Surrealism Essays (907 words) - Modern Painters, Modern Artists

Surrealism As World War I came to an end, the Dada movement evolved into a new movement called Surrealism. This medium of art created a palette of purity and hope though automatism and use of dreams. The Surrealists strove for simplicity and spontaneity or as some called it, automatism. They wanted to answer the question how shall I be free? and to express thought without any tainted preconceptions. They believed automatism would reveal the true and individual nature of anyone who practiced it, far more completely than could any of his conscious creations. For automatism was the most perfect means for reaching and tapping the unconscious. (Stangos 125) This free style of expression, first used in literary circles headed by Andre Breton and then by painters like Max Ernst, Joan Miro, Salvador Dali and Ren? Magritte, upheld the Dadaist rejection of traditional forms of art. However, by portraying a field of unconscious thought and thereby, following an uncontaminated reality, the surrealists avoi ded the horrors of premeditated warfare and political, social and economic lies and injustices. Surrealist theorists found Surrealism to be: a certain point of the mind at which life and death, the real and the imaginary, the past and the future, the communicable and the incommunicable, the heights and the depths, cease to be perceived contradictably. Now it is in vain that one would seek any other motive for Surrealist activity than determining this point. (Stangos 134) By using one's unconscious mind, the imagination in a primitive state, (Stangos 126) Surrealism found a place where contradictory thoughts might not serve as dichotomies. Free of a socially constructed point of view or raison, a writer or artist travels to a place of thinking that is both irrational and rational at the same time. Through the unconscious or a highly sensitized state of mind, the surrealist brought forth a new manner of seeing and feeling the world as it was understood and negotiated by Western peoples. In its development, Surrealism celebrated the art of children, mad people and primitive art. The Surrealists believed in the innocent eye. They found that art produced by young children was more real than that produced by adults-- since the art of adults was usually repressed and contaminated. The Surrealists often played children's games like the one where each player draws a head, body or legs then folds the paper after his turn so that his contribution is not seen. The strange images that resulted provided Joan Miro and others with inspiration for works, such as The Harlequin's Carnival. (Stangos 127) In addition to this technique, Max Ernst, in 1925, began using a child's technique which led him in his direction of art for the next two decades. The technique was termed frottage, or rubbing. It involved placing a piece of paper over a textured surface and then rubbing it with a pencil to record the texture. Afterwards, the images produced would be rearranged and the results were new images and associations from these initial rubbings. These images would then go on to become inspiration and the groundwork for paintings and sculptures. Ordinary forms and objects were used to create art. The Surrealists saw an object and created art out of it because of the feelings that object inspired or what that object lent itself to be transformed into. In addition to the childlike innocence the Surrealist sought, looked into his dreams and into his childhood for ideas for his art. The Surrealists looked towards dreams because they believed dreams were thoughts and imaginations in the primitive state. Dreams were part of the unconscious, and the unconscious was untainted. In the beginning of the Surrealist period, artists used hypnotism and drugs to venture into the unconscious state to extract images, word and ideas. Andre Breton said that these images and feelings could not be had in the conscious state. Quite often, the Surrealists would create dream-like scenes and scenarios which would otherwise be impossible in the natural world. Salvador Dali once said the only difference between himself and a madman was that he was not mad. His paintings were often a bizarre and erotic dream world influenced by dreams and his fear of sex. Dali painted with a photographic like accuracy and used bright intense colors

Battling Cancer essays

Battling Cancer essays During a shower one-day, you notice a lump that was not otherwise there. The next day you see a doctor. The lump you have identified is diagnosed as cancer. Now you need to figure out what to do. There is no absolute cure for cancer, but there are different ways to treat it. Doctors use according methods like radiation, chemotherapy or drugs to treat various types of cancer. Another way of treating cancer is with alternative forms of medicine by using acupuncture and natural herbal remedies. These treatments are more often used in cases that can not be treated very or at all. However, when using the combination of the two treatment techniques, one can receive the full benefit of all available options. The medical profession is beginning to acknowledge and accept this idea of allowing alternative medicines in conjunction with traditional medicines to ease suffering as well as prolonging the lives of cancer patients. In order to make a decision on treatment for cancer, one must understand what cancer is and the current treatments used. Cancer starts when a cell ceases to function properly, mutates, and begins to multiply rapidly. A cancer cell has an abnormal chromosome which sends the wrong message to the other parts of the cell, which causes the cell to grow rapidly as it multiplies. These multiplied cells can form a lump called a malignant tumor, attack organs and organelles such as bone and bone marrow, or destroy tissue in areas like the lungs. All of these cases are referred to as cancer. Cancer knows no boundaries and plays no favorites; it can be found among people of all races and ages, both rich and poor, black and white, male or female. Cancer is a very serious disease many people live with. On average, about 1.2 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year. Cancer is not a contagious dis ...

