Concept of Recruitment Model in HRM

Introduction and what is expected of a good recruitment model Recruitment is a process of identifying qualified people for a specific job by catching the attention of the recruits, cross examining them and choosing qualified people. Most organizations both mid and large sized have professionals who perform the work of recruitment while at the same time, they might outsource the process to agencies who offer recruitment services.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Concept of Recruitment Model in HRM specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The best recruitment model for an organization is one that addresses the internal and external factors, a model that is based on these factors and a work or job investigation that recognizes the behavior and characteristics of workers which will then help in selection of candidates who are competent for that job. Strategies of organizations change from time to time as they respond to changes in the economic and business environment (Delery, 1996). For this case, I am going to discuss the ‘strategic recruitment and selection model’ which I think will address the above concerns during recruitment. The use of this strategy in recruitment emphasizes the need to match people with the job requirements. Job analysis Strategic recruitment and selection model entails several steps or procedures of selection. First, job analysis has to be done which involves the following; establishing the relevance of the job analysis, listing the characteristics of the personnel to be hired, selecting the job in question for analysis, gathering data of the job analysis, reviewing and developing the specifications and description of the job. In order to perform job analysis, information is gathered using the following techniques; use of questionnaires, observation, records of participants and the procedures of the civil service. Description of the job should be very clea r and should not rhyme with description of other jobs while at the same time, specification of the job should be comprehensible and followed so that the right person with the correct skills for the job is selected. Job analysis enables recruiters to know what the job is all about and what skillfulness and capability to search in candidates (Noe et al., 2010). Planning and recruitment The next level in strategic recruitment and selection model is personnel planning and recruitment. At this stage, plans are developed for selection of candidates which involves the requirements of the personnel, availability of candidates from outside and within the organization.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For an organization to know the demand for new employees, it has to consider make predictions of the services on demand. When the demands of the personnel are determined and eval uated, the next stage is to come up with a group of eligible candidates through advertisements, employment agencies or the internet. Analysis of the application form is the first step to collect data which enables recruiters to make predictions about their past and future performance. Human resources scheduling and selection has a direct impact on the level of dedication of the member of staff because it translates on the ability to develop. Therefore, the whole process of personnel planning and recruitment has to be done using reliable tests and interviews. Examination The process of examining and choosing employees is critical to them. Employees who have performed to the required level have a higher tendency to perform their duties effectively as compared to employees with low level of performance who can be obstructive and rough. The hiring process is very expensive for organizations, hence, cost effective screening is highly emphasized. During hiring process, legal implications of the whole process should be put into consideration because if the selection process is unfair, some candidates might go to court to challenge the recruitment process. It should not discriminate against women, the aged people, the minorities or the physically challenged. Validity and reliability The other concern of this model is the validity and reliability of the testing and interviewing process. The test should specifically get results of what is expected of the applicants. The criterion and content validity of the test should be related to job performance and test fairly the tasks and skills of the job respectively. The model also emphasizes on the reliability of the test so that consistent results can be obtained even if the same test was to be administered severally. In order to validate the test, the job is first analyzed to find out the skills and human characteristics required to perform the job, then a test is chosen to assess the traits needed for the job. Selection of the test is done with full consideration of the past experiences and research. The test is then administered using a reliable technique. Concurrent validation can be used where existing employees are first tested then their performance compared to the applicants though it is not a fair tool of evaluation of the applicants (Noe et al., 2010). The model places emphasis on best practices to be used in testing guidelines. A test is part of the selection process and should not be solely used for selection but a check for initial stages of the interview. Tests are not perfect and could even represent less than twenty five percent of the ability of the applicant to perform the job successfully. The test should be validated to ensure that they meet legal requirements and good practices in order to meet the objectives of the job requirements.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Concept of Recruitment Model in HRM specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/ page Learn More An analysis of the present hiring procedures of the organization should be done regularly to make sure that issues of minority and gender bias are addressed in order to make testing is fair to all applicants. Records of performance of all applicants should be kept because it might be helpful in research and advancement of recruitment processes in future. It is also important that correlation of the test scores with performance of the job be done at a later stage after hiring has been done. Assessment of management competencies required for a job is critical. As discussed earlier, the biggest challenge in recruitment and selection is the procedure of identifying the appropriate qualities necessary for the present and prospective applicants, which will then help to match the person and the job. Normally, job analysis has been used to determine these qualities. Job analysis can be split into two; individual and task orientation. Task orientation is define d by the actions that a person is expected to display as derived from findings of the job while individual orientation behavior and repertory grid (Ulrich, 1996). Psychometric model Psychometric model of testing is used when other forms of evaluation are unreliable. In this model, the whole job is broken into small subunits then, these small units shall be used to evaluate understanding and capability. According to Legge (2004) the model takes into consideration individual values as an indicator of good performance, while other factors such as bias, minority and bias are also considered. The social process model has been on the limelight as it regards the selection process a social process as well as selection and evaluation. In this model, it is believed that the process of recruitment is likely to have psychological effects on the applicants like attitude towards the organization. Proactive measures can be taken before selection by putting into consideration the individual differe nces of candidates (Paauwe, 2009) . Interviewing of candidates varies according reason, content, organization and the manner of administration of the interview. The relevance of an interview can be undermined by irrelevant information predominating, lack of knowledge of the job requirements, being in a hurry to hire and making decisions hastily. Recruitment process should involve an establishment rapport between the interviewer and interviewees and prior planning for the process to make sure that it is fair and fair. Interviewers should prepare adequately for an interview and have a structured guideline of the information to be extracted from the applicant, have knowledge of the job requirements and focus on questions that bring out motivational level of the candidate (Becker, 1996).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Conclusion- benefits of the model Though the ‘strategic recruitment and selection’ is widely used in hiring, the model has the following challenges: it is expensive to administer, there is a lot of pressure on the recruiters due to short term orientation, difficulty in validation of evaluation decisions and lack of consistent corporate strategy. On the other hand, it puts into consideration the needs of the applicants, organizations’ job requirements and related human resources practices (Armstrong, 2006). The other option of recruitment is the traditional recruitment and selection model. Comparing the two models, I would prefer the strategic model because the traditional model has a lot of weakness. The following are the disadvantages of traditional model; relies mostly on the interview as a selection tool, does not put into consideration the needs of the customers and providers, it is not a good agent of change and displays status quo. References Armstrong, M. (2006). A handbook of Human Resource Management Practice (10th Edition). London: Kogan. Becker, B. (1996). The impact of Human Resource Management on organizational Perfomance: Academy of Management Journal. 39 (4), 779-801. Delery, J. and Doty,H. (1996). â€Å"Modes of theorizing in Strategic Human Resource Management:† Academy of Management Journal, 39(4), 802-825. Legge, K. (2004). Human Resource Management: Rhetorics and Realities (Anniversary Edition). Basingtoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Noe, R., etal. (2010). Human Resources Management. USA, Chicago: McGraw-Hill, 7th Edition, 74-101. Paauwe, J. (2009). HRM and Perfomance: Achievement, Methodological issues and prospects journal of management journal 46(1). Ulrich, D. (1996). Human Resource Champions. The next agenda for adding value and delivering results. Boston, Mass: Harvard Business School Press. This research paper on Concept of Recruitment Model in HRM was written and submitted by user Susan Allen to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Matching up Nicknames With Given Names

