Plato s Simile Of The Cave - 1149 Words

Imagine living in a world of false impressions, of course how would know that they were living in a world of lies. They would probably believe that every action performed by their senses were true. Plato’s Simile of the Cave sheds light on this this idea which is also adapted by the 1999 movie by Andy Wachowski Lana Wachowski, ‘The Matrix.’ Both works have allegorical meanings which explains how people are trapped by some sort of limitations they have which could also serve as a deterrent to their further understanding. This movie ‘The Matrix’ shares a common philosophical basis with Plato’s Simile of the Cave. First, Plato argues that the mind is susceptible to false ideas because of the limitations of our senses. This is shown in the conversation between Socrates, a speaker in his allegory, and Glaucon, the second speaker. Socrates explains to Glaucon that the prisoners in Plato’s metaphorical cave are bound to assume that the shadows thrown on the wall, by the fire, are real and that the objects held by the passers-by, walking along the road, belong to the shadows. â€Å"And so in every way they would believe that the shadows of the objects we mentioned were the whole truth.† (Plato, 26). Plato believes that the world perceived through our senses is not a real world, but a poor copy of it. This prisoners do not know that they are prisoners, which makes them to be completely unaware that the reality they know is false. In similar fashion, his claim shares a commonShow MoreRelatedThe Allegory Of The Cave1307 Words   |  6 PagesAllegory of the Cave there are prisoners are chained up together in which they are all facing the back wall. There is a firing behind the prisoners and the only thing that they can see are the shadows of the people behind them. The fire casts shadows on the wall so this is the only thing that they see. Their entire lives have been based on these shadows on the wall. These prisoner s have been chained up since birth, so what they see on the walls is all they know. In the Allegory of the Cave, they let oneRead MorePlato s Allegory, And Glaucon, The Second Speaker1345 Words   |  6 Pages First, Plato argues that humans are vulnerable to false ideas because of the limitations of our senses. This is shown in the conversation between Socrates, a speaker in his allegory, and Glaucon, the second speaker. Socrates explains to Glaucon that the prisoners in Plato’s metaphorical cave are bound to assume that the shadows thrown on the wall, by the fire, are real and that the objects held by the passers-by, along the road, belong to the shadows. â€Å"And so in every way they would believe thatRead MorePlato Vs Aristotle On Politics And Philosophy1899 Words   |  8 PagesPlato versus Aristotle Plato and Aristotle, two philosophers in the 4th century, hold polar views on politics and philosophy in general. This fact is very cleverly illustrated by Raphael s School of Athens (1510-11; Stanza della Segnatura, Vatican), where Plato is portrayed looking up to the higher forms; and Aristotle is pointing down because he supports the natural sciences. In a discussion of poli tics, the stand point of each philosopher becomes an essential factor. It is not coincidental thatRead MoreHuman Nature In Fahrenheit 4511349 Words   |  6 Pagestensions that occur between one s perception of what is moral according to human nature when constrained by a theocratic society. Fahrenheit 451 a dystopian novel by Ray Bradbury, shows how oppressive governments can never succeed in trying to force conformity in one s human nature. The Lottery is a dystopian shirt story, by Shirley Jackson and demonstrates conformity and rebellion, and how overpowering a community can be against an individual. Para 1: Miller s criticises the controlling nature

Pros And Cons Of The Samsung Smartphone - 1819 Words

I didn’t have to try too hard to find a subject for my project. We live in a society that runs on technology. Everyone wants the next big thing. Celebrities help push these things and make them the must-haves. I do not remember people spending so much money on designer hand bags, designer make-up, and the newest technology. I have seen people get ridiculed for having an outdated phone or a phone that is not an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. You are not worth their time if you do have these brands to represent you. I took a look at Samsung and noticed there was much to be uncovered. They are falling behind Apple fast. How can this be? What effects does supply and demand have over a product? I will look at the cellphone business in specific. I will note the pros and cons for the Samsung smartphone. I will identify the cost of the product. What were the shortcomings of the Galaxy’s launch? How will they turn things around? I myself am a big fan of Samsung electronics. Once you see the name it has brand recognition. I think of reliability and comfort. I know their product is not going to break down. While shopping for a washer and dryer for my new home, I immediately wanted to purchase the brand. While almost clicking â€Å"check-out† online I was stopped by my sister-in-law and she said that her washer and dryer repair guy said there was a reason why there were so may returns on their product. Here I was going for the brand again. There are so many comparable products out there andShow MoreRelatedMobile Operating Systems1268 Words   |  6 PagesINTRODUCTION Over the past decade, smartphones have taken the world by storm and recently, tablets have entered into the arena as well. These mobile devices are having a significant impact on our lives and are in fact redefining the way we access information and communicate with others. 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Critically discuss the Strategy in Action of Tesco plc Free Essays

