Wednesday, October 30, 2019

MicroFHess Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

MicroFHess - Essay Example Example: as more and more fertilizers are employed by the famers, production of crops may increase by the same unit of fertilizers employed, ceteris paribus. 3. Economic profit is the difference between revenues received from the sale of output and opportunity cost (Mankiw, 1998). For example, the difference between incomes received from selling a car and forgone alternatives of making that car. 4. Law of diminishing returns states that when other factors are held constant any additional unit of input leads to an increase in output at a declining rate till at a certain point where any additional input leads to a decline in output (Hall and Lieberman, 2010). For example, if more fertilizers are added in the production of wheat the output increases till a certain point when any additional unit of fertilizers added leads to a decline in output of wheat. 5. Marginal product of labour is the additional amount of output that is being produced when a firm decide sto employ additional labour in the production process (Hall and Lieberman, 2010). For example, a firm may produces 10 units of output with a labour of 5 people, and after adding another 5 people output may increases to 20 units. 6. Monopolistic competition. Is a type of market structure with many sellers selling similar but differentiated products whereby each seller has the freedom of setting his or her own selling price (Mankiw, 2011). Example: in the United States numerous sellers differentiate their products and the prices for those products (Mankiw, 2011). 7. Sunk cost refers to the amount of money that has already been spent and can not be recovered (Hall and Lieberman, 2010). For example: Amount of money incurred by investor to start and operate a business. 8. The principal-agent problem refers to a conflict of interest that arises when the agent pursues the same interest as his principal (Mankiw, 2011). Example: car dealer hires an agent to sell his cars to particular