Matching up Nicknames With Given Names It can be hard enough to find great-grandma Jenny without having to figure out if she could also be Jane, Janet, Jeanette, Jennett, Jennifer, or Virginia. But it is common in many genealogical records, especially more informal records such as census records and obituaries, to find your ancestors listed under names you might not expect. In many cases, these names may have been the nicknames that they were known by to their family, friends and business associates - no different for our ancestors than it is today. List of Nicknames for First Names Nicknames can sometimes be difficult to catch, however. Kim as a nickname for Kimberly is fairly straightforward, but Polly as a nickname for Mary and Peggy as a nickname for Margaret have tripped up many researchers. Sometimes nicknames were formed by adding a y or ey to the end of a name or part of a name - i.e. Johnny for John or Penny for Penelope. Other times the name was shortened in some manner - i.e. Kate for Katherine. But sometimes it is just a matter of knowing which nicknames were commonly used in a particular time and  place. Thats why it is important, as a genealogist, to familiarize yourself with commonly used nicknames and their corresponding given names. Do not forget, however, that what appears to be a nickname isnt always. Many nicknames became so popular that they later came to be bestowed as given names. My fathers name is Larry - which is  not  short for Lawrence as many might assume. And my great-grandmother really was baptized as Effie, not Euphemia or Evelyn. Scroll down to explore this list of common nicknames associated with popular given names to determine the various ways in which your ancestor might appear in genealogical records. These are just some of the most common possible given name/nickname variations, but certainly not all. While researching, keep in mind that the same nickname might be associated with different given names, and the same individual might show up with different nicknames in different records. Nickames Given Names Bell, Bella, Belle Arabelle, Anabelle, Belinda, Elizabeth, Isabel, Isabella, Mirabel, Rosabel Belle Mabel, Sybil Bess, Bessie, Bessy, Beth, Bette, Bettie, Bettie, Betsy, Betsey, Bitsy Elizabeth, Elisabeth Bird, Birdie Alberta, Albertine, Roberta Bob, Bobby Robert Bobbi, Bobbie Roberta Boots Bertha Bridey, Brie Bridget Carrie, Carry Caroline, Carolina, Charlotte Cindy, Cindie Cynthia, Cinthia, Lucinda Daisy Margaret Dan, Danny Daniel, Sheridan Dee Audrey, Deanne, Deanna, Denise Delia Adelia, Adele, Cordelia Dell, Della, Delly Adelaide, Adela, Cordelia, Deliverance, Delores Dick Richard Dobbin, Dobby, Dob Robert Dode, Dody Dorothy, Theodore Dora Dorothy, Eudora, Theodora Dot, Dotty, Dottie Dorothy Ed, Eddie, Eddy Edgar, Edmund, Edward, Edwin, Edwina Effie, Effy Euphemia, Evelyn Eliza Elizabeth, Elisabeth Ella, Ellie Eleanor, Elenora Erma Emaline, Emily Fannie, Fanny Frances Frankie Frances (female), Francis (male), Franklin Genie Eugenia Ginger, Ginny Virginia Greta Margaret, Margaretha Hal Harold, Henry Hank, Harry Henry Hattie Harriet, Harriett Hettie Esther, Henrietta, Hester Jack John Jamie James, Jameson Jenny Jane, Janet, Jeanette, Jennett, Virginia Jim, Jimmy James Jock, Johnnie, Johnny John Kate, Katy, Katie, Kay, Kit, Kitty, Kittie Katherine Lena Angelina, Caroline, Helena, Magdalena, Paulina, Selena, etc. Lisa, Lise, Liz, Lizzie Elizabeth, Elisabeth Lucy Lucinda Madge, Maggie, Midge Margaret Mamie Mary Marty, Martie, Mattie Martha May Mary Meg, Megan Margaret Millie, Milly Amelia, Mildred Moll, Mollie, Molly Mary Nell, Nellie, Nelly Eleanor, Elenora, Ellen, Helen, Helena Nora Eleanor, Elenora, Honora, Honoria Ollie Olive, Olivia, Oliver Pat, Patsy, Patty, Pattie Martha, Matilda, Patricia, Patience Peg, Peggy Margaret Penny Penelope Polly, Pollie Mary, Paula Rich, Richy, Rick Richard Rob, Robbie, Robby Robert (male), Roberta (female) Robin Robert, Roberta Ron Aaron, Ronald Ronnie Aaron, Ronald, Veronica Sadie, Sally, Sallie Sarah Sam, Sammy, Sammie Samuel, Samson, Samantha Sukie, Suchie, Suchy Susan, Susanna, Susannah Tad Theodore Ted, Teddy Edward, Theodore Terry, Tess, Tessie, Tessa, Tracy Theresa, Teresa Theo Theodore Tilly Temperance Tillie Matilda, Mathilda Tina Christina Trina Catherine, Katherine Virgie Virginia Winnie Winefred, Winifred

