Office Space and Marx’s Conflict theory Essay

Communism, as understood today, refers to a system associated with collective ownership of the means of production, central economic planning and rule of a single political party. Communism basically means communal ownership of property. Karl Marx was a German economist, philosopher and revolutionist whose writings form the basis of the body of ideas known as Marxism. His theories are the basis for modern communism. He had a lot of theories which made an impact on the world, namely the conflict theory, labor theory of value, theory of historical materialism, theory of rent, alienation and more (Mandel, 1995). However, the primary focus of this paper will be the most basic of his theories from which most of his other theories stem from, the Conflict theory. Karl Marx was an advocate of the conflict theory which stresses the link between stratification and the ongoing struggle among competing groups and classes over a limited supply of reward and resources. According to him, capitalist society is torn by a fundamental conflict of interest between capitalists and workers. He contends that institutions such as the educational system and other forms of communication are employed by the capitalist class to foster a false consciousness among the masses (Mandel, 1995). These institutions seek to legitimize social inequality by propagating an ideology that says existing arrangements are right and reasonable. They also foster the worker’s hope for upward social mobility. As a result, workers are socialized in tradition and this contributes to passivity and compliance. In the Communist Manifesto, a forty page booklet he produced with Freidrich Engels, he applied the term communism to a final stage of socialism in which all class differences would disappear and humankind would live in harmony (Karl Marx, 2002). Karl Marx believed that all of history has been a story of class conflict over material privilege and power. Social customs and institutions are arranged to perpetuate class distinctions. Child-rearing practices vary by social class and affect the life chances of those being socialized. Children are treated differently from different social classes, thereby perpetuating the dominion of one social class over another in a subtle and powerful way – by subjecting children to it before they are old enough to know what is happening to them (Mandel, 1995). One group, the exploiters, strives to maintain its advantage over subordinate groups, the exploited. In a capitalist society, the struggle takes place between those who own the means of production – the capitalists or bourgeoisie, and those who sell their labor – the workers or proletariat. According to Karl Marx, the bourgeoisie maintain their position of domination by controlling the economic life of the population and even dictate the social standard of a certain society. Just as the feudal system had given away to capitalism, so in time capitalism would give way to socialism. The struggle would end, according to Marx, in the socialist revolution which was observed in countries like China, Russia, and Vietnam and partly in the Philippines. The socialist revolution is a way for the achievement of full communism (Karl Marx, 2002). In his book Sociology and Anthropology, Dr. Epistacio Palispis mentioned how Marx saw the nation or state as an instrument of oppression, religion as a method of diverting and controlling the masses, and the family as a device of keeping wealth and education in the hands of the few. Marx was basically a materialist. He argued and pointed out that the populace, the proletariat is controlled by materials and needs, and that their lives are centered in how they deal with these things. Because of the perceived the essential role of material, he also theorized that material conditions (the lack and the need for it, will be the core of class conflict. The key issue is how wealth is distributed among the people. The 1999 film Office Space, directed by Mike Judge, starring Ron Livingston and Jennifer Aniston, depicts the transparency of Marx’s conflict theory even in ordinary corporate life. The film is about ordinary employees of a fictional computer programming company, Initech, going through their daily work and the complications they meet along the way. The main character of the movie, Peter Gibbons, played by the actor Ron Livingston, finds himself dragging his feet to work going through the same routine of everyday corporate life. He answers to eight different bosses who drone about TPS reports, coversheets, memos and the like. As a mere employee, he is subject to their authority. Peter and his fellow officemates Michael Bolton, Samir and Milton represent the proletariat and his Porsche-driving, overbearing boss William Lumbergh (Gary Cole) represents the bourgeoisie of Marx’s conflict theory. The hierarchy of offices portrayed in the film shows how society has glorified individual achievements and the pleasure of consumption that capitalism brings. The film shows how the employees comply blindly with the patronizing orders made by Lumbergh just because he is their boss. This situation substantiates Marx’s claim that those who owned and controlled the means of production were the oppressors and those who owned nothing but their labor were the oppressed. One day, a team of experts is brought in to enact large-scale layoffs. The character Michael Bolton, protests how he dedicated five solid years to the company, only to be one of those to be fired. Karl Marx in his Labor Theory of Value, emphasized that workers must have the highest share of goods and subsidies as opposed to what happened in the film where an employee has little job security, a typical scenario in capitalist economies. When this happened, Peter Gibbons gets discouraged and simply stops trying and adopts an attitude of total disinterest. His only interest lies on putting in place a devilish scheme for some corporate payback, along with his office pals as his accomplices. They hack the computer system of the company and programmed it to place a fraction of every daily money transaction into their personal bank accounts, which will eventually pile up to huge sums of easy money. This scene in the movie demonstrates Marx’s notion that the conflicting interests of the two groups of classes, the proletariat and the bourgeoisie, would inevitably lead the oppressed to overthrow their oppressors. Although Gibbon’s scheme did not go according to plan, the company Initech still met its end from another employee, Milton, who set the building on fire as a sort of revenge when the company stopped giving him his paychecks as a way to make him voluntarily resign from his post. In a way, Karl Marx’s conflict theory sort of explains why there is a need for competition. His idea about communal ownership of property, in others words, perfect equality, is obviously unrealistic. It is merely good in theory, perfect for utopian idealism but in real life, one cannot simply live in perfect equality. If there was equality in everything, people would lose their motivation to strive for something better, to make room for improvement. It is human nature to be insatiable. If we take away people’s motivation, mediocrity will reek in all aspects of life (Communism, 2002). There is also the issue of equity. In the movie, some of those who were fired deserved to be laid off, while there were those who weren’t. Another very important issue pressed in an imperialist world is inequality. Since social status and wealth distribution came up as a result of specialization, often inequality is justified when specialization is absent in a society’s structure. Example, a person who took up a Ph. D would ultimately rank higher and thus will have a higher income that a person who is simply a college graduate. Communism entails that wealth is distributed â€Å"to each according to need†. In this kind of system, the basic economic needs of all people are satisfied. These needs include food, housing, medical care and education. Excessive material possessions and acquisition are not basic needs and are therefore not allowed to exits in this system. Communism therefore, to put it simply, is the eradication of any social standards and setting anyone at a default stage for the equal distribution of resources in order o avoid mass conflicts. Since people are generally motivated by self-interest, most societies prefer wealth to be distributed â€Å"to each according to what is earned†. People who live in this system become themselves the source of their own wealth. If they earn a great deal of money, then they will be able to acquire things beyond their needs. If they earn little, they must do without. The problem with communism in this side of the argument is that a society cannot control the interest of the people without cutting off their freedom and rights in certain aspects. Communism is only good when it ensures that the basic needs of the people are met and when it prevents greed from seeding in the hearts of the masses, since everything is controlled by a central planning agency. However, the major problem of communism, as well as in capitalism, is abuse of power. No matter how perfect an ideology is, there will always be an anomaly because the primary instigators of such ideologies are people. Human beings are prone to irrationalities including greed, selfishness and self-glory. History has taught us that too much power in the hands of a few corrupts the minds of these leaders. Take the movie character, William Lumbergh, as an example. With his high profile status as the CEO of the company, he has bullied Milton to do as he pleases, leaving Milton no choice but to comply out of fear of losing his job. In conclusion, the movie Office Space exemplifies important points in Marx’s conflict theory such as the continuing conflict between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie, as well as how group conflict is a basic ingredient of society. Works Cited Communism. Grolier Encyclopedia of Knowledge. 2002 Edition. Washington : USA, 2002 Karl Marx. Microsoft Encarta 2002 (available in CD-ROM) Mandel, E. Karl Marx. International Viewpoint. 1995. Palispis, E. S. Introduction to Sociology and Anthropology. Manila: Rex Publishing Inc. 2006.

