Thursday, December 26, 2019

Comparison of Windows 2000 and Knoppix Linux Boot Disk Essay

Comparison of Windows 2000 and Knoppix Linux Boot Disk Introduction What is X Windows? The X Window System, often known as X, is a windowing system for graphics workstations developed at MIT with support from DEC, Indiana University (1997-2005). What is the Microsoft counterpart? Microsofts Windows Graphic Device Interface or (GDI) performs the same functionality for Windows as X Windows does for UNIX or Linux operating systems. We begin the journey by separating out the Windows manager (KDM) from the X Windows (XFree86) on the Knoppix Linux disk. This is the first step in identifying the similarities of X Windows and Windows and is required prior to comparing the major advantages, disadvantages, and components in Windows and on†¦show more content†¦As stated above, X Windows does not define how a window is drawn, so what is it that gives the desktop environment its â€Å"look and Feel† as a user interface? Window managers in Linux handle the drawing of windows, recognizing and responding to mouse clicks, and creating all the little t ouches that make up a DE’s look and feel Lockergnome (1996-2005). Window managers also operate independently of the Linux kernel, communicating instead with the underlying X Window system. Several window managers exist today, including the ones mentioned by Information Technology Research Institute (2004). Knoppix has six alternative desktops. Alternatives to using KDM enable you run the X Window System on a computer that doesnt have enough RAM for KDM. It also saves loading time, because the alternatives load much more quickly than KDM. This is a distinct advantage when compared to Microsoft Windows. Information Technology Research Institute (2004) lists these six alternatives available for use with the Knoppix Live CD †¢ Ice Window Manager †¢ Window Maker †¢ Fluxbox †¢ Xfce †¢ Lars Window Manager †¢ Tab Window Manager Microsoft Windows GDI GDI is similar to Linux Window managers, responsible for tasks such as drawing lines and curves, rendering fonts, and handling palettes. It is not directly responsible for drawing windows or menus. That task is reservedShow MoreRelatedComparison of Windows and X Windows on Knoppix Linux Boot Disk and Window 2000 Citing Advantages and Disadvantages to Both944 Words   |  4 PagesComparison of Windows and X Windows on Knoppix Linux Boot disk and Window 2000 Citing Advantages and Disadvantages to Both Patrick Hanrahan POS/420 Amadou Wane 27, August 2005 Abstract This paper provides an overview of similarities between Windows 2000 and Knoppix Linux Boot disk, as well as including the advantages and disadvantages of both. Table of Contents Abstract 2 Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 X Windows 4 Windows Managers 5 Microsoft Windows GDI 5 AdvantagesRead MoreLinux vs Windows4798 Words   |  20 PagesLINUX vs. WINDOWS The debate on Windows vs. Linux is truly an on going one with no end in site. Regardless how you come at this juncture you are usually a UNIX supporter or a customer of Microsoft OS and products who are grateful for products of Microsoft. We will in the following paragraphs try to compare the advantages and disadvantages of these different systems. We will give a brief description on the cost of these products, what kind of market-share these two systems hold, the availability

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Research and Analysis of Americas Caffeine Consumption

Caffeine has become a staple in many developed nations. As a stimulant, caffeine provides a viable solution to many individuals maintaining a busy lifestyle. Particularly in the developed world, individuals tend to work long hours, which creates vast amounts of stress. To help alleviate much of the fatigue that accompanies a busy lifestyle, many individuals elect to drink caffeinated beverages. These beverages range from typical colas to coffee, to energy drinks. Each has its own concentration of caffeine, or energy inducing ingredients. Through the consumption of these beverages, many individuals develop a habit of dependency. Those who consume, often do so in large quantities. Large amounts of caffeine can potentially be harmful to an individuals health when consumed vigorously. Below is a chart from the Specialty Coffee Association of America indicating consumption within America. According to the data compiled in the chart, 172 million Americans consumed coffee on a daily basis. As such the focus of my exercise is to reduce my personal consumption of caffeinated drinks to better improve my overall health and fitness levels. I want to reduce my dependency on caffeine as it is linked to many health complications later in life. To avoid these complications I want to reduce my urge to consume caffeine while supplementing this behavior with fitness. Baseline Data Week Caffeine Consumption per week (in 8 ounce. Servings) Exercise Per week (1 hour sessions) Notes 1 14Show MoreRelatedDr. Pepper/Seven Up Case Analysis1651 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"Squirt is a caffeine-free, low sodium carbonated soft drink brand with a distinctive blend of grapefruit juices that gives it a tangy, fresh citrus taste. Squirt is the best selling carbonated grapefruit soft drink brand in the U.S.† (Kerin and Peterson, 2010) Kate Cox, the brand manager responsible for Squirt believes that market targeting and product positioning are key elements in Squirt’s advertising and promotional plan development. This case study will provide a summary and analysis of Dr. Pepper/SevenRead MoreMarketing Energy Drinks to Americas Youth4135 Words   |  17 Pages(Campanelli). The history of energy drinks is much deeper than most would imagine. Japan is credited for pioneering the energy drink phenomenon, but the first mass produced energy drink was called Lucozade, and was launched in 1929, in the UK (Research Wikis). It wasn’t until Red Bull, which was first launched in 1987, and introduced the United States to the world of energy drinks a decade later that the energy drink industry really took off (Reuters). Red Bull might have had the first big impactRead MoreEssay on Scottsdale, Az Community Assessment1829 Words   |  8 PagesRunning head: SCOTTSDALE: COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS Scottsdale: Community Assessment and Analysis Jennifer Hensley Megan Kehrli Isha Maina Maribel Martinez Kelly Simpson Lisa Taylor Grand Canyon University: NRS-427v Community Health February 3, 2013 Scottsdale: Community Assessment and Analysis Scottsdale, Arizona was incorporated in 1951 and is the sixth largest city in Arizona (City of Scottsdale, 2013). Scottsdale is 184.2 square miles located in the picturesqueRead More The Dangers of Metabolife Essay3943 Words   |  16 Pagesburning fat and increasing energy levels, (http://www.w8lossbiz.com/metabolife/index.html). Simply put, Metabolife 356à ¢ raises the body’s metabolism and creates a thermogenic (increase in metabolism and fat burning) response. Metabolife 356à ¢ is one of America’s best-selling herbal supplements, but where did it come from? The Origins of Metabolife 356à ¢ Michael J. Ellis developed the herbal supplement in the early 1990s as a means to help his father counter the fatigue of cancer treatment. EllisRead MoreRed Bull4895 Words   |  20 PagesTable of Context ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · Page 3 – Name of Company, Name/Description of Product, Research Undertaken Page 4-5 – Questionnaire Page 6-15 – Results, Graphs and analysis of data Page 16 – Conclusion of Results Page 17-20 - Are basic customer requirements noticed by the product provider? Page 20-22 – The impact on value chain activities 1 Name of Company Red Bull Name/ description of Product Red Bull Energy Drink The Red Bull Energy Drink is a stimulating, non-alcoholic beverage, designedRead MorePepsi Strategic Management Case Study Essay10439 Words   |  42 Pages 6. CPM MATRIX 7.7 CPM matrix 7.8 CPM matrix summary 7. IFE MATRIX 8.9 IFE matrix 8.10 IFE matrix summary 8. SWOT 9.11 SWOT matrix 9.12 SWOT conversion matrix 9.13 SWOT conversion matrix analysis 9. STRATEGY MATRIXES 10.14 SPACE 10.15 QSPM MATRIX 10.16 GRAND STRATEGY MATRIX 10. STRATEGY 11.17 Recommendations 11.18 Evaluation 11. OBJECTIVES 12.19 Short-term 12.20 Long-term Read MoreEssay on Marketing Management6127 Words   |  25 PagesO’Clock Coffee Submitted by: Group 4 Section A 1 Table of Contents Marketing Goals and Objectives 3 Company Profile 3 Profile of Tata Group 4 Situation Analysis 4 PESTEL Analysis 4 Competitive Environment 6 Porters Five Forces Model 7 Consumer Behaviour Analysis 8 Marketing Strategy 9 Segmentation 9 Targeting 11 Positioning 14 Branding Strategy Decisions 15 Bulls Eye Model 18 Marketing Mix 19 Read More5 Coke vs Pepsi 21st Century Case Study13607 Words   |  55 Pagesthe average American consumed 53 gallons of carbonated soft drinks (CSD) per year. In a â€Å"carefully waged competitive struggle,† from 1975 to 1995 both Coke and Pepsi achieved average annual growth of around 10% as both U.S. and worldwide CSD consumption consistently rose. According to Roger Enrico, former CEO of Pepsi-Cola: No The warfare must be perceived as a continuing battle without blood. Without Coke, Pepsi would have a tough time being an original and lively competitor. The moreRead MoreAn Essay on Jamba Juice10168 Words   |  41 Pagesconsiders Spain to have one of the best diets in the world, the perils of industrialization and population growth have resulted in increased consumption of fast food and soft drinks, mainly due to convenience and availability of both. In 2005 alone there was a 35% increase in the number of fast food restaurants and an increase by 25% from 2000 in the consumption of soft drinks (Euromonitor International, 2006). Healthy choices are making a comeback however and this maybe due to an increased interestRead MoreStarbucks Case Study11295 Words   |  46 Pages- Building the workforce - Mission statement, Values and Principles - Innovation - Quality matters - Expansion strategy - IPO and Stock performance - Financing B.3) Starbucks historical growth analysis C- Starbucks: Present - Snapshot - Financial analysis - Competition - Macro environment - SWOT analysis - â€Å"Starbucks Haters, Inc.† - D) Starbucks: Future - Financial perspective - International expansion - Recommendations - E) Conclusion References Hervà © R. AUCH-ROY AmbaiU PEN: 1207HA

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Impact Of Experiential Learning On Developing People †Free Samples

