Taiwan and Turkey have shown a causal relationship between tourism development and economic growth. A cross country study by the IMF showed that an increase of one standard deviation in the share of tourism in exports leads to about 0. percentage point in additional annual growth, everything else being constant. Thus many governments (particularly low income economies) should view investing in its tourism industry as a means to stimulate growth over the long term and enabling the poor to share in economic gains. Tourism investments can benefit local people Tourism is one of the only industries in the world where the ‘good’ or ‘service’ is consumed at the site of production . For this reason, local people are both at an advantage to reap the benefits associated with the ector, but also at risk from exclusion or even the negative impacts it can bring. A well planned, regulated and responsible tourism can be an excellent mechanism of channeling resources from rich to poor even at the large scale. Commercial tourism activities provide an opportunity for local people to participate in direct employment, in providing goods and services to tourism businesses through the supply chain, but also in direct interaction with the tourist (for example: crafts, excursions, food and beverage). The generation of earnings amongst those local people directly involved with the industry in turn stimulates indirect spend (of wages) in the local economy. Tourism provides opportunities for economic diversification and skills upgrading Developing countries can leverage tourism to support local companies and entrepreneurs in developing new products and exports. The tourism sector provides a means by which local entrepreneurs can experiment with new products and test them on international markets in their home country before exporting. International tourists typically create demand for products and services which may not have already existed in the local market and also demand certain quality standards. Whilst these can be a challenge to meet in the short-term, tourism creates the market and the incentive to drive the process – leading to growth and improvement over time

Analyse The Factors Affecting The Strategic Plans

Analyse The Factors Affecting The Strategic Plans Tesco plc is a well-established and consistently growing food retailer global company operating in UK and many other countries like USA, Europe, Thailand, China, Japan and so on. It was established in 1919 by Jack Cohen, when he sold some groceries in the stall in East London and then it later lead to the opening of the first Tesco store in 1929 in North London. Using the well-researched and consistent strategy for growth, Tesco has been able to strengthen their core UK business and lead them to expand into new markets. Tesco has already been declared as the no.1 superstore in UK against its rivals Asda, Sainsbury and Morrison. Tesco is still aiming to broaden the scope of their business to enable it to deliver strong sustainable long-term growth by following the customers into the basic and the large expanding markets at cheaper price. Currently, Tesco has over 2200 stores in UK and has been able to reach every possible customer through its different types of outlets as superstore, metro, extra, express and by various means as online shopping through Tesco direct, Reserve and collect plus loyalty/club cards, insurance, clothing, banking and financial services, telecoms, insurance. So this report will be identifying Tesco’s vision, Mission, its current strategic objectives, evaluates them and analyses the factors that will be affecting strategic plan. The purpose of this case study is to review and determine the organizational strategic aims and objectives identify and analyse the progress towards organizational strategic aims and objectives and to determine and evaluate strategic options to support a revised strategic position. 1.1 Identify the current strategic aims and objectives TESCO’S STRATEGY Our well-established and consistent strategy for growth has given the business momentum to grow through the downturn. (1) Long term Strategy According to Tesco’s official website it is clearly evident that Tesco has a well-established and consi stent strategy for growth. The rationale for the strategy is to broaden the scope of the business to enable it to deliver strong, sustainable long-term growth by following customers into large expanding markets at home – such as financial services, non-food and telecoms – and new markets abroad, initially in Central Europe and Asia and more recently in the United States. Objectives:- The objectives of the strategy are: Successful global retailer Tesco aims to be one of the most successful global retailer organisation in the world. With this idea in mind they have opened stores in many other countries like Canada, USA, Europe, Thailand, China and Middle East. Growth in core UK business Tesco also aims on growing its business as the core UK business as it is originated here. It had 1500 stores in UK in 2007 whereas the number has reached to over 2000 by now. And it has diversified its market from only being a food retailer to selling fuel, clothes, housing, finance, bank ing, insurance, mobile broad band and electronics. Strong non food retailer As Tesco has been known for its food items and is the leader in food retailing, Tesco also aims to develop the rest of the retailing it has been doing. They are working hard to be as strong in non-food as they are in food.

