Nursing Care

Nursing Diagnoses: (include 1 psychosocial)1. Impaired Gas Exchange related to thoracotomy as evidenced by O2 via NC, L side chest tube, Hx of asthma, Obesity, chest x-ray showing congestion and atelectasis in the left lower lobe, and SOB on exertion.2. Acute Pain related to surgical incision as evidenced by patients verbal report of pain (rated at a 10 on a scale from 1-10), positioning to avoid pain, elevated systolic blood pressure, facial grimace, decreased ambulation and movement to avoid pain.3. Impaired Skin Integrity related to a thoracotomy procedure as evidenced by a L lateral incision post Thoracotomy for resection of mediastinal cyst and report of pain in the affected area.4. Infection related to thoracotomy as evidenced by elevated WBC’s (17.8) and traumatized tissue from surgery.5. Knowledge deficient related to lack of exposure of surgical procedure recovery as evidenced by patient’s statement, â€Å"I did know I would be in the hospital this long† .Nursing Diagnosis # 1: Impaired Gas Exchange related to thoracotomy as evidenced by O2 via NC, L side chest tube, Hx of asthma, Obesity, chest x-ray showing congestion and atelectasis in the left lower lobe, and SOB on exertion.Goal: Pt. will have adequate oxygenation and absence of shortness of breath within 2 days.Interventions:1. Auscultate breath sounds every 4 hours and note adventitious sounds, note respiratory rate, depth, and use of accessary muscled. Encourage the use of the incentive spirometer and deep breathing exercises every hour, stressing the important role it plays in her progress.2. Review and compare chest x-rays once a day, review notes written in final report.3. Monitor Intake and Output every 2-4 hours4. Elevate the head of the bead every day to maintain open airway.5. Encourage deep breathing, coughing exercises, and the use of incentive spirometer every hour.Nursing Diagnosis # 2: Acute Pain related to surgical incision as evidenced by patients verbal report of pain (rated at a 10 on a scale from 1-10), positioning to avoid pain, elevated systolic blood pressure, facial grimace, decreased ambulation and movement to avoid pain.Goal: Pt. will verbalize pain is relieved within 30 minutes to an hour after analgesic administration.Interventions:1. Determine the severity, location, description, and possible pathophysiological causes of the pain every time you interact with the patient. (Use pain scale)2. Provide comfort measures every 2 hours to prevent aggravation of the pain; explore touch, repositioning, imagery, distraction, presence, or heat packs.3. Medicate as ordered with analgesics at scheduled times to maintain patient’s pain goal. Use timely interventions every time you interact with the patient and asses pain to be successful in alleviating pain. Notify physician if regimen is inadequate to meet patients control goal.4. Evaluate the client’s response to analgesia an hour after administration.Nursing Diagnosis # 3: I mpaired Skin Integrity related to a thoracotomy procedure as evidenced by a L lateral incision post Thoracotomy for resection of mediastinal cystGoal: Pt. will display timely healing of surgical wound by discharge.Interventions:1. Note the incision for color and texture including observations of any bleeding or discharge every 4 hours.2. Inspect the surrounding skin for erythema, induration, and maceration every 4 hours.3. Use appropriate barrier dressings every day as ordered.4. Keep incision clean and dry and prevent infection by hand washing and standard precaution every time you come in contact with the wound.

Logic Cannot Prove the Existence of God Essay

For Anselm, using logic that can be deducted about God, it is clear to see that God’s existence is necessary. In the second ontological argument from Anselm, God is the greatest being possible; it is greater to exist by necessity than by contingence, it is therefore, impossible for God to not exist. In this argument, God’s existence is an analytic statement, it is impossible to prove that God exists and although Anselm believes that it does not need to be proven, there is no way of knowing that it is analytic. For example take triangles, every triangle that anyone can ever think of will have 3 sides that all add up to 180 degrees, that is simply a part of what a triangle is. Humans can however, prove this by drawing every possible triangle and testing them to see, with God’s existence that is not possible. For humans to consider his existence as an analytic statement, they would have to go faith and logic alone. In a way God’s existence could be a synthetic statement, which would mean that it would need to proven before the statement was true or not, the reason for this is because whether God exists or not does not prove his existence in reality as Anselm suggests in his argument. Kant would agree with this as he reviews Anselm’s ontological argument by saying that God’s existence is not a predicate, existence may be a part of the concept of God, but it does not proof that God exists. Descarte would also agree with the statement, as in his ontological argument he sets out that God is a perfect being, a part of being perfect is existing, and therefore God must exist. Descarte also uses the idea of the triangle in his argument, he writes that even if we think of triangles having four sides, the truth will not change; the triangle will remain to have 3 sides. For Descarte the triangle is God, he believes that God is immutable and will not change even if humans think he does not exist. Descarte would argue that logic can be used to prove the existence of God, he believes that God has instilled in humans an idea of God, which is that he is perfect, in this Descarte agrees with Anselm he then however, writes that we cannot talk of God unless he exists as a part of being God is existing. His argument, for Descarte, demonstrates God’s existence this argument is a priori and uses pure logic, and so for him God’s existence is an analytic statement.

Landforms Assignment ( The himalayas) Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Landforms ( The himalayas) - Assignment Example Mountain fronts of Himalayas as corollary related to orogen-scale structures. The conspicuous three primary structures of Himalayas ranging from north-south include main boundary thrust (MBT), main central thrust (MCT), and Himalayan frontal thrust (HFT). The major topographic breaks of Himalayas remain in association with the three thrusts. Himalaya’s structure has six primary lithotectonic zones, which occur in parallel belts. The regions include trans-Himalayan batholiths, Tibetan Himalaya, Indus-Tsangpo Suture zone, Lesser Himalaya, Lesser Himalaya, Sub-Himalaya, and Greater Himalaya. The tectonic environments within Himalaya zones also vary. Immense collision of tectonic plates resulted into the formation of island-arc margin in Western Himalayas and Andean-type margin within the central eastern part of Himalayas. Trans-Himalayan zone has a linear plutonic complex structure. Trans Himalaya zone have its surface partly covered by continental molasse sedimentary rocks and forearc rocks. Trans Himalaya assembly of rocks originates from magmatic rocks uplift and their subsequent erosion. Igneous complex of the area consists of granites, gabbros, and diorites. The magmatic rocks originate from partial melting of subducting NeoTethyan slab underneath Asian plate. However, the igneous rocks, on the contrary, represents Andean-type environment. ITZS defines the region of collision between Kohistan-Ladakh arc and Indian plate in Tibetan Lhasa block in the east and Western Himalayas. ITZS also demarcates the area along which subduction process consumed Tethys Ocean. ITZS covers more than 2000 km in length with complete successions of rocks that may consist of diamonds that explain the higher pressures during subduction and rapid extrusion along suture zones. There are also traces of glaucophane schists along the narrow belts along ITSZ in Pakistan. Tethys Ocean also consists of red sandstones and

Family study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Family study - Essay Example I hated the light as I felt them to be too bright for eyes and causing irritation. I did not like people and voices as I felt them to be too loud. I had a really bad mood accompanied by a lower patience level. Even the jokes came to me as taunts. I could not focus on any of my work whole day. I would feel great displeasure in the start but as I have seen people, it would become a routine for me. The affection and natural feelings for one’s own child might mitigate the negativities associated with sleepless nights. However, I feel the experience would affect my personal and close relationships like with my spouse for not taking the responsibility of the child or helping me out to fight with the stress I would be going through. It sure will call for sharing the duties and responsibilities. Nighttime chores have a lot to do with a person’s following day’s activities, moods and interactions as learnt from the activity. I believe that rationality and mutual understanding would call for the willingness to share this duty. I believe I would be able to convince my spouse on sharing

SAMSUNG 3D T.V Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

SAMSUNG 3D T.V - Research Paper Example The edge-lit LED backlighting combines the benefits of local dimming with the thinness of edge-lighting. The 240 Hz processing exhibits motion resolution performance like its UNB8000 series. The interactive features like other Samsung models of 2010 include Internet @ TV (i.e. Yahoo widgets) and Samsung Apps, from Samsung’s new proprietary content portal, connecting to one’s favorite digital content like videos, sports, games, social networking and much more. With web-connected apps on the Samsung Smart TV, you can stream movies from Netflix or Blockbuster, TV shows from Hulu, videos from YouTube, Next Level sports information from ESPN, music from Pandora and view updates on Facebook or Twitter accounts. The UNC7000 series of 3D TV is the most economical. It is available in 40-inch ($1999), 46-inch ($$2599) and 55-inch ($3299) sizes. The 3D compatibility has been added to three LCD lines and one plasma line (CNET editors take). Samsung 3D TV was launched in April 2010 in Ireland. It has been a huge hit like Avatar, putting Samsung in leading position in the emerging market. The launch of Samsung 3D in the Irish market besides many other countries was the first in the retail 3D TV segment. â€Å"We are the first manufacturer to mass-produce 3D TV and you will physically see that in the Irish market in April so we will be first to market on this," said Kevin Maguire, country manager for Samsung Ireland. â€Å"Getting to market first is critical to us from a brand point of view and for brand positioning.† The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at Las Vegas, a show-window of technology trends, found 3D everywhere (B & F). The technology used in the Samsung 3D TV is differentiating with the selection of â€Å"Active† and â€Å"passive† panels and lenses depending and deciding its total cost and picture quality. The active 3D screen syncs electronically with battery-powered and