Monday, October 28, 2019

The Future of Graphic Arts Essay Example for Free

The Future of Graphic Arts Essay Public works projects were promoted by Lester Beall during the 1930s. The depiction of this project is describes as this poster for the Rural Electrification Administration juxtaposes a photograph of two young people against an abstracted American flag to express optimism for a technologically enhanced future (WebCT, 2002). This is also a political manifestation in the way that there is a presentation of an image designed to give hope in a time where there are different social problems. However, this was not a new move, as in 1917 there was the use of graphic art in the form of posters as a reaction against the social condition, and supporting the revolution (WebCT, 2002). In the country there was support given to the Russian Telegraph Agency (ROSTA) (WebCT, 2002). If we look at the way these posters were made we can see why thy were so limited, with poster printed by hand, or attentively only with the use of rough stencils (WebCT, 2002). This limited the amount of posters but still the work of artists such as Gustav Klutsis and Mikhail Razulevich development and used more mechanical methods of reproductions (WebCT, 2002). Nearby in Germany politics was also the subject of John Heartfield where he was against the rise of the Nazi part though this use of graphic arts, however, this time the images were more direct with the use if graphic art as a political advertising using photomontages as well as slogans on a single poster (WebCT, 2002). This was a demonstration of how graphic art could be used to develop emotional feeling regarding public issues and to change the opinions of those watching (WebCT, 2002). This has been used again and against throughout history, with the different message against the status quo being depicted in images relevant to the contemporary society (McQuiston and Greer, 1997). Here we have seen the beginnings of the development, how society and politics have influenced the way that the art has been developed. If we want to look to what the future may hold we need to take a leap and consider how the more recent past has developed with the use of graphic art. Here we can then see the way that the foundations were built upon. To undertake this there are many approaches that can be developed. The way in which graphic art has development may be seen in many mediums in many countries. , However , in keeping with the theme of looking to the future we will look at an artist of the past that was both prolific, and seen as looking ahead of his time to what the future would hold. To this end we will consider the role of one of the most influential graphic artists of the twentieth century; Paul Rand. III. Paul Rand In considering a specific work of a well known designer we can understand how the work influence the customer as well as influenced the wider environment of that of graphic design and the way that the influences that are felt in the short term and the long term. In looking at Paul Rands work we can conclude that he influenced not only his clients, but also appreciate the wider influence he has had ion the graphic design industry in general as well as appreciating the uniqueness of his own style, as was demonstrated by the design of many logos including that of IBM. There are many graphic designers that have had a long lasting impact on the way we see the world and interpret its meaning. Some designers have been subtle in the influence and the range of designs that have made a difference have been anything from typefaces to landmarks, but one of the best known, if not by name then by his work must be that of Paul Rand, also known as Papa logo (Lange 1998). Paul Rand has a wide range of styles and worked in the field of advertising, and can be seen to have made a great impact, his specially was branding, and the specific work we will be considering here will be the well known IBM logo (Hurlbert, 1979). The idea of a logo that was innovative and had meaning as well as a message may have been new and groundbreaking in the days of Rand, but it is partly due to his wide ranging influence that we can see the wide practice of branding has taken the current route. It is also a shame that in this modern world where the forte of Rands talents lay there has been a common practice of branding which has become homogenised and bland (Hurlbert, 1979). This is not a criticism that can be seen to have been levelled at Rand, who not only designed this innovative and still used logo. Rand was also responsible for logos such as the carriers UPS, Cummins Engines, Yale University and Next Computers (Lange 1998). This logo is unique and the style is recognised widely, even if the actual company name cannot be read the distinction is very clear. It was Rands intention to design logos and other works which were not only recognisable and identifiable very easily, but also one that can be seen as having a real meaning, which is demonstrated very clearly by the logo designed for IBM. The brief of any designer in looking to brand an organisation will often be rather vague, there will be a requirement for the Logo to be suited to the corporate culture, but this in itself is an intangible, and as such it very difficult to describe, it will also need to indicate the sphere of operation or characteristics that the client wants the logo to bring to mind when it is viewed by the clients own customers. The IBM logo has become well known for its blocked design that appear to indicate a clean cut image with is both technological and simple, with colours that are seen as safe but also bold an innovative without threat. If we look for the way in which the design was inspired then we may be looking for a very difficult element, in other designs this may be more apparent, such as his advert for El Producto poster in 1953 we can see that there was a message of merry Christmas (Rand, 1953). The actual content of the design can be seen as imitating Christmas as the cigars which are depicted in them are cigar shaped but lot a great deal more interesting due to the fact they appear in Christmas designs such as we might expect to see on Christmas wrapping paper or decorations for the seen. The inspiration here is more easily observed, but this inspiration for IBM must has existed, yet describing his talent and style has been described by some as trying to catch lightening in a bottle, but we can see inspiration in the way that the logo was used once it had been designed (Hurlbert, 1979). His style was simplistic, and he took the inspiration form may sources, but the need for something that was not elaborate but served as functional is very clear in this design. In the way that posters were later designed to advertise IBM we start to see the inspiration of his humour and the way in which he would play ion words. This can be seen as making a great deal of sense as if we look at the way in which other Logos were also designed there was always an innovative way of the company initials being used to convey and communicate the idea of the company and to build up associations regarding the company. Therefore it is fair to assume that the play on words and the way in which the letters were all used were not only effective but also consciously used in such a way. With IBM the design is one that appears to be of technical specifications, but the humour was to come out later. In an advertisement where the logo was to be used there was a change which emphasised the way on which the logo could be immediately recognised, but would still gain attention rather than be brushed off due to its familiarity, in this Rand left the M, from IBM and replaced the I with and eye, and the B with a bee (Lange 1998). A play on words, but also on the perception of the product and brand as well as inspiration derived from the everyday world around us, but filled will psychological meaning, putting into place the quote from the beginning of this paper. However, the management of IBM prevented it ever seeing the light of day and being subjected to the customers critique as they did not believe if conveyed the IBM message It was not IBM (Lange 1998). The role he had on the industry as a result of successes like this was not kept to himself but communicated in the same medium as that of his work, through the printed word in many many manuals on how to design logos and polish their appearance (Lange 1998). In his own words the trademark should embody in the simplest form the essential characteristics of the product or institution being advertised (Rand, 2000). However, if also saw it as the designers job to be able to bring the formality down on occasion, and the way in which he is described as an idealist and a realist using the language of the poet and the businessman. He thinks in terms of need and function. He is able to analyse his problems, but his fantasy is boundless appears to embody the form and function where they both appear to be of importance, but the realism and the poetry are also very apparent (Hurlbert, 1979). If we try and see if there are any autobiographic aspects to this work this is a more difficult perspective simply du to the simplicity of the work, however the work in print can be seen as an aspect of his very early work when he was hired by Esquire magazine (Hurlbert, 1979). The humour that is apparent in the rejected IBM advertisement is also autobiographical as the way in which he sees the world was seen by many who met him as one which encompasses a large degree of humour as well as common sense (Hurlbert, 1979). In his early days there was a need for succinct design produced at a rapid rate for use in mails shoot advertising and magazine copy, but the need for the inclusion of artistic style was also recognised as many of his works were seen on a regular basis as the Art Directors Club (Hurlbert, 1979). If we compare this grounding with the IBM logo, there is both the simplistic that comes with the need for speed, but also the style and grace which can be seen as an aspect of art and design. The impression we get of the IBM logo is that it has always just been there, associated wit the company on such as basic level that we are apt to forget its origin for a man who started he career in the 1930s (Hurlbert, 1979). The symbolic content can also be recognised by the colours as well as the lines. / They appear to be very geometrically spaced, with a great deal of precision not only in the distance between each line, but also in the way that the letter line up. The white ion the blue background serves to emphasis this contrast and therefore gives an impression of precision that we now associate with the company. If we consider the way that he may have been influenced by others at the same time there is a little difficulty as he was seen as a leader rather than a follower, but the simplistic design can also be seen as functional for the reproduction as well as recognition. If we consider the work in relation to Rands other work then it is neither relatively significant or insignificant, it is a typical example of the way in which function and form were combined. From the advertising campaigns for bill boards and magazine cover designs as well as the logos there are some common characteristics, such as the idea of the simple being better than the complex, the ability of the design being something that the client as well as the customers can relate to. When we look at the other Logos this common thread is very well illustrated. However, we can argue that this one logo may also be significant as it is probably one of the best known examples of his work, recognised throughout the globe and still used today. The UPS insignia must also come a close second, but this also consists of the same characteristics, the simple designee, although a little more complex, is immediately identifiable, but in this case the symbolism is also more openly apparent. Other logos such as the Yale University one can be seen to have exactly the same style of simplistic function, where form is an art, and as such we can argue that the piece of work studied in this paper could have been substituted for any of his other works and the conclusions would be the same. Although he dies in 1996 the influence he has left on the art of graphic design has not reduced, his work is still studied and admired, and perhaps the best and most significant legacy is the continued use of the works from the man also known as papa logo. In many ways his work can still be seen as relevant, yet it was still as a result of the technology changes that he was able to form these images, and the effective nature of many may be seen as a result of the increased art of typography. Therefore, to understand the development of this we also need to consider the development of typography. IV. Typography Typography is seen in everyday life, from the newspapers we read, the television programmes we watch to the numbers on buses and the advertisements on the bill boards. To what typography consists of we need to look at the characteristics that are present in the lettering. There are many typefaces and different ways for those typefaces to be presented. It is in this development of typography we can argue that the computer has been great influence, allowing for more type faces to be developed and for the uses of these typefaces to be manipulated more easily. This has been a boon to the graphic artist, and in understanding the ability to develop an image as simple as a letter using the computer then we can appreciate the way that larger images many also be manipulated. These are used in practically all manifestations of graphical arts. The use of a type face creates an image, and even in an item as simple as a menu it has been proven to have a discernable effect on customer perceptions and resulting purchases that are made (Heimann, 1998). When we consider the purpose of typography it has to be seen as more than simply a communication of words, however if we break it down into its smallest component of typography can be seen in the following way The basic unit of all type design is the individual letter. Letters come together to form words, and words come together to form stories (Anonymous, 2000). This is the role of the graphic artist, to present an image that communicates, this may be story, a feeling a perception or just an image that will be recalled for a later association. It is in this last section off the quote that we can see that way the typography is used can convey a great deal about a story. For example if we see a film being advertised with typography that is jagged and looks like it is dripping with blood then we can automatically assume that it will be a horror movies of some sort. This is the message that is conveyed in the layout and design of the typography. The typography will be different on a romance than on a science fiction film, due to the different perceptions they create. The advances in the use of the computer here can be seen in the aiding of the design by trying out and manipulating designs without the need to keep making mock up posters and by trying out changes speedily at the click of a button. This can be seen as very useful in a number of ways, it reduces the materials used so that there are greater ranges of possibilitys at a lower cost. The time element is also much shorter, and as such the costs can be seen as proportionately lower. The need for an expert can also be seen as reduced, with the computer there is no longer the need for specific training as the range of programmes that can be used allow almost anyone with a typing skills can take on the task of a typographer. Therefore, the range of uses of these type faces and the extent of the styles can be seen as no long only the realms of the professional. Small businesses are able to produce their own business stationary and develop their own advertisements and literature, even a local parish or community magazine that used to be hand types can look like a professionally produced publication. However, when these are used there are still some very basic rules that are followed the advantage with the computer and the ability to see the layout before a publication is printed on a large scale can be to see that in the main even those without training or specific knowledge will follow them naturally. The ability to keep the readers attention is a combination of factors. The first will be the content of the text, and if we are looking at this from a purely typographical or graphical art perspective then this is not in the control of the typesetter (Anonymous, 2000). The design of the text and the size of the text are important as illegible text or test that is uncomfortable to read will loose the interest of the reader just as easily as boring content (Anonymous, 2000). The next items that need to be considered are not so obvious unless you look at a piece of typesetting where they are wrong, and then it becomes obvious. There are the line lengths and the spacing between the words and letters. It is these spacing between letters that can make a publications look professional. Until the computer was in many homes and small businesses the typing would be on a conventional type writer where the space between each letter is the same with no sense of proportion as seen in the courier and the courier new type faces (Anonymous, 2000). This fixed spacing has become associated with the home produced leaflets that were duplicated with duplicating machine or by the use of photocopiers has become less apparent as proportional fonts have been used, examples may be seen as the popular times new roman that is a well used font. The difference here is that the proportional basis of a font means that smaller letters, such as a i or an l will take up less rook than a w or an m, similar to the way handwriting takes place and the pattern is easier in the eye as apparent gaps between letters in the same word will all be the same (Will-Harris, 2000). In addition there will also be the element of the actual line spacing. If the lines are too close together the typeface, whatever it is will be difficult to read and there will be a crowding effect (Will-Harris, 2000). Again the use of the computer enable this to be seen and adjusted before any documents are even printed so out rarely becomes an issue (Will-Harris, 2000). There will also be issues such as the actual form of the entire setting as well as the quality of the reproduction, which may or may not be issues the typesetter will be involved in. However he how of the typesetting comes together to form a message and communicate an issue or an idea so in this way we can see that the typesetting can be as important as the content, get it wrong and people will not read it whatever it says (Will-Harris, 2000). However, if we are going to consider how the computer has influence the development of typography we can also look to the actual type fonts that are used. There are even programmes able now that can scan a persons handwriting and then code it into the computer as a type face or font so that it will be reproduced when typing. In a broader sense, there have been other wide scale developments directly due to the computer. The use of computers and the advent if they Internet have seen the development of a collection of new typefaces or fonts to cope with the individual situations and specific needs of this medium. Two fonts have been developed by Microsoft with this in mind. Mathew Carter was responsible for the development of Verdana which is a sans serif named after the verdant Seattle region (Will-Harris, 2000). The second is Georgia, a bright serif labelled due to a tabloid headline concerning alien heads allegedly found in the area of Georgia (Will-Harris, 2000). Verdana is easier to read on a screen as the x height is higher than normal giving the type face a larger appearance without the need for more space (Will-Harris, 2000). There is also special attention taken with the letters that are sometimes easily confused on screen such as i, l and j and I where the formations of the letters is slightly different, with slightly different height to distinguish them more easily (Will-Harris, 2000). Georgian is similar as it still has a higher x point, but not has high as Verdana, but is still retains an almost times new roam feel about it so it can be used in traditional circumstances, and again can be seen as easier to read simply because it has been designed specifically for the screen, yet they also reproduce well in print (Will-Harris, 2000). Therefore we can see how the computer has impacted on the development of typography, in the way it is used, developed and put together to the actual design of the fonts. It has come a long way in a short period of time, and is likely to go further, especially in the hands of the graphic artists, both in the design as well as in the use. There are also computer aided design packages that will develop new fonts, even for an amateur, such as handwriting fonts of an individual that are scanned in. Here we can see that there is a development with a cross over of the many different art forms and the way in which inspiration impacts on the art. To look to the future we have seen how there has been inspiration in the past, and how this has impacted on graphic art, The next stage must be to consider the way in which inspiration may be gained in the future. V. Inspiration The first factor we need to consider here is that the cross over of the different art forms is increasing, a graphic artist may use a camera or paints, a typographer may also be a graphic artist. Expression in the arts has always looked for new and innovative ways to be presented. This have often used newer and more radical as the forum for ideas and inspiration in the search for the ways in which to be inspired and find the spark required for creativity to take place. Just as in any other art form graphic design can be inspired or developed from what is seen around us and the every day mediums which we all come across. For example, we can consider the art of contemporary photography. The argument for the adoption and acceptance of contemporary photography techniques in graphic design can be that in contemporary photographs we may find more contrasts and forms which are suitable for graphic design. The way in which the pictures are framed and made up with different contents and contrasts in colours may also be more suitable to be adapted and changed rather than a traditional countryside view. They may be developed more appropriately. The best way to demonstrate this is to take two contemporary photographs and examine what may be gained from them by a graphic designer. The way in which they add to an idea or be developed to a specific outcome by providing a concept or a form from which the designer can work. Alternatively the way in which the photography may demonstrate to the graphic designer ways of working. The first photograph we will consider is Sandy Trails, was taken in 1999 by Tony Chumak and can be seen at http://tonychumakstudios. com/GallerySeries8/Tcs_Image_144-24X-A-L. asp. This is only on the boarders of contemporary photography. It is a landscape with a difference, in the centre of the landscape is a pattern in the sand which would normally be avoided by the photographer. This photograph demonstrates the way in which contemporary photography can capture texture and image, which is only available through this one medium. It is often said that art should convey a social message (Rich, 1998). This is true whether it is fine are or graphic design and whether the purpose of the work ids art or even advertising (Rich, 1998). The use of a photograph such as this can be used to convey many different types of message depending on the context n which the graphic designer is working By looking at this picture aspects suitable for graphic use can be seen. The contrast of the shades of sand caused by the lighting cast shadows which can almost appear alive and stark. Natural forms and shapes can lead to very pleasing and easy to use or interpret ideas for a designer. A shape formed by the wind of the sea flows and the graphic designer can take this line and simplicity and translate it to all manner of variable uses. Curves flow through the medium which is devoid of life forming shapes which approximately can be seen as more than waves, but of forms in the sand which can be placed together with a little imagination and thought. The adaptation of what is normally straight or fixed into a flowing contemporary shape has long been used in design.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

