Agave Plants of Ancient Mesoamerica

Maguey or agave (also called the century plant for its long life) is a native plant (or rather, lots of plants) from the North American continent, now cultivated in many parts of the world. Agave belongs to the family Asparagaceae which has 9 genera and around 300 species, about 102 taxa of which are used as human food. Agave grows in arid, semiarid, and temperate forests of the Americas at elevations between sea level to about 2,750 meters (9,000 feet) above sea level, and thrives in agriculturally marginal parts of the environment. Archaeological evidence from Guitarrero Cave indicates that agave was first used at least as long as 12,000 years ago by Archaic hunter-gatherer groups. Main Species of Agave Plants Some of the major agave species, their common names and primary uses are: Agave angustifolia, known as Caribbean agave; consumed as food and aguamiel (sweet sap)  A. fourcroydes or henequen;  grown primarily for its fiberA. inaequidens, called maguey alto because of its height or maguey bruto because the presence of saponins in its tissue can cause dermatitis;  30 different uses including food and aguamielA. hookeri, also called maguey alto, is used primarily for its fibers, sweet sap, and sometimes used to form live fencesA. sisalana or sisal hemp, primarily fiberA. tequilana, blue agave, agave azul or tequila agave; primarily for sweet sapA. salmiana or green giant, grown mainly for sweet sap Agave Products In ancient Mesoamerica, maguey was used for a variety of purposes. From its leaves, people obtained fibers to make ropes, textiles, sandals, construction materials, and fuel. The agave heart, the plants above-ground storage organ that contains carbohydrates and water, is edible by humans. The stems of the leaves are used to make small tools, such as needles. The ancient Maya used agave spines as perforators during their bloodletting rituals. One important product obtained from maguey was sweet sap, or aguamiel (honey water in Spanish), the sweet, milky juice extracted from the plant. When fermented, aguamiel is used to make a mildly alcoholic beverage called pulque, as well as distilled beverages such as mescal and modern tequila, bacanora, and raicilla. Mescal The word mescal (sometimes spelled mezcal) comes from two Nahuatl terms melt and ixcalli which together mean oven-cooked agave. To produce mescal, the core of the ripe maguey plant is baked in an earth oven. Once the agave core is cooked, it is ground to extract the juice, which is placed in containers and left to ferment. When the fermentation is complete, alcohol (ethanol) is separated from the non-volatile elements through distillation to obtain pure mescal. Archaeologists debate whether mescal was known in pre-Hispanic times or if it was an innovation of the Colonial period. Distillation was a well-known process in Europe, derived from Arabic traditions. Recent investigations in the site of Nativitas in Tlaxcala, Central Mexico, however, are providing evidence for possible prehispanic mezcal production. At Nativitas, investigators found chemical evidence for maguey and pine inside earth and stone ovens dated between the mid- and late Formative (400 BCE to 200 CE) and the Epiclassic period (650 to 900 CE). Several large jars also contained chemical traces of agave and may have been used to store sap during the fermentation process, or used as distillation devices. Investigators Serra Puche and colleagues note that the set up at Navitas is similar to methods used to make mescal by several indigenous communities throughout Mexico, such as the Pai Pai community in Baja California, the Nahua community of Zitlala in Guerrero, and the Guadalupe Ocotlan Nayarit community in Mexico City. Domestication Processes Despite its importance in ancient and modern Mesoamerican societies, very little is known about the agaves domestication. That is most likely because the same species of agave can be found in several different gradations of domestication. Some agaves are completely domesticated and grown in plantations, some are tended in the wild, some seedlings (vegetative propagules) are transplanted into home gardens, some seeds collected and grown in seedbeds or nurseries for market. In general, domesticated agave plants are larger than their wild cousins, have fewer and smaller spines, and lower genetic diversity, this last a result of being grown in plantations. Only a handful have been studied for evidence of the onset of domestication and management to date. Those include Agave fourcroydes (henequen), thought to have been domesticated by the Pre-Columbian Maya of Yucatan from A. angustafolia; and Agave hookeri, thought to have been developed from A. inaequidens at a currently unknown time and place. The Mayans and Henequen The most information we have about maguey domestication is henequen (A. fourcroydes, and sometimes spelled henequà ©n). It was domesticated by the Maya perhaps as early as 600 CE. It was certainly fully domesticated when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century; Diego de Landa reported that henequen was grown in house-gardens and it was of much better quality than that in the wild. There were at least 41 traditional uses for henequen, but agricultural mass production at the turn of the 20th century has depressed the genetic variability. There were once seven different varieties of henequen reported by the Maya (Yaax Ki, Sac Ki, Chucum Ki, Bab Ki, Kitam Ki, Xtuk Ki, and Xix Ki), as well as at least three wild varieties (called chelem white, green, and yellow). Most of them were deliberately eradicated around 1900  when extensive plantations of Sac Ki were produced for commercial fiber production. Agronomy manuals of the day recommended that farmers work towards eliminating the other varieties, which were viewed as lesser-useful competition. That process was accelerated by the invention of a fiber-extracting machine that was built to fit the Sac Ki type. The three surviving varieties of cultivated henequen left today are: Sac Ki, or white henequen, most abundant and preferred by the cordage industryYaax Ki, or green henequen, similar to white but of lower yieldKitam Ki, wild boar henequen, which has soft fiber and low yield, and is very rare, and used for hammock and sandal manufacture Archaeological Evidence for the Use of Maguey Because of their organic nature, products derived from maguey are rarely identifiable in the archaeological record. Evidence of maguey use comes instead from the technological implements used to process and store the plant and its derivatives. Stone scrapers with plant residue evidence from processing agave leaves  are abundant in Classic and Postclassic times, along with cutting and storing implements. Such implements are rarely found in Formative and earlier contexts. Ovens that may have been used to cook maguey cores have been found in archaeological sites, such as Nativitas in the state of Tlaxcala, Central Mexico, Paquimà © in Chihuahua, La Quemada in Zacatecas and at Teotihuacà ¡n. At Paquimà ©, remains of agave were found inside one of several subterranean ovens. In Western Mexico, ceramic vessels with depictions of agave plants have been recovered from several burials dated to the Classic period. These elements underscore the important role that this plant played in the economy as well as the social life of the community. History and Myth The Aztecs/Mexica had a specific patron deity for this plant, the goddess Mayahuel. Many Spanish chroniclers, such as Bernardino de Sahagun, Bernal Diaz del Castillo, and Fray Toribio de Motolinia, stressed the importance that this plant and its products had within the Aztec empire. Illustrations in the Dresden and Tro-Cortesian codices show people hunting, fishing or carrying bags for trade, using cordage or nets made from agave fibers. Edited by K. Kris Hirst Sources Casas, A, et al. Evolutionary Ethnobotanical Studies of Incipient Domestication of Plants in Mesoamerica. Lira R, Casas A, and Blancas J, editors. Ethnobotany of Mexico: Interactions of People and Plants in Mesoamerica. New York: Springer New York, 2016. pp. 257-285.Colunga-Garcà ­a, Marà ­n P. The domestication of henequen. Gà ³mez-Pompa A, Allen MF, Fedick SL, and Jimà ©nez-Osornio JJ, editors. The Lowland Maya Area: Three Millennia at the Human-Wildland Interface. New York: Food Products Press, 2003. pp. 439-446.Evans, Susan T. â€Å"The Productivity of Maguey Terrace Agriculture in Central Mexico during the Aztec Period.†Ã‚  Latin American Antiquity, vol. 1, no. 2, 1990, pp. 117–132.Figueredo, Carmen Julia, et al. â€Å"Morphological Variation, Management and Domestication of Maguey Alto ( Agave Inaequidens ) and Maguey Manso ( A. Hookeri ) in Michoacà ¡n, Mà ©xico.† Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, BioMed Central, 16 Sept. 2014.Figueredo, Car men Julia, et al. â€Å"Genetic Structure of Coexisting Wild and Managed Agave Populations: Implications for the Evolution of Plants under Domestication.†Ã‚  AoB Plants, Mar. 2015.Freeman, Jacob, et al. â€Å"Crop Specialization, Exchange and Robustness in a Semi-Arid Environment.†Ã‚  Human Ecology, vol. 42, no. 2, 2014, pp. 297–310.Parsons, Jeffrey R, and Mary H. Parsons.  Maguey Utilization in Highland Central Mexico: An Archaeological Ethnography. Ann Arbor: Univ. of Michigan, Museum of Anthropology, 1990.Piven, N. M. et al. Reproductive biology of henequà ©n (. Am. J. Bot., vol. 88, 2001, pp. 1966-1976.Agave fourcroydes) and its wild ancestor  Agave Angustifolia  (Agavaceae). i. Gametophyte developmentRakita, GFM. Emergent Complexity, Ritual Practices, and Mortuary Behavior at Paquimà ©, Chihuahua, Mexico. VanPool CS, VanPool TL, Phillips, Jr. DA editors. Religion in the Prehispanic Southwest. Lanham: AltaMira Press, 2006.Robertson IG, and Cabrera Co rtà ©s MO. Teotihuacan pottery as evidence for subsistence practices involving maguey sap. Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, vol. 9, no. 1, 2017, pp. 11-27.Serra MC and Lazcano CA. The Drink Mescal: Its Origin and Ritual Uses. Staller J and Carrasco M editors, Pre-Columbian Foodways. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Food, Culture, and Markets in Ancient Mesoamerica, London: Springer, 2010.Serra Puche MC. Produccià ³n, circulacià ³n y consumo de la bebida del mezcal arqueolà ³gico y actual. Long Towell J, and Attolini Lecà ³n A, editors. Caminos y Mercados de Mà ©xico. Cuidad de Mà ©xico: Universidad Nacional Autà ³noma de Mà ©xico, Instituto de Investigaciones Histà ³ricas, 2009, pp. 169-184.Stewart JR. 2015. Agave as a model CAM crop system for a warming and drying world. Frontiers in Plant Science vol. 6, no. 684, 2015.

