Thursday, October 31, 2019

Persuasive Message Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Persuasive Message - Essay Example As such, we have come up with detailed and more complex ways of handling cleaningness as one of the more imperative outsourcing projects. Apparently, we are aware that numerous companies have claimed to offer cleaning services in the market but have ended up doing the exact opposite. However, at Marcus-Fortune Cleaning Agency we believe that ‘COMFY DEMANDS CLEANINGNESS’. In this regard, we are equipped to offer probation services at affordable fees to act as an expression of our undoubted services upon your approval and cooperation. Marcus-Fortune Cleaning Agency as a cleaning agency offers services such as essential cleaning for offices, hospitals, schools, churches, hotels among other institutions. In addition, it offers moving services for offices and residential places for both private and public properties. Another service that we offer comprises of providing hygiene bins, collecting, and replacing them for use in washroom and recreational facilities in their respected institutions and organizations. It is for this undoubted reason that Marcus- Fortune Cleaning Agency is at your service to ensure that the level of cleaningness has met you comfort. At Marcus- Fortune Cleaning Agency, you are assured of getting the highest level of cleaningness that gives you the utmost comfort required. In addition, we have a dedicated working rot that is willing to retain its professionalism while working towards satisfaction of its potential customers. We have incorporated a comprehensive brochure of the agency, for your perusal. We anticipate for convenient meetings where we could discuss the likelihood of working with you in future. As such, we will contact you sooner than later for the possibility of setting up meetings at your convenience. You can also visit our website at www.marcusfortuneagency.uk for more information on the

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Essay Example for Free

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Essay This measurable activity can be detected by a Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, machine. The machine created a powerful magnetic field which aligned the hydrogen atoms in the body. Radio waves are used to alter the alignment of this magnetization which causes the atoms to emit a weak radio signal that can be detected by the machine. The subject lies very still in the MRI machine, essentially a giant cylinder. A movement of more than 3 mm could render the image useless so absolute stillness is a necessity. The test can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours and during that time the subject will undergo various stimulants designed to alter the neural activity (MRI 2007). In regards to detecting deceit, the subject would undergo a series of questions while the neural activity is monitored. At least two companies have been established to use fMRI for lie detection purposes, No Lie MRI, Inc. and Cephos Corporation (FRMI 2007). They represent the latest in scientific achievement for detecting the truthfulness of people. Since this technique is so new, there will obviously be questions to its reliability. However, these questions will work themselves through as more research is done on this particular topic. Unfortunately, several court cases may have determined that this technique may not be admissible in court. On the federal side the court case Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals changed how scientific â€Å"expert† evidence was determined to be admissible. According to D. Arthur Kelsey, the â€Å"pre-Daubert courts allowed scientific testimony when the underlying scientific theory or basis of opinion was generally accepted as reliable within the expert’s particular field† (Kesley 2006). This concept, as noted by Wikipedia entries, is known as the Frye test. It came about in 1923 in the case Frye v. United States which asked if the evidence was relevant and generally accepted. Modern critics complained that the Frye test was antiquated and did not allow for new, cutting-edge scientific evidence to be presented (Frye 2007). Other critics were concerned that if the evidence was allowed purely on relevance alone, too much scientific evidence include so called â€Å"junk science† would result. The Frye test was simply too simple for it to be used in the complex, modern world. An overhaul of that standard was needed. One man pushing for reform was Peter Huber. He wrote a book called Galileo’s Revenge: Junk Science in the Courtroom. The book asserted that junk science was destroying the American courtroom. His theory was based on two premises. First, the average juror was too stupid to understand what is and what is not junk science. The second premise was the result of junk science discourages companies from introducing better products in fear or being sued (Daubert 2007). In 1993, the Supreme Court revisited this issue to answer the modern problem of new scientific evidence. The ruling gave birth to the Daubert standard. This standard is based on two aspects: relevancy and reliability. The question of relevancy asks whether the evidence has anything to do with the case. Although some expert testimony can be related to a case, it may not necessarily be relevant to it. To determine whether evidence is considered reliable, the Supreme Court determined that the conclusions of the expert witness must have been derived using the scientific method (Daubert 2007). To meet the standard of the scientific method, four things are needed. First, the test or theory must be falsifiable, refutable, and testable. This is also called empirical testing. Second, it must be â€Å"subjected to peer review and publication. † Third, it must have a â€Å"known or potential error rate and the existence and maintenance of standards concerning its operation. † Finally, the theory and technique is generally accepted by a relevant scientific community† (Daubert 2007). Technically speaking the Frye test contained the last aspect of the scientific method, but it failed to include the first three. To summarize, the Daubert standard asks five questions from every new technique to determine if it is admissible. First, â€Å"has the technique been tested in actual field conditions (and not just in a laboratory)? † Second, â€Å"has the technique been subject to peer review and publication? † Third, â€Å"what is the known or potential rate of error? Is it zero, or low enough to be close to zero? † Fourth, â€Å"do standards exist for the control of the techniques operation? † Finally, â€Å"Has the technique been generally accepted within the relevant scientific community? (Daubert 2007)† Initial reaction was that of praise for the reform. However, according to the Tellus Institute the standard in practice has not been favorable. A 2002 RAND study showed a significant increase in the rejection of expert testimony of which 90% fell against the plaintiffs (Daubert 2007). The problem is judges are not scientists yet Daubert asks them to make scientific decisions. Essentially they because â€Å"amateur scientists. † In some states, plaintiffs prefer to use the state court because they tend to be friendlier to expert witnesses (Tellus 2007). Kelsey asserts that the Daubert shifts the question of who decides whether the scientific evidence is reliable from the scientific community to the judge. Under federal law, using the Daubert standard, the fMRI would questionable as admissible evidence. The problem is with the complex nature of the test itself. Although MRIs are generally accepted within the medical community, this concept is no longer used as a test since the Daubert standard replaced the Frye test. Judges now have to weigh whether or not the fMRI is reliable as evidence. For evidence to be considered admissible, the conclusions must derive from the scientific method. Unfortunately, one of the biggest critiques of the fMRI is how it does not follow the method of the scientific method. Wikipedia points out that â€Å"many theoretical models used to explain fMRI signals are so poorly specified that they are not falsifiable. † This is a central tenet of the scientific model. This only can exclude it as evidence and any good defense attorney will point that out to a judge. Also, critics claim that fMRI is simply a modern day phrenology. Phrenology is the theory that claims to be able to determine character and personality traits based on the shape of the head, according to Wikipedia (2007). This concept is derived by how fMRI looks for where hemodynamic activity occurs in the brain as opposed to how. Although this comparison is hardly fair considering one is not based on science and the other is. Nevertheless, it may be enough to have a judge throw it out as evidence. Relevancy also comes into question as the second part of Daubert. Although truth is always relevant in a case, are the specific subject’s results from an fMRI during questioning relevant? Based on this, most likely the fMRI would not pass the Daubert standard and not deemed admissible in court. This is unfortunate as the Daubert standard is essentially calling fMRI lie detection â€Å"junk science† when it is far from it. It is new science and the federal system does not allow for a practical way for new science to present itself. Rather it applies an old model against the new science. However, some states are making laws that allow techniques such as fMRI to be admissible. The state of Virginia is one such state that has sought to ensure that its evidence not fall prey to that of the Daubert standard. Kesley points out that Virginia disliked the Frye test more than the federal courts because it believed is yielded far too much power to the scientific community and not to the consensus of the specific jury. As a result in 1993 Virginia passed a law that used a then-existing Federal Rule of Evidence 702 to change its statues on how evidence was looked at. The Supreme Court also looked at the Federal Rule of Evidence and made its ruling on Daubert based on it. However, the Rule 702 has undergone 2000 amendments to make it into what is now the Daubert standard. Virginia, although it notes Daubert, refuses to accept any changes to the system (2006). Kesley goes on stating that expert testimony in Virginia must meet specific requirements. The assumption of the evidence cannot be speculative or rely on insufficient factual basis. It cannot contain â€Å"disregarded† variable, rely on â€Å"dissimilar tests,† or create an â€Å"illusory impression of exactness. † Judges do not deem the evidence reliable or unreliable. Instead they make what is called a â€Å"threshold finding. † Instead of ruling simply whether it is admissible or not, the judge determines whether a reasonable juror could distinguish between reliable and unreliable. Based on this, that state of Virginia would almost certainly accept the fMRI into evidence. Although the fMRI does not necessarily follow that of the scientific standard, this is not a basis to determine if the evidence is admissible in Virginia. So long as its relevancy is not questioned in its use, a judge will likely allow it to be used in court as evidence. Under Virginia statutes, the judge will only determine whether a reasonable juror could determine if the fMRI is reliable in the particular case. Even though there are questions to the fMRI’s exactness, the judge would still allow it to be presented. The Daubert cases shows how sweeping reforms, although well intended can result to a system worse than the one it replaced. By shifting focus from the experts to the judicial system, the Daubert standard placed a power on judges that they are ill-qualified to handle. It is also an insult to potential jurors that they are simply too stupid to determine for themselves what is and what is not. Although the scientific evidence can be confusing, the standard removed any chance to prove to a juror the evidence is indeed authentic, reliable, and trustworthy. The federal courts cannot go back to Frye. Frye opened the door to too much interpretation from the scientific community. Although one segment of the scientific community may agree with a piece of evidence, another may not. Which is correct? Are either correct? Frye left too many questions about the evidence and it yielded too much control to the scientific community. The federal system does need to adapt somehow. They cannot leave it they way it is. In contrast, the state of Virginia has provided a good, fair system for allowing scientific evidence to be presented. They, too, agreed that Frye was inadequate to be effectively used. It may have worked well in 1923, but it was time to move to the 21st century. However, Virginia did not make the mistake of shifting all the decision making from one group to another. Rather it diluted the power yielded by the scientific community and placed some control with the judged. Nevertheless it never removed the importance of the juror to the courtroom. Whereas the federal system seemed to treat the juror as unintelligent and not suited for big decision making, Virginia did not want to take away the big decision from the jurors. For the fMRI system it represents a new technological advance in lie detection. It also represents a new challenge to the courts. Based on the federal court case rulings, the fMRI system would not be allowed as evidence because it does not follow the scientific method. Despite all of its potential, the federal system removes this power tool because of a rigid standard applied to a dynamic technology. Most likely, this will only prevent the federal system from advancing. However, it may also motivate the federal system to change how it views evidence. FMRI, however, will be welcomed in Virginia as evidence. Despite its faults the Virginia system is flexible enough to accomidate new technology such as the fMRI, but is not too flexible to allow â€Å"junk science† to permeate amongst the other evidence. Between the two systems, in regards to how it is applied to fMRI, the Virginia system is more fair and realistic in today’s courtroom. Work Cited Daubert Standard (2007) Wikipedia Foundation. Retrieved Dec. 3, 2007 from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Daubert_standard FRMI (2007) Wikipedia Foundation. Retrieved Dec. 3, 2007 from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/FMRI Frye Test (2007) Wikipedia Foundation. Retrieved Dec. 3, 2007 from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Frye_test Haemodynamic Response (2007) Wikipedia Foundation. Retrieved Dec. 3, 2007 from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Haemodynamic_response Kesley, D. Arthur (2006) Virginia’s Answer to Daubert’s Question Behind the Question. Retrieved on Dec 3, 2007 from http://www. ajs. org/ajs/publications/Judicature_PDFs/902/Kesley_902. pdf Lie Detection (2007) Wikipedia Foundation. Retrieved Dec. 3, 2007 from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Lie_detection Tellus Institute (2003) Daubert: The Most Influential Supreme Court Ruling You’ve Never Heard Of. Retrieved Dec. 3, 2007 from http://www. defendingscience. org/upload/Daubert-the-Most-Influential-Supreme-Court-Decision-You-ve-Never-Heard-Of-2003. pdf Lie Detection (2007) Wikipedia Foundation. Retrieved Dec. 3, 2007 from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Lie_detection