Relationship between Leisure Activity and Life Satisfaction Essay

Relationship between Leisure Activity and Life Satisfaction - Essay Example (Ragheb & Griffith, 1982). Although these two are distinct, life satisfaction is somewhat related to mind and leisure is related to physical aspect but they share a relationship. In this article I have focused on these few questions; (a) what leisure activities are taken by people (b) How different people participate in different activities (c) What is the relationship between life satisfaction and leisure activity (d) Are few leisure activities strongly related then others to life satisfaction The data is all related to the United States population and is taken from the census of the USA government. From all the data I have gathered, it's found out that frequency of participation in leisure activities also differ by sex, age and income levels. Furthermore there is a positive correlation between leisure activity and life satisfaction. The activity theory which states that the greater the frequency and intimacy of activity, the greater the life satisfaction; and the needs theory which refers to the theoretical frameworks which purport that when individuals satisfy their needs, this in turn has salutary effect on subjective wellbeing which leads to life satisfaction; (Diener and Lucas 2000) have been used in this article. Apart from the busy lives, people want leisure thus they engross themselves in different leisure activities. According to the US census of 2007 out of the total population, 1,255,897 million were attending and participating in various leisure activities. The table 1 below shows this; Activity Participants in the last 12 months/1 Number(000) % Adult educational courses 13462 6.1 Attend shows/art galleries/music & horse race 106796 48.4 Backgammon 3675 1.7 Cooking/baking/barbequing 125588 77.2 Billiard/pool/board games/chess/puzzles 97581 44.1 Bird watching 12498 5.7 Book club/reading books & comics 97390 44.2 Concert on radio 6997 3.2 Dining out 107456 48.7 Electronic games/computer games 63282 28.7 Entertain friends/relatives 90197 40.8 Sport league 6192 2.8 Fly kites 5219 2.4 Furniture refinish/ home decoration/wood work 44245 20 Go to bars/beach/theatre/museum 149346 67.7 Karaoke 9142 4.1 Model making 3501 1.6 painting/drawing 15146 6.9 Photo album/ scrapbook 17782 8.1 Photography 28340 12.8 picnic 22426 10.2 Play bingo/cards/musical instruments 77228 35 Trivia/video/words game 59737 27 Zoo attendance 27081 12.3 Source: Mediamark research. New York, N.Y, According to the table people are involved in different leisure activities; all indoor and out door. People have different moods which set up their way of choosing a leisure activity. Life satisfaction is attained by different people in different ways and so different leisure activity gives people different levels of life satisfaction. As shown, people are mostly interested in Cooking/baking/barbequing and then the priority is given to going to bars/beaches/theatre and museums. The least number of participants are in model making. Thus majority of the US population prefer indoor activity; staying at home and involving themselves in cooking/baking and barbequing which gives them satisfaction; out of the population second preference is given to outdoor activities which satisfy people. Indoor activities like model

Bussines writing (11) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Bussines writing (11) - Essay Example In today’s business world pie chart is one of the most common methods used for data representation. In a pie chart data is represented in a circular form wherein it is divided into different sectors with areas equal to the corresponding component. The percentage breakdown of the corresponding components is represented by the sectors also knows as slices. Pie charts are used in numerous ways during management meetings such as for representing resource and time allocations, budget categories, market share, expense analysis, income sources, etc (Quinn ). The purpose of a pie chart is to clearly communicate the figures than it could be by a set of numbers. A pie chart gives more clarity than a set of numbers as the figures are represented as pieces of a pie. Greater the figure, greater is the size of the piece. Apart from being clear and increasing clarity, pie charts are also very simple and visually appealing making it easy to understand. It is also very easy to resize and makes changes to a pie

Carnival Cruise Lines Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Carnival Cruise Lines - Case Study Example Few large firms or companies then are left to control the entire market share in the industry and this then will leads to a consolidated industry. Firms or companies like Carnival Cruise Lines in the cruise industry are very well established with very large economies of scale (Enz, 2010). In such cases, the industry is likely to be more competitive compared to the fragmented industries. This is all because well established firms in a consolidated industry have the ability to implement several strategies and come up with new products after thorough research. With adequate resources, firms in a consolidated industry will always be on the run to compete with one another to win more clients and improve their general sales. Such firms will advertise their products aggressively to improve brand loyalty and create awareness of their products and services among many customers in the market. Taking an example of the Carnival Cruise Lines, it is clear that what is happening between the company and the Royal Caribbean International is a stiff competition to win more customers and establish strong brand of their products. 2. A consolidated industry is usually made up of few but very big firms or companies who entirely dominate the industry and control a large market share of a certain product type. This is all because when some new firms try to enter the industry, they meet some setbacks and a lot of competition with the few big firms which have a lot of resources to win a big share of the market. The firms in a consolidated industry deal in differentiated products and get very high profit margins. In that case, one can say that a consolidated industry is more resembles an oligopoly structure because in an oligopoly market structure, there are few firms who control a large market share with differentiated products (Enz, 2010). Like in oligopoly market