The Difficulty of Remembering Robert Browning :: Biography Biographies Essays

The Difficulty of Remembering Robert Browning      Ã‚  Ã‚   It is no great revelation that people primarily either want to be remembered or forgotten, they either want to be noticed or they want to disappear. And it's this binary that celebrities seem to struggle with all the time; constantly wanting to be in the spotlight and all the fame and glory that goes along with it. But once their integrity is compromised, they run and hide and declare their lives to be personal, out of view of the public eye. No one seems to contradict this binary of fame / seclusion more than poet Robert Browning. Although he wanted to be known and remembered, every conscious decision he made within his career seems to have prevented this.    Born in 1812, Robert Browning led a shielded suburban life, in the south of France (Damrosch, 1305). Both his parents were supportive and encouraging of his interests especially when, at the age of 14, he expressed an interest in poetry (Damrosch, 1305).   The poet that sparked Browning's interest in poetry was none other than Percy Bysshe Shelley. P.B. Shelley's poetry affected Browning greatly and even though Browning wasn't writing poetry yet at this time, Shelley was influencing him in other ways (Damrosch, 1305). Percy Shelley was a poet widely known for his radical ideas and beliefs; it was this recognition that most attracted Browning. Robert Browning's path to being a poet was not direct. It was because of Shelley that Browning found this path, but it would be years before he would begin writing (Damrosch, 1305). Browning tried many other career paths before publishing his first poem, among them art, music, law and business (Damrosch, 1305). He published his first poem anonymously at the age of 21 (Damrosch, 1305). It was titled Pauline and was poorly received (Damrosch, 1305). Publishing his first poem anonymously goes against Browning's desire to be well known. Over the next ten years, Browning published various plays and poems that were as poorly received as his first poem (Damrosch, 1305). But it was in 1842 that Browning would get much deserved recognition for his work

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Admission essay for Christian school

I was born and raised in a Christian family.   I used to go to the Presbyterian Church but early in my life I was really not that interested in knowing God.   I was a so-called Sunday Christian, who merely went through the routines and never really believed.   My belief was different because I believed that I can do everything through my own efforts without God’s help because I was not a real Christian.I had too much confidence and pride.   Pride motivated me to do things that I know are not very Christ-like: the same way that it influenced Adam and Eve to try to become like God (Gen. 3:5).   This made it very difficult for me and presented itself to be my undoing at certain times.   When I prayed to God, crying, I was able to feel God’s love and I believed that tears are symbol of His love at that time.   After that, I heard that God’s voice.He asked me â€Å"why are you weeping† just like John 20:13.   Finally, I realized that I need to r econcile my broken relationship with God, and now I am proud to say that God loves me still.   I began to understand from this experience that God dwells in the heart of me and I am a very humble man in the world.   Only humility can please God and place my life in a position where God will listen to me.My basis for my assurance of salvation and eternal life is John 17:25-26.   It appeals to me because it is about our motivation of love.   The heavenly Father loved His son with an eternal love.   Everything in the heart and life of the Father was released to His son.   No human love could keep Him perfectly obedient to His Father throughout His life.   Only His Father’s love was powerful enough to compel Him to commit His life to the saving purpose of His Father.  It is true that it is impossible for a Christian to be filled with this measure of love and not to be on mission with God.   I will be incapable of ministering unless I have His love.   I have be en changed completely through this verse.   I am pretty much sure that Jesus was crucified on a cross because He loves us.People who received Christ will get eternal life through him who sent by God to save us as Savior.   Like Jesus Christ loved each of us, I should love others.   This is only way that I could appreciate Jesus and my ultimate reason that I become a Christian to reward God’s infinite love.I have been in the United States for around three years.   When I was in Korea, God gave me an assurance of His leading so that I came to the United States without any doubt.   I feel that this is similar to the way that the people God used mightily in scripture were all ordinary people to whom He gave divine assignments that they never could have initiated (Genesis 12:1).  As God sent Abraham to out of his country to fulfill His purpose, I came to the United States to accomplish His purpose.I had been taught discipleship and spiritual growth as well as English i n Intercultural & Missions Institute for two years.   When I was in ESL course in Concordia University, I had a Bible study course with a teacher who belonged to IMI (Intercultural &Missions Institute).   I read the Bible at least two page everyday and shared the verse with my teachers.   Additionally, we chose Christian books to learn about who God is exactly and I had a Bible lecture.I am confident to state that God has been building my character to match His assignment for me.   It was difficult at the start because I was impatient to begin my work and I still was not sensitive to sin.   Sometimes, it was really hard to keep my relationship with God strong.   Whenever I felt those emotions, I would pray to God, and He would tell me, â€Å"Deny yourself.†Ã‚  I seriously thought that if I can’t overcome sin, I may choose a standard other than God’s law on which to base my life and it devastates everything nearby me.   I am sure, however, that God will refine my character if I keep trying not to commit sin.The other thing that I realized is that God’s Word is plumb line and it is a dangerous thing to live my life without spiritual â€Å"plumb line†, or standard, by which I determine right from wrong.   After I had become a real Christian, I always called sin a â€Å"mistake,† a â€Å"bad habit,† or a â€Å"weakness.†   So I couldn’t escape its grasp so far.   That is why I always felt sin has robbed my joy and guilty.Sometimes, the image of God was not love but fear.   However, I realized that I should not allow pride to convince me that it is too humiliating to admit the sin in my lives.   That can blind me to its presence.   As a Christian, I know that it is hard to live just like Jesus.   I will never give my Christian life up. W hen He tells me what His plans are, I will trust Him and walk closely with Him just like I did so far.My ultimate goal is to be able to lead a life in the manner that Jesus taught us.   I am still looking for God’s purpose to begin His assignment.   The reason that I chose Biola University is that it is only this school that can help me to grow spiritually and decide my major.   Moreover, I heard that I have to take biblical classes to graduate from Biola University.   I really like that curriculum of Biola University.  I am not majoring in Theology, but I officially would like to learn Theology if I will be able to study in Biola University.   Whatever God wants me to be, I am always ready follow him.   I am sure that my spiritual growth will be better as long as I am attending Biola University.   So I can contribute to let people know God as I studied in this school.   I want to lead a life worth living to help other people as a Christian.My main philosophy in life is to lead by setting an example. I cannot expect others to do what I myself would be willing to do but that does not mean that I cannot hope that others will see the example that I have shown them.This philosophy is one of the many forces that drive me to pursue my dream of pursuing my career and of becoming so much more in life.   The chance to help those who are less fortunate in life, the chance to help those in need, the opportunity to be of service to humanity; these are the reasons why I have selected this as the profession that I will pursue; for, as Eleanor Roosevelt once said, â€Å"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams†¦Ã¢â‚¬ 

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Corporate Social Responsibility (Csr)