Sunday, October 27, 2019

The Battle Of Algiers Film Review Film Studies Essay

The Battle Of Algiers Film Review Film Studies Essay A film is a piece of art that aims to entertain as well educate. It is a popular kind of entertainment that is created by a certain culture, and may affect another one. There are various genres of films, with each having its own aim and characteristic. For instance, historical movies (films) are designed to tell about history, comedy ones are to amuse and provoke laughter and so on. Films are always pregnant with meanings and messages that the audience has to depict while enjoying the scenes and following the course of the story. The Battle of Algiers is a worldwide famous film that was banned by France because of the ideas and reality it transmits to the world about the guerilla war that took place in Algeria and led to the destruction of a whole population while seeking their freedom. The film describes the events from two different points of view and aims to convey a lesson at the end. Credits The Battle of Algiers is a war film which is a recreation of the events that happened in the capital city of Algeria between 1954 and 1962 during the Algerian War of Independence. The film won the Golden Lion Award from the Venice International Film Festival in 1966, the International Film Critics Award also in 1966, and the United Nations Award from the British Academy of Film and Television in 1971. It was directed by Gillo Pontecorvo who was a member of the Italian Communist Party at the time and was implicitly on the side of the independence movement. He was nominated as Best Director for the movie in 1966 from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science. The film was inspired by Souvenirs de la Bataille dAlger which Saadi Yacef, who was a leader of the FLN (Front de Liberation National), wrote in prison. The screenplay, which was written by Gillo Pontecorvo and Franco Solinas and was nominated as Best Original Screenplay in 1966 from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sci ence, describes the sufferings of both sides: the Algerians and the French both civilians and military. The movie was filmed in black-and-white and the casting took place in the actual locations of the struggle which made the scenes appear as if they were recorded the time they were happening and not a recreation of a bloody war which ended a long history of colonization in Algeria. To stress his neutrality vis-à  -vis the two parts of the struggle, Pontecorvo tried to create parallels between the scenes of both French and Algerian people being assassinated and killed by using the same tragic music. However, he made a difference between the French and Algerian approaches to the war by using different sounds to symbolize each groups approach: the sound of gunfire, helicopters and truck engines for the French, and the bomb blasts, ululation, wailing and chanting for the Algerians. Pontecorvo uses non-professional actors for the movie, maybe because he wants the events and the screenplay to be sought for their importance and not only for the sake of the famous actors involved. So, he chose Brahim Haggiag, an Algerian, to play the role of Ali la Pointe. His adversary, Colonel Mathieu, was acted by Jean Martin, the only professional in the film, who was an actor, mainly acting in theater (in Waiting for Godot), and have been member of the French paratroopers in Indochina. Besides, Saadi Yacef, the former FLN leader, played the role of Jaafar, another FLN leader. Plot The film is shot in flashback and it is shown as the memories of Ali la Pointe (played by Brahim Haggiag) who was a leading member of the FLN. The film opens with scene in which the French paratroopers arrests Ali and he starts remembering the events that occurred 3 years earlier when he joined the FLN. The film describes the atrocities from which the French and the Algerians suffered. It traces the resistance of the Algerians (mainly the FLN members) to free their country from the colonizers as well as the French measures taken to stop them and remain in Algeria. When Alis memories are over, he and the other remaining FLN members are killed. However, the elimination of the FLN does not stop the resistance but rather turns it to a nationwide one asking for an independent Algeria which is finally achieved in 1962 with the Declaration of the Independence of Algeria. Characters The main actors of the movie are the persons who were involved in the real-life experience, which made the film appear like a documentary rather than a recreation of events. Saadi Yacef, who was a leader of the FLN and was put in Jail by the French, acted in the movie as an FLN leader also under the name of Jaffari. The bombing in the cafà ©s and French agencies or the assassination of either French or Algerians are in fact a recreation of what Yacef lived. Even when he was arrested by the French in the Casbah, he is acting his own arrest. The other member of the FLN is Ali la Pointe which was played by Brahim Haggiag. Ali was a thief who was arrested and put in prison where he witnessed the executions of Algerians. Once he was released, he became a member of the FLN but he was first tested to make sure that he was not a spy (he was asked to kill a French policeman). Even if Brahim Haggiag was not, in reality, an FLN leader; he lived at the time of the struggle for liberation and witnessed, and may have participated as an Algerian, in the resistance against colonialism. He can be seen as the representative of all Algerian young people who were ready to sacrifice themselves to ensure their peoples freedom. The third major character of this film is Colonel Mathieu, played by Jean Martin. He represents the efficiency and seriousness of the French military. He came from France to ensure stability in Algeria when the FLN members became threatening the French existence in Algeria. He is very influential and follows strategic method of fighting the enemy instead of just spontaneous violence. He has a strong personality and can at any time change the course of events once he feels that its not in his benefit. For example, when an FLN a leader is captured and a press conference is held, he stops the conversation as soon as he feels that the enemys words started to influence the audience. Besides, when answering a journalists question, he said openly that if they want France to stay in Algeria, they must accept the consequences. Other important characters in this film are women. Unlike what is usually known, that war is reserved for men, the battle of Algiers involved both men and women who fought side by side to reach their goal. Women serve as a secret bunker for weapons and guns as they are the only ones who are exempt from inspection, and hence, they can carry them in their bags. A most striking scene in the movie is when three FLN women drop their veils and assume a French look to be able to enter a French cafà ©, nigh club and travel agency to plant explosives and create an alert situation among the French. So, women were a vital part of the FLN and fought with men to ensure freedom. One last character to mention is Omar, the small boy whose duty was mainly to transmit letters and serve as a messenger between the FLN members and which represents the Algerian children who participated in the resistance and who proved to be older than their ages. Thus, the Algerian society, with all its components, was mobilized against the common enemy which was the French colonialism. Conclusion In the Battle of Algiers, Pontecorvo shows the inevitability of violence. In other words, every part wants to be the winner and hence tries to be the last one to inflict the other: an execution of an FLN leader led to the assassination of many French policemen, which led to the French bombing the Casbah which led to the FLN women bombing the French sites (cafà ©s and offices). The film clarifies history and tells us that we keep repeating the same mistakes over and over even today. This film is pregnant of messages. On the on hand, it tells us that violence can lead only to violence and not peace. On the other hand, it gives a moral lesson to the countries which try to interfere in other countries internal affairs and try to impose their own will. They will be losers no matters how long they manage to stay there. The Battle of Algiers is a film which is worth seeing since it tells us history as well as moral lessons on how we should respect others properties as well as struggle to preserve ones own belonging.

Friday, October 25, 2019

George Orwells: A Hanging Essay -- Literary Analysis

A world famous Essayist, a Novelist, and Critic, George Orwell is a name most people have heard at one point in their lives. His work continues to be used for educational purposes and held to a very high standard by many. Best remembered for his twin satires on totalitarianism, Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four, Orwell was a major participant in the British socialist movement. Although championing a radical politics of collective ownership, he extolled tradition and love of country while drawing a sharp distinction between patriotism and nationalism ("ORWELL, GEORGE." ). He was born into a poor but proud middle class family in Moti-hari, Bengal, India as Eric Arthur Blair. His surname, George Orwell, stuck with him after writing his first book Down and Out in Paris and London. This title was regarding his experiences of how his upbringing left him with feelings of great guilt, and how he then chose to live in squalor for a period of his life. With unemployment rates extremely high in the 1930’s he chose to join the labors and beggars and lived in low income lodging in London and Paris. He wondered the streets with professional vagrants and lived and learned their way of life. For Orwell this brought him closer to his roots and was an experience he has to live (â€Å"George Orwell.†). Orwell was raised in England by his mother Ida, but he was often separated from his father Richard Orwell; who spent his time working in India. His reputation among the people led him to be known as young and eccentric but withdrawn by most people who knew him. Orwell made an interesting reputation for himself, as a brilliant but poverty stricken writer. His determination led him to many good things; Orwell was awarded two scholarships to what were ... ...ell. Printer Publishers, 1991. 85-92. Rpt. In short Stories for Students. Ed. Kathleen Wilson and Marie Lazzari. Vol. 4 Detroit: Gale, 1998. Literature Resource Center. Web. 9 Feb. 2012 Orwell, George, and George Packer. Facing Unpleasant Facts: Narrative Essays. Orlando: Harcourt, 2008. 23-28. Print. "ORWELL, GEORGE." Encyclopedia of Nationalism: Leaders, Movements, and Concepts. Oxford: Elsevier Science & Technology, 2000. Credo Reference. Web. 08 April 2012. "Orwell, George (pseudonym of George Orwell) (1903 - 1950)." The Bloomsbury Dictionary of English Literature. London: Bloomsbury Publishing Ltd, 1997. Credo Reference. Web. 12 March 2012. Rodden, John. â€Å"View To A Kill.† AmGeorgean Conservative 10.9 (2011): 33. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 08 Mar. 2012 Sheldon, Michael. Orwell: The Authorized Biography. New York: Harper Collins, 1991. 53-340. Print.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Monsoon Wedding