English as a Universal Language

English as a Universal Language Language is an important tool of understanding and communicating between any members of a community in all fields of life. For the process of communications and understanding to go smoothly, one must know and be aware of signs, symbols and meanings associated with each language, as well as the cultural side behind each symbol and sign. Learning a foreign language especially English can help felicitate an individual and community ways of understanding what is going on and help to integrate and benefit from achievements as well as increase innovation. Although English is regarded as the number one spoken language in the world. one out of every five people on the entire Earth can speak English to some extent [englishenglish.com] which means fifth of the world which is not enough as those speakers come from different parts of the world and they come with different background, culture, value and beliefs. The English spoken in the UK is not the same English spoken in USA or Australia. The importance of finding a universal language due to increased movement of people and the availability of different types of communication such as the internet and other means in economic, scientific fields and the expansion of economic transactions between countries and international companies to facilitate communication in meetings between representatives of the companies. The openness of the labor market which is a result of globalization made it easier for people to travel around and look for jobs in all parts of the world which led to the pursuit of employers and major companies to take advantage of this and search for employment that reduces cost and maximizes profits, but, there is a challenge that comes along with it, the world is diverse, people come from different characters, cultures, traditions and languages. Language is not just words that are put together and structured into a sentence; it is awareness of cultures, customs and values. Therefore, the language exchanged in many companies especially international ones has a huge importance, because it means the easy exchange of information and data relating to the job among the staff as well as instructions issued by the managers, it brings employees closer together if they can understand each other and understand any technical terms that relate to the job. Religion, language and cultures are all factors that need to be taken into considerations when doing business. Each person is shaped by their own culture, where they realize it or now. Our very own opinions, beliefs and actions are dependent on the background we come from. We only realize our differences when we are faced with another culture and a different way of doing things. It is important to understand a culture to be able to communicate so that everything goes smoothly without facing problems. A worker speaking little English might have a hard time communicating and speaking up and feeling frustrated whenever having to speak the language, I personally felt this way when I was in France and just started to learn French. It is the fear of being judged and lack of confidence in knowledge which can lead them to be closed in their personal space or even worse thing would be not understanding what they have to do exactly and doing the job wrong because they were afraid to ask for help. There are different types of language that are not just expressed by words and language the is used differently between females and males and they all affect how people deal with each other in a multicultural business/work environment. Despite the many differences in defining the concept of language, I think it is ok to agree that it is the tongue of a culture; it is the channel where information travels in a nation and from a nation to another. Language is a pulse that interacts with feelings and sensations and affects them. Language is a profound mental logic that gives suggestions and gestures. Body Language Body language is communicating with people without any words spoken that are used in all aspects of dealing with others. Movements by individuals, using their hands, facial expressions, tone of voice and headshaking so that the addressee understands the message better and often used by someone unable to express what they want to say in words and wanting to clarify by making hand movements. Body language is an essential mean of communication with others that is used on daily basis. Non verbal communication is extremely important in every culture, as communication is not always with the use of words. Therefore, understanding body language and using it in a an effective manner , can improve relationships with others and may also help overcome and deal with different situations which one can be exposed to when doing business. Problems can occur from the misunderstanding of hand gestures or any other type of physical signals, because they can mean one thing in on culture and have a completely different meaning in another. You can change your body language in the workplace and the way you are looked at work, what your non-verbal communication and body language sends different messages to people you work with in an intercultural environment depending on where they come from. Despite the fact that smiling is a form of welcome in many cultures, it can be viewed as a form of embarrassment in some Asian cultures. Working with different nationalities and understanding body language is a value to the employees. In certain places the right body language can help others see your openness, flexibility and honesty. Especially in American cultures as they are all about business and getting things right therefore, sitting upright in a chair during a meeting says that you are open and alert. But it can change completely once you put your hands behind you head or cross arms in front of chest, suddenly you are expressing boredom and superiority and puts you in a defensive position. Clenching fists that is related to a nxiety or tension, scratching nose, forming a bridge with hands, reflects on lack of interest can probably make the people around you feel uncomfortable. Maintaining eye contact translate into honesty, but it is ok to look away at times as it can be seen as starring or being intense or in some Asian culture it can be looked as threatening. Respecting personal space of others is a good way to express body language in a workplace. Personal space varies to individuals from different races. (ad example for the British here) Determining the appropriate body language in a workplace in relation to touching might be a bit sensitive. A firm handshake is welcoming but touching someone on the arm, tapping on the back maybe not be. Some find it normal and some others maybe feel uncomfortable with it. In India the constant shaking of the head from side to side can be misunderstood as a non verbal way of saying no but is the contrary as it is a way to show that they understand what you are saying or a sign of agreement. Where in America shaking your head is a sign of disagreeing and saying no while people from some countries raise their chins. British people are said to be more reserved and formal. Americans are considered more open and outgoing, while Australians are seen as casual and relaxed. Gender language Different interests and tendencies between the two genders might be a reason why they speak differently. Even though woman and men live in the same environment or have the same education and lever of profession growing up there were things that were acceptable for boys to do or say and were considered to be inappropriate for girls which is maybe a reason why they communicate differently. A man has his own way of expression, he uses words that correspond with the meaning of what he wants to say exactly and briefly using specific terms that he really means while maintaining sequence. A woman may speak with simpler words and phrases. Even though they speak the same language, they do not talk in similar context. Men glorify power, efficiency and achievement. They do things to prove themselves, develop skills and strengths they have, define themselves by their ability to achieve results. Giving advice to a man without him asking for it might make him feel like he does not know what he is doing. Woman are quite the contrary, they appreciate communication, beauty and relationships. Their ideas of themselves are determined b their feelings and quality of the relationships, they feel fulfilled by participation, communicating and staying in touch. Which can maybe lead to woman getting more jobs in the service sector as they involve being chatty, social and having to face and d eal with customers. The different way of seeing things in a professional environment can lead to major miscommunication between the two genders. men and women approach communication with different interpretive frames. Where one may expect direct explicit statement, the other maybe expecting indirect expression. Not meaning men are direct and women are indirect when one expects directness and the other uses indirectness wrong interpretations and miscommunications will be the result. In a work environment if a boss who is male asks a worker who is female to finish a report he might be very direct and straight to the point while if it was a female boss she might choose her words more carefully and try not to be very pressuring if the job she asked for is not urgent. Paralanguage Sigmund Freud said He that has eyes to see and ears to hear may convince himself that no mortal can keep a secret. If his lips are silent, he chatters with his fingertips; betrayal oozes out of him at every pore. The definition of paralanguage is non verbal means of communication such as one of voice, laughter and sometimes gestures and facial expressions that accompany speech and convey meaning. Silence can also be considered as a type of paralanguage, even when we say nothing we mean something. For example, when a teacher decides to stop speaking during a lecture because of the noise in the room waiting for the students to become conscious of the silence and start paying attention. In intercultural communication, paralanguage can be a bit puzzling. For example, Europeans interpret the loudness of Americans to aggressive behavior, while Americans might think the British are secretive because they talk quietly. Talking speed and the amount of silence in conversations also differ among cultures. The Japanese are comfortable having several pauses in their conversations, while Americans and many Arabic people are uncomfortable with any silence. Knowing this can help the work flow in a company go well without having workers and staff being offended and tense because you cannot change people and how they act you just have to adapt to the environment and accept change. Learning and understanding the language used between the staff and administration is very important as it reflects the strength and depth of the relationship between the administration and the teams that belong to it. Which can be shaken or changed by the interpretation or misinterpretation of that language, especially when the administrations exercises its power on employees. Knowing the meanings of words and sentences without knowing the meaning and cultural contextual use of each word is incomplete knowledge and the allegation that the foreign language learner does not need to know the cultural aspects contrasts with many goals of learning a foreign language.

