An Analytical Report of Tesco PLC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

An Analytical Report of Tesco PLC - Essay Example .................................................14 Introduction This paper is an analytical report of the strategic structures and marketing systems of a given organisation. The paper therefore focuses on Tesco PLC, a UK based international grocery company. The paper examines some important components of Tesco's business structures and leadership structures. In analysing the components of Tesco, the following objectives will be sought to be attained in the study: 1. The core vision, mission and strategic systems of Tesco PLC 2. The marketing and operational systems for the realization of Tesco's strategic plans. 3. An examination of the human resource, and supply chain systems that link Tesco PLC to its external environment The paper will involve a careful analysis of information taken from various sources that are relevant to Tesco's activities and expansion over the past nine decades that it has existed. The research will focus on some primary sources like the Tesco Annual Report of 2011. The paper also draws insights from the Tesco Website about various elements of the organisation. Additionally, secondary sources like books and journals are used to provide a deep insight into the company. The primary focus of the paper is on the UK operations of Tesco. However, where necessary, the research will cover aspects of Tesco's international operations to give a better insight into trends and ideas of the company. 1.0 Elements of Tesco PLC's Strategic Background Strategy is defined by Johnson, Scholes & Whittington as the â€Å"long-term organisationwide plan for a corporate entity that is set by the top level management† (2005). In this context, organisational strategy is a body of plans that are made by an organisation to meet the fundamental objectives of the... The primary focus of the paper is on the UK operations of Tesco. However, where necessary, the research will cover aspects of Tesco's international operations to give a better insight into trends and ideas of the company. This paper makes a conclusion that Tesco is a leading chain of retail shops that has its headquarters in the UK and branches around the world. Tesco has a vision of providing grocery and every day products and services to consumers and households. Tesco began modestly in 1919 as a sole proprietorship but evolved to become a private company and a UK public company. In the 1990s, Tesco embarked on an internationalisation strategy and utilised e-commerce. Tesco is now a multi-billion pound global business that has outlets around the globe. Tesco is run by a board of directors and supported by the CEO who has other officers under him. The CEO and officers' structure is duplicated in regions around the world. Tesco's marketing systems are based on the use of convenient outlets to sell high quality products at low costs to consumers. It has an enhanced brand image. Tesco maintains a personalised recruitment and selection process as well as an intensive training system. The supply chain man agement ensures that there are strategic distribution centres around the country and these centres use real-time communication tools and systems to ensure that stock levels are monitored and replenished on time.

Outline and assess New Labours strategies Essay Example for Free

Outline and assess New Labours strategies Essay New Labour strategies and theories on educational policies have contributed significantly on influencing a better change on education since the 1988 Education Act. There were four major changes which had been made to the education system; the changes were introduced in order to manage the diverse problems with had recently emerged. Machin and Vignoles (2006) outlined these four categories as; secondary education standards falling, limited participation in post-16 (sixth form), students having a poor grasp of basic skills and unequal participation in higher education. The classified problems were not only problems identified by New Labour; New Right too had similar concerns about the education system. However New Right have previously been criticised as they were more concerned regarding the problems surrounding the participation in Post 16 and the poor grasp of basic skills rather than all four of them as a whole. Hence, I will outline and evaluate New Labour’s approach concerning the educational policies. The first problem identified was the standards of secondary education declining, because of this New Labour believed that in order to raise the standards they would have to provide greater parental choices. Giving this privilege would enable more competition which was their clear aim as competition would influence a rise in the standards of schools as there would be a gap in the market for more choice and diversity. A model example of how effective parental choice would be take academies, faith schools and specialist schools they are given more freedom to choose, this creates a friendly rivalry amongst parents and children to achieve the possible best. Some critics view that giving parents the right to more choice would result in further inequality rather than equality, take middle-class parents for instance they use their material and cultural wealth to ‘buy’ their children’s education and gain places in much better schools. Sociologist Ball (2008) also criticises this view he states how giving parents the ability to choose produces social segregation which further influences inequality. Another way in which New Labour had believed they would be able to raise the standards of secondary education would be to improve the teaching standards due to the pressure of market forces in state schools this would therefore increase the participation in further education which would influence an equal participation in higher education. However a criticism would be that the rise in exam success may not necessarily be due to the impact of marketisation it could be because of the other factors. The second problem which was identified by New Labour was the limited participation in post-16, they considered two significant ways in which they would be able to increase this participation. The first idea was to develop vocational courses, for example; GNVQ’s, modern apprenticeships and diplomas. Sociologist Ball (2008) identified that 40% of students will take vocational courses. By introducing more vocational courses, they would be able to improve the perceived skills deficiencies of British Workers and give themselves more of an ability to gain work. However a rising concern is regarding the division between vocational and non-vocational students, New Labour recognise this division as a concern with the development of the knowledge economy. Ball identifies that a significant amount of education has been ‘geared to the knowledge economy and education is now being dominated by its subservience to the requirements of the economy’. This however would lead to the creation and reinforcement of inequality within divisions of class and ethnicity. The second idea was to develop on the ideology of personalisation. This is giving students qualities such as; independency and individualisation, students are given mentoring and individual action plans where they are expected to become active learners and reliant upon themselves. However, this method of increasing participation is criticised as if this was to be used within the education system it would only be purposeful to individuals from a middle-class background as they would be able to use their cultural and economic advantage to benefit from this. This method does create a competitive economy as it tied together with the demands of the labour market, it may seem as if the individuals are empowered however when in fact they are tied together with the economic system. Another way in which New Labour has aimed to increase the participation of students within Post-16; they encouraged students to stay on for further education by introducing EMA (Educational Maintenance Allowance) which is basically a financial incentive mainly for those individuals who are from a less privileged background. Machin and Vignoles agree that this scheme does have a positive impact upon disadvantaged students as it assists those who suffer most from material deprivation. However, there is also criticism against the introduction of EMA as it not only helps disadvantaged students it too is available for middle-class students. The third problem recognised by New Labour was the lack of basic skills amongst individuals. This was a significant factor in education; both the New Right and New Labour had aimed to improve the standards of basic skills. In order to improve on this aspect, the New Right introduced the National Curriculum which was a segment of the 1988 Education Reform Act. The New Labour took action by introducing within the National Curriculum, national literacy and numeracy hours in primary schools. However, it was difficult to estimate whether the National Curriculum was effective in improving the basic skills of students as there was little room for comparing work, although it was easy to identify that literacy and numeracy hours did have some influences. Sociologist Machin and McNally (2004) have identified that literacy hours did have a significant influence on improving reading and English attainment as boys who took part in the hour improved their reading skills. This helped to reduce gender inequality in education as both genders are given equal amount of time and opportunity to improve on their basic skills giving them an equal chance in the future. This shows how schools are able to have a significant influence on making a difference to their students’ results if the education institution implements the right strategies.

Elephant the movie Essay -- essays research papers

Gus Van Sant’s Elephant was at once critically praised and denounced by both film reviewers and filmgoers alike. The cinematography takes you on a waltz throughout a seemingly typical day at an unnamed high school, stopping through the journey to focus on the stereotypes of school. The jock, the quirky artist, the cliqued girls, the skateboarder, they are all represented and representative of his film. Van Sant created a film, seemingly without a staunch opinion on the horrors of the Columbine shootings. The movie seems distanced from the actors and their actions: an unaware participant from the tranquil introduction to the gruesome climax. His seeming lack of a purpose, lack of a reason for the creation of this film, is exactly the impetus that drives its core meaning. The high school was as stereotyped and typical as possible, a campus where everyone swears they’ve visited once in their life. The visceral climax is at once both slowly built up to inevitability by the characterizations of the assailants, yet it also strikes the school suddenly and without warning. Van Sant’s film is a series of seeming contradictions and paradoxes that create the illusion that he has no stance on the Columbine shootings. His stance, however, is given away in the purposelessness of the film; the idyllic simplicity of the school, and its subsequent destruction, has no purpose. The Columbine massacre had no purpose. Gus Van Sant’s aestheticized school builds up a world that seems tangible to most students. He carries every right to create his own world and tear it back down. It is this beauty that he creates that makes the film so much more shocking when it ends. Aesthetic realism is the concept of accepting reality as unchangeable; therefore, one must find the beauty that is inherent in everyday life instead of attempting to create beauty. The idea is that aesthetic realism â€Å"sees all reality including the reality that is oneself, as the aesthetic oneness of opposites,† (Siegel). In other words, life is at once changing and the same. For example, someone is the same person when they wake up in the morning and the same person when they go to sleep at night. They haven’t changed. However, there have still changed as a person throughout the day, at least minutely. Change and stability both occur simultaneously. At the same time, Siegel states that it â€Å"sees the largest purpose o... ...e what can be easily related to; they wouldn’t be considered stereotypes otherwise. The beauty that is created during the first hour, which is denounced by Foundas as unrealistic, is subsequently destroyed in the climax. To create and destroy mediocrity would not be as stirring a rendition as Van Sant’s recreation of perfection coupled with his systematic disposal of it. Gus Van Sant has created a world of high school that has every stereotype. He manifests a sense of beauty in every shot he creates, with the slow arcing camera shots combined with the loving caricatures of the students. He finds the aesthetic realism in high school, the elegance inherent in aspects of campus life, and constructs a film around it. It is his own right to create his own view of high school, and while critics can disagree, they should not debase. The initial purposelessness should only be taken at face value; it is the lack of purpose in the beginning of the film that makes the lack of purpose in the massacre more obvious. There was no reasoning behind the Columbine shootings, they were a tragic occurrence that had little logic behind it. However, Van Sant’s film had purpose underneath its exterior.

