Friday, November 29, 2019

The objective of the coursework Essay Example

The objective of the coursework Essay The objective of the coursework to investigate the companys behavior on the market and its prices2. The importance of the economic analysis for every company is essential to know how the local market operates and how it could take advantage of it. Another important thing is that every company should be aware of its own economic state.3. The company under investigation AIMS Human Capital Bulgaria.4. Methodology:* Companys background* Services it provides* Target markets* SWOT Analysis* Price, financials and future predictions5. Data sources:* Internal data of the company* Web pageII.Economic Analysis of AIMS Human Capital Bulgaria1. Companys BackgroundAims human Capital Bulgaria is a member and representative of one of the top three worldwide leaders in the field of Human Resources consultancy AIMS the Association for International Management Search (www.aims-network.com), headquarters in Vienna, Austria.AIMS Network has more than 250 consultants in 80 offices and 40 countries on 5 continents. The turnover achieved by the member companies in 2000 was 250 million USD and theres a 20% average increase of turnover per annum.AIMS Human Capital Bulgaria was established in 1994 in Sofia, Bulgaria. Today it has more than 130 clients which are major multinational and leading local companies, more than 1000 successful placements, 15 full time employees, more than 1000 contract/leased employees since 1994, 10 editions of compensation and benefits surveys for major multinational companies in Bulgaria (as of December 2001), 3 groups of services representing the full range of integrated Human Resources Solutions.It is very important for every business to know how it fits in and interacts with the surrounding environment on both the international and domestic market. I will focus my analysis on the development of AIMS Human Capital Bulgaria on the Bulgarian Market.2.The services it providesAims Human Capital Bulgaria core areas of expertise are:* Executive Search Solutio ns* HR Consultancy and* Training and Coaching Services1. Executive Search SolutionsAIMS team takes time to understand their clients business and the full scope of each project in order to provide a tailored to the clients needs solution. They are committed to reach the right balance between time and cost efficiency with no quality compromises.The outstanding features that AIMS brings to the Executive Search process in order to ensure quality and reliability, while recognizing that every search is different are:* An extensive network of high-profile executives based on AIMS trustworthiness ; professional reputation* Thorough familiarity with the candidates professional record* Shorter length of the executive search procedure due to extensive knowledge of the key professionals on the local market* Expertise on the top executive market and compensation benefits schemes* Application of uncompromising ethical business standards in attracting and evaluating executives* Observing compreh ensive and meticulous confidentiality throughout the whole executive search process.2. HR ConsultancyAIMS Human Capital Bulgaria is an experienced Human Resources Consultancy company, offering services aimed at supporting the strategic initiatives, and analyzing organizational development options open to clients. The focus of AIMS work is to help business be more effective at managing the human dimension of work.They provide comprehensive analysis and integrated Human Resources solutions to enable clients accomplish their objectives on a long-term basis through on-going support.AIMS provide the best learning and development solutions, from the initial assessment to defining the strategy, developing and implementing the solution, and measuring the results.3. Training and CoachingThe training programs of AIMS are highly interactive and include guided discussions, video case studies, small and large groups activities, role plays, simulations and skill practice accompanies by simultaneo us feedback.AIMS Training Packages:* Effective Leadership* Team Power* Customer Management* Professional Skills* Effective Sales* Power Package for Administrative Assistants3.Target MarketsAims Human Capital Bulgaria focuses on providing executive search solutions, HR consultancy and training and coaching services. The most important clients are executives in larger companies. They are marketing managers, general managers, sales managers, etc.Target MarketsThe most important clients of Aims are the Leading Bulgarian Companies and the Multinational Companies, like Balkanpharma, Globul, Allianz Bulgaria, Bristol Myers Squibb, DHL International, Danone, etc. They are most willing and capable of investing in the HR services. The market share of small businesses its not so big because most of them cant afford this service or are unaware of it.4. SWOT AnalysisThe SWOT Analysis covers strengths (what an organization can do), weaknesses (what an organization cannot do), opportunities (poten tial favorable conditions for an organization) and threats (potential unfavorable conditions for an organization). Strengths and weaknesses are generally internal attributes and opportunities and threats are external.We live in an age of growth, change, and business revolution. The HR business is risky, it offers us a lot of opportunities and threats, but we need to make the dealing with HR one of the biggest strengths, to minimize the weaknesses.Strengths1. True Expertise: The area of the business is known very well. The AIMS experience and expertise is better than anybody else is in the same field.2. Skilled Workforce: The team is small (only 15 employees), but theyve been chosen very carefully, and as a consequence theyre loyal to the company, highly qualified, theyre hard workers and everybody knows what their duties include.3. Companys Name Recognition: AIMS is a very well known name in the HR market, its professional reputation is confirmed over the years.Weaknesses1. Machiner y not up to date: There are very few new computers. Most of them are being up dated, but this is not enough for some of the applications used.2. Suspicion: Still some of the Bulgarian companies are not familiar with the services AIMS provides, so they are a little uncertain when investing in them.3. Marketing: It can be considered as both Strength and Weakness, because marketing strategy is almost entirely focused on the people and the companies that were already clients of AIMS Human Capital Bulgaria. Brochures have been sent to them and theyve been up to dated with information concerning new changes in the company, BUT there are no advertisements in the media, so AIMS can rally only on word of month ads for attracting new clients.Opportunities:1. The present financial position of AIMS is very good, which creates a good reputation for future bank loans and borrowings.2. The skilled workforce means that they can be moved and trained for other areas in the business.3. The HR Business is still not very well developed in Bulgaria so the clients that need such services have a limited resource.Threats:1. Though the HR services are something new on the Bulgarian market, this is a fast growing area and a lot of small HR companies pop up.2. The better advertising of the competitors.How some changes can affect the companys behavior:1) Changes in the Competitive EnvironmentOne of the largest trends in the Bulgarian economy in recent years has been the rapid increase of small businesses. While in 1994 AIMS was one of the few HR companies, today there are hundreds of them on the Bulgarian market, most of them are too small and still not trust-worthy, but anyway they are potential big competitors.2) Changes in the Sociocultural EnvironmentSocial and cultural influences cause changes in the attitudes, beliefs, norms, customs, and lifestyles. A firms ability to foresee changes in this area can prove beneficial, while failure to react to these changes can be devastating.3) Ch anges in the Political/Legal EnvironmentRegulatory actions by government agencies often restrict the activities of companies in affected industries. It is important to identify political/legal threats and opportunities in order to keep an edge on the market (Austainer, 1999)4) Changes in the Internal Organizational EnvironmentVarious elements within an organizations internal environment can also have impact on marketing activities. Changes in the structuring of departments, lines of authority, top management, or internal political climate can all create internal weaknesses that must be considered. It is good to up-date the employees with the changes in the company.It is not simply enough to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of a company. Weaknesses should be looked at in order to convert them into strengths. Likewise, threats should be converted into opportunities. And the strengths and opportunities should be matched to optimize the potential of the fir m.5. Price, Financials and Future PredictionsPrice:AIMS services are adequately priced. Its positioning, as well as its finances, demands high pricing. When a job is exactly their expertise a high pricing is expected. The prices are fixed and they rarely change, of course there are some exceptions depending on the service provided.Ultimately, the clients will risk less with a company with high reputation as AIMS, than with another one thats been just invented. Theres more security when working with world recognized company.Financials:The business plan of the company calls for sales of nearly $2.6 million this year growing to $3.8 million by 2004, on marketing expenses of slightly more than $300,000.It includes two very important things:1. A steady decline in cost of sales and growth in gross margin percentage as more of their resources are build, as full-time personnel and fixed costs instead of contractors and outside consultants.2. A decline in marketing expenses.* Break-even Anal ysisFor consultants, AIMS has a high variable cost of 30% of sales. Turning to experts on a permanent job basis, reduces the risk of fixed costs.This break-even is a reflection of the last year, in which AIMS has built its fulfillment mainly based on variable cost people instead of fixed-cost people.Break-even Analysis$150,000$100,000$50,000$0($50,000)($100,000)($150,000)$0$70,000$140,000$210,000$290,000$360,000Monthly break-even point* Sales ForecastAIMS sales for this year grow from $100,000 per month to $800,000 next fall. The sales forecast is aggressive, assuming financing for the marketing expenses and hiring permanent personnel.* Expense ForecastAIMS projects sales and marketing expenses from $320,000 this year to $450,000 in the next year. This compares to sales increasing in the same period. AIMS believes that effective marketing requires a very high percentage of sales, but over the time they can bring that percentage down to more acceptable levels.The expenses are divided over the two main departments the training department and the consultancy department. Each one of them has its own budget, which includes advertising, public relations, travel, internet traffic, coping and printing expenses and office materials. Theres also a substantial additional budget for contingencies.As we see from the chart most of the expenses are managed by marketing (the advertising or the public relations). The coping and printing expenses are not low too. Thats because a lot of materials are copied and printed for the training seminars, thats why it is known that the AIMS seminars are one of the best, but also one of the most expensive. Most of the time the income covers the expenses, so the financial state of the company is stable.* Sales Vs. Expenses monthly* Contribution marginsThe contribution margin should increase steadily during the next year because of two factors:1. The cost of sales goes down as the HR business is being developed, bringing on the know-how it needs to fulfill the promise it has given to the clients. Risk goes up with the increased fixed costs, but the margins go up too, because cost of sales is less.2. AIMS sales and marketing expenses will stabilize. A decrease in the overall level of expenses is not expected, but they should decline in percentage terms as sales go up.III.ConclusionAs we see from the economic analysis, AIMS Human Capital Bulgaria is one very successful company. Still, there are some things that need to be improved, for example the marketing strategy.The main obstacle I had when writing this coursework was the difficult access to the companys data. The profit and loss account, the pricing and the salaries are confidential information and no big company will reveal them. Anyway, I was provided with some data from AIMS, because Im a member of its team, but the numbers I used are not true, they are similar to them, but I was not aloud tell the real ones. However, the final conclusions are true and as this i nformation is confidential it should not be distributed.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Trad. Values in Chinese Societ essays