The conduct of the DEA was an unconstitutional exercise of Congress' Case Study

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Art & beauty Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Art & beauty - Essay Example By 1920s people started to take sunbath for leisure and a healthy and beautiful look. Beauty is an idea which changes with the matter of time. Historically, people had a standard that well-fed bodies are beautiful and with the changing time slim bodies have become a sign of beauty. It is a common saying in this world that beauty hails from art. Sensible art and media is the creation of selections arranged by an artist or media maker. Whereas these metaphors can provide us a fine idea of what people consider or think is beautiful, the metaphors do not essentially provide us a good plan of what people actually seem to be like. For instance, newspapers and television nowadays do not truly symbolize a precise sample of people in the actual world. In the olden times art was predicted as a base of beauty; quite a few even avowed that natural beauty is subsidiary to artistic beauty. Plato, conversely, divided art and beauty into two self-determining thoughts: genuine beauty reflects reality , whereas art is a misleading simulation of nature. Aristotle, by difference, held that good art is beautiful and that, consequently, the two are indivisible: a great work of art is an attractive work. The Aristotelian aesthetic belief succeeded for centuries, but it was the eighteenth century that provided growth to the concept that forming beauty is the necessary point of art (Freeland, pg 31-40). Kant holds that great art is beautiful, though it fluctuates appreciably from natural beauty: a good work of art is a beautiful image. An image can be beautiful even if its topic is not beautiful (Freeland, pg 10-15) Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770-1831) squabbles that beauty is the necessary trait of art, and natural beauty is a likeness of artistic beauty (Harold, 1972). In this view, beauty reflects deliberate creation, not minor results of sightless, natural forces. Aesthetic refers to someone's personal idea of what is beautiful. It can also be said as an individuals own taste and judgment of things. It is the theoretical idea of what beauty really is. Similarly in the case of arts one also uses his own personal idea to judge how beautiful one piece of art is. There has been a debate since the beginning of this world on the subject of aesthetics. Kant famously related aesthetics with the subject of arts. In his view a good view about aesthetics depends upon the originality and the beauty of the art works. While on the other hand David Hume gave his own perception about Aesthetics (Freeland pg 8-10). It stated that the view about the artworks depends upon an individuals own taste and culture. Aesthetics is directly related to arts when it comes to the appreciation of a work. Aesthetics may help one to realize the beauty of a piece of art. Q. What is art Why we value art so much. Freeland supports the "cognitive" concept of art--which, in her observation, holds that art is parallel to language as it "communicates complex thoughts." This is a doubtful suggestion, because it entails that art first and foremost occupies a straight transfer of information or awareness. At any rate, it is primarily fiction and drama between the arts that can pass on "complex thoughts," however infrequently as unambiguously as expository prose (Freeland, pg 148-155). The expression concept, according to Freeland, holds that art talks "something in the realm of feelings and emotions"--a vision she discovers too restraining. Art, she indicates,

Case Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Case - Research Paper Example This case study will explore an actual situation that existed as an illustration of divergent management styles at CD Hotels Inc. This happened during Eddie’s tenure at the company when he was a member of the management team. Kenny was a young and fresh graduate from university with the eagerness and enthusiasm to work. He had studied Business Administration with majors in Management. From the onset, he looked naà ¯ve and vulnerable at times. However, he was ready to listen to what other people had to say. He created an aura of likeness within and around him from the day he started working at the company. He knew how to create rapport with fellow colleagues without creating any tension. When people approached him with issues, he always seemed ready to help whenever there was a need to do so. He made it easy for people to work with him and he was never the type of person that would put his team off. Instead, he wanted input from his colleagues and was ready to listen and reach a consensus whenever there was a dispute. CD Hotels was established in 1981 as a small establishment that used to house middle class people in Washington D.C. It was established by Martin Atkinson as the first of the would-be many worldwide hotel chains. In 1984, the organization began its expansion programs to cover areas outside Washington D.C. During that year, five hotels were established in the United States, which were serving the most clients in the hospitality sector. Over the years, the company has received international status with improved revenue collections as well as financial muscle. It developed an international reputation as one of the finest hospitality industries around the world. The establishment has spread out beyond borders into the East, Europe, Africa, and South America. The company has since grown and witnessed the creation of different departments and divisions that have clear roles and responsibilities. For