Slavery in “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain Essay

Mark Twain had direct experience with the slavery that he described in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. When Mark Twain in 1884 / 1885 wrote his Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, describing a series of Mississippi river-town adventures experienced by a white boy, he created his novel in slavery time Missouri. During his writing, many influences prompted the author to examine the contemporary conditions of the black (Champion 54). From the novel the reader gathers a deep understanding of the meaning of living in a slave society in the period when slave trade was brisk. The person who reads Adventures of Huckleberry Finn does not come upon the discussion of slavery until Chapter Two, when Mark Twain describes how Huck and Tom spend their lives in a slaveholding society. The opening chapters contain what can be described as Tom Sawyer’s total experiences that make up his life. In these chapters the reader is led to see these circumstances and society as Tom Sawyer does. As a result, the slave Jim is illustrated mainly as a character to laugh at and play jokes and tricks on, and slavery is introduced as a normal and logical phenomenon. From this perspective, Jim is naive and disposed to believe in superstition – a humorous story character rather than a human being with ability to feel deeply and have thoughts and ideas. As Huck and Jim go beyond the social world of Tom Sawyer and have a good time alone together on the bank of the river, Jim begins to cast off the comic characteristics. It is as if Mark Twain begins portraying Jim through Huck’s observation rather than Tom’s observation. As Huck increasingly considers Jim as a more and more complex person with ideas and the conscious mind, Jim is described to the reader as less of a person who is comic. Jim’s deep human world is described in particular in his harrowing sense of deep regret over striking his deaf daughter, his statement that Huck is his only true friend, his feeling of happiness at discovering Huck alive after the loss in the fog, and the preaching he gives Huck for playing the last joke on him.  When Tom Sawyer once more appears in the scene in the Phelps situations, however, Jim again is pictured as if reflection of the powerful consciousness of Tom Sawyer; in the end Jim is again a character to laugh at, an o bject used for humorous purposes. The circumstances that lead up to describe Jim in slavery continue to be set in Chapter Four, as Huck, being an outsider in this system of human organizations almost like Jim, goes to Jim for advice about his future when he has suspicion that Pap may have come back. In contrast to the views having a high state of culture and social development that Tom Sawyer gets from books, Huck and Jim are alike in depending on folk knowledge, irrational beliefs that are given little credibility in this cultured civilization. The decisive scene that sets the stage for an escape from slavery is Pap’s long angry speech against the political authority and black folk in Chapter Six. Pap, in all his lack of knowledge and meanness, rails against free black human beings who are courageous enough to try to dress in a white shirt, can communicate in several languages, and are teachers in a college. This statement, uttered by a man who is extremely unpleasant, sadistic, overwhelmed by strong negative emotion, proud of his ignorance, and decided that his son will remain unable to read and write, is the reader’s first hint that Mark Twain’s sympathies are not with the slaveholding civilized classes. The signs that the reader’s sympathy is directed to Jim rather than to the society that enslaved him come into view early in the novel in the common characteristics between Jim and Huck. The reader observes here a parallel thematic progress in the destiny of the white boy and the black man, both of whom are casting off shackles that restrict their freedom. As Jim, the black man presented as possession by a human society, breaks free from confinements of slavery, so Huck, the white boy who has always been a vagabond, breaks free from confinements of his own enslavement in the roughly built hut. Moreover, both Huck and Jim are escaping from the same woman, Miss Watson. And both make their escape simultaneously. The emotional  attachment between the runaway boy and the runaway slave is born instantly as they join their forces for common freedom. The scene when they meet with each other on Jackson’s Island gives rise to uneasiness that comes again and again to the mind of Huck throughout the story, one he never resolves in his thoughts: tension between the values of civilization instilled by forceful and insistent repetition – the law, the legalized moral standards of the slaveholding social organizations (the fairness of which he never puts to question) – and his natural intuition to communicate with Jim kindly as with a close friend. The voice that says him to do what societal norms require, more exactly, to turn Jim in, is the voice he calls his sense of right that governs his thoughts and actions. To the end of the novel, he sees his desire to defend Jim from trouble as his own state of being weak – the attitude that makes him make decision, at last, that he can never be well-mannered and civilized. This inner conflict is seed when Jim and Huck first meet with each other on Jackson’s Island. When Jim, in all likelihood for his own safety, somewhat in hesitation explains that he has escaped from the control of Miss Watson, Huck really experiences surprise that Jim has broken the rules of society. But Huck, who has already earlier broken the law himself, has assured Jim that he would not tell anyone, even, he said, if â€Å"people would call me a low down Abolitionist† (50). Every family with which Huck is familiar seems to possess slaves. Not only Miss Watson had slaves, but the Grangerfords, the Wilkses, and the Phelpses too. Well, you see, it ‘uz dis way. Ole missus – dat’s Miss Watson – she pecks on me all de time, en treats me pooty rough, but she awluz said she wouldn’ sell me down to Orleans. But I noticed dey wuz a nigger trader roun’ de place considable lately, en I begin to git oneasy. Well, one night I creeps to de do’ pooty late, en de do’ warn’t quite shet, en I hear old missus tell de widder she gwyne to sell me down to Orleans, but she didn’ want to, but she could git eight hund’d dollars for me, en it ‘uz sich a big stack o’ money she couldn’ resis’. De widder she try to git her to say she wouldn’t do it, but I never waited to hear de res’. I lit out mighty quick, I tell  you (50). Jim’s statement that explains why he ran away, as well as Huck’s discussion about the abolitionists puts the novel in the historical developments of its time. At that time people had the view of the slave as property; accidentally separated members of slave families; slave traders did not consider slaves as human beings. The slave owners often had uncertain financial situation, which often led them to treat their â€Å"property† brutally. Slave feared to be sold further south – to New Orleans – to become a property of a new master and work on a large plantation. Abolitionists who made efforts to end slavery were disliked intensely by citizens in general. Slaves had the unceasing hope that he or she would some day be able to run away and make money sufficient to redeem the members of his or her family. All these historical elements became the driving themes of the novel. Being familiar with the episodes of life in slavery, Mark Twain shows that Jim’s desire to run away has three factors: he is separated from his family; he becomes aware of Miss Watson’s intentions to sell him down south; and he is full of resolution to buy the separated members of his family and make them free. In the case if masters of his family members refuse to sell them , then , Jim claims , he will ask for the help of abolitionists The clash between morality, legality and region, especially as it about slavery and property, is seen throughout all of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The idea that one person can really own another, human body and spirit, is given strength to not only by the legal rules governing society and the state, but by the practices and doctrines of the church as well. Slavery became a firm way of life and had a substantive effect on the fundamental values, manners, and a way of living of the nation. WORKS CITED _The Critical Response to Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn_, Ed. Laurie Champion (New York: Greenwood Press, 1991),65. _The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn_, Mark Twain. P. F. Collier & Son Company: New York, 1918.