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) COMPANY NAME: PETRODEC SDN BHD BY JUZITA MOHAMED ALIAS (2012) ContentsPage Executive Summary†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦3 1. 0 Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 4 2. 0 Company Backgroun-Petrodec Sdn Bhd†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 4 3. 0 Company Values †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 5 4. 0 Corporate Social Responsibility†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦5 5. 0 CSR Activities 2011†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦6 5. 1 Adopted School Sek Men (U) Al-Irsyad†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦6 5. 2 Welfare Activities Rumah Bakti Kulim†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 7 6. 0Next Year Plan à ¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 8 7. 0CSR Challenges†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦9 8. 0Conclusion and recommendation†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. References: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 10 Executive Summary Corporate social responsibility which is also known as CSR is a form of corporate self-regulated that has been integrated into a business model. It was started to be popular in 1960s to 1970s after being implemented by many multinational company. The focus on CSR in Malaysia has increased in recent years, in line with international trends. Although several companies have CSR programs that go back many years, in some cases decades, it has in recent years been possible to identify an increased awareness of the issue.The approach of CSR becomes widely accepted by community-based development approach. Today, more companies than ever before are recognizing the significance and value of integrating CSR into all aspects of their business operations and decision-making processes. Communities are seen as more than just a market for the roll-out of products and services. The long-term growth and profitability of companies are inextricably linked to the sustainability and well-being of the community. Petrodec Sdn Bhd is one of the company in Malaysia that committed to their CSR program.In year 2011, Petrodec had become more integrated in CSR where they had adopted SM (U) Al-Irsyad, Pulau Pinang and planned activities with Blind Associate in Kulim called Rumah Bakti. 1. 0Introduction This project starts with the importance of the CSR commitment to the company then followed by the background of the company, Petrodec Sdn Bhd. This will continue with the listed CSR activities done by Petrodec Sdn Bhd. Then it followed by the plan for next year and challenges faces by the company. Then it covers recommendation to conclude the whole program presented for year 2011. . 0Company Background-Petrodec Sdn Bhd Petrodec Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Focal 2000 Sdn Bhd ) was established on 21st April 2000 with a mission to provide a comprehensive range of engineering solutions and services in the construction industry. Petrodec Sdn Bhd has been registered with CIDB (G7) since year 2001 and PKK (Class A). Holding the paid up capital of RM1,000,000. 00, Petrodec Sdn Bhd is owned by two directors; En Mohd Zamri Bin Abdull Rahman and Tn Syed Lokman Bin Syed Idrus. Petrodec Sdn Bhd believes there is more to value than just the lowest price.Value means providing our clients with the highest quality product for the most economical price. Petrodec Sdn Bhd has worked hard to earn a reputation for quality work and integrity in dealing with clients, local authorit ies, suppliers and subcontractors. It’s believes in building value into relationships by using quality people and products. Their goal is to develop long lasting relationships based on trust, honesty and professionalism. The organization had worked hard to earn satisfaction and respect from customer as they believe in continuous relationship with customers.The basic philosophy of Petrodec Sdn Bhd is to offer oustanding services towards clients' goals and needs. The company provides a total package capability and solution to suit projects of any scale and magnitude. Its services will be characterized by a high standard of quality services. The company believes in the solidarity of its internal skills and knowledge in satisfying the needs of its clients (Petrodec Sdn Bhd, 2010). 3. 0Company values The values and principles are â€Å"Experience, Effective, Efficiency and Excellence † coupled with creative dynamism and vision will be the constant focus of the company †™ s work ethics. Petrodec Sdn Bhd, 2010) 4. 0Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) CSR is a form of corporate self-regulation integrated into business model. It starts to be popular in 1960s and early 1970s after multinational company really putting an effort to emphasis on CSR. Basically, the most successful and accepted CSR is the community-based development approach. In this approach, organization works with local communities to better themselves. The organization that is committed to employee development normally already practicing some of the CSR components.That organization that openly shares information with employees about a move toward downsizing, and then helps displaced employees find new jobs, is actively practicing CSR. Moreover, the organization that is committed to the production of safe, reliable, and innovative products or services in line with customer needs is strategically involved in CSR. CSR is, therefore, a management approach that takes into consideration a n integrated set of indicators that map the firm's impact within the its economic, society and environmental existence.Most importantly, findings from scientific research shows that CSR is essential for the long-term sustainability of an organization (Waldman, Sully, Washburn, & House, 2006). Company that narrowly pursue the profit motive, without concern for the broad spectrum of Stakeholders that are relevant to the long run, are increasingly shown to lack sustainability. But it’s not only important to realize the importance of these groups. Organizations must also be able to â€Å"connect the dots† and understand how various Stakeholders, and the satisfaction of their needs, represent interrelated challenges.To some multinational companies and large organizations, they might have an established CSR that brings a significant impact to the company and community surrounded area. However to a small company they might have a different ways to involve with CSR activities. For Petrodec Sdn Bhd commitment to engage with CSR activities is important to ensure business continuity. It is a social obligations to contribute some and to be part of the society. The company hopes to share some of community pain in the welfare activities.On the other hand, Petrodec is a construction company that have to engage with the community throughout the duration of project completion. It is understood, whenever a constructions works involve, there always be uncomfortable situations to the involve society. Projects like earthwork clearing, building constructions, roads constructions and many more would always be unavoided disturbance to the people stay around the constructions area. Therefore, involvement with society will make them understand the situation and understand why the work need to be done at that area. 5. 0CSR Activities 2011Petrodec Sdn Bhd activities are divided into categories. First category is the adopted school and the second one is the welfare activitie s. Petrodec had chosen Sek Men (U) Al-Irsyad as the adopted school when they started the construction project to build new hostel. The welfare activities carried out at Rumah Bakti in Kulim town which is the only Muslim Blind Associate in Malaysia. 5. 1Adopted School- Sek Men (U) Al-Irsyad Sek Men (U) Al-Irsyad is located at Pokok Sena, Pulau Pinang. In 2009, Petrodec had been awarded to build hostel for the student that can occupied 200 students.It is also included room for warden and activity rooms. The duration for this project carried out for two years. It is long enough for the company to support the school activities. The school had their planned a lot of good programs to develop their students. But to ensure all activities can be run successfully, they need certain budget. So Petrodec had put up the initiative to volunteer to contribute RM10,000. 00 to ensure all their program smooth throughout the year. However, Petrodec only handover the RM10,000. 00 and the school had full authorities to use the money to run all the program as their planned and presented earlier.Petrodec had not engaged personally during the activities. Speech competition, motivation activities, outdoor activities, external speaker comes for motivation talks and graduation celebration are parts of the activities that had been carried out throughout the year. 5. 2Welfare Activites- Pusat Latihan Rumah Bakti Kulim (The Blind Association) Rumah Bakti Kulim (the blind association) is the only training center for muslim blind association in Malaysia. It’s accommodates around 20 people which is blinds that stayed in this Rumah Bakti.All of them are teenagers who poor vision or blinds, and orphan. Petrodec had participate actively in their activites and involve personally in the activities. Total of RM20,000. 00 was granted throughout the year but it was given when the program are planned. In 2011, there are three major activities had been carried out. Two activities had joined event with Malaysian Estima Owners Group (MEOG) to had more people involve. The first event was held a week before HariRaya Aidilfitri 2011 which is on 20th August 2011. The total budget for this event around RM6,000. 00.The MEOG team prepared the food for evening meal to break their fast, transportation (Estima) to bring the blinds to function house which is held at Kulim Golf Residents and Petrodec prepared cash donation, baju kurung and baju melayu for all the blinds. Total of 24 blinds received the cash donation and clothes on that day. Total 100 attendees participate in the event. It a very simple but a meaning full event. All the Petrodec staffs and MEOGians served the for the blinds, perform the maghrib prayers and then proceed with the clothes and cash donations sessions.It was conclude to be one of the most successful event to MEOG and Petrodec Sdn Bhd this year. The second activity was activity korban on Aidil Adha. It was done on 9th November 2011 at Rumah Bakti Kulim. Total b udget allocated was RM3,600. 00. This activity also a joined effort with MEOG. Rumah Bakti staff cooked for lunch for invited guest which included all the blinds at Rumah Bakti, Petrodec Sdn Bhd Staff and MEOGians. Korban meat was then distributed to poor people and included the residents of Rumah Bakti.The meat for Rumah Bakti will be stored properly as that will be their food stock until year end and early of first quarter next year. This is due to normally it was the last contributions received from outside organizations for that year. Next year contribution will be received later in February. For day to day income, the blinds will continue living with their own income either from massage service and photostat service run inhouse. The third activity was to hire Tahfiz to teach the blind tahfiz Al-Quran. As they cannot read Al-Quran, therefore they have to hire Tahfiz for the purpose of learning Al-Quran.This activity start in November and RM700. 00 was allocated for the Tahfiz mo nthly salary. 6. 0Next Year Plan To ensure CSR activities continuity, Petrodec Sdn Bhd already presented next year plan to the board. Eventhough the budget still under approval by board of directors, the team will continue to look forward for the benefits of the company and the involve community. There are two plans for next year, which are to build prayer room at Rumah Bakti. It is estimated around RM30,000 needed. Petrodec also will continue to adopt school but it might change to another school.The suggestion will be SK St Anne’s Convent, Kulim. Petrodec had suggested to do activities such as career week during activity week after UPSR 2012. The school will call professionals to give a talk about their career and share with the schools why is it their job is important to the society. Another activity will be participate in Hari Kantin where the Petrodec Sdn Bhd team will be coaching on the entrepreneurship to the students. 7. 0CSR Challenges CSR activities need all the part icipants actively involve during the activities to ensure it is meaningful to the community.This would be the biggest challenge to Petrodec Sdn Bhd as the company had a very limited headcount to perform their work and at the same time participate in the CSR activities. Thus, with limited resources such as small budget, time and material also had become the constrains to run CSR in more proper manner. Most of the activites had to be on adhoc basis rather than a well plan schedule. This is also can be constrains due to limited resources. However, the company had worked hard to close the gaps in ensuring the activities run smooth. 8. 0Conclusion and RecommendationCSR is part of social commitment that company need to actively engage and participate. The company might have focus the CSR activities to the project area or to the community surrounded the organizations. Then only it will be meaningful to the people stay around the area. Reference Petrodec Sdn Bhd. (2010). Annual Report 2010. , (p. 10). Petrodec Sdn Bhd. (2010). Company Profile. Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Waldman, D. , Sully, M. , Washburn, N. , & House, R. (2006). Cultural and Leadership preditors of Corporate Social Responsibility values of top management: A Globe Study of 15 Countries. Journal of International Business Studies , 823-837.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Types of Teachers Most Students Love and Hate

Types of Teachers Most Students Love and Hate Hashtag: #OdioAlProfesorQue (I hate the teacher who..) Types of Teachers Most Students Love and Hate There are different types of teachers in the college realm and some of them belong to the type that most students would love.   These are teachers who are not so strict when it comes to class discipline, crack jokes in class, just check the attendance and do not even teach. However, there are teachers who take their job seriously, too strict, give students so many requirements, and teach in a style some students hate. Teaching, according to the literature is undoubtedly not an easy job as teachers need to blend and leave a mark on students who have varying views and diverse culture. Moreover, students learn in various ways and therefore requiring an application of specific teaching style. However, since not all teachers can offer all the teaching styles, students will always love or hate a teacher. Study of the teacher’s characteristics that have positive effects on college students suggest that most students like teachers who are always coming to class prepared, creative in the way he or she teach the class, fair in both student treatment and grading, funny, have a very positive attitude about being a teacher, and have high expectations for all students. Moreover, teachers who respect and never embarrass any student in front of the class, make students feel welcome and comfortable, approachable and with a sense of humor, showing compassion and genuine concern about students problems are the most loved and memorable among college students. In contrast, teachers who let their students take responsibility for their learning; making no effort to teach or help the class understand the course material, making destructive criticism and comparisons about low and top-scoring students in front of the class are mostly despised and remembered for their misbehavior and ineffectiveness. Good and Bad Classroom Teaching Behaviors Good classroom teaching behaviors such as those mentioned earlier  can be viewed as the leading edge of teaching and most likely have a positive impact on students’ feelings and attitude towards their teacher. In contrast, classroom teaching behaviors that are based on the false notion that public disclosure and personal attacks on students would motivate and improve their performance are not only unprofessional and ineffective but make students hate the teacher and the class. Study of the benefits of good classroom teaching behavior suggests that college students often appreciate a good teacher and developed negative feelings toward the poor teacher. A good teacher in their view is the one who induces a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere in class, contribute more to their learning, confident in students’ ability to learn, genuinely care and promote students’ interest in the material and motivation to come to his or her class and learn. A poor teacher for these students, on the other hand, is one who induces mistrust and a tense classroom atmosphere contributes little to their learning, lowers their self-esteem and restrains their ability to learn. A human relation approach to teaching can help teachers avoid the negative impact of ineffective teacher-students relationship. For instance, since most students have varying learning needs and cultural preferences, a caring teacher is more likely to succeed than an irate one practicing bigotry in his or her class.   In fact, the teaching requirements in human relations-oriented teaching such as creating supportive classroom atmosphere, helping and guiding students in resolving course-related problems, encouraging participation and collaboration in class are almost similar to beneficial classroom teaching behavior discussed earlier.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Army Accountability Essays