Eating Disorders Eating, Bulimia, And Anorexia - 1215 Words

There are many different types of eating disorders such as binge-eating, bulimia, and anorexia. All three eating disorders are very similar, but they are also differ with the issue they cause. Eating disorders can be harmful to a persons’ body because when they keep vomiting, it causes certain parts of the body to deteriorate over time. Each disorder has many symptoms, causes, warning signs, and health problems. All disorders differ with the way they affect people and how the person is treated. Binge-eating disorder consists of eating a larger amount of food within a short amount of time. People that have the binge-eating disorder do not try to remove the calories that they intake, they may try dieting or eating normal sized meal†¦show more content†¦Some interesting facts about binge-eating is that it affects more women than it does men. Around 60 percent of females struggle with this disorder, whereas; 40 percent of males struggle with it. This disorder affe cts people from all demographic backgrounds, and two-thirds of people who deal with this disorder are obese. People who are dealing with binge-eating disorder are often normal or a little overweight. They often suffer with distress and guilt, and a low quality of life that stems from anxiety and depression. Bulimia nervosa, also known as bulimia, is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder in which the person secretly eats food. There are two different types of Bulimia that include Purging and Nonpurging. Purging bulimia is where a people regularly vomits or uses laxatives after eating a large amount of food. Nonpurging bulimia is where a people uses different methods such as fasting or excessive exercise to remove calories in order to prevent gaining weight. Some symptoms of bulimia are being worried about body and gaining weight, uncontrollable eating, feeling discomfort after eating, large binge eating episode, vomit or exercise after eating, misusing laxativ es, restricting calories, and excessive use of dietary supplements. The exact cause of bulimia are unknown, but some doctors say that it is caused byShow MoreRelatedEating Disorders : Anorexia And Bulimia1676 Words   |  7 Pagesreason, many people thought it was wrong of Kate to say such a thing and claimed she was promoting eating disorders. This phrase, although years old, still has influence on young women in today’s society where whether someone eats too much or too little, they are judged. This being said it is no surprise that the leading mental illnesses in America are Anorexia and Bulimia. Both Anorexia and Bulimia are similar in the fact that they are highly popular in today’s world where it seems that physicalRead MoreEating Disorders: Anorexia and Bulimia1614 Words   |  6 PagesWhat do Anorexia and Bulimia have in common? They are both deadly eating disorders that can cause severe physical and mental health problems. Anorexia is an eating disorder of self- imposed starvation and a mental illness. In fact, anorexia has one of the highest death rates of any mental illness(Gerri FreidKramer, page 15). Bulimia is a mental eating disorder characterized by overeating followed by purging(Gerri Freid Kramer, page 21). People with bulimia are known for self induced vomitingRead MoreEating Disorders : Anorexia And Bulimia1229 Words   |  5 Pagesbelieve, eating disorders are not a thing of the past. They are unfortunately very prevalent; eating disorders affect up to 30 million Americans and 70 million individuals worldwide. 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Women will go to the extreme to meet thoseRead MoreEating Disorders Such As Bulimia, Binge Eating, And Anorexia1202 Words   |  5 PagesEating disorders such as Bulimia, Binge Eating, and Anorexia are common diagnosis when the subject of eating disorders is discussed. In fact, we hear about these in textbooks, movies, commercials and specific websites when we search for information. There are additional diagnosis which fall into a more selective form of disorders. Diabulimia is an eating disorder selective to insulin dependent individuals diagnosed with Diabetes . Health issues arise that can be very harmful not only due to lackRead MoreEating Disorders : Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, And Binge Eating1453 Words   |  6 PagesIn the United States of America 20 million women, and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life. There are three types of eating disorders, Anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating. 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According to a National Institute of Mental Health article (Eating Disorders, 2016), an eating disorder is an illness that causes physical disturbance to your everyday diet. A person who is stressed or concerned abo ut their body weight is a sign that he or she might have an eating disorder. Out of all the eating disorders, the two most common are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder where people, who are underweightRead MoreEating Disorders : Anorexia Nervosa And Bulimia Nervosa1830 Words   |  8 Pagesneeded to be thin. She would do all she can to get thin. She would look in the mirror and see herself as being fat and ugly. So she chooses not to eat or she binge eat and then purge. Now Addie has what is called an eating disorder. An eating disorder is can be described as abnormal eating to alter the body image due to psychological reasons. According to Janet Belsky, it can also be classified as a pathological obsession with getting and staying thin. (Belsky 252) They are associated with a wide rangeRead MoreEating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa2131 Words   |  9 PagesUsing the cases of two eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa), or obesity, one can determine that health and illnesses are just as much of a societal and cultural issue, as they are a medical issue. Eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia are both mental illnesses. Anorexia nervosa involves starving oneself to avoid gaining weight, while bulimia involves binge eating followed by purging to avoid weight gain (Gerber and Macionis 2012). Both of these disorders stem from a fear of

The Mexican Drug War and Its Consequences Free Essays

The Mexican Drug War and Its Consequences Despite President Felipe Calderon’s good intentions and determination to eliminate the drug cartels in Mexico, the Mexican government has not been able to stop the drug cartel’s operations (smuggling drugs, people and weapons to and from the USA) for many reasons. The drug cartels have proven to be powerful, well connected politically, well trained, well- armed, and manipulation of the masses. Therefore, it has been impossible for the Mexican government to stop cartels like La Familia from operating, and now the cartels have become a problem for the Unites States too. We will write a custom essay sample on The Mexican Drug War and Its Consequences or any similar topic only for you Order Now The Mexican cartels have proven to be unstoppable for the Mexican government. President of Mexico Felipe Calderon’s decision to send fifty thousand soldiers and twenty thousand federal police has not been enough to stop the cartel’s indiscriminate killings. According to the University of San Diego Trans-Border Institute of Analysis and Data, since January of 2007, 28,228 people have died in drug-related violence in Mexico (Sandiego. edu). Going muscle to muscle with the cartels has proven to be the wrong decision. Sending all those troops and federal police has only served to increases the death toll. Cartels like La Familia are well armed and trained. According to intelligence, members of La Familia must complete three to six month training camp in Michoacan, conducted by ex-members of the Colombian or Mexican Special Forces. La Familia uses equipment, weapons, and uniforms similar to those of the Federal Investigations Agency, therefore operating without being detected in cities and on highways (La Familia Michoacana fact sheet, DEA). It is a fact that La Familia is well armed with weapons that come from the United States. La Familia has the connections and the money to buy these weapons; Calderon continues to send more troops to combat the cartel, but this military effort will not work. La Familia cannot be stopped since they know how to manipulate the masses, by threats and targeting opposing citizens, and this makes the situation even worse for the Mexican government as they try to obtain help from citizens to capture the leaders. La familia has won the loyalty of many people through political and Christian beliefs, but mostly through intimidation. In the article â€Å"Silver or Lead,† we can see how a regional official named Veronica Medina has selective hearing in favor of La Familia. Medina is clearly in favor of La Familia even though she works for the Mexican government. It could be quite possible that Medina is on La Familia’s payroll. La Familia is known to win favors by offering monetary rewards. La Familia also intimidates people with violence; they take over a town and tell the mayor, â€Å"We want to work here. There will be no trouble, no crime, no drunkenness, nothing. † Then, they enforce their rules. Mayors are usually paid for their hospitality. It is silver or Lead (Finnegan 48). How can regional officials decline? Since they are substantially underpaid and their lives are threatened, they are almost forced if they don’t they face almost certain death at the hands of the cartel. As long as the Mexican government continues with this plan of combatting cartel, it will never see the end of the cartel. Mexico is a traditional Catholic country; most of the Catholics practicing in North America live in Mexico. La Familia uses this religious fervor to gain the sympathy of the people’s town. La Familia knows they will gain sympathy and new people who want to work for them if their organization somehow shows they are Christian believers. La Familia wants people to think that they only kill those who have committed a crime. According to William Finnegan â€Å"La Familia doesn’t kill for money, it doesn’t kill women, it doesn’t kill innocent people–only those who deserve to die. Everyone should know: this is divine justice† (Finnegan 40). These words were actually written on a sign left by La Familia at one of their assassination sites. Their propaganda implies the need for divine justice. They are trying every way possible to make people believe they are doing God’s work. The Mexican church has not said anything about it, and there are people who are led to believe that perhaps some of the violent works of the La Familia are necessary and maybe even justified. La Familia’s smuggling business has a big negative effect on America society and economy. Since La Familia is willing to pay the exorbitant amounts of money for necessary costly weapons, it entices Americans into breaking the law by getting involved in the illegally sales of arms. In February 2007, drug cartels gunmen attacked two offices of the Guerrero state attorney general’s office in the resort town of Acapulco, killing four officers and three secretaries. One of the rifles used in the attack was traced back to the United States (guns without borders). Federal agents say about 90 percent of the 12000 pistols and rifles that the Mexican authorities recovered from drug dealers in the United States are mostly from Texas and Arizona (McKinley 1). Every gun smuggler captured is sent to prison, and the government has to house him and fed him, costing taxpayers thousands of dollars a year. Drug addiction costs the U. S. billions in health care. According to the 2008 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, approximately three million Americans 12 or older initiated the use of an illicit drug. That is nearly 8000 people per day (2008 national survey of drug and health). More than half of all people arrested in the United States test positive for illegal drugs. Drug use is closely connected to robbery and property crime. Substances abused led directly to the death of 38000 Americans (Executive Office of the President of the United States). The drug cartels are clearly affecting America Society and their economy. The U. S. government needs to work harder to implement regulations on its side of the border. The Mexican government has tried almost everything, but it has not been successful. If the Mexican Government continues with the same approach to the drug cartel problems ultimately the drug cartels will overturn the government. Mexico is a civilized nation, and will not likely go to civil war over the drug cartels; still nobody has tried to take the drastic measures needed. La Familia is more brutal. La Familia is more motivated to keep their power than the government is to stop them; consequently they are impossible to stop. Works Cited Executive Office of the President of the United States. Web. 7. Nov. 2010 â€Å"Guns Without Borders† The New York Times. Web. 6. Nov. 2010 James Mckinley, â€Å"U. S. Stymied as Guns Flow to Mexican Cartels†, The New York Times, April 15, 2009 â€Å"La Familia Michoacana Fact Sheet†, DEA. Web. 5. Nov. 2010 Sandiego. edu. Web. 6. Nov. 2010 William Finnegan, â€Å"Silver or Lead†, The New Yorker, May 31, 2010, 40, 48 2008 National Survey of Drug Use and Health. Web. 6. Nov. 2010 How to cite The Mexican Drug War and Its Consequences, Essays

