In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare Essay

In the play ‘Hamlet’ by William Shakespeare, one of the main themes is the discrepancy between appearance and reality. The development of this theme through the plot, soliloquy and imagery help to reinforce the player’s role in the play and directs the audience to where their allegiances should lie for the climax of the play. The theme appearance versus reality is clearly evident throughout this Shakespearean play; it is introduced at the very beginning through Claudius’ speech to the court. The structure and rhythm of this blank verse carries him through but the imagery that Shakespeare uses signals to the audience the corruption in Denmark – he uses phrases such as ‘defeated joy’, ‘one auspicious and one drooping eye’ and ‘wisest sorrow’. These opposing images and hollow phrases reveal the hypocrisy of the diplomat’s words; how can a person have ‘one auspicious and one drooping eye’ unless they are duplicitous? Claudius’ opening speech is also eloquent, relaxed and so carefully structured that it appears rehearsed – he deals with three items of business before confronting his black-suited nephew: Old King Hamlet’s death; the threat from Fortinbras’ army; Laertes’ impending departure to France. Shakespeare here signals to the audience that Claudius is uneasier than he appears by leaving his nephew and son-in-law to deal with last. In my opinion, the exposition of Claudius’ Machiavellian mature at the beginning through the theme appearance versus reality is very effective as it reveals to the audience the corruption in Elsinore which essentially instigates Hamlet’s revenge and also exposes Claudius at the beginning of the play as the antagonist, aligning the audience’s sympathies. Furthermore, this main theme is developed through the soliloquies – in particular Claudius’. During his agonised soliloquy, Claudius puts on the appearance of praying but he is pseudo-sincere in this: ‘Pray can I not, though inclination be as sharp as will. ‘ This reveals Claudius confessing to the murder of his brother but not repenting for his sins. As he is not sincere in this, he believes that he will not go to heaven: ‘My words fly up, my thoughts remain below, words without thoughts never to heaven go. ‘ This rhyming couplet not only reveals the theme appearance versus reality, but is also richly ironic as this ‘prayer’ actually saves his life. Shakespeare also employs the transferred epithet ‘stubborn knees’ to further emphasise Claudius’ reluctance to repent for his sins and how he is putting on the appearance of praying, albeit mendaciously. In my opinion, the development of the main theme through Claudius’ soliloquy successfully polarises Claudius from the protagonists and reinforces him as the villain in the play, directing the audience to where their allegiances should lie for the climax of the play. In addition, Shakespeare conveys the theme appearance versus reality through Hamlet’s ‘antic disposition’. This is illustrated particularly well through Hamlet’s exchanges with Polonius: ‘Let her not walk i’th’sun. Conception is a blessing. But as your daughter may conceive – friend, look to’t. ‘ Although these words sound like nonsense to Polonius and the audience, there is a thread of bitter satire running through them. Hamlet reveals his witty sarcasm here as he is aware that Ophelia has been prevented from seeing him and tells Polonius that he should not let her walk in the sun if he wishes to prevent her becoming pregnant. Hamlet’s ‘antic disposition’ is reinforced throughout the play but particularly through his exchanges with Claudius: ‘Excellent i’faith – of the chameleon’s dish. I eat the air, promised crammed. You cannot feed capons so. ‘ Hamlet here is trying to make Claudius think that he is frustrated at not being the King; Claudius pretends not to understand him. In my opinion, Shakespeare effectively polarises Hamlet from Claudius through his ‘antic disposition’ and wit which in turn successfully aligns the audience with the protagonist for the denouement. Furthermore, it could be argued that the theme of surveillance intertwines with the main theme appearance versus reality which helps to further develop the audience’s awareness of the conflict between reality and appearance. For example, Hamlet’s conversations with the two people he loved, Gertrude and Ophelia, were eaves-dropped by Polonius. As a result of the spying, Ophelia and Gertrude spoke to Hamlet with constrained formality: ‘How does your honour for this many a day? ‘. This heated exchange between the eponymous prince and Ophelia during ‘the nunnery scene’ recapitulates arguably the main theme of the play; appearance versus reality which is exposed at the very beginning and is reiterated through Hamlet’s exchanges with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern – they also spy on Hamlet for Claudius: ‘they did make love to this employment! ‘. In my opinion, Shakespeare effectively evokes sympathy for Hamlet and his little allies through dramatic irony and further polarises Hamlet and Claudius through the development of this main theme hence reinforcing Hamlet as the tragic hero of the play. In conclusion, the development of the theme appearance versus reality is essential in augmenting the audience’s understanding and appreciation of the play as a whole. In my opinion, Shakespeare effectively develops this main theme through the plot, soliloquy, imagery and dramatic irony which successfully reinforces the player’s role in the play and also directs the audience to where their sympathies should lie for the denouement.

Beauty Lies in the Eye of the Beholder

McNulty, J. , Neff, L. , Karney, B. (2008). Journal of Family Psychology. Beyond Initial Attraction: Physical Attractiveness in Newlywed Marriage, 22(1), 135-143. â€Å"Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder†. A famous statement that normally holds true. However, how long will this beauty last in the beholder’s eye? Will physical appearance affect a relationship over time as the relationship deepens and develops? A study was conducted by James K. McNulty, Lisa A. Neff, and Benjamin R. Karney attempting to answer how physical appearances continue to affect established relationship.The study was published in the â€Å"Journal of Family Psychology† in 2008 titled Beyond Initial Attraction: Physical Attractiveness in Newlywed Marriage. The primary reason for the study was to expand on prior studies of physical attractiveness which suggested that physical attractiveness should be connected with more positive outcomes in marriage. Apparently, many studies of physical a ttractiveness came about to support or over- throw two poets recognition on the period of physical attractiveness.Poet John Keats believes that the benefits of beauty are everlasting while poet G. B. Shaw believes that beauty is destined to fade over time. Different theories were also taken into consideration. Equity and similarity theories predict that attractiveness should be connected with greater levels of satisfaction and vice versa. Evolutionary perspectives and normative resource theories suggest that the gender of the more attractive partner should play an important role in determining the effects of different attractiveness.The author had cited clear review of literature and the problem was clearly visible to the average reader why the researchers felt this study needed to be done. With that said, this research tested hypothesis about whether physical attractiveness continues to influence relationships after marriage or fade with time and experience. The focus of the study was to obtain observer ratings of physical attractiveness, observer ratings of behavior, and self reports of satisfaction from a sample of recently married couples.Relative levels of attractiveness were then analyzed in order to understand the impact of each spouse’s attractiveness on how they compare with one another. Only newlyweds were selected for this particular study. The couples had to be recently married, were relatively around the same age, and were selected within the first 6 months of both partner’s first marriage. The selected 82 eligible couples went through a formal laboratory session and questionnaires before any experiments were conducted.To conduct the ratings of physical attractiveness, the researchers had to use the Quality Marriage Index, a six-item scale asking spouses to rate general statements about their marriage. Higher scores would reflect greater satisfaction with the relationship. To conduct ratings of behavior, trained raters had coded vide otaped discussions of support topics based on The Social Support Interaction Coding System. Every behavior such as speaking, turning, and gestures were recorded and analyzed.To conduct self reports of satisfaction, researchers rated the facial attractiveness of each spouse from the recorded videotapes. From a scale from 1 to 10, higher ratings indicated more attractive faces. The results of the study reflected the researchers’ expectations in newlyweds. According to the tables and data, both husbands and wives had relatively high level of marital satisfaction, there were more positive behaviors during their social support interactions, and their facial attractiveness were at the attractiveness scale.Further analyses were conducted on levels of physical attractiveness connected with outcomes of established relationships. Regression models were drawn separately for husbands and wives and the results indicated that the absolute levels of attractiveness were associated with both satisfaction and behavior. Surprisingly, findings shows that more attractive husbands tended to behave more negatively in an established relationship but neither the husbands’ nor wives’ supportive behavior was related with their partners’ attractiveness.Results indicate that relative attractiveness was a better predictor of behavior; thus, the analyses were consistent with the predictions derived from evolutionary and normative recourse theories. Both husband and wives behave more positively when the wives are more attractive than the husband, but more negatively when the husbands were more attractive than wives. It is believed that physical attractiveness is less important to the wives; thus, attractiveness may only affect them through the effect on husbands.The current study is consistent with Poet John Keats’ view where the attractiveness that brings people together will continue to influence relationships even after marriage. However, the way physica l appearances affects the relationship seems to change over time. The recommendations for the current study were to a call for additional research in the area. It is suggested to use larger samples with varying attractiveness. More variables in other indicators of attractiveness are definitely recommended as well. This was a very in-depth research project.For the most part it was well written and well organized. The methods use to gather the data for the study was clearly explained. The instruments and development were explained and all possible tests were given. The findings were well organized, sectioned, and reported objectively. The conclusions of the study were based on the findings and logically stated. The article did get a little complicated in the reporting of data due to the complicated statistical procedures used. Overall, it was a very interesting, significant contribution to the field of research in family psychology.