Concert Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 10

Concert Report - Essay Example The space was primarily designed for engaging music performances, as can be observed from the hall environment. The hall had an entry and exit point in opposite directions for the performers. The seats were designed in an elevated manner, so that viewers can have the optimum viewing experience. One of the finest pieces in the whole lot of performances was performed by Robert Buxton, the last performance of the concert, from the play ‘Huit Preludes’ of 1929. The original performer of the actual play was Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992). The play was performed with the help of three basic elements of music, namely the form, tonality and style. Tonality played an integral role in the piece as it represented the sensation of centrality of even a single note and chord of music being played. Form is another important element of the play, which can be termed as the shape of music, along with its contrast and repetition. Style is the third important phenomena of the play, which represents the way of combining the characteristics of melody, form, harmony and texture within the music1. I appreciate the piece performed by Buxton at the end of the concert. I like the play as Buxton had performed it really well by trying to maintain the standards in accordance to the actual performance. Furthermore, I felt that the play was well performed as it suited the stage environment and ambience prevailing within the concert hall. Moreover, the play ‘Huit Preludes’, is one of my favorite from the past and hence I encountered a feeling of satisfaction and joy, as I watched the play performed by Buxton. I was deeply overwhelmed with the performance since my expectation with regard to the past performance was matched with the present performance. The other pieces as performed in the concert were somewhat similar to Buxton’s play, as they

Arson Investigation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Arson Investigation - Research Paper Example An arson scene is not confirmed as an actual crime scene until days, hours or even weeks after the fire has been suppressed. The criminal fire scene would thus comprise various by-products of the combustion process that compromise the scene of criminal fire (Ross, 2009). These parameters include flame, heat, smoke, flame impingement and also the suppression operations. Besides setting up the protective yellow barrier tape, it is important to have individuals guarding the scene and who will testify against any claims of interference of the scene. Where an explosive reaction may have taken place, bomb technicians and emergency services must be called in. A security perimeter must be set up and access into and out of the scene should be restricted. This applies to the media, nonessential personnel and bystanders. Staging areas should be established to ensure that emergency vehicles have access to the area. Documentation of the scene should begin as soon as conditions permit. This includ es identifying witnesses, taking notes, photographing and videotaping bystanders. The fire department personnel reach the fire scene before the fire investigators. The roles of these marshals according to Wayne and Karen (2007) include the recognition of any fire and smoke conditions, determination of the cause of a fire and detection of arson evidence. They would be expected to know about building construction and about various components necessary for ignition, explosion and general fires. In most jurisdictions, the fire department chief has a legal responsibility to determine the cause of the fire. The fire department personnel should observe, identify and preserve possible evidence, as well as report and recall objective findings (Russell, 2009). The actions and observations of the fire department personnel are at times useful in the process of apprehending and possibly convicting arsonists. They serve as the ears and eyes of the fire investigator and must therefore pass on thei r observations after extinguishing the fire, and as such may need to be interviewed or required to prepare a written report to document their observations. The state fire marshal’s office is charged with several responsibilities in the designated state. According to the National Association of State Fire Marshals (2011), the state fire marshal is responsible for adoption and enforcement of fire safety codes, fire and arson investigation and public education about fire and arson. The agency also advices state legislators and governors on fire protection and also fire incident reporting and analysis. It also maintains public records regarding fire inspection and prevention activities and fire investigation activities. At an arson scene, the state marshal’s office employs fire inspectors, fire safety technicians and forensic laboratory staff to assist with the investigations. It works hand in hand with law enforcement personnel in that it has extralegal powers to take sta tements through recognizing, summoning and questioning witnesses present during an act of arson. Insurance companies also work closely with the state fire marshal’s office. When there are fatalities at an arson scene, the medical examiner has the responsibility to examine and supervise the collection of the body. A series of tests will be run on the body starting with a detailed physical examination to a series of X-rays of the full body and document the extent of the burns for the report (Russell, 2009). The throat and mouth should be examined to see if there is soot. The nose will also be examined for soot, as the victim may have inhaled and exhaled the air with soot, leaving

