Motivation and Teams Case Study

The goal-setting theory states that employees are motivated when they are given a specific goal. Mary Ellen Sheets set goals and had business plans made so she knew approximately how well the company would do. She wanted everyone to have a good experience with a business known to cause less stress and she worked hard to accomplish that. Ms. Sheets created Stick Men University to create consistently high-performing teams for her company. The franchise owners and the men who do the moving are taught everything she has learned from the initial contact with a customer to the end of the move. Franchisees and movers learn the basics—from answering a customer’s first phone call to a handshake after the move is done. The job enrichment theory states that if employees have control over how their jobs are preformed or managed they will be motivated to work better. Klaus Kleinfeld was able to negotiate with employee representatives to get work done quicker by working flexible shifts. Work that is finished quicker translates into more money and job security, two things that would motivate employees to perform their jobs better. Mr. Kleinfeld encouraged his employees to pull together to get their job done. He understood that many jobs are being outsourced to other countries and to keep their jobs it was important to work together. He works hard at knowing everything about Siemens so that he was an important part of the company and he has job security. He answered e-mails from employee reps almost immediately, even late at night. He was able to motivate people to pull together.

Planning Function within the Different Levels of Management in Organizations Essay

Management of a business involves the four general functions of making plans, organizing, exercising leadership, and fostering coordination. Planning constitutes the process of determining goals and objectives, identifying strategies and techniques, and accessing or allocating the necessary resources to support implementation. Plans integrate the competencies and resources of the organization relative to the map of the actions designed and intended to achieve goals and objectives. Daft, 2000) As a fundamental management process, planning occurs at the different levels of the business organization. Planning at Different Levels of Management Management levels can be hierarchical or functional. Hierarchical levels of management refer to the chain of command in the organizational structure reflecting the designation of decision-making, reporting and accountability. Functional levels of management pertain to management roles according to function. Daft, 2000) Generally, there are two hierarchical levels of management, the senior management and front line management. Senior management takes charge of strategic planning since the focus is conceptual, directional and visionary plans encompassing the direction of future actions, the expected outcomes, the availability and utilization of resources, and contingency ideas for issues likely to emerge. The thrust of planning at this level is long-term outcomes. Front line management handles operational planning because the focus is specific, measurable, tactical, and applicable plans covering daily activities and issues such as task assignments, quotas, deadlines, funding, and other day-to-day issues requiring planning. The focus of front line management planning is short-term expectations and outcomes. Although differing in the nature of planning functions, strategic plans provide guidance to operations plan while operational plans influence future strategic planning. Daft, 2000) Functional management involves a wide network of horizontal and vertical levels usually designated into departments and sub-departments or working teams distinguished according to functions. There could be a number of departments in an organization including sales or marketing departments, purchasing department, accounting department, human resources department, and other departments depending on the nature, scope and scale of operation of the business organizatio n. Planning at the department level depends on the respective functions so that the scope of planning covers the designated functions. The sales or marketing department focuses on marketing planning and advertising planning covering goals such as brand equity building, value creation for consumers, distribution, promotional plans, and pricing. The human resource department engages in leadership development, management development, career development, performance, staffing, and training and development planning. The other departments take charge of planning on other function areas. Daft, 2000) The functions of these departments are interconnected since planning done by the marketing department has a link to the competence of human resources especially leadership. Within the departments is a hierarchy, with department managers or directors handling strategic planning and the managers of the different sub-departments or working teams handling operational planning with the plans focusing on functions. Integration of Various Kinds of Plans The overlap between hierarchical and functional management planning reflects the interconnections of various plans. There are also a number of practical reasons for integrating different plans. One is the need to translate a vision and goal into action to support fulfillment (Griffin & Thomas, 1999). In the case of strategic and operational plans, strategic plans are conceptual in nature providing a guide or picture of the expected outcome while operational plans are practical by focusing on particular actions and techniques that support movement towards the achievement of envisioned concepts (Daft, 2000). As such, integrating strategic and operational plans ensure that action finds guidance from the vision and goals translate into specific actions directed towards actualization. Another is the likely interconnectedness of plans. With regard to functional management, a plan requires alignment with other plans to ensure successful realization. (Griffin & Thomas, 1999). Customer service forms part of marketing planning and human resource planning so that training plans under the HR department should coincide with marketing plans for value creation. Last is the essence of organizations as a single unit made up of different parts that need to work together to sustain the body. Successful organizations are those with aligned or integrated plans. Real Life Application Successful planning doe not only require integration but also relevance to changing market conditions. Strategic plans could change in order to make the organization more responsive to issues. An example is the shift in the strategic plan of Wal-Mart from the vision of a retail store offering the lowest prices to consumers to a store providing employment to thousands of people in impoverished areas (Wal-Mart, 2008). This came as a response to the corporate social responsibility issue of its payment of wages below the minimum wage and resistance to the call of worker groups for unionization. By shifting its strategic plan, Wal-Mart reaffirms its commitment to corporate social responsibility by helping impoverished families with jobs created by establishing stores in these communities. By focusing strategic plans towards communities, the company is able to express its concern not only towards consumers but also to its present and future employees who are members of the community. Conclusion Planning is an important aspect of organizational management. To succeed in planning, it is important to understand how planning occurs at the different management levels of the organization, the importance of integrative planning, and the consideration relevant and responsive planning by adjusting to changes in business context.

Dish Washing

Dish Washing I walk into the restaurant Red Robin, wait for my name to be called by the host and sit down in a booth with comfortable red seats. All of a sudden a man sits next to me wearing an apron soaking with water, wiping sweat from his face. It's my brother, Zachary Walsh. Zach states â€Å" Man, I hate Saturday nights, too damn busy! †. What was Zach doing? Zach is a dish machine operator, or in restaurant terms, a DMO. Washing dishes you say, that sounds easy! I am afraid not my friends. Washing dishes is one of the most under appreciated jobs. Just ask the manager him self, who by the way is my Uncle.My Uncle states, â€Å" If it wasn't for the DMO this place would be a **** whole. DMO's work their *** off and their the ones who keep things running behind the scenes. † With only a thirty minute break from washing dishes, I thank my brother for taking this time to answer questions because I know he would much rather be doing other things. Things like enjoying hi s food, staying hydrated and getting his mind off washing dishes. My brother is a good guy and that's a good thing for Red Robin because the DMO's do the most work for the smallest pay. Here at Red Robin, the DMO's are the bottom of totem pole.They usually get no breaks, the only time they do is if they work a double, they get paid the least and have to be stuck in the back of the kitchen where they cannot really talk to any one. â€Å" It was the worst thing I've ever done when I first started, but honestly you get use to it and after a while you start making friends. Luckily for me, Red Robin is a great environment and everyone is pretty chill. † Zach says, smiling, probably thinking back on all the days he use to come home and complain and threaten to quit. As stated before, a life of a DMO is not an easy one.For the most part of this interview, Zach was calm, but when he talked about what a DMO does, he got intense telling what they do. â€Å" I hate it, when I tell peop le I'm a DMO they usually just laugh. People do not understand that I have to wash tons of dishes and then after you put those dishes in the machine to wash, you have to go put the cleans ones away and usually you have to walk all the way across the kitchen to do this. When you have to put the dishes away, more dishes keep on coming in and this leads to a build up of plates and other things that you have to wash and it sucks!Luckily, the other staff understands Zach's job and they are usually nice about it. The key word there though.. † he pauses, and looks back to what seems to be the front of the kitchen and finishes â€Å" is usually. † Washing dishes gets Zach paid nine dollars an hour. Zach's been working at Red Robin for a year and half now and still has not gotten a raise. Zach says he is the lowest paid person there who has been working at Red Robin for over a year. The worst part about the hard working jobs at restaurants and farms is these types of jobs get pa id the least even though they are doing the most work.At the same time, the person taking these jobs know this information before they get employed. In tough times like the one we are living in today, people will take any job they can get. Zach has recently just graduated from college and obviously needs to pay off those college loans. Being a DMO is not going to pay those loans off but it is a start. â€Å" I needed a job out of college right away and this was the only one I could find. It sucks but you got to do what you got to do. Before giving you the job they tell you it's a sucky job and that you are going to hate it and I kind of took that as a challenge. As Zach goes to get a cup of water, my Uncle sits next to me and asks me what I was here for again. I explain to him the assignment and he sits there for a second to think. As Zach is coming back from getting water, my Uncle says, â€Å" Zach is the hardest working kid I have ever seen at Red Robin. He does the dirtiest jo b and never complains about it. We are sure damn lucky to have him or we most likely be screwed. † As he hits Zach in the shoulder and gets up so Zach can sit down again.Zach smiles, and even though he knows he is doing a job that does not get any credit at all, he feels proud knowing he's made someone proud and most importantly, a family member proud. Zach's break is over and my Uncle allows me to go back to the kitchen with Zach as long as I do not get in the way. The DMO area is a messy one to say the least. With dishes all over the place, stains on the wall, water all over the floor, it is no wonder why people do not want this job. Zach can tell from the expression on my face that I was shocked to see the place so messy. â€Å" I told you our Uncle wasn't lying about it being a crappy job.This is actually clean compared to most Saturday nights, you should have seen last weeks mess, the place was flooded and the water was up to my ankles. And guess who had to take care of the problem? Yeah that's right, me! † This place really did feel like the worst job ever. Along with washing dishes and putting them away, DMO's had to do other tiny messy jobs in between washing dishes. DMO's had to take out the trash when it was full, clean the bathrooms if there was a flood, clean up spills made by costumers because the waitress or waiters were to â€Å"busy† and the worst one, clean throw up.To do this and clean dishes takes a very hard working kid or man to do. And luckily for Red Robin, they had there guy. â€Å"One time this group of about ten baseball players come in and two stupid clowns tried to see who could eat the most. Needless to say one of them threw up all over the place and I had to clean it up. The most embarrassing part was they were in their late thirties, most likely in a softball league. † On a typical Saturday night at Red Robin, there would be two DMO's. So why was Zach the only one on that night? Because people are lazy. † Zach laughs at his own joke and states â€Å" actually I'm just kidding, I would probably quit if I could. Plus I couldn't give up on your Uncle. He gave me the job in the first place. † My brother shows me his hands and they are very pruny from working with the water and the soap. During the winter, when his hands would dry from being pruny, they would often crack and sometimes even bleed. This is all the norm when it comes to washing dishes, but people never see the little things that come in to play to make a restaurant run.Another terrible part about Zach's job is closing. Who ever is the DMO that night is usually the last one to leave the restaurant, along with the manager. The DMO has to clean every last dish and also help put them away. Out side there are around ten to fifteen trash bags filled with disgusting food and other restaurant supplies that have to be walked across the parking lot and into the dumpster. â€Å" Then when you are all set to go home and you get into your car, you realize you smell so bad and cannot wait to take a shower.Man, that shower feels great every night! † As I'm about to leave Red Robin, one of the waiters shouts to the back of the kitchen â€Å" Hey Zach, can you clean up table 83? A baby just knocked down a glass of beer. I would pick it up but I got so many tables tonight. † After Zach hears the question, it seems like he does not even listen to the waiters excuse. Right away he stops washing dishes and grabs the mop and heads to clean up the mess. â€Å"Yup, you got to love being a DMO† he says in a sarcastic tone and walks away, going to do his job.

