The Religion Islam

| The Religion Islam| The Religion Islam What is Islam? The word Islam means submission to the will of God. The religion of Islam is the acceptance of and obedience to the teachings of God which the Muslims—followers of Islam—believe God revealed to his last prophet. Muslims believe that there is only one God. The Arabic word for God is Allah which means, the one and only true God who created the whole universe. According to Muslims, God sent a number of prophets to mankind to teach them how to live according to His law. To the Muslims, Jesus, Moses and Abraham are respected as prophets of God.Muslims believed in the prophets as messengers of God, but according to their beliefs, God’s final message to man was revealed by the prophet Muhammad. Who is the prophet Muhammad? Muhammad was born in Mecca in the year 570. His father died before he was born and his mother died shortly after. Therefore he was raised by his uncle. Muhammad was raised illiterate. He could no t read or write, and remained that way for the rest of his life. As he grew up, he was known to be the truthful, honest, trustworthy, generous, and sincere. Muhammad was very religious, and had long disliked the decadence and idolatry of his society.Muhammad was claimed to receive his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel when he was at the age forty. The revelations continued for twenty-three years, and they are known as the Quran. When Muhammad started preaching the truth which God revealed to him, he and his group of followers suffered persecutions from the non-believers. It got so bad for Muhammad and his followers that in the year 622, God gave them the command to emigrate. They migrated from the city Mecca to the city of Yathrib, which is now called Medina. His journey to Yathrib is called Hijra. This marked the beginning of the Muslims calendar.Several years later, Muhammad and his followers returned back to Mecca, where they forgave their enemies. The greater p art of the Arabian Peninsula had become Muslims and within the century of his death, Islam had spread all over the world. Muhammad died at the age sixty-three. Though he was a man, he was far removed from evil appearances and tried only for the sake of God and his reward. Muslims believe that Muhammad was the last prophet of God. They believed that the Holy Quran is God’s last revealed book. The prophet Muhammad claimed that the angel, Gabriel revealed the Quran, which the Muslims call God’s literal word, to him.Muhammad memorized the prophecy and shared it with his companions, and they then wrote it down in a book called the Quran. Muslims believe that the angel Gabriel met with Muhammad once a year to review the Quran and during the last years of his life, he met with Gabriel twice a year. The Quran was said to be revealed fourteen centuries ago. The Quran is the primary source of every Muslim’s faith and practice. This book deals with all the subjects which c oncern human beings: wisdom, doctrine, worship, transactions, law, and more, but its basic theme is the relationship between God and his creatures.This book is known to provide guidance and detailed teaching for society. The Quran was claimed to be revealed to Muhammad in Arabic. What are the Muslims beliefs? Muslims have six main beliefs. The first belief is to believe in God. Muslims believe in one, unique, incomparable God, Who has no son or partner, and that none has the right to be worshipped but Him alone. The second belief is to believe in the Angels. Muslims believe in the existence of the angels and that they are honored creatures. The angels worship God alone, obey Him, and act only by His command.The third belief of the Muslims is to believe in God’s revealed books. Muslims believe that God revealed books to His messengers as proof for mankind and as guidance for them. Among these books is the Quran, which God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The fourth belief is that the Muslims should believe in the Prophets and the messengers of God. Muslims believe in the prophets and messengers of God, starting with Adam, including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Jesus, but God’s final message to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal message, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.The fifth belief of the Muslims is to believe in the Day of Judgment. Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment which is the day of resurrection, when all people will be resurrected for God’s judgment according to their beliefs and deeds. The last belief of the Muslims is to believe in Al-Qadar. Muslims believe in Al-Qadar, which is divine predestination, but this belief in divine predestination does not mean that human beings do not have free will. Rather, Muslims believe that God has given human beings free will.This means that they can choose right or wrong and that they are responsible for their choices. The belief in Divine Predestination includes belief in four things: God knows everything. He knows what has happened and what will happen, God has recorded all that has happened and all that will happen, whatever God wills to happen happens, and whatever He wills not to happen does not happen and God is the creator of everything. Muslims believe the Sunnah is the practical example of the Prophet Muhammad and that there are five basic pillars of Islam.The Five Pillars of Islam are the five obligations that every Muslim must fulfill in order to live a good and responsible life according to Islam. These pillars are the confession of faith, praying five times a day, giving alms to the poor, fasting during the month of Ramadan, the pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime for those who are able. The confession of faith must be said with conviction, â€Å"La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur rasoolu Allah. † This means, â€Å"There is no true god but God (Allah) and Muhammad is the messenger of God. The testimony of faith is calle d the Shahada, a simple method which should be said with conviction in order to convert to Islam. This is the most important pillar of Islam. Prayer is the second pillar of Islam which they call it the Salat. Muslims perform five prayers a day. Prayer in Islam is a direct link between the worshipper and God. They are performed at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night and are performed anywhere they please. Before performing a prayer, one must be in a state of purification.That means they wash their hands all the way up to their elbows, the mouth and the nostrils are rinsed, and he feet are bathe to the ankles. The third pillar of Islam is almsgiving. The Muslims call it giving Zakat. The meaning of the word Zakat means both purification and growth. To give Zarat means giving a specified percentage of certain properties to certain classes of needy people. The fourth pillar of Islam is fasting the month of Ramadan known by Muslims as Sawm. Every year in the month of Ramadan, Mu slims spend he ninth month of the Islamic calendar observing a community-wide fast from dawn until sundown, abstaining from food, drinks, and sexual relations. Fasting is a method of spiritual self-purification done by cutting oneself off from the worldly comforts. A person fasting gains true sympathy with those who go hungry, as well as growth in his or her spiritual life. The last pillar of Islam is to pilgrimage to Mecca which the Muslims call it the Hajj. It occurs in the month of Dhul-Hijjah which is the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.About two million Muslims of every ethnic group, color, social status, and culture gather together in Mecca and stand before the Kabah praising Allah together. This is a ritual that is designed to promote the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and sisterhood by showing that everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah. The Hajjis or pilgrims wear simple white clothes called Ihram. They pray at the Haram mosque in Mecca. In the mosque is the Kabah which they turn to while praying. According to the Muslims, the Kabah is the place of worship which God commanded the Prophets Abraham and his son, Ishmael, to build.This is where they asked for forgiveness and for what they wish for. Carrying out the Five Pillars demonstrates that the Muslim is putting their faith first, and not just trying to fit it in around their secular lives. What are the families of Islam like? One of the most striking features of Muslim society is the importance attached to the family. The family unit is regarded as the cornerstone of a healthy and balanced society. A harmonious social order is created by the existence of extended families; children are treasured and rarely leave home until the time they marry.According to the Quran, men and women are equal before God; women are not blamed for violating the â€Å"forbidden tree,† nor will their suffering in pregnancy and childbirth a punishment for that act. How women are seen in Islam? Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual in her own right, with the right to own and dispose of her property and earnings. A marital gift is given by the groom to the bride for her own personal use, and she may keep her own family name rather than adopting her husband's.Roles of men and women are complementary and collaborative. Rights and responsibilities of both sexes are equitable and balanced in their totality. How do Muslims treat the elderly? The strain of caring for one’s parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and a blessing and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. In Islam, it is not enough that we only pray for our parents, but we should act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children, they preferred us to themselves. Mothers are particularly honored.When Muslim parents reach old age, they are treated mercifully, with kindness and selflessness. In Islam, serving one’s parents is a duty second of prayer, and it is their right to expect it. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the old become difficult. Today, Islam is the second largest religion in the world with over one billion followers. According to Muslims, Islam is not a new religion, but it is the same truth that God revealed through all His prophets. For a fifth of the world's population, Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life.