INTRODUCTION Tesco plc is the food and drink retail sector represents the major industry in the UK, providing, manufacturing, employment for over three million people in the main production and retailing. In 2004 retail accounted for 9% of (GDP) gross domestic product (Datamonitor, 2003). In latest years UK supermarkets have come under increased analysis over their management of suppliers, yet the increase of strategic supply networks has been essential part of largely supermarket strategies for the past decade. We will write a custom essay sample on Critically discuss the Strategy in Action of Tesco plc or any similar topic only for you Order Now This report is provides Tesco, with emphasis on its external environment and company’s analysis of resources, competence and culture strategic and the resources based on strategies. One of the largest food retailers in the world, Tesco operating about 2,319 stores and employing over 325,000 people. It provides online services through its subsidiary, Tesco.com. The UK largest market company where it operates under four banners of Superstore, Extra, Metro and Express. The company sells about 40,000 food products, non-food lines, clothing and other. The company’s own-label products are at three levels, normal and finest, value,. As well as convenience produce, several stores have gas stations, becoming one of Britain’s largest independent petrol retailers. Other retailing services Tesco Personal Finance. PESTEL FRAMEWORK 2.1 Political Factors the company Operating in a globalized environment. Tesco has stores around the world now operates in the Republic of Ireland, Europe , Slovakia, Poland , Czech Republic, Hungary and Turkey. It also operates in Asia in Thailand Japan Taiwan, South Korea, and Malaysia it is performance is greatly influenced by the political and legislative situation of these countries, including the (EU). For employmentthe government encourages retailers to provide a mix flexible job opportunities, lower-paid and locally-based jobs to highly-skilled, higher- located jobs paid and centrally- (Balchin, 1994). Moreover to meet the demand from population categories such as working parents senior citizens and Students. 2.2 EconomicalFactors Tesco economic factors are of concern, because they are likely to influence demand, prices profits, and costs. One of the mainly influential factors on the economy is high unemployment levels, which decreases the effective demand for several goods. The economic factors are largely outside the control of the company, but their effects the marketing and performance can be deep. while international business is still increasing (Appendix A), and is expected to contribute better amounts to Tesco’s income over the next few years, the company is still highly dependent on the market. therefore, it would be badly affected by any slowdown exposed to the market concentration risks and in the UK food market 2.3Social/CulturalFactors present trends show that British customers have moved towards ‘bulk’ shopping, which is due to a range of social changes. Tesco have, therefore, improved the quantity of non-food stuff available for sale. Demographic changes such as the aging of people, the female workers are increase and a decline in preparation home meal mean that UK retailers are also focusing on services and added-value products . adding, the focus is now towards; the share of the own-label in business mix, the operational improvements and supply chain , which can drive costs out of the business. National retailers are increasingly reticent to take on new suppliers (Datamonitor Report, 2003Clarke, Bennison and Guy,1994;). The type of goods and services demanded by customers is a meaning of their consequent attitudes and beliefs and social conditioning . customers are becoming more and more aware of their attitudes towards food are constantly changing and health issues. For instance to accommodate an increased demand for organic products Tesco adapting the product mix, and also the first company to allow customers to pay in cash and cheques at the checkout. 2.4 Technological Factors Technology is a main macro-environmental changeable which has influenced the increase of several Tesco products. The new technologies benefit the company and customers satisfaction raises because services can become more personalised and shopping more convenient, goods are readily and available.The launch of the Efficient Consumer Response initiative provided the shift that is now apparent in the management of food supply chains (Datamonitor Report, 2003 2.5 Environmental Factors In 2003, there has been improved pressure on several companies and managers to admit their responsibility to society. (Johnson and Scholes, 2003) The major societal concern threatening food retailers has been environmental issues, a key region for companies to proceed in a socially responsible way. therefore, by recognizing this tendency in the broad ethical stance, the company corporate social responsibility is concerned through the ways in which an organization exceeds the minimum obligations to stakeholders particular through regulation and business governance PORTER’S FIVE FORCES Threat of New Entrants The UK grocery market is mainly dominated by competitors, including the major brands of Tesco ,Sainsbury’s Safeway ,and Asda, that take a market share of 70% and small chains of Somerfield, Waitrose and Budgens with a further 10%. Over the last 30 years, Ritz (2005), the grocery market has been changed into the supermarket-dominated business. The Majority of the large chains have built their power due to operating efficiency, major marketing-mix expenditure and one-stop shopping. This power had a large impact on the small traditional shops, such as, bakers, butchers and etc. therefore, these days it possesses a strong barrier for new companies who want to enter the grocery market. For example, it becomes rather difficult for new entrants to increase sufficient capital because of large fixed costs and highly developed supply chains. in advanced technology This is also evident in huge investments done by large chains, like Tesco, for stock contro l systems that impact new entrants and the existing ones and checkouts . Other barriers include economies of scale achieved by Tesco. Bargaining Powerof Suppliers This force that can be influenced by major grocery chains and that fear of losing their business to the large supermarkets. Therefore, this consolidates more leading positions of stores like Tesco and Asda in negotiating betterprices from suppliers that small individual chains are unable to match Ritz (2005). UK based suppliers are also threatened by the rising ability of retailers to source their products from abroad at cheaper deals. The relationship with sellers can have same effects in constraining the strategic freedom of the company and in influencing its margins. The forces of competitive rivalry have reduced the profit margins for suppliers and supermarket chains. Bargaining Power of Customers Porter M. (1980) more products that become standardized or undifferentiated, the lower the switching cost, and therefore, more power is yielded to buyers. Tesco’s famous loyalty card – Club card remains the successful customer retention strategy that increases the profitability of Tesco’s business. In meeting customer needs, better choices, customizing service, ensure low prices, constant flow of in-store promotions like Tesco enables brands to control and retain their customer base. In recent years the food retailing has changed due to a large demand of consumers doing the majority of their shopping in supermarkets that shows a larger need for supermarkets to sell non-food items. Also it has provided supermarkets with a new strategic expansion into new markets of banking. moreover Consumers have become more aware of the issues surrounding fairer trade and the influence of western consumers on the expectations and aspirations of Third World producers. Ethically and ecologically benign sound production of consumer produce such as coffee, tea, and cocoa is viable, and such products are widely available at the majority of large chains. Threat of Substitutes for a particular product General substitution is able to reduce demand, while there is a threat of consumers switching to the alternatives Porter M. (1980). In the grocery industry this can be seen in the form of the substitute of need or product-for-productand is further weakened by new trends, such as the way small chains of convenience stores are emerging in the industry. In this case Tesco is trying to acquire existing small-scale operations and opening Express and Metro stores in city centres and local towns Ritz (2005). 3.5Bargaining Powerof Competitors The grocery environment has seen a very significant growth in the size and market dominance of the larger players, with greater store size, increased retailer concentration, and the utilisation of a range of formats, which are now prominent characteristics of the sector. As it was mentioned above, the purchasing power of the food-retailing industry is concentrated in the hands of a relatively small number of retail buyers. Operating in a mature, flat market where growth is difficult (a driver of the diversification into non-food areas), and consumers are increasingly demanding and sophisticated, large chains as Tesco are accruing large amounts of consumer information that can be used to communicate with the consumer Ritz (2005). This highly competitive market has fostered an accelerated level of development, resulting in a situation in which UK grocery retailers have had to be innovative to maintain and build market share. Such innovation can be seen in the development of a range of trading formats, in response to changes in consumer behaviour. The dominant market leaders have responded by refocusing on price and value, whilst reinforcing the added value elements of their service. SWOTAnalysis mus,,,, Tesco is the top grocer and leading retailer in its home market of the UK. Pitched at the broad middle mass-market, it has maintained its position through a clear focus, well targeted product offer and excellent record both in product and format innovation. Tesco also leads the world in online grocery retailing. In the UK the company concentrates on running grocery superstores, c-stores and an online service. Elsewhere the focus is usually on hypermarkets. In 2003, the group’s trading record around Europe and UK has been outstanding. The full SWOT analysis of Tesco is presented in Appendix B, summarizing the key issues from the business environment and the strategic capability, including resources and competence, of the company that are most likely to impact on strategy development Strengths Increasing market share: Tesco holds a 13% share of the UK retail market. Its multi-format capability means that it will continue to grow share in food, while increasing space contribution from hypermarkets will allow it to drive a higher share in non-food. Tesco’s general growth and ROI show no sign of abating: In the UK, Tesco’s late 2002 investment into West-midlands based convenience store group TS was billed as the most aggressive move into the neighborhood market by a big-name retailer so far. The deal has turned Tesco into the country’s second biggest convenience store chain after the Co-operative Group, and the company also plans to open up 59 new stores in the UK this year. Tesco has grown its non-food division to the extent that its revenues now total 23% of total group earnings. Tesco’s international business segment is growing steadily, and is predicted to contribute nearly a quarter of group profits over the next five years. If geographical spread continues to grow, this will ensure Tesco’s continued regional strength. Insurance: In fiscal 2003 Tesco Personal Finance reached the milestone of one million motor insurance policies, making it the fastest growing motor insurance providerever.The group’s instant travel insurance allows Clubcard holders to buy their holiday insurance conveniently at the checkout. Pet insurance now has over 330,000 cats and dogs covered, while the life insurance policy followed on from the success of last year, when it was voted The Most Competitive Life Insurance Provider in the MoneyFacts Awards 2003. Tesco online: Tesco.com is the world’s biggest online supermarket and this year the group had sales of over ?577 million, an increase of 29% on last year. Tesco online now operates in over 270 stores around the country, covering 96% of the UK. With over a million households nationwide having used the company’s online services, the company has a strong platform to further develop this revenue stream. Brand value: Profits for Tesco’s operations in Europe, Asia and Ireland increased by 78% during the last fiscal year. The company has a strong brand image, and is associated with good quality, trustworthy goods that represent excellent value. Tesco’s innovative ways of improving the customer shopping experience, as well as its efforts to branch out into finance and insurance have also capitalized on this. UK market leadership reinforced: Since acquiring number one ranking in 1996, Tesco has developed a successful multiformat strategy that has accelerated its advantage. Its UK sales are now 71% larger than Sainsbury’s. Also the Competition Commission’s report makes it very difficult for a competitor to challenge its scale and has effectively scuppered Wal-Mart’s chances of stealing UK leadership. Therefore, Tesco is in an enormously strong position in its domestic market. Weaknesses Reliance upon the UK market: Although international business is still growing, and is expected to contribute greater amounts to Tesco’s profits over the next few years, the company is still highly dependent on the UK market (73.8% of 2003 revenues). While this isn’t a major weakness in the short term, any changes in the UK supermarket industry over the next year for example, like the Morrison’s group successfully purchasing the Safeway chain could alter the balance of UK supermarket power, and affect share. Debt reduction: Tesco is not expected to reduce its debt until at least 2006. Tesco has a large capital expenditure program mainly due to its huge investment in space for new stores. Since its expansion is so aggressive, Tesco has little free cash for any other operations. Signs point to serial acquisitions: With an enterprise value of ?23 billion, Tesco clearly has enormous firepower. Also, its product range is vast and almost any acquisition can be justified, particularly in the UK. While ‘fill the gap’ strategy would be useful to the company, as has been the case with the UK convenience market, there is the danger of Tesco becoming a serial acquirer, as this tends to reduce earnings visibility and quality. 8.0 CONCLUSION The success of the Tesco shows how far the branding and effective service delivery can come in moving beyond splashing one’s logo on a billboard. It had fostered powerful identities by making their retiling concept into a virus and spending it out into the culture via a variety of channels: cultural sponsorship, political controversy, consumer experience and brand extensions. In a rapidly changing business environment with a high competitors’ pressure Tesco have to adopt new expansion strategies or diversified the existing in order to sustain its leading market position in an already established retailing market. The company must constantly adapt to the fast changing circumstances. Strategy formulation should therefore be regarded as a process of continuous learning, which includes learning about the goals, the effect of possible actions towards these goals and how to implement and execute these actions. The quality of a formulated strategy and the speed of its implementation will therefore directly depend on the quality of Tesco’s cognitive and behavioural learning processes. In large organizations as Tesco strategy should be analysed and implemented at various levels within the hierarchy. These different levels of strategy should be related and mutually supporting. Tesco’s strategy at a corporate level defines the businesses in which Tesco will compete, in a way that focuses resources to convert distinctive competence into competitive advantage How to cite Critically discuss the Strategy in Action of Tesco plc, Essay examples

