Duality in “The Odyssey” Essay

Odysseus exhibits a certain duality in his nature that defines his persona and controls his actions. In Book Nine of The Odyssey, both oppositional sides of Odysseus are poignantly illustrated: the tactful, crafty leader who uses reason, and the rash warrior in search of home and glory who acts impulsively. From the opening scene, Odysseus uses his cunning and charm to win the respect and honor of the Phaeacians and their king, Alcinous. This is shown when he states, What a fine thing this is, to listen to such a bard/as we have here—the man sings like a god./The crown of life, Id say† Clearly, Odysseus is trying to flatter and win the favor of his hosts in order to secure their help for passage to his beloved Ithaca. In order to impress them further, Odysseus declares that he is â€Å"known to the world/for every kind of craft—my fame has reached the skies† (21-22). Odysseus creates an image of being an incredibly strong leader. However, for a man of great ingenuity, Odysseus makes several imprudent mistakes. Among the gravest of his faults is acting without caution. Upon sighting the land of the Cyclops, Odysseus feels a sense of foreboding in the upcoming events. He states that he knew that hed â€Å"soon come up against/some giant clad in power like armor-plate—/a savage deaf to justice, blind to law† (238-240). Although he gets this feeling, he acts without reason. However, he irrationally leads his men into the cave of the Cyclops anyway. As a result, Odysseus led some of his men to a horrendous death. Long after the Cyclops is utterly defeated, Odysseus taunts Polyphemus. Odysseus allows his haughtiness to surpass his wisdom and ridicules the blinded giant; thereby, jeopardizing the lives of his entire crew when the Cyclops hurls a boulder at his boat. Odysseus could not stop there; he had to take the credit for Polyphemus defeat and shouts his true identity, contrary to his mens pleadings. He had previously instigated the monster, who in turn, could now seek revenge upon him. These instances depict how Odysseus’ rash behavior overtakes his wiliness. Bibliography: The Odyssey by Homer

Hamlet Tragic Flaw

Question #3: One of the essential elements of any tragic figure is his/her tragic flaw(s)-an inherent personality trait or set of traits that inevitably dooms the character to destruction. Identify and explain Hamlet’s tragic flaw(s) and how it/they bring about his downfall. A tragic flaw is a character trait that ultimately causes the downfall of the protagonist. In Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, Hamlet learns the truth behind his father's death – that he was actually murdered by his brother.Despite swearing to avenge his father, Hamlet is hesitant to take action showing that indecisiveness is his tragic flaw. However, Hamlet's outbursts of aggression at certain instances of the play shows that Hamlet's other tragic flaw is his tendency to take rash actions – the polar opposite of indecisiveness. Ironically, the combination of these two traits, Hamlet's indecision and sudden rash actions, lead to his downfall. There are several points in the book in which we se e Hamlet's indecision.One of the major scenes in which this trait of Hamlet's is clearly seen is when he observes Claudius praying. He had the perfect opportunity to avenge his father, but decided otherwise as he thinks to himself that killing Claudius while he's praying will allow him to go to heaven. Despite having all the reasons in the world to kill Claudius, Hamlet couldn't see himself take action showing his indecision. This could be seen as a reason for his downfall as if he had had the courage to take action at that moment, perhaps the bloodshed at the end of the play wouldn't have happened.It might seem confusing for a character's tragic flaws to contradict one another, but that is the case for Hamlet with his indecision and rash actions. We see this from Hamlet at various instances of the play in which he suddenly turns into a â€Å"madman†. It is most clearly portrayed when Hamlet suddenly stabs Polonius during his confrontation of his mother. It could be argued th at this course of action may have been due to the pent up anger Hamlet had with himself because of his indecision, but in my opinion, this action shows the duplicity of Hamlet's character.The fact that he could be passive one second and over aggressive the next. Had Hamlet hesitated for a moment rather than mindlessly stabbing Polonius, he could have avoided the bloodbath that followed. Throughout the play, Hamlet's indecision could be seen constantly as he comes up with one excuse after another to delay killing Claudius. At some instances however, we see Hamlet take rash actions as seen when he stabs Polonius without hesitation. Although these two traits are complete opposites of one another, both play a major role in Hamlet's downfall – a fact that makes him such a unique tragic character.

First line Managment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

First line Managment - Essay Example Various studies have postulated that most executives and first line managers tend to be unaware of the various issues until they come out of hand and become a crisis that is very complicated and hard to resolve. Most of these can be avoided only through learning of the skills that enable the first line managers implement strategies for ongoing employee performance success though on the general it is necessary that companies or the groups have a game plan intact. Amongst the issues affecting performance include the working environments, the attitude of the employees towards the organization and the management in general, employees morale and most importantly the leadership style of the organization as regards to addressing employees grievances (Katzenbach and Smith 1993). 1.1 The manager’s role in identifying performance issues in a team Various studies have indicated that the act of holding employees accountable has proved to be the most effective in ensuring consistency in cl arity for performance expectations. This has been propagated as the most important element necessary for motivating work environment. For the managers, a career defining moment for most managers arises during instances where decisions are to be made as regards to addressing or opting to ignore the performance problems. The first step role the manager in identifying performance issues in a team includes devising parameters for performance. When a manager knows what is expected of his employees, then he is in a better position of determining whether the employees are able to reach their targets or not (Katzenbach and Smith 1993). When the manager sets the parameter s for a desirable behaviour or performance, the important thing to keep in view is on how poor performance or undesirable behaviour has effects on not only the organization, but also the employees and the customers. This plays a significant role in enabling the manager has a clear view of the desirable behaviour thus conseq uently placing him in a better position to analyze the employees’ performance. However, the manager should be very keen while analysing performance so that focus is not given to people issues but instead on their performance. Previous researches have shown that employing a subjective view during performance analysis might lead to confrontations between the manager and the employees. When performance problems are identified early, it plays a significant role in helping both the manager and the employee to reach an amicable solution to most of the problems. The main reason behind is on the manager who is entitled with the responsibility of leading the process and coming up with a solution that will initiate a positive development that will in the end benefit the employees and the organization as a whole. It should always never be forgotten that the main purpose of the process has always been to resolve the problem and be a valued employee. 1.2 How to evaluate individual and tea m performance and behaviours Performance evaluation has proved to be important in providing employers with an opportunity to establish their employees’ behaviour and determine their contribution to the organization which is critical to developing a powerful work team. Numerous

Drug-Free Workplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Drug-Free Workplace - Essay Example The employers make it a habit to employ workers who do not have a smoking or drinking habit. But as this scheme is being introduced after a lot of time it cannot eradicate the problem of drugs from the workplaces. Similarly like every workplace I have been working in a place which in the recent years has been trying to curb this issue seriously and eradicate this problem from their premises. And in this regard they have introduced new policies to create a drug free environment in the workplace. The company in which I work is related to petroleum and services. Three years back there was a trend of smoking, drinking and other drug related activities in our workplace. But today our workplace shows a better environment with a significant amount of decrease in the ratio of people who are related to drug related activities. The company has identified strategies to create a drug-free environment in the workplace. The company now has a strict policy to create a drug free environment. No one is allowed to smoke or drink openly during the working hours and if anyone is caught doing this the company managers take a strict action against them. These strategies at first were not preferred by the employees as they were not used to it but after a time due to the effectiveness of the strategy the employees had to cope up with it. On the other hand the employees incurred great profits as the image of the company improved in the market and the employees worked more efficiently. While on the other hand this strategy had some bad effects too as our company consisted of employees who couldn't work without having their desired drug. Because of this effect employees who were loyal and worked efficiently for the employers had to leave their job as they were not able to work without having their desired form of drug.The company implemented a new strategy to control the drug addictive environment inside the company. New employees are provided with special instructions when entering the company which describe the issue relating to drugs. The new employees are told about the strict policies of the company regarding drug related problems through a separate meeting designed for this purpose only. The company is taking effective measures in improving this program. The company also makes a meeting on a monthly/weekly basis for the old employees to tell them about the effects of the drug and how to control this drug problem. The program has been quite successful in decreasing the am ount of drug intake during office hours. While on the other hand the program is not able to control all the drug related activity in the company as in some of the departments the supervisors themselves are indulged in drug related activities. The company is looking in this issue to further monitor all the supervisors so that the program is implemented perfectly. Employees are being guided by the supervisors and other specialized staff about drug threats and how to control the intake of drugs. Specialized doctors are called in for the guidance of employees which not only helps the employees to feel the importance of a drug free workplace but also helps the employees to stop themselves from doing any drug related activity which can harm them in the outer world. The meeting organized by the specialized staff is attended by most of the staff and it has a great influence on the employees. The company has trained supervisors which help in controlling the

Research proposal on how maternal incarceration affects children's Article

Research proposal on how maternal incarceration affects children's academic performance in the Bronx - Article Example The ordinary and average mom wakes up early in the morning to make breakfast for the schooling kids, prepare their things before the yellow bus arrives and send them off to safety. Owing to the dynamics of the strength of this bind, separating the child from the mommy will devastate, dislocate and disorient the life of the former while causing pain and unbearable sorrow to the latter. Incarceration is among the causes of the split. In the instant study and research proposal, the principal object of the undertaking is the case of schoolchildren from the Bronx of New York City whose mothers are behind bars. Several studies have indicated that the academic performance of those children is adversely affected by the separation. Special emphasis is had on African-American incarcerated mothers. Kids are deeply affected by the traumatic experience of their mothers being sent to jail. They feel left out or develop that frame of mind where they blame themselves for the unfortunate and sorry plight of the parent. The embarrassment and stigma brought about by the jailing of their mothers are significantly imprinted on the minds of these young people. Resultant of these circumstances, the subject children tend to have emotional and behavioral predicaments including poor showing in school. They are also vulnerable to becoming juvenile delinquents or drug addicts or both. They become figures themselves in the criminal justice system just like their parents who are mostly black or Latino. (Edelman, Marian Wright: Mothers Rocking the Prison Cradle. Politics. The Huffington Post. June 23, 2008. All Bronx News, All the Time! [internet]. Accessed on July 29, 2009. Available at: http://bronxnews.wordpress.com/2008/06/24/mothers-rocking-the-prison-cradle/) Disconnected from their mothers due to detention or imprisonment, the usual scenario for the abandoned children is that they are entrusted to the custody of a foster care of the government or of their kin. This situation results to these kids having difficulties in focusing to their studies in school. They find it hard to relate to their classmates and develop a sense of isolation. They also tend to have emotional shortcomings. (Nyary, Sasha. Foster Children With Mothers In Jail. March 2004. Children. Gotham Gazette. New York City News and Policy. [internet]. Accessed on July 29, 2009. Available at: http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/children/20040303/2/901) One child who had experienced getting removed from his family as a toddler when his mother was sent to jail would always be haunted by the dark past. Even when already living with a new family, he could not shrug off the sad memories indelibly marked in his recollections. He could not grow out of the ordeal. He would remember his mother reeling deeper into addiction and financial hardships. He would not forget her going to and fro jail times and rehabilitations processes. There was once instance when they had a brief reunion. It gave him the feeling of himself having a life of hell. It was as if he was likewise going to the same direction of

