Analyze one week of world economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Analyze one week of world economy - Essay Example For Instance, Shares in the US fell to about 1.6% with those in China dropping to 2.1% (FXSreet n.p). Essentially, the US economy in the last week had a negative economic index after weeks of positive show in the market. The -4 index manifest in the world largest economy is still the best in many years after the 2008 recession. The US economy has in the past week suffered significantly with numbers dropping in key sectors of the economy effectively slowing growth. The snow and bad weather has been sighted as one of the negative consequences weighing down on the US economy in recent weeks. The labor market registered lower work rates with a significant number of people filing for unemployment benefits. Despite the numerous challenges experienced in the last week, the stock market was bully on 5th registering positive indices. Though the Japanese economy gained the most among the world largest economies, the EU remained extensively versatile and bullish. The rate of inflation registered a negative value in the last week with unemployment falling significantly. The monetary regime in the EU has remained relatively stable to the dollar effectively making the banks to lower the interest rates. Japan was bullish in the market based on a number of fundamental facts (FXSreet n.p). To begin with, The Japanese economy registered a fall in the rate of inflation, though not to the expected levels. The low oil markets impacted positively to the market with most of the prices falling. While the Chinese president announced of the intentions to grow the economy by 7%, various departments of the economy recorded negative numbers with the overall impact being 2.1% (Economic Calendar n.p). The rate of inflation was high with unemployment rates remaining on a downward trend. It is imperative to note that the Chinese market has suffered a number of setbacks and going by the

Analysis the case Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Analysis the case - Assignment Example The costs of changing the mentioned methods are cheap. Therefore, companies continually strive to implement new strategies to improve the quality and affordability their products in order to attract and maintain customers. Consequently, the competition is very high in the industry. New entrants – the entrance rate of new players in the industry is low due to the following facts: the existing companies have established, the capital requirement is very high, the cost of setting up an efficient distribution chain is high, the cost of promotion is high, and the high cost of building a solid relationship with the suppliers. As a result, the mentioned high prices scare away the potential entrants. Substitute products – the technological advancements provide a platform for the development of substitute products that pose threats to the movie rental industry. There are several alternatives to movies-renting such as viewing of movies in theaters, watching movies on the television, internet based movie watching and others. Therefore, companies in the industry must carefully implement competitive pricing strategies in order to counter the threat. Bargaining power of suppliers - the movie suppliers are many in the industry making the supply level of the movies high. Though suppliers have control of the quality of the products, their influence in the market concerning product prices is medium (supply is high). Bargaining power of customers – the high sensitive nature of the customers to the product prices increases their influence to the products prices. In addition, since there are more efficient methods of viewing movies (substitute products), and that the switching cost is insignificant, price variations cause a massive customer migration. For instance, after Netflix separated the unlimited DVD and unlimited streaming, which saw the prices rise from $ 9.99 to $ 15.98 per month. Consequently, around 600,000 customers revoked their subscriptions. That indicates

The Absence Of God Philosophy Essay

The Absence Of God Philosophy Essay The active man, the attacking, aggressive man is always a hundred times nearer to justice than the man who merely reacts; he certainly has no need to adopt the tactics, necessary in the case of the reacting man, of making false and biased valuations of his object. It is, in point of fact, for this reason that the aggressive man has at all times enjoyed the stronger, bolder, more aristocratic, and also freer outlook, the better conscience.  [2]   This is not inauthentic action on the behalf or at the behest of another or greater cause since in this case, there is not a cause more suitable or apt than the will to act and the total responsibility for this willed action. This will and action, intertwined at the route and thus parallel, is ultimately aware, purposeful, acute and a forthright extension of the individual self. Hence the individual subsists by operating freely, unperturbed by guilt but guided with conscience and behaving responsibly yet without morality. As a derivative from the previous sentences words responsibility without morality, it is plausible to advance a solution to the apparent issue of how it is that one may become if one is additionally destined to themselves and do this effortlessly. Deliberating such a dilemma one cannot resist thinking about the probability that within the exclusive academic quest for a Nietzschean truth  [3]  , a rational and substantiated comprehension of the route from slave to sovereign, the eccentricities of authorship have emerged as the over analysis of a subtle point. Auguste Comte may very well tell us that the eye cannot see itself  [4]  , yet the academic struggles to reductively departmentalise it in order to elaborate its complexities. In becoming what you are, the eye needs to feel rather than see itself. In other words, there does not need to be friction between the ideas of being destined to who you are and becoming what you are if there is a willingness to take full responsibi lity for their acts as if the two were literally inseparable. As previously stated, the weak i.e. the member of the herd has a relation to themselves strictly by means of contrast with the dominant or via a mediator e.g. God, the clergymen or the truths of science. In comparison the noble or the strong does not have the necessity to discover his strength or have it affirmed they quite simply express it as an embodiment. Hence the sovereign individual does retain their conscience yet he feels no guilt since there is no authority over and above him to ensure his stigma. He simply is by his actions. With a fair degree of confidence we can now say that alleged poison is pregnant with its own antidote, considering the two confusions recognised at the beginning of this chapter are in fact now means by which the answer is born. To overcome oneself is to recognise that the world revolves around you that the self is the epicentre of an existence and the root cause for all happenings involvin g that individual minus stigma and its various associations. Hence I am destined or doomed rather to what I am because I am responsible as a fact of free existence. 3) On Frederick Nietzsche, part 2: The intention herein is to provide clarification on some points concerning Nietzsches idea of perspectivism. Primarily, to illuminate what I believe is its unquestionable centrality to Nietzsches thinking and to do this by honing in on some different features of Nietzsches writing by means of a paragon of the coherence or to put it another way inseparability of even the most audacious of assertions from perspectivism. Secondarily, to reconcile perspectivism with what I consider is its genesis i.e. transcendental idealism. This secondary intention perhaps appears to be something of a contradiction in terms, however it has to be said that seeming contradictions are so prevalent in Schopenhauers and particularly Nietzsches manuscripts that coming across another in trying to elaborate can really only be viewed as wholly logical.  [5]  An instance of such an occasion is a subject that I divulged at some length in chapter two i.e. the misleadingly blatant problem of Nietzsches insisten ce that one has to become and moreover overcome yourself, in addition to maintaining a determinism that defines the unavoidable or inescapable personality of all individuals. Yet this, similar to a myriad of equally apparent contradictions, can be easily settled if the strict demands of logical laws: those of non-contradiction, were to be derestricted and the affirmation of psychology and the experiential permitted higher regard or more of an acceptance than is generally permitted. Thus, the demand to become need not necessarily conflict with the descriptions of personality if we concede that the acts one performs are not detachable from the will which is a harbinger of them, it is no further concession to state that action and the will are at base interweaved. Accordingly one overcomes themselves, accomplishes total responsibility and individuality without having to radically alter their personality. What is really demanded is an absolute acceptance of ones character as personal or inalienable from the individuals self-definition. This is the means by which we can realise responsibility in the absence of morality and individuality minus reference to the other. And it is by an agnate means of thought from the subjective, rather than towards the objective, that the apparent paradox of perspectivism derived from transcendental idealism may receive explanatory resolution. However, the imposition of formality still requires that we maintain some type of order, at the least to avoid communicative and receptive disorder, thus the prime concern is the explanation of the paramount importance of perpectivism to Nietzsches thought. Herein it is not my intention to provide my personal interpretation of perspectivism as the commitment herein is to keep as closely possible to the words and meaning of Nietzsche, in order to avert the threat of conflation or confoundedness in addition to ensuring that the journey from transcendental idealism to perspectivism that it is my intention to map, is clear from obtrusive and unnecessary obstruction. Taking this into consideration we shall use as exemplary examples of perspectivism the attendant two quotes: there are no facts only interpretations  [6]  and; truths are only illusions which we have forgotten are illusions.  [7]  Armed with these quotations as functioning definitions of the term perspectivism we can start to divulge the paramount centrality and importance to Nietzsches thought and propose, what I consider to be self-evident, i.e. the said term is not purely a necessary instrument to enable Nietzsches contradictory rife philosophical system to work exped iently and harmoniously, as portrayed at the start of this chapter. Rather that perspectivism is the bedrock or seed from which Nietzsches thought is planted in and grows. Perspectivism is the element that binds together Nietzsches collective claims and is the scope through which he sees things. Ultimately, in plain format, if we commit to the idea that there is no truth, as a consequence of which everything is vulnerable to query and subjective interpretation, thus nothing expressed is invalid. Actually, every expression holds validity purely due to the fact that it has been expressed. Or as we saw in chapter two Nietzsche puts it; The action is everything. That is the venting or in this particular case free expression, of will. At this stage one may be forgiven for assuming sufficient confidence as a derivative of this initial elaboration to taking a flight of fancy in the direction of an advancement of the inestimable and fundamental significance of perspectivism to reading Nietzsche and quite frankly there may be justification for this assumptive confidence. Yet for the benefit of certainty and precision I shall forward some further examples as reinforcements to the same effect. One such aspect and example of thinking heavily interlinked with the maxims of perspectivism is deconstruction of the unconditional truth. Which is a truth of the type previously mentioned: an expression of thought made and crafted by means of a march toward the objective, the most appropriate example of which may be observed in scientific/causal thought. Consider the following extract from Nietzsches On Truth and Lies in a Nonmoral Sense: And when it is all over with the human intellect, nothing will have happened. For this intellect has no additional mission which would lead it beyond human life. Rather, it is human, and only its possessor and begetter takes it so solemnly-as though the worlds axis turned within it. But if we could communicate with the gnat, we would learn that he likewise flies through the air with the same solemnity, that he feels the flying centre of the universe within himself. [. . .] And just as every porter wants to have an admirer, so even the proudest of men, the philosopher, supposes that he sees on all sides the eyes of the universe telescopically focused upon his action and thought.  [8]   Following such statements one is confronted with a sense of the bizarrely ridiculous nature of what is viewed as intellectual thought when it is self-dedicated or inwardly votive. A response such as this finds its decidedness in the acknowledgement of what has to be deemed the blind naivety of a form of thought which can solely learn in hindsight and then imposes its dominance over being by arrogantly claiming knowledge. Needless to say these are issues that are not alien to the philosopher who is aware of the limitation of their intellectual prowess evidenced by the age-old debates colloquiums books and papers surrounding epistemic matters that merely begin with the cogito  [9]  and constantly swell in their intricacy from there on. Perhaps we may wish to remind ourselves of the problems raised by David Hume as regards the elusive explanation of the necessary connexion within a causal chain from one event to the next or the Humean circle and the problem of inductive inference, t hat is the evolution of knowledge which appears to demand prediction without reference to previous events and the principle of the homogeneity of nature. It is vivid that what Nietzsche plans to play on are those precise epistemic issues and the absence of an effect they appear to have on people unconcerned with philosophy yet closely involved in the quest for the objective, unconditional truth. After all (as chapter twos quotation stipulated) it was Comte who wrote the eye cannot see itself. And if one is predisposed to propose the subjectivity of the conscious mind as indeed does Nietzsche, then the possibility is plausible that what I see is no more determinate than the eyes themselves with which I see it. In the words of Schopenhauer, The world is my representation. If the unconditional truth fails to stand to reason then the beliefs based upon this truth and institutions built on the laws that these truths connote are baseless. As Nietzsche claims: Convictions [beliefs] are pri sons for the mind.  [10]   If an one chooses to give Nietzsche the benefit of the doubt and take him at his above word on this matter then that they may be inspired to divest themselves of all prior held convictions, i.e. beliefs, truths and habits out of the worry that their individuality is otherwise at risk of staling. Those of us who do take this choice and task themselves to such a kartharsis will at some point discover themselves perspectivists. Hence one may claim that as the doubt and scepticism directed towards the unconditional truth increases, perspectivism provides the cure. Before we carry on our enquiry I would like to take the opportunity now to address what, for some, is a tough counter question to the assertion of perspectivism as a remedy to being chained by ones beliefs or assertions of truth. That question focuses on worry that what Nietzsche accomplishes in deconstructing objectivity is in fact not a complete triumph but rather a coup dà ©tat. In effect not the true synthesis of two polar ised positions but the disposing of one purely and simply replaced by another despotism of a different form yet similar content. This question succinctly phrased may have such an appearance; does Nietzsche reject the unconditional truth unconditionally and consequently fall into the pitfall of circularity and negation? Whilst including this criticism as one that warrants a response I do not feel that it one that requires too much focus. It is actually solely the wish to be thorough that invokes its acknowledgement, not the potency of critique in itself. In defence one may respond with the statement that perspectivism, by definition, is not and cannot be purely an unconditional truth redesigned to seem otherwise. An accusation of this type is only justifiable when the premise is not thoroughly enough investigated. Again by definition perspectivism requires that the subject make of it what they will and moreover, to make of truth what they will. Put differently, if facts are non-exist ent and interpretations on the other hand are existent then truths are the sole responsibility of the perceiver i.e. the subject in question. Hence what is coaxed is not an unconditional truth reconstituted rather the unashamed reconstruction of the way in which one views the world in front of them to such an extent that the centre of the universe is located soundly internally and therefore perceived from the self. In contrast objectivists demand episteme of the world from without, a method that amputates the variations innate to the subjectivity to portray a definite and linear display. Michel Foucault  [11]  identifies this latter mode of thinking within his elaboration of history and epistemology.  [12]   The project of a total history is one that seeks to reconstitute the overall form of a civilisation, the principle material or spiritual of a society, the significance common to all phenomena of a period, the law that accounts for their cohesion what is called metaphorically the face of a period. Such a project is linked to two or three hypothesis; it is supposed that between all the events of a well-defined spatio-temporal area, between all the phenomena of which traces have been found, it must be possible to establish a system of homogeneous relations: a network of causality that makes it possible to derive each of them, relations of analogy that show how they symbolise one another, or how they all express one and the same central core; it is also supposed that one and the same form of historicity operates upon economic structures, social institutions and customs, the inertia of mental attitudes, technological practice, political behaviour, and subjects them all to the same type of transformation; lastly, it is supposed that history itself may be articulated into greater units stages or phases which contain within themselves their own principle of cohesion.  [13]   This historical outlook, a total history, is one example of the analytical methodology of the objectivist an example that nietzcshe and his perspectivism tries to counter. Instead of striving to define what one becomes aware of through perception by a single, unconditional method thereby enveloping everything in a specific apperceiving concept (ironically comprehended solely by the perceiver), perspectivism attempts to embrace and inspire the importance of the subject to their outlook of the world. Hence it can be seen as an attempt at the reunification of the eye with the image, the cause and effect and according to Nietzsche, the lightening with the thunder. It seems that it is strictly in keeping with this aspiration for reunification or reconciliation that I proceed to clarify the cementation of perspectivism and transcendental idealism. As mentioned earlier in this chapter, despite the appearance of polarity between the two theories, actually it is ultimately a matter of non-con tradiction to relate them. Before commencing this latter phase of reconciliation it is obligatory of any such bid to intrinsically break down the premises of transcendental idealism. Transcendental idealism can be described as that something between the Kantian noumina and nomina; and has been defined as the distinction between the phenomenon and the thing itself, this latter definition is in sync with the most notable of exponents of transcendental idealism: Schopenhauer. Continuing by way of defining this intrinsic clarification; that there is a true, a real or as Schopenhauer termed it the will,  [14]  i.e. the unity that is objectified in the multiplicity of the phenomenal world. In a simplistic sense, the stance implies that although there is a truth and unity this truth and unity is outside the limits of human consciousness because of the subjective nature of said consciousness. Hence to be a transcendental idealist one could discover themselves ready to concede the notion in the aforementioned quota tion that there are no facts, only interpretations on the condition that the there is a reconfiguration an altering addition is requisite one which affirms that statement as strictly applicable to the individual. Put in contemporary words that such a notion may be a justified belief but it is not true by any means. For infantile eagerness, the above definition of transcendental idealism makes for conditions that make it all too easy to construct a bridge with perspectivism. This is accomplished by concentrating (too much) on the contrast between the idea of subjectivity in perception and Immanuel Kants demand it is not possible for the conscious mind to ever know the thing itself or at least to escape from the subjectivity of consciousness which is the imaginary and unassailable mountain in front of truth.  [15]  This may be viewed as a bid to illuminate the suggestion that if we cannot escape our subjectivity then we are without choice but to accept it hence Nietzsches perspect ivism changes into merely being expressive of frustrated acceptance formed from the absence of an alternative. That Nietzsches fundamental assertion is saturated in the thought that if there is nothing one can do to change their circumstances then the sole remaining option (if one can call it that) is acceptance. In this fashion the cursory reader of Nietzsche would try to minimise the distance between the pair if not paint even more infantile parallels. In the majority of instances the quickest route is often the least memorable. Because when all is said and done a by-product of the acquisition of speed can be all too pessimistically the forfeiture of diligence. It is self-evident that Nietzsche retains little room and less time for truth however this is not because of an unwilling acknowledgement of its irrelevance in relation to the individual. More than anything, perspectivism can be seen as the defining stance of the absolute lack of truth. Essentially, what is yearned for is not the minimising of the proximity from transcendental idealism to perspectivism to such an extent that the two are inseparable but the explicit elaboration of the route from transcendental idealism to perspectivism. The ontology of this is that in a sense one laboriously bears the other, not that the two are the same.  [16]  My assertion is that this is accomplished in the following fashion. if we acknowledge, as the indeed we have been at pains to point out that the transcendental idealist in fact does, that the subjectivity of the mind is the chief obstruction to episteme of truth then what epistemic instrument may we depend on to claim the existence of an u nconditional truth in any event? After all transcendental idealists take the stance of objectivity as a result of their demand for certainty as evidence for the announcement of knowledge but what can be certain about a truth that the very nature of our condition does not allow knowledge of? It seems as though the transcendental idealist is hunting a gieste that they the transcendental idealists themselves must constantly reconfirm the existence of. Hence Nietzsches perspectivism tries to annihilate these contradictions and finds respite in the affirmation of the only thing that can be known, i.e. the knower. Once again [. . .] we are unknown to ourselves we knowers. It is established on that foundation of introspective knowledge or knowledge from the subjective, that we can then start to fathom a comprehension of being or existence and herald the dominance over it that the objectivist is so eager to assert. As was my original purpose, we can now claim confidently that the reconcilia tion of transcendental idealism and perspectivism has been accomplished and that even though perspectivism is distinct, it cannot be comprehended in the absence of transcendental idealism. Referring to Nietzsches The Genealogy of Morality, Arthur Danto claimed that Nietzsche was less of a philosopher and more of a terrorist attacking us,  [17]  if this is so, then his fundamentalism, his extremism is that of transcendental idealism forwarded to its logical ramifications.