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

Thinkpiece - Essay Example It does not matter who exactly who would plan the PR for as long as the person who will do the PR plan knows that he or she is doing and that it is responsive to the customer’s needs. The person who could plan the PR plan could be the PR manager or marketing manager. He or she probably has the best qualification for the job because PR after all is either a function of marketing or corporate communication. Or, if such department does not exist (PR department), the company can appoint someone who is going to do job. It is important to note that just because a PR department does not exist, a PR person that will address the customer will also be ignored. It is important to respond and address customer’s concern once they talk back. It is important because customers are the lifeblood of the company, without them, the company will also not exist. Of course one would become curious to ask about the person who would be appointed if a PR department does not exist. It is important to underscore here that customers can talk and when they talk back, it means they have something important to say. The PR function is not just to communicate, but also as a customer function. It comes to us then that the person who would be appointed to plan PR when customers can talk back should have a customer service background in addition to being a great communicator both in written and oral language. If possible, the person should be a customer service manager or supervisor who has years of experience so that the appointed person has both the training and experience to adequately plan the PR plan for the customer. We have to cite caution here that if an unqualified and untrained person will be appointed to plan the PR plan when customers talk back just for the sake of having a PR person, it would become disastrous to the company. It is disastrous to the company because instead of responding adequately to the customer that they will be satisfied,

Tuition Reimbursement Implementation Report Term Paper

Tuition Reimbursement Implementation Report - Term Paper Example tivation to the employees who are compensated for having business communication degrees, the company will get to benefit massively from a good reputation, effective advertising and marketing as well as in other ways. Business communication is important for every kind of business. Businesses always need to relay information amongst their stakeholders, promote products, and in dealing with legal issues. The business also needs to relay information between its supply chain. The information that is being passed between the business stakeholders needs to be accurate and effective if the organization must continue to be in existence. This is the essence of business communication. Businesses communicate using various methods in communicating their issues to various parties. Some of the most common means that they use include video conferencing, websites, emails, telephones, forum boards, reports, face-to-face meetings and presentations (O’Neil & Gaye, 2006). Business communication is applied in a whole range of business activities including customer relations, public relations, community engagement, consumer behavior, and advertising. Other activities that fall within the gambit of business communication include employee engagement, research and measurement, event management just to mention a few according to O’Neil and Gaye (2006). Considering the skills that they gain from the training that hey receive in college, Business Communication graduates usually have a lot to offer when they get employed by companies. Every forward thinking organization should seek to properly reward and motivate productive employees (Martocchio, nd). This report seeks to highlight the main reasons for the proposal that employees with business communication degrees should be better compensated in terms of tuition reimbursement benefits owing to the nature of their training and potential benefits to the company. Graduates with Business Communication degrees have a lot to gain in the

Case Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Case - Research Paper Example This case study will explore an actual situation that existed as an illustration of divergent management styles at CD Hotels Inc. This happened during Eddie’s tenure at the company when he was a member of the management team. Kenny was a young and fresh graduate from university with the eagerness and enthusiasm to work. He had studied Business Administration with majors in Management. From the onset, he looked naà ¯ve and vulnerable at times. However, he was ready to listen to what other people had to say. He created an aura of likeness within and around him from the day he started working at the company. He knew how to create rapport with fellow colleagues without creating any tension. When people approached him with issues, he always seemed ready to help whenever there was a need to do so. He made it easy for people to work with him and he was never the type of person that would put his team off. Instead, he wanted input from his colleagues and was ready to listen and reach a consensus whenever there was a dispute. CD Hotels was established in 1981 as a small establishment that used to house middle class people in Washington D.C. It was established by Martin Atkinson as the first of the would-be many worldwide hotel chains. In 1984, the organization began its expansion programs to cover areas outside Washington D.C. During that year, five hotels were established in the United States, which were serving the most clients in the hospitality sector. Over the years, the company has received international status with improved revenue collections as well as financial muscle. It developed an international reputation as one of the finest hospitality industries around the world. The establishment has spread out beyond borders into the East, Europe, Africa, and South America. The company has since grown and witnessed the creation of different departments and divisions that have clear roles and responsibilities. For