Filipino Values Essay

The Filipino value system arises from our culture or way of life, our distinctive way of becoming human in this particular place and time. We speak of Filipino values in a fourfold sense. First, although mankind shares universal human values, it is obvious that certain values take on for us a distinctively Filipino flavor. Secondly, when we speak of Filipino values, we do not mean that elements of these Filipino values are absent in the value systems of other peoples and cultures. All people eat, talk and sing, but they eat different foods, speak various languages and sing different songs. Thus, we easily recognize Filipino, American, Chinese, Japanese or any other foreign food, language or music. The difference lies in the way these elements are ranked, combined or emphasized so that they take on a distinctively Filipino slant or cast. For instance, in China, honesty and hard work may rank highest; Chinese and Japanese cultures give great value to politeness and beauty; American culture to promptness and efficiency; and Filipino culture to trust in God and family centeredness. In this sense of value-ranking and priority of values, we can speak of dominant Filipino values. Thirdly, universal human values in a Filipino context (historical, cultural, socio-economic, political, moral and religious) take on a distinctive set of Filipino meanings and motivations. This is true not only of the aims and goals, beliefs, convictions, and social principles of the traditional value system of the lowland rural family but also of what Fr. Horacio de la Costa, S. J. alls the Filipino â€Å"nationalistic† tradition(pagsasarili,pagkakaisa,pakikisama, pakikipagkapwa-tao, and pagkabayani. ) A Filipino value or disvalue does not exist alone, in isolation or in a vacuum. Filipino values like bahala na, utang na loob, hiya, pakikisama, pakiusap are clustered around core values like social acceptance, economic security, social mobility, and are always found in a definite context or set of circumstances. Fourthly, we can speak of Filipino values in the sense that the historical consciousness of values has evolved among our people. The Filipino concept of justice has evolved from inequality to equality, and to human dignity; from the tribe, to the family, and to the nation. Filipino consciousness of these different values varies at different periods of our history. It is only in the last two decades that the Filipino people have become more conscious of overpopulation and family planning, environmental pollution (Kawasaki sintering plant) and wildlife conservation (Calauit Island), and the violation of human rights (Martial Law), active non-violence and People Power (1986 non-violent Revolution).

Motivation as an Important Aspect of Human Resource Management

Motivation is a vital aspect in functioning of every organization. It refers to the forces that arouse enthusiasm and persistence to pursue a certain course of action for accomplishing organizational goals. Nowadays, there are numerous motivation theories that human resource managers use in order to encourage high work performance. Generally, there are two types of rewards in motivation.The first is intrinsic rewards, which is the satisfaction a person receives in the process of performing a particular action. For example, a person selling educational materials may get an intrinsic award of helping children read well. The other type of rewards is extrinsic, which are the rewards that are generally given by another person, typically a manager and include promotion and pay increases. For instance, some person that does not get pleasure from doing his/her job may be motivated by an extrinsic reward of high payment.Good human resource managers usually strive to help people achieve both e xtrinsic and intrinsic rewards, far as it has been proven that most talented and innovative employees are usually motivated not only by rewards such as benefits and money but also with the satisfaction from the work they do. To create an environment that is rich in opportunity, challenge and reward managers need to implement one of the manager’s theories. The three types of motivation theories include: content theories, process and reinforcement theories.Content theories usually stress the understanding of human needs and how they can be satisfied in the workplace. Thus, if a human resource manager realizes worker’s needs, the organization’s rewards system can be designed to meet them and reinforce employees for directing energies and priorities toward attainment of organizational goals. One of the content theories is the hierarchy of needs theory developed by Abraham Maslow. This theory suggests that people are motivated by five categories of needs- physiologic al, safety, belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization-that exist in a hierarchical order.Self-actualization which is on the top of the hierarchy may include: opportunities for training, advancement, growth and creativity. Esteem needs generate: recognition, high status and increased responsibilities. While, belongingness needs may comprise: work groups, clients, coworkers and supervisors. Safety needs include safe work, fringe benefits and job security. Finally, at the bottom of the hierarchy there are physiological needs which are heat, air and base salary. According to the theory low-order needs must be satisfied before higher-order needs are activated.The other content theory is ERG theory that resembles a modified Maslow’s theory. It identifies three categories of needs: 1. Existence needs- needs for physical well-being. 2. Relatedness needs- need for satisfactory relationships with others. 3. Growth needs- developing human potential and the desire for personal growth and increased competence. One psychologist suggested that nowadays the need to have fun at work needs to be added to this theory, far as it can relieve stress and enable people to feel that their personal lives are not totally separated from their work lives.There his also a two-factor content theory, created by Frederick Herzberg. After interviewing hundreds of workers he came to conclusion that two separate dimensions contribute to an employee’s behavior at work. The first are hygiene factors, which are factors that involve the presence or absence of job dissatisfiers such as working conditions, pay, company policies, and interpersonal relationships. The second set of factors is motivators, which include achievement, recognition, responsibility and opportunity for growth.Thus, on one hand providing hygiene factors will eliminate employee dissatisfaction, and on the other motivators will promote high satisfaction and performance. Process theories, unlike content theories fo cus more on determining how workers act to meet their needs and if those choices are successful. There are two basic process theories: equity theory and expectancy theory. Equity theory focuses on individual’s perceptions of how fairly they are treated relative to others. If people perceive their compensation as equal to what others receive for similar contributions they will believe that their treatment is fair and equitable.Equity is measured by ratio of outputs and inputs. Inputs include: education, experience, effort and ability, while the outputs generate pay, recognition, benefits and promotion. Thus, for example if some employee discovers that he/she is getting more money than people who contribute the same inputs to the company, he/she may feel the need to correct the inequity by working harder, getting more education or considering lower pay. Expectancy theory is a process theory that suggests that motivation depends on individual’s expectations about their ab ility to erform tasks and receive desired rewards. For instance, if the company creates an incentive program which would be used in areas such as distribution, where employees are recognized for accomplishment in safety, productivity and attendance it can appear rather effective. The other type of theories is reinforcement theory. It is a motivation theory based on the relationship between a given behavior and its consequences. For instance a company implementing a reinforcement theory may reward salespeople for the kinds of behaviors that keep sales and profits rising.If people in this company don’t perform, they don’t get paid. However, they can reap huge economic rewards for high performance. A good example of a country, where different companies use different motivation theories in their human resource management is Ukraine. Analyzing the variety of company’s in Ukraine it can be seen that most large company’s functioning on the territory of our count ry are either subsidiaries of foreign company’s or some multinational/transnational corporations.Surely, those companies placed in our country use mostly some content theories that provide workers with bonuses, opportunities for training, growth and team buildings, which can be some trips paid-for by the company, in order to create a sense of team in the company’s staff. An example of such companies would be Celenia, Kraft Foods, BMS Consulting, etc. Those companies, like many others of their kind use content theories that incorporate many useable tools for managers.As for local Ukrainian company’s that are based soly in Ukraine, they usually might offer some fringe benefits which is a good motivation tool. However, hrm managers in those companies rarely use the system of bonuses, increased payments, or some incentive programs. Mostly, the motivation is associated with fear of loosing the job or getting reduced payment if the organizational goals are not complet ed. It resembles a reinforcement theory of management, where employees are suggested a certain type of behavior and if they do or do not pursue it, certain consequences follow.There are companies that give their workers so-called â€Å"black balls† on every project they did not complete or that was not done on time and if the worker gets more than 5 balls he/she is out of the job. From my point of view, this type of motivation has a lot of shortcomings and it should be substituted by some content theory of management. Far as this type of human resource management, doesn't correspond to ethical norms of a democratic society. Thus, motivation is an important aspect in human resource management. Nowadays, human resource managers have an option of selecting out of numerous management theories.They include content, process and reinforcement theories. Content theories like hierarchy of needs theory or ERG theory focus on understanding and satisfying human needs at work. Process the ories on the other hand, focus on employee’s choices of action to accomplish company’s goals and determining if those choices are correct. While, reinforcement theory focuses on what consequences follow if the workers do or do not follow the given behavior. Choice of an appropriate motivation theory is a significant step to company’s success.