Theropod Discovery Challenges the Dinosaur-to-Bird Theory :: Anthropology Essays Paleontology Papers

Theropod Discovery Challenges the Dinosaur-to-Bird Theory For years, it has been believed that Dinosaurs are ancestors of modern day birds. By simply looking at pictures of dinosaurs, one can find many physical similarities between these reptiles and modern day birds. Often the legs and the chest cavities are very similar in shape. Some dinosaurs have limbs that look like they could evolve into modern day wings, some dinosaurs even had feathers (6). A recent discovery in Italy of an extremely well preserved Scipionyx samniticus challenges this idea. The skeleton of this small Therapod was nearly complete, but more impressively, there was still remnants of soft tissue. Portions of the Trachea, the liver, the skeletal muscle, and the intestines were still preserved (1). Scipionyx is a small meat-eating dinosaur that lived in the early Cretaceous. It has sharp teeth and claws, with powerful hind legs. The fourth maxillary tooth is longer than the rest almost giving the Scipionyx a vampire-like look. It has a long tail that aided in its balance, very large eyes and was most likely a small, yet quick hunter (3). It lived in what is now Italy. The skeleton that was found was a nine inch newborn, but some scientists think that a full grown Scipionyx can reach up to ten feet in length (3). The Scipionyx also possess an enormous hand which is common to the maniraptors (3). This group includes dinosaurs like the velociraptor. The Scipionyx was so well preserved in limestone, that using an ultra-violet light, one could get almost an X-ray of the baby Therapod (5). The internal organs of this dinosaur are somewhat similar to that of a crocodile. For example, the Trachea is well situated in the vertebral column (1). In birds, the Tracheas is usually adjacent to the vertebral column. Similarly to the crocodile, the Scipionyx’s liver is placed ahead of the large intestine (1). The Scipionyx has small groups of muscle fibers that seem to be diaphragmatic musculature (1). Again, these are similar to that of modern day crocodiles. The diaphragmatic musculature aides in diaphragm assisted breathing, which allows modern-day crocodiles to have burst-like movements (1). These traits are not consistent with an avian style, air sac component which is typical of birds (1). The diaphragm was shown to divide the body into two parts. One part contained the heart and the lungs, the other had the intestines, and the entrails (2).

