essay hero Essays - Frankenstein, English-language Films

Over the course of Frankenstein, Viktor Frankenstein undergoes a drastic emotional transformation as a result of his experiments which resulted in the creation of his Creature. Frankenstein's trips to Montavert, and his descriptions of the scene on his solitary excursions, show a clear sense of an emotional 'before and after.' In his visits to Montavert before the birth of his Creature, Frankenstein saw a sublime and beautiful scene. However, his accounts are drastically different - upset, guilty and disturbed - when Viktor returns, after leaving his Creature and experiencing the deaths of his brother William, and the wrongful execution of Justine Moritz. These drastic changes in Frankenstein's emotions are shown through his portrayals of nature. These changes in Frankenstein can also be seen as a parallel to the changes undergone by Mary Shelley in her own life, reflecting the disillusionment she felt with Romantic literature. One of the most unique aspects of Romanticism is the way that nature portrays the emotions of the writer. Unlike the mimesis of nature employed by their Neoclassical and Humanist predecessors, Romantic writers used nature as a mirror of their emotions, and contorted their natural surroundings to describe their specific feelings. This is a central tenet of Romanticism and key in understanding the major mental and emotional shifts undergone by Viktor Frankenstein throughout the novel. The natural imagery in this pass...

Find the Inflection Points for the Normal Distribution

Find the Inflection Points for the Normal Distribution One thing that is great about mathematics is the way that seemingly unrelated areas of the subject come together in surprising ways. One instance of this is the application of an idea from calculus to the bell curve. A tool in calculus known as the derivative is used to answer the following question. Where are the inflection points on the graph of the probability density function for the normal distribution? Inflection Points Curves have a variety of features that can be classified and categorized. One item pertaining to curves that we can consider is whether the graph of a function is increasing or decreasing. Another feature pertains to something known as concavity. This can roughly be thought of as the direction that a portion of the curve faces. More formally concavity is the direction of curvature. A portion of a curve is said to be concave up if it is shaped like the letter U. A portion of a curve is concave down if it is shaped like the following ∠©. It is easy to remember what this looks like if we think about a cave opening either upward for concave up or downwards for concave down. An inflection point is where a curve changes concavity. In other words it is a point where a curve goes from concave up to concave down, or vice versa. Second Derivatives In calculus the derivative is a tool that is used in a variety of ways. While the most well-known use of the derivative is to determine the slope of a line tangent to a curve at a given point, there are other applications. One of these applications has to do with finding inflection points of the graph of a function. If the graph of y f( x ) has an inflection point at x a, then the second derivative of f evaluated at a is zero. We write this in mathematical notation as f’’( a ) 0. If the second derivative of a function is zero at a point, this does not automatically imply that we have found an inflection point. However, we can look for potential inflection points by seeing where the second derivative is zero. We will use this method to determine the location of the inflection points of the normal distribution. Inflection Points of the Bell Curve A random variable that is normally distributed with mean ÃŽ ¼ and standard deviation of ÏÆ' has a probability density function of f( x ) 1/ (ÏÆ' √(2 Ï€) )exp[-(x - ÃŽ ¼)2/(2ÏÆ'2)]. Here we use the notation exp[y] ey, where e is the mathematical constant approximated by 2.71828. The first derivative of this probability density function is found by knowing the derivative for ex and applying the chain rule. f’ (x ) -(x - ÃŽ ¼)/ (ÏÆ'3 √(2 Ï€) )exp[-(x -ÃŽ ¼) 2/(2ÏÆ'2)] -(x - ÃŽ ¼) f( x )/ÏÆ'2. We now calculate the second derivative of this probability density function. We use the product rule to see that: f’’( x ) - f( x )/ÏÆ'2 - (x - ÃŽ ¼) f’( x )/ÏÆ'2 Simplifying this expression we have f’’( x ) - f( x )/ÏÆ'2 (x - ÃŽ ¼)2 f( x )/(ÏÆ'4) Now set this expression equal to zero and solve for x. Since f( x ) is a nonzero function we may divide both sides of the equation by this function. 0 - 1/ÏÆ'2 (x - ÃŽ ¼)2 /ÏÆ'4 To eliminate the fractions we may multiply both sides by ÏÆ'4 0 - ÏÆ'2 (x - ÃŽ ¼)2 We are now nearly at our goal. To solve for x we see that ÏÆ'2 (x - ÃŽ ¼)2 By taking a square root of both sides (and remembering to take both the positive and negative values of the root  ±ÃÆ' x - ÃŽ ¼ From this it is easy to see that the inflection points occur where x ÃŽ ¼  ± ÏÆ'. In other words the inflection points are located one standard deviation above the mean and one standard deviation below the mean.

Analysis of Connie Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Analysis of Connie - Essay Example It is her fear and the need to keep her family away from troubles that force her to give in to Arnold Friend, her abductor. For example, at first she is equally forced by the desire to go out with Arnold Friend and the fear of being raped and killed, and hence unable to reach a decision. She neither refuses the invitation altogether, nor easily shows her willingness or desire to surrender. Instead she seems interested in prolonging the conversation only giving the lame reason â€Å"If my father comes and sees you† (46). This in fact, is used by the writer to show how easy it is to con a human being exploiting their basic instincts. However, when her family was dragged into the affair by Arnold Friend, she realizes the graveness of the situation and decides to call the police. Connie is an epitome of adolescence who finds home atmosphere claustrophobic and her mother’s comments annoying. She finds solace in the philosophy that her mother gets angry only because she lost her look. However, there are things liked by Connie; going places with her friends, movies and shopping and even visiting a ‘fly-infested restaurant’ (36).