Tuition Reimbursement Implementation Report Term Paper

Tuition Reimbursement Implementation Report - Term Paper Example tivation to the employees who are compensated for having business communication degrees, the company will get to benefit massively from a good reputation, effective advertising and marketing as well as in other ways. Business communication is important for every kind of business. Businesses always need to relay information amongst their stakeholders, promote products, and in dealing with legal issues. The business also needs to relay information between its supply chain. The information that is being passed between the business stakeholders needs to be accurate and effective if the organization must continue to be in existence. This is the essence of business communication. Businesses communicate using various methods in communicating their issues to various parties. Some of the most common means that they use include video conferencing, websites, emails, telephones, forum boards, reports, face-to-face meetings and presentations (O’Neil & Gaye, 2006). Business communication is applied in a whole range of business activities including customer relations, public relations, community engagement, consumer behavior, and advertising. Other activities that fall within the gambit of business communication include employee engagement, research and measurement, event management just to mention a few according to O’Neil and Gaye (2006). Considering the skills that they gain from the training that hey receive in college, Business Communication graduates usually have a lot to offer when they get employed by companies. Every forward thinking organization should seek to properly reward and motivate productive employees (Martocchio, nd). This report seeks to highlight the main reasons for the proposal that employees with business communication degrees should be better compensated in terms of tuition reimbursement benefits owing to the nature of their training and potential benefits to the company. Graduates with Business Communication degrees have a lot to gain in the

Report on Housing Prices Statistics in Oregon from a Sample of 108 Houses Essay Example for Free