School Counseling Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

School Counseling - Research Paper Example The program also prepares students for improving their social behaviors that are needed to grow positively in the society. Here, an important point to mention is that a school counseling program is not just focused towards working with students, rather it works collaboratively with all stakeholders of the institute that include parents, teachers, students, and the community members. The purpose of engaging all stakeholders in the counseling program is to ensure that students prosper in an all-inclusive environment, which is extremely important for a student to reach his/her highest potential. The role of the school counselor is critical in improving academic and personal behaviors of the students. As Brown and Trusty (2005), â€Å"School counselors can use strategic interventions to improve academic achievement† (p. 1). A counselor is actually a guide or a leader who serves the needs of the students by taking in consideration their needs and demands and conveying them to the related authorities if necessary. It is the job of a counselor to listen to the concerns of students individually and in groups to identify their behavioral deficiencies and learning needs, as well as to help them improve their behaviors and achieve academic goals. A counselor listens to the students to get their viewpoints about the learning environment and tells them the ways to prosper in the environment in an appropriate manner. It is also the responsibility of a counselor to guide students in developing and maintain positive peer-to-peer and student-teacher relationships both of which are necessary for the students to show improved school performances. A counselor also works on improving the social attitudes and behaviors of students to help them become productive citizens. The phases of a school counseling program include planning, designing, implementing,

Standard Deviation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Standard Deviation - Essay Example When the data points are spread apart and the bell-shaped curve is flat, the standard deviation -- and the variation -- is great. Standard deviation with regard to finance can be defined as "Statistical measure that shows the likelihood of an investment to yield above- or below-average returns over a period of time. For example, if hypothetical XYZ Fund has an average annual total return of 11% and a standard deviation of 6.00, which means XYZ Fund's performance is likely to vary from a low of 5% to a high of 17%. Calculated by the fund, standard deviation is only relative to the asset class being measured." (2) The standard deviation of investment returns is widely accepted as the best, and perhaps only commonly used indicator of portfolio risk in the investment management business. However, its usefulness is actually quite limited. In fact, relying on it can often produce misleading and inaccurate conclusions. Although standard deviation does provide some insight, and in many circumstances is in fact meaningful but there are a number of flaws associated with relying on the standard deviation of returns as a risk measure. The bigger flaw with standard deviation is that it isn't intuitive. ... Although standard deviation does provide some insight, and in many circumstances is in fact meaningful but there are a number of flaws associated with relying on the standard deviation of returns as a risk measure. The bigger flaw with standard deviation is that it isn't intuitive. Sure, a standard deviation of seven is obviously higher than a standard deviation of five, But are those high or low figures Because a fund's standard deviation is not a relative measure-which means it's not compared with other funds or with a benchmark-it is not very useful to you without some context. Another limitation to standard deviation lies with the underlying data. Most investors will recall normal distribution from their introduction to statistics course. This bell curve underlies all of the assumptions about standard deviation. If the underlying data is not normally distributed, then the standard deviation is likely to give misleading results. It's worth noting that a number of studies show that investment returns are not normally distributed. There are some drawbacks to using standard deviation as a measure of risk, however. It interprets any difference from the average, above or below, as bad. This runs contrary to the way most investors feel about returns. Few investors fret about their portfolios doubling; most only worry about the downside--their returns being below average. There is another theory which is called Utility Theory. "This theory gives us a way to measure investor's preferences for wealth and the amount of risk they Aftab 04 are willing to undertake in the hope of attaining greater wealth. This makes it possible to develop a theory of portfolio optimization. Thus utility theory lies at the heart of modern portfolio theory." (3) Definition of

E-Recruiting Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

E-Recruiting - Research Paper Example E-recruitment is also referred to as online recruitment (Briscoe, 2012). The job applicants are expected to forward a CV together with the cover letter through online platforms. The job advertisers retrieve the CV and screen it (Schweyer, 2004). This procedure applies to multiple candidates seeking to fill the same position. This method differs with the traditional form of recruitment that used involve paper work, travelling and interviewing. Technology allows online interviews and selection processes. Studies show that over 55 percent of software developers and engineers recruited in the United States followed the online procedure. Majority of the engineers came from India and were interviewed through video conferencing and online testing (Hopkins & Markham, 2003). This has allowed companies to get the best skills from the global market. E-recruitment is not effective when there is a vital need for physical interactions with the clients or interviewees. The striking advantage of e-r ecruitment is the enhancement of access (Schweyer, 2004). The applicants can overcome geographical barriers when it comes to applying for a job. The process gives the applicants instant replies unlike the traditional systems (Hopkins & Markham, 2003). As more people gain access to technology, e-recruitment is growing at a fast rate. It has made the processing of employees data faster and efficient (Hopkins & Markham, 2003). Modern organizations use agencies that adversities vacancies at cost effective prices (Briscoe, 2012). A telling example is Nike which has gained tremendously from the installation of the software ‘active recruiter’. This helped reduced the time of refilling vacancies by almost a month. Resumes can be stored in large data bases and information is seldom lost. The process of mitigating unwanted results involves ensuring foolproof software is used in the e-recruitment process. Each applicant is treated as a potential employee (Briscoe, 2012). Therefore , the online platform used in the recruitment process is designed to ensure that job applicant reveals their potential and vision for the applied position. This entails having installation of effective and efficient data base software and the use of competent personnel (Hopkins & Markham, 2003). The software ensures that recruiter is part of the process and applicants have active and responsive profile pages on websites (Brewster, 2003). The online system for recruitment sends automated messages to the applicants after some duration (Juana-Espinosa, 2012). This ensures the system remains updated. Studies show that e-recruitment has saved over 50 percent of recruitment costs. Mitigating unintended results Organizations must ensure they use competent staff in carrying out the online procedures (Hopkins & Markham, 2003). The human resource information systems should be customized to meet the goals and expectation of the company (Brewster, 2003). HRIS should encourage a response and int eractive environment between the employees, management and job applicants. The information technology department should recommend the most efficient software through careful research and recommendations (Hopkins & Markham, 2003). Organizations through invest is secure systems to ensure that the hackers have to access to private information. An increasing number of organizations are becoming vulnerable to cyber attacks. It is recommended that organizations develop means of

Management, where is best place to work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Management, where is best place to work - Essay Example In regards to high ethical standards, DuPont has been awarded for their focus on integrity and honesty in all business dealings, both with their internal stakeholders and the external client. Many employees in today’s business environment have been exposed to companies that consistently provide false earning statements, use deceptive marketing practices, and further maintain an organizational culture which allows for leadership dishonesty. This type of unethical environment usually has a trickle-down effect on lower level employees when they are coerced, by situation, to engage in similar habits. Thus, in relation to job satisfaction and the security which comes from knowing that an employee works for a company that will not fold due to unethical business practices, DuPont is a leader in providing this highly-focused attitude toward fair and just business dealings. DuPont, due to its multi-billion-dollar capabilities, is able to afford some of the most sophisticated operational software which dramatically eases the workload for many of its employees. Software such as SAP and other enterprise resource planning applications are used in this company to minimize production failures, regulate inventory, streamline purchasing, and enhance quality assurance practices (which leads to faster product turnaround). In a business climate which demands much of their employees in similar industries in relation to workload and responsibilities, having such sophisticated software would make the job environment more enjoyable by minimizing stress and the necessity to work overtime due to the availability of poor or outdated electronic resources; which are often found in smaller or less-profitable companies. Finally, DuPont pays its employees well, offering some of the most competitive salaries to its work force in this industry. For production workers, most of these workers are paid above and beyond what is paid at companies like GM (which often exceed $25/hour),

Ethical Issues Essay Example for Free

Ethical Issues Essay Different people have different understandings of what constitutes ethical behavior. There are laws that help define what is legal and what is not, but the differences between moral ethics are not always clear. These types of moral ethics often lead to ethical dilemmas. According to Trevino Nelson (2007), â€Å"it might surprise many people to learn that there were few laws protecting consumers before the 1960s. At the turn of the last century, consumers didn’t even have the right to sue a manufacturer for defective equipment. † (p. 17) No matter what type of business is run, there are ethical and moral dilemmas attached and in some cases, legal issues arise from unethical-based decisions. Berry`s Bug Blasters is no exception to the rule. Berry`s Bug Blasters is a local company that terminates any type of pest including, armadillos, rodents, and bees. The friendly workers at Berry`s work with their clients to design a customized pest control plan. Berry`s mission statement states that they will use the safest methods for your family, home, and environment. One of the top ethical issues among pest control companies surrounds the controversy of the types of chemicals that are used while executing the termination of pests. Most of the pest control companies are known to use toxic, synthetic, and chemically-based pesticides. These types of pesticides have been known to be the most effective in the extermination of pests. However, they are not safe for people or the environment. The most common chemical used in pest control is Diazinon. Diazinon is used for household pests inside the home, or outside on the lawn. It kills a variety of insects and is classified as an acute and chronic health hazard. Diazinon is very toxic to wildlife and can be fatal if ingested. Recently, EcoSMART pest control was created. The scientists wanted to find a pesticide that will not harm a family. The scientists had a challenge on their hands. They had to discover natural ingredients that: â€Å"effectively kill pests, could be used around the home, family, and pets, and leave no toxic residue or run-off† (Meehan, 2010). The scientists found a way of creating the organic pesticide by using â€Å"essential oils that trees and plants use in nature as insect defense. They found all-natural plant oils which target the octopamine receptors in insects† (Meehan, 2010). The management of Berry`s Bug Blasters faced the ethical decision each time that they make a service call. Should they use chemicals that they know are not good for the environment and could potentially cause an individual a lot of health issues, or should they research and use a much safer chemical that may not be as effective as other pesticides. Other benefits of choosing Berry`s Bug Blasters is they are offering a monthly special to all customers for the first month and offer monthly extermination plans. There are ways to make sure that decisions that are made within a business are ethical. A business-person may ask him or herself how they would feel if his or her actions were publicized throughout the community. If the individual would not mind his or her family, friends, and community learning about the actions, then the decision is most likely ethical. However, if the individual did feel bad about others known the actions, the decision is probably unethical and should be reconsidered. The employees and management of Berry`s Bug Blasters will do whatever is in their power to protect a family as well as the environment. Although new ‘green’ pesticides may not seem as effective as older ones, more laws are coming out that prevent pest control companies in using anything toxic in order to protect the community. Berry`s Bug Blasters will face this ethical dilemma constantly as clients insist on using a chemical that will rid the pests once and for all without a doubt rather than take a risk with something not as strong.