Army Accountability Essays Army Accountability Essay Army Accountability Essay The U. S. Army values soldiers that are accountable for their actions. Being accountable means being dependable In Bravo company we do monthly toolbox inventories In every tool and toolbox In not accounted for than an sit storm from the higher up Just lands right In our laps all the way from the company commander down accountability not only has to do with your specific but It Is very Important In your day to day Army life Being accountable means being dependable-arriving to work and politeness on time, meeting meanness, Delve In ten relent place at ten relent time, doing the right thing at the right time. It is not only the major tasks that you do that show your character but all the little things is what adds up to show who you really are the Army values which are loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, arsenal courage accountability closely relates to three of the seven values duty it is your duty to be accountable for all your equipment no matter what it be tools, TA-50, weapon, or anything as well as your actions. Respect it shows respect to your leadership because they do everything they can to make sure you have everything you need and take care of all things you need to do so they work so hard to do all of these things you can at least show them a little respect by being accountable for all equipment and your actions. Integrity it shows you have integrity by being accountable for the mistakes you make no one person is perfect we all are going to make mistakes and you be a man and own up to them it show you have integrity. The soldiers Creed also falls in with accountability always maintain my arms, my equipment and now this quote means that your equipments will always be in proper working condition and you will always know of the whereabouts of your equipment which is accountability these are things that be swore to live by every day when we became American soldiers there is no place in army for personnel who cant be accountable for themselves and their sit

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Find Glyphs and Icons for Application, Menu, Toolbar in Delphi

Find Glyphs and Icons for Application, Menu, Toolbar in Delphi A glyph in Delphi lingo is a bitmap image that can be displayed on a BitBtn or SpeedButton controls using the controls Glyph property. Glyphs and icons (and graphics in general) make your application user interface elements look professional and unique. Delphi controls and the VCL allow you to easily setup toolbars, menus and other user interface elements with custom graphics. Glyph and Icon Libraries for Delphi applications When you install Delphi, by design two image libraries are installed also. The standard Delphi bitmap and icon sets which you can locate in the Program Files\Common Files\CodeGear Shared\Images folder and a third-party GlyFx set. The GlyFX pack contains a large number of icons selected from many of the GlyFx stock icon sets, as well as wizard images and animations. The icons are supplied at various sizes and formats (but not all sizes and formats are included for all icons). GlyFx pack can be found in the \Program Files\Common Files\CodeGear Shared\Images\GlyFX folder. More Delphi Tips   Create Delphi Form from a StringDrag a Delphi Form Without the Caption BarUnderstanding the Birth, Life and Death of a Delphi Form

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Harmonization of Commercial Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Harmonization of Commercial Law - Essay Example 1. Preamble Law is vital to dealing with any disputes that arise out of human interaction. Over the centuries, laws have been developed to facilitate human activities in myriad spheres including business and commercial transactions. In the earliest days such laws were generally confined to regional borders and other such boundaries where a single government had enough authority to enforce such laws. However, increasing human interaction necessitated the expansion of trade to beyond frontiers where any one government operated thus leading to a certain liquidity in international business and commerce. On the one hand such liquidity has helped businesses to grow and expand into newer markets and on the other hand these interactions have resulted in disputes that are not covered by the regular cover of law. The historical evolution of laws in various nations and cultures has meant that laws are differentiated around the world. Hence, national laws may not be able to provide legal cover i n transnational and international commercial interactions. In order to deal with this problem there has been talk and action to develop a harmonised set of laws that govern international commercial transactions. ... In order to boost enforceability there has been a teeming move to harmonise such laws so that each nation or other such territorial or other such distinction has uniform laws. This approach to commercial international law has resulted in yet more unique circumstances than ever before. Nations and other such entities have begun framing laws to govern international commercial transactions which are merely similar in nature. It has been argued that these laws are more of a problem in themselves rather than a solution to the predicament at hand. The laws dealing commercial international transactions are seen to be inherently flawed in the manner that they are drafted and enforced in leading to more problems than before. In order to deal with this dilemma it has been suggested that the more appropriate approach would be to devise methods that would encourage states to draft and enforce private dispute laws in the context of international commercial transactions. The current approach relie s heavily on delineating various rights, roles and responsibilities of parties involved in international commercial transactions rather than dealing with dispute resolution upfront. It has been suggested that international commercial law can be simplified if the enforcing government concentrates on dispute resolution than delineating rights because it would allow involved parties to make better contractual choices. This text will attempt to analyse this claim in relation to international commercial law by looking at how harmonisation is supposed to function in principle and how it is actually being used. The shortcomings in current law harmonisation techniques will be looked into fully including drafting and enforcing laws. This will be taken further into

Friday, October 18, 2019

Corporate Profits versus the Protection of Natural Environment Essay

Corporate Profits versus the Protection of Natural Environment - Essay Example Therefore, it is advisable that while organizations work towards increasing their profit margins and expanding their businesses, they should as well put in place measures to protect and conserve the natural environment, as the latter is more important than any aspect in the business world (Sharfman, Shaft & Tihanyi, 2004 p. 23). This paper seeks to analyze the significance of profits and protection of the natural environment in an organization, clearly the most important of them while at the same time discussing the impact of media involvement on this issue. According to Steiner & Steiner (2012 p. 567), virtually all organizations set up with the sole aim of making profits within a given business environment. While profits play an important role in determining the solvency or otherwise of the said organization, it is imperative to consider that profits do not come from vacuum. The accumulation of profits and the conservation of the natural environment are an inseparable pair that ena bles corporates to operate their businesses in a sustainable manner. It is true that no business can survive without making profits that will sustain it even in times of economic hardships and propel its growth and expansion. That said it is apparent that the need to make profits is crucial to all businesses more than any aspect within the business concept, as this is the driving force (Sharfman, Shaft & Tihanyi, 2004 p. 26). ... Due to the significant aspect attached to profits within the corporate world, it serves to say that urge to make profits can never be overestimated, the approach notwithstanding (Sharfman, Shaft & Tihanyi, 2004 p. 30). The concept of environmental protection and sustainable development has been with us for a while, at least in the wake of concerns about global warming. Natural environment is important in that virtually every business enterprise and all organizations derive part of their resources directly or indirectly from the environment (Michalisin & Stinchfield, 2010 p. 138). Organizations may use natural resources as their raw materials or products from natural resources for their production processes. Perhaps it would be appropriate to confess at this point that the protection of the natural environment is more important than the need to make profits. Since the most businesses have their operations surrounded by the natural environment, they ought to take into consideration the impact of their activities on the natural environment (Steiner & Steiner, 2012 p. 537). In the recent past, the world has been very conscious on the environment especially due to the adverse effects of climate change, a revolution that has affected most businesses across the globe. More environmental organizations like the UNEP and the NRDC have advocated for sustainable development and have particularly put up a spirited campaign for the adoption of clean energy and cleaner production (Natural Resources Defense Council, 2013 para. 4). The environmental issue has gained more support prevalence especially in the business world where the rating of business enterprises is based on their efficiency in production and

Pablo Picasso's Illustrations of Balzac's The Unknown Masterpiece Essay

Pablo Picasso's Illustrations of Balzac's The Unknown Masterpiece - Essay Example The essay "Pablo Picasso's Illustrations of Balzac's The Unknown Masterpiece" explores Pablo Picasso’s illustration of Balzac’s â€Å"The unknown masterpiece†. It is an edition of a short story by Honore de Balzac. This perception is dependent on the point from which the painting is viewed. The painter is obsessed with his work in which he has considerably spent a long time struggling to complete. Surprisingly, two painters who have been secretly admiring this painter’s work are dumbfounded as they cannot get a clear picture of what the work is. Pablo Picasso, a widely known Spanish painter and sculptor, is fascinated by the mystery behind this art work rendering homage to this kind of creativity. And as part of his printmaking etchings, he writes an accompaniment illustrating the Balzac’s work â€Å"The unknown masterpiece.† Studies done by various scholars reveal that Picasso’s works have had great impacts on the styles of many artis ts even to date. This paper discusses Pablo Picasso’s illustrations of Balzac’s â€Å"The Unknown Masterpiece† of 1931. Honore de Balzac’s â€Å"the unknown masterpiece† featured in the seventeenth century at a French studio in Paris. First published in 1831 by Balzac in a Parisian newspaper â€Å"L’Artiste†, the story reveals a lesson expounding on the statement â€Å"beneath the lines of every book is a face†. In this story, a young artist by the name Nicolas Poussin and his guide Francoise Porbus arrive in the studio of the era’s renowned painter, Master Frenhofer.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Final Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Final - Assignment Example As a successful executive, I will think outside-the-box to come up with creative solutions to organizational problems and foster an open work environment where employees contributions are part of the solution. By allowing a flexible approach to problem solving, I will foster a workplace where creativity and different approaches to addressing a problem,no matter how different the ideas defer from the accepted norm,will all be considered In order to lead effectively as a manager needs,I need to learn to master the four basic functions of management; planning,organizing,leading and controlling. An effective leader will always be very good at listening;it is an unappreciated management skill that leads to a better understanding of the problems at hand,be it personal or organizational. Of the tree basic management skills previously mentioned,the most important attribute a manager needs is to develop in order to succeed is effective leadership skills . The key to effective leadership, managing diverse individuals and complex situations effectively is to master four of the basic functions of management;planning,organizing,leading and controlling. As a manager,the first step is to analyze the situation or problem at hand and formulate a plan which best addresses the needs of the project. It is important to me as a business profession to become proficient at analyzing complex situations and coming up with innovative solutions to a problem. In order to hone my analytic and planning skills,applying the same level of care and analysis to certain everyday problems will help me become better at analyzing and planning solutions in my future professional career. In the organizing phase as a manager, I must be able to evaluate the employee skill-sets as well as identify the most suitable individuals for a specific tasks. Through taking the initiative to become a leader in any group environment