Career Planning and Development

| CAREER PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT| | | | ASHWINI RENGASWAMYINDEX NO – L0267KDKD0611JUN MSc 1 Hospitality & Tourism A| INDEX Introduction †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Page 2 Career †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Page 3 Career Planning †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Page 4 Career Development †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Page 5 Dual Career Couples †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Page 8 Dual Career Couples Large Companies †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Page 10 Dual Career Couples Small Companies †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.Page 14 Ways of Small Companies Retaing Employees †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Page 15 Conclusion †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Page 16 References †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Page 17 INTRODUCTION Human resource is the nerve center of any organization which helps to achieve its objectives & goals. When analyzing globally managing human resource is a dynamic and challenging task of an organization. Although human r esource is a popular term there is no definition defined worldwide.Watson (2002:3) says â€Å"In its broader sense Human resource management can be used as a generic term to describe any approach to managing people. † Boxall & Purcell (2003:1) say â€Å"All those activities associating with the management of the employment relationship in the organization. † A philosophy based on managing people on the belief that human resources utmost necessary to retain the business success. An establishment obtains advantage by utilizing its people effectively. Drawing on their competence and adroitness to meet distinct objectives.Human resource management is focused at recruiting confident, adjustable and dedicated people, managing and honoring their performance and advancing competencies. Human resource development is a strategic advent to analyzing in human capital. It has an impact on other human resource formations, including resourcing and executes assessment to recognize act ual and conceivable apatite. Human resource development delivers a frame work for self-establishment training programs and professional progression to meet an establishment’s future aptitude necessity.Goal of Human resource management is to optimize the effectiveness of the employee by gradually up grading the career life of the workers and interacting them as the most precious resource to increase the productivity of the organization There is one successful way for an establishment’s human resource problems â€Å"enlightened, advanced, people first, more performance or more commitment, labor tactics to be practiced in companies. Best practices of Human Resource Management * Managers must pay more attention towards Human resource issues. The consideration of human resourcing are parts of strategic level deliberations. * More encouragement being given to the employees helps more productivity which results to the establishment’s constant improvement. * Employees show a liking towards improving their own skills to come through self-advancement and flexibility. CAREER Wilensky (1961) says; â€Å"Let us define career in structural terms. A career is a succession of related jobs arranged in a monarchy of prestige, through which persons move in an ordered sequence† (p. 23) This tells us that career has a particular way in which a person should proceed in order to achieve his vision and goals. Career is the journey towards an ultimate destination. There is a view amongst the people that career has changed from olden days organizational structure to the modern way which is based on the skills, knowledge and integration of people. Baruch (2002) presents a list of career management practices in order of the level of implementation which an earlier survey found out.There are advertising international career opportunities, professional education as a part of career advancement, performance appraisals as an important tool for career planning, ca reer conselling by your immediate manager or Human resource management department, recruitment programs, succession planning, mentoring, common career path, dual ladder, books on career problems, written personal career, assessment centers, 360 degree appraisals, career workshops, introduction, special programs, example: for high flyers, creating psychological contracts and secondment.Effective career management should adhere to a number of principles. Consistency and coherency within organizations in messages about what career and career management is, proactively collaboration between employer and employee and dynamism. Goals of career management process must be explicit and that this will be most easily achieved if there is a limited number of compliable interventions. CAREER DECISION POINT International Assignment Predeparture Training Reassignment Recruiting & Selecting Exit Organization Predeparture Training Deselecting Parent Repatriation CAREER PLANNINGCareer planning which is for an individual life time, a decision that has to be made life long, which includes choosing of occupation, seeking a job, progress in the job, career transition and eventual recruitment. It’s also for an individual to set goals for himself and achieve them. This helps a person to evaluate their abilities and interests. The outcome of this should be one of the following; * Developing talent effectively and efficiently. * Giving opportunities to employees for self-appraisal Career planning is built out of three components self-assessment, choosing the work of your choice and recognizing the suitable career.CAREER DEVELOPMENT As individuals everyone is interested in their own career, it’s very unlikely that a person will spend more years with a single employer, especially when their work life begins. Due to this career development is the responsibility of the employer. Most people like to move to new areas of work due to better opportunities, chances of working with particular people and commuting time. As a result of this employers must analysis what is offered by the other employers and ensuring that employees appreciate what they are been given.A method used to retain and establish a large group of employees with international experience is through giving them short term development assignments which will be for a few months and there onwards to a few years. (Example 1) Swedish – Swiss conglomerate ABB A multinational company have carried on the practices of developing a small carder of international employees rather than internationalizing everyone. (Example 2) Aitken Spence Hotels & Resorts (A reputed chain hotel in Sri Lanka which has its own hotel in Maldives, India & Oman)In this organization the Assistant Vice president Mr. Sarriff o’deen conducts a meeting once in three months for the entire Management of each hotel individually to explain the company’s strategies & the Employee benefits, the last meeting was hel d on the 12 June at heritance Ahungalle (Example 3) Mas Holdings Pvt. Ltd. (South Asia’s biggest apparel manufacturer) The company sends a limited number of staff to a University in India to educate them in the clothing technology and in order to implement the knowledge in their local company. Example 4) Mas Holdings Pvt. Ltd. Mas Career Development center in Sri Lanka at Ambepussa, a center for staff working for Sri Lanka Mas Holdings to train and develop themselves. (Example 5) Mas Holdings Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Vithanaarachchi, who joined as a weaving supervisor rose through up to the position of Manager. As recognition of his work the company sponsored him to study Narrow Fabric technology in University of Derbyshire This reviews your work history and the key factors psychological, sociological and economical which influence the career choice.Creating an improved approach to employee development by recognizing individual’s needs and responding for a satisfactory and reward ed career is the goal of career service. Career development is guiding people in order for them to reach where they want to be and where the organization wants them to be. Providing career development helps the organization increase the chances of their work force being willing and ready to serve the organization for the betterment of both parties. Career development creates opportunities for employees meet current as well as future business needs through professional interest and capability. Example 6) Kellogg’s Non-productive staff are requested to fill are form which gives details of employee’s career, biographical information, work experience, and development plans. This is filed in the employee’s profile which gives an overview of the employee’s current accountability development and future opportunities. People Managers have a performance management plan which is concern about the employee development. The role of Peoples manager in employee develop ment * Update employee profile on a periodic basis. * Fill the Managers page in the Employee profile. Considering any possible development actions in the future. * Understanding the requirement of making development more successful. * Check weather employees are pursuing towards development. * Provide adequate resource, opportunities and support to employees for development. * Provide caching and obtain feedback. (Example 7) Nivea Graduate programs are conducted in different stages as follows; â€Å"Beyond borders† an 18 month program where the candidate will be trained for 5 to 6 months overseas in another company or at the headquarters in Hamburg, Germany. â€Å"Gateway to the top† a program for university graduates who want to rofessionalize on sales, marketing, human resource, supply chain management or finance. â€Å"360 degree program† a program to gain experience beyond the professionalized area. â€Å"Focusing on you† a program in order to develop professional and personal skills. (Example 8) Tesco Management programs are conducted for 7000 staff at one time on development programs to gain knowledge and skills to move to the next step of the Tesco Challenge. Each year over 10,000 prove that by changing jobs in the organisation, as a result of programs that are flexible and sought your personal needs 80% of the administration role is filled by existing team mates.. Example 9) Harrods The managers are expected to complete a monthly review with workers to follow up with consistent 1-2-1s to review objectives and career objectives. The diverse number of divisions provides a exceptional prospect for workers to develop new abilities and experience without having to alteration companies. (Example 10) Nokia, India Company conducts Management trainee programs from the year 20006 and recruiting young talents and investing in their future leadership role. The program is an in house on the job training mechanism that encourages and allo ws the trainees to learn and develop theme selves for future roles.In order to make the program a better success the company has built a relationship with institutes IIM – Ahamadabad, IIM – Calcuta, IIM – Lucknow, XLRI – Jamshedpur and TISS – Mumbai The role of Employee’s in employee development * Be responsible for own career. * Successful performance in present role of job. * Achieve realistic career goals. * Discuss with the Manager about developing the career. * Pay more attention towards areas to be more professional. (Example 11) Nivea (The largest women and men beauty care product manufacture)The company offers future support in the form of career path which focuses international and cross functional activities and development programs planned to achieve both professional and personal talents. DUAL CAREER COUPLE In 1960’s the term Dual career couples was introduced by a team of Sociologists who were husband-and-wife. Two profes sionals engaging in a significant relationship where both pursue a career that reflects commitment, personal growth, responsibility. In this both partners are highly skilled and committed towards career advancement and obtain financial remuneration for their career advancement.From the recent past woman too are focusing on professional career. The couple both who are managers, professional or technicians has doubled up in the past two decades. The worry amongst Dual career couples was balancing career, personal relationship and family responsibilities. Dual career couple men experience psychological stress, since they would be judged by their capacity to support the family and gain work status. They feel their status is undermined by their wife working, who will lead to loss of control, they fear helping at home under estimates manhood.Family problems where one partner has to be flexible enough to choose what’s best for the family. In order to this the career development shou ld be recognized for dual couples at early stages. At all times it is wise to involve both partners in planning to enhance the success of efforts. The other problem is job transfers, these transfers in the other partner’s career due to the mobility and also a commuting relationship between each other. When relocating dual career couple the Human resource can assist in finding a suitable job for the candidates partner as well.Also Dual career couple marriages are quite complex than other marriages where there is opportunities for mutual growth and development and in the meantime opportunities for failure. Both individuals work towards these as they find it difficult to meet these expectations as both work to develop their interpersonal relationship with one another. WIFES CAREER Job demand Organizational demand Social demand Dealing with subordinates Dealing with clients (20 – 50 hours) HOME DUTIES Home maintenance Neighborhood relationship Children activity Social plan ning ShoppingSelf-maintenance Assisting the spouse (30 – 50 hours) HUSBANDS CAREER Job demand Career advancement Social demand Dealing with subordinates Dealing with clients (40 – 50 hours) LEISURE TIME Rest Hobbies Personal activities Religious / Social activities (48 – 78 hours) The above figure shows the amount of time spent by Dual career couples per week. The wife takes responsibility of home and work whereas the husband takes responsibility only with career. DUAL CAREER COUPLES IN LARGE COMPANIES The Human Resource should turn the â€Å"Two body problems† in to â€Å"Two body opportunities†.Many researchers found that than men its women in dual career couples subordinate their career development with their partner. Some companies use the arrangement as the cost share arrangement for hiring spouses, some companies do provide job opportunities in different departments where as some do offer a job in another company of the same group. The overal l review of this is to facilitate dual career couples with job search for partners when relocating and hiring. The reason for companies to have dual career couple policies are to be competitive, increase faculty of colour, attract â€Å"stars†, increase women and to compensate for location.Some companies do offer temporary jobs than part time jobs for senior trailing spouses. (Example 12) Oregon State University The university has a