Various channels of distribution used for various financial services by the bank of baroda

Various channels of distribution used for various financial services by the bank of baroda The distribution channel (definition) Chains of intermediaries, each passing the product down the chain to the next organization, before it finally reaches the consumer or end-user of the product or services. Now let us study the various channels of distribution which had been used by BOB for its financial services. 1. Distribution through its branches in India (direct channel of distribution) Firstly, the bank provides and distributes its financial services through its various branches set up in all over India with its Corporate Centre at Bandra (East), Mumbai. At all the branches provides all the financial services of the bank i.e. deposit and withdrawal of money, lending loans etc. 2. Structural changes done by bank in order to facilitate the distribution of its financial services Bank opened eight new urban retail loan factories at powai, Mumbai, Agra, bareilly, Bhopal, nagpur, ernakulam, jodhpur and last at noida ( thus total URLFs rising to 23) in order to strengthen the Retail Credit Delivery System. Gen-Next Branches- total five two Gen-next branches were opened till 2009. These Branches are equipped with modern gadgets, ambience and all other facilities, which a youth requires in todays modern era Memorandums of understanding were signed in order to provide and boost auto loan with number of car manufacturing companys viz. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, Tata Motors Ltd, Hyundai Motors India Ltd and Mahindra Mahindra Ltd. during the year 2008-09. Bank has done Tie-up with M/s Kotak Mahindra Old Mutual Life Insurance Ltd for providing Life Insurance Cover to Education Loan borrowers and Home Loan borrowers sanctioned under a special package. Bank has also started to provide online Home Loan application facility , which is also another added distribution method to increase the banks reach. Lastly, providing the brick and mortar channels closer to the customer 3. Wealth Management Services Bank has initiated Wealth Management Services to provide its High Net worth (HNI) and affluent customers as its customer centric measures; a total financial solution at one place. Bank has initiated Wealth Management Services to provide its High Net worth (HNI) and affluent customers as its customer centric measures; a total financial solution at one place. The tie-up partners in these products are HDFC Standard Life Insurance Co. Ltd. in Life Insurance, National Insurance Company Ltd. in General Insurance, India Infoline Ltd. in e-trading and six leading Asset Management Companies including our joint venture Baroda Pioneer Asset Management Co. Ltd. in Mutual Fund products. 4. SME loan factory To cover the SME Sector, the Bank has launched a special and novel delivery model, viz. SME Loan Factory, which is presently functioning in 34 centers of the Bank and is well accepted in the market. The SME Loan Factory is an innovative model for streamlining processes and for timely sanctions of SME loan proposals. The model comprises of the Central Processing Cell for speedy appraisal and sanctioning of proposals within the stipulated deadline. A team of Relationship Managers stationed at different branches of the Bank spread over micro segments of the city reaches out to customers to facilitate completion of pre-sanction formalities in a hassle free manner. The Relationship Managers would also be marketing, not only various SME products of the Bank, but also other products and services including the Third Party products like Life Insurance, Mutual Funds, Equity Trading etc. The Bank has SME Loan Factories at all major business canters across the country(total 34), viz. Agra, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Baroda, Bhilwara, Bhubhaneshwar, Bulsar, Chennai, Coimbatore, Dehradun, two factories in Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Jamshedpur, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Ludhaina, three factories in Mumbai, Nagpur, Nashik, Noida, Pune, Rajkot, Raipur, Surat, Vishakhapatnam. The Bank has planned to establish six more SME Loan Factories during the year 2009-10 to increase its reach further to SME business. 5. Baroda Connect and ATMS services Baroda Connect is an internet banking facility introduced as an alternative delivery channel for rendering effective customer service on 24 X 7 bases. It offers unique customized services to both Retail Corporate customers. BoB has undertaken technology initiatives in order to improve its customer service levels and provide new distribution channels to counter stiff competition, especially in the metro and urban centers, that account for a bulk of the business for banks. The bank has retained the Gartner Group as its technology consultant for the same. The major technology initiatives include implementation of a Core Banking Solution, networking its branches to offer Anywhere Banking. Bank of Barodahad set up an extensive network of3127 branches(including 26 extension counters) spanning the length and breadth of the country. There is a branch in the vicinity of everyone in need of a banking solution. All customers can register under Baroda Connect for View and / or Transaction facility Can see their Account summary of all operative, deposit and loan accounts and can get Account statements. Under Transaction facility customer can (in addition to the above VIEW facilities) can transfer funds immediately or schedule for a future date to self linked and third party, can pay through Online Tax Direct and Indirect taxes online such as Excise Duty, Service Tax, Customs Duty, Income Tax etc. Bank customers can also Pay through Baroda Easy Pay utility bills like electricity, mobile etc, Donations, Subscription, Travel plan booking online and booking of the Rail Ticket IRCTC Baroda Connect facility provided by the bank is free of cost. 6. Baroda Mobile Banking Banks latest initiatives which enable its customers to operate their account just like they would do in any bank branch. Bank customers can check their account balance, request for chequebooks and can transfer funds etc. through their mobiles. Thus, it also plays a vital role in distribution channels of the bank to provide its financial services. 24-hour ATMs enable its customers to withdraw cash, check account balance and request for a new chequebooks even after banking hours. 7. Financing Agencies Providing Custom Services To Farmers Agriculture being the backbone of the Indian Economy, Bank of Baroda has contributed significantly in accelerating the pace of rural development by providing finance to farmer. Bank finance to all individuals, entrepreneurs, organizations, institutions corporations such as agro industries corporations, market yard or authorized licensee in market yard, warehouse panchayats and agro service centers who are capable of carrying out such activities and have viable schemes for providing custom services to farmers. The mode of finance covers activities of for purchase oftractor, bulldozer, drill rig for boring wells, drilling tube wells, equipment for construction of wells, lift irrigation, purchase of combine harvester, thresher for hiring on custom basis, construction of godown, warehouse to provide storage facility on rental basis, purchase of truck for transporting agriculture produces to farmer on hiring basis, acquiring milk tankers for transporting milk, establishing curing barn for tobacco, working capital finance to organization/ institution providing such services etc.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis :: essays research papers

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader By: C.S. Lewis   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are three main characters in the story, Edmund, Lucy, and Eustace. Lucy and Edmund are brother and sister and Eustace is their cousin. Edmund is a young teenager, very smart and very kind. Lucy is in her mid teens as well, she is a very happy person. Lucy is always trying to help people with there problems.The setting is first the early 1900’s in England and then in Narnia the fictional world the story is based on.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The story begins with Edmund and Lucy sitting in there room talking about Narnia. Eustace is listening outside their door and comes in to make fun of them. There is a picture of a ship on the wall and as Eustace calls Narnia fake water begins coming into the room out of the picture. The next thing they know they are in the ocean and the ship is at there side. The ship is a group of Narnians sailing east looking for the seven lost lords of Narnia. Caspain the king of Narnia is leading the search group along with Ripecheep the leader of the talking mice.( In Narnia animals talk and walk around like humans) Edmund, Lucy, and Eustace since came into the world in the ocean they have to go along on the rescue mission. They come to an island and they had to find food and supplies. Eustace decided to go rest for awhile and finds a place up a hill. When he wakes from his nap there is a thick fog and he thinks he knows the way that he came from. He walks down into a valley and sees a pond and decides to take a drink. He sees a cave and decides to go in. Inside the cave there is gold, jewels, crowns, diamond, all kinds of treasure. He puts a bracelet on and while he was sitting in a pile of gold he fell back asleep. When he woke up his arm was very sores and noticed the band was now very tight. Eustace walked over to the pond to take a drink and see s the relexion of a dragon in the water. He had been turned to a dragon by taking the dragons gold. He is a dragon for a few days then Aslan(Aslan is the great emperor of Narnia) comes to visit him and changes him back.

Of Pirate Ships and Silver Steeds :: Personal Narrative Jobs Working Papers

Of Pirate Ships and Silver Steeds We poured the foundation yesterday, and now we were pulling the forms off the cement and hauling them out--back onto Ralph, our two-ton truck. The sun beat down. As I bent over to pick up another eight incher I glanced towards the pit. First, came a black bandanna. Next, came protruding straggles of curly blond hair. Then, a grimace and a roll of the eyes--Danny's trademark--appeared as the young man hauled himself out of the hole. Following the head, came a tattered shirt and matching shorts. The holes in the shorts were normal, but when Danny turned imploringly toward me I discovered the cause of the shredded shirt. Aaron had just hopped off the top of the foundation, and he said as he walked towards the truck, "I'll be back. Tell the other guys. Just do the fillers on the outside, and then you can start on the inside. I should be back by then." Then came the usual, "Take your time. Be careful. Take lunch in a while." Dan raised his arm and asked, "Do I have one back here too? It feels like there is something there, but I can't see it." I swallowed and nodded. "Hop on in Dan," Aaron called as he started the truck. Gingerly Danny responded. They were heading for the hospital where he would receive fifty-three stitches to close up the two holes in his side. "Well, another exciting day working cement," I thought as the F-250 pulled away. Dan had slipped on his first attempt to get out of the hole, and he fell against two flat-ties protruding from the newly created foundation. Flat-ties are those thin pieces of silver metal that stick out from the walls in your basement before it gets finished. As the forms for the walls are being set in place on top of the footings, flat-ties are sent through the wall so that the inside form can be connected to the outside form. Although this whole idea about flat-ties may seem intriguing, the important thing to learn is that if one flat-tie is left out, however insignificant this may seem, the pressure of the cement is sufficient to cause a 'blowout' in the wall. Many times I think that people forget to enjoy the details in their lives, and so events turn into 'blowouts' instead of grand adventures. Mylan, my boss, has a wife and seven girls to worry about.

Cell Phone Use while Driving Essay -- safety control, accidents

For many years Safety Control has determined to ban the use of cell phones while driving within the community. American society would be much safer if cell phones were banned while driving. Benefits of cell phone use during roadside emergencies, car trouble, obtain personal information, or even navigation; however, it may lead to running red lights, drifting across lanes, or worse, causing accidents. Phones can do so many things, but most importantly they allow you to connect to emergency service. Its mot needed during roadside emergencies such as ambulance, police and firefighters. Studies have shown that the use of cell phones in emergencies situations, such as calling for ambulance, has improved its mortality rates. (Journal of Emergency Medicine 1) An example of this would be seeing an accident ahead of you and pulling over to call for ambulance service. Also if one sees a confrontation that might become deadly, a cell phone would definitely help. There are so many reasons for cell phones being needed while driving such as, you can also contact the firefighter station in case of a fire. Having a cell phone would be beneficial in case of a car break down. An example of a car break downs would be running low on gas, engine overheating, transmission failure or a blow out. All of that sounds terrible, but thanks to cell phones people can now call for roadside assistance. Roadside assistance for example would be calling a tow truck o take you to the nearest auto mechanic or a transmission shop or simply needing assistance in changing a tire. In addition to their benefits to using a cell phone on the road, Matt Sundeen reports that drivers with cell phones place an estimated 98,000 emergency calls each day and that the cell phone ... ... pass a law that bans this practice. Regardless of whether the phone is hand-held or hands-free, there is a lot of strong information and evidence that the actual task of conversing on a cell phone distracts drivers on concentrating on safety. For examples, drifting into another lane, and running red lights are reasons why the government needs to pass a law. People caught texting or using a cell phone while driving should lose their licenses for one year. Works Cited Austin, Michael. Texting While Driving: How Dangerous Is It? Car and Driver. June 2009: Magazine. Richtel, Matt. Drivers and Legislators Dismiss Cell phone Risks. 18 July 2009. Web. 10 January 2014. Snyder, Edgar. Texting and Cell Phone Use Statistics. 2012. Web. 22 January 2014 Wilms, Todd. Its Time For ‘Parental Control, No Texting While Driving’ Phone. 18 September 2012. Web. 14 January 2014.