Psychological Analis of Sex Offenders Lab Report

Psychological Analis of Sex Offenders - Lab Report Example Over the years questions have been raised regarding constitutional challenges and concerns. Introduction Over the years the approaches to legislations governing the registration and the publication of sex offenders have always been primarily geared towards reducing the probability of repeat offences. The general realization is that sex offenders always demonstrate the tendency to repeat the sexual offences when relevant measures are not taken to sensitize the public and to construct deterring mechanisms. The essence of having sexual offenders register themselves is to ensure that during parole, the parole officers can keep track of the progress and ensure that the offenders are not in circumstances that might tempt them to repeat the offences. Although, various states are responsible for establishing their own systems and procedures when it comes to registration and publication of sexual offenders the federal government has existing laws to act as guidelines. The guidelines are clear ly outlined in the â€Å"Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children Act of 1994, Megan’s Law of 1996, and Pam Lychner Sexual Offender Tracking and Identification Act of 1996† (Maddan, 2008, p. 10). ... In addition the paper will also address the extent to which the approaches employed by the state of Minnesota helps in preventing repeat offences by the offenders, sensitizes and protects the public and assists the authorities in keeping track of the movements and activities of sexual offenders. State Regulations in Minnesota Statistics from the state of Minnesota have prompted authorities within the state to construct legislations to ensure that communities are effectively notified of any sex offenders living within their neighborhoods. According to (Minnesota Police Department, 2011), most sexual offenders target people that know them and apparently trust them. In addition, most offenders who had been to prison were found to engage in child molestation, incest and rape with people who knew them very well. Therefore the legislations within Minnesota have always been geared towards addressing the issue of notifying communities concerning offenders living within their neighborhoods. T he legislations include the Minnesota Statute 243.166 and the Community Notification Act of 1996. The general realization is that it is usually inevitable to have sex offenders living among other members of the community due to law provisions that require offenders to spend a specific period of time in prison. In Minnesota the state regulations only require offenders to spend only two thirds of their sentences behind bars and the rest free but under the supervision of probation officers. Once the sexual offenders have been released and they will be required to adhere with certain registration regulation depending on the risk levels they have been assigned. Like most states Minnesota assigns sexual offenders one

Assignment 15(675) Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Assignment 15(675) - Case Study Example For ensuring objectivity, I would insist on having a researcher on behalf of the school as a checker for all scripts prepared. Nothing must be aired before the researcher confirms for all facts/artifice found in the ‘news’. The false statements must be edited out and the draft be sent to a senior authority in the school faculty. After their approval, a final check must be made by an independent authority so as to eliminate any bias that may be running within the school through the private corporation. i. Since charter schools are formed by teachers, parents and/or community members, it should be ensured that student performance results are free from bias. Such schools are free from most state laws and regulations apart from a certain performance criteria that is to be met. [2] iii. Since these schools have minimal rules and state authority scrutiny attached, the education level provided may lose worth. An independent, unbiased party must revise the curriculum and methods used in the school on a yearly basis to make certain that quality education is being provided to students. [1] 2. What advantages might charter schools bring for students in your attendance area? Using the secondary school as a model, try to envision positive changes that might occur as the charter school movement