19th Century American Imperialism & 20th Century War Essay Example for Free (#20)

19th Century American Imperialism & 20th Century War Essay Imperialism (36) , American imperialism (8) company About StudyMoose Contact Careers Help Center Donate a Paper Legal Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Complaints ? Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan couldn’t have said it any better, â€Å"No nation had ever become great without control of foreign markets and access to the natural resources of foreign countries† (Kinzer 33). Throughout the years, America has had an astonishing obsession with the idea of global imperialism. One can’t help but ask the following question: what sparked this sudden obsession with global imperialism? Even though there are many different factors that helped spark this sudden movement, the biggest single factor was the industrialization of the world’s major industrialist societies, such as England, United States, Japan, and Germany. The sudden explosion of industrialization sparked a huge consumption of the earth’s natural resources, and initiated the need for expansion. Throughout the late 19th century up until today, America has approached global imperialism in a number of different ways. Methods such as deception, intimidation, fear, and violence have all been used throughout the American conquest in order to expand this imperialistic society. America had to start expanding and had to take over weaker countries. Americans had to look to faraway countries, weak countries, countries that had large markets and rich resources but had not yet fallen under the sway of any great power† (Kinzer 34). This paper will primarily focus on the reasoning provided by Kinzer’s book Overthrow. America has become the imperialistic society it is today because of the rapid 19th century industrialization and the constant American hunger for natural resources, territory, and global domination. â€Å"Whether they will or no, Americans must now begin to look outward. The growing production of the country demands it† (Kinzer 33). During the late 19th century, America enjoyed a successful conquest of Hawaii, Cuba, Philippines, and Nicaragua. Hawaii, which has always embraced a history of tradition and culture, was faced with the issue of modernization. Throughout the years, Hawaii had slowly started to fall under white control. Hawaii has always been a huge producer of sugar, with one problem. The major market for sugar was in the United States, but the Hawaiians could not export as much as they would like because of the high tariffs imposed on imported sugar in the States. When the reciprocity treaty as signed in the summer of 1876, Americans started installing military and commercial bases in Hawaii. The renewed treaty however was what really displayed that Hawaii was falling under white influence. The renewed treaty gave United States control of Pearl Harbor, an extremely fine natural port. On January 14th 1893, Queen Liliuokalani made a disturbing announcement to her cabinet. She proclaimed a new constitution which stated only Hawaiian citizens had the right to vote. This meant that the Hawaiian population of Americans would no longer be able to vote. This move gave Lorrin Thurston and John Colburn the reason they needed to initiate the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, which would mark America’s first overthrow of a foreign government. The alarmed Thurston quickly wrote a letter to John L. Stevens, requesting military assistance for the overthrow of the queen’s regime. Soon after, on July 4th 1894, the Republic of Hawaii was proclaimed. During the Spanish colonization of Cuba in 1897, William McKinley was sworn in as president of the United States. McKinley did not like the idea of the Spanish in Cuba. However when talking about McKinley, Kinzer states â€Å"William McKinley believed that a self-governed Cuba would pose an extreme threat to the United States, for they might not do Washington’s bidding† (Kinzer 35). After all, the revolutionary leaders in Cuba were already talking about the social reforms and land redistribution they wanted to initiate. This greatly alarmed many American businessmen, for over $50 million was invested primarily in Cuba’s agriculture. McKinley had finally had enough and had decided it was time to use military force to end the Spanish regime in Cuba. On April 25th 1898, the Spanish-American War had officially begun. After the Spanish surrender, America started to kill Cuba’s dream of independence. In the 1898 Treaty of Paris, Spain gave up all rights to Cuba, surrendered Puerto Rico and Guam, and sold Philippines for $20 million to the United States. The Platt Amendment gave the US some economic and military control of Cuba. McKinley initially only wanted to build a naval base at Manila, Philippines. Later however, he decided he would embark on a journey of Christianizing the country. This was unnecessary however, for most Filipinos were already Catholic. On June 2nd 1899, the official Philippine-American War started. The United States would win the war, and dissolute the First Philippine Republic. At this point, the United States had obtained, by force, full sovereignty over the Philippines. With Cuba, Hawaii, Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico under its belt, America now had access to a wide array of natural resources and an assortment of markets. However, the conquest would not end there. In order for one to understand the takeover of Nicaragua, one must understand Central America in the late 19th century. The late 19th century proved to be a strong idealistic era for Central America. Ideas of both social and political reforms were sweeping many Central nations, ideas inspired by European philosophers. These ideas were absolutely despised by the American government, for these ideas called for change. These ideas were admired by Central Americans because they all desired change. Jose Santos Zelaya became president of Nicaragua in 1893. He adopted many revolutionary changes, such as importing the automobile and legalizing civil marriage. He also had a very strong emphasis on building and expanding the country’s infrastructure. At first Zelaya and America were on good terms, for there have been talks of building a canal through Nicaragua. Later however, Panama was chosen as the building site, temporarily ending American interest in Nicaragua. As historian John Ellis wrote â€Å"To the State Department, Nicaragua was no longer a country that needed to be coddled or cared for in preparation for future usefulness, rather, it was not a country that needed to be watched carefully and kept in line† (Kinzer 60). A very strong nationalist, Zelaya was giving some of the American business based in his country trouble, which didn’t appeal to the United States secretary of state Philander Knox. What angered Knox even more was that Zelaya went to European banks to borrow money for his railroad project, not American banks. This showed the Taft administration that Nicaragua was trying not to depend on the States as much as they used to, which of course cause congressional panic. After much trouble from Knox, Zelaya finally resigned in 1909. After the brief command of Jose Madriz, Juan Jose Estrada took over the country, and the new conservative government was much admired and supported by the United States. Estrada’s coming to power marks the conquest of Nicaragua, because of America’s strong influence on Estrada’s regime. As demonstrated, the United States has always obtained a hostile approach regarding takeovers and conquest. The first overthrow took place in Hawaii where the queen was relieved of her position. Cuba was later obtained from Spain with the help of brute force and intimidation. Philippines and Puerto Rico were also obtained in the same fashion. Nicaragua’s government fell victim to an American sponsored coup, and their government was taken over by the Americans. It seems like there has always been a recurring pattern throughout American history. If you try to stand up to the US government, you will go down. If you operate your country in a way that doesn’t appeal to the US government, you’re going down. If you just happen to be doing good for your country, there’s still a good chance you’re still going down. America has always been that big bully that beats on the little kids at school, because they are just too weak to defend themselves. America throughout the 19th century was a product of a heavily industrialized society, a society that must rely on domination of other markets and other countries’ resources in order to keep expanding and thriving. 19th Century American Imperialism & 20th Century War. (2017, Mar 13).