Child Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Child Development - Essay Example This is what will be dissertated in the following. The study of child development truly and utterly encompasses that of all the human aspects of human growth from birth to adolescence, and this includes that of the progressive elaboration of the child's intellectual skills; personality development, involving the complex interaction between psychosocial factors and the stage-by-stage development of the body; and socialization, the process by which children adjust to society and its demands. As well, "Child development information can help parents know when they are expecting too much from a child as well as become aware of lags in development that may benefit from professional help." (Child Development Institution, 2006). The child development process begins at birth, and there is one matter that needs to be begun at the birth and then carried on throughout the child's life; this is the fact that you need to play with your child. While children are going to need their own space and thus have play time alone or with other children, research has shown that playtime with parents is truly also essential. Children actually crave playtime with their parents, and playing with your child is a bond that will last forever. There are many benefits that come from playing with your child as well, and that includes the fact that "It lets the child know he or she is loved and appreciatedas wellIt opens the door for sharing problems and concerns when the need arisesfurthermoreIt is also a great stress reducer for overworked parents." (Child, 2006). There are certain development milestones as well that are incredibly important to recognize, and this too begins right from the birth of the child, and then carries on th rough until adolescence. These developmental milestones include that of several different categories in particular, including: motor, speech, vision and hearing, and social development. We will being with the age of 4-6 weeks, which the child should be able to smile at the mother; 6-8 weeks the child should be able to vocalize at least a little bit; at 3 months, the child should be able to hold their head up for prolonged periods, with no grasp reflex, they should be talking a great deal, be able to follow dangling toys from side to side and be able to turn their head around, and they should be able to squeal with pleasure appropriately and discriminate smile; at 5 months, the child should be able to hold head steady, go for objects and get them, enjoy vocal play, smile at their mirror image; at 6 months, the child should be able to transfer objects from one hand to the other, be able to pull self up to sit and be able to sit erect with supports, be able to pronounce double syllable sounds such as 'mumum' and 'dada', localize sound 45cm lateral to either ear, and they may show 'stranger shyness'; at 9-10 months, the child should be wiggling and crawling, they should be able to sit unsupported, and be able to pick up objects with a pincer grasp, they should be ab

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Final Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Final - Assignment Example As a successful executive, I will think outside-the-box to come up with creative solutions to organizational problems and foster an open work environment where employees contributions are part of the solution. By allowing a flexible approach to problem solving, I will foster a workplace where creativity and different approaches to addressing a problem,no matter how different the ideas defer from the accepted norm,will all be considered In order to lead effectively as a manager needs,I need to learn to master the four basic functions of management; planning,organizing,leading and controlling. An effective leader will always be very good at listening;it is an unappreciated management skill that leads to a better understanding of the problems at hand,be it personal or organizational. Of the tree basic management skills previously mentioned,the most important attribute a manager needs is to develop in order to succeed is effective leadership skills . The key to effective leadership, managing diverse individuals and complex situations effectively is to master four of the basic functions of management;planning,organizing,leading and controlling. As a manager,the first step is to analyze the situation or problem at hand and formulate a plan which best addresses the needs of the project. It is important to me as a business profession to become proficient at analyzing complex situations and coming up with innovative solutions to a problem. In order to hone my analytic and planning skills,applying the same level of care and analysis to certain everyday problems will help me become better at analyzing and planning solutions in my future professional career. In the organizing phase as a manager, I must be able to evaluate the employee skill-sets as well as identify the most suitable individuals for a specific tasks. Through taking the initiative to become a leader in any group environment

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Entrepreneurship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Entrepreneurship - Essay Example Architecture for Humanity is one such institute. It was started in1999 by two individuals, Cameron Sinclair and Kate Stohr, out of their entrepreneurial spirit (Sinclair, 11). The initial concept was to search for architectural remedies to some humanitarian calamities and avail design services to populations in need. They planned to create openings and avenues through which architects and designers all over the globe would respond to humanitarian catastrophes. To achieve this, they planned to work through various forums and organize various activities such as collaborations with other firms and groups, workshops and competitions. However, regardless of various undertakings since 1999, they had not succeeded in building a single structure till after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on World Trade Centre (Sinclair, 11). They had humble beginnings and for four years were working from a small office cubicle in New York that was only 4 sq. ft. Motivated by their vision of responding and alleviating the suffering of people in humanitarian crises, they undertook various activities and ventures most at times they were strained resource-wise. First, they launched a competition to design provisional housing units for refugees in Kosovo in which they planned to build few units for refugees in Kosovo. The plans went well and raised a substantial amount of cash as well as creating awareness and building new affiliations (Sinclair, 13). Though they never constructed the houses for the refugees due to restrictions by the Kosovo government, the money went to charity through another organization- War Child. Other projects they have undertaken venture include outreach program – a Programme to fight HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa through mobile clinics (Sinclair, 13). Other activities include response to both natural and artificial debacles such as earthquakes, floods, catastrophes caused by war and other human conflicts. Design Corps is

