Story of Medusa and Athena

Story of Medusa and Athena A long time ago, Once upon a time there was this beautiful Professor by the name of Harris. Harris stayed in the country by the name of Greece in the city of Athens. Professor Harris was considered the most lovely looking girl within a city full of pretty looking girls. Harris was exceedingly proud of her beauty, unfortunately and rarely talk or thought about anything else. Every day she would brag about how beautiful she is and how pretty she looks. Day after day her bragging became more and more out of hand.On one, Sunday, Professor Harris bragged to her friends about how her looks were better looking than the snow that has freshly fallen on the ground and trees. Monday, she was talking to the cobbler and told him that the sun was not as bright as her golden hair which glowed. On Tuesday, the son of the black smith overheard the commented made by her about the Aegean Sea and her eyes. Harris thinks her eyes are greener then the sea. By Wednesday, she was at again with her boasting, but this time it was not to one or even two but everyone at the public gardens.She told the public that the reddest of red roses does not have anything on her red lips. When Harris was not too busy sharing with everyone she came in contact with her thoughts on just how beautiful she is. Harris loved to gaze in the mirror at her lovely reflection. She would admired herself for hours each morning with her hand held mirror as she comb her hair. She would even admired herself in her darkened window each evening for hours as she got ready for bed. Professor Harris would even stopped every afternoon at the well to admire herself as she got her dad horses water. Forgetting often to fetch the water in her distraction.Professor Harris went on about how beautiful she was to everyone and anyone who would give her the time of day long enough to hear it from her. She went on and on until she made her first visit to the Parthenon one day with some friends. The Partheno n is where the largest temple for the goddess Athena in all the land. The Parthenon was decorated by the awesome painting and sculptures. The people who came to the Parthenon is awed by the beauty of the place. They could not keep from thinking of how grateful they were to Athena, which was known as the goddess of wisdom, for watching over their city of Athens and for inspiring them.Everyone, that is, except Harris. When Harris first saw the sculptures, she thought and said that i would have been a much better subject for this sculptor besides Athena. the artwork that she saw While she was there, made her comment to her freinds that the artist had done a superb job on the goddess bushy eyebrows considering they were not hers. harris could only imagine how much more astounding the painting have been if it was of someone as beautiful as professor Harris. And when Harris came to the altar Harris laugh happily and said, this is my gorgeous temple.This is a shame the temple was wasted on Athena, because i'm so much prettier than Athena is – perhaps may be some day people are to construct a grander temple to admire my beauty. the statement made by Harris made her friends turn green. Harris comments were overheard by the priestesses. The people began to Whispers throughout the whole temple and immediately the people began to exit the temple. the people that knew Athena. Knew that she loved watching over Athens Citizens and they became extremely afraid of what was going to happen after the goddess had overheard Harris rash remarks.Before long the temple was empty of everyone except Medusa, who was so busy gazing proudly at her reflection in the large bronze doors that she hadn't noticed the swift departure of everyone else. Theimage she was gazing at wavered and suddenly, instead of her own features, it was the face of Athena that Medusa saw reflected back at her. â€Å"Vain and foolish girl,† Athena said angrily, â€Å"You think you are prettier than I am! I doubt it to be true, but even if it were — there is more to life than beauty alone. While others work and play and learn, you do little but boast and admire yourself. Medusa tried to point out that her beauty was an inspiration to those around her and that she made their lives better by simply looking so lovely, but Athena silenced her with a frustrated wavâ€Å"Nonsense,† Athena retorted, â€Å"Beauty fades swiftly in all mortals. It does not comfort the sick, teach the unskilled or feed the hungry. And by my powers, your loveliness shall be stripped away completely. Your fate shall serve as a reminder to others to control their pride. †And with those words Medusa’s face changed to that of a hideous monster.Her hair twisted and thickened into horrible snakes that hissed and fought each other atop her head. â€Å"Medusa, for your pride this has been done. Your face is now so terrible to behold that the mere sight of it will turn a man to stone,â⠂¬  proclaimed the goddess, â€Å"Even you, Medusa, should you seek your reflection, shall turn to rock the instant you see your face. †And with that, Athena sent Medusa with her hair of snakes to live with the blind monsters — the gorgon sisters — at the ends of the earth, so that no innocents would be accidentally turned to stone at the sight of her.

Phones a Blessing or a Curse Essay

Technology plays a significant role in our daily lives; technology has without a doubt, made our lives very easy for us. Technology, along with its unlimited advantages also has a lot of disadvantages. Technology is a gift to ourselves so that we can live our lives more comfortably but many people tend to abuse this gift for their own pleasure or personal gain. Cell Phone is one such device that has made our life so easy that we cannot even think of a world without it. This electronic device has multiple uses and functions. It has become an important part and parcel of our life. Without cell phones we usually feel incomplete. Trendy and stylish cell phones have become a part of fashion now days. It has now become a multi-utility device, and not just remain a communication device. see more:essay on mobile phone advantages and disadvantages wikipedia Uses of cell phones: †¢ Mobile phones are the most convenient and fastest means of communication. You can call anyone from anywhere and anytime. †¢ It is a great source of entertainment also. We can play games, listen to music, talk to your friends, send messages, and so on when we get bored. †¢ It can be used for capturing and storing important information. †¢ It can function as a radio. We can listen to music while driving and traveling. †¢ Mobiles can replace watches to check the time and alarm clocks that wakes us up. †¢ Our voice can also be recorded in our mobiles. †¢ It can be used as a torch when the light goes. †¢ Mobiles with cameras are used to take photos and making videos. We can also freeze our memorable moments. †¢ Mobiles also have calendars to check days and dates. †¢ We can download our favorite songs, wallpapers, ring tones, and movies in our mobile. †¢ If we lost the way, we can use our mobile and call for help. †¢ Use mobile phones in place of paper and pen. This saves paper, which in turn saves trees. †¢ Mobile phones having the facility of calculator help to do mental calculations.

Product evaluation on bluetooth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Product evaluation on bluetooth - Essay Example The name Bluetooth is borrowed from Harald Bluetooth, a king in Denmark more than 1,000 years ago† (Mitchell par. 1). The aim of the current discourse is to provide a product evaluation of Bluetooth through identifying its uses, benefits, costs, and other relevant concerns that users must be aware of. Bluetooth is deemed to be designed for the purpose of providing a cheap and secure tool to connect and exchange various information between the abovementioned devices without the need for connections or wires. As disclosed by the FileSaveAs.com site, Bluetooth could be used for the following endeavors: â€Å"sending photos from your mobile, exchanging business cards, sending voice from a headset to a mobile phone, and real-time satellite navigation using GPS† (FileSaveAs par. 3). Due to the wireless capabilities of Bluetooth, one of its evident advantages is that it is less messy, easy to apply and access, and is also a cheap tool for exchanging various kinds of information from diverse technological devices. Likewise, it was also apparent that it requires low power and exemplifies low interferences. In addition, there are different options of connectivity to enable the users to apply to the devices of their personal or professional choice. Despite the apparent advantages, Bluetooth technology has also been reported to manifest the following disadvantages: (1) use of the same frequency as of the Wavelan standard; (2) in cases of presence of multiple users attempting exchange of information using the same technology, there is a need for the recipient to screen and indicate the acceptable source; (3) it was reported to include diverse security mechanisms to prevent violations of privacy and confidentiality (Neamo). In fact, there were reported security breaches and concerns regarding Bluetooth that were revealed, to wit: bluejacking; calls being overheard; identification of similar devices in

What personal responsibility do Ferdinand and Isabella bear for the Essay

What personal responsibility do Ferdinand and Isabella bear for the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1942 - Essay Example In order to deal with this issue, they introduced the Inquisition, but reports from the Inquisitors only confirmed their fears that converts to Christianity could not be considered secure in the faith until they could be prevented from having any contact with Jews. Shortly after the fall of Granada, with the Muslim threat quashed, and Christian emotion running high, they decided to move for expulsion. Therefore, they bear great personal responsibility, but it should be noted that they were heavily influenced by the Inquisition, and by political developments. It has often been suggested that in the period leading up to the expulsion edict, greater intolerance and anti-Semitism had been developing in Europe generally. From the 13th century onwards, what Gavin Langmuir termed ‘chimeric antisemitism’ arguably made itself felt in Europe (Peters, 17). Evidence of popular resentment against Jews, as the perceived enemies of Christendom, is plentiful. For example, there were massacres in the Rhineland in 1096, as the First Crusade began. Spanish society, which had hitherto been characterised chiefly by its peaceful coexistence, was not exempt from this trend towards anti-Semitism. Altabà © certainly adopts this viewpoint, as he states that ‘Muslim caliphs and Christian kings often referred to themselves with pride as emperors of the three religions’ (728). Until the 14th century, as Peters notes, the public life of the Iberian states was commonly termed convivencia, or ‘peacefully living together’ (9). Ca stile and Aragon were unique cases in Western Europe, in terms of their religious and cultural diversity. They had the most substantial populations of Muslims and Jews in the region, and despite the restrictions placed on the latter, Jews were still able to rise to positions of power, wealth and prominence. Jews were to be found among the advisers of the monarchs and lords, and many of the most exalted