scheme as â€Å"family employment program† where a fixed regular sum is paid as remuneration to spouses of facilities. In order to retain the employees the company gives greater responsibilities to employees which adds more value towards their career. Chain companies promote the talented employees in the same organization or to another branch. Vacant positions arising within the company is first notified to the internal employees to give them priority. Example 13) The gas and oil industry was facing problems of retaining employees in their companies. The company’s goal was to develop the engineer’s talent by giving difficult types of assignments to increase the responsibility level of the employee during his career in the company. (Example 14) John Keells Hotels (A reputed Hotel chain in Sri Lanka, which not only owns hotels but supermarkets, shipping, cargo etc. ) The company has a policy of recruiting bottom line staff, which gradually develops themselves in becoming managers of that company.Also the company believes in promoting the staff inside to high positions rather than hiring staff from out of the company as motivation and recognition for the employees. (Example 15) Nokia, India A global concert management system which is â€Å"Invest in people† â€Å"Internal job market† is for the border, which enables movement of Nokia employees. Any vacancies arise in the company is first posted to the interior employees and thereafter to the exterior applicants. Large companies are rich in res ources and have a large turnover from the business.Due to this factor the company has the ability of paying the employees a stable salary which they would be contented with. Also the profits gained are being given as bonuses since the company has limited liabilities to cover. There companies have a fixed policy which is applicable to all of their branches where ever located in the world. There is a mind perception of employees who do consider working for large reputed companies to be of prestige. (Example 16) Harrods Hannah, Retail Managers says, â€Å"The career opportunities at Harrods are definitely unique to Harrods.For example at the moment I'm on the Harrods management programme, which is an eight month programme that gives you the necessary training to become a manager. So by the end of the eight months you'll become a retail manager in the store. † (Example 17) Sony As a Communications Manager, Rosemary says it best: â€Å"Outside of the brand, it's easy to be proud of Sony. You tell people you work for Sony, and you don't get a glazed look – its instantaneous respect. † It's a sense of respect that starts from within. â€Å"Everybody works very hard. There's a high level of expectation, but we all focus on that challenge to deliver the best quality work.The people are the heart and soul of this place. It's a real commitment, and it goes both ways — the company to its employees, and the people are just as committed to the company. † Companies offer benefits not only for the employee but also for the entire family, which helps them experience the same as their partners do. (Example 18) Serendib leisures (A chain hotel and resort company in Sri Lanka with a range of three and four star hotel properties) A medical scheme is in practice where the employees and their families benefit. The scheme gives life insurance to the family along with yearly free medical checkup. (Example 19)Aitken Spence Hotels ; resorts The company offers a weekend package for all executive employees in order to spend a weekend with their family at another Aitken Spence hotel where the entire cost is barred by the company. This is offered twice a year for each employee (Example 20) Harrods They offer staff a very high salary of ? 15,000+ and upwards, apart for this staff receive many other rewards such as; Harrod staff reward cards 50% discount on business dresses Season ticket loan Discount brochures at restaurants, fitness clubs, and holiday companies. Opportunities to join the company’s pension and health planHoliday payments Dual career couples ; parents working in companies are offered flexible working hours, which helps them balance family and work. Apart from the day off extra leave with pay, non pay leave for a long period policies are in existence. Advice and financial support is offered for the well being of the employees. A pension schemes are introduced for future benefits. (Example 21) Wal-Mart (The larges t retail stores in the word, first introduced in the USA, found in many other countries) A policy is introduced for employees who are not USA citizens, the company many post-employment beneficial plans. Example 22) Mark ; Spencer A policy is in existence for adoptive parents, comparable adoption leave and pay within a policy exclusively planned for adoptive parents by providing extra provision leading up to adoption. (Example 23) Mark ; Spencer For employees who face problems with regard to work or family, the business uses an independent 24hour confidential helpline staffed by advisors who provide assistance in giving advice on debts or financial problems, legal problems, abuse, relationship difficulties, state benefits and even general counseling. They can be contacted on 07659145671 Example 24) Mark ; Spencer There is a policy for dads / parents, where 1 week paid paternity leave is being given when the baby arrives. Also parents have the benefits of taking unpaid leave for 13 we eks for every child till the age of 5 years. (Example 25) Mark ; Spencer For married female employee’s time off is being given for midwife, fitness visitor and parent craft lessons. Maternity pay and leave. The company professional health tem is accessible to carryout fitness checks at any time prior and after the birth including risk assessments where suitable. Example 26) Mark ; Spencer Flexible working hours are part-time, job sharing or term- working. For staffs who wishes to study or take a complete break of work nine months unpaid leave is given under the companies â€Å"Career Break† policy (Example 27) Mark ; Spencer Company offers dependency leave of 4 weeks paid leave which may be followed by 3 to 9 months unpaid leave or furthermore a longer break where the employee can take a dependency break for up to 5 years.Companies that have succeeded in generating opportunities for dual career couples follow four strategies, they are as follows; * A dual career office with a person who would address the problems of dual career couples. * The top management who are willing to give solutions for creative and flexible in hiring. * Amongst the department the cross-discipline cooperation that exists due to administrative support. * Issuing financial incentives to departments apart from the department resources that are willing to hire partners. DUAL CAREER COUPLES IN SMALL COMPANIESSmall businesses are mostly independent owners. Most small companies are at the infantry stage, which face a lot of financial crisis. There are companies with barriers for dual career couple policies such as, lack of communication, coordination, administration, more attention only over departmental work and lack of resources. The employees are mostly recruits on contract basis where job security is limited and salaries are of a standard rate. The company is focused towards the profits than on employee growth due to high cost involence new technology is not introduced which demotivate employee. Example 28) Tendon Lanak Pvt. Ltd. (A small scale electrical manufacturing company in Sri Lankan) Old fashioned electronical technology with no development as the industry was growing, due to this situation the company employees were demotivated doing the same job over and over again which lead them to leave the company. As an end result of this the company had to close down on June 2009. (Example 29) Earl’s Regency – Sumiko Lanka Hotels Pvt. Ltd. (A 5 star resort property in the Central Province of Sri Lanka owned by Sumiko Lanka Hotels Pvt. Ltd. )The executive Chef of this hotel resigned, and at that point the hotel had to recruit a new candidate for that position since the second in line were not capable enough to cope up with the work and be promoted to a higher position. The route cause for this was lack of training been provided for the management level staff. In the meantime some of these companies have a policy where dual career couples ar e not allowed to work in the same organization, due to the fear that when the first partner leaves the second also tends to leave, very few exceptional cases in which one does remain.The reason for companies to not have a policy is due to less competitive, ad hoc accommodation can lead to resentment. (Example 30) Sumiko Lanka Hotels Pvt. Ltd, The company has a policy, as an employee’s spouse cannot work in the same company, which goes to the extent of not allowing any blood relations of employees also to work in the same company. Small companies don’t have the facility of providing employment to both couples since the establishment is small and not many branches available. WAYS OF SMALL COMPANIES RETAINING EMPLOYEES MOVING TOWARDS LARGE COMPANIESSmall companies need to find ways of being innovative and creative to retain employees. Loosing an experienced worker is a great productivity loss for t he company therefore constant support must be given towards work. Effectiv e management practices and leadership skills, positive corporate culture and pleasurable work environment encourage employees retain. The employers must have a clear understanding about the expectation of the employees. The company can focus on recruiting staff from the same location, in order to retain staff due to travelling conveniences. On the job training should be rovided introducing new technology. For job security they should be provided each employee a job description which gives a clear picture of what is expected from them. Rewards and recognition is the best way for staff motivation. Health care benefits, new-hire orientation programs, open communication strategy, defined involvement programs, onsite parking, compensation for training cost ; casual dress programs such programs not only help retain employees, increase loyalty and productivity. The employers should take time in celebration staff birthdays and anniversaries to make them feel special.Te best employees of the month can be nominated in order to recognize the hard working employees and to motivate the rest. (Example 31) Nesto Pvt. Ltd. (A chocolate and biscuit factory in Sri lanka) The company recruits employees from its location and an introduction program is carried out for the employees during the first week with regardsto the entire company profile and the operation taking place. CONCLUSION When analyzing the theoretical part and the practical situations faced by Dual career couples in companies, the large companies are much more efficient in handling these types of situations as they are enriched with many resources.Most large companies have great financial resources with many sub companies of its own. This helps employee’s benefit in ways of wages, additional allowances, bonuses, paid leave and transfers on request. Many employees expect this in return of their service to the company. But in term of small companies, they have a very limited amount of resource which is mostly utilized for the benefit and growth of the company. Their main concern is about gaining profits for the company rather than focusing on employee growth. To overcome this situation small companies must engage staff welfare activities.The company must make the employee feel they are special and wanted. REFERENCES BOOKS PRINT Beardwell J. ; Claydon T. (2007) Human Resource Management, Pearson Education Limited. Fifth Edition (page 358 – 398) Becker B. E. et. al (2001) The Human Resource Scorecard, Pearson Education Limited. Chrish et. al (2010) International Human Resource Management, charted Institute of Personnel ; Development (IPD House) Second Edition Dowling P. J et. al (1999) International Human Resource Management, Southwest College Publishing. Third Edition Foot M. ; Hook C. (2008) Introducing Human Resource Management, Pearson Education Limited.Fifth Edition Hall B. W. PhD (2008) The Human capital Strategy, Library of Congress Cataloging. Loopold J. et. al (2005) The St rategic Managing of Human Resource, Pearson Education Limited. Mathis R. L. ; Jackson J. H (2008) Human Resource Management, Thomson South West. Twelfth Edition Price A. (2007) Human resource Management, Cengage Learning EMEA. Third Edition Redman T. ; Wilkinson A. (2009) Contemporary Human Resource Management, Pearson Education Limited. Third Edition Torrington D, Hall L. ; Taylor S. (2008) human Resource Management, Pearson education Limited.Seventh Edition (page 465 – 476) BOOKS ELECTRONIC Bruce W. M ; Reed M. C. (1991) Dual Career Couples in the Public Sector, library of Congress Cataloging. (Page 2 to 4) Available from http://books. google. co. uk/books? id=unBG-ablVW0C;printsec=frontcover;dq=dual+career+couples+in+the+public+sector;hl=en;ei=zbQ_TvWVJpTC8QPOqNSPAw;sa=X;oi=book_result;ct=result;resnum=1;ved=0CCoQ6AEwAA#v=onepage;q;f=false (Accessed on 15th July 2011) David Russo (2010) 17 Rules, Successful Companies Use to Attract ; Keep top Talents, Pearson Education Lim ited.Available from http://books. google. com/books? id=kVsnbZ23uYcC;pg=PA147;dq=how+do+companies+retain+employees;hl=en;ei=yKlDTqzkDcyq8APz673sBQ;sa=X;oi=book_result;ct=result;resnum=1 p;ved=0CDgQ6AEwAA#v=onepage;q=how%20do%20companies%20retain%20employees;f=false (Accessed on 10th August 2011) Fielden S. L. et. al (2005) International Handbook of Women ; Small Business Entrepreneurship, Edward Elgar Publishing limited. (Page 3 to 13) Available from http://books. google. co. k/books? id=myRC5ngQffoC;printsec=frontcover;dq=International+Handbook+of+Women+%26+Small+Business+Entrepreneurship;hl=en;ei=lLY_TsbpJoah8QO004mTCA;sa=X;oi=book_result;ct=result;resnum=1;ved=0CDAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage;q=International%20Handbook%20of%20Women%20%26%20Small%20Business%20Entrepreneurship;f=false (Accessed on 15th July 2011) Ferber M. A. ; Loeb J. E. (1997) Academic Couples Problems ; Promises, Library of Congress Cataloging. Available from http://books. google. o. uk/books? id=7GXk7upc6DAC;pg=PA270;dq=d ual+career+couples+in+the+public+sector;hl=en;ei=zbQ_TvWVJpTC8QPOqNSPAw;sa=X;oi=book_result;ct=result;resnum=10;ved=0CF4Q6AEwCQ#v=onepage;q=dual%20career%20couples%20in%20the%20public%20sector;f=false (Accessed on 15th June 2011) WEB PAGES AND WEB SITES http://www. acadamices. com/science/focus_on_research_dual_career_couples_36593. html http://advance. ei. colombia. edu/sitefiles/file/dual_career_reading_30105. pdf http://www. beiersdorf. om/career/working_at_beiersdorf/working_at_beiersdorf http://corporate. marksandspencer. com/mscareers/rewards_benefits/lifestyle_options/supporting_working_parents http://www. essaypride. com/essays. php? free_essay=4788576;title=Retaining-Employees-In-Small-Business http://hr. blr. com/HR-news/Staffing-Training/Leadership/Growing-Leaders-Retaining-Employees-in-Small-and-M/ http://www. harrodscareers. co. uk/page/career_development http://www. masholdings. com http://www. nokia. co. in/careers http://www. oppapers. com/essays/Retaining-Employees- Small-Business/62126