DWI Plea Bargaining and Recidivism and relevance to deterrence and Thesis

DWI Plea Bargaining and Recidivism and relevance to deterrence and social learning theory - Thesis Example From the research it can be comprehended that social learning theory and general deterrence theories are two theories which may be used to combat the problem of drinking and driving. Social learning is based upon group behavior, and the assumption that groups have the same norms, values and beliefs, which are transmitted through the group. Behavior may also be punished or rewarded within the group, and modeling plays a part, in that individuals look at each others' behavior and imitate this behavior. The group also has definitions, which serve as justifications or excuses for behavior. This is the most important part of social learning theory. General deterrence theory, on the other hand, focuses on reinforcement, as opposed to association. It is solely focused on punishment, and the theory is that if punishment is both severe and certain, it is more likely to deter others from engaging in this particular behavior. This theory has less scientific evidence supporting it, although it c an coincide with social learning theory, in that part of social learning theory concerns vicarious reinforcement, which means that individuals in a group see others in their group be rewarded or punished for behavior, and react accordingly. General deterrence is a part in that, if a member of a group is punished, then this is a model to others to stop the behavior. Social learning theory has been implicated in criminality, in particular with regards to violence. Rosenstock, Stretcher, and Becker (1988) state that social learning theory is based upon expectancies and incentives. The expectancies consist of expectancies regarding environmental clues (how events are connected, and what leads to what); expectancies about the consequences of one's own actions; and expectancies regarding one's own competency to perform the behavior necessary to achieve the desired outcome. The incentives part of this equation consists of value of the particular outcome. Akers, Krohn, Lanza-Kaduce, Radosev ich (1979) conceive of social learning theory as a variance of operant conditioning combined with learning by observing other's behavior. In other words, social learning is dependent upon the factors governing operant conditioning, which is dependent upon rewards to reinforce good behavior and punishment to deter bad behavior. Either deviant or conforming behavior may be reinforced, depending upon the punishment and rewards one gets for one or the other behavior. Observation of others is the other part of this equation, and this is where individuals learn by watching others what kind of behavior is rewarded or punished. Others model for them what behavior is good and what behavior is bad – in particular, people learn from others who have great influence in their lives, like peers, teachers or parents. Akers (2006) states that social learning consists of four variables. The first is differential association. This means that the individual associates with others with behaviors, values and norms which are supportive of the particular act in question. This association may either be with peers, parents or others, and it may also be association with video games, television, on-line groups and the like. A definition refers to rationalizations, justifications and excuse for the behavior. Differential reinforcement refers to the anticipation of rewards or punishment for the behavior. Generally, the more likely the behavior is to be rewarded, the more likely the person will engage in this behavior. Imitation refers

Opening of a Health Spa Luxury Hotel in Greece Essay

Opening of a Health Spa Luxury Hotel in Greece - Essay Example The essay "Opening of a Health Spa Luxury Hotel in Greece" assesses the investment possibilities for the opening of a health spa luxury hotel in Greece and explore all areas governing the requisites for the successful setup and operation of the hotel. The discussion takes place from the point of view of a consultant in the hospitality sector.Greece a country that lies in the Southeast part of Europe is officially known as the ‘Hellenic Republic’ It is surrounded by Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey to the east and the former Yugoslav republic to the north. The city of Athens is the Capital of Greece. Having the Aegean and Ionian Seas to either side the seas feature a vast number of islands on the Eastern Mediterranean Basin. This scenic beach and comfortable geography of Greece makes it a natural location for tourists. Therefore provides perennial business to the hospitality industry. Greece inherits the civilizations of ancient Greece, the Roman and the Byzantine empires and fo ur centuries of Ottoman rule. This rich heritage has left its mark on the culture of Greece, which is considered to be the birthplace of democracy, philosophies, mathematic and scientific principles, including the western drama of tragedy and comedy. Greece is a fully developed country today, a member of the European Union since 1981, a member of the European Economic and Monetary Union since 2001. The travel and tourism contribution to the Gross Domestic product of Greece is expected to rise to â‚ ¬ 69.6 billion by the year 2018.... Greece Cities and Topography Thessaloniki, Patra, Heraklio, Volos, Ionnania and Larissa are some of the major cities in Greece apart from Athens the Capital city. Athens, Crete the South of the Aegan Sea and the Ionian Islands are some of the primary tourist destinations. Beach resort visitations are widespread among the other coastal areas of Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and Chalikidiki as they are developed and more accessible and attract large number of annual tourists. The hospitality industry and the health spa and luxury hotels are heavily dependent on the tourism to that country and Greece has been voted as the second best tourist destination in Europe in "The Telegraph" early this January. Greece - Business Environment- Tourism Looking at the tourism industry in Greece, The travel and tourism contribution to the Gross Domestic product of Greece is expected to rise from 37.3 billion in 2008 to 69.6 billion by the year 2018. The travel and Tourist economy contributes 963, 000 jobs, which 20.9% of the total employment in 2008 and is expected to rise to 1,349,000 by 2018.The Injection of 40 million into the industry by the tourism ministry of Greece is bearing fruit. Moreover, the progressive economy of Greece proves to be of high attraction for investment possibility. Below is a table that proves the uptrend in the economy which makes Greece a land of business opportunity. Year Real GDP growth rate (%) Unemployment rate (%) 2005 3.7 9.8 2006 4.3 9.3 2007 4.1 8.3 2008 4 7.4 Source: The Greek state budget for 2008 The growth in the GDP rates couples with the reduction in the Unemployment rates is the key to the successful functioning of any economy. Looking at tourism after the Olympic games

What is the best way to give charity in Kuwait Essay

What is the best way to give charity in Kuwait - Essay Example Charity is not mentioned only for the adults, it can be done by anyone willing to do so. Younger generation can also took part in charity measures by donating blood and visiting the patients in misery. Charity through Zakat is one of the five obligations from God described under the Islamic Law. The best way to give charity is through Zakat House. I started learning about the Red Crescent from the official website of KRCS [Kuwait Red Crescent Society] website and brochure. It’s a private organization founded by the Kuwait Muslims to protect the needy and ensure their health and peace. It was founded on January 10, 1966 in Kuwait and it’s a branch of the International Red Crescent Society. The Red Crescent receives everything like money, clothes, gold and even medicines from major hospitals around the world. They use these resources to meet any catastrophe. Its main objective is to achieve the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Kuwait and abroad based on Geneva Convention and its supplementary protocols. The Red Crescent also aims at achieving social and medical welfare for all needy people and to provide help, first aid and rescue operations during crisis caused by natural or human disasters. Its scope includes the distribution of the above said donations to the needy or for regular visits to care centers and patients in hospitals. The Society has an office in the Central Prison that used to have regular checks on the health conditions of the prisoners and their needs in order so as to help the families of the needy ones by donating food with the help of the administration of the prison. Balsam project was a charity program initiated on 1st June ,1996. The project succeeded by counting on the donations of the extra coins given by passengers on board of Kuwait Airways flights and deposited at the KRCS account at the bank. This project

Business Intelligence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Business Intelligence - Essay Example Howard Dresner, a Research Fellow at Gartner Group in 1989, established the term "Business Intelligence", to describe a set of concepts and methods to improve business decision-making by using fact-based support systems. In "Business Intelligence: The Savvy Manager's Guide" David Loshin describes the basic architectural components of a business intelligence environment, ranging from traditional topics such as business process modeling, data modeling, and more modern topics such as business rule systems, data profiling, information compliance and data quality, data warehousing, and data mining. David Loshin has described Business Intelligence on the basis of Data Models, Data Standards. He has also extensively appreciated the use of XML as a framework that is gaining in popularity for developing data standards. While XML is not used to prescribe a standard; it is used to define standards for the exchange of information through conforming documents. Data values in an XML document are surrounded by tags (labels), that identify where the data content begins and ends. "To leverage business intelligence, business users need to understand the value of business intelligence and how it can help them. One of the more popular tables: promoting BI to increase adoption. It was simple, soft selling - business intelligence is value added and not obviously essential to many users. It requires a more proactive, promotional approach. Business intelligence also demands promotion because it is still relatively new as a technical innovation so few business users know all the myriad ways BI can be leveraged. To effectively promote business intelligence, you first need to apply some marketing concepts to your BI deployment. Fail to do this first and at best you will have zero impact and at worst come across as a glorified technocrat trying to justify your existence." Promoting Your Business Intelligence Initiative, Cindi Howson, 8th October 2008. http://www.b-eye-network.com/view/8656. As any marketing guru would confirm, the success of any business depends on marketing. Marketing as a concept has to keep in mind various factors and has to be managed in a planned and strategic manner. In "Promoting Your Business Intelligence Initiative", , 8th October 2008, accessed on 3rd Nov,2008, http://www.b-eye-network.com/view/8656. Cindi Howson, states the following: "Marketing is about focusing on what customers need so providers can build better products they'll actually use. It's the strategy that goes into the BI application before you begin touting it as your company's killer app." In common terms, business intelligence can be described as the sum total of factors, which help take major decisions in any business. These factors include customers, competitors, business partners, economic environment and internal operations. Customers are the key to any business' success. The entrepreneur must make it a point to keep the customer's preferences in mind while designing a product. Again, geographical and cultural factors need to be given due importance while designing a product for a certain market. Business intelligence can be used to align businesses and products according to customers' preferences. Business Intelligence is used to collect data from customers within the marketplace. Customer surveys and polls are tools to gauge

Belonging Essay Example for Free

Belonging Essay Belonging is a natural reaction, intrinsic. We search in order to find a community, a group of friends, a country in which we belong. America is a place whereWhen we feel uncomfortable, we say â€Å"I don’t belong here† and when you find a situation in which you are happy, you can be yourself, natural and free you feel as if it was created only for you. It can also be the most wonderfully liberating experience when you find yourself in a culture in which you do not belong. In not belonging, you become someone free of restrictions, free of the expectations, free to creatively exre your imagination without the guilt that often latently lies behind the veiled threat of failure and disappointment. The apparent fact of not belonging is open for everyone, but ittms the course of action taken in light of this cultural segregation which should be the goal of the traveler today. I had, I realized become strangely accustomed to living in Korea, even though a part of me desired to be back on the beach in Thailand. Rules, or lack of, which shaped me more as an individual than any thing else I had experienced in my life. We are expected to increase our spending power as we age, not our understanding of other cultures, not our compassion for each other or for those living on the other side of the economic spectrum. The traveler, if open to the possibility, is in a perfect position to experience this transcendence. America is the ultimate machine, the ultimate company, and the by-product of its hyper capitalist model is the increasingly glaring loss of personal creativity and individualism within its borders. We are consumers and we are resources to be used and abused in a cycle of production of consumption. I didntmt belong, but I could never belong and it was a liberating experience, one which taught me in a way the rules for living on the fringe of a society. I was an outsider, I obviously did not belong into this society, one which is very homogeneous, one in which a foreigner learns to live with the constant attention of being gawked and stared at, around each corner, in each subway car, in every restaurant, everywhere. In our own cultures, where in a sense, at least culturally, linguistically and historically we do belong, life often becomes a stifling world in which our lives are predestined, packaged products.