The nature of financial information analysis Essay

The nature of financial information analysis - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that Financial Information Analysis reflects the developments by addressing the natural world and function of accounting information in the past and present society, with specific reference to technological change. The increasing focuses particularly primary accounting documents, analysis, presentation, and Annual Reporting which propels it to the justifiable level. The main aim apparently is to endow users with the skills required to fathom the information content relevant and other accounting related materials. These functions facilitate corporate governance on creative accounting, the relevant pronouncement in regulatory structures that have been rewritten to add new insight, and emphasis. Information analysis is an art which is highly subjective exercise where skills, experience, and intuition of users account the very critical factor of consideration. The core mandate of accounting reporting, therefore, is to gather information about a n organizations strategy, its operations, and future prospects in relation to commercial, environmental and social context. This is meant to be an organization's most important reporting tool addressing how the business activities are trading and to which extent is the state of affairs in regard to the financial position. In other words, the following performance areas of concern are addressed; what is financial efficiency, liquidity, and its gearing status as well as the expectation of the shareholder in return to their money invested. Its pertinent aim is to create a formula for accounting for sustainability, bringing together governance, social, environmental and finance in a cohesive way. Financial information need to achieve financial development, sustainability and improved performance while reporting on their overall performance. In fact, it exposed some businesses to their bare minimum since companies are able to reveal most of their financial details while yet they did not achieve better performance that they expected. This therefore necessitated the need for a new framework for critical analysis in reporting that would boost their performance through better modalities of information review. The process of creating an integrated management information system has been faced with a number of setbacks. This has been brought about by a number of challenges such as the existences of different rules and regulations governing the various jurisdictions in the international society. Therefore for a report to be standardized there is a need for such report or rules in reporting to be applied across the boards (PETERSON, & FABOZZI, 2012). This has been a problem because the international communities have a different set of laws that govern them and as such some reporting guidelines may not be acceptable to extents within a given jurisdictions. This greatly affects the process of creating an integral report since the committee has to compromise or look for alternative ideas or methods that can be generally accepted across the boards and one that is all inclusive. It may also mean that some jurisdictions may have to be guided by a different guideline on international reporting requir ements (SMULLEN, 1995). Since the idea of financial information analysis was relatively new, it goes without saying that

How did African American and Native Americans shape Colonial America Essay

How did African American and Native Americans shape Colonial America and how were they shaped by Colonial America - Essay Example At the same time, with their divergent social and cultural beliefs, the colonial America also contributed immensely in shaping the practises of both the two races. The twenty first century American culture can be highly attributed to the struggle and input of the black and Native Americans. The black Americans received a very hostile reception in which they were treated more like underdogs. They were barred from participating in societal activities, nor even serving in a position of authority above a white American. Random killing by racial groups became an order of the day for the black Americans. However, despite the bleak future that faced them, the African Americans changed the course of their history and that of the continent for good. The fight that the African American embraced enabled them to change from being the American slaves and workers to being the American citizens, this became the basis of democratic struggle in colonial America. Despite of the weaknesses that nature presented them with, the African Americans embody the true struggle of democratic freedom and equality for all Americans (Breen and Innes 74). According to Breen and Innes 77, the eastern shores of Virginia developed during the colonial America because of the black presence. ... son, known mostly as ‘Antony the Negro’ is used by the authors to illustrate the spirit of hard work and struggle that the black Americans cultivated. He had a great ability to interact with other whites setting the pace for cross-cultural relations and friendships (Breen and Innes 74). The notion of more property equals more freedom and power among the American people was also built by these interactions by Antony the Negro. The Native Indian population were subjected to the aggressive rule of the European colonisers. The arrival of the guest from the west meant a complete change of lifestyle and freedom within their society. The Indians were the original farmers in the American continent and this encouraged the Europeans to create agricultural settlements in the continent. As a result, the growth of farming and huge crop plantations in the continent was borrowed from the practises of the native Indians (Richter 84). The development of the slave trade and immigration of the blacks into the American continents traces its roots to the activities and cultures of the Native Americans. As the need for more raw agricultural materials grew, the need for more strong and hardy workers developed. Africans became the only alternative due to their vulnerability and the European invasion at the time. The Indian Americans were also considered weak as compared to the blacks, this is how the native Indians shaped the history of the colonial America (Richter 90). Colonial America was characterised by a number of activities that defined the behaviours of the native and African Americans way of life. The mass movements of the population from the African continent into a new land and life marked transition in the lives of the black Africans. From a completely different cultural

Examining emotions, attitudes, and job satisfaction Research Paper

Examining emotions, attitudes, and job satisfaction - Research Paper Example In addition, the company offers its employees comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, company-paid retirement, paid vacation, and a 10% employee discount. Even while keeping some of its financial information confidential these days, the company officials say that its managers earn approximately $100K per year. Secondly, the company compensates its outlet managers fairly high as compared to other retailers mainly because those managers are well informed of the Trader Joe’s system inside and out. In addition, managers are hired only from within the company, and therefore Trader Joe’s employees obtain extensive exposure to potential career development opportunities, which in turn would increase their job satisfaction and performance. Thirdly, the organization encourages its employees to closely interact with customers and to take proper decisions to enhance customers’ shopping experience. This approach would give employees a sense of belongingness and empowerment, which in turn may foster employees to improve their performance so as to contribute notably to the overall organizational productivity. Undoubtedly, this practice is also beneficial to promote employees’ job satisfaction. From the case scenario, it is identified that Trader Joe’s executes the management process effectively to develop its workforce. According to the case study, Trader Joe’s believes that its ‘responsible, knowledgeable, and friendly’ workforce is critical to its success (p.W-100). The organization pays great emphasis to develop customer-oriented employees by providing specific job descriptions stating desired job skills and retail experience. The company asks its employees to be ambitious and adventurous and to maintain a strong sense of values to contribute significantly to customer satisfaction. The Trader Joe’s management strongly connects with its customers by cultivating a culture of great product knowledge

Perspectives on the Relationship between Dolphins and Humans Essay

Perspectives on the Relationship between Dolphins and Humans - Essay Example Dolphins are viewed as allies to human beings, their actions seemingly non-threatening and their motivations appearing to be intent on being helpful. However, it is unclear that the alliance that dolphins feel towards human beings is adequately shown in reciprocation towards the dolphins. The following study will provide a framework for studying the perceptions that humans have in regard to their relationships with dolphins. Because of their high intelligence there is some speculation that they should be considered ‘persons’. White defines ‘human’ as a scientific classification with ‘person’ being a philosophical concept that can easily be transferred onto the dolphin species. The primary reasons to consider dolphins as ‘persons’ is for the purpose of giving them rights. White continues to describe the philosophical foundation for considering dolphins ‘persons’ through the fact of their high intelligence and in that because of this intelligence, they should have the benefit of rights. The problem in ascribing rights to another species is that it would conflict with the human belief that they are the center of the world and the creation of that world. Humans believe that all things within the world are there for the benefit of human kind. White states that â€Å"the existence of nonhuman persons would fly in the face of everything our speci es has believed about its uniqueness for thousands of years†.

Labour Market in the United Kingdom Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Labour Market in the United Kingdom - Essay Example The employment pattern in Britain is however different today. With over 70 per cent of the population in United Kingdom classified as being in work, there has been a notable trend of movement towards part-time employment from full-time employment (Mabey, Salaman, & Storey 1998). Worth noting is the fact that the number of women in employment in steadily increasing. For instance, women accounted for just over half all part-time employment in 1998 (Mabey, Salaman, & Storey 1998). Moreover, it was estimated that in the same year 45 per cent of women in United Kingdom were in part time employment as compared to 8 per cent of men. Additionally, the flexibility of the labour market in United Kingdom allows people to have more than one job. For example, nearly 1.3 million people had two or more jobs by 1998 (Mabey, Salaman, & Storey 1998) Although changes in the labour market in the United Kingdom have been towards a more open and non-discriminatory system, there has been criticism that the market employs a "voluntaristic" tradition (Mabey, Salaman, & Storey 1998). However, some economists view the labour market as a form of free market. In such a setting, there is freedom for employers to implement meaningful utilization of labour while avoiding impracticable and induced level of labour costs (Mabey, Salaman, & Storey 1998). Furthermore, the free labour market attracts inward investment in United Kingdom (Mabey, Salaman, & Storey 1998). In contradistinction, it is noteworthy that a very flexible labour market may compromise work relations or undermine worker output. As Mabey, Salaman, and Storey (1998) noted, employers in the free about market may seek low-cost strategies to access labour. Such a move would result in underinvestement in training, poor skills at work, low pay for the workers and fierce competition at the lower level of the labour market [Streeck 1992, cited in Mabey, Salaman, and Storey (1998)]. From the aforementioned perspectives, it is worth noting that the effects of transformation in the labour market in United Kingdom in the past decade are amenable to discussion. While some changes have brought plausible benefits, some have caused compromise in the workplace employee relations (Blyton & Turnbull 2004). As noted above, a flexible labour market encourages employer-independence in making decisions. Nevertheless, since the market is subject to competition, employers may use strategies such as pay adjustments to win employees. As such, employers may pay their employees based on performance (Blyton & Turnbull 2004). Effects of flexible labour market Although the free labour market allows employers freedom to employ without constraint, employers have to comply with the minimum wage directive that was introduced in 1997 (Howell 2005). Moreover, the flexibility in the labour market has caused a significant drop in the number of members joining trade unions. For example, while 49 over cent of the workforce in the United Kingdom were registered with labour unions, the figure dropped to 26.8 per cent in 2000 (Howell 2005). This may imply that employees enjoy better work relations currently than in 1980 hence the decline in

World Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

World Economy - Essay Example Certain pressures are being exerted on nation- specific factors by this global phenomenon, and left in its trail are transformations in the economy. Any organization that wishes to compete globally and maintain its relevance in the international scene must necessarily be involved in strategic planning. It is also a truism that there has been a rise in the importance of worldwide relations both in quantitative and qualitative terms. These global factors have led to an increase in the flow of information, knowledge, commodities and capital among nations. Liberalisation is another way of defining these shifts in the global economy, many economies of the world today have opened up their economic space rather than being conservative, as was the practice in the pre-globalization years. Governments are reviewing their economic system in line with today's global realities. In a bid to be relevant in today's world, alignments and re-alignments have taken place and continue to take place globally. The evolution of the European Union is one major reference point in this regard. It is important to note that in a capitalist economy, also known as a free-market economy; where the means of production belongs to private individuals or firms; there has been a dramatic change in the mode of operation of these firms. Ordinarily within a domestic economy, organ... Within a domestic economy, the kind of questions business organizations face are usually of the kinds listed below: 1.What products or services does the organization intend to sell 2.Where and how will the organization manufacture these products or services 3. Where and how will the organization sell these products and services 4. Where and how will the organization acquire the resources 5. How does the organization expect to outperform its competitors These fundamental questions have usually helped organizations in the management of a business. The process of answering these questions however becomes more complex when considered in the light of the realities of globalization. Many other factors must of necessity be put into consideration, factors such as varying languages, cultural diversities, differences in economic systems, financial market situations, fluctuations in foreign exchange, legal restrictions, low literacy levels etc. Despite these odds, more and more firms have adopted international management principles to properly position them in the global market place engendered by the ever-increasing trade liberalisation sweeping across the globe. Consequently, businesses are being developed to meet specific needs. Businesses today tend to centralize the authority and responsibility under one key individual thus providing a central point of control for the total flow. Under this arrangement, it is easier to look up to one central point for answers and action. This eliminates buck-passing. Furthermore, organizations today have imbibed personnel development. This is because it helps the personnel involved to gain familiarity of the global market place thereby increasing their opportunity for

Redemption in the Kite Runner Essay Example for Free

Redemption in the Kite Runner Essay Throughout â€Å"The Kite Runner† Amir is portrayed as a boy who is always trying to make up or redeem himself for the mistakes he couldn’t control, or made. By Amir winning the tournament he tries to redeem himself since he believes he caused his mother’s death, but by redeeming himself for that he witnessed the mistake for not standing up for Hassan. After winning the tournament with the help of Hassan he redeems himself for his father. Amir is weak in Baba’s eyes, and thinks everything his son does is incorrect. Amir wants to be Baba’s favourite and for Baba to give him all of his attention, due to their expectations in one another. Baba is redeemed to his son after he wins and beats the record in the kite tournament. Amir risked his life by going back to Afghanistan. After leaving Afghanistan at the age of eighteen. Escaping inside the tank of a gas trunk, after the attack of Russians on Afghanistan. Amir had no reason to go back, until one day when Rahim Khan tells him about Hassan’s death. However the most shocking part of the letter concerns Hassan’s real father, which is Baba. Amir stands up for Sohrab by fighting Assef for him. When Amir returns to Afghanistan to find Sohrab proves to be the solution to his quilt towards Hassan, it also is the source of the redemption he so desperately wants to seek. He chose to find Sohrab and tries his hardest to give him a better life even if that does mean sacrificing his own safety. Therefor throughout â€Å"The Kite Runner† Amir is portrayed as a boy who is always trying to make up or redeem himself for the mistakes he made, but does redeem himself towards his father, Sohrab and especially Hassan. As Hassan’s and Amir’s father would say â€Å"a boy who can’t stand up for himself becomes a man who can’t stand up to anything† but Amir indicates he can stand up for himself.