Business Ethics of Fords Pinto Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Business Ethics of Fords Pinto - Essay Example This essay discusses the question of constraint upon the freedom to export various types of commodities that have several different interests and issues today. A close examination of those concerns moves far beyond the scope of this paper, yet the use of some of the ethical theories studied lends assistance in informing the discussion. After consideration of the various positions, the conclusion is that the absence of any constraint on exports would be unethical. If, using a form of Kant’s prime objective, the categorical imperative is the protection of the American workforce, many corporations would go out of business because of the associated loss in competitive position. As for exporting those commodities banned in the United States, but not elsewhere, unless the product is known to be harmful or deficient, there is no ethical dilemma. The researcher states that an example of this is clear with Nestle’s exportation of infant formula. While the product itself may be s afe, the misuse by third-world mothers seeking to attenuate the expense results in under-nourished children, children who do not receive the full benefit of a mother’s natural milk, and recorded deaths. Obviously, this is where the ethical issue becomes the most difficult and where the idea of balance between regulation and corporate responsibility makes the most sense. Should the government force the company to stop exporting a legal product because of a negative impact through product misuse by the consumers? No.

Sociology of Health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Sociology of Health - Essay Example If both health and illness are viewed from a sociological perspective then it can be said that a body which breaks down should necessarily be repaired. Medical systems are required to systematize work around birth, disease, decay and death. Thus a person who is ill requires immediate programs to restore his health. Medical methods are necessary to organize one individual even when he is comes in this world. Illness and health are directly related to the social norms in this society. Illness is still excessively found in the lower classes of this society. This is because these classes are not provided with adequate health facilities on the right time. This shows the difference between the model of health and illness as the model of health clearly illustrates that one should be given adequate medical treatment faced by the problem of illness. However this is not possible because of the sociological factors which are involved in this concept. These factors include how one individual liv es and what age group does he belong to. It can be concluded that in order to practically apply the model of health it is necessary that all the problems encountered should be solved first. Ans. 3. Examine the key findings of the Black Report Ans. The Black Report was a research taken out in Britain in the 1980s to find out the issues about health and society. It gave an overview about the health social inequalities based on use of occupation as an indicator of social class. It analyzed the records of health of different people who belonged to different classes. All these results were analyzed according to the categories designed by the Registrar. The report concluded the over all issues of health in the UK. It stated that the health of the nation had improved over all but there was a difference of mortality among the classes. The individuals who belonged to the lower class were more vulnerable to diseases than the individuals who belonged to the upper class. It showed that the health standards descended as the class of people was lowered. The report clearly illustrated that all these health problems were related to the social factors such as low income, unemployment and poor living standards. The awareness factor was als o pointed out in the report as many people were not aware of different diseases which were being a cause of their death. The Black Report pointed out the basic factors which affected the overall health standards in the UK and desired a change in the overall system of the UK.4. Explain how the doctor / patient relationship influences the health of the patient Ans. There are contrary views on the doctor patient relationship in this world. Some doctors are of the view that if they get close to their patients then they are not able to properly treat their patients. However on the other hand it can be said that a good doctor patient relationship can lead to the recovery of the patient in an early time. This relationship is of a great influence to the patient's health behavior. Research has been done in order to find about the relationship between a doctor and a patient. A research conducted in Texas adopted the way of

Contract law Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Contract law - Coursework Example The paper defines a contract as an agreement between two parties or corporations that creates legally binding obligations and rights as pertains to the concerned entities. Contracts form the bulwark of communication, understanding and conducting business between two entities: individuals, or Business Corporation. Parties to a contract need to be very sure of the requirements of the contract and their stake in the endeavor, otherwise, they stand to lose financially extensively. This therefore means that for a contract to be sound: it has to involve two parties, there has to have been an agreement reached by the two parties and the contract must create legally binding rights and obligations. Litigation against a fellow passing by customer is invalid. To begin with, there is no contract arrived at by Arju and the fellow customer. Law defines their agreement as idem (mind agreement) but not a contract that is legally binding to both parties. This translates that litigation against the fe llow customer is null and void. This is since the customers’ information is not reliable and also the fellow customer has no duty of care towards Arju, this shield him from any litigation as a result of the information rendered to Arju and the consequences thereafter.Secondly, Arju cannot succeed in suing the fellow customer for compensation on the basis of caveat emptor (buyer beware). This is affirmed in a court ruling involving Smith v Hughes involving the sale of oats between the litigating parties. The plaintiff exhibited oats for the defendant to sample prior to the actual purchase and the defendant never complained. However, upon delivering the oats to the defendant, the defendant rejected them on the prospect that they were old and the plaintiff sued the defendant for compensation. In an appeal hearing, it was ruled that the seller acted in the best of interest and the buyer should have been aware of the shortfalls of contracts and not blame it on the seller. The cour t therefore revoked the litigation by the buyer. On this basis, by the fellow customer merely suggesting that Arju purchases the AK 47 water squirt as the ideal power washer, the liability for its non performance did not befall him. Arju should have been more careful and have adequate information on the best power washer and also be aware of the shortcomings of the power washer he was compelled to buy. It is evident that litigation against the fellow customer by Arju would not be successful2. A2. A sales assistant from the home decorating department who assures Arju that the store sells quality equipment, yet he has received over 200 faulty equipments in the past four hours Arju would successfully file litigation against the home decorating department assistant on the basis of misrepresentation. This is since the misrepresentation by the home decorating assistant has the four qualifications for a successful compensation to Arju as will be outlined. To begin with, the misrepresentati on was a statement. This statement is classified as a half truth as held by Lord Justice James in Arkwright v Newbold3 where he asserted that even if everything previously said is true but some information id left out, it qualifies to a false statement and consequently to misrepresentation. Even where the participants in the negotiations have no direct relationship with each other,

Advanced Financial Reporting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Advanced Financial Reporting - Essay Example Another way of achieving growth is through Merger and Acquisition (abbreviated as M&A). The former is also known is organic growth where the firm uses its own resources (retained earnings, reserves and surplus, or equity capital) for financing growth. The later is also known as inorganic growth where the acquirer firm buys the assets and liabilities of the target(s) as on a given date (Sherman, 2010, p.1). Thus, M&A are external growth strategy that gains popularity mainly due to globalization. It has become an important an important way for firms to expand their product portfolios and gaining new markets. M&A also helps the firm’s to acquire knowledge, latest technology and improved management capabilities. In addition, M&A has been found to be extremely successful for specific sectors like pharmaceuticals where extensive Research & Developments are required. R&D does not only require huge capital investment but also requires knowledge in relevant areas so that the target pro duct remains competent on global scale (Kumar and Yadav, 2005, pp.51-63). The main motive for any M&A is to experience a synergy in existing operations as well as profitability of the firms. However, it is also important to note that not all M&A have been successful in the past and thus some failed to maximise values leading to huge capital losses (Frensch, 2007, pp.48-49). In July 2013, TD Travel of Cheshire acquired Hotel scene, the hotel booking agency of Bristol and consequently created a new entity by rebranding called Corporate Travel International. The combined entity is expected to boost revenues for both the companies to over ?100 million and also employ more than 160 staff across different units. With reference to the above recent acquisition, the objective of this study is to discuss with reasons as to why such business combination has taken place and also explain the probable consequences or problems that the companies might face in future. Merger & Acquisition Strategy As on July 12, 2013, TD Travel completed the acquisition of Hotel Scene. The acquirer in this case is TD Travel where as the acquired is Hotel scene. The deal was finance and backed by private equity investment firm LDC. The acquisition is expected to create one of the largest and independent corporate travel and booking agent entity of UK. The companies have decided to re-brand the combined business into Corporate Travel International. It is also expected that such M&A will create a synergy that can boost the revenues of the new combined business entity of over ?100 million. The companies are also expecting to employ over 160 staffs in different branches located across London, Liverpool, Wilmslow, Bristol, and Hull. From the press release of the company it was found that the director of LDC is very optimistic about the M&A and has recommended the deal. He also believes that the management team of TD Travel is very experienced and motivated and thus holds immense potential to take t he new entity to the next level of stimulating growth trajectory. Regarding the financing of the deal, a package of working capital and senior debt facilities was provided by Lloyds Banking Group’s Finance and Acquisition team. The negotiation was primarily led by Relationship Director of TD Travel, Richard Townsend. The responsibilities of lead manager and advisory of the deal was given to BDO LLP which is also one of the most reputed Accountancy and Business