Monday, October 14, 2019

Family theories Essay Example for Free

Family theories Essay In this answer, I am going to discuss about the conjugal relationship in modern industrial societies. This means I will assess the claim that conjugal relationships are based on equality in modern industrial societies. I plan to structure my answer from housework and childcare, power and money management. The hours worked between husband and wife become more equal by the increased participation by women in the labour market have led to more equality in modern family life. This view is highly supported by many sociologists like Young and Willmott who suggest that the family is becoming more symmetrical and therefore, is in fact becoming more egalitarian via a ‘march of progress. ’ They suggest that the family is gradually improving in terms of equality as there has been a trend away from segregated conjugal roles and more of a shift towards joint ones. This they argue is due to major social changes in that women are more financially dependant with employment opportunities and so there is less of a need to rely on extended kin. This is further explained by Gershuny who suggests that because women have these employment opportunities, they are more likely to do less domestic work. This is shown by the item as it suggests that ‘men were making more of an effort to do housework when their wives were in full-time employment. By this change of position for women, it has meant that men are now more responsible for different household tasks therefore suggesting that equality within modern family life is evident and so this view seems correct. He emphasises the change in social values as a reason for this which is also supported by Sullivan’s study (2000) which found an increase in equal division of labour. This supports Young and Willmott’s ‘march of progress’ view that conjugal roles are becoming more symmetrical; thus suggesting that the view of equal gender roles and relationships is likely. Also, due to post-modern society, there are better living conditions compared to those during industrialisation and so this has drawn the men back into the family and thus has enabled them to help with housework and childcare as well as providing leisure time; enhancing equality in relationships. The social changes have meant that equality is becoming evident and so the statement seems highly likely. However, the functionalist view of equality in modern family life has been highly criticised particularly by feminists like Ann Oakley (1974). Oakley rejects the ‘March of progress’ view described by Young and Willmott as she suggests that this is simply exaggerated as we still live in a patriarchal society where women do most of the housework. She suggested that the methodology used by Young and Willmott was hardly convincing as their questions lacked in detail. In Oakley’s research, she found only 15% of husbands had a high participation in housework, showing how the statement is flawed as this clearly does not show evidence of equality in relationships and gender roles. Despite Gershuny suggesting that paid work entitled equality for women, Oakley suggested that this was only an extension of the housewife role. Therefore, unlike Parsons claim of a ‘natural’ role, feminists argue that this was socially constructed to enforce dependence on men which became worse with industrialisation as it forced women to stay within the home. Thus, it is clear that joint conjugal roles are not as ‘joint’ as functionalists initially suggested they were as the social changes have only exacerbated the role of women suggesting this so called equality does not exist. Besides, other feminists like Elsa Ferri and Kate Smith (1996) suggest that the changed position of women in terms of employment has only created a dual burden as they now have to undertake paid work as well as the unpaid housewife role. Ferri and Smith suggest that unlike Gershuny, increased employment has had little impact of the domestic labour as fewer than 4% of families had a father responsible for childcare. Therefore, women still remain responsible for the children as well as their employment responsibility; clearly suggesting that modern family life is not as equal as it seems. The dual burden is also supported by Dunscombe and Marsden’s theory of a triple burden in that women are expected to do the double shift of housework and paid work but also the caring of the emotional welfare of the family. This clearly disputes Gershuny’s idea that women are more equal due to employment as the triple burden means that they in fact gain more responsibilities than losing them. Next, feminists ‘point to inequalities of power and control that persist in modern family relationships’ as a key reason for inequality; again challenging the statement. Allan suggests that ideological factors limit women’s power in that they are ‘disadvantaged from the start. ’ This suggests that the family is always going to be founded on inequality; thus suggesting that the view of equality is limited. This is supported by Barrett and McIntosh who suggest that men gain far more from women’s domestic work than they give in financial support and that in turn this support often comes with ‘strings’ attached. Also, men are usually the ones who make decisions about finances despite some families being dual-earners. This is due to the fact that women are statistically still paid on average less than men; enhancing male economic power. Therefore you can question the extent of equality in modern family life. Resources are also said to be shared unequally like Kempson’s (1994) study among low-income families. This leaves women in poverty and so restricts their power in the family which creates an atmosphere of inequality in conjugal relationships. This is further explained by feminists Pahl and Vogler (1993) who focused on the effects of decision making within the family through ideas like ‘pooling’ and ‘allowance systems. They found a 31% increase in pooling where both partners have joint decision responsibility as well as a decline in allowance systems. However, it was still evident that men usually made huge financial decisions. Edgell also supports this as the levels of decision making are not equal due to the male economic power that still exists. Therefore, women have less say in the decisions and thus it is obvious that the view that gender roles and relationships are becoming more equal is incorrect as inequality in pay and decisions still exist. Similarly, this inequality of power has led to domestic violence which clearly shows how inequality is evident in that relationships are being gender dominated. Radical feminists like Millett and Firestone (1970) use domestic violence as a way to show that society is primarily founded on patriarchy and that men oppress and exploit women. They suggest that the inequality of power within the family maintains men’s power and so domestic violence is inevitable. Similarly, Dobash and Dobash suggest that marriage legitimises violence against women as it provides the male with power and the women with dependency, therefore evidently showing no signs of equality. Thus, this disputes the statement of gender roles and relationships becoming more equal with 1 in 4 women being assaulted in their lifetime according to Mirrlees-Black. Finally, childcare which is essentially about exercising responsibility for another person who is not fully responsible for herself and it entails seeing to all aspects of the child’s security and well-being, her growth and development at any and all times. Mary Boulton ( 1983 ) argues the exaggeration in the extent of men’s involvement in childcare and she denies that questions about who does what give a true picture of conjugal roles. She also claims that although men might help with particular tasks, it is their wives who retain primary responsibility for children. It is the wives who relegate non-domestic aspects of their lives to a low priority. This shows that there is still inequality in terms of childcare in conjugal relationships. In addition, Elsa Ferri and Kate Smith provide some empirical support for Boulton by conducting a study based on National Child Development Survey. The survey found it was still very rare for fathers to take primary responsibility for childcare. In both the sample of mothers and the sample of fathers it was very rare in dual-earner families, no-earner families or families where only the mother worked, for the man to be normally responsible for the children or to look after them when they were ill. In almost every category the man was the main carer in 4 percent or less of families. This is also supported by the radical feminist idea of ‘gender scripts’ in that there are expected norms in terms of gender roles and so patriarchal relationships are inevitable. Therefore, they suggest that equality without burdens will only be reached through same-sex relationships as this eliminates the ‘gender script’ idea. Thus, this enhances the inequality of the family, and suggests that the view that conjugal relationships are becoming more equal is in fact incorrect as the inevitability of patriarchal relationships means that equality cannot be established. In conclusion, I have discussed and assessed the view that conjugal relationships are based on equality in modern industrial societies by evaluating three sections which are hours worked, power and childcare. With all of the statement, I believe that conjugal relationships in modern industrial societies are not based on equality.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Pay And Reward Management In Practice Management Essay