Evaluating The Different Changes To Child Protection Social Work Essay

Evaluating The Different Changes To Child Protection Social Work Essay When researching the changes that have taken place in the last decade, it is notable that law, guidance and application to practice are constantly under revision. The aim of this project is to identify and assess the impacts of the recent changes in child protection as well as public opinion and awareness of them. Evaluating changes in child protection is challenging as defining the rights of children has never been particularly straightforward. Once, in Victorian times, they were considered the property of parents who can treat them in whatever manner they like. Fortunately, most people today believe that children should be emotionally safeguarded and should receive protection from government agencies from physical and sexual abuse. In examining how child protection has evolved during the past ten years, this project will also be discussing the facts and misconceptions about class and sexual abuse. Different types of data were used to identify those secondary research section underlines previous studies, findings, evaluation of government and voluntary agencies actions in order to come to a conclusion, whereas in primary research data was collected by using a questionnaire to summarise public opinion and trends about the subject. Feasibility study was conducted to identify any possible diffi culties in completing the project and methods used are evaluated in methodology section. Whilst assessing the changes in policies, the research will give an insight into public attitudes and government legislation regarding child protection which is of interest to students who are hoping to progress onto a Social Work degree course and pursue their future career working with children. For students who are hoping to work with adults, the research might provide base for understanding the problems of paedophilia and an insight into recent Acts of Parliament. This was the reason why the research topic was selected. Secondary sources of information, such as journal articles and government publications, will be selected to identify recent changes in the system. Even though these are widely attainable, the terminology used in selected journals is exclusively directed to professionals who work with children and some additional research will be essential in order to understand the topic and some legal terms. Whilst secondary data will be obtained from books, journals and government publications, the primary data will be obtained from an interview with a child protection professional and questionnaires which will be completed regionally and anonymously by adults. Therefore, time will need to be designated for designing the questionnaire and interview questions. Questions will need to be written so that answers provided will be easy to analyse. However, primary data will not be obtained from children due to the sensitivity of the topic. Basic computer skills, forward planning, determination and patien ce will be necessary in producing the following. Marina Trifunovic Methodology Study: Analysis of the Methods Used to Complete the Project The project is structured according to the requirements of the grade descriptors and it is outlined to meet the standardised criteria. In addition, the methods used in gathering primary and secondary data were suggested and encouraged by the college tutor. The research for the project involved gathering primary and secondary data and its cogency relies on validity of those sources. The information is independently generated using the methods which are briefly evaluated in this section. In terms of secondary data, validity was assured by using a variety of sources, such as books, newspaper articles and web pages which demanded patience and persistence. However, it provided a fundamental base for the project and most significantly, it subsequently led to a greater knowledge of the subject. Application of this knowledge allowed the critical evaluation of the issues relating the child protection. This broad approach to secondary research imposes time limitations and requires excellent understanding of the terminology. In addition, primary data was gathered using the questionnaire and an interview with a child protection officer, employed by the NSPCC in Manchester. The interview with the social worker provided an excellent insight into the issues related to child abuse and poverty. However, the preparation for this was time consuming and difficult due to the limited availability of the interviewee and even though she tried and stay objective, some subjectivity as well as a degree of interpretation might have influenced the findings. Measures were taken to enhance the reliability of the findings generated by questionnaire by using a public sample from various age groups, genders and occupations and similar results enhance validity of the findings. However, the questionnaire was completed regionally and with a relatively small sample (36 people took part) which does not allow generalisation. Unlike interviews, using questionnaires does not require prior arrangements and information can be collected from a large number of people relatively easy. Qualitative data used in the research covers a very broad area of different aspects to child protection. This is gathered from secondary as well as primary sources. Though information is brief comparable to that gathered by quantitative approaches, it poses difficulties when measuring it with reliability. Qualitative data found in secondary research such as in numerous books and journals require intensive reading and analysis in order to determine appropriate sources of information, e.g. finding and recognising the objective data in newspapers articles. Qualitative data is descriptive and this method was used to gather information using an interview. Nevertheless, the qualitative data poses risks in terms of written work as it is easy for a researcher who is still learning about the subject to express it in a descriptive rather than analytical manner. In this project, a degree of critical analysis was maintained by constantly questioning why findings are in a way as they were found. Quantitative data was obtained by counting and coding the information gathered by the questionnaire in primary research. The information was transformed into numerical data and represented by using charts and graphs in the primary research section. This was further used to numerically measure the public opinion of child protection as well as to support the qualitative data and evidence found and analysed in secondary research. However, quantitative data in this project is not an infallible indicator on how people actually feel about child protection. The questions which were left unanswered in a questionnaire might be interpreted as the information which could not be limited to numerical descriptions and due to the sensitivity of the topic, some socially desirable answers are expected. Marina Trifunovic Secondary research: Changes in Child Protection During the 2000s Law and guidance which regulates the child protection is constantly under revision. Nevertheless, the twentieth century featured the shift in attitudes when the family moved on from Victorian times where Children were seen and not heard (Morgan,1985, p.89). Fortunately, most people today believe that children are not property of their parents and that they should be emotionally safeguarded and when necessary receive protection from government agencies from physical and emotional abuse. Therefore, when a report is made, the child is usually taken from the parents and put into care. Many sociologists believe that this is primarily associated with the lower socio-economic classes because poverty is believed to be related with increased chances of instability in the family (NSPCC, 2011). Although that is statistically correct, children in more desirable neighbourhoods may be more vulnerable if there is a general belief that childhood abuse could not possibly happen in these areas as poor children appear to be the easy choice for the sexual predators of the world. In examining how child protection has evolved during the past ten years, also the secondary research section involves analysis of the facts and misconceptions about class and sexual abuse. Child Protection Reforms Every society has an interest in protecting its children, not only because they are the stewards of the future, but because one of the merits which grades the level of development of civilisation is how well a particular culture treats its children. In England, there have been some arguments about reinforcing social values of the English way of parenting on people from foreign cultures. However, the tragic story of Victoria Climbie had influenced politicians to discuss the ways to improve the law in place with regards to child protection in the UK. The Labour government also analysed how the holes in the system could be closed and systematically, the media had played a role in informing the public of what was regarded by the journalists as a blinding incompetence of government agencies (Lonne, 2009). The inquiry into the case discovered that a number of agencies such as the police, NHS, NSPCC and local churches that Victoria attended all noticed the signs of abuse, but had done noth ing to assess the situation. As a result of the blinding incompetence in which way this case was assessed, Parliament passed an amendment to the original 1989 Children Act to the updated 2004 Children Act (The National Archives, 2011). These amendments to the Act gave much greater discretion to child protection agencies and power to react when protecting children and the new principle of every child matters led officials to not dismiss certain cases because of the social or cultural background of the child in question. The Home Secretary appointed a review of safeguarding children in June 2007 and measures were put in place to ensure better communication and cooperation between the agencies and the government agencies are exchanging data regarding sex offenders in England and Wales under the guidance of multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA). In a controlled way, information is also made available to various people, such as teachers, employers, landlords and parents. The extent to which information is reviled involves regional variations and is further stimulated by a campaign for sex offenders disclosure scheme, commonly referred to as Sarahs Law. This scheme was piloted in Hampshire, Cleveland, Cambridgeshire and Warwickshire over a one year period in 2008 and it allowed members of the public to attain information from the police about any sex offending convictions of an individual, for example, a family friend or a neighbour. However, the scheme does not mean that information is unr eservedly made public. During the pilot period a total number of 585 enquiries were initiated, 315 of which were preceded further and resulted in a total of only 21 criminal disclosures being made. Also, 43 disclosure applications prompted other safeguarding actions such as referral to social services (Almandras, 2010) which indicates the schemes useful application in practice. The Home Office carried out the research which concluded that criminal justice agencies had benefited from Sarahs Law which resulted in increased intelligence as well as in an improvement in a way which public concerns are handled. This led to an announcement in August 2010 that the scheme would expand to twenty more police force areas and remaining forces were invited to consider the introduction of the scheme by March 2011. However, even though police seniors feel confident that information which is disclosed under the scheme will remain confidential, organisations such as NSPCC have stressed that criminal disclosure might encourage violent attacks. When evaluating this extent of information disclosure, it is important not to forget that it only involves the information about individuals who have been convicted for a sexual offence. This does not eliminate the need for public awareness to safeguard children from yet unknown offenders. Other significant methods to tackle the child abuse include a cultural shift of condemning violence within the home to the same extent as violence outside the home, and some researchers argue that Parliament could pass more amendments in safeguarding children, notably against corporal punishment, such as the case in sixteen European countries, as a part of a revised Children Act in future (Wilson and James, 2007). Nevertheless, designing a strategy to tackle the issues of child protection involved creating a profile of child abuse, for example, assessing which families would be more at risk to abuse children and social workers concluded that a degree of risk is strongly correlated with poverty, social isolation, family breakdown and poor parent-child relationships (Wilson and James, 2007). This has led government and voluntary agencies to focus their work on poorer households where such risks are statistically more possible as the economic factors inevitably create stress that can ac cumulate and result in parents to take out their frustration on their closest family, most notably on their children. Struggling to survive and financial problems, however, are not the primary reason behind the child abuse among middle and higher class families. Studies have found that abuse in the higher social circles are directly related to factors such as the abuse of drug and alcohol, and there is some hesitation to prosecute perpetrators from middle-class and upper-class backgrounds because they would be unable to provide economic support to their family members if they are prosecuted and put in prison. In addition, such an individual would be able to bring more financial resources to fighting the legal charges and it is argued how it would be easier for such a person to obtain personal references from affluent friends and family as well as have an advantage of the access to greater funds for legal help (Faller, 1993). New Labour reforms and Children Act 2004 aim to prevent children from being on repeated reports on the child protection registers (Powell 2002). In practice, this means that children would be much less likely to be removed from one abusive situation and placed in another. The reforms of the government legislations reinforce increased measures for assessment of the prospective foster parents, and more strict evaluation of the biological parents who are hoping to gain back the custody of their children (Powell 2002). Protecting children online Government experts argue that parents, influenced by media, are contributing in creating the paranoid culture and thus are overprotecting their children. The risk-averse approach to raising children has resulted in an increasing number of children who are exploring the world of the internet and particularly social networking sites as they are disallowed to play outside. London School of Economic had carried the comprehensive survey which found that ninety eight percent of children have access to internet (UK Children Go Online, 2006) and another study concluded that nearly all questioned parents (95%) do not recognise the slang that their children use to let other people know that their parents are supervising them (Netlingo, 2011). Nevertheless, the generation gap often leaves parents unable to fully understand the complexity of the conduct of cyber bulling nor significance of online safety (Khan, 2009). This influenced the government to react and the agencies such as CEOP, UKCAS an d IWF are developed and designed to provide information and support for the victims as well as minimise the availability of images of child sexual abuse and help to prosecute the offenders. The number of intelligence reports from Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) that led to police arrests increased from eighty three in 2006-2007 to four hundred seventeen in 2009-2010. In 2009, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, marked the UK approaches to online child protection as one of the most effective in the world (IWF, 2009). Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Class Distinction Childhood sexual abuse in reputable families was often undetected because the biggest percentage of the higher classes appears to consist of respectable citizens. From a sociological point of view, taking children into care would be a more difficult decision in these cases as sexual abuse that involves immediate biological relatives is statistically more rare comparing to those involving lovers of the parents. Career people, doctors, teachers, and successful men, sometimes women, as well as ministers of church were therefore able to carry on the sexual abuse of children because of the widespread misconception that such terrible things could not possibly be committed by these model citizens. Another reason why many offenders were successful in hiding their crimes was because they chosen the victims who were often vulnerable and lonely children that did not have warm relationships with parents and intended to obey authority. For example, in one case study, a child was abused in front o f the neighbours who simply looked the other way because the father of the abused child had created a negative opinion of the child in their minds by repeatedly telling them what a naughty and difficult child she was. So when he chased her around while she was undressed and hit her outside, the neighbours thought nothing of it as it was an all white, middle class neighbourhood where such things never happened (Itzin 2009). Their targets are not the conventionally perceived social underclass, though many victims will be drawn from that, but are rather from a collection of groups who form the fodder of abusive networks; who are subjected over and over again throughout their lives to multiple abuses (Itzin 2000, p. 390). Unfortunately, there is no way to completely eliminate the horror of sexual abuse from society, but there is a way to encourage a shift toward making children less vulnerable. Children Act 2004 recognised children as individuals in their own right who do not deserve to be beaten, raped, or psychologically tortured. Protecting children from harm should be a responsibility of all adults as well as implementing a zero-tolerance policy on child abuse and prosecution as well as rehabilitation of all offenders, regardless to the social class.