my brother sam is dead Essays

my brother sam is dead Essays my brother sam is dead Essay my brother sam is dead Essay Essay Topic: Dead Souls uniform at the Meeker tavern one rainy April evening in 1775. Weve beaten the British in Massachusetts, Sam exclaims, beginning a fght with Father, who is staunchly loyal to the English government and king. Sam explains to the people around the table how the Minutemen lay a surprise attack on the British Lobsterbacks in Lexington. Sam basks comfortably in all the attention. Father asks him a series of skeptical questions, including who fired the first shot. Sam does not know who fired first. The dinner guests, the minister Mr. Beach and several farmers, all support England, and they take Fathers side, arguing with Sam about the cause, uestioning whether the loss of thousands of lives is worth saving a few pennies in taxes. Tim explains the religious background of the town of Redding. People built their houses according to the church they attended, either Anglican or Presbyterian. Tims family lives in Redding Ridge, which signals that they are Anglicans and therefore loyalist. Tim does not feel he is particularly tied to the loyalist or Rebels, which worries him. Tim speaks of the effects of the war on his home life. He had thought the war would bring battles and great change to his quiet Connecticut village, but it has not. There are no marching armies, no cannons, and no food shortages. There are Just lots of talk about the war, as there always was. Occasional the arguments get heated, as when Father throws a man out of the tavern for subversion, by which he means criticism of the British army. Betsy often stops by to listen to conversations, but Tims mother always shoos her along. Tim racks his brain to think of an excuse to get away so he can visit Sam. As he chops wood, Tim sees a troop of Rebel soldiers clad in blue uniform, approaching the tavern on horseback. Tim follows them to the tavern, cracking open the door to see his mother held up at unpoint and his father trying to wrestle his way out of the grip of several soldiers who are holding him and demanding his gun. Father tells them that Sam took it. Tim finds Sam sleeping with the Brown Bess in his arms. Knowing Sam to be a heavy sleeper, Tim carefully moves Sams arms, gets the gun, and sneaks away. Sam wakes and chases Tim, catching Tim and demanding the gun back. By January of 1776, Tim has yet to see any actual fghting, but the effects of the war are becoming visible. Food and guns disappear quickly, and soldiers steal cattle all across the countryside, esperate to feed themselves and their troops. Tim says the worst part of the war is missing Sam, worrying about him, as enwing him his glory. Tim realizes that in the eyes of a younger brother, everything an older brother does seems brave and grown- up, even milking the cow. Once Tim has decided that he wants to run Mr. Herons errand, he waits for an excuse to see Mr. Heron. Within two days, this excuse comes when Mr. Heron orders a keg of rum from the tavern and Father sends Tim to deliver it. At the delivery, Tim volunteers to run the errand. Mr. Heron asks Tim to set out ith a letter the following morning. The next morning, Tim tells his father that he will be fishing all day. While walking, Tim runs into Betsy, who spies the letter and begins to tease Tim about it being a love letter. Tim lies and says he is going fishing, thinking that he hates lying and lying is a sin. As they set out, Tim enjoys the young children watching him. He is proud to be doing an adult task. Father and Tim are stopped in Ridgebury by six cow-boys, armed cattle thieves. The cow-boys ask Father where he New York, and his beef will go to feed the enemy army. Tim meets his cousins, the Platts, for the first time. Four girls sleep in a tiny clapboard house and the two boys sleep in the barn. Tim feels grateful to have grown up in the tavern, which always had plenty of room for himself and Sam to sleep comfortably. In a cozy scene, the Platt family, Tim, and Father sit around a fireplace. Tim observes that he felt shy about meeting them, but they do not feel shy, because they are in their house. Father and Tim leave early the next morning and have no more trouble as they approach Verplancks Point, thanks to escorts along the way. Tim is impressed by the size and eauty of the Hudson River and astounded when they arrive in Verplancks and see the widest part of the river and the fisherman in their skiffs. When Tim and Father leave from the Platt house, the snow has covered the land and the ground is slippery and hard to travel. Their escort home has not met them, due to the heavy snowfall. They trek on, Tim behind with the cattle and Father riding ahead on his horse to check on the safety of the road. In June of 1777, Tim and his mother find out that Mr. Meeker is dead. He died of cholera on a prison ship, and his last words were that he oved his family and forgave Sam. Two days later, Tim finds out that Jerry Sanford also died on a prison ship, and the soldiers buried his body at sea. Mrs. Meeker says war turns men into animals, a phrase she will repeat several times. Tim continues tending to the tavern. Prices are rising and merchandise is short, and everybody is buying things on credit. Tim has eight cows as pay from people who owe him money, and is debating about how to make the greatest profit from them. For the next few weeks and months, the officers remain in Redding and come to the tavern for rum. Sam returns as often as he can, continually pressuring Tim to get rid of the cattle and speaking of the exhaustion of the soldiers. One evening as Sam sits talking with Tim, the two brothers hear strange noises outside. They dash to the barn and see that four cows are missing. Tim runs to Colonel Parsons to proclaim Sams innocence. Colonel Parsons is asleep, and his men instruct Tim to return the next day. Tim goes to tell his mother the news. She has an awful foreboding feeling and insists that they pray together. They kneel in prayer before going outside, cutting up the dead cow, nd herding the three remaining ones into the barn. When Tim finally speaks with Colonel Parsons the next day, he learns that General Putnam wants to make an example of someone. Mrs. Meeker dresses warmly and goes to speak with General Putnam. General Putnam refuses to consider Sams case again. Sam is to be executed with other convicted criminals on Tuesday, February 16. Tim weeps when he hears the news and fury wells up inside him. The Sunday before the execution, the entire town is required to go to a church service praying for the souls about to be executed. Mrs. Meeker refuses to go. Tim goes but leaves in tears in the middle of it. Tim leaves the house without a plan, and without feeling cold or sad or anything other than a simple determination to help Sam. Tim wonders whether prisoners about to die worry about keeping warm, and concludes that they probably do. At the encampment, the guard is asleep. A bag is placed over his head and he is led in front of the gallows, several feet away from the soldiers who were about to shoot him. When the muskets are poised for fire, Tim cries out, Dont shoot him! Shots ring out, and Sam writhes on the ground, Jerking, on fire from the shots and still alive. Quickly,

A Comparative Study of John Carpenters The Thing and Howard Hawks The Thing from Another World essays

A Comparative Study of John Carpenters The Thing and Howard Hawks The Thing from Another World essays The director John Carpenter entitled his 1982 remake of Howard Hawks 1951 The Thing from Another World simply The Thing. Carpenters new, shortened title significantly eliminates the alien origin of the protean monster that terrorizes the human characters of the film. This suggests that what is so frightening about Carpenters Thing is not that it is an alien, but that it is formless and nameless. Most horror films force the viewer to confront some concrete horror, from a thing that goes bump in the night to a blood-sucking vampire. Hawks concrete version of horror threatens truth and the American way of life by attempting to infiltrate human society. However, Carpenters more subtle rendering of the socially destabilizing force of The Thing compels the viewer to confront the ultimate horror of all-namely the formless and undefined nature of his or her own identity. Hawks Thing, in contrast, is merely a being that provides a focus of hatred for the human race to unite against and u ltimately triumph. Essentially, Carpenters creature dwells perpetually in Lacans mirror stage of infant development, whereby the infant, in a search for a stable self in an unfamiliar world, mimics other persons. The unstable identity of The Thing in Carpenters remake destabilizes the secure sense of self and reality of the actual humans who are being pursued by the creature. Trust is a tough thing to come by these days, says one of the still-human characters, the helicopter pilot MacReady, whose identity has not been subsumed by the Thing as the alien takes upon the image of every human person it kills. Carpenters film quickly devolves into a war between those possessing a conventional sense of identity, namely the remaining humans, and the Thing, which will win once it has killed and taken in the image of every person it has eve...

8 Bad Habits Bosses Hate the Most

8 Bad Habits Bosses Hate the Most It’s easy to get into bad patterns. But the good news is, it’s possible to break out of them! Whether you’re new to the workforce or you just want to make sure you’ve got your ducks in a row, it never hurts to think through the habits bosses find most annoying or repellent and make sure you’re not guilty of any of these professional faux pas. 1. Too Much/Too Little InitiativeIt’s important to show initiative. You should never be sitting around at your desk idly waiting for someone to tell you what to do. Show you love your job by finding productive and helpful things to do! But, on the other hand, don’t overdue it. There’s going the extra mile and then there’s going overboard. Aim for enthusiastic and thorough, not inefficient and excessive.2. Making ExcusesFirst of all, try not to do anything that would require an excuse in the first place. Get your work done. Get to work on time. And if you can’t get there in the time you have, don’t try to pawn off the responsibility. Just fix it. Stay honest and take responsibility for your part in everything. Okay, so maybe you did have a flat tire. Resist the temptation to embellish or to elicit sympathy. Just get back to work.3. WhiningThis includes moaning, moping, and complaining. In today’s economic climate, you’re lucky to have a job. Everybody hates staying late and having to sacrifice family time for work functions- even your boss. You’re all in it together. So save the grumbling and try to find ways to make it work instead.4. Asking Too Many QuestionsIt’s okay- good even- to ask questions when you need something clarified. It’s another thing entirely to ask redundant questions, or questions you could have found answers to on your own. If you can’t keep up intellectually, your boss will notice. Don’t hassle your boss or waste her time.5. Sloppy EmailsJust because some of your coworkers are e xtremely casual in their emailing habits doesn’t mean you should be too. Make sure to use complete sentences and to proofread. And for the love of all things holy, don’t reply all every time. Save that move for when it’s absolutely necessary.6. Taking AdvantageYour boss gives you a little leeway about clock-in times or coffee breaks- don’t take advantage of this and abuse the privilege. Your boss is super informal- don’t take advantage of this and become disrespectful. If your boss gives you an inch, be grateful. Don’t try to squeak out a foot, or worse, a mile.7. NegativityEspecially if your negativity means you badmouth the company- a fireable offense! But the same goes for being super rigid about what your job parameters are. Or being the one who’s always contrary and always saying no and shooting down others’ ideas.8. PolitickingTry not to get caught up in the politics and drama of office controversies. And definitely absta in from gossip. Nobody likes a coworker who is constantly pushing for better position and maneuvering behind their colleagues’ backs.