Monsoon Wedding, directed by Mira Nair, is a story of a closely – knit, well – off Indian family reunited for the arranged marriage of Lalit (Naseeruddin Shah) and Pimmi (Lillete Dubey) Verma's daughter, Aditi (Vasundhara Das) is set in the modern day New Delhi.   Aditi will marry Hemant Rai (Parvin Dabas), a Houston – based software engineer, someone she barely knows. The plot, which initially appears to be simple, will take a sharp turn as the audience witness, Aditi's affair with her ex – flame, Vikram Mehta (Sameer Arya).   As the wedding approaches, we see the arrival of Aditi’s relatives and friends, from her cousins to her in – laws to the wedding planner.   From then on, a wide array of multifaceted and damaging relationships, begin to unfold (Mundhra NP). The most remarkable thing about the film is its production values.   It is brightly shaded with primary colors and other eye – catching hues that give each and every scene a life of its own.   The lively colors of the wedding household give a powerful contrast to the city outside of its portals.   The clever direction by Nair was matched by the witty cinematography of Declan Quinn.   Furthermore, the tandem was complemented by the lavish production design by Stephanie Carroll.   The combined forces composed a look that will surely satisfy the curiosity of the international audiences seeking to take a peak of Indian culture, while doing justice to that culture (Ibid, par. 1). The musical score of the film synchronizes with all the other elements at just the right tune.   After all, an Indian wedding will not be complete without music. In the film, it takes the spotlight as composer Mychael Danna effortlessly depicts the cheerfulness of the occasion while balancing it off with the gloomy moments through his clever musical score (Ibid, par. 2). The film deserves a round of applause for not reducing itself to be a moralistic portrayal of the Indian marriage culture to the delight of its international audiences.   Through this, the audiences are able to see things as they are without the outer trappings that rob it of its authenticity.   There is no stopping Nair of educating his viewer as they are taken into a glimpse of the Eastern life.   As a result, the audience becomes the honored guests to the wedding as the rest of the cast add to the simple ambiance as the story is told (Ibid, par. 3). There are scenes in the film that is consumed by sentimentalism which all too familiar with movies of the same kind.   Nevertheless, it did not spoil the rest of the otherwise jovial moments in the film.   It just leads to the realization that after all, a wedding is a sentimental occasion indeed.   It is a luscious take on the relationships that gives definition to a family which sets them apart from all the rest.   It is a theme that surpasses all boundaries demarcated by culture, while remains the same thing that defines them (Ibid, par. 4). As most of the characters in the film are Hindu, Monsoon Wedding is clearly not a Christian flick.   This is true even though the characters have undergone moderate secularization.   Secular Indians though remain true to their vow to monogamy.   They spend the rest of their lives as one family and stick it out together against all odds.   This serves as their distinction from their Western counterparts.   In point of fact, Bollywood films have gained recognition for the optimistic take on the subject of marriage and morality (Noll NP). The audience needs to watch out for the notices on the use of bad language in films.   Most films rated â€Å"R† by the regulatory board contain sex, violence and foul language.   There are no rules governing how much sex, violence and vulgarity prohibits Christian viewers to see a certain film.   There are Christian who totally abstain from watching films of this kind.   Nevertheless, Christian viewers should pass up every opportunity of watching pornographic or â€Å"X† rated films or even those with â€Å"R† on their ratings (Ibid, par. 6). Then again, we can not confine viewers as they all exercise the liberty to decide which films tickle their fancies.   In reality, there are Christians who prefer to watch â€Å"R† rated films.   This is the kind which includes sex, violence and vulgarity but do not venerate whatsoever any untoward behavior (Ibid, par. 7). In the real world, the use of vulgar words is close to impossible.   For some people, it is just as inevitable like for example P.K. Duyebi of Monsoon Wedding.   The audiences do not find it hard to relate to his character as he portrays a very human trait.   Throughout the course of our lives, we are all in search for something better.   In his case, he found the love in Alice, a Christian.   However, truth be told Alice alone will not be able to clear Dubeyi mouth off his vulgar choice of words (Ibid, par. 8). Love has been the most clichà ©d themes ever captured on film.   Nonetheless, Nair’s ability to capture on film the different faces of love remains to be unparalled even after many attempts have been made to follow her lead.   In most cases, love as a cinematic theme has been depicted as it dangerously strides on the verge of melodrama to sentimentalism.   However, the love story has always been told about a man and a woman (Mundhra NP). Love comes in all sizes and shapes.   It is so universal that it seems to speak just one language.   Regardless of race, color and culture, love remains to be our common ground.   Love is a powerful force so powerful that it can sometimes get the better of us.   As life is not always a bed of roses, so is it with love.   We all struggle along the bitter pangs that come with the whole package at all possible expenses.   But love remains the driving force that steers us through the everyday grind. Without it, we seems to be at a lost, alone in an island where no one will seem to come to our rescue.   Nevertheless, the imperfections of life are certainly what make it more worth living.   It test our patience and our faith that against all odds we could still come out unscathed and even more stronger to live another day. On the other hand, Naiz exploits all of these classics and injects so much more of her own.   She has cleverly done so by breathing life a tapestry knitted with brightly – colored fancy and cruel certainty, satire and authenticity, the bliss of love as well as its nasty incarnations (Mundhra NP). The film outlines five interconnected stories each of which traverse the many faces of love.   Each story transcends culture, territories and ethics.   It celebrates the modern Indian life never before captured on screen (Mirabai Film NP). Nair and Dhawan, created a link between the old and the new, the conservative and the bold, the naà ¯ve and the sexual in the modern day India.   The camera style employed in the film becomes the viewer’s eyes as they see through the lenses the kind of lives the characters portray.   The audiences are ushered in to the Punjabi culture, Nair’s very own.   Such culture is characterized as hearty, earthy and effervescent.   All these set against a backdrop of lively Bollywood music accompaniment as endless serving of kebabs and whisky depicts the festive mood that makes it undeniably a Punjabi wedding (Ibid, par. 13). The camera style was utilized in the film.   It is the style usually employed in filming documentaries.   The hand – held camera, switching back and forth takes the audience attention from one character to another.   It moves around a crowded room while it runs after the characters whose all over the place at one time or another.   A film shot entirely in this style can be exhausting for the audience even though many traditional set – pieces were injected to the scene when the sense of movement and action requires an undisturbed mode. Moreover, this style primarily relies on the sense of movement – the wedding hues, the choppy, the witty exchange of words, the trips around the city, makes the audience behave like a wave after another.   There are stoplights along the road though just when you think the finish line is near, another race begins.   The camera style, at a certain extent can be exasperating and jarring to bear the entire length of the film (The Everything Development Company NP) Work Cited Monsoon Wedding. Dir. Mira Nair. IFC Productions, 2001. â€Å"Monsoon Wedding.† 2008. IMDb.com, Inc. Retrieved February 8, 2008, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0265343/plotsummary. â€Å"Monsoon Wedding, a new film by Mira Nair.† 2008. Mirabai Film. Retrieved February 8,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2008 â€Å"Monsoon Wedding.† 2008. The Everything Development Company. Retrieved February 14,   Ã‚  Ã‚   2008 from http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1240139. Mundhra, Smriti. â€Å"Review of Monsoon Wedding.† 2008. IGN Entertainment, Inc. Retrieved   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   February 14, 2008 from http://movies.ign.com/articles/354/354297p1.html. Murphy, Gareth. â€Å"Monsoon Wedding.† 2007. Entertainment.ie. Retrieved February 14, 2008 Noll, Stephen. â€Å"MONSOON WEDDING (2001). Notes for Mars Hill Video Club.† 24    September 2007. Stephen's Witness. Retrieved February 14, 2008. ;

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Writing Task #5 (a job you want) Essays - Employment, Free Essays

Writing Task #5 (a job you want) Essays - Employment, Free Essays ESOL 0382 Prof. Marceau November 15. 2015 Writing Task #5 (a job you want) First, you need to think about what you are good at. Usually the things we love are the things we are good at. Research the fields and options that best deal with those interests so you can spend your time at work doing things that you enjoy. To begin, you can start off by simply researching job titles online. Second, talk to people who work in a variety of jobs. This will give you a better sense of what certain jobs entail. Many communities offer job fairs that can be found on your local city website. These are great opportunities to ask questions. You can ask friends or family members about their experiences too. Third, spend time job shadowing. Job shadowing is a career evaluation activity that allows you the chance to spend time with a professional currently working in a particular career field. You can see what its really like working in a certain job. Fourth, take a career personality test. There are many free tests on the web that will psychoanalyze your mind to help narrow do wn interesting jobs for you. These tests are designed to provide you with specific jobs that fit your unique interests and ultimately help you down a career path. You may even see jobs you didn't know existed be recommended to you. Finally, think about the lifestyle that is important to you. If you see yourself having a more lavish lifestyle, or one filled with travel, you may want to seek out a higher paying job. Look at the salary and wage averages for the jobs you are considering to decide if they will provide you the type of lifestyle you are looking for.

Monday, October 21, 2019

The Progressive Era essays

The Progressive Era essays What do Lincoln Steffens, Ida M. Tarbell, Upton Sinclair, Alice Paul and Samuel Hopkins Adams all have in common? All five contributed to exposing the truth behind the progressive eras corrupt politics and social injustice. They were an elite group known by society as muckrakers. Journalists who in the twentieth century dared to challenge the evils of business, life and government and unearth them to the middle class. Unafraid of these powers their articles appeared in many reform newspapers and magazines, especially McClures. Together and solo they attacked corporate abuses, city government, working conditions and many other heated issues. Each specializing and taking interest in his or her unaccompanied battle. For instance, Ida M. Tarbell, a writer and editor of a handful of publications took it upon herself to tackle the Standard Oil Company. She described their methods of eliminating other competitive businesses as cutthroat. Publishing two volumes on her nemesis history in 1904, examining the corporations dominating trusts and intriguing strategies. Lincoln Steffens, also a writer, was responsible for the ingenious and very famous articles Shame of the Cities (1904), The Struggle for Self-Government (1906) and Upbuilders (1909). Steffens pieces were instantly successes and helped gain support for reform. Both journalist and author, Samuel Hopkins Adams, preached on the hidden secrets behind the scrupulous patent-medicine industry. Fearless, he also confronted President Warren G. Harding and the sins of his leadership, in his 1926 novel Revelry. In the twentieth century it was rare for a common middle-class society member to stand up for what they believed. The people you have just read about were an influential few. Not only did they protest for themselves, but for all hardworking, trusting, right deserving Americans. They contributed to reforming a time of strict faiths a ...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION essays

AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION essays During part of Thomas Jefferson and Jacksons presidency, what we now call the American Industrial Revolution took place. It was an era filled with bursts of technology and immigration. This era seemed to hurt the young country, however. But for the most part, the American Industrial Revolution forever benefit the well-being of the young nation. There were many aspects of the industrial revolution that came into part and played major roles in determining the success (or to some, failures) of this era. One might remember this revolution to be famous for factories, womens rights and other social changes, and economic changes in trade. It is true that this era was famous for these (or to some, infamous), and although not all effects of the revolution were good, it is a firm belief that the good everlasting effects definitely outweighed the bad. With that said, the Industrial revolution benefit the United States to a great extent that surpassed what was hurt in the process. For much of the people that lived during that era, it was very common for one to work in the factory. And there is no denying that the workplace was a horrendous environment. It was unsafe. During that time, it did hurt the people because they lived in lowly places and had long hours with little pay. But time and time again, we will see that we need to fall in order to get up and become stronger. For you see, factories benefit us greatly. It increased mass manufacturing, which in turn helped feed the masses of immigrants that flocked to the United States. Through companies such as the Lowell Factory, they were able to mass produce cotton cloth by power machinery in a building. That was the first time in world history. Factory workers and factories during this revolution are practically the roots of where our mass production of goods come from. If factories did not become so popular, the nation would not have been as industrialized. If the na...

Saturday, October 19, 2019

A Framework Model for an Online Examination Timetable using Constraint Dissertation

A Framework Model for an Online Examination Timetable using Constraint Programming, PHP and MySQL - Dissertation Example The challenge and complexity of the problem lies in the fact that institutions may need to satisfy a set of constraints that might be too diverse or even contradictory. There are a few constraints that cannot be violated at all (hard constraints), few constraints are non universal (soft constraints) and may or may not be followed by an institute and lastly, there may be constraints unique to a specific institute (Burke et al. 1995). Problem Statement Academic institutions all over the world are required to go through the tedious and time consuming task of producing examination timetables periodically. Therefore, a universal solution for the examination timetabling problem would have a substantial impact factor. Owing to the fact that different institutes require a solution satisfying different constraints, the problem of finding a generalized solution that caters all these differences could be rather challenging. Devising a universal model for examination timetable problem would requ ire flexibility in terms of the specified constraints and commercial software cannot provide that. Aims and Objectives The aim of this project would be to suggest a universal framework model for the examination timetabling problem. A solution that ensures provision of flexibility in terms of constraint specifications shall be proposed. ... Literature includes timetabling systems presented by Hansen and Vidal (1995), Colijn and Layfield (1995), Lim et al (2000) and Dimopoulou and Miliotis (2001). Various approaches have been suggested by researchers and universities to solve the examination timetabling problem. Some survey papers have been published over time listing the techniques that have been utilized in addressing the exam timetabling problems. These include the survey by Carter and Laporte (1996), Burke and Petrovic (2002), Schaerf (1999), Petrovic and Burke (2004) and Burke et al. (1997). Amongst the approaches include methods based on evolutionary algorithms (Cote 2005), clustering, graph based sequential methods, case based reasoning (Gaspero & Schaerf 2001), hyper heuristics (Burke et al. 2007), harmony search algorithms (Burke et. al 2004), tabu search (Gendreau & Potvin 2005), particle swarm algorithms (Gaspero & Shuref 2001), and simulated annealing (Chiarandini 2006) have been proposed for the examination timetabling problem. It has been observed that hybrid methods in general give better solutions that pure algorithms. However, efficient integration is required rather than sequentially integrating the different approaches (Que et al. 2006). For building timetabling systems, researchers have used some general constraint programming packages e.g. ECLiPse (Ajili & Wallace 2003). A few efforts have been seen in literature for standardizing the modelling language and data format (Kingston 2001; Ozcan 2003; Reis & Oliveira 2001) once the need for it was recognized (Burke et al. 1998). Methodology The project has both research and development phases, so time shall be divided accordingly. The framework model would have the server-client architecture and would comprise of

Friday, October 18, 2019

Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan - Research Paper Example Imperial Hotel was constructed in 1880 at the demand of Japanese aristocrat to gratify the growing numbers of western guest to Japan. The guesthouse site is situated just south of the imperial palaces ground, this modern hotel covering 40-acres resample the palaces. The plan for the hotel was influenced by the soil condition hence making Yuzuru Watanabe reject Manz original layout of four story stone structures, and he proposed brick structure and a three story wood frame. Conversely, Watanabe proposed that the exterior should be painted to appear like stone. After the Imperial Hotel structure had been destroyed by fire and earthquakes, there was a need for rebuilding the Imperial hotel in 1970 and this influenced the structure and the material used. The later Imperial Hotel was design to incorporate towering, pyramid-like structure whose building materials are concrete, Oya stone and concrete blocks. The building was also designed with several structures to lessen potential earthqua ke destruction such as tapered wall, denser on the ground floor thus increasing the building strength. The building of Imperial Hotel goes beyond initial accommodation purpose to suggest other uses such as showing a prodigious revolution in architecture brought to japan as Meiji restoration. Through Meiji, the concept of architecture changes drastically from local-one to internal. The principle that had the strongest influence on the construction of the imperial hotel is functionalism principle that relies on people sense of safety.