Question: Discuss about the Impact Of Experiential Learning On Developing People. Answer: The aim of this essay is to analyze the relation of the experiential learning with human resource and adult learning. It is a method of learning introduced and discussed in various dimension. It is a significant area of concurrent research. The style is progressive, radical and humanist. The concept has presence of an educator to guide the proper utilization of the informal knowledge in simplistic understanding of complex situation. It has a serious impact on human resource development and adult education. For better and deep understanding of business dynamics as well as interpersonal relationships, it has helped greatly. This method give scope for safe environment for learning, engages the employees to their works, produces verifiable changes in mindsets by bridging the gap between theory and practice. This model supports self-learning process, which has given birth of some arguments among the educationists (Knowles, Holton and Swanson 2014). The essay critically analyses the theory of experiential learning, its cyclical nature, the contrasting views of the scholars regarding this theory, its impact on adult learning and human resource development and it is effects in future learning process. Experiential learning is a comprehensive learning process in which a learner makes practical and effective use of his experiences to construct knowledge. It is referred more commonly as learning by doing. The learning here takes place as the learners learn through direct reflection and involvement by comparing their own experiences with the learning. This method increases their motivation and material detainment. The four- stage model of David Kolb regarding experiential learning is a basic presentation of this approach. The essay discusses Kolb's extensive method of the building the model of the concerned learning. Thetheory of experiential learning states that the essence of adult learning is to make sense of life experiences. The adults can learn best when they learn from action and involvement. Involvement together with experiences offers the best education instead of blindly memorizing numbers as well as definitions. David A. Kolbdescribes the cyclical essence of experiential learning. It takes place in four stages such as: Concrete Experience: Adults can learn best if the learning process exceeds the chalk-and-talk routine. By encouraging simulations or physical actions, the experiential learning evokes emotional responses that are stronger and realistic therefore reveals cause-effect relationships, creates powerful experiences, which they do not forget easily. Reflection and Observation:In experiential learning, the adults gain knowledge and obtain insight by engaging themselves and reflecting their own practical. Therefore, it not only creates scope for experience based coaching but also provides opportunity to motivate reflection (Baker Robinson and Kolb 2012). The learning creates scope for visualizing the actions then analyzing the procedures. Abstract concept formation:The actual goal of experiential learning is to assure that the learner is capable of decoding abstract concepts of their reflections, generalizing the ideas, and perceiving the pertinence to reality. This type of learning designs estimations to motivate the learners to practice analytical thinking abilities so that they can contrive concepts as well as procedures. Active Experimentation:The hands-on tasks as role-playing, internships, and others let the learners register the learning therefore they truly learn by actions. Active experimentations in new situations guide to form concrete experiences. Impact: In recent times, business grows faster therefore needs to incorporate the innovation and experiential learning in its workplace. experiential learning is an action based education system and the business world advocates this learning model suggesting that the employees learn 70% work through informal experience, 20% through connectivity and the rest from the organizations training methods. Therefore, most of the organizations employ this purposefully designed learning style to increase skill and proficiency development. This accelerates human resource growth and keeps pace with the business (Chan 2012). This process helps to identify the most required aspects in real world. It creates valuable opportunities to acquire knowledge for the future. The adult learners get the knowledge of real life professionalism by transforming their ideas in to action. This learning can be beneficial for both the groups of visual learners as well as the people learn easily from actions. Experiential lea rning can replace external learning in terms of associated expenses. From the organizational point of view, the employees get motivated easily when they can find the relevance of the learning model with their real life experiences and get the opportunity to give feedback (Houge Mackenzie, Son and Hollenhorst 2014). The experiential learning model has been proved more efficient than other learning methods. As in this style, the employees work actively and at the same time learn from the action, reduce the time of learning. For example in many institutions, trainee engineers are given opportunity to master through on job experience and mentorship. In this learning process, the learners face challenges of queer situations and practice to navigate. On order to maximize learning, the style has created scope and acknowledged differences to build experiences (Kolb 2014). They work in a designed development, which accelerate the ability in decision-making and understand the business require ment (Bevan and Kipka 2012). Experiential theory has a great impact on business games as it welcomes new ideas and concepts, gives opportunity to apply and ask feedback of the actions. As the business has been visualizing drastic changes over time, the traditional theories need to be revised and Kolbs experiential learning theory helps the mentors or executives to adopt new techno-centric methods in accelerating performance and reflection (Kolb and Kolb 2012). Experiential learning has gained popularity in adult learning as it celebrates interconnection between peoples real-life experience and learning process. With the outcome of increased new skills and ideas, this model helps the educators to keep on motivating and rewarding for implementation of real life experience into work. Educationist John Dewey has justified that the individuals transform themselves by creating new knowledge and performing different roles. Experiential learning has a social and democratic nature that emphasizes in internal development and process. Instead of dysfunctional experiences that prevent growth, the individuals must select those experiences helping in building continuity and interaction (Passarelli and Kolb 2012). Through continuity, Dewey tries to identify the ability to connect the new experiences with the already known one. Interaction refers to the ability to be interactive with the work environment and examining the impact of knowledge in that situa tion. Usually mentors in adult education help them to link dissimilarities with the known. The principles of this style of learning help the adults to improve socio-economic life by teaching the requirements to resolve an issue when the problems arise from uncertainty and shifting situational dimensions (Sandlin, Wright and Clark 2013). This theory maintains the concept of constant learning process where the learners continue to pursue knowledge actively and get opportunity to learn from complex situations. The Experiential learning style often assists the adults to understand perplexing new situations. For example, an employee when joins a new organization acquires important socio-political as well as cultural norms of that organization (Warren 2014). Argument: The scholars, who work in the educational ground and various effective learning processes, have disagreed with the experiential learning theory of David Kolb. Roger argues that experiential learning style excludes targets, purposes, decision-making and intentions. This procedure is solely based on the learners rating themselves instead of rating the preferred learning style. It only strengthens the individual learner instead of relating others. John Heron thinks the style is narrow and needs more development. The critique finds that the part concerning concrete experience is not explained properly therefore, leaves a vast scope for more experiment. It needs to be more elaborated and defined (Merriam and MacKeracher 2013). The model is more concerned about reflective scrutiny, experimentation and conceptualization. Other critics find the concept of Kolb is very much ill defined and needs interpretations. The idea that the theorist has explains seem to be a blend of various theories th at has not been amalgamated logically. .From philosophical point of view, the style is invalid and too restricted. There is no place for imagination and intuition therefore the persons from different gender, socio-economy, age finds it difficult to relate (Schenck and Cruickshank 2015). According to Loyness, the application of this theory has never been convincing and it does not demonstrate the transfer of process of learning from one setting to the other. The simple linear structure of the model is not always acceptable by the adult learners who work random. The cyclical model gives the impression that the levels are equal with time and emphasis. Wilson and Beard support the theory of experiential learning terming it as extremely influential from the management perspective. In management education, the theory is free from any problem and has a far-reaching impact on human resource development and adult learning. From management perspective, social interactions of an individual are very much important for self-development and action. Kolbs style locates itself in the tradition of cognitive psychology related to language use, perception and problem solving but merely explains anything therefore alienates people from cultural, social and historical aspects of reasoning and action. Therefore, from the above analysis it may be concluded that experiential style of learning facilitates the employees application of informal knowledge into meaningful activity. It is all about empowering a learner by valuing his personal, practical and informal experiences. It is a radical tradition that focuses on personal development, increases the ability to accept challenging situations and solve them by connecting them with personal experiences. References: Baker, M.A., Robinson, J.S. and Kolb, D.A., 2012. Aligning Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory with a Comprehensive Agricultural Education Model.Journal of Agricultural Education,53(4). Bevan, D. and Kipka, C., 2012. Experiential learning and management education.Journal of Management Development,31(3), pp.193-197. Chan, C.K.Y., 2012. Exploring an experiential learning project through Kolb's Learning Theory using a qualitative research method.European Journal of Engineering Education,37(4), pp.405-415. Houge Mackenzie, S., Son, J.S. and Hollenhorst, S., 2014. Unifying psychology and experiential education: Toward an integrated understanding of why it works.Journal of Experiential Education,37(1), pp.75-88. Knowles, M.S., Holton III, E.F. and Swanson, R.A., 2014.The adult learner: The definitive classic in adult education and human resource development. Routledge. Kolb, A.Y. and Kolb, D.A., 2012. Experiential learning theory. InEncyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning(pp. 1215-1219). Springer US. Kolb, D.A., 2014.Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. FT press. Merriam, S. and MacKeracher, D., 2013. The new update on adult learning theory. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education.Instructor. Passarelli, A.M. and Kolb, D.A., 2012. Using experiential learning theory to promote student learning and development in programs of education abroad.Student learning abroad: What our students are learning, what theyre not, and what we can do about it, pp.137-161. Sandlin, J.A., Wright, R.R. and Clark, C., 2013. Reexamining theories of adult learning and adult development through the lenses of public pedagogy.Adult Education Quarterly,63(1), pp.3-23. Schenck, J. and Cruickshank, J., 2015. Evolving Kolb: Experiential education in the age of neuroscience.Journal of Experiential Education,38(1), pp.73-95. Warren, K., Roberts, N.S., Breunig, M. and Alvarez, M.A.T.G., 2014. Social justice in outdoor experiential education: A state of knowledge review.Journal of Experiential Education,37(1), pp.89-103.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Lemonade stand business performance