Do you agree that schools have a uniform? Essay

From the ages of 5 to 16 by law every child in the UK must attend school; whether the school is state funded or privately funded they almost all have some form of school uniform. School uniforms are a requirement at almost all schools but in some state schools the regulations on school uniforms are a little looser than others, Meaning that some pupil wear pretty much whatever they want to school taking no notice of the school uniform regulations set in place, which some believe to defeat the object of having the school uniform in the first place. This essay will discuss whether or not schools should have uniforms or not and will explore both sides of the argument giving evidence to support them. Some parents believe that schools should not have school uniform for one reason: cost. The cost of school uniform is something that troubles many parents across the UK as the price of school uniform has increased considerably over the past few years. What makes the situation worse for many is when their child’s school changes their uniform. Many schools in order to receive extra funding from the government have changed their status to academy; when they do this they often change their uniform to try and present a new image to the public about the school. This means the parents have to buy their child a whole new uniform. It also means that hand me downs or buying second hand is no longer an option which is what many people try to do when buying new school uniform for their child. A report by the office of fair trading shows that last year over 50 million pounds was spent on school uniform, they also found that Head teachers do not give pupils and their parents enough choice on where to by their uniform. This can make school uniform even more expensive as you may not be able to buy your school uniform locally so you either have to buy it and pay postage or travel a long distance to get it. A school uniform could make a pupil feel as if they are supressing their  emotions and not being allowed to be themselves as many people express themselves through the clothes they wear and they could feel as if they are being denied their individuality when they are at school. This could lead to serious problems in school and distract them from their school work. Many pupils think that schools should not have school uniform because often they are judged by where they go to school and the uniform they wear. Pupils from both private and state schools could face this problem on a regular basis and may well feel ashamed or even embarrassed of where they go to school; this can be a huge problem because if they are not proud of where they go to school they might not apply the right work ethic to their studies or if they are proud of where they go to school they could be bullied for it. Although there are many negatives about school uniform there are also many positives; for example a school uniform decreases opportunities for bullying among pupils if they are all wearing the same clothes, no one can be discriminated against for wearing ‘untrendy’ clothing or cheap clothing if they cannot afford expensive the clothes that are fashionable among their peers. School uniform also makes it easier in the morning for pupils because they don’t have to deliberate over the clothes they are going to wear on that day they just have to put their uniform on and go to school with no worry about what people are going to think of their clothes and what others are going to wear themselves. Although school uniforms can be expensive and the price has gone up over recent years, those who find it difficult to afford it can be helped by their local government with the cost of it that includes sports kit. Wearing school uniform promotes the school you go to the public advertising it and possibly bringing in more pupils. School uniforms can make school safer as it allows for teachers easily identify pupils if they are outside of school on a school trip or identify someone who is in the school and shouldn’t be. A school uniform also creates  a less distraction among pupils as they don’t have to concern themselves with what others are wearing in the classroom. School uniforms can give pupils a sense of belonging and identity as well as preparing you for later life when you may well have to wear smart clothing in the work place or a uniform if you are in the emergency services or military. My position therefore is that I agree that students should have to wear a school uniform because uniform is fashion less and provides a sense of belonging and identity, reduces opportunities for bulling, relieves one of the many stresses that pupils face every day and prepares you for adulthood. But saying that, the odd mufti day is good to as this lets those who need it to have freedom.

The relationship between Henry Miller's novel Tropic of Cancer and Research Paper

The relationship between Henry Miller's novel Tropic of Cancer and Allen Ginsberg's poem Howl - Research Paper Example When â€Å"Howl† and â€Å"Tropic of Cancer† were published they suffered a huge oppression of the American government. That is because deeply conservative and short sighted mass of people didn’t find it appropriate to talk so freely about the most intimate and close topic of sexual intercourse. Surely the main theme of these works is not only sex because sex is an obvious symbol of confronting the environment. Today films, books, cartoons, comics and magazines show and talk about sex in any way but it was totally different from the times of â€Å"Howl† and â€Å"Tropic of Cancer†. The main point in our discussion is morality and ethical definition of what is right and wrong. Government of the USA judged these books in the court and did not publish them until years and decades because people thought it was immoral and wrong to allow the distribution of them. There is no bad advertising and any publicity attracts attention. Silly and foolish critique s as well as the representatives of government did exactly the opposite to what they wanted to do. They made these books incredibly popular by attracting to them a huge audience of curious readers. Such funny thing happened in the country which most of the world’s population thought was the land of freedom and homeland of the liberty and that made a contrast sharper and brighter.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT assignments 1-4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT assignments 1-4 - Essay Example It is an indispensable tool for the economists, investors and analysts to measure the well-being of an economy. Real GDP is different from nominal GDP as it takes into account the inflation, thus producing a better scale of measurement. 2) Define and indicate the significance of the LIBOR. What was the LIBOR at the time you completed the assignment? LIBOR is the London Interbank Offered Rate and it is the rate at which the most creditworthy banks lend funds to each other. It is considered as a benchmark rate in the major countries of the world such as US, UK and Canada. LIBOR is considered as of paramount importance in the corporate world because when the LIBOR increases it creates a financial panic, which tightens the flow of credit and erodes the trust between the banks for their ability to pay each other. In addition to that, all the credit loans such as credit card, mortgages and student loans are dependent on LIBOR therefore it has a direct impact on the consumers. It is estimat ed that $360 trillion of international financial products are based on LIBOR (Reynolds, 2010). Current LIBOR LIBOR 1-Month 3-Months 6 Months 0.26% 0.31% 0.46% Source: LIBOR, other interest rate indexes (Bankrate.com) 3) Define and indicate the significance of the prime rate.

Poem Literary Exploration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Poem Literary Exploration - Essay Example The phrases that indicate feelings of regret were: â€Å"What did I know, what did I know of love’s austere and lonely offices?† (Hayden, n.d., par. 3). This simply means that from the perspective of the narrator (the speaker), there was a sorry feeling that the good intentions and actions expressed by the hardworking father was not returned by family members who manifested actions such as â€Å"no one ever thanked him† (Hayden, n.d., par. 1) and â€Å"speaking indifferently to him† (Hayden, n.d., par. 3). The personal situation that was shown in the poem was a simple description of a typical Sunday during winter when the father gets up early in the morning to chop wood needed to warm the house. The tone was sad and melancholic as indicated by the feelings of regret exemplified by the use of the following words: cold, cracked hands, ached, austere, and lonely. From this central idea, one would realize that regret is a common human experience that happens in every possible scenario involving human relationships: in the family, with peers or teachers in school, with community members, and with other people where interpersonal relationships have been exchanged. . I could empathize with the speaker as I am also guilty of not having much appreciated the good deeds, support, and love shown to me by my parents and loved ones. Most of the time, simple situations like having been served a good meal by my mother, being provided with the financial support by my father or the assistance in househo ld chores by siblings pass by without proper acknowledgement or saying â€Å"thank you†. In situations when I am given the opportunity to look back at simple tasks, I realize that I share the same sentiments expressed by the speaker in the poem. Upon further analysis, the poem could be considered containing free verses where there was no clear rhythmic pattern. The numbers of lines per paragraph were also different: 5 lines for the first and third paragraphs and 4 lines for the second paragraph. On the other hand, there was no rhythmic pattern since the syllabications per line were diverse, as counted: 11-9-6-10-9 for the first paragraph; 11-7-8-10 for the second; and 9-7-8-8-10 for the third. The only pattern manifested in this poem was the repetition of words (cold) and the paralleling of ideas (indifference, lack of appreciation, chronic angers). The sound in the poem provided emphasis on the message being relayed. The recurrence of consonant sounds was clearer: blueback c old; cracked hands; cold splintering, breaking; chronic. There was a level of irony that was shown from the situation illustration by the words: â€Å"Speaking indifferently to him who had driven out the cold and polished my good shoes as well† (Hayden, n.d., par. 3). Also, the message that the father has to do all the hard work and chores for fear of facing the chronic angers in the house further presents a situational irony in terms of expecting worse to happen despite the good deeds being done. As I get to reflect on the theme and the message relayed, there is this pain of regret one felt for not having duly appreciated and acknowledged all the support and hard work that parents have done for their children, in general. Children have tendencies to take for granted that it is the obligation of parents to

Do Nurses' Empathy affect the outcome of care Literature review - 1

Do Nurses' Empathy affect the outcome of care - Literature review Example Empathy in a clinical environment involves an ability to communicate, understand and check the truth of the patients and get the feedback (Bloom, 2014). The need of empathy is to ensure that nurses are emotionally taking care to patients. It is believed that the best way for the practising empathy by the nurse periodically is to make contact with the patient’s situation. Nurses through empathy are able to understand the need of patients and their physical concern. However, this may not always be possible by the nurse practitioners because of some difficulties such as lack of understanding or low operating levels and time constraints. The important part of the empathy for the nurse profession is the operating level, lack of empathic services and burnout (Boyle, 2011). During my clinical practise, I have seen that empathy plays a vital role in the nursing profession. Empathy is to be regarded as the skill to see and value the need patients, their feelings and perception. Clinically, empathy plays a crucial role in understanding the perception of patients. This is a way to provide treatment to patients to ensure corrective health care. It is revealed that through empathy a strong relation amid patient and nurse is created, which helps in providing proper medication and treatment. Empathy is the skill to become sensible, aware, understand and be sensitive towards the others attitudes, behaviour and feeling (Canale, Louis, Maio, Wang, Rossi, Hojat, & Gonnella, 2012). Empathy is an intellectual situation where in the same sets of emotions are shared with the individual. Furthermore, it is also stated that the level of empathy felt by people can vary and can be determined by various factors such as the individual behaviour of the people (Cole-King, & G ilbert, 2011). I have also observed that personal communications within the technological advancement, society and shared experience is an important factor, which disturbs the level of empathy within the society and

English Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 2

English - Essay Example This is because, they never gets the chance to practise their visions due to fear of being victimized by the fellows who practise orthodoxy. It is also important to note here that, orthodoxy can even hinder the progress and development of a country, in that investors or business men who may want to invest in the country producing a unique commodity, may be blocked out of the market if the sale of the commodity goes against the generally accepted norms of the country’s citizens (Tipton & Witte, 2007). In the work of Shirley Jackson, the author affirms categorically the demerits of confining to the generally accepted norms of a people, a society, community or a country. He strongly proposes for the total discarding of such acts b individuals. If orthodoxy is not ignored in societies by individuals, then it becomes very difficult for the people to maximise their potentials, utilize the resources available at their disposal for their personal benefits and that of the whole society. Orthodoxy limits our visions, impairs our judgement and blocks our capabilities, I therefore strongly agree with Shirley that people should never accept to be defined by the mere rules and regulations which the older generations adhered to which made no progress in their lives (Fass, 2004). The family plays very vital roles in the discouraging the habit of orthodoxy. This is portrayed in Jackson Bill’s family where his family strongly discouraged orthodoxy by stating out the inhuman effects of orthodoxy practise. When a family discourages its members from engaging in such practises, their innocence is not victimized and their progress are not blocked. It is therefore very important that families stop their children from the blind confinement of some norms believed to be true without clearly realizing or finding out neither the demerits of such adherence nor the effects of

Risk management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Risk management - Essay Example Banks therefore, make investments in various areas in order to be able to reduce the adversity risks due to price movements in a security it trades in simply by taking a position that will offset the related security. The Bank of England has played a very pivotal role in the economic development of the country primarily, by diversifying risks for all the economic agents. As with any other bank, the greatest financial risk it faced was the interest rate risk. During the last financial crisis i.e. the financial crisis of the year 2007, banks were able to employ certain strategies before and after the crisis which were geared towards mitigating them from such risks brought about by the crisis (Dietrich, 2006). The Bank of England was among those banks which were affected by this crisis and had to therefore apply a risk management theory such as the Forward Trade Agreement before and after the crisis to mitigate itself from the various forms of interest rate exposure. This is because, fl uctuations in its interest rate had the capability of altering its interest income and value thus, making the management of interest rate risk using hedging methods vital to its success. The Asset and Liability Committee of the Bank of England as the body tasked with ensuring that interest rates are properly maintained and managed to avoid any interest rate risk exposures before and after the financial crisis, applied the following strategies to hedge out the risk. Hedging strategies/methods used a. The use of interest rate swaps Interest rate swaps refers to a type of highly popular instrument as a liquid financial derivative that is used by two parties in the exchange of interest rate cash flows. The two parties agree exchange the cash flows of the interest rate basing their agreement on a specified notional amount obtained from a rate that is fixed to a floating rate or even vice versa. The same can also be from a floating rate to any other rate. A clear understanding of how the Bank of England used it would be to consider the two parties agreeing to pay a rate fixed or floating, denominated in the pound to the other party. The rate was then multiplied by a notional principal amount in the US$. The outcome was given an appropriate accrual value for the day count convention. If both the legs featured in similar currency, the notional amount was typically not exchanged between the parties but, instead used to calculate the cash flow sizes to be exchanged (Dietrich, 2006). The notional amount was exchanged if the legs appeared in different currencies. A more common interest rate swap in use has been the LIBOR. With the LIBOR there is a ‘payer’ and a ‘receiver’. One party pays the LIBOR plus a trade percentage plus the rate offered by the other party in this kind of trade activity. Since interest rate swaps are over-the-counter (OTC) instruments, the various varieties the bank could have used include: floating for floating rate swap wi th different currencies, the floating for floating rate swap with similar currencies, and the fixed for fixed rate swaps. Regardless of the changes in the LIBOR rates in future, the rolling deposit value will always equal the notional amount at the reset date. b. Used of forward derivatives The bank also used derivatives during the period to manage the risks. A particular one used was the forward contracts. In the management

The Relationship Between Risk and Expected Rate of Return in CAPM Statistics Project

The Relationship Between Risk and Expected Rate of Return in CAPM - Statistics Project Example In the opinion of Roll and Ross (1980, pp.1073-1103.), this theory had considerable significance in empirical work during the 1960s and 1970s. However further researches on this concept have questioned its reliability and authenticity of the computation of empirical constellation of asset returns; and, many related theories have detected ranges of disenchantment with the CAPM. As a result, the most widespread CAPM underwent harsh criticisms not only by the academicians but also by financial experts. In addition, empirical researchers have gathered a range of evidence against this model during the last few decades. That evidence questioned the model’s assumptions and argued the dead of the beta. Roll and Ross (1980, pp.1073-1103.) say that this situation led to the demand for a more potential theory and it caused the formulation of Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT). Although APT was developed recently, CAPM is considered as the basis of modern portfolio theory. According to Shanke n (1982, pp.1129-1140), the ATP is not more susceptible to empirical verification than the CAPM. The author also challenges the testability of arbitrage pricing theory as he finds that the basic elements of testability strategy would not properly work in the case of this model. He also points out that the theory precludes the differentials of expected return that form the basic structure of the concept. Huberman and Wang (2005, pp. 1-18) claim that both the CAPM and APT show relation between expected returns of assets and their covariance with other random variables.

Rhetorical analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Rhetorical analysis - Essay Example The author of the tube effectively uses pathos and logos to convince students that they should stop drinking bottled water because it harms their finances, health, and environment. The rhetorical situation concerns the purpose of the video’s author, which is to persuade University of Arizona students that they should stop drinking bottled water because of the belief in bottled water’s numerous bad effects on drinkers and the environment. The author is a student of University of Arizona. He studied the pros and cons of bottled water using legitimate references. He concludes that bottled water’s disadvantages outweigh its advantages. The context includes the bottled-water drinking culture that is popular in developed countries, as well as in the university campus. The exigence is that not many people are aware of the negative impacts of bottled water, especially when clean tap water is available. The author wants to correct this lack of awareness through a YouTube video. The genre is through YouTube because it is easy to use and can reach a large audience. Since target audiences are common YouTube users, the author can access them through this video. The video can also include emotional elements that cannot be easily added to print materials, such as music and changing images. It is a genre that can have a large appeal to students. Furthermore, the author seeks to influence the target audience, who are University of Arizona students, to change their bottled-water drinking habits. Since there are around 40,000 students, the author believes that together, they can make a difference (Zhang). If they stop drinking bottled water every day, they can seriously reduce the effects of bottled water on their health, money, and school community (Zhang). In addition, the relations exist, where consumers have a large impact on the bottled water industry. Individually, they have no power. The bottled water industry is large enough to use advertisements and other marketing promotions to promote the pros of bottled water over tap water, without mentioning the pros of tap water at all. The power of the target audience lies in their number and collective action. Thus, the rhetorical situation relies on the need to resolve the problems of bottled water. The author effectively uses pathos, specifically through music, images, and emotional words, to inform students about the consequences of bottled water and to emphasize their role in stopping it. The music is soothing, as if trying to relax the audience. The aim is to open their minds to the realities of bottled water. The music seeks to emphasize that the beauty of their health and the world rely on their action of drinking tap, not bottled, water. The author also relates statistics to student lives. After computing the cost of drinking bottled water a year, the video says that the expense is equal to a student’s rent payment (Zhang). The result is a strong emotional impact due to t he connection between money spent on bottled water to money spent on rent. Images of students are actively used too to stress student’s participation in bottled water use. The images of happy students at the beginning indicate that they have an active role in ensuring this happiness through not drinking bottled

People Play Important Roles in Our Lfe Essay Example for Free

People Play Important Roles in Our Lfe Essay The most significant people in your life would normally be your parents followed by siblings and extended family members. We are first sons or daughters before we take on the role of brothers or sisters. Our role will then be of husbands or wives and then fathers or mothers as we grow in our lives. We become grandfathers or grandmothers and with God’s blessings, become Great Grandfathers or Great Grandmothers. Our role will then become whatever role we take on in life. Our parents would definitely be the most significant people in our lives. How we grow up as an individual goes back to the cornerstone of our family unit. When there is love amongst the family members, this is where we are nurtured when we were young and we take our values from the family. Siblings that come along in the family unit are our companions and when we grow up being supportive of each other, that is where we can have support and encouragement from our siblings as well. As we grow up in society, we have friends and teachers along the way. Teachers who have motivated us during our school days play a significant part in our growth as well. As the saying goes, â€Å"No man is an island and hence our dependence on others and how they contribute to our lives by their presence gives meaning to our ambitions, our values, our way of thinking and so much more. In turn, we give a helping hand, a listening ear to our friends who need support and encouragement or just someone to understand them. When we have been touched by others in our lives and in normal cases, would be the family members. People without this family support such as orphans or kids being fostered out or adopted by their adoptive parents find themselves being cared for by others who make every effort to see to their needs and love them. These people then play a very significant role in their lives. It is very important that we appreciate the people in our lives and if we can thank them for being in our lives, it is a beautiful moment to cherish. Often enough, many of us take our loved ones for granted. Let that not be the case and let us be aware that we want to appreciate our loved ones and make every effort to let them know that we appreciate, care and love them. We need not do great things for our loved ones. Remembering them is one way to show our appreciation of them and we can do so by taking the time to be with them, talk to them and just be with them. Let us all take time to love our close and beloved so that they know they are loved and appreciated in their lives. It is something we can do and let us all make an effort to do so. Being appreciated and loved adds meaning to one’s life and it is up to each one of us to do so.