Icasualties.Com, Statistics, and Presentation Assignment - 5

Icasualties.Com, Statistics, and Presentation - Assignment Example Specifically, the reporting and graphic presentation of statistics on the website icasualties.com. The website documents casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003 and 2001 respectively. This analysis will focus only on one aspect of the website, the presentation of statistics relating to Operation Enduring Freedom/Afghanistan. On the left side of the site, a news feed constantly updates on news stories about Operation Enduring Freedom and casualties. The data is presented on the remaining portion of the page. The first set of statistics presented in chart and bar graph format is Coalition Military Fatalities by Year. Both formats clearly depict the rising coalition fatality rate and the fact that 2010 is on track to become the deadliest year in the operation. The accuracy of the figures is incontestable. In this day and age, the U.S. military (as well as those of other nations operating in Afghanistan) cannot hide casualties. As the graph on the following page illustrates (making allowances for this year only being halfway through) the graph presents a minor decline to 2003, and an increasing number of fatalities steadily since. The site then presents charted data of coalition fatalities by year and month. The charts indicate the ebb and flow of fighting throughout the year. Fighting increases when the weather improves and the poppy harvest ends in May. It declines again in the fall as the weather deteriorates. Additionally, a pie chart identifies the nationality of coalition fatalities by country and provides links to the name, unit, date of death and cause of death of each individual. The charting of fatalities for all countries is identical and facilitates comparisons between countries. Finally, a map provides data on all coalition fatalities by province and, again, links to the name, unit, date of death and cause of death of each individual. As with the data sorted by nationality the charting of fatalities for all provinces is identical and facilitates comparisons between provinces.  Ã‚  

International business strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

International business strategy - Essay Example However, Anthony Salim and his executive leadership group believe that being flexible to these unpredictable and changing dynamics of international culture and business competition is the key to success. Bartlett, Ghoshal & Beamish (2008) identify the concept of the coordinated federation, which is essentially a conglomeration of pre-existing core principles that have found business success at the headquartered centre of the company and then distributed equally across international boundaries. The Salim Group takes the advice of Bartlett et al. in not taking this rather unproductive distribution of core principles and then forcing them throughout the transnational environment and the business’ multiple industries. Instead, Salim advises on being adaptable to changing market conditions. This flexibility is a success factor to be more responsive to the external market environment. For example, the Salim Group faced public backlash with perceived corruption from the Indonesian go vernment between the Salim Group about its investment banking practices (Dieleman, 2006) for divesting 107 different assets to the Indonesian government. ... Though this is only one scenario that occurred with the Salim Group, it indicates that regional government and other influencing bodies in the regulatory environment continue to change the internal dynamics of how the business is operated and/or divested. This is why Salim continues to travel, personally, to different regions of the world to gain an understanding of what is driving governmental forces or cultural forces in key growth markets or existing markets so that the business can be structured accordingly or new strategies developed based on primary data research analysis. This type of flexibility by taking a proactive stand to leadership and research is a key success dynamic. Since more than one legal basis for operations drives this transnational company, such flexibility is a predictor of future success by fully understanding the forces that will impede business success or improve its competitive or public relations position. Anthony Salim is also open to being approached by new investors from multiple regions of the world in order to seize opportunities to expand the business or put it into a better financial position over the long-run. Salim fully recognizes the strengths and weaknesses of the firm, such as his indication that the group is not fluent in technological prowess, thus not having an attitude of superiority in any one division that might not be supported by actual business realities. Salim relies on synergies produced from acquired businesses or other strategic activities involving a secondary business and allows the firm to capitalize on these strengths through acquisition. In many ways, the case study reinforces that Anthony Salim is more focused on consumer relationship management and the marketing principles for