Models Of Strategic Change

Models Of Strategic Change Strategic Change Management This unit is written with reference to strategic change management. It gives an understanding of the models of strategic change making the concept clear. It gives an insight into the theories to make the idea a positive concept and not a negative one. Change is not always negative. It paves way for a development too but it is often taken as something that disturbs routine. It is difficult to do something other than the normal way but we do fail to accept the fact that a change can make things work better and whatever changes are made should have been decided after quite consideration. Change has become the normal way of life but success requires an organization to optimize and coordinate across the whole business. Understanding the different types of change that are required and the options available for management is a critical step in building the capacity to manage change within your organization. Acknowledgements I dedicate this assignment to my mother who worked hard all lifelong only for the upbringing of her daughters. She stood for us like the Rock Gibraltar in times of trouble. Being a single mother, she struggled hard sometimes even to feed us. Life has been too unkind to her but she never complained rather tried her best to give us a positive image of the world and the power to struggle and a never say die attitude. I am indebted to her giving me life and the power to live it in a decent way. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO. Acknowledgements Introduction Task 1 Task 1.1 Discuss the models of strategic change Task 1.2 Relevance of models of strategic change to organizations in the current economy Task 1.3 Assess the value of using strategic intervention techniques Task 2 Task 2.1 Examine the need for change in an organization Task 2.2 Assess the factors that are driving the need for strategic change in an organization Task 2.3 Assess the resource implications of the organization not responding to strategic change Task 3 Task 3.1 Develop systems to involve stakeholders in the planning of change Task 3.2 Develop a change management strategy with stakeholders Task 3.3 Evaluate the systems used to involve stakeholders in the planning of change Task 3.4 Create a strategy for managing resistance to change Task 4 Task 4.1 Develop appropriate models for change Task 4.2 Plan to implement a model for change Task 4.3 Develop appropriate measures to monitor progress Introduction This unit helps would-be-managers to understand the nature of change and to cope with it. It gives an understanding about change and the ways to manage with it without disturbing the working of the organization. In this unit we have discussed the different definitions and models of change which have been given by thinkers in the past which helps in evaluating the relevance of models of strategic change to organizations in the current economy. As we proceed, we examine the need for change and assess the factors that are driving the need for it. Also, the resource implications are discussed which do not respond to strategic change. The theories given by Kotter, Prosci, Lewis and others are milestones of the research on change management. Their theories have helped in thorough understanding of change management. As the topic develops, it gives vital information on the reasons of change in markets, budget pressures, new technologies and other new programs such as TQM and re-engineering. All in all, the topic is an important resource on the factors and implications that bring change. Another unavoidable and inseparable resource of the organization is stakeholders of the company. The topic discusses about systems modelling, divergence and convergence and methods of involving them into organization. It is also quite obvious that change brings resistance; therefore this unit enables us to manage resistance giving a way to strategies such as communications, education, forums, etc. The entire work gives a clear picture of change management. All a manager needs is to understand the criteria and manage with a difference on the guidelines of the researchers. Task 1: Discuss the Models of Strategic Change There are many theories about how to manage change. Most of the theories originate with leadership and change management guru, John Kotter who is a professor at Harvard Business School and world renowned change expert. The following eight steps in the change process are his contribution. JOHN KOTTER: Eight steps to transforming an organization (Kotter.J, 1995) Establishing a sense of urgency Forming a powerful guiding coalition Creating a vision Communicating the vision Empowering others to act on the vision Planning and creating short term wins Consolidating improvements and producing still more change Institutionalising new approaches Kotters research gave a whole new way to managing change. A programme of planned change and improved performance developed by Lewin involves the management of a three-phase process of behaviour modification. H:collegeimagesCAW3ZYXL.jpg Lewins Change Management Model Source: http://www.infed.org/thinkers/et-lewin.htm Unfreeze- Reducing those forces which behaviour in its present form, recognition of the need for change and improvement to occur. Movement Development of new attitudes or behaviour and the implementation of change. Refreezing Stabilising change at the new level and reinforcement (Hardy 1996) A new culture should be created within the organization such that managers look to change as an opportunity and adapt their business system to continuously emerging conditions. (Hussey 2000) Proscis ADKAR Effective change management demands five key goals to form the basic ADKAR model: Awareness of the need to change Desire to participate and support the change Knowledge of how to change (and what change looks like) Ability to implement the change on a day-to-day basis Reinforcement to keep the change in place (Hiatt 2003) http://www.change-management.com/tutorials/baseballhands.jpg Proscis ADKAR Source: http://techotoys.com/qwxDnJu0J/ Action Research Action research refers to a way to look at ones own work practically and check as he would like it to be. Because research is done by the person himself or the practitioner, it is called practitioner based research. It is also referred to as a form of self reflective practice because it involves the person himself and his own work. (Hardy 1999) http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQcsVE4Cf5vBAswROm2rCiHEY7RlOeA6qasGK7xErfJZgmC-mlT5whttp://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQcsVE4Cf5vBAswROm2rCiHEY7RlOeA6qasGK7xErfJZgmC-mlT5w http://www.llas.ac.uk/images/projects/action_research.gif Action research Source: http://www.llas.ac.uk/projects/2837 Task 1.2 Evaluate the relevance of models of strategic change to organizations in the current economy Teambuilding Consensus Strategic change models, as discussed above are the keys to success of any organization provided they are implemented in a sophisticated way. To achieve effective team decision making leadership, (Franzen 1994) describes Consensus Team Decision Making CTDM model which has three key pillars. Maintain high conceptual level Strive towards consensus Manage the decision making process Strategic interventions Types of interventions selected for a project although depend on variety; they are highly concentrated in a project. Strategic interventions are useful in situations like Rapid changes in the external environment Rapid or stagnant sales Increased competition Rapid expansion of markets Mergers and acquisitions (Lewin 2005) Decision Making Contingency Theory of Decision Making Decision participative contingency theory or the Normative Decision Theory is a model which says that the efficiency of a decision procedure depends on a number of aspects of the situation: the importance of decision quality and acceptance; the quantity of relevant information possessed by the leader and subordinates. (Fiedler 1999) In the autocratic style, the leader takes decisions without consulting others. (Lewin 2005) The participative style leadership, also known as participative democratic leadership style does the job of creating and maintaining healthy relationships between the employees and their leaders.(Kotter 2007) Proactive and Reactive (Whitehead 2006) PROACTIVE REACTIVE Needs to have and use own answers Understands the power of and uses team in solving problems Makes decisions by self Requests that team members make decisions Pushes for results Shares a vision so compelling the team wants to move towards it Reacts to change Foresees and influences change Teaches team to expect direction Teaches team to be self reliant Focuses on finding and fixing problems Focuses on achieving performance outcomes Quick to punish on mistakes Lets the team learn by errors Task 1.3 Assess the value of using strategic intervention techniques in the organization The most important asset of any organization is human resource and strategic intervention helps them to adjust with the changing strategies of the organization and understand it.(George 1999). At Sapphire Beauty Box, it is vital to have a peaceful mind and sound behaviour as this profession deals with direct clientele. The method of strategic intervention assists the employees of Sapphire to find meanings to their life, discover what, and why they do and how to meet their needs in positive and negative ways which helps to promote sustainable change. (Hiatt 2006) Human Process Interventions: These are helpful in particular during change project in organizations where there are some combinations of many new employees, different cultures, working together, many conflicts, etc. Activities: Coaching, counseling, delegating, group learning, virtual teams, etc. ( Hiatt and Creasey 2003) Techno-structural Interventions: These interventions are helpful in particular for rapid growth but few internal systems to sustain growth, many complaints from customers, etc. Activities: Balanced scorecard, downsizing and out placing, ISO 9000, Six sigma, etc.(Kurt 2005) Human Resource Management interventions: These interventions are helpful in situations like establishment of new organizational goals, implementation of technology for a short time, low productivity, etc. Activities: Staffing, evaluating performance, career development, employee wellness programme (George 1999) Task 2.1 Examine the need for strategic change in the chosen organization Reasons for change Change in market: The United Kingdom is going through recession and there has been recession and the CPI annual inflation has rose to 3.3%. (London Business Times 2009). There has been increase in prices, job loss, bankruptcy and what not. Every business has gone through losses and needs to cover up their expenses. (Fiedler 1999). At this point of time, Sapphire needs to change accordingly to ease customers at their purse and still keep them coming. Economic downturns: Due to price rise, the raw material needed at the store is also become expensive. It is important to cover the costs by bringing about change in the organization. (Paul 1996) Customer Expectations: There is a very hard competition in the market especially in the beauty field. Customers get attracted to offers and it is not easy to get their confidence. To invest into customers, It is important to change the strategies accordingly. (Kotter and Cohen 2002) Competitive Edge: Competition is healthy but can be fatal if the strategies become too monotonous and outdated. There is need for change to face competition. (Kotter 1995) Sapphire needs to be updated with products and material being used by competitors and try to do better than other turning the tables towards them. (Kotter 2007) Mergers: The merger of the organization with another can lead to change in strategy as the new staff can have better ideas and plans to make the company a success. (Paul 1996). If Sapphire merges with another company to make it a success, it may have to revise the ways to do things. Change in mission: If the mission of the company changes, obviously there has to be a different strategy to deal with it. The mission of Sapphire is to fight ageing and make people look beautiful but now the market demands more of stress releasing treatments. So Sapphire needs to rethink about its strategy. (Franzen and Hardaker 1999) Task 2.2 Assess the factors that are driving the need for strategic change in an organization The Shifting Economy The economy is so very changing and dynamic. Due to the unpredictability of it, the organization is in constant need of change in the strategy and economic plan. This is more prevalent since recession Environmental factors There are certain environmental changes that have an effect on the production and sales. These changes are to be monitored and the demand of change arises. Financial