Various financial statements are used in the analysis of business performance. These include the balance sheet, income statement and the cash flow statements (Woolridge Gray, 2006). These statements are used to reflect various aspects of business performance, including calculation of key ratios that are used to evaluate performance of a business entity.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Lemonade stand business performance specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More An income statement makes available an entities revenues and expenses for a given duration and hence its serves as a basic measure of profitability (Carl, 2008). On the other hand, a balance sheet shows an entities assets portfolio and hence reflects the business liquidity position. The cash flow statement shows the businesses’ cash spending and hence reflects the cash available for use by the business at any given time. The Lemonade case falls und er fast-food restaurant and as such to evaluate its actual financial performance, it is wise to insider its performance to that of other players within the industry. This report compares the Lemonade stand business against Green tree Mall fast food restaurant, a fast growing fast food restaurant that has been able to record god financial results over the last three years. The choice of Green tree Mall restaurant is largely motivated by its astounding financial performance over the last five years, making it a leading player in the industry. In its last quarter, the fast-food restaurant recorded 42% profit, with a return on equity and return on assets of 56% and 52% respectively. Its outstanding performance is reflected by its large profitability ratio (62%). The current ratio of 5.12 while debt to equity ratio of 1.14. The results were far beyond the industry’s debt to equity ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 4.80. This positions the fast-food restaurant as the industryâ⠂¬â„¢s benchmark of performance excellence. However, this is not the focus of this paper. Green tree Mall fast food restaurant will only be used as a benchmark measure of the performance of Lemonade stand business. The performance of the Lemonade stand presented in this report, is a continuation of its first season’s performance. An additional comparison is made between its first season’s performance and second season’s performance. The performance is shown by the income statement, the balance sheet, and the financaila ratios indicating the businesses’ performance. See below: Table 1: Income statement year 1 and year 2Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Year 1 Year 2 Revenues 184.10 314.56 Less: Expenses 62.22 86.58 Net-Income 121.88 227.98 Year 1 and year 2 results reveal a rise in spending as well as revenue from year 1 to yea r 2. This shows that the businesses generated more income and expenses during the second season. Balance Sheet Assets: Year 1 Year 2 Cash 184.10 314.56 Inventories 3.03 5.6 Equipment 9.00 12.12 Total Assets 196.13 332.28 Liabilities       Accounts Payable 34.25 44.25 Total Liabilities 34.25 44.25 Equity       Owner’s Capital 40.00 161.88 Retained Earnings 121.88 126.15 Total Equity 161.88 288.03 Total Liabilities Owner’s Equity 196.13 332.28 The balance also reveals that the businesses’ assets and liability portfolios grew from year one to two. Assets grew from $196.13 to $ 332.28, while liabilities similarly grew from $34.25 and $44.25. The business also grew its owner’s capital from $40 to $161.88. This is mainly attributed to the fact that no dividends were issued and instated all the earnings for the previous year were retained into the business. To better evaluate the business performance a comparison is mad e between its first season and the second season. This is best accomplished with the help of financial ratios shown in the table below:      Season1 Season 2 Return on equity 75% 79% Return on Assets 62% 69% Profitability ratio 66% 72% Current Ratio 5.46 7.24 Debt to equity ratios 1.21 1.15 The return on equity grew from 75% to 79%. This indicates that the owners earning from their capital investment also grew. While in the previous season, the owners accumulated 75 cents for every dollar they invested, in the current season, each owner accumulated 79 cents for their equity owning. Similarly, the return yielded by assets grew marginally. For each dollar worth of an asset, 72 cents were yielded as compared to the provision year where a dollar worth of an asset’s yielded 66 cents. The businesses’ profitability ratio also grew from 66% to 72% indicating that for each invested dollar, a 72 cents profit was accumulated. The current ratio also grew from 5 .46, during the previous season to 7.24 during the current season indicating that the businesses was more able to generate cash to pay for its operations. However, the businesses’ ability to pay for its long-term liabilities dropped from 1.21 to 1.15. The decline is however, a positive results considering that lenders often prefer a low debt to equity ratio (Erich, 2001). The debt to equity ratio acts a measurement of the relationship between capital contributed by the business owners and that contributed by the creditors. Additionally, the ratio shows the extent to which the capital input by shareholders can business can meet its responsibilities to the creditors when a business is liquidated.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Lemonade stand business performance specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In relation to the industries performance, the lemonade business performed astonishingly better exceedin g even the performance of the selected benchmark industry player. While the benchmark industry player retuned a profitability of 42%, earnings its shareholders 56 cents and 52 cents for every dollar worth of owners equity and assets, the lemonade stand business earned its owners’ equity and asset portfolio 79 cents and 72 cents for every dollar respectively. The performance of the business can therefore be summarized as growing over time and has been able to ward off competition from similar products offered by its competitors. In conclusion, it’s important to mention that the performance of the businesses not only grew within its own operations but also recorded very positive results compared to the industries performance. This indicates that the strategic approach adopted by the entrepreneurs has been successfully in ensuring that spending is controlled in a manner that works positively towards the businesses success. Additionally, the performance could be attributed to the businesses pricing strategy and response to the varying weather conditions as key determinants to the clients purchasing trends. Positively identifying the factors that clients consider in order to purchase the products is crucial to the success of the business, and seemingly, this is an aspect that the business managers have been able to successfully manage. In general, the strategic objective adopted by the business managers has yielded positive results and has seen the business performance astonishingly well compared to other players in the industry. References Carl, W. (2008). Survey of Accounting. Cincinnati: South-Western College Publication. pp. 128–132. Erich, H. (2001). The Nature of Financial Statements: The Income Statement. Financial Analysis – Tools and Techniques – A Guide for Managers. London: McGraw-Hill. p. 40.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 Woolridge, J. R. Gray, G. (2006). Applied Principles of Finance. London: McGraw Hill. This research paper on Lemonade stand business performance was written and submitted by user Santiago Stein 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.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

An Ultimatum IS Final

An Ultimatum IS Final An Ultimatum IS â€Å"Final† An Ultimatum IS â€Å"Final† By Maeve Maddox The noun ultimatum is one of those words that needs no modifiers. ultimatum: In diplomacy, the final terms presented by one power (or group of powers) to another, the rejection of which may lead to the severing of diplomatic relations, and eventually to a declaration of war. OED For ordinary people (i.e., non-diplomats), the word means a final condition or stipulation; ones last word on a matter. So why do so many writers insist on modifying this strong noun with the adjective â€Å"final†? Burger King gives final ultimatum to Aguilar Scott issues the Hood a final ultimatum; stop or be shot at. JEDDAH, November 23: Al-Ahly of Jeddah have officially issued a final ultimatum to manager Argentinian Edgardo Bauza After a string of wrists slaps and threats, toxin-lovin Babyshambles rocker Pete Doherty has been issued a final ultimatum from a London Judge: If he does not show the motivation in four weeks, it will be prison Either an ultimatum is ultimate or it isn’t. If a woman’s ultimatum to her boyfriend is, â€Å"Sober up or lose me,† then she can’t take him back if he fails to sober up. If she does, then she hasn’t issued an ultimatum. At most, she’s made an empty threat. â€Å"Final ultimatum† makes as much sense as â€Å"very unique.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Idioms About TalkingBest Websites to Learn English45 Idioms About the Number One

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Fire Protection Systems essay part 2

Fire Protection Systems essay part 2 Fire Protection Systems essay part 2 Fire Protection Systems essay part 2Fire Protection Systems essay part  1Steam smothering systemOriginally steam was used to extinguish fires on ships. One of the first experiments on the steam extinguishing systems were conducted in the late 19th century, and at industrial sites they have been used from the mid 20th century. Water steam has been applied in stationary installations with limited openings, at process units for extinguish outdoor fire, in chemical and petroleum industries.Steam smothering system is based on the fact that the steam introduced into the room where the fire occurred, reduces the amount of oxygen in the combustion zone. Together with reducing oxygen concentration, there is a partial cooling of the combustion zone and a mechanical flameout with jets of steam. Extinguishing effect is achieved by 35% volume concentration of steam, provided that the equipment and building envelope are heated above the condensation temperature of steam at atmospheric pressure. Intense steam condensation occurs at lower temperatures, in this case the fire be can not extinguished. Preference is given to saturated steam, although superheated steam can also be used. Together with the dilution effect, the steam cools technological devices without causing sharp temperature stresses. In turn, the steam supplied as a compact jet, is able to mechanically detach the flame.In confined spaces, perforated pipe outlet pair of which must have a diameter of 4.5 mm, are used as internal distribution of steam pipelines of stationary steam extinguishing systems. For dripping from the supply steam inlets, there must be provided purgers, located in the most low-lying areas along the gradient of tubes.The steam supply into enclosed spaces, perforated pipes should be laid around the inner perimeter of the room at a height of 0.2-0.3 m above the floor. Pipe openings are arranged so that steam jets are directed horizontally into the room. The main indicator in calculation of stea m extinguishing systems is the flow rate of steam. Estimated time for extinguishing is the time from the moment of steam supply to the complete elimination of extinguishing fire. Note that it should not exceed three minutes.To prevent contact of flammable gas mixtures, resulting in accidents in the petrochemical and gas industry, with ignition sources, there is designed steam fire curtain. It must have sufficient density and range, exclusive breakthrough of combustible mixture into the protected zone of the object. Device for creation curtain of steam is an annular collector tube, along the axis of which the entire upper part of the same diameter is drilled. The collector can be placed on metal, concrete or brick piers. Collector must have drain valve for condensate discharge or precipitation. Along the axis of the collector, there is a rigid gas-tight enclosure to prevent slippage of the combustible mixture between individual jets in the initial section of the curtain. Openings in the enclosures must be closed by tight doors.Trajectory of the jet necessarily exceeds the protected zone. Outdoor steam curtain is started in the following cases: when the signal of the device installed on the furnace control of the flame on the stove burner; when signals from the gas analyzers (detectors) for combustible gases and vapors installed in hazardous locations; when visual detection of accidents involving flammable liquids, vapors and gases; when reporting on emergency gas contamination on adjacent process units.Steam smothering systems are typically used for cargo holds, storage for flammable materials of vessels which have boilers of sufficient capacity. Newly built riverboats don’t use steam extinguishing systems. The main drawbacks of the steam extinguishing systems are: dangerous to human life, resulting in damage to goods and mechanisms, can be used only indoors and under boilers.Fireline systemsAccording to the purpose, aqueducts are divided into: drinking and sanitary, industrial and fire line. In turn, fire lines are divided into high and low pressure lines. High-pressure fire lines create pressure required to extinguish a fire in the highest building without fire trucks in 5 minutes after report of a fire. For these purposes, pumping stations or other individual rooms are equipped with stationary fire pumps. Low-pressure fire lines use fire pumps on the fire hydrants during a fire to provide the required pressure.Plumbing facilities are designed, built and operated accounting a pass of flow of water for firefighting purposes, besides it is taken into account the maximum flow of water for drinking and industrial needs. Along with this, clean water tanks and water towers provide emergency supply of water for fire fighting, and second lift pumping stations are equipped with fire pumps. When extinguishing fires, pumping-sleeve systems assembled, which are also basic high-pressure fire lines, consisting of a water source, water intakes, suction line, pump station combined first and second lifting conduits, and water mains. In particular, culverts are designed for transporting water from the second lift pumping station to the water supply of the city or object. Water towers are used for regulating pressure and flow rate in the water supply network, and installed at its beginning, middle, or end. Water supply network is used for reliable and uninterrupted transportation of water to consumers in the required quantities under a pressure sufficient to supply water to the most remote and upstream point of the draw, as well as for fighting fires.Water supply networks are divided into: ring and dead-end. Ring network is most often used in urban and industrial water supply systems, and blind ones are used to supply small villages, cattle farms, etc. Ring water supply networks allow disabling emergency pipeline sections without interrupting water supply in the following areas. At the same time, the total length of ring netw orks and their cost is much higher than the cost and length of dead-end systems. Furthermore, they attenuate the hydraulic impact. At the same time, the overall length, and hence the cost of the ring network significantly exceeds the cost and length of dead-end networks. In order water in the pipes does not freeze in winter, they are paved below the freezing depth of soil.Fire pump systemFire centrifugal pump is a device for supplying water to the place of extinguishing fire. Pumps are mounted on special fire equipment motopumps, pumping stations, fire tankers. Fire pumps depending on the nature of the pressure may be of several types: normal pressure (pumps create outlet pressure to 2.0 MPa), high pressure (outlet pumps create pressure above 2.0 MPa) and combined (pumps consist of series-connected normal and high pressure pumps, which have one common drive).The structure of fire pump system includes: impeller, body with outlet diffuser, body of bearing supports, body cap, discharg e manifold, foam shifter, shutoff valve, drive shaft and sealing device, device for determining the frequency of pump control panel, and a vacuum pump. The pump is not self-priming, so before starting to work it must be filled. If the water source is an outdoor pond, first start vacuum device that sucks water into the fire pump. If the work goes from the pump tank of fire engine, it is possible to fill by the opening of valves. For normal operation of the pump, you must have the tightness of internal working cavities. Therefore, pumps are periodically checked for leaks by vacuum. Pump is not easy to make, it is a complex and time-consuming process. Most of its parts are cast through a complex and costly casting tooling. Pump parts in most cases are made of aluminum. The main problem facing the pump manufacturers is to ensure the accuracy and positioning of the internal surfaces of the flow of the pump’s body and wheels.All systems are designed to protect people and property f rom the effects of fire hazards. This helps to minimize the dynamics of increase of fire hazards, evacuation of people and property to a safe area and extinguishing the fire. The main requirement for the above fire safety systems is the reliability and resistance to fire hazards. System of fire safety and protection of object includes: fire protection system, fire prevention system and a set of organizational and technical measures to ensure fire protection.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Volkswagen in China (Describe poster) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Volkswagen in China (Describe poster) - Essay Example It has secured the top spot in the sales of automobiles in the world. Most of the automobile giants in the world market are engaged in fierce competition and Volkswagen and Toyota are two of the main contenders. Thus, we found it appropriate to consider Volkswagen in Chinese market. We have collected several articles and news from business magazines, which were very helpful in obtaining the statistical information reflected in the poster. We believe that Volkswagen’s emblem is the main attraction that catches attention. The collected materials have been rendered to a written format and we prepared an outline for the poster. We have avoided dense text in this poster, as it will make difficulty in the view. We have prioritised the concepts of clarity and comprehension and included graphs and pictures in the poster. Otherwise, there will be a dense concentration of texts, which may turn off the readers. We have collected the data regarding the economic growth of China against the domestic demand, which shows it is growing. The graphs and tables gathered from the business news were highlighted in specific places. The pictures of old models of the Volkswagen and also the other car companies in the Chinese market were collected and we tried to include some of them in the poster. The important matters were highlighted to get the maximum attraction. We have focused on furnishing the true information and made spaces available to make it for easy reading between the lines. â€Å"Changing the format and structure of information to match the accepted standards of the content system. The process consists of stripping unneeded surrounding information (e.g., headers and footers, unnecessary content, and unwanted navigation) then mapping the format and structural tagging to the accepted standard.† One of the important skills is to present the apt information and mainly the true