The Strategic Planning Of British Airways

The Strategic Planning Of British Airways The purpose of making this report is to provide British Airways (BA) with a strategic plan for future improvement. In the airline sector British Airways known to be the UK market leader, but for the last decade British Airways has been challenged by other competitors, resulting in wearing down in their market share. The report in detail analyzes the overall environment of British Airways. This report also describes the organizational structure and other important aspects of the organization. In this report through strategic assessment, recommendation has been given to British Airways to concentrate on their primary qualities like service delivery in order to re-establish their competitive advantage. There are two strategies which British Airways will have to implement, one is related with the HR development strategy and the other is to concentrate on technological improvement. In the UK British Airways Plc (BA) is the biggest international scheduled airline. It flies to more than three hundreds destinations and carries more than thirty three million passengers. According to British Airways annual report 2008 approx  £8.7 billion of revenue was earned and according to (Data monitor, 2008) total numbers of employees as of march 2008 stays at 42,377. Along with the passenger flights British Airways engaged in the operation of domestic and international carriage of mail and shipment. Regardless of the global economic downturn, British Airways future seems promising. According to latest yearly report (British Airways, 2008) which stated that British Airways objective is to become worlds most dependable airline. Strategic Corporate Development History: British Airways came into picture after the merger of the British European Airways and British Overseas Airways Corporation. After the merger, British Airways had faced numerous problems and issues such as the cultural difference. British Airways was facing noticeable problems in cross national operations and acquisitions. According to Lubatkin Calori it was the different organizational culture and organizational culture entrenched in different national culture which was coming together (Very, Lubatkin Calori, 1996). Problem arose when employees from different organization, different background and culture had to interact with each other and when one culture had to adopt the practices of the other culture (Schneider and DeMeyer, 1991). The main reason of the problem was the mind-set of employees, different employees would think in different ways. So, coming on the same page was little difficult for the employees. Another difficulty or problem faced by British Airways is in terms of its obligatory management system. British airways have compliance with its strict policies and regulation like status difference in an organization due to various dress codes. Too much rule oriented in the management is creating problem among staff. Along with those problem another problem was arose by the new management, they were unable to identify the proper need and want of the customer. Because company has given importance on its internal management approach and focus on holding its diverse routes which resulted on unsatisfied customers. Effects of Conflicts: These problems and conflicts between management had a bad and harmful effect on the new company. British Airways has been considered as the most disreputable company because of its poor service. In addition, the organizations operation has been pretentious and in 1980 the company had been regard to have the worst timekeeping record all over European carriers flying from UK and named as the airline to circumvent. This resulted in the extensive loss for the company. Management Change at the British Airways: After being named as the airline to avoid, British Airways had to look for some changes within the organization. As a result they considered vital management changes, called change management. Some big changes were made by John King who was appointed as the chairman of British Airways by British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1981. The new appointed chairman had made some changes like closing many routes, selling off the freight system and aircraft, along with these actions he also lay off approximate twenty thousand employees. According to Carlopio change may be called as the implementation of an innovation, it can be done through an adaptation of practices in which improvement will be seen in the output (Carlopio, 1998). British Airways has recognized the need for change in order to gain competitive advantage. Colin Marshall took charge as the Chief Executive Officer of British Airways in 1982. In this period British Airways was making its first surplus, but this was happening in the effect of the changes made by John King in which he tried to cut the cost. Colin Marshall wants to know about the staff and what they deliver to the customers, so he hired consultant. Later Marshall found out that there is a huge gap between what the employees are delivering and what the customer actually need. For this reason, Marshall took initiative in changing the system from staff oriented to customer oriented company through the formation of customer is king policy culture within the British Airways. This approach of satisfying customer continued until the late 1990s and to keep the employee motivated, Marshall introduced Award for Excellence in 1987. The main objective of this strategy is to appraise high performers and motivate employees to efficiently do well in satisfying customers and fulfil customers needs. Another good change made by Marshall for employees was to work with Lancaster University to provide MBA course for British Airways employees. Additionally, the organizational structure of British Airways also changed to a much flatter and smartest structure. Five sectors of the company are directly reporting to the CEO and eleven profit hubs were formed. These structural changes aimed to boost the staff assimilation and communication within British Airways. Extra pay scheme and appraisal system was also introduced by the management on the basis of satisfying customers and being consistent at work. It included key investments in planes, ground facilities and Information Technology in order to stick to the needs of its customers. All the major changes were happened after privatization of BA in 1987 and took over British Caledonian Airways in 1988. Changes Helped the Organization: The main goal of all the changes which are imposed by British Airways is to make the industry sustain its position in the marketplace and become competitive in the airline sector. The result of the changes were positive, the company had become more customer oriented by giving excellent services. All the hard work and dedication of the management paid off when British Airways was nominated to receive the worlds best Airline award in 1989. It was a prestigious award for British Airways and it helped the organization to be efficient and productive. Without HR effective strategies, it is difficult to be strong and competitive in the market, so in this case Human Resource Management strategies were the key elements to help the company achieved competitive advantage and the prestigious award. Problems Due to Management Change: Like in any other organization whenever there is a change in the management; problems and issues arises, same case with British Airways during and after the management change, it faced different problems. At one side these changes were able to give British Airways the position it deserved in the market and on the other hands this management change was causing some problem. The problem wasnt related with the employee performance or its achievement, this problem tends to be associated with the employee. The problems were recognized was the behaviour of a number of employees which causes internal problems to the operation of the company. Response of the British Airways to Problems: British Airways was outstanding in 1999; in that year it faced so many problems and conflicts and used effective approaches to solve such issues. British Airways introduces e-commerce strategy to increase online sales. (BA) was also offering flat beds, laptop, and for business class passenger they offered email, phone and fax facility to provide full satisfaction to its on board customers. British Airways focuses on having good employee relationship and customer relationship, so it brought back its policy of putting People First. By doing this they had satisfied millions of customers and employees as well. This strategy of putting People First had made a great impact on the mind of their customers in a positive way. Current Strategic Situation: Corporate Level Structure: At a corporate level, BA has a good quality structure. There is a fresh Acting Customer Director on a provisional basis, Silla Maizey (British Airways, 2008). She has initiated a fresh customer service squad working with Heathrow Customer Services, intended to put client first. Utilizing the present structure in order to apply recommended strategy, it is suggested that an enduring director must be hired. In reference to technological strategy, no adjustments in the present structure are needed because current system of BA is accordance with the technological aspects. Business Level Structure: At a business level all division are bound to make such policies which will implement strategy effectively and efficiently, all the staff should be bound to follow strategic rule accordingly. Every division should also adapt the corporate level goals specifically to its own aims. This will assist to make value for brand, perk up its client relationship and help to accomplish the settled goals. Functional Level Structure: Each function should be harmonized with each other to achieve organizational objective effectively in a synchronized manner. All the strategies and functional objective should be aligned as well it will help each function to determine whether these functional departments are in lined with the corporate department. Adequate instruction on the fresh involved technology will be needed on continue basis to make certain that workers are completely know to that service. Organisation and Stakeholder Power It is significant to assess the expectations of diverse stakeholders and the degree to which they are likely to influence over BAs strategies. Followings have interest power on company; Charity Organizations Government/Regulators Customers Creditors Workers Rivals Suppliers Financial Associations Shareholders Stakeholder Map: INTEREST LOW HIGH POWER HIGH LOW Charity Organizations BA give cash to some of listed aid organizations in UK (British Airways, 2008) smallest impact on the strategies. Government/Regulators Fresh legislation (if initiated) will have a large impact on the company. Customers Customers give the entire sale but show less curiosity in how the corporation is administered. But they have a large impact therefore; the basic objective is to create more customer satisfaction. Creditors Should be kept knowledgeable due to cash yet to be paid though this will not impact on the options implemented at BA as they have an excellent credit ranking (Financial Analysis). Workers Are the important parts of BA, likeness workers having the power to satisfy customers. Workers have a vested awareness as BA gives their financial safety. The personnels at BA are deeply unionised, this add to the power of the workers. Rivals BAs key competitors within their strategic group have a large interest and power in manipulating BAs strategy. The oligopolistic character of the marketplace will have an effect on the choices BA takes. Suppliers Two airline suppliers, Boeing and Airbus. Both have a high interest and power upon BA, as BA is a giant source of earnings for both suppliers and BA also rely upon them for supply. In short suppliers are more focused toward BA strategies. Financial Associations Monetary support perhaps will be required from Financial associations to finance these strategies and yet despite the fact that BA has lesser its gearing ratio and enlarged its liquidity. In the present circumstances the associations have large power over BA and can reject monetary assistance. Shareholders Shareholders have a large interest as to gain financial profits. They have large input in choosing board members and approving fresh strategies. The shareholders have to be well educated about the threat of new strategy and expected profitability about the firm. PESTEL Analysis Internal Analysis: It is now necessary to examine the internal environment in order to devise appropriate strategies. Value Chain Analysis (VCA): SUPPORT ACTIVITIES FIRM INFRASTRUCTURE Structured hierarchy let BA to utilize multitude of expert knowledge in order to achieve competitive advantage over downsized companies. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Spend in the advancement of customer service training in 2007 drawing attention of the most excellent workers. Speak Up view surveys give confidence workers to give opinions (British Airways, 2008). TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT BA has supplemented value in this category over minor corporations, due to relaxed resources that can improve the presentation of service (e.g. LCD screens). PROCUREMENT Due to the volume and past business dealings and coalitions, BA was capable to influence suppliers and by economies of scale create efficiencies where rivals might loss. PRIMARY ACTIVITIES INBOUND LOGISTICS Stock handling Far above the ground quality training credited by City Guilds (British Airways, 2008). On-going association with suppliers (e.g. Gate Gourmet.) OPERATIONS Baggage security has been increased. Rapid check-in services and safe online bookings with capability to pre-book added services. OUTBOUND LOGISTICS Customer Service Huge database of airport slots allow travellers to access the bulk of destinations from favoured airport. MARKETING SALES Marketing conversation to all stakeholders. Brand permitting for large budget to be used up in this field. POST SALE SERVICE Allegiance club card. Update conversation on other services BA has tried to organize the system additionally by forward and backward alleviation. Through handling numerous component supplies in-house, BA boosted their reach in the value system to the supplier and channel value chains. Resource Based View (RBV): It is considered that corporation competitive advantage and greater performance is resulted from its distinguishing capabilities (Johnson et al., 2008 p95). The resource based view highlight BAs resources and competencies as below: RESOURCES COMPETENCIES THRESHOLD CAPABILITIES Threshold Resources Tangible 245 aircraft flying over 550 different places (British Airways, 2008). Supplementary services (e.g. BA Holidays The London Eye Company (Datamonitor, 2008)). Intangible Worldwide Customer Database. Joint ventures coalition with one world (incl. American Airlines), code share/franchise partners, and subsidiaries. Threshold Competencies Training of ground school, flight simulators, and cabin security training (BAFT, 2009). Economies of Scale from suppliers. Capability to fly passengers securely to various routes and handle passengers (Davies, 2000). CAPABILITIES FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE Exclusive Resources Tangible Sole access to London Heathrow Terminal five (BBC News, 2008). Intangible Highly regarded brand image. BA is familiar worldwide as a good reputation brand, toughened by its long-standing survival within the business. Core Competencies Open Skies subsidiarys aircraft never have above than 64 travellers per flight, with 1 assistant per 12 customers (British Airways, 2008). Initial UK airline known as a training centre by the City Guilds, qualifying all cabin crew with NVQ Level 2 (British Airways, 2008). SWOT Analysis: It is significant that strategic formulation is reflective of BAs strengths and weaknesses comparative to competitors and the opportunities and threats presented by its outside environment (Pitts Lei, 2003). Internal Strengths: Brand likeness Joint ventures coalitions Financial volume and steadiness Internal Weaknesses: Bad worker relations history Dependability and trust Modernization modification External Opportunities: SkyTrax Quality structure Rivals forced exit Rivals deteriorating on delivering dependability Appearance of new markets External Threats: Open Skies accord Environmental consciousness Worldwide economic crisis Lesser cost competition Different Aspects of Proposed Strategies: PESTEL Worldwide economic crisis. High regulatory requirements. Growing environmental consciousness. Turn down in consumer expenditures. Greater than before utilization of the internet by consumers. Centre their attention on technological and environmental matters. Customer Analysis Consumer tendency in far above the ground expediency and elevated expectations of service. Make certain changing customer needs should be tackled and fulfilled Strategic Group Analysis Strong rivalry within strategic group and tendency for consolidation. The major other intimidation comes from low cost airlines. Though low cost airlines are the major threat to BA, stirring into low cost market is not believed suitable based on earlier unsuccessful attempts. Airline Quality Review BA = bad baggage managing poor on flight amusement and low customer contentment. Service excellence requires to be enhanced to achieve a competitive advantage The Value Chain BA adds value; financial volume and steadiness, brand likeness, business expertise, and joint ventures and coalitions. BA loses value to rivalry; worker relations and performance, marketing delivery, dependability, and slow modernization. BA requires addressing the areas where worth is being missing to avoid offensive rivals strategies. Resource Based View Tough resources including sole access to hub inside largest UK Airport. Tough training competencies. Make use of BA core competences to get competitive advantage. Financial Analysis Greater than before profits and lower operational costs. Lesser gearing ratios and elevated liquidity. Option of a loss in 2009 as a result of the economic recession. Investment resources on hand greater than before inspection on strategic projects for risk evaluation. Strategic Direction for the Future TOWs Matrix A range of strategic options will now be formulated using the TOWs matrix to resolve the strategic issues highlighted from the analysis. External Opportunities Threats Skytrax- star structure of excellence Rivals forced exit Rivals deteriorating on delivering dependability Appearance of new markets Open skies accord Environmental consciousness (Climate change bill) worldwide Economic Crisis lesser cost rivalry Internal Strengths Brand likeness Joint ventures and coalition Financial volume steadiness Terminal 5 Strategies for strengths to meet opportunities: Division focus. Supply chain migration. Introduction of admiring services. Present Broader service Strategies for Strengths to defend threats: Reformation of brand likeness. Expand into other transport markets. Weaknesses Deprived worker relations history Current negative attention on dependability conviction Rapid modernization and modification Strategies for opportunities to overcome weaknesses: Enhanced people processes. Technological improvement Strategies for Weaknesses not to expose threats: Enhanced environmental position Ansoffs Matrix: Strategy Linked to Ansoff Strategic Options Explanation 1. Market Infiltration 1. Enhancement to people processes Decrease present tension from harmful worker and customer relations. 2. Enhanced environmental position. Go over and beyond the present environmental needs. 3. Reformation of brand likeness. Reformation and modernization of brand likeness in an effort to gain market share. 4. Division focus Giving centre of attention on business class consumers as the most Lucrative segment of the business. 2. Product Growth 5. Technological improvement. Opening of internet access on flights to perk up the overall excellence of service. 6. Introduction of admiring services. Presenting of admiring services such as car rental or hotels. 3. Market Expansion 7. Present broader service Add to number of places BA fly to, put centre of attention on places of growth Such as India and China. 4. Diversification 8. Expand into other transport markets. Broaden your horizons into substitute services such as rail, in an effort to preserve competitive advantage. 9. Supply Chain integration. Vertical integration in the supply chain. I.e. Gate Gourmet or Boeing. Strategy No.1: People Processes Aim: Enhanced stakeholder brand likeness productivity Objectives: Make use of databases. Perk up service delivery effectiveness. Develop internal communication. Put into practice efficient review monitoring. Performance Measures: Income margin add up to of 2 3%. Amplified repeat purchasing by 25%. Enlarged consumer recommendation from 58% (2007/08) to 69%. Improve worker survey rate from 34% (2007/08) to 79% Strategy No.2: Technological Advancement: Aim: Customer Loyalty Market Share Objectives: Following progression with test internet execution, roll out internet and on-board internet facility. A suitable pricing strategy involving admiring service for first class whilst targeting business class as the main lucrative market. Constant market research to make certain that this is an appreciated service and seek chances for further growth Performance Measures: Put in equipment on 244 aircraft which were left. Amplify business class market share by 11%. 79% of business class consumers buying internet usage. Pursuing RD put into practice 1 new technological service. Future of British Airways: The corporation is still in front of great problems in spite of its plans and modification imposed. In this case, the Gate Gourmet increases up in the cause of the troubles in terms of the BAs brand likeness. Such argument has shaped up a concept that the business practices imposed by British Airways is not pertinent to what it demonstrate in its company images. With this, the administration is now trying to look for some strategies and methods to resolve these troubles with different strategy and along with these marketing communications will be utilized as well. In addition, the present administration also understands that the lack of leadership and entrepreneurial capability have been the root cause of all the troubles faced by the corporation. Recommendations: It appears that the main reason of the troubles faced by British Airways is due to the unplanned management transformation imposed. Additionally, the troubles also occurred because of the insufficient awareness about the strategic management system and along with the other administrative system. Strategic management is the course of identifying an organisations intentions, creating policies and plans to attain these intentions, and assigning resources, so as to execute the plans. It gives overall track to pursue to the whole enterprise (Abell, 1999). It can be sighted as a set of theories, frameworks intended to give details of the issues underlying the performance of corporation and to help managers in viewing, planning and acting tactically (Campbell, Evans Stonehouse, 2002). Conclusion: As the main objective of this assignment was to study Longitudinal Strategic Development of company for that reason one of the best airline of UK has been selected, as per requirement different analysis has been made with reference of the British Airways which includes Strategic Corporate Development History, Current Strategic Situation and Proposed Strategic Direction for the Future. Different methods were used to analyse and review British Airways current strategic situation for instance SWOT Analysis, Resource Based View (RBV), Value Chain Analysis (VCA), PESTEL Analysis, and Stakeholder Map. For Proposing Strategic Direction for the future, TOWs matrix to resolve the strategic issues highlighted from the analysis. As an outcome of the external and internal examining a number of strategic options were given. It was stated that a collective strategy method to perk up service quality was considered most appropriate. Due to the present business climate the most appropriate strategy is to consolidate BAs status as market leader. Due to lack of primary research and limited access to corporation information there might be some lacking in findings and proposed strategies, if the general direction of recommended strategic intent will lead BA to victory.