Competitive Analysis - Questionnaire Research Paper

Competitive Analysis - Questionnaire - Research Paper Example p and based on its international expansion in different regions like Portugal, New York and Paris it tended to reflect a fashion icon of Spanish fashion (Loeb, 2013). Total number of stores created by Zara by the close of 2013 amounted to 1,763 which along with its other family brands like Pull and Bear, Oysho and Massimo Dutti tend to meet the demands of customers reflecting different attitudes and preferences (don Quijote Salamanca S.L., 2014). Potential competitors of Zara relate to Hennes and Mauritz (H&M) and Topshop that specifically operate to meet the needs of the luxury and women customers (Doran, 2014). Another potential competitor of Zara relate to Mango that operates in meeting the demands of trendy wear for both male and female customers. Both Zara and Mango operate in the luxury segment through exclusive retail outlets and also departmental stores. The two companies focus on promoting its merchandises based on the use of website and Facebook as the primary advertising m ediums (Zara, 2013). 2. Direct competitors of Zara relates to the fashion retail companies like H&M, Topshop and Mango that essentially operate in the fashion retail segment. These companies are identified as direct competitors in that they directly compete with Zara in the luxury fashion garment. On the contrary the indirect competitors are identified to be such companies that though belong to the same business as the company cater to related customers outside the market periphery of the initial company (Glassman, 2010). Cortefiel is observed to be an indirect competitor to the Spanish fashion retailer Zara in that it operates as a Spanish fashion retailer that offers different products and brands to the regional customer base (Grupo Cortefiel , 2010). The background of the research is to understand the competitive potential of Zara both in the Spanish and the global retail market. It would aim to understand and evaluate the areas where Zara is losing its market to its competitors

Essay assignment, inferencing Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Assignment, inferencing - Essay Example Set in the early twentieth century Ireland, the story is narrated from a third person point of view. The key conflicts that the plot of the story develops is that of Eveline’s current choices – whether to stay at her home country and continue with her life as it is currently, or leave with her sailor boyfriend and chase the promises of a different, much rewarding but still uncertain future. James Joyce employs literary historicism to depict how life was in not only Ireland, but the entire Europe in the early twentieth centuries. The story is set in Ireland just immediately before the beginning of the first defining wars of that century. The country is characterized by a breakdown in social order which forms the core reason why the protagonist is trapped in the dilemma that she is in – whether to leave her home and her country for the uncertain destination posed by the seas. The family as the foundational social pillar is in distress. It is for this reason that the protagonist wants to cut links with her immediate past by leaving behind her family in the hopes that a faraway place holds a much more promising future for her and her husband. The protagonist reflects on how his father treated his brothers and on the unenviable role that her mother played in the family. In a characteristic norm during that period, she results to blaming England and the Catholic Churc h for her current predicament. England had made unwelcomed advances into Ireland in the early twentieth century. It is also during this period that rebel groups like the Irish Republican Army to take arms against the excesses of the British. Two years after James Joyce’s fictional account in Eveline. The Irish mounted an armed uprising to force the British rule out of their country – a timely response to the wishes of Eveline. The Catholic Church had also expanded its influence from Rome to

Mergers and Joint Ventures Essay Example for Free

Mergers and Joint Ventures Essay When a company is first born, the last thing on its owners mind is merging with another company. A merger is sometimes a voluntary and sometimes and involuntary transaction. If a company has found itself in a place of financial difficult or is simply exhausted all its resources to remain open, a merger may be the only way its employees can retain their position. The alternative would be to close its doors and give up. Below we will discuss the differences between horizontal, vertical, and conglomerate mergers and how these differ from a joint venture. Horizontal mergers occur between businesses within the same industry. Often between organizations that share the same space or sell similar competing goods or services. A horizontal merger is simply put two companies who consolidate to work as one to make the goods or services better or more profitably. A good example would be when Hewlett Packard and Compaq merged. Two rival competitors selling similar goods who merged together to continue making products as a team. According to the Minority Business Development Agency, â€Å"a vertical merger occurs when two or more firms, operating at different levels within an industrys supply chain, merge operations.† The idea behind a vertical merger is synergy. When two companies that are not necessarily selling the same type of product or products, but are in the same supply chain merge together to make a more efficient company is synergy. One example of a vertical merger would be if American Airlines merged with Boeing manufacturing company. This would cut out the middle man between American and Boeing, and give American more control of the process, versus having to go through a middle man. Conglomeration mergers are mergers between two companies that have nothing in common. Usually these two companies merge to diversify their holdings. An example of a conglomeration merger would be  like a company that makes ice cream merging with a company that owns grocery stores. Although the two companies are different, one can help the other and thus make a profit for both of the companies. The difference between a conglomeration merger and a joint venture is that a joint venture can be entered into by any two companies working separately from their original purpose on a joint project that will produce a profit for both companies. The companies agreeing to a joint venture do not necessarily have to change their original company structure or management. The original company may be a different entity entirely. Joint ventures enable companies to diversify. All of these mergers are example of companies that joined forces, and either one or both disregarded their individual identity. A joint venture in comparison is when a commercial enterprise is undertaken jointly by two or more parties, while maintaining their individual identities. This could be when a cable company and phone company create a joint venture to offer their customers’ services yet have all their bills on one tab. This makes it easier for companies to offer discounts for bundling services and makes it easy on the customer because they can go to one place rather than several places for different products. References http://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/horizontalmerger.asp Minority business development agency, U.S. Department of Commerce, (n.d.), Retrieved from http://www.mbda.gov/node/1409 N. Jones, 2010. Mergers vs joint ventures: What’s the difference? Retrieved from: http://www.brighthub.com