Company Strategies Wm Morrison Supermarket Marketing Essay

Company Strategies Wm Morrison Supermarket Marketing Essay Background of Wm Morrison supermarket PLC Wm Morrison Supermarket Plc is the UK`s 4th biggest retail super market founded in 1899. The company distributes goods, owning and operating around 120 supermarkets and larger superstores. These are mainly based in the north east of the UK, although the company has been expanding into the south. The majority of its supermarkets also have petrol stations on their forecourts, offering discount fuel to customers. In addition, the company offers an in store discount card, Morrison Miles, allowing customers to collect points on their groceries and claim discounts on fuel at these stations. The company has a number of subsidiaries, including Farmers Boy Limited, Holsa Limited, Neerock Limited, W. Todd (Potatoes) Limited, Farock Insurance Company Limited and Wm Morrison Produce Limited. The principal activities of its subsidiaries include the manufacture and distribution of fresh food products, insurance services, polythene bag manufacturing, produce packaging, fresh meat processing and mar ket trading. It displays more than twenty thousand assorted products in its stores, including an extensive own label range. Majority of the brands it sells are its own, amounting to 55%. With the acquisition of Safeway, Morrison is expected to gain around 425 stores throughout the UK. Due to the differing nature of Safeways estate, Morrison will expand its store format to incorporate mid-sized and smaller stores, retaining the Safeway brand for convenience stores. Certain acquired stores will also be selected to gain the Market Street format seen in the Morrison store. The company has an annual turnover of  £14 billion, with more than 10 million customers, 15.6% of the UK grocery market share and 124,000 employees. (DATA MONITOR 2004) Overview of the company`s strategy Wm Morrisons supermarket Plc has three distinct strategies which are: Value- Keeping costs low to ensure the prices are competitive. This is done by offering to all its consumers with an exceptionally best price everywhere they are. Freshness- the company offers more freshly prepared food than any other retailer. This is achieved through vertical integration because it manages nearly every aspect of its business functions internal, involving meat processing, fresh food, fresh fruit, vegetables and transport. The company does all the distribution of its products bought in its stores to customers. Fresh products are delivered into its warehouses under a controlled temperature and plants for packing local and abroad set for forward despatch to their stores nationwide. The company has its own purpose built fresh food plant (factory) called Farmers boy that produces pizzas, cooked meats, pies, packing cheese, sausages and bacon. It also has facilities of processing its meat before sending them to their stores. It manages its own transport fleet. Service- Ensuring the right product is always available, the system of great selling and service for customers` adherence (http://www.morrisons.co.uk). In Michael Porter`s generic strategy terms the company uses a low cost strategy Porter (1980). But in Ansoff product matrix term the company uses penetration strategy, i.e. existing products and markets with an improvement and streamlining of processes in order to compete. In terms of expansion strategy the company uses organic growth in that it sets up factories and farms to produces everything it sells. Assessment of the company current strategy Growth in excess of the market   Measuring of success 2007 2008 2009 Sales growth (exc-fuel) 5.2 4.6 7.9 Market growth rate 4.0 3.5 5.6 Sales growth in excess of the market 1.2 1.1 2.3 This is further represented on the graph below Underlying basic earnings per share (pence) 2009 16.7 2008 14.4 2007 8.3 Total dividend (pence per share) 2009 5.8 2008 4.8 2007 4.0 SWOT Analysis Morrison has benefited substantially from the introduction of the Market Street format to its retail outlets. Its revenues have recorded strong increases for a number of years. However, increased regulation of the grocery market and intensifying competition pose significant future threats. Strengths Substantial northern presence and expansion of manufacturing capabilities Long-standing management team High service standards Weaknesses Dependency on UK Uncertainty over long-term outcome of Merger Lower quality Safeway estate Labour intensive Morrison model Opportunities Diversification Synergies from Safeway merger Convenience store expansion Threats Competitive environment Restaurant expansion Price wars Share price performance MORRISON Share Graph http://www.lse.co.uk/ShareChart.asp?sharechart=MRW 2.0 NATIONALISATION AND GLOBALISATION OF Wm MORRISON SUPERMARKET PLC The decision to nationalise retail supermarket like Wm Morrison supermarket Plc and further to the global markets is very significant since it is a means of expanding the company`s operations, diversify its investments as a source of risk reduction strategy and increase in profitability. However, consideration has to be given with regard to the nature and the type of strategy (ies) to adopt in these environments. It is for instance necessary to consider what type of product (s) to produce and sell, and whether these products will be acceptable in these markets. The company needs to be familiar with the target environments and the countries it wants to enter. The conditions of the market must be assessed to ensure that Wm Morrison can win a share of both national and the foreign markets. Issues such as the economic conditions, political situations, social issues and the levels of technology in these markets will have to be ascertained by the use of PEST (PESTEL) analysis, the competit ive nature of the markets which five forces model analysis can be adopted to assess the levels of competition existed in these markets (Porter 1980), as well as Tariffs, duties and compliance with rules and laws are other vital issues to be considered also. Wm Morrison will have to conduct its own organisational audit with the use of SWOT analysis to assess it strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats so that strategies could be developed geared (towards) that. The development of a required organizational processes and allocating of appropriate resources to national and global effort normally requires creating an independent departments (for export) within the organization. Though, this may be expensive when overheads and other liabilities are considered. It may take a considerable number of years to develop a sizeable market share. As a consequence corporation in a form of strategic alliance with other retail supermarkets could reduce dramatically the timing to establish in these foreign markets 3.0 COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE The concept and interest of competitive advantage started many years ago but never became popular until the 60s of the twentieth century that the concept spread out when Edmund Learned Kenneth Andrews mentioned SWOT analysis denoting strength as a competitive advantage (Schendel, 1994). Competitive advantage as an organizational competence and ability to perform in one or many ways that other competitors find it difficult to imitate now and in the future (Kotler, 1997:53; Kotler, 2000). Nevertheless, for the Wm Morrison supermarket to compete in these target markets, it has to develop a strategy that will be unique and difficult to be imitated by other players in both the national and the global markets. Porter (1985) recognized competitive advantage as a strategic goal; that is a dependent variable and the rationale behind this is that the good performance is related to achieving a competitive advantage (Read Difillipi, 1990:90). Others see competitive advantage as an ability to produce products or offer services different to what competitors do, by utilizing the strengths that organizations possess so as to add value in a way that competitors find it difficult to imitate (Pitts Lei, 1968:68). It can be assumed that competitive advantage is a relative quality that organizations claim to possess through which they can exceed their rivals performance, and achieve long lasting benefits as perceived by clients. It is believed that the framework presented by Michael Porter is one of the most well-known tools that are used in theoretical as well as empirical research, since it pays an emphasis on all the activities carried out by an organization with respect to its external environment. Competitive business strategy Competition in Global environment which was written and later on edited by Michael Porter Porter (1986) is a means to study and an attempt to systematizing global business development. Porter analyzes a firm`s global strategic options by concentrating on two concepts: allocation and coordination. By allocation he meant globally distributing and allocation of the value chain activities. On the other coordination refers to the coordination amongst the distributed bases. He explained global strategy as a strategy to achieve a global competitive advantage through concentrated allocation or coordination of distributed activities, or both (Porter 1986, p. 35) and indicated that for proper understand of competitive advantage concept of a global strategy or the cause of globalization of a firm, Mw Morrison should identify the circumstances for achieving cost diminution or differentiation by globally focusing on the operations or coordinating the distributed activities. He emphasised that such situations are: (1) immediacy to markets; (2) economies of scale and experience effect; (3) effective consolidation and coordination of activities; and (4) comparative advantage of each country. Global competitive strategy gives a company with the ideas to generate an offensive and / or defensive position in the global markets whereby yielding greater returns on its investments. According to Porter a company must adopt a competitive strategy to win advantage competitively over its rivalries. Competitive advantage is something that gives a business an edge over its competitors in the products/ services it provides (offers). Companies have unearthed different approaches to this end, and the most significance of the strategy for a particular company is eventually a unique design reflecting its special situation. Competitive National business strategy Ansoff matrix for strategy New Market 2. Market Development 4. Market Diversification Current Market 1. Market Penetration 3. Product Development Current Product New Product Ansoffs Marketing Model Adopted from Ansoff (1957) According to Ansoff (1957), Wm Morrison supermarket may decide choosing one of the four product-market growth strategies which are shown on the diagram above. They consist of market penetration, market development, product development (diversi ¬Ã‚ cation). But Ansoff however suggests that the safest of these growth strategic options is to adopt a market penetration strategy. With this strategy Wm Morrison could gain more usage from its existing consumers and moreover seeks to attract new ones in their existing market. On the other hand, Ansoff indicated that the slightly riskier option will be to take the