Globalization And Political Culture World -Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Globalization And Political Culture World? Answer: Introducation According to the article, globalization is an intricate interconnection among nations which is experienced at both a cultural and economic viewpoint. Shell, Mitsubishi, Samsung, among others are some of the significant multinational companies that engage in complex relationships with various global countries. One of the considerable benefits of globalization, as pointed out by the sociologists, is that it enables cultural leveling. In other terms, the companies mentioned above and others will be in a position to supply identical products across the globe. As a result of globalization, the similarity of distinct cultures increases, the same stores are seen in every countrys shopping mall, every television airs Toyota advertisements, and so forth. The results, as the experts point out, will be a standardized global culture. Conversely, the article also outlines some drawbacks associated with globalization. One of the firm arguments against globalization, according to other schools of t hought, is that it may cause erosion of individual cultures. However, the article argues that this may not be the case. In fact, many nations are keen on the issue individual culture erosion and are ready to protect their culture at any cost. The French government, for instance, has worked very hard to prevent its citizens from adopting the Hollywood culture. Indeed, the issue of globalization and its impact on culture has been the subject of unrelenting debates for many decades. Majority of thinkers suggest that the benefits of globalization outweigh the drawbacks. For instance, citizens of a particular country may be subjected to oppression by their government. However, upon seeing the excellent life of other cultures under a non-abusive administration, they are convinced that they need change (Cleveland, Rojas-Mndez, Laroche, Papadopoulos, 2016). Globalization has been argued to be the cause of revolutions in many nations, and especially those under dictatorial rule. Culture is dynamic. In any society, the ability to incorporate new cultures is a crucial part of human life. One thing that is important to note is that globalization has hastened the process culture adaptation. Also, the argument that continuous penetration of foreign cultures will cause erosion of individual cultures does not seem to hold any truth. Haynes (2016) notes t hat as different people come together, they adopt new customs but maintain their distinctive characteristics. References Cleveland, M., Rojas-Mndez, J. I., Laroche, M., Papadopoulos, N. (2016). Identity, culture, dispositions and behavior: A cross-national examination of globalization and culture change.Journal of Business Research,69(3), 1090-1102. Haynes, J. (Ed.). (2016).Religion, globalization and political culture in the Third World. Springer.