Analysing the Marketing strategy of Temenos

Analysing the Marketing strategy of Temenos This report focuses on the marketing strategy of Temenos and its position relative to competitors. It basically falls in the category of Business 2 Business sales. In the beginning it describes major factors affecting the sales of the core banking solution concisely and then includes the environmental analysis of US market for Temenos. Furthermore, current challenges Temenos faces in US market. In addition to that, report also comprises of 4p analysis and segementation, targeting & positioning strategies of Temenos. Company Background According to Temenos website, â€Å"Group AG is the market leading provider of banking software systems to retail, corporate, universal, private, Islamic and microfinance & community banks. Headquartered in Geneva with 56 offices worldwide, Temenos serves over 1,000 financial institutions in more than 125 countries across the world†. Business Buying Decision Process B2B decision process is mostly extracted from the study conducted by Dr. S. S. S atchidananda (2006) and from the book of Soloman(2009). Problem Recognition When technology is out dated and consider as hindrance for the growth of the business. System is unable to align with other modern systems. Maintenance of legacy system becomes too costly. Inability to handle new regulation. Scalability issue Information Search Firstly client needs to identify its current and perceptible future needs and then select the option on the basis of the requirement. Two basic options are available for the banks, advantages and disadvantages are mentioned in Appendix (A) figure (1.1). In case of integrated solution, vendors are selected that matches the requirements and constraints of the client. Vendor’s existence and credibility is considered as the decisive factor in the selection of vendor along with the methodology proposed by the vendor. Evaluation of Options After evaluating above mentioned criteria, one or two vendors are selected and they will be invited to Point of care (POC) and then planned a visit to vendor’s customer for evaluating the POC scenarios on production or real time environment. Post Purchase Evaluation Temenos used to do post purchase evaluation by conducting structured interviews and publishing case studies that are readily available on their web sites. The Environment 3.1 Macro Environment 3.1.1 Political Current financial crises lead to political instability and results in the introduction of new regulations and reforms particularly effecting banking industry. US congress has recently agreed a bill containing biggest overhaul of banking regulations since 1930(BBC News Business, 25th June 2010).Banks have lobbied against the legislation and launch an active campaign against the new regulation. Barack Obama has criticized banks for lobbying and spending huge amount of money on campaigns against the bill (BBC, 2010). Current defeat of democrats in US mid-term elections resulting in losing control over house of representat ive and consequently reducing majority margin in senate (Midterms Show Voters Stillà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦, 2010). 3.1.2 Economical United States economy is in the phase of recovering from one of the most severe financial crises. GDP has grown by 2% mostly due to consumer spending. Additionally, business investment in software and equipment has surged by 12% and government spending increased by 3.4%. Although economy is showing some sign of recovery but still dollars in continuously weakening and unemployment rate increases (Julia Kollewe, 2010).

The close association of fairy tales with childhood has made it easier Essay

The close association of fairy tales with childhood has made it easier for their broader cultural meanings to be disguised or denied. Discuss with reference to relevant textual examples - Essay Example Broader cultural meanings are a magnified field of thought process in children. Fairy Tales make a significant contribution to it as children are very closely connected to the stories they hear from their adults. Hence the impact of these stories becomes a major cause of concern as to whether they have deviated these children or totally denied them facts from their own cultures or the broad aspects of cultures of the world. Snow White and the seven Dwarfs, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Frog King, Hansel and Gretel and Sleeping Beauty have certainly conjured up pictures with specific cultures in the minds of children but that is not to say that these same children have been refrained from facts of other cultural issues. The stories collected by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm in the early 1800s serve up life as generations of central Europeans knew it—capricious and often cruel. The two brothers, patriots determined to preserve Germanic folktales, were only accidental entertainers. Once they saw how the tales bewitched young readers, the Grimm’s, and editors aplenty after them, started "fixing" things. Tales gradually got softer, sweeter, and primly moral. Yet all the polishing never rubbed away the solid heart of the stories, now read and loved in more than 160 languages. (National Geographic). It is agreeable that vast popularity of these fairy tales played with childhood psychology to make them believe and think of prototype images of people. Stories like Cinderella, Snow-white, Hansel and Gretel support the negative figure of the bad mother portrayed by Grimm’s in their stories. Children learnt from these stories but they were not the only media by which cognition was imbibed by children. So it cannot be true that these stories have marred their opportunity of learning about the world and its culture. A counter research dedicated to the study of children’s literature remarked â€Å"In many ways childrens literature and fairy tale stories are on odd

Thinking and Decision Making Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Thinking and Decision Making Paper - Essay Example Sound decisions are made without violating religious or cultural beliefs. This Paper will focus on the spiritually guided, the realist, and the analyst. Although most people use only one style when making a decision it is possible to train oneself to use other styles in different situations. The Spiritually Guided individual depends on guidance from God and believes that any result is because: that's what God wants for that person. These individuals believe that anyone can receive guidance from God. When decisions have consequences the Spiritually Guided individual believes that it is the will of God. In addition, these individuals are deeply committed and are confident in their ability to makes decisions based upon their spiritual beliefs. These individuals are hard to sway to another point of view because their beliefs/values are held deeply in the core of the individual. The Spiritually Guided also believes that they can change other's lives for the better by sharing their beliefs with others. The Realist believes that facts are facts2. They make decisions based upon the facts available. They also make decisions based upon observation and personal experiences. The realist is often perceived as hard headed or stubborn. They rarely change their opinion based on another's input. And, the Realist has a "let's get going" point of view and is aggravated when a project is delayed. The Analyst is the thoughtful one who takes his/her time making a decision. They have a "let's take a look at the situation" point of view. Their results are predictable because of the thought and information gathering put into the solution. The analyst is the information gatherer who seeks out as much information as possible to make a logical decision. This type of decision maker takes a great sense of pride in the results of his decision making and views his way as the best way. These three types of decision makers would be a nightmare in a boardroom meeting where an actual decision had to be made. The Realist would already have the decision made, the Spiritualist would be evaluating the situation based upon his beliefs, and the Analyst would be asking for more information so that they carefully plan their decision. The realist would be arguing that he has done this many times and that his approach will work. The Spiritualist would be looking for spiritual guidance (praying) and would act as mentor or arbiter in the meeting. The meeting would end with the Analyst asking for a follow-up meeting to allow time for information gathering and analysis. 2. It is easy to imagine different scenarios and what would happen if a different type of decision maker were in charge. In the corporate world the best way to approach problem solving at the corporate level is to have as many different style decision makers present. Remember that boardroom There is one person that sits and listens to all parties and guides the group through the decision making process. That person is most likely the chairman of the board. He spends most of his time listening and writing questions down on his tablet. Another member of this team is the scribe/note-taker who writes

Quality Management in Business Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Quality Management in Business - Assignment Example . 1.3. The different approaches to quality management include the use of six sigma and Lean. Six is a quality management tool that ensures quality is maintained through reduced production variations. Lean is a quality management that ensures quality through control of resources and reduction of wastes to meet customer needs and wants (Williams, 2004). 1.4. The primary similarities between the two include the following. Both originated from Japan, utilized in project management and make use analytical tools. The other major similarity of both controls processes is to improve customer satisfaction. Improvement of the manufacturing process and project management are also other similarities(Charantimath, 2006). . The differences in both methods are as follows. While sigma six bases on zero defects, Lean focuses on waste removal. While sigma six focuses on the reduction of variations and improvement of processes, Lean is based on improving the flow of the process. The stages involved in six sigma are, define, measure, analyze, improve and control. On the other hand, the steps involved in sigma six are understanding customer value, value stream, analysis, flow, pull and perfection. While six sigma focuses on saving money, Lean focuses on the principles of reducing lead time. Six sigma aims at achieving business goals in order to improve financial performance while Lean reduces inventory through increased productivity and customer satisfaction. Six Sigma doesn’t involve everybody nor improve customer satisfaction without a systemized view. Lean works through reduced flexibility, and supply chain congestion that is not applicable to all industries. 3.1. Quality management can be measured through customer feedback. Customer feedback is measured by customer complaints, damage control actions taken to products, number of reworks done for a product, written off inventory and