Hr Portfolio Essay

1.0 Research Synopsis In the current era people are considered the most important asset to an organization. In today’s highly competitive economy, placing the right people in the right position at the right time is very critical for the success of any organization. Job Analysis is the foundation for every employment decision made in an organization. Human resource professionals and consultants use job descriptions and job analyses as basic building blocks for many human resource functions, including recruitment and hiring, performance evaluations, and salary ranges (Levine, Sistrunk, McNutt, & Gael, 1988). Job descriptions and job analyses are essential to businesses. They help to ensure that the correct people are hired for the job (Brannick, Levine, & Morgeson, 2007). Therefore, it is important to see to it that job descriptions and job analyses are done properly and are thorough because the accuracy of these tools will in turn affect the quality of many HR functions (Fleishman & Mumford, 1991). Because job descriptions and job analyses are so important to HR functions, evaluating the quality of these two tools and how well they fit together is important. Job descriptions are meant to be developed from job analysis data (Brannick et al., 2007). It is also vital an HR manager focuses on aligning HR activities with the organization’s strategic goals as an organizational structure is developed through the HR planning process by the identification of positions to be staffed to support implementation of the organization’s strategy. This study illustrates the importance of conducting an accurate job analysis, the importance of it and a job description, the relationship between the two, and how it affects all other HR functions in an organization. 2.0 Job Analysis According to (Dessler, G. 2009) Job Analysis is the process of identifying the tasks, responsibilities and context of a role and the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform them. It is a systematic exploration study. It is the procedure through which the duties of these positions and the characteristics of the people who should be hired for them are determined. The information gathered through the job analysis process is used to support the full range of HR activities. It involves determining the relative importance of the duties, responsibilities, physical, emotional skills etc. for a given job which then determine what the job demands and the specifications an employee must have to perform a job productively. This is then used for developing job descriptions and job specifications. 2.1 Importance of Job Analysis According to (Dessler, G. 2009) an organization structure is developed through the HR planning process by the identification of positions to be staffed to support implementation of the organization’s strategy. From this plan, the knowledge, skills and attitudes that employees will require to enable the organization to achieve its objectives can be identified. Job analyses are essential to HR because they are the means for the development of all HR functions (Bowen, 2003; Brannick et al., 2007). A job analysis can serve as the basis for many HR functions. These HR functions include job descriptions, job classifications, job evaluation, performance appraisal and training, and job specifications (Ash, 1988; Ash & Levine, 1980; Brannick et al., 2007; Levine et al., 1988). The details collected though a job analysis play an important role in controlling the output of a job. The main purpose of this whole process is to create and establish a perfect fit between the employee and the job. Job analysis also helps in the decision making of compensation, perks and incentives for a particular job position. It also helps in evaluating the performance and training needs of existing employees. This process is the basis of achieving organizational goals and objectives. 2.2 Steps in Job Analysis According to (Dessler, G. 2009) the job analysis process involves 6 steps: Step 1 – Decide how you’ll use the information, since this will determine the data you collect and how you collect them. Some data collection techniques – such as interviewing the employee and asking what the job entails, are good for writing job descriptions and selecting employees for the job. Step 2 – Review relevant background information such as organization charts, process charts and job descriptions. Organization charts show the organization – wide division of work, how the job in question relates to other jobs, and where the job fits in the overall organization. The chart should show the title of each position and, by means of interconnecting lines, who reports to whom and with whom the job incumbent communicates. A process chart provides a more detailed picture of the work flow. In its simplest form a process chart can show the flow of inputs to and outputs from the job you are analyzing. Step 3 – Select representative positions. There may be too many similar jobs to analyze them all. In such a case use a representative sample. Step 4 – Actually analyze the job, by collecting data on job activities, required employee behaviors, working conditions, and human traits and abilities needed to perform the job. Step 5 – Verify the job analysis information with the worker performing the job and with his or her immediate supervisor. This will help confirm that the information is factually correct and complete. This review can also help gain the employee’s acceptance of the job analysis data and conclusions, by giving that person a chance to review and modify your description of job activities. Step 6 – Develop job description and job specification. These are two tangible products of the job analysis. 2.3 Components of Job Analysis Job Analysis Job Analysis Job Description and Job Specification Job Description and Job Specification Recruitment, selection and induction Recruitment, selection and induction Job evaluation: wage and salary decisions (remuneration) Job evaluation: wage and salary decisions (remuneration) Training and development requirements Training and development requirements HRP and career development HRP and career development Performance assessment and review Performance assessment and review Job design, assignment of all duties and legal compliance Job design, assignment of all duties and legal compliance (Dessler, G. 2009) 2.4 Uses of Job Analysis Information (Dessler, G. 2009) states that these are the uses of job analysis information. * Recruitment and selection – Job analysis provides information about what the job entails and what characteristics are required to carry out these activities. Such job specification and job description information is used to decide on the sort of people to recruit, hire, to guide interview questions and choose suitable tests to select the best person for the job. * Induction –When a new person joins an organization he will need to be aware of its history, current operations, policies and procedures to be followed, leave requests, pay matters, health and safety etc. A job description will provide the necessary information for the HR management to design induction programs tailored for the need of each new employee. * Job design and productivity, job satisfaction and legal compliance – Job analysis and careful consideration of the way in which the tasks to be performed are arranged into jobs can provide challenging and satisfying jobs for employees while improving efficiency and productivity. Using the information gathered on performance standards and human requirements to influence the design of job assists compliance with law in relation to employment. * Performance assessment and review – Job analysis information enables performance standards to be established and agreed. When clear performance standards are set, rewards may be more easily linked to the performance and training provided to specifically address any discrepancies in performance. Performance review compares employees’ actual performance with performance standards established using job analysis data. * Remuneration – Job analysis is also essential for estimating the value of each job and appropriate remuneration for it. This is so because total remuneration usually depends on the job’s required skill and education levels, safety hazards, degree of responsibility and so on – all factors that are established though job analysis. * Training and Development – Job analysis is also used for designing training and development programs because the analysis and resulting job description show the skills and knowledge – and therefore training and development – that is required. If performance standards are not being met, and this is found to be due to the employee’s lack of skill or knowledge, programs can be designed to lift performance to the required level. * Human Resource Planning and Career Development – The organizational structure provided by the HR plan reveals the scope for employee movement within an organization. Employee development can be provided to ensure that skills, knowledge, qualifications and attitudes required for the future role are gained in preparation for promotion or transfer. This contributes to human resource planning in general and to succession planning in particular. 3.0 Job Description According to (Dessler, G. 2009) a job description describes the job in terms of the tasks to be performed, equipment used, conditions under which the work is to be carried out and the standard to which tasks are to be performed. It is a written statement of what the job-holder actually does, how he or she does it, and under what conditions the job is performed. This information is in turn used to write a job specification that’s lists the knowledge, abilities and skills needed to perform the job satisfactorily. 3.1 Components of a Job Description There is no standard format for a job description, but according to (Dessler, G. 2009) most descriptions contain sections on: * Job identification – This contains several types of information including the job title, the job code etc. * Job summary – This describes the general nature of the job, listing only its major functions or activities. * Relationships, responsibilities and duties – This section presents a detailed list of the job’s actual responsibilities and duties and the relationship the employee shares with subordinates, superiors and those below him/ her. * Authority of incumbent – This section defines the limits of the job-holder’s authority, including decision making authority, direct supervision of other personnel and budgetary limits. * Standards of performance – This states the standards the employee is expected to achieve in each of the job description’s main duties and responsibilities. * Working conditions – The job description section will also list the general working conditions involved on the job. These might include factors such as noise level, hazardous conditions etc. * Job specifications – This describes the type of person that would be best suited to the job, and the skills, knowledge, attitudes, experience and qualifications they would need to do the job. 3.2 The Uses of a Job Description The uses of a job description are essentially similar to those of a job analysis. However these are a few fundamental areas in which a job description is used for: * Performance management – It can be used to set measurable performance goals based on tasks, duties and responsibilities stated in the job description, and then train employees to achieve these goals effectively. * Training and employee development – A job description can be used to decide on possible job promotions as incentives for workers to improve their performance and career development activities. * Compensation – Job descriptions can be helpful in developing a standardized compensation for each position. * Recognition and rewards – Job descriptions can be used as a baseline for performance and as a tool to encourage employee performance. * Discipline – A job description can be used to illustrate that an employee isn’t adequately performing his/her duties and responsibilities. (Massad, 2005) 3.3 Relationship between Job Analysis and Job Description A job description is a general overview of what the job analysis found. According to Brannick et al. (2007), a functional job analysis can be used to generate the task and duties statements. Any work-oriented job analysis allows the analyst to discern the most important duties and tasks out of the job analysis to put into a job description. The job analysis allows raters to rank things like the goals of the job as well as the duties and tasks. When developing the job description, only the most important and most frequent of these duties, tasks, and goals are selected, allowing it to be an abbreviated version of what is found in the job analysis. 4.0 Job Analysis Interview 4.1 Job Analysis Methods According to the (Management Study Guide, 2008) , the most common methods of Job Analysis * Observation Method: A job analyst observes an employee and records all his performed and non-performed task, fulfilled and un-fulfilled responsibilities and duties, methods, ways and skills used by him or her to perform various duties and his or her mental or emotional ability to handle challenges and risks. This particular method includes three techniques: direct observation, Work Methods Analysis and Critical Incident Technique. The first method includes direct observation and recording of behavior of an employee in different situations. The second involves the study of time and motion and is specially used for assembly-line or factory workers. The third one is about identifying the work behaviors that result in performance. * Interview Method: In this method, an employee is interviewed so that he or she comes up with their own working styles, problems faced by them, use of particular skills and techniques while performing their job and insecurities and fears about their careers. This method helps interviewer know what exactly an employee thinks about his or her own job and responsibilities involved in it. It involves analysis of job by employee himself. In order to generate honest and true feedback or collect genuine data, questions asked during the interview should be carefully decided. And to avoid errors, it is always good to interview more than one individual to get a pool of responses. Then it can be generalized and used for the whole group. * Questionnaire Method: Another commonly used job analysis method is getting the questionnaires filled from employees, their superiors and managers. However, this method also suffers from personal biasness. A great care should be takes while framing questions for different grades of employees. In order to get the true job-related info, management should effectively communicate it to the staff that data collected will be used for their own good. It is very important to ensure them that it won’t be used against them in anyway. If it is not done properly, it will be a sheer wastage of time, money and human resources. Below is the constructed questionnaire prepared for research requirement. 4.2 Job Analysis Questionnaire The purpose of a creating a job analysis questionnaire is to gather information about a position in an organization, its duties, responsibilities, experience, qualifications etc. required for the vacant position. The responses gathered accurately represent the way the position currently functions. This, then leads to the development of a job description. Name: ____________________________ Job Title: __________________________ Company: _________________________ Location: __________________________ Department: ________________________ Job status: __________________________ Hours worked: _________ AM to _________ PM Reporting to: ________________________ * Can you brief me about yourself? * Number of organization’s you worked for before and position/s held? * How long have you been working as an HR manager in the present organization? * What is the field you specialize in within the HR department? * Number of employees and the levels you directly supervise at present? * Number of employees and the levels you are indirectly responsible for in the organizations? * What do you think your strengths and weaknesses * What is your job role as a HR Manager? * Are there any activities you perform that do not come within your job specification? If yes, explain. * What records and reports you prepare as a part of your job? * Do you have freedom to make decisions related to; Recruitment Health and Safety SelectionIndustrial Relations Performance EvaluationOther Training * Explain the extent of freedom you have in these areas. * Can you specify the key responsibilities as an HR manager in this organization? * Can you brief me about the day to day tasks and duties allocated as an HR manager? * According to your point of view, what do you think are the most important skills that you need to possess in performing your job more practically, professionally and efficiently? * Describe the personality of an effective HR manager to suit the current era. * What work experience and qualifications are required for an HR manager? * What is the minimum training / qualifications requirement for this job? Basic school educationBachelor’s Degree High School DiplomaMaster’s Degree College/ associate’s DegreeDoctorate Degree * What is your perception about how this job fits in with the other jobs in the organization? * Briefly explain the establishment of the company and the working environment in your department. * Have you done any tangible changes or specific improvements you have implemented to enhance the quality of HR functions in your company? If so, what? * Is there any particular HR activity that you desire to implement but have not been able to do for a certain reason? * What are the some of the challenges you face as an HR manager? How do you overcome some of these challenges? * What type of relationship have you built with the employees of the organization? * Do you deal with Trade Unions? * If so, what is the extent of pressure from them and how do you deal with them? * In comparison to other competing companies how do you think your company compares in terms of salary and rewards? * Do you experience any stress?Not at allSomewhatVery High * If your stress level is high, how do you handle the stress and pressure you face from the employees? * What are the job’s physical demands? * What are the health and safety conditions? * Apart from your salary what benefits and opportunities do you receive as an HR manager? * What is your personal view about the training programs implemented and conducted in your company and what is your recommendation for improvement if any? * What are your goals or plans to develop your department? * What is the experience and advice you can share for those following HR management? * What is the most enjoyable part of your work? Which HR activities are most satisfying to perform? * What are your personal goals? (Refer Appendix for the completed questionnaire) 5.0 Developing a Job Description According to the details gathered through the interview conducted and information gathered through the developed questionnaire, this is the prepared job description for the position of Head of Group Capabilities at Brandix. Position Title: Head of Group Capabilities Department: Corporate HR Working Hours: 8.30am to 5.30pm Reports to: Chief Peoples Officer (CPO) Salary: 200,000 – 250,000 Position Statement The Head of Group Capabilities is accountable for directing and evaluating the implementation of all the activities that come under the Learning and Development function, liaising with business partners for learning solutions, understanding business problems in order to provide appropriate training solutions and leading, coaching and mentoring his/ her team to perform the company’s annual goals. Key Accountabilities * Formulating Leaning and Development strategies and policies * Sourcing for strategic partnership for solutions * Formulating Training and Development plans based on Training Need Analysis Other Responsibilities * Training Need Analysis to be done through discussion with Strategic Business Unit leaders (CEO, Senior Director, HR Heads, Head of Departments) * Address knowledge gaps through the performance and preparing the employees for leadership roles and the organization for growth * Prepare monthly dashboards (includes training man days, training programs delivered, training budget utilization, dropouts etc.) * Prepare employee engagement dashboards (includes number of engagements of the CEO and senior management with executives) The candidate hired has the authority to make decisions regarding recruitment, selection and evaluate the performance for the employees in his/ her department. He/ she will be directly accountable for the team of four under them and indirectly accountable for the executive cadre (which includes entry level executives to the board of directors) and assisting the staff category of employees which consists of 2,000 associates. Core Competencies * Leadership skills * Good Communication and Negotiation skills * Strategic Thinking * Critical Thinking * Approachable and friendly * Good decision maker * Ability to work under pressure * Ability to motivate team members * Integrity * Ability to work with teams * Committed * Good listener * Adaptable Job Specification * Professional HR qualifications * A relevant bachelor degree or higher qualification * At least 8 years’ managerial experience in HR management 6.0 Reflections As a student following the Bachelor of Business at Australian College of Business and Technology (ACBT) it is part of our course structure that we take Human Resource Management as a subject. In this unit it is an absolute requirement for us to conduct a job analysis interview and prepare a job description as an assignment. As a possible HR professional to be in the future, I took this as a challenge to develop a comprehensive HR related assignment to help me in the future. The first was to conduct a job interview analysis. There are many methods to conduct one, through observation, interviews, questionnaires etc. However due to time limitations, my main focus was on the interview and questionnaire method. The first task I had to do was prepare a list of questions that I was going to ask the HR manager I was going to interview. The task proved to be quite challenging as I had never prepared a questionnaire of this nature before. Choosing the right questions to gather the relevant dat a was the most difficult. However with the help and guidance from my lecturer I was able to design a decent questionnaire. It consisted of a few multiple choice questions but mostly open ended questions. It was time consuming and at times frustrating but was a great learning opportunity nonetheless. I then made an appointment with the Head of Group Capabilities at Brandix Lanka, through a contact I have, for a job analysis interview. I was nervous at first, having never interviewed someone before but she was very pleasant and put me at ease immediately. She was also very obliging and answered all my questions to detail and further gave me insight to the general HR practices and procedures at Brandix Lanka. Initially when I had to start on this assignment I wasn’t fully aware of the importance of a Job Analysis. I was confused. However after a detailed discussion with the Head of Group Capabilities and being given full insight into how big a role Job Analysis plays into the role of all other activities in her organization, I am now enlightened. This also gave me the opportunity to understand the jo b analysis process. After gathering the data from the job analysis interview my next task was to prepare a job description. This wasn’t as difficult to prepare as I thought it would be, as I had gathered the relevant data necessary for it through the interview. Having being briefed about the tasks, duties, and matters concerning their Corporate HR department, this provided me with a better understanding to structure the job description well. I took the answers I was given as well and was able to compile a fitting job description. It took a few hours but in the end the result was satisfactory. A Job description and job analysis are used every day in organizations, and while research provides guidelines for what should be included in each of these and how each should be constructed (Brannick et al., 2007; Cascio, 1998), this is not necessarily what is done in practice. This study found that a typical job description for Brandix contains the components recommended by Dessler, G. (2009). Those components include: Title, location, summary, duties and tasks, etc. Through the interview conducted I could c ome to the conclusion that there weren’t significant differences between the job description and the job analysis. I found that the HR professional in charge of conducting the job analysis was thorough in including everything about the job in the job description. There were no gaps to be seen. This indicates that the HR department allows no gaps for mistakes and runs their practices effectively and efficiently. The findings of this research are important because job analyses and job descriptions play such an important role in HR functions. They serve as the foundation for activities such as performance evaluation, recruitment and hiring, and salary determinations (Levine et al., 1988). It is important to get a better understanding of what influences the job analysis process and look at where differences are in the job descriptions and job analyses On completion of this assignment I realized it has helped me achieve a professional knowledge on the major role Job Analysis plays in all HR functions in an organization including, HR planning, Job description, job specification, employee recruitment, e mployee selection, performance appraisal, HR development, training and development, rewards and remuneration etc. Furthermore I think it has improved my ability to communicate more effectively than before which is part of the learning outcome of this study, and be a professional in doing so, and it has improved my ability to generate ideas. I think this experience, interviewing a person in an authoritative position, has made me more confident in my communication skills and my understanding about the general HR practices in an organization. In concluding my reflection I would say that this study has shown me that job analysis in an organization is the primary task that sets a baseline enabling HR professionals to manage other job related activities effectively. The study also demonstrates the need for careful consideration on part of aligning the job description with the job analysis. The information collected by conducting job analysis plays an important role in controlling the output of the particular job which ultimately leads to the overall success of an organization. Employees are key to the success of an organization. Thus hiring the right person with the right skills, knowledge and attitude is vital. This can only be done through developing a suitable job description through conducting a thorough, accurate and effective job analysis. 7.0 References * Bowen, C. C. (2003). A case study of job analysis. Journal of Psychological Practice, 8, 46-55. * Brannick, M. T., Levine, E. L., & Morgeson, F. P. (2007). Job and Work Analysis: Methods, Research and Applications for Human Resource Management. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publication. * Ash, R. A. (1988). Job analysis in the world of work. In S. Gael (Ed.), The Job Analysis Handbook for Business, Industry and Government, I, 3-13 * Ash, R. A., & Levine, E. L. (1980). A framework for evaluating job analysis methods. Personnel, 57, 59 * Levine, E. L., Sistrunk, F., McNutt, K. J., & Gael, S. (1988). Exemplary job analysis systems in selected organizations: A description of process and outcomes. Journal of Business and Psychology, 3, 3-21. * Dessler, G. (n.d.). Human Resource Management (12th Ed.). Global edition, 142-175. * HR-Guide.com. (1999). Job Analysis: Overview. Retrieved 05 01, 2013, from HR-Guide.com: http://www.job-analysis.net/G000.htm * Stone, R.J. (2010). Managing human resources 3rd. edn. John Wiley & sons Australia Ltd. * Jones, R. (2011). Managing Human Resource Systems (2nd Ed.).Pearson * Levine, E. L., Sistrunk, F., McNutt, K. J., & Gael, S. (1988). Exemplary job analysis systems in selected organizations: A description of process and outcomes. Journal of Business and Psychology, 3, 3-21. * Fleishman, E. A., & Mumford, M. D. (1991). Evaluating classification of job behavior: a construct validation of the ability requirements scales. Personnel Psychology, 44, 523-575. * Cascio, W. F. (1998). Applied Psychology in Human Resource Management, 5th edition. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. * HR-Powerhouse.com. (2005). Job Description: Uses of Job Description. Retrieved 05 01, 2013 from: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/78506 * Managementstudyguide.com. (2008). Job Analysis Methods. Retrieved 11 01, 2013 from: http://www.managementstudyguide.com/job-analysis-methods.htm * www.brandix.com