pressure There occur financial pressures on the organizations, in order to meet deadlines and targets. In order to handle finances, there has to be a change in finance plans. This is where the need for change management occurs. Technological advances There has been drastic change in production, marketing, outsourcing and other fields due to technology. The organization needs upgrading and has to keep in pace with the technological advances to succeed in its mission and make way for growth. Keeping in mind the factors discussed above, there is a need for change. Funding cuts With the recession in the economy, the company has cut down on costs and funds. There is need for change in financial strategy to keep the balance. Competition Competition is a healthy asset for any business. To keep up to the standards and do better than others is very important, hence it is vital to keep a watch at what others are doing and bring change in the company accordingly. Task 2.3 Assess the resource implications of the organization not responding to strategic change Restructuring of HR- If the company does not respond to the changes as discussed above, it may have to face severe consequences and lose in the process. The organization will have to restructure the HR making way for a new beginning. There have to be leaders chosen again and staff employed for the smooth working of the company. Interview and hire of new employees Interviewing and hiring of new staff will have to be done which is a time consuming and costly process for any business. Redundancies The organization will have redundancies if proper steps for the change are not taken in time. This will affect the working and time management of the strategy of work. Training Training is another costly and time taking process. It takes a lot to train the employees and bear the costs. If the need for strategic change is understood, there is no need for the organization to bear costs or losses. ire Task 3.1 Develop systems to involve stakeholders in the planning of change in the chosen organization A stakeholder is one who has something to gain or lose through the outcomes of a planning process or project. These are also called interest groups and can have a strong bearing on the outcomes of political processes. It is useful for research projects to identify and analyse the needs and concerns of different stakeholders, particularly when these projects have an effect on policy Input-output transformation model Operations management transforms inputs (labour, capital, equipment, land, buildings, materials and information) into outputs (goods and services) that provide added value to customers. Transformation System is the critical element in the model that determines how well the company produces goods and services that meet consumer needs. It does not matter whether the organization is a for-profit company, a non-profit organization (religious organizations, hospitals, etc.), or a government agency; all organizations must strive to maximize the quality of their transformation processes to meet customer needs. Steps Involved Step 1: Clarify the research or policy change objective (Problem Tree Analysis or objectives analysis might help with this.) Stap 2: Identify all the stakeholders or interest groups associated with this objective, problem or issue. Stakeholders can be organizations, groups, departments, structures, networks or individuals. Stakeholder table http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/details.asp?id=5257title=stakeholder-analysis Step 3: Using the grid organise the stakeholders in different matrices according to their interest and power. Interest measures to what degree they may to be affected by the research project. Power measures the influence they have over the project or policy, and to what degree they can help achieve, or block, the desired change. The Cultural Web CulturalWeb The Cultural Web http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newSTR_90.htm The Cultural Web identifies six interrelated elements Johnson and Scholes (2002) call it the paradigm the pattern or model of the work environment. By analyzing the factors in each, you can begin to see what is working, what isnt working, and what needs to be changed. The six elements are: The past events and people talked about inside and outside the company. Who and what the company chooses to celebrate say a great deal about what it values, and perceives as great behaviour. The daily behaviour and actions of people that indicate acceptable behaviour. This determines what is expected to happen in given situations, and what is valued by management. The visual representations of the company including logos, how exquisite the offices are, and the dress codes. Multiple Cause Diagrams http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSdVRFuXnr_B3dlTLYyaZepQmDbF-NMDoz5q0TClaUYPXfxVGPVt=1 Multiple cause diagrams http://ilearn.cto.int/login/index.php Multiple cause diagrams are a way of using interconnectedness to shape up a complex situation. They represent both adequate and casual cause without making a distinction between them. This system is pictured as an interconnected group of events or effects to cause an effect as a purpose. Sometimes, if the input cause is removed, the output cause continues to happen, may be because feedback loops are present or other causes drive the effect. Influencing skills The careless reception of authority is becoming increasingly less common in the world. To get things done, it is better to rely on commitment rather than authority. For example, gaining co-operation from other departments. Task 3.2 Develop a change management strategy with stakeholders in the chosen organization Developing a winning strategy is messier than textbooks suggest. Most insights that are important for formulating strategies rest in the heads of operating managers. (Kotter 2007) The Stakeholder Circle This is designed to put stakeholders on the project management radar. It is a proven method supported by a tough, easy to use tool that guides us through five easy steps namely: Identify your projects stakeholders and understand their needs Prioritize the stakeholders on the basis of power, proximity and urgency. Visualize the key stakeholders using the Stakeholder Circle. Engage with the stakeholders by building and implementing an effective communication plan. Monitor changes as you update and review your stakeholders at key points in the project. Public Hearings: There can be events where stakeholders are allowed to give evidence or question general public authorities about decisions. Public hearings: Regulated, formal arrangements for times and places at which members of the general public and other types of stakeholders can give evidence or question public authorities about decisions. Deliberative Polling: This collects views when people are introduced to the issue and think about it. It also includes a feedback session. Task 3.3 Evaluate the systems used to involve stakeholders in the planning of change in the chosen organization The stakeholder model is helpful in explaining the rules of the economic game and the link between stakeholder value and competitive advantage. The stakeholder strategy plan guides us on how to interact and communicate with each stakeholder during different stages of a project. It also helps to define who should participate, in what ways and on what level of the project. It gives thorough knowledge of the matter and suits best to most organizations. Other ways such as polling, seminars and workshops are also perfect ways to handle change in a proper manner. Task 3.4 Create a strategy for managing resistance to change in the chosen organization Selective Perception: Peoples self interpretation of stimuli presents a unique image of the real world and results in selective perception. This leads to biased view of the situation that fits into the perception of reality. Habit: People are used to the same way of doing things which makes a habit. It becomes serves as a source of comfort. Bringing about change brings resistance. Loss of Freedom: If the change is seen as an inconvenience, it reduces freedom of action or results in increased control, there will be resistance. Direct vs Indirect There is staff that may resist directly and others that may be indirect in resistance. Direct resistance is to oppose in a direct manner and fighting straight but indirect resistance is to show resistance by making excuses such as resigning. Task 4.1 Develop appropriate models for change in the chosen organization that will reflect their circumstances The best model for change that applies to Sapphire Beauty Box is Proscis Five Building Blocks change management model which includes the ADKAR The first thing Sapphire needs is the Awareness of the need for change. If the need for change is understood, half the job is done. Planned communication is essential for understanding. Sapphire needs change as there is a need for it. Next is the Desire to participate and help the change. The employees of Sapphire need to make a personal decision to support the change and sustain it too. The CEO announced incentives for individuals creating a desire to be a part of the change. The third building block is providing Knowledge. Sapphire held a seminar for imparting awareness for change, how to undergo change and how to implement it. Prosci (2003) suggested forums and mentoring for knowledge of change. Ability to implement required skills and behavior is another building block of the ADKAR model. It is the difference between theory and practice. Once knowledge is imparted on change, the performance of the individual needs to be supported. Sapphire can do this by practice, coaching and feedback. Lat, but not the least comes Reinforcement. It is the final and essential stage of the model where efforts to sustain the change is accentuated. It is to be ensured that changes stay in place and individuals do not revert to old ways. The ways to do it are positive feedback, recognition, rewarding, etc. Sapphire makes it a point to take feedback of the customers as well as the employees to keep both sides balanced. There is a Best Employee of the Month award scheme at Sapphire Beauty Box which inspires employees to do their best. http://www.change-management.com/tutorials/ADKAR-clip_image002.gif Proscis Change Management Model http://www.change-management.com/tutorial-adkar-overview.htm Task 4.2 Plan to implement a model for change considering the internal and external circumstances impacting on the organization Kaizen Method This is a Japanese method for continuous incremental improvement. It is a concept for gradual, continuous improvement. It assumes that every aspect of life has to be constantly improved. The main elements of Kaizen are effort, quality, and willingness to change, communication and involvement of employees. Its five founding elements are Teamwork Personal Discipline Improved Morale Quality Circles and Suggestions for Improvement. The Kaizen method is best for Sapphire Beauty Box as it is people oriented, requires long term discipline and easy to implement. Matrix Organizations This kind of organization offers the advantages of flexibility, greater security and control of project information. It establishes a grid with a two way flow of authority and responsibility. Task 4.3 Develop appropriate measures to monitor progress of the developed model Goal Based Evaluation To start with goal based evaluation, there can be two main questions we can ask for How has the programme made a difference Are the participants of the programme feeling better as a result of the programme? Outcome based evaluation is a way that determines if the project at Sapphire Beauty Box have achieved its goals. The organized process using OBE helps to establish clear outcomes, to measure benefits, clarify groups for which benefits are targeted. Other ways to monitor progress in Sapphire Beauty Box are regular reports of the activities being practiced in there. Meetings are also undertaken by higher authorities to administer the changes and keep a watch on them. Quality Circles appear simple and straightforward but have to be viewed in regard to Japanese culture and management systems. Quality circles are do work and are used successfully by British organizations. . CONCLUSION It can be concluded that strategic change is the key factor in any organization. Change is a pervasive influence. We are all subject to change in one form or the other which is continuous. The steps to change from Kotter give vital knowledge about making change Kotter is called the GURU in terms of change management. Proscis ADKAR building blocks give deep understanding and guidance for applying change and monitoring it to sustain change. Kurt Lewins change model is also an important one. The freeze, refreeze and transition stages develop new attitudes and behaviour.