Analyse the component of a web-marketing strategy and explain how the Assignment

Analyse the component of a web-marketing strategy and explain how the HRBP can add value to the marketing department - Assignment Example The purpose of this paper is to analyze web marketing and how the human resource business partner (HRBP) position can add value to the marketing department. Internet marketing is a new brand of marketing that was born in the 1990’s. During that decade the business world was taken by storm as new dot com companies began to appear by the hundreds each day. At the end of the decade the infamous internet bubble burst as too many companies penetrated the marketplace at once with less than innovative ideas. The business world has changed and web marketing has become a critical success factor in the 21st century. The amount of e-commerce volume has increased a lot. The US e-commerce marketplace reached $153 billion in sales in 2010 (Plunkett Research, 2011). Due to the size of the market companies have to look for ways to improve their web marketing function in order to increase their overall volumes of sales. There are advantages and cons associated with the use of web marketing. On e of the greatest features of web marketing is the ability to increase the customer base of a company. Through the power of the internet web marketing in theory has the capability of reaching 100% of the global population once the world becomes fully online. Another advantage of the implementation of web marketing is cost. Web marketing campaigns are much cheaper than the use of traditional media. It can cost thousands or even millions of dollars to run a 30 second advertisement on television. In 2010 CBS charged between $2.5 million to $2.8 million for a 30 second ad during the Super Bowl (Cbsnews, 2010). A third advantage of the use of web marketing is that a campaign can be implemented very fast. Also web marketing can be beneficial because the advertiser can customized the ads based on the target audience. Despite all the benefits associated with web marketing there are also cons. The use of marketing advertising techniques such as email advertising or pop up ads can be perceive d by the general population as spam. Spam can be defined as unsolicited email often of a commercial nature that are sent indiscriminately to multiple mailing lists, individuals, or newsgroups (Answers, 2011). Another con of the use of web marketing campaigns is that at times it can be difficult to measure the results of a web marketing initiative. A third disadvantage of web marketing is that people can become skeptical about the trustworthiness of the deals offered in the internet due to the large amount of internet scams that have occurred in the past (Tun, 2009). The HRBP position can add a lot of value to the marketing department. Most marketing departments are limited by the internal capabilities and resources within a company. A firm could accomplish more if it joined forces with other marketing teams. The HRBP can help a company by negotiating strategic alliances with other firms. A strategic alliance can be defined as an arrangement between two or more companies that decided to share resources for a particular project (Answers, 2011). The use of strategic alliances is a market entry strategy that can enable firms to penetrate foreign locations. The marketing depar

Economic Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Economic Analysis - Essay Example GDP is the increase in the amount of goods and services produced by an economy over time. According to the Economic Cycle Research Institute (ECRI), more than three years ago, the 2008 financial crisis already triggered studies on longstanding pattern of slowing growth, characterized by higher cyclical volatility and lower trend growth. In layman’s terms, in the short run, we may be having higher upswings of economic growth but at the cost of having equally strong downswings which are hard to anticipate. However, when you try to see patterns as far as from 1970, the long-run trend is down. A part of this trend is shown on the graph below: As one can notice, there was a steep upward change in GDP growth by the end of the 3rd quarter in 2009. The GDP growth figures for 2011 is 2.2% and 1.6% for eth 1st quarter and the 2nd quarter respectively. The graph above may be misleading insofar as it suggests an upward sloping imaginary trend line, but as far as the ECRI is concerned, two implications are possible: First, the fall of GDP will even be steeper than perhaps the -5% in the 2nd quarter of 2009. This means that it’s only a matter of time before GDP growth hits a -5%. If this is the case, since the economy has its own lags and assuming that this debt problem has no clear end, the US economy will be flirting within -5% range or even lower by next year.The second probable case is that though the dip in GDP will only be slight, it will be more frequent resulting in persistent recession perhaps every 2-3 years as the interval of the 2008 crisis with the current crisis. Given that GDP will be fallin short, another index that significantly goes together with this is employment, which can be expected to decrease as well. The index that is commonly used for this is the unemployment rate. The unemployment rate then is defined as the number of unemployed divided by the total labor force while the labor force can be defined as the number of people employed plu s the number unemployed and is seeking work. This on the other hand was expounded on by Okun’s law, which verifies that employment, a factor of production, affects output, albeit with a lag. Okun’s law states that a one point increase in the unemployment rate is equated with two percentage poonts of negative growth in real GDP. So if this the case, if GDP falls in the near future, the unemployment rate may be breaching the 10% line. The unemployment rate is pictures below with the graph showing an upward trend from the start of 2006 to the 2nd half of 2011. As one can see, the unemployment rate has been very high, close to 10%, since mid-year of 2009. Alas, this is a signal that the economy is not producing goods and services the best that it could or at full capacity, because of the many jobless citizens. This is the reason why the Fed, with Bernanke at the lead, is using monetary to expand the economy through the use of interest rates. Monetary policy operations incl ude controlling some overnight or short-term interest rates and these rates to lend money to commercial banks influencing mortgage rates and other types of loans. The logic of controlling interest rates is this: lower interest rates means lower costs for companies who wish to borrow money. The lower cost for borrowing is an incentive for more companies to borrow money and invest in capital expansion and businesses. More capital put up would mean not only

Economics of the firm - IKEA Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Economics of the firm - IKEA - Term Paper Example It ensures to bring product within the buying capacity of as many people as possible. IKEA takes challenges to provide the best quality at low price. Hence, success of IKEA is based on the secret recipe of simple yet effective business model. This report is aimed at providing the detailed review of the economics of IKEA, giving insight about firm’s internal conduct as well as impact it receives from domestic and international events. NATURE OF PRODUCT OR SERVICE IKEA furniture nature can be classified as normal goods; between the broad categorization of normal and inferior goods. Technology has played an incredible role in determining the demand for furniture. At IKEA, technological development has ensured continuous innovation that facilitated furniture in a flat package that is also easy to assemble by self at home. Moreover, technological advancement enables firm to sell online, allowing people to devise their own set up using IKEA applications and reduce cost with maximum benefit with IKEA’s life improvement projects. IKEA ranks first on top 20 furniture retailers (Daten, 2011) due to low price among its main differentiating factors. (Daten, 2011) Furniture has high price elasticity that threatens sale in case of rising prices. On the other hand, prices of furniture are rising due to declining natural resources and rising price of furniture components such as steel, plastic, aluminum etc as presented in graph below (Daten, 2011). (Daten, 2011) Survey report has shown that more than 75 percent consumer keep an eye on price when buying price (Daten, 2011). Therefore, IKEA is benefitted for its low price where other competitors get hard hit due to price. Housing demand compliments furniture demand. Availability of widest range of home furnishing product at affordable price makes IKEA preferred choice. During economic downturn, IKEA has managed to carve profit with its low cost offering fetching sales for being growingly adopted as substitute for high cost offerings in home furnishing . IKEA sales grew by 6.9% and stores increased by 2.7% in the year 2011 (Ikea., 2011). Finished flats as main drivers of furniture demand still have sizeable market as projected for 2012, survey report shows: (Daten, 2011) MARKET TREND Being home item furniture is used by almost all family members; hence, there are large numbers of factors that affect its purchase. These aspects include personal, product, industry, availability and many other domain all putting equal pressure in driving consumer behavior. Survey results driving the furniture purchase from two perspectives as shown in the following figures (Microsoft, 2011): (Microsoft, 2011) Shopping behavior for furniture purchase is affected by following factors (Microsoft, 2011): (Microsoft, 2011) Keeping all these factors, the survey found IKEA is the most preferred furniture retailer as shown: (Microsoft, 2011) Survey results regarding reasons resulting in furniture buying is mentioned bel ow: (Microsoft, 2011) Among many factors leading furniture buying, income and price are very important. At IKEA constant innovation reduces prices which in result drive sales. At an average IKEA reduces its sales price by 2-3 percent per year (Ikea, 2011). An indifference curve for furniture consumption with change in prices from IKEA has been developed showing the increase in

Biology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Biology - Essay Example Before choosing whether to save seeds the farmer is expected to determine whether the seed is crossable with other seeds, in order to come up with new plants, that have an increased productivity, and their products are more refined. E. O. Wilson (n.pag.) in his presentation notes that the little organisms compose the foundation of the earth’s ecosystem. But, in addition, he states that the various organisms in the ecosystem relate closely to each other to come up with a stable and balanced ecosystem. Notably, the ecosystem would not exist if only one type of organisms existed. According to E. O. Wilson (n.pag.) , most of the organisms have not been discovered, though presently the scientists are making numerous attempts to find them. He reiterates that smaller organisms are the most important creatures, since they drive the ecosystem. The nematode worms are an example of these organisms. Their increased numbers enable them to effectively influence significant aspects of the en vironment. According to the research, E. O. Wilson (n.pag.) acknowledges that there are more than 5 million species in one ton of soil. He states categorically that scientists are not sure of the role that various organisms play, though they are convinced that they influence the form of the environment in a positive way. There are various organisms found such as algae and disease causing organisms. Some of the disease causing organisms include the bacteria, while some of them are harmful, the others are important to man. According to E. O. Wilson (n.pag.) there are more than 500 organisms that are found in the man’s bucal cavity. He also states that if a closer analysis is made, then someone might notice some microorganisms have their origin far from the earth, basically these organisms are aliens. E. O. Wilson (n.pag.) states that most organisms are very susceptible to various harsh conditions in the biosphere. Though human beings have made attempts to eliminate the organism s due to their harmful nature, they have not been successful. The various harmful practices that man engages in, and that threaten the survival of the organisms include: the habitat destruction such as the climate change, invasive species such as pathogenic bacteria, pollution, human population expansion, and overharvesting which leads to the extinction of certain organisms. E. O. Wilson (n.pag.) mentions that if such practices are not stopped, a half of the organisms will be eliminated within the next century. Some of the limitations that can be felt if some of the organisms are eliminated include the loss of important scientific research materials, a lack of environmental stability, and also the disappearance of some pharmaceutical products, thus, affecting wealth, security and the health in general. E. O. Wilson (n.pag.) acknowledges that the earth is on the edge of losing important scientific information and may lose various organisms even before discovering them. According to t he USA research statistics only 15% of the total organisms on the earth have been discovered. Hence, he proposes that human beings ought to preserve the environment and, at the same time, access the encyclopedia of life, which basically contains various organisms found on earth. It advocates that human beings should search for a new life, understand it, and help to preserve it. Vandana Shiva is an anti-GMO activist who advocates