Sanity vs. Insanity :: essays research papers

Sanity vs. Insanity Sanity is based on an individuals level of intelligence. The sane individual may envelop a substantial amount of "book smarts". The sane may also be quick learners, speedier typists, and fast workers. Does this make them better individuals? The sane makes a mockery of those who are different. They laugh at what they do not understand. The sane take advantage of life. They are wasteful and inconsiderate. They are materialistic. The insane spend their lives trying to understand. They strive for acceptance, and only want to blend in. A visit from a far away relative is far more important than finding two-hundred dollars. Running a race is more important than winning the marathon. The sane will beat, kill, and steal to be on top. They want riches and fame. They strive for respect and honor at anyone's expense. The sane are unstoppable. They know everything. They are you and I on days when we have to be at work on time. Move out the way! You're driving too slow! It doesn't matter that we had to take extra time to get our hair together. It doesn't matter that we forgot to wash clothes, and had to take extra time in finding something to wear. The insane get up early for work. They ask for assistance in getting their clothes together to mirror you and I. They cherish each precious moment of life. The extra time on the highway lets them notice their surroundings. How the rain sounds when it drops on the window shield. How moist the ground will feel against their shoes. They also notice that angry person in the car behind them that keeps blowing his/her horn. That person who yells profanities out of their car window. The insane are unable to control their emotions and are easily hurt. However, the sane allow their emotions to control them and take advantage of other people. They speed around the van and slam breaks. They require constant attention.