Organizational culture is fundamentally about symbolic meaning and as Essay - 3

Organizational culture is fundamentally about symbolic meaning and as such cannot be managed. Discuss - Essay Example It is fundamental to note that the culture of an association varies from one organization to the next. This is for the reason that employees in the diverse organizations have disparate opinions and outlooks regarding different concerns in the organization. This essay will endeavor to assess the concept of culture and how the same is symbolic in the organization. Also, the essay will put into context the factors that culture is general, integrated, figurative, and adaptive. Body Organizational culture has been described as suppositions that are shared by a group of people as seen in the work of Schein1. This involves the adjustment of the organization to the outside world, and incorporation the internal concepts so as the association can invent a method in which the organization can adjust its members to the attainment of the organizational goals2. Champoux indicates that the members in the organization are able to be respond to the situation by coming up with plans towards solving th e same issues, in the event that an organization is faced with a setback3. Schein, on the other hand, indicates that an understanding of the psychology of people, their social aspect and generally human relations allows the organization evaluate them in the organizational culture4. ... At each faction, there is a deeper denotation of the entire concept, at times symbolic, at other times, cognitive. There are various major levels of organizational culture, according to Schein6. Foremost, is the discernible artifact, the adopted values by the organization and lastly, the major underlying suppositions7. In relation to the discernible artifacts, Schein refers to them as opinions, the actions taken by an organization, and the beliefs that an organization holds. It is through the observable artifacts that the organization establishes what is central and significant to be adopted in the organization8. The discernible artifacts are inclusive of the physical characteristics of the association- the buildings, the publications, pieces of art by the organizations, its products, as well as the technology applied in the organization9. The observable artifacts can be devised from the mission and vision statement of the organization, and its values. In addition, the same can be se en in the language by the affiliates of the organization, its accounts of the times, practices and the ceremonies conducted by the organization10. This is an obvious indication that organizational culture is unmistakable in the manner in which the organization adheres to the myths of the organization and upholds the rituals of the organization. Organizational culture can be said to be symbolic in that the values that are advocated by the organization are the ones that are campaigned by the leadership of the organization11. In the argument by Schein, the management team of the organization expects that the employees display an expected level of discipline as expected of them by the management12. In this case, the values portrayed by the employees are

Land Law Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Land Law - Assignment Example The entire cost for this work was worth  £ 110,000. Ali unduly influenced Ben to signed mortgage forms that lead to release of some security in Valiant Villa to cover the costs. Ideally, not all mortgages are utilized to buy property. As in this case, it is apparent that Ali who also worked as a model scout and agent committed himself to fund Cait. However, since Ali had no sufficient money, he decided to use his right to the villa to take a mortgage with Cantander bank. According to the common law, Cantander bank has the right to repossess Valliant Villa in the event that any liability within which joint owners are liable is not honored. In National Westminster Bank v Skelton, the court held that the mortgagee has unqualified right to repossession in the event that the mortgagor defaults in mortgage repayment.2 Cantander bank has the right to repossesses the villa and either uses it to generate income or sell it to recover unpaid mortgage amounts. Surprisingly, Ben was not fully aware of the whole deal as he thought the second mortgage was a form of mortgage repackaging. Unluckily, Cait Miss was embroiled in a drug scandal which dented her image making it difficult to continue working in the model industry. Indeed Ali’s reputation as her agent was also shattered and could no longer earn revenues to cover mortgage repayments. Cantander bank is now seeking repossession of Valiant Villa which has indeed caught Ben unaware. Ben should understand that mortgage as a contact is primarily based on contract law in regard to formation, terms and termination. As such, a mortgage differs from an ordinary loan since the mortgagee has equal rights to the property as the mortgagor. A mortgage has a proprietary interest since a mortgagee has rights over the property and can therefore take possession of that property in the event of non

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Socail Media and the Digital Trends - Chanel Essay

Socail Media and the Digital Trends - Chanel - Essay Example The advert was effective. The marketers developed a unique product that upholds the quality standards of the company. Additionally, they use an equally unique yet effective marketing strategy. Social media enables the marketers to interact with their target audiences and share videos among other material that would enhance the profitability of the brand. Facebook provided the marketers with the interactivity that helps in the sale of the products besides the avenue to carry out market researches thereby understanding the patterns of demands. The information in the resource promises to influence retail of the products in future since the company will evaluate the success of such targeted sales thereby develop and position successive products on social media among other appropriate types of media. The success or failure of the event influences the profitability of the company thereby marking to change the company’s marketing strategies in the

An Analysis and Review of West Virginia's Governmental Fund Research Paper

An Analysis and Review of West Virginia's Governmental Fund - Research Paper Example However, the implementation of governmental programs and services depends primarily on the allocation of the fund to different sectors. On the other hand, the preparation of its financial statements is in accordance to the â€Å"generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)† in the U.S (â€Å"Audited Financial Statements,† 2007, p. 15). While the necessities and nature of activities from various agencies differ, so does fund allotment, must conform to the purposes it intends to provide. According to the 2007 West Virginia audited financial statements, the methods for reporting governmental fund are the â€Å"current financial resources measurement focus and the modified accrual basis of accounting† (â€Å"Audited Financial Statements,† 2007, p. 16). It is through these financial statements where â€Å"property taxes, franchise taxes, and interest† that accompanied the present â€Å"fiscal period† are acknowledged as the cash reserve for the period (â€Å"Audited Financial Statements,† 2007, p. 16). This essay seeks to analyze and review the financial statements and audit report of Kanawha County, West Virginia, using the general fund and all the other funds of the government. II. Method of Accounting The government reports the fund in three categories. First, the governmental fund, which includes the general fund and the capital-project fund, integrates the current financial resources management and a modified accrual basis of accounting, where it does not have depreciation expense and long-term debt. Second, the proprietary fund, which includes the entertainment and the internal service fund, utilizes the economic resources measurement focus and the accrual basis of accounting, where it requires a â€Å"statement of net assets, statement of revenues, expenses, and cash flow statements.† Lastly, the fiduciary fund employs the economic resources focus and the accrual basis of accounting, where it may not have the provision to fund other programs as the government functions as the trustee (U.S. Department of Transportation, 2000, pp. 10-11). All these funds use the accrual method of accounting. Under the requirements of the â€Å"Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB),† the application of the accrual method is suitable to maintain a balanced set of account where the expenditures correspond to the finances in the conduct of governmental operations. This is particularly significant since the accrual basis provides a comprehensive detail in the â€Å"understanding of economic reality† especially in determining the consequences of budget allotment (Ball & Pflugrath, 2012, p. 7). III. Compliance of GASB Statement 34, and Evaluation of MD&A for State and Local Government GASB Statement 34 requires a complete accrual method, which aims to have long-term capital assets consisting of infrastructure. It also covers the Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) of the go vernment’s monetary operation in recognizing its entire economic status (U.S. Department of Transportation, 2000, p. 8). As for the case of Kanawha County, the challenge it poses for compliance with GASB Statement 34 will depend on the cost and duration of time before its complete implementation in the local government. Additionally, if this would manifest a genuine thrust for transparency and accountability, this would strengthen its audit reports and economic condition in terms of financing governmental and business-type

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Land Law Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Land Law - Assignment Example The entire cost for this work was worth  £ 110,000. Ali unduly influenced Ben to signed mortgage forms that lead to release of some security in Valiant Villa to cover the costs. Ideally, not all mortgages are utilized to buy property. As in this case, it is apparent that Ali who also worked as a model scout and agent committed himself to fund Cait. However, since Ali had no sufficient money, he decided to use his right to the villa to take a mortgage with Cantander bank. According to the common law, Cantander bank has the right to repossess Valliant Villa in the event that any liability within which joint owners are liable is not honored. In National Westminster Bank v Skelton, the court held that the mortgagee has unqualified right to repossession in the event that the mortgagor defaults in mortgage repayment.2 Cantander bank has the right to repossesses the villa and either uses it to generate income or sell it to recover unpaid mortgage amounts. Surprisingly, Ben was not fully aware of the whole deal as he thought the second mortgage was a form of mortgage repackaging. Unluckily, Cait Miss was embroiled in a drug scandal which dented her image making it difficult to continue working in the model industry. Indeed Ali’s reputation as her agent was also shattered and could no longer earn revenues to cover mortgage repayments. Cantander bank is now seeking repossession of Valiant Villa which has indeed caught Ben unaware. Ben should understand that mortgage as a contact is primarily based on contract law in regard to formation, terms and termination. As such, a mortgage differs from an ordinary loan since the mortgagee has equal rights to the property as the mortgagor. A mortgage has a proprietary interest since a mortgagee has rights over the property and can therefore take possession of that property in the event of non

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

An Analysis and Review of West Virginia's Governmental Fund Research Paper

An Analysis and Review of West Virginia's Governmental Fund - Research Paper Example However, the implementation of governmental programs and services depends primarily on the allocation of the fund to different sectors. On the other hand, the preparation of its financial statements is in accordance to the â€Å"generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)† in the U.S (â€Å"Audited Financial Statements,† 2007, p. 15). While the necessities and nature of activities from various agencies differ, so does fund allotment, must conform to the purposes it intends to provide. According to the 2007 West Virginia audited financial statements, the methods for reporting governmental fund are the â€Å"current financial resources measurement focus and the modified accrual basis of accounting† (â€Å"Audited Financial Statements,† 2007, p. 16). It is through these financial statements where â€Å"property taxes, franchise taxes, and interest† that accompanied the present â€Å"fiscal period† are acknowledged as the cash reserve for the period (â€Å"Audited Financial Statements,† 2007, p. 16). This essay seeks to analyze and review the financial statements and audit report of Kanawha County, West Virginia, using the general fund and all the other funds of the government. II. Method of Accounting The government reports the fund in three categories. First, the governmental fund, which includes the general fund and the capital-project fund, integrates the current financial resources management and a modified accrual basis of accounting, where it does not have depreciation expense and long-term debt. Second, the proprietary fund, which includes the entertainment and the internal service fund, utilizes the economic resources measurement focus and the accrual basis of accounting, where it requires a â€Å"statement of net assets, statement of revenues, expenses, and cash flow statements.† Lastly, the fiduciary fund employs the economic resources focus and the accrual basis of accounting, where it may not have the provision to fund other programs as the government functions as the trustee (U.S. Department of Transportation, 2000, pp. 10-11). All these funds use the accrual method of accounting. Under the requirements of the â€Å"Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB),† the application of the accrual method is suitable to maintain a balanced set of account where the expenditures correspond to the finances in the conduct of governmental operations. This is particularly significant since the accrual basis provides a comprehensive detail in the â€Å"understanding of economic reality† especially in determining the consequences of budget allotment (Ball & Pflugrath, 2012, p. 7). III. Compliance of GASB Statement 34, and Evaluation of MD&A for State and Local Government GASB Statement 34 requires a complete accrual method, which aims to have long-term capital assets consisting of infrastructure. It also covers the Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) of the go vernment’s monetary operation in recognizing its entire economic status (U.S. Department of Transportation, 2000, p. 8). As for the case of Kanawha County, the challenge it poses for compliance with GASB Statement 34 will depend on the cost and duration of time before its complete implementation in the local government. Additionally, if this would manifest a genuine thrust for transparency and accountability, this would strengthen its audit reports and economic condition in terms of financing governmental and business-type