Ageism Employment Discrimination

Ageism Employment Discrimination AGEISM AND EMPLOYMENT Social and economic controversies surrounding age discrimination by employers in the workplace is becoming a major social problem. For baby boomers reaching age 55 and over, research implies significant generational issues in terms of attitudes of the employer and society in general (Palamore, Branch, Harris, 2005). Previous studies demonstrate that age discrimination is stereotypical among hiring managers in the workplace and is a leading social problem for the aging population (Gringart, Helmes, Speelman, 2005). According to (Marshall, 2007) ageism in the workplace relates to the employer’s impression and evaluation of capabilities. Judgmental attitudes based upon a person’s aging appearance, as opposed to their potential, is covert discrimination. Waller (2006) presents an interesting perspective of inequity and ageism the harassment by employers to persons over 55. Waller implies that employers face the same liabilities and legal consequences as that of discrimina tion by â€Å"race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or beliefs† (Waller, 2006 p. 33). Ageism as a psychosocial problem is detrimental to the emotional and mental well being of the persons experiencing discrimination in the workplace (Marshall, 2007). The population over the age of 50 faces significant vulnerability in the workplace where skilled workers are at a greater risk of termination than the unskilled younger worker (Roscigno et al., 2007). Ageism affects those approaching retirement age, persons 50 and over, who are not physically or mentally prepared for retirement. This premature event is demoralizing to persons who spent a lifetime committed to their no-longer-needed professional experience. It appears that policy makers lack consideration for the over 50-population and allow loopholes for the employers by unclear discrimination laws and regulations. MacGregor (2006) summarizes another factor of ageism in the workplace, the initiation, and enforcement of early retirement by offering incentives. If initiatives do not elicit early retirement, demoted status frequently leaves the persons with no alternative other than forced early retirement. Economic, social, financial, and stereotypical attitudes toward the aging workforce needs reevaluation by corporate America as the labor force of the aging population will soon exceed the younger labor force (Goldberg, 2000). The hypothesis of this study describes the profound affects of discrimination and displacement of person over 55 years of age in the workplace. Evidence finds that attitudes of ageism are a widespread dilemma, which is increasing the vulnerability of future generations in the workplace environment (Goldberg, 2000). The number of baby boomers reaching retirement age in the near future may change the attitudes about the graying workforce from a social and economic perspective (Wan, Sengupta, Velkoff, DeBArros, 2005). This study addresses unemployment and ageism issues of baby boomers in the state of New Hampshire, which compromises 30 percent of its population (Angiropolis, 2008). Hypotheses Review of current and past research provides empirical evidence, in conjunction with statistical trends presented by the New Hampshire Employment Security and Department of Labor (Angiropolis, 2008). This experimental study hopes to validate the presence of age discrimination, eliminating gender characteristics and hiring inequity, in New Hampshire. According to previous studies, age definitely played a role in hiring determination. Globalization of age discrimination affects society from a generational and economic viewpoint. Since the dilemma of increasing aging baby boomers area, a major economic portion of the workforce appears through previous literature as an ongoing social problem. Literature is a vital feature of this research study for the validation and emphasis of ageism as a growing social problem in the workplace. Therefore, a research survey identifying and validating the seriousness of ageism in the workplace, including New Hampshire is the hypotheses of this study. Review of Literature and Theories Rix, (2005) reports that â€Å"nearly 1.7 million workers aged 55 and older were displaced from their jobs between January 2001 and December 2003† (p. 4). Re-employment for many exceeds a period of 4-5 months. For example, the Employment Security Commission in Manchester, New Hampshire confirms the average unemployment compensation is between 20-26 weeks and unemployment benefits do not exceed a 26-week period (Asselin, A., personal communication, January 16, 2008). Ageism, reorganization, and lay-offs all displace employees. Often persons are over qualified, yet ageism appears to discourage hiring managers, although employers carefully avoid the topic of age due to discrimination laws and fears of lawsuits. Experienced workers in New Hampshire, include persons with academic degrees, years of vocational training, and life skills (Asselin, A., personal communication, January 16, 2008). In the past few years, statistics show an increase for persons over age 55 receiving unemploy ment in New Hampshire (Angiropolis, 2008). Ageism in the workplace is a global problem—one that exists in countries and states other than New Hampshire. Mandatory retirement, abolished in the United States in 1996 as part of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA, 1996), is not part of employment policy for Canadians. They still struggle with legislation to end age discrimination of persons from age 60-65. MacGregor (2005/2006) reports mandatory retirement is an ongoing political and social problem for the aging Canadian population. Additional empirical studies of the Australian aging population suggest inequity and stereotypical attitudes of hiring older adults (MacGregor 2005/2006). From a global perspective, this does not appear to be a consideration for hiring managers—ageism seems to take precedence over knowledge in the hiring decision. Gringart et al. (2005, as cited by Bittman, Flick, Rice, 2001) refer to a study that sampled â€Å"1007 hiring decision- makers† (Gringart et al., p. 88) and found most hiring managers preferred younger employees. Managers preferred training younger employees as opposed to older employees since stereotypically younger persons are purportedly more capable of learning. A similar study conducted in the United States indicated similar results of stereotypical attitudes towards ageism by hiring managers (Bendick, Jackson, Wall, 1999, as cited by Gringart et al., 2005). Recent research focuses on interaction, stereotypical aspects, and corporate expenditures influencing age discrimination in the workplace (Rosecigno, Mong, Byron, Tester, 2007). Considering previous research findings the existence of ageism and discrimination, is it plausible that societal views about aging are generational in nature, and in turn, influence attitudes of employers? Are the growing cultural differences likely to affect future generations if attitudes do not change? Vincent (2005) summarizes generational society as being a culture that is no longer specific to the younger generations; it includes persons transitioning from work to retirement. Where the over-55 population is forced into early retirement by employers, it appears from a social, political, and legal viewpoint to validate and reinforce stereotypical attitudes about this population. These behaviors present a growing problem and require reevaluation if indeed this is an increasing social problem.   For pers ons aged 55 and older forced into early retirement, discouragement and emotional issues generally escalate healthcare costs due to lack of income potential and isolation from mainstream society. In addition, Gringart et al. (2005) suggests early or forced retirement is a significant loss to the younger generation since the older, more experienced, and knowledgeable employee is no longer present to share the wisdom of experience and influence. What example is society teaching the younger generation about biases prejudices of the older population, and their future in the workplace? The astronomical numbers of over 55 workers forced to retire in 1999, â€Å"5.4 million† (Palamore et al., 2005, p. 82), indicates ageism is a growing issue in our society. Such loss of resources affects the economy and society in general and presents a negative view of aging. Every citizen needs to be concerned on the topic of ageism and discrimination in the workplace since future predictions imply the number of baby boomers reaching full retirement age will double within the next decade (Nelson 2005). The population will shift to a â€Å"Graying America† (Nelson, 2005, p. 218). Undo ubtedly, this shift will dramatically influence all aspects of society, including the aging population in New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Employment Security and Department of Labor reports the aging population of unemployed workers is continually increasing (Angiropolis, 2008). In 2004, the Department of Labor in New Hampshire reported a total of 6,901 displaced workers 3,450 males, and 2,641 females. Totaling 18 percent unemployed between the ages of 45-54 and 14 percent between the ages of 55-64 total claims for both groups totaled 4,426 unemployed persons that filed claims, the total for that year 28,000 claims. Current data of unemployment claims indicate a continuum of increase in 2006 reported claims of 6,592, in 2007, 7,536 claims reported. In addition, to the overall increase from 27,612 in 2006 to 35,609 in 2007 an increase of 7,609 between 2004 and 2007 (Angiropolis, 2008). Data of age groups for 2007, yet published, the significance of percentages of unemployed between ages 45-64 in past years indicates 32% of citizens in New Hampshire (Angiropolis, 2008). Previous data-reflecting ageism i n of displaced workers in New Hampshire requires further research in order to determine if there is a relationship between qualities and characteristics of hiring managers to either eliminate or reinforce ageism discrimination. Methods Participants A research study is questionnaires in the form of a survey of 400 random businesses in New Hampshire area to measure the characteristics and capabilities of potential employees. The qualifying participants must be owners, and or hiring managers. Materials and Procedure The research experiment is a self-designed survey to be conducted by telephone to participants. Utilizing the method of a Likert scale the survey seeks to ask hiring manager to list the most significant qualities when deciding to hire persons in their organization or company. This survey asks the participants to rank in order of their comfort level in job applicant capacity; the survey hopes to indicate stereotypical preferences of hiring employees by decision-makers (see Appendix 1). Participating hiring managers will be told the survey is voluntary in nature. If they chose to respond to this study of various decision-making attributes of hiring personal. Participants will also be told of the purpose of this survey instrument (a) educating future generations on how to prepare for employment, (b) the significant qualities, and characteristics that hiring managers are seeking. In addition, this instrument serves and an educational process of teaching the younger generation how to prepare for retirement at an early age. Since ageism appears to be a global issue with emphasis influencing stereotypical attitudes and assumptions of the aging workforce. Future projections of ageism as a deterrent when persons reaching over age 55 become unemployed and are unable to re-enter the workforce. Implications Limitations of the survey are primarily time constraints for this research study. In addition, sample size of respondents may not provided the results this experiment hopes to conclude in terms of stereotypical characteristics of decision-making by hiring managers. Moreover, some of the questions regarding age and gender may not be accurately disclosed by responding participants. Validity of this research is dependent upon honest factual responses by hiring-managers and the designer of the survey. The possibility that the responses are questioned since the validity of responses relies solely on the designer applies to the ethical principles of this researcher and study. A further limitation of this experiment requires permission from the ethics committee of the State Board of Psychologist in New Hampshire prior to the survey’s completion. Discussion Past research implies the validity of discrimination for persons over age 55, including premature termination and difficulty with re-employment. Research exemplifies the existence of negative ageism, yet little research questions the opinions of over 50 persons experiencing the dilemma of forced retirement and the rejection associated with developmental milestones of aging. As a diverse society where prejudices and biases exist from a cultural viewpoint, ageism ranks as a minority group. Perhaps further research addressing methods of creating societal change regarding cultural biases and prejudices can influence negativity around aging and employment. Several articles from peer-review journals provide significant empirical evidence of stereotypical negativity from employers in the workforce. In addition, a conversation with an employee from Employment Security Commission in Manchester, New Hampshire, regarding displaced persons aged 50 and over. Ms. Asselin provided written consent to use specific portions of this conversation for the use of this study. Ms. Asselin, reported, â€Å"I see older client’s everyday, which are more than qualified for positions, and are not employed by the hiring managers.† Most report they are over qualified; several persons are 50 and over. When directly asked the question of age discrimination, she states, â€Å"Definitely, we see this all the time, even though the employers do not mention age† (Asselin, A., personal communication, January 16, 2008). The null hypothesis (Ho) of business owners in New Hampshire is dependent upon the results of the survey data. In terms of validating if ageism characteristics plays a significant role in employer decision-making during the interview process. Thus, validating previous research that ageism is a global social problem. The argument that New Hampshire’s unemployed persons between the ages of 45-60 having difficulties re-entering the workforce is the premises of this research. In addition, if the survey concludes hiring managers display covert discrimination then further research of all New Hampshire business managers may indicate change is needed regarding attitudes towards ageism in the workplace. New Hampshire’s workforce is a fraction of the problem considering past research of age discrimination, research provides data that ageism is a global problem, that will likely increase in the next decade if attitudes do not change (Nelson, 2005). The reality and beliefs of this society indicates the capacity of older workers over age 55 lacks the ability of adequately training capacity. Performance decreases, or often miss work because of illness categorizes a culture of persons (Goldberg, 2000). This assumption and attitude stereotypically tries to diminish a population of persons by stigmatizing ageism. Does this mean that after age 55 and over, the quality of life, experience that this generation of persons provided for many years forced into early retirement and becomes no longer useful to society? Considering the baby boomer population will be the majority of the workforce within the next decade what affect will this impose on society if diminished from the workforce? Directions for the future Although discrimination is illegal, further research of attitudes of hiring managers can predict the affects age discrimination on future generations, the economy, and the healthcare system in New Hampshire. Differentiating whether ageism and discrimination are stereotypical in New Hampshire, is dependent upon the results of the survey. Since this experiment includes a sample of 400 of the potentially 100 plus hiring managers in New Hampshire. Future studies of all business owners, and or hiring managers may provide data that are more significant. More importantly is examining the assumptions that persons over age 55 are incapable of adequate productivity by hiring managers; otherwise, future generations will face the same deterrent attitude if change does not occur. Ultimately, everyone ages, changes in employment policies, decreasing age discrimination, for future generations is imperative. Since research supports ageism in the workforce appears to be a neglected social problem requiring further research of a marginalized population. Appendix 1 Survey Questionnaire Participant’s response indicated by circling one of the selections below, by the designer of the survey. 1. Education level: (a) High school diploma, (b) Some college (c) College graduates (d) Education level does not matter 2. Experience: (a) 1-5 years (b) 6-10 years (c) 11-20 years (d) prefer to conduct your own training. 3. Gender: Males (a) age 21-30 (b) age 31-40 (c) age 41-51 (d) age 51-60 (e) over 60 (f)no preferences Gender: Females (a) age 21-30 (b) age 31-40 (c) age 41-51 (d) age 51-60 (e) over 60 (f)no preferences 4. Appearance: (a) significant (b) somewhat significant (c) little significances (d) no significance 5. Technical ability: (a) significant (b) somewhat significant (c) little significances (d) no significance 6. Assimilation into the team: (a) significant (b) somewhat significant (c) little significances (d) no significance 7. Ability to work independently: (a) significant (b) somewhat significant (c) little significances (d) no significance 8. Professional standards: (a) significant (b) somewhat significant (c) little significances (d) no significance 9. Energy levels: (a) significant (b) somewhat significant (c) little significances (d) no significance 10. Productive peer relationships: (a) significant (b) somewhat significant (c) little significances (d) no significance References Angiropolis, M. (2008). New Hampshire Employment Securitys Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau. New Hampshire Economic Conditions, 108 (1) Retrieved January 16, 2008, from http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:T7mkj4veHl0J:www.nh.gov/nhes/elmi/pdfzip/econanalys/Look_forward/looking%2520forward_measuringunemp.pdf+age+of+unemployed+in+NHhl=enct=clnkcd=1gl=us Bittman, M., Flick, M., Rice, J. (2001). A survey of employers in a high growth industry. Social Policy Research Center: the Recruitment of Older Austrailian Workers. Gringhart, F., Helmes, E., Speelman, C. P. (2005). [Exploring attitudes toward older workers among Austrailain employers. Journal of Aging and Social Policy, 17(3), 85-103. Goldberg, B. (2000). Age Works What Corporate America Must Do to Survive the Graying of the Workforce. New York: The Free Press. MacGregor, D. (2005/​2006). Yes, right to work is fundamental, even for people over 65. Monitor: Economic, Social, and Environmental Perspectives, 12(7), 1-24. Marshall, V. W. (2007). Advancing the sociology of ageism. Social Forces, 86(1), 257-264. Nelson, T. D. (2005). Ageism: Prejudice against our feared future self. Journal of Social Issues, 61(2), 207-221. Palamore, E. B., Branch, L., Harris, Diana. (2005). Cost of ageism. Encyclopedia of Ageism, 80-83. Reio, , Jr. T. G., Sanders-Reio, J. (1999). Combating workplace ageism. Adult Learning, 11(1), 10. References Rix, S. E. (2005). Update on the older worker: 2004 (Public Policy Institute, pp. 1-4). Washington, DC: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Roscigno, V. J., Mong, S., Byron, R., Tester, G. (2007). Age discrimination, social closure, and employment. Social Forces, 86(1), 332-334. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunitiy Commission. (1997). The Age Discrimination In Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA). In Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1967 (Section 621, pp. Pub.-L 101-433). Washington, DC: Department of Labor and the Department of Justice, U.S. Vincent, J. A. (2005). Understanding generations: Political economy and culture in an ageing society. The British Journal of Social Psychology, 50(4), 579-599 Waller, C. (2006). Outlawing age discrimination: 2006. Engineering Management, 16(4), 32-33. Wan, H., Sengupta, M., Velkoff, V. A., DeBArros, K. A. (2005). U.S. Census Bureau. In Current Population Report (65+ In the United States, pp. 23-209). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.