Alliteration and Symmetry in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Note on poetic meter: Gawain is typical of Middle English alliterative poems in that it is written in alliterative long lines, following the basic metrical principles of Old English verse. Each long line consists of two half-lines, each half with two stressed syllables and a varying number of unstressed syllables. Most importantly, the two half lines are connected by alliteration ? that is, repetition of the same consonant sound on at least two, often three, of the stressed syllables. For example, the poem begins: â€Å"Sithen the sege and the assaut was sesed at Troye† (line 1), with the â€Å"s† sound recurring five times within the single long line. The long lines do not rhyme with each other. However, they are organized in stanzas of fifteen to twenty-five lines, and each stanza concludes with a construction known as a â€Å"bob and wheel. † This term refers to a group of five short lines, which do rhyme, to the pattern of ababa. If you are not reading Gawain in the original Middle English, the poetic structure may not be maintained in the translation. Some modern English translations keep the rhyme and meter strictly; others are only prose translations. SYMMETRY Sir Gawain and the Green Knight has a symmetrical structure. Everywhere in the poem is balance, contrast and antithesis. The poet highlights number symbolism to add symmetry and meaning to the poem. For example, three kisses are exchanged between Gawain and Bertilak's wife; Gawain is tempted by her on three separate days; Bertilak goes hunting three times, and the Green Knight swings at Gawain three times with his axe. The number two also appears repeatedly, as in the two beheading scenes, two confession scenes, and two castles. [55] The five points of the pentangle, the poet adds, represent Gawain's virtues, for he is â€Å"faithful five ways and five times each†. [56] The poet goes on to list the ways in which Gawain is virtuous: all five of his senses are without fault; his five fingers never fail him, and he always remembers the five wounds of Christ, as well as the five joys of the Virgin Mary. The fifth five is Gawain himself, who embodies the five moral virtues of the code of chivalry: â€Å"friendship, generosity, chastity, ourtesy, and piety†. [57] All of these virtues reside, as the poet says, in the â€Å"Endless Knot† of the pentangle, which forever interlinks and is never broken. This intimate relationship between symbol and faith allows for rigorous allegorical interpretation, especially in the physical role that the shield plays in Gawain’s quest. [59] Thu s, the poet makes Gawain the epitome of perfection in knighthood through number symbolism. The number five is also found in the structure of the poem itself. Sir Gawain is 101 stanzas long, traditionally organised into four ‘Fitts' of 21, 24, 34, and 22 stanzas. These divisions, however, have since been disputed; scholars have begun to believe that they are the work of the copyist and not of the poet. The original manuscript features a series of capital letters added after the fact by another scribe, and some scholars argue that these additions were an attempt to restore the original divisions. These letters divide the manuscript into nine parts. The first and last parts are 22 stanzas long. The second and second-to-last parts are only one stanza long, and the middle five parts are eleven stanzas long. The number eleven is associated with transgression in other medieval literature (being one more than ten, a number associated with the Ten Commandments). Thus, this set of five elevens (55 stanzas) creates the perfect mix of transgression and incorruption, suggesting that Gawain is faultless in his faults. The format of â€Å"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight† works on the principles of repetition and multiplication. Think about the number of departures for adventure, the almost eerie property of â€Å"threes,† the characters who play multiple roles, the five points of the pentangle and so on.