Frankenstein :: Essays Papers

Frankenstein Protagonist: The protagonist in the novel is Victor Frankenstein. He is the main character who contends with the conflict in the novel. His decision to create life provides a problem that he attempts to escape but eventually marks his death. Antagonist: The antagonist in the novel is also the protagonist, Victor Frankenstein. Victor may have directed all of his hate and blame towards the monster he created, but is worst enemy lay within himself and his refusal to accept responsibility for his actions. Conflict: The main conflict in the novel is based on the â€Å"monster† Victor Frankenstein created in his laboratory. He neglects his responsibility to the monster he created by ignoring its existence, and his cowardice leads to inner feelings of guilt and unhappiness that ultimately cause his life to unravel and the people he loves to perish. His refusal to be accountable for his action brings the misery and misfortune that constitute the foundation of the novel. Chronology: Robert Walton writes in his first letter to his sister Margaret Saville about his desire to explore the world. His second letter then tells about his preparations for a crew and more about how he desires to explore the unexplored. In this letter he also explains how he wishes he had a friend to share his life with. In his third letter, he tells how the voyage is underway and going well. His fourth letter tells how the ship became trapped between floating blocks of ice and, after being freed, the ship encounters and takes aboard a man who was stranded on floating ice. Walton tells how the man is in wretched condition and is very melancholy. He tells how he gradually befriends the man and, after talking for some time, the man agrees to tell Walton the story of his life and how he came to be where he is now. His name is told to be Victor Frankenstein. Walton, during the narration, takes notes in the form of a letter for Margaraet. Victor Frankenstein was born in Geneva, Switzerland, to a family of notoriety. His family adopted a young girl his age named Elizabeth from a poor family who could not support her. As a child, Victor was fascinated with alchemy and sciences. At age seventeen, Victor’s mother died.