Planning and carrying out a literacy activity to meet the learning Essay

Planning and carrying out a literacy activity to meet the learning goals - Essay Example Ideas in practice have been considered in a variety of genres to affect children writing skills. Children possess a number of attributes that enable them to be effective in writing. Such attributes include developing consistent spelling skills, recognition, and awareness in phonologies and phonemes, ability to form alphabetical letters comfortably, develop the writing concept, having a vocabulary in a wide range, and achieving oneself expression through writing. Writing flourishes in an environment with celebrated examples and displays for children writing on their own. The opportunities and purpose for writing are linked to the curriculum activities. Repeated writing and use of writing materials demonstrate what the children are doing in a classroom. It is important that pupils are trained to elaborate sentences from a tender age. One plans a snowman activity by first selecting the theme. Here, alphabetical letters are selected to represent a given word. For example, we can consider letter S for snow or snowflake.   Define the keywords to a student. Snow is a precipitate from such as sleet, hail or rain that drops from clouds. A snowflake is ice crystals collectively formed in and beneath a cloud during rainfall. Alphabet S is printed and displayed on materials chosen. In this context, I will encourage each of the four boys and two girls to identify the letter on the display. Due to multilingual and monolingual children in my class, I will ensure reading is sound and repetitive.     ... For example, we can consider letter S for snow or snowflake. Secondly we analyze activities and instructions. Define the key words to student. Snow is a precipitate form such as sleet, hail or rain that drops from clouds. A snowflake is ice crystals collectively formed in and beneath a cloud during rainfall. Alphabet S is printed and displayed on materials chosen. In this context, I will encourage each of the four boys and two girls to identify the letter on the display. Due to multilingual and monolingual children in my class, I will ensure reading is sound and repetitive. They will trace alphabets in both lower and upper case by using fingers. Demonstrate to children on how to trace the letter by emphasizing the use of continuous stroke through finger and pencil tracing. Children are to color the images with a range of materials. To reinforce the letter practice, use a mini book and activity page to identify the related words. Ask children to also give other words with the same sou nd as you write them on the board. Displays of the alphabet posts and coloring images can also be used. Lastly, materials for the activity are chosen these materials are to meet all the needs of the four boys and two girls. They include; color poster, coloring page, handwriting worksheet, control charts, writing paper, printable lined paper, and theme coloring pages. Letters on the sand paper is also required to enable a child who requires the sense of touch to identify the alphabets. Broad display working sheet will be provided to the deaf child. In conjunction with working sheets of the American Sign Language, the deaf child will be able to identify the alphabets. In addition, the blind will require audio devices for

Katrina disaster Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Katrina disaster - Essay Example The paper addresses planning and implementing of the rescue work, workers safety and hazards, equipment and protective gear required, hazardous materials inside the hospital and their removal. Keywords: Personal Protective Equipment – PPE, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health - NIOSH, Federal Emergency Management Agency – FEMA, High efficiency particulate absorbing – HEPA, Occupational Safety and Health Association - OSHA, contaminants, hazards, hygiene. Evaluation of a large New Orleans Hospital after Hurricane Katrina and resultant flooding is taking place directed by Incident Commander, lead by Industrial Hygienist of the hospital with a team comprising of Hospital’s Safety Supervisor (Programs & Training), the Environmental Manager (physical plant, wastes and regulatory issues), two technicians (IH and environmental sample collection and testing) and 25 other employees. The recovery team is given the name ‘Rescuers†. Teams would be organized by phases in the recovery mission. Phase one would be to make second floor safe and clean for working environment as per set standards. Second phase would be initial evaluation of the building further breaking down into sub-phases according to building levels. Then third phase would be removal of hazardous material from basement and 1st level. Fourth phase would be reconstruction and rehabilitation of the floors. Final phase would be testing and monitoring for safety prior to opening the hospital fro operation. Team would be housed on site in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trailers powered by generators. Team’s offices would be on the 2nd floor of the building (since below levels are waterlogged) along with surgical suites, clinical laboratory and pharmacy. Pharmacy has been looted and trashed. Since communication means through land line is impossible and few cell phone networks are working, hence radio satellite would be installed for reliable mean of

Political Transitions in East and South East Asia Essay - 1

Political Transitions in East and South East Asia - Essay Example It is considered undemocratic in the event that people are respected and dignified selectively and with discriminatory perspectives. This concept of democracy illustrates that on some occasions the welfare of one or just a couple of people can be subordinated by the interests of the majority in order to achieve a common good. It is important to note that democracy does not it whatever circumstances promote equality of condition like in communism. Equality of condition comes with favoritism and categorization into groups of similar characteristics. On the other hand, democracy promotes equality of opportunity. According to equality of opportunity, everyone has then freedom to develop his or her talent to totality or as much as he or she cares to. Democracy is founded on the principle that the majority is more often right that wrong. When it comes to politics, democracy dictates that the majority is better positioned to make sane political decisions as compared to the minority or a single individual. One ought to note that sometimes democracy is seen as a trial and error process in which some decisions may not be absolute best but eventually become satisfactory because of its support from then majority faction. Despite the fact that democracy seems to dwell so much on the majority, it is noteworthy that it does not overlook the minority entirely. On the other hand, democracy gives some respect to the minority. This is done by giving then minority a chance to join the majority faction through legal means. Additionally, democracy also ensures that then minority in a society is given equal chance as the majority to voice its views. Compromising can be defined as the process of adjusting, reconciling and blending competing views with the aim of finding common ground that is most acceptable to the largest number of stakeholders involved. Democracy demands for the