Gender Analysis of Mary Shelleys Frankenstein

Gender Analysis of Mary Shelleys Frankenstein Gender identity entraps and limits us. Mary Wollstonecraft Shelleys, Frankenstein, or, The modern Prometheus. Shelleys Frankenstein a mix of the gothic and romanticism genre presents gender-related entrapments of the era, from the socially excepted at the time and additionally the representation of the inflexible society in which criticised choice relating to gender and social status. Although the role of the female characters maintains a constant, in the role of nurturer and a place of ensuring care for the patriarchal husband and children. Shelley does not provide a strong female protagonist in Frankenstein the reference made to the women in this novel presents an insight to Frankenstein himself as an obsessive man with a masculinity which differs to the other male characters. Vlasopolos, suggests Men in Frankenstein need less rescuing from obscurity; but they too are scrutinised according to class standards of deportment, attitudes towards money, and language before they are accepted as companions of aristocrats. (Vlasopolos:127). In this essay, Frankensteins rejection of masculinity, his struggle with social demands and his creature as an extension of his manhood will be explored. The reader is introduced to Frankensteins childhood and family structure. He is a talented man who departs for further education soon after the death of his mother, from scarlet fever which she contracted from Frankensteins arranged betrothed, Elizabeth. Frankensteins mother described as much younger than his father and adored by Frankenstein. The reader is witness to the mothers last moments. This moment is reiterated later in the novel concerning Elizabeth herself. As Frankensteins creature is complete, in fear filled dreams of Elizabeth, she died in his arms and resumed the form of his mother, the first love, before waking to the creature, which is desiring the attention of his creator. The reader, witnessing the dream finds confirmation of Frankensteins Oedipus complex. Again, Elizabeths death on the wedding night at the hands of the monster, Frankenstein himself finds comfort in holding the lifeless body of his bride. Veeder goes as far to suggest that Although Frankensteins desire to become Fitz-victor is achieved partially by giving birth to himself as a monster, he remains a son so long as he: has a father. Alphonse must die.'(Veeder:380) By the removal of the father, Frankenstein could, therefore, become the role of father, through self-creation by, the underlying desire of creator and father as achievable. The role of the monster, therefore, becomes an extension of the creator to achieve his desire. The ugliness of the creation and the fear from the creator may represent all that Frankenstein was hiding from himself. As both the creator and the created had a desire to belong as they are; not by a role which society had thrust upon them. The monster appeared for the most part when the creator was in distress suggesting that; Frankenstein himself is the monster. As the creation desired belonging, love and to be accepted not as the monster at a physical level replaced by the rage to which drove the monster to eliminate the relatives of his creator, in the hope that the bond between the creator and the created would blossom as there would be no other. Firstly the death of William the youngest brother, the love of the father. The death at the hands of the monster is the first step to destroying Alphonse. Justines death may represent the lack of choices the monster denied the love of a woman and Victor unable to choose the life companion. The death of Justine, the rage of the monster realisation of not belonging and Victors self-internal guilt for her death extends the grief of William. Followed by the death of Clerval, Frankensteins closest friend, a magnanimous person who gives generously of himself to others, (Badalamenti:430) described as the perfect male form of beauty. The obsession of Frankenstein and the monster of the beautiful made Clerval a target due to the ideal of masculinity both the creator and the created both desired. Clervals death represents the loss of the super-ego and self-consciousness within Frankenstein. Elizabeths death on the wedding night. The monster wanted to have his creator to himself and removed El izabeth as Frankenstein did to the monster after requesting he make a companion, but also making Frankensteins dream a reality. The ultimate death is the one of Alphonse the hierarchical superior, the grief of loss onto the family brought death to this figure. The loss of which Frankenstein knows the actions of his monster resulted in the passing of the father became the turning point in the plot. Instead of a bedridden madness which plagued Frankenstein at times of distress, he becomes the father he desired. To hunt down his creation and destroy the part of himself now all that enforced the male role had no influence. To which Frankenstein before his death finds a companion in Walton who sees him as he wishes to be viewed, consequently the monster himself resides to death as his desire to bond with his creator was denied. Resulting in the passing of the creator and the created, without achieving the social acceptance they desired. Shelley offers a journey of Frankensteins social expectations and avoidance to become the masculine norm of his class. Frankenstein feared the expected role which waited for him. Hence, the history and family structure are essential to understanding Frankenstein. The monster eliminates the woes of Frankensteins life; therefore the creature could represent an extension of self, an unconscious primitive nature expressing unrestricted impulsiveness. Waltons letter to his sister of Frankensteins warnings; Shelley suggests sex and class norms associated with gender should be followed to prosper in life. Frankensteins documented words; Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow. (Shelley:43) Hence, Frankenstein concludes his self-made ambiguity against his expected gender role, became the destroyer of all that he thought he did not desire but ultimately required for survival. Bibliography: Badalamenti, Anthony F. Why Did Mary Shelley Write Frankenstein? Journal of Religion and Health, vol. 45, no. 3, (2006) 419-439. Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft. Frankenstein, or, The modern Prometheus. Camberwell, Vic: Penguin, 2006. Print. [Originally published London: Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor Jones, c1818.] Veeder, William. The Negative Oedipus: Father, Frankenstein, and the Shelleys. 12, no. 2, (1986) 365-90. Vlasopolos, Anca. Frankensteins Hidden Skeleton: The Psycho-Politics of Oppression (Le Squelette Cachà © De Frankenstein: La Psycho-politique De Poppression). Science Fiction Studies 10, no. 2. Web. 1983 Additional References: Bissonette, Melissa Bloom. Teaching the Monster: Critical Thinking. College Literature, vol. 37, no. 3, The John Hopkins University Press (2010) 106-120. London, Bette. Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, and the Spectacle of Masculinity. PMLA, vol. 108, no.2, Modern Language Association (1993) 253-267