An Imaginary Life and Wordsworth Essay Example for Free

An Imaginary Life and Wordsworth Essay In both David Malouf’s novel ‘An Imaginary Life’ and William Wordsworth’s poems, it is palpable how diverse times and cultures influence the significance of the association humanity can have with the natural world. There are four key techniques which are portrayed by both writers, portraying of characters, symbolism, imagery and concern; these techniques are presented through themes. The portraying of characters is shown through the theme of finding oneself in nature, symbolism finding hope in nature, imagery is emphasized through the indication that it is easier to connect with nature as a child and concerns towards the writers are accentuate through the theme of drifting away from nature. These themes help the writers highlight their techniques to the readers. Although both writers share the same views on nature, their context allows them to differ greatly from one another. Both Malouf and Wordsworth write through certain characters, Malouf wrote in his novel ‘An Imaginary Life’ through the character Ovid and Wordsworth through first person. An imaginary Life was written in a post-romantic era and tells the story of the Roman poet Ovids exile from Rome the centre of culture at the time to the bleak wilderness at Thomis, near the Black Sea. Here we have a person absolutely dependent on language a poet forced to live in a world where the landscape, the language, all is alien him. Eventually, with the assistance of the Child, a youth reared in the wild, Ovid comes to accept his new surroundings. He does this by using the power of language and imagination to construct this new world for himself in a way that is meaningful. His finding of a familiar flower, a poppy, in the wilderness, evokes for him the magical power of language to construct human reality. This reflects his personal views on nature as he himself chose to leave society and become a part of and appreciate nature. Wordsworth on the other hand wrote in first person, making it clear to his audience that these are his views and opinions. His mother died in 1788 at the age of eight and his father in 1783 at the age of thirteen. From there Wordsworth considered nature to be an adoptive parent. He rejected society, ‘Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher’, this shows how Wordsworth idolizes nature, he portrays nature as ‘light’ and puts it into a superior position. Wordsworth introduced the romantic era, at the time poems were written to allow the reader to feel the emotions of the composer. Nature was considered high in the romantic era, Wordsworth’s, unlike Malouf, finds his connection with nature at a young age. This is because of his personal context of losing his parents as a child and having no sturdy adult guide, Wordsworth was forced into nature and away from society whilst Malouf chose to leave society and find nature. Although the romantic era was filled with ‘nature lover’ Wordsworth was said to have an unnatural and concerning relationship with nature, referred to as a ‘nature worshiper’. This comes as a concern to most readers. In his poem ‘Tintern Abbey’ Wordsworth writes I cannot paint/ What then I was, showing and essentially fathoming over his ‘boyish days’ when a blunt passion and a feeling that had no need of any interest/ Unborrowed from the eye Developed from the natural world of Tintern Abbey. Despite never being conspicuous, religion has been implemented into the poem, most of it pantheistic. Wordsworth describes himself as having a far deeper zeal / of holier love† Creating the image that mental images of nature can build an enigmatic perceptivity of the holy. Malouf sets no major concerns with his audience however he did drift away from modern society to connect with nature. The times in which both writers wrote allowed their opinions on the attraction to nature to differ. Symbolism is used in both writers’ texts, In David Malouf’s novel An Imaginary Life, one of the most compelling positions of characterization circuits around the Child. Malouf analyzes the contention of the affiliation connecting an old man, Ovid and the Child, and the modifications it brings in human personality. The Child in An Imaginary Life is not a child as a child, but here, the Child is a wild boy, as a symbol of barbaric or uncivilized society and mirrors the method of reflection and of the deepening of humanity’s evolution into a new self. Ovid represents civilized man who has to face changed life situation, in â€Å"new place†, as an exile. In this process, the inner balance of Ovid self-ness has been tested through many experiences. Furthermore, the figure playing main role in Ovid’s process is The Child. Thus, the chronology of the meeting between Ovid and the child in Tomis is really about the process of shaping selfness. Wordsworth on the other hand symbolizes nature and people as one. In his poem ‘Strange Fits Of Passion I Have Known’, he continuously symbolizes the moon with the search for his love. As the moon falls his hope becomes lost. In almost all his poems, Wordsworth used ‘I’ as a symbol to portray his own emotions. Both writers symbolize their hope in nature using certain descriptive languages. Both writers use nature as a symbol entirely. Word worth, in his poem ‘The Prelude’, symbolizes nature, â€Å"Free as a bird to settle where I will†, this shows he symbolizes a bird with himself. Imagery is used in all kinds of writing, it helps the readers understand what the author is seeing and feeling. Ovid, in An Imaginary Life has a ‘fear’ of wolves eating him on page 56, this is ironic as the child who saves Ovid was raised by wolves, and he quotes â€Å"What if the next tongue to touch me was a wolf’s tongue? Rough, greedy.† Malouf also wants his readers to imaginatively come to terms with the suffering and cruelty that resides in Australian history; in the treatment of the Aboriginal people by white settlers. Maloufs novels deal with the idea that there is a blurred boundary between history and fiction. Official history is revealed as partly a fiction something that gets modified over time. But unofficial history, the lives of ordinary people, is in a sense the true history.the secret history that can be brought to life through fiction. Wordsworth on the other hand portrays imagery through beauty. Using descriptive language such as â€Å"soft/gentle breeze†, â€Å"lofty cliffs†, Tintern Abbey has great imagery used by Wordsworths, for example: â€Å"Here, under this dark sycamore, and view These plots of cottage-ground, these orchard-tufts, Which at this season, with their unripe fruits, Are clad in one green hue, and lose themselves Mid groves and copses. Once again I see These hedge-rows, hardly hedge-rows, little lines Of sportive wood run wild: these pastoral farms, Green to the very door; and wreaths of smoke Sent up, in silence, from among the trees! With some uncertain notice, as might seem Of vagrant dwellers in the houseless woods, Or of some Hermits cave, where by his fire The Hermit sits alone.† It can be concluded that although two people share almost the exact same views, to appreciate and allow others to appreciate nature, they both wrote in very diverse ways. This is clearly due to historical, literary and authors context. Both Wordsworth and Malouf show the quality and importance of humanity’s relationship with nature and how times and culture influence the relationship. Although they are influenced by very different cultural and social values, both writers have the same goal, which is to understand nature and become a part of it. Wordsworth learns through his interaction with nature in â€Å"Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey, on Revisiting the Banks of the Wye during a Tour, July 13, 1798,† and â€Å"It’s a Beauteous Evening, Calm and Free,† that there is a spiritual presence in the landscape. Ovid’s interaction with nature helps him break down the divisions between people and their environment to become at one with it. B oth writers demonstrate how interaction with nature is necessary to appreciate it.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Human Resource Management: Leadership Styles