‘Drifters’ by Bruce Dawe Essay Example For Students

‘Drifters’ by Bruce Dawe Essay Donald Bruce Dawe was born in 1930 in Geelong. Victoria. Melbourne. he is one of the most successful and fecund modern-day poets of Australia. He struggled with his surveies. go forthing school when he was 16. working as a nurseryman and mailman. In 1954 he entered the University of Melbourne. He grew up in a family where his male parent. a farm laborer. was frequently unemployed and absent from place. The verse form ‘Drifters’ by Bruce Dawe should be selected for the esteemed honor of ‘Best Contemporary Australian Poem’ as it is a pragmatism verse form. describes Australian life style felicitously. which lead the Australian modern-day audiences easy fall in the verse form and profoundly engraved in their head. Bruce Dawe drifted through his early old ages demoing promise as a author but happening small way. which characterises his poesy and gives a voice to alleged ordinary Australians. Bruce Dawe has published 12 books of poesy. His poesies are described a bout life and how people deal with mundane obstructions. The verse form that I am put uping is ‘Drifters’ by Bruce Dawe. The verse form ‘Drifters’ describe the life manner that most Australians went through in the sixtiess. due to economic adversity. This verse form shows how they weren’t able to set up a stable life style due to frequently traveling communities and places. Australian audiences feel emotional as it describes the subsistence of the late sixtiess. The verse form ‘Drifters’ depicts the ungratified life of a transient and a rouseabout household. The verse form demonstrates the fate of the family’s being. ‘Drifters’ is about a family who move from topographic point to topographic point. as the male parent needs to travel to happen work ‘notice how the oldest miss is close to tears’ shows that the adversity that the eldest sister has to travel through. she realised that her mobile lives may neer alter. she can non populate as a normal adolescent as she is non stationed in one topographic point long plenty. to go friends with the same age as hers. she is bit by bit defeated with her life. ‘Make a wish. Tom. do a want. ’ Bruce Dawe besides shows a serious side in the verse form. as the female parent merely wish to settle down and hold the bright hereafter which she has ever dreamed of. As the verse form explained. the household members do non hold with the thought of go fort hing merely for the interest of go forthing. Bruce Dawe uses symbols to make tempers demoing unhappiness and the loss of hope. Dawe’s line ‘and when the loaded Ute bumps down the thrust past the blackberry canes with their last dried-up fruit’ . the blackberries were used as an index of clip. on their reaching the berries were the ‘first of the season’ but by the clip when they drove past the blackberry cane was they’re saw merely ‘their last dried-up fruit’ . This tells us that they possibly merely stayed for approximately two or three months. ‘The brown kelpy whelp will get down darting approximately. stumbling everyone up’ The Canis familiaris run around barking. shows the scene of a helter-skelter house. it besides conveys a sense of bad fortune to the household. A â€Å"kelpie† is an Australian shepherd dog. in Scots it refers to an evil H2O spirit that takes the signifier of a Equus caballus and drowns travelers. This cross-meaning gives the verse form a sense of danger. connoting that the household is non merely going with a puppy for the kids but is besides an portent of bad fortune. The surprisingness of the move is conveyed by the fact that the tomatoes are still green on the vine. They neer live in the one topographic point long plenty for the tomatoes to mature. This could be the same for other facets of their lives. doing new friends could be an illustration. They started to go friendly with the people of their vicinity. but shortly they’ll have to travel once more. â€Å"the bottling set she neer unpacked from Grovedale† . .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030 , .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030 .postImageUrl , .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030 , .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030:hover , .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030:visited , .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030:active { border:0!important; } .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030:active , .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030 .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ue5b22cc07467744337d3bebdbf49f030:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Six Hours Of Television EssayThis shows how the married woman has accepted the destiny she lives. Bruce Dawe besides uses repeat ‘Make a wish. Tom. do a want. ’ as the stoping of the verse form with a strong sense of hope and the usage of ‘and’ several times throughout the verse form. conveying an ongoing. enjambement or confession. ‘Drifters’ is directed towards the transeunt workers. depicting the Australia phenomenon. The verse form ‘Drifters’ continues to hold significance in today as today’s planetary citizens on a regular basis migrate to new continents. ‘Drifters’ by Bruce Dawe writes about ordinary Australian people in the suburbs facing their mundane jobs. picturing a typical Aussie modern twenty-four hours rouseabout. Bruce Dawe utilizing poetic techniques and workmanship to picture the adversity that the Australian had gone through. which successful in plunging and prosecuting the attending of the readers. We can understand the personal’s ideas through multiple linguistic communication and poetic techniques through the verse form.

Gregor Mendel was born in the district of Moravia, Essays - Biology

Gregor Mendel was born in the district of Moravia, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. At the end of high school, he entered the Augustinian monastery of St. Thomas in the city of Brnn, now Brno of the Czech Republic. His monastery was dedicated to teaching science and to scientific research, so Mendel was sent to a university in Vienna to obtain his teaching credentials. However, he failed his examinations and returned to the monastery at Brnn. There he embarked on the research program of plant hybridization that was posthumously to earn him the title of founder of the science of genetics. Mendel's studies constitute an outstanding example of good scientific technique. He chose research material well suited to the study of the problem at hand, designed his experiments carefully, collected large amounts of data, and used mathematical analysis to show that the results were consistent with his explanatory hypothesis. The predictions of the hypothesis were then tested in a new round of experimentation. Mendel studied the garden pea (Pisum sativum) for two main reasons. First, peas were available from seed merchants in a wide array of distinct shapes and colors that could be easily identified and analyzed. Second, peas can either self (self-pollinate) or be cross-pollinated. The peas self because the male parts (anthers) and female parts (ovaries) of the flowerwhich produce the pollen containing the sperm and the ovules containing eggs, respectivelyare enclosed by two petals fused to form a compartment called a keel. The gardener or experimenter can cross (cross-pollinate) any two pea plants at will. The anthers from one plant are removed before they have opened to shed their pollen, an operation called emasculation that is done to prevent selfing. Pollen from the other plant is then transferred to the receptive stigma with a paintbrush or on anthers themselves. Thus, the experimenter can choose to self or to cross the pea plants. Other practical reasons for Mendel's choice of peas were that they are inexpensive and easy to obtain, take up little space, have a short generation time, and produce many offspring. Such considerations enter into the choice of organism for any piece of genetic research. Mendel chose seven different characters to study. The word character in this regard means a specific property of an organism; geneticists use this term as a synonym for characteristic or trait. For each of the characters that he chose, Mendel obtained lines of plants, which he grew for two years to make sure that they were pure. A pure line is a population that breeds true for (shows no variation in) the particular character being studied; that is, all offspring produced by selfing or crossing within the population are identical for this character. By making sure that his lines bred true, Mendel had made a clever beginning: he had established a fixed baseline for his future studies so that any changes observed subsequent to deliberate manipulation in his research would be scientifically meaningful; in effect, he had set up a control experiment.

Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge asks the ultimate question - how great is the power of imagination, and answers it, with simple but poignant words, Beware! Beware!

Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge asks the ultimate question - how great is the power of imagination, and answers it, with simple but poignant words, Beware! Beware! Kingdom of Imagination, Kubla Khan Be Thy Ruler"Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is one of the most celebrated and debated works, poems and other, from the Romantic period in English Literature. Coleridge wrote this piece in the period from 1797 to 1798. It is largely speculated that this verse was induced by a drug slumber during which he dreamt up what he wrote about later. Many critics and readers argue to this day about the hidden and not-so-hidden meanings and intentions behind this poem, and even fewer agree about the especially enigmatic ending Coleridge chose for his masterpiece. Coleridge's self-admitted inspiration for this poem was a drug induced slumber caused by opium, from which a man from Porlock rudely woke him up . This drug-induced hallucination, with such techniques as paradoxical imagery, juxtaposition of details and irony, asks the ultimate question - how great is the power of imagination, and answers it, with simple but poignant words, "Beware! Beware!"Col eridge's exploration of the imagination begins first with paradoxical imagery, often natural, but also man-made, out worldily beautiful and impossible.English: Titlepage of Kubla Khan.Coleridge writes, "I would build that dome in air, /That sunny dome! those caves of ice!" He uses both sunny and ice imagery to put together an impossible picture of warmth and coldness, the sun and ice. The sun stands for summer, a time for warmth and growth, of joy and carelessness, while ice carries a harsher drearier overtone. While sun is warm and welcoming, ice is usually beautiful but uninviting, gracious, but emotionally unwelcome. Coleridge's imagination puts sun and ice, whose individual connotations are opposite when used together, to describe an image that is amazing and incredible. This image draws the foundation for this mystical story, a backdrop that serves as the mental base for all assumptions about...

Financial analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Financial analysis - Essay Example First, it would be reasonable to determine the absolute changes that occurred between different items of the financial statements. The percentage changes can then be computed to facilitate comparisons between the changes that occurred in the items of the financial statement. Comparisons of different items and financial ratios can also be determined to identify areas that have problems and might have caused a decrease in profit. The financial ratios will aid in determining the managements efficiency (Brigham and Houston, 2004). This section will entail performing several calculations to get the absolute changes, percentage changes, comparison changes, and financial ratios of different items in the financial statements. The changes will then be explained according to financial, industrial, and economic angles to try to explain the reasons behind the changes. Later in the section, various recommendations and suggestions will be made to the management in a bid to improve the financial situation of the company. The company’s revenue had a drop of 39440000 sterling pounds, resulting to a 15.46% decrease in sales. This shows that the company’s current performance was quite low from the previous year’s performance. Deeper scrutiny in this issue at hand revealed that there was a drop in the average industrial revenue of the clothing sector. This was mainly because of the economic conditions that prevail currently. The economy is currently at a recession making consumers to substitute purchasing clothes from luxury brands such those Excellent Clothing Company produce. The company is also faced with intense competition from the new entrants in the industry. The competition reduces the market share of the company resulting to a significant reduction of revenue (Retail-excellence.com). The company’s cost of goods has also had a drop 12300000 sterling pounds, resulting to a 12.71% fall in cost of revenue. This fall is due

Marketing professional Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Marketing professional - Essay Example The revenue base of the industry has increased at a constant rate of 3.5% and only decreased in 2008-2009 after the business donors cut-back. NFP organisations offer a wide array of services including operating hospitals, schools, and churches, as well as participating in community causes and fundraising events. The products offered a range from a sausage snack to Doctor of Philosophy degree. The prominent factor leading to the growth of NFP in Australia is the government support. This occurs in the form of direct funding, indirect funding e.g. concessions, and providence of a regulatory environment. The government offers financial services to these organisations as recognition for the value of their services in upholding the community welfare. Commercial enterprises have also contributed in the growth of NFPs through philanthropy support. Competition for government contracts and members services has enabled the NFPs to adopt efficient and superior strategies necessary for improvemen t of their competitive orientation. The NFPs associate with commercial entities on many occasions to improve social outcomes of some of their activities. The services offered by NFPs are superior to the ones offered by profit organisations in terms of the fields in which they operate and the basic character. They offer services of higher quality compared to commercial enterprises because they are non-profit oriented. NFP organisations competition with commercial enterprises in Australian is high. Amid this, they command wider acceptability among the society as people oppose the idea of commercialising community services. NFP organisations are inclined to serve people with the greatest need, thus, ensuring equity. Lack of extra charges for their services as required for profit generation makes their services cheaper than those of the commercial organisations. This attracts clientele as well as broadening the customer base leading to widening of service providence. Their focus on one community or group of people at a time cultivates loyalty and attracts preference among the service recipients. NFP organisations have rapidly expanded due to their characteristic property of potential flexibility and adaptability as they are not profit-oriented. This implies that they are capable of taking risks related to the creation of new business opportunities. NFP organisations have widely been accepted in Australia because of their advocacy role. They push for societal advancement as well as the change in government role as they are not market beholden. They are better placed to act as pioneers in various fields through identifying and solve the unaddressed societal problems (Salamon, Hems and Chinnock, 2000). NFP organisations serve as vehicles through which individuals and groups can express their opinions on various issues. This contributes into community building and democratisation through encouraging social interaction that creates the attitudes of trust and reciprocit y. Organisational growth has also been realised by the ability of these organisations to overcome the constraints related to their daily operations. Regulatory constraints are minimised through transforming their legal structures and processes to conform in line with the Australian federal requirements. Their growth has also been sustained through formulation of strategies necessary for overcoming

Please see the order instruction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Please see the order instruction - Essay Example Both China and Russia changed themselves from centrally planned economies to market-directed and China’s reforms started in the late 1970s whereas Russia saw such reforms only during the early 1990s. The pace and situation of the reforms were different in both the countries. Russia’s reforms were brought into effect comparatively at full tilt after the end of Communism. In China, market-oriented reforms took form gradually and were controlled by Communist government. Political constraints play a critical role in the development of economic reforms. For Chinese leaders, the reform strategies were a medium through which they could make changes and adjustments to their own political interests. However, if the interests are not protected, the parties would disagree with such reforms. According to political scientist Susan Shirk, political constraints lead to a compromise in decision making process among political parties. In order to solve the political constraint problem, China had started modest reform strategies in some areas and sectors where investment opportunities were huge and estimated profit from the pre-reform system was small. Soft budget constraint was introduced by Kornai. It is a main source of inefficiency. These inefficiencies, in order, tend to lead to inefficient resource allocation, over investment, shortages and macro economic imbalances. The SBC exists and creates problems in other financial systems. Kornai states that there are two kinds of explanations of SBC. They are exogenous and endogenous. â€Å"Explanations of the first type attribute the existence of the SBC to various exogenous reasons, including the paternalism of a socialist state and the governments aims for job creation or for gaining political support† (Lin & Tan 1999). The second type of explanation views the SBC as an endogenous phenomenon, which is