Sports Vocabulary for English Learners

Sports Vocabulary for English Learners   The words below are the most important words used when discussing sports. Words are categorized into different sections. Youll find example sentences for each word to help provide context for learning.   Equipment Ball - Pick up the ball and throw it to me.  Football - American footballs are different than European footballs.  Hockey puck - He slapped the hockey puck into the goal.  Golf ball - Golf balls are small and very hard. Golfers can hit them over 300 yards!Bat - The baseball player picked up the bat and stepped up to the plate.  Cue - The pool player put resin on his cue while he considered his shot.  Golf club - You can carry up to 14 golf clubs when you play golf.  Hockey stick - The hockey stick was originally made of wood.  Ice skates - Ice skates have a long thin blade that slides over the ice.  Mitt - The baseball player catches the ball in a mitt.  Racing car - He got into the racing car and drove down the track.  Tennis/ squash/badminton racket - Many professionals bring six or more racquets with them to the match.  Saddle - Put the saddle on the horse and well take a ride in the hills.  Skis - Skis are long and thin and can be difficult to use.  Snow board - Many people prefer to use a snowboard to descend the slope.   Shuttlecock - The shuttlecock is used in the game of badminton.  Surfboard - In Hawaii, surfers use their surfboards to go down waves. People Athlete - Athletes need to stay in excellent shape.  Badminton player - The badminton player picked up the racket and began the game.  Basketball player - Some basketball players are paid over $5 million a year!Boxer - Boxers fight in categories such as lightweight and heavyweight.  Cyclist - The cyclists on the Tour de France often ride over 100 kilometers a day.  Diver - The diver spent one hour under water.  Footballer /football player - Europes top footballers are often national heroes.  Golfer - Golfers need steady nerves as they hit the small golfball two hundred yards into a crowd of spectators.  Gymnast - Gymnasts are often young and train hours every day.  Hockey player - Hockey players skate quickly on the ice.  Jockey - A jockey needs to be small and lightweight.  Ice skater - Ice skaters are often elegant artists on the ice as they skate to the music.  Racing driver - The racing driver sped past his nemesis.  Skier - The skier raced down the hill t o beat the best time.  Squash/tennis/ badminton/volleyball/rugby player - Tennis players have to travel all over the world for important tournaments.   Surfer - Many people think the life of a surfer on the beach must be a dream come true.Swimmer - Are you a strong swimmer?  Weight lifter - The weight lifter lifted over 200 kilos.   Places Circuit - The race circuit cuts through the city and out into the country.  Court - A basketball court has a wooden floor.  Course - The golf course has eighteen beautiful holes.  Feld - The soccer field is located at the end of this street.  Gym - How often do you go to the gym to workout?Pitch - The players came onto the rugby pitch to begin the match.  Ring - The boxers got into the ring, shook hands, and began the fight.  Rink - During the winter, I like to go to the rink and ice-skate.  Stadium - Some stadiums can hold more than 100,000 people! Types of Sports Athletics (do) - Children should do a wide range of athletics.  Badminton (play) - You need a net, two racquets, and a shuttlecock to play badminton.  Basketball (play) - I used to play basketball when I was in high school.  Boxing - Boxing is a violent sport.  Cycling - Cycling calls for great stamina.  Diving - Diving off a cliff must take courage.  Football (play) - He played football during college.  Golf (play) - How often do you play golf?Gymnastics (do) - My sister did gymnastics when she was younger.  Hockey (play) - We liked to play hockey up in the north.  Horse racing - Horse-racing is quite an expensive sport.  Ice skating - Ice-skating is a popular Olympic sport.  Motor racing - Motor-racing might be exciting, but its very loud.Riding - Riding through the woods must be lovely.  Rugby (play) - We played the rugby match last week.  Skiing - Skiing can be very a very expensive sport because of lift tickets and equipment.  Snooker (play) - We play ed snooker until early in the morning.  Squash (play) - We play squash indoors with a long racket and small, hardball.   Surfing - Surfing is big business in California.  Swimming - Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise because it involves all our muscles.  Tennis (play) - She played tennis on her high school team.  Volleyball (play) - The women played volleyball on the court.  Weightlifting - Weightlifting requires keeping a strict diet.  Windsurfing - Windsurfing is a popular sport in Hood River, Oregon.

Learn About the U.S. Presidential Oath of Office

Learn About the U.S. Presidential Oath of Office Since George Washington first said the words on April 30, 1789, as prompted by Robert Livingston Chancellor of State of New York, every President of the United States has repeated the following simple presidential oath of office as part of the inauguration ceremony: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. The oath is worded and administered in accordance with Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution, which requires that â€Å"Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:† Who May Administer the Oath? While the Constitution does not stipulate who should administer the oath to the president, this is typically done by the Chief Justice of the United States. Constitutional law experts agree that the oath could also be administered by a judge or official of the lower federal courts. For example, 30th President Calvin Coolidge was sworn in by his father, then a Justice of the Peace and notary public in Vermont. Currently, Calvin Coolidge remains the only president to be sworn in by anyone other than a judge. Between 1789 (George Washington) and 2013 (Barack Obama), the oath has been administered by 15 Associate Justices, three federal judges, two New York state judges, and one notary public. Hours after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, U.S. District Court Judge Sarah T. Hughes became the first woman to administer the oath when she swore in Lyndon B. Johnson onboard Air Force One in Dallas, Texas. Forms of Administering the Oath Over the years, the presidential oath has been administered in two ways. In one form now rarely used, the person administering the oath posed it in the form of a question, as in, â€Å"Do you George Washington solemnly swear or affirm that ‘you’ will †¦Ã¢â‚¬  In its modern form, the person administering the oath poses it as an affirmative statement, with the incoming president repeating it verbatim, as in, â€Å"I, Barak Obama do solemnly ‘swear’ or ‘affirm that ‘I’ will †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Use of Bibles Despite the First Amendment’s â€Å"Establishment Clause† guaranteeing the separation of church and state, incoming presidents traditionally take the oath of office while raising their right hands while placing their left hands on Bible or other books of special – often religious significance to them. John Quincy Adams held a law book, indicating his intention to base his presidency on the Constitution. President Theodore Roosevelt did not use a bible while taking the oath in 1901. After George Washington kissed the bible he held while taking the oath, most other presidents have followed suit. Dwight D. Eisenhower, however, said a prayer rather than kissing the Bible he was holding. Use of the Phrase ‘So Help Me God’ Use of â€Å"So help me God† in the presidential oath calls into question the constitutional requirement for separation of church and state. Enacted by the First U.S. Congress, the Judiciary Act of 1789 explicitly required â€Å"So help me God† to be used in the oaths of all U.S. federal judges and other officers other than the president. In addition, the words of the presidential oath - as the only oath specifically spelled out in the Constitution - do not include the phrase. While not required by law, most presidents since Franklin D. Roosevelt have added the phrase â€Å"So help me God† after reciting the official oath. Whether presidents before Roosevelt added the words is a source of debate among historians. Some say that both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln used the phrase, but other historians disagree. Much of the ‘So help me God’ debate hinges on the two manners in which the oath has been given. In the first, no longer used manner, the administrating official frames the oath as a question, as in â€Å"Do you Abraham Lincoln solemnly swear†¦,† which seems to demand an affirmative response. The current form of â€Å"I do solemnly swear (or affirm)†¦Ã¢â‚¬  demands a simple response of â€Å"I do† or â€Å"I swear.† In December 2008, atheist Michael Newdow, joined by 17 other people, plus 10 atheist groups, filed a lawsuit in the District Court for the District of Columbia against Chief Justice  John Roberts seeking to prevent the Chief Justice from saying â€Å"so help me God† in the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Newdow argued that the 35 words of the Constitution’s official presidential oath do not include the words. The District Court refused to issue an injunction preventing Roberts from using the phrase, and in May 2011, the U.S.  Supreme Court refused Newdows request to hear the case.   What About the Vice Presidents Oath? Under current federal law, the Vice President of the United States recites a different oath of office as follows: â€Å"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.† While the Constitution specifies that the oath taken by the vice president and other government officials states their intention to uphold the Constitution, it does not specify the exact wording of the oath. Traditionally, the vice president’s oath has been administered by the Chief Justice on inauguration day on the floor of the Senate shortly before the president-elect is sworn in.

Ayuda para inmigrantes vctimas de abuso laboral

Ayuda para inmigrantes vctimas de abuso laboral El Departamento de Justicia brinda ayuda a los inmigrantes que vienen a Estados Unidos con una visa no inmigrante de trabajo y son và ­ctimas de explotacià ³n laboral. Porque deben saber que la ley los protege. Lamentablemente son relativamente comunes los casos de todo tipo de abusos, que van desde no pagar el salario acordado a retener pasaportes pasando por instancias muy desagradables de asalto sexual. Si se producen alguna de esas conductas, se puede solicitar ayuda. Y a continuacià ³n se informa sobre quà © debe saberse. Ejemplos de trabajadores protegidos en sus derechos Los extranjeros que vienen temporalmente a trabajar en la agricultura con H-2A o en trabajos que no requieren titulacià ³n pero no son agrà ­colas como la H-2B. E incluso los que vienen por intercambio con una visa J, como la de maestros u au-pair, o profesionales con otro tipo de visas laborales como la TN para mexicanos o la H-1B. Porque desgraciadamente todos los trabajadores pueden ser và ­ctimas de abuso. A quà © tiene derecho los extranjeros con una visa de trabajo Entre los derechos de los que gozan se encuentran los siguientes: Conservar en todo momento consigo su pasaporte y otros documentos de identificacià ³n.A ser pagados de acuerdo a la ley. No pueden ser pagados menos que un estadounidense por el mismo tipo de trabajo. En este punto, consultar siempre cul es el salario mà ­nimo establecido por el gobierno federal y tambià ©n el que fija el estado en el que se desempeà ±a el trabajo, ya que puede ser superior y entonces habrà ­a que respetarlo.A no ser obligados a continuar trabajando, si uno no lo desea. Pero ojo con abandonar el trabajo sin consejo de un abogado, ya que podrà ­a dar lugar a que la visa se diese por terminada y a que no se pueda tener presencia legal en Estados Unidos.A reportar abuso laboral sin sufrir ningà ºn tipo de represalias.A pedir ayuda a sindicatos (unions) y a grupos relacionados con la defensa de los derechos e intereses de los trabajadores.A no ser và ­ctima de promesas falsas por parte del empleador relativas a la paga, nà ºmero de horas trabajadas, tipo de trab ajo, lugar a desempeà ±arlo o incluso sobre las caracterà ­sticas del alojamiento. Quà © hacer en los casos de explotacià ³n laboral Se recomienda llevar un diario en el que se anotan los problemas que surgen cada dà ­a asà ­ como las horas que se trabajan y la retribucià ³n de las mismas. Asimismo, debe mantenerse el trabajo salvo casos extremos. Ayuda a inmigrantes và ­ctimas de explotacià ³n laboral Llamar para reportar abuso a la Là ­nea para reportar explotacià ³n laboral en el nà ºmero 1-888-428-7581. Este nà ºmero de telà ©fono depende del Departamento de Justicia de Estados Unidos y es atendido de lunes a viernes en de 9 de la maà ±ana a 5 de la tarde, en horario de la costa Este.   En casos graves y urgentes siempre se puede llamar a la Policà ­a marcando al 911.  Los mexicanos pueden contactar con el Centro de Informacià ³n y Ayuda conocido como CIAM. Es un telà ©fono gratuito que brinda excelente informacià ³n sobre quà © hacer o refieren a abogados u organizaciones sin fin de lucro con buena reputacià ³n. Adems, si cree que usted es và ­ctima de explotacià ³n laboral no acepte el consejo del abogado que le provea su empleador, ya que sus intereses y los de à ©ste no coinciden y el consejo recibido puede que no sirva a sus intereses. A tener en cuenta con visas H-2A y H-2B Lamentablemente, los abusos son especialmente frecuentes  en casos de inmigrantes temporales legales que tienen visas H-2A (agricultura) y H-2B (no agricultura).   Incluso a veces el abuso comienza antes de viajar a Estados Unidos cuando los reclutadores exigen condiciones muy gravosas para dar el trabajo, por ejemplo, que se deje en fianza las propiedades de fincas. Es muy importante evitar esos abusos. Esta es una lista de reclutadores en Mà ©xico para esas visas incluyendo un listado de aquellos que causado en el pasado este tipo de problemas. A esos los hay que evitar. Especial para indocumentados Si se est en los Estados Unidos en una situacià ³n migratoria de indocumentado verificar cules son las reglas del estado en las que se vive en relacià ³n a los derechos para recibir salarios y sobre condiciones laborales. Algunos  estados protegen a los trabajadores en esos dos aspectos sin preguntar cul es el estatus migratorio. En todo caso tener presente las leyes migratorias de Estados Unidos y la nueva polà ­tica de deportaciones establecida por orden ejecutiva del presidente Donald Trump. Este artà ­culo no es asesorà ­a legal para ningà ºn caso concreto. Su funcià ³n es meramente informativa.