Reflection On Augstines Love Philosophy Essay

Reflection On Augstines Love Philosophy Essay Augustine stresses love as an important player in his moral philosophy. Man naturally loves. For Augustine people love in many ways and there are two most common ways. One is love for something instrumental where in someone loves something for the utility that it has for us. We see this in advertising quite often a prime example would be McDonalds which proudly uses the slogan love ko to. A kind of love that springs from something satisfying our own desires, just like McDonalds satisfies ones desire for a burger. The other kind of love which Augustine describes is a more intrinsic love. This is the kind of love we have for other people. Augustine asserts that this love differs from the instrumental kind of love because we dont simply only love others because of their utility sometimes this is actually the opposite. Augustine asserts this love as inhuman because as a human being people are made in Gods image. And that human beings deserved to be loved both as the image of God because none of us are independent of God, who created us, and as their own individual person. This is where the idea of morality and virtue steps in. When in loving people we love their utility rather than who they are. Virtue for Augustine is rightly ordered love. It is not virtuous to love an object that is instrumental and expect it to give us true happiness. Augustine also points out that we cannot love God unless we love ourselves because in learning to love ourselves we understand ourselves as creations of God from whom all good things come. On the other side of the spectrum Augustine considers choice to be the thing that gives birth to evil and that the pursuit of good is born out of moral illumination that is given by God and rooted in love. Someone once told me that if someone had a crush on me it might not be something they would admit because Id be pretty only if I was thinner. At first it sounded like a compliment but I was instantly taken aback. Does liking someone even just on the level of a crush so conditional on ones looks? I honestly didnt know what to think but the truth is that Ive always looked different from all of my classmates. In high school everyone was thin and dainty with pin straight black hair and ivory skin while I was big with a loud head of curls. It took me some time to accept the fact that I would never be that kind of pretty. I know it seems shallow but today appearances are so important they are everywhere and lets face it advertising and celebrity culture doesnt make it easy to have self-esteem. It took me a while to feel comfortable in my own skin and realize that Im not a dainty Asian flower, Im a giant mountainous woman to quote my uncle. Having finally accepted it I gained more confidence and I felt more open and I knew that appearances werent everything. The new challenge that sprung up it seemed was that because Im fat and tall some people thought that I shouldnt be confident or that the word fat is immediately equated to ugly. This was something I couldnt wrap my head around. Why does my weight or appearance matter so much to other people? And how does it dictate how kind or intelligent or honest I am? In a world like this are looks the first step to loving oneself, it seems the my stretch marks go deeper than just my skin. Do these angry red marks go down into who I am and therefore make me less than anyone else? It was Augustines idea of loving yourself and why you should love yourself that resonated with me the most. I think that it is also hard for non-Christians to relate to Augustine because his philosophy is so God centred. However, I think that his progression of loving oneself first then realizing that there is something more to it all is something that is true for anyone. Personally sometimes it is hard to do this and it is especially hard to do without looking at the physical side of things especially today when there is so much emphasis on physical ideals. Looking at the times when I have just sit there with my thoughts quietly thinking to myself about who I am and it has made me realize that it is moments like that wherein you truly discover how to love yourself. I realized there isnt really merit in loving myself because I am thin or because my skin is flawless. As Augustine says there is a right order to love and that in many toxic relationships people have quite disordered love . People love for the wrong reasons such money and status and people ask for something that the other can just simply not give. It has made me realize that a lot of disordered love is rooted in insecurity people love things that they thing can make them complete instead of first loving themselves and essentially knowing who they are to begin with. It is so easy now to say that you are how you look and thats it or you are the gadgets that you own but To go even further it seems to have become taboo to even just sit silently and be alone with your thoughts. I think what makes it quite hard is that sometimes when I find myself doing this I get overwhelmed by my thoughts and soon enough I am submerged in it all. Soon enough though I find myself being able to ride the waves of my thoughts and finding what I truly value in myself. And the answers honestly arent about anything physical or about anything external from me. The answers I find to all of the questions about myself come from somewhere very internal. The answer to where this voice I hear comes from in Augustines philosophy would most definitely be God, a supreme God who has created me and therefore my love is rooted in Him. In essence when I was able to look past all of the physical ideals and the comments others would have about whether or not I was deserving of love I realized only I could answer the question of whether or not I feel I could love or should be loved. It is f rom this insight that the rest the role of love in Augustines philosophy follows and it is something that I think many people tend to forget. While reflecting on this it insight it made me wonder about those who truly love themselves and yet do not necessarily believe in God and whether or not Augustines philosophy would still apply to them. It is this part of Augustines philosophy that I had to really think about. And after hours of thinking about it I realized that there are many people who have ordered love and are not necessarily Christian because no matter what religion you are to love seems to be something natural for humans. When people are faced with great tragedy and bleakness the natural response isnt necessarily hate or revenge its love. In the recent and very tragic Newtown shooting the children wrote notes to their parents about how much they loved them for fear that they may never be able to say it again. From here we see that it is so natural and unpretentious to love intrinsically. While for Augustine true happiness is found in God and comes from God it made me realize that happiness in its many forms is fo und in love. Love for loves sake not because of what it can give you but because love is something natural that we do. After having reflected on love in my life and out of it Ive realized that the only response I can give that can truly make a difference is to ponder how I love and why I love. It is so easy to doubt yourself as worthy of being loved and when others perceive you as not good enough or not of the norm and I think the best response is to be secure in the fact the that your body isnt the only reason there is to love yourself and that it should definitely not be the primary reason that you find to love yourself. I think that this is something important that I can actually share with other people. Loving connotes openness and that in loving others for who they really are and not treating them as an object is how I should really love. I think that the best response I can possibly have is to be mindful of how I love and what I love lest it become disordered and self-destructive even.

Entrapment and Confinement :: essays research papers

People encounter restrictions and restraints daily: doors, walls, gates. The most frequently used and arduous are those that are intangible, be it in a job or social life, whether physical or emotional, literal or figurative. Both the tangible and intangible are seen in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† and John Steinbeck’s â€Å"The Crysanthemums†. Though written by members of the opposite sex, both authors are able to capture the feelings of physical and emotional imprisonment that causes a gradual mental breakdown. â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† traces the treatment of a woman who descends from depression to madness in the male-imposed psychiatric confinement of her room, while the wife, Elisa, in â€Å"The Crysanthemums†, reflects an internal struggle with herself to find her place in a world of definite gender roles. The situations of the two women are similar: talents and dreams, hopes and desires, shunned by the husb ands and times of the women, which leads to hysteria; though similar, the women to conduct themselves ways drastically different from one another, which determines whether the women lose their sanity.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The narrator in â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† and Elisa Allen of â€Å"The Crysanthemums† both have husbands who fancy the idea of knowing what their wives want and need. With such attitudes and beliefs, these men contribute to the feeling of confinement that ultimately leads to the loss of sanity of their wives. The narrator’s husband also assumes that he knows what is best for his wife. He thinks isolation and confinement will cure her â€Å"nervous depression.† Nevertheless, this â€Å"cure† makes her weak; it transforms her into a woman gone mad. On the way to dinner, Elisa asks her husband about the fights and his immediate reply is, â€Å"We can go if you want, but I don’t think you would like them much.† He cannot fathom the idea that she may actually enjoy this non-feminine event.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The two women follow the pattern of those going mad: eventually, they begin to see things and form relationships with the images that reside only in their minds. The narrator gives into the figments of her imagination and begins to metamorphose this â€Å"thing† she imagines behind the wallpaper as a hallucinogenic image of herself. This â€Å"woman† becomes a deadly combination: best friend and worst enemy. She views the woman as trapped, and, in order to free herself from this non-fulfilling life, she must free the woman. Elisa also receives an uninvited guest, a tinker who she perceives as the perfect emblem of freedom.