Classical Music Influence on Brain and Mood

Abstract Music is found in both traditional and modern societies. Its roles have not changed significantly amid changes in lifestyles and state of technology. Music serves to entertain, overcome certain emotions, express some emotions, and relax the mind.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Classical Music Influence on Brain and Mood specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Through music, people can change their moods from sadness to happiness without realizing it. It has positive effects in relieving stress, which suggests that it influences the brain and its processes. Music drives people’s moods so that when shifts from one state to another occur, they feel relaxed and relieved. Through it, people can go about their daily chores energetically. This paper reports on the positive effects of music on both the brain and mood. Introduction Different people have disparate music preferences. However, some music g enres make individuals to react both emotionally and physically. Music constitutes an essential element of people’s lives. Individuals react towards music without realizing. For instance, when one hears his or her most favorite music, he or she starts singing along or even dancing without even realizing it. This aspect suggests that music influences the brain significantly. When sad, listening to one’s favorite music can change the mood to happiness. Depending on the genre, music shapes people’s moods accordingly. For example, listening to blues may create a romantic mood amongst its listeners. This paper discusses the effects of classical music on the brain and mood. It first establishes a theoretical background on the effects of music on the brain and mood. Literature review Music plays important roles in the lives of people. Historically, it was highly appreciated as it formed part of the primitive ancient civilizations’ lifestyles. Similarly, it forms part of the modern civilizations’ lives. Similar to language, music is universal in the sense that all societies and communities have differing music genres, which are powerful tools that speak louder than words (Yehuda, 2011).Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Indeed, sound does not tell lies so that music possesses a legitimate authority. Many philosophers and psychologists are intrigued due to the effects of music on emotions, brain, and moods of people. Therefore, they endeavor to unveil its implication on the human body. Music can be traced at infancy stages of human development . Yehuda (2011) posits that infants have an innate psychological behavior for music in terms of depicting awareness of it and the expression of musical behaviors. This assertion suggests that music in rooted in nature of people. People possess predispositions for ‘musicking.’ Gilboa, Bodner, and Amir (2006) maintain that music constitutes a biological adaption, which is developed through evolution. The authors deploy concepts of music in describing initial communications between mothers and their babies, and thus it forms the annotation used by people while speaking expresses their authentic emotions (Gilboa et al., 2006). Consequently, music constitutes a manifestation of emotional communications amongst people.  Miell, MacDonald, and Hargreaves (2005) report positive impacts of music on people’s bodies by discussing its therapeutic effects in Greek myths and beliefs. For instance, Yehuda (2011)notes that music helps in â€Å"restoring both the soul and the body to a state of equilibrium, arousing or soothing as needed, to temper excess or deficient emotion and creating the sensation of pleasure through movement† (p. 86). The Greeks also believed that music helps in inducing the catharsis, which purges the soul of emotional turmoil. This assertion suggests that since ancient times, people have appreciated that music has the capability of penetrating souls and bodies. Various productions for human behavior underscore the existence of the perception that music produces healing effects. For instance, King George I suffered from troubles of tension handling coupled with failure of the capacity to recall. On searching â€Å"the biblical account of King Saul, he considered Saul to have suffered the same problem† (Yehuda, 2011, p. 86). King George quickly realized that King Saul deployed a specific type of music to overcome his problems. Therefore, he directed Fredrick Handel to create a piece of music that would produce similar effects to those realized by King Saul through music. Handel composed the ‘water music’, which king George loved incredibly.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Classical Music Influence on Brain and Mood specifically for you for only $16.0 5 $11/page Learn More Music comprises a symbolic language, which does not refer to particular associations. Nevertheless, Miell et al. (2005) posit that its structures help in conveying certain meanings to the people’s brains. The authors further state that music â€Å"can act as a powerful sensory stimulus, thus engaging the brain in retraining neural and behavioral functions that can be applied to non-musical context in everyday life, such as therapeutic needs† (Miell et al.,2005, p.78). This aspect suggests the likelihoods for the music to impact people’s brains and moods. This likelihood is discussed in the next section. Impacts of music on the brain and mood Music compliments everyday lives of all people. Individuals listen to music to make their mornings better, ensure that they relax after work in the evening, or even enhance their motivation at work. Students find music valuable during study time, while surgeons conduct their intricate pro cedure with glamorous background music. This aspect implies that people deploy music as a mechanism of enhancing their moods (Janssen, Broek Westerink, 2012). This positive effect of classical music in enhancing people’s moods has significantly become important over the last 20 years following the rapid explosion of new technologies, which have facilitated the digitization of music. People now can listen to classical music while on their cars, doing household chores, reading, and doing almost any other activity. When reading a book, people prefer relaxing classical music. When doing hard jobs, energizing classical music is perhaps highly preferable. This aspect implies that different music genres suit different situations depending on the required specific type of mood arousal (Janssen et al., 2012). Music influences people’s mood by affecting various factors, which promote or trigger certain moods. One of such factors is stress levels. Different people have disparate levels to which they can withstand stressing environmental conditions effectively. Factors such as personality types, the emotional stability attributes of different people, and more importantly personal temperaments may determine this ability (Kumar Sharma, 2011). Exposure to stressing environmental conditions has negative consequences to both psychological and physiological health of people.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Stress may have the implication of low satisfaction with life, and thus lead to incapacity for people to work both effectively and efficiently. At organizational level, stress correlates positively with burnout, which constitutes an important factor for high labor turnover (Adhia, Nagendra Mahadevan, 2010). In clinical settings, stress entails one of the risk factors for cancer, hypertension, and diabetes among other chronic ailments. If classical music can help to alter people’s moods, then it implies that listening to one’s favorite lyrics can help to shift the mind from environmental stressors. Music has the capacity to reduce stress and increase it depending on the classical genres played. For example, music reminiscent of sorrows in life may increase stress associated with certain encounters in life. However, many psychological studies on impacts of music focus more on positive effects of music than negative consequences. The goal of psychology is to produce heal ing effects on an individual, rather than worsening the situation. Although stress may have some positive implications on people, its management mainly concerns dealing with its negative consequences in all lifestyles. Stress management highlights the deployment of psychotherapeutically designed techniques for reducing and keeping stress levels under check to ensure proper functioning of people’s brains in theireveryday work. Music can alter people’s attitudes. Indeed, any psychotherapeutic technique that alters people’s attitude produces healing effects. For instance, yoga is one of the techniques for managing stress and its historical roots and principles hinge on Hinduism philosophy. For instance, the karma yoga, which is one of Yoga types, aids in controlling stress through the development of appropriate attitudes in relation to work environment coupled with enhancing the ability to respond positively to professional anticipations for managers and employees in any organization, the industry of operation notwithstanding (Kumar Sharma, 2011). In workplaces, the alleviation of stress entails the use of strategies like the minimization of demands, thus raising people’s ability to deal with changing cognitive appraisals, psychological, and behavioral responses. Deploying music in managing stress constitutes a palliative approach to dealing with internal psychological process among individuals. It has the capacity to reduce distress coupled with tension (Yehuda, 2011).As argued before, music influences people’s mood by reducing stress. Excessive stress levels beyond an individual’s stress threshold may induce common illness such as aches and pains, inflexibility, and lack of mental relaxation. Stress truncates to uncomfortable life through the reduction of joy by conditions as insomnia and headaches coupled with backaches. These challenges constitute the symptoms of major epidemic illness like osteoporosis. Stress also correlates positively with vata derangement, which is associated with reduced instability and flexibility upon excessive rise of air related to various aspects of the body (Treven, 2010). High levels of vita air have the implication of causing people to have mood swings due to lack of focus and rajasic mental state. Major symptoms for this condition include insomnia and anxiety. Classical music produces positive effects on these conditions by countering incidences of mood swings. To this extent, by influencing moods, classical music enables people to live happier lives. Burnout constitutes a response to interpersonal coupled with emotional stressors within work environments. It has inefficacy, disparagement, and mental and emotional fatigue as its main aspects (Adhia et al., 2010). In particular, work-related burnout has negative implications on the effectiveness of an organization and its workers’ health. Research in organizational management identifies burnout and discusses its complexity in affecting work relationships, which leads to organizational conflicts. In organizational settings, the relationship between stress and burnout suggests that classical music can offer holistic solutions that can foster stress elimination through influencing people’s moods (Adhia et al., 2010). Music techniques deployed in dealing with stress entails listening, imagery, muscle relaxation, and preferred listening among others. Brain plays significant roles in relaxation. If music can result in positive effects in terms of enhancing relaxation, then it implies that it has effects on the system that controls functionalities of the body. Yehuda (2011) supports this assertion by evidencing the psychiatric effects of classical music on prisoner patients. The author reports that the treatment for psychiatric conditions for the patients indicated significant improvements in terms of relaxations, alteration of moods, and thinking processes about one’s personali ty and abilities (Yehuda, 2011). This aspect shows that music affects people’s moods, which is preceded by influencing the brain on a given stimuli, thus invoking certain mood changes.  Studies conducted through survey for participants in parenting magazines in the US context evidence that people cognize the roles of music in the reduction of stress and alternation of the mood. Yehuda (2011) posits that participants in the surveys frequently cite the capacity of music to change their moods. Despite the view that the conclusions by Yehuda (2011) depended mainly on institutions, a growing body of literature supports such findings. He lists various researches in the fields of education, therapy, and psychology by registering positive effects of music on stress management coupled with changing moods for children and adults (Yehuda, 2011). Mood has the capability of inducing anxiety among people. Classical music acts as anxiolytic treatment strategy, which is essential in the re duction of anxieties (Janssen et al., 2012). Classical Music affects people’s mood via sympathetic resonance. Time utilized in medical examination is highly relaxing by playing patients soothing music (Yehuda, 2011). Indeed, music has positive impacts on differing clinical settings. However, only few nursing and medical researches study the roles of music in clinical settings. However, based on psycho-physiological literature, specific types of music reduce anxiety levels coupled with improving respiration and heart rate without negating the increment of temperature (Janssen et al., 2012). Indeed, Yehuda (2011) recommends classical music genres deployed traditionally to relax the mind and reduce anxiety experienced by students waiting to take tests in learning institutions. This aspect implies that music can help in changing an examination mood, which helps in the elimination of fear for an examination. Such moods result from over concentration on test, which brain plays cent ral roles in maintaining focus on the subject. Thus, since music changes an examination mood, it also suggests that it helps in shifting the focus of the brain from over-thinking on the awaiting test. In this context, music affects the brain of not only students waiting to sit for a test, but also on anxieties in all contexts.  Despite the fact that classical music has sedative effects so that its lowers anxiety, it is perhaps inconclusive to infer that people respond in the same manner to sedative classical music. Response to music depends on factors like familiarity, training, the presently experienced mood, and the preferences for different music types. Consequently, determining the effects on music on an individual’s mood requires an understanding of neuropsychological relationship between emotional process and musical responses. This understanding can lead to the development of a thorough knowledge on implication of music on brain-mood emotional structure. People, amid their cultural inclinations, have the capacity to identify emotions associated with specific types of music, which can change moods on top of inducing and controlling emotions. This aspect makes it possible for the music to be deployed in enhancing people’s well-being, distracting patients, lowering stress levels, and handling unpleasant symptoms. Yehuda (2011) notes that music â€Å"seems to effectively reduce anxiety and improve mood for medical and surgical patients, especially for patients in intensive care units and those undergoing aversive procedures† (p. 90). In addition, it creates a soothing environment for people with terminal conditions as they undergo lenitive care. These aspects influence the alteration of moods since every feeling has an associated mood. Music makes people smile, excited, dance with the rhythm, and cry. Playing classical music may bring back into life a past memory. It changes the mood instantaneously. The main question, which has elici ted diverse investigations, is on how listening to music coupled with rhythms may help people to improve their life experiences so that they can live fulfilling lives while dealing with situations such as stress and anxiety in some scenarios. Classical music may affect people’s mode in differing ways, but the primary mechanisms involve the rhythm coupled with tone elements. When listening to classical music rhythm, one’s heart synchronizes alongside the playing music. Slow heartbeat followed by increasing diastolic pressures notifies the brain about the possibility of a bad thing or depressing experience. Fast beats accompany excitement. â€Å"Dreamy rhythm coupled with occasional upbeats may create a mood of love or joy† (Kumar Sharma, 2011, p. 18). Similarly, tones of classical music help in defining the mood in the context of the music, which is assimilated into the individual listening to the music. A strong â€Å"key may signify communications that are ch eerful and soothing to the brain of the listener, while low keys indicate soft lamentations coupled with sighs (O’Donnell, 2013, par. 17).These aspects influence the brain by directing the people’s psych to feel the things communicated to them. However, determining the manner in which classical music affects the brain and the mood does not constitute a simple endeavor. Researchers across the globe heavily engage in the task of determining the applicability and validity of these discussed possible ways in which classical music may impact or cause mood changes. For example, a research conducted by the Missouri University researchers argued that in certain situations, music has the capacity to alter the mood of the listeners and increase their happiness within a period of two weeks (O’Donnell, 2013). In the research, the participants were instructed to make attempts of feeling happier while listening to neutral music or a high upbeat music. Listeners for upbeat ton e were found happier than for neutral music.  The music therapy indicated that cheerfulness could also be contributed by listening to music of the right tune and rhythm (O’Donnell, 2013).  Considering the potential positive effects of classical music on the mood and the brain, the music can be adapted to influence people to behave in certain ways. For example, one can increase his or her energy for the day chores by listening to upbeat music early in the morning as he or she prepares for work. Such music can help in awakening hormones related to just get up and get ready. By encouraging this kind of activities coupled with the brain’s response associated with it, the mood for work may increase, which also helps in fostering one’s productivity all day long. Depression and anxiety act together to lower one’s mood. In a bid to decrease the effects of anxiety, listening to soothing music such as classical music accompanied by meditation is crucial. Howeve r, the overall outcome may also depend on the selected tune of classical music. In this context, Janssen et al. (2012) note, â€Å"Pioneers in the field of music, tones and mood are creating more and more pieces aimed at not only speaking to the brain, but actually directing it to achieve changes you would like to feel† (p. 261). Such music arrangements produce a particular rhythm, which then the brain follows to induce a predetermined mood. From the above augments, scholars studying the effects of music on the mood and brain contend that the impacts on music on mood and brain depend on the type and genre of the music. Amid its positive effects in managing stress and its related moods, music can also induce stress, intolerance, and anxiety (Yehuda, 2011). Classical music can be used as a weapon or a strategy of ensuring that people behave in a particular manner. For instance, in the past, music has been used in Britain and Australia to induce a mood of intolerance. Classical music effectively compelled teenagers to walk away from a railway station when they became bored by it. The US military also use â€Å"combination of high amplitude rock and happysmiley children’s songs that are reported to break the will of the hardest terrorist† (Yehuda, 2011, p.90). Thus, music can change reasoned decisions. Such decisions involve the use of brain in determining appropriate cause of actions. Considering the view that different music genres have different effects on the brain and the mood, an emerging question is what music should one listen to -classical music, rock, or blues. A study conducted at Penn State University indicated that students listening to any kind of music experience joy, relaxation, optimism, and calmness (Yehuda, 2011). While some researchers at the university recommended that students listen to soothing music like classical music, others noted that even the hardest music like rock produce positive effects on the student’s mood. However, irrespective of the genres that make one happy or emotionally energetic, there is also sad music. Bachorik, Bangert, Loui, Larke, and Berger (2009) discuss one of the studies on the impacts of sad and happy music on people’s mood after listening to them. People listening to happy music feel happiness as an outcome while those listening to sad music feel sad afterward. The specifically worrying aspect in the research findings is that sad or happy music triggers different thoughts. People listening to sad classical music remember mainly of bad experiences that they have encountered in their lives. Bachorik et al. (2009) reckon that they also experience challenges in successfully doing simple chores. The mind reacts in diverse ways to both gloomy and cheerful classical melodies. In fact, few words of either kind of music have the implications on one’s mood. For instance, â€Å"listening to a very short piece of music, one can judge or interpret neutral exp ressions as matching either sad or happy moods† (Bachorik et al., 2009, p. 359). Facial expression changes when listening to a specific type of classical music, which indicates the capacity of the listened music to change the mood of an individual. Classical music affects the mood and brain in terms of felt and perceived emotions. This assertion suggests that people can understand emotions associated with classical music, but they might not feel them. This aspect may explain why some people may find sad classical music enjoyable as opposed to depressing.  Opposed to the actual life situations, listening to sad classical music does not arouse a feeling of an eminent danger. Consequently, it becomes possible to perceive related moods without essentially feeling them. The effect of classical music on the brain is outstanding. O’Donnell (2013) observes that classical music playing at 60 beats per minute activates right and the left side of the brain in a simultaneous mann er. This trend helps in increasing learning coupled with information retention capacity. The information studied sets the left-brain into action. On the other hand, the played classical music activates right part of the brain. Playing classical music instruments constitutes one of the activities aiding inactivation of the left and right sides of the brain, and O’Donnell (2013) claims that it enhances the information processing ability. Conclusion Music has had historical connections with all societies across the globe since the civilization of humanity. All cultures possess music in their traditions. Modern history evidences the influence possessed by music on societal civilization. It aided Jefferson in writing the declaration independence as he could play the violin to help in figuring around the necessary wording for some parts of the document. Even though music comprises different genres, the available research indicates that all genres have effects on the people’s mood and brain. For instance, classical music creates a relaxation mood, anxiety, and a happy mood depending on the rhythm and the tone. Upbeats create the mood of happiness. Low beats and low tones create the mood of sadness and sorrow. Such classical music may be referred to sad music, which this paper has argued that it reminiscences past bad feelings and experiences after listening to it. Thus, it is possible to change one’s mood by selecting the rhythm and the tone of classical music to suit the desired mood after listing to it. References Adhia, H., Nagendra, R., Mahadevan, B. (2010). Impact of Adoption of Yoga Way Life on the Reduction of Job Burnout of Managers. The Journal for Decision Makers, 35(2), 21-33. Bachorik, P., Bangert, M., Loui, P., Larke, K., Berger, J. (2009). Emotion in motion: investigating the time course of emotional judgments of musical stimuli. Music Perception 26(4), 355–364. Gilboa, A., Bodner, E., Amir, D. (2006). Emotional communicab ility in improvised music: The case of music therapists. Journal of Music Therapy, 43(1), 198–225. Janssen, J., Broek, E., Westerink, L. (2012). Tune in to Your Emotions: Robust Personalized Affective Music Player. User Adaptation International Journal, 22(5), 255-279. Kumar, J., Sharma, K. (2011). Karma Yoga: A Philosophical Therapeutic Model for Stress Management. International Journal of Education and Allied Sciences, 3(1), 15-22. Miell, D., MacDonald, R., Hargreaves, D. (2005). Musical Communication. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. O’Donnell, L. (2013). Music and the Brain. Retrieved from www.cerebromente.org.br/n15/mente/musica.html Treven, S. (2010). Individual methods for reducing stress in work settings. Interbeing, 4(2), 1-5. Yehuda, N. (2011). Music and Stress. Journal of Adult Development, 18(3), 85-94. This research paper on Classical Music Influence on Brain and Mood was written and submitted by user Francisco Talley to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Anselms Onotological Arguments Essay