Virgin Group – Richard Branson

RICHARD BRANSON’S VIRGIN GROUP —Problems— Although certainly notorious, Richard Branson’s Virgin Group has experienced several problems. In the short-term, brand overextension has become a threat since the company has entered multiple markets. Brand overextension leads to damaging the comprehensive Virgin brand. Since the Virgin brand itself is the company’s greatest asset, protecting the brand image is critical. The Virgin brand image has a connotation of value and lifestyle. Due to many joint ventures, licenses, and alliances with other companies, the objective of the â€Å"Virgin experience† could be destroyed.Furthermore, as Virgin becomes more global and more adaptive to individual cultures, the customer experience will certainly vary, again leading to brand overextension. For example, although the United Kingdom may condone Virgin’s racy and edgy advertisements, other parts of the world, as our group testifies, views such materia l quite explicit and even shocking. Thus, while Virgin enters different markets, negative impacts can arise, hindering Virgin’s brand. A second short-term problem is Virgin’s financial information that is fragmented, hard to locate, and even interpret.With the company’s different alliances and joint ventures, questions about the financial health of the Virgin group were being asked. Thus after examination, Virgin faced financial challenges that led to negative cash flow. This was mainly due to the Branson’s approach of stand-alone basis where the most profitable company’s revenues financed new market entrances. Despite some profitable areas of Virgin, many did not generate cash. Therefore, as Virgin grows, a more systematic approach must be implemented to create synergies between businesses. Long-term problems also exist for Virgin.First is Branson’s close affiliation to Virgin. What happens if the public tire of his exploits? What will happ en to Virgin when Branson 1 leaves? An implication of these questions is that Virgin needs Branson. Virgin’s strong brand is fortified by Branson’s own personal values. A second long-term problem for Virgin is the company’s little formal structure and management system. Although this structure presently works for Virgin, allowing the company to be viewed as entrepreneurial and innovative, in the long-term creativity must be managed at Virgin. Company Analysis— After analyzing Virgin through various analytical frameworks including internal/external analysis, SWOT analysis, and value chain analysis, we have discovered the importance of Virgin’s strong brand and diversification strategy. In sum, Virgin’s strongest capability is the company’s strong brand. The brand’s foundations of entrepreneurship and eccentricity result in Virgin being a strong customer-oriented company. Since the Virgin brand is so strong, the company has been able to diversify into many new markets.Diversification for Virgin is made possible by joint ventures and strategic alliances that are ultimately less risky. Thus the Virgin brand leverages Virgin’s resources. Furthermore, Branson’s values are revealed in the Virgin company. The brand image, which is the motor of the company, results in innovative start-ups that keep Virgin both successful and sustainable. —Alternatives— To continue Virgin’s success, we have identified several alternatives. First, Virgin could go public; thereby gaining additional capital that could be used to fund new start-ups.The disadvantage with this alternative is that Virgin would be forced to abide by formal accounting rules, which Branson states he does not favor. Furthermore, Virgin’s brand could become diluted since the image would move towards a more traditional stance. 2 A second alternative is that Virgin’s management could designate Branson’ s su ccessor and prepare that person to take on the task of CEO. The advantage of this alternative is that the fate of Virgin is not attached to Branson alone. This could help separate Branson from the Virgin brand that allows Virgin to flourish as a company, and not merely an extension of Branson himself.Additionally, new leadership could prove beneficial for Virgin’s long-term success, and namely deciding Virgin’s structure. However, Branson’s absence could also weaken the brand in the short-term. Since the public easily identifies with Branson’s traits as loyal and fair, customers could perceive Virgin negatively. To thwart such initial negativity, Virgin could slowly implement the new successor, allowing him or her to also revel in the spotlight alongside Branson. Thirdly, Virgin could dispose of unprofitable companies.This consolidation would result in money saved and the creation of a more formal organizational structure. Therefore, across the board, Vir gin would be able to have a more uniform decision processes. Consolidation would also reassure investors since the corporate structure would be less complex and financial data more readily available. The motives for diversification are growth, risk reduction, and profitability. If Virgin cannot achieve those goals through the diversification strategy, then there are no reasons why Virgin should keep unprofitable companies.Focusing on related industries would then give Virgin expertise; and thereby creating both value for shareholders and exploiting economies of scale. Furthermore, Virgin could allocate resources among the firms more efficiently, giving Virgin better future strategy formulations. 3 —Recommendations— One must analyze Porter’s essential tests that that include the attractiveness test, cost-ofentry test, and the better-off test, to determine whether a diversified strategy has a sustainable competitive advantage.Because Virgin’s strong brand i s firmly embedded in the company’s corporate structure, the attractiveness test reveals that many—though not all (example is the unprofitable Virgin Money)— of Virgin’s diversified companies are attractive. Secondly, costof-entry must be considered. For Virgin, many entry costs are feasible, because profitable Virgin companies support the new start-ups. And thirdly, the better-off test shows that new companies within Virgin must be profitable and add value.Although many new companies do not add financial benefits, the new companies do add brand value. Thus the answer to the question whether Virgin is a successful diversified company is clearly yes. Overall the diversification works quite well. However, we do recommend that Virgin exit the unprofitable industries and consolidate. This would be beneficial in the short-term as capital immediately becomes available. Furthermore, this would also help Virgin in the long-term as only profitable companies remain, allowing Virgin to increase revenue.In looking at Virgin’s long-term success, we recommend that Virgin continue its short-term strategy of further developing expertise in key areas. Thus, long-term market saturation would be avoided, while also maintaining Virgin’s strong brand awareness. Despite Branson’s strong presence, we also suggest that Virgin slowly implement a successor. Virgin’s brand is about personality—indeed the company needs a strong focal point. As humans are not immortal, the slow implementation of a new personality could also capture the public’s attention. 4 5

Violation of Social Norms essays

Violation of Social Norms essays My mother always told me that there are things that you just dont do. For example, horsing around in Church, being loud and yelling at the table or in public, picking your nose, etc. While your mother may have simply called this behaving, sociologists call these things social norms. Social norms are defined as the implicit or explicit rules a group has for the acceptable behaviors, values, and beliefs of its members. In laymans terms, social norms are like an everyday code of conduct that determines how you behave in certain situations. Social norms are often very strictly enforced and offenders are often ostracized or outright rebuked for their conduct. Also, such norms are more rigorously held to in certain situations than in others. For example, it is a social norm that people should be decently covered in public, but a woman wearing a swimsuit and shorts into McDonalds is less likely to be ostracized than a woman wearing the same outfit in a Church service or at a funeral. Since, depending upon your personality, violating minor social norms can be fun, and since I was required to do it, I decided to violate the norm of personal space and see what came of it. America is an individualistic culture and as a result, personal space is so revered, it is almost a religion in itself. All of this means that Americans take violations of that space quite seriously. I set out to test this hypothesis by experimenting with interpersonal space violations in different situations. I engaged in several abnormal behaviors such as sitting next to someone on a nearly empty bus, coming into a public restroom and standing next to another person, rather than a few stalls down, and finally, talking to people face to face from very short distance. The reactions I received varied in their nature and in their strength, but in all cases there was at least some response. The ...