The Causes of Substance Abuse Essay -- Drug Addiction Essays

Substance abuse is an issue that has disseminated in the society and is often regarded as the relic of a thoughtless materialism. A false belief regarding addicted individuals seems to be ingrained in the minds of the majority of the population (Sadava, 1987). This belief is very often accompanied by appalling mental images of addicts and a highly judgmental attitude (Sadava, 1987). As a result, the causes of addiction are still wrapped in obscurity. This paper aims to outline the most basic reasons that lead to substance abuse and dependency, from the early developmental stage until late adolescence. First of all, when a child-bearing woman is using drugs, the substances are being transferred to the foetus through the umbilical cord (Bashmore, Ketchum, Staisch, Barrett, & Zimmermann, 1981). As a consequence, the foetus experiences the same physical symptoms as its mother, such as blood intoxication and spasms (Bashmore et al, 1981; Kreek, Nielsen, Butelmann, & LaForge, 2005). Substance abuse during pregnancy can cause spontaneous abortion, heart defects and low birth weight (Bashmore et al., 1981), as well as behavioral problems and addiction proneness for the offspring (Bashmore et al., 1981; JÃ ªdrzejczak, 2005). More specifically, substance abuse during pregnancy can elicit a series of chemical reactions in the developing brain of the foetus (Kreek et al., 2005). As a result, in the future life of the offspring, an environmental or a psychological stimulus may be enough to lead to substance abuse (Kreek et al., 2005). The experiences an individual has during his or her childhood are considered equally important prognosticators for using drugs. Witnessing a parent or a caretaker abusing substances is considered as an ... ...r and public policy. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall. Sihvola, E., Rose, R. J., Dick, D. M., Pulkkinen, L., Marttunen, M., & Kaprio, J. (2008). Early onset depressive disorders predict the use of addictive substances in adolescence: A prospective study of adolescent Finnish twins. Addiction, 103(12), 2045-2053. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2008.02363.x Spooner, C. (1999). Causes and correlates of adolescent drug abuse and implications for treatment. Drug and Alcohol Review, 18(4), 453-475. doi:10.1080/09595239996329 van Dalen, A. (2001). Juvenile violence and addiction: Tangled roots in childhood trauma. Journal of Social Work Practice in The Addictions, 1(1), 25-40. doi:10.1300/J160v01n01_04 Zimić, J., & Jukić, V. (2012). Familial risk factors favoring drug addiction onset. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 44(2), 173-185. doi:10.1080/02791072.2012.685408