Raising Bilingual Child

Some would argue that being a parent or a child existing in a bilingual environment may be only of an invaluable merit. This is true, with the assumption that both parties have similar expectations or do not have any that would conflict them and there is no the outside or a so called family pressure. Let us dwell to some extent on the merits. To begin with, the unquestionable advantage children would experience is the exposure to double language environment. If the learning process is not impacted by any negative factors, the language acquisition comes naturally and bilingualism is found as if the person were always a native speaker belonging to both speaking communities. The language command is easy and does not strain the speaker. A child has contact with two cultures represented by two languages and is exposed to sometimes two various communities differing in race, beliefs, religion, creed, values and geographical location. Secondly, bilingual children are more open to changing environments and have better learning abilities. Their intelligence may be of a higher level but not in a sense of the possessed IQ. Bilingual children are more creative and have learning flexibility. They are characterized by a better sense of the language as well as greater accuracy in choosing language vocabulary and structures for expressing themselves. Children who enjoy a multilingual education can transfer knowledge of one language to another, which allows for deeper comprehension. On the other hand, the most easily overlooked drawback to taking multilingual path is that it requires more effort on the part of the parents. Raising a bilingual child is a commitment, long-term investment in a child. It will demand extra effort on parent’s part to provide enough language exposure, extra encouragement, keeping language rules consistent, and if it possible find the best multilingual school or after school supplementary education program for a child. In addition, there comes a question what language is the basis for the thinking process. The exposure and learning of two languages simultaneously demands an extra brain and emotional effort as a child needs to find himself in two language ruled worlds and to find his/her way through. There might be some conflicts or creation of emotional barriers to acquire and use more sophisticated language structures in both languages at the same time. Taking everything into account, raising a bilingual child in a monolingual country can be challenging, however, learning an extra language is easier during childhood when the human brain is absorbing everything like a sponge. Arming a child with more than one language can lead to more job opportunities, as well as the ability to connect to more people, both socially and professionally.

A review of P. Hirsch, Globalization, Regionalization

A review of P. Hirsch, â€Å"Globalization, Regionalization and local voices: The Asian Development Bank and re-scaled politics of environment in the Mekong region† By catktd90 A review of P. Hirsch, â€Å"Globalization, Regionalization and local voices: The Asian Development Bank and re-scaled politics of environment in the Mekong region† This paper was written by Philip Hirsch who aims to examine about globalization, regionalization and its effect to local people in terms of resource and environment.This paper also considers some key issues of re-scaling resource and environmental olitics in the Mekong region, and the extent to which challenges have been recast from national to regional development agendas by illustrating case studies in Laos and Thailand (Hirsch, 2001). Throughout the paper, Hirsch illustrates an important aspect of globalization directly related to sustainability, shows a fundamental change in thinking and speaking among government official and loca l people, and shows an interesting politics of environment in Thailand, with its shifting alliances and ideas about relationship between people and nature.In recent years, globalization and egionalization has been widening all around the world. Although it has some positive points, it also brings to nation and local people some negative points. According to Michael, Globalization is manufactured as a discursive negation of the possibility if nations defining their own futures (McMichael, 1996). For Hirsch, he explores the changing resource and environmental politics of the Mekong Region in the context of regional integration, with a specific focus on the Asian Development Bank (ADS) and its Greater Mekong Sub region (GMS) programme.In the Mekong egion, Asian Development Bank force for regionalization through the specific projects it has supported that have impacted on local communities and ecosystems. Globalization and regionalization in the Mekong region are temporally and spatiall y differentiated. While Thailand has thus explicitly articulated both with globalization and ant globalization discourses, in the case of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, it is difficult to separate the advent of globalization; Globalization has been witnesses not only the economic growth but also the financial crisis in Mekong region.However, hese countries have been influenced by development project which supported by ADB such as dam project etc. It is believed that Dam construction impacts on local communities' livelihood and ecosystem causing many problems to environment. For example, The Nam Theun-Hinboun Dam in Lao People's Democratic Republic (PRD) is one of ADB development project. It causes the insufficient water in dry season and flood in the rainy season as well as erosion of river banks in upstream and downstream.It also impacts on the local communities' livelihood such as fisheries, crops, etc. Warren claimed that from 30 to 90 per cent of fishery-related livelihood has been lost in the main impact areas (Warren, 1999). While there are number of some scientists still believe in the benefits of the dam in development process. It is clear that the local communities have to raise their voice to protect themselves from these attacks; however, it depends on countries politic.For example, in the case of Rasi Salai Dam on the Mun river in Thailand, the Dam completed in 1994 and effected livelihood and environment of a large areas. Because its serious effects, the local people established a protest villages. The protest Joined 16 other sets of villages with grievances throughout the Northeast to Join with the Assembly of the Poor in a national protest in Bangkok and finally, they were succeeded. But In the case of Laos or Vietnam, the people cannot do something like that because of their thinking and their countrys politic.It is obvious that economic growth always cause some consequences in livelihood or environment. In this situation, to adapt with globalizat ion and regionalization many countries build many infrastructure to develop their economy, emphasize large-scale planning. Finally, these things affect heir own country seriously in terms of environment and community's livelihood. Thus, it is expected that there will be a re-scale politics and environment not only in Mekong region but also in the world.In conclusion, globalization and regionalization is an ongoing process. Thus, this process needs more sustainable solutions for both the supporter (ADB and GMS) and the country which received financial for their economic development. One country should concern more about environmental problems when conducting any development project because a development projects need balance on economic, social, and environment aspect. In addition, a country should have their suitable policy on the road of development.REFERENCES Hirsch, P. (2001). â€Å"Globalization, Regionalization and local voices: The Asian Development Bank and re-scaled politic s of environment in the Mekong region†. Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography, 22(3), 237-251. McMichael, P. (1996). Silenced Rivers: The Ecology and Politics of Large Dams. London: Zed books. Warren, T. (1999). ‘A Monitoring study to assess the localized impacts created by the Theun- Hinboun hydro†scheme on fisheries and fish populations. Final report to the Theun- Hinboun Power Company.

Toms Shoes Epedemic

Simona Brotnei Professor Angelone English Writing 102 7 March 2012 â€Å"How Toms Shoes tipped ? † Intro Section In the book, The Tipping Point, How little things can Make a Big Difference, written by Malcolm Gladwell. What is an Epidemic? Well there are different kinds of epidemics. Epidemics can be Products, diseases, Trend’s, and or Crimes. In order for an epidemic to tip, there are three rules that apply for an epidemic to tip. Epidemics are the phenomena word of mouth, or any number of mysterious changes that mark everyday life is for us to think of them as just that.Epidemics are a contagious behavior; the rules in an epidemic are the Law of the Few, The Stickiness Factor, and the Power of Context. The Stickiness Factor The stickiness factor is some kind of information that makes it memorable and sticky, basically something that makes a person remember easily or a message that makes an impact. One of the three Laws that applies too, Toms Shoes is the stickiness of the shoes. The Epidemic that crossed my mind was TOM’s shoes. The co-founder of TOM shoes was Blake Mckoskie, his name was not Tom, Blake’s chose toms because it stands for Tomorrows Future.Back In 2006, Blake went to Argentina, and discovered that the kids there had no shoes, So he came up with the Idea that for every pair of shoes purchased, he would give another pair to a child in need. Tom’s shoes missions is the One for One deal, which I stated above. The reason why Toms tipped was because of the One for One. This is what made TOMS so sticky, just the other day I wore a pair of Toms and this lady stopped me and somehow noticed my shoes and said to me, â€Å"Are those the shoes? † where they give a pair for free? and she wanted to look at them, So I showed them to her. he then went on and said â€Å"that they are expensive ,† but I also stated that they were for a good cause. In the past year of September, TOMS sold over one million pair of sh oes. His company is becoming more successful, and are growing bigger and bigger each day. Blake based the shoe style on the alpargata, a traditional Argentine shoe that farmers have worn for more than 100 years. The shoe is very lightweight and canvas slip-on with just a sliver of a rubber composite sole. It comes in multiple colors and prints for women, men and children. Toms comes out with a new style almost every six months.The shoe prices average from about $40-$100 dollars, They can be pricy but we also have to remember that its helping many kids without shoes, have shoes. The reason as to why Toms is so successful is, because they feel as if there making a difference in the world by helping the kids. They are satisfied and happy about themselves by helping the kids with no shoes. Toms has donated over 600 thousands paris of shoes to kids in 2010. The Power of Context Gladwell states, That the power of context, is no less more important than the two laws mentioned in the beginn ing of the book.Epidemics are sensitive in the time and places in which they occur. The Power of context is one that has to do with the environment we live in. We are the ones that get the word out. Like for instance the word of mouth epidemic is by a person telling them about it, then them telling someone else; or even when they see something that they like, People will ask you where you got the product, then tell his or her friends. Back In May of 2010, I was at a Romanian convention and I noticed a guy wearing them and wanted to find out what kind of shoes they were, because they looked very cool and comfy.I then went on found out where he got them, and bought two pairs, Now Most of the majority of the romanian community owns at least a pair of toms, if not even more. That explains why so many trends like skinny jeans, and or Jeans tucked in boots start. The environment has a lot to do with how epidemics occur, And that is how many trends come about. Just like in the book, The Ti pping Point there were two kids that were wearing hush puppies in East village, and some high fashioned stylists seen them. Later on they skyrocketed and sold over 600 thousands pairs.There is no other explanation more better than how the environment has many effects on how we look and or how we dress, the environment plays a big part on how products tip and how trends become more popular. Conclusion The reason why products tip are because the message itself had an impact, and or the environment where they were seen was noticed by big entrepreneurs. Why is it that many people like myself? are buying all into this, One thing is that it is contagious and the little things that make a change make a difference in the world.Trends and or diseases are also just as contagious. The co-founder of Toms travels to many different colleges to reach out to peers because he wants the new generations to be concerned and aware with different things. and helping others is one that everyone can do if they cant help by buying a pair they can help by not wearing shoes for 24 hours and that event that is called One Day Without Shoes, is targeted mostly to students because they are the ones with time and its a free advertising by getting his shoes known. and what more not doing it at colleges.Blake wants to raise up a better generations for our kids, and by helping and joining events just like this one is a great opportunity for many students to be aware and help make difference in the world. That is why they have an event every year, In Fact It is coming up shortly Sometime in April. The event mostly focuses on the awareness for people to realize that in many different parts of the country children are without shoes. Also to get others student to join and help if not by buying the shoes but by simply getting the word out.The One Day Without Shoes event allows student-led college chapters of TOMS to hold awareness events on campus (and do some free advertising for TOMS). The movemen t reaches out to students who want to help and be a part of a larger philanthropic movement, but can’t afford to give large amounts of money or commit an extended amount of time. People who are already passionate about helping children in need are the prime candidates to join the TOMS movement, so the student chapters and the organization reach out to these individuals through their  advertisements  and promotions. Im gonna finish a quote by Ghandi, which was Blake’s favorite quote. Be the change you want to see in the world Works Cited Gladwell, Malcolm. The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. Boston: Little, Brown, 2000. Print. â€Å"Shoes Offer a Better Tomorrow. † NewsOK: Oklahoma News, Sports, Weather, Business, Entertainment & Oklahoma City Photos & Video OKC. Linda Miller, 5 Apr. 2009. Web. 11 Mar. 2012. . â€Å"Millennials and Philanthropy: 5 Tips I Learned from TOMSA  Shoes. † Rebekah Bowen. 26 Aug. 2011. Web. 11 Mar . 2012. . â€Å"TOMS SHOES LOGO. † Bio Of Blake Mycoskie, The Founder & Chief Shoe Giver Of TOMS Shoes. 2 Feb. 2010. Web. 11 Mar. 2012. .