Trad. Values in Chinese Societ essays Traditional Values in Modern Chinese Society The directors in Beijing Bicycle, Not One Less, and Shower, deal with the significance and relationship of traditional values in a post-Socialist Chinese free-market economy and modern society through dramatic confrontations between rural and urban entities. Each director has his own way of manifesting this relationship through different means. In Beijing Bicycle, the collision between urban and rural worlds takes place through a bicycle. Wang Xiaoshuai uses a bicycle to illustrate a chaotic relationship between tradition and modernity when rural and urban identities collide. In Not One Less director Zhang Yimou brings traditional values to a modern setting by displacing a rural girl in an urban city. Through the collision of the rural character in the urban setting, Zhang exemplifies a modern society which exploits traditional values and rural lifestyle. Finally, the confrontation of rural and urban entities takes place through the relationship of modern and traditional chara cters in Shower. The director of Shower, Zhang Yang shows the emptiness of modernity without traditional values and the collision of father and son in this film suggests that traditional values are slowly being displaced by modern ideals. Material possessions in Beijing Bicycle create a collision between rural traditional and urban modern values. The significance of particular material possessions differ between individuals of rural and urban backgrounds. In the film the differences in the value of a bicycle for different individuals vary in accordance to necessity and accessibility. Objects seemingly mundane in urban culture prove luxurious to individuals from the countryside. The initial frames following the opening credits and introduction in Beijing Bicycle introduce jam-packed streets lined with bicycles in Beijing. These frames depict a prosperous bicycle industry where bicycles are far from scarce...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Information mangment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Information mangment - Essay Example According to Nonaka, Krogh and Voelpel (2006), â€Å"organizational knowledge creation is the process of making available and amplifying knowledge created by individuals as well as crystallizing and connecting it with an organization’s knowledge system.† Studies have shown that creation of knowledge, retention as well as managing it is very important for the survival of the organization during the contemporary period as we move towards a digital economy (Alavi & Leidner, 2001). One way of generating knowledge in an organization is achieved through the use of learning. Learning in an organisation is particularly concerned with creating, acquiring and transforming knowledge and transforming this knowledge to improve the overall performance of the employees and the organization as a whole (Andriopoulos & Dawson 2009). Knowledge may be explicit and/or tacit, individual and/or collective. Basically, explicit knowledge refers to details of processes that have been codified an d it often acts as a manual to deal with certain queries or problems in the organization while tacit knowledge is knowledge of experience (Polanyi, 1983). In as far as tacit knowledge is concerned so the person concerned uses his or her experience to deal with a certain problem. As noted above, knowledge is a business asset given that much of organizations’ value mainly depends on their capacity to create and generate knowledge which can be used to transform the operations of the organization during changing period. It is important for an organization to create knowledge and transfer it to other employees since this can help the whole organization. As illustrated in the model of knowledge creation and diffusion illustrated above, it can be seen that there are various techniques that can be used to transfer knowledge from one person to the other in the organization. According to Nonaka & Takeuchi (1995), knowledge can be transferred through the following strategies in the comp any: tacit to tacit through socialization, tacit to explicit through a process of externalization, explicit to tacit through a process of internalization as well as explicit to explicit through a process of combination. Tacit knowledge can be transferred to tacit knowledge through the process of socialization. Basically, socialization is a process that loosely describes the way people in an organization are socialised or interact. Through interaction among employees in an organization, knowledge can be transferred from one person to the other. In this case, it is individual to individual where an experienced employee can impart his or her ideas and experience to the other employee who also can capitalise on this wealth of knowledge in his or her operations. Explicit to tacit knowledge can also be transferred through a process of internalization in the organization. Internal structures in the organization are created and these are meant to transform knowledge that is codified into ac tual experience that can help the employees to deal with different situations they may encounter in their operations. This process involves transfer of knowledge from the individual, group as well as organization. This helps to improve the overall performance of the employees as well as the organization a whole. The other strategy is tacit to explicit