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Analysis of Personal and Organizational Ethics and Values between Research Paper

Analysis of Personal and Organizational Ethics and Values between For-Profit and Not-for-Profit Organizations - Research Paper Example Various companies claim to have the best corporate environment in their respective cultures but there are several discrepancies and deviations in them. Abolishment of organizational ethics can be observed in companies and yet they claim to be the best in market. The purpose of this paper is to examine such circumstances in a profit organization- Apple Inc. and a nonprofit organization- International Red Crescent. What sort of organizational ethics play into action in these firms and how are they following the code of ethics is the essence of the paper. What kind of culture is prevailing in the decision making process- authoritative or democratic etc. Examining the current status of employees, management practices and their relationship with the ethical management theories will be illustrated. What processes the companies have applied to remain competitive in the industry and are the mission & vision matching with their respective actions etc or not. In depth analysis of both these co mpanies will be done to acquire concrete knowledge. Part 1: International Red Cross: Company Profile The International Red Cross movement is a world renowned nonprofit humanitarian movement for the welfare of human race. It has the legacy to help out human beings irrespective of any race, color or religion. The motto of this movement is to protect human lives, cure them from diseases and prevent their sufferings. This movement has been working globally having stations in almost every country of the world. The Red Cross movement has its subsidiaries working in countries by the name of National Red Cross; however the mother organization remains as International Red Cross. Red Cross joined hands with the Red Crescent movement so that humanitarian services would be expanded and an overall impact all over the globe could be made. The efforts of the merger of both these organizations gave a powerful message that humanity first. The establishment of International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement was essential as they got immense aid and their humanitarian services also spread out. This movement is highly acknowledged by the governments of the world and in the time of war, floods, earthquakes or any unpleasant circumstances; International Red Cross & Red Crescent are the front row saviors of human lives. They have well qualified doctors, physicians, rescue team and technology. Due to their enormous fame and great services, government and people whole heartedly aid this organization. The efforts laid by Red Cross are verily outstanding and commendable. Ethical Dilemma at Red Cross Every organization faces tough and hard circumstances through which it has to pass victorious. Red Cross has faced several ethical dilemmas and it occurred due to numerous reasons. The biggest issue which Red Cross has been facing is the logistics problem. Logistics and Supply chain management is a big setback in the serving efforts of the organization. The proper management and allocation process still needs to be examined. There is no doubt about the services provided by Red Cross but most of them it is observed that there process is slowed down due to delay in supplies. The supply chain management department of Red Crescent has not been so active in the years and their service has not been up to the mark (Van Wassenhove, 2005). Delays in facilitating the affected masses have been due to shortage of supplies in which the negligence of supply chain department and

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Project Guideline Essay Example for Free

Project Guideline Essay If you not able to submit/resubmit your synopsis as per the timeline given above than you can submit in the next session ( Ist week of July to 15th September, 2013 without any fine) Student can submit their project report with a copy of approved synopsis, Guide Resume, Acknowledgement Letter from Project Guide at (IMT-CDL Ghaziabad, Hyderabad, Kolkata Mumbai) PROJECT SYNOPSIS GUIDELINE Project synopsis provides an outline of the project work to be undertaken by the candidate. Once you have selected a suitable topic, defined the problems and outlined the manner in which the project study is to be conducted, the next step is to prepare the project synopsis. This synopsis has to be submit online at our website www.imtcdl.ac.in for approval before you begin working on project work. The synopsis will be scrutinized by the faculty in IMT-CDL, Ghaziabad to ensure that it follows the guidelines. In case you propose to collect the data through a questionnaire then the questionnaire should also accompany the synopsis. The Project Synopsis should cover the following: Title of the Project : You can select any topic related to your Major Specialization. For more information please visit website www.imtcdl.ac.in and download the â€Å"Project Guideline† Company Profile: You have to choose an organisation for your project work. This should preferably be your own or any other organisation in the vicinity. In any case, it would be one where you have access to information and opportunity to discuss your ideas and views with the executives working there. The project outline and its formulation must be freely discussed with those who are responsible for similar activities in the organisation you have selected for your project work. Statement about the problem Having taken your first step it is important that you define the problem correctly. Problem definition has to be clear in terms of nature, size and scope of the project. These have to be stated in terms which are quite tangible and specific. Objectives and scope of the study Reasons for selecting the topic have to be explained along with the applicability or usefulness of the project idea. What contribution the project can make in the selected organization or in similar situations should be identified and stated. Methodology – It is necessary to explain the criteria for selection of sample size if survey is to be undertaken. Statistical methods that would be used for the same should be mentioned. Questionnaire that would be used to undertake the project work should be prepared and sent along with the synopsis. Methods that would be used for classification and interpretation of the data should be identified and mentioned. Questionnaire :- In case you propose to collect the data through a questionnaire then the questionnaire should also accompany the synopsis. Questionnaire should be scale of four/five level. Chapterization Scheme – A brief outline of the chapters to be included in the project report should be formulated and stated sequentially. Project Guide – Project Guide selected by the student should be an expert preferably a post graduate in the relevant discipline with a minimum of five years of work experience. It is necessary to send a brief resume of the project guide signed by the guide. If the resume of project guide is not attached, your synopsis can be rejected summarily.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Ludwig Van Beethoven Essay -- essays research papers

The composer of some of the most influential pieces of music ever written, Ludwig van Beethoven created a bridge between the 18th-century classical period and the new beginnings of Romanticism. His greatest breakthroughs in composition came in his instrumental work, including his symphonies. Unlike his predecessor Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, for whom writing music seemed to come easily, Beethoven always struggled to perfect his work. Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany, and was baptized on Dec. 17, 1770. (There is no record of his birth date.) His father and grandfather worked as court musicians in Bonn. Ludwig's father, a singer, gave him his early musical training. Although he had only meager academic schooling, he studied piano, violin, and French horn, and before he was 12 years old he became a court organist. Ludwig's first important teacher of composition was Christian Gottlob Neefe. In 1787 he studied briefly with Mozart, and five years later he left Bonn permanently and went to Vienna to study with Joseph Haydn and later with Antonio Salieri. Beethoven's first public appearance in Vienna was on March 29, 1795, as a soloist in one of his piano concerti. Even before he left Bonn, he had developed a reputation for fine improvisatory performances. In Vienna young Beethoven soon had a long list of aristocratic patrons who loved music and were eager to help him. Onset of Deafness In the l...