Gemma Lynns Catering Services Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Gemma Lynns Catering Services - Term Paper Example The report will be divided accordingly: The first section of the report will discuss the principles of bookkeeping and accounting, giving an understanding as to why financial statements are important and how Gemma can use these financial statements to aid her in decision making. It will also answer the Gemma's first question regarding her profits. The second part of the report will discuss Gemma's business as it compares with the industry figures. Based on the figures, the report will also indicate the areas in her business that require improvements and provide suggestions on how these can be improved. The third part of the report will discuss Gemma's plans for expansion and provide suggestions on how profitability can be ensured during and after expansion. A section to coordinate the whole report will come after and provide concluding comments regarding the whole report. Gemma's catering business is a private enterprise under single proprietorship. Even though this does not obligate her to publish her accounts, it does not exclude her from having to document her financial records for taxation and other legal purposes. There are at least three minimum documents needed to properly audit her company's finances. Among these are the balance sheet, the income statement, and the cash flow statement, each of which has a specific purpose within a business enterprise.The balance sheet, from which a company's assets are balanced with their liabilities, "shows a 'snapshot' of the firm at the particular point in time"(Blandon, 2001). It contains important information such as the company's assets (cash in the bank, stock, debtors, and fixed assets), liabilities (creditors, tax payables, other types of liabilities such as long-term loans), and net worth.

Economics for Managers Japan Case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Economics for Managers Japan Case - Essay Example For almost a decade, the Japanese have started to adopt a risk-averse mindset after the fall of the dotcoms. Due to the circumstances, zero-return in cash has become the mindset of the people. While prices continue to drop, people further delay their consumption for the hope of lower prices. This hoarding of cash or investing in zero-return or non-interest-bearing savings leads to stagnation and later, worsening deflation in the economy. Thus the country wishes for some inflation to happen by increasing aggregate demand either through an increase in consumer spending, or channeling of money to some real investments in order to stimulate growth in the economy. Because of inflation, the relatively low or zero-return of investments most Japanese consumers have produces a negative interest rate. The Japanese Central Bank now hopes that consumers will then shift their investments to interest-bearing or higher-yielding investments to offset the effect of inflation, such as shares and real estate in order to give a boost to the economy. The cost-push inflation in the economy thus requires the Japanese Central Bank to use some monetary policy to curb it. However, Japanese Central Bank cannot just increase the interest rate in the meantime. While the global economy seems to pose a threat, increasing the interest rate will hurt the economy and worsen the impact of this threat if it happens. Thus, the Japanese Central Bank will keep the interest rates low in order to lessen the impact of the economic crisis abroad to the Japanese economy. The aggregate prices or the overall inflation within an economy is set by the interaction of the aggregate demand and aggregate supply. On one hand, aggregate demand is determined by the total amount  of consumption, investment, government spending and net exports in an economy.

Supply Chain Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Supply Chain Management - Essay Example This study focuses on various aspects of Supply Chain Management and appropriate strategies to incorporate green and ethical and supply chain. But in this entire process the major questions one need to focus upon is that while implementing ethical and environmental practices , does the price on the clothing and the choices one can offer effect on pricing of the be affected or not. Supply Chain Management Supply Chain Management is the process to effectively supervise, control and administer the practice of extending goods and services to ultimate consumers. The objective and purpose of incorporating an ethical supply chain is to maintain a responsible logistic system whereby products and services are proliferated in the most ethical manner (Cousins, Lamming, Lawson, and Squire, 2008). The issues and concern of ethical supply management comprise of broad goals of ‘product supply’ along with the ‘means for the same’ that is the management tasks and activities. ... Introducing Green Supply Chain Management (Source: Penfield P, 2007) But the overall impact is that incorporation of ethical policies would in turn aor up the prices of goods as the ultimate cost burden of implementing advanced technology and achieving ethical standards will be passed on to the customers in form of increased pricing, hence it is difficult to make cheap gooods available at lowest pricing. The make-buy decision Sourcing of products from other countries has become major cause of concern for supermarkets as they enhance and aggravate chances of pollution. Supermarkets established in Great Britain have become a part of Ethical Trading Initiative so that their dedication and commitment towards sourcing of products can be socially acclaimed. Hence, the question has become critical whether products should be manufactured internally or sourced from other nations. It is clear that if supermarket is really concerned about incorporating ethical sourcing then it would certainly h ave to bear high costs. What needs to be done by Co-op supermarket is to apply a Green Sustainable Supply Chain within the domestic range of the organization that can provide abundant opportunities for the firm to reduce cost and create wider choice for its customers (Harrison, A & Van Hoek, 2008). However, if the organiation decides to manufacture goods locally rather than outsourcing them providing a large variety of goods to the customers would become a matter of concern, hence From a sustainable viewpoint, the supermarket can: Try to design and produce goods locally to the maximum extent possible Designing of smart packages that save cost to the company Whether make or buy, continuous environmental audits must be performed to compare and

Prevalence of CKD among the Aboriginal and the Risk Factors Essay

Prevalence of CKD among the Aboriginal and the Risk Factors - Essay Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that kidney damage shown by the passing of protein in the urine, is widespread among the Aboriginal, and proportions of treated chronic kidney disease among the Aboriginal have at times been reported to be more than 30 times the levels of other Australians. Though data on the occurrences and prevalence of CKD among the Aboriginal is not present at the national level, the big burden resulting from CKD within this population is shown by the high rate of prevalence of CKD, the high cases and prevalence of ESKD, the high hospitalization cases and mortality rates related with CKD among the Aboriginal. The biggest challenge facing the Aboriginal is accessibility to healthcare. Risk factors for chronic kidney disease are greatly prevalent among the Aboriginal communities. Poor nutrition, alcohol abuse, tobacco smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and other preventable diseases are widespread among many Aboriginal and have been related to kidney problems within this community. Data from the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organization indicated higher levels of diabetes, obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure among the Aboriginal in comparison with other Australians. Add this to the poor social-economic conditions and usual remote regions resulting in poor accessibility of health services and you get increased cases of CKD as well as other chronic illnesses among the Aboriginal. There is also higher cases of low birth weights among the Aboriginal and this according to McDonald contributes to increased risk for kidney disease, outside other risk factors.

Atheism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Atheism - Essay Example The paper mainly intends to focus on the nature of the universe and the relation between the supernatural and the scientific world. Despite of belonging to different religions, the four authors mentioned in the article, that the existence of God is merely a subject of just talking. It shows that they believe God does not exist in this world of science. On further note with respect to the article, it was revealed that, some think God is a creature like human beings while the other thinks God to be fictional. On contrary, few believe that, the existence of God would have been abolished, if did not have invented verbal language. Furthermore, the article reflects about history, which tends to reveal about theists and the atheists endures executed atrocities. Correspondingly, this article has provided valuable information with regard to the existence of God. In accordance with the article, existence of God is viewed as a system of symbol and purpose among others. Furthermore, this particu lar article has revealed, that view of the authors remain the same despite of their belonging to differentiated religion. THESIS STATEMENT Thesis Statement has intended to show the motive or the objectives of the article. The article has reviewed about the varying views of people regarding the organized religion and the existence of God. ... In the article the two of the authors i.e., Anthony Lowenstein and Jane Caro are atheists and are providing their views with regard to the existence of God. This particular assignment intends to study the utilities of Atheism in certain areas and how it can be used to relate with this assignment. A detailed study about the utilities of atheism has been revealed in this paper. There always exist some atheists in every religion as seen in the given article. They oppose the views of the theists in the community. These subjects have been tried to elaborated and described in the discussion related to this assignment. Various aspects about the belief in God and the religion have been the major objective of this assignment. DISCUSSION The prime important topic of the article is the debate on the organized religion and the existence of God. It has given various ideologies regarding the topic. In the given article it has been observed that some people believe, in the existence of God, while s ome people believe that God is an entity like human beings and some said that God is a fiction in any form. The participants of the debate gave a similar ideology of non- existence of God despite of belonging to different religion. The targeted audiences in the debate were the people who had visited the debate program. With reference to the given article, two of the authors believe that God does not exist as they consider themselves as atheists. While the others; Simon Smart, who is a Christian and Rachel Woodlock a Muslim, believes that there is existence of God. In this stand, they were termed as theists. Atheism is the lack of belief in God. In the article the two atheist authors have tried to compare God with many things as man like entity, a fiction or certain

Prevalence of CKD among the Aboriginal and the Risk Factors Essay

Prevalence of CKD among the Aboriginal and the Risk Factors - Essay Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that kidney damage shown by the passing of protein in the urine, is widespread among the Aboriginal, and proportions of treated chronic kidney disease among the Aboriginal have at times been reported to be more than 30 times the levels of other Australians. Though data on the occurrences and prevalence of CKD among the Aboriginal is not present at the national level, the big burden resulting from CKD within this population is shown by the high rate of prevalence of CKD, the high cases and prevalence of ESKD, the high hospitalization cases and mortality rates related with CKD among the Aboriginal. The biggest challenge facing the Aboriginal is accessibility to healthcare. Risk factors for chronic kidney disease are greatly prevalent among the Aboriginal communities. Poor nutrition, alcohol abuse, tobacco smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and other preventable diseases are widespread among many Aboriginal and have been related to kidney problems within this community. Data from the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organization indicated higher levels of diabetes, obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure among the Aboriginal in comparison with other Australians. Add this to the poor social-economic conditions and usual remote regions resulting in poor accessibility of health services and you get increased cases of CKD as well as other chronic illnesses among the Aboriginal. There is also higher cases of low birth weights among the Aboriginal and this according to McDonald contributes to increased risk for kidney disease, outside other risk factors.