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Subway Operating Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Subway Operating Environment - Essay Example Latest Subway restaurants remain coming into existence throughout. The franchise series has recruited excess of 150,000 individuals. The restaurant provides its consumers with several various types of fresh submarines sandwiches in addition known as â€Å"subs†. Consumers all the moment make choices on the way they need their sandwiches to remain served (Griffin, 2012). Subway’s promotion remains founded on freshness. The slogan â€Å"Eat Fresh† informs that Subway series makes use of simply fresh scorched bread and fish constituents. Subway faces very stiff competition from other businesses in the same field like McDonald’s, Burger King and Sunset Boulevard. There existed more than 20 Subways in the late 1990s in Denmark; however, ten years back they vacated the Danish market. During 2009, Subway made efforts to struggle for the Danish market once more. At the start of February, they re-launched Subway in two towns, in Sonderborg and Aalborg. The Subway s eries faces stiff competition in Danish market from key competitors such as the Danish series and Sunset Boulevard. During the time the Subway was removing their restaurants from the Danish Sunset Boulevard purchased three of their divisions (Griffin, 2012). 2.0 Environmental analysis 2.2. Economic factors- They have an influence on all enterprises, countrywide and internationally. Economic elements influence the buying capacity of the consumers and the organization’s cost of capital. It constitutes regions such as the exchange rates, economic development and inflation frequency (Dubofsky, 1968). In the subway, the factors are key help the management to understand the economic growth of the restaurant. 2.3. Social factors- These factors constitute population reforms. There are several elements that influence people’s lifestyle because people stay in a community. A few key factors include household, religion, learning system and positionality (Boyer & Verma, 2010). Demo graphic development rate, age spread and jobs motives remain all incorporated in social factors. Within the restaurant, these factors are critical as they help in planning for the meals based on the population, gender and age discrimination. This ultimately helps in planning for the meals.

Monday, November 18, 2019

Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 179

Essay Example The media’s contribution to marginalized groups and their political empowerment to know their rights and fight for them has given such groups a voice that they did not have before (Turner, 2000). The marginalized groups may be mistreated but when the media brings them in through communication using videos and cassettes their plight is eventually known throughout the world. Their way of life is eventually known, and people can relate to them according to the way they are without judging them harshly. Complex communication in societies has been an issue that is of great importance. The complex groups have been delved into to find out how they communicate with each other where they way they talk has been taped further the terms of the respective languages (Cody, 2009; Inoue, 1996). The concentration of backstage work is important in understanding the bigger idea, which involves the large group’s interactions. Therefore the communications between the various marginalized need to be analyzed in a clear manner especially their word usage to determine if they are close to the larger groups that are more diverse in their communications since they have interacted with many other groups. The different, therefore, communicate different and have their own political though not conventional as the larger groupings have. Therefore bringing them to a common ground is in important. CODY, F. R. A. N. C. I. S. (August 01, 2009). INSCRIBING SUBJECTS TO CITIZENSHIP: Petitions, Literacy Activism, and the Performativity of Signature in Rural Tamil India. Cultural Anthropology, 24, 3, 347-380.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Land Property Rights