Effects of Religious Education on Theme and Style of James Joyces The

Effects of Religious Education on Theme and Style of James Joyce's The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Although Joyce rejected Catholic beliefs, the influence of his early training and education is pervasive in his work. The parallels between Biblical text and The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man are abundant. As Cranly says to Stephen, "It is a curious thing, do you know, how your mind is supersaturated with the religion in which you say you disbelieve" (232). The novel progresses in a way that seems Biblical in nature; thematically it compares with the creation and fall of man and/or Lucifer. In addition, the style is at times similar to Biblical text, using familiar rhythm, repetition, phrasing and imagery. As with the Bible, Joyce begins his novel with the importance of the word. He then relates sensual impressions, as if a newly formed creature were experiencing the physical world. Then, as the center of his universe, Stephen also learns the meaning of words and the power of words. He is like Adam bringing order to things by giving them names. But Stephen's knowledge comes not only from the material world, he learns through a sudden-knowing, similar to spiritual understanding, a process Joyce calls intuitive or epiphany. His thirst for knowledge both intellectual and sensual brings him in conflict with his father (Jesuit and heavenly). He falls from grace and experiences hell (through the power of word and his very vivid imagination). Because of his terror of hell he responds at first with repentance, but after reflection, with defiance. At the end of the novel he leaves his homeland, his place of origin, and prepares to begin a new life in a new land. THE WORD In the beginning was the word. Throu... ...because of what has happened to him, but because of his response to those events. He was not the only young Irish boy to have a self-sacrificing saintly mother and an irresponsible drunkard father. He was one of hundreds if not thousands of boys to be indoctrinated and trained by the Jesuits. What made him different was his response and that response was unique to him, and that uniqueness was born in him. So, the ultimate conclusion of the novel is that the artist is born, not made by human ways, but created by the powers of nature and/or God. Works Cited: Joyce, James. The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. New York: The Viking Press, Inc., 1958. Joyce, Stanislaus. My Brother's Keeper James Joyce's Early Years. New York: The Viking Press, 1993. Levin, Harry. James Joyce, A Critical Introduction. New York: New Directions Publishing Corporation, 1960. Effects of Religious Education on Theme and Style of James Joyce's The Effects of Religious Education on Theme and Style of James Joyce's The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Although Joyce rejected Catholic beliefs, the influence of his early training and education is pervasive in his work. The parallels between Biblical text and The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man are abundant. As Cranly says to Stephen, "It is a curious thing, do you know, how your mind is supersaturated with the religion in which you say you disbelieve" (232). The novel progresses in a way that seems Biblical in nature; thematically it compares with the creation and fall of man and/or Lucifer. In addition, the style is at times similar to Biblical text, using familiar rhythm, repetition, phrasing and imagery. As with the Bible, Joyce begins his novel with the importance of the word. He then relates sensual impressions, as if a newly formed creature were experiencing the physical world. Then, as the center of his universe, Stephen also learns the meaning of words and the power of words. He is like Adam bringing order to things by giving them names. But Stephen's knowledge comes not only from the material world, he learns through a sudden-knowing, similar to spiritual understanding, a process Joyce calls intuitive or epiphany. His thirst for knowledge both intellectual and sensual brings him in conflict with his father (Jesuit and heavenly). He falls from grace and experiences hell (through the power of word and his very vivid imagination). Because of his terror of hell he responds at first with repentance, but after reflection, with defiance. At the end of the novel he leaves his homeland, his place of origin, and prepares to begin a new life in a new land. THE WORD In the beginning was the word. Throu... ...because of what has happened to him, but because of his response to those events. He was not the only young Irish boy to have a self-sacrificing saintly mother and an irresponsible drunkard father. He was one of hundreds if not thousands of boys to be indoctrinated and trained by the Jesuits. What made him different was his response and that response was unique to him, and that uniqueness was born in him. So, the ultimate conclusion of the novel is that the artist is born, not made by human ways, but created by the powers of nature and/or God. Works Cited: Joyce, James. The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. New York: The Viking Press, Inc., 1958. Joyce, Stanislaus. My Brother's Keeper James Joyce's Early Years. New York: The Viking Press, 1993. Levin, Harry. James Joyce, A Critical Introduction. New York: New Directions Publishing Corporation, 1960.

Fiscal Policy of the Republican Party :: essays papers

Fiscal Policy of the Republican Party When Bill Clinton and the Democrats stormed to power in 1992, their anthem was the 1970s rock ditty "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow." In the aftermath of their crushing defeat in November, Democrats today are humming a different tune, that of the 1960s surf classic Wipeout. And you have to go back even further than that--to 1952, to be exact--to truly understand the magnitude of the catastrophe that befell the Democrats. That was the last time Republicans, sporting big grins and "I like Ike" buttons, won the House and Senate. When the 104th Congress began it’s rule, the Republican party became king of the Hill, thanks to angry voters who turned the election into a search-and-destroy mission. The GOP easily won the Senate and seized control of the House by grabbing a mind-boggling 52 seats. After two years of watching him struggle, voters bellowed "Time's up," opting for a divided government. The ascendant Republicans and their Sunbelt Democratic allies can now supplant Clinton-style activism with their conservative agenda--a hard-edged vision of limited government. "We will not only be able to kill bad legislation, we'll be able to dictate the flow of legislation," crowed Representative William Paxon, now chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. At the time Clinton had to come to terms with sharing power with some of his least favorite people: Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole and Speaker Newt Gingrich. Many top executives (an overwhelming 85% according to a Newsweek magazine pole, Nov. 1993) rated Clinton's performance as fair to poor. The genetic code of the Republican party is to create an environment that is more conducive to business. For Republicans, the immediate goal now is to hold their position as the majority in both houses of congress and win control of the White House. They want to cut taxes, restrain spending, and be more innovative in delivering services to the people. they have uncorked dramatic initiatives, among them a call for a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, a new attack on deficit spending, and tax relief for the middle class. They want to slash welfare rolls, stiffen criminal penalties, and limit lawmakers' terms and perks. And they'll promote new regulatory relief for business. Chopping away with machetes is just what the Armies of the Right have had to do.

Cultural Observation

In my adventure to find the right store for this assignment, I solicited the assistance of my neighbor. My neighbor, Edith Harbor and her husband Larry own a convenience store in Gaga Priest, located in the northern region of Sonata, Mexico so this was the venue of choice for me to observe for a few hours. Before entering the store, the first thing I observed was the modest appearance of the building. The building was not as fancy or modern as mom of the building in American.It was covered in traditional Mexican colors and language written on the walls as well as locals seated on a bench outside the door. This reminded me of some of the local stores I was accustom to when growing up in Georgia. The local people were as observant of me as I was of them, paying close attention to what I was saying to my friend Edith. Edith was very familiar with many of the people in the area so she was able to introduce me to some of the people entering the store. One of the main things saw as well as smelled was garlic.The reason for this is he Harbor own local garlic farmers and they just recently harvested the garlic which was being sold in their store. Edith also makes and sells tamales in their store, which are a traditional Mexican dish made out of corn. As I reflect on this experience, it forced me to pay very close attention to better understand what people were saying because they were primarily speaking Spanish. English being my native language, I had to watch what I said to ensure that I did not say anything offensive. I was very impressed with the way each person presented themselves in the way they interacted as well as he way they dressed.Most American is not very courteous or considerate to their elders but I noticed how they would address their elders. This is something I was accustoming to from a youth growing up in the south being respectful Of my elders and this was displayed by many in Mexico. This observation also affected my intercultural communication in a way that has forced me to want to perfect my Spanish so could better interact with Edith and her family. Cultural Observation In my adventure to find the right store for this assignment, I solicited the assistance of my neighbor. My neighbor, Edith Harbor and her husband Larry own a convenience store in Gaga Priest, located in the northern region of Sonata, Mexico so this was the venue of choice for me to observe for a few hours. Before entering the store, the first thing I observed was the modest appearance of the building. The building was not as fancy or modern as mom of the building in American.It was covered in traditional Mexican colors and language written on the walls as well as locals seated on a bench outside the door. This reminded me of some of the local stores I was accustom to when growing up in Georgia. The local people were as observant of me as I was of them, paying close attention to what I was saying to my friend Edith. Edith was very familiar with many of the people in the area so she was able to introduce me to some of the people entering the store. One of the main things saw as well as smelled was garlic.The reason for this is he Harbor own local garlic farmers and they just recently harvested the garlic which was being sold in their store. Edith also makes and sells tamales in their store, which are a traditional Mexican dish made out of corn. As I reflect on this experience, it forced me to pay very close attention to better understand what people were saying because they were primarily speaking Spanish. English being my native language, I had to watch what I said to ensure that I did not say anything offensive. I was very impressed with the way each person presented themselves in the way they interacted as well as he way they dressed.Most American is not very courteous or considerate to their elders but I noticed how they would address their elders. This is something I was accustoming to from a youth growing up in the south being respectful Of my elders and this was displayed by many in Mexico. This observation also affected my intercultural communication in a way that has forced me to want to perfect my Spanish so could better interact with Edith and her family.