Human Resource Management: Leadership Styles In the global economy there is a competition especially in the retails sector. The customer satisfaction is a major driver for the organizational performance. The important determinant for customer satisfaction in the retail sector is about the employee attitude (Heskette et al., 1991). In the retail industry there cannot be satisfied customers when served by unhappy employers (Heskette et al., 1997). The organizational commitment of employees results in lower attrition rates and improves customer satisfaction (Marshall et al., 2001). One of the key determinants to employee attitude is attitude and leadership style of the immediate supervisor. Some of the leadership styles prevail upon the employees resulting job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Human Resource Management Human Resource Management (HRM) plays a vital role in all organizations management. The importance of Human Resource Management is to increase the productivity form manpower resources day by day and it became a factor in the organizational strategic management. It gradually increases the human capital and organizational performance by managing them effectively (Delaney et al., 1997). The HRM must attract the well trained and skilful employees, training; provide guidelines to improve the efficiency of the work force and organization. The title human resource management has been generally known from the past ten or fifteen years. Even, the term is commonly used as personnel management. Dessler (1991) defined that there is no discrimination among personnel management and Human Resource Management and found that final as current extended adaptation of traditional personnel management because of the technological existence in work place changed social values. Torrington and Hall (1998) argued that the personnel management and the Human Resource Management are different because he divided the personnel management based on workforce center and HRM based on manpower resources. Guest (1987) concept on HRM is that human resource management is the alter not an alternative to the personnel management but it particularly concentrated on some elements of workers such as employee flexibility, commitment, integration and quality. But here is no any exact define for human resource management and so many definitions are existed Armstrong (1995) described HRM is a strategic and logical practice of the organizational management and its a main valuable asset. And HRM is used as employees participate as individual and also jointly to contribute their work to achieve particular organizational goals. The Importance of HR as a Source of Competitive Advantage Today, organizations considered that the human resources are the most valuable assets for competitive advantage and to sustain in a long time in the business. Many of work force assets are theoretically reviewed as resource based view (RBV) by (Barney, 1986, 1991, 1995). The (RBV) theory realized instead of build up a competitive advantage, they should shift to generate resource such an approach that the approach no one can imitate their style, rare, and no one can be substitute. But Pfeffer (1994), Barney (1986, 1991, 1995), Youndt and Wright (1996), Snell, Wright and McMahan (1992) are disagreed with the above statements the reason is that the history proved that the competitive advantage is frequently possible to imitate. And the organizational human resources can effectively influence and existence of the competitive advantage. The organizations RBV theoretical process is followed by the strategic management field. RBV revealed that the attributes and resources of an organization very essential for effective competitive advantage than organizational formation and also competition from rival firm (Barney, 1997). Resources are defined as an organization search and implement its strategies by using tangible as well intangible assets. (Barney, 2001). The above definition consists of all the organizational, financial, physical, human resources. Pisano and Shuen (1997) Barney (1991) and Teece have summarized that suppose a resource might measured a source to continue competitive advantage. So this assumption required some factors such as valuable resources, uncommon, incomparable and non replaceable. Organizations can obtain value form, natural resources economies and technologies, But RBV was not agreed because those resources are easily available to everyone and everywhere so anyone can imitate from anyone, whi lst defined human resources are the group of human resources under the organizations direction in straight employee relations (Wright McMahan, 1992) can become competitive advantage to the organization from their competitors. Initially this process adds value to the organizations productivity. The result would be positive by the contribution of the employees as a pool. Generally the inputs of the all employee are not equal so the outputs in the market are limited. So these kinds of resources cannot be easily imitated by the other organizations. But its very difficult for firms to understand which is the correct source to adopt their competitive advantage. So, this resources are cannot be simply replaceable. The management scientist Barney (1991) argued that firms cannot gain the highest efficiency from the employees who are working in their firms due to their employees commitment is less so they are not interested to put their maximum efficiency. It was found organizations must motivate the employees by motivating them and develop their knowledge, skill set, and abilities by adopting HRM practices. Approaches of HRM Examining the importance of HR practices in organizational performance, the major activities of human resources implemented RBV method (Barney, 1991, Delery, 1998). Adopting this technique the firm may obtain the competitive advantage. Although every firm may not obtain this competitive advantage by adopt these human resource practices. But the organization can minimize the rate of attrition (Delery, 1998). Anyhow this theoretical frame work and practices can affect the organizational relations as well as the practices. HRM and firm performance. According to Huselid (1995) found the results of using the thirteen Human Resource practice on organizational performance. He found tow types methods of HR practices. The first method concerned with skills firms structures. This was based on practices to improve abilities, skills and performance of the job responsibilities of the employee. The second method was to motivate the employee. For this they were approached to understand the behavior of the employee. Therefore they focused on employee satisfaction levels toward his job. However he found significantly the both methods results effects were positive on organizational performance. Therefore the number of researchers examined and revealed the relations between the firm performance and HR practices and various approaches are adopted. Finally the HR practices helps in organizational performance to enhance skills of the employees as well as motivate them towards their role by using positive approaches (Delery Doty, 1996). Leadership Defining Leadership Hemphills (1994) defined leadership in his simple way and in a very appropriate way. For this he summarized the classical definitions as leadership is to directing his group this one sentence he summed up the basic definition and dynamics of all leadershipthe directing of group achievements. He stated that the leader is the superior and the followers are subordinates even roles are concerned. Therefore the efficient leader delivers the effective process. Though, definitely the effective leadership administers the organizational achievement and performance positively. The leadership is one of important aspect human behaviours and well studied subject in the recent times. There are several forms definitions in the literatures for the leadership. The more accepted form of definition is influence theme. The leaders who influence people are to achieve the goals and increases organisational performance. It does not translate to that leader having control over his followers to achieve the goals which leader wants to achieve. The followers emulate the leaders attitudes to achieving desired goals. The leader is expected to leader the process of planning and execution of activities to achieve the organisational goals. There is a difference between the management and leadership, the management is concerned about the short-term issues in a company, where as leaders adopt and look into broader prospective. Most of the leadership theories are emerged in organizations to achieve their organizational objectives as well as their goals. The theories are focused on behaviours, traits, controlling and circumstances(Mintzberg, 1973). However the current theories are correlation centered. Where as the co operation between the leader and followers. The trait theory and behavioral theory could not clarify the effect of the leaders on followers. , behavioural can not explain the influence of leaders on the followers not only that there is no understanding among the definitions and measurement of effective leadership. The organizations realized that the effective leadership is required to lead and survive their business in the market. The recent development in the leadership type is transformational leadership which most suitable in the contemporary times. The transformational leadership also integrates the trait, behavioral and situational approaches (Figure 1). The transformational leadership recognizes that there are some traits in the people and they can observe, developed and learnt. The leader influences the followers behaving in certain ways. The relationship between the leader and follower is dictated by various situational factors. The central them to transformational leadership is that leader behavior is not solely based on the tangible inducements, rather based on the development of followers in their interest in resulting group productivity. In specific areas like educational institutes, business, family, hospital and political organization require an energetic leadership. The energetic and dynamic leadership is ready to offer quality of service. These dynamic leaders find new ideas and creativity get in to practice. Leadership Styles The types of leadership styles considered who is a leader, says and how he directs the followers. This study used in approach of authority and decision making. However an assessment on few selected leadership styles reveals a degree of leaders accountability with his employees. Lall and Lall (1979) listed the five leadership styles as follow: Autocratic Leadership style: The current generation of employees is resistant to autocratic leadership and hence received lot of criticism from academicians. This type of leadership style is applicable in certain situations where the staff is not well trained. In some cases where staff does not respond to other forms of leadership can be dealt with autocratic leadership. The autocratic leadership should not be used in where are staff would like to contribute with their inputs and knowledge based projects. The approach of autocratic leadership style concerned with the decision making power. This leadership style doesnt obtain contribution of their followers and they always fix that the staff accept their decisions. These leaders suggest only structured and inflexible rewards but they wouldnt support performance related compensation. These leaders must not concern of followers justifications even if they took wrong decisions. They often punish their sub-ordinates and they have fixed behavior. Therefore the staff cannot feel they are the part of the organization and there will not be any correlation. So the employee cannot contribute his maximum effort. The recent generation avoids this kind of leadership style. But this leadership style work out in some critical situations when the employees are not trained well and when the subordinates are not responding to other leadership styles. However this leadership style must not use where the employees are contribute with their skills, knowledge and willingness to work. Benefit: This leadership style usually get work done . Drawback: The sub ordinates just depend on the leaders decisions and there is no participation in making decisions. The followers personal growth put in risk. Bureaucratic Leadership Style This leadership style strictly follows the policies, rules, procedures and regulations blindly. This leadership style success where the repetitive work will be done frequently. In this style if the decision making is not according to the policies and procedure then they will go for another level of decision making. This kind of leadership well exist where dealing with accounting and cash in each section. But the staff may disinterest towards their work. This is well applicable to those who have minimum skills and the performance is not up to the mark. Benefits: Here every problem contains solution instantly without any practice. Drawback: this is well organized and has a tendency to depersonalize their group. Charismatic Leadership style In this leadership style, the leader concentrates on himself and try to be a charismatic. The subordinates transformed to champions of the cause Benefits: This kind of leadership needs many followers to support the leaders views, look after his origin. Drawbacks: This leadership style has a tendency to bend towards bureaucratic leadership style. Laissez Faire Leadership style This kind of leadership style doesnt influence the subordinate by guiding and directing. These leaders make their sub ordinate to make decisions without restrictions and the followers or subordinates make their decisions. This is the current leadership style where the organizations are following. In this style the leader must aware of the knowledge of their subordinates. Here the leader assumes, the staff is trained enough, intelligent and qualified. In the organization where knowledge based for e.g. software companies employees are enjoy working their own and solving problems. However this style of leadership may not worked out where the job security is low. The group members are competitive but tere is no any guidance and direction for the group therefore it creates problems. Benefits: each and every group member get the chance to make decisions. Drawbacks: This kind of leadership makes confusion among the team members as well as the leader. Democratic Leadership styles: This kind of leadership style is a contribution leadership. Here the leaders consider their subordinates efforts while decision making. The leader educates their group regarding the activities in which they are involving. Though the team participate form the beginning to execute it. It supports the group members in any situation. This democratic leadership performs as a coaching and motivating their group members in all areas. Although the staff contribution as a role. Therefore the employee compensation and reward will be based on his performance. The democratic style of leadership is most useful if the sub-ordinates are active and active participates in making decisions. However the multi type projects need contribution from other divisions and other employees. The technology based projects require the huge support form other divisions and also they are up to date. But the problems are not appropriate for these leaders. This kind of leadership strategies are obtained from collection of group employees Finally the democratic leadership is form of a participatory leadership where the leader takes into consideration of sub-ordinates inputs while making the decisions. The staff is well informed before hand regarding about the activities they are involved and the matter concerned to them. The staff has participatory role starting from planning, design and execution. This enables the staff to effectively deal with any problems during the execution. The democratic leaders act like a coach motivating the staff and instil the team culture in the organisations. The team work results in the large volumes of work in the short period of time. The democratic leaders receive support form staff and appreciate the importance given to their inputs. The democratic leader place trust on their staff allowing to them make decisions and develop their goals. These leaders allow professional growth of their staff and encourage career growth based on their performance. The employee reward and compensation is linked to the individual performance. Benefits: the growth of individuals developed through involvement in organizations operations. Drawbacks: the leader must support the decisions according the majority of the group. Employee Job Satisfaction The job satisfaction can defined as employee total attitude towards the work organisation and working conditions. The academicians focussed on the job satisfaction when the employment became significant part of the society. In the early days academicians focussed on studying the job satisfaction in the industrial environment and job satisfaction termed as work output. However over the period time job satisfaction definition transformed to attitudes of employees towards various situational factors in the work environment (Bullock, 2003). There is a great interest in recent times about the job satisfaction of the employees. The basic reason is that people deserved to be treated with respect and fairly and the job satisfaction directly reflects the treatment. The job satisfaction shows that emotional well-being and physiological health. Secondly the job satisfaction results in the organisational commitment and performance. The management concern is about the well-being of their workforce (Aryee 2009). The organisations like to measure the job satisfaction of employees at regular intervals to gauge employees attitudes. The aspects which effect the job satisfaction are: Personal aspects: The personal aspects consist of the gender, culture, education, social, economic situations, family etc. Jon inherent Factors: These aspects consist of the supervisors, workers; skilled workers frequently want to be directed by their convict on their daily job activities. Organizational Factors: The management aspects consist of supervision, job security, remuneration, career growth opportunities and responsibilities. Their existence usually motivates the employees and gives them job satisfaction. The organizations main motive is to