market-development strategy of attracting new kinds of consumers for the present produce of the business from either new channels of distribution, or new geographic areas. Wm Morrison as an alternate may a strategy of product development, by developing completely new products, diverse versions of existing products or quality at different levels of current products to be sold in its existing markets. The final strategic option in Ansoff terms Wm Morrison can pursue and is also the riskiest strategy overall is the strategy of diversi ¬Ã‚ cation. With this Wm Morrison supermarket will have to develop completely new produce for new markets. This is very costly because the company has to abandon what it is producing and selling presently. In the writings of Hangstefer (1999) in order for Wm Morrison to build growth drive, its managers should persuade innovation in their core strategy. And this should focus on factors such as the re-de ¬Ã‚ ning of markets or the development of products and services. Even though Hangstefer`s view is partially consistent with that of Ansoff. According to Hangstefer Wm Morrison should embark on the most basic product-market growth options; by indicating that a more innovative approach would be for the business to employ a growth strategy involving a number of combinations of variables. Hangstefer cited Manchester United PLC as an example, which is the holding company of the Manchester United Football Club. It has pursued growth opportunities related to their core business, as well as through new businesses, for instance Manchester United Merchandising and Manchester United Catering. Boston consulting group (BCG ) growth share matrix The BCG matrix is a technique use for growth, particularly for multi-divisional or multiproduct companies such as Wm Morrison supermarket. The organisations divisions and or products compromise the firm`s business portfolio. The portfolio`s composition can be crucial to the development and achievement of the firm. The matrix looks at two variables, which are: market growth rate and relative market share. The Matrix evaluates a firms position regarding its products range. This will help Wm Morrison to consider its products and/ or services in order to make decisions concerning products and services that need to be kept or removed and additional investments it has to make in furtherance to participating fully nationally. Shown on the horizontal (y) axis is the market growth rate while on the vertical (x) axis is the Relative market share (Henderson, 1979). The BC Groups Growth Strategic matrix Stars Disaster sequence Cash consumer Cash neutral Success sequence Invest Problem Children (Question marks) Large negative cash flow ?Analyse Cash Cows Large positive cash flow Milk Dogs Cash consumer Modest cash flow Divest Relative Market Share Adapted from Hedley (1977), p12 Wm Morrison may have to classify its products range according to the quadrant in order to decide the way forward. Question Marks (High growth/ Low relative market share) These are Wm Morrison produce which grow quickly and as a consequence lead to high cash consumption, however they dont generate enough cash since they have little market shares. The effect is huge net cash spending. A question mark may have the possibility to grow in market share and turn into a star, and finally a cash cow as soon as the market growth slows. It may turn out to be a dog when the market growth declines, if it doesnt develop to be a market leader. The company may need to analyse cautiously to decide if they merit the investments it requires to growing market share. These are the strategies to adopt for question marks: Market penetration Market development Product development These are all extensive strategies /or divestment STARS These will be Wm Morrison products that are seen as market leaders in high growth industries. However, it will have to spend to sustain development and to protect the leadership situation. Stars are normally only slightly lucrative but as they attain older position in their life cycle and development slows, proceeds grow to be more attractive. The stars offer the foundation for lasting growth and productivity. The strategic options for stars may involve integration, forward, backward and horizontal, Product development, Joint venture, Market penetration and Market development. Cash Cows (Relatively high market share/ but Low growth rate) Cash Cows are the more lucrative produce in the portfolio that must be milked. The condition is often been boosted by economies of scale which could be there with market leaders. Cash Cows might be used to finance the operations in the other 3 quadrants. It is enviable to sustain the strong stands as much as practically. Product development concentric, diversification if the position weakens as a result of loss of market share or market contraction then options would comprise reduction of expenditure (or even divestment) Dogs Dogs comprise a low market share and a low growth rate and neither provides nor consumes a huge sum of cash. Dogs are however, cash traps since the cash locked up in the business that has little potential. Such products are candidates for divestiture. Options are: Reduction of expenditure (if it is thought that it could be revitalised) Liquidation Divestment (if someone can buy) It should however be noted that productive products could well go from question mark through to star, to Cash Cow and at last to Dog. Fewer flourishing products which never gain market position may move directly from question mark to Dog (Hofer Schendel, 1978) Competitive Global business strategy Wm Morrison supermarket can enter into the global markets by adopting Porter`s generic strategy which he indicated that a firm may decide to pursue either low cost strategy or differentiation strategy. Porter indicated that companies cannot pursue the two strategies at the same time but rather one at a time. Cost Leadership Strategy focuses on attaining low costs relative to its rivals. Reducing costs result to lowering prices, that can raise demand for products and /or services, but if the product or services cannot be produced at a lower cost then it will rather reduce profit margins. For Wm Morrison supermarket to compete on cost bases then it must address issues about overheads, materials, labour, and other costs, and to design a system that lowers the cost per unit of its product or service before entering the global markets. Often, the lowering of costs requires extra investments in automated facilities, equipments and employees skill. On the contrary, Differentiation Strategy concentrates on creating exceptionality products such that the firms products and services are obviously distinguished from that of its competitors. In other words, the focus is on creativity and innovation that have long been recognized as crucial for bringing the needed change to obtain the competitive advantage (Dean, 1998). The Porter`s competitive advantage has given rise to Schuler and Jackson (1987) come out with three competitive advantage strategies that Wm Morrison can adopt to achieve competitive advantage by embarking on Quality enhancement, Cost reduction and innovation. Apart from Porter`s pronouncement of how to enter global markets, there are other means by which Mw Morrison can enter global market for instance, green field, acquisitions, joint ventures, franchising, licensing, etc. When establishing acquisitions, joint ventures, franchising, licensing, etc. it is very important to locate a reliable partner. Any of these strategies may require a due diligence exercise in the global markets in order to perform checks and balances to ascertain how satisfactory the foreign partners may cater for the needs of both the firm and its customers. 5.0 STRATGY IMPLEMENTATION McKinsey, (1980, p. 31) developed 7s model which Mw Morrison supermarket could adopt to implement its strategies. This model will assist the company to assess its strategies, structure, systems, skills, style, staff, synergy (shared values) and where necessary improvement or changes can be made. The current strategy of low cost, freshness and customer service (value), with its systems, structure, skills, shares values, style and staff seem to be working effectively looking at the levels of the company performance from the strategic analysis done above. However, it is assumed that the new and proposed strategies will function appropriately with other elements. Strategy Skills Synergy style Systems structure Staff Adopted from: Structure Is Not Organization (1980) The Art of Japanese Management (1981) In Search of Excellence (1982). 5.1 Challenges of strategy implementation Wm Morrison`s strategy of competition presently is the use Porters generic strategy based on low cost and market penetration which is Ansoff idea, however extending this same strategy to the national markets may attract other competitors to imitate it especially if they see the idea to be effective thereby they losing their market share. On the contrary, the adoption of differentiation strategy may cause additional costs which will lead to the increment of the organisations total costs which they may not have that much to invest. The implementation of green field, acquisition, joint venture, licensing, franchising, etc., will no doubt change the current business practices. In terms of 7s model, there will be so many difficulties with both markets entries, for instance staff may resist the idea of internationalisation and globalisation with the fear of losing either their jobs, position, modification of working conditions. When it comes to skills, the company may have to institute a program to ensure the employees have the require skills to meet the new strategies. The systems will have to be improved to meet the new demands and the structure will be altered. 6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS In Johnson, Scholes and Whittington terms of feasibility, acceptability and sustainability, the strategy of low cost seem more feasible in the national markets but it may not be sustainable since it can easily be imitated by other competitors. It is not clear at this whether it will be acceptable by the employees and the shareholders Johnson et al (1988). The other options will be to adopt differentiation strategy that could be sustainable since it is difficult to copy but this option may not be acceptable given the additional costs it has to incur. Another option is the Ansoff (1991) matrix, to pursue new market strategy by using the existing products range to enter the new markets. Since this may be less risky than especially the new market strategy with the development of entirely new products for new markets. Acquisition strategy involving purchasing and controlling and existing market seem more feasible for the global entry since it is less risky, more receptive to the local customer, involving the use of local expertise, less costive compare to green field strategy of having to set up new factories to produce. Franchising could also be use as another option, however the franchisee may gain portions of the company`s profit and may even set up their own at some point resulting to a total loss of the business to the franchisee. Licensing may pose less threats to also use may be than even franchising.