How does a mainstream school support new arrivals Essay

How does a mainstream school support new arrivals - Essay Example ganised but it is important that they are organised in such a way that there is a positive ethos and a learning atmosphere where every child succeeds in some way and where every adult works towards helping every child achieve his or her maximum potential’. Generally, the main purpose of schools in accordance with the above researcher is ‘to develop the intellectual, social, emotional and physical abilities of all children’ (Smith, 2002, 4). Although this purpose is absolute understandable in practice there are many cases where schools fail to meet the necessary requirements set by the governors and the social context (ethics) and as a result they can lead to the opposite direction: the creation to the children of severe ‘psychological injuries’ related with their presence in the school environment but also within their families (the influence of conflicts created within a school environment often ‘follows’ children to their homes). When d ealing with children that have recently entered a school environment, the difficulties during their ‘adaptation’ within the new school can be many. Issues like gender or race discrimination, equality and inclusion are then very likely to appear. The behaviour of children towards these ‘adverse’ conditions is usually depended on the support offered by the school administrator and the staff either directly (psychological support, punishment of those who have the responsibility for this situation) or indirectly (provision of extra benefits compared to other pupils of the same school). In this paper the main issue under examination is the support offered to bilingual learners in a particular Scottish school (the one of the Secondary Schools in the Support for Learning Department). Issues like the access to curriculum, barriers in language, equality, discrimination and social exclusion are being examined in order to identify the most appropriate plan of action for the development of support offered to bilinguals

Verbs And Adverbs Essay Example for Free

Verbs And Adverbs Essay An action verb is underlined in each sentence. Write the number of the Circle the adverb that describes the verb. 1. My grandpa snored loudly. 2. Chloe played on the beach yesterday. 3. I will visit my friend tomorrow. 4. George, will you come here? 5. My sheepdog sat lazily in the pool. 6. Neil slowly placed a card on the card house. 7. Neil stopped suddenly and listened. 8. Nathan stamped his feet angrily. 9. I carefully glued the last piece onto the model. 10. Sam accidentally slipped on the ice. 11. Yesterday, they played a game. 12. The truck grumbled loudly. 13. We will go to the concert soon. 14. Jen waited patiently for the computer to load. 15. Kayla finally arrived at the park. 16. My mother nicely reminded me to do my homework. 17. The astronaut easily fixed the problem. 18. I usually hug my mother when I get home. 19. My dog always barks. 20. Peter neatly wrote a shopping list. An action verb is underlined in each sentence. Write the number of the Circle the adverb that describes the verb. 1. My grandpa snored loudly. 2. Chloe played on the beach yesterday. 3. I will visit my friend tomorrow. 4. George, will you come here? 5. My sheepdog sat lazily in the pool. 6. Neil slowly placed a card on the card house. 7. Neil stopped suddenly and listened. 8. Nathan stamped his feet angrily. 9. I carefully glued the last piece onto the model. 10. Sam accidentally slipped on the ice. 11. Yesterday, they played a game. 12. The truck grumbled loudly. 13. We will go to the concert soon. 14. Jen waited patiently for the computer to load. 15. Kayla finally arrived at the park. 16. My mother nicely reminded me to do my homework. 17. The astronaut easily fixed the problem. 18. I usually hug my mother when I get home. 19. My dog always barks. 20. Peter neatly wrote a shopping list.

Connection Of Biodiversity To International Relations Commerce Essay

Connection Of Biodiversity To International Relations Commerce Essay The connection between international relations and biodiversity can be linked to the evolution of both as globalization does too, which have brought among others, the increasing in international trade throughout last years. Its a fact that countries experience economic interdependence and that it is not equally shared; usually North developed countries demand raw materials or natural resources at low prices to produce goods, which later are going to be sell to southern or developing countries at higher prices; due to that southern countries are forced themselves to exploit their resources at the point that there is space for extinction rates and for biodiversity to decrease. The economic interdependence that countries are experiencing nowadays have caused high loss of biodiversity not only in flora, because of the high rates of deforestation, but also in fauna, as people even more are destroying habitats and exploiting at high levels the benefits that they could take from animals. All of that is part of an evidence to say that international relations and biodiversity are connected and also we can say that the first one can define the course of the last one; as international relations evolve, biodiversity may decrease. This is seem as a problem as international relations increase, globalization and international trade does too, and because of that, southern or commonly named developing countries which have around 20% of the worlds total biodiversity, have to exploit their natural resources, causing massive losses of species. Biodiversity is an important political issue because it depends on the relations among the most powerful economies in the world, which determines the levels of use or abuse on the natural resources available in the planet. Nowadays we are talking of interdependent capitalistic economies competing in the international arena, usually the most powerful developed countries influencing the decisions of not so developed ones. All of those changes in the worlds reality have generated changes in biodiversity too; the fact that specialization has increased as international trade does, developing countries have chosen to exploit their natural resources in order to supply developed countries the raw material they need for their manufactured goods. That in order to developing countries to expand their economies at any price, most of the times without having conscience of the consequences it might bring to the environment, even if they have that conscience, they doesnt have the economic resources to implement sustainable processes that let them exploit natural resources in a reasonable way, causing that way less extinctions or more losses on biodiversity. Reducing the rate of global biodiversity loss depends on the well management of the protected areas in the world, which represents only around the 10% of the worlds surface, which includes zones that were supposedly to be protected but in the daily use it result not be that way. The efforts of developing countries to conserve this zones usually seem to be compromise because of the bad manage they give to the financial aid, that they receive from some developed countries. Its common to find that those financial aids even if they represent some regulations and commitments, are often used in other issues or even fall in hands of corruption which in common in those developing countries. The problem for developed countries to create that kind of zones is that usually they dont have the space or they dont have the flora and fauna to protect. The issue from all of the above if that the protection from excessive use is not feasible as those natural resources represent an important part of th e countrys economy. So the solution is to use biodiversity but in a moderate way, creating protected areas and providing other options for local users. Some effective policies of protection for those areas dont need many economic resources, its enough to increase the surveillance and enforcing rules on those protected areas. But often that enforcement is not enough because the local users usually dont know where the limits are and the penalties they would receive for breaking the rules. One important element that can be useful is to create local conscience and also adapting local constituency and effective enforcement. Susanne Kleeman says in her article voices for biodiversity management in the 21st century that biodiversity management pays inadequate attention to the importance of governing institution, even if they are rules. Laws and policies are more likely to promote sustainable use and conservation of resources with the incorporation of institutions. Three factors are important for a successful conservation program: incorporating local values, ensuring consistency or rules and maintaining adequate enforcement. Due to the process of globalization, extinction rates are increasing worldwide because global warming and other human caused events; which is a reflection of the massive damage of the political and economic system has been causing. Many countries in the world promote free trade and globalization without taking care of the consequences or environmental effects, but without sustainable development policies; if it still going that way extensive trade and all that it brings into a country is going to end with all of the natural resources. In order to contribute to solve some of the environmental problems caused by international relations theres a need to create a new multilateral diplomacy because, as said by Hill, J in his article A new diplomacy for sustainable development; the challenge of global change, the environmental problems and the plans for their mitigations transcend political boundaries. So that way, countries can get into negotiations to integrate long-term perspectives in international policy more in a diplomatic environment that concerns about sustainability, cooperation and threats to the environment. This new way of diplomacy has already begun, first with the UN conference on the human environment in Stockholm in 1972, the with the Rio-Johannesburg process in 2002 and annual meetings and summits that have been realized to creating conscience and finding for solutions for more environmental friendly processes that can contribute with the global warming, which is a long term threat. Another important international actor additional to the multilateral diplomacy, are NGOs that have proven to be a very important actor when dealing with issues that have no frontiers such as environmental and biodiversity issues. Thats one of the most important reasons why NGOs must work together on redesigning the world order and put biodiversity and natural resources as hot topics on the international agenda and also in the political agenda of each country. Many international forums are opened for discussing biodiversity, in which the actors are competing to define priorities and choose the best tools for management of genetic resources, which nowadays have been one of the most important inputs of world economies because those are the raw materials of biotechnology companies. Two international agreements have emerged because of the lack of environmental regulations that is causing the extinction of those resources: the TRIPS and CBD convention on biological diversity. As coban said in his caught between state sovereign rights and properly rights: regulating biodiversity Both consider the problem of regulating to biological resources as an issue related to the capitalist relations but the difference is that the second one is a convention that seeks to protect the environment affirming that biological diversity is subject of national sovereignty, while the former one regulates biotechnology patents worldwide. The TRIPS states that intellectual property rights of corporations over genetic or biological resources are complementary in the process of capital accumulation, while CBD has been an effective awareness-raising tool. The CBD was adopted in 1992 during the Rio Summit and it recognizes the need to take action in the environmental issues, integrating the principles of equity and ethics in the use of biodiversity and also establishes that biological diversity is subject to national sovereignty; this convention has been ratified in 177 states and start its activities in 1993, focusing on the genetic resources and the access to them, technology transfers, financing of conservation policies and trade in genetically modifies organisms. One of the most important contributions of this convention is the fact that poor countries cant commit to preserve biodiversity unless developed ones provide them with technologies and financial aid, due to the use of processes that reduce abuses into the environment. This financial aid has been declining, and the international institutions and organizations that promote the protection of biodiversity has not proven to be an effective regulative framework. Nowadays international agreements are not the only involved, the private sector somehow seem to be more in favor of that sustainable development. International business coalitions also play a role in interactions between environmental regulations and private sector interests. Mainly there are 2 coalitions directly related to environmental issues, the international chamber of commerce and the global industry coalition. The former deals with biodiversity governance and environmental policies, and the latter have to do with biosafety negotiations; both of them have space in the international arena and the power to help biodiversity abuses to diminish at the international level. For international treaties and policies to work correctly, there has to be a support at the national level. Local governments have to share and implement the ideas that international treaties, policies, conventions, NGOs and other actors promote. As stated by Susanne Kleeman, biodiversity governance needs to be adapted to local conditions but aligned with global, regional and national frameworks and it calls for vertical linkages adapted to local conditions. The national government has to agree with the international politics in order to create some consistency and to share the same objectives. In conclusion, biodiversity and international relations have important connections because as more capitalistic becomes the world, natural resources are going to be exploited at much in order to satisfy the needs of trade of the developed countries. And in the other hand in order to survive economically and improve their status and living standards, developing countries would still abuse of the biodiversity with the objective of selling raw materials for the production of manufactured goods. If good conservation policies and treaties are not implemented, much of the diversity and natural resources we have probably will disappear, and after that theres not much to do. Finally unless environmental issues become central part in the international agenda, the world will suffer dramatic changes.