Walmart analysis Essay Example for Free

Walmart analysis Essay Sam Walton founded Wal-Mart in 1962. He was a businessman who started working in retail in 1940 at a J. C. Penney store in Des Moines, Iowa. In 1945, he ran a retail store in Newport, Arkansas, part of a chain of variety stores named Ben Franklin. Instead of renewing his lease, however, he decided to open a new Ben Franklin franchise in Bentonville, Arkansas and called it â€Å"Walton’s Five and Dime. † He succeeded by selling at a discount. Wal-Mart’s purpose best exemplifies what the company still stands for today: â€Å"Saving People Money So They Can Live Better† (Walmartstores. com) Within five years, the company had grown to 24 stores throughout Arkansas, reaching sales of $12. 6 million. The company officially incorporated on October 31, 1969 as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. In 1970, it opened its first distribution center and home office in Bentonville, Arkansas. By this time, it had 1,500 associates working out of 38 stores. Its sales were $44. 2 million. In this same year, it began to trade its stock as a publicly held company and was soon listed on the New York Stock Exchange. By 1971, it had stores in five states: Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, and Oklahoma. It expanded into Texas in 1973, and Kentucky and Mississippi by 1974, and Texas in 1975. By this time, it had 125 stores and 7,500 associates, with sales of $340. 3 million. By its 25th anniversary in 1987, it had 200,000 associates working out of 1,198 stores. Sales were $15. 9 billion. It also completed a satellite network that linked all operating units with its Bentonville home office via two-way voice and data transmission and one-way video communication. It helped its home office to track inventory and sales and communicate instantly with its stores. In 1988, Sam Walton turned over the CEO role to David Glass. However, he remained the Chairman of the Board. In this same year, the company opened its first Wal-Mart Supercenter in Washington, Missouri. In 1995 it entered South America, beginning with Argentina and Brazil. In 1998, the company introduced the â€Å"Neighborhood Market† with three stores in Arkansas. In 2000, H. Lee Scott became Wal-Mart’s President and CEO. Sales increased to $165 billion. By 2002 it had been listed at America’s largest corporation on Fortune 500 list, with profits of $6. 7 billion. By 2005, it had sales of $312. 4 billion, 6,200 facilities worldwide and 1. 6 million associates. Back Ground and Purpose of the Study Wal-Mart is known as a store where you can go shop and save a buck. They are friendly to the average consumer of moderate income, and in this market they have thrived. The purpose of the study is to analyze why Wal-Mart stores Inc. has their own internal issue. This report will provide a back ground of the study and focus on the methodology, provide findings, recommendations and implementation plans for the root causes of internal issue. . Findings and recommendations Decision Making- RESOURCES A. Planning Findings They are a highly competitive company in an industry and economic time where lower prices are exactly what consumers are looking for. Wal-Mart has found that the reason they are so competitive is through their cheaper prices as compared to most of their competitors. This can create an effect so that many suppliers fight over their business. This in return gives Wal-Mart great bargaining power over whom they buy products from, and they can basically manipulate the original system/relationship of suppliers and retailers. They can almost in a sense control what price suppliers offer. Wal-Mart has great deals, and those deals can bring almost anyone into their store. Wal-Mart has a vast array of customers, most of which at some point or another probably were loyal customers of another company who opposed the idea of Wal-Mart entering in their community. At some point or another most of these same people have gone into Wal-Mart to see what all the hype is about and they found it in the low prices. Within this section is discussed Wal-Mart’s internal analysis of the value brought to and perceived by the consumers through the value and rarity of their products, limitability of their practices, and organization. By evaluating these four categories within their company it is easier to appraise which areas are strong and which are weak and, subsequently, need revision. To begin the main resources and capabilities of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. must be identified. As with many companies a major resource of Wal-Mart’s is their human capital; another is their image – concerning their layout of their stores, product quality, and satisfaction of their employees; Wal-Mart’s products and brands are a valuable resource; and Wal-Mart’s geographic locations are an important resource. B. Direction As we have reviewed and studied the strategy, culture, finances and the challenges and successes at Wal-Mart, there are many strategies we see that the company must undertake to hold its dominate position and drive further growth. Herein, we define our top four. These core strategies include: rebuild and recreate its reputation in the face of recent challenges; continue to show price leadership; improve the customer experience; and drive international growth. The financial performance of Wal-Mart continues to be strong. It delivered another record year in 2008 as total net sales increased 8. 6 percent to $375 billion. Yet, earnings growth rates and same store sales have slowed. And, the company faces a number of challenges to its operating procedures, reputation and growth prospects. Given the company’s stated objectives of â€Å"growing operating income faster than sales† and increasing shareholder value, the strategies we recommend will directly affect the company’s ability to overcome present challenges and meet these primary financial objectives. Reputation and Brand A key strategic objective, perhaps the most critical for the company going forward, is to rebuild and recreate its reputation. While brand and reputation are closely interlinked, author and business consultant, John Foley, differentiates the two attributes in this manner: â€Å"Brand is inside out. Reputation is outside in† (Foley 3). Wal-Mart’s reputation has waned in the past several years and, according to Foley, â€Å"the company’s reputation problems are dragging down its brand and business performance† (Foley). This conclusion seems to be shared by a number of analysts. Further validation can be found in a recent report (written in May 2007) by the company’s former advertising agency, GSDM. This report plainly states â€Å"Wal-Mart’s #1 overall business challenge is reputation. † Among the conclusions, the report states â€Å"(a) Wal-Mart’s consumer ratings as a â€Å"company I trust and respect† have steadily declined over the last two years, and (b) Shopping at Wal-Mart used to mean saving money and being patriotic, being a member of the community, being a part of the â€Å"American Dream. † Today, it just means saving money. All value no values† (Kofinis). So, with this challenge facing the company, there are several areas where the company can apply focus and action to help recreate and strengthen its reputation. Our recommendations for this strategic objective are: Ensure that â€Å"associates† are compensated fairly and receive proper benefits. Put programs in place to improve healthcare coverage for the workers in the stores and throughout the distribution network. Sam Walton’s insistence at the formation of the company on treating employees as partners, or associates, was heralded for years. This approach to managing must be reinforced through new benefits and compensation programs. Demonstrate leadership in societal issues including the environment, energy and healthcare. Wal-Mart’s power and influence are awesome and these forces can each be used to positively impact a broad number of initiatives around improving the environment, reducing carbon footprints and making healthcare more accessible and affordable to consumers. The company has started programs such as â€Å"Sustainability 360† in which it focuses on selling environmentally conscious goods. In 2007, US Stores â€Å"sold 145 million energy efficient light bulbs – enough to eliminate the need for three new coal-fired power plants in the United States. † In healthcare, Wal-Mart initiated a $4 prescription program to help consumers save money on critical prescription drugs. We recommend that programs like these be expanded in scale and that marketing and public relations