Pizza palace’s restaurant Essay

   Backing storage comes in various forms for example compact disks and floppy disks. Backing storage is a portable and convenient way of saving information. To reduce the risk of data loss it is wise to save information on the computers hard drive and make a copy onto a disk or another type of backing storage for insurance purposes. Types of backing storage:   Floppy disks: The most common storage device available, these provide extremely cheap storage and have a capacity of 1. 5 Mb.   Compact Disk (CD-ROM): These have been used for some years as storage devices for computer software. It only accesses information which is already stored on it and is able to store 650 Mb of information.   Zip Drives: A storage device that has become popular over the last few years because it offers the convenience and portability of a floppy disk, combined with a 100 Mb capacity.   CD-R and CD-RW:The difference being that CD-R disks can only have data saved to them once, While CD-RW can be used in the same manner as other storage devices having data saved to them on a re-usable basis.   DVD (digital versatile disc) using the same basic principles as the CD, DVD packs the data more densely and can store 4. 7Gb compared with the CD’s 650Mg, can hold 133 minutes of video, with Dolby surround sound. Data pens: A new storage device that plugs into the computers USP drive. These are small and compact and have a capacity of 80Mb.   Magnetic Tape: Convenient and cheap medium for backing up hard disks onto computers. Mostly used for mainframe computers for storing information for a long duration. Magnetic tapes will not be suitable for a small company like Craven Plc. Data Protection: Craven Plc must comply with the data protection act in order to hold personal information of customers. The data protection act works in two ways. It gives you certain rights. It also says those who record and use personal information must be open about how the information is used and must follow the eight principles for good handling. The eight principles were put in place to make sure that your information is handled properly. They say that data must be: 1. Fairly and lawfully processed. 2. Processed for limited purposes. 3. Adequate, relevant and not excessive. 4. Accurate. 5. Not kept for longer than is necessary. 6. Processed in line with your rights. 7. Secure, and 8. Not transferred to countries without adequate protection. Micro computers: Micro computers include personal computers and laptop computers, they are usually equipped with hard disk, floppy disk drive, between 1 and 32 megabytes of memory, a keyboard and a VDU unit. Microcomputers will be suitable to fulfil the needs of Craven Plc. Mainframe Computers: These are large systems that can hold vast amounts of data. Mainframe computers occupy a whole floor of a fair sized building. These powerful mainframe computers are present in very large companies storing huge amounts of data on to disk. Mainframe computers cost tens of thousands of pounds, therefore they are not suitable for a small business like Craven Plc. File Server: This is a specially configured microcomputer to control the exchange of files between network users. A file server also has more memory and disk storage than normal microcomputers. These classifications of computers are usually based on physical size, speed, processing capabilities, memory size, disc storage, capacities and cost. Direct and Sequential Access: Direct access devices can go directly to the file or record. For example a CD can go directly to track number 10. Sequential access devices have to run through the file sequentially, for instance, if we want track 10 on a cassette, The cassette moves from the beginning from track 1 to 9 until it comes to track 10. 4) Proposed purchases and prices of equipment 2x Sony Intel 2. 6GHZ DVD CDRW Laptop   256Mb RAM, 40Gb Hard Drive DVD/CDRW Drive   15 inch TPT screen i 899 each = i 1798 4x Packard Bell 6111 Intel Pentium 42. 8GHZ processor and 15† TFT monitor   Intel P4 2. 8 GHz processor * 512 Mb RAM   160 GHb Hard Drive i 1199 each =i 4796 4x PacKard Bell 5050 and Xp2600+ PC and 17† CRT monitor   Athlon Xp 2600 & processor   256Mb RAM. 60 Gb hard Drive i 549 each =i 2196 4x Hewlet Packard DJ 9300 A3 Desktop printer i 279 each =i 1116 3x Hewlet Packard scanner i 99 each =i 396 Network- Windows 2000 professional i 3449 Web Designer Approx 3000to4000 Training costs i 2000 Specialist soft ware – Sage Accounts i 2000 Web Train Video Conferencing i 1000 Total cost i 22751 5) Proposed method of change over from manual to the new computerised systems Before the change over can take place an extensive training programme needs to take place. This may take several months to train the current workforce in the correct operating procedures of the new system. To ensure information will not be lost in transition the old manual method needs to be in place for the first 2 months along side the new computerised system. In the unlikely case of system collapse information and data will still be on hand. This change over will inevitably endure a small cost of training and staff development. 6) Procedure to transfer the payroll from the old to the new system Payroll is something Craven Plc cannot afford to get wrong. Therefore manual systems need to be in place for 3-4 months along side the new computerised sage accounts system. This will again ensure against loss of data.

Discussion topic

I really appreciate the way you listed the steps in selecting random samples. I did not come across any steps or rules to obtain a simple random sample. The lottery Is a form of simple sampling. It does not use any method to select numbers other than the population number set. Consecutive numbers can be drawn or number far apart from each other. I would like to know more about the difference between the type of random sampling used in lottery draws versus the sampling method steps you scribed.The only type of selection process in the text book definition states simple random sampling uses selection of elements from the selection frame (Burns, 2011). References Burns, N.. Grove, S. K. , & Gray. J. (2011). Understanding nursing research: Building an evidence-based practice. Maryland Heights, MO: Elsevier/Saunders. Your post brings up the very important fact that the sample size need to be large enough to represent the target population (Ramsey, 2011).Target population size eyeing too s mall is a common problem with random sampling as you have described with Autism ratios. If there were more states Involved with the CDC Autism survey, the results may differ. The question or research being done may not need a large population as well. Random sampling need to have a large enough size, must represent the target population and must truly be random (Ramsey, 2011 Ramsey, D. J. (2011). Statistics for dummies. Hoboken, N. J: Wiley.Cluster sampling Is a productive way to obtain random sampling of a very large population. National restaurant chains test new menu items In this way. When I lived in Ohio, it was a big test market area. Supposedly the population of Ohio was thought to be representative of Midwestern people. Area restaurants such as McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Domino's introduced new menu items in this area to survey their popularity. I do not know what type of demographic data was used to determine that Ohio residents were representative of the Midwestern populat ion.It was nice to get to try the new menu Items before the rest of the country. The first McDonald's salads and Domino's try at breakfast pizzas were yummy. The Taco Bell French fries didn't make it. This was a good example of being part of a large cluster sampling process without ever knowing it. I think you covered all the different types of sampling very thoroughly. I am not sure the term census Is a type of random sampling. Census Is usually a method of attempting to collect date from an entire population (Ramsey, 2011).