Report on Housing Prices Statistics in Oregon from a Sample of 108 Houses Essay From the eleven variables identified, area of living space in the house (sq_ft), age of the house in years (age) and selling price of the house in thousand dollars (price) were identified to be in the ratio scale for the level of measurement while number of bedrooms (beds), number of bathrooms (baths) and number of spaces for cars in the garage (garage) were identified to be in the ordinal. Lastly, the variables architectural style (style), school district were the house is located (school), method of heating the house (heat), presence of fireplace (fire) and presence of basement (basement) were identified to be in the nominal scale. These levels of measurement were the basis on what type of tests were done for the different analyses (See Appendices for table 1). On all the tests and comparisons with p-values, a 95% level of confidence is used. Descriptive Statistics on the Variables With the results gathered, most of the houses use the gas forced air method of heating. Out of the 108 houses, 96. 3% use this method while only 3. 7 use the electric baseboard heating. Also, most houses are of ranch architecture. Of the 108 houses, 40. 7% are of this architectural style, 36. 1% are of the tri-level style while 23. 1% are of the two-story type. Moreover, 84. 3% of the houses have basements. Similarly, 88. 9 of them have fireplaces. Lastly, the largest part sampled houses are located in the Apple Valley School District. From the 108 houses, 60. 2 are located in this school district while the rest are in Eastville (See Appendices for tables 2, 3, 4, 5 6). For the ordinal variables, the median number of bedrooms in the house is four which means that fifty percent of the houses have less than four bedrooms while the rest have more than four bedrooms. Similarly, fifty percent of the houses have less than three bathrooms while the other fifty percent have more than three bathrooms. In the number of spaces for cars in the garage, fifty percent of the houses can accommodate no more than two cars while the other fifty percent can. From the sample, most of the houses have three bedrooms, three bathrooms and can accommodate two cars. Since these three variables are rank variables, the means for each cannot be computed (See Appendices for tables 8, 9, 10 11). For the ratio variables, it was found out that the mean selling price of the house in Oregon is 97. 99226 thousand dollars. With a relatively small standard error of 2. 543183, the statistic for the selling price is considered accurate. Fifty percent of the houses are priced below 92. 46950 thousand dollars while the other 50% have selling prices greater than 92. 46950 thousand dollars. Having a variance of 698. 520, the data from the sample are considered to be extremely dispersed. On the average, the selling price of a house in Oregon deviates by 26. 429529 thousand dollars from the mean selling price of the house generated from the sample. The mean area of living space in the house in square feet is 1745. 72. However, the standard error of the mean, which is 42. 836, is sufficiently large. The data values for this variable are the most dispersed among the three ratio variables having a variance of 198173. 39. Fifty percent of the samples houses have areas which are below 1758. 00 square feet while the other fifty have areas greater than 1758. 00 square feet. On the average, the area of living space in the house deviates by 445. 167 square feet from the mean. For the last ratio variable, the mean age of the house in years is 11. 23. Having a standard error of 0. 448 which is very small, this statistic is considered accurate. Fifty percent of the sampled houses are below 11 years of age while the rest are more than 11 years of age. The distribution of the variable is not that dispersed. With a variance of 21. 675, the age variable is the least dispersed among the three ratio variables. On the average, the ages of the houses deviates from the mean by 4. 656 years only (See Appendices for table 13). Summing up the descriptive measures obtained on the eleven variables, a typical home in Oregon has an area of 1745. 72 square feet, approximately 11 years of age, has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and can accommodate two car spaces in the garage. Furthermore, it is of ranch architecture and uses the gas forced air method of heating. It has a basement and a fireplace. It is located in the Apple Valley School District and its selling price is 97. 99226 thousand dollars. Correlation From the scatterplots, the selling price is identified to have a positive linear relationship with area of living and a negative, close to nonlinear relationship with age of the house (See Appendices for figures 12 13). Since the data do not follow the normal distribution Spearman’s rho was used to determine the correlation between the dependent variable, price, and the other ratio scale variables (See Appendices for table 24). With a correlation coefficient of 0. 828, there is a positive very strong linear relationship between the selling price and area of living space in the house. Moreover, even if there is a negative weak linear relationship between selling price and age of the house in years, both the correlations of selling price with area and age are significant with p-value equal to 0. 000 (See Appendices for tables 14 15). Also, though there is a negative weak linear relationship between the ratio variables age and area for the -0. 292 Pearson correlation coefficient, the 0. 000 p-value says that the correlation is significant. Pearson correlation was used for the two ratio variables because both are normally distributed (See Appendices for table 22). For the ordinal variables, all of them have a significant correlation with selling price with p-values 0. 007, 0. 000 and 0. 000 for number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms and number of car spaces in garage, respectively. The number of bedrooms in the house has a positive weak linear relationship with selling price having a correlation coefficient of 0. 259. Moreover, the number of bathrooms in the house has a positive strong linear relationship with selling price having a correlation coefficient of 0. 675. Also, the number of spaces for cars in the garage has a positive moderate linear relationship with selling price having a correlation coefficient of 0. 475 (See Appendices for table 16). Among the ordinal variables, the number of bedrooms and number of bathrooms, and the number of car spaces and number of bathrooms has a significant correlation, with p-values equal to 0. 000 and 0. 003 respectively, and has a positive weak linear relationship, with correlation coefficients of 0. 358 and 0. 283 respectively (See Appendices for table 23). Among the nominal variables, only the architectural style has a positive moderate association with selling price having an Eta coefficient of 0. 485 (See Appendices for table 18). The rest has either weak or very weak associations with selling price (See Appendices for tables 17, 19, 20 21). For the two categories of method of heating, it was found out that the use of gas forced air in the house, presence of basement and presence of fireplace increases the selling price of the house. The school district location also affects the selling price. Houses located in Apple Valley School District tend to have higher prices than that of Eastville School District. Moreover, there are no significant differences on the selling prices of houses with tri-level and two-story architectural style. However, houses that are of ranch architectural style tend to have higher selling prices than that of the tri-level and two-story architectural styles (See Appendices for tables 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41 43). Predictors of Selling Price Using the regression model, the selling price of a house, when all other factors are held constant, decreases by 16. 113. The interpretation for the intercept is significant since the confidence interval of the estimate includes zero. Holding other factors constant, the selling price is estimated to increase by 0. 042 thousand dollars for every square feet increase in the area of living space of the house. Also, there is an estimated increase of 3. 269 thousand dollars on the selling price for every unit increase in the number of bedrooms holding other factors constant. The selling price is estimated to increase by 13. 876 thousand dollars for every unit increase in the number of spaces for cars in the garage holding other factors constant. Similarly, an increase of 6. 953 and 4. 269 thousand dollars on selling price is estimated if there is a basement and a fireplace, respectively, in the house. The selling price is also estimated to increase by 4. 874 thousand dollars if the house is located in Apple Valley School District with other factors held constant. Furthermore, the selling price is estimated to increase by 11. 053 thousand dollars if the house is of ranch architectural style holding other factors constant. If the house is of a two-story type, there is an estimated increase of 1. 714 thousand dollars. If the architectural style is tri-level, then the value to be multiplied with the beta estimates for two-story and ranch will be equal to zero since the coded value for tri-level in the dummy variables is zero (See Appendices for table 44). With a Durbin-Watson statistic of 1. 746, then the residuals are independent. Having an adjusted R square of 0. 820, the variation in the selling price of the house can be explained by the eleven variables. A mean square error of 126. 070 implies that the sum of the squared deviations of the selling prices to the true value is relatively small. With a computed F statistic of 45. 169 and a corresponding p-value of 0. 000, then the regression adequately represent the data and can be useful for prediction (See Appendices for tables 45 46). To test, given the following data on a certain house: two-story house with 1600 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a one car garage, gas heat, a basement, no fireplace, is 9 years old, and is in the preferred school district, then the predicted selling price of the house is 60. 804 thousand dollars. Summary The larger the area sizes of the living space of the house, the more expensive the selling price. Also, more number of bedrooms and spaces for car in the garage would also increase the selling price. In terms of architectural style, the ranch type would increase the selling price of a house most than the other two styles. Finally, the house with a basement, a fireplace and which is located in the Apple Valley School District increases also the selling price.