Land Property Rights A number of prominent cases concerning land and property rights, which have mainly involved women, have been addressed throughout the previous few decades. The above scenario states fundamental principles within the rule of law that have been raised in past cases. In consequence, this paper will be considering various different outcomes of important court decisions, along with the relevant Acts and law that accompany such proceedings. In the scenario, it appears that John, the trustee want to sell Fairview Cottage, however Mary, the beneficiary objects to this. Following this, considerations will be given to the given scenario, and what advice should be given in such circumstances. Land law recognises two forms of property ownership, which have been defined as legal ownership and beneficial or equitable ownership. Beneficial ownership concerns a persons right to live in and use the property, along with the right to any financial gains when the property is sold. The result of beneficial ownership can, therefore, significantly affect the sale of a property. The issues concerning beneficial interest were highlighted in Turton v. Turton (1988), during which the Court agreed on the notion that beneficial interests were dependent upon the intent of both parties when purchasing the property. In Walker v Hall (1988), LJ Nourse stated, â€Å"It must always be remembered that the basis on which the court proceeds is a common intention, usually to be inferred from the conduct of the parties; that the claimant is to have a beneficial interest in the house. In the common case, where the intention can be inferred only from the respective contributions, either initial or under a mortgage, to the cost of its acquisition, it is held that the house belongs to the parties beneficially in proportions corresponding to those contributions† (As quoted in Family Law Week, 2007). In order to establish a beneficial interest the claimant needs to prove â€Å"a resulting trust by showing that it would be inequitable for the legal owner to claim a sole beneficial ownership† (Privy-council.org.uk, 1999). A resulting trust is where ones share of the property is proportionate to their contribution made. It Arises due to the intention of the parties. In the case of Drake v Whipp (1995) 28 HLR 531, Peter Gibson LJ stated that it is crucial to distinguish between the different types of trusts. He argued that the distinction was of ‘crucial importance in deciding the size of the claiments size in terms of contributions made. The case of Bull v Bull [1955] 1 QB 234 shows the intention of the parties can be determined by the contribution made. In this case Lord Denning in the Court of Appeal stated that the share of the property should be ‘in his or hers respective contribution and also explains that each of the parties is entitled to the ‘possession of the land if they gave a respective contribution. Peter Gibson LJ in Curley v Parks [2004] EWCA Civ 1515 further explains that only contributions made at the time are relevant. Later contributions are not relevant for a resul ting trust. In this scenario, Mary has contributed 50% of the purchase price. The contributions were made with the intention of the property being used as a family home for the couple and their 3 children. Thus she has an equitable/beneficial interest under a resulting trust. It is also obvious that the contribution was made at the time of purchase, so a resulting trust will be applicable for Mary. Once its established somebody has a equitable/beneficial interest i.e a resulting trust, it is also important to note if they are in actual occupation, if so then their interests will be overriding. There is no stautory definition of what is meant by actual occupation. Actual occupation was defined by Lord Wilberforce in Williams Glyns Bank Ltd. v. Boland [1981] as ‘some physical presence with some degree of permanence. This was further confirmed by Lord Oliver in Abbey National Building Society v Cann and Another [1991] 1A.C. 56 where he further stated the emphasis on the degree of permanence. Lord Oliver also discussed when the claimant must be in actual occupation. He said ‘actual occupation required to support such an interest as a subsisting interest must exist at the date of completion of the transaction giving rise to the right to be registered. The House Of Lords also said that purchaser is bound by all overriding interests, thus giving more rights to the current occupier. The case of Ferrishurst Ltd v Wallcite Ltd [1991] further indicates the necessities for an overriding interest. Once an overriding interest is shown then he/she will have greater rights. In this scenario Mary ‘lives at Fairview Cottage which indicates that she lives there with a ‘degree of permanance. She also fulfils Lord Olivers criteria because she still lives at Fairview Cottage along with her children. Once actual occupation and beneficial interest are proven then a overriding interest will be present and Marys rights will be greater than any other persons. The Land Registration Act 1925 (LRA) confirms this, where it states. â€Å"The rights of every person in actual occupation of the land or in receipt of the rents and profits thereof, save where enquiry is made of such person and rights are not disclosed†. Another important topic to discuss is the issue of overreaching. In City of London v. Flegg (1988), the court ruled â€Å"that the Fleggs had no interest in the house once the payment had been paid to the Maxwell-Browns, since their interest had been overreached† (Todd, 1996). In this case, Mr and Mrs Flegg claimed a beneficial interest in the property by virtue of s.70(1)(g) of the LRA 1925. According to Todd (1996), this â€Å" decision would probably be different today, following the enactment of the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA), because overreaching would no longer occur.† Now, overreaching would only occur where the money is paid to atleast two trustees. Overreaching doesnt occur where the money is only paid to 1 trustee as seen in Williams Glyns Bank Ltd. v. Boland (1981). This led to Lord Wilberforce making the following statement; ‘a husband or a wife (in each actual case a wife) who has a beneficial interest in the matrimonial home, by virtue of having contributed to its purchase price, but whose spouse is the legal registered owner, has an overriding interest binding on a mortgagee (Wilberforce, 1980. As quoted by Mary Rose Plummer, 2007). In this scenario it is possible a potential purchaser may be able to overreach Marys interest if money is paid to atleast two trustees. However, it is unlikely that Marys interests will be overreached as there is only 1 trustee i.e. John. The rights of an occupant are dependant upon their legal status in relation to both the ownership of the given property and the other party. Individuals that are either married or registered in a civil partnership, according to British law, are automatically entitled to occupancy rights. In consequence, even when a spouse is not mentioned in the title deeds, he or she still has a right to live in the matrimonial home, as stated by the Family Law Act 1996. S.30(1) (FLA) , where the spouse can occupy house if owned by other spouse. However, this right is dependant upon where a divorce or dissoluteness of a civil partnership doesnt occur. In consequence, therefore, a person who is not on the title deeds, does hold certain occupancy rights. S. 31(10)(a) FLA 1996 states that matrimonial home rights are minor interests. For a minor interest to be protected, it must be registered by entry on the register of a notice. A notice is defined by the LRA 2002. An entry of a notice will protect the interest from any subsequent purchasers. If a notice isnt registered then ones right/interest may become void. As the property is legally owned by her spouse, Mary has the right to occupy it. In order to occupy the house however, she must register this right, by submitting a notice on the register. . It can also be argued that her interest as a spouse is only a minor interest, in relation to this a minor interest must also be registered under S. 29 LRA 2002. If this interest is not registered then it will not be binding. In addition, not only is Mary physically present, but she also holds clear occupancy rights, which include the right to exclude all those who do not hold the same rights. Fairview Cottage is clearly a matrimonial home, which was bought with the intention of being inhabited by both spouses, along with any existing or future children, of whom all would have a beneficial interest within the property. The fact that Mary is married to John, that they have three children, and has an equitable interest in the property as that she contributed financially towards the purchase of the property is clearly in Marys favour as stated in Family Law Week 2007 where it said â€Å"If you are married or in a civil partnership, your spouse or civil partner cannot sell the family home without your permission, even if your name is not on the title deeds† In addition, when considering the circumstances outlined within the given scenario, it is evident that Mary and John bought the house as a matrimonial home in which they intended to raise their family. As the couple are still legally married the house is still the family home, so the intention is still ongoing. S.14 of TOLATA 1996 lets anybody who has any type of interest in trust property to make an application for sale. In practicality, Mary can apply to the court to prevent John selling the house, or John can apply for the court to grant permission for sale. Even a potential purchaser wishing to buy the house can apply. As outlined in TOLATA 1996, matters referring to determining an application in accordance with section 14 are dependent on are stated in S.15; S.15 (1)(a) The intention of the individuals in attaining the property. S.15 (1)(b) The purposes or reasons for purchasing the property. S.15 (1)(c) The welfare of legal occupants, including children. The intentions of John and Mary when purchasing Fairview Cottage, as this paper has clearly demonstrated, was to provide a matrimonial home, which indicates that both had a common intention. The issue of matrimonial home is further discussed in S30 Family Law Act 1996, whereby a spouse has the right to occupy a property is he/she has a beneficial interest. Mary successfully fulfils this criteria. As S.15 (1)(a) and S.15 (1)(b) are still in existence, the court are likely to find in favour of Mary. They should prevent John from forcing a sale upon her. In addition to this, and in reference to the third factor S.15 (1)(c), the interest of the children is also and seen as an important consideration when considering beneficial applications. In the case of Re Evers trust [1980], LJ Omerod stated that it is important to underlay the importance of intention of the trust. In this scenario it was to prvide a family home. He further states that if the children are not mature it would be wrong to order a sale. This is further reiterated in the case if Williams JW v Williams MA [1976]. Therefore in this scenario, if the children are young, then the court is likely to find in favour of Mary, though if the children are mature then that fact should aid John. The ages of the children are unknown. Also, it is not sure what age is considered as ‘mature (it could be 18 or 21). If any of the kids are under 18, then a ruling in favour of Mary is likely. However, Judge Wroath in the case of TSB Bank plc v Marshall Others [1988] stated that even if the children are considered as adults, the courts may not take this issue into consideration when deciding on the sale of a property. Article 8 of the Human Rights Act (1998) states, â€Å"Everyone has the right for his private life and family life, his home and his correspondence,† which infers that children, who are profoundly affected by change brought about by parental disputes such as that portrayed within the given scenario, are protected by law. However the courts are not as likely to consider this in practicality. The courts are more likely to consider S.15 TOLATA 1996. However, as John is the legal owner/trustee of Fairview cottage, it is possible for him to sell under S14 TOLATA 1996 whereby the courts can grant him an application for sale. The courts in doing so would consider the factors listed in S.15 TOLATA 1996, to determine what action to take. In conclusion, it is evident that Mary has equitable interest of the property. An equitable interest together with actual occupation gives her an overriding interest. If she has this overriding interest then her position as a beneficiary would be even stronger, as her interests would override the interests of any other persons. However it is possible a potential purchaser may be able to overreach her interest. This is only applicable to where money is paid to two trustees, in this scenario John is the only trustee so it is unlikely that this will occur. If John wishes to evict Mary then he must apply under S. 14 TOLATA 1996. The courts will then consider the factors in S. 15 and any other factor it wishes to make a decision in regarding the sale. However, as outlined above it is unlikely that John will be successful. Although John is legally the sole proprietor of Fairview Cottage, the circumstances surrounding the purchase of the property strongly indicate that Mary is in a stronger legal position. The matrimonial status of the couple, for example, the fact that Mary significantly contributed towards financing the project, the original intentions of setting up a matrimonial home, and the presence of children, all indicate Marys right to beneficial ownership.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Footsteps Of Time: Eb Whites Once More To The Lake :: essays research papers fc