Macbeth: Many People Were Involved In the Death of Duncan :: Macbeth essays

Macbeth: Many People Were Involved In the Death of Duncan There were many people involved in the death of Duncan, the King of Scotland. However, Macbeth bears the major responsibility for the murder. Macbeth committed the task by his own hand. He understood the significance of the prediction in relation to his own ambitions. Finally, Macbeth was aware of his actions and he accepted them. Macbeth murdered Duncan. He was the one who stabbed the King and he admits that freely in the play. "I have done the deed" relates Macbeth to his Lady after he completed the objective. (II, ii, l.19) Before the murder he says "I go and it is done; the bell invites me. Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell That summons thee to heaven, or to hell." (II, I, l.69-71) In such he plainly states his intent to murder Duncan and again later on, he mentions in a soliloquy that "To know my deed, ‘twere best not know myself." (II, ii, l.92) Preceding the actual death of Duncan, Macbeth's ambitions became apparent as the significance of the prediction and actual events emerged. Being an ambitious man, Macbeth said "I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition which o'erleaps itself And falls on the other." (I,vii,l.25-28) In this speech Macbeth broadcasts his immense ambitions which are the only reason he is pursuing the witches prediction. Macbeth, upon hearing the witches speak was startled at their prophecy. Banquo said to him "Good sir, why do you start, and seem to fear / Things that do sound so fair?"(I,iii,l.54-55) Macbeth was startled because of the implications of the forecast. Macbeth had thought before about the very thing that he was now being told was his. He was infatuated with the idea and he lusted after information pertaining to it. "Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more: By Sinel's death I know I am thane of Glamis; But how of Cawdor? The thane of Cawdor lives, A prosperous gentleman; and to be king Stands not within the prospect of belief, No more than to be Cawdor. Say from whence You owe this strange intelligence? or why With such prophetic greeting? speak, I charge you." (I,iii,l.73-81) Macbeth began to fluster and ramble on, as if in fear that the truth of his thoughts become clear to those near him. He wanted more information from the witches on how he was to become King, but he feared that he would be considered

Laughter Essay -- Biology Essays Research Papers

Laughter "Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog. Few people are interested and the frog dies of it." --E. B. White Why do people laugh? Laughter is contagious and therapeutic. It helps us cope with stress, and relax with friends. It is an indication of happiness, the sole reason we go on living. But what causes people to laugh? People laugh at jokes, semantic humor, which relies on cognitive ability to process the "humor" therein, or sometimes at slapstick type behavior requiring no intellectual understanding. People laugh at different things and for different reasons, and for the few that are interested at the expense of the frog, it can be interesting to investigate. Every individual varies in their neurological pathways through their "boxes" in their brain to reach the output of laughter from a number of different inputs. Laughter is caused by certain visual or audio stimuli, often by perception of the unexpected or the incongruous. A surprise in expected input can result in an emotional change, however major or minor. As H. Spencer says in his Physiology of Laughter, "the nervous system in general discharges itself on the muscular system in general: either with or without the guidance of the will" (1). Incongruous input causes an emotional change, and in the case of humorous response, resulting in the contraction of facial muscles and certain muscles in the abdomen. The epiglottis half closes the larynx, resulting in giggling, guffawing, or gasping, and tear ducts are activated. These outputs of the nervous system we refer to as laughter can be arrived at through a number of pathways through the boxes of the brain, fabricated in each individual throughout their life to that point. Although different parts o... ...2Bbut%2Bits%2Bbenefits%2Bare%2Bmany,%2Band%2Bunmistakably%2Bclear.%2B%2522%26hl%3Des%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG 6) encontrar el hueso divertido del cerebro , http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=es&sl=en&u=http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro02/web2/mdrejka.html&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%2522The%2Borigins%2Bof%2Blaughter%2Bare%2Bprimitive%2Band%2Bstill%2Blargely%2Bnot%2Bunderstood,%2Bbut%2Bits%2Bbenefits%2Bare%2Bmany,%2Band%2Bunmistakably%2Bclear.%2B%2522%26hl%3Des%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG 7) gerencia de la tensià ³n y causas de la tensià ³n , http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=es&sl=en&u=http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro02/web2/mdrejka.html&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%2522The%2Borigins%2Bof%2Blaughter%2Bare%2Bprimitive%2Band%2Bstill%2Blargely%2Bnot%2Bunderstood,%2Bbut%2Bits%2Bbenefits%2Bare%2Bmany,%2Band%2Bunmistakably%2Bclear.%2B%2522%26hl%3Des%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG

Succubus on Top CHAPTER 11

When I went inside to relay this to Bastien a few minutes later, he took Dana's presence on the proposed shopping trip much better than I had. â€Å"That's fantastic! More time for – â€Å" â€Å"So help me, if you say ‘reconnaissance,' I'm going to smack you. I'm only in this for the clothes.† â€Å"Fair enough. But this is a golden opportunity, and you know it. You can feel her out. Put in a good word for me, maybe. Something. Anything. I need this. But,† he added, â€Å"don't do it at the cost of being†¦detrimental.† â€Å"Give me some credit here, all right? I understand the situation's gravity. I'll help you.† His roguish smile lit up his face, or rather, Mitch's face, which was kind of weird. â€Å"While you're at it, maybe you can brush up on your female bonding.† â€Å"What's that supposed to mean?† â€Å"Do a count of all your closest friends someday. I don't think you like female competition.† I made a face at him just as Jody and Dana showed up. They took me to some astonishing shopping nexus a couple of miles away. I couldn't believe that much retail space could be crammed indoors. We had a few enclosed shopping centers in Seattle, but nothing like this. Browsing stores with Dana was about as horrible as I could have imagined. She eyed scantily dressed teenagers askance and spoke to a black saleswoman like an underling. Still, despite my distaste, I remembered my duty and attempted friendliness. Over and over, I tried to bolster Bastien's reputation. â€Å"He's so into what your group's doing. He'd like to get more involved. Maybe you could come talk to him about it sometime.† Fortunately for â€Å"Mitch,† these comments did elicit a warm response from her. Yes, she'd be happy to give Mitch some one-on-one time. Anything for the cause. How nice that he cared. Truly, he was a smart and compassionate man. Blah, blah, blah. She always enjoyed spending time with him. Yet, despite this fleeting progress, her demeanor remained stiff, and her attention always shifted back to me. She peppered me with all sorts of questions, as if she were specifically probing for some key piece of information. She wanted to know what I did for a living. How close Bastien and I were. Where my â€Å"relationship† with Seth was going. What my take on the CPFV was. What my values – race, sexual orientation, etc. – were. I felt like I was being grilled, but she pushed on in that honeyed voice of hers. Despite her aloofness, she always managed to sound friendly and nonthreatening. I could see why she so enthralled her fans. This isn't just curiosity, I realized. She doesn't trust me. Dana knew something was going on with Bastien and me, and now she was trying to figure it out. That was probably why he wasn't really getting anywhere; she was on to him. True, she probably didn't suspect a covert plan featuring an incubus, but I'm sure she had her share of more mundane enemies. She was on guard for such things, hence her skepticism about our cover stories. Bastien had no idea what he'd gotten us into. So, I worked hard to maintain our innocence, answering her queries as best I could. My usual charm still wasn't working on her here, but I performed better than in previous encounters – except for the questions about Seth. The reality with him was weird enough without having to live another version of it via Tabitha Hunter, and I found myself stuttering and blushing when she brought him up. When Dana left us at the Christian Dior counter of Nordstrom to go look for slips, I nearly sagged in relief. â€Å"What about this one?† Jody held out a tester of pale pink lip gloss that would look great on Tabitha, less so on Georgina. I opened it and studied the color. â€Å"Too light. Besides, it'd probably come off with one sip of something.† She gave me a mischievous grin. â€Å"Or in other activities.† I rewarded her with a look of mock astonishment. It wasn't hard to do; she was full of surprises, it seemed. Fun ones. â€Å"Why, Jody. Here I thought you were a respectable married woman.† â€Å"Are you kidding? Marriage only makes you less respectable. Gives you a lot of time to invent new things.† Grinning back, I swapped the pink lip gloss for a red one. â€Å"Better not let Dana hear you talking like that. I got the third degree about my boyfriend, as it is.† Jody's mirth dimmed a bit, though she held her smile. â€Å"It may feel like the third degree, but she's just curious about you, that's all.† â€Å"Yeah, I guess. No other reason, I suppose.† Best not to mention my theory that Dana suspected Bastien and me of duplicity. To my surprise, Jody looked back down at the eye shadow display, pointedly avoiding my eyes. I was reminded of that day in the yard when I'd had the sense she wanted to tell me something about Dana. Something bad. â€Å"Jody,† I murmured, setting down the lip gloss, â€Å"what is it? What's wrong?† She shook her head. â€Å"Nothing. Forget about it.† Dana returned just then, and the moment was gone. â€Å"They don't have what I need. Let's check Victoria's Secret.† I perked up. That was the best thing I'd heard ail day, aside from another possible insight from Jody. We entered what had to be one of my top five favorite stores. We split up, Jody going to pajamas and Dana looking for some slip that would undoubtedly match that god-awful underwear of hers. As for me, I promptly sought outrisquelingerie sets – once I'd ascertained the other two women were occupied. No way was I having a repeat of the swimsuit incident. Unfortunately, the store had a more outstanding selection than usual, and what I'd intended to be a mere browse turned into a full-fledged mission when I found a few sets I simply had to try on. Dana and Jody were still deeply engrossed with their own wares, so I inconspicuously slipped into the dressing-room line, hoping to be in and out before either of them could investigate what sweet, innocent Tabitha was into. I had just made it to the head of the line when both of them squeezed in next to me. â€Å"What a crowd,† Jody said. â€Å"Mind if we just share your room? They're huge here.† I felt the blood drain from my face as I tried to think up some reason to decline. An idea for a contagious, flesh-eating disease was forming in my mind when the sales associate ushered us into a room that was indeed more than big enough to hold the three of us. Dana only had two skirt slips to try on, and she pulled off her slacks with unconcerned efficiency. I winced upon seeing the granny panties again. Meanwhile, Jody tried on a set of cute flannel pajamas. When I made no moves of any kind, Dana asked me if I was all right. Swallowing, I slowly began removing my clothing. She watched with narrowed eyes. The first bra and panty set I tried on was made of ivory lace decorated with black bows. The second consisted of deep magenta satin and was cut so racily it was barely a few scraps of fabric. When I got to the third one – sheer black mesh decorated with embroidered pink flowers – I wanted to die. Jody and Dana had finished and were waiting for me. Jody's face was pleasant and casual. Dana maintained a look of neutrality, but still radiated disapproval. Great. I could feel myself blushing furiously. Bastien would kill me if he found out I'd not only damaged the wholesome image, I'd completely destroyed it. While Dana stayed stone-faced, Jody cocked her head at me curiously. â€Å"I think you have the wrong bra size, Tabitha. They all look too big.† Of course they were too big. Tabitha Hunter didn't wear a 34C. Georgina Kincaid did. I'd intended to shape-shift to my preferred body when I was alone in here. â€Å"Oh,† I said stupidly, feeling like the whore Dana thought I was. Make that a dumb whore. â€Å"Well. I lost some weight recently.† I tried on the last one – red with glittering silver flowers – and even in the wrong size, it was stunning. â€Å"That looks great,† Jody said, echoing my thoughts. â€Å"I wish I was brave enough to wear something like that.† Dana studied me thoroughly. â€Å"That bra offers no support whatsoever. It has no purpose.† â€Å"She doesn't need the support. Besides, that's the point. It doesn't have to be functional. She just wants to be pretty.† â€Å"Pretty for who? And why? She isn't married.† â€Å"So what? It's none of our business.† Dana glared daggers at the other woman. â€Å"None of our business? Humanity is our business.† She must have read Dickens recently. Icy silence filled our little room. I felt invisible, regardless of the fact that I was half naked. â€Å"Hey guys? Maybe we should go. I'll just take this off.† â€Å"No,† said Jody sternly, eyes locked with Dana's in a battle of wills. â€Å"It's beautiful, Tabitha. You have nothing to be ashamed of.† â€Å"She is beautiful,† concurred Dana smoothly, â€Å"but that outfit would be better suited to a married woman.† Her tone suggested that even that was questionable. I was on the verge of just leaving the room as is, but seeing Jody defy Dana like that kindled something warm and fuzzy inside of me. Bastien would kill me, but I couldn't keep myself from joining the fight. â€Å"You know,† I remarked to Dana, making sure she noticed my blatant examination of my backside, â€Å"if that's the case, then maybe you should try this one on. It's just your color. Kind of Christmasy too. I'd love to see it on you. And I bet Bill would really dig it. â€Å" Dana just stared at me, biting her lip again as she held my challenging gaze. She looked like she might snap back but instead simply pursed those lips together in a hard, straight line. Without another word, she left the dressing room, door banging loudly behind her. Jody stood there uncertainly for a moment. â€Å"It looks great,† she reiterated before following Dana out. By myself, I decided I might as well use the alone time to shape-shift and try on the lingerie in the body they'd been intended for. As expected, they looked pretty hot, so I bought them all. I figured I deserved to salvage something from this disaster. â€Å"So how'd it go?† asked Bastien when Jody and Dana dropped me off at his place later on. â€Å"Fine,† I said, having already stuffed the illicit purchases in my car, lest they raise questions from him. â€Å"Just fine. Well†¦sort of.† I told him about Dana's interrogation and my theory that she might suspect us of something insidious, even if it wasn't what we actually planned. His face grew grimmer and grimmer as I spoke, and I knew he thought I had a point. When I finished, I leaned my head against his shoulder, hating to see him so miserable. â€Å"Hey, don't worry. We'll get through this. I mean, look on the bright side: Dana and I did a lot of bonding today. I think we had a real†¦breakthrough.† I knew doubts still plagued him, but he had cheered up by the time we – no longer as Mitch and Tabitha – arrived back in Seattle later that day. We picked up Seth on the way to Peter's apartment, promptly ensuring that neither man spoke to me for the rest of the car ride. Once again, Jerome chose not to grace us with his presence, but everyone else had turned out for more good food and poker: Peter, Cody, Hugh, and Carter. Carter seemed quietly intrigued by Seth's presence while the others greeted him like a long-lost brother. Considering how often he came up in conversation among us, I think the other immortals regarded him as one of our inner circle already. He stuck close to me for most of the night, but turned out to be a pretty damned good poker player. I think his quiet, placid nature fooled others into forgetting he was there. Amusingly, he seemed pretty pleased about his winnings too, albeit in a mild, Seth sort of way. It made me happy to see this side of him, happier still to know he was enjoying himself with my friends. I didn't really know what side of me he saw that night. My friends sure didn't pull any punches when it came to teasing me about my various idiosyncrasies, and Bastien seemed to think it was Memory Lane Night. He kept telling all sorts of stones from my past, trying to lure me into inside jokes no one else knew about. I stayed away from that path as much as possible without offending him. My priority was still making things work with Seth, and as I held his hand all night and only gave polite smiles to Bastien, I think it became clear to the incubus where my loyalties lay. He didn't seem too thrilled. Halfway through the game, I received a joint call from Mei and Grace. â€Å"Hello, Georgina,† said Grace. â€Å"It's us,† said Mei. â€Å"Did you find out anything?† â€Å"No matches,† Mei told me. â€Å"Oh.† So much for that avenue. â€Å"But that may not mean much,† said Grace. â€Å"We always miss some.† â€Å"And it doesn't really matter,† said Mei. â€Å"They're not a problem if they don't meddle in our affairs.† â€Å"And most don't?† I had run into countless immortals over the years, from all sorts of cultures and powers, but I had not paid much attention to how they operated with each other in a political sense. I had always been content to worry about my job and my job alone, safe in the knowledge that the authorities I answered to wielded enough power to deal with anyone else. â€Å"Most don't,† the demonesses agreed in unison. The poker players regarded me curiously when I hung up. â€Å"Who was that?† asked Peter. â€Å"Grace and Mei.† Hugh made a face. â€Å"Ack. The crazy-bitch-dyke twins.† â€Å"Hey, that's uncalled for. They've been very helpful.† â€Å"Yeah? Well, just wait,† he warned. â€Å"Next thing you know, they'll be wanting to cut your hair and dress you in black too. â€Å" Cody smiled at my outrage. â€Å"Why do I get the feeling there's another illicit Georgina investigation afoot?† â€Å"It's not so illicit.† â€Å"Illicit enough,† remarked Bastien with a yawn. â€Å"You and your mortals.† He pocketed the money he had left, downed his bourbon, and thanked Peter again for another fabulous evening. â€Å"Leaving so soon?† I asked. â€Å"Off to find fairer company. No offense to you, Fleur .†He leaned down to me and brushed a kiss over my lips that lingered a breath too long for friendship. â€Å"Good night.† His departure spurred a new round of the Bastien Fan Club as they all speculated what sexual escapade he was about to embark on now. â€Å"How does he do it?† asked Peter. â€Å"I wish I was that good,† added Cody. â€Å"Hey,† I complained, â€Å"pursuing women isn't any harder than men. Sometimes it's easier. â€Å" â€Å"That guy's amazing.† Hugh acted like I hadn't even spoken. † Going after a new one tonight when he's still sporting a glow that can't even be a day old. I wish I got lucky that often.† Seth didn't like to speak much with this group – or any group for that matter – but like my other friends, he was in awe of the incubus. Hugh's comment especially piqued his interest. â€Å"What do you mean by ‘glow?' Like an afterglow?† Hugh grinned at him. â€Å"Sort of†¦you must know what I'm talking about. The post-sex thing? The glamour?† â€Å"Whose deal is it?† I asked sharply, not liking the conversation's new direction. Seth turned thoughtful. â€Å"Well, then it is like an afterglow. I mean, everyone sort of has something like that after sex.† â€Å"Yes, but it's different for an incubus or a succubus,† explained Peter professorially. Unless I was mistaken, he was starting to pick up a British accent. Too much exposure to Bastien. â€Å"In their case, it's more of a literal glow – to other immortals at least. When they've had sex, they take that person's life. Life force is alluring. To an immortal, a just-laid incubus or succubus will almost – â€Å" â€Å"Glitter,† suggested Cody. â€Å"Or sparkle. And yet†¦not. It's kind of hard to explain. Hasn't Georgina told you all this?† â€Å"Not this,† said Seth. â€Å"So I†¦er, mortals don't see it?† â€Å"Are we playing or not?† I asked impatiently, raising my voice. Carter caught my eye. â€Å"Not like we do,† continued Peter. â€Å"But they – you – feel it. Or maybe ‘sense' is a better word. It pulls you in. It's very attractive. â€Å" I sunk lower into my seat, trying to decide if anyone would notice if I suddenly turned invisible. I might as well have been since no one was listening to my protests anyway. â€Å"You must have noticed it,† pointed out Hugh, taking a swig of whiskey. â€Å"There must be days when you see Georgina and practically can't control yourself because of how hot she is. You can only stare. Of course, it's probably hard to tell the difference since she's always so hot, huh?† Everyone except Carter, Seth, and I laughed. I knew the imp had meant that last part as a compliment, but I wanted to throw my gimlet glass at him nonetheless. The hilarity soon died down, and we returned to cards. But the damage was done. Seth and I hardly spoke for the rest of the night, not that anyone – save Carter, I suspected – even noticed. When Seth and I left, I knew something bad was coming. I dropped him off at his place, and he invited me inside to eat Rocky Road ice cream. He was a big ice cream fan. I should have just turned around and left, but Rocky Road has supernatural powers. Plus, I remembered what Seth and I had discussed after the recent make-out session in bed – how we had to communicate about issues, rather than ignore them. I still believed that to be true, but theory and practice were two completely different things. He made up two bowls for us, and we ate the ice cream in silence for a while. When he finished, Seth played with his spoon, not looking at me. â€Å"So,† he asked, â€Å"is it true?† â€Å"Is what true?† Like I didn't know. â€Å"Come on, don't make me spell it out,† he said gently. â€Å"I just want to hear your version, that's all.† I opened my mouth to speak, to find some way to neutralize all this, but my tongue felt thick and useless. No coherent words formed. â€Å"Is it true?† repeated Seth. When I still didn't answer, he continued, â€Å"When I see you sometimes†¦when I see you – like that one night – and can barely even breathe because you are so beautiful†¦so beautiful that I can do nothing but act like an idiot, does that mean that you've just†¦slept with someone? But, of course, I don't actually mean, um, ‘sleep'†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Damn, this communication thing really did suck.