Anselms Onotological Arguments Essay Anselms Onotological Arguments Essay BIB1001 Old Testament History and Literature University of Northwestern Mark H. Muska Fall 2013 1-2 Kings 1. Author: unknown, but probably one person because of the unity of writing style throughout the books. 1.1 As with 1-2 Samuel, the writer had access to several named sources: Book of the Acts of Solomon (1 Kings 11:41), Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah (14:29) and Israel (14:19). 1.2 The author appears to write soon after the start of the Babylonian Captivity (c. 550). He refers to the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah taken to Babylon (2 Kings 25), to the 37th year of the exile (25:27), but does not mention the return from Babylon. 1.3 Some of the great writers of that period include Jeremiah, Ezekiel, or Ezra. 2. Date: the events of 1 Kings begin with David very old and his successor in question, about 970. 2 Kings ends noting King Jehoiachin’s release from prison in Babylon in about 560. Without definite evidence to the contrary, the book was probably written soon after the events in the book conclude, somewhere in the middle of the Babylonian exile in the mid-500’s. 3. Structure: as with 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings appear to have originally been one book because there is no major break in the narrative from 1 Kings to 2 Kings. The two books together have three major sections. 3.1 United Kingdom: David and Solomon (1 Kings 1-11). 3.2 Divided Kingdom: Israel and Judah (1 Kings 12 to 2 Kings 17). 3.3 Kingdom of Judah (2 Kings 18-25). 4. Purpose: to evaluate the rise and fall of Israel because of the disobedience of the kings. The books could be appropriately titled â€Å"The Rise, Decline, and Fall of the Hebrew Monarchy.† 5. United Kingdom: David and Solomon (1 Kings 1-11). 5.1 This section explains the initial deterioration of the nation after it reaches its greatest power. 5.2 The nation expands to its greatest power with Solomon, yet because of his wandering, the nation begins to decline. It is predicted that the Northern tribes will be torn from Solomon and his family (1 Kings 11:11-13). 5.3 David establishes Solomon as king just before David’s death (1 Kings 2:12) and charges Solomon to remain faithful, for the kingdom to endure (1 Kings 2:1-4). 5.4 Solomon serves God with sincerity, seeking the good of the nation by asking for wisdom to rule well (1 Kings 3:6-9). 5.5 God grants grants Solomon’s request for wisdom, then God prospers him like no other king in Israel before or after (1 Kings 3:10-14). 5.6 Solomon is also faithful to build the temple (1 Kings 6:1). 5.61 God promises to bless Solomon, but the promise is conditional (1 Kings 6:11-13). 5.62 How do we reconcile this condition on Solomon with the unconditional promise to David in 2 Samuel 7? Each son of David must follow God to prosper. If they do not, God will put another son of David on the throne in their place. 5.63 The temple is fabulous and ornate (1 Kings 6:23-28, for example). 5.64 God dwells in the Temple (1 Kings 8:10-11). 5.65 Israel celebrates with worship and joy (1 Kings 8:62-66). 5.7 Solomon and the entire nation prosper greatly (1 Kings 10:14-21). 5.71 Solomon’s house is also build, symbolizing that as God’s presence is established in the nation (in the Temple being built), the king is also established with a firm rule (7:1-12). 5.8 Yet the end of Solomon’s life is tragic. Solomon wanders away from the Lord to idols (1 Kings 11:1-4). The consequences for him and the nation are far-reaching. 5.81 The immediate result is adversity for Solomon and the nation: Hadad the Edomite (1 Kings 11:14-22), Rezon (11:23-25), and, most significantly, Jeroboam (11:26). 5.82 The long-term result is that most of the tribes will be taken from David’s dynasty. Only Judah will remain (11:9-13, 29-36). 5.83 David’s line of kings is inconsistent after the time of Solomon, over the next 400 years. Some are great kings, and the kingdom prospers.