The European Court of Justice and its Interlocutors Essay -- policies,

Member state governments of the European Community began with a fundamental role in making EC policies and standards; but throughout the 1960s and 1970s the European Court of Justice gradually began to expand its role and developed an unprecedented regime comparable to the constitutional order of a federal state. The ECJ permitted itself to decide on matters traditionally considered to be the exclusive competence of member states; including social policy, gender equality and competition policy. Remarkably, the majority of national courts and governments of the member states have conformed to ECJ rulings and have harmoniously surrendered their jurisdiction over key policy areas – deferring to the ECJ’s authority. Consequently, the member states have struggled to enjoy international legal latitude of compliance in their relationship with the ECJ and commentators such as Weiler J.A have labelled the process a â€Å"quiet revolution. † It is necessary to address the means and opportunities the Court of Justice employed in order to inaugurate itself as a superior court to that of the members’. In pursuance of this objective, it should be borne in mind whether member states desired ECJ supremacy and thus voluntarily handed the ECJ their competences; or whether a â€Å"competence creep† materialised, gradually increasing the superiority of the ECJ. The answer is not easily deciphered; ample EU scholars have proposed explanations for the apparent gift of superiority. ‘Neo-functionalists’ notably argue that the early choice of national governments to place determined areas within the power of European institutions produced pressure to extend the powers of these institutions to further policy areas. The phrase ‘functional spill-over’ was coined by ... ...man, and Heiner Schulz. 1998. The European Court of Justice, National Governments, and Legal Integration in the European Union. International Organization 52 (1):292 Neill Nugent. 2006. The Government and Politics of the European Union, Sixth Edition. Durham: Duke University Press: 292. Nugent [2006] 291 Weiler, J.A. (1994) ‘A Quiet Revolution: The European Court of Justice and its Interlocutors’ Mark A. Pollack. 2005. Theorizing EU Policy-Making. In Policy-Making in the European Union, 5th edition, edited by Helen Wallace, William Wallace, and Mark A. Pollack. Oxford: Oxford University Press: 15. Andrew Moravscik. April 2005. The European Constitutional Compromise and the Neofunctionalist Legacy. Journal of European Public Policy 12 (2): 350. Martha Finnemore. 1996. National Interests in International Society. Ithaca: Cornell University Press: 5.

jeremiah healy :: essays research papers

Jeremiah Healy is the award-winning author of the John Francis Cuddy private-investigator series and the Mairead O'Clare legal-thriller series, both set primarily in Boston. Born in Teaneck, New Jersey on May 15, 1948, he graduated from Rutgers University in l970, got his JD at Harvard Law School in l973, and passed the Massachusetts Bar in 1974. He was an associate with a Boston law firm, from l974 to 1978, gaining a lot of courtroom experience. (Michaels, 2003) The Army ROTC helped pay for his education, and Healy served as a military police officer, leaving the Army in 1976 as a captain. He married Bonnie M. Tisler on Feb. 4, l978, the same year he began teaching at the New England School of Law in Boston. His first novel, Blunt Darts written during the summer of 1981, was rejected 28 times before it was published in 1984. The book is dedicated â€Å"To Bonnie, who is Beth.† Healy has served as President of the Private Eyes Writers of America for two years, and is a past Awards Chair for the Shamus. In October 2000, he was elected President of the International Association of Crime Writers (IACW). Books of his have been translated into French, Japanese, Italian, Spanish, and German. He was toastmaster at the 1996 World Mystery Convention (Bouchercon) and will be International Guest of Honor at Bouchercon 2004 in Toronto. (Michaels, 2003) Healy has written seventeen novels and over sixty short stories. Fifteen of these works have won or been nominated for the Shamus Award. The Mairead O'Clare legal thrillers are UNCOMMON JUSTICE, JUROR NUMBER ELEVEN, and A STAIN UPON THE ROBE, which has been optioned for Hollywood by Flatiron Films (producer of PAY IT FORWARD, starring Helen Hunt and Kevin Spacey). Healy's later Cuddy novels include RESCUE, INVASION OF PRIVACY, THE ONLY GOOD LAWYER, and SPIRAL. A stand-alone private-eye thriller, TURNABOUT, appeared in December, 2001, and the second collection of his Cuddy short stories, CUDDY PLUS ONE, was published in the summer of 2003. The first collection of Healy's non-Cuddy stories, OFF-SEASON AND OTHER STORIES, appeared from Five Star in June, 2003. (Cincinnati Media, 2005) Healy’s most recognized character, private investigator John Francis Cuddy, is more moral than religious, a man who believes strongly in representing his clients, keeping his promises, and ferreting out the truth. He stays sexually faithful to the memory of his dead wife; waiting until he finds someone he thinks can replace Beth in his life.

Immanuel Kant’s theories

Kant’s theories are in great contrast with other philosophers. He was a retributivist who believed that punishing wrongdoers though they are rational beings, is right, as long as the crime they did fits such penalty. Punishment without reasons or jailing someone for petty theft is unjust. He spoke about punishment on the critique of practical reasons which contrast with Jeremy Benthan a utilitarian theorist who considers punishment as evil and advocates for punishment to cause more positive impacts on the person punished. (Robert, 2000).As Betham supports rehabilitation efforts in prisons Kant found such efforts immoral as they acted against ones personal rational choices. Kant rejects manipulation of people even when the causes and reasons are just. People should be allowed to reason for themselves and their decisions should be respected. Kant criticized other theories on the grounds that they were only hypothetical and could not be applicable in the real world. Some theories argue that the greater good ought to be considered when acting but such would be irrelevant to someone whose interest is not on maintaining the common good.Hypothetical moral systems should not be used to determine the moral action as they are very subjective while in the real sense people’s interests vary. He rejected Hume’s theory on the ideal theory of the mind. To Kant analytical methods should not be used to explain what is physically evident. To him, synthetic reasoning involves relating concepts that are not directly related to the subject concept. A prior knowledge can be used in the metaphysics study. (Bayne, 2000) Kant criticizes the utilitarian view that happiness is the highest goal.He opposes this view as it created loopholes where people would be used simply as means to achieve or attain happiness. This would be disrespecting the fact that all human beings are rational and can choose or plan and anticipate their future. Kant portrays the categorical impe rative approach where he sees all human beings as occupants of a special place in creation. People have different needs which ought to be satisfied using certain means. He uses the term maxim to refer to intentions or principle of action. Human beings should not act in a way that portrays other people simply as means to an end but as an end to itself.In working to attain the maxim people should not use others simply as means to an end. People used should benefit from the arrangement and their consent should be sought. To him, duties should be beneficial to people used in the process of attaining the goals. I agree with Kant’s theory as all people should be treated with equality and with respect. There are two types of imperatives. The hypothetical imperative tells of what we ought to do to achieve a goal. The categorical imperative leads to absoluteness since human beings are rational and can govern their actions. People should only act on maxims that can become universal law .To Kant, there are universal moral laws that are logically necessary. People’s actions should therefore be performed according to the acceptable universal laws of morality. Individuals should act according to the same general, future and moral laws. (Robert, 2000). All people should be treated with moral respect. Deception should not be considered even when being applied for wrongdoers. To Kant, duties can be perfect or imperfect. Imperfect duties entail working to develop our talents since they are given to us for a purpose while perfect duties entail a duty to others.Kant rejected the ethical force brought about by tradition and coined the modern idea of autonomy. He brought about the idea of centrality of rational thought. Each person can make free and autonomous choices and they are compelled by rationality and the categorical imperative in their decisions. Adherence to categorical imperative provides for autonomous ethical choice since people make their decisions ration ally. In pursuit for various maxims all parties involved benefit from the arrangement. Autonomous means self legislating.Autonomy of the will is the ability of the will to be a will in itself while the will refers to the means by which a maxim can become a universal law. Heteronomy means the capacity to follow law other than itself to produce a universal law of morality. (Collins, 2000) To Kant, objects do not have value but man gives them value through their rational goals and desires. Human beings have an intrinsic worth or dignity. They should therefore act in good will out of a sense of duty and use the categorical imperative. What we give to society comes back to us and we ought not to harm others but work in ensuring that they benefit from out actions.