Bora Bora Hotel Pestle Economics

Economic factors Tourism and service industries are two biggest sectors in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, about 40 percent of employees work in the Service sector. In 1997, almost eighty percent of the whole GDP in this country was from service sector. During the end of the last millennium, there has been a huge economic decline in the whole French Polynesia, mainly in Tahiti and Bora Bora. But with the economic help of France and clearing the rumors of nuclear experiences the country’s economy started to grow.This country’s climate is very beneficial for hotels, because almost all year it’s warm and the exotic nature always attracts people. Lately, there has been a huge increase of tourists that travel to Bora Bora, because of the newly built hotels and airports. This is a huge factor for our chosen hotel, Hilton, because if more people will want to go to this area, there has to be more hotels for their accommodation.But other hotel chains are also interested in b uilding new hotels in Bora Bora, because of its newly found Brand recognition as a holiday resort and growing economy. Bora Bora does not produce a lot of goods, so they have to be imported. Which is mainly the Hotels problem, because the Levies  and excises on imported goods and licensing fees in the whole French Polynesia are the highest ones. The main objects that Bora Bora imports include food, fuel, building materials,  consumer goods  and automobiles.Because they are imported, these goods cost more for the hotel than the natively made ones. Their main importers are United States and France. In the world chart, French Polynesia is in the two hundred twelfth place, with the inflation rate of 1. 1, while for example, Denmark’s inflation rate is 2. 8, United States inflation rate is 3. 1. In 2008, the currency exchange was 16. 5 French Polynesian francs for one US dollar.

The demographic transition model Essays

The demographic transition model Essays The demographic transition model Paper The demographic transition model Paper The Demographic transition model (DTM) is a model used to explain the process of shift from high birth rates and high death rates to low birth rates and low death rates as part of the economic development of a country from a pre-industrial to an industrialized economy. It is based on an interpretation begun in 1929 by the American demographer Warren Thompson of prior observed changes, or transitions, in birth and death rates in industrialized societies over the past two hundred years. Most developed countries are beyond stage three of the model; the majority of developing countries are in stage 2 or stage 3. The model was based on the changes seen in Europe so these countries follow the DTM relatively well. Many developing countries have moved into stage 3. The major exceptions are poor countries, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa and some Middle Eastern countries, or countries affected by government policy or civil strife, notably Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Yemen and Afghanistan. Strengths of the DTM The DTM has many good factors. For example, it is universal in concept. It can be applied to all countries in the world. You are able to see, that many other countries in Europe and North America went through similar stages as they industrialised. Some newly industrialised countries (NICs) such as Singapore and South Korea also seemed to go through similar stages, but faster than countries like Britain had done, which I will examine in my essay later. The model helps to explain what has happened and why it has happened in that particular sequence, because it is also easy to understand. Furthermore it enables comparisons to be made demographically between countries. In addition, it provides a starting point for the study of demographically change over time. The model’s timescales are flexible and to sum up, it is very dynamic, showing changes through time. The DTM of the UK The UK went in the last 300 years through five stages of the DTM. Reliable estimates and census returns go back further for the UK than for any other country. I want to explain those stages now a little bit further: Stage 1: The death rates fluctuated up until about 1740. In years of plenty the death rate fell, rising again in periods of scarcity, missing hygiene and cheap gin drinking. It also rose when epidemics of illness struck and no medical science was there. In addition there was uncertain food supply. The birth rate stayed high to compensate for the high death rate. There was no birth control or family planning, and many children were needed to work on the land and support their parents in old age. But there was also such a high birth rate, because so many children died in infancy that parents tend Tanja Dordelmann Geography Year 12 Page 2 to produce more in the hope that several will survive. Both rates were about 35 per 1000. Stage 2: The UK went through the second stage from 1760 till 1880. The birth rates remained high, but death rates fall rapidly to about 20 per 1000 people. The medical care were improved, there were now vaccinations, hospitals and doctors. The supply of improves sanitation, water and food production improved in quality and quantity. Transports to move to the doctors and to the foods were also provided. Furthermore the child mortality decreased between 1770 and 1870. In the 1870s Anne Besant published brochures advocating birth control. Compulsory education and factory reforms after 1870 made employment of children much more difficult. All this resulted in a big population growth. Stage 3: The late expanding in the UK of the third stage happened from 1880 till 1940. The birth rates fall rapidly to perhaps 16 per 1000 people. This may due to the different family planning, there was now contraceptives, sterilisation, abortion and government incentives. The fall of the infant mortality rate lead to less pressure to have so many children. The increased industry and mechanism meaning fewer labourers are needed. All in all the desire for material possessions and less desire for large families grew up. Another important factor was the emancipation of the women, which enabled the women to follow their own careers rather than just bearing children. While this, the death rate continued falling slightly, means to 12 per 1000 people. Therefore the population had a slowly increase. Stage 4: By 1940, the birth rate had fallen again to 14 per 1000, partly due to the uncertainties of war. After the war the birth rate rose immediately for a short while, which is called the post-war baby boom. But at 1980 birth rates fallen again and remained at the same level. There was also the introduction of the antibaby-pill and more use of condoms. This is also a result of the rise in the importance of women in the employment structure of the UK. Whereas the death rate remained low at 10 – 12 per 1000. This resulted in a steady population. The UK has not achieved the fifth stage yet, like many other countries, either. Actually this fifth stage is just a conjecture and only Hungary passed this stage. Weaknesses of the DTM The DTM doe not only have good factors, even though it is universal in concept, it is Eurocentric and assumes that all countries in the world will follow the European sequence of socioeconomic changes. It is based on the experience of industrialisation and does not originally include the fifth stage. Also you cannot read why all this happened. It does not include the factor of Aids, the role of the government and the impact of migration, although it is a very important part of studying population change. Conclusion – My opinion of the DTM The DTM is, in my eyes, a very good way of compare countries in their population change over the years. Unfortunately it does not include all countries in their development. But all in all I think using the DTM is very useful.