dollars be increased to improve visibility to this work. Companies possessing a strong brand can easily topple without the support of a strong reputation. Given this and our strong belief that brand and reputation are primary building blocks to company growth and customer loyalty, we absolutely believe that this is the #1 priority the company must address. Price Leadership The greatest area of emphasis in Wal-Mart’s brand and company history has always been â€Å"Low Prices – Always. † And, while this emphasis continues today, we believe the company must continue to demonstrate leadership in this area. Value shoppers still represent the largest consumer base at Wal-Mart stores. Fulfilling this strategy will involve continued â€Å"early adoption† of innovative technologies, such as RFID and a new work scheduling system to support increasing efficiencies that lead to lower consumer prices. Customer Experience The next strategic area for the company is the enhancement of the customer experience. Also playing a factor in strengthening reputation, the company must find new ways to make the customer experience more enjoyable and impactful. This suggests new ways to reach expanded customer segments beyond â€Å"low price shoppers. † Besides the obvious merchandising strategies of optimizing product mix and bringing in new products that attract these customers, Wal-Mart must consider changes to store layouts, expanding aisles, installing better lighting and improving checkout procedures. During last year’s shareholder meeting, CEO Lee Scott addressed this area of their business saying, â€Å"†¦we have to improve in our merchandising areas†¦And we have to get better at consistently executing store standards and customer service, especially around the checkout. † (Forbes) International Growth In fiscal year 2008, Wal-Mart opened its 3000th International unit and grew sales by 17. 5%, representing $90. 6 billion of its total revenues. (Annual Report) An existing priority for the company, Wal-Mart’s ambition for higher growth rates will most likely be found overseas. Thus, we recommend continued investment in and focus on international markets be the fourth of our key strategies. International growth should be pursued through organic means and acquisition, both of which Wal-Mart has executed successfully since first expanding overseas in the early 1990’s. Regardless of the means of entry into markets, the company must understand and adapt to local consumer preferences, customs, attitudes and expectations. A great example of this comes from Wal-Mart’s foray into China. Among many adaptations, â€Å"the company had to accept that most Chinese tend to buy in small quantities, and that language differences required tailoring marketing approaches for product labeling and brand names† (Govindarajin). The sheer size of populations in markets throughout Asia and other untapped markets make this a â€Å"must pursue† strategy for the world’s largest retailer. Organizing Organizing is defined as the assembly and coordination of the human, financial, physical, informational, and other resources needed to achieve goals. (Bateman Snell, 2009, pg. 20) This function is also referred to as the function used to build a dynamic organization. (Bateman Snell, 2009, pg. 20) When looking at the organization process Sam Walton the founder of Wal-Mart made sure from the very beginning to keep up with his competitors. In 1972 Kmart expanded and at that time there were 15 Wal-Mart stores and Sam Walton could not afford to expand by building so he offered Wal-Mart stock on the New York Stock Exchange. Due to the large profit that occurred because of the sales of stock Wal-Mart could expand and by the 1980s they had 276 stores. Organizing is comprised of several organizational resources: physical assets, knowledge, money, and human resources. Resources are organized effectively by the use of tools such as charts and or graphs. These tools will present the various functions of management for instance human resources activities and responsibilities, employee duties and responsibilities, recording relationships amongst upper and lower management. (Bateman Snell, 2009, pg. 290) Within each department there are specific method being used which helps them in managing the resources provided to them. For example accounting and finance departments commonly use Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets and software such as QuickBooks. The management and maintaining of the human resources department is vital when evaluating the effectiveness of the organizing function. â€Å"People are assets not commodities†. (Bateman Snell, 2009, pg. 337) Managers as well as their companies must work together to hire the right individuals for the job. Human resource management is responsible for staffing, training, performance appraisals, rewards, labor relations, wages, and benefits. (Bateman Snell, 2009, pg. 354) Worldwide Wal-Mart employs about 2. 1 million associates, and depending on the size of the store there can be about 225 to 350 more associates in each store. According to Fortune Magazine 2010 reported that Wal-Mart ranked first on their list of most admired companies. This favorable rating is due to their sustainability leadership, corporate compassion, and employment opportunity. Wal-Mart’s staff practices the three basic beliefs and values established by Sam Walton in 1962. They are respect for individuals, services to our customers, and striving for excellence. Micromanaging is kept to a minimum and teamwork is highly encouraged by a style of leadership implemented back in the days of Mr. Walton called â€Å"servant leadership† where leaders work together with their employees. Wal-Mart also has an open door policy any issues which are questionable whether they ethical or immoral are brought to the attention of the store manager, market manager, and or the human resources department. In the past years Wal-Mart has faced several lawsuits in which their ethics has been questioned. Their policies of hiring, promoting, and equality have all been questioned in cases like the sexual discrimination of women in June 2001. Wal-Mart business practices article of 2010 reported that a survey conducted by Wal-Mart indicated a rapid turnover of 70 % of employees that leave the company within the first year of employment and stated that it is attributed to the lack of recognition and inadequate pay of the employees. (Business Practices, para. 5) Despite these various issues that Wal-Mart has been faced with and the speculation that the human resources department does a poor job is just that. Wal-Mart in fact aims to take very good care of their employees. They claim that their organization is one of the best to workplaces, which offers various health and wellness benefits. Wal-Mart offers 80 % coverage on to its eligible employees. Health care benefits such as doctor’s visits and annual checkups, pharmacy benefits, dental, business travel accident insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage (Walmartstores. com, 2010) Wal-Mart like many other organizations is affected by many factors such as competitive pressures, insurance costs, market trends, economic conditions, cost of goods and services, and unemployment. (Walmartstores. com, 2010) Yet another issue they are constantly faced with is their wages. Average Wal-Mart employees make anywhere from $ 12,000 to $ 17,000 which causes them to have to turn to the state for public assistance. Further reports show that employees on average take home less than $250 a week. (Business Practices, 2010) Full time employees make between $6 and $7. 50 an hour and work from 28-40 hour weeks. According to Business Practices 2010 this pay scale indicates that employees of Wal-Mart with dependents are below the poverty line. As mentioned previously the foreign exchange rate is a factor that Wal-Mart as a large retailer must beware of when maintaining their monetary and financial resources. Wal-Mart reported that fiscal year 2009 foreign exchange rates had a negative effect on international net sales by 2. 3 billion. (Walmartstores. com, 2010) When compared to overall company net sales there was still a slight increase indicated despite the negative effect. Wal-Mart also offer its employees various financial benefits to compensate stock option plans, employee’s discounts, profit sharing (401k plan), retirement accounts, and holiday and when determining the success of an organization. Being mindful and utilizing the organizing function will help not only determine and maintain current success but will aid in future and in preventing failure.