Dombroski 1 Lisa Dombroski Prof. Harrison English 101 18 September 2000 Footsteps of Time E.B. White's essay, Once More to the Lake demonstrate his own security in consistency from growing up on into adulthood. White begins to set the stage mid way through the first paragraph, mentioning that he and his father "returned [to the lake] summer after summer- always on August 1 for one month" followed up by the fact that "has since become a salt-water man," longing to one day return to the "holy spot." This trip back to the lake brings back a great deal of memories, as if there "[had] been no passage of time." It is on this trip that White begins to realize that his son seems to possess the same enthusiasm that he did when White was a boy. To White, all of this is a shock because now his role is now reversed from a flamboyant and energized child to an observational parent, as he remembered his father. This vacation spot White describes through memories of his boyhood days always seemed to be so wonderful no matter what had gone wrong. White recalls the time when "[his] father rolled over in a canoe" and another time when "[they] all got ringworm" but none of this mattered in the long run, after all, this was the best place on earth. To White the mountain lake is seen as "constant and trustworthy", and on the trip back there with his own son, White wondered if "time would have marred" the appearance of the lake. Thoughts of the time spent there summer after summer continued to revisit White throughout the trip and everything from thunderstorms to the stillness of the water Dombroski 2 was seen as a work of art, falling into place and creating an illusion as if it were known what was to follow. White's son acted in the same manner as White did back when he was a young boy, recalling how "I was always the first up" and now, he lay still in bed while his son snuck out early in the morning headed down to the lake. Having seen this anxiety in his son, White "began to sustain the illusion that he was I." Many times during their trip White would feel confused, unable to distinguish who he was, a father with his son, or him with his own father. In a way this means a great deal to White, because now he and his son share a bond, very similar to White and his dad and can enjoy this haven together over the years.

Monday, November 11, 2019

A Shadow in the City

â€Å"A Shadow in the City: Confessions of an Undercover Drug Warrior† is a well-known book written by Charles Bowden. As evident by the name, the book deals with drugs, the drug war and an under cover drug warrior.The author of this book has touched a subject which has generally always been considered dark by many; and for that he has put forward the picture of a man who has worked extremely hard nearly all his life to put an end to the war against drugs.The author has gone deep into the mind of a person namely Mr. O’Shay and has put forward many such things which go by ignored by a vast number of people. The reason behind writing this book evidently is to gain awareness and make the people give attention to the problems faced by the people who work on the front end of this problem.These are the people who begin working as people with good hearts and even better intentions, and then they are forced to consign acts of pure evil or just simple lose at their work. Every s ingle evil act wounds the mind and the soul of that person to the extent that nothing is left except pain, wounds, and a guilty feeling that agonizes a man who at his heart may be a good person.Another thing which the author has tried to convey is the fact that anyone involved in the drugs business would either go up or go straight down. He will loose all signs of humanity along with all his morals and values (Bowden, 2005).Summaryâ€Å"Joey O'Shay is not the real name of the narcotics agent in an unnamed city in the center of the country. But Joey O'Shay exists. The nearly three hundred drug busts he has orchestrated over more than two decades are real, too; if the drug war were a declared war, O'Shay would have a Silver Star†.–Charles BowdenThis well-known book which has been written by Charles Bowden presents an image of the life of an undercover drug agent and the effects of his work on the agent’s sanity and sense of right and wrong. In this book the author has presented to his readers the unseen world of the drug wars where wicked crimes occur nearly all the time; where unfaithfulness and dishonesty are the only two things that one can depend on; and where alcohol and drugs are the only thing that people are concerned about.In the book, the author has archived a career-making drug deal for pure Columbian heroin which is being coordinated by Joey O’Shay, a drug agent who has been working under-cover for more than twenty years.The drug agent has made a vast number of drug deal busts without ever being identified by any of his targets; nevertheless, his purpose as an agent and that of America’s war on drugs has grown more difficult to understand with each bust. O’Shay is at a point where he wishes to retire from his job. He wants to walk away from what he has been doing since a very long time—getting close to his enemies and then destroying them, but the way out is not easy.He stands at a point where he does not know himself; he has become an entity trying to understand his own self. In the words of the author, â€Å"he becomes a shadow in the city. He remains unknown to the life moving around him. He answers no questions. He grows, thrives, slides silently down the streets.He acts. He loves. He loses. He kills. He is the law but few remember this fact. Sometimes, he forgets himself† (Bowden, p.5). The problems faced by O’ Shay, him losing his personality, losing interest in his work and doubting his line of work, O’ Shay trying to find ways to get out of this drug business but failing at it and also failing at dying is what this book is basically about.While working for the war on drugs, the police men or let’s say the drug agents face a lot of things which play with their minds. Horrific images, brutal realities, harsh lies are all part of the game. These things make the person doubt his own job just like O’ Shay doubts his by thinking whether this w ar is ever going to end or not.Friendship and loyalty play a major role in this field. In the book, Bobbie is a girl who owns a hotel and has always been helping O’ Shay. She always listens to him and according to the author, â€Å"Bobbie obeys no one, she is proud of this fact. But she always obeys Joey. Even in her dreams† (Bowden, p.7).The author also addresses the problem of cops having to face crimes being committed in front of their eyes in order to remain under cover. At times, these people see so much of these crimes being committed that they become unsympathetic and get used to it just the way O’ Shay does in the book, but deep down inside, as the author has tried to portray, these people are anxious to undo all the things they have ever seen and known throughout their lives and careers. Yet, the author also goes on to remind the reader that such a thing is nearly impossible.These under cover agents go through a number of personal changes in the way the y think and perceive events and things around them. The war against drugs perhaps is a never ending war, as according to the author, the people who the under cover agents put away are immediately replaced by their successors, hence getting to the root of the problem is the main task here, which is not easy to be done.Author’s position on the Drug WarAs evident by the portrayal of O’ Shay as a man who wishes to give up on his job, the author certainly believes that the war against drug is not as easy as some of us may think it is.   It is a tough job which requires nerves. The author believes that the war on drugs might even turn out to be never ending, which is extremely bad.This issue must be dealt with great strategy. Not only should small drug deals be busted, but the bigger much worst deals should be dealt with as well, but for that the under cover agents must be fully prepared and should not weary of their jobs just as O’ Shay and a vast number of other u nder cover agents in real life do so. The war on drugs is a hard task and would take a long period of time to finish if it ever does. But as stated earlier, it requires thinking and strategic planning for the war to end and bringing about an end to drugs.Influence of the book on my personal views of the drug warReading this book has brought about a slight change in the way I had previously perceived the war against drugs. I had thought that perhaps the life of an under cover agent is not all that scary or disturbing, but this text proved me wrong.I thought that maybe if the authorities worked harder the problem would be finished in a very short period of time, but no; the text changed my view over that as well. I now think that the war against drugs might not end but even if it does it would require a very strategic plan.ConclusionIn the light of the above discussion we can hereby culminate that â€Å"A Shadow in the City: Confessions of an Undercover Drug Warrior† is a well- known book written by Charles Bowden. The book deals with drugs, drug deals, under cover agents and the way busting drug deals and dealing with thugs effects the way they think and perceive things and at times they also wish to retire from their jobs.BibliographyBowden, Charles. (2005). A Shadow in the City: Confessions of an Undercover Drug Warrior.   United States of America. Harcourt. ISBN: 0151011834.   