South Carolina Nullification Essay Example for Free

South Carolina Nullification Essay Throughout the great American history, Americans have been through a colossal amount of conflicts, and wars. However, they still figured out a way to compromise and accept each other’s differences. As America improves, they gradually lead to a making of a powerful and organized government. Yet in â€Å"South Carolina Ordinance of Nullification† a conflict arises, where South Carolina is furious at the federal government and wants the best for themselves. Like many other states South Carolina is one of which that had its own negative opinions towards the federal government, leading to a larger problem. The document â€Å"South Carolina Ordinance of Nullification† both supports and contradicts American and constitutional principles. In early 1860’s the Civil war took place, against the North and the South parts of America. In the time that was taken to reach the civil war, many small disagreements and arguments took place that eventually led to having an immense war. However, around three decades earlier, South Carolina had been having disagreements with the federal government. On May 19, 1928 the Congress of the United States passed the Tariff of 1828. The tariff was designed to protect industries in the northern United States which were being driven out of business, by low-priced imported goods by putting tax on them. Well it seems as if this was a great idea, until, the south started to feel the effects of it, on their antebellum economy. The south called the tariff of 1828, â€Å"Tariff of Abominations†. â€Å"South Carolina felt that the protective features of tariffs were harmful to them and they also claimed that they were unconstitutional because they favored North over the South. (u-s-history. com)A government should serve their people with equality and liberty. Instead the federal government chose to be unfair and help the north because that’s where they lived. This case continues to go on, as South Carolina and other southern states get more furious and lead on to making a Nullification of crisis. The Nullification of Crisis includes South Carolina’s opinions and how the tariff of 1828 is the opposit e of, liberty and justice for all. Since the federal government had passed a tariff that is unfair to the south, for the good of the North. South Carolina was so furious that they started talking about the seceding from the union and working their own independent state, where they can have their own laws. However, South Carolina believed that constitutionally, the state government of each state had more power within that state than did the federal government. Therefore, if a state considered it necessary, it had the right to nullify any federal law within its boundaries. The idea South Carolina had was injudicious, they thought of themselves as being more powerful than â€Å"The Federal Government†, the main and the most powerful government in America. The idea of a state being more powerful than a federal government does not exist. It doesn’t say anywhere in the constitution that a state could not follow the federal government laws and have more power than them as well. In addition, if South Carolina and other states had more power than the federal government, you wouldn’t need a federal government and there would be no point of having the â€Å"United States of America†. Moreover, when President Andrew Jackson found out about the nullification of tariffs passed by the congress, he declared an act of open rebellion and ordered U. S. ships to South Carolina to enforce the law. â€Å"Before federal forces arrived Calhoun and Senator Henry Clay had an agreement which lead to congress passing out the tariff of 1833. This lowered the tariff gradually over a decade and prevented any armed conflicts. †(. loc. gov) This shows the strength of the federal government over all the states. In conclusion, the â€Å"Ordinance of Nullification† was a document with many personal opinions and conflicts. For example, the federal government wasn’t equal to the south, by letting north have the positive affect of the tariff of 1928 and south have the negative affect. In result south tried to show that they have more power than the federal government by nullifying the tariffs. However all of this ended with an agreement. Throughout most of our history when a conflict derives a compromise is always made. After all, the conflict and work the Americans went through in the past, made an abundant change for us in the future.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Essay Example for Free

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Essay Hello fellow classmates, today I’m going to inform you on Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Alcohol abuse is due to many factors, including how you were raised, your social environment and your emotional health. American Indians and Native Alaskans are more likely to develop alcohol abuse, also people who have a family history of alcoholism or heavy drinkers are more likely to develop some sort of drinking problem. People who suffer from mental health problems such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder are at risk because alcohol may have been used to self-medicate Alcohol abuse effects society in many ways including more people getting divorced, domestic violence problems, unemployment and even living in poverty, also if you have children they are effected the most as they are sensitive and are most likely to suffer from long-lasting emotional trauma because a parent or caretaker is an alcohol abuser Many people experiment with drugs for different reasons. Many people try drugs for the first time because they are curious; think they’re going to have a good time, because everyone around them is doing it including friends, others do it to enhance athletic performance or to ease other problems such as stress, anxiety or depression. Some may think using drugs automatically leads to abuse but it depends on the individual. Drug Abuse isn’t about how much you take or how frequently you take it, it’s about the consequences from taking the drug, if it’s causing problems at home, school, work or even relationships, it’s possible you have a drug abuse problem. Drug abuse affects society in many different ways such as, neglecting your responsibilities at school, work or home, causing problems in your relationships such as fights with your partner, family member or friends We need to change the way Alcohol and Drug abuse affects not only society but the abusers, because it is unfaithful to God’s teachings as he never wanted us to abuse anything in anyway shape or form. God’s love for everyone is so strong and powerful that he doesn’t want you to get hurt because you feel the need to abuse Alcohol and especially Drugs The solution to these problems is depending on there condition. Most abusers can control there use therefore and easy solution for them is moderation, for example setting limits and using there will power, but if that doesn’t work they need to obtain counselling, which will help them with different strategies in coping with all there emotions, but if someone is a social drinker because they have a low self-esteem, they can get psychological help to feel better about themselves so they don’t have to drink So we need to spread the word of god to start decreasing the number of people who abuse drugs and alcohol

Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) in Neural Induction

Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) in Neural Induction Abstract Neural induction represents the first stage in the formation of the vertebrate nervous system from embryonic ectoderm. Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs), initially identified for their mitogenic and angiogenic roles in bovine brain extracts, are now known to have many developmental roles in particular that of neural induction, comprising of a family of 22 FGFs. Spemann and Mangold (1924) pioneered the study of neural induction through the identification of the organizer. Early work in amphibians suggested that neural fate was instructed by signals from Spemanns organiser or dorsal mesoderm. Over a decade ago, the default model proposed that neural induction was the direct consequence from inhibition of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) found in Xenopus laevis, not taking into consideration neural induction in avian embryos. Consequently many experimental studies, in the chick, subsequent to this finding conflicted the idea that BMP inhibition was the only necessary step required suggesting that FGFs were required at an earlier stage prior to BMP inhibition. Much controversy has surrounded the role of FGFs in neural induction but now it is widely accepted to have a role in both amphibians and amniotes. Fibroblast Growth Factors in neural induction Structure and Function: FGFs broken down Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) regulate a vast array of developmental processes, including, limb development, neural induction and neural development (Bà ¶ttcher and Niehrs, 2005). FGFs play an important role in development of an organism by regulating cellular differentiation, proliferation and migration and are involved in tissue-injury repair (Itoh and Ornitz, 2004). The early FGFs, FGF1 and FGF2 (also known as acidic and basic FGF, respectively) were first discovered from bovine brain and pituitary extracts and identified for their mitogenic and angiogenic activities (Gospodarowicz et al., 1974). Additionally, a number of family members were found revealing a total of 22 FGFs in humans ranging from 17 to 34 kDa in molecular mass in vertebrates. The nomenclature extends to FGF23 but in humans FGF19 is the equivalent to mouse Fgf15 (Ornitz and Itoh, 2001). Also the FGFs have been organised into seven subfamilies based on sequence comparisons. FGFs show conservation through species, especially across the vertebrate species in gene structure and amino-acid sequence. FGF sequences are yet to be found in unicellular organisms such as yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and bacteria (Escherichia Coli) (Itoh and Ornitz, 2004). Interestingly, an Fgf-like gene has been encoded in the nuclear polyhedrosis virus genome (Ayres et al., 1994). In protostomes, there are far fewer FGFs in contrast to vertebrates, as two (let-756 and egl-17) have been found in Caenorhabditis elegans and three (branchless, pyramus and thisbe) in Drosophila (Mason, 2007). Most FGFs have amino-terminal signal peptides (Fig. 1 (a)) and are secreted from cells. FGFs 9, 16 and 20 lack this signal peptide but nevertheless are still secreted (Ornitz and Itoh, 2001). FGF1 and FGF2 lack these signal sequences and are secreted by non-canonical pathways, however they can be found on the cell surface and within the extracellular matrix. Golfarb (2005) suggests that FGFs 11-14 do not interact with FGF receptors (FGFRs) and are not secreted but instead localise to the cell nucleus. Fig. 1 (above) illustrates the structural features of the FGF polypeptide (a). A signal sequence (shaded grey) can be seen here within the amino terminus and is present in most FGFs. All FGFs contain a core region (Fig. 1 (a)) containing around 120 amino acids of which 6 are identical amino acids residues and 28 are highly conserved (Goldfarb, 1996). The black boxes (numbered 1 to 12) represent the location of ÃŽ ² strands within the core. The three dimensional structure of FGF2 (b) can also be seen where the heparin binding region (yellow) includes residues between ÃŽ ²1 and ÃŽ ²2 strands and in ÃŽ ²10 and ÃŽ ²11 strands. FGFs have a high affinity for heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) and require heparan sulphate to activate one of four transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinases (FGFR1-4) in all vertebrates. FGFR5 has been identified recently, however most action is mediated via FGFR1-4 (Powers et al., 2000). FGFRs are membrane associated class IV receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). The FGFR tyrosine kinase receptors (Fig. 2 B) include 3 immunoglobulin (Ig) domains and a heparin binding sequence which requires heparan sulphate to be activated (McKeehan et al., 1998). HSPG are low affinity receptors that are unable to transmit a biological signal but act as co-factors for activation and regulation of an interaction between FGFs and FGFRs. Fig. 2 (above) illustrates a two dimensional generic FGF (A) and a FGFR (B) protein. The structure of a FGF (A) coincides with that of Fig. 1, containing a signal sequence in the amino-terminus and the conserved core region containing HSPG and receptor-binding sites. The main features of FGFRs (B) include 3-Immunoglobulin domains, an acidic box (AB) which lies between IgI and IgII, heparin-binding domain, Cell Adhesion Molecule (CAM)-homology domain, transmembrane domain and a split tyrosine kinase enzyme domain for catalytic activity and binding of adaptor proteins. The Ig domains in the extracellular region of a FGFR are required for FGF binding and regulate binding affinity and ligand specificity. Multiple alternative splicing that generates a range of FGFR1-4 receptor isoforms with transformed ligand binding properties provides diversity (Olsen et al., 2006). For example, FGF2 interacts with all four receptors FGFR1-4 whereas FGF7 only interacts with the FGFR2 IIIb isoform (a splice variant of FGF2; expressed in epithelial cells). Ligand-receptor binding specificity is affected by alternative splicing particularly in the C-terminal region of the third immunoglobulin loop in FGFR1-3 which produces IIIb or IIIc isoforms (Mason, 2007). Table 1 (below) illustrates the specificity of the FGF ligands for particular FGFR isoforms. This table is useful yet evidence from in vitro may appear misleading as in vivo involves influence from co-factors such as HSPG (Mohammadi et al., 2005). Table 1 (above) shows there are seven FGFR isoforms (FGFR1b; FGFR1c; FGFR2b; FGFR2c; FGFR3b; FGFR3c and FGFR4) that FGF1 through to FGF23 variously bind. Alternative mRNA splicing of FGFR1-3, particularly in the carboxy-terminal half of the third extracellular immunoglobulin loop (Ig-domain III), derives the b and c isoforms. HSPGs are necessary co-factors in activation of FGFRs by FGFs and evidence has found the ternary complex to comprise of FGF-FGFR-HSPG in a 2:2:1 ratio (Mohammadi et al., 2005). The co-binding of HSPG prevents proteolysis and thermal denaturation (Itoh and Ornitz, 2004). HSPG binding of FGF induces dimerization of FGFR, followed by transphosphorylation of receptor subunits, initiating an intracellular signalling cascade. FGF signalling: Its a cellular game Following formation of the FGF-HSPG-FGFR complex several downstream signalling pathways are activated (Fig. 3 below). This includes three pathways, the Ras/Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/ Akt pathway and phospholipase C- (PLC )/ Ca2+/ protein kinase C (PKC) pathway. These pathways are mediated via docking proteins (such as FGF receptor substrate (FRS) and Grb2 in the Ras/MAPK pathway) that recruit downstream enzymes. The Ras/MAPK pathway (Fig. 3) is initiated via Grb2 (a docking protein) where its SH2 domain binds to the tyrosine phosphorylated FRS2 in response to activation of the FGFR receptor (Kouhara et al., 1997). Grb2 binds to SOS (son of sevenless; a guanine nucleotide exchange factor) via a SH3 domain on the Grb2 molecule. This Grb2-SOS complex activates SOS which promotes the dissociation of GDP from Ras so it is able to bind GTP for its activation. Activated Ras activates RAF (MAPKKK) which is normally held in a closed conf ormation by the 14-3-3 protein. Once activated, RAF phosphorylates and activates mitogen-activated and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK (MAPKK)) which in turn phosphorylates ERK1/2 (MAPK). MAPK then translocates into the nucleus to phosphorylate specific transcription factors of the Ets family which in turn activate expression of FGF target genes. In addition, it is also evident from Fig. 3 that active ERK itself can antagonise FRS activity. Activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway (Fig. 3) is by binding of Gab1 (Grb2-associated-binding protein 1) to FRS2 indirectly via Grb2. In the presence of Gab1, activation of PI3K stimulates the Akt pathway which suggests FGFs have anti-apoptotic effects in the developing nervous system (Mason, 2007). In addition, PI3K can bind to a phosphorylated tyrosine residue of FGFR directly. The third way in which the PI3K/Akt pathway is activated is by activated Ras inducing membrane localisation of the PI3K catalytic subunit. PLC- /Ca2+/PKC pathway is also activated when a tyrosine residue is autophosphorylated in the carboxy terminal of the FGFR. PLC- hydrolyses phosphatidylinositol to produce inositol trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG) which stimulates calcium release and activates PKC, respectively. PKC has also been found to activate the Ras/MAPK pathway independent of Ras but dependent on c-Raf (Ueda et al., 1996). Fig. 3 also indicated that the final activated components, of the three signalling pathways mentioned, translocate into the nucleus to activate specific transcription factors of the Ets family (particularly Ets1, Pea3, and Erm) which activate expression of FGF target genes and in turn these feedback (Fig, 4) to regulate intracellular signalling (Dailey et al., 2005). Most of the proteins produced function as feedback inhibitors (as seen in Fig. 4), including Sprouty (Spry), Sef and MAP Kinase phosphatase 3 (MKP3) which modulate particularly the Ras/Erk pathway at different levels (Mason, 2007). In contrast, stimulation of the fibronectin leucine-rich transmembrane type III (XFLRT3) protein causes FGF signalling to be positively regulated (Bà ¶ttcher et al., 2003). Sprouty (Spry) was one of the first identified feedback regulators of the FGF pathway. Thisse and Thisse (2005) found Spry to antagonise FGF Signalling by gain and/or loss of function experiments in mouse. Spry acts at the level of Raf and/or Grb2 (Fig. 4). Gain and/or loss of function experiments in zebrafish demonstrated that Sef antagonises FGF signalling (Fig. 4) acting at level of MEK and ERK (Tsang et al., 2002). Mouse studies have suggested that FGFR signalling is required for Dusp6 transcription which codes for MKP3 (Ekerot et al., 2008). From this study it was also found that MKP3 acts as a negative regulator of ERK activity (as seen in Fig. 4). Sef and XFLRT3 are located at the membrane (Fig. 4) and carry out antagonising actions with FGFR directly. FGF signalling can be regulated at different levels, from the membrane all the way down to the level of phosphorylation of MAPK and it is important also to know that FGFs have been detected in the nucleus (Mason, 2007). Most of the downstream target genes as described earlier are feedback inhibitors (Spry, Sef and MKP3) but FGF signals are also known to interact with many other important pathways such as transforming growth factor-ÃŽ ² (TGF-ÃŽ ²), Hedgehog (HH), Notch and Wnt (Gerhart, 1999). Therefore, in conjunction with these, FGFs are responsible for development of most organs of the vertebrate body. In the nervous system, FGFs have been implicated to play a role in early developmental processes, such as neural induction, patterning and proliferation (Umemori, 2009). Neural induction: The Default Model Spemann and Mangold (1924) pioneered the study of neural induction, which is defined as the process by which naive ectodermal cells aquire a neural fate. Their work involved demonstrating that tissue from the dorsal lip of the frog Xenopus laevis blastopore could induce a second ectopic nervous system (Fig. 5 above left) when implanted onto the ventral side of a host gastrula embryo. The second ectopic nervous system was host derived indicating that the graft was important in determining cell fate. This region, located on the dorsal side of an amphibian embryo, was named the Spemann organizer as it could direct the neighbouring ectodermal cells to form nervous system instead of epidermis. Although the organizer (group of dorsal mesodermal cells) was found to be present in many species (Hamburger, 1988) it was the Xenopus laevis which gave an insight into the molecular events involved in neural induction in vertebrates (Hemmati-Brivanlou et al., 1994). This was particularly because amphibians were found to be ideal experimental models for the study of neural induction as neurulation initiated within twelve hours after fertilisation (Weinstein and Hemmati-Brivanlou, 1997). It was implied that signals from the organizer provide instructions to the ectoderm to form neural tissue therefore for many decades the view was that the default state of the ectoderm was to produce epidermis. The first challenges to this model came from studies making use of dissociated cell cultures (Sato and Sargent, 1989). It was found that when animal caps were cultured intact that epidermis formed but neural tissue arose from animal caps that had been dissociated for prolonged periods (as seen in Fig. 6 below). This led to the idea that intact tissue may block the formation of neural tissue by presence of neural inhibitors which are diluted out when the tissue is dissociated. Recent research has found that the default nature of the ectoderm is to produce neural tissue that requires inhibition of a neural inhibitor from the ectoderm. Before considering the process of neural induction I would like to take a step back and describe the three germ layers of the embryo. Following fertilisation, the zygote undergoes stages of cleavage to eventually form a gastrula with three germ layers (in triploblastic animals) usually only visible in vertebrate animals. The Germ layers will eventually give rise to all of the animals organs through a process known as organogenesis. The three layers include, the ectoderm (outermost), endoderm (innermost) and mesoderm (which is between the ectoderm and endoderm) layers. The Endoderm gives rise to the lung, thyroid and pancreas. The mesoderm forms the skeleton, skeletal muscle, the urogenital system, heart and blood. The outermost layer, the ectoderm which is of concern here, gives rise to the epidermis and nervous system. It is at gastrulation that the vertebrate ectoderm is competent to differentiate into neural tissue or epidermis. Unless told otherwise, the default nature of the ect oderm is to produce neural tissue and this was outlined as the default model. The Default model of vertebrate neural induction, discovered over a decade ago in Xenopus, proposed that in the presence of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), a signalling molecule of the TGF-ÃŽ ² superfamily, causes the ectoderm to give rise to an epidermal cell fate (Stern, 2006; Muà ±oz-Sanjuan and Brivanlou, 2002). In support of this model, consistent with the idea that BMP activity inhibits neural fates, animal caps which had been injected with RNA encoding effectors of BMP4 (Smad 1/5 or Msx1) neuralization did not occur. Conversely, it was found that inhibition of BMP activity in the ectoderm is essential for a neural fate which forms the basis of the default model of neural induction. Inhibition of BMP is achieved through direct binding of BMP antagonists emitted from the organizer (Wilson and Hemmati-Brivanlou, 1997). These BMP antagonists include chordin (Sasai et al., 1995), noggin (Lamb et al., 1993) and follistatin (Hemmati-Brivanlou et al., 1994) which bind to BMPs extra cellularly to prevent its interaction with its own receptor (Hemmati-Brivanlou and Melton, 1997). These molecules have direct neural activity which means they induce formation of neural tissue in the ectoderm without forming mesoderm. It was initially believed that these molecules acted as ligands to bring about neural tissue formation. Experiments found that there was conservation through species, identifying that chordin was homologous to the short gastrulation (sog) gene found in Drosophila which has been shown to antagonize the BMP homologue decapentaplegic (dpp) (Wharton et al., 1993), suggesting that these molecules might act as inhibitors rather than inducers and that these inhibitory mechanisms have been conserved from arthropods through to vertebrates. It was experiments (Fig. 6) showing that dissociated ectodermal explants would become neural tissue in absence of inducing signals from the organizer (Sato and Sargent, 1989). Evidence found that neural induction resulted from inhibition of the TGF-ÃŽ ² pathway as expression of dominant-negative activin receptor gave rise to neural fates in amphibian ectoderms (Hemmati-Brivanlou and Melton, 1994). It was found that chordin, noggin, follistatin and molecules such as Cerberus and Xnr3 (Xenopus nodal related 3) bound to BMP in the extracellular space inhibiting its action (Hemmati-Brivanlou and Melton, 1997) leading to the much debated default model of neural induction. Neural Induction: FGFs get it started Support for the default model still remains, mainly in Xenopus, but other work (especially in chick and mouse) suggests a more complex mechanism (Streit et al., 1998). It has been established that the BMP pathway is involved in determining ectodermal cell fate (Wilson and Hemmati-Brivanlou, 1997) but it still remains to be proved conclusive if BMP inhibition is required for neural induction alone or if other pathways act separately or with BMP inhibition. In the chick embryo it has been found that naive epiblast cells do not respond to BMP antagonists until previous exposure to organizer signals for five hours (Streit et al., 1998). Striet et al. (2000) grafted an organizer to observe the genes induced in the epiblast within this time period. A gene ERNI (early response to neural induction) was identified as a coiled coil domain with a tyrosine phosphorylation site and found to be expressed throughout the region that later contributes to the nervous system at pre-primitive streak stages (Hatada and Stern, 1994). Striet et al. (2000) findings made ERNI the earliest known marker after a response to organizer signals, prior to even Sox3 (induced by the node in 3 hours (Streit and Stern, 1999)). FGFs are becoming more evident that they have a major role in neural induction as it has been shown to begin before gastrulation, before BMP antagonists even appear (Wilson et al., 2000). In the chick, it has been found that FGFs have the role of blocking BMP signalling and promoting neural differentiation (Wilson et al., 2000). In ascidians, FGF signalling is the main mechanism of neural induction with BMP antagonism playing a role in later development (Lemaire et al., 2002). In frogs and fish, in contrast, FGFs do not have a certain role in neural induction and is believed their primary role is BMP inhibition (Pera et al., 2003). Exposure of the chick epiblast to an implanted organiser for around 5 hours induces Sox3 (an early neural plate marker) (Stern, 2005). After removal of the implanted organiser, chordin can be used to stabilise it (Striet et al., 1998) which implies that before the ectoderm can respond to BMP antagonists it must be exposed to 5 hours of signals from the organizer. During these 5 hours, several genes become activated such as, ERNI (early response to neural induction) which becomes active after 1 hour (Streit et al., 2000) and Churchill (Chch) after about 4 hours (Sheng et al., 2003). These are both induced by FGF and not BMP inhibition, indicating the importance of FGFs in early neural induction. Churchill which is expressed in the neural plate inhibits brachyury, a transcription factor, which as a result suppresses mesoderm formation by preventing cell ingression. In the chick, FGF8 is expressed in the hypoblast, prior to gastrulation before Hensens node appears (the chick equivalent to the organizer) indicating that neural induction is in fact able to begin before gastrulation. This is important because ERNI and Sox3 mark neural induction and require FGF signalling (Stern, 2005). Streit et al. (2000) found that FGF8 coated beads induce ERNI as efficiently as the node within 1-2 h without inducing brachury and also the expression of Sox3. These results indicate FGFs to be possible early signals in neural induction. It is FGF8 which has been identified as the best candidate because it is expressed in the anterior part of the str