Contrasting Cultural Views Between U.S. and India Essay

Contrasting Cultural Views Between U.S. and India - Essay Example Having said so, the policies of the government are designed in such a way so that reservations are made in government jobs for the scheduled caste, scheduled tribes, and other backward classes. At present 49% of the seats are reserved for them so that the underprivileged gets ample opportunities. Reservations are not found in the private sector; instead here the basis of selection is often synonymous with the American style. Egalitarian societies are supposed to be informal. There an informal association between the employer and employee is considered to be very conducive for efficient business. This similar atmosphere is very much seen in America. On the contrary Indians are more hierarchical nature and a line is always drawn between the employer and the employee. While doing business with India one needs to keep these things in mind. The Indian economy has made a tremendous progress since its independence from the British rule. The country has per capita GDP of $3,339 in 2010. A series of economic reforms has brought improvement compared to its previous performances. In fact the difference in the average earning of the people with the United States has decreased over the years. However it can be said that the per capita income is still at a very low level. Over population, defective planning, less development of the industrial sector and lack of technological progress can be the reasons for such poor performance. The median American income in 2010 had been $46,326. There has been improvement since the financial crisis but the figure also suggests there is concentration of wealth. Cost of living is directly related to the level of development. In a country like India a difference in the cost of living can be noticed in cities and rural living. The reason for this difference is lack of facilities. The rural economy in India is agrarian in nature is still stagnant and people are satisfied with the basic

Write a respond Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Write a respond - Essay Example rkplace violence, I think its better to be proactive and prepare for the worst.   There are some relatively easy and cheap solutions available on the market today if well look for them. Even as the efforts toward the family conflicts resolution are directed to the workplace, the two parties have a role to play to end their issues. It is a shame to find a couple fighting each other in the workplace. They do not even deserve to work there, but should be fired and demoted immediately. Workplace violence indicated that the two parties involved have failed to manage the simplest bit of their life patterns; hence, they should not be kept in the workplace. A person who cannot manage his or her life is not in a position to manage workplace activities. Workplace violence planning is done in large part at the local management level. The frequency and depth is generally outlined by corporate, but left to local managers to develop site specific training, especially considering the variation of laws from state to state. As the Safety Manager, I work closely with the Human Resources Manager to get the information presented to all of our employees. North Carolina is a State run OSHA program, and I rely a great deal on the information they have presented on their website for reference and guidance. NC DOL does a great job in providing training resources and outreach for industry. In this case, they have all relevant laws and information posted, as well as a series of PowerPoint presentations and even videos for employees to watch. We have added slightly to the slides and incorporated a small T/F test to demonstrate retention of the material. I would encourage everyone to look at the state run program websites for these resources. Federal OSHA has some posted on their website, but they are not usually as good. Oregon State has probably the best workplace violence training, even OSHA refers to their training platform on this topic, but again, it is State specific for many