Essay --

Soccer Supporters Community The word community is primarily referred to our association with a neighborhood, town or city. But besides its dictionary definition, a community is also what holds a certain group of people together based on their interests, beliefs, practices and values. The world is conformed by many of these communities, but there is one that stands out because of its enormity and the passion that is shared within its members, the soccer supporters community. Soccer supporters are the most diehard fans in the sports world; their love and enthusiasm towards a soccer club is beyond normal and their distinctive practices makes them a worldwide community. This community is mainly defined by the devotion soccer fans have towards their favorite club and the things they’re willing to do to support their team at every game. This unique fanaticism makes them different from other sports supporters. The set of practices and habits that soccer supporters carry out are things like wearing the jersey of your team at all games, create banners on support, sing chants to motivate your team, travel to the away games, watch other soccer leagues, play soccer, stay tuned on what is going in the soccer world, but overall respect the game. Needless to say, every community has a sense of stability that declares what is acceptable and what is not. That stability is possible thanks to a community’s traditions and behaviors that must be followed by those who belong to them, and in this case, soccer supporters are not the exception. As Eduardo Galleano once said, â€Å"in life a man can change wives, political parties, or religions, but he cannot change his favorite football team,† and that’s is the number one principle of a soccer supporter, t... ... World Cup champions, their support and passion are going to be at the highest possible level. This amount of fervor is what holds the community together. Therefore the soccer supporters community is about love, respect, passion, loyalty, commitment and many other qualities that bring people from all round the globe together that share the same love for a sport. There are standards of behaviors and traditions that must be followed in order to have a sense of stability within the community. As I mentioned before, one of the main purposes of this community is to prevent every aspect that can spoil the image of the game, and lastly supporters must take advantage of such events like the World Cup, in order to interact and relate with supporters of other teams, so that all supporters share the love for the game, enjoy the game, respect the game and live for the game.