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Critical Analysis of CSR Essays

Critical Analysis of CSR Essays Critical Analysis of CSR Essay Critical Analysis of CSR Essay Research in management and organization studies on Corporate Social Responsibility (CARS) suggests that even though a large number of issues are addressed from child labor to environment degradation. The orthodox research on CARS plays within quite narrow parameters and that too from the perspective of economically advanced countries. The body of knowledge available on the subject suggests that until recently very little was said regarding CARS processes and projects in the third world countries or emerging markets. This is bizarre as well as perplexing since it is in the third world that the power buses of industrial capitalism is most nakedly and routinely apparent. It also happens to be the place where most the interventions in CARS occur on behalf of western corporations. Lack of emphasis on CARS in Pakistan as is the case with third world Is In line, with the dearth of relevance of the wests authoritative CARS discourse to those most affected In the region. Every time CARS issues pertaining to emerging markets or Third World Countries are addressed, they are seen through the ideological and theoretical lens of the West and tend to address the sensibilities of western audiences as per their standards. If the literature on CARS is aimed at clearly aspiring the issues pertaining to the developing countries, then It needs to engage properly with the Third World where prevalent Issues are unlikely to change. If one looks at some of the major CARS initiatives in Pakistan , it can safely concluded that informal institutions also play a very pivotal role in determining the kind of CARS the multi-nationals intent to undertake. Telethon Pakistan , a Norwegian telecoms company that had nothing to do with education sector chose to open schools in remote areas of Pakistan in order to promote education. The general perception amongst the masses saw it as a way of bribing the local population of the village that was initially hostile towards Telethons entry in their region . This was following a massive campaign to boycott Norwegian and Danish products after the famous incident of 2005 , where the local newspapers of the respective countries apparently published caricatures in the name of Freedom of Speech , offending Muslim population across the world . There were incidents where Telethons communication towers were taken down by the locals in the remote under-developed areas near the border. The boycott followed by vandalism to the property hampered Telethons progress . Telethons effort clearly paid off since it did manage to win hearts and minds of the local population eventually. Let did something that government had failed to do until now. They were able to build and sustain schools in those remote border areas where government initially failed to reach out to. These sponsored school were equipped with all the necessities that the local government schools lacked. They even trained the local staff for the school which opened up Job opportunities as well. Another CARS initiate by Telethon called Escapism won Best Mobile Money and Best Service for Women Awards in February 2014 in Barcelona at 19th annual mobile global awards . The first and largest branches banking service in Pakistan was announced winner in the following two categories: Best Mobile Money Service and Best Mobile Service for Women in Emerging Markets. The initiative was meant to provide financial inclusion to the unbaked population of Pakistan. Telethon made use of innovative products and strong distribution channels in combination with a high performing team to achieve this feat. It can be concluded that both CARS initiatives were influenced by the on ground situation in the country and informal institutions played its role Just like it has already been playing in media advertising for a longer time. Although there is extensive literature dedicated to development of theories explaining CARS, it still remains a poorly defined phenomenon. Obviously, CARS is an inevitable stage of development of a liberal market economy: CARS strategy incorporated into corporate governance can positively influence a share price or, in case of failures in implementation of CARS practices (we all remember BP oil spill in 010), this influence can be almost fatal; CARS activity can strengthen a brand perception or destroy it forever etc. In other words, the more sensitive, demanding and educated a particular market, society or government is, the higher the chance that CARS programs are developed, implemented and monitored. CHILD LABOR FIASCO Soccer or football is the most popular sport in the world. And for many, this means to 85 per cent of the total world demand for high-quality hand-stitched inflatable balls. The factories of Shallot supply 40 million footballs a year, and that number rises o 60 million in European Championship or World Cup years. According to legend, the success story of Shallot as world capital of football production started with a man who repaired a leather ball for British colonial military officers about a century ago, and then began making his own balls. He was called Seed Sahibs, and the city has named a street after him Soccer ball production has a long history and it currently happens to be responsible for approximately 60 to 70 percent of the worlds hand stitched soccer ball production with leading international brands (I. E. Nikkei and Aids) sourcing almost exclusively from there. The city of Shallot in Pakistan produces as many as 60 million hand-stitched footballs in a World Cup year employing over 1 lack workers across hundreds of manufacturers. The sector has been under the scrutiny of intense western based CARS initiatives since 1995 when child labor was exposed. The firms ran out of new workers since child labor was abolished. Western buyers may have had a clear conscience, but the children of Shallot began toiling in the local brickworks instead. Before Child labor became an issue the balls were sent to villages where families including children stitched the alls and sent them back to the subcontractors who in turn exported it to their western brand. Many of the Shallot soccer ball manufacturers felt their industry was placed in jeopardy by them being forced to give abandon child labor. They interpreted the media campaign and the intervention as acts of politico-economic imperialism designed by malevolent Western entities to undermine Pakistanis sovereignty and economic reputation through sensationalistic and fabricating evidence of human rights abuses in its industry. l This interpretation is reflected in the following headline typical for the time: Western Propaganda against Child Labor doing Great Harm to Economy (Mali, 1996: 4). This conspiracy reading was also expressed in interviews given by prominent Shallot soccer ball manufacturers as illustrated in this quote from a senior director of one large business: We have seen fake pictures of tiny children stitching footballs .. They were staged to depict the horrors of child labor and they were deliberately planted to give Pakistan a bad name (Mir, 1996). 2 It was a view not Just held by the local business elite, but also by other employees as the following quote from a firm manager demonstrates: Why are corporate social standards coming in? They [the West] are bonding us. They are hiring our businesses to keep [us] in their command. All bad things are reserved for us to make and then [we hear] abuse [from the West]. All materials, dirty work, sent to us. When we do it, [they] use international law and say we are damaging environment and fine us. Ship breaking in South Asia. All scrap sent to third world and when pollution, give bill [to us]. They rob us with both hands. 3 The perception in Shallot is that the West is out to politically dominate a developing country such as Pakistan. First dirty work is sent to the developing world. -II feel like a foreign agent:Nags and corporate social responsibility interventions into Third World child labor Farad Raff Khan source: co. UK/ acrimoniousnesss. An accepted, the West imposes its corporate social standards, telling the developing country how to behave and undermining its sovereignty and autonomy as well robbing it through imposing fines for CARS noncompliance. According to industry sources, domestic producers have managed to acquire about 35% of the total orders floated globally for the upcoming Fief World Cup . This s a sharp decline from the 70-80% acquired in 98 02 World cups. The local football industry earned $164 million in export earnings in the financial year 09, as against an average of $221 million per annum earned during financial years 2005-08. Shortfall in the power and gas sector is not making it any easier for the industry, and word of mouth is that numerous businesses have failed to meet their required deadlines denting their reputation. CONCLUSION Regulators all around the world are now increasingly holding the corporate sector responsible for its impact on society, the economy and the environment. This is Ewing seen through increased regulatory behavior to guide companies in driving corporate social responsibility. Companies are run differently than Nags or not for profit organizations. The main goal and first most priority of any for profit organization is to maximize its profits . CARS is seen as means to brand it all by some of the multi-nationals. The fact that most of these companies venture into areas where they have their factories is also very telling . By law companies are required to spend some percent of their pre-tax profits on CARS in Pakistan Just like other developing countries . The percentage varies in efferent countries. Some companies spend way more on CARS than they are required by the law, their rationale is that its an investment and it will come back to them in the long run. Important because companies are interlinked with a wide range of political, economic and social, formal and informal institutions that affect their behavior. At the same time, it is also necessary to take into consideration that companies not only adapt to institutional contexts, but also frequently play an active role in shaping those contexts, which means that the only feasible way to make business all over the world unconscious and responsible is further liberalizin g and closer collaboration between companies, governments and societies. Still, one question is what tools to choose in order to minimize these gaps between regions and adjust business attitudes. Should they be new types of taxes, stricter forms of regulations and punishments, strengthened blaming and shaming activities of Nags and media, or better social education? And another question: is it possible at all? References Dads M (1989) Machines as the Measure of Men: Science, Technology, and Ideologies of Western Dominance. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. Awn S (1996) Child Labor in the Football Manufacturing Industry.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Biography of Lorenzo de Medici