BHE 314 Mod 5 CBT Environmental Health and Safety Essay

BHE 314 Mod 5 CBT Environmental Health and Safety - Essay Example t is observed that nightclubs are major source of exposure of high-intensity sound, which results in a number of health risks and illnesses, such as high blood pressure, stress, headache, anxiety, ulcers, and coronary diseases. (Koren, 2003) A number of physicians have associated heart diseases with regular and frequent exposure to sound waves of high decibels. According to a number of environmental protection organizations, migraine headaches and high blood pressure are common consequences of noise exposure from nightclubs. In this regard, government should take effective steps to prevent the health hazards associated with community exposure to noise produced by nightclubs. It is observed that unfamiliarity with law is one of the major factors that encourage nightclub owners to keep the noise high in their clubs, as the residents do not complain noise-related problems. In specific, awareness programs related to noise exposure from nightclubs and other sources should be organized by the government to ensure public and environment safety. According to a survey, more than hundred decibels of sound level were noted in most of the nightclubs, which is much higher than the standard levels. (Koren, 2003) In this regard, nightclubs should be instructed to keep the noise levels according to the allowed ones, and such nightclubs should be constructed away from the residential regions. It is hoped that the paper will be beneficial for better understanding of health hazards associated with noise exposure from nigh tclubs. Now the paper will briefly discuss health hazards associated with presence of radon gas in homes. According to a number of health organizations, radon is a tasteless, invisible, and odorless radioactive gas that is one of the major causes of cancer. It is observed that such gas is present in a number of homes that results in health risks to the family. In this regard, effective steps should be taken to prevent emergence of radon gas in homes through proper

Role of a Manager within the Functional Areas of Business Essay Example for Free

Role of a Manager within the Functional Areas of Business Essay Abstract According to the University of Phoenix MBA Overview Module (n.d.), there are 11 functional areas of business that managers play an important role. However, for the purposes of this paper, we will focus on in my opinion the four major functional areas of a business (management, human resource, finance and marketing) that managers play a key role, regardless of the company size. Each line of business have specific duties and responsibilities, however, they all come together to work for the success of the company. Management Management is the practice of coordinating and overseeing the work of others so that organizational goals can be accomplished. Managers ensure business success through efficiency and the effective use of employees, the businesss most important resource (University of Phoenix, n.d.). Managers are the first line of defense to interpret the culture and atmosphere management wants to present to the business as a whole. In addition, they must provide the tools and resources to employees for the company to accomplish the goal’s management has implemented. If the goals are not being performed employees have to work with management to address the changes and make corrective actions to maintain positive stability in the business environment. Human Resource Managers use Human Resource management throughout the employee life cycle, including hiring, training, proper compensation for work, and taking disciplinary actions to remediate, if necessary (University of Phoenix, n.d.). Managers also use human resource to address educational and health benefits, complaints about other co-workers and immediate supervisors. One of Human Resource most important role is hiring new personnel. Managers have the responsibility to hire qualified candidates for positions available in the company. According to Dobre (2012) â€Å"in order to evaluate the ability of an employee, managers  should determine whether the worker has the right skills and knowledge to perform a certain job properly†. Managers must be proactive when a person shows weaknesses in position. Manager should identify the skills or experience employee lacks and offer solutions, such as training, coaching or better feedback (Dobre, 2102). Human Resource managers handle personnel issues, which allow immediate managers in all line of businesses to focus on the departmental goals. Finance Depending on the size of a business Accounting and Finance is one line of business, however, for the purposes of this paper Finance will be focused as one line of business. Finance addresses the process of setting up and maintaining the fiscal success of the firm, including revenue (University of Phoenix, n.d.). Finance is imperative for the survival of a business. Managers determine clear, precise goals at beginning of the year for company wide budgets that cover all line of businesses. Managers also must have detailed research strategies and make sound decisions for the financial investments of the company. Marketing Managers use marketing to identify what products or services to offer, how to advertise their wares to consumers, how to ensure they are meeting the needs of their customers, and how to create a good image for the firms b rand (University of Phoenix, n.d.). There must be a consensus from upper management trickled down of a budget that will allow the company to have a chance to benefit from marketing. Managers must employ various tools to get an edge over the competition that convince consumers to buy their product (also known as a competitive advantage). SWOT (strength weakness opportunity threat) analysis can also determine company strengths and weakness and external opportunities and threats from the competition or the demographics the company targets. According to Berri, Leeds, Leeds, and Mondello (2009), the most successful managers take advantage of market inefficiencies or find previously undiscovered niches. Managers must be aware of the different factors that determine the success of the company’s marketing campaign. Conclusion The role of managers within the functional areas of business was discussed briefly in four lines of businesses. The four lines of businesses also work together to support the operations of the company. Human Resource works with Finance to set company budgets so bonuses, incentives wages according  to performances can be determined. Management works with Marketing and Finance to determine strategies to capitalize on product market area and set budgets for the year. Management works with Human Resource to make sure policy and procedures are up to date with standards. Management works with Human Resource and Finance to determine profitability of company in terms of increasing, decreasing or no change in current staff positions. These are examples of several reasons line of businesses come together although not limited. Each line of business have specific duties and responsibilities, however, they all come together to work for the success of the company. References University of Phoenix. (n.d.). MBA Overview Module. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, MGT521-Management website. Berri, D.J., Leeds, M.A., Leeds, E.M. Mondello, M. (2009, May). The Role of Managers in Team Performance. International Journal of Sport Finance, 4(2), 75-93. ProQuest database. Dobre, O.I. (2012, December). The Impact of Human Resource Management on Organizational Performance. Management Research and Practice, 4(4), 37-46.