Symantecs ERP Turmoil Information Technology Essay

Symantecs ERP Turmoil Information Technology Essay A companys Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is like its central nervous system. If it is healthy, it provides the sensory input to management so they can understand what is happening with customers, suppliers, and employees. It helps management respond, by coordinating the companys resources to win customers, battle competitors, and reduce cost, just like muscles in a body. Enterprise resource planning implementations are never easy. In fact, its the equivalent of corporate open heart surgery. And often theres a financial hit if things dont go well. Yet, despite this critical role ERP systems play, most companies fail when in it comes to implementing or upgrading their ERP system. (Eaves, 2009) The horror stories of failed ERP projects are now the stuff of legend. According to one recent report, more than 40% of ERP implementations fail to achieve even half the planned business benefits. Some well known examples include Waste Management suing SAP for $500 million for a failed ERP implementation, Hershey Foods 19% drop in profits from a failed SAP implementation at Halloween time a few years ago, the complete bankruptcy of FoxMeyer Drug, a $5 billion pharmaceutical distributor over a failed $100 million ERP implementation (Eaves, 2010), and, finally Symantecs ERP turmoil, even though it didnt fail completely, but it was the main cause for losing many loyal customers and lower-than-expected earnings in the third quarter of 2007. Adapt to change is always difficult, and even more when a corporation tries to accomplish two difficult tasks in parallel such as a change in organizational structure as well as to adapt on the way the new company operates. This is the case of Symantec that attempting to complete both tasks got into a vicious circle. (Achieving Operational Excellence, 2009) Symantecs ERP turmoil will be our case study discussion and I will highlight in detail the key issues and concepts in the chapter that are illustrated in this case study, find out the factors that were responsible for Symantecs difficulties in overhauling its ERP systems, demonstrate Symantecs adequacy in response to the problem, show the available options that could be done differently to prevent the implementation problems that arose at Symantec, and demonstrate customer loyalty based on historical relationship and switching costs. Key Issues and Concepts Lets first know exactly what the ERP system is and reveal the opportunities that attract many organizations toward adopting their IT systems to an ERP system and demonstrate the challenges associated with the implementation of such systems. An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is an integrated computer-based application used to manage internal and external resources, including tangible assets, financial resources, materials, and human resources. Its purpose is to facilitate the flow of information between all business functions inside the boundaries of the organization and manage the connections to outside stakeholders. Built on a centralized database and normally utilizing a common computing platform, ERP systems consolidate all business operations into a uniform and enterprise-wide system environment. (Enterprise resource planning, 2010) Figure Enterprise Resource Planning Systems http://www.emanage.in/images/erp.jpg Source: http://www.emanage.in/ Opportunities Associated with ERP Implementation ERP systems connect the necessary software in order for accurate forecasting to be done. This allows inventory levels to be kept at maximum efficiency and the company to be more profitable. Integration among different functional areas to ensure proper communication, productivity and efficiency. Design engineering (how to best make the product). Order tracking, from acceptance through fulfillment. The revenue cycle, from invoice through cash receipt. Tracking the three-way match between purchase orders, inventory receipts, and costing. Managing inter-dependencies of complex processes. ERP systems centralize the data in one place. (Enterprise resource planning, 2010) Challenges Associated with ERP Implementation Customization of the ERP software is limited. Re-engineering of business processes to fit the industry standard prescribed by the ERP system may lead to a loss of competitive advantage. ERP systems can be very expensive. ERPs are often seen as too rigid and too difficult to adapt to the specific workflow and business process of some companies-this is cited as one of the main causes of their failure. Many of the integrated links need high accuracy in other applications to work effectively. Once a system is established, switching costs are very high for any partner. The blurring of company boundaries can cause problems in accountability, lines of responsibility, and employee morale. Resistance in sharing sensitive internal information between departments can reduce the effectiveness of the software. (Enterprise resource planning, 2010) Symantec Project Oasis Symantec Corporation started out with good intentions. Shortly after acquiring Veritas it began an ERP rollout that was designed to standardize and unify the Symantec and Veritas information systems. The goal was to create a single ERP system, within which all of the companys extensive network of resellers, integrators, distributors, and customers could place orders for over 250,000 different products Symantec offered in the same way. That follows the basic concept of enterprise systems which are based on a suite of integrated software modules and a common central database. When new information is entered by one process, the information is made immediately available to other business processes. (Laudon, 2010) Although companies can rewrite some of the software in ERP systems, the software is unusually complex and extensive customization may degrade system performance, compromising the information and process integration. If companies want to reap the maximum benefits from enterprise software, they must change the way they work to conform to the business processes in the software. Although Symantec and Veritas had each used Oracle E-Business Suite 11d prior to the merger, both used highly customized versions of the systems that made integration a daunting task (Laudon, 2010). An overhaul of the combined companys enterprise systems was needed to join together Symantec and Veritass data from key business processes. Enterpyrise systems help large companies enforce standard practices and data so that everyone does business the same way worldwide. Enterprise systems help firms respond rapidly to customer requests for information or products. Unfortunately, the two companies bungled the implementation of the enterprise system almost from the beginning. (Achieving Operational Excellence, 2009) In my perspective, the pros associated with the implementation or upgrade to an ERP system outweigh its cons if done properly with a comprehensive plan stating the goals and the expected risks associated with it, implemented a step-by-step without compounding the implementation of the ERP system with the launch of multiple products, and without making too many customizations that lead to inefficient system and make it lose its competitiveness. So I believe that Symantec did not have an effective plan that took into consideration all the possible risks in despite of their knowledge to the risks associated with merging and upgrading two customized versions of an ERP system, they accompanied the upgrade with the launch of other products which made the case even more complicated. The following image shows the organizational change management methodology as it aligns with the ERP implementation road map http://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/scn/go/portal/prtroot/docs/webcontent/mimes/bpx/Business%20Process%20in%20Practice/OCM/ocm_roadmap.jpg Source: www.sdn.sap.com Responsible Factors for Symantecs Difficulties in Overhauling its ERP Systems Management: Most of the issues were due to the companys shortsightedness in implementing Project Oasis. The initial reaction to the launch of the new system was decidedly negative. Once customers reached a Symantec employee, they could spend up to 20 more minutes troubleshooting problems, and were often told that there was nothing that could be done. There was simply too much change occurring all at once for typical customers to handle. Partners were unhappy with Symantecs slow response to many of the problems (Laudon, 2010). Every project with such size should start with a realistic, specific, and a detailed plan that contains all project activities and their sequences in development, estimated budget, associated risks, estimated duration, and perhaps a list of personnel involved in the project implementation. The managements underestimate of the project size and the business processes involved is the most common mistake and fatal error that led many organizations to fail in its ERP implementation, and led sometimes to the demise of others. Despite all Symantecs plans and the involvement of many experts from its management side like its CIO who has a long experience in ERP systems as he worked as a CIO for many ERP vendors like Oracle and PeopleSoft, the management made a fatal error in preparing its users and more than 60,000 resellers, and distributors. The management did not assign its user to a proper training or let the people who will be in a direct contact with the new system on a daily basis and who are the main users of the system such as its personnel and partners to get involved in such a huge change in the system they used to work on and interact with. Organization: The Company was unprepared to meet the increased demand for customer support after the rollout. Symantec neglected to coordinate the development of its new ERP system with the launch of other products from different divisions within the company. The changes to the licensing system were not coordinated with the rest of the project. Customers were unhappy with changes to the stock-keeping unit product system (SKU system). Symantec had overlooked the needs of many customers while designing a technically sound but user-unfriendly ERP system (Laudon, 2010). Technology: Both companies used highly customized versions of Oracles E-Business Suite 11d prior to the merger. Users struggled to process the large amount of information provided to them and were overwhelmed by the increased number of steps, all of them new, required to place orders. Some smaller distributors and partners didnt update their systems to handle the new SKUs and were unable to submit purchase orders electronically. After the rollout, licensing became much more difficult for Symantecs customers and partners, forcing them to wait multiple weeks before receiving their licenses (Achieving Operational Excellence, 2009). Information systems are now required to respond to a wide range of potential users (both within and outside of an organization) with a diverse set of skills, functional specialization and IT competency. The days in which the IT or finance department exclusively specified and furnished information on behalf of end users have gone. Whether users are knowledge workers or occasional users of an information system, they need access to a system on a self-service basis so that they can retrieve information for themselves using the tools most appropriate to their role and capability. (Cognos 8 product, 2006) So implementing a new ERP system which will be used by most personnel within a company needs a proper and in depth training to all involved users at the right time and not at the system rollout. In my perspective, Symantecs management lacked a thorough assessment on the project needs in terms of training to its entire stakeholders such as vendors and customers, they were unprepared to meet the increased demand for customer support due to a new system implementation which always result in an increase demand to customer support, and they didnt pay enough attention to the complexity and size of ERP implementations which was obvious of accompanying the upgrade with changes to software licensing that was not coordinated with the rest of Project Oasis, and launching the update of multiple programs at the same time with the development of the new system. Was Symantecs response to the problem adequate? From the turmoil of Project Oasis rose Project Nero. The company initiated this follow-up project to recapture the loyalty of customers who were disenchanted by the changes brought about by Oasis. The project reached out to customers and fixed the problems with the information systems to improve response times and streamline operations (Laudon, 2010). The company began by adding over 150 new customer representatives to handle the increased volume of calls, reducing wait times and increasing customer satisfaction. Executives traveled the country to improve relations with angered customers and partners. The company introduced a master list of product releases readily available and standardized its communication methods between departments regarding new projects and change management (Laudon, 2010). Symantec used Net Promoter methodology to measure and increase customer loyalty. The results identified specific criticisms and customer problems and dramatically aided Symantec in correcting those problems. Project Nero helped the company weather the worst of the crisis. However, the company does not release the results of its Net Promoter surveys to the public so the extent to which it has repaired its reputation is unclear (Achieving Operational Excellence, 2009). So I believe that Symantec definitely took many critical steps to save its reputation and loyal customers around the globe, also I believe that the most critical steps beside introducing the programs listed above are that Symantecs executives traveled the country in order to satisfy and improve relations with angered customers and partners, and that CEO Thompson routinely calls to check up on the quality of customer service . (Laudon, 2010) Solutions Could Have Prevented Symantec Implementation Problems Even the most careful planning and well-designed systems can quickly go awry if customers are unable to make use of the new system. Enterprise applications involve complex pieces of software that are very expensive to purchase and implement. The total implementation cost of a large system, including software, database tools, consulting fees, personnel costs, training, and perhaps hardware costs, might amount to four to five times the initial purchase price for the software (Achieving Operational Excellence, 2009). Enterprise applications require not only deep-seated technological changes but also fundamental changes in the way a business operates. Business processes must be changed to work with the software. Employees must accept new job functions and responsibilities. Most implementation projects fail or experience enormous problems because executives, managers, and employees did not understand how much organizational change was required (Achieving Operational Excellence, 2009). Specific Symantec problems that perhaps could have been avoided: Communicate with employees better to counteract the negative attitude towards the project. Communicate with customers and distributors better about the upcoming changes. Make sure all of the systems that were changing were coordinated throughout the organization. Not change as many systems all at the same time. Even though stretching the implementation out over a longer period may have cost more money, perhaps it would have prevented some of the massive problems overall. In my perspective, the most critical factor in Symantecs ERP turmoil was the lack of a thorough communication with employees and customers who are the main users of the new system which I believe was a fatal error from the management side. Also other important factors were the lack of coordination among the different programs throughout the organization and the change in many systems all at the same time. So I think if Symantec management paid enough attention to the details and avoided the factors listed above, they were going to have a successful ERP implantation in terms of cost, time, and customers retention. What about If Youre the Customer? Historical Relationship Measuring customer loyalty is no passing fancy at Symantec. The executive leadership committee-which is chaired by Salem and includes division and department vice presidents, as well as CIO Thompson and Parrish-meets every two weeks to review loyalty metrics and identify what each unit manager is doing to improve their scores and efficiency. (Walsh, 2008) Technology may be the engine that drives business, but business is still conducted by people. Understanding the needs, desires and experience of the customer-whether that person is an internal user, a reseller partner or a consumer-is critical to any companys success and growth. (Walsh, 2008) So based on a strong historical relationship, many of Symantec customers and partners believe that Symantec always strived to achieve a high level in customer loyalty. This strong relationship between Symantec and its partners was the most critical factor that assisted Symantec to succeed in retaining most of its customers and go back on track despite the turmoil and difficulties faced by many customers during Symantecs ERP project. Switching Costs Another critical factor that most customers usually consider is that IT applications introduce switching costs that make it very costly to switch vendors. Companies become dependent on the vendor to upgrade its product and maintain the installation. Many of Symantecs partners and smaller distributors were reliant on Symantec and perhaps could not afford to switch vendors. That would mean they would have to switch all of their internal systems at great cost. (Achieving Operational Excellence, 2009). In my perspective, I will be reluctant to switch vendors if I was a customer because based on historical relationships I believe that Symantec is an outstanding corporation and always srtives to satisfy customers and customer satidfaction at Symantec is the first goal for achieving success. Also I may consider another factor, if the problems seem temporary, I will hang on, but if the problems seem insurmountable, I will desert the sinking ship. Conclusion ERP systems are the nervous system of any company, so doing an ERP implementation is like brain surgery: only to be attempted if there is a really good reason and not to soon be repeated. ERP implementation projects often fall victim to some of the same problems of any large, complex project. However, there are some repeatable problems that good planning early in a project can work to avoid and thats exactly what Symantec lacked in its ERP implementation. (Eaves, 2009) Even the most careful planning and well-designed systems can quickly go awry if customers are unable to make use of the new system. Enterprise applications involve complex pieces of software that are very expensive to purchase and implement. The total implementation cost of a large system, including software, database tools, consulting fees, personnel costs, training, and perhaps hardware costs, might amount to four to five times the initial purchase price for the software (Achieving Operational Excellence, 2009). If Symantec did better in communicating with employees, customers, and distributers about the coming changes, made sure all of the systems that were changing were coordinated throughout the organization, and did not change as many systems all at the same time, it could prevented the turmoil and difficulties it faced during the implementation of its ERP project. Eliminating confusion and improving the product ordering process wasnt enough. Symantec realized that it needed to recapture the hearts and minds of its customers and partners. Project Nero, the follow-up to Oasis, established several strategic objectives to improve everything from Symantecs change-management processes to continuously measuring customer loyalty. (Walsh, 2008) Customers are often reluctant to switch vendors based on historical relationships. If the problems seem temporary, the customers will hang on. If the problems seem insurmountable, some customers will desert the sinking ship. Companies who decide on a complete overhaul in their IT systems and start an ERP implementation should learn from the successes and failures of others and try to avoid known mistakes made by the other organizations through the ERP implementation practice. There are time-proven approaches that can enhance the success of the ERP implementation and each company shoul d examine each one of these approaches and study them carefully to increase its success level .