Packaging Power Proposal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Packaging Power Proposal - Assignment Example The new proposed packaging will be made up of plastic. The plastic will have a similar shape to the traditional packaging used, but the packaging will have the capability of individually packaging each egg. The packaging can be separated into 12 individual mini boxes that protect each egg. There are many advantages to the new packaging design. The customers who buy the dozen will be able to separate the eggs which will save the customers freezer space. The stores who sell eggs including supermarkets will have the ability to sell eggs by the single unit instead of forcing the customers to buy 12 eggs. For a single person 12 eggs are sometimes too much since the person will not be eating eggs every day. Another advantage of the new packaging is that companies can put designs in the plastic material to make the product more attractive. Appendix A: Packaging of eggs (Babylon, 2011). References Babylon.com (2011). Dozen egg carton. Retrieved June 10, 2011 from http://search.babylon.com/?q =dozen+eggs+carton&babsrc=HP_ss&s=img&as=0

Levis Advertising Analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Levis Advertising Analysis - Research Paper Example The advertisement illustrates a young buyer, with a less-dapper appearance, engaging in environmental connection by crawling through mountainous grasslands, clearly enjoying the experience with natural lifestyle. Using Levi’s Jeans as the appropriate clothing for this type of activity, it illustrates how the brand attempts to connect to naturalism, spontaneity, and in some degree rejection of urban lifestyle. Levi’s is working as the catalyst product to help youths who are either frustrated with urbanism and the fast-paced lifestyle of large city living or to remind consumers that Levi’s is the most appropriate brand for natural living because of its rich history during a historical period of development in the nation. Levi’s relies heavily on its brand equity for its very long history of product achievements and brand preference, which is illustrated by the type of consumer that most largely uses Levi’s products. People who are in their 20s and early 30s are experiencing what psychologists refer to as a quarter-life crisis, growing more frustrated with mundane and mediocre lifestyles (Macrae 1). Levi’s understands its buyer market preferences, those who get proverbially lost in the shadows of society in large urban environments with high populations and extremely diverse lifestyles associated with music, entertainment and outward socialization. Thus, Levi’s attempts to illustrate that it can serve as a motivator for individuals who want to break free from this mundane living and reconnect with their individualism, traditionalism, and natural preferences.

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

Medical - Essay Example She also reported difficultly in speaking resulting in slightly slurred speech. Her sister also commented on her facial appearance saying that her face seemed disfigured. While having breakfast she also noticed having excessive tearing in the right eye (Crocodile tears). These symptoms progressively worsened over the course of the next 8 hours and thus she decided to undergo evaluation for these complaints. She does not have any other existing comorbid conditions and has not had any similar complaints in the past. Her past medical history revealed that she had recently recovered from an episode of common cold and her family history was positive for diabetes, however, she herself is not a known diabetic. Social history was unremarkable. Physical Examination: On inspection of the face, it was observed that the nasolabial folds on the left side of the face were flattened and the patient was unable to completely close her left eye. When the patient was asked to forcefully close her right eye, inward and upward rolling of the eyeball was noted, i.e. demonstration of the Bell’s phenomenon (Monnell & Zachariah, 2009). When she was asked to raise her eyebrows and smile, weakness of the right facial muscles was noted.

Proposal assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Proposal assignment - Essay Example Audience: The audience of this study is government officials and policy makers. The study will help policy makers while making decisions regarding climate change, global warming and Law of the Sea. The decisions taken by the government officials regarding the future of arctic will have implications for humanity. If they decide to protect the arctic environment, that would be sustainable. If they decide to exploit arctic by using ice breakers etc, the consequences are unpredictable. Contents Introduction 4 Statement of the Problem 7 Research Questions 7 Hypothesis 8 Objectives 8 Audience 8 Introduction Climate change has brought global focus on arctic. The ice in the arctic is melting. If the present trend continues, Arctic Ocean would be ice-free by 2050. The arctic is the region around earth’s North Pole, opposite of Antarctica. The arctic circle includes arctic ocean and parts of Canada, Greenland (a territory of Denmark), Russia, the United States (Alaska), Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland. Among these eight countries in the Arctic Circle, five are arctic coastal states- United States (Alaska), Canada, Russia, Norway and Denmark (Greenland). The Arctic Ocean is covered with ice and is surrounded by treeless permafrost. The sea ice in the arctic has declined very much in recent years. ` The recording of extent of ice in arctic began in 1953. Since then, the extent of the summer sea ice has been declining. The extent of ice was the lowest in 2007, the second lowest in 2008, and the third lowest in 2010. . Currently, the snow cover in the Arctic is present for about 200 days per year. A decrease in the duration of the snow season results in increased warming. Between 1970 and 2000, there was a decrease in duration of the snow season by approximately 2.5 days per decade. From the commercial point of view, it is a new opportunity as exploration of the arctic has become easy now. Estimates show that Arctic can contain about 20 per cent of world's reserve s of hydrocarbons. Most of these resources happen to be in the Russian part of the arctic. New trade routes linking the Atlantic and the Pacific via arctic instead of Panama Canal has become a possibility now. So, there began a geopolitical competition in the region to gain control over transport routes and natural resources. All these have increased the strategic importance of arctic region. Countries bordering arctic are also in the process of preparing territorial claims for submission to the Commission on the Limits of Continental Shelf. Russia claims a large portion of arctic. The Arctic is highly vulnerable to the effects of global warming. There is greater warming in the Arctic than global average. Because of this, there are concerns that the melting of ice in Arctic could result in rise in sea levels. The current Arctic ice melt might also lead to Arctic methane release. Large amount of methane is stored in the permafrost. Methane is a greenhouse gas and is more dangerous th an carbon dioxide. Scientists are not sure whether this is natural cycle or manmade. Apart from concerns regarding the negative impact of warming in the Arctic, some potential opportunities have come up. Since the middle ages, world’s maritime powers looked for a shorter route between Atlantic and Asia. The melting of ice opens up the possibility of two trans arctic routes- The Northern Sea route and the Northwest passage. The new routes will reduce distances between Europe and Asia. It will also provide

Business Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 20

Business Ethics - Essay Example The plot revolves around the business interrelation that exists between China, Iran and the United States of America. It begins with a missile that vanishes in Iran. This creates tension among security forces in the US and the CIA is the most affected. Funny enough this does not worry them as they have something else bigger to worry about. In relation to this, the new owner of the Emirates oil company gives a deal to China and cuts out a company from the US that reacts by firing all its workers who are not of the native origin and goes further to combine with an undersized firm which has just landed on an oil contract in Kazakhstani. The US unit of justice notices bribery in the oil firm’s law unit finds its way out by identifying a scapegoat. Bribery is against business ethics and it brings a bad picture of the company. The CIA needs to find a scapegoat as well after the mission of eliminating Emir-apparent backfires. This can be described as unethical skills of doing busines s because it is engaging in criminal activities so as to gain certain interest. Bob Barnes a CIA agent looks into the whole saga which is considered to be a double cross. An economist from America sacrifices his son to come into contract with sheik which entailed advising him that the CIA wants him dead. The movie features current events in the business world such as oil trade. The world depends on oil and people would do anything to ensure that they have this commodity even if it means breaking business ethical rules.

Response paper week 9 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Response paper week 9 - Essay Example The call for transparency requires companies to account for their environmental and social impacts (Natrass and Altomore, 1999). The questions addressed in john’s post help to tackle the topic adequately because they cover a lot about the topic. In their book, Green to Gold, Esty and Winston point out that companies can generate lasting value, minimize costs, reduce risks, and increase revenues if they engage in sustainable practices. Sustainability is best achieved by companies that embrace environmental responsibility, care for the triple bottom line, and improve their reputation. Esty and Winston emphasize on companies being responsible with regard to the environment in which they operate, that is, cleanliness and social well being. Natrass, Hawken and Altomore insist on the cyclic principle, that is, how waste can be recycled to avoid environmental pollution. Corporate accountability is well covered by Epstein (2008). I work St. Jude Medical Inc . where the employee of the week is rewarded for exceptional performance as a motivation towards strategy achievement. The company sponsors the best student of the year in the community for further studies. I like the way Soosai has addressed the role of employees who are not in the leadership position in pushing sustainability initiatives. Many constituents have a legitimate stake in company activities calling for a variety of interests and opinions required in developing sustainability strategies. A company’s long term value is largely influenced by the expertise and commitment of the employees. Since subordinates are part of drivers of sustainability performance, leaders can use feedback loops to evaluate and improve corporate strategies. Educated and trained individuals are better sensitized to sustainability issues. I do not agree with the referencing of Lovins and Hawken. In their book, Natural Capitalism, the authors assert that

Business Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 20

Business Ethics - Essay Example The plot revolves around the business interrelation that exists between China, Iran and the United States of America. It begins with a missile that vanishes in Iran. This creates tension among security forces in the US and the CIA is the most affected. Funny enough this does not worry them as they have something else bigger to worry about. In relation to this, the new owner of the Emirates oil company gives a deal to China and cuts out a company from the US that reacts by firing all its workers who are not of the native origin and goes further to combine with an undersized firm which has just landed on an oil contract in Kazakhstani. The US unit of justice notices bribery in the oil firm’s law unit finds its way out by identifying a scapegoat. Bribery is against business ethics and it brings a bad picture of the company. The CIA needs to find a scapegoat as well after the mission of eliminating Emir-apparent backfires. This can be described as unethical skills of doing busines s because it is engaging in criminal activities so as to gain certain interest. Bob Barnes a CIA agent looks into the whole saga which is considered to be a double cross. An economist from America sacrifices his son to come into contract with sheik which entailed advising him that the CIA wants him dead. The movie features current events in the business world such as oil trade. The world depends on oil and people would do anything to ensure that they have this commodity even if it means breaking business ethical rules.