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Professional Athletes Essay

Companies that use professional athlete have the right to use that endorsement at their discretion. This question is difficult to answer as a whole because there are so many factors that occur. When it comes to a contract or obligation the bylaws of such agreement can lend both parties to not fulfill the agreed terms. Most athletes are held to a standard that is based upon their role in their specific sport. The star or leader is usually held in higher regard than the 12th man on a team. With that said the argument for companies comes from a different perspective so its lends one to speak from both sides of the argument. I have to take the affirmative for the companies even though I believe in the marketability of the professional athlete. In the case of Micheal Phelps his ability to perform at a high level has led directly to the rebound of his image. Tiger Woods on the other had way more to lose at the time of his marital problems. In turn his on course performance has not been at the level in which we are use to seeing of him. He has no amassed the same fervor or attention for positivity as a Micheal Phelps. The bad play on the course as not lifted the stain of all the negative press that he garnered. Had he been even more successful on his playing field he more than likely would have been able to get companies to get back on the Tiger train. Companies, tend to use athletes that match their persona, the bigger the name the bigger the company. Image is so important to what a company is trying to convey about its product and service. Most companies have their values listed somewhere near their corporate profile. The two have to match. The values of a company must meet the value that is percieved the by the value of the product. The best and most current case of this is with Lance Armstrong, his Livestrong Foundation and Nike have distances themselves from Lance. He was a very visible and outspoken spokesman, he had a following  that added to his legend on an almost daily basis. The findings that there was unanimous evidence that he was using PEDs (Performance Enhancing Drugs) to win in his sport was detrimental to not only his incredibility but it clings to a company like Nike being a company built on the athletic prowess of athletes from a varied amount of sports. So as a company what do you do? You have no choice but to cut ties with this athlete not just because he lied but the implication can be made that Nike and its athletes also lie and use PEDs. You can’t blame a company from wanting to distance its brand from that of a liar and cheater. In a different effect the Livestrong Foundation has a separate delimma to look at aside from the moral issue. They have a financial conundrum that affect the legacy of what Lance did for cancer and cancer research. The livestrong bands that are so popular in our community, were marketed to people on the basis that the proceeds from the sale of the bands go to the fight against cancer. People that associate Lance’s image struggle with his Foundation have become outraged. Here it is, this â€Å"winner† who was at the pinnacle of his sport lied on top of lying he cheated. He used his acclaim and sickness to capitalize on a disease and in turn not only made money for the foundation but also lined his pocket. The only recourse it seems the foundation had to take is to severe ties. Companies have a obligation to their shareholders, They have a obligation to their employees as well. The obligation to the shareholders and employees comes in the form of profit and money. Imagine if your brand is built on honesty and integrity. Your marketing and advertising say you are honest but your commercials have a Tiger Woods or Lance Armstrong there is a clear distinction that these two athletes have had trouble with honesty. The audience can then place your brand with dishonesty which can lead to losing business. As a bottom line all companies want to make money. You tend not to do things on a consistent level that contradict the reason why most businesses go into business, to make money! Performance is also a factor in whether a company will give an endorsement to an athletes. We are a culture that tends to use the what have you done for me lately concept when it comes to our professional athlete. Businesses also use this practice to capitalize  on the success and marketability of an athlete. If there was a ethical issue the easiest way for that athlete to get the endorsements back or to gain new is to win. Winning is the cure for any image problems because it covers up the moral and places emphasis on the practical. In the case of Peyton Manning, Buick comes to mind. He did not play in the NFL in the 2011 season. He suffered tremendous neck injuries that put his playing future in jeopardy. He lost several endorsement deals not because he had a moral issue, in fact he is one of the top professional athletes in the world when it comes to image. In 2012 he was picked up but another team and that team has been success, Buick looking for a spokesman to embody the brand of Buick they went with Manning. He was not high on their list they dropped Tiger and needed to find a spokesman that matched the brand. Companies have to make the decision to drop or keep an athlete based on so many factors. The need to satisfy the bottom line and the customer is always a hard task. The hardest part is picking the right spokesman that can push the brand, product or service. It is hard because these athletes have personal lives, these athletes are human, they make decisions at times without thinking about what company has paid them to speak about their product. The company has to make sure that they include language in the contract that can help the athlete make inclusive decisions. The moral clause is always a good way for a company to protect itself from the damage that can happen when favorable decisions are not made by an individual. It is up to the athlete to make sure he wants to keep the money and fame that can come from being on commercials and in ads by Fortune 500 companies. I feel as though they do not think about the overall consequences of their actions or how it may affect their decisions. This is where the company comes in and can make up for that. Its egoism from both sides. A athlete can act unbecoming and lose it all but due to great performances he can redeem his career. While the company can extend a 2nd chance allowing the athlete to be in the public eye again. Its a line that both have control over but in the world of business and sport the lines are so often blurred. In the end the companies have the right to giveth and the right to taketh away.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Islamic Religion Essay

Sayyid Qutb also known as (Father of Modern Islamic Extremism) is an academic and writer who is said to be one of the most significant thinkers in modern and contemporary Arab Islamic resurgence, born on the 8th of October 1960 and living his life until being executed by hanging on the 29th of August 1966. His main impact on Islam is through his expression of the religion as a universal philosophy, a political and social force with the potential to provide solutions to all societal problems. Qutb believed that returning to a true Islamic state would provide social justice and cure societal malaise as â€Å"Islam stands against corruption, oppression and capitalism. † His main beliefs, including the concept of jahiliyyah (a non-Muslim) and his understanding of jihad are expressed through his two main books â€Å"The Shade of the Qur’an† and â€Å"Milestones†. These books were heavily criticised by many Orthodox Muslims and Salafi scholars, they are widely read. Directly opposing Jahilliyah perceived authorities had been placed in the minds of a new generation of Muslim youth. In this sense it is clear to see that he has had a dramatic effect on the development and expression of Islam. Although many conservative Muslims and Islamic scholars believe he lacked respect for Islamic traditions and wrongly interpreted the Qur’an, many other Muslims and modern Jihadists consider him a martyr. Qutb came to reject everything about the west due to the experiences he faced while visiting America, including democracy and nationalism. The United States at that time was, politically and socially, perhaps at the height of the West. Because it was so bad, he concluded that nothing the west had to offer was good. Unfortunately the Egyptian government at that time was very pro-western, and his new views brought him into conflict with the current regime. Like so many other young radicals, he was thrown in prison, where deprivation and torture were the norm. it was there, horrified by the barbarism of the camp guards, that he probably lost hope that the current regime could be called â€Å"Muslim†. These Muslims kept the survival of his a legacy, believing his effect on the development and expression of Islam to be a positive one. A society whose legislation does not rest on divine law (shari’at Allah) is not Muslim, however ardently its individuals may proclaim themselves Muslim, even if they pray, fast and make the pilgrimage. What we did not know was that Sayyid Qutb was soon to be the mentor of the notorious Osama Bin Laden, who would come later to be known for terrorist activites. Ethics – Sexual Ethics The Qur’an is the basic source of ethical teachings, such as judgements, statements in it either remind humanity of the basic common sense created by God, or extend this common sense to specific examples or situations and present specific behavioural expectations. Another teaching is the Hadith; it contains the teachings and sayings of Prophet Muhammad that explain the teachings of the Qur’an. It places the Qur’an into the context of daily life. The Sirah is a similar collection of works aiming to clarify the teachings within the Qur’an; however the collection of stories has none of the prophet’s original work. Islam considers sexuality to be a part of a person’s divinely created identity with the ideal goal being marriage and procreation. It is considered that sex is an essential human behaviour that needs to be satisfied but properly and lawfully. Islam prohibits any deprivation of human behaviour – looks at the proper (legal) use of sex as an act of worship (Ibadah). The Hadith contains quotes that relate to the sexual practice and correct application of Allah’s gift of sexuality. â€Å"They are your garments and you are their garments. † (2. 187) the metaphor of the garment is a very powerful one as it brings home the message. It creates in the mind a picture of the relationship needed for a happy and healthy marriage. Clothes are a basic necessity for humans. They are used for warmth as well as beauty. Sex is the ultimate expression of love and is total physical and emotional encounter. The ethical teachings that surrounds Islamic life, are determined by the Al’ Qur’an, the sacred writing brought by the last prophet Muhammad word by word from the Islamic god Allah. This sacred writing is taught through the 114 Sura’s (chapters) of the Al’ Qur’an. The Hadith, second to the Qur’an in importance and authority, are collections of Islamic traditions and laws (Sunnah). The Sharia refers to how Muslims should live or the path they must follow. This includes traditional sayings of Muhammad. Fiqh† Arabic for the world Islamic jurisprudence, Fiqh is an expansion of the Sharia Islamic Law based on the Qur’an and Sunnah, it complements Sharia with evolving rulings and interpretations of Islamic Jurists. The Fiqh deals with the observance of the rituals, morals and social obligations. (Jurisprudence) states that you must surrender to the will of Allah; it is the most fundamental Islamic value. A Muslim must try ones hardest to establish good according to the order fixed by Allah because each person is God’s agent on earth and has responsibility to Allah, Muhammad’s teachings gives specifics for Marriage and Pre-marital sex. The ideal goal being marriage and procreation, marriage is a legally binding contractual arrangement (called Nikah), sex outside of marriage is forbidden and seen as an attack on the community as well as a breach of this contract. If a Muslim engages in premarital sex, he/she are seen as not submitting to the will of Allah, very harsh penalties will be advised if this act is carried out. Muslims treat marriage as the norm and whilst celibacy is discouraged, fornication is absolutely condemned; this act can lead to the touching, kissing, or the exposing of their bodies of Islamic people. The quote below explains how to do this in an acceptable and legal way for Islamic adherence. â€Å"Marriage is my tradition. He who rejects my tradition is not of me. Marriage is half of religion. The other half is being God fearing† Qur’an 4:3 In Allah’s rulings, there is no fixed rule as to the age of marriage. It is becoming fashionable for young Muslim men not to marry until they have completed their education, have a job, or reached age 26-30 or more. Similarly young Muslim girls say they want to marry after age 24. Conversely the teachings of the Qur’an Homosexuality are condemned to all of Islam. The aims of natural sexuality are procreation and homosexuality does not permit this. Islam accepts no justification for the unnatural sin of homosexuality. Punishment is encouraged but not prescribed. The Qur’an has an oblique reference of lesbian behaviour (lutiyya) â€Å"And those of your women, who commit legal sexual intercourse, take the evidence of four witnesses from amongst you against them; and if they testify, confine them to houses until death comes to them or Allah ordains for them some other way. †