Reflective Account Of Diversity And Team Performance Nursing Essay

Reflective Account Of Diversity And Team Performance Nursing Essay This reflective account concerns my experiences of participating in a diverse team of people from different nationalities, which was formed for the achievement of specific outcomes over a specific period. The opportunity to work in this team arose in the course of an assignment for syndicate group work. The importance of management of team performance is steadily gaining recognition in the area of modern day organisational behaviour. With modern organisations and operations becoming increasingly complex and dynamic, organisational performance is being driven by specialised employees who are organised into and work as teams. Salas, et al, (1992 p 4) defines a team as a distinguishable set of two or more people who interact dynamically, interdependently, and adaptively toward a common and valued goal/objective/mission, who have each been assigned specific roles or functions to perform Organisational experts have for long been intrigued by the fact that whilst team work is now an accepted tool for improvement of organisational efficiency, many firms that arrange their operations around teams with such expectations find, much to their disappointment, that (a) use of teams has little impact on productivity, and (b) such use of teams can furthermore lead to reduction of productivity (Bolin, et al, 2006, p 2). It is also frequently seen that teams with high performing individuals fail, even as teams with far less impressive members greatly exceed expectations. The performance of the Detroit Pistons basketball team in 2004 and 2005, when they won back to back NBA championships with a roster of unimpressive players illustrates the team performance paradox (Bolin, et al, 2006, p 2). The continued performance of the Ferrari racing team would not have been possible without the efforts of its back up staff (Robbins, et al, 2010, p 3). Such team performance paradoxes are evid ent across the world, with innovative start up teams with networking capabilities humbling huge established corporations with far superior technology and resources (Bolin, et al, 2006, p 2). Understanding the mechanisms of team work is an integral component of modern day learning in organisational behaviour. I was required to participate in a team of members from different nations with different academic, cultural and social backgrounds in the course of syndicated group activity for a period of 6 weeks. The experience gave me the opportunity to participate in an actual team environment, even as I was increasing my academic knowledge of team dynamics and processes. This reflective account details my learning experiences during the process of my participation in a diverse multi cultural team that was required to perform specific tasks and achieve particular objectives and outcomes over a specific timeframe. The essay is structured into sequential sections that take up the functioning of teams in its different aspects, the use of the IPO model for assessment of team effectiveness and the working, evolution and outcomes of our team over a specific 6 week period. Whilst academic theory on teams and assessment of team effectiveness is taken up in some detail, greater emphasis is placed upon my practical experience of participating in an interesting and enriching team environment. The essay ends with a concluding section that attempts to sum up my learning experience and details the ways in which I have gained from this experience in team work. Team Work Modern texts on organisational behaviour identify specific characteristics of teams that differentiate them from general groups (Buchanan Huczynski, 2004, p 7). These characteristics include (a) joint sharing of aims and objectives, (b) mutual dependency and trust, (c) overt expression of emotions, feelings and disagreement, (d) consensual decision making, (e) coordination, cooperation and cohesion, (f) management of trust feelings and conflict between team members, and (g) the creation of a collective and synergistic impact (Buchanan Huczynski, 2004, p 7). Hackman (2002, p 11), states that teams also have very clear boundaries for membership, relatively stable memberships and defined authority to manage their activities and processes. Team performance by and large represents the extent to which teams achieve their specific objectives (Hayes, 2002, p 43-46). Whilst such indicators of team performance are important for organisations because they assist in assessment of the extent of achievement of team goals, many teams, more particularly in business situations do not have targets that are clear and quantifiable (Hayes, 2002, p 43-46). Even where such targets are available, team members and managers can improve their performance in future if they are provided with a richer picture of the ways in which teams function (Senior, 1997, p 32-36). Teams, to be truly effective should thus have some understanding, not just of team outputs, but of the ways and means in which team members work together (Senior, 1997, p 32-36). The Input-Process-Output (IPO) model provides an approach to the understanding of team work and team performance. Inputs, in the IPO model, are seen in terms of issues concerned with group composition like leadership, size, term and diversity, along with factors like autonomy, training and resources that are provided to teams (Ilgen, et al, 2005, p 517-522). Internal team processes comprise of factors like the motivation and commitment of team members, the cooperation and communication between them and their skills of leadership, conflict resolution, decision making and problem solving (Ilgen, et al, 2005, p 517-522). Outputs on the other hand are largely depicted as team objectives or the