College Life Essay Example for Free

College Life Essay I knew when I graduated from high school a new beginning was ahead of me. College was the only thing that was important to me because I knew that I would have to get a good education to get a good job to start a great career. I would have never expected myself to bounce from a community college to a vocational school back to a community college. There are so many choices of colleges and how their short term programs can really help the potential student. The truth of the matter is that there aren’t any short cuts in life, but how are these schools still standing. I was accepted into 3 universities to continue my post secondary education. I made my finally decision as to which one I was planning on attending, Norfolk State University in Norfolk Virginia. There was only one small problem; I was raised by a single mother so there wasn’t any money set aside for my college education. When this was brought to my attention it was too late to apply for scholarships and grants. However I did apply for financial aid but I didn’t qualify because according to the government my mother made to much money for me to get free money. So I did what any other determined person would do, enroll in community college, and work part-time for one year and then go away to school for the rest of my education. When I went to enroll in my first community college, Daley, I took a placement test to see what level I would be at for my general courses like English, Math and so forth. Once I received my results I was instructed to see a counselor and register for fall classes. The counselor that I saw wasn’t even a real counselor; she was a remedial English teacher who barley new the course catalog, but I trusted her input and enrolled in the recommended courses that I wouldn’t even need for my major at the time. When I finished my first semester at Daley my GPA was good for a freshman, but I didn’t save enough money to continue my education there. That’s when I moved to the south suburbs and started at South Suburban College. I attended South Suburban for a total of two semesters maintaining a GPA of 3. 2. I saved some money from the two jobs that I worked but that was barely enough for me to attend 1 semester at NSU. My mother was willing to help me out but she still had my little brother to raise. That was when I kept seeing ads for ITT Technical Institute. The ads simple said that I can graduate with an Associate’s Degree within two years or a Bachelor’s in three years. The commercial also stated that they will find employment for me and I can come back as an alumnus to take any course refreshers if needed to. I thought to myself, that is where I need to be attending as soon as the next semester starts. When I went to enroll I just knew that I would qualify for financial aid because I have been living on my own for almost two years, but once again I was declined and the school suggested that I take out a student loan, the school also said that I will need a co-signer since I don’t have any credit established. My mind was made up and I was going to attend this school, so I asked my mom of course to co-sign for me. She really didn’t trust this schools credibility, but she saw how important it meant to me so she applied along with my husband now, boyfriend at the time. I got my loans for school, totaling 60k for two years, enrolled and started in the fall of 2004. I went through my program for 2 years and received an Associate’s in Computer Electronics and Engineering Technology. When I graduated the school had jobs waiting for me but they had nothing to do with what I just spent the last two years of my life studying for.