Friday, November 8, 2019

30 Sports Idioms

30 Sports Idioms 30 Sports Idioms 30 Sports Idioms By Mark Nichol This post lists and defines terms derived from two or more distinct sports that by extension serve as idioms in other realms of endeavor outside athletics. (The original meaning is provided in parentheses.) 1. ace: accomplish something with ease (slang term for when an opposing player or team fails to return a serve) 2. bench: keep someone from participating; as a noun, a figurative reference to the members of a group as a whole or to the depth of talent of the group members collectively (seating for players not competing) 3. bench-warmer: a person with a negligible role (slang term for a player who spends most or all of a game sitting on the team bench rather than participating in competition) 4. cheap shot: a hurtful or unfair critical comment (an illegal hit during a contact sport) 5. drop the ball: fail or make a mistake (lose control of a ball and thus give up possession of it in favor of the opposing team) 6. game changer: something that significantly and suddenly changes a situation (a play during a game that abruptly alters the likely outcome) 7. game plan: strategy (the approach athletes practice to achieve victory in a competition) 8–9. get/keep the ball rolling: start an activity or project, or maintain progress on an activity or project, respectively (putting and keeping a ball in motion so that regulation play continues) 10. goal line: an achievement or benchmark considered a success (the line on a playing field across which a ball must cross in order for points to be scored) 11. hat trick: a very clever or deft maneuver (a series of three consecutive achievements in a game or season, based on a tradition in which a cricket player was awarded a hat for such an accomplishment) 12. hotshot: a conspicuously successful or talented person, or one who believes himself or herself to be especially successful or talented; often used sarcastically or derogatorily (a player unusually successful in making shots, or goals) 13. level playing field: an equitable arrangement (a flat surface on which a competition is held so that a slope does not favor one team) 14. long shot: an effort, or a person or thing, with little chance of success (an attempt to score a goal from a far distance) 15. losing streak: a record of a series of failures (a sequence of successive defeats by an athlete or team) 16. make the cut: qualify (having one’s name remain on a roster from which the names of other prospective team members have been removed or struck out, signifying retention of the one who has made the cut and disqualification of the others) 17. on the ball: alert, successful (remaining close to, or gaining possession of, a ball in a competition in order to achieve victory) 18. on the sidelines: having an indirect or insignificant role (the area next to the boundary of the playing area where team members not participating in a competition watch game play) 19. out of bounds: not acceptable or appropriate (outside the field of play, where a ball may not be carried or moved to score a point or goal until it is returned to a prescribed place on the field and play officially resumes) 20. referee: a mediator or arbitrator (an official responsible for overseeing a competition and monitoring that rules are being observed) 21. ringer: a person with a striking resemblance to another person, or an unauthorized substitute (a competitor not authorized to play) 22. score: achieve or obtain something desired, or record outcomes or results; as a noun, the status of a situation, or pertinent information (the tally kept during a competition) 23. sideline: as a noun, an additional pursuit or product line; as a verb, keep or remove from participation; in plural form, the state of observing rather than participating (the line marking the boundary of the playing field) 24. stay ahead of the game: anticipate changes in a series of events or incidents (predicting how a competition will play out and using that knowledge to affect the outcome) 25. take sides: support one faction or position at the extent of the other (forming the prescribed arrangement of team members before a competition begins) 26. team player: someone who gets along well with others or is loyal to a cause (an athlete whose performance supports a team’s success) 17. stage of the game: a point during a series of actions or events leading to an outcome (the notion of a particular interval or moment during a competition) 28. time out: a pause or break to assess a situation or provide time for reflection, or removal of a child from an activity as a form of punishment (one of a prescribed number of interruptions in competition each team is allowed to take to temporarily halt game play to discuss strategy) 29. winning streak: a series of successes (a sequence of successive victories by an athlete or team) 30. workout: an exercise routine, or any strenuous effort (a series of activities or exercises an athlete undergoes to enhance physical conditioning) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:30 Synonyms for â€Å"Meeting†45 Synonyms for â€Å"Old† and â€Å"Old-Fashioned†13 Theatrical Terms in Popular Usage

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere Book Review

Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere Book Review In Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere by Julie T. Lamana, Armani Curtis, a young African-American girl living in the Ninth Ward district of New Orleans, is completely uprooted from her world when Hurricane Katrina rips through her neighborhood. In her search to be reunited with family members, she discovers personal strengths and the real meaning of community. The publisher lists the book for ages 10 and older. Summary of the Story Its late August 2005 and 9-year-old Armani Curtis, looking forward to her birthday weekend, cannot wait to join the double digits club. Nothing, not even the persistent rumors of a storm, can burst Armani’s excitement until she notices her parents’ apprehension. Focusing on her celebration, Armani is disappointed when the other members of her family, including her beloved MeMaw, seem preoccupied with threats of a dangerous storm. When her older brother Georgie tells her the next door neighbors are evacuating, she makes him promise not to tell her parents until after her birthday. Despite their worries and a stormy black sky, Armani’s parents celebrate her tenth birthday with a Bar-B-Q, a delicious buttercream cake with blue frosting, and a brand new puppy which she promptly names Cricket. The celebration is cut short when a neighbor bursts into the backyard telling everyone it’s too late to evacuate and to prepare for a major storm.   Powerful winds begin to blow shattering windows and panic ensue when Georgie notices a rapidly approaching wave of water rolling over everything in its path and heading towards their home. The levee protecting their Ninth Ward neighborhood has broken and there is nowhere to go. The family flees to the attic to save their lives, but their nightmare is just beginning. Trapped in the attic with the floodwaters rising, Armani’s asthmatic baby brother is gasping for air while there are only a few bottles of water between them.  Their crisis grows more distressing as Armani’s brother and then her father, jump into the fast-moving floodwater to capture her birthday puppy. Stranded, the family of refugees must wait for rescue while worrying about the outcome of those family members who jumped into the water. Once on dry land, Armani is left to watch over the younger kids while her mom searches desperately for a clinic to help the sickly baby. Armani realizes it is up to her to keep her small group together amidst the crisis around her. In the process, she discovers how to trust, how to survive, and how to nurture hope in the face of great despair. Author Julie T. Lamana Julie Lamana knows first-hand the destruction brought on by Hurricane Katrina. In 2005 Lamana worked as a literacy aide in a Louisiana school. In the aftermath of the hurricane, she helped displaced children and found in her experiences the seeds to write a story. As a child growing up in a military family, Lamana moved many times and found it difficult to create lasting relationships and thus found comfort in books. Now retired from education, she spends her time writing and is currently at work on her next middle-grade book. Lamana and her family Lamana live in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana.   Recommendation and Review For readers who like survival stories, Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere is a fearsome read. Real life scenarios based on Julie Lamana’s personal experiences dealing with Hurricane Katrina create the story foundation for those uncertain first few days in the Ninth Ward district of New Orleans, Louisiana.  These experiences provided material for an authentic, emotional story for readers who value accurate detail and realistic characters. The character of Armani Curtis transforms from a self-centered, judgmental child, to a conscientious young girl who learns to accept and trust others. Despite many warnings of the approaching storm, Armani is determined to not let anything take away from her special occasion. Lamana deliberately highlights Armani’s self-centered character (pretty typical of her age) so readers can clearly identify the great emotional changes the hurricane brings about forcing Armani to put aside her childish ways in order to make independent and protective decisions about her younger siblings. Within a matter of days, Armani’s childhood vanishes.  Fear and distrust color her every action, but over time Armani begins to allow others to help her rebuild trust. Like a gathering storm, this story starts out at a leisurely pace gradually building in intensity. A typical day of riding the bus, dealing with bullies, and sitting on the front porch swing with her beloved MeMaw slowly moves into whispered rumors of a gathering storm. Television newscasts, neighbors’ midnight evacuations, and an ever-changing colorful sky take Armani and her family from a birthday celebration to a fight for survival.   A Gentle Warning for Parents Julie Lamana has personal experience with Hurricane Katrina and she witnessed the devastating physical, social, and mental effects of the hurricane. Hence, she gives readers an authentic story where a very young girl must deal with death, disease, and despair. While not graphic in detail, there is no sugarcoating about the dead bodies floating in the water, the mass looting, or desperate â€Å"crazies† that Armani meets as she struggles to make sense of the chaos around her. A worthy book to understand how a natural disaster affects a community and a family, I highly recommend Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere. Be sure to have a box of tissues close by. (Chronicle Books, 2014. ISBN: 9781452124568)

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Benefits of Walking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Benefits of Walking - Essay Example Walking reduces weight by burning excessive calories in the body. For instance, a person who weighs sixty kilograms can burn up to seventy-five calories simply by walking for thirty minutes at 2mph. walking is therefore an exercise highly recommended for people who would like to lose weight. The faster an individual walks for a given time duration, the more calories are burned. Another health benefit of walking is that walking lowers the risk of getting certain diseases. Brisk walking for up to thirty minutes daily can help reduce the risks of getting diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, certain type of cancer and asthma among others. Doctors believe that walking improves blood circulation within the body therefore reducing the risks of getting diseases. In addition to lowering the risk of acquiring certain diseases and maintain good weight, walking gives an individual energy. Although it may seem a paradox, researchers have found out that brisk walking is an energizer. As an individual walks, blood circulation in the body is boosted which implies that oxygen supply in the body becomes sufficient thereby making one to feel energetic and alive. Walking also eases the muscle tension, strengthens joints and hence making an individual feel relaxed, and

Friday, November 1, 2019

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

Muhammad - Essay Example In short, everything in the universe was worth worshipping and the One they did not worship was the One Creator. They were totally unaware of His unity and their need of Him. If He was recognised to all by anyone, it was through intermediaries who too were worshipped. This was a dark period - the background - when the Sunnat Allah1 - the law of Allah for guidance and leaving anyone astray - repeated history and set in motion the natural law of reaction. The light of guidance shone and spread to the four corners removing the darkness of 'Shirk' (associated with God) and ignorance replacing it with faith and knowledge. In such a gloomy atmosphere which had encompassed pre-Islamic Arabia, there glittered a light in the birth of Muhammad (PBUH). Never before or after any individual placed in such adverse circumstances has so completely purged his society of the multifarious deep-seated evils, giving it a new and healthier shape, and had so much influenced the course of contemporary and future history. Muhammad's (PBUH) practical teachings had transformed a savage race into a civilized who brought about the most wonderful revolution in the history of mankind. He was the benefactor of humanity and being the last and greatest of all the prophets, his teachings were universal and for all times to come. As it were these The First verses that were revealed to Prophet (PBUH) were from Surah Al-Alaq: "Read in the Name of your Lord Who created - created man from a blood-clot. Read and your Lord is most Bountiful, who taught by the pen - taught man that he know not" (96:1-5). As it were these verses make perfect the purpose of human life. It has been told in Surah Al-Alaq that true knowledge was essential for attaining higher human qualities. Without that, life is meaningless. If anyone possesses true knowledge but is deficient in action then he does not derive the benefits and the knowledge is of no use. Muhammad (PBUH) was a great promoter of education and advocated the "pursuit of learning even unto distant China". He inculcated love for learning among the illiterate Arabs which paved the way for their outstanding intellectual achievements, ultimately making them pioneers in the domains of science and arts during the "Medieval times". Muhammad (PBUH) proclaimed the sovereignty of God and liberated mankind from the thralldom of unholy associations with His Divinity. He upheld the dignity of man and practiced the high ideals of equality, fraternity and justice he preached. He advocated the unity of God and thereby the unity and equality of mankind. He denounced the differences of colour and race and was the "Prophet in human colour and consequently a true specimen of Islamic unity and brotherhood". As the celebrated English writer Robert Briffault paid rich tributes to the teachings of Holy Prophet of Islam, when he said: "The ideals of freedom for all human beings, of human brotherhood, of the equality of all men before the law of democratic government, by consultation and universal suffrage, the ideas that inspired the French Revolution and the Declaration of Rights, that guided the framing of the American Constitution and inflamed the struggle for independence in the Latin-American countries were not inventions of the