Prejudice And Discrimination Article Essay

One of the most interesting places to visit in this world is India. Located in South Asia it is officially called the Republic of India. India is well-known for being the second most populous nation in the world next to China.   There are many diverse ethnic groups among the people of India. The six (6) main ethnic groups are Negrito, Proto (Australoids or Austrics), Mongoloids, Mediterranean or Dravidian, Western Brachycephals and the Nordic Aryans (â€Å"People of India,† n.d.). India is also known to be the country from which one of the world’s largest religious congregations has originated, Hinduism. Thus, â€Å"about 80% of the population is Hindu, and 14% is Muslim. Other significant religions include Christians, Sikhs, and Buddhists. There is no state religion (â€Å"India,† n.d.).† India and the large number of its population is home to a vast array of culture and people, and a distinct classification of its Hindu believing population of the structural and hierarchical classification of its own members known as the caste system.   Ã¢â‚¬Å"The caste is a closed group whose members are severely restricted in their choice of occupation and degree of social participation. Marriage outside the caste is prohibited. Social status is determined by the caste of one’s birth and may only rarely be transcended† (â€Å"Caste,† n.d.). The caste system is an intricate classification of its population and many people can directly associate the said term with the â€Å"untouchables† or the Panchamas or Dalits who are the lowest ranked within the system and are tasked to perform the most menial tasks of the community (â€Å"Caste,† n.d; â€Å"Dalit,† n.d.). Even though the Constitution of the Republic of India disallows â€Å"untouchability† the caste remains to be very influential in Indian Society (â€Å"India,† n.d.). Likened to other countries or states, India is also home to its own indigenous people, one of which is the so called Adivasis or literally the â€Å"original inhabitants† who comprise a substantial indigenous minority of the population of India.   These Indian tribes are also called Atavika (forest dwellers, in Sanskrit texts), Vanvasis or Girijans (hill people, e.g. by Mahatma Gandhi) (â€Å"Adivasi,† n.d.).† Together with the Dalits, the Adivasis form the most discriminated group of people in the Indian community. These groups of people are said to be constantly subjected to ridicule and shame all over India in a constant basis. A study conducted by Mayell, H. (2003) has chronicled some atrocities committed particularly against the Dalits who are historically the only   ones referred to as â€Å"untouchables† by citing that â€Å"Statistics compiled by India’s National Crime Records Bureau indicate that in the year 2000, the last year for which figures are available, 25,455 crimes were committed against Dalits. Every hour two Dalits are assaulted; every day three Dalit women are raped, two Dalits are murdered, and two Dalit homes are torched.† Furthermore, she stated that â€Å"No one believes these numbers are anywhere close to the reality of crimes committed against Dalits. Because the police, village councils, and government officials often support the caste system, which is based on the religious teachings of Hinduism, many crimes go unreported due to fear of reprisal, intimidation by police, inability to pay bribes demanded by police, or simply the knowledge that the police will do nothing (Mayell, 2003.)† The Dalits can trace its being oppressed from the fact that India being largely a country of people adhering to Hindu beliefs from which the caste system is derived, are the people who are supposed to be the untouchables or, as discussed, ranked at the lowest. As a result of this, naturally the Dalits are can be rightfully perceived and treated the way religion, tradition and history has treated them, which is sadly bordering on slavery.   However, without passing judgment, albeit being quite possibly insensitive, the plight of the Dalits can easily be viewed as part of the natural made up of the Hinduism belief from which any non-Hindu society member can not and should not question. Religiously speaking, based on the Hindu belief a Dalit is a person who has does not have any â€Å"varnas†. Varna refers to the Hindu belief that most humans were supposedly created from different parts of the body of the divinity Purusha. The part from which a Varna was supposedly created defines a person’s social status with regards to issues such as who they can marry and which professions they could hold (â€Å"Dalit,† n.d.). For their parts, the Adivasis being the original dwellers of India had their own unique way of societal structure, culture and tradition which has like most indigenous tribes all over the world become outmoded as the modern world around them evolved. The discrimination and pitiful situation of the Adivasis are not directly rooted to Hinduism but possibly to a mix of modernization and the former. This possible mix can not be easily discounted knowing the fact that most people in India are Hindu or believers of Hinduism. It is important to stress that the Adivasis as a classification within the Indian population is not brought about or classified as such by Hinduism per se or as part of its caste system. As discussed, the Adivasis is an ethnic group who are original inhabitants of India possibly even prior to the birth of Hinduism whose culture has failed to completely cope up with the modern world. Thus, Bijoy, C. (2003) said â€Å"relegating the Adivasis to the lowest rung in the social ladder was but natural and formed the basis of social and political decision making by the largely upper caste controlled mainstream. The ancient Indian scriptures, scripted by the upper castes, also further provided legitimacy to this.† Hence, even though that the Adivasis can mostly trace their own problems from the failure of their culture and practices to conform to the modern world, as contrast to that of the Dalits, which can easily trace their own problems from its religion, the Adivasis by simply being not well-equipped enough to cope with the modern world are easily lumped together with the Dalits. As a result, together the Dalits and Adivasis form the most oppressed people in India who are more known as the untouchables. According to Tarique (2008) it is not only a struggle for dignity and self-respect that these poor groups of Indian people are fighting for. They are also engaged in the â€Å"struggle for their rights and entitlements for land, access to natural resources, livelihood, employment and to market in general. (Tarique, 2008.)† It is sad to note that these said factual happenings in a modern world such as ours are still happening.   It is but a semblance of irony knowing that the problems that these people are facing and fighting everyday are rooted to one of man’s most sacred possessions, his religious beliefs, which in itself has taught us notions of goodness and the proper way to which we should live our lives; religion, from which ideas of turning away from sin and helping one’s own fellowman being the exact cause of a structuralized system of discrimination and oppression.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Strictly speaking it is difficult to question the plight of these untouchables more so with the Dalits than the Adivasis because the former’s pitiful situation can be justified by the fact that society has adapted it as part of its religious beliefs. An outsider or any non-Hindu looking into the said situation may not have the proper perspective to look into the plight of these untouchables.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However, it is without a doubt that when one adapts the globally accepted notion of humane treatment, the sorry plight of these untouchables more so that of the Adivasis who are clearly not directly   Hindu in origin, but more of an â€Å"accidental untouchables†, are well   below the world standards of humane treatment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Today as the world has chosen to progress and adapt globally its own evolving norms of legal and illegal, acceptable and taboo, good or bad, the world has given more emphasis to equality among ALL MEN without qualifications based on race, gender, birth, color of skin and etc. It is without a doubt that the untouchables of India both the Dalits and Adivasis are victims of a society who have failed to progress with the times.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Adapting the global perspective and the trend to which modern world is predominantly practicing, today’s world would put any country into shame when one does not act upon or even question the sad and pitiful plight of the Dalits and the Adivasis, the so called untouchables, the accidental slaves of society, people who are as early as birth are discriminated.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In fact as already pointed out, it shall be everyone’s dream to realize and fulfill the perceived mandate of the Indian Constitution itself that outlaws this form of treatment of the so called untouchables. Perhaps only then one can give more emphasis and be prouder to claim India as a country truly rich in culture and proud history. References: Adivasi. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved January 8, 2008, from Reference.com website: http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Adivasi Bijoy, C. (2003). The Adivasis of India. A History of Discrimination, Conflict and Resistance. PUCL Bulletin. Retrieved January 8, 2008, from http://www.pucl.org/Topics/Dalit-tribal/2003/adivasi.htm Caste. (n.d.). Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 8, 2008, from Reference.com website: http://www.reference.com/browse/columbia/caste Dalit. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved January 8, 2008, from Reference.com website: http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Dalit India. (n.d.). Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 10, 2008, from Reference.com website: http://www.reference.com/browse/columbia/India Mayell, H. (2003). India’s â€Å"Untouchables† Face Violence, Discrimination. National Geographic News. Retrieved January 9, 2008, from http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/06/0602_030602_untouchables.html People of India. (n.d.). People of India. Retrieved January 9, 2008, from http://www.webindia123.com/india/people/people.htm Tarique (2008). Fact Finding Mission on the Violence against Dalit and Adivasis Kundahamal District. India News. Retrieved January 10, 2008, from http://www.indianmuslims.info/news/2008/jan/09/fact_finding_mission_violence_against_dalit_and_adivais_kundahamal_district.html

Thesis on the Decline Effect- based on the article by Jonah Lehrer

On the Decline Effect- based on the article by Jonah Lehrer (2010) - Thesis Example Changes may be seen in experiments when they are replicated, but at one point in time the results were accurate, such as the case involving the antipsychotic medications. The medications did the job they were originally intended to when they were first created and prescribed to patients, despite the fact that the opposite proved to be true further into the future. The symptoms of these patients, as well as new patients, started to increase or even come back (Lehrer, 2010). Even if the results were random, or else based on illusion of the researcher, what was discovered or determined had been true. In some cases, the results might have been coincidental, but then the study needs to be altered accordingly to reduce the chance of coincidence. Part of the issue that has arisen with the decline effect is that scientists are becoming discouraged. Like Schooler, they find themselves doubting their original experiments and outcomes, and they wrack their brains trying to understand what could have changed between the original study and its replications. Instead of being discouraged by the declining effect, though, the failing factor needs to be determined.