Hamlets Moral Nature Leads to Death Essay Example for Free

Hamlets Moral Nature Leads to Death Essay While rambling on about vengeance, the senseless prince Hamlet utters â€Å"I, his sole son, do this same villain send to heaven. O, this is hire and salary, not revenge†¦ or about some act that has no relish of salvation in’t; then trip him, that his heels may kick at heaven, and that his soul may be as damn’d and black† (3. 3. 77-95). This soliloquy is significant as it shows Hamlet’s intentions when he must delay his murder purposes to a specific time frame where Claudius is acting corrupt because then the King’s soul will descend into hell. Moral relativism is also evident when the melancholic prince moans â€Å"To be, or not to be: that is the question; whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer†¦ To die, to sleep;† when contemplating life and death (3. 1. 57-61). This unique proclamation further explains why Hamlet is incapable of murder because he is afraid of what lies after death, particularly hell and purgatory. For these reasons, religion is a main virtue of Hamlet’s moral nature leading his incompetence in seeking retribution on King Claudius. Another unambiguous quality in the Prince’s moral nature that leads to the dispose of Claudius is procrastination. While in the castle, the insane Dane Hamlet sadly proclaims â€Å"Thus conscience does make cowards of us all, and thus the native hue of resolution is sicklied oer with the pale cast of thought, and enterprises of great pitch and moment with this regard their currents turn awry, and lose the name of action† (3. 1. 84-88). This declamation clarifies Hamlet is troubled by his  over scrupulous conscience which prevents him from immediately avenging his fathers murder. After finishing conversation with the Captain, the impractical prince Hamlet boldly states â€Å"How all occasions do inform me against me, and spur my dull revenge! What is man†¦O, from this time forth, my thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth! † when realizing now is the time for him to act (4. 4. 31-65). Hamlet finally recognizes that he has held out his revenge for too long and must act on it after seeing Fortinbras’ army sacrificing money and men to get back a worthless piece of land just for honour. In due course Hamlet’s procrastination eventually leads to his death in the end. If it is not for the Danish Prince’s moral nature of procrastination, he could have very well avoided death by acting on his deed to his father. Last, the most important moral virtue that the saddened prince portrays is indecisiveness. When deciding whether or not to fulfill his revenge for his deceased father, Hamlet confidently declares now whether it be, bestial oblivion, or some craven scruple, of thinking too precisely on th event a thought which, quarterd , hath but one part wisdom   and ever three parts coward I do not know why yet I live to say this things to do ,sith I have cause , and will and strength , and means  to do. 4. 4. 39-44) This decision further describes that Hamlet is indecisive about when he must carry out retribution for his forbearer. Indecisiveness relates to both religion and procrastination qualities as well. Hamlet pronounces â€Å"I, his sole son, do this same villain send to heaven. O, this is hire and salary, not revenge†¦ or about some act that has no relish of salvation in’t; then trip him, that his heels may kick at heaven, and that his soul may be as damn’d and black† when determining when Claudius should be slain and go to hell (3. . 77-95). Not only religious virtues are apparent but also indecisive traits. Indecisiveness is evident while Hamlet needs to decide at what specific point in time to achieve his goal of retaliation. When speaking to himself in the castle, the melancholic prince sighs â€Å"Thus conscience does make cowards of us all† (3. 1. 84). Even though procrastination is evident in Hamlet’s speech, indecisiveness can be found as well. Indecisiveness is present in Hamlet’s speech because he is contemplating on his own life and death. For these examples, indecisiveness is in the Danish Prince’s moral nature that affects his ability to seek payback for his father. In conclusion, moral relativism, procrastination and indecisiveness are the three vital virtues that insane Prince carries. These traits prove the reoccurring theme that the need for revenge can consume you. Hamlet’s moral nature is the reason why he is unable to seek vengeance for his father immediately and if the insane Dane had taken action and fulfilled his assassination on Claudius instantly, Prince Hamlet’s fate would have ended better. Works Cited Shakespeare, William Hamlet.