The Ancient History of Silk Making and Silkworms

The Ancient History of Silk Making and Silkworms Silkworms (incorrectly spelled silk worms) are the larval form of the domesticated silk moth, Bombyx mori. The silk moth was domesticated in its native habitat of northern China from its wild cousin Bombyx mandarina, a cousin which still survives today. Archaeological evidence suggests that occurred about 3500 BC. The fabric we call silk is made from the long thin fibers produced by the silkworm during its larval stage. The insects intent is to create a cocoon for its transformation into the moth form. Silkworm farmers simply unravel the cocoons, each cocoon producing between 100-300 meters (325-1,000 feet) of fine, very strong thread. People make fabrics from the fibers produced by at least 25 different species of wild and domesticated butterflies and moths in the order Lepidoptera. Two versions of wild silkworm are exploited by silk manufacturers today, one in China and far eastern Russia called Chinese B. mandarina; and one in Japan and southern Korea called Japanese B. mandarina. The largest silk industry today is in India, followed by China and Japan, and more than 1,000 inbred strains of silkworms are kept worldwide today. What is Silk? Silk fibers are water-insoluble filaments that animals (chiefly the larval version of moths and butterflies, but also spiders) secrete from specialized glands. Animals store the chemicals fibroin and sericinsilkworm cultivation is often called sericultureas gels in the insects glands. As the gels are excreted, they are converted into fibers. Spiders and at least 18 different orders of insects make silk. Some use them to construct nests and burrows, but butterflies and moths use the excretions to spin cocoons. That ability that began at least 250 million years ago. The silkworm caterpillar feeds exclusively on the leaves from several species of mulberry (Morus), which contain a latex with very high concentrations of alkaloid sugars. Those sugars are toxic to other caterpillars and herbivores; silkworms have evolved to tolerate those toxins. Domestication History Silkworms are today completely dependent on humans for survival, a direct result of artificial selection. Other characteristics bred into the domestic silkworm caterpillar are a tolerance for human proximity and handling as well as for excessive crowding. Archaeological evidence indicates that the use of cocoons of the silkworm species Bombyx to produce cloth began at least as early as the Longshan period (3500-2000 BC), and perhaps earlier. Evidence of silk from this period is known from a few remnant textile fragments recovered from well-preserved tombs. Chinese historical records such as the Shi Ji report silk production and depict garments. Archaeological Evidence The Western Zhou Dynasty (11th-8th centuries BC) saw the development of early silk brocades. Many silk textile examples have been recovered from archaeological excavations of Mashan and Baoshan sites, dated to the Chu Kingdom (7th century BC) of the later Warring States period. Silk products and silkworm-rearing technologies came to play a critical role in Chinese trade networks and in the interaction of cultures among different countries. By the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 9), silk production was so important to international trade that the camel trails used to connect ChangAn with Europe were named the Silk Road. Silkworm technology spread to Korea and Japan about 200 BC. Europe was introduced to silk products through the Silk Road network, but the secret of silk fiber production remained unknown outside of eastern Asia until the 3rd century AD. Legend has it that the bride of a king of the Khotan oasis in far western China on the Silk Road smuggled silkworms and mulberry seeds to her new home and husband. By the 6th century, Khotan had a thriving silk production business. Sequencing the Silkworm A draft genome sequence for silkworms was released in 2004, and at least three re-sequences have followed, discovering genetic evidence that the domestic silkworm has lost between 33-49% of its nucleotide diversity compared to the wild silkworm. The insect has 28 chromosomes, 18,510 genes, and over 1,000 genetic markers. Bombyx has an estimated 432 Mb genome size, much larger than fruit flies, making the silkworm an ideal study for geneticists, particularly those interested in the insect order Lepidoptera. Lepidoptera includes some of the most disruptive agricultural pests on our planet, and geneticists hope to learn about the order to understand and combat the impact of silkworms dangerous cousins. In 2009, an open access database of the silkworms genome biology called SilkDB was published (see Duan et al). Genetic Studies Chinese geneticists Shao-Yu Yang and colleagues (2014) have found DNA evidence suggesting that the silkworm domestication process may have begun 7,500 years ago, and continued to around 4,000 years ago. At that time, silkworms experienced a bottleneck, losing much of its nucleotide diversity. Archaeological evidence does not currently support such a long domestication history, but the bottleneck date is similar to dates proposed for initial domestication. Another group of Chinese geneticists (Hui Xiang and colleagues 2013) has identified an expansion of silkworm population about 1,000 years ago, during the Chinese Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). Researchers suggest that may have been associated with the Song Dynasty Green Revolution in agriculture, predating Norman Borlaugs experiments by 950 years. Sources Deng H, Zhang J, Li Y, Zheng S, Liu L, Huang L, Xu W-H, Palli SR, and Feng Q. 2012. POU and Abd-A proteins regulate the transcription of pupal genes during metamorphosis of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 109(31):12598-12603. Duan J, Li R, Cheng D, Fan W, Zha X, Cheng T, Wu Y, Wang J, Mita K, Xiang Z et al. 2010. SilkDB v2.0: a platform for silkworm (Bombyx mori) genome biology. Nucleic Acids Research  38 (Database Issue): D453-456. Russell E. 2017. Spinning their way into history: Silkworms, mulberries and manufacturing landscapes in China. Global Environment 10(1):21-53. Sun W, Yu H, Shen Y, Banno Y, Xiang Z, and Zhang Z. 2012. Phylogeny and evolutionary history of the silkworm. Science China Life Sciences 55(6):483-496.Xiang H, Li X, Dai F, Xu X, Tan A, Chen L, Zhang G, Ding Y, Li Q, Lian J et al. 2013. Comparative methylomics between domesticated and wild silkworms implies possible epigenetic influences on silkworm domestication. BMC G enomics 14(1):646. Xiong Z. 2014. The Hepu Han tombs and the maritime Silk Road of the Han Dynasty. Antiquity 88(342):1229-1243.Yang S-Y, Han M-J, Kang L-F, Li Z-W, Shen Y-H, and Zhang Z. 2014. Demographic history and gene flow during silkworm domestication. BMC Evolutionary Biology 14(1):185.