Term project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Term project - Essay Example Having done all of this, we adjusted the highway in accordance with the circumstances. Procedure: At the first, we set up the overall site of which the highway had to go over. Having done with the site work, we started to set up the highway. The first highway had only straight lines with no curves at all. Therefore, we had to bring in some curves in the highway. Having done with that, we started to set up the highway’s vertical alignment. However, there was a problem in the structure of the highway as at one particular point, the highway had to go through a piece of land. Moreover, at one point, there had to be a piece of land placed below the highway. We must include in the report that we had to remove the soil from the point where the high way needed to go through in order to fill the empty space under the high way. Discussion: We have to consider many issues when designing the highway and include all of them in the report. For example, traction is one of the main issues. We have to make the curves of the road on an incline in order to offer good traction. This means that there must be an incline for every curve on the highway. Apart from this, another issue is the two sections of the highway in which soil needs to be removed to fill the empty space under the highway. It will not only offer a good level of stability for the highway but also will lower the cost for making the highway strong. Conclusion: To sum it up, we had to set up a terrain for this project and then had to make a vertical, as well as a horizontal alignment of a highway on that particular terrain. Therefore, we had to adjust the highway by considering the potential obstacles and issues. Such problems include strength of the highway, traction, and the financial

Healthcare Spending Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Healthcare Spending - Essay Example In order to achieve desired health outcomes, there should be a systematic approach that addresses staff competence, health care financing, and emphasis on quality. System theory offers a guide health care towards the desired direction by employing evidenced-based management practices to enhance quality, accessibility an equity as fundamental elements of health care systems. The theory envisions use of a systematic guideline in practice to ensure health care emans such as quality, affordability are met. One of the fundamental concepts of system theory is system thinking. Wiegerinck, Kappen, & Burgers (2010) stated that the application of system theory in the health care system can have an incredible achievement in streamlining operations towards the desired standards. With system thinking, health care quality would greatly improve because the conceptual framework would help in building health care as a system with several subsystems. This theory emphasizes six critical cornerstones that apply well to the health care system. Firstly, it higlightes improving communication among subsystems within a larger system. Certainly, communication is an important asset in health care reforms. Communication allows for nursing, and medical staff strives towards the same direction by employing uniform quality care. Quality health care standard is, therefore, an important feature in the health care system (Bhandari & Snowdon, 2012). Secondly, the social theory, a fundamental component of the system theory, premises teamwork as a success strategy in any task undertaking. Evidently, achieving health care standards that quality-based, cost-effective and appropriate to the community culture requires interdisciplinary collaboration. In contemporary health care system emphasizes on teaming up with the community members in the identification of health care needs, this is emphasized in system theory

The need for London Experience to develop the talents of its human Essay

The need for London Experience to develop the talents of its human resource, for future advantage - Essay Example The intention of this study is London Experience that owns and runs three visitor attractions in Central London which include the City Heritage Museum, the London Underworld Experience, and London Tour Buses. The London Experience employs only 200 regular employees and additional 300 people will be employed on contractual basis during peak seasons. This means that in times like this, the company needs to employ at least 600 personnel. As a company handling visitor attractions in Central London, London Experience usually tries to conduct half-day classroom-based introduction and followed by on-the-job training with its newly hired personnel. The hiring process within London Experience is not that complex because the General Manager just conducts informal interviews at each of the attractions. Not only that, short-term contracted people are recruited through word of mouth. These all lead to some important problems or issues facing London Experience at the very moment that need to be el aborately considered. Recently, among the problems facing London Experience are complaints about communication difficulties, poor language skills, poor customer service and lack of knowledge of the attractions. All of these hinder the main objective of London Experience to substantially bestow the best experience they could provide with their visitors. As a result, having these specific problems, London Experience is eventually providing only a less value for the satisfaction of their visitors. In other words, based on the point of view of customer satisfaction, London Experience substantially is giving poor value for its customers. This should give them proper guidance on the assessment of their service quality. From the point of view of Parasuraman, Ziethmal and Berry in measuring service quality, London Experience at the very moment is at the level in which there is a need to realise the service quality gap that exists between expected service and perceived service of their visit ors (University of Florence, 2008). In other words, prior to understanding the expected service of the visitors, the management of London Experience should primarily consider its external communication to visitors and the word of mouth, their personal needs and past experience. These are all determinants of perceived service quality (Ryan, 2002). The value of communication The increase of level in business determines the increasing importance of communication (Singla, 2009). In other words, communication remains an integral part of every business as it continues to be advantageous in it. In line with this, business requires people with good communication skills (Lesikar and Flatley, 2002). External communication to its visitors is important in the case of London Experience because it determines what the visitors expect to be the kind of service they would receive. As a result, London Experience needs to develop personnel with substantially good communication skills. This particularl y applies to personal communication in which the primary function is to ensure direct flow of information or message from one person to another. There are different types of interpersonal communication and these include interpersonal, group and mass communication (Smith, 2004). Recently, it is most familiar to come up with mass communication as it is capable of addressing important desires and needs of an individual or the masses and businesses (Smith, 2004). This may apply to both London Experience

Contemporary communication essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Contemporary communication - Essay Example Even noticeable have been the points of divergence in the manner in which information should be disseminated. This paper compares and contrasts the manner in which information in current affairs programs and regular news program is disseminated with respect to communication devices. In order to effectively achieve this, it focuses on the way BBC television news and CNN current affairs program covered the Casey Anthony’s case. BBC (2011) news makes use of the images, as well as sound. It features how the jury comprising of seven women and five men ended up in the rejection of the prosecutions that Ms. that Anthony was responsible for the murder of Caylee. The news describes that Ms. Anthony had been accused of dosing her with chloroform, making her suffocate using a tape and dumping her body in the woods. However, the accused was found to be guilty of relative petty offenses such as child neglect. As this is done, the image of Ms. Anthony is presented. Each time the information is described, the pictures in the proceeding are features in real images, breaking the monotony of vision of the news anchor. The news offers a description of the appearance of the accused during the verdict delivery session. Here, Ms. Anthony, who faced a death sentence if found guilty, cried in the quietly. The moments after the jury left the room, she went about hugging her lawyers tightly while she sobbed. All these are not only presented in words, but also in images. The News offers the description of the amount of time that the Ms. Anthony had spent in the jail while awaiting her trial, and also talks about the time that her release was expected. She had been made to spend about two and a half years in jail while she waited for trial. She was to be expectedly released soon, despite the minor offenses that she had been found guilty. This is because she had already served enough time in the jail. Images of the state of the parents and even the prosecutors during the court

The Possible Power of Electronic Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Possible Power of Electronic Media - Essay Example So in order to bring a revolution onto the island a new leadership would be evolving. The old regime policies would be abandoned and new and clearly sought strategies would be implemented in order to recover from the old losses. The strategies would not only benefit the national government but also the individuals living in the island of Angic. The new government is going to take initiatives which are in line with the individuals vested interests. Different forms of media help is being pursued by the current government so as to implement their strategies and gain support amongst the people. Media is said to have a strong impact on the individuals living in this world. It not only tells the individuals where they are heading to but also urges them to take a certain step if required. Thus different types of electronic media is being sought by the government so as to implement such programs which are in line with the governments policy. The government has used radio to aware people of t he new friendly strategies which they are about to implement with their new policies. The individual benefits are pointed out in such a strategy and points laid out in which they tell people about how they are going to prosper. They reveal the corruptions and wrong doings of the past government which has put the state in an unstable condition. Thus they tell the individuals through radio that a new government is to come to bring a revolution on the island so that the island can survive the unfriendly conditions. The facts and figures of the previous government are provided to the public so as to make them aware of the present conditions prevailing in the state. The state of Angic has gone into a total chaos after the previous governments harsh and unfriendly strategies. The strategies have not proved to be successful and have turned out to be a failure. The role of radio can be put to be very important as it tells

How to Make Almost Anything Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

How to Make Almost Anything - Essay Example It has also provided industrial and business policy makers a specific structure for the ongoing debate and knowledge sharing process of â€Å"Digital fabrication†. Digital Fabrication is very different from traditional manufacturing method because it integrates the computer-assisted designs with the traditional manufacturing process. Digital Fabrication will have a massive impact on automobiles, consumer products, life sciences and the entire manufacturing sector because it will able to integrate all the aspects of science and technology in one single dimension unlike the traditional method of manufacturing tools and technology. (Easton, 2008) The digital fabrication indeed presents a digital revolution. Digital fabrication will allow future 3-D printers to build complete functional systems with no needs for parts to be assembled. The potential of the digital fabrication booming is undoubtedly huge. One of the most important reasons why it will be successful in the future is because it will allow for the development of low-cost, domestically produced manufacturing facilities, which are also capable of building a huge range of highly advanced products. (Hopkinson & Dickens, 2006) Digital fabrication brings mobility and flexibility to the conventional method of fabrication where materials and tools were used manually in a cumbersome manner and it took a huge amount of time. Although digital fabrication draws on the same thoughts and insights that had led to the idea of communication and computation, however it is much quicker and sharper than the conventional approach. Digital fabrication allows people to design products wherever needed to be produced. This method will challenge traditional business models of business, arts, medicine and education. Not only that, but it will revolutionize the concept of science and technology to a huge extent. According to Stephens