Business Analysis of IBM Essay -- Business Marketing IBM Companies Ess

Business Analysis of IBM 1. History of IBM: IBM is a multinational corporation that started its activities in 1911. But its origins can be traced back to 1890, during the height of the Industrial Revolution. It was first known as the Computing-Recording Company, and then in 1924, it took the name of International Business Machines. Nowadays, this multinational company is known as the  ¡Ã‚ §Big Blue ¡Ã‚ ¨ 2. Mission statement IBM main activity is to find solutions to its wide range of clients using advanced information technology. Its clients are individual users, specialized businesses, and institutions such as government, science, defense, and spatial and educational organizations. To meet and respond to its customers needs, IBM creates, develops and manufactures many of the worlds most advanced technologies, ranging from computer systems and software to networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics. Indeed, IBM has various product lines and services a few of which are: the Personal Computer that was first created in 1981, AS/400 business system, RS/6000 family of workstations and server systems, S/390 enterprise server, groundbreaking ThinkPad notebook computer; the award-winning IBM Netfinity and finally, PC Servers. It is an important supplier of hard disks, random access memories, and liquid crystal monitors. IBM has created the image  ¡Ã‚ §Solutions for a Little World ¡Ã‚ ¨. Its products and components in other firm products are so widespread that people around the world associate the name IBM with computing functions. 3. Organization IBM is a global information system and computing company. It is organized in 5 worldwide regions, and the following business units: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Application Business Systems 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Application Solutions 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Enterprise Systems 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Networking Systems 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pennant Systems Company 6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Personal Systems 7.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Programming Systems 8.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Storage Products 9.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Technology Products 4. Past and current performance: For many years, IBM succeeded in holding a very good market position. In fact, the company achieved a very high market share and huge profits. However, this situation did not last forever. In 1990, IBM experienced its first quarterly loss of $2billion due to some unexpected accounting charges. However, revenues increased from $62.7 billion in the previous year to $96 billion. In 1991, the c... ...nies in the world were ranked: 1.IBM 2.Fujitsu 3.Hewlett-Packard 4.NEC, 5.Compaq. VI. IBM in Morocco: In 1939, IBM France launched in Morocco the first agency in Africa. Morocco was chosen because it represents an open door to Africa. IBM MAROC employs 85 employees and has almost 500 clients (ministries, banks, insurance companies, Al Akhawayn University, etc..). The main activities of IBM MAROC are to meet all customers' needs, to provide high quality tools, and to create a structure that will guarantee high quality maintenance services. IBM has two important strategies, which are: ïÆ'   direct marketing: it means selling directly to the consumer through the mail, by telephone, or door-to-door. By having direct contact with the customer, the company knows what are the needs, the preferences, and then can effectively choose the kind of products it will sell in the Moroccan market. ïÆ'   Commercial partnership: IBM has 22 commercial partners that sell its products in many different regions in Morocco. Thus, IBM MAROC is not obliged to create agencies in many cities, rather, its products are sold with other firms' articles, which increases the competition.

Problem Based Learning Essay

Students do not learn much just sitting in classes listening to teachers, memorizing pre-packaged assignments, and spitting out answers. They must talk about what they are learning, write about it, relate it to past experiences, and apply it to their daily lives. They must make what they learn part of themselves. † Explain how you will conceptualise this principle in your classroom? | There is a saying that goes: â€Å"Give a man a fish; you’ll feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish; you’ll feed him for a lifetime. † As an educator, I hold on firmly to saying above. When I first started teaching, I told myself that I can either be a teacher who is only concerned about what need to be taught or I can be a teacher who is concerned about what and how something is supposed to be taught. I chose the latter. Why? Students had spent more than 12 years of learning in schools where most of the time, they sit and listen to what the teacher is teaching. Little or less participation on their behalf is incorporated during those 12 years. The main objective is to pass 3 ‘big and important’ examinations in 12 years. Sad to say, they soon forget a big chunk of what they had been learning for the past 12 years immediately after they finish their last paper for SPM. This is because students are only made to remember what they are taught; not to retain them. You can remember information for a specific length of time before you forget about it; but if you can retain that information, you’ll remember it forever. Let’s take mathematic as an example. We were taught how to do simple calculations such as addition since we were 6 years old. We not only learn how to add numbers in class, we also use it in our daily lives too. In a much simple terms, we practice what we learn in school and incorporate it into our daily lives. We retain the skills to do additions by doing and practicing. What about additional mathematics? Frankly speaking, if I was given a set of additional mathematics questions today, I would not be able to solve even the simplest question. Why? Because I did not use any of the formulas I was taught in school in my daily lives. I did not retain the information. Students are unique. They might not have the same way of learning. Lecturers and educators must be aware of their student’s ability in order to make the teaching and learning process a success. â€Å"Students have different levels of motivation, different attitudes about teaching and learning, and different responses to specific classroom environments and instructional practices. † (Brent and Felder, 2005) That is why, students learn best when they are incorporated and is actively involved during the learning process. The traditional method of teaching is more concerned on what the student should learn rather than how the student should be learning. In my class, I use Problem Based Learning (PBL) method. PBL is a new method of learning where there is a balance between what the students should learn and how they should be learning. â€Å"This new approach to learning is bringing about new ways in which students are involved in the learning process. Teachers know that students do not learn at their highest potential when they are in a classroom where the teacher stands at the front of the room and gives them knowledge. † (Utecht, 2003) During class, I encourage my students to speak and share information that they have on the topic. Before I start my lecture, I would first brainstorm the idea of the topic with my students. Initially, students would be reluctant to participate because they are afraid of saying the wrong answer. I encourage them saying that â€Å"if it is an opinion, there is no right or wrong answer†. Students in universities are andragogy learners; they are adult learners. As an adult, they would like to have more control of their own learning. â€Å"Andragogy reorients adult educators from educating people to helping them learn. The methods used may range from isolated instruction within a curriculum or integrated instruction. It may also encompass intentional and unintentional learning situations. † (Crawford, 2004) This type of students would be more interested to learn if they are given more power and control in the learning process. There are six assumptions on andragogy learners: 1. Adults need to know the reason for learning something (Need to Know) 2. Experience  (including  error) provides the basis for learning activities (Foundation). 3. Adults need to be responsible for their decisions on education; involvement in the  planning  and  evaluation  of their instruction (Self-concept). 4. Adults are most interested in learning subjects having immediate  relevance  to their work and/or personal lives (Readiness). 5. Adult learning is  problem-centred rather than content-oriented (Orientation). 6. Adults respond better to internal versus external motivators (Motivation). (Malcom Knowles, 1977) I planned and carry out my teaching and learning process using the 6 assumptions as my main guidance. Most of the time during class, I allow my students to voice out their opinion and share what they have to say on certain topics. I also let them know the objective of the learning and what they will acquire at the end of the class. If they feel that they did not achieve what they should at the end of the lesson, I encourage them to share their problems with their classmates so that they can come up with the solutions together. During my lecturer, I use simple examples which they can easily connect with in their daily lives. I usually share my experience and ask them to share theirs with the class. It takes the seriousness out of the learning process and students felt more comfortable sharing their problems and experience. For me, a relaxed and simple learning environment will encourage the students to be more active and not be reluctant to join in the discussions. A rigid classroom will make the students as cold as ice. Before I started teaching, I told myself to be the teacher that u have never had; the teacher I want to have but did not. I want my students to them around me and to not be ashamed to tell what they have in mind, because I believe the most valuable knowledge is the knowledge that we shared. References Brent. R, & Felder M. R. (2005). Understanding students’ differences. Journal of Engineering Education, 94(1), 57-72 Crawford S. R (2004). Andragogy – Malcolm Knowles. Retrieved March 21 from http://academic. regis. edu/ed205/Knowles. pdf Knowles, M. S. (1973). The Adult Learner: A Neglected Species. Houston:  Gulf Publishing Company. Utecht R. J. (2003). Problem Based Learning in Student Centred Classroom. Retrieved March 21 from http://www. jeffutecht. com/docs/PBL. pdf