A Review of School Funding In Texas

The article shows the various efforts that the state of Texas has implemented in order to source funds for its schools.The first laws enacted for the purpose of school funding were the Gilmer-Aikin Act which was passed in 1949. Under this law, the funds would be sourced from state and local donors. In my opinion, this is a very comprehensive law because it provided for a top to bottom reorganization of the state funding system (Coalition to Invest in Texas Schools, 2004).The current law right now is the â€Å"Robin Hood System† (Coalition to Invest In Texas Schools, 2004). From the name itself, the funding for schools would be sourced from the wealthy districts of Texas. The aim of this system is to ensure equity in financing the schools.Soliciting the help of the affluent states of Texas is a good way of fostering cooperation among the districts of Texas. It would help the low income districts to use their funds for other activities (Coalition to Invest in Texas Schools, 2004 ).In 2004, this system of using the revenue of wealthy districts was able to generate $1.2 billion annually which was used as budget by the Foundation Program of Finance. Putting an end to the Robin Hood System proved to be a difficult decision as the local government of Texas would have to find substitute funding in order to support the schools (Coalition to Invest in Texas Schools, 2004).The Robin Hood System became very controversial and was even the reason for the filing of a class suit by more than 300 school districts. The main argument of the plaintiffs was that by levying the maximum rate on property tax, it became equal to the ad valorem tax levied by the state, which violated Texas Constitution (Coalition to Invest in Texas Schools, 2004).The case needed three years before it was resolved. In September 2004, a decision was handed down in favor of the plaintiffs. In October 2005, the Travis County District Court ordered the Texas Legislature to resolve the unconstitutional element of the school funding system which also includes budget for facilities (Coalition to Invest In Texas Schools, 2004).The article proves the fact that funding school systems is a very sensitive issue that should be addressed by the proper authorities.Works CitedCoalition to Invest in Texas Schools. (2004). A Brief History of School Funding in Texas.Retrieved June 5, 2008 from http://www.investintexasschools.org/schoolfunding/history.php

Background Statement

My life has always been about making choices and striving to make a difference. I was born in Asia, and late moved to the United States to continue my studies. I could definitely say that my perception about life, including my goals and dreams in life have been formed due to the experiences I had in my life. I grew up taking care of my father, who was obese. As a young child, preparing my father’s food was not much of a big deal; however, this came in as a challenge as I grew older. For this, I decided to hone myself to become a registered dietician. As a student, I have always been hardworking and persevering.My grades were impressive enough for other people to look up to me. I would have grades that would range from A’s to B’s, but nothing lower than that. My parents would always tell me how proud they are to see my dedication to become successful in life. I would always remind others that having a good education would be advantageous for me in the real world. Regardless of this, I would not forget how to care for the welfare of those I love most. Although my main concern has been about the safety of my family and friends, I also want to make sure that I could be of service to those who were in need.As mentioned earlier, I have been exposed to the realities of life at a young age. I was honed further through the endeavors that I had in my life. These included my involvement in the Dietetics department of the Family Nutrition Program of the Ohio State University. I was responsible for data entry and in the preparation of the materials to be used in the program. I was further trained through my experience as a production supervisor for on-campus dining. The task was tedious, for I had to make sure that everything was in place. However, I am still grateful for I was able to learn how to become a well rounded individual.Furthermore, I also believe that I possess the leadership capabilities deemed from your perspective students. I used to work as an orientation leader for the Ohio State University, where I learned how to deal with different kinds of people. As the orientation leader, I was expected to give students an overview of the school they were about to study in, and patiently answer all of their queries. This kind of role may become irrelevant for some, but I believe otherwise. In every aspect of life, patience and dedication for the craft have always been considered essential in one’s success.Moreover, seeing the people become contented with my service also became my driving force in life. I know that my family would always find something good and appreciative in my craft. However, the kind of happiness that I give others cannot be repaid by monetary terms. Through our exchange of thoughts and words, I am able to share with others another side of me that not everyone could see. In this regard, I feel an extraordinary kind of fulfillment wherein I am able to share my talents and become a helping hand in the ir world.I know that I may sound young to have such a wide perception about life. But this is the way things go. My parents have brought me up to always take the feelings and welfare of others into consideration. In our own way, we should not only think of ourselves, especially during hard and trying times. As my father became obese, I have set my mind in giving back the care and compassion that he has shown me all these years. In this regard, I would also expand that extraordinary care by being of service to others.My dreams and aspirations in life do not end after college. I plan to work in the different areas that concern dietetics and hone my knowledge further. The experiences would help me to become an effective Registered Dietician in the future, and eventually widen this knowledge further by spreading my wings in the United States. Having lifetime goals and aspirations in life should never be considered negatively by people. These are the little dreams that keep people, like me, going – working hard in order to achieve a better future for myself and the people around me.

Interview of a Famous Actor

INTERVIEW AB: Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen. Today we have the honor to welcome a very special guest: your favourite TV-show actor, Hugh Laurie. So, Hugh, let me first ask you why you were attracted by House’s character. Because it is such an outstanding character†¦ AH: Well, it’s a long story†¦ At first, I was unwilling to play House, and I wanted to interpret Wilson, House’s best friend in the hospital. Indeed, I thought that House’s personnality didn’t fit with mine. But when I was asked to play House, I realized that, in fact, I had several points in common with him.For instance, both of us are sadist and sarcastic. AB: What a coincidence! But I can tell you that you did a good choice because nowadays House is one of the most popular TV shows in the world. Hum, I have another question for you: was it difficult to combine shootings and family life? AH: Actually, it was very difficult from 2006 to 2008 because while my family lived i n West America, the shooting took place in East America. This caused problems when I had to â€Å"settle† in California for 6 months.But now my family lives in LA so it is much better for all of us. AB: You seem to have a complicated organization. Now I’d like to finish this interview with more personnal questions asked by your fans on Twitter. So, first, what is your favorite TV show? AH: Well, I’d say that my favourite TV show is prison break. It is an Action-packed serial with fascinating actors. I recommend it to every TV show lover. AB: Okay! Then your fans asked you whether or not you have learnt about medecine while playing house?For example, if I tell you that I’ve got very big pain around my heart, what would you say? AH: Well, I am not exactly sure but in accordance with what I know, I would say that you should go to the Operating Room right now if you don’t want to die from myocardial infarction. AB: Waouh! Do you think you know as much as a doctor about medecine? AH: Absolutely not. I only know a few names of illnesses and of medecines, but no more than that. AB: Right. Thank you Hugh for coming here. I’ll take your advice and I’ll watch Prison Break.

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

Art 2 - Essay Example Bill Violoa’s â€Å"The Greeting† was an attempt to put Pontormo’s â€Å"The Visitation† on video. In order to bring a picture to life through video, Violoa’s scene begins with two women that after a few minutes are interrupted by a third. In Violoa’s work, the first woman is middle-aged, the other younger, while the third woman is a friend of the older woman. The third woman embraces the woman she knows, leaving out the other woman. However, after a moment of awkwardness, the three make small talk. All of this is an inference, since there is no sound at all. Everything on the video had to be interpretive through gestures and expressions. Like with â€Å"The Visitation†, â€Å"The Greeting† can be interpreted as friends visiting. The painting and video only have more meaning, if the viewer is familiar with the Biblical story of Mary and Elizabeth. Both Pontormo and Violoa use their imaginations to portray this event. Violoa used Pontormo’s idea to begin with, but then the video becomes his own. Still art has limitations that the medium of video does not have. Violoa could use more gestures and expressions to depict his thoughts, whereas Pontormo only had the medium of oil and a still depictation. Both Pontormo and Violoa’s art are unique and individual, while of the same subject. Urban infrastructure must be sustainable. Architecture must make urban infrastructures sustainable, whether New York City, Austin, or Tokyo. Every urban infrastructure must have architects build public transports (buses, subways, roads, tracks), efficient buildings (green buildings, energy efficient), low impact development to protect water resources, parks, energy demanded managements. Urban infrastructure can destroy natural resources needed to live, like trees, water, and wildlife. Pollution can be a problem. Good architecture can cut these problems down to manageable levels. Architects build more than

Material Failure and Embodied Energy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Material Failure and Embodied Energy - Essay Example TASK 1 The bending of an umbrella when wind blows or the breaking of a bags handle, even the collapsing of mega structures like bridges and buildings are some prime examples of structural failure. Structure failure in basic terms can be defined as the destruction or damage of a structure when it is unable to support its designated load any further. Once the structure looses it ability to carry load, it deforms, de-shapes or even destroys completely. There are many reasons a structure can fail its basic ability to hold load (NEL, 2007) Many reasons as states in previously include basic design flaws, construction flaws, overloading, foundation failure, corrosion and excessive use of a moving body. The corrective/preventive measures that have to be taken are in accordance with the structural failure that has either prevailed or in the process of it. An example of it is the leaning tower of Pisa; the design flaw is the soft earth due to which one part of the building is sinking inside. T o negate the leaning effect, large weights and wires have been attached to the tower to keep it from falling to the end it is leaning to. The first part of the report will identify structural failures in my daily routine as an insurance engineer for a local school, where metallurgy plays an important role while covering any damage or even while insuring it. Example No 1: Fan Falling The first and foremost structural failure that was faced by the school administration was the falling of a ceiling fan in a classroom. Luckily the recess was in progress and the fall resulted in no injury to any person. The only damage was to the fan itself and the table which it had fallen on. As a sue action was threatened by the parents of children studying in the school, our firm was called in to analyze the failure, state the cause of it and remedy actions. On inspecting the fan closely it was found that there was huge amount of rust in the loop where the fan was hanging. The loop had been disconnec ted due to this corrosion. Fan rotation causes certain vibration in the whole structure making it a viable threat if any sort of corrosion is present. This problem could have been detected easily but due to the upper portion of the fan concealed inside the fancy fall ceiling, this problem was not detected. After this incident, all the fans in the school were checked and it was a shocking fact that most of the fans had this similar problem. Therefore a complete overhauling of the fan holding loops was recommended for stopping any such future incident. Also as the fall ceilings cannot be removed therefore a calendar inspection plan has been laid out by the insurance team to be done by the school administration. This inspection would also be checked by the insurance team as to ensure proper working of the school administration team. Also to add further security in the system, all hanging items like fans and ceiling lights and chandeliers will be checked for heir secure housing, where t hey are attached to the wall. Example No 2: Swing structure failure The second structure failure that was noticed in the same school was the falling off a children slide to one side while the children were on it taking turns for sliding down. Some children were hurt and minor bruises were seen on children bodies. This incident