The Metamorphosis- Critical Essay -- essays research papers

Frank Kafka is considered one of the most influential writers of all time. Helmut Richter would agree with this statement. Richter agreed that Kafka was a very prominent figure in world literature and was amazed by his mechanics and word usage. I feel that his essay is supportive of Kafka’s writing, but also leaves out many important details in its brevity. Richter did not include Kafka’s flaws and tendencies in his essay. Helmut Richter analyzed the plot of The Metamorphosis in his essay. He depicts the main plot of the story to be Gregor’s failure at his work, which leads to his death. The climax of the story starts off early in the book. When Gregor wakes up one morning, he realizes that he has turned into a giant insect. Gregor was a salesman and his job required that he was very determined in his work. Kafka proves to us that Gregor did not do a good job as a salesman by transforming into a bug: a strong work force. Kafka’s use of this metaphor stresses the poor work that Gregor does as a salesman. Many people would argue that Kafka reflects his personal life in The Metamorphosis. These people would describe it as an autobiographical work. Kafka’s parents were very similar to that of Gregor. He was born into a wealthy family and his father was an overbearing man. His mother was a very nice woman, as Gregor’s was in the novel, but she often took the side of his father. The striking resemblance of the families is that of Gregor’s sister. Kafka’s sister, like Gregor’s si...

Pride And Prejudice :: essays research papers

Pride and Prejudice is a story about two married couples who do not respect each other. Mrs. Bennet business is to get her five daughter's to marry the most richest man in England. She is willing to take on any obstacles that get in her way. Mr. Bennet is a very outspoken and sardonic person. If there is anything he dislikes about mrs. Bennet or about what she is doing, he let her know. He love to criticize his wife. "I see no occasion for that. You and the girls may go, or you may send them by themselves, which perhaps will be still better, for as you are as handsome as any of them, Mr. Bingley might like you the best of the party." I chose this quote because it shows how Mr. Bennet criticize his wife. Mr bennet plays around with Miss Bennet not like a husband should. "My dear Mr. Bennet," said his lady to him one day, "have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?" Mr.Bennet replied that he had not, which he has. Mrs. Bennet is a greedy and arrogant woman. Her business is to get all her daughter to marry the most richest man in England, and she is willing to take on any obstancles that stand in her way. "Oh! Single, my dear, to be sure! A man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!". This quote shows how she believes in marrying for money instead of love. The percipient woman would rather her daughter's to die than not marrying. Quoted: Had she found Jane in any apparent danger, Mrs. Bennet would have been very miserable; but being satisfied on seeing her that her illness was not alarming she had no wish of her recovering immediately, probably remove her from Netherfield. I picked this quot because it shows she is a bad mother, because a mother should care about her daughter. The woman is malcontent until all her daughter's is married. Mr. Bennet and his wife do not talk to each other with respect. Mr. Bennet favor Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet likes Jane and Lizzy the most. "Lizzy is not a bit better than the others; and I am sure she is not half handsome as Janes, nor half so good humoured as Lydia". But you are always giving her the preference.

Essay --

(a) Deadweight loss, or as termed in the question, ‘welfare loss’, is the loss of consumer and producer surplus as a result of inefficient market activity, including monopolistic competition. According to the Theory of the Firm, monopoly power includes a much higher barrier of entry, which further impedes competition by increasing the start-up cost, which essentially creates high product prices, compared to the firms, which hold the monopoly power of production, and have already established production. As a result there a loss of productive and allocate efficiency, thus encouraging welfare loss, by decreasing consumer surplus due to limited competition and subsequent monopoly powers, which enable profit-maximization at a small production output, creating a deadweight loss. (b) By using anti-monopoly legislation and price regulations, two different forms of government interventional policies that are utilized to offset the market inefficiency, and subsequent loss of welfare, which monopoly power encourages, governments are able to reduce monopoly power in a sector of economy. The diagram below compares monopolistic competition and perfect competition: As the diagram above illustrates, the monopolistic profit maximization lies at the average market cost, representing a large deadweight loss in the triangle formed by ATC, AR and Monopoly Output. To combat this, reducing welfare loss by increasing output and lowering prices, government intervention may prove an efficient method of solving the problem of monopoly. By legislating anti-monopolistic policies, for example lowering barriers of entry to encourage competition that was previously unsuccessful due to the monopoly-induced high barriers of entry. This would profit companie... ... directly allocates funds to purposes of increase economic development, then they unconsciously limit the growth, which the nation will experience, because the financial resources have been used for secondary purposes. This can be exemplified in several socialists economic measures, such as taxation, transfer payments, indirect taxes, excessive government expenditure, with which the government aims to improve equity and income equality, but at the cost of economic and financial growth. However, taxation and transfer payments, will reduce the utilization of scarce resources of human labour, in the sense that it might limit the individual incentive to work, when the state offers alternative ways of income. This is observed in countries with large taxations, where transfer payment represent a living for many citizens, again with reference to the Scandinavian countries.