Equality, diversity and inclusion in work with children and young people Essay

1.1 What are the laws and codes of practice that relate to the promotion of equality and the valuing of diversity? (Make a list). Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 & 2005 Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 Race Relations Amendment Act 2000 Human Rights Act 1998 Children Acts 1989 & 2004 Education Act 1996 Equality Act 2010 Carers and Disabled Children Act 2001 Every Child Matters 2005 1.2 Why is it important to support the rights of all children and young people to participation and equality of access? All pupils have the right to a broad and balanced curriculum, which schools have a duty to provide. They should have equal access to the curriculum irrespective of their background, race, culture, gender, additional need or disability. This curriculum refers to learning within and outside of the classroom and it is important that all children are provided with positive and high quality standards of teaching. By providing this equality of access personal achievements of CYP’s will be maximised. Participation involves everyone within a school. Inclusion of pupils and parents alike, regarding development of school policies perhaps, should be a two-way process with the teachers, via student councils and parents’ meetings. Participation could also take place in the classroom where CYP’s can relay what works best for them and they then feel that they have a voice. 1.3 What are the benefits of valuing and promoting cultural diversity in work  with young people? Why is it important? Recognising and promoting the cultural diversity of individuals and groups within a school will enrich learning and promote the knowledge and understanding of all pupils. By understanding the cultural diversity of the pupils within a school helps them make sense of their learning by making connections with their own lives. Taking account of CYP’s background is essential to build effective relationships and provide support. Diverse cultures in society should be recognised and reflected throughout the curriculum with regards to music, food, and music, to name but a few. By doing this demonstrates a valuing of their culture and supports all CYP’s to explore and understand different cultures to their own. Outcome 2 Assessment criteria 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5. Write notes about three imaginary children to outline how prejudice and discrimination might affect them and how you might deal with this. Example 1.  Hamish is a 7 and is hard of hearing. He is a loner and finds it hard to make friends. He has difficulty understanding what is happening within the classroom and playground. Approaches I would make to support inclusion and learning Provide flashcards and more visual aids Introduce a ‘buddy’ scheme whereby other pupils assist him Educate the CYP’s about his disability via the British Deaf Association, perhaps, talking within the school Liaise with the parents as to how they may know of ways to help, as they will already have strategies in place at home Liaise with the SEN teacher Example 2. Maria is 9 and is a traveller. She is new to the school and this is the sixth school she has been to. She is very behind in education due to her moving around. She has a strong accent making it difficult for others to understand her and appears to have been isolated. Approaches I would make to support inclusion and learning Educate the CYP’s about the traveller way of life, via perhaps having a member of their community attending the school for an assembly Provide extra tuition to improve grades Provide individual TA support Introduce ‘buddy’ scheme Example 3. Sam is 6 and he has moderate autism. He cannot sit still for long periods. He cannot read or write. Approaches I would make to support inclusion and learning Allow him to expel any of his pent up energy by going to a safe area and ‘running around’ Make sure during carpet time he has something to keep his hands occupied Provide SEN support Allow use of IT to type out words Extra TA support Outcome 3 Assessment criteria 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 Find out what inclusion means and write some notes about approaches to inclusion in supporting learning. Inclusion is about ensuring that CYP’s, whatever their background or situation are able to participate fully in all aspects of the life of the school. They should be provided with the same opportunities and access to a high quality of education. Best practice checklist for contributing to an inclusive environment Know the individual needs of children and any potential barriers to their learning Listen to children and involve them in their own learning Know the background and interest of individual children and draw on these when supporting their learning Include materials and resources in your own work with children which reflect diversity in society Find out about the individual targets of the children with whom you work Use different strategies to support children with their learning Have high expectations of all children Report any concerns that you have about children’s progress and/or well-being

Kingdom of Heaven

The Middle East has been a continuing source of rich history since the early times. Widely chronicled events in its history were the Crusades in which the â€Å"Kingdom of Heaven was based.† The story deals with the Crusades of the 12th century, and involves an artificer (a military mechanic; French: artificier) and Engineer (that is, someone who makes siege engines), serving as a village blacksmith who goes on to aid the city of Jerusalem in its defense against the great Islamic leader Saladin, who battles to reclaim the city from the Christians. The script is loosely based on the life of Balian of Ibelin (wikipedia.org, 2006) How the Crusades started were caused by religious, economical and political reasons. The order burning the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by a Fatimid caliph, and the molestation of pilgrims, cruelty of Muslims toward Christians, and following the papal â€Å"foreign policy† of expanding Christianity were religious sources of conflict why the Crusades were undertaken. One of the economical concerns was the overpopulation of Western Europe, consequently having the idea that Eastern Europe would be a new territory to conquer and would provide the necessary resources to provide for Western Europe’s burgeoning population, and politically, the Crusades would pave the way for wider trade. It would seem that the differences of faith is still one source of conflict today, considering the fact alone that Jerusalem is the central land of worship of different great religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam, as of the present time. These different religions with different beliefs, different perspectives, try to assert the claim that Jerusalem, by right, is there own Holy land. They do not know how to share as neighbors. Conflict arises. The oil-rich Middle East today provides for a backdrop of political and economical maneuverings by different countries, with vested interests of their own, to gain control of this rich region. The phrase â€Å"History repeats itself† is justified. Reference: www.wikipedia.org, 2006 [webpage] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Heaven_%282005_film%29 date accessed: 16 December 2006