Gender and Video Games Essay Example for Free

Gender and Video Games Essay The current development in the literature concerning videogames and gender constitutes the formulation of perceptions of how not only game developers but also players establish their individual and collective identity in this process. Their relationship then corresponds to creating specific norms and principles that seek to identify specific ideas concerning their representation of reality and also their ability to capitalize on existing genres for cultivating game play and the issues related to acceptance of existing norms. Due to this, to better understand the relationship circumventing around video games and gender, fair amount of analysis must be made not only in its ability to represent the gaming public but also in the impact it creates towards taking the issue into a bigger picture as it relates to the construction of social norms and roles. Assessing Video Games and Gender Indeed looking at previous literature studies, it can be seen that misrepresentation remains apparent especially among the representation of gender in video games. Here, common patterns of male masculine figures and characters continue to dominate different platforms and games. Such idea remains to be seen particularly, during the earlier times wherein there is a corresponding depiction of players that are relatively male and ultimately dominate both the primary and secondary characters. Here, Williams, Martins, Consalvo and Ivory (2009) study highlights these apparent trends by arguing that â€Å"the most popular games are less representative than the typical game produced by developers, indicating that players also play a role in the cycle of creation and consumption† (p. 828). Similarly, such actions then establish the formation of implications relating towards both businesses and gamers alike. Given the constant marketing and exploration of new strategies to expand the level of gamers within a specific platform, there are indeed restrictions that this gender bias and formulation of games create. It necessitates not only hindering the potential appeal of these games towards consumers but also induce common means for limited appreciation and also shortage in sales. These dynamics in turn necessitate a constricted response to the ever growing number of patrons of video games as it encompasses the majority of participants and involve other actors who also place emphasis in their capacity for media to exhibit their common associations and relationship within the platform (Williams, Martins, Consalvo, Ivory, 2009). Opening up Patterns for Diversity and Change Assessing the validity of how video games embrace diversity, careful analysis needs to be made in the manner that video games seek to portray and outline the views concerning the gaming culture. Since social symbols often connote this process to be a male/masculine endeavor, earlier platforms somehow inhibit female participation in such activity and more often than not associated with male roles and tendencies (Williams, Martin, Consalvo and Ivory, 2009). However, this started to change as new designs and models have been introduced to cater to the changing perceptions of gender roles related to video games and adherence to the objectives to transcend over common representations that platform has over male and female responsiveness. Recognizing the current needs for embedding gender equality within the video game platforms, many game developers now seek to apply these strategies in the formulation of new titles that seek to connote better ability for people to utilize their perception of themselves within a particular game. This brought about significant changes as designers brought into consideration diversity and equal representation of male and female roles in the process. This dynamics then consolidated better means for outlining not only significant areas related to the overall game play but also in the appeal it gives towards different individuals regardless of their racial and gender associations (Brandtzaeg and Heim, 2009). Seeing this, the study by Jansz and Vosmeer indeed offer a good analysis of how the game ‘Sims 2’ address these changing trends and outline the evolution of gaming from a masculine and male dominated genre to a more lax and diverse area that induces common connections between masculinity and femininity. By using this game as an example, the study was able to highlight significant changes in these perceptions and was able to ascertain common ideals shaping and furthering opportunities accounting to how diversity serves as an instrument in merging the idea of gender and video games together. To complement this process, it takes into account creating video games that are not only responsive to the needs of gamers but also reach out towards their ability to utilize connections over the roles specific characters play. Here, Jansz and Vosmeer (2010) argues, â€Å"developing gender and games theory requires more detailed insight into the mutual shaping of game content, game play, and gender identities† (p. 247). By collaborating on these three aspects accordingly, the ability of growth of video games have indeed showcased a reality that is more conducive and responsive to the needs of individuals by offering a variety of platforms wherein interaction and associations remain possible. Videogames, Violence, and Gender Roles Another precept shaping the understanding concerning the idea of videogames and gender is the corresponding perceptions and roles it provides participants. Since this element is one part of media, it is through this that representations about culture and gender roles are provided among individuals regardless of age, race, or cultural affiliations. These dynamics in turn necessitate both positive and negative responses in terms of the establishment of identity and formulation of specific patterns of behavior innate within the characterization of primary and secondary characters in a particular game. In essence, there continues to be a relationship in the way individuals ascertain their preferences in games with their innate social behavior and ability to denote a particular response to each theme of a video game played (Brandtzaeg and Heim, 2009). Seeing these diverse variations concerning the ability to extract experiences and ideas from video games, it then presents the formation of specific behavior and inputs depending on the themes provided. Such actions then result in current diversity of games available in the market today. As Brandtzaeg and Heim (2009) argue, â€Å"the new electronic gaming landscape is complex, and consists of a vast array of choices in different game content genres tailored towards a range of user profiles in regards to highly different interests and content preferences† (p. 71). These in turn result in the formulation of specific behavior that equally shapes an individual’s personality and the manner that each one seeks to equate this in the formulation of their identity and role within social institutions. Associated with the formulation of gender roles, there are also instances of video games promoting violence as themes in its platforms. Such dynamics then necessitate impact on individual behavior as they try to ascertain specific tendencies towards the acceptance of violence to be a social norm and apparent in different scenarios and environment. Though research and literature may argue differently concerning this stance, it also goes to show the impact that video games can provide towards the inducement of violent and aggressive tendencies among gamers. Here, it is what Kim refers to as desensitization of violence within video games genre and points out its impact not only in the formulation of gender roles but also the acceptance of its role within the development of a player’s identity (Kim, n. d. ). Under this process, there continues to be new developments happening in video game technology that aides the desensitization of violence among consoles. These in turn contributes to further exposure and creates a real-life scenarios wherein players experience an almost-real setup where violence as a theme is depicted. Here, Kim (n. d. ) argues that â€Å"as video games become more sophisticated, there is a wide range of input devices at various levels of realism – from pushing keys on a keyboard to a turning wheel to drive or actually shooting a gun† (p. 5). Such realities then brings about the question of how such games provide the means to explore means to correspond the manner to ascertain violence, videogames and gender. It does take into account the value of how these themes permeate within choices and ability to partake in the gaming experience of individuals. By establishing these relationships, it can help analyze the formulation of behavior as well as how it corresponds to the nature of furthering opportunities to extract behavioral responsiveness on the part of individuals who partake in such endeavor. (Jansz, and Vosmeer, 2010). To conclude, the idea of gender and video games have undergone an expansion of literature that takes into account its development from a more conservative and masculine-oriented dimension towards the creation of games that seeks to highlight and induce elements of diversity. By taking account of these areas, it was able to consolidate better means to reach out towards different gamers and allow better means for access among people. Though there may still be corresponding bias views concerning gender, it was able to construct a new playing field wherein new games are able to cater towards the dynamic needs among gamers. Alongside this development, there is also the corresponding perspective of shaping new means to carry out effective means to extract gender roles among players. These elements manifest in the themes and perceptions utilized by individuals who participate in such endeavor. One element that can be seen in these areas is the corresponding violence that video game creates. Though there are contrasting views in the impact on human behavior, it plays a crucial role in establishing analysis in its association with the interplay of social norms and roles through the spectrum of perceptions and choices of video game genres. References Brandtzaeg, P. B. and Heim, J. (2009) Children’s Electronic Gaming Content Preferences and Psychosocial Factors: Is there a connection? Nordicom Review. 30 (2), pp. 69-86 Jansz, J. , Avis, C. and Vosmeer, M. (2010) Playing The Sims 2: An exploration of gender differences in players’ motivations and patterns of play. New media and Society. 12 (2), pp. 235-251 Kim, O. T. Effects of Violent Video Games on Desensitization: The Role of Gender, Previous Exposure, and Input Device. Williams, D. , Martins, N. , Consalvo, M. and Ivory, J. (2009) The virtual census: representations of gender, race, and age in video games. New media and society. 11 (5), pp. 815-834

Data analytics Essay Example for Free

Data analytics Essay Data analytics is a method used by organizations to gain competitive advantage over other companies in their specific market. It is a scientific process of mining and analyzing the database gathered by organizations about their customers and their products in order to generate more profit or to build the marketing strategy of the company (Loveman, 2003). For example, a travel agency may be able to use the information they gather about customer characteristics and correlate it with their traveling destinations and be able to use that information to market new packages or destinations. Data analytics is a combination of programming, statistics and intuition, although majority of it is based on actual data or evidence and gut feeling is only used to point to the right direction of analysis and utilization. Data analytics is more than just having a large database of customer characteristics and behaviors but it also takes a skilled statistician with an eye for marketing and consumer psychology to be able to make use of relevant information. For example, an organization may have access to the electric consumption of individual households but it cannot be useful if it does not affect the consumer behavior the company is targeting. In order to compete on analytics, an organization must have a rich source of data about their customers and their market. This would give the company a huge breadth of data that would paint an accurate picture of the kind of customers and market the company has as well as forecast its standing in the business. Data analytics is data mining and analysis and before this could be carried out, the organization has to have access to these data. Next, the organization must have a trained employee to manage and mine the database as this kind of job requires a highly specialized and trained individual who has a very good concept of statistics and analytics. Some organizations have set up a special team or even a whole unit or department that is in charge of data management and mining while key individuals in each aspect of the business could ask the said team to work on different ideas and angles to test whether their ideas are feasible or not. In this way, the organization need not spend its finances and workforce in something that is not profitable. Third, the organization must have the right equipment for job, a super computer to manage the database, software or programs that would dissect the database and to come up with more creative and innovative ways of using the said information. Lastly, there should be a team who will have the responsibility to put into good use what has been found and to monitor whether it has met its objectives or not (Davenport, 2006). Aside from those mentioned, the most important thing to be able to compete with analytics is to have the desire to know and learn more about the customers and how that knowledge can be used to develop new strategies which does not only work but will help place the company on top. References Davenport, T. (2006). Competing on analytics. Harvard Business Review, 84, 98-107 Loveman, G. (2003). Diamonds in the data mine. Harvard Business Review, vol. 81; 5, 109-113.