Personal Computer and Local Area Networks

1. Scalabilit y refers to the ability of a computer, product, or system to be available 24/7 for constant use without breaking down. (True/False) 2. Software that manages the resources of the computer is called A) operating system software. B) application software. C) data management software. D) network software. 3. Reducing computer power consumption is a top priority for grid computing. (True/False) 4.The network standard for connecting desktop computers into local area networks that enabled the widespread adoption of client/server computing and local area networks and further stimulated the adoption of personal computers is A) TCP/IP B) COBOL C) Ethernet D) ASCII 5. Which of the following is NOT an example of the emerging mobile computing platforms? A) netbooks B) the Kindle C) cell phones D) CRM E) iPad 6. Connecting geographically remote computers in a single network to create a â€Å"virtual supercomputer† is called A) co-location.B) edge computing. C) grid computing. D ) utility computing. E) cloud-computing 7. In the age of the Internet, Porter's traditional competitive forces model is still at work, but: a)Competitive rivalry has become much more intense b)Barrier to entry is higher c)Customer demands are unpredictable d)Suppliers come and go 8. In the value chain model, primary activities are most directly related to the production and distribution of the firm's products and services that create value for the: a)broker )supplier c)customer d)organization e)system 9. Which of the following is NOT one of the competitive forces? A) suppliers B) other competitors C) external environment D) customers E) wholesalers and distributors 10. Which of the following statements is NOT true about information technology's impacts on business firms? A) It helps firms expand in size. B) It helps firms lower the cost of market participation. C) It helps reduce internal management costs. D) It helps reduce transaction costs.

Into the Dark

Into the Dark A tunnel of light paraded across the ceiling of the dark room then widened as the painted wooden door creaked open. A pitch-colored shadow briskly swept across the Invading gleam then without a moments hesitation disappeared Into the swallowing blackness of the small room. A small girl asleep In her princess pink canopy bed was awoken by the loud sound of heavy breathing. The dog like pant sent a furious chill down her spine, slowly streaking throughout her bones Like tiny pins and needles. Her heart pounded with the heavy beat of a base drum.As she looked up her dark eyes filled with fear. She slammed her eyes shut convinced that It was her Imagination and burled her face into her fluffy, soft, cased pillow, determined to shut out the constant nagging of a disembodied voice. Harshly whispering,it said, â€Å"Come with me, come with me Elena,† The voice retreated to the back of her mind. â€Å"l mean you no harm. † She slowly opened her dry mouth to say so mething but the words wouldn't come out. â€Å"The clock has almost run out† whispered the snake like voice. â€Å"Just jump off the bed, I'm in your head but I won't hurt you. â€Å"Yeah right! Yelled Elena, â€Å"l should Just Jump off my bed for no reason! † â€Å"Just jump,† said the now soothing voice of someone else. Elena knew it was a trick but before she could resist she closed her eyes shut and Jumped. Instead of hitting the floor she kept falling. She snapped her eyes open and didn't quite process what she saw. Darkness rushed past her then opened into a new scene. Bright rays of glittering light streamed through the air coming from an unknown source. Dark grey rock pillars protruded from thin air in unruly shapes and formations.Elena didn't know whether to be scared or in awe of the beauty. Welcome to my world† whispered the voice In a hushed tone â€Å"Oh goody. † said Elena In her most sarcastic voice,'The snake Is back! † Her voice cracked on the last word for she was still in shock. Frustrated about the embarrassing stutter, she tried to run but found herself moving faster than anyone could sprint. She was flying. A robin's egg blue cloud burst out from behind one of the stone pillars causing Elena to to a double back In shock of TLS brightness and vibrancy.When she looked closer she saw that the cloud was not in fact a weird looking, unusually colored luster of evaporated water, but a giant wave of beautiful blue settlers jays. One bird landed on her. It opened up its mouth. Instead of letting out the beautiful song that she was expecting, it started screeching, â€Å"BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP†. The dark room then widened as the painted wooden door creaked open. A pitch- colored shadow briskly swept across the invading gleam then without a moments hesitation disappeared into the swallowing blackness of the small room. The lights flicked on and her mom said â€Å"Get out of bed you're going to miss th e bus! â€Å"

Globalisation leads to the homogenisation of culture. Discuss Essay

Globalisation leads to the homogenisation of culture. Discuss - Essay Example Globalization has brought many hopes to such countries as they can utilize the expertise and technology of developed countries for the mobilization of their idle resources. Another important aspect of globalization is the cultural homogenization. The exchange of labour force across the boarders is a common thing at present because of globalization. Outsourcing and offshoring of business are common things at present which need the interaction of multicultural workforce. In short globalization has forced the world to develop towards a common culture. This paper briefly analyses the homogenization of culture as a result of globalization. Berry, (2008) has defined Globalization as the multiplicity of linkages and interconnections between nations (Berry, 2008, p.329). Kalantzis & Cope (2006) have referred globalization as the enemy of diversity (Kalantzis & Cope, 2006, p.402). Peng, (2009) has argued that Globalization brings closer integration of the countries and the people of the world by acting like the swings of a pendulum (Peng, 2009, p.19). Globalization has been defined in many ways by different people. It is the sum of all the definitions given above. The essence of Globalization is the unification of global culture for the collective growth. The major enemy for economic growth in many countries is the conflicts between countries. For example, the conflicts like India-Pakistan, Israel - Palestinians, US-Afghanistan etc are causing immense damage to the economic development prospects of these countries. Many people argue that the current financial crisis in America was the child of different wars America engag ed in different countries. Pakistan also is a victim of underdevelopment because of the increasing conflicts even inside the country. In short, conflicts and wars can retard the economic progress of a country. On the other hand,

Self -executing treaties Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Self -executing treaties - Essay Example In an effort to assess how international laws and treaties are applied by nation-states, this paper shall discuss the application of self-executing treaties and the position of treaties recovering provisional application. The views of different authors, courts, and international tribunals shall be used to critically assess the implementation of the dualist and the monist approach to treaties. As part of the international community, states are obliged to follow and respect the provisions and mandates of international laws. These laws help keep the peace between nations and help secure and protect the sovereignty of the different nations of the world. Treaties form part of our international laws. Through the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, the principle of pacta sunt servanda finds application. Nations are free to apply these treaties in any way they see fit. They may apply the dualist approach or the monist approach in order to seek the application of the treaties in their territory. Whatever approach to implementation they choose, these nations have international obligations to fulfill, and their failure to comply cannot be excused using domestic laws as a scapegoat. International responsibilities cannot be ignored because states are risking their economic and political position in the international community (Council of Europe, p. 16). In some countries which follow a dualist approach to treaties, these treaties cannot, as a general rule, be applied by municipal courts until they have been transformed into municipal law by legislative action. However, in the case of self-executing treaties, this rule must be qualified. Treaties are normally endorsed by states and are considered the most common and trusted sources of international law. The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties in 1969 was passed in order regulate the enactment of treaties between state parties as well as organizations. According

Personal Leadership Development Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Personal Leadership Development Plan - Essay Example The principles of appreciative coaching are differentiated herein: The Constructivist Principle focuses on the influence of social structures in significantly affecting the behavior of individuals in relation to others. The Positive Principle, as the term implies, centers on the positive aspects of an individual’s life through experiences that have been perceived to be constructive and optimistic in general. In addition, the Anticipatory Principle ventures on anticipated scenarios that become the basis for behavior and decision making processes. The Poetic Principle, on the other hand, creatively utilizes vivid illustrations and storytelling to solicit crucial information, not solely on the facts, but also in terms of emotional experiences. And finally, the Principle of Simultaneity focuses on the premise that â€Å"inquiry is change†¦ (and) intervention† and guidance is redirected to the first inquiry and its influence to effect change. Personal Assessment of Leadership Coaching Skills To increase one’s capacity to lead, coach, and develop others, one realized the need to familiarize oneself with the basic theoretical framework needed for leadership coaching. The objective is to be achieved through a research on secondary literatures on the crucial elements of coaching and leadership from a coaching perspective. As indicated by Peters & Austin (1985), â€Å"coaching is a form of leadership that pulls together people with diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and interests, encourages them to step up to responsibility" and continued achievement, and treats them as full scale partners and contributors† (p. 232). Likewise, the authors emphasized that â€Å"coaching is not about memorising techniques or devising the perfect game plan. It is about really paying attention to people – really believing them, really caring about them, really involving them†

Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of using faith as a basis for Essay

Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of using faith as a basis for knowledge in religion and in one area of knowledge from the ToK diagram - Essay Example Such beliefs have been challenged by logical positivism and upheld by fideism (Moser, 2002, p.128). The truth and validity of such beliefs therefore depends on the strength of the argument whether for or against and evidence presented therein. Individual motives, attitudes and preferences have had significant impacts on both faith and religion. It is important to note that there exist different religions in the world that are based on the different understanding of faith across these religions. Faith in world religions is therefore a critical issue to consider in assessing and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of using faith as a basis for knowledge in religion (Steup, 2001, p.47). Faith is defined as a conclusive belief that is not necessarily backed up by adequate evidence (Conee, 2004, p. 133). Provision of efficient evidence to a given scenario or phenomenon constitutes an explaining reason, and therefore faith is ruled out at that instance. Inadequate reason is the principle defining factor of faith. The strengths of faith in constituting knowledge in religion are discussed below: Faith is defined by individual preferences and attitudes, thereby building a specific religion in that process. Faith as aforementioned is not backed up by evidence but it is fundamentally a determinant of the many religions in the world. In the view of using faith as a basis for knowledge, decisions can be made on what constitutes knowledge in the context of faith. Since faith is already a conclusive belief, proof of faith is not a requirement in defining the resultant knowledge. Faith makes truth assertions without prior proof. In fact there are closely related sources of knowledge like mathematics and theology that makes similar assertions backed up by no proof. Reliance on leaps of faith therefore provides a strong basis for knowledge especially in religion, because religion is directly linked to faith

Marketing Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Marketing Plan - Essay Example During the initial phase, Lifestyle Electronics will enter the foreign country through joint venture with a local brand (Belu & CÄÆ'rÄÆ'gin, 2008). Another major market advantage rests in the selection of foreign nation. The country selected is Indonesia, a fast-emerging nation with a growing youth population as well as rising income levels. The major strength of Lifestyle Electronics lies in its wide product assortments. The company will source products from big and known brands across United States, which will hugely boost its overall awareness and initial profitability. Most consumer electronics companies are from US and this provides a competitive advantage to the company. Joint venture with a local brand will give an edge over other independent electronics chains, as local consumers will have more trust and faith on the joint venture organization. Being a start-up company, the major weakness will be to establish rapport and build long-term relationship with companies in the foreign market. Consumer electronics is an already established and saturated market and thus, Lifestyle Electronics will have to continuously innovate, in terms of its services as well as communication, in order to gain a competitive edge. Lack of proper market research will also be a challenge for the start-up in order to track the desired customer base. No market reputation or market presence in the foreign market is also a weakness. The cash flow will be hugely unreliable during the early stages of business establishments. Entering into a new market can also make staffs and employees vulnerable to leaves and sickness. Indonesia is considered as a fast-emerging market. However, not many consumer electronics companies have penetrated into this region. Therefore, chances of successful establishments are high. Initial talks with the local council have been positive and the local government will provide

What evidence is there to suggest that Hamlet Essay Example for Free

What evidence is there to suggest that Hamlet Essay What evidence is there to suggest that Hamlet would have become a successful leader of Denmark had he survived? In the final scene Forthinbras declares that Hamlet, Was likely, had he been put on, To have proved most royal; By examining traits of Hamlets character and comparing his to the characters of others in positions of power I will discuss whether this statement is correct. In Act 1 Scene 2 Shakespeare shows Hamlet has many leadership qualities. He is kind to Horatio when he tries to make out he is a truant. I would not hear your enemy say so. He has created a strong friendship with Horatio and the guards, Marcellus and Barnardo, respect him even though he has not become King. He can discuss his grief over his fathers death frankly and openly with them. This show of trust for, and respect from, his piers is very important in a prospective leader. Hamlet is bitingly witty when talking of his fathers funeral and mothers wedding. Thrift, thrift, Horatio. The funeral baked meats Did coldly furnish the marriage tables. This not only shows his bitterness but also his sharp intelligence. At other points in the play Hamlets intelligence and wit are shown in his feigned madness. An example of this is when he is ridiculing Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. I am but mad north-north-west. When the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw. The meaning of this riddle is clear but Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are clearly bewildered. This shows Hamlets intellectual superiority over his schoolfellows. In Act One Scene Two Hamlet goes on to exhibit his ability to question the men very shrewdly about the sightings of the Ghost. His questions are direct, penetrating and enable him to gain the information he needs. This is emphasised by the short, sharp sentences and the hard f sounds used. Then you saw not his face? What, looked he frowningly? This would be a valuable quality for a leader in a crisis when the details needed to be known. Hamlet is shown to have the positive resolution of a leader here as he determines to watch for the Ghost that night. However he never loses sight of reason by being caught up in the excitement and is still able to reflect on the need for caution. He tells the guards, If you have hitherto concealed this sight, Let it be tenable in your silence still Conversing with the devil goes against the laws of Christianity and so they need to keep the sightings a secret to protect themselves. It is a mark of Hamlets leadership that the men obey him in this. Hamlet is very astute and cannot be easily deceived. He sees through the spies, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, immediately despite their efforts at pleasantry. You were sent for and there is a kind of confession in your looks A lesser person may have trusted them and revealed the whole situation to them but Hamlet does not endanger himself by doing this. He compares them to a sponge that soaks up the kings countenance, his rewards, his authorities. When he needs you what you have gleaned, it is but squeezing you, and, sponge, you shall be dry again. This is a very perceptive and truthful image of the way in which Claudius treats them. Shakespeare provides other examples of leadership within Hamlet to highlight Hamlets own qualities or flaws. An example is Claudius, the current King of Denmark. In contrast to Hamlet he lacks the discerning nature needed in a leader. His failure to grasp the full danger presented by Fortinbras and his advancing army prove fatal to Denmark. Claudius chooses to rely on politics and negotiation to win his wars and so is fooled by the report brought by his ambassadors. It is clear to the audience that Fortinbras has a strong motive for invading Denmark to revenge his fathers murder and the ground that he supposedly fights for in Poland hath in it no profit but the name. Claudius also fails to understand Polonius character and places too much trust on his judgement in state matters. Polonius influence is shown. Thou still hast been the father of good news This misjudgement proves fatal for Claudius because the news Polonius brings of Hamlets madness being that of a distracted lover in Act Two Scene Two is incorrect. Claudius is distracted from taking any steps to remove Hamlet because of this. Hamlets own perceptiveness is shown again in his understanding of Polonius as he aptly describes him as a foolish, prating knave. However Claudius has qualities such as ruthlessness, that make him a good leader, and which, Hamlet is lacking. When Claudius has realised the full threat Hamlet poses to him he has no quibbles about having him sent to his death in England immediately. Hamlet only possesses this strength when he seals the letter to have Rosencrantz and Guildenstern killed. He declares, They are not near my conscience. Claudius has the character of a leader who wants to drink and party in the style of royalty with his people. This may make him popular with some but Hamlet takes this view against Claudius custom, It is a custom More honoured in the breach than in the observance. Hamlet has uptight morals that are fitting for a leader who must set an example to his people. Hamlet understands politics and wants the people of Denmark to be respected by those in other countries and not cleped drunkards as they are under Claudius rule. Hamlet feels a greater responsibility for the reputation of his country than Claudius does and so is more kingly. A quality a political leader shown in both Claudius and Hamlet is their use of language to cover up their true meaning. Hamlet does so in his madness when he produces veiled threats against Claudius in his riddles. Claudius skill is more developed and successful in execution. His opening speech is full of rhetorical artifice; he is contradicting himself but the audience have to listen hard to pick this up. For example he says. With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage He is talking about the incest that has occurred in his marrying his dead brothers wife but his eloquent language and smooth, flowing speech hides the meaning well. Shakespeare uses young Fortinbras of Norway as an exact parallel to Hamlets character. His own father has been murdered and his uncle has taken his throne. However Fortinbras is opposite to the reflective, moralising Hamlet. He is a man of umimprovi d mettle hot and full. Fortinbras is uninhibited and can boldly take action to revenge Denmark for his fathers murder. His plan is simple but he easily tricks Claudius and achieves his aim as he takes control of Denmark in the final scene. Shakespeare shows in Act Four Scene Four that he considers Fortinbras direct active response is better then Hamlets reflective one as Fortinbras presence makes Hamlet conscious of his own failings. Now whether it be Beastial oblivion, or some craven scruple Of thinking too precisely on th event- Shakespeare shows how Hamlet moralises over the deed too much and ends up being cowardly. Hamlet cannot match the intrepid delicate and tender price that can lead twenty thousand men to war for the sake of a straw. The presence of Fortinbras causes Hamlet to take up his fight with resolution. My thoughts be bloody or nothing worth. Through the play we see this growth of Hamlets character a progression to what Fortinbras is able to be. Hamlet overcomes his reticence in allowing Claudius to take his throne by asserting his right to it as he declares in Act Five Scene One, . This is I, Hamlet the Dane At this point Hamlet may truly be called royal and worthy of being King. Despite all Hamlets kingly qualities the view of Ophelia in Act Three Scene One must be considered. She believes that through feigning madness Hamlet has destroyed all the virtues he was previously warrant to. Oh what a nobler mind is here oerthrown! This means that Hamlet has disqualified himself from the chance being elected to the throne as he has destroyed his own self. This may be a just argument but we must consider the true extent of Hamlets insanity and believe that Hamlet would be able to return to his intelligent and discerning self after Claudius death. In the final scene Shakespeare shows us that Hamlet couldnt be successful leader of Denmark. He still has not the tenacity to take his revenge. He only kills Claudius in retaliation to an attack upon himself and not because of any merit of his own. This procrastination would be a serious failing in a prospective leader because ruthless decisions and actions would need to be taken without the moralising that Hamlets character exemplifies. His other qualities, though still intact despite the feigned madness, would not compensate for his lack of resolution. Shakespeare highlights this flaw by including the characters of Claudius and Fortinbras who are both ruthless and decisive.