Tyranny in Colonial America essays

Tyranny in Colonial America essays There are many ways to define tyranny. The Websters New Collegiate Dictionary defines tyranny as an arbitrary, despotic government; esp: rigorous, cruel and oppressive government. Many people tend to associate the British with tyranny in relation to the Revolutionary War but perhaps that assumption needs a second glance. The British, up until 1763, governed the colonies through a policy of salutary neglect. Although they had strict trading laws in place, it was not until this time period of necessity and debt that they truly enforced these laws. In fact, the internal colonial government was just as much of, if not more, a tyranny then the British. The colonial ruling class was made up almost solely of the wealthy and educated upper class that governed the colonies in a virtual tyranny. The distribution of wealth in the colonies was extremely uneven, creating huge class divisions. In the early 1770s the top 5% of Bostons taxpayers controlled 49% of the citys taxable assets. The growing resentment of these vile conditions is demonstrated in the way in which the poor colonists, sometimes known as the mob went about protesting their condition and grievances. Instead of merely making a point of protest, the colonists would smash and destroy any sign of wealth in their way in an attempt at leveling. This worried the upper-class colonials such as Samuel Adams and Thomas Jefferson. They realized that although for the moment the mobs hatred was turned towards the British-elite, it could soon be turned toward them. As protests grew to be more and more violent the rich set up armed patrols for their own protection. In North Carolina a powerful group of white farmers known as the Regulators formed in protest of wealthy and corrupt officials presiding over them. The Declaration of Independence itself is a huge violation of the very principles for which it is ...

Lady Mary Worley Turkish Embassy letters Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Lady Mary Worley Turkish Embassy letters - Essay Example ’Tis very easy to see they have more liberty than we have†. (Montagu 1718, XXIX). Turkish ladies must cover themselves from head to toe whenever they leave the house. This conceals their identity, leaving them free to undertake whatever activities they desire. The women conduct affairs while never revealing their identity to their lovers. The idea of women conducting extra-marital affairs was taboo in Western society at the time. The writer remarks that the difference in religion aids this. Islam does not preach punishment for marital infidelities, unlike Christianity. The women are free to conduct their affairs without moral guilt or fear of discovery. She challenges the conception that Islam oppresses women by stating that it does not preach damnation and hellfire for women who have affairs. The writer describes Turkish women as â€Å"the freest on earth†. The writer redefines the concept of the veil, a symbol of oppression and restriction to Westerners. The vei l sets the women free, giving them much more freedom than their Western counterparts. Turkish husbands dare not marry four wives even though their religion allows it. This contradicts the popular view that Islamic custom favors men by allowing polygamy. The women have the power to prevent the men from taking up extra wives. Turkish women own property, with some of them accumulating vast wealth. Women owning property was unheard of in England. Turkish women command respect from the men and are the last word in household affairs. They do not tolerate infidelity in their husbands; any man who desires a mistress has to keep it secret. Another strange custom the writer observes pertains to divorce. When a man who had divorced his wife wants her back, he has to let her spend a night with another man. This contradicts another popular notion that Islamic men wield all the power in divorce. The divorce must be thoroughly thought out and not done on a whim. The consequences of divorcing on wh im are painful for the man who wants his wife back. The writer once more challenges the view of Islamic women as oppressed. The women conduct marital affairs yet the men cannot. This is a reversal of Western culture where sexual expression was allowed in men but frowned upon in women. The women have their own private space, the harems, where men cannot interfere. They are waited upon by slaves and live lavish, pampered lives. In one of many descriptions of the lavish life in Turkey, Montagu writes; â€Å"The sofas were covered with cushions and rich carpets on which sat the ladies† (Montagu 1718, XXVI). The women have everything they desire and more. The quality of their lives is better than that of their Western counterparts. In letter XXVI, the writer narrates her experience in a Turkish bathhouse. The experience can only be described by a woman, as no men are allowed inside them on pain of death. She describes the mannerisms of the women there as courteous, pleasant and we lcoming. She contrasts them with women back home who are snide, spiteful and disdainful. The reception she gets from the Turkish women is nothing short of civil. Her visits to the wives of the grand vizier and the sultan reinforce the notion of courtesy, kindness and civility in Turkish women.

Immigration Policy Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Immigration Policy - Coursework Example The essence and necessity of reforming the immigration sector in the US cannot be overemphasized. Most of the immigrants in the US fall short of the technical competence and skills required to ensure growth (Flannery, 2014). The immigration reforms should focus on providing visas to individuals who have the skills in engineering, science and other technical areas as a consequence of ensuring productivity. Most sectors of the American economy depend on the people who have technological and innovative skills capable of redefining growth in key sectors of the economy (Kramer, 2014). Unfortunately, most of the immigrants in the US are less productive and more established in the informal sectors other than the mainstream economical zones. Growth is directly correlated to the technical ability and skills of individuals in various sectors. Statistics have shown that scientists, engineers and programmers are responsible for growth that have been experienced in the US over the past few years (Kramer, 2014). It is, therefore, important to reform the immigration to ensure that skilled individuals are given a priority in terms of visa presentation. Flannery, N.P. (2014, March 24). Can corporate leaders push through immigration reform in 2014? Forbes. Retrieved from . Kramer, H. (2014, February 11). How immigration reform or lack thereof is hurting our economic competitiveness. Forbes. Retrieved