Whole Foods

Whole foods Market is one of the largest and most successful organic natural food retailers in the world. The success of this retail giant did not happen overnight. Whole Foods was the idea of a twenty five year old college dropout named John Mackey and his girlfriend Rene Lawson Hardy. Their mission was to open an all-natural and organic food store with the promise of healthy food for a healthier life. In 1978 the two began their venture with a small health food store named SafeWay.In two year’s time Mackey and Lawson partnered with Craig Weller and Mark Skiles to merge SafeWay and another local natural food store in Austin Texas, employing only 19 people. (â€Å"Whole foods market,† 2012) John Mackey realized his passion was finally coming to fruition when he had said, â€Å"that having had a natural food conversion he wanted to share it with others. † (Patoski, 2006) This vision has now brought Whole Foods to recently celebrate their 30th anniversary.During th ese 30 years Whole Foods has stayed true to their mission of supporting and providing an equitable work environment for their employees, providing superior quality products for their customers, and embracing their commitment to sustainable agriculture. The driving force behind Whole Foods huge success is that they are goal oriented and passionate about their mission. Every employee from CEO’s to the store employee’s function under a set of shared beliefs that are put into practice with the assistance from the business model known as P.L. O. C. P. L. O. C. is made up of four components that are essentially management tools to create a cohesive structured and well planned organization.The first component of P. L. O. C. is planning. Planning is the process of setting performance objectives and determining what actions should be taken to accomplish them. The second is the component organizing. Organizing is the process of setting and assigning tasks and coordinating the ac tivities of individuals or group within an organization. The third P. L. O. C. component is leading.Leading is the process of creating an atmosphere that promotes a strong work ethic through shared enthusiasm, positivity, and productivity. The last component of the P. L. O. C. model is controlling. Controlling involves establishing performance standards based on the company’s objectives and evaluating and reporting job performance. It’s no secret that Whole Foods is a very successful company. It is also quite clear that their success is due in large part to their partnering of both their effective use of P. L. O. C. management and their core values. Whole Foods has a motto which captures their purpose as an organization.Their motto being Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet, along with their use of P. L. O. C. these components has been the foundation to their success. The Whole Foods piece of the model refers to the highest quality, the least processed and the most naturally preserved foods. The Whole People stands for recruiting quality personnel who hold the same belief and passion about food as well as a desire to be a part of a team culture. Whole Planet signifies the company’s social responsibility by actively being committed to supporting organic farming and agriculture, and being aware of and caring for the world around them. (â€Å"Whole foods market,† 1997)Whole Foods has strong core values, among them are offering only the highest quality of natural and organic products available; ensuring customers satisfaction and delight; enhancing the happiness and excellence of the human resources; generating wealth through profit and growth; showing care for the environment and communities; establishing a â€Å"win-win† alliance with suppliers; and teaching stakeholders how to improve their health through proper eating education.(â€Å"Whole foods Market’s,† 2012)Whole Foods is known throughout the entire food industry for being an exceptional company to work for. Promoting happiness and excellence among their employees is one of their core values. In addition, Whole Foods is an organization that successfully utilizes the P. L. O. C model which has allowed them to establish superior recruitment strategies. The company recruits a specific kind of employee, one who wants to be a part of their team and who shares the same core values.Their employees are empowered by and invested in the company by being given decision making capabilities, a respectful work place, and felling that they are supported, valued and that their hard work and commitment to excellence is recognized. Whole Foods has a team motto mentality. Every employee is a part of a team that meets regularly and collaborates, discusses, and decides on issues regarding the work place and employee will being. The belief that every voice is valuable has helped create an atmosphere that is open and positive.Beginning on the highest run g of the company ladder to an individual store employee, decisions are shared by all. This has been an enormous motivator for the employees at Whole Foods because unlike other retail food stores employees actually have a say and are instrumental in ensuring the future of the company. They are held up as being as important as their customers and their opinions are valued. (Kammeyer) Whole Foods has been named one of the top companies to work for by CNN Money.(Walker, 2012)Compared to other retailers who struggle to pay their employees the minimum wage, Whole Foods doubles it paying their employees an average of $15 dollars and hour. CEO Walter Robb, who joined the company in 2010, stated that he â€Å"wishes he could pay his employees even more. † (Blodget, 2012) This is an annual salary that hits just short from being able to supporting a family in most parts of the county. Whole Foods also stands by their vision to be a shared market with their employees, they have set a cap on all salaries company wide.No employee from a team member up to an executive will receive any more than 19 times the company wide annual salary. When the majority CEO’s of large corporations, average a rate of 231 times the regular working person. Whole Foods caps salaries as a way to ensure equity and trust among all. (Kannal, 9 14) Whole Foods is an open book, with nothing to hide. Any financial information from every employee starting from a â€Å"Team Member† to a CEO is disclosed to the public, their job title and wages from each title can be found at the job and anyone can look it up on Glassdoor.com if they wanted to find out. Whole Foods believes in the practice of â€Å"open people, open book, open door. † (Whole Foods Market, 2012) An innovative practice John Mackey believed it would â€Å"stop envy in human nature at work. † (cite)Whole Foods employees allotted affordable to no cost benefits such as medical, dental, vision, personal wellness , healthcare and dependent care reimbursement, life and disability insurance, 401K retirement savings, paid time off, gainsharing, Team Member discounts, Team Member emergency plan,  and stock options that are given and may also be purchased. All employees are encouraged every three years to engage in a companywide vote for the companies â€Å"Team Members† health and benefit package. This allows them to recognize exactly what their needs are and establish a benefit package that supports those needs. Whole Foods doesn’t believe in a one size fits all package. (Blodget, 2012) When it comes to stock ownership of Whole Foods 96 percent of their stock is held by Team Member or non-executive employees.The remaining amount is held by top executives. The philosophy that Whole Foods holds is the customer comes first, then the Team Members, and then the stockholders. (Sacks, 2009) Whole Foods philosophy is that, â€Å"the most important stakeholders are our customers. † The satisfaction of Whole Foods customers is extremely important to everyone in the company. Once again Whole Food combines the tenets of P. L. O. C. and the core values of supporting the health and well-being of all people to stock their stores with the highest quality organic and natural foods.John Mackey refers to the theory of customers being the true lifeline of a business as â€Å"Conscious Capitalism,† (a phrase he has trademarked) instead of only focusing on the gain of the business profit wise, focus on the purpose. (Sacks, 2009) Putting more of the focus on the philosophy of Whole Foods keeps customer happy and returning to experience the main reason why they started shopping there in the first place. Whole Foods has unquestionably changed the way people buy and eat food. In this down turning economy Whole Foods wants to keep their customers loyal and on track to continuing to eat naturally, healthy and organically.They have added coupons directly on their website that can be printed from your own computer, or even picked up from any local Whole Foods store. Once again the Whole Foods organization aims to keep their customers happy by providing affordable, delicious food. Whole Foods takes their commitment to balance their needs of people with their needs of the planet very seriously. They recognize that they as global citizens, they must practice sound environmental stewardship. Whole Foods is known for being a respected company and has been awarded the AchievementAward from the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as being ranked 5th on the top 50 Green Power Partners list. (â€Å"Green mission†) (EPA. gov) Whole Foods does this by emphasizing and upholding the importance of the 3 R’s, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. By following these R’s Whole Foods has reduced their landfill waste by 75 percent. A method Whole Food uses to avoid waste was to put a ban on using plastic bags, only using reusable bags or paper bags that ca n be recycled. To encourage their customers to bring in their own bags a nickel is refunded towards each full purchase.(â€Å"Green mission†)In 2002 Whole Foods became the first retailer to introduce solar energy as their power source, this made them the only Fortune 500 Company to purchase wind power and set off 100 percent of their energy cost. (Kannal, 9 14) Another contribution to the environment was selling organic produce, meats and materials, their vision used to reduce waste by the farmers they are purchasing from. Whole Foods also gives back to the community locally and to other countries by establishing the Whole Foods Foundation, a non for profit established by Whole Foods.Donations are received by online giving, mail, or at the checkout counter. The challenge that Whole Food may face in the future is the completion from other stores looking to grow and hold the same quality natural and organic products as they do. Another factor is the rising cost in produce and n atural foods. Whole Foods must continue to use those core values that they built their empire from to rise above the others, by building strong partnership with local farmers and continuing to stay innovative within their stores management structure. A Whole Food is an incredible organization.Not only do they care about the food they sell, the customers they provide for, and the world in which they live. They are also deeply committed to a future in which not just local communities but the world at large benefits from the practice in healthy eating that has become their trademark for the past 30 years. Whole Foods high quality innovative personnel, careful planning, management strategies and systems, and incredible dedication manage to secure their place in a highly competitive retail world and from the looks of things they are not going anywhere soon.