Culture Sources Of Conflict Than Of Synergy Cultural Studies Essay

Culture Sources Of Conflict Than Of Synergy Cultural Studies Essay Cultures can be high context or low context depending on the ways of communication. Low context culture is the one which is more explicit, communication is direct and things are fully but concisely spelled out. People dont think about what other people are going to think of them if they behaved in a particular way. A high context culture is the one in which the communicators assume a great deal of commonality of knowledge and views, so that its less explicit. People act according to the situations in this culture, there is more emphasis on gestures. One has to read between the lines. Cultures can also be monochronic or polychoronic, monochronic is when the managers like to do one thing at a time, they value orderliness and sense of there being an appropriate time and place for everything on the other hand polychronic culture encourages multitasking and doing multiple things at a time. Then there is future, present and past oriented cultures. Past oriented societies are more bound by the traditional values and ways of doing things. These cultures tend to be more conservative in management and less adaptive. Present oriented societys focuses on the present, they prefer short term benefits over the long term goals. Future oriented societies have a great deal of optimism about the future. They focus on long term benefits, expansion and growth. Discussion: Communication can be greatly affected by the difference in cultures and the languages spoken, or unspoken? Well yes, we are talking about the silent language here which can impact international business. There are different languages which are non-verbal and are not communicated directly but communicate up to ninety percent of the meaning in the high context cultures, like the language of time, space, friendship, business patterns, etc. There are different unspoken languages just like there are different spoken languages. The unspoken languages are informal yet they can have a great impact. There is language of time which is different for people belonging to different cultures. For example, In the U.S. a delay in answering a communication could be because of the backlog of work, and a large volume of business causing the request to be postponed, but on the other hand, the person awaiting response might think that the matter has low priority on the part of the other person -lack of interest. A similar kind of delay in another foreign country may mean something altogether different. Like time, language of space has a different meaning everywhere too. Americans measure their importance or position in the organization according to the size of their offices. The president or the chairman has the biggest office, and so on down the line. French on the other hand are more likely to layout space as a network and often find a supervisor in the middle of his subordinates. Also body distance is very important factor of language of space, in countries like middle east, people get to o close ,crowd the physical being whereas in, UK people prefer being a little cold and distant. But at the same time it is important to know the extent to which people are acceptable about the distance. Though Saudi-Arabia is a high touch culture inappropriate use of touch in advertising messages may cause problems. For example, Drakkar noir perfume advert in Europe is a mans hand clutching the perfume bottle and a womans hand seizing his bare forearm, whereas in the Saudi-Arabian version a mans arm is clothed in a dark jacket sleeve, and woman is touching the mans hand only with her fingertip. The sensuality is toned down and made less explicit in the Saudi-Arabian version (Hollensen, 2007). So though these countries are high touch cultures, we should also remember that these cultures are also high-context cultures. Then there is also language of agreements between people in various countries wherein rules are legally bound and the executives are expected to have a basic awareness of the rules. These rules can be laws and regulations of a country or maybe a moral practice that is followed in that country as a tradition or the informal customs to which everyone confirms without being able to state the exact rules. (Hall, 1960). Culture influences various attitudes towards food, health, media, consumption, country of origin, lifestyle, values, sex and love related attitudes, etc The factors are very closely related and in turn affect the marketing strategies a company adopts like pricing of a product, advertising and promotions, choosing a target market, product adaptation (Hollensen, 2007). For example, In India, The Hindu religion doesnt permit to eat beef. Therefore McDonalds in India doesnt serve the big Mac, instead the product has been adapted to suit the Indian consumers renamed as the maharaja Mac consisting of lamb (Harding, 2000). These aspects influence the consumer behaviour. In many countries, colors represent various holidays; they are also used to express feelings. The language of colour can influence international business, if its not promoted properly. One example of this can be Pepsi, Pepsi cola lost its dominant market share to coke in south-east Asia when Pepsi changed the colour of its v ending machines and coolers from deep regal blue to light ice blue as light blue is associated with mourning and death in south east Asia. There also a need to be careful with the brand designs, product and package design, colour, brand name and symbols because the attitudes of people towards these symbols or names could be different in different countries. Some conventional brand names that communicate positive messages in one country might have a totally different meaning in another which may substantially damage the corporate image and marketing effectiveness. When Pepsi was expanding in china a few years ago, the slogan Pepsi brings you back to life was literally translated in Chinese which meant brings your ancestors back from the grave. The above mentioned parts of a culture are the most fundamental ones, yet other parts also have a large impact on the culture. Things such as tradition, customs, humour, and education are all components of a culture that, if studied and understood, will reduce potential misunderstandings. It is important for companies to engage in business abroad in order to stay competitive. Even though the decision to start trading with foreign countries may seem rational and unavoidable, for many companies there are obstacles that could and will affect the business Outcome. It is important to have a thorough understanding of all impacts the international Trade will have on the business and its performances and there are several ways to overcome these obstacles. One way is to educate and inform the workers about the cultural differences and the specific business procedures in the countries. Managers should also try to make use of the local employees that possess valuable knowledge about the market that is adopting a regiocentric approach. Also the managers should be less ethnocentric and more polycentric towards the foreign culture. A deeper economic integration through EU and ASEAN and other such trade agreements will eliminate tariffs among the member countries and harmonize business procedures and regulations. With this free trade liberalization, non-tariff barriers to trade will also be reduced as countries and cultures become more unified (Kogut Singh, 1988). For companies doing business overseas it is crucial to not only know your own companys Customs, but in addition compare these with the honouring countrys customs of behaviour. This applies, in particular, to companies which operate in countries where the home culture is that of a complete different nature. In order to understand different peoples behaviours it is imperative to look at the different levels of culture and how these affect the individuals in different scenarios. The different levels are national cultu re, business culture, organizational Culture and individual behaviour. The countrys national culture is directly impacting the business culture in the country. In turn, the business culture will have an apparent influence over each and every company within that country. All of these levels will ultimately affect the individuals behaviour. In countries where religion has a major impact on the business procedures, managers should prepare themselves and their personnel by collecting information about the religion and the typical behaviours and manners that are incorporated. By increasing the knowledge and familiarity with the specific religion, it will become easier to accept and understand why certain procedures are taking place, especially when doing business. The culture of a host country is sometimes completely different to culture in the home country. Thus, when striving to recruit the right people companies need to focus on internal training and trying to shape the person in respect to the corporate culture instead of finding the perfect match in an interview process. It is absolutely crucial that the companies start looking beyond the persons abilities at the early stage and instead try to sell the corporate culture as an alternative to changing the personality. Since the national culture and as well the business culture are directly correlated to how the individuals act, it is crucial to understand the individual behaviours in the specific country that the company is operating in. Cultures are embedded in every conflict because conflicts arise in human relationships. Though conflicts cannot be completely eliminated in an organization it can definitely be minimized. Forcing 100% cultural assimilation of those who fall outside the cultural norm is one path as well, but it breeds resentment and ultimate conflict. Sometimes the cultural diversity in an organization is seen as having no impact at all and the diversity is ignored also known as the parochial philosophy, but this results in the marginalization of people who fall outside the cultural norm (Mooij, 2003). Therefore, it is important to implement useful strategies that would reduce the conflicts rather than instigating them. Managers must be skilled at resolving and understanding cross cultural conflicts so that if at all conflicts arise managers are able to resolve the conflict without affecting the productivity. Employ people from the host country so that they have adequate knowledge about the culture and the language of the host country, these regional managers can thus provide further training to the employees from home country. When a company relocates to a new site abroad, relocation services offered by organization should go beyond moving and new community information as employees require orientation to the realities and opportunities of the new cultural environment. When an organization moves to a new place, quickening of the work pace can result in resentment and burnout, therefore involving employees in co-operative efforts to regulate and monitor change in the work environment would be a good idea. There are various cross cultural approaches which can be used by the managers. Cultural dominance, when one organization is in a more powerful position than the other, the more powerful one dominates, insisting on doing things as they are done in the home culture. Cultural accommodation approach, this is opposite of cultural dominance, this is when managers tend to imitate the culture of the host country, attempting to blend in. Cultural compromise approach, this approach is a combination of the two approaches mentioned above, with both the sides conceding something to work together more successfully. This approach can be used by the managers to minimise cultural conflicts and function efficiently. Cultural avoidance, this approach emphasizes on working and managing as if no cultural conflict exists, most often used by managers when the unresolved issue is less important than the final outcome of the situation or the negotiation. Cultural synergy approach, this approach develops new solutions that respect all cultures involved and often increases the chances fo r working effectively in a transcultural environment. For example, if a French firm insists that negotiations with a German to be done in French it is an example of cultural dominance approach, if Germans agree immediately then it is an example of cultural accommodation. If both parties decide to get an interpreter, it is an example of cultural compromise. However, if both German and French agree to negotiate in a third language, it is the cultural synergy approach. This third language can be a language known to both the parties so that none of the parties have a language advantage over the other But we can end the topic saying, what comprises of conflict in one culture is daily difference of opinion in another. A serious insult in one setting -crossing ones leg -is a matter of comfort in another. An arrogant challenge in one culture -putting ones hands on hips -is a sign of openness in another. Human boundaries are cultural creations; social boundaries, legal boundaries and emotional boundaries are all drawn according to each cultures value (Mooij, 2003). So culture can act as a catalyst in bringing people together if used appropriately and to the organizations benefit, but if disrespected and ignored can also create major conflicts eventually leading to failure of the business.