Surrogate Mothers Essay -- essays research papers

Surrogate Mothers The practice of bearing a child on behalf of another woman. This is surrogate motherhood. Is it considered immoral? By some, yes. In some countries it is banned—and in others it is promoted or up for consideration. In recent days, the issue of "right and wrong" has surfaced in the midst of this argument, sharing different meanings to the opposing sides. To some, it is right only for the woman who brings forth life to raise the child; for it is deemed that she is the only one fit to be the child's mother. Clearly, we must indeed recognize this side of the argument. But to those with that viewpoint, that is the end of the argument. They do not see any reason for the issue to be continued further; rather, to end the debate and declare anyone who disagrees to lack morals or values. But have those who preach this anti-surrogate moralism ever experienced what it would be like to be those on the other side of this issue? Suppose, for a moment, that they were the ones who were incapable of having children. Would they condemn themselves the way that they condemn others if they were in another predicament? It is surely easy to say what one would do in any situation, but one can never know exactly what they would do until that situation comes. How many of you have ever held a small child in your arms and looked into its small eyes and felt the love that you had for it. Perhaps it was a younger sibling, perhaps even a child of your own. You know how much th...

What Are the Statistics on Cooperative Learning

WHAT ARE THE STATISTICS ON COOPERATIVE LEARNING ANYWAY? Cooperative learning has been debated by educators for a long time and continues to be questioned today. Many educators feel that cooperative learning strips students of the benefits of direct instruction. Proponents of homogeneous learning tend to stray from cooperative learning because it seems to deprive gifted students of learning with their gifted peers.Five studies will be summarized that look at different aspects of cooperative learning: effects with the learning disabled, the advantage of helping behaviors, math achievement, strategic reading in groups, social support, and heterogeneous vs. homogeneous grouping. A study was conducted to find out if students with learning difficulties interacted positively in cooperative learning groups. This study also looked at the importance of training students to work together as opposed to just putting them in groups to complete tasks (Gillies & Ashman, 2000). The study looked at 15 2 third grade students from Australia.Twenty-two of those students had learning difficulties (12 boys and 10 girls). The students were randomly placed in cooperative learning groups of five to six students consisting of one high-ability student, two medium-ability students, and one low-ability student. The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test measured learning ability and grade level readiness. An ANOVA test showed no significant difference between the structured groups (those trained to work cooperatively) and the unstructured groups (those not trained to work together) at the onset of the study.During the study period the structured group received the treatment of cooperative learning training before completing a social studies unit (independent variable). The unstructured group was encouraged to work together as a group and given the same time period to complete the social studies unit, but they never received training for such group work. The students were videotaped twice during the study to observe behaviors and interactions, and they were given comprehension and word reading pre- and posttests. The researchers focused their findings on the students with learning difficulties.There was no significant difference in the behaviors of students in the structured or unstructured groups. However, there were significant findings regarding group interactions. Those students in the structured groups interacted and benefited from interactions significantly more than students in the unstructured groups. Students in the structured group also reached greater achievement on the comprehension posttest than those from the unstructured groups. No significant findings resulted in the word reading posttest between the two groups.The authors did find that this study supported that students with learning difficulties do benefit from working in small, structured cooperative groups (Gillies & Ashman, 2000). Nattiv’s study of cooperative learning (1994) focused on four topics: Do helping behaviors found in cooperative groups have a link to achievement gains in third, fourth, and fifth grade math students? Did gender, grade, or ability level within cooperative groups affect achievement? Do all helping behaviors benefit academic achievement? Does gender, grade, or ability level have an effect on the helping behaviors exhibited? Nattiv, 1994)). The subjects included 36 third-grade students, 34 fourth-grade students, and 31 fifth-grade students. Fifty-four of those students were male and the remaining 47 were females. The children were ability grouped from the results of the California Test of Basic Skills and the Southwest Regional Lab (both math assessments). Males and females were separately grouped as high-, medium-, and low-ability. The author states that these pretest results could be seen as achievement rather than ability, but the teachers of the students were consulted about the placement of the students (Nattiv, 1994).All of the students received d irect instruction, modeling, and practice of helping behaviors in cooperative group learning. Teachers also received training in this area. The groups, then, participated in grade-level appropriate math units. Students were further encouraged to work cooperatively because individual improvement on assessments also earned team points. Data was collected by audio and video recordings. The research team hypothesized that helping behaviors would be related to achievement. Achievement gain would be used as the dependent variable and would be measured by an ANCOVA test.The team found that there was a significant relationship to students using helping behaviors in cooperative learning groups to academic achievement gain. The only behaviors that did not show significant growth were the giving and receiving of answers without explanation (Nattiv, 1994). Another study conducted in Southeastern United States focused on a different type of cooperative learning called Collaborative Strategic Rea ding. Klingner, Vaughn, and Schumm (1998) sought to discover if this program would be effective in a heterogeneous classroom.They further wanted to analyze reading comprehension, social studies content, and student interactions in conjunction with this technique (Klingner, Vaughn, & Schumm, 1998). The participants included 141 students. Eighty-five students were split into three classes to represent the treatment group (or intervention condition), and 56 students were split into two classes to represent the control condition. To ensure equal groupings the students were assessed with the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement, then paired and randomly assigned to conditions.Both conditions received the same instruction, number of sessions, time periods per session, and homework activities. The intervention condition received instructions on how to use specific reading strategies to read strategically. The strategies were modeled, practiced, used in small groups, and then encouraged wh en students broke off into their cooperative groups of five to six students. The control condition received direct instruction for the same social studies material and participated in all lessons as a whole group.Sessions within the intervention condition were audiotaped to hear student interactions. The Gates-MacGinitie Standardized Reading test and a social studies unit test served as dependent variables to measure student achievement. The researchers of this study did find these strategies to be successful. The strategies caused the students of the intervention condition to participate more and discuss more academic content. The students also received higher achievement gains in reading comprehension, while also finding success on the social studies testing.LD students and LEP students did not show statistically significant growth, but did show some growth. Not all of the strategies proved to be successful for the intervention condition, but most did serve their purpose (Klingner , et al. , 1998). Johnson, Johnson, Buckman, and Richards (2001) were only interested in the social aspects of cooperative learning. â€Å"The purpose of the present study was to determine whether cooperative learning experiences are related to social support in the classroom,† (Johnson, Johnson, Buckman, & Richards, 2001).The researchers used The Classroom Life Instrument to measure their data. It included 59 Likert-type questions rating statements on a five point scale of truthfulness. The measure was taken in November and January of the same school year. The sample included five eighth-grade classes with 45 girls and 46 boys. They were divided by those who reported being in cooperative groups less than half of the time (35 students) and participating half of the time or more (56 students). The hypothesis was that students would feel more social support in classrooms experiencing cooperative learning more often.Between November and January, research found that students did indeed feel more support with more exposure to cooperative learning. Support was felt by teachers and other students. Students felt more comfortable with materials presented and felt less alienated in the classroom. Students felt more responsible for what they were doing and had a better relationship among classmates both academically and personally (Johnson, et al. , 2001). Grouping students heterogeneously is typically a cooperative learning â€Å"must. Watson and Marshall (1995) wanted to test that theory in a study comparing the effectiveness of heterogeneous grouping and homogeneous grouping in cooperative task structures (Watson & Marshall, 1995). Thirty-five undergraduate elementary education students in a life science class were chosen to participate in this study. In this 13 week treatment, the independent variable was in the grouping of students. Six of the groups were arranged heterogeneously and six groups were arranged homogeneously.All groups were exposed to cooperati ve task structures, cooperative incentive structures, and individual accountability. Control was measured by the National Association of Biology Teachers/ National Science Teachers Association test (form A) before the treatment began. The dependent variable was taken from the results of the NABT/NSTA (form B) posttest. A five-item, five-point Liken scale was used to measure student response to the cooperative learning experiences. The authors felt that greater achievement would be gained by students heterogeneously placed in cooperative learning groups. They were rejected.Findings indicated no significant difference in test results from the heterogeneous groups to the homogeneous groups. In fact, in measuring the students’ perceptions of their experiences the homogeneous groups rated their experiences higher than those of the heterogeneous groups. The authors concluded that further studies should be done to find out if heterogeneous grouping is the most beneficial in all coop erative learning tasks (Watson & Marshall, 1995). I am a strong supporter, and user, of cooperative learning. I feel that students best learn from the modeling of those they can relate to most: their peers.After reviewing these studies I have not only gained a better understanding of what might be needed to strengthen cooperative learning in the education of my students, but I also feel validated in my use of cooperative learning as an effective learning tool. While some of the researchers did reject initial hypotheses, all of them showed value in the practice of cooperative learning. It is important to teach students how to work cooperatively, model good helping behaviors, and help students to receive not only strong academic support but strong social support as well.Finally, heterogeneous grouping may not be best in every experience in the classroom. Different group experiences may be needed to enhance the benefits. References Gillies, R. M. & Ashman, A. F. (2000). The effects of cooperative learning on students with learning difficulties in the lower elementary school. Journal of Special Education, 34(1), 19-27. Johnson, D. W. , Johnson, R. T. , Buckman, L. A. , & Richards, P. S. (2001). The effect of prolonged implementation of cooperative learning on social support within the classroom. The Journal of Psychology, 119(5), 405-411.Klingner, J. K. , Vaughn, S. , & Schumm, J. S. (1998). Collaborative strategic reading during social studies in heterogeneous fourth-grade classrooms. The Elementary School Journal, 99(1), 3-22. Nattiv, A. (1994). Helping behaviors and math achievement gain of students using cooperative learning. The Elementary School Journal, 94(3), 285-297. Watson, S. B. & Marshall, J. E. (1995). Heterogeneous grouping as an element of cooperative learning in an elementary education science course. School Science & Mathematics, 95(8), 401-406.