larger concept of team effectiveness that includes a range of interrelated outcomes in areas of attitudes, behaviours and performance. Such outcomes can occur at the level of individuals, teams and organisations (Ilgen, et al, 2005, p 517-522). The theoretical paradigm behind much of research on team effectiveness comes from the application of the open systems theory, which states that team inputs (skills and abilities) are transformed into team outputs (the quality and quantity of team outcomes) through various interaction processes like utilisation of skills, effort and past strategy. The basic IPO model is flexible enough to be applied to a range of team settings and is illustrated in the figure provided below. A general set of factors for assessment of team work in the context of the above discussion thus needs to include (a) the attitudes, behaviours, thinking, roles and skills of individual team members, (b) team objectives and purposes, which include the setting, clarity, commitment and achievement of goals, (c) team processes like generation of ideas, making of decisions, management of controversy and conflict, communication style, allocation of responsibilities, planning of action and leadership style and (d) the organisational context with regard to structure, culture and associated issues. Working and Evolution of our Team Our experience of team work came about on account of participation in group syndicate activity for a period of 6 weeks. Our team was made up of six members and we were required to work together to (a) generate slogans for organisational use, and (b) achieve improvements in team working in areas of attitudes, behaviours and performance. I aim to assess different aspects of the working and functioning of our team, in terms of the IPO model, and deal sequentially with inputs, processes, and outputs. Inputs Our team consisted of six members, A- myself, B, C, D, E and F. As the oldest and most experienced member of the group, I was the automatic choice for its leader. The chart provided below gives basic details and personality types of group members. The personality ratings have been determined by organisational tests conducted on individual members. Member A B C D E F Nationality British Chinese Cyprus Indian Pakistan Nigerian Sex Male Female Female Male Female Female Education BA Hons History International Business And Management Business and Management Bachelor of Technology Graduate in BA BSC Logistics Profession leading public and private businesses Software Engineer Extraversion 3.8 1.9 3.8 3.9 3.7 3.5 Agreeableness 4.6 3.5 4.0 4.1 4.1 4.3 Conscientiousness 4.1 3.9 2.4 3.9 4.3 2.9 Neuroticism 2.7 3.4 3.1 2.4 3.2 4.1 Openness to Experience 4.5 2.8 3.5 3.8 3.9 2.3 As evident, our team was diverse with respect to nationality, gender, education, and work experience and personality types. Contemporary academic literature on organisational behaviour agrees on the advantages of diverse teams in various areas of organisational work. Diversity in teams, organisational experts feel, results in the availability of a range of perspectives and skills, which, if harnessed properly, can result in greater creativity in generation of ideas, alternatives and solutions than with homogenous teams and lead to better performance. Whilst diverse teams by and large have wider and better range of skills and abilities, it is often challenging to make them function in a coordinated and collaborative manner, in comparison with homogeneous teams. Such challenges to collaborative and coordinated working can arise because of differences in language, attitudes and perceptions of team members. The members of our teams came from different parts of Europe, Africa and Asia. Th eir academic backgrounds ranged from disciplines in the liberal arts to applied sciences, technology and management. Two of us, F and I had some working experience, even as the other four were fresh from college. Whilst the personality types of individual group members are different, all of us scored high on the agreeableness index and were happy to work and bond with each other. As the oldest and most experienced member of the group, its leadership automatically devolved upon my shoulders. This development occurred, without my asking for it, because the other group members looked towards me for advice, suggestions and direction on the functioning of the group. We were at the time of formation of the group provided with specific tasks requiring the generation of a number of slogans for ultimate organisational use. Apart from have to deliver such specific services, we were informed that we would be judged twice, once half way during the course, i.e. after three weeks and finally at the end of six weeks; on completion of the group activity. Various group factors like (a) innovative climate, (b) participation, (c) clarity of objectives, (d) reflexivity, (e) interdependence, (f) autonomy, (g) boundedness, (h) role clarity, (i) task conflict, (j) relationship conflict and (k) team satisfaction would be taken up for assessment during these occasions. We were inform ed to us that our progress would be made available to us at the middle and at the end of the syndicate activity in order to help us in organising our activities and improving our processes. Processes Leadership style is an important component of team work processes in the IPO model. Most texts on organisational behaviour stress on the importance of leadership in the efficient successful functioning of teams, even as the majority of both team successes and team failures are attributed to leadership decisions (Robbins, 2005, p 17-21). Fiedlers theory on leadership states that the adoption of leadership styles is often contingent upon situational circumstances and effective leaders alter their styles in line with