States With No Income Tax Should You Move to One

States With No Income Tax Should You Move to One SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips While everyone in the US pays a federal income tax, not everyone pays a state income tax. There are seven states in the US with no income tax whatsoever, plus two more that don’t tax wages. While people who live in these states don’t pay income tax, they may pay higher taxes in other ways, like when they go shopping or stop at the gas station. This guide will explore whether or not people in income tax-free states save money overall, along with the pros and cons of moving to one of these states. First, let’s look at the nine states with few or no taxes on income. What Are the States With No Income Tax? There are seven states with no income taxes whatsoever. They are the following: Alaska Florida Nevada South Dakota Texas Washington Wyoming Two other states, New Hampshire and Tennessee, don’t have an income tax on wages, but they do tax interest and dividend income. If you’re making money from investments, for instance, then that profit would be taxed in New Hampshire or Tennessee. The remaining 41 states do level a tax on income. Some have a flat-rate income tax, while others have different brackets based on how much money you make. These states gain revenue from income taxes, and that money goes into various services and programs. In states that don’t collect income tax, where does the revenue come from? There are nine states in the U.S. with no or few state income taxes. Lokal Profil/Wikimedia Where Do States With No Income Tax Get Revenue? States still need revenue, and they get that money from a variety of sources. Commonly, states without income tax have higher sales, gas, and property taxes. They may also provide fewer, more expensive, or lower quality public services. For instance, in-state tuition at the public universities in New Hampshire is higher than that of most other states. Let’s look on a state-by-state basis to see how these no-income-tax states collect revenue. Alaska: petroleum revenue. Because of its oil, Alaska is an exception among income tax-free states. Rather than raising other taxes, Alaska actually distributes a dividend check to residents. Last year, each resident’s share was $2,075. Florida: above average sales taxes and property taxes. Nevada: gambling-related fees and taxes, as well as sales taxes. South Dakota: personal taxes, property taxes, cigarette excises, bank franchises, and ore taxes. Texas: oil and gas royalties, as well as a high sales tax. Washington: some of the highest sales and gasoline taxes in the United States. Wyoming: coal mining and property taxes. Like Alaska, Wyoming also gets revenue from its natural resources. New Hampshire: property tax. Tennessee: highest sales tax in the US. Given these alternative forms of revenue collection, does living in a state without income tax mean you keep more of your paycheck? Alaskan residents actually get money back each year from the Alaska Permanent Fund. Living in Alaska can be expensive, though, as it’s a pretty remote place. Does Living in an Income Tax-Free State Mean You Keep More of Your Money? The short answer to this question is, not necessarily. As you can see above, many states without income tax charge higher taxes on day-to-day expenses. They may also provide fewer public services or more expensive higher education. Depending on your spending habits and lifestyle, the amount of money you’re paying toward other taxes could be higher than the amount you would pay toward taxes overall in a state that had an income tax. How much you benefit from an income tax-free policy also largely depends on your income level. Typically, people with a higher income benefit from the lack of income tax, while people with lower incomes end up paying a larger percentage of their salary to other kinds of taxes. According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy in Washington, for example, the poorest 20% of state residents pay 16.9% of their annual income in sales and gas taxes, while the wealthiest 1% pay just 2.4% of their income. Your income level, therefore, becomes an important factor if you’re deciding whether or not to move to a state with no income tax. What else should you consider as you figure out where to live in the United States? Should you move to sunny Florida, where palm trees are a-plenty but state income tax is nowhere to be found? Who Should Move to an Income Tax-Free State? As you read above, income tax-free states tend to have higher sales, gas, and property taxes and a reduced budget for public programs, like education. If any of the following are true for you, then you might benefit from living in one of these states. If the opposite is true, then you probably shouldn’t move to one. You Have a High Income Higher-income people tend to benefit the most from living in an income tax-free state. Besides keeping a larger proportion of your wages, higher income people may also have less need for public services. For instance, higher-income people may not rely on public education, instead sending their kids to private schools. You Don’t Own Much Property If you don’t own a lot of property, then you won’t get hit too hard with the often high property taxes in income tax-free states. If you do own a lot of property, then living in one of the nine states discussed above probably wouldn’t work in your favor. If you own a lot of land or houses, then you may end up getting hit with high property taxes. You Don’t Spend a Lot Besides having higher property taxes, most of these nine states impose high sales taxes. If you have a high consumption lifestyle, then you’ll be putting a higher than average percentage of your income toward sales taxes. If you don’t spend a lot, then you may save money in one of these states overall. You Don’t Rely on Public Services States without income taxes may offer reduced or lower quality public services, like transportation, health care, or public education. If you don’t have kids or are sending your kids to private school, then this might not affect you. Washington, by the way, is an exception with its strong public school system, but it has some of the highest sales and gas taxes in the country. If you drive a lot in Washington, then you might end up paying a lot in gas tax and highway and bridge tolls. If you’re sending kids to public school, be careful about the quality of the education system in an income tax-free state. You Hold Conservative or Libertarian Views People have different opinions about state income tax, and their support of or opposition to it tends to coincide with their social and political views. People with progressive or liberal views tend to support government funding of public services, like education, health insurance, and transportation, and they tend to be in favor of income taxes, as well. Those with more conservative or libertarian views want to minimize the government’s role in shaping society and consequently, tend to be opposed to income taxes. They may oppose any kind of income redistribution and prefer that all people pay the same on other taxes, like sales taxes. Progressives, however, point out that sales taxes affect people at different incomes disproportionately, with lower income populations becoming the most burdened. People also disagree about whether income taxes help or hinder job and population growth. Those who oppose income tax say that doing away with it boosts jobs and helps the state retain young people. According to a 2013 study, though, Texas was the only non-income tax state where job growth didn’t lag behind population growth. If you find yourself agreeing with the typically conservative or libertarian point of view opposed to state income tax, then you may well enjoy living one of the nine states listed above. Are you a progressive, conservative, or libertarian? Whether or not you support state income taxes tends to align with your social and political views. You’ve Done Your Research Beyond figuring out whether living in an income tax free state would be financially beneficial for you, you should also base your decision on a number of other factors, like the state’s culture and weather and what your moving process would be like. Are you ready to move to Nevada’s desert climate and live close to the temptation of gambling? Does the libertarian bent of many Texans appeal to you? Are you comfortable living in a remote place like Alaska where the sun shines all summer and hides all winter? Any move calls for a good deal of research and planning. If your main motivation is doing away with income tax, then remember that there are other factors to consider, like state services and how the government’s alternative methods of revenue collection affect you as an individual or family. If you do decide to pack up and move to the desert of Nevada or a ranch out in the Lone Star state, what steps do you need to take? Besides bringing lots of water, what steps would you need to take to move to a state with no income tax, like Nevada? How to Move to a State With No Income Tax In order to move and start enjoying an income tax-free life, you’ll typically need to establish both state residency and domicile. Residency and domicile laws vary by state. Typically, you’ll need to spend a certain amount of time in the state, as well as change some records to reflect your new address. One common law states that you can’t spend more than 183 days in any single state beside your new state of residency. That’s not to say you have to spend the remaining 182 days in your new state of residency. For instance, let’s say you’re moving to Texas. You spend 100 days in Texas, 100 days in Massachusetts, and 165 days in California. Since you didn’t spend a collective 183 days in a single state other than Texas, you can still call Texas your state of residency. However, if you had spent 100 days in Texas and the remaining 265 days in California, then you can’t call Texas your state of residency. Again, your time in one other state can’t exceed 183 days. While establishing residency is pretty straightforward, establishing domicile is a bit more vague. Generally, domicile means that your community connections need to be stronger in your new state than your old state. These connections include things like your voter registration, driver’s license, and bank accounts. You also have to indicate that the new state will be your permanent home. Since residency and domicile requirements vary by state, you’ll have to check the exact specifications for Texas, Wyoming, and the rest of the states with no income taxes. Besides rooting out the exact residency laws, make sure to remember these key points about states with no income taxes and how to move to one. One perk of living in a state with no income tax- you can totally skip that page on your tax returns. States With No Income Tax: Final Thoughts While eliminating an income tax might sound like it saves you money, the policy is a little trickier than it sounds. States still need money, so getting rid of an income tax typically means that they impose higher taxes in other areas. The only exception is states that generate revenue from natural resources, like Alaska with its petroleum. Whether living in a state with no income tax will save you money varies by individual. Typically, people who have a high income will benefit, as well as those who don’t rely on public education, drive very much, own a lot of property, or spend much money overall. You’ll have to take a look at your income, lifestyle, and spending habits to determine whether moving would be financially beneficial for you. Because of the U.S.’s unique mix of state and federal laws, you should always look into tax laws when you’re considering moving. If you’re envisioning relocating to another part of the country, then consider the new state’s tax laws and how they’ll affect your personal finances.