Intersex People Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Intersex People - Essay Example We live in a two- sex world and it is considered normal to be either male or female. The tag of abnormality is also attached to those individuals whose sex or gender identity is ambiguous. This paper focuses on whether the ideas of normalcy along with the theory of Cartesian dualism shape the construction of intersex, intersex therapies and sex reassignment surger.y. The concluding section discusses how modern day intersex management is largely based on culturally perceived notions of normalcy. The need for an attitudinal shift with a view to accepting differences and historical understanding of intersex are discussed. The alliance between bodies (male or female) and gender identity (man or woman) is taken for granted in our society. However Milton Diamond estimates at nearly 1.7% of the population is both with genitals that are not clearly male or female. (Hird, 2003). While this is an extreme condition, variations in sexual and gender development are not unusual. Some of the major types of variation have been elaborated in Fig 1. This paper focuses on people with intersex condition. Intersex is a biological condition. The Australian Medical Association states that a person born with intersex conditions has "sex chromosomes, external genitalia or an internal reproductive system that is not exclusively either male or female." (Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) Support Group website) On t... This paper focuses on people with intersex condition. Intersex is a biological condition. The Australian Medical Association states that a person born with intersex conditions has "sex chromosomes, external genitalia or an internal reproductive system that is not exclusively either male or female." (Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) Support Group website) On the other hand there are transsexuals who are different from pople with intersex condition because they are biologically normal men and women. Transsexuals usually are people who feel they they are in the wrong body.The World Health Organisaton define transsexuals as people ," who have a desire to live and be accepted as a member of the opposite sex, usually accompanied by a sense of discomfort with, or inappropriateness of, one's anatomical sex, and a wish to have surgery and hormonal treatment to make one's body as congruent as possible with one's preferred sex." (Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) Support Group website) Many of the problems faced by people with intersex condition and transsexuals are rather similar. Often both are subject to sex reassignment surgeries. How did Intersex become a medical Problem In the 19th Century intersex was not regarded as a medical problem. Dr. Jorge J. Daaboul, Director, Pediatric Endocrinology Children's Hospital of Oakland in his paper presented at the American Association for the History of Medicine, May 19, 2000, refers to Hermaphrodites and the Medical Invention of Sex by Alice Dreger. He says that this book highlights how intersexed individuals led normal undistinguished lives until the late 19th century. Psychologically healthy and well adjusted, the genital peculiarities of these people were accepted as the variations caused by nature.