Pay And Reward Management In Practice Management Essay Introduction Before undertaking a critical analysis of collective and individual pay systems and how these systems have been affected by key socio- economic changes in Britain over the past thirty years, it is important to first define the meaning of pay, reward/ reward management, collectivism and individualism. From here the author will consider the key socio-economic factors that have influenced the change in practice and look at the development of reward management within the context of personal development. Pay, Reward, Collectivism and Individualism Pay is used to denote the wages, salaries or fees paid by employers in return for the provision of labour. (Hollinshead, Nicholls and Tailby, 1999, p. 332) The concept of reward has developed over the last twenty five years and has evolved from the concept of basic pay. Reward management involves the analysis and effective control of employee remuneration and covers salary and all benefits. It assesses the nature and extent of rewards and the way they are delivered as well as considering their effect on both the organisation and staff. (Cornwell website, 2007) Reward management therefore is a strategic pay control system, which is central both to the organisation and to the management of Human Resources within that organisation. The term Reward Management was coined by Armstrong and Murliss in 1988 and they and other scholars support the view that: Reward management is not just about money. It is also concerned with those non financial rewards which provide intrinsic or extrinsic motivation. ( Armstrong and Murliss, 1988, p.12) Collectivism or Collective Bargaining is the process of negotiation between unions and employers regarding the  terms and conditions of employment  of employees, and about the rights and responsibilities of trade unions. It is a process of rule making, leading to joint regulation. (Eurofound website, 2007). Collective Bargaining is fundamentally a representative process, in which Trade Unions, who represent the employee, negotiate with key organisational personnel i.e. managers, who represent the organisation, in order to reach agreement on the terms and conditions of employment. According to the WERS Report 2004 Inside the Workplace, collective bargaining is most prevalent in large organisations. The term Individualist, Performance Related Pay or Contingent Pay is the standard term used to describe schemes for providing financial rewards which are related to individual performance, competence, contribution or skill. (Armstrong and Stephens, 2005, p.231) Socio Economic Considerations Before delving into the detail of collectivism and individualism, it is important to look at the socio-economic changes that have taken place over the last thirty years. The rise of Thatcherism and the focus on the personal society and the concept of market forces have played a significant part in the changes to pay and reward within the workplace. The Thatcherist doctrine of the 1980s was heavily focussed on curbing the power of the Trade Unions. This she successfully achieved, but at some cost to certain elements of society. Although, still significant players, trade unions are not now as influential as they once were. For example, According to the findings of the WERS Report 2004 Inside the Workplace, the decrease in the number of Trade Union representatives (particularly within non public sector and small work places) between 1988 and 2004, has lead to a decline in collective power. Additionally, the report noted that pay issues were far less likely to be discussed in workplace consultative committees, if a Trade Representative was not present. Again, this demonstrates a move towards a new pay orthodoxy. Margaret Thatcher viewed market forces as a means to promote healthy businesses and expose the weaker ones, seeking to create an entrepreneurial society, with a focus on individual success and performance. This has been the prevalent idea since the mid 1980s and has influenced workers expectations of reward. (BCC website, 2004) The following extract from the Guardian, gives a helpful summary of the economic changes brought about under Thatcher:- The Conservative economic revolution of the 1980s casts a long shadow. It broke the power of organised labour, deregulated the economy and opened it up to global market forces. Geoffrey Howes 1981 austerity budget of public spending cuts and tax increases pitched Britain into mass unemployment and helped destroy the last vestiges of the post war welfare consensus. In 1978 there were 7.1 million employed in manufacturing, by 2008 that had fallen to 3 million. There has been no significant private investment in the de-industrialised regions. They have still not recovered their social fabric or productive economies and are now sustained by government spending. (The Guardian website, February 2010) There are four points to highlight from this quotation:- The rise of individual entrepreneurialism The reduction in the power of the Unions The break-up of large organisations, both manufacturing and other industries (coal.) In such organisations collective pay settlements were the norm, if those people are now employed at all now, it is likely they are in smaller businesses, which tend not have collective bargaining. The change from mainly an industrial, manufacturing economy to one where the service industry dominates. Over the last thirty years, the standard of living in this country has increased significantly for middle and working class workers but as a consequence, contemporary workers have far higher expectations, with regards to pay and reward and want their efforts to be individually recognised. High performance workers demand to be recognised and rewarded and thus both social and economic pressures currently exist to support individualist pay systems. The Development of Reward Management Pay management systems in Britain have changed considerably over the last thirty years and many of these changes have occurred as a result of important external and internal influences on organisations. The author has chosen to focus on the work of Armstrong (1988) to carry out this analysis, as he is a renowned scholar in the field of pay and reward in the U.K. Old Pay Systems The Early 1980s According to Armstrong and Murliss (1998), these were:- Pay based on the national going rate negotiated centrally with the main Trade Unions White collar and managerial fine pay structures, created to assist promotion increases that did not fall within the norms of income policy, were often open to abuse and resulted out of decaying job evaluation initiatives Limited Performance Related Pay or incentive schemes for office, technical, professional or managerial staff Incremental increases on fixed service-related pay were the norm Senior management Tax- effective benefits The late Enterpreneurial 1980s According to Armstrong and Murliss (1998), the entrepreneurial 1980s witnessed dramatic changes to pay systems. During this period pays role changed from being viewed as a back office function to a key management mechanism for change during the formation of the Enterprise Culture. Pay systems became dominated by performance related pay and incentive schemes. Armstrong and Murliss (1998) argue that during this period reward managements philosophy developed important features which demonstrated many similarities to Human Resource Management philosophy, including:- Treating employees as organisational assets Earning the commitment of these employees to the organisations core values and objectives Allowing staff members to achieve their full potential and to contribute fully to organisational goal achievement The Post Entrepreneurial 1990s Many of the simplistic pay models implemented in the late 1980s failed to achieve their objectives (Armstrong and Murliss, 1998) New Pay Systems The 1990s saw the adoption of a more strategically focused pay systems, which are still operational in contemporary private and public sector organisations. Armstrong and Murliss (1998) noted that the main developments to be incorporated into new pay systems in the 1990s included:- People-based pay, with emphasis on role adaptability and a move towards generic roles and job families, which focus on continual development and competence The introduction of second/ third generation performance- related pay, which focuses on improving performance rather than merely rating it Determining the value of employee inputs and outputs in Performance management i.e. development and motivation Recognising the employees as an organisational stakeholder, who is included in processes which affect their parts of the employment relationship for example pay According to the findings CIPD Survey 2004 of Performance Management, (cited in Armstrong and Stephens, 2005), 56% of the 566 respondents had some type of Performance related Pay. Armstrong and Stephens (2005) argue that many people view Performance Related Pay as a key people motivator, however they argue that non financial rewards i.e. the work undertaken and the working environment form an important part of the whole reward package. However, according to the findings of The e-research 2004 Survey of Performance Related Pay (cited in Armstrong and Stephens, 2005) the main factors for using Performance Related Pay are:- To acknowledge and reward superior performance To appeal to and maintain excellent personnel To enhance organisational performance To concentrate efforts on strategic values and results The Decline of Collectivism According to the WERS Report 2004 and Edwards (2003) the declining influence of the trade unions led to the decline of collectivism, which the WERS Report 2004 noted occurred between 1988-2004, particularly in non public sector and private organisations. The WERS Report 2004 noted that By far the most common pay determination in 2004 was unilateral pay setting by management. (WERS Report, 2004, p.19) i.e.individualism. Collective Bargaining in the Public Sector According to the WERS Report 2004, despite the decline of collective bargaining, it is still used as a means to set pay in larger organisations for example, in public sector organisations, for example, in the public administration and Utilities Industries. Collective Bargaining in the Private Sector According to the WERS Report 2004, Collective Bargaining was virtually non- existent in private sector organisations, for example, the Hotel and Restaurant Industry. In addition, the report noted that collective bargaining has not been replaced by any other single pay determination method, however mixed methods were less used and varying methods of single pay determination were used across the workplace. (WERS Report, 2004) Evidence of the Decline of Collectivism in the U.K. The decline in the use of Collective Bargaining in the U.K., as a pay determination method, over the last thirty years, is clearly illustrated in Table 1, Appendix 1. The Rise of Individualism or Performance Related Pay Some of the key reasons for the rise of individualism in pay systems in the U.K. can be summarised as follows:- The Terms and conditions of staff are increasingly important Aspiration and expectation increasingly staff want to be rewarded for doing a good job As mentioned above the socio-economic factors decline of the trade unions Increased competitive pressures Increasingly market forces constraining employers discretion Driving change (in pay and reward) is the need to strengthen the link to business performance , cost control, support for organisational change and recruitment and retention pressures ( Wright, 2007) As we have moved away from Collectivism, the last thirty years has been dominated by change and experimentation. Basic pay, which applies to the collective is supplemented and enhanced by pay systems that seek to differentiate between individuals in some way. Inconsistencies in Individualism/ Performance Related Pay From the research undertaken, it is clear that contemporary pay systems, some of the features of which are noted in brief on page 7, are determined through collective bargaining or Individualism/ Performance Related Pay, the latter of which has given rise to organisation- based pay setting, which has led to inequalities in pay in the U.K. since 1980. (Edwards, 2003) Individualism/ Performance Related Pay does not apply across the board to all categories of staff. Of particular note is the disparity in packages between managers and workers, for example, The WERS Report 2004 recorded that 45% of managers had company cars, while only 15% of workers had company cars and 38% of managers had private health care, while only 16% of workers had private health care. Performance related pay matrices, as illustrated in Appendix 2, are often used to determine pay increases in relation to performance and pay range position ( Armstrong and Stephens, 2005) Managers need to apply these systems both equally and fairly and therefore, there will need to be some form of mediation with all senior managers to ensure o harmonisation and the implementation of quotas, as not everybody can be rated, as excellent, as it would cost the organisation too much money. Decline in Popularity of Individualism/ Performance Related Pay Performance Related Pay became popular in the late 1980s, as noted earlier on pages 5-7, however, numerous reasons have lead to a decline in its popularity , for example:- Performance Related Pay has become surrounded by complaints about inconsistencies, as noted above, and (therefore) bias Managers who carry out appraisals and administer related monitoring processes often lack the necessary training Performance Related Pay assumes that performance is totally in the hands of the individual, however performance is affected by the organisation/ environment they work in The qualifying criteria for Performance Related Pay demanding and difficult to achieve ( Armstrong and Stephens, 2005) Labour Research, September 2000, reported some significant failings of Performance Related Pay in the public sector, by citing IRS Pay and Benefits Bulletin Survey, which found for example, that 75% of public PRP schemes were too insignificant to motivate staff and that 29% of public sector organisations felt PRP was too costly. According to Wright (2007), the Approach has moved on from simply collectivism and individualism to refining thoughts about individualism, taking into account staff engagement, trust and commitment. There is a need to develop management when looking at the design of reward systems. Wright (2007) cites Milsome (2005), who noted from the Reward Management Symposium (2005) that reward practices are rarely based on evidence of what produces good organisational outcomes and what does not. (Wright, 2007, p.159) Pay and Reward Today According to the CIPD (2010) Today the notion of linking pay to a wider definition of employee contribution is gaining ground. This emphasises not only performance in the sense of output (the end result that is achieved) but also the input (what the employee has contributed in a more holistic sense. (CIPD Website, 2010) It could be said that these developments demonstrate a more rounded and fairer approach to measuring individual performance. The CIPD (2010) refer to a members poll, carried out in March 2009 to gauge the effects of the economic crisis on performance management. It is significant to note 92% of the respondents believed there had been an increased level of performance management in general, 88% of the respondents felt that it was necessary to re-evaluate performance measures to replicate the more demanding work environment. With reference to rewarding performance, 63% of respondents felt that it was harder to reward good performance in the current climate and 90% of respondents felt that reward performance should include the use of increased levels of non-financial incentives. (CIPD, 2010) The results from the CIPD members poll clearly demonstrates the continued importance of performance management but it does also highlight that the current economic crisis has and is likely to continue to affect Performance Related Pay. Conclusion It is true that collectivism has declined and individualism has increased but it is not as simple as one approach replacing the other. Collectivism really started to decline in the Thatcher years with the destruction of the trade unions power and the support for individual endeavour in an attempt to improve the UKs economic performance. Thatcher was a great believer in meritocracy and open competition. This lead to the rise of the importance of the individual. Over the years we have seen this develop from being just about Pay to encompassing the wider concept of Reward (e.g. longer holidays, flexible hours, private health, etc). In the early Eighties this type of Reward was the preserve of Managers, but is now applied at many different levels. This has been strengthened in recent years as a result of two key factors: (i) two recessions within the space of 20 years where companies have struggled to find ways to retain and reward skilled employees other than the traditional financial remuneration, (ii) the changing face of the UK industry from manufacturing to services. However, Collectivism still has its place in larger public organisations and some private ones, particularly where it is very difficult to differentiate between the performance of individuals doing exactly the same lightly skilled jobs, and where the going rate for the job is still a valid concept. Although Individualism does dominate, it has itself developed again in the last 15 years where it has moved from pure Performance Related Pay to systems which are more objective in their assessment and also endeavoured to focus on staff improvement and development. Bibliography:- Armstrong, M., and Murliss, H., (1998.4th ed.) Reward Management : A Handbook of Remuneration Strategy and Practice, Kogan Page, pp.1-57 Armstrong, M., and Stephens, T., (2005) Individual contingent pay, in Employee Reward Management and Practice. London, Kogan Page, pp.231-254 BBC News, Retrieved, 2nd January 2011 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3681973.stm, Cornwell website, Retrieved 7th January 2011 from http://www.cornwell.co.uk/people_management/reward_management.asp CIPD (2010) Performance Related Pay Factsheet, Retrieved 10th January 2011 from: http://www.cipd.co.uk/shapingthefuture/_eccrsplrst.htm?IsSrchRes=1 Eurofound website, Retrieved 6th January 2011 from: Edwards, P.,( 2003 ed.) Industrial Relations, Oxford Blackwell Hollinshead, G., Nicholls, P., and Tailby, S., (1999), Pay, in Employee Relations, London: Pitman Publishing, pp.332-377 Kersley, B., Alpin, C., Forth, J., Bryson, A., Bewley, H., Dix,G., And Oxenbridge, S., (2004) Inside the Workplace, First Findings from the 2004 Workplace Employment Relations Survey ( WERS 2004) Labour Research Department (September 2000) Performance -related pay failing in the public sector, Publications Online for Amicus members The Guardian (2010), Retrieved on 2nd January 2010 from: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/feb/28/economics-conservatives-legacy-housing-election Wright, A., (2007), Through a Glass Darkly: problems and issues in reward, in Porter, C., Bingham, C., and Simmonds, D., (2008), Exploring Human Resource Management, McGraw Hill. London, pp.159-177 Appendix 1 The Decline of Collective Bargaining in the U.K. Membership % of Density % Covered by Collective Bargaining 1979 13 million 59 70 1997 7.8 30.2 33.3 2006 7.6 28.4 35.3 Constructed from data provided through the Workplace Industrial Relations (and Employee Relations) Survey series 1980-2004 and a certification Office report for 2007