Essay --

It has been my constant endeavor to improve all the skills I have gained in 22 years of my life. Right from gaining good academic scores to participating in extra-curricular activities, I have given my 100% to everything I do. My new found passion in technology coupled with this tremendous endeavor has been a source of inspiration for applying to the Master’s degree in Information Systems Management. I have always been fascinated by Big Data and its implications in today's world, the IT strategies that different companies follow to optimize their operations and the way information access is changing the way we live and work. At this point in the development of IT operations, companies worldwide face a deluge of information, information that needs to be harnessed and deployed in a meaningful manner. It is this need and opportunity that I hope to address by pursuing a renowned techno-management course like Information Systems at a prestigious university like Carnegie Mellon. During my undergraduate course at SASTRA University, I had an opportunity to be exposed to various interesting subjects like Database management systems, Operating System concepts, networking etc. These subjects rekindled my passion for technology and IT. I also had an opportunity to take electives like Software Project Management, Organization behavior and Supply Chain Management. Exploring areas like Software Project Management and e-commerce made me realize how they can make or break a software company. My experience with these core subjects would help me in taking up the rigor of the curriculum in Info systems. I have got excellent grades all through my under grad life and also have been part of prominent clubs like GLOSS (Open Source community at my colle... ...o churn out better minds (Students) for uplifting the society. Carnegie Mellon is known to be the best in doing this and it would be great if I am admitted to this prestigious institution. I think with its wonderful faculty and facilities, CMU is a notch ahead of many other schools and universities. These things put together, make CMU my number one option for pursuing my higher studies and improve my technical and analytical skills. If admitted, I promise to be really up to all the challenges and would strive to achieve my goal through hard work and dedication. One quote that always lingers in my mind even today was the one Kevin Turner (COO of Microsoft) told us when we were in the US: â€Å"Hard work does not guarantee success but lack of hard work guarantees failure.† This will be the driving force if admitted to Carnegie Mellon and I really look forward to it. Essay -- It has been my constant endeavor to improve all the skills I have gained in 22 years of my life. Right from gaining good academic scores to participating in extra-curricular activities, I have given my 100% to everything I do. My new found passion in technology coupled with this tremendous endeavor has been a source of inspiration for applying to the Master’s degree in Information Systems Management. I have always been fascinated by Big Data and its implications in today's world, the IT strategies that different companies follow to optimize their operations and the way information access is changing the way we live and work. At this point in the development of IT operations, companies worldwide face a deluge of information, information that needs to be harnessed and deployed in a meaningful manner. It is this need and opportunity that I hope to address by pursuing a renowned techno-management course like Information Systems at a prestigious university like Carnegie Mellon. During my undergraduate course at SASTRA University, I had an opportunity to be exposed to various interesting subjects like Database management systems, Operating System concepts, networking etc. These subjects rekindled my passion for technology and IT. I also had an opportunity to take electives like Software Project Management, Organization behavior and Supply Chain Management. Exploring areas like Software Project Management and e-commerce made me realize how they can make or break a software company. My experience with these core subjects would help me in taking up the rigor of the curriculum in Info systems. I have got excellent grades all through my under grad life and also have been part of prominent clubs like GLOSS (Open Source community at my colle... ...o churn out better minds (Students) for uplifting the society. Carnegie Mellon is known to be the best in doing this and it would be great if I am admitted to this prestigious institution. I think with its wonderful faculty and facilities, CMU is a notch ahead of many other schools and universities. These things put together, make CMU my number one option for pursuing my higher studies and improve my technical and analytical skills. If admitted, I promise to be really up to all the challenges and would strive to achieve my goal through hard work and dedication. One quote that always lingers in my mind even today was the one Kevin Turner (COO of Microsoft) told us when we were in the US: â€Å"Hard work does not guarantee success but lack of hard work guarantees failure.† This will be the driving force if admitted to Carnegie Mellon and I really look forward to it.

Human genetics :: essays research papers

The Continuing Debate Over Human Cloning In the past few years, human cloning has gone from a laboratory fantasy to a global debate. There are many arguments supporting both negative and positive effects of human cloning. Human cloning raises a lot of challenging questions about human liberty, dignity, and identity. Will human cloning be a great step for man, or will it lead to moral abyss? This question is asked all the time. With great research one would realize that with the implementation of human cloning, there would be a huge medical and non-medical advancement. People with superior or mental attributes would be cloned, large armies could be created, single and infertile parents could have children, and certain species could be saved from extinction. In contrast to all the positives of human cloning, there are more negatives related to the subject, mostly moral and ethical negatives coming from ethicists, psychologists, theologians and the church, as well as many mandated laws against the cloning of humans. Cloning could also cause a serious overpopulation crisis. The first major point in favor of human cloning is that cancer patients would be able to have bone marrow transplants together with other organ transplants. The treatment for leukemia could be revolutionized. One of the more successful treatments for leukemia involves the transfer of the patient’s bone marrow through chemotherapy and the transplantation of healthy marrow cells. With marrow cells that are perfect Lomax 2 genetic matches for a leukemia patient could be created from that person with one’s own cell through the use of human cloning. Organ transplants and donations are not so efficient at this point in time. It does help, but more often it does not. This is because there are a lot of factors that are taken into account when an organ is replaced with a donated one. If someone dies, and has signed a paper allowing for his or her organs to be removed from his or her corpse and donated to people in need, and the organs proves to be healthy and working, then our donation policies prove effective. This, however, is not always the case. The fact that every second more people are born than die continues to limit the usefulness of this program. Cloning could undoubtedly remove all of these factors, by allowing corpses to rot away instead of being ripped open, and save thousands, maybe even millions, of lives.