Han China and Gupta India Essay

Han China differed from Gupta India politically, developing a strong bureaucratic system while India allowed local rulers to stay in control, but the Guptas focused more on trade and made more intellectual achievements than China, especially in mathematics. They established empires that were successful, but also distinct in their own ways. Although these two civilizations were notably different politically, economically, and intellectually, both were successful in bringing prosperity to their empires. During the Han dynasty, China successfully improved its bureaucracy, but in India local rulers maintained regional control. India’s territory never grew to be as large as China’s, so different forms of government were needed for each civilization. Han China retained the centralized government formed by the Qin, and expanded the bureaucracy. The bureaucratic system suited China, because it was able to support the civilization as it expanded into a large empire. The emperor Wu Ti created civil service examinations for his bureaucrats, which could be taken by any male. Wu Ti also urged Confucianism in order to gain support, as it urged respect for the government. On the other hand, India lacked an extensive bureaucracy, and local rulers were allowed to keep control as long as they remained loyal to Gupta authority. Because of its separated regions, it was very difficult to politically unify India. Similar to China, the Gupta rulers turned to religion to strengthen support for the government. In contrast to China, they favored Hinduism because they claimed to be appointed by Hindu gods. Additionally, Hinduism encouraged the rigid caste system. The empires were also similar because political power was given to landowners. Although the Gupta period is considered the golden age of India, providing its greatest period of political stability, it never developed the solid bureaucracy that Han China did. Although trade is vital to any civilization’s success, India emphasized trade far more than China did. China’s economy focused on extensive internal trade, while India developed more maritime trade. Trade gradually became more important during the Han dynasty, focusing on luxury items for the upper class such as silks, leather, and jewelry. Internal trade was made easier by the standardization of currency and circulation of copper coins. Han rulers expanded the empire, which allowed trade with more places. Some merchants even took profitable trips to India. Even though they were important, trade and the merchant class did not become the focal points of Chinese economy. This was due to the emphasis on Confucianism, which frowned upon a life devoted to moneymaking. On the other hand, the Guptas established a strong economy. It was partly based on technological sophistication, new inventions, and production. For example, Indian artisans were the first to manufacture cotton cloth, calico, and cashmere. In these areas, India and China were rivaling, but the India’s economy became more vigorous. Merchant activity was greater in India than in China, with merchants at a relatively high caste status. They traveled by land, and also by sea, increasing maritime trade. Han China and Gupta India’s economies can be compared as firmly agricultural, both relying on a large peasant class, organized into cooperative close-knit villages. Han rulers regulated agricultural supplies by storing extra grain and rice in good times, preventing price increases when harvests were bad. The Gupta period in India was known for its wealth, which was due to extensive trading both internally and by sea, as opposed to Han China’s economy, which relied more on technological innovations. The Hans and Guptas both made many important intellectual achievements, but there was more academic success in India, especially in mathematics. The Chinese studied astronomy, calculating the movement of planets, as well as observing sunspots. During the Han dynasty, scientists invented a seismograph to register earthquakes. In addition, they actively researched medicine, studying principles of hygiene that would support longer lives. Generally, the Chinese focused their studies on practical findings, such as discovering how things worked. They studied the mathematics of music that led to advances in acoustics. Like China, Indian scientists also progressed in astronomy and medicine. Many astronomical discoveries were made, such as the calculation of the solar year, the circumference and daily rotation of Earth, a theory of gravity, and the discovery of seven planets. In medicine, hospitals also stressed cleanliness, like China. India surpassed China in mathematical discoveries. Scholars created a numbering system and the concepts of zero and negative numbers. Mathematicians also calculated square roots and a more accurate value of pi. These advances in both civilizations were possible because of support from the government. In China, the government sponsored intellectual life, organizing research in astronomy. The Guptas had a vast university center in Nalanda featuring lecture halls, libraries, and an observatory. This supported the new discoveries that were being made. Both civilizations made important intellectual achievements that were advanced by world standards, but Gupta India especially excelled in mathematics. The Han and Gupta dynasties were both successful periods in China and India. Their success was due to different causes, because their societies were very unlike each other. China’s government centered on its strong bureaucracy developed during the Han dynasty, while India never advanced a decent bureaucratic system. Both civilizations had strong economies, but India focused more on over-sea trade than China did. Also, Gupta India made more intellectual achievements particularly in science and mathematics. The Han and Gupta periods were similar in some ways, but their civilizations showed distinct differences politically, economically, and intellectually.

Professional Career Action Plan Essay

When I first started out going to school after college I thought that I wanted to be a teacher and so right after high school I started going to school to be an elementary teacher. I quit school because I wanted to move out of my parent’s house and be on my own so I got a full time job. After I moved and got stable I went back to get my early elementary degree. After about a year and a half I got pregnant and had my son and couldn’t go to class in the morning after being up all night with a toddler and then to work so I quit school again until my son got older. My son was able to start school when he was two so I decided to go back to school and get my educational degree. As I was going to school I was also volunteering at my son’s school and that is when I decided I really didn’t want to be a teacher and I was undecided what I wanted to do and I knew I was wasting my money and time going to school so I quit once again. I got a job at a temp agency working for the temp sending people on assignments and after a year the company decided they were going to close the company in my location but my supervisor got me a job at Advanced Radiology Services doing data entry putting in codes in the system. After a few years I realized that I really like being in the health care field and wanted a career in it and I tried to move up doing different jobs in the field but I realized that in order to really move up and eventually become a director I would need a degree so I decided to get my degree in Healthcare Management so I went back to school, this time determined to make it work. My Job in the Health Care sector In the health care sector my career job is to be the Director of the billing department of a health care facility. As a director my job would be to work with a team or staff to establish and maintain the skills which are necessary for the facility. I would need to display a personal commitment and courage and in doing that I will be keeping the staff working as a team. I would be developing as well as improve the performance of myself as well as my staff and I will need to do this through training, coaching and feedback. In order to achieve this I would have to further my education by obtaining a baccalaureate degree in a health related area and have experience in an allied health field. (eHow 2013) I have worked in the health care field for over ten years and have done billing front end and  back end, customer service, demographic edits, payment poster, and issue refunds. I have also trained new and current employees and served as a lead. I also have my schooling that can qualify me for the director position. Although I have all of this I feel I would still need to get certified in and get my dual certificate in CPAT and CCAT and what this is the CPAT is designed for people who work on the hospital side of patient accounting and the CCAT is for people who work on the clinical/physician side. Having this certification will help keep me in pace with the industry and also will allow me to gain recognition by the industry by letting me get the job or a promotion that I would want. (illinoisaaham 2013) I also would need to get a Master’s degree in a health management related field. I feel that I need this degree so I can learn more on being a director and learn more on directing a facility. Achieving my professional Goal The steps that I will need to do in order to achieve my professional goal are to continue to go to school and receive my master’s degree in Master of Health Administration with a Concentration in Sustainability Management. Obtaining this degree I feel will be a benefit for me in my role as Director. I also plan on taking getting my certification in CCAT and CPAT. I also feel that before I can achieve this I will need to be a supervisor and manager for a few years so I can have a better understanding of leadership roles. Being a supervisor is the start of being a manager and then a director those are the steps that I will have to take in order to achieve my goal of being a Director. I am now employed at Spectrum Health Hospital and I feel that I can go far in this organization and eventually be a director for this organization. This organization will help me get the certification that is need because it is something that they off and also will allow me to go to school and furth er my education. If I get the certification and the degree that is required then I will be able to get a job as a director at any health care facility or organization. With the career action plan that I have done I feel this will help keep me grounded and on track with the steps I need to obtain in order to achieve my goal. Completing a goal maybe harder than it seems but if you have steps in place that will help keep you focused you can get through your goal and you will want to achieve higher goals in the process. This is a step by step process  and may not happen overnight but with dedication and hard work you can successfully complete the goal you set out to achieve. References American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management AAHAM Retrieved from http://www.aaham.org/Certification/CPATCCAT/tabid/90/Default.aspx CPAT/CCAT Frequently Asked Questions Retrieved from http://www.illinoisaaham.com/images/Technical_Certification_FAQs.pdf Edwards T, Job Description of a Health Director eHow Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/about_5347304_job-description-health-director.html Setting goals and objectives Retrieved from http://www.time-management-guide.com/goals-and-objectives.html

Netherlands Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Netherlands - Essay Example They occupy a mile of the total shoreline length. This essay will highlight some of the main tourist attraction scenes and centers in Netherlands. It will also discuss the impact of tourism on the Netherlands. The Delta Project is recognized as one of the major tourist attractions sites. It is also known as the Delta Works. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, this Project is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was started in 1950 in South Holland and Zeeland. The construction was completed in 1997. It aimed at stopping the sea from encroaching the dry land. The tourist attractions in the Project are the sluices, dams, storm surge barriers, and dikes. The overall architecture is also beautiful scenery (Zeti, 2014). Another tourist attraction in Netherlands is the Rijksmuseum. It is found in Amsterdam. It boasts of the cultural heritage that is archived in the museum. History students and researchers are particularly interested in the museum to study the Dutch Golden Age. They can obtain ancient works such as the paintings by people like Vermeer and Rembrandt. It is also surrounded by a beautiful scene of water and green environment (Zeti, 2014). The tourism industry also depends on the wild animals. There are several game parks and reserves in the Netherlands. In this light, the Hoge Veluwe National Park is the primary tourist destination. The park is characterized by woodlands, heathlands, and sand dunes. It also has rare species of animals that attract the tourists. Apart from the wildlife, it houses the Krà ¶ller-Mà ¼ller Museum. The archeological paintings of Vincent van Gogh are found in this museum. The Park is widely recognized because of its high-class accommodation of visitors through the provision of tour guides and means of transport such as bikes (Zeti, 2014). Another scenery tourist attraction in the Netherlands is the Keukenhof Gardens. It is the largest flower garden in the world, and it

What is the real happiness in a family Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