Strategies for Employee Performance Management at MS

Strategies for Employee Performance Management at MS Study on how MS improve employee performance management through motivation and training? 1. Introduction One of the major issues for competitive advantage, therefore, is the successful motivation and training of staff. Despite a plethora of theories (Locke and Latham, 1990a; 288) which have analyzed work based motivation and satisfaction, however, theories remain commoner than the evidence to support them. In the increasing competitive environment, organizations have to focus on value of investments in human resources especially performance management as a major source of competitive advantage. Although, business strategy means of competition is common conversation in the executive suite, taking a strategic approach can be especially beneficial for staff functions within companies, as they often are required to justify their need for resources and their contribution to the company. The following study presents the analysis of performance management issues on Marks and Spencers (MS) employee motivation and training. Performance improvement provides MS with needed information on their employees. The information helps MS develop the skills of the employees based on the information collected at the appraisal, it helps recognize when training is needed. Performance improvement helps MS by improving their service by having able workers that work to their full ability and by improving the relationship between workers and the company. Here is Marks and Spencers definition of performance management: Performance management is a joint process that involves both the supervisor and the employee, who identify common goals, which are linked to the goals of the organization. This process results with the establishment of written performance exceptions later used as measures for feed back and performance evaluation. (MS Annual report and financial statements 2008) Marks and Spencer is a multinational company have grown from a penny bazaar in the late 1880’s. UK based company to become one of the largest and most well known organisations of British culture. As a leading retailer, with a customer base of 10 million per week in over 300 UK stores, also trades in 30 countries worldwide, producing a Group turnover in excess of 8 billion. (MS Annual report and financial statements, 2008) MS have to be able to manage its resources to meet the customer’s needs and those of the market. Following three years of declining profits due to economic recession, the company has attempted to rejuvenate itself. Though the company is regaining market share and profits are beginning to raise they are still suffering some problems which have resulted in the company selling some of their foreign subsidiaries and axing jobs to concentrate on their core business. Such a turn around exemplifies well the need for strategy in this type of organisation. Strategic issues will revolve around the long-term and concentrate on the direction and scope of the organisation. Furthermore they will concern resources, competition, meeting needs of stakeholders and markets. All of this will be in a constantly changing and dynamic environment and so organisations must concentrate their human recourse management especially employee’s performance management each level and use right strategy on HR policy. This paper is trying to find out that employee performance improvement by motivating and training. 2. Literature Review 2.1 Techniques of Performance Management A key issue in understanding and applying techniques of performance management is defining exactly what is meant by ‘performance’ and ‘performance management’. The paper hereafter discusses and evaluates the competing definitions as they are understood in organizational and human resources practice. Performance is a multi-level, multi-dimensional construct. It is important to understand what level of performance is considered important when an organization talks about performance management. At each level- organizational, work unit or individual; there are a combination of factors that influence performance: direct, indirect, individual and situational. Any human resource intervention designed to assist, enhance, encourage ‘performance management’ has to be effectively targeted at the right combination of factors (Study Guide 2004, pp.2-8). 2.2 Performance, a Definition Contemporary organizations consider performance to fall into two major areas: performance at the individual level and performance at the organizational level (Williams 2002). At the individual level there are differing views on what performance is. Some research regards it as simply the record of outcomes achieved (Bernadin 1995). Performance has also been defined as behavior, that is, the way in which teams and individuals get work done (Campbell 1990). At the individual level performance can be thought of as either ‘what’ is achieved, that is as output and results, or as ‘how’ it is achieved, that is demonstrated behaviors, competencies, adherence to process (Study Guide 2004, pp.2-6). Williams (2002, cited in Study Guide 2004, pp.2-7) starts with the proposition that individual performance is behavior, which is determined by factors of declarative knowledge, procedural knowledge and motivation. Declarative knowledge is the ‘what’ of performance; procedural knowledge is the ‘how’ to do’ whereas motivation refers to the exercise of choice over whether or not to perform; what level of effort to expend; and, whether or not to maintain a consistent level of effort on the specified tasks over an extended period. The three factors above are direct determinants of performance. There are also indirect determinants which might be termed ‘situational’ factors, first are those inherent in the individual employee, the second are those inherent in the work context, which might be termed ‘situational’ factors (Study Guide 2004). However, the most comprehensive view of performance is achieved if it is defined as embracing both behavior and outcomes (Armstrong Baron 1999). Performance at the individual level cannot be seen as merely a function of ‘ability’ and ‘motivation’. Issues such as individual differences, the context in which performance is expected, and the interactions between system and individuals should also be considered. Performance at the individual level is even more ‘multi-dimensional’ than performance at the organizational level (Study Guide 2004). The concept of performance as embracing productivity or efficiency as well as effectiveness, adaptability and responsiveness. It is clear, then, that organizational performance is far from being a simple concept (Williams 2002, p. 68). Somehow, at the organizational level we are concerned with issues of efficiency, effectiveness and productivity. To address the aforementioned multi-dimensions, we need meaningful performance measures. An increasingly popular approach to measure organizational performance has been through the use of the ‘Balanced Scorecard’ developed by Kaplan and Norton in 1996, which attempts to capture some of the contradictory nature of organizational performance (Williams 2002). It aims to measure performance in terms of four sets of indictors namely financial, customer, internal business process and learning and growth. The aforementioned four sets of indicators have each taking a different perspective. To succeed financially, how should we appear to our shareholders; to achieve our vision, how should we appear to our customers; to satisfy our shareholders and customers what internal business processes must we excel at and to achieve our vision, how will we sustain our ability to change and improve. It is important to remember that when studying performance management, we must consider both inputs – the behavior aspects and outputs the results aspects. Hartle (1995) calls this the ‘mixed model’ of performance management, reflecting the importance of both the ‘how and what’ of performance. This is when we consider that performance is about how things are done as well as what is done. Efficiency is defined by Robbins, Bergman, Stagg Coulter (2000, p. 8) as the relationship between inputs and outputs, the goal of which is to minimize resource costs whereas effectiveness is defined as the goal attainment. Efficiency is often as ‘doing things right’ – that is not wasting resources; effectiveness is often described as ‘doing the right thing’ – that is, those work activities that will help the organization reach its goals. Whereas efficiency is concerned with the means of getting things done, effectiveness is concerned with the ends. Performance and its relationship to productivity are of a vital importance in understanding and applying techniques of performance management. Guzzo (1988, p. 63 cited in Williams 2002, p. 52) claims that productivity may mean different things to different people, Pritchard (1995, p. 448 cited in Williams 2002, p. 52) has recently noted the wide range of meanings attaching to the term productivity: the term has been used to refer to individuals, groups, organizational units entire organizations, industries, and nations. It has been used as a synonym for output, efficiency, motivation, individual performance, organizational effectiveness, production, profitability, cost/effectiveness, competitiveness, and work quality. Productivity is the ratio of outputs to inputs, a ratio that reflects the efficiency with which resources are transformed into outputs (Guzzo 1988, cited in Williams 2002). And Williams 2002 refers productivity as a systems concept and that inputs are subject to some conversion processes which lead to the production of outputs; in seeking to measure productivity a basic question that is concerned is how well or how efficiently available inputs are converted into outputs. In a general sense, by inputs, it is meant all the resources, employees, raw materials, energy, buildings, equipment etc, that are required to manufacture a product or deliver a service. Output is typically taken to mean what an organization produces. Output has traditionally been measured in quantitative terms, however, there is also a quality aspect of output (Williams 2002). Viewing productivity as a system concept tells that inputs are converted into outputs via some transformation processes. Similarly, an organization, as a system, comprises many subsystems and it is these which are concerned directly or indirectly, with the transformation processes that convert inputs to outputs (Williams 2002, p. 57) 2.3 Performance Management, an Overview Performance management is defined by De Cieri Kramar (2002, p. 286) as the means through which managers ensure that employees’ activities and outputs are congruent with the organization’s goals. Performance management evolved out of a long history or managerial attempts to improve productivity, efficiency and effectiveness at all levels in an organization. Study Guide 2004 outlined that one of the difficulties with the concept performance management is that the term means different things to different people. One main interpretation that has come to dominate in practice is that performance management is a system for managing organizational performance; a system for managing employee performance and a system for integrating the management of organizational and individual performance (Williams 2002, p. 10). Walter (1995, p.10) states that performance management is about directing and supporting employees to work as effectively and efficiently as possible in line with the needs of the organization. Armstrong 1994 defined performance management as a process designed to improve organizational, team and individual performance whereas Armstrong Baron 1999 describes performance management as a strategic and integrated approach to deliver sustained success to organizations by improving the performance of the people who work in term and by developing the capabilities of teams and individual contributors. Performance management is far more than its precursor ‘performance appraisal’, it goes beyond the annual appraisals, ratings and interviews to incorporate employees’ goals, training, rewards and individual development. Thus, a performance management system focuses on an ongoing process of performance improvement, at the individual and organizational level, rather than emphasizing an annual performance review (DeSimone, Werner Harris 2002, cited in Study Guide 2004, p.1-3). There is no one right way of managing performance. The approach will depend on the context of the organization. That is, its culture, structure, technology and the type of people involved. Thus, recognizing the importance of managing within the context of the business. Organizational structure is defined as the degree of complexity, formalization and centralization crated to facilitate the coordination of activities and to control the actions of organizational members (Robbins, Waters-Marsh, Caccioppe Millett 2001, cited in Study Guide 2004, pp.1-12). Organizational culture is a more intangible aspect, based on the shared values, customs, rituals and norms of the organization. Culture, is long-lasting and can often take decades to change, it is very enigmatic and complex. Culture can assist performance management – they can also act as a major impediment. Conversely, performance management can be used as a tool to change culture (Study Guide 2004, pp.1-14). Williams 2002 raised, from one point of view technology is part of performance management, one of the tools, that is, for managing performance. And, indeed, technology, especially information technology, has been in many cases a solution to a performance problem which has led to that business gaining competitive advantage. 2.4 The Role of a Performance Management within an Organization From a human resource perspective it is very much a systemic process bringing together issues of: organizational performance; managerial effectiveness; individual performance; skill development; and reward management. These five aspects must be integrated through human resource personnel and managers working together with staff to achieve the organization’s desired outcomes (Williams 2002). The processes that are applied to reward and remunerate employee motivation are aligned with performance management. In the industrial era, performance and productivity came primarily from physical effort coupled with capital invested in technology. As enter the new era of information technology, the performance and productivity of employees comes not from physical effort but from within employees – their knowledge, insights information, skills, abilities, innovativeness and creativity (Smith 1998, p. 153 cited in Williams 2002, pp.1-16) For managerial effectiveness, on the one hand, the manager would know about the policy, objectives, mission and goal of organization. On the other hand, the product or service delivered has to meet customer needs for achieving its goal, having good relationship and trust between the company and customer, thus, be more competitive in the marketplace. Research is needed to best fulfill customers’ needs. A plan or strategy has to be implemented to improve the company and its stuff’s performance to be more successful. Performance should in line with the company’s business plan. Employees’ performance should cope with the company’s strategies and should also keep on improving. The focus of training and development programs and approaches in organizations is to achieve long-lasting behavioral changes which increase productivity at the individual, group and organizational level. As such, training and development comes under the ambit of performance management. As with other performance related aspects of the organization and its human resources, training and development is concerned with the identification of training needs. Based on a comparison of expected with actual performance, training interventions are designed, implemented and assessed to ascertain whether performance has been improved as a consequence of the training. Two of the significant performance management processes which assist the training and development cycle are job analysis and performance assessment. Job analysis provides valuable information on the tasks, job and role of the job and performance assessment assists in identifying where deficiencies in performance exist (Smith 1998, cite d in Study Guide 2004, pp.1-17) To unlock the intrinsic qualities of individual employees, not only does performance management address situational factors surrounding the employees, but it also seeks to address the motivational factors of employees. One approach to unlock these aptitudes and abilities is to consider compensation management as part and parcel of a performance management approach. Compensation management looks not only at extrinsic rewards, such as pay and bonuses, but also at those artifices, symbols, rewards and benefits which improve the motivation of employees to perform at higher levels. Suffice to point out that organizations which manage compensation and rewards poorly will fail to maximize their most important strategic resource – their human capital (DeSimone et al, 2002, p. 43, cited in Study Guide 2004 pp.1-17). It is because employees who achieve want to be recognized and rewarded for their efforts. And to motivate performance, outstanding performers must be identified and rewarde d accordingly (Stone 2002). 