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

An Analysis of the Woolcock Street Investments Case Assignment

An Analysis of the Woolcock Street Investments Case - Assignment Example This case began in 1987 when the Eagle Star Nominees, Inc., designated as trustees for the BSL Growth Trust Company, engaged a company doing engineering work to design foundations for a warehouse and offices in Townsville. When the building’s construction had been finished, the trustee Eagle Star then decided to sell the property to the plaintiff. In the contract of sale, there was no warranty indicating that the building had no defects. Likewise, the buyer did not conduct any building inspection, survey before purchase, or any sort of appraisal to determine whether or not the building had been constructed in an optimal manner. Also, there was no assignment in contract by the vendor of the rights to proceed against others in case of defects. Just more than a year after the property had been turned over, the defects become apparent. The building had unmistakable structural distress and this was because of how the foundations were arranged, as well as the material below the foundations. The buyer filed a case against the engineering company and its employee, stating that the company owed a duty of reasonable care in designing the foundations of the building and ensuring the safety of the premises. In response, the company said that they owed no such duty of care to the buyer and that they were not at fault, because they in fact had asked the trustee to allow them to do soil tests, however they were told that such soil tests were not necessary and to simply use structural footing sizes. A lawsuit for damages was then filed, and the main question that the courts were tasked to respond to was: â€Å"Whether or not a subsequent buyer of commercial property had the right to sue the builder for design malfunctions?† The court ruled against the buyer and ruled that the duty of care owed to a subsequent or remote purchaser by the engineer that built the foundation of the building in question does not hold when the defective building is used for commercial purposes. This means that there is no case that can be filed against the engineer by the subsequent buyer because the building was not used as a dwelling, but rather as a commercial establishment. Previous Jurisprudence It is difficult to talk about Woolcock without talking about the progenitor case, Bryan v. Maloney. [(1995) 182 CLR 609, 616–17, 623 (Mason CJ, Deane and Gaudron  JJ) (‘Bryan’)]. In that case, the plaintiff was able to successfully claim damages against the builder, despite the fact that she was a subsequent buyer of a residential property and the sale was concluded seven years after the property had been built. The plaintiff had inspected the house many times before purchasing it, with no observations made that there were any defects. However, after six months, it was discovered that there were cracks on the wall and this was because the builder had constructed footings that were inadequate to withstand the changes in the

Monday, October 28, 2019

Parental Consent Abortion Essay Example for Free

Parental Consent Abortion Essay Abortion I. Introduction: A. Attention Grabber: rhetorical question, story, quote, shock, scare, stats, allusion, etc.: Did you know that teenage girls are more than 24 times more likely to die from childbirth than from first trimester legal abortion? B. Why audience should care: Every girl is at risk of getting pregnant, and if parental consent is the reason for childbirth the effects hurt mother and father. C. Background Info. According to the encyclopedia of American law fertility rate went down bc. of abortion and birth control- By the 1870s, a woman’s right to make decisions about REPRODUCTION was restricted by federal and state laws. -ABORTIONS , which increased markedly in the 1850s and 1860s, especially among middle-class white women, had been legal until the fetus â€Å"quickened,† or moved inside the uterus. The -AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (AMA) and religious groups led the successful move to have state legislatures impose criminal penalties on persons performing abortions. In some states, women who had abortions could also be held criminally liable.(Progressive) D. Thesis: Women under the age of 18 should be allowed to obtain an abortion #without parental consent because every person controls their own body and forcible restriction can lead to drastic consequences. II. Need Step A. What is the problem? Teenagers feel pressured to have the child because they have no right over their own body. If they dont get the proper help they need problems may arise. The American Academy of Pediatrics also opposes parental-involvement laws: Legislation mandating parental involvement does not achieve the intended benefit of promoting family communication but it does increase the risk of harm to the adolescent by delaying access to appropriate medical care. [M]inors should not be compelled or required to involve their parents in their decisions to obtain abortions, although they should be encouraged to discuss their pregnancies with their parents and other responsible adults.(Naral) B. What is/are the cause(s)? Laws making clinics have parental note/ judicial-bypass provisions fail to protect young women. C. How big a problem? It affects everybody, the parents, the child, and the family. -Approximately one-third of American women become pregnant before the age of 20. -Twenty-five percent of teen mothers live below the federal poverty line. Nearly 80 percent of teen mothers eventually go on welfare. Teens that give birth also spend a greater length of time receiving public assistance—an average of three years longer than older mothers through age 35. Teen mothers are also more likely to have lower family incomes later in life.(NARAL) D. What are the ill effects of this problem? Harmful to the teen, and teens future The American Medical Association concluded in a 1992 study that parental-consent and notice laws increase the gestational age at which the induced pregnancy termination occurs, thereby also increasing the risk associated with the procedure. Although a first or second trimester abortion is far safer than childbirth, the risk of complications significantly increases for each week that elapses after eight weeks. (Philip, Diana) â€Å"A Toledo, Ohio judge denied a bypass for a 17-year-old, an A student who planned to attend college and who testified she was not financially or emotionally prepared for college and motherhood at the same time, stating that the girl had not had enough hard knocks in her life. (Philip, Diana) III. Satisfaction Step A. Solution(s) or steps age-appropriate health and sex education with medically accurate information; access to confidential health services, including family planning; life-options programs that offer teens practical life skills and the motivation to delay sexual activity; and programs for pregnant and parenting teens that teach parenting skills and help ensure that teens finish school. B.Specific details on how this problem can be solved: an emphasis should be placed on reducing teen pregnancy. C.Best plan or most important first step: Access to health services, including family planning. A Pennsylvania study found that of the 60 judicial districts in the state, only eight were able to provide complete information about Pennsylvanias judicial-bypass procedure. Some county courts referred minors to anti-choice crisis pregnancy centers that typically provide false and misleading information about abortion and pressure women to carry their pregnancies to term. (Borgman, Caitlin). D. Reasons it is best or most important: Lays foundation and protection for the child and teen. IV. Visualization Step A. The world will have less teenage births, less unsafe abortions and less children homeless and in poverty. B.If we do not solve this problem there will be more teen moms, poverty and unsafe abortions. â€Å"With their parents guidance, more teenagers will choose childbirth over abortion† (Philip) C.In countries where abortion is restricted like poland â€Å"go abroad to the Netherlands, Germany and Austria for abortions.2 Women who are not lucky enough to live in environments such as the EU may be forced to go to foreign countries and undergo underground, unsafe abortions.† (â€Å"this house†) V. Conclusion A. Minors should be allowed to obtain an abortion without parental consent because every person controls their own body and has the right to choose and restricting abortion can lead to drastic consequences. B. Education about sex, family planning, and a bill that allows minors to recieve abortion without parental consent. C. Individuals can talk to their parents about their views on abortion and inform them that they have the right to choose. Individuals can also call your local congressman or write a letter informing them of the dangers of restricting abortion. D. In our everyday lives we can remember how living in the U.S. is a blessing and our freedoms can not be taken away from us. We must remember that every women has a right to their body and giving birth is not the only way to end the suffering of an unwanted pregnancy.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Christianity: Salvation by Grace Essay -- Religion Christian

Christianity is a faith based on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Fisher, 1991) Christianity is a one God religion as presented in the New Testament. Today, Christianity and the church are culturally diverse, even in the aspects of race. It is even said that Sunday mornings is the most segregated time in the world. There is one central belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, all Christians can come to this conclusion. Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and that we are all under the judgment of God because we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Other religions may often depict that it is only necessary to do some good when it comes to God in order to get into heaven. However, Christianity is the only religion that supports the teachings of salvation by grace. Meaning that our efforts, sincerity, and good works alone will not guarantee us a place in heaven, but instead it is our faith in what Christ did on the cross along with obeying the gospel, and living faithfully until his return that will place us there. Followers of Jesus Christ were persecuted, but by 380 CE, despite strong opposition, Christianity became the official religion of the vast Roman Empire (Fisher, 1991) At least three things can derive from Christianity; a set of beliefs, the way of life and a community of people. Christ is the Greek form of the Hebrew word "Messiah", meaning "anointed one". Christianity originally developed as a part of Judaism. Jesus was a Jew. It is said that he lived from about 3 BC to 30 AD. He lived and taught in Palestine, to the Jews. Christianity also teaches that God created the universe and all that is in it. While we as humans have both physi... ...sians 4: 4-6) Jesus said â€Å"Upon this rock I shall build my church† (Matthew 16:18). The Church of Christ, the only one that you can find in the bible. References Bercot, D. (2006). Retrieved February 13, 2009, from History of The Early Church: http://www.earlychurch.com/index.php Fisher, M. P. (1991). Living Religions. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Public Education. Morrison, M. (n.d.). Discipleship 101. Retrieved February 13, 2009, from Worldwide Church of God: http://www.wcg.org/lit/disc/16grace.htm Christianity. (2009, February 11). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 04:45, February 14, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Christianity&oldid=270002186 Muslims. (2006, March 25). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 04:46, February 14, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Muslims&oldid=45357695

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Role and Functions of Hr Managers