Coursework 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Coursework 1 - Essay Example Graphic Design, which developed in Switzerland in 1950 was aimed at these tasks, and therefore the concept and methodology of the Swiss style soon spread throughout the world. One of the areas where the emerging international style was the most in demand, was the pharmaceutical industry. The largest Swiss companies that manufactured chemicals and drugs (Ciba, Geigy, Hoffmann-La Roche, Sandoz) to establish a modern corporate style appealed to the leading masters of graphic design - A. Hofmann, C. Gerstner, N. Rudin, J. Hemburgeru, J . Mà ¼ller-Brockmann and others. In Zurich in 1950-s. the most prominent graphic designer was Josef Muller-Brockmann, who has chosen a new  «anonymous » style. A graduate of the Zurich School of Art and Industry, since 1936 he worked as a freelance graphic designer. One of the most brilliant pages in the the career was the creation of posters on the musical program of the Concert Hall (Zurich Tonhalle, 1950 - 1972) and the Opera House of Zurich (Opernhaus Zurich, 1960.). (Bringhust, 2004) To create a visual image of the placards Muller-Brockmann used cascades of crescent shape, the cycle of arcs, the modulation wave-like lines. By the beginning of 1960 the concert posters by Muller-Brockmann become extremely font. The intervals in words, taking the advantage of color and scale, sought to master rhythmic architectonic unity. Typographic composition, the formation of the principle of crossword, stepped lines, or in several columns, represented typical examples of functional typography . Strict and clear style of these years was the culmination of mathematical principles in graphic design. (Hollis, 2006) By the middle of 1960 the usual practice of Swiss graphic designers is the use of modular grid. The book by J. Muller-Brockmann  «Challenges of graphic artist in the field of design engineering » (Gestaltungsprobleme des Grafikers, 1961) first presented the

How does McDonald's alter its marketing mix between countries a case Essay

How does McDonald's alter its marketing mix between countries a case study of UK and China - Essay Example erm – the performance of marketing strategies is usually depended on the resources available – funds, employees and technology (Luo et al., 2005, 50); however, it is also depended on the cultural and social characteristics and ethics of the targeted market. Through the decades it has been proved that no all firms are able to work internationally; in fact, only those firms that have been able to align their strategies with the ethics and the culture of the targeted market have managed to survive in the specific market – entering a foreign market is not the most difficult part of a relevant marketing scheme (Palich et al., 111999, 587). Another issue is the fact that firms that have been established in countries with totally different social ethics and traditions are less likely to understand – at least on time – the psychology and the needs of consumers in a market with particular culture and ethics (Nakata et al., 2001, 255). Organizational culture is proved at this case to have a decisive role in the ability of a firm to develop the strategies that will be effectively implemented in the targeted market (Armstrong et al., 2009, 34); in this context, marketing schemes that are going to be used for the promotion of p roducts/ services in a foreign market will be going to be successful only if they respond to the characteristics and the needs of local people (Hennig et al., 2002, 230); otherwise they will soon be led to a failure. Current paper focuses on the examination of the ways that McDonalds has altered its marketing mix in order to respond to the needs of two different markets: the British and the Chinese. The identification and the evaluation of the relevant policies is based on two different criteria: the views that have been published in the literature – in relation with the study’s main issue – and the views of consumers in the above two countries. In this context, a detailed literature review has been developed in regard to the structure