Employee Relations in Trade Unions and HRM

Employee Relations in Trade Unions and HRM Employee relations are critical to the success of the organisation. Good communication channels need to be in place for information flow between employers and employees. This holds true for both small and large organisations. In large organisations, there are legal rules in place to engage employee representatives. Employee representation could be in the form of trade unions, works councils, joint working groups and ad-hoc groups. In small companies, the emphasis is on direct communication between employer and employees. Small firms do not require elaborate representational systems and the legal framework excludes them from laws to consult with worker representatives in some cases. However, regardless of the size of the organisation, it is advisable for employers to have effective systems for providing information and consultations with employees on a periodic basis (ACAS, 2005). This is particularly critical for small companies that are growing at a fast rate and need to have system s in place for employee engagement as is the case with the company under consideration. Employee representation and trade unions One form of employee representation is trade unions. Trade unions are associations of employees. Trade union is an organization of workers that aims to protect and advance the interests of its members (BIS, 2009). Their objective is to sustain and enhance the terms and conditions of work for their members. This is done through collective bargaining with employers. Recognition of the trade union by the company is very important for collective bargaining. Collective bargaining takes place when the trade union negotiates with the employer on behalf of the employees on matters regarding pay and other terms and conditions of employment. Trade unions are of four types: company union, general/industrial union, craft union and white collar union (Cole, 2003). Company union represent the employees in a single company. General or Industrial union represents employees from several companies belonging to the same industry. Craft union represents skilled workers in a specific field. White collar union represent white collar employees e.g., teachers and professors. Trade unions are set up to protect and promote the interests of employees. The existence of a trade union reduces the possibilities of industrial conflict (Dillon, 2009). Trade unions play a vital role in effective communication between management and employees. They provide the support system to ensure that the differences of opinion do not turn into major conflicts. Trade unions play an active role in negotiations between management and workers in times of disagreement. Trade unions not only represent employees to discuss their pay and benefits, but also provide a voice for the employees to be heard on various other aspects of personnel policies. These include selecting employees for lay offs, retrenchment, promotion and transfer. The personnel selection criterion within an organization may not be fair and transparent. The existence of trade unions ensures that workers have a say in the proceedings and their interests are safeguarded (ILO, 1992). From the management perspective, it is beneficial to deal with trade union members who represent all the employees rather than deal with employees individually. This saves time and is cost efficient as conflicts can be resolved in a timely manner. This ensures there is no stoppage of work, thus preventing adverse effects on employee productivity and efficiency. Management will get to know from the trade union about the views of employees on various important aspects of the company polices. They can use this information to make important decisions that affect employees (Gennard Judge, 2005). Becoming a member of a trade union gives employees the confidence that their needs and interests are being protected. This is a source of motivation for workers reducing absenteeism, lower productivity and labour turnover. This ensures that there is optimum utilization of human resources in the organisation. Role of trade unions The role played by trade unions in uniting, protecting and improving the employees has a positive impact on the business. They help management in the recruitment of employees. Trade unions have also started to conduct various training and development activities for the employees. They help in unifying employees coming from diverse social and economic backgrounds by helping them get used to the work conditions in the company. As a result, workers are more aware of the rules and policies in the company. This gives the employees the requisite tools to succeed in their job. With efficient employees, companies can achieve their goals and grow at a faster rate. This will positively impact the economic development of the economy. At times of disagreement and conflict between employers and employees, trade unions play a vital role. They represent all the employees in total. This is called collective bargaining. This makes it easy for management to deal with the trade union members. This helps in building trust and co-operation. The trade union helps in resolving the conflict in a rational manner that is beneficial to both the company and its employees. In such a scenario, the acceptability of the managements decisions by the employees is greater. They have a sense of ownership for the decision-making and therefore will be more committed to achieve the companys objectives. The quality of the decisions may also improve as opinions of employees with the required skills are well represented. The focus is on mutual agreement between management, employees and their representatives for improving employee relations. Trade unions help in fostering co-operation and building industrial relations. HRM practices and trade unions The disadvantages of trade unions to management are they could lead to increase in wages at an indiscriminate rate. This means higher costs for the company. Also, trade unions consider only the requirements of its members. It gives no importance to the views and needs of employees who are not members. When trade unions impose strikes and lock-outs in the company, it causes decrease in productivity and profitability levels. Over the years, the focus in human resource management (HRM) has changed from collectivism to individualism. This means more importance given to engaging employees individually for consultation, communication and resolving conflict. In the individualism management style, the focus is on the views, opinions and needs of each employee. It seeks to bring out the best in every employee in performing their job. In collectivism management style, the company recognizes the importance of having employees views and opinions represented in management decision-making on personnel matters. The HRM approach that strikes a balance between these two management styles will give importance in building and caring for human resources in the organisation. Human resource management is a style of management for managing employee relations in a way that enables employees to perform at their best in the new era of technological changes and globalisation. There are two versions in defining HRM. The hard version adopts a rational method of dealing with employees and aims at aligning organisation strategy and human resource strategy (Bratton Gold, 2001). It views employees as a cost component that needs to be controlled. The soft version views employees as resources. Its emphasis is on grooming, training and developing employees. It works on increasing employee commitment. It looks upon a skilled and committed workforce as an important competitive advantage. Human resource management is a key function in a company, which focuses on selecting, recruiting, training and developing employees, and provide a sense of direction to them. Its main aim is to manage the human resources in an organisation effectively and contribute in achieving its goals. Functions of HRM include planning, selection, recruitment, compensation and benefits, training, performance appraisal and feedback, communication and motivation of human resources in the company. When a company is established and starts operating in a small scale, usually the owner/manager performs the HR functions. As the company grows steadily, a human resource personnel needs to be appointed, who primarily takes care of payroll processing, benefits and HR record-keeping. For the other major HR functions like recruitment and training, managers may need to participate and take the ownership. When a company crosses the 80-100 employees level, a person specializing in HRM needs to come onboard (Math is Jackson, 2007). The role of HRM in a company can be split into three: administrative, operational and strategic. The administrative role is to do with clerical responsibilities like paper work and record keeping. If the role of HR in a company is restricted to only the administrative function, then it serves no purpose both for the employers and employees. In the operational role, HR implements the strategies laid out by the management. It ensures that the plans, policies and strategies of the organisation as laid out by the management are carried out by the employees. In this role, HR acts as a liaison between the employer and employees. In the strategic role, HR plays a key role in formulating policies relating to human resources along with the management. HR contributes to organisational effectiveness and success by ensuring employees is well equipped to perform at their best and contribute significantly to the company (Mathis Jackson, 2007). For the human resource function to be effective in an organisation, the operational and strategic role must be given importance in decision-making. This ensures there is adequate communication between employers and employees. It recognises human resource as a vital component that needs to be groomed and developed for the success of the company. By ensuring employees opinions are voiced and heard on matters affecting them, HRM ensures that employees feel motivated, have a sense of purpose and ownership and contribute to the organisation. Managing employee relations within the organization Organizations today are increasingly exposed to the challenges of managing employee relations and adopt practices that promote a positive work culture. Global competitive pressures have added to the stress levels at workplace and employee satisfaction becomes a critical issue in such conditions. Large organizations with more than 100 employees often find it difficult to address employee issues and concerns. Employee representation through collectivism in the form of trade unions, joint consultation committees or individualistic approach that emphasizes on strategies like personal development plans, performance appraisals and career progression are some of the alternatives available to the organization. Changes in managerial approach are a requirement for organizations to adapt to changing operating and business environment conditions. In traditional organizations, directing involves giving assignments, explaining routines, clarifying policies, and providing feedback on performance (N ickels, 2008). This style of management has been replaced by a more encouraging approach that involves increased participation of the workforce in the decision making process. Employee empowerment strategies and a participative leadership approach are increasingly finding their acceptance within organizations since it promotes organizational efficiency in terms of productivity and performance. Flexible organizational structures that are distinguished by reduced layers of hierarchy are much favoured for their role in improving existing work culture and employee commitment levels. Employee participation and consultative practices within an organization faces distinct challenges from lack of supporting infrastructure that encourage the process of open communication. Potterfield (1999) states that empowerment strategies can be effective only when the organization provides the following four essential ingredients to its staff and that includes information about the organizations performance, rewards based on organizations performance, knowledge that enables the workforce to contribute to organizations performance, and power to make decisions that influence organizational performance. Bargaining with trade unions reflect the need to recognize their existence and this relationship can be fostered in many ways for mutual benefit. Organizations can effectively integrate their strategies to gain advantage from the existence of trade unions through the implementation of employee participation and promoting a healthy work culture that focuses on increased productivity. Organizations are run by various disciplinary standards and frameworks that guide employee behaviour at workplace, frame regulations for disciplinary actions against misbehaviour, and frame the basic rules that should be followed by people within the organization to ensure the smooth functioning and create a healthy work environment. The management is to a large extent responsible for drawing the guidelines and laying the protocols to ensure a proper code of conduct among the employees. People need to know what is expected of them in terms of standards of performance and behaviour (ACAS, 2009). It is not an effective practice to define employee code of conduct and performance levels while imposing restrictions on employee conduct as and when required by employers. The organization must have a pre-defined set of expected behaviour protocols handed out to the employees that conveys a uniform standard of conduct to all employees across all levels and departments within an organization. This is extremely helpful in directing the employees on what actions or steps should be taken next in response to a specific case or situation at the workplace. Such rules and protocols will leave no place for ambiguity or misunderstandings once the company expectations are defined and explained to the workforce. Many companies define a set of procedures for employee grievances and feedback. Such practices are useful in providing assurance to the employees that their problems will be dealt with confidentially and in uniformity with the company procedures. This ensures fair resolution of problems and guides the managers in dealing with conflicts within teams and individuals. The success of any business enterprise in todays operating environment is to a large extent dependent on the human capital resources available. In view of the present economic perspective employee relations play a critical role in deciding the business strategies and profitability position of the company. There are numerous instances when organizational conflicts can create problems with the effectiveness of operations. However, it must be understood that conflicts are an inevitable part of the business environment and organizations adopt different strategies to resolve conflicts arising at workplace. According to the conventional way of doing business conflicts were viewed as a negative and threatening action working against the organizational interests. There has been a radical change in perspectives with changing business dynamics where organizations feel that conflicts can be used to leverage organizational goals and objectives through the use of effective leadership and manageri al strategies. The individual conflict arising in workplace is more evident in the form of personal goals and objectives that clash with the goals of other individuals (Weijun, 2006). A competitive work environment promotes individuals to prove their abilities and go that extra mile to achieve higher goals. Managers and leaders instigate a competitive environment to achieve organizational goals and targets and motivate the employees to perform better. The consequences are realized in the form of increased productivity, market share and profitability. The stakeholders gain from this kind of conflicts arising at workplace. Any changes to the current and existing work procedures are met with stiff resistance from the people involved. Managing conflicts and implementing changes in an organization is a complex task that requires an able leadership that has the capacity to visualize and identify possible barriers or resistance to the planned changes. Ensuring high levels of performance within the organization requires active participation of both management and individuals in the workforce in implementing tasks and objectives (Roberts, 2004). Managers can unlock an individuals ability and willingness to perform at high levels in many ways for instance, by translating long-term goals into step by step plans, clearly stating expectations and holding people accountable (Holbeche, 2005). Training the employees is an effective conflict management strategy. It provides the employees with increased information and knowledge on the impact of organizational policies or programs and thinks in a pre-defined manner t o accept such changes. There are numerous other employee management strategies that can be implemented by the organization to ensure increased performance levels and adherence to quality standards. This includes performance appraisals, team meetings, one-to-one discussion forums, personal development plans and feedback sessions that encourage a healthy exchange of views and suggestions. The organization should outline and explain the step-by-step procedure that needs to be followed by the employees and the managers in fulfilling the objectives of performance appraisals and personal development plans. The managers should be provided with adequate guidelines on the way the system should work, how often the plans need to be reviewed and trained in the ways of conducting effective appraisal sessions. Documentation of each phase of these plans is necessary to provide the managers and employees with improved clarity on the goals decided, action plans drawn, review period and feedback of the session. Improved communication can help in motivating employees, increasing productivity and result in improved customer service. But it needs to be understood that the communication process is not simply conveying the message. It is a two-way process that needs interaction between the two parties. The management and the employees need to interact on how the managerial strategies are going to take shape and what are best possible ways to minimize risks and hurdles in the process. Giving the employees a chance to participate in management decisions not only makes them feel valuable but also ensures their support and enthusiasm in the whole process. Another vital ingredient for successful communication process is consistency. The management policies need to be consistent in their approach to instil trust and confidence in the employees. Conclusion The increase in market competitiveness has resulted in the adoption of strategic plans that focus on employee welfare and development schemes. Collective relationships are now based on relatively more cooperation in which both parties are motivated to add value to the organization (Gennard Judge, 2005, p11). The evolving employment relationships emphasize the success of the enterprise through developing employee trust and commitment, enhancing job satisfaction, employee participation in decision making process, and increasing organizational productivity, profitability and efficiency (Gennard Judge, 2005).

Graduation Speech -- Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

Years ago there was a traveler who came upon an old-fashioned pump from which he would have to pump the handle in order to retrieve the water. Beside the pump there was a pitcher full of water, and on the pump there was a sign. The sign instructions were to prime the pump with the water in the pitcher, pump the water for use, and then refill the pitcher. The thirsty man looked at the pitcher, the pump and the sign. He thought to himself, "If I pour this water down the pump, and it doesn't work, I will have no water to drink and it will be wasted. But, if I drink the water, I will be satisfied, but the next traveler will have nothing. We as graduates are like this traveler and we have decisions to make. We have the potential to be contributing members of society -- we are the doctors, nurses, farmers, servicemen and pastors of tomorrow. We can use the water in the pitcher that is like the education and resources this country has given us, and we can prime the pump for others, providing them with the opportunities that we have already been given. We can give back to society with our...