Role and functions of HR Managers Introduction The Human Resource Department deals with management of people within the organisation. There are a number of responsibilities that come with this title. First of all, the Department is responsible for hiring members of staff; this will involve attracting employees, keeping them in their positions and ensuring that they perform to expectation. Besides, the Human Resource Department also clarifies and sets day to day goals for the organisation. It is responsible for organisation of people in the entire Company and plans for future ventures and objectives involving people in the Company. Handy, 1999) Research has shown that the human aspect of resources within an organisation contributes approximately eighty percent of the organisation’s value. This implies that if people are not managed properly, the organisation faces a serious chance of falling apart. The Human Resource Department’s main objective is to bring out the best i n their employees and thus contribute to the success of the Company. These roles come with certain positive and negative aspects. However, the negative aspects can be minimised by improvements to their roles and functions. These issues shall be examined in detail in the subsequent sections of the essay with reference to case examples of businesses in current operation. Positive aspects of Roles and Functions of the Human Resource Department Recruitment of Employees This is one of the most fundamental roles of the HR department. This is because this function ensures that the Company under consideration selects the most skilful and competent person from a sea of applicants at that time. This function involves evaluation of ability and competency of potential employees in relation to what the Company needs. This role falls under the Staffing role of management. If this function is performed well, then the organisation will increase value consequently being on the right pathway to achieve its organisational and departmental goals and objectives. (Hyde, 2004) Effective recruitment can be done through a number of ways. First of all the Company can conduct educational and psychological measurements. This task will involve assessment of abilities, skills and character evaluation of applicants. Through psychometric evaluation, the Company can ensure that employees have the right attitude necessary to fit into the organisation. Another method Companies use to recruit members of staff is through interviews. Here, the Human Resource Department can ask applicants questions that evaluate their decision making abilities and how they would deal with certain situations if presented with them. The Department can also employ the use of written interviews where applicants answer questions addressing key issues in the organisation. Through these channels, the Department contributes towards organisational performance. An example of a Company that performs this role well is Tesco Ireland. The Company notifies the public about vacancies. It then posts a questionnaire online and interested parties fill it at that time. This is then evaluated and those who fall within their minimum requirements are invited for an interview. In the interview, applicants are asked a number of questions and those who did extremely well are further analysed and retained. Those who did moderately well are not immediately eliminated; instead, their interview questions are kept on file then these are reviewed after six months. By so doing, the Tesco Ireland makes sure that its employees are highly capable and that they will enrich the organisation. (Hyde, 2004) Improvement of Compensation Packages One of the major functions of the HR department is to motivate employees. This can be done through rewards especially for those who have done well. The HR department needs to evaluate performance of employees and those who have exceeded expectations should be compensated for their actions. Research has shown that rewarding employees for good performance is the number one incentive for keeping up this trend. These compensation packages can come in the following ways; – Holiday Offers – End of Year Bonuses – Equities – Awards – Salary Increments – Provision of Flexible Working Hours – Straight forward Promotion Schemes and Career Developments If the HR department includes these incentives, then it will ensure that employees are satisfied with the Company. It will also contribute towards good staff retention rates. This is especially crucial in increasing stability within the organisation. It also makes employees identify with the firm and instils a sense of loyalty. Handy, 1999) Planning in the Organisation The Human Resource Department is placed with the responsibility of ensuring that it plans adequately for all the organisation’s future engagements that will involve people. One important aspect of this is planning for employees in the organisation. It is important that the organisation ensures that all the employees under its wing are just enough to increase value to the organisation. The Department must ensure that staff members are not too many because if they exceed this amount, then the organisation stands too lose. It must plan adequately to ensure that staff members are not too few either, otherwise they will be overworking those who are already in place. Consequently, there will be poor motivation resulting from fatigue. The HR department is also bestowed with the responsibility of planning future organisational goal in relation to people or clarifying these same goals to staff members. This function of the department ensures that people in the organisation have a general direction which they are working towards. Organisations that have a clear direction are always more effective; those members of staff will be more result oriented rather than just working for the sake of it. The Department is also responsible for setting day to day objectives necessary for streamlining activities within the organisation and thus ensuring that work is not just done haphazardly. (Hyde, 2004) Negative Aspects of Functions and Roles of the Human Resource Department There are a number of problems that arise as the department goes about its activities Problems in Recruitment The department may sometimes be unable to adequately coordinate and incorporate all the employees needed in the Company’s operations. One such example is the NHS. In the year 2004, the organisation was found to be wanting in its human resource department’s functions. The Company was recruiting a large proportion of its employees; 40% from Asian and African countries. This means that the organisation was draining medical personnel from those needy countries and using them for themselves. (Katherine, 2002) Such a practice showed that the HR department had exercised bad judgement in ts staffing function. Instead, it could have used these foreign nurses as temporary measure and put in place a strategy to train local nurses such that it could stop depending on those poor countries for supply of nurses. Problems in Remuneration In the process of trying to motivate members of staff to perform better, the Human Resource may make deals that eventually cause problems. A case in p oint is the Home Depot. This Company has an employee Compensation policy that requires that one should be rewarded for the time they have served the Company. The Home Depot Company offers an end of year bonus, basic salary and grant on stock shares as an incentive for some of its employees The CEO of the Company Robert Nardelli lost his job in the year 2007. This was because the company has experienced a lot of losses under his leadership; its shares fell by eight percent in the stock exchange and he deserved to leave the Company. However, because the Human Resource Department had put in place a policy that requires all members of staff to be given the incentive mentioned above, he left with a lot of money. It was reported that he had with him about two hundred and ten million dollars. The Company had no way out of this payment because HR had already passed that policy and they were bound by the law. This goes to show that sometimes policies made by the HR department do not benefit the Company especially if the parties involved are considered as losses to the Company. (Michael, 2007) Problems in Planning Sometimes the HR Department can employ people who may not contribute towards organisational principles. A classic example is the Arthur Andersen Company that fell apart in the year 2002. This was an American Company that dealt with audits. It was initially very successful in its operations prior to that fateful year. But in the latter years of its operations, the Company was involved in two accounting scandals that tarnished its name and subsequently caused failure. The Company failed to plan well for the kind of employees it recruited. This was witnessed when one of its employees in the Legal Department called Nancy Temple was fined in the Court of law for non adherence to accounting laws. This problem could have been prevented if the HR department had evaluated this employee before hiring her and also evaluation should have been done during her performance. If HR had been extremely critical, then they would have realised that the employee did not adhere to Company principles and would therefore have terminated her employment. Beside this, the Arthur Andersen Human Resource department also failed in its communication function to employees. The department should have ensured that they constantly communicate to members of staff about the goals and objectives of the Company on a day to day basis. This would have made them very clear in the minds of employees and would have prevented the downfall of the Company. Strategies to Improve Human Resource Department’s  Ã‚   Value to the Organisation Training and Internships It is not necessarily a guarantee that a candidate who did well in the recruitment exercise is the best in performing an organisation’s functions. New employees need orientation into the Company’s functions and can also improve some inefficiency that these new employees may have in relation to their skills. This is the purpose of placing them on internships. (Norbert, 1967) Training is also essential for members of staff who have been working for the organisation for a long time. This is especially so in the wake of technological advancements, legal changes and changes in service delivery. It is important for an Organisation to keep up with industry trends otherwise it faces the danger of becoming obsolete; especially in the background of increasing competition. Training need not be restricted to improvement of skills; it can also involve improvement of attitudes. This is normally characterised by attendance of workshops and other forms of talks. Training also increases motivation of employees and gives them that extra boost of energy needed to get them through tough times in their jobs. All the above tasks are placed under the Department of Human Resource because it is the one that will asses when training is needed, who needs the training, where and by whom. This aspect is a sure to improve value of the HR Department in the organisation. An example of a company that adheres to this principle is Marks and Spencer retail chain outlet. The Company offers training for twelve moths. Here new employees are taught all that is necessary to meet organisational goals and objectives then they can start work when they are ready to do so. (Norbert, 1967) Making Better Use of Time The Human Resource is conferred with the responsibility of ensuring that all members of staff perform to their best ability. It could improve this area by facilitating better use of time in all departments within the organisation. Time is one of the most crucial yet intangible assets of the Company. The proper use of this resource could maximise production and achievement of organisational goals. (Harold, 2003) The Department can do this by planning activities to be carried out in the organisation. It can make schedules for the various activities that have to be done in the organisation and thus facilitate better flow of information. In addition to this, the Company can also ensure that all members of staff are held accountable for not performing a certain task. This is especially in regard to maintenance of the schedules. In so doing, human the Human Resource Department will be ensuring that employees do not simply report to work and that the time spent at work is directly proportional to output. Improving Organisational Culture The Human Resource Department can try to improve organisational culture through a three step procedure. The first step of the process is observation. In this step HR finds out what makes ups or what the company’s culture is like. HR should also be very intense on the organisational needs. Here, HR should realise that personal fulfilment works better and therefore should try to ensure that the change is relevant to every staff member. In this stage, HR should try to explain to all staff members or stakeholder the advantage of transforming the culture in the organisation. This should be made clear so that all can see the advantages at the individual level and not simply at the organizational level. Erica, 2006) Then HR should try to eliminate all inhibitions in staff member’s minds. It is possible that some may claim that they tried one or two strategies before and it did not succeed. This are what are called ‘cries of despair’ and HR should try its best to explain to staff members the need of changing the culture of the organisation. The next step is the analysis of various aspects. Here, there is collect ion of data needed in making certain that culture changes. This stage involves checking out the success features or the factors that can facilitate its success. There should be calibration of data collected. Staff members should be made to understand that there are no perfect situations for implementation of changes. The analysis should involve assessing whether the information is sensible or not. Whether data gathered will be helpful or not and if it is too little or too much. Staff members should be requested for data that will help change the culture. Of course when trying to bring in change HR Department should have perceived benefits, a deadline for execution and also the realised gains in relation to the change in culture. In this step, there should be reality checks which should be done often. There should also be continuous integration. Through this scheme HR Department should be able to change the culture in the organisation and add value to it. (Harold, 2003) Conclusion The Human Resource Management team’s main function is to manage people. There are positive and negative aspects of this function; first of all, the HR department enriches the organisation through recruitment procedures and an example an effective HR team in this area is Tesco Ireland. HR department also ensures that members of staff follow a general direction by frequently clarifying and reminding them of the organisation’s goals. Besides this, they are also responsible for organising incentives or compensation packages to motivate employees. All these functions contribute towards organisational effectiveness. However, there are some negative aspects of HR; it has to bear the burden of blame if an employee performs poorly like the Arthur Andersen Company. Besides this, some policies made by the department may be detrimental to the Company like in the Home Depot Company’s case. Improvements to their role can be done by arranging training for staff members, organising activities for the organisation and changing organisational culture. (Erica, 2006)