concentrate on job design. It facilitates to improve employee hob satisfaction and productivity. Therefore when the job satisfaction is increase the attrition rate will be decreased (castor and spector, 1987). When the organizations not satisfied the employees jobs then automatically the absenteeism increases as well the productivity decreases. Gap 1 The Causes of Employee Attitudes The major factor in employee job satisfaction is the employees attitude, that depends on the management practices, working conditions, wages, and other fringe benefits, often employees are looking for extra benefits from the employer. Then the gasp exist between the employee expectation and the employees satisfaction towards his job. The culture is also one of the important factor influences the job satisfaction of the employee. Cultural Influences Culture aspects such as beliefs, values, food habits, traditions, these are affecting the employees. The globalization of companies faces so many problems to Human Resource practitioners. Therefore the cross cultural studies could assist those organizations. (Erez, 1994; house, 1995: Triandis, 1994) and the other social factors such as individualism, collectivism, uncertainty avoidance versus risk taking, power distance, masculinity/femininity are mostly play a major role in employee job satisfaction. Gap 2 The Results of Positive or Negative Job Satisfaction The second factor is the positive or negative job satisfaction of the employee. Often the organizations believe that the organizational productivity depends up on the satisfaction of the employees. Human Resources practitioners always put their maximum effort to reduce the cost incurring in employee job satisfaction and the organizational out comes completely depends up on the employee satisfaction. Gap 3 How To Measure and Influence Employee Attitudes The 3rd Gap focuses on the measures of employee attitude and influence. But number of methods existed attitudes of the employees such as conducting interviews, surveys. Form the above methods the attitude survey method most popular and well constructed method. This method is used to understand employee attitude whether it is positive or negative. Form that, we able to understand the attitudes of the employees. Authoritarian Style Democratic Style All policies are determined by leader Strategies for goal relation determined by leader; no future direction. Leader dictates work task to team Leader is personal in his praise and critics without objective reasons. Leader maintains distance from members All policies are determined by the group Explanation of overall processes give in the beginning; technical advice sought and given Members are free to choose work companion and division of tasks Leader is objective and fact minded in praise and criticism. Leader participate in the group Source: Kurt Lewin (1943) Autocratic versus Democratic Leadership There is always a controversy between the leadership style which is effective, whether the autocratic leadership style or democratic style of leadership. Daft (1999) said the autocratic leaders are one who lean to centralize power and compel power from the particular location, controlling the rewards. The system is initiated in responding to the on going situation in some European countries in those days. A study conducted by Lewin, White, Lippitt (1939); Lippitt White (1943) on autocratic, democratic and laissez-faire a group of boys and girls under guidance various leadership styles. The outcomes revealed that the group has imitated their leaders style of leadership. Under autocratic leadership style the leaders controlled in all the situations. In this leadership style they are very directive and scarcely appraising their group members and followed by-book leadership. The authoritarian team members are did not get the opportunity to make their own decisions and they always depen d on their leaders in decision making. The democratic leadership style of leaders provides their team a lot of opportunity to express their views confidently. The team members exposed social, impulsive and participative behavior in all the situations. The laissez-faire is measured as a light-weight leadership style. Leaders are very rarely influence their team. And there is no any direction to their teams and there is no any encouragement as a democratic style. This is like a captain less ship. Shaw (1955) observed by his study that the authoritarian leadership style team members are very speed, accuracy and efficient in their views. In the other hand the satisfaction of the team leaders are high. Tannenbaum Schmidt (1973) extended the democratic vs. autocratic leadership style perception by bring out Leadership variety. Leadership and Job Satisfaction There is a relationship between the job satisfaction and leadership style of the immediate supervisor (Bass, 1985). In another study Chionk (2001) established a positive correlation between the leadership style, job satisfaction and employee commitment. The manager should leadership qualities to produce the organisational outcomes. The leadership style and vision can influence the employee job satisfaction internally as well as externally (Gaziogly and Tansel, 2006). On the contrary Chang and Lee (2005) showed that there is no significant relationship between the leadership style and job satisfaction. In general transformational leadership results in the employee willingness to organisations and desired organisational outcomes. While viewing the job satisfaction in the context of leadership there are several prediction can be derived (Bass, 1985). The transformational leadership can foster a more job satisfaction due to sense of ownership and intellectual stimulation. The transformational leader encourage in more freedom and responsibilities for their employees. The work also provides a more accomplishments and job satisfaction. The transformational leaders also encourage development of their employees, hence employees feel that their needs are also cared and carried out. While the employees who do not like the transformational leadership may feel that reward system is not good enough for them. The people who believe in management by exception feel that transformational leaders are searching for deviations and are not happy in their jobs (Solomon, 2007) The employees are more satisfied with the managers who are supportive compared managers who are critical of employees. The employ undergo stress to work with leaders who are unsupportive and show a hostile behaviour towards employees. The employees expect guidance and directions in situations where they cant make decisions. The negative leadership style results in the reduced productivity, increased turnover rate and absenteeism (Ribelin, 2003). The studies conducted by Robbins (2003) it is revealed that employees retention is higher with transactional leadership as compared transformational leadership. The transformational leadership helps employees to improve their skills increasing the job satisfaction and organisational commitment. Job Satisfaction and Retail Leadership: Hammer (1996) says that from the past two decades, the employee behaviors are changing frequently. Because of the improved multiple job opportunities the employee has the wide choices. Therefore the retention of employee is a crucial thing for the organizations (Chowdhury, 2000). This study tells what the organizations are going to practice satisfy the employee and what are the emerged theories on employee job satisfaction. But in the current business environments the money is not very important for the employees. Although the peer study revealed that the main reason for employee job satisfaction is the behavior of the manager or managers behavior. There it review that the leadership and the support or co operation of the leadership play a key role in employee job satisfaction. Then the organization must support the employees through the organizational cultures, policies that exist effective in the work place. But some studies say that the satisfaction of the employee is linked with employee job satisfaction. Where as the employee get motivated by customer satisfaction in certain environments such as retail industry and direct marketing organizations. The study explained that the job satisfaction will be resultant by five basic characteristics: Task variety, Task identity, Task significance, Autonomy Feedback. People want to have more control and meaning in their work-lives, and not just perks and benefits. Theories found in the literature which pertain to job satisfaction include: Equity theory: Mostly this theory defined that the employees can be satisfy and get motivated with their jobs when they have the healthy industrial relations among their work group. Here they must feel that every employee is same and equal. The satisfaction levels decrease when the recriminations rise among the employees. Therefore the organizations must maintain the equality among their employee. Two-Factor Theory of Job Satisfaction (Herzberg) Herzberg theory states that dissatisfaction effect on the employee satisfaction it directly results on the employee out put and productivity. Generally the employees satisfaction with their job and perform a positive result on the organizational productivity. The motivational factors that are influence on employees, such as rewards, promotions, achievements, by adding responsibilities and recognition by his skills. Value Theory: The modern theory (1997) defined that the job satisfaction is formed in daily building up the positive attitude on the employees job. Where the employee gets the opportunity and value to achieve a particular goal and also the job provides that opportunity to accomplishment of such goal, then mostly the employee feel the job satisfaction. When the employee finds the organization go against to the employee regarding his role so the dissatisfaction of the employee may occur. Social Information Procession Model This model recommends that the co employees attitudes and behaviors result on the job satisfaction of the employee. Therefore where the employee surrounded the people who have positive attitudes and views regarding the opportunities which the organization provides and never bother about job security then automatically the employee satisfy with his current job. So the co employees attitudes and motivation effect the other employees. QUESTIONNAIRE The satisfaction of my job is Excellent b. Good c. Average d. Poor I am provided the resources by my organization to perform are Excellent b. Good c. Average d. Poor Working conditions are good and safe Excellent b. Good c. Average d. Poor The organization formed the clear cut goals to achieved by the team members. Excellent b. Good c. Average d. Poor The motivation of my team leader Excellent b. Good c. Average d. Poor My team leader communicates me regarding my job responsibilities Excellent b. Good c. Average d. Poor The company help me to identify my strengths and weaknesses Excellent b. Good c. Average d. Poor The opportunity provided by our company to try innovative things Excellent b. Good c. Average d. Poor The value of my views and participations in our organization is Excellent b. Good c. Average d. Poor The level of facilities which our organizational structure practices to enhance effective accomplishment of tasks is Excellent b. Good c. Average d. Poor The environment which the management provide me is Excellent b. Good c. Average d. Poor The satisfaction of the policies adopted by our organization is Excellent b. Good c. Average d. Poor The respect of team members ideas and opinions is Excellent b. Good c. Average d. Poor Consumer Buying Decisions: Product Attributes Consumer Buying Decisions: Product Attributes In this research, instant coffee purchasing is selected to study the buying decision of consumers. Three blind taste tests are experimented and proofing that participant tended to choose the popular brand of coffee. Surprisingly, people made different choices in each of the test. The result tells us that without knowing the brand name, their buying decisions are different when comparing with knowing the brand name. In conclusion, brand has a strong influence in consumers decisions. To better understand the blind taste tests, we executed a questionnaire survey immediately. As a result, the survey tells us taste is the most important factor in affecting their buying decisions whereas their second consideration would be price, brand, and influenced by advertisement. This giving an idea that except for the brand and taste, there are many factors should affecting the consumers buying decision. Contents 1. Introduction 1 2. Literature Review 2 2.1. Brand name 2 2.2. Brand Image 4 2.3. Linking brands to consumer perceptions of product 5 2.4. Consumer buying behavior and decision making 6 2.5. Customer satisfaction and loyalty 9 2.6. Product attributes 10 3. Research Methodology 12 3.1. Pilot study 15 4. Findings and discussions 16 4.1. Participants 16 4.2. Relationship of brand, taste and decision 17 4.3. Post-tests evaluation 20 4.4. Buying behavior 23 4.5. Discussions 26 5. Conclusion 28 5.1. Recommendations 28 5.2. Conclusion 29 6. References 30 7. Appendix 33 7.1. Annex: The Blind Test and Questionnaire 33 Keywords Branding, Brand image, Brand equity, Consumer buying behavior, Consumer buying decision, Customer satisfaction and loyalty, Product attributes Introduction Over the past few decades, a considerable number of studies have been made on the relationship of branding and consumer buying behavior (Fournier, 1994; Keon, 1983), i.e. how the consumer buying behavior affected by branding. Many companies devote lots of money and manpower to build up images for their brands. That is the reason why many studies have focused on this field. In this research will be figured out which factor, brand name or product attributes, plays a critical role in affecting consumer buying decision. In the economists normal approach, price is used as the main tool to explain the consumer buying behavior (Becker, 1996). We carry out blind taste tests and also conduct a questionnaire to find out the impact of branding on consumers preferences.. Literature Review This literature review is going to analysis what has been done in investigating the relationship among brand, consumer buying decision and product attributes. Such information will be digested and modified to be applied to instant coffee purchasing in the Hong Kong market. Brand name In recognition of the growing coffee culture that is sweeping Hong Kong, different tastes of coffee have been rolled out on the market. For example, Nescafe has newly released a new series of coffee Latte in which the image is totally different from the original Nescafe coffee. Old Town coffee has introduced a new series called white coffee. Why do they give new brand names for the new products? Why do they have different images? Is there any advantage for them to do so? According to Armstrong and Kotler (1999), brands can be described as a name, term, sign, symbol, or design, or a combination of these, which identifies the maker or seller of a product or service. Later, Olins (2000) gives a supplement to the definition of brand. He suggests that brand is a device that helps differentiating products from different sellers, without clear branding, in some fields, we literally could not tell one product or service from another. By using brand names, consumers can easily distinguish products from different sellers. Brand Image In the words of Keller (1998), marketers can build up an image for the product to draw customers attention so as to induce more sales (Keller, 1998). Randall (1997) says Brand image is the whole image of the brand existing in the minds of consumers. It is the total information that the consumers have received about the brand. Some scholars think that the brand image can influence consumers buying decisions. Furthermore, Ogilvy (1983) suggests that consumers do not buy products; rather they buy products with a personality. Ogilvy (1983) also suggests the fact that a brand can have a personality or image reflecting that people not only want the basic function offered by the product, but also psychological benefits. If a brand image matches with an individuals image, he/she will purchase that product and may stick to that brand in future (brand loyalty) (Levine, 2003). From the above statements, it seems that consumers are concerned more about the brand image rather than product attribu tes. In the research, we will use the product of instant coffee to test the validity of the above statements. After reviewing the sections of 2.1 and 2.2, we can say that there is an intimate relationship among brand name, brand image and the consumers. Linking brands to consumer perceptions of product In the research, we will investigate how consumers make buying decisions. Perception of a product is crucial in making the buying decision; therefore, it is necessary to find the linkage between brand and consumer perceptions. Olins (2000) suggests that people can have a relationship with a brand: they have an immense emotional content and inspire loyalty beyond reason. Besides, Keller (1998) suggests that what distinguishes a brand from its unbranded commodity is the sum of consumers perceptions and feelings about the products attributes and performance, brand name and what it stands for and the company associated with the brand. In the past, there were only a few instant coffee brands available in the market. In recent yeas, a lot of new instant coffee brands appear in the market, such as Indocafe and Old Town coffee. The traditional branding strategy which has emphasized on product offerings and associated functional and utilitarian benefits is no longer workable in the market. People are now paying more attention to the brand (Levine, 2003). Therefore, it is no wonder many companies create a strong and distinctive brand image for their products so as to differentiate himself from other competitors (Keller, 1998). Advertising is widely used by the companies to build up a brand image. In Hong Kong, many coffee brands have been advertised on TV and in magazine, such as Maxwell house, Nescafe and Mr. Brown. Most studies have found that there are inter-relationships among brand, advertisement and consumers buying decisions (MacKenzie et al., 1986). Besides, that the affective and cognitive-based attitudes towar ds the brand can affect the consumers buying decisions (Homer et al., 1992). Advertising is the