Meaningfulness of Brand History Concept in Brand Management

Meaningfulness of Brand History Concept in Brand Management Gianluca Lucchin ID3615402 A brand has to have a history 1. INTRODUCTION Im presenting my arguments to prove that a brand actually need a history to be successful in nowadays dynamic scenario and to survive in the long term. First Im going to give basic definitions to work on, trying to define brand history by a theoretical point of view; then Im going to analyze those theories implications in order to sustain my arguments; finally Im going to use real-life cases in nowadays market to give recommendations and draw my conclusions. 2. DEFINITIONS TO START To determine whether or not a brand needs a history as an asset, is important to identify the key elements to work on. A definition of brand is a good starting point, since the word itself could be referred to many different themes and meanings. This will surely help to restrict the field of study. For Gardner and Levys (1955) A brand name is more than the label employed to differentiate among the manufacturers of a product; It is a complex symbol that represents a variety of ideas and attributes. It tells the consumers many thing, not only by the way it sounds (and the literal meaning if it has one) but, more important, via the body of associations it has built up and acquired as a public object over a period of time. Following this logic the brand could also be conceptualized as a bundle of tangible and intangible features which increase the attractiveness of a product beyond its functional value (Farquhar, 1989; Park and Srinivasan, 1994). History in this case could play a crucial role in binding tangible and intangible features by using a continuous chronological record of important events(Oxford Dictionaries) allowing a brand or a company, to recall a complex set of meanings, values and symbols connected to origins, past performances and mythologized episodes. This process of recalling the past could be beneficial for both firm perspective and consumer perspective and its connected to the concept of Brand Heritage. 3. BRAND HISTORY AND BRAND HERITAGE The word heritage is generally associated with inheritance: something transferred from one generation to another. As a concept, therefore, it works as a carrier of historical values from the past (Nuryanti, 1996). On the surface the difference between heritage and history may seem minor. However, if history   may explore and explain a past that is far away, heritage clarifies and makes that same past relevant for contemporary contexts and purposes. In the present time characterized by high dynamics, uncertainty, and massive consumer disorientation , customers tend to prefer brands with a heritage: a brand infused with a heritage stands for authenticity, credibility, and trust, and can provide leverage for a brand, especially in global markets (Aaker 1996; George 2004). The brand heritage construct can therefore be defined as (à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) a dimension of a brands identity found in its track record, longevity, core values, use of symbols and particularly in an organisational belief that its history is important (Urde et al. 2007). Based on the definition of brand heritage and its distinction from related constructs, it is useful to consider five major elements that indicate whether and to what extent heritage is present or potentially found in a brand (Urde, Greyser, and Balmer 2007, p. 9). The element track record is related to the established performance that the brand or the company has been connected with, such as certain values and promises over time (Urde 1997). The second element of brand heritage, longevity, is of special importance for large multigenerational family-owned companies reflecting sustainability and consistency (Urde, Greyser, and Balmer 2007, p. 9). Core values encompass the basic values the brand is associated with. Like a promise or covenant in external communication, these values underline and help to define corporate strategy and are an integral part of the brand identity (Kapferer 2004; Lencioni 2002; Urde 1994). The use of symbols is related to logos or designs and illustrates the brands core meaning and ideas (Urde, Greyser, and Balmer 2007, p. 10). The fifth component asks whether history is important to identity. Companies have to sense their own history as being crucially important to their identity. It is absolutely essential that they know who and what they are. This understanding should also be a key part of communication, advertising, and the marketing mix (Brown, Kozinets, and Sherry 2003b). 3.1 TYPE OF HERITAGE Referring to the work of the sociologist George Herbert Mead about the impact of past on individuals understanding of reality, and following the research of Bradford T. Hudson and John M.T. Balmer (2013) its possible to distinct between four different forms of Heritage. Structural heritage The nature of the present depends on the outcome of events that occurred in the past, which cannot be altered. Structural heritage involves a succession of causation from past to present. *Brands that use structural heritage claim superiority and differentiation referring to   a pedigree connecting the current company to the moment of origination and the people instrumental in establishing the company. Practical examples of structural heritage abound within many industries and sectors. For instance, some companies refer to founding dates Implied heritage If a company is vibrant and respected in the present, then it must have existed and developed during the past in a manner that explains its current status. Heritage is expressed by displaying current attributes that imply historical antecedents, by demonstrating congruence between current attributes and historical attributes, or by describing patterns of accomplishment across time. This dimension may also be indicated by references to the age of a brand. *Claims of differentiation or superiority by the firm are validated through statements of longevity, or demonstrations of continuity between past and present. Reconstructed heritage This dimension suggests that our relationship to the past is interpretive and our understanding of prior events is enhanced through contemplation. *Claims of differentiation or superiority by the firm are validated by the familiar or reminiscent character of the brand or its associated products. A commonly cited example of reconstructed heritage is the new Volkswagen Beetle, which was introduced in 1998 with design elements reminiscent of the original Beetle that became a cultural icon during the 1960s. Mythical heritage Mythical heritage refers to pasts that are partly or wholly fictitious, and which facilitate the projection or escape of consumers into imaginary worlds that relate to the brand. Mythical heritage is often expressed through fantasy or illusion, especially within communications narratives or the design of environments and products. *Claims of differentiation or superiority by the firm are validated by the archetypal, universal or quintessential nature of brand attributes. The reason companies with heritage should use it, is to take advantage of differentiation that is valuable for the customer/consumer and other stakeholders, distinctive for the brand, and difficult to imitate for the competitors.   Heritage can provide a basis for distinctiveness in positioning, which can generate competitive advantage, e.g. translating into higher prices and margins, and retaining customers to whom heritage is meaningful. 3.2 BRAND HERITAGE AND EFFECTS ON CUSTOMER VALUE A brand with a heritage creates and confirms expectations about future behavior to stakeholder groups and makes a promise that the brand will continue to deliver on these commitments (e.g., Aaker 1996 ; George 2004 ). For this reason brand history along with brand heritage can add consumer perceived value and can minimize consumers buying risk (Muehling and Sprott 2004 ). For the conceptualization of consumer value we refer to four major types of customer perceived value: 1)  Economic value: The economic dimension of customer value addresses direct monetary aspects such as price, resale price, discount, investment etc. It refers to the value of the product expressed in dollars and cents, to what is given up or sacrificed to obtain a product (e.g., Ahtola 1984 ; Chapman 1986 ; Mazumdar 1986 ; Monroe and Krishnan 1985 ). Functional value: The functional dimension of customer value represents the core benefit and basic utilities such as e.g. the quality, the uniqueness, the usability, the reliability, and durability of a certain product (Sheth et al. 1991 ). Affective value: The affective dimension of customer value refers to the experiences, feelings, and emotions a certain brand or product provides to the consumer in addition to its functional utility (Hirschman and Holbrook 1982 ; Sheth et al. 1991 , Westbrook and Oliver 1991 ). Social value: The social dimension of customer value focuses a customers personal orientation towards a brand or product and addresses personal matters such as consumers self-concepts, self-worth or self-identity value (e.g., Vigneron and Johnson 2004 ; Hirschman and Holbrook 1982 ). Following the study and the complex empirical research of Thomas Wuestefeld et al(2012) in the article The impact of brand heritage on customer perceived value we can say that brand heritage construct (as a result of different factors like history, prestige, longevity, myth and credibility) overall affects Consumer Perceived Value (CPV), therefore could be a crucial asset to consider. 4.EXAMPLES OF BRAND USING HERITAGE AS A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE Tangible examples of a proper use of brand history and brand heritage could be seen in both luxury market and mass market. 4.1 KRAFT/CADBURYS ACQUISITION CASE STUDY A sophisticated understanding of the past is one of the most powerful tools we have for shaping the future. An actual implementation of brand history and brand heritage concepts could be seen in how Kraft Foods managed its 2010 integration of the British confectioner Cadbury. Cadburys management and its employees had somehow mounted resistance to the acquisition, fearing the loss of core values and a products quality. To help smooth the process, senior executives turned to Krafts long-established archives. Company archivists launched an intranet site, titled Coming Together, that honored the parallel paths Kraft and Cadbury had taken. Poring over historical materials, they had found much evidence of shared values, and the presentation reinforced those common themes. In addition to the founders stories, the intranet site included interactive time lines, iconic advertising images, brief documentary videos, and dozens of detailed histories of owned branded products all designed to show how leading Kraft and Cadbury brands had come to sit side by side on grocers shelves. The same narrative too k hold in other communications, from CEO speeches to press releases, and in employee training sessions. Kraft ended up integrating Cadbury more smoothly than any of its previous acquisitions. The history of the enterprise can instill a sense of identity and purpose and suggest the goals that will resonate (George Smith,Your Companys History as a Leadership Tool). 4.2 COCA-COLA is really proud of its history The Coca-Cola story is a good one, even if we do say so ourselves Coca-Cola, one of the most famous and iconic brand in the world definitely recurs to an implementation of brand heritage tools by referring to the company glorious longevity and past performances in a nostalgic fashion. An example of this commitment to history could definitely be found on Coca-Cola website with many pages dedicated to the evolution of the brand itself. A pdf for the 125 years anniversary of Coca-Cola has been released, with lot of documents and pictures of logos, packaging and successful advertising during the ages. A relevant proof of appliance of brand heritage construct in Coca-Cola marketing mix, could be found in the smart use of symbols (the iconic bottle and the famous Coca-Cola font) and the reiteration of the affective value(being on the market for such a long time it bears nostalgic potential for every adult consumer). 4.3 LOUIS VUITTON-The iconic traveling luggage Louis Vuitton is a well known apparel luxury brand. It puts great emphasys on tradition as seen in the brand website rich in contents like old pictures and all sort of informations on the origins of the company itself. The starting point, the making of the iconic Louis Vuitton traveling luggage is used as tool of reference to the glorious past of the company itself and could be read as a clear example of reconstructed heritage. And plus, the promise of value connected to the purchase of those bags implies an increase of social perceived value for consumers as a form of self-actualization and distinction. 4.4 BURBERRY-The invention of gabardine and the myth of the trench coat Burberry is another famous luxury fashion brand which use history, tradition and heritage as crucial assets in its marketing mix .Its main fashion house focuses on outerwear, fashion accessories, fragrances, sunglasses, and cosmetics. Established in 1856 by Thomas Burberry and originally focusing on the development of outdoor attire, the fashion house has moved on to the high fashion market developing pattern-based scarves, trench coats, and other fashion accessories. Its distinctive check pattern has become one of its most widely copied trademarks. The brand itself can count on the innovative invention of gabardine, a breathable and waterproof fabric   which somehow revolutionized rainwear. Burberry is most famous for its trench coat. Its coats were worn in the trenches of World War I by British soldiers, and for decades thereafter Burberry became so much a part of British culture that Queen Elizabeth II and the Prince of Wales have granted the company Royal Warrants. Thus, Burberry is the perfect example of a Heritage brand based on the implied heritage category: the respectability and the glorious status showed in the present is the result of a great and honorable past (invention of gabardine + fact that trench coats were used during world war) 5. CONCLUSION   Ã‚   If lots of nowadays most successful brands are connected to the ever-innovating technology sector (think of Google, Apple, Amazon, Facebook etc) and dont rely too much on a long or mythicized history, long-standing brands combining both heritage and longevity are still able to deliver real value attaining strong competitive positions. If we observe the 2016 Global Best Brands report by Interbrand, we can see that 10 brands in the top15 are more than 50 years old and some of them are way older than that. Even if someone could argue that the success of a brand has little to do with a brands age, we can still say that having long-term traditions and experiences in the business could help to stay relevant and competitive. The level of sophistication needed for a brand to maintain its competitive advantages is of course not to be underestimated, newness and innovation plays a strong role. But even if a brand needs to evolve constantly to stay relevant, it also needs a center of gravity, a clear vision and a commitment to stay true to the core of its DNA (Rebecca Robins 2015) In conclusion we can say that: Consumers prefer brands with a history in order to be reassured and to fight purchasing uncertainty Brand History is a key element in the implementation of Brand Heritage constructà ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   Brand Heritage boost the Consumer Perceived Value A connection to the past is often required by a company to be successful and coherent in the present and to grow in the future A brand (definitely) has to have a history! REFERENCES Articles and Papers Chun-Tuan Chang Minh-Hsuan Tung (2016) Intergenerational appeal in advertising: impacts of brand-gender extension and brand history, in International Journal of Advertising, 35:2, 345-361 Vanisha Narsey Cristel Antonia Russell (2014). Behind the Revealed Brand: Exploring the Brand Backstory Experience inConsumer Culture Theory. Published online: 20 Aug 2014; 297-323. Bradford T. Hudson John M.T. Balmer, (2013),Corporate heritage brands: Meads theory of the past, in Corporate Communications: An International Journal, Vol. 18 Iss 3 pp. 347 361 Thomas Wuestefeld  · Nadine Hennigs  ·Steffen Schmidt  · Klaus-Peter Wiedmann (2012) The impact of brand heritage on customer perceived value, in Der markt. International Journal of Marketing John T. Seaman Jr. and George David Smith,(2012) Your Companys History as a Leadership Tool, in Harvard Business Review, December 2012 Upendra Kumar Maurya* P. Mishra.(2012) What is a brand? A Perspective on Brand Meaning in European Journal of Business and Management. Vol 4, No.3, 2012 Klaus-Peter Wiedmann , Nadine Hennigs , Steffen Schmidt Thomas Wuestefeld (2011) Drivers and Outcomes of Brand Heritage: Consumers Perception of Heritage Brands in the Automotive Industry, in Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, 19:2, 205-220 Ulla Hakala Sonja Là ¤tti Birgitta Sandberg, (2011),Operationalising brand heritage and cultural heritage, in Journal of Product Brand Management, Vol. 20 Iss 6 pp. 447 456 Pozzi Daniele, The Invisible H: does History has a place in Heritage? A proposal, in https://www.Researchgate.net Urde M, Greyser SA, Balmer JMT (2007) Corporate brands with a heritage. J Brand Manage 15(1):4-19 Books Keller L.K, (2013) Strategic Brand Management. Building, Measuring and Managing Brand Equity, published by Pearson Baker M., Hart S. (2007) Product Strategy Management, Prentice hall, London Websites http://interbrand.com/views/legacy-brands-keeping-long-standing-brands-relevant-in-the-digital-age/ http://www.theguardian.com/media-network/2015/oct/09/brands-relevant-digital-age http://interbrand.com/best-brands/best-global-brands/2016/ranking/ https://uk.burberry.com/our-history/ http://www.burberryplc.com/about_burberry/company-history http://it.louisvuitton.com/ita-it/la-maison/una-storia-leggendaria#how-it-all-began http://www.worldofcoca-cola.com/about-us/coca-cola-history/ https://www.oxforddictionaries.com/ http://www.coca-cola.co.uk/stories/from-1886-to-the-present-daythis-is-the-story-of-coca-cola http://www.stern.nyu.edu/experience-stern/faculty-research/georgesmith-history-leadership