2.5. Employee Motivation theory and Performance According to Mitchell (1982) motivation is psychological process that cause encouragement, direction and insistence of voluntary actions that are goal oriented. Employee motivation is one of the key drivers of high performance as it encourages individuals to work hard, and desire to achieve a higher goal and a better performance. Robbins (1993) shares the same view, that motivation is the willingness to exercise high levels of effort towards organization goals and to satisfy individual needs. McKenna (2002, p.8) explains motivation as an emotion, ‘which is personal in nature, and comes from within the individual’. Robbins (1993) also describes that it is the individual needs that make the outcomes to be attractive and unsatisfied needs will create tension to stimulate drives within the individual and this is called motivation process. Please refer to Appendix 1 to see the phases of the motivational process. This study has been aimed to discuss different motivation theori es and how it effectively increases employee performance. There have been numerous motivation theories developed by many famous authors such as Chester Barnard, Max Webber, Joan Woodard, Bennis and Slater etc. According to Reis and Pena (2001), there was an evolution in the development of the motivation theories. Chester Barnard (1938) introduced the idea of traditional/classical form of motivation as â€Å"be tough† or â€Å"stick† and â€Å"be good† or â€Å"carrot† then followed with bureaucracy and human relation approach by Max Weber (1947) and Joan Woodard (1965) respectively. Then the turning point of the motivation history is in 1980s to 1990s was the â€Å"Total Quality Management† and â€Å"Reengineering† approach. Reis and Pena (2001) believe that today employee motivation is about satisfying your employees with empathy, understanding, friendship and respect at workplace. Please refer to Appendix 2 to view the evolution of motivation theories. According to McKenna (1999) the evolution of motivation theories have been breaking down and classifying generally into three categories. Ramlall (2004) also agrees that motivation should have three aspects of reinforcement, content and process theories. The reinforcement theory is based on the concept that reinforcement conditions behavior. Reinforcement is the attempt to develop or strengthen desirable behavior by either giving positive consequences or withholding negative consequences (Nelson Quick 1994). The theorists see behavior as environmentally caused. The reinforcement theory does not concentrate on the personal feelings of the individual, but rather what happens when the individual takes some action. What directs behaviors are reinforcements, when instantly followed by a response, increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated (Luthans Stajkovic, 1999). In the workplace, Nemerov (1993) emphasized that it is important for managers to recognize and reward employees. Such recognition also helps individuals to fulfill the higher needs in Maslow and Alderfers hierarchies, providing workers with self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. According to Miner and Dachler (1973), content theories are primary emphasis on the particular motives or the types of motives. Berl and Williamson (1987) also describe content theories as understanding the key and driver which arouse or start behavior. Dainty (2002) and McKenna (1999) share a same concept of content theories; the two authors believe it is surrounding by four famous theories of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Herzberg’s Motivational-Hygiene, Alderfer’s existence relatedness and growth and McClelland’ needs theory. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs describes people have five classifications of needs which act as motivators; those are physiological needs, safety, social and belongingness, self esteem and self-actualization needs. According to Berl and Williamson (1987) the critical aspect of this theory is individual needs to satisfy lower level of need before moving upward. However, there have been many criticisms as Grigaliunas and Weiner (1974) argues that Maslow has been oversimplified and misrepresented. Wahba and Bridwell (1973) conducted a study which show that needs cannot be arranged in a hierarchy in every circumstance and hence feel that Maslow’s model is inappropriate. Herzberg theory has two factors called hygiene (physiological) and motivational (egocentric) also receive considerable criticism by Wahba and Bridwell (1976). Maslow and Herzberg share very similar concepts that individual must achieve basic needs in order to move upward. This theory was also never tested fairly and lack of supporting evidence that job satisfaction leads to high job performance (House and Wigdor 1976). The argument is that job satisfaction may lead people to their comfort zone and not actively look to risk their current rewards (House and Wigdor, 1976). Although there are criticisms, these theories are easily and widely used in practice by considering motivation as a systematic theory. Alderfer’s existence, relatedness and growth (ERG) theory assumes that if an individual can not satisfy the specific needs, then he/she can satisfy needs at a lower level, if the individual is frustrated at a given need level (Berl and Williamson, 1987). Maslow’s theory states that only one level of need can be motivational at a time while with Alderfer more than one level of need can influence a person to act at a given time. Berl, Williamson and Powell (1985), found through a survey that those who have satisfaction with growth needs have greater more desire for growth and individuals dissatisfied with existence needs had a greater desire for existence and related needs. Hence, this theory is useful for management to recognize a right person for the right task with realistic goal to motivate high performance. The relationship between these three theories is demonstrated in Appendix 3. McClelland argues that motivation could be learnt from life experiences and the needs are developed through life such as need for achievement, need for affiliation and the need for power. Acquired needs theory is also influenced by society and culture changing overtime (McKenna, 1999). Hence employees would be more motivated and perform better if managers know their goals and touch correctly to their needs. The process theories, according to Berl Williamson (1987) provide an explanation of procedures which enable people to choose among different courses of action, the degree of effort expended and persistence over time. The process theories include Equity theory, intrinsic motivation theory, and Expectancy theory. Process theories contrast sharply with the earlier content theories, which focused on identifying factors associated with motivation in a relatively static environment. Process theorists view work motivation from a dynamic perspective and look for causal relationships across time and events as they relate to human behavior in the workplace (Steers, Mowday and Shapiro 2004). The equity theory points towards the situations when individuals compare outcome-input ratio of their job to that of others (Robbins 2003). The people to whom individuals may compare themselves may belong inside or outside to the same organization as well as their own experiences in a different position within the same or another organization. This theory is strong when predicting absence and turnover behaviors and weak while predicting employee productivity. Equity theory points out that rewards significantly affect the level of motivation. McKenna (2005) argues that money and other rewards do not have a significant effect on motivation and it is other factors like better job satisfaction, positive feedbacks that do so. Locke and Latham (1990, p.241) state that expectancy theory developed by Vroom emphasizes that ‘performance is a multiplicative function of expectancy, instrumentality and valence’. It suggests that the factors that motivate a person to act in a certain way depend on ‘the strength of an expectation that the act will be followed by a given outcome and on the attractiveness of the outcome to the individual’ (Robbins 2003, p.173). This theory is strong to explain employee productivity, absenteeism and turnover. Quick (1988) further explains a five step process towards the practical application of the expectancy theory – define the expectations, make the work valuable, make the work doable, give regular feedback, and reward employees when they meet expectations. The various motivational factors can be broadly grouped into intrinsic and extrinsic. The intrinsic factors include those are directly related to the work itself, like the enjoyment, responsibility and satisfaction of completing a task while extrinsic factors refer to those external factors like the recognition and rewards associated with the work (Amabile 1993). A study by Nowlin (1982) indicated that majority of the managers in both the private and public sectors were motivated by intrinsic factors like the work itself and the job responsibility. Based on a survey by Mullins, in which workers were induced to perform better in their jobs either by verbal recognition of good work or by a pay increase, it was found that performance was improved more significantly by the intrinsic reward of verbal recognition than by the extrinsic reward of additional money (Mullins 1996). Cully et al (1999) support this by evidence that regular performance appraisals and monitoring of individual quali ty do help to boost morale and improve workplace well-being. It is also seen that it is possible to achieve synergy between these two types of motivational factors by creating a synergy between the person and his work environment (Amabile 1993). Smith (2005) adds to this argument by stating that it is important for leaders to understand the reason behind the employee’s motivation, otherwise they may offer things that are not really valued. Di Cesare Sadri (2003) explains the dimensions of cultural impact on employee motivation, stating ‘while the principle of leadership, motivation, and decision making may be applicable almost everywhere, their success or failure depends heavily on ways in which managers adapt to the local culture and work situation’ (cited in Di Cesare Sadri 2003, p.30). Motivation is culture-bound, and managers must be careful not to impose their value system when drawing conclusions about what motivates people in different countries. Motivational differences are best understood by exploring countries individually, first by gaining an understanding of the culture and then by drawing implications from that culture about motivation. 2.6 Highlights of ways in which managers can motivate employee to improve productivity Understanding what motivated employees and how they were motivated was the focus of many research which have been undertaken in this field by Frederic Herzberg, Douglas McGregor, David McClelland, Abraham Maslow and Elton Mayo. Each of them has a different theory about employee motivation. Frederic Herzberg’s developed this motivation theory during investigation of 2000 accountant and engineers in the USA. Two Factor Theory. He beloved that people are influenced by two factors- motivation and hygiene. Satisfaction and psychological growth was a factor of motivation factors. The result of hygiene factor was dissatisfaction. Hygiene factors are needed to ensure an employee does not become dissatisfied. They not lead to higher levels of motivation, but without them there is dissatisfaction. The typical factors are working conditions, salary, Security Company, job. Motivation factors are needed to motivate an employee into higher performance. He suggests that offer work should be arranged in the following ways: job enlargement, job nation and enrichment. 2.6.1 Douglas McGregors theories called X and Y. McGregor said that there are two fundamental approaches to managing people. Many managers prefer theory x, and generally get poor results. Enlightened managers use theory y, which produces better performance and results, and allows people to develop and growth. â€Å"Authoritarian management† style Theory X The average person prefers to be directed. This person wants to avoid responsibility, is unambitious and wants security above all else. The average person does not like work and will avoid it. That is why most people must be forced with the threat of punishment to work towards organizational objectives. â€Å"Participative management† style -Theory Y People usually accept and often seek responsibility Effort in work is a natural People have self-control and self-direction in the pursuit of organizational objectives, without external control or the threat of punishment. Commitment to objectives is a function of rewards associated with their achievement. The capability to use a high degree of imagination and creativity in solving organizational problems is widely distributed in the population. McClelland based on the Murrays (1938) theory of personality. proposed a content theory of motivation. In his book (1961) The achieving society, McClelland said that human motivation comprises three dominant needs: the need for achievement , the need for power and the need for affiliation. Achievement People with a high need for achievement are trying to avoid both low-risk and high-risk situations. They avoid low-risk situations because the easily attained success is not a genuine achievement. In high-risk they can see the outcome as one of chance rather than ones own effort. High individuals prefer work that has ideally a 50% chance of success. Those people need regular feedback in order to monitor the progress of their achievements. They prefer either to work alone or with other people. Affiliation People with a high need for affiliation need to feel accepted by others and be in harmonious relationships with other people. Power Person who need for power can be personal or institutional. People who need personal power want to direct others, and this need is perceived as undesirable. Those who need institutional power –social power- want to organize the efforts of others to further the goals of the organization. 2.6.2 Elton Mayo Elton Mayo is known from his research including Hawthorne Studies and his books. He started his experiment on the effect light in produ