situations, attributes and skills of team members, and team objectives (Fiedler, 1967, p 4-8).Leaders are otherwise expected to provide clarity regarding roles to members, communicate effectively, and generate feeling of inclusiveness by asking for comment and by expressing appreciation for contributions of team members (Stacey, 2003, p 15-19). Contemporary research on organisational behaviour also indicates that whilst leaders set the tone for definition of group activitie s, their subsequent responses are distinctly affected by their ongoing interaction and communication with team members (Stacey, 2003, p 15-19). Whilst the role of leadership devolved upon me without my asking for it, I did not ignore my responsibilities and worked towards the development of a committed, clear and collaborative team. I allocated responsibilities to each member and made constant efforts to improve and ensure communication with members on various issues associated with our team objectives as well as other areas of common interest. Although my efforts to communicate with group members were made easier by their general agreeableness, I often found B, the Chinese member to be reticent in her communication with the rest of us. She was not just very shy but also disinclined to explore new opportunities and experiences. These difficulties were however greatly made up by her conscientiousness towards her work. Our group activity and objectives required extensive discussions between member, generation and bouncing off of ideas, and long hours of brainstorming. Many of such sessions resulted in small and big disagreements, some of which ended with members refusing to talk to each other for some time. F, the lady from Nigeria whilst otherwise friendly and agreeable, was prone to excessive argumentativeness, and even hysteria, if her views were not supported by others. Conflicts between her and other members also arouse because of her lack of dedication towards group work and occasional proneness to shirk her responsibilities. We were fortunate that conflicts among group members were restricted and did not erupt frequently. Whilst friendly disagreements over work continued to happen, serious conflicts arose only on three occasions, all of them involving F. I felt conflict resolution to be one of my major responsibilities and was constantly looking for signs of disagreement and trouble. Whilst I would let constructive discussions and disagreements continue and sometimes even encourage them further, I took pains to ensure that personal bitterness between members did not set in and they refrained from making offensive statements towards each other. I am happy with the fact that all members, including F started bonding with each other by the end of the fourth week, started respecting each others point of view, and developed a healthy regard for their team mates. Output All our team members were delighted to find out that our group ended the activity practically at the top of the class, both in the number of generated slogans and in the originality of the two selected slogans. The result proved once more that a diverse team can do very well at creative work in an environment of transparency coordination and communication. We were otherwise pleased to know that we had made good progress in all activity areas, except for boundedness, team and relationship conflict and team satisfaction. I feel that our problems in these areas essentially relate to the inability of our team to manage the disputes and disagreements that often surfaced around F. As the leader I take responsibility for such failures and do feel that I should have tried to use my position as leader to communicate more successfully with F and quell her various mental insecurities in working with people who were possibly more hardworking and gifted than she was. Such an approach would have improved group communication, collaboration and outcomes. Conclusions This reflective account deals with my experiences in a diverse team of 6 persons that was formed for the achievement of specific objectives over a particular timeframe. The significance of team performance is progressively increasing in the discipline of organisational behaviour. With contemporary organisations becoming increasingly complex, organisational performance is now ever more driven by specially formed teams. Team performance normally represents the degree to which teams attain their particular objectives. Whilst such gauges of performance are necessary because they help in assessment of attainment of team goals, teams should also achieve some understanding of the ways in which team members work together. The Input-Process-Output (IPO) model represents an approach to understanding team work and has been used by me to assess the functioning of our team. Our team was diverse in many respects. Diversity, it is felt, leads to greater and to better performance. As the oldest and most experienced team, I became the team leader without asking for the position. I tried to live up to my responsibilities and worked towards the development of an effective team. We were fortunate that conflicts among members were limited and I tried to ensure that personal bitterness between members did not set in. Our team ended the activity at the top of the class with regard to set objectives. We also made good progress in all areas except in team relationships and satisfaction, where our progress was average or even less. I feel that such problems arose from our inability to manage disputes and disagreements. I take responsibility for such failures and feel that I should have tried to communicate more successfully with certain members. My experience of team work has however helped me immensely in maturing as an individual and as a professional and I am grateful for the experience.