What is the real happiness in a family - Essay Example Richard Bausch’s story, â€Å"Aren’t you happy for me?† in all its simplicity gives the reader an insight into a much more complex scenario depicted by observing a incident in the life of a ordinary family. In this story the more that is revealed, the more complex the situation that the father is immersed in becomes until ultimately he realizes the gravity of a situation he had underestimated; the distance that had become undeniable in his marriage and what a difficult path his daughter had taken. A key element of the story that is used by the author is that of revelation. It is used with gravity and artfully timed in the way it deepens not only the story but the characters as well. It further thickens the plot and depicts to the reader the importance of revelation and how the transformation the characters undergo with it as they are portrayed in light of their exquisite humanness. It is this very quality which makes them heroic and at the same time flawed. The story revolves around a phone call between a father and daughter as the predicament that the daughter is in slowly unwinds as the father discovers she is pregnant and about to marry a 63 year old man who was also her professor. As he internalizes and processes the situation his daughter reveals which in all its complicated nature seems to be a reason for joy for her, greatly disturbs the father as he categorizes the predicament as severely grave; a cherry on top of the problems his life already was in. "Outside the window, his wife, with no notion of what she was about to be hit with, looked through the patterns of shade in the blinds and, seeing him, waved. It was friendly, and even so, all their difficulty was in it." (p.87) Bausch’s style is highly effective in the way that he builds on to the sense of dismay and connects to the reader, as his daughter relays to him the string of bad news. "Honey, this is a joke, right? You're playing a joke on me." (p.89.) Furthermore the reader can clearly emphasize for Ballinger as the news is spun on him with the naive child like expectation to not react to news that was clearly startling for any parent. "You're going to react, then. I wish you could just promise me you wouldn't." (p.88). Bausch’s focus on the situation at hand and not the use of external factors to highlight the internal emotional and mental state of the characters is one of the major strengths of his narration. He brings forth a very relatable scenario that portrays the internal battle between the sexes, generations and family dynamics. The volatile reaction of the father and his uncontrollable bursts of anger lead us to imagine if it was this particular trait of his that had caused rifts in his until now happy and prosperous marriage. "That's not the point. The point is that you, sir, are not much more than a goddam statutory rapist. That's the point." (p.90). It also shows how adept the author is in casting inadequate male character s; a husband whose marriage if failing and a 63 year old professor who has impregnated and is now marrying his much younger student. There are two main focuses of Bausch’s story; one that revolves around a marriage and family starting and the other on a marriage ending. "The truth was that he had news of his own to tell. Almost a week ago he and Mary had agreed on a separation. Some time for both of them to sort things out." (p. 86) One cannot help but wonder if the fury

Lesson Plan to Comprehend the First Law of Newton Assignment

Lesson Plan to Comprehend the First Law of Newton - Assignment Example The language needs to be of a Middle School level, with the emphasis being laid on the explanation and usage of technical and scientific terms, like Inertia and Velocity. Sentences that define the key concepts must be written, and finally must lead to the law itself. Later, examples can also be illustrated. Charts and pictorial depictions of the law can be used. Besides this, an action of the real-life depiction can be done in class by getting groups of students to enact each example. This way, it drives home the concept, while also promoting team-building and bonding. The content must not be perceived from the sole purpose of explaining the law. It must invoke a genuine interest to learn about Newton. Besides this, the very pertinence of this law in day-to-day activities can help stress on the amalgamation of reality and science, and a confluence of the two. Thus, the preparation for the instruction of this class, must ... Besides this, the very pertinence of this law in day-to-day activities can help stress on the amalgamation of reality and science, and a confluence of the two. Thus, the preparation for the instruction of this class must involve the proper portrayal of Newton and his laws. The first law must be explained with the help of key concepts. Then, real-life examples must be used to help students comprehend the concept clearly. Finally, the  active representation of the law can be portrayed in class.

Earthquake Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Earthquake - Research Paper Example Importance of the research topic Earthquake is one of the most significant risks to the safety of structures as well as of the occupants. Every year, millions of people around the world lose their lives and property in the earthquakes. Considering the gravity of the problem, there is dire need to make the structures resistant against earthquakes as well as to have an effective disaster management system in place to counter the effects of earthquakes. Contents of the paper This paper does a detailed analysis of the research topic i.e. earthquake and explores its various aspects. The aspects discussed in the paper include but are not limited to discussion of the engineering problem, its importance, its relation with geology and engineering, impacts of the engineering problem on the society, challenges associated with it, geological analysis of the problem, and strategies that may be employed to deal with this engineering problem. In addition to that, a case study is discussed in detail . The case study is about a real life earthquake incident that occurred within the last ten years, and that had huge implications on the society. The paper discusses ways in which effects of the earthquake were dealt with, and the potential strategies to avoid the effects of such incidents in the future. Relation between earthquakes and geology Earthquakes are fundamentally related to geology because they happen as a result of movement of the tectonic plates. There are four layers of earth, that include the inner core, the outer core, the mantle and the crust when arranged in an inside out fashion. Although the crust and the mantle constitute a thin layer on the earth’s surface, that is fragmented into different pieces that may slide past each other. An earthquake occurs when two blocks of earth slip across each other. The surface across which the slip happens is known as the fault plane. Earthquake starts at the hypocenter that is directly below the surface of earth where ea rthquake happens, known as the epicenter. Relation between earthquakes and engineering Earthquakes are related to engineering because their occurrence imparts the need to engineer the structures in such a way that they can resist the effects of earthquakes. Every structure has a different foundation design that is engineered in such a way that it can effectively transfer the load of the structure to the earth and can help the building withstand all external shocks and risk factors including heavy winds and earthquakes. Foundation designs of buildings if modified appropriately, make the buildings earthquake-resistant. Impacts of earthquake on the society There are numerous impacts of earthquake on the society that include but are not limited to disrupted normal life, loss of life, loss of property, loss of housing, breakdown of the social order, damaged infrastructure, loss of business, disrupted communication channels, loss of the industrial output, and disrupted marketing systems. â€Å"The effects of an earthquake can also cause dangerous landslides, fires, gas line and electric explosions, and floodwaters from collapsing dams† (Pollard). Earthquakes have numerous short term and long term effects. Many children get kidnapped during the earthquakes. Long term effects of earthquakes include decline in the socioeconomic system of the country. â€Å"Evidence points to elevated rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and earthquake-related fears in children

Developing leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Developing leadership - Essay Example e had to switch from functional work teams to cross-functional, market-based virtual teams in order to better integrate functions that are important for customer responsiveness. ICT advances have offered new opportunities to build and lead virtual teams in the travel industry. These teams consist of workers who are located far from one another, possess unique skills, and must cooperate and collaborate to complete important tasks in the organisation. In the establishment, maintenance and support of virtual teams in this industry, leaders face various challenges including building cohesion, trust and team identity, and ensuring employees are not isolated (Sobel & Reilly, 2010: p39). They also face challenges in the selection of team members with the right interpersonal and technical abilities and skills needed work in the virtual environment, as well as in the evaluation of their performance. Virtual organisations pose unique challenges for leaders in the travel industry, including cultural issues, setup and maintenance costs, lack of trust between team members, and isolation of team members. These challenges could result in productivity problems and communication issues. Virtual organisation leadership demands a new approach, requiring the evaluation of disadvantages and advantages of non-traditional operations, as well as leadership competencies needed to manage at a virtual level (Camarinha-Matos et al., 2012: p40). In travel organisations facing growth and resource restrictions, which involve organisational evolution to a virtual environment of a cross-functional nature, being an agent for change, and interpersonal skills are crucial leadership skills. Failure to lead the organisation through the virtual working challenges and to adopt a new structure of the organisation poses significant risk to the organisation. The complexities facing leadership in the virtual org anisation are supported by research, which suggests various challenges contributing as social

The marketing mix promotions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The marketing mix promotions - Essay Example (Lucas) One way to cope with situation is to constantly innovate and innovate fast with balanced business strategy with right mix of buyers both giant retailers to the small corner shops. (Byrnes, Berner and Zellner). Simply, if we take an example of detergents, they were largely promoted and viewed as commodities used for the cleaning purposes however the new paradigm shifts in the industry forced giants like P&G to look for more innovative ways of promoting largely popular brands like Tide. The new demands from the consumers, P&G through innovative promotional activities remodeled the same and Tide was projected something which provides an opportunity to be a good mother or good father or good wife. I believe the idea of enhancing and brushing up the bond between the commodity and its immediate users is not the case as Revlon since long has been promoting that they are selling hope rather than cosmetics therefore the idea that the bond between the end user of the goods and the bran d itself is not new. I therefore, believe that the positioning your brand as a proponent of generating the rarefied position of the brand to the level where it become almost a generic product with emotional attachment of users. Having defined the position that the Through Tide, P&G is rather selling an opportunity to be a good wife, good mother or father, I believe that this further necessitate a different approach towards the promotional activities which P&G use to employ in the past. Since Internet is now taking over the place of traditional advertisement channels therefore a more focused approach is required to direct promotional activities to the internet. As the presupposition that the brands must speak to the consumers eye to eye rather than just focusing on what product can do for you therefore promotional activities for media should be focusing more on building up rapport between the consumers and products

Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 23

Case Study Example The company’s website offers customers a platform in which they can track their orders and make inquiries regarding their requests. Interestingly, the service is offered at very affordable rate. Therefore, it can be clearly stated that given UPS business strategy, the key success factors and risk that are responsible for the company’s fortune growth are, prompt response to customer needs. The success is also attributed to competition based pricing strategy and accuracy. The company’s ability to offer a service that enables customer track their order is a major milestone for the organization. In addition to the service, the UPS introduced another service that allows customers to change the destination of their orders before the order reaches its destination (Study mode, 2014). However, the company also faces when it comes to managing its fleet of cars and airplanes. Maintaining the huge number of vehicles and airplanes is very expensive for the company. The cars and planes require regular servicing because of the many trips that are made hence have to be in a good condition. Achieving the objective can be a daunting task to the management because it translates to more cash outflow. Conversely, the company also uses its staff to send orders to customer. Workers may fail to respond to customer’s orders promptly a situation that may extend the lead time for an order. Furthermore, they may fail to deliver according to the expectations of the customer, or even may not deliver. Moral issues put UPS operations at a risk (Study mode, 2014). The performance of UPS has been growing over the current years. In the year 2012 during the first month, the price of a share was $4.53 while the revenue stood at an estimated $5.4 billion. In the current financial year, the dividends of the company are expected to fall between $4.80 and $5.06. The fall represents a 6%-12% increase from the year 2012 which is a remarkable