Biography of Lorenzo de' Medici Lorenzo de’ Medici, (January 1, 1449 – April 8, 1492) was a Florentine politician and one of the most prominent patrons of arts and culture in Italy. During his reign as de facto leader of the Florentine Republic, he held together political alliances while sponsoring artists and encouraging the peak of the Italian Renaissance. Fast Facts: Lorenzo de' Medici Known For: Statesman and de facto leader of Florence whose reign coincided with a boom in the Italian Renaissance, thanks largely to his patronage of arts, culture, and philosophy.Also Known As: Lorenzo the Magnificent Born: January 1, 1449 in Florence, Republic of Florence (modern-day Italy)Died: April 8, 1492 at Villa Medici at Careggi, Republic of FlorenceSpouse: Clarice Orsini (m. 1469)Children: Lucrezia Maria Romola (b. 1470), Piero (b. 1472), Maria Maddalena Romola (b. 1473), Giovanni (b. 1475), Luisa (b. 1477), Contessina Antonia Romola (b. 1478), Giuliano (b. 1479); also adopted nephew Giulio di Giuliano de Medici (b. 1478)Quote:  Ã¢â‚¬Å"What I have dreamed in an hour is worth more than what you have done in four.†Ã‚   Medici Heir Lorenzo was a son of the Medici family, who held political power in Florence but also held power by virtue of the Medici Bank, which was the most powerful and respected bank in all of Europe for many years. His grandfather, Cosimo de’ Medici, cemented the family’s role in Florentine politics, while also spending a great deal of his vast fortune on building up the city-state’s public projects and its arts and culture. Lorenzo was one of five children born to Piero di Cosimo de’ Medici and his wife, Lucrezia (nee Tournabuoni). Piero was at the center of Florence’s politics scene and was an art collector, while Lucrezia was a poet in her own right and befriended many philosophers and fellow poets of the era. Because Lorenzo was deemed the most promising of their five children, he was brought up from a young age with the expectation that he would be the next Medici ruler. He was tutored by some of the top thinkers of the day and accomplished some notable achievements- such as winning a jousting tournament- while still a youth. His closest associate was his brother, Giuliano, who was the handsome, charming â€Å"golden boy† to Lorenzo’s plainer, more serious self. The Young Ruler In 1469, when Lorenzo was twenty years old, his father died, leaving Lorenzo to inherit the work of ruling Florence. Technically, the Medici patriarchs did not rule the city-state directly, but instead were statesmen who â€Å"ruled† via threats, financial incentives, and marriage alliances. Lorenzo’s own marriage took place the same year he took over from his father; he married Clarice Orsini, the daughter of a nobleman from another Italian state. The couple went on to have ten children and one adopted son, seven of whom survived to adulthood, including two future popes (Giovanni, the future Leo X, and Giulio, who became Clement VII). From the very beginning, Lorenzo de’ Medici was a major patron of the arts, even more so than others in the Medici dynasty, which always place a high value on the arts. Although Lorenzo himself rarely commissioned work, he often connected artists with other patrons and helped them get commissions. Lorenzo himself was also a poet. Some of his poetry- often concerned with the human condition as a combination of the bright and lovely alongside the melancholy and temporary- survives to this day. Artists who enjoyed Lorenzo’s patronage included some of the most influential names of the Renaissance: Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, and Michelangelo Buonarroti. In fact, Lorenzo and his family even opened their home to Michelangelo for three years while he lived and worked in Florence. Lorenzo also encouraged the development of humanism through the philosophers and scholars in his inner circle, who worked to reconcile the thought of Plato with Christian thought. The Pazzi Conspiracy Because of the Medici monopoly over Florentine life, other powerful families vacillated between alliance and enmity with the Medici. On April 26, 1478, one of those families came close to toppling the Medici reign. The Pazzi conspiracy involved other families, such as the Salviati clan, and was backed by Pope Sixtus IV in an attempt to overthrow the Medici. On that day, Lorenzo was attacked, along with his brother and co-ruler Giuliano, in the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Lorenzo was wounded but escaped with minor wounds, in part thanks to the assistance and defense of his friend, the poet Poliziano. Giuliano, however, was not as lucky: he suffered a violent death by stabbing. The response to the attack was swift and harsh, both on the part of the Medici and Florentines themselves. The conspirators were executed, and members of their families were also severely punished. Giuliano left behind an illegitimate son, Giulio, who was adopted and raised by Lorenzo and Clarice. Since the conspirators acted with the blessing of the pope, he attempted to seize Medici assets and excommunicated all of Florence. When that failed to bring Lorenzo around, he tried allying with Naples and launched an invasion. Lorenzo and the citizens of Florence defended their city, but the war took its toll, as some of Florence’s allies failed to come to their aid. Eventually, Lorenzo personally traveled to Naples to forge a diplomatic solution. He also commissioned some of Florence’s best artists to travel to the Vatican and paint new murals in the Sistine Chapel, as a gesture of reconciliation with the pope. Later Rule and Legacy Although his support for culture would ensure his legacy was a positive one, Lorenzo de’ Medici made some unpopular political decisions too. When alum, a hard-to-find but important compound for making glass, textiles, and leather, was discovered in nearby Volterra, the citizens of that city asked Florence for help mining it. However, a dispute soon arose when the citizens of Volterra realized the real value of the resource and wanted it for their own city, rather than the Florentine bankers assisting them. A violent insurrection resulted, and the mercenaries Lorenzo sent to end it sacked the city, permanently marring Lorenzo’s reputation. For the most part, though, Lorenzo attempted to rule peacefully; the cornerstone of his policy was to maintain a balance of power among the Italian city-states and to keep outside European powers out of the peninsula. He even maintained good trading ties with the Ottoman Empire. Despite his efforts, the Medici coffers were drained by their spending and by bad loans their bank supported, so Lorenzo began trying to fill the gaps through misappropriations. He also brought the charismatic friar Savonarola to Florence, who preached about the destructive nature of secular art and philosophy, among other things. The sensationalist friar would, in a few years’ time, help salvage Florence from French invasion, but would also lead to the end of Medici rule. Lorenzo de’ Medici died at the Villa Medici at Careggi, on April 8, 1492, reportedly dying peacefully after hearing the day’s Scripture readings. He was buried in the Church of San Lorenzo, alongside his brother Giuliano. Lorenzo left behind a Florence that would soon overthrow Medici rule- although his son and his nephew would eventually return the Medici to power- but he also left behind a rich and vast legacy of culture that came to define Florence’s place in history. Sources Kent, F.W. Lorenzo de’ Medici and the Art of Magnificence. Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press, 2004.â€Å"Lorenzo de’ Medici: Italian Statesman.† Encyclopaedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lorenzo-de-Medici.Parks, Tim. Medici Money: Banking, Metaphysics, and Art in Fifteenth-Century Florence. New York: W.W. Norton Co., 2008.Unger, Miles J. Magnifico: The Brilliant Life and Violent Times of Lorenzo de’ Medici. Simon Schuster, 2009.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Organisational Learning and Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Organisational Learning and Design - Essay Example Previously, it was believed that the companies have to identify the extraordinary potential candidates and prepare them for future senior level positions (Belet, 2007). Recently, the organisations have stressed the importance of changing the business structures so that the culture imperative for learning enterprises can be supported (Mishra & Bhaskar, 2011). Moreover, there needs to be a balance between the leadership and management development aspects so that reforms are easily commenced. In order to evaluate the significance and challenges of the learning organisations, two articles have been reviewed. According to Mahoney (2000), the concept of learning companies was initiated in 1990s and there is no perfect solution for creating such organisations. It is mandatory for the corporations to foster leadership within each level of the organisations from the directors and senior managers to lower management level. Also, equally important is the conception of a culture which will assist the enterprises in the development and augmentation of learning organisations. On the other hand, Belet (2007) studied the concept of building high potential executives in French companies for crafting learning-oriented organisations. According to the author, there is still presence of the hierarchical and centralised leadership styles in these enterprises and the leadership development programmes are ineffective in bringing the desired changes within the firms. Hence, there is requirement of embedding the learning organisation characteristics within the businesses so that they can comply with the changing market structures. In today’s contemporary business world, the organisations have to adjust their structures and frameworks to make sure that they have the compatible systems and tools for responding to the markets. It has been mentioned by Mahoney (2000) that it is the responsibility of the directors and senior managers to