Recording, Analysing and Using HR Information Assignment

Recording, Analysing and Using HR Information - Assignment Example The data is important for liability and regulatory purposes. The government necessitates firms to collect, maintain and report a lot of HR information to them. Data collected in HR is very important in establishing the skill level of the workforce in a company and helps predict future performance and engagement of employees. The management of human capital is very important as the ability to attract, retain and improve the employees will continually be a major challenge to HR professionals. To become official employees, most firms require that the employees complete a form. The type of information collected includes: Legal names Address Banking information Marital status Beneficiaries for benefits plans Social security and insurance number, etc. The type of data collected, where it is stored and how it is used have changed but the need to collect information from employees has not changed. Maintaining such HR data ensures maintenance of a profile for each employee and to ease payment and compensation to each employee. It’s also vital for regulatory and liability purpose. The government requires firms, especially larger ones to maintain and report a lot of information to them. Currently, there are complex human resource information systems (HRIS) to manage, analyse and transfer a lot of information. ... Data corruption and loss is at much lower risk especially in controlled environments. Electronic HR systems feature relational databases where data can be stored in more than one file, each comprising of different types of information. The benefits include: Different files can be linked to allow information from individual files be used together Information can be linked from diverse sources and locations It’s more efficient and requires less storage space Easier process of recording and generating financial records (ACAS 2009) An extensive and complex UK legislation influences the recording, accessing and storing HR data. Both the manual and electronic systems are covered by the law. The Data Protection Act of 1998 applying to personal records states that: Data must not be retained any longer than it is necessary Manual systems must be organised into an appropriate filing system. Employees have the right to access their information records, subject to some exceptions, and the employer is required to ensure the data is accurate. Activity B Advancements in the levels of absence and change and uncertainty are still being experienced and this makes it essential to retain focus on the well-being of employees. The public sector despite the ongoing budget cuts still remains more active in health promotion than in the private sector. The major task is retaining the focus as budgets remain tight. Reviewing the suitability of absence management approaches and that of well-being provision is vital and should be done on a regular basis. This will ensure that key issues faced by the employees are addressed. This year saw similar results to those

Market Research Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Market Research - Assignment Example This report is designed to have an insight about an organization that is about to conduct some market research into consumer buying habits for the products and services that this company has for sale. Henry John Heinz, the founder of this company said that he learned from his parents’ idea of business which was, â€Å"Deal with the seller so justly that he will want to sell to you again.† He believed in fair play in the business and this quality of him had made him a successful businessman. Heinz is a $10.7 billion global company. The products of Heinz enjoy #1 or #2 market share in more than 50 countries. Every year the company sells 650 million bottles of its iconic Ketchup. Heinz's top 15 power brands are counted as more than two-thirds of its annual sales. There are about 35000 people that are employed by Heinz in almost 50 countries around the globe. Heinz is a responsible corporate citizen dedicated to safe practices, environmental stewardship and giving back to t he society (Heinz Company, Pittsburgh, 2012). 2.0 Research Options What is the correct option for doing research either through external consultancy agency for the market research or the option of doing the research in the company itself. 2.1.0 External Consultants Many organizations take the assistance of external consultants in identifying, recommending and implementing change. There have been companies which have been successful while there are some which have failed after having consultancy from external consultants. First, there needs to be cooperation with the consultant from the entire top management and not merely the CEO or a few directors/managers. Next, there cannot be any information that is out of action from the external consultants. The solution to transformation is that complete information about the organization and its strengths and most prominently, its flaws must be visible. The other feature that makes organizations rely on external consultants is since these co nsultants have knowledge in dealing with companies in similar industries and hence can relate their expertise and experience to advise specific changes. 2.1.1 Advantage of External Consultants 1. External Agencies have research skills that are industry specific. These niche considerations are such that the organization can customize different external agencies to specific internal needs as a means of maximizing their marketing strategy (Joshi 2005). 2. External Contractors have access to target sectors; hence they have underlying knowledge of best practices. Accompanied within this spectrum of understanding are recognitions that industries niches aren’t only accompanied by a specific skill set, but also industry contacts and statistical research that can advance their marketing goals (Joshi 2005). 3. External Agency contractors bring objective viewpoints. The nature of institutional culture has been theorized to have a significant and profound impact on decision-making and co mpany practices. While such uniformity of perspective has noted strategic advantages, oftentimes the external viewpoints that are accompanied with outside agencies can add these fresh and much needed insights (Joshi 2005). 4. They are much quicker as compared to internal research. These agencies have developed streamlining techniques that allow