Crime And Punishment In Wuthering Heights Essay -- essays research pap

The complex and furious creation of Emily Brontà «, Wuthering Heights is a powerful novel that fiercely combines many of the greatest themes in literature, such as love and its intricacies, revenge and the its terrible effects, and the contrasts between nature and society. One of the most prevalent themes in this celebrated work is that of crime and punishment, or sin and retribution. One character in particular, Heathcliff, stands apart as a conduit for both of these, es-pecially his sins. His past crimes, both worldly and metaphysical, coincide with his punishments.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Heathcliff, to some, began life as a crime. His foster brother Hindley shunned him as a reject from society while viewing Heathcliff’s very existence a grievous crime, particularly because Mr. Earnshaw’s love and affection were displaced towards Heathcliff instead of himself. Far later in the novel, this terrible attitude backfires upon Hindley, who is misused and cheated out of ownership of Wuthering Heights by Heathcliff. This crime parallels another: Heathcliff’s abhorrent abuse of both Hindley in his weakened state and Hindley’s son Hareton, who is made the stablehand instead of the rightful owner of the Heights. Heathcliff also trespassed when he imprisoned Catherine upon her visits to his son Linton. He coerced her into marrying Linton while her own father was dying, and so gained ownership of Thrushcross Grange as well as the Heights. &...

The Contemporary Conflict of Values :: Morals Ethics Papers

The Contemporary Conflict of Values The conflict between values is the source of many conflicts and problems today. In contrast to the traditional conflict of values, the contemporary conflict is distinguished by these features: (1) extensiveness; (2) complicatedness; (3) profoundness; and (4) continuousness. The plurality and relativity of values is the primary cause of contemporary conflicts. The origin of pluralism lies in an interrelated trio of aspects: commodity economy, democratic politics, and individualism. The contemporary conflict of values is a historical process. Such conflict does not necessarily result in confusion; on the contrary, it can possibly lead to new and higher levels of harmony and vitality. In adjudicating value conflicts, we must (1) permit different values to coexist and respect different choices and the pursuits of values by different individuals; (2) consider the whole and the individual, the entire and the part, the long-term and the short-term, and attempt to have regard for both sides of the conflict; and (3) pursue the best and most suitable. 1. The conflict of values is not the unique phenomenon of our times but the common occurrence in both ancient and modern history. But the traditional conflict of values occurred largely in the moral realm, and its essence and focus lay in the conflict between individual and whole interests. In the premodern times there were also conflicts between various requirements of the same individual self, but this conflict was also moralized because personal life, either inner ideas or outeractions,were put into the scope of moral valuation. Furthermore, traditional morality was double-valued morality of good and evil, and only the requirements benefiting the whole or others was evaluated as moral. Therefore,the traditional conflict of values was in fact moral conflict between good and evil, and significance and function of morality just lay in adjusting and solving all those conflicts. Since the end of the 19th century,however,the conflict of values has become a universal phenomenon. In contrast with the traditional conflict of values, the contemporary conflict of values has four distinguishing charateristics: (1) Extensiveness. Contemporary society is a legalized society, whose greatest difference from moralized traditional society is that such society merely regulates the starting point, not all of people's action, and it does not regulate people's ideology. Thus in traditional society there was almost no possibility of choice in realms other than morality, while in contemporary society,in addition t law, there are many realms possible for people to choose, so that the conflict of values possibly may take place both in the legal realm and other realms.

How Does Sir Arthur Conan Doyle create atmosphere in chapter 6? Essay

In â€Å"the Hound of the Baskervilles†, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle describes the atmosphere in depth frequently; usually the atmosphere reflects the mood of the chapter. Also he cleverly uses the atmosphere to show a comparison between good and evil, for example in chapter 6, between the Devonshire Moors and Baskerville Hall. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle introduces atmosphere in key events throughout the book, this is used to provide suspense and set the tone. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle uses comparisons such as the lush countryside as opposed the gloomy moor to create an atmosphere and set the scene. As Sherlock Holmes, Dr Mortimer and Dr Watson travel through the county on the train the author describes the immediate changes. â€Å"Brown earth had become ruddy†, this is used to show how the earth had become fresher and red. This also shows that the Devonshire countryside is a good/safe place. â€Å"Lush grasses†¦ luxuriant vegetation† is used to describe the richness and the quality of the Devonshire land. It also creates an image that Devonshire is safe as shows no evil, unlike Baskerville Hall. â€Å"Lush† and â€Å"luxuriant† are very descriptive words, and show the reader that everything is all right and creates a good, calm atmosphere. As the reader can compare â€Å"lush grasses† to summer green fields, this sets a homely atmosphere. Young Baskerville shows the reader that the countryside is easy on the eyes, as it states, â€Å"Young Baskerville stared eagerly†, and gives the impression that he is ecstatic to be there. â€Å"Stared† shows he is admiring the scenery while â€Å"eagerly† puts emphasis on how he wants to see more and is keen to take everything in of the Devonshire countryside. As they travel through and beyond the countryside the mood of the passengers begin to change as Young Baskerville starts explaining â€Å"his fathers death†, this sets a depressive mood/atmosphere which is later matched up with the outside scenery. â€Å"His father† sets a chilling mood, as the readers know that his father carried a curse, also â€Å"death† sets a depressing mood and reminds everyone of the case and takes them away from the lush countryside. â€Å"Green squares. †¦ Distance a grey† this is a major comparison between the countryside and moor. The countryside is green and safe while the moor is grey and evil. The introduction of â€Å"Melancholy Hill† sets an atmosphere, as melancholy shows a depressive and a gloomy state of mind. This shows the atmosphere and mood for the moor, which is opposite to the lush green one of the countryside. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle uses the word ‘melancholy’ to describe the hill not direct to the atmosphere; this is used throughout the book to let the reader decide upon the atmosphere. â€Å"Strange jagged summit† is used to demonstrate that the moor in itself is strange but â€Å"jagged summit† shows a weird unclear thing possibly hostile and uninviting. This â€Å"jagged summit† may represent the hound, as we are unclear of the truth or it could represent a strange unnerving atmosphere on the moor. As they travel through the moor they spot a man with a â€Å"dark and expressive face†, dark shows an element of evil, as a dark atmosphere is often seen as a negative evil one. â€Å"Expressive face† shows the feeling that the man is in, and as it is linked with dark it shows an angry, depressing face which links to the Melancholy Hill.