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Deconstructionism Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Deconstructionism - Assignment Example Furthermore, it dissects binary issues, particularly nature versus modernity, truth versus deception, and essence versus appearance. â€Å"Gooseberries† examines the difference between being good, which can lead to the illusion of happiness and power, and doing good, which results to action, truth, and a meaningful life. One of the initial binary oppositions is between nature and modernity, where Chekhov proposes a paradoxical view of nature. In the beginning, nature is separated from modernity, because of the distinction between the towns and the farms. On one side, â€Å"endless, telegraph-posts, and the train† occupy the eyesight, while on the other side, people can see the â€Å"bank of the river; meadows, green willows, farmhouses† (Chekhov 1). Chaos and tedium seem to infiltrate the symbols of modern living, while nature is full of action, diversity, color, and life. Nevertheless, as rain pours on n Ivanich and Bourkin, nature acquires a more sinister dispo sition. What used to be a lovely setting of hills suddenly becomes â€Å"wet, muddy, and unpleasant, and the river looked cold and sullen† (Chekhov 1). At the same time, because the mud made walking a chore, Ivanich and Bourkin look like â€Å"they were angry with each other† (Chekhov 1). ... Nicholai is a perfect example of a wasted life, because all that matters to him is having a happy life with no ideology and care for disadvantaged sectors of society. He worked at the Exchequer Court, but he did nothing of significance, as he held this important job. Instead of ensuring the spread of social justice and equality, he is more concerned of his self-interests. He is obsessed with the idea of having a farm of his own with a gooseberry bush. This obsession drives him to be stingy, not only with money, but with human compassion. For Ivan, his brother unintentionally kills his rich, old wife through starving her to death and making her feel miserable about her life. Through his brother’s case, Ivan argues for the difference between happiness and misery. Nicholai seems to be happy, because he attained his dream, but his gooseberries are â€Å"hard and sour† (Chekhov 4). It suggests that he appears to be happy, but he has a miserable life. He is fat and dying for no evocative purpose at all, except to deceive himself that he has a good life and that he is a good man. Nicholai insists on being called â€Å"His Lordship,† and yet his sloth and vanity are far from the qualities of a true God (Chekhov 4). Nicholai also believes that the masses do not need education and that corporal punishment is justifiable to some extent (Chekhov 4). Ivan expresses disgust for his brother, who has lost in touch with his nature, the nature with real ideals worth living and dying for. Gooseberries are motifs for the difference between doing good and being good. Having a farm and doing nothing to improve its state, especially the state of its people is â€Å"†¦egoism, laziness; it is a kind of monasticism, but monasticism