Addiction Essay 4 Essays

Addiction Essay 4 Essays Addiction Essay 4 Essay Addiction Essay 4 Essay INTRODUCTION Addiction is a chronic disorder proposed to be precipitated by a combination of genetic, biological/pharmacological and social factors. Addiction is a compulsion to repeat a behavior regardless of its consequences (Webster, 2003). Addiction is often characterized by a craving for more of the drug or behavior, increased physiological tolerance to exposure, and withdrawal symptoms in the absence of the stimulus (NIDA, 2008). The purpose of this paper is to review a recently published book that focuses on family involvement in addiction. The book selected for this project was, â€Å"The Science of Addiction: From Neurobiology to Treatment† by Dr. Carlton (Carl) K. Erickson. Dr. Erickson is a research scientist studying the effects of alcohol on the brain for over 30 years. He received his Ph. D. degree in pharmacology from Purdue University in 1965 and taught and preformed research at The University of Kansas and The University of Texas since 1969. He presently is the Pfizer Centennial Professor of Pharmacology and Director of the Addiction Science Research and Education Center in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Erickson is a published professional with over 150 scientific articles and co-authored multiple books on addiction and drug abuse. As a neuroscientist, he believes that addictions are neurochemical disorders. Although, in 1988 the United States Supreme Court declared alcoholism to be willful misconduct (Gerde, 2005), Dr. Erickson bases his belief on decades of comprehensive genetic and neurobiological research that provided evidence that addiction is a disease of the brain with genetic connection. He believes if the addiction is diagnosed early it can be treated successfully. Dr. Erickson is more than qualified to speak on the subject of addiction and any subtopics related to addition. Dr. Ericksons book is written to a general audience and easy to understand. The book provides a clear and detailed overview of current neurobiological information and treatment programs for addiction based solely on science and provides a brief description of genetics. According to Dr. Erickson there have been possible causative genes identified. He emphasizes in his book that any treatment approach cannot rely on pharmacological solutions alone and that treatment must be individualized, but does not go into great detail. Although, he does refer to group, individual and family counseling his main focus is pharmaceutical treatment. The first chapter of the book clarifies the terminology used throughout the book. The next 7 chapters provide a crash course in the basics of the brain, the anatomy and neurobiology of addiction, genetics and pharmacology. Chapter 8 lists various treatment programs offered for the most widespread addictions to include several types of counseling methods and pharmaceutical treatments. Dr. Erickson focuses on addiction as a disease process and dismisses most psychological aspects of the addicted person, claiming the addicted person is not responsible for their condition. Dr. Ericksons simply ignores other research and evidence that support a psychological bases for addiction. Although there has been no clear-cut cause identified for addiction, research has identified numerous factors as potential causes. Potential cause are everything from genetic, physiological, biochemical, social and prenatal factors to emotional conflicts, personality traits, learned behavior and stress. His treatment modalities focus on pharmacological treatments disregarding the psychological piece of prevention and treatment not to mention free will and moral responsibility. Scientific research supports addiction as a disease and also supports the idea that there are psychological factors present as potential causative factors as well as plays a significant role in prevention and treatment, (SAMSHA, 2004). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) family does influence prevention and treatment. One of the individual factors related to successful prevention and treatment include motivation to change drug-using behavior and the degree of support from family and friends is crucial. It is important for the families to be part of treatment. They need to be referred to support groups designed to helping them understand their role is intertwined in the addiction. These groups will provide education about the disease in general and how they will assist in treatment. Although, Dr. Erickson has valid scientific research on the topic of addiction and his research is accepted in the medical community his treatment modalities lacks the whole person concept. NIDA agrees addiction is a disease of the brain because addiction changes the brain’s structure and how the brain works. NIDA explains, the initial decision to indulge in addictive behavior is voluntary, but over time the individual’s ability to exert self control is seriously impaired. Dr. Erickson’s book implies the primary and only contributing factor to addictive behavior is genetic. This is in contrast to NIDA research. NIDA expresses that there are many factors contributing to an individual susceptibility in displaying addictive behavior range from physical make up to environmental influences. According to NIDA only about 40% of the total contributing factors are possibly genetic the rest is psychological, environmental and by choice. The influence of the home environment is in most cases a significant influence. Parents or older family members who abuse alcohol or drugs can increase an individual’s risk of developing their own addictive behaviors. NIDA does support the ideas that addiction is a treatable disease. With the discoveries in science and research there have been many advances in addictive treatment. Like other chronic diseases, addiction can be managed successfully. Research shows that combining medications with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients. NIDA and Dr. Erickson agree that treatment approaches must be tailored to address each individual, but differ on the appropriate care plan. Behavioral treatments are recognized by the medical community as an essential part of addiction treatment. Behavioral treatment assists in modifying an individual attitudes and behaviors related to their addiction and increasing their skills to handle stressful circumstances and environmental cues that may trigger intense craving and enhance the effectiveness of medications (SAMSHA, 2004). Getting an addicted person to stop is just one part of the treatment and recovery process. Addiction has disrupted how they function in their family lives, at work and in the community. Because addiction can affect so many aspects of an individuals life, treatment must address the needs of the entire individual to be successful. Treatment need to meet the individual’s medical, psychological, social, vocational, religious and legal needs (Capuzzi Stauffer, 2008). This is why the best programs incorporate a variety of services into their treatment program. Successful treatment programs across the U. S. include cognitive behavioral, group and family therapies as well as motivational incentives. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals recognize, avoid, and cope with the situations in which they are most likely to fall into addictive behaviors. Motivational incentives use positive reinforcement such as providing rewards or rivileges for appropriate behaviors such as for attending and participating in counseling sessions, or for taking medications as prescribed. Group therapy helps individual face their addiction realistically and come to terms with its harmful consequences, and boost their motivation. Family therapy uses the family strength to assist the individual to find resources to continue in treatment (NIDA, 2008). Dr. Erickson is definitely a qualified professional in the field of addiction and has the credentials in his field of study. He is an accepted expert and member of the medical community. Although, Dr. Erickson’s book â€Å"The Science of Addiction: From Neurobiology to Treatment† has valid research and support from the medical community it has areas in conflict with the medical community as a whole in the area of contributing factors for addiction and treatment modalities. His research on the contributing factors for addiction is validated by the medical and research communities, but is lacking in the complete picture of addiction including other contributing factors such as environment, psychological factors and treatment modalities other then pharmacological treatment. He does make some mention of counseling and therapy, but focuses mostly on pharmacological treatments and therapies. Dr. Erickson’s book did not add to or detract from the text used for this course. The information in Dr. Erickson’s book was straight forward and easy to follow, but could be misleading or misinterpreted simply by not including all factors related to the cause of addiction and treatment. His book was consistent with most other addiction research, but did not follow the line when it came to the whole person concept in causes and treatment. This could possibly be due to the fact that Dr. Erickson has a degree in pharmacology and is a Professor of Pharmacology. His views may be biased as a result of his profession. Although, Dr. Erickson has some differing views his research is valid and does provide useful information to base addiction research, prevention and treatment. Although, this book did not directly focus on family involvement in addition it did focus on the genetic link to addiction which is part of the theory linking family to the root of addictive behaviors. REFERENCES Capuzzi, D. Stauffer, M. (2008). Foundations of Addictions Counseling. Prentice Hall: Upper Saddle River, NJ Erickson, C. (2007). The Science of Addiction: From Neurobiology to Treatment. W. W. Norton Company, Inc: New York, NY Gerde, L. (2005). Addiction : Opposing Viewpoints. Greenhaven: San Diego Ca Merriam-Websters Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition (2003). Merriam-Webster: Springfield, MA NIDA (2008). The Science of Drug Abuse Addiction. Retrieved 10 August 2008, from drugabuse. gov// SAMSHA (October 4, 2004). Addiction Treatment Should Include Family Therapy Practical Guidelines for Counselors. Retrieved 15 August 2008, from www. samhsa. gov/