Competitive Advantages of Germany

Competitive Advantages of Germany Aerosil is a fumed silica product developed in 1942 by Degussa AG in Germany. The scientific name of fumed silica is Colloidial Silicon Dioxide. It is pure silicon dioxide, made from vaporized silicon tetrachloride, oxidized in high-temperature flame with H2 and O2. Aggregated amorphous nano-sized primary particle gives free flow to powder materials. It gives thickening effect and thixotropy by dispersing to liquid materials. Standard hydrophilic products are made of primary particles from 7 nm to 40 nm, and also these products are surface modified to hydrophobic. As of September, 2007 what was Degussa is now the chemicals business area of the new Evonik industries. Right from the start of the business activities for AEROSIL ® fumed silica, Evonik followed Degussas philosophy for success to combine tradition and progress. In 1942 an idea became reality. Degussa invented the fumed silica as a replacement for carbon-black, which was manufactured from oil, to counteract the shortage of resources. At that time, the trade name AEROSIL ® was invented and protected. Today AEROSIL ® is a synonym for fumed silica and Evonik is globally present with more than 100 sales offices in 95 countries and over 1000 highly motivated employees. They have eight production plants and applied technology laboratories in Germany, China, Japan, Thailand and the USA, enabling them to stay close to their customers. They are not only known for their extensive product line with it ´s wide variety of grades, but are also market leaders with their highly specialized quality and environmentally-conscious technologies. Without AEROSIL ® fumed silica many everyday things would no longer be conceivable. AEROSIL ® fumed silica is found, for example, in buildings with earthquake-proof foundations, in silicon sealants for bath tubs, in yacht production, as insulation material for Ceran ® stove tops, or in paints that without AEROSIL ® products would be difficult to use. They have over sixty years experience in this specialty field and are continually optimizing their product line and technical services with great flexibility according to the needs of their customers. Evoniks close contacts with the industries that use their products, as well as to their suppliers, allow them to develop new innovative products for existing applications, as well as new applications for established products. Due to the continuous expansion of Evoniks worldwide production capacities, they are able to supply their customers with the right products in the desired quality and quantity throughout the world. Close cooperation and partnership with the customers is one of Evoniks top priorities. gm Industry History The shortage of raw materials and resources on our planet has been a hotly debated topic for several decades. The black gold in particular inspired many to become active researchers. Degussa were also enthusiastic about the idea of one day finding a substitute for oil. This is why, in 1941, they began to develop a white filling material for the tire industry as a substitute for industrial carbon black, which, up to then, could only be produced from oil. Just twelve months on, having created high-temperature flame hydrolysis, they succeeded in producing the first ultrafine-particle pyrogenic silica. Their vision became reality and the brand known as AEROSIL ® was born. dr, harry This success story took its course, and in 1966, an important foothold was established in Asia with the building of the Nippon Aerosil production plant in Yokkaichi, Japan. In 1976, the same step was taken westwards when the production of AEROSIL ® began at the new Degussa plant in Mobile, Alabama/USA. More than 60 years of experience, development and research have by now made AEROSIL ® the most frequently used brand for the creation, modification and characterization of surface effects.Chemistry_by_Ekspertiza.jpg APPLICATIONS OF AEROSIL ® More than 60 years of experience in the production, modification and application of fumed silica provide a sound basis for continuously enhancing these products. Evonik strive to meet the increasing demands of existing and new areas of application. Their objective is to fully satisfy customers expectations now and in the future. AEROSIL ® Fumed Silica makes use of the smallest of things. The smallest particles of some AEROSIL ® grades measure no more than seven nanometers a human hair is 3,000 times thicker. So small, yet so great: The smaller the particles, the greater their effect and range of applications. AEROSIL ® optimizes some factors whish are given below : paints and coatings catalysts airbags silicone sealants in the car, sanitary and electronics sectors sealing inserts, e.g. for covering crown cork printing inks creams, lotions, gels deodorants paper properties chemical dowels unsaturated polyester resins light bulbs and fluorescent tubes toners for photocopying machines silicone profiles shoe soles putty dental composites 2-component mortar marine paints structure adhesives for the production of rotor blades in wind power plants the disability of active substances in tablets The advantages of AEROSIL ® Fumed Silica in different industries : Adhesives Sealants Batteries Food Glass Paints Coatings Personal Care Pharmaceuticals, Plastics ,Silicones , Toners Product Line AEROSIL ® is an extremely versatile product. In order to find the AEROSIL ® grade with the right characteristics for the application, they have grouped the various AEROSIL ® types by Raw Material Method of Production. Not only are these, but also the behavior with water, whether hydrophilic or hydrophobic, crucial for the final application. AEROSIL ® grade could be found to solve problem in one of the following categories: Hydrophilic Fumed Silica Hydrophobic Fumed Silica Fumed Mixed Oxides Hydrophilic Fumed Metal Oxides Special Hydrophobic Silicas and Hydrophobic Metal Oxides Special Granulated Fumed Silicas Dispersions competitive-analysis_clip_image010.jpg Competitive Strategy To decide the competitive strategy there are two deciding factors. These are: industry structure and positioning within industry. Industry Structure Porters 5 forces analysis Porters 5 forces analysis is an analysis skeleton for industry analysis and business strategy development which was founded by by Michael E. Porter of Harvard Business School in 1979 . It uses concepts developed in Industrial Organization (IO) economics to derive 5 forces that determine the competitive intensity and therefore attractiveness of a market. Attractiveness in this context refers to the overall industry profitability. untitled Figure 01: Porters five forces analysis Porters Five Forces include three forces from horizontal competition: threat of substitute products, the threat of established rivals, and the threat of new entrants; and two forces from vertical competition: the bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of customers The threat of substitute products The existence of close substitute products increases the propensity of customers to switch to alternatives in response to price increases. But there are no substitutes for fumed silica. Thats why there is no threat of substitute products. The threat of the entry of new competitors As the business of fumed silica is very lucrative; thus, results in many new entrants, which will effectively decrease profitability. But there are some barriers to enter this industry and those are given below : The existence of barriers to entry In 1942, Degussa invented the fumed silica as a replacement for carbon-black, that was manufactured from oil, to counteract the shortage of resources. At that time, the trade name AEROSIL ® was invented and protected. Today AEROSIL ® is a synonym for fumed silica. Economies of product differences With a sales volume of nearly 1.8 million metric tons a year (2004), sales revenues of approximately à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 1,071 million (2005) and a staff of 530, Evonik is the largest chemical manufacturer at the Marl Chemical plant. Capital requirements: Due to heavy investment in setting up the plant and thw production process, a very few wants to enter to this industry. The intensity of competitive rivalry- For most industries, this is the major determinant of the competitiveness of the industry. Number of competitors: There are only two substitute product for fumed silica and those are: Cab-o-sil and HDK, these rivals compete in non-price dimensions such as innovation, marketing, etc. Exit barriers: As the initial investment is high and the cost of swithiching to other manufacturing product is also very high, so the exit barrier is also high. Competitors are here to stay. Positioning Within Industry AEROSIL ® grades of Evonik have gained competitive advantages because of its cost leadership and the quality it offers. To compete internationally Evonik has adopted the global strategy approach driven by the principle think global, act local. Fumed silica grades are sold internationally under one brand, AEROSIL ® and one target audience, that is the business consumers. 683px-Schematicy-atom.svg.png Porters Diamond Model Germany possesses comparative advantage in producing AEROSIL ® fumed silica. Germany has the ability to produce the AEROSIL ® fumed silica at a lower opportunity cost. The comparative advantage of Germany in the production of fumed silica is described by the Maichael Porters Diamond Model as followed: Untitled-1_clip_image002 Figure 02 : Porters Diamond model Factor Conditions- refers to inputs used as factors of production such as labor, land, natural resources, capital and infrastructure. Porter argues that the key factors of production are created, not inherited. Specialized factors of production are skilled labor, capital and infrastructure. Human Resources With over 82 million inhabitants, Germany is the most populous country in the European Union Germany has the best qualified workforce in Europe. Above all, the German chemical industry has traditionally regarded the training and continuous upgrading of employees ´ qualifications as being very important. This is because a well trained workforce is the precondition for the operation of highly specialized high-tech facilities, production of innovative chemical products, and high productivity. Well trained employees also mean fewer accidents with minimal downtimes as one result. The chemical parks often have training centers on-site to ensure that employees theoretical and practical knowledge is kept up to date. Many chemical parks help companies located there to recruit qualified employees. A well qualified workforce and ongoing training are important factors. Another factor which contributes to the success of chemical companies based in Germany is the high degree of identification of employees with their company. Highly motivated, they remain faithful to their companies, and staff turnover is low. The advantage: employees gather valuable expertise and experience, which in turn ensures smooth operations and contributes to economic success. Employees high degree of identification with their companies also involves the stable and consensus-oriented partnership which characterizes the relationship between chemical companies and trade unions in Germany. The result speaks for itself: Germany is the country with the lowest number of strikes in Europe. But the mai n problem from Germanys point of view is that the cost of labor and raw materials are very high. And that is the reason why German industries mainly shifted their manufacturing plants to the countries where labor is cheaper. They have a market all over the world. The people who are engaged, either directly or indirectly in this industry account for approximately 27 percent of the total work force and produce more than 14 percent of Germanys total manufacturing output. Physical Resources The main raw material for fumed silica Most of the countrys products are in engineering, especially in automobiles, machinery, metals, and chemical goods. Germany is the leading producer of wind turbines and solar power technology in the world. Knowledge resources It is very important for a country to have a RD sectors and specialized institution so that they can provide more specialized knowledge for them. Germany has very good and sophisticated research centers that are essential to do extensive research to innovate new product. And that is the reason why they are famous world wide. Infrastructure- With its central position in Europe, Germany is an important transportation hub. This is reflected in its dense and modern transportation networks. Probably most famous is the extensive motorway (Autobahn) network that ranks worldwide third largest in its total length and features a lack of blanket speed limits on the majority of routes. Shipyard_at_dawn_by_le_feu.jpg Demand Conditions Porter argues that a sophisticated domestic market is an important element to producing competitiveness. Firms that face a sophisticated domestic market are likely to sell superior products because the market demands high quality and a close proximity to such consumers enables the firm to better understand the needs and desires of the customers. The issues that affect demand conditions: Sophisticated and demanding buyers The home market of the Germanys chemical product demand very high quality product. High Product Quality is the essential prerequisite for their business success. One guarantee is the global quality management system for AEROSIL ® products, which monitors and supports production. The Product Safety department maintains product registration and the supporting MSDS, safety-specific and toxicological data to ensure the safe and legal use of our products. Anticipatory buyers need German Chemical industries saw that their demand in the home market is enormous. They saw the scope for more demands in the other markets of the world. German chemical industry itself is in their different manufacturing units around the world. They are expanding their demand for chemical in the whole world. Related Supporting Industry Porter also argues that a set of strong related and supporting industries is important to the competitiveness of firms. This includes suppliers and related industries. German Chemical industry also needs to have close relationship, joint innovation with suppliers, complementary products, sharing same technology with their related and supported industries to sustain its competitive advantage. Close Relationshipasdf.jpg Evonik is an active partner of the most important transaction platforms in the chemical industry. In close cooperation with ELEMICA they have built up connections to their customers on the base of the ChemXML standards. ELEMICA is the platform for the raw material providers to the chemical industry and CC-Chemplorer, the purchasing platform for engineering goods and consumption material. VMI Vendor System VMI is a further step to improve customer convenience. Mostly with silos and tanks the supplier takes care that a customer never lacks raw material. Advanced sensor technology is capable to communicate directly with the ERP-system of the supplier. Together with their IT-partners they are prepared to design and implement the appropriate connection. Firms Strategy, Structure Rivalry In Porters study, it is found that the dynamism and pressure created by a vibrant local industry was perhaps the single most important stimulus to innovation and upgrading in an industry-a result that held independent of country size. Domestic rivalry provides an essential motivation for firms to make the investments and take the risks necessary to generate competitive advantage. Domestic rivalry is more important than competition with foreign firms because proximity speeds information and improves incentives to compete. Domestic competition negates basic factor advantages and forces firms to develop higher order (more sophisticated) and ultimately more sustainable advantages. In the chemical industry of Germany there exists an environment featuring a strong supply chain management, sophisticated demand from the domestic users, and an intensely competitive neighborhood with companies like BASF, Industries, Wacker Chemie. Sources of Creating Competitive Advantagesertyre.jpg It has gained competitive advantages due to several reasons and those are discussed below: New Technology Degussa invented the fumed silica in a substitute of carbon black. So AEROSIL ® has the competitive advantages as the inventor of fumed silica. Shifting Buyer Needs from Carbon Black to Fumed Silica As a replacement of carbon black, fumed silica has been used by the industries. The buyer needs had been shifted to the fumed silica from carbon black. Input Cost or Availability The raw materials needed for producing fumed silica is locally produced. Evonik is an active partner of the most important transaction platforms in the chemical industry. In close cooperation with ELEMICA they have built up connections to their customers on the base of the ChemXML standards. ELEMICA is the platform for the raw material providers to the chemical industry and CC-Chemplorer, the purchasing platform for engineering goods and consumption material. Strength_Is_Weakness_by_crazeemunkee0105.jpg SWOT Analysis A scan of the internal and external environment is an important part of the strtegic planning process. Environmental factors internal to the firm usually can be classified as strngths(S) or weakness(W), and those external to the firm can be classified as oppertunities (O), or threats(T). Such analysis of the strategic environment is refered to as a SWOT analysis. The strengths , weaknesses, opportunity and threats for AEROSIL ®: Strengths Evoniks strengths in producing AEROSIL ® fumed silica are its resources and capabilities that can be used as a basis for developing the competitive advantage. The strengths include: Patent Strong Brand Name- AEROSIL ® Good reputation among customers Exclusive access to the natural resources Extensive distribution channel Weakness The absence of certain strengths results in weaknesses for Evonik. As it enjoys an advantage of huge production capacity and a large manufacturing plant, but it may result into weakness as it employs a large pull of capital. It also prevents the firm from reacting quickly to the changes in strategic planning. Opportunity The external environmental analysis may reveal certain new opportunity for profit and growth. The opportunity for Evoniks AEROSIL ® fumed silica includes: Arrival of new technology from the continuous research Removal of international trade barriers Economic integrations Threats Changes in the external factors may result into threats for the firm and those are: Entry of new competitor Innovation of new substitute product werwer.jpg Pest Analysis PEST analysis stands for Political, Economic, Social, and Technological analysis and describes a framework of macro environmental factors used in the environmental scanning component of strategic management. It is a part of the external analysis when conducting a strategic analysis or doing market research and gives a certain overview of the different macro environmental factors that the company has to take into consideration. It is a useful strategic tool for understanding market growth or decline, business position, potential and direction for operations. The growing importance of environmental or ecological factors in the first decade of the 21st century have given rise to green business and encouraged widespread use of an updated version of the PEST framework. Political Analysis Political situation is a very significant external factor for the development of an industry. It is only through proper policies of the government added with incentives, subsidies and promotions that an industry can flourish. In Germany, government has taken several initiatives to promote the chemical industry. German chemical industry is doing very well in a global arena because they are getting support from their favorable government policies and terms conditions for increasing their productivity and constant innovativeness. Following reasons influence in this regard: Political stability Legal framework for contract enforcement Intellectual property protection Trade regulations tariffs Favored trading partners Pricing regulations Taxation tax rates and incentives Wage legislation minimum wage and overtime Economic Analysis The economic analysis is often used as a generic orientation tool, finding out where an organization or product is in the context of what is happening outside that will at some point effect what is happening inside an organization. The home economy situation is very vital to the growth of the industry. Economic factors affect the purchasing power of potential customers and the firms cost of capital. Germany is the largest national economy in Europe and the third largest by nominal GDP ($3.22 trillion) in the world and also ranked fifth by GDP. This is a very stable and favorable economic condition for a country to be internationally competitive. Following reasons influence in this regard: Government intervention in the free market Comparative advantages of host country Exchange rates stability of host country currency Efficiency of financial markets Infrastructure quality Skill level of workforce Economic growth rate Unemployment rate Inflation rate Interest rates Social Analysis The social analysis is used as a generic orientation tool, finding out where an organization or product is in the context of what is happening outside that will at some point effect what is happening inside an organization. The analysis headings are a framework for reviewing a situation, and can also be used to review a strategy or position, direction of a company. German Chemical industry always looks at the social factors to manufacture products. These factors affect customer needs and the size of potential markets. Some social factors include: health consciousness population growth rate age distribution career attitudes emphasis on safety Demographics Class structure Education Culture Attitudes Leisure interests Technology Analysis The technological analysis is often used within a strategic SWOT analysis. The technology analysis is often used as a generic orientation tool, finding out where an organization or product is in the context of what is happening outside that will at some point effect what is happening inside an organization. Technological factors can lower barriers to entry, reduce minimum efficient production levels, and influence outsourcing decisions German Chemical industry is doing well because their country has resources of high technology. Some technological factors include: Research Development (RD) activity automation technology incentives rate of technological change Recent technological developments Technologys impact on product offering Impact on cost structure Sustaining Competitive Advantagesustain.jpg As Evonik has created competitive advantages in producing AEROSIL ® fumed silica, it has quite a few factors to sustain competitive advantage. Nature of Sources of Competitive Advantage- Higher Order Advantage The advantages that Evonik possess for AEROSIL ® fumed silica is hard to replicate by the competitors. As Evonik possesses the exclusive right to produce AEROSIL ® fumed silica, no other can produce the exact fumed silica grades that we produce. Number of Distinct Sources of Advantages Extensive World Dealer Network Only AEROSIL ® products are offered from eight production sites distributed around the globe, supported by applied technology, research, commercial and technical service offices on three continents. This has established us as a committed service provider and competent advisor. AEROSIL ® production plants, technical service centers, research centers and commercial and technical service offices are located in Europe, North America and Asia with more than 100 sales offices in 95 countries to serve customworldwidehttp://www.aerosil.com/pub/NR/rdonlyres/2C62F50C-39FB-47B9-9F1F-82C9FAB46A6C/0/aerosilLocations.gif Brand Name AEROSIL ® has become the synonym for fumed silica. So, Evonik enjoys the strength from the brand name itself. Technical Service While typical inquiries can be answered by the local sales staff and distributors, a highly qualified technical consultancy service is also available to their customers. To this end, they support their customers by maintaining a network of experienced applied technology experts specialized in key industries on three continents. Constant Improvement Upgrading Research is the future. Or more precisely: Investment in the future. The work of scientists today forms the basis for the business successes of tomorrow. This principle is nothing new for AEROSIL ® products. It has been an established tradition for more than 60 years now. The outstanding research and development departments have made them one of the most frequently sought after contacts worldwide for the generation, modification and characterization of pyrogenic oxides, as well as for the performance effects they bring. 1941 Development of high-temperature hydrolysis for the production of pyrogenic silica 1942 Development of the first industrial production process in Rheinfelden, awarding of the first patent 1943 AEROSIL ® is registered as a trademark for Degussas pyrogenic silica 1953 Production of aluminum oxides using the AEROSIL ® method 1954 Production of pyrogenic titanium oxides 1963 Commercial production of the first hydrophobic types, AEROSIL ® R 972 and AEROSIL ® R 974 1986 Development of a further chemical after treatment technology; hydrophobizing method completed. AEROSIL ® R 805, R 812 and R 202 launched 1992 Launch of the first structure-modified hydrophobic product AEROSIL ® R 8200 First fully-integrated production location for AEROSIL ® in Waterford, USA. 32423.jpg Recommendation Evonik should not necessarily pursue the more lucrative opportunities; rather it may have a better chance of developing competitive advantages by identify a fit between strengths and upcoming opportunities. In order to overcome the threats from the external environment, it should get prepared itself to pursue a compelling opportunity. 2. Format and Style The format and style of the final report is similar to that required of a technical paper with the following requirement: Cover page Microsoft Office Word A4 page setup 1.5 line spacing Point 12 Times New Roman font 1 inch page margin