primary device used to build the image of a brand and most of the customers usually rely on advertising messages when they make an infrequent purchase for an unfamiliar product (Dowling, 2001).Well-established brands attract increased preference and usage (East, 1997), produce greater emotional ties (Biel, 1993), and boost trust and loyalty (Fournier, 1994). If the statement is true, it indicates that customers perception of products derive from marketing effort such as brand images and brand differentiation in addition to the physical characteristics of the product. What about the product quality? Can product quality influence the perception of product? Consumer buying behavior and decision making In our study, consumer buying decision is our key focus. We will focus on how the consumers make their buying decisions in purchasing instant coffee. We want to know which factors, brand or product attributes, influences most in the process of buying decision making of consumers. Therefore, we must understand the consumer buying behavior and how they make the buying decisions. In the past, consumers were more concerned with a products function- efficiency, reliability, value-for-money, durability and convenience todays customers are prepared to pay more for a stylish product as they become more affluent and visually sophisticated (Henley Centre, 1989). It is no wonder companies put much effort on packaging, product design and advertising. In the words of Bayley (1989), the ambience, the layers of imagery, the texture, the decoding- all of these are vested interests leading to the only rationale: a purchase. Consumer buying behavior refers to the buying behavior of final consumers, individuals and households who buy goods and services for personal consumption (Armstrong et al., 1999). Consumers have to make decisions when there is more than one choice. However, how do the consumers make their buying decisions? Foxall (1980) suggests that consumers will make the buying decisions according to perception, personality, motivation and attitudes. He says that consumer behavior is a process of learning and it depends on how you perceive the product. The process is modified according to the customers past experience and the objectives he or she has set (Foxall, 1980). Besides, Foxall (1980) also suggests that consumers personality and self-image is important in studying consumer buying decision as he believes that consumers only choose products that are consistent with their perceptions of themselves. By using Foxalls (1980) idea, it is not difficult to understand the relationship between brand and consumer buying decision. Once the brand image and consumers image is matched, consumer will purchase that product. Besides, Foxall (1980) also claimed that consumer buying decision is motivated by something more than awareness. It depends on the consumers needs and drives, his tastes and aspirations, plus his attitudes, personality and social environment (Foxall, 1980). Furthermore, Foxall (1980) says that attitudes and buying decision are related and each may influence the other, however, they are not always entirely consistent. Customer satisfaction and loyalty Although our key focus of the research is how the consumers make buying decisions in purchasing coffee, customer satisfaction will also be investigated. In our study, satisfaction refers to the situation when consumers expectations are matched by perceived performance (Blackwell et al., 2001). After purchasing a product, consumers will have a post-purchase evaluation (Foxall, 1980). Consumers will continue to purchase the product if they are satisfied with it. It is called loyalty. Sometimes, they may recommend it to their relatives and friends. In the research, the blind tests will be used to find out how the consumers perceive the product, that is, to see if consumers can recognize the taste of the brand that they have chosen. Previous study has found that customer satisfaction has a positive effect on loyalty and they will repurchase the product again (Oliver, 1997; Mittal et al., 2001). If the consumers are satisfied with the taste of coffee in the blind tests but it is not the brand the consumers used to buy, we can say that brand influences consumers much and the consumers only loyal to the brand but not the product itself. Product attributes According to Armstrong and Kotler (1999), product attributes can be defined as something that can deliver the benefits offered by the product and can add value to the customers. In the words of Keller (1998), product attributes are the ingredients necessary for performing the product or service function sought by consumers. They refer to a products physical composition and are what determine the nature and level of product performance (Keller, 1998). It can be further characterized according to important and optional features, either necessary for a product to work or for allowing customization and more versatile personalized usage (Keller, 1998). In the research, we will focus on the study of instant coffee and we will regard taste as the most important attributes of coffee. Some studies have carried out in which consumers perceive the products they buy and the brands they regularly choose. Taste is used to determine the effect of brand identification on consumers reactions to and evaluations of products (Allison Uhl, 1964; Makens, 1961). The studies conclude that Participants in general did not appear to be able to discern the taste differences among the various brands, but apparently labels and their associations did influence their evaluations. To sum up the literature review, many studies (Allison Uhl, 1964; Keon, 1983; Makens, 1961) have shown that consumers are influenced by branding. However, to what extent will the consumers make their buying decisions according to product attributes? The research will find out the answer. Research Methodology I used the technique of triangulation (White, 2000) in my research in which two techniques, blind taste test and questionnaire, were used. Before conducting the actual survey, I randomly selected 82 people outside a supermarket in Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong and asked them if they had the habit of buying instant coffee. 39 of them stated that they buy instant coffee regularly but 18 of them said that they do not drink instant coffee. In the 39 people, 33 (84.6%) of them said that they usually buy Nestlà ©s instant coffee, Nescafe. 4 (10.3%) of them buy Maxwell House instant coffee and 2 (5.1%) of them buy Old Town instant coffee. I invited the 33 Nescafe instant coffee buyers to do the blind taste test and questionnaire as they were the majority (84.6%) of the respondents. I believed choosing Nescafe instant coffee buyers to be the sample was more representative as they represent the majority of the coffee drinkers that I have asked. However, only 30 of them agreed to participate in the test. The 30 Nescafe instant coffee buyers were my sample population. The sample consisted of 8 males and 22 females who have the habit of buying instant coffee on their own. The blind taste test was carried out in order to find out how the consumers choose coffee. The test was divided into three parts and each part would have 10 participants. In the three blind taste tests, Tsit Wing instant coffee (TW), Maxwell House instant coffee (MH) and Nescafe instant coffee (NC) were used. I chose the three coffees as their price is more or less the same. Every participant had tried the Tsit Wing instant coffee (TW), Maxwell House instant coffee (MH) and Nescafe instant coffee (NC) before. In Test A, three cups of different coffee were given without brand labels. NC was the brand that the sample population used to buy. The participants were asked to taste the coffee and choose one that they would purchase. The data collected in the Test A would serve as a base reference. If the participants like the taste of NC, they will also choose the NC in the test. In Test B, three different cups of coffee were given. Each cup of coffee had a label showing the brand of coffee. The aim of the Test B was to see if there was any difference between Test A and Test B. If they really like the taste of NC, the results in the Test A and B would be consistent. If the results in the two tests are not consistent, it shows that brand influence consumers decision. Test C was carried out to determine if the consumer buying decision was independent of the brand name. The Test C was the same as Test B, except the name of the coffee brand were labeled wrongly. I labeled the cup of MH as TW, the cup of TW as NC and the cup of NC as MH. By comparing with the result obtained in the three tests, we hoped to find out which factors, brand or taste, has a greater influence on the consumers. If the data obtained in the Test A does not match with the data obtained in the Test B, it tells that brand has an influence on consumers decisions. The reason is in Test A, the participants only know the taste of the coffee and they can only choose the coffee according to the taste of coffee. In Test B, however, the participants know both the taste and brand. If their decisions are different, that means the brand affects their buying behavior. For the Test C, the three different coffees were used again. However, their brand names were labeled wrongly this time. Comparing the result obtained in this test to that of in the Test B, if the result has a big difference, that means the brand has a greater influence than the taste on the decision of participants. Besides, questionnaire (Annex 7.1) was also used to obtain data. The questionnaire, used immediately after the blind taste tests, consisted of five questions with choices given. Pilot study The pilot study made me realize that what I need is to observe their buying behavior which cannot be asked but observed. Therefore, I decided to do the blind taste tests and questionnaire instead of doing an interview which allowed me to focus on measuring the influence of brand and taste on the consumers decisions. Afterwards, I decided to carry a three blind taste tests with three groups of people. I enjoy to take this chance tend to do all blind taste test is they will remember the taste of the coffee in the test, and finally affect their choice in the next following tests. Findings and discussions Participants Of the total number of 30 respondents, 8 (26.7%) were males and 22 (73.3%) were females. All of them were NC consumers. The result is shown in Table 4 .1. More than a half people had 1 to 3 years NC purchasing experience and 70% of them had at least 1 year purchasing experience. From the data, we can assume that some participants are experienced in purchasing instant coffee and the results obtained from them are valuable to discuss and analyze. Relationship of brand, taste and decision In the research, blind taste tests were used to find out how the consumer made decisions regarding brand and taste in purchasing instant coffee. Three tests were carried out. In each test, participants were given three cups of different coffee. In Test A, three cups of coffee without brand name were given. In Test B, brand name was given to each cup of coffee. In Test C, brand names were given but placed wrongly on each coffee. In Test A, three cups of coffee without label were given to participants to taste. Surprisingly, the result was not consistent with our expectation. In other words, taste was the only reason for their choices in the Test A. The result told us that without knowing the brand name, their preferences were different when comparing with knowing the brand name. In this test, the result was changed because the participants knew the brand name when comparing with the result of the Test A. There was a 30% increase in the NC and a 30% decrease in the MH. The data showed that the brand really influenced participants when deciding the coffee. In Test C, the participants had to taste three cups of different coffee in which the brand labels were placed wrongly. The result was very close to that of Test A. That means they chose as if just chose by the taste only. It gave us a hint that with a different label on the cups, their choices were different. What we can conclude is that the brand plays an important role in affecting buying decision of participants. Post-tests evaluation After the three blind taste tests, the participants in Test A and C were told about the correct branding of the coffee they had tried. All the participants were asked if they would continue to purchase the NC after trying the tests. Only 30% of the participants would firmly say yes. Half of them had a second thought of their decisions. It told us that they started to think about their perceptions of NC coffee. It implies that the participants will also consider the taste when purchasing instant coffee. Participants were asked to choose one coffee to recommend to their friends after trying the blind taste tests. The result was shown in Table 4 .6. The result was very interesting that about half of them recommend NC to their friends while another half suggested MH, was most people voted due to the taste in the Test A. It implies that branding and taste also have a strong influence in consumers buying behavior. Participants were asked if they were satisfied with the NC. Before the blind taste test, over 40% of the participants were satisfied with the NC. However, after the blind taste tests, only 17% were satisfied with it and there was 13% of participants were dissatisfied. From the result in Fig. 4 .7 and Fig. 4 .8, we can see that the participants were influenced by the blind test. We can say that beside the factors related to the products, there are some other factors may affect our buying decision. Buying behavior In the research, participants were asked immediately after the blind taste tests about how they made the buying decision when purchasing instant coffee. In the research, the participants were asked to give factors they thought were influential in making the buying decision in the questionnaire. The answers were shown in the Table 4 .9. In Fig. 4 .9, it shows the most influential factor affecting buying decision. 63% of the participants regard Taste was the most influential (Table 8.1), 13% voted for Influenced by advertisement, 10% for Brand image, 7% for Price and 7% for Word-of-mouth. Nobody voted for brand in the questionnaire. Comparing to the results obtained in the blind tests, the results were inconsistent. In the blind tests, it was found that the influence of the brand was greater than the influence of the taste. In Fig. 4 .10, it shows the top three influential factors affecting buying decision regarding to instant coffee purchasing. Nearly one-third of the whole population voted for the Taste, the second one was Price (20%) and the third were Brand (13.3%) and Influenced by advertisement (13.3%). The Fig. 4 .10 shows that Price is also an important factor in making the buying decision. The data gives us an idea that beside brand and taste, there are many factors should be considered in making the buying decision. Discussions According to the three blind taste tests and the questionnaires done by the participants, we can see that the brand influence was strong to the participants. In the Test A, participants did not know the brand but the taste. They chose the coffee according to the taste. More than 50% of the NC buyers chose MH. However, when the brands were labeled on each cup of coffee in Test B, 50% of the NC buyers choose NC. In Test C, three cups of coffee were given with the wrong brand labels, the result showed that participants tend to choose coffee according to the brand name as 60% of the NC buyers chose MH which was labeled with a NC label. The three test results indicate that brand affects consumers decisions and which is supported by Olins (2000) and Keller (1998). Olins (2000) suggests that brand helps people to differentiate products from different sellers. Besides, Keller (1998) suggests that brand is an external aspect of product and it can affect the purchase or consumption procedure. Besides, the participants were asked if they were satisfied with the NC before and after the blind taste tests, Over 40% of the participants were satisfied with NC. However, after the blind taste tests, the number of satisfied people decreased and there was 13% of participants dissatisfied with the NC. From the results, we can see that the participants were influenced by the blind test and there are some other factors may affect our preferences. As we mentioned in the literature review, consumers will buy the product again if they are satisfied with the product (Foxall, 1980). From the results, we can see that the brand influences consumer buying decisions a lot. From the data in Table 4 .9, there were 63% of participants chose Taste as the most influential. However, nobody voted brand as the most important factor. Compared that to the results obtained in the blind taste tests, in which brand had a strong influence in consumers decisions, there is a contradiction. The inconsistency shows that people do not understand what influences their behavior very well. Conclusion Recommendations The result obtained from the tests and the questionnaire is not consistent in some way. If the answers from participants are truly reflecting their preferences, the obtained result should be consistent. So we should not trust the result given from the research and we should be critical in reading other research data in the future. Furthermore, if it is feasible, we may observe their actual buying behavior after trying the blind taste tests over a period of time in order to get an accurate result. Conclusion In this research, we carry out three blind taste tests and find out that participants tended to choose coffee according to the brand name. 60% of one of the instant coffee brand supporters chose another brand of coffee which is wrongly labeled as their favorite coffee brand by me. Surprisingly, 80% of them do not choose their favorite coffee brand in another test when the labels are gone. The only factor which affects their decisions if the labels are gone is the taste of the coffee. In other words, taste is the only reason for their choices if no labels are provided. The result tells us that without knowing the brand name, their buying decisions are different when comparing with knowing the brand name. The result shows us that brand had a strong influence in consumers decisions. 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