President Bush Lays Down Plans essays

President Bush Lays Down Plans essays The State of the Union is a speech delivered by the president directed towards Congress and the citizens of the United States. In this speech, the president addresses the problems that our nation faces today; both domestic and foreign. President George W. Bush opened his speech with the issue of America's economy. He proposed an income tax reduction that would save a family with a $40,000 income of approximately $1,000. This tax cut would help small businesses throughout the country. He also wants Congress to pass a law that would stop the unfair double taxation of dividends. This would help investors out and in turn strengthen the economy. Another issue stated was to have a reliable health care system. Many citizens are not fortunate enough to have money to pay for health insurance. He wants the government to give financial support to those in need of health care. Also, President Bush wants to pass a reform that helps protect doctors from frivolous lawsuits. These lawsuits are driving doctors to charge more for their service. The third goal that the president wanted to accomplish was improving the environment. He set a comprehensive energy plan to promote energy efficiency and conservation. He passed the Clear Skies legislation that mandates a 70-percent cut in air pollution from power plants over the next 15 years. Also, he proposed $1.2 billion in research funding for hydrogen-powered cars. Being more efficient and cautious of the environment will preserve our country. He also addressed many social problems that Americans face today. Many children are left with nobody to look up to due to parents being in prison. He urged people to be mentors at schools for children who are not so fortunate. Also, he wants to pass a faith-based initiate and Community Service Act to fund groups that help out the needy. He set up a program that gives 600 million dollars to help pay for drug rehabilitation for Americans to receive the treatment ...

International Trade Theories Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

International Trade Theories - Assignment Example Therefore, in order to have a positive balance of trade the nations tried exporting to other countries and restricting imports as it negatively affected their balances and hence their wealth. According to the mercantilism theory, there was a fixed amount of money present in the world and in order for one country to have more money; it had to export to other. So, mercantilism refers to the concept of exporting more and importing less (â€Å"Classical Theories of International Trade†, n.d.). Absolute Advantage Toward the end of the century, economic growth was being hindered by mercantilist policies. Adam Smith in his book, The Wealth of Nations (1776) presented a response to mercantilism where he claimed that these policies granted the producers an advantage at the cost of a disadvantage to the consumers. Adam Smith’s theory did not regard imports as bad but rather mentioned imports as good because other countries may be making a particular good that is more appealing to the consumers therefore trade, imports as well as export, would be profitable and lead to better satisfaction for the consumers. This meant that countries that had an â€Å"absolute advantage† in producing a particular good would produce that good and export it while it would import a good that another nation has an â€Å"absolute advantage† in (Theory of International Trade, n.d.). ... The principle of comparative advantage has been described as that occurring as a result of specialization and the division of labor (Maneschi, 1998). According to the theory, due to technological or other factors some countries specialize in producing a particular good at a lower cost. This implies that such countries have a â€Å"comparative advantage† in producing a particular good and should therefore export these goods to other countries. The same country should only import those goods in which it does not specialize that is has a comparative disadvantage in due to the higher relative costs. However, the theory also assumes that countries try to maximize their production and consumption which is not true in the real world at times. Balance of Trade Balance of trade refers to a country’s payments and receipts which results from the transactions of its residents. In ideal conditions, the balance of the receipts and payments should be equal, which is the condition of a balanced trade. However, trade is not always balanced. The trade balance in some cases can even be a trade surplus and trade deficit. Trade surplus occurs when a country’s exports exceed their imports. Trade deficit occurs when a country’s imports are greater than its exports. Trade deficits are not necessarily bad as it depends upon the life cycle and the economy and therefore may assist the economy during expansion. However, during a recession, trade deficits may prove to be detrimental for the economy. Influence of Government Governments play a pivotal role in encouraging or restricting international trade. The policies set by the government impact trade unlike free trade where there is no government role in the economy. Governments provide barrier to trade by setting

Siaffing for a telecommunting job Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Siaffing for a telecommunting job - Essay Example The main reason for recommending this method is that conducting interviews with the former incumbent, and their immediate supervisor, will help capture the important details related to the job descriptions and specifications. In addition, interviews with specialists in the public relations sector will be crucial to help capture any details that the outgoing office holder and the supervisors might fail to indicate. Furthermore, interviews with specialists in telecommuting will also be crucial to help provide information that the company will use to realign this new role. It is important to note that, this method would still be applicable in analyzing a job in the traditional office environment since the same details are crucial apart from those related to telecommuting. In effect, the same analysis method will be applicable apart from conducting interviews with a telecommuting specialist. The best procedure to use in recruiting and hiring a telecommuter for the company will be through hiring of a telecommuter from within the company. In this regard, this method is the most appropriate since the company will avoid the problems related to insufficient socialization. In addition, it is important to ensure that the telecommuter hired is trustworthy, of which it will be a challenge to prove trustworthy once hiring was from outside the company. Beyond the value congruence and appropriate skills for the job, and trustworthiness, it is important to investigate other important characteristics important for telecommuting. In this regard, these characteristics incorporate the capability to work independent of express supervision, self-motivation, confidence, and an individual with crucial managerial skills (Schilling, 1999). In is only through hiring within the company that this is achievable. On the other hand, if the job was not of a telecommuting nature, this procedure of hi ring and recruitment could be applicable since the same features are required in a

Future demographic change in the UK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Future demographic change in the UK - Essay Example This paper explores the benefits associated with the demographic change to businesses in the UK. Wealth The older population is wealthier than present and former generations of retirees. Previous studies show that the increasing number of this population results to high rates of home ownership, investment and savings. This has positive impacts on the economy in general and the businesses enjoy increased stability (Davidson and Fielden, 2004:26). In addition to, there has been an increased grown in share prices and in the worth of superannuation. This provides increased disposable incomes that contribute positively to overall spending and investments (Hobbs, 2008:384). Older people have also been observed to make sound decisions while investing their money and this leads t increased economic growth and a better performing stock market. Work The UK is a difficult situation as the most populous age group is on the verge of retirement, wealthier and even healthier than other generations. The government has come up with policies to tap into the strength of this population to boost economic growth and allow their positive participation in the business sector. The current government policy is aimed at discouraging the trend of early retirement. This will lead to a stabilized tax revenue and productivity in companies (Davidson and Fielden, 2004:26). Most workers opting for early retirement find it difficult to fund a comfortable life for the remaining part of their life. This explains why the government and companies are coming up with incentives to make the older generation work for longer. Retaining or hiring mature age workers has numerous advantages to an entity. Allowing older people to work longer gives them the chance to share their vast experience and knowledge for the benefit of the business (Davidson and Fielden, 2004:26). Older people have a higher work experience and have been experienced a number of economic changes that have taken place over the years. Th ey can be instrumental in advising the company on how to deal with economic downturns crisis and any other challenges facing the company. However, for a long time older people have been undervalued and are deemed fit for the elderly homes instead of the current business environment. Companies in the modern times prefer hiring employees from the younger generation so as to give the company a positive public image. Additionally, the younger generation is techno savvy and owing to the increased use of modern technology, this is the appropriate work force to retain (Great Britain: Parliament: House of Lords: Science and Technology Committee, 2005:67). However, with this demographic change, companies will have to have hire mature workers. Contrary to popular belief, mature workers belonged to the baby boomer generation that was highly educated and competitive. The older workers can quickly adjust to the use of the cutting edge technology being adopted by companies in the modern world. Ag e advocacy groups have constantly asserted that early retirement is wastage of experiences, skills and knowledge that are much needed in the current business environment (Great Britain: Parliament: House of Lords: Science and Technology Committee, 2005:67). Most companies argue that older people have declined physical capabilities. However, it has been found that age does not lead