Land Law Essay

Proprietary estoppel protects a person who has a non contractual agreement over land but they have suffered a detriment due to them acting upon a reliance based on an assurance made by the claimant. There has been much discussion in recent case law and academic commentaries as to the elements which make up the nature of proprietary estoppel. Unconscionaibility is a major point for discussion in deciding whether it should be treated as a separate element or if it is linked into the three main elements. This essay will consider and discuss the nature of proprietary estoppel and the two views on unconscionaibility; whether there will always be unconscionaibility if there has been a non-performance of an assurance causing the claimant to suffer a detriment based on the assurance which they relied on or if unconscionaibility should be proven as a separate element in each case. The starting point of proprietary estoppel was in the case of Willmott v Barber (1880) where five criteria were laid down, which had to be satisfied by a person claiming proprietary estoppel and the courts applied these criteria to a wide range of proprietary estoppel claims. However these criteria were criticised for being too strict leading to the broader approach established in Taylor Fashions Ltd v Liverpool Trustees Co Ltd (1982) where Oliver J stated: ‘whether, in particular individual circumstances, it would be unconscionable for a party to be permitted to deny that which, knowingly or unknowingly, he has allowed or encouraged another to assume to his detriment’. Although the approach became broader there still remained essential elements which must be satisfied for a successful claim. The more modern approach towards proprietary estoppel is based on three main elements, firstly an assurance of land or property being made to the claimant, the claimant relying on the assurance which has been made and finally the claimant suffering a detriment as a consequence of relying on the assurance made. The main point for discussion and questioning in proprietary estoppel is the role of unconscionaibility and whether it should be treated as a fourth element which too must be satisfied in order for a claim to be successful or if unconscionaibility is interlinked with the other elements of proprietary estoppel. Proprietary estoppel acts as ‘a sword and a shield’ and can be used in one of two ways. ‘Put positively, the reason why it is possible to use proprietary estoppel to generate a property interest in a favour of a claimant despite the absence of the normal formality rules is because of the need to prevent unconscionable conduct. This is why unconscionaibility is the foundation of estoppel. It is the antidote to the otherwise fatal absence of formality. ’ This is one of the views on unconscionaibility which suggest that unconscionaibility is at the heart of proprietary estoppel rather than a separate element of it. The first element of proprietary estoppel is encouragement where the claimant’s belief that they would have some rights over land or property has been encouraged by the promisor and this could have been done actively or passively. Active encouragement is seen in common expectation cases where the claimant has been actively persuaded through an express representation as in Inwards v Baker (1965) where a son was actively encouraged to build on his fathers land in the expectation that it would be his in the future. Common expectation cases are dealt with more generously by judges, compared to passive cases, as the promisor has lead the claimant to have a reasonable belief that they would acquire the land therefore leading them to rely upon that assurance causing them to suffer a detriment. It would be seen as unconscionable in a common expectation case for the claimant to have been encouraged to suffer a detriment for the promisor to then go back on their assurance, meaning that unconscionaibility is instantly a running theme in the elements as it can be seen at the first instance and should therefore not be treated as a separate element. The encouragement could also be passive, for example a land owner standing by watching someone build on their land knowing that somebody is acting under a mistaken belief. The nature of a passive expectation made to the claimant can be distinguished in commercial and domestic cases as was seen in Cobbe v Yeoman’s Row Management Ltd (2008) where the House of Lords established that the expectation of an interest in land should not be vague in a commercial situation. The expectation should be for ‘a certain interest in land’ for proprietary estoppel purposes which was not the expectation held by Cobbe therefore the expectation was held to be too vague. Lord Scott stated ‘Unconscionaibility in my opinion plays a very important part in the doctrine of equitable estoppel, in unifying and confirming, as it were, the other elements. If the other elements appear to be present but the result does not shock the conscience of the court, the analysis needs to be looked at again. This statement shows how case law endorses the unconscionaibility approach as being interlinked with the other elements of proprietary estoppel however if all of the elements are not satisfied there can not be a claim for proprietary estoppel as is the case here. In domestic (family) cases, the nature of the expectation doesn’t have to be so specific as long as there is an interest or right in land that would amount to a significant expectation. The assura nce made must be clear enough so that claimant is found to have relied upon. Lord Walker stated in the case of Thorner v Major (2009) â€Å"There is no definition of proprietary estoppel that is both comprehensive and uncontroversial†¦the doctrine is based on three main elements, although they express them in slightly different terms: a representation or assurance made to the claimant; reliance on it by the claimant; reliance on it by the claimant; and detriment to the claimant in consequence of his (reasonable) reliance† One view on unconscionaibility stated that ‘Once there has been detrimental reliance on an assurance, it is unconscionable to withdraw it’ therefore if it cannot be proven that an assurance existed then it wont be unconscionable for it to be withdrawn showing that unconscionaibility is a running theme within proprietary estoppel rather than a separate element. One difficulty in deciding these kinds of cases is that although an assurance has been made to the claimant in the way of a will, the claimant is also aware th at the will could be revoked at any time therefore the question to be asked is whether their reliance based on the assurance was adequate. The second element of proprietary estoppel is reliance where the claimant must have been encouraged to rely on the promisor’s assurance which has caused them to suffer a detrimental loss by changing their position and there must be a sufficient causal link between this in that the encouragement must have caused the detriment suffered. Reliance can not be treated as an element alone it has to have caused a change in the position of the claimant, if no detriment has been suffered then there can be no claim for proprietary estoppel. There are several ways in which the courts can show how the claimant was influenced to rely on the encouragement; firstly is by clearly showing that there has been a change in position by the claimants positive act, for example the claimant spending money on the land or making property improvements based on the assurance that it will become theirs, causing them to suffer a detriment. Where the claimant has acted in a way different to what he would had the assurance not been made nd relied on this can also show how the encouragement has influenced the reliance causing a detriment as in Jones (AE) v Jones (FW) (1977) where a son acted on the assurance of property becoming his left his job and house to live with his father, however had the assurance not had been made he would not have done this leading to the detriment that he suffered. There can be a presumption made that the claimant relied on the assurances given to them based on there conduct and in these cases the burden is put onto the other party to prove that the claimant did not rely on the promises made and this is hard to prove as it is a subjective matter based on the claimants state of mind. This was the case in Greasley v Cooke (1980) where the defendant did not have to prove that she relied on assurances as it was presumed from her conduct. The final element of proprietary estoppel is that the person must have suffered a detriment due to the reliance on the assurance which has caused a change in their position. The detriment suffered can be in many forms not just that of financial detriment although it must be substantial in making it unconscionable for the land owner to withdraw their promise of land to the claimant. Walton v Walton (1994) shows where financial detriment wasn’t the main detriment suffered, the claimant had suffered a personal detriment as he had spent years of his life relying on the assurance made to him that the farm would one day be his, and he couldn’t get those years of his life back. Public policy in formalities of contracts plays a major part in the deciding claims for proprietary estoppel. Section 2 Law of Property (Miscellaneous Previsions) Act 1989 states that (1) A contract for the sale or other disposition of an interest in land can only be made in writing and only by incorporating all the terms which the parties have expressly agreed in one document, or where contracts are exchanged, in each. This act stops informalities in land transfers where a claimant would be expected to sign up a contract but hasn’t done so, as in Cobbe, and this is where they would turn to proprietary estoppel to try and show that the detriment which they have suffered is due to the unconsionability of the removal of the assurance which they had originally relied on. Proprietary estoppel acts as a way around formalities and a form of protection for those who have not followed contractual formalities in the transfer of land. Why should people be able to use proprietary estoppel to make a claim for land where they have followed formalities and drawn up a contract as in Cobbe, it can be seen that it is not unconscionable for the promisor to withdraw as there is no contractual agreement. However in domestic cases where there wouldn’t always be an expectation of a legal contract to be drawn up proprietary estoppel can stop unfair decisions being made due to the lack of formalities where it would be unconscionable for the defendant to suffer a detriment due to an assurance on which they have relied. There are clearly two competing arguments against proprietary estoppel, the first being that ‘once there has been detrimental reliance on an assurance, it is unconscionable to withdraw it. Indicating that unconscionaibility is a function of the three elements. If unconscionaibility was seen as a separate element then it would be pointless in having formalities as it wouldn’t matter whether it was unconscionable or not as long as the other elements had been satisfied. The second view on unconscionaibility is that of it being a separate fourth element and in some circumstance this can be seen as being successful for example in commercial cases where the first three elements of proprietary estoppel have been established but it would be unconscionable for the claimant to benefit due to the lack of formalities and contractual agreement.

Planning Personal Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Planning Personal Finance - Essay Example anced understanding with respect to the manner through which personal financial decision-making is affected as well as the tactics and tools that can and should be integrated with at each and every stage of the financial planning cycle of the individual investor (Irving, 2012). Of all of the understandings that will be represented within this brief analysis, perhaps the most important is with respect to understanding the fact that the most relevant financial products that should be considered at every stage of life are neither uniform nor static. What is meant by this is that the changes in the overall financial outlook of the individual investor, the changes in career, the changes in wealth, the changes in savings, the focus upon different aspects of resources, and the manner through which all of these focuses evolve throughout the lifetime of the individual investor. The first and most obvious stage of the typical financial lifecycle of an individual is with regards to early childhood. Within this particular stage, few if any resources exist for the individual to promote their own financial independence and the future. However, within this particular stage, the individual is presented with an understanding of the value of money and needs to which it can be earned, state, and instruments such as interest can be engaged as a means of maximizing the overall amount of money that the individual has. Rather than merely glossing over this particular stage of financial lifecycle development, it is extraordinarily important that stakeholders within society seeks to engender a level of understanding within young people of this demographic that money has been innate and tacit value that must be understood and appreciated. Moreover, by choosing to make wise financial decisions, the value and overall utility that the money can bring to the individual is also a tool that can be understood and utilized within this particular period of life (O’Neill, 2011). Whereas many

Business Communication - how to become more effective within the Essay

Business Communication - how to become more effective within the organization - Essay Example These objectives could both be short term as well as long term – both looking to stabilize the working capital of the organization and its different tenets. (Cappelli, 1999) To be effective within a business communication setting, there is a need to have proper and sound policies when it comes to e-mail communication, cross cultural exchange and lastly correct usage of diversification within an organization. E-mails that are sent out in an organization need to be written and sent in a manner which could easily be read and understood by the right mix of audiences that work within an organization. This means that the language used should be readable and easy to interpret. (Jackson, 2007) Any organization would dearly want to have employees who could make out from a variety of different Internet languages, which also brings to light the notion of understanding and comprehending the ‘net lingo’ – the mix of informal Internet language and the common, daily use terms like ‘hey’, ‘u’, ‘f9’ and so on. Cultural differences have been the root cause of the ever-increasing number of issues related with various cultures merged at a single place. It has been going on for a long time and researchers, though trying their best, have not been able to find a suitable remedy for the problem. There are definitely some guidelines attached with the smooth interaction and transfer of cross-cultural issues but they are hard to come by and even harder to implement at the work place, more so if the employees are not that comfortable with the same. (York, 1994) Cross cultural awareness is increased within the companies and its people through effective managers who can bridge the gap between them culturally and socially. It is adopted through extremely viable work styles, cultures and practices within the office work place. Productive relationships between employees result in a better understanding of the business in general and amongst the cross-cultural factions

Long Term Consequences of Colonizing Africa Research Paper

Long Term Consequences of Colonizing Africa - Research Paper Example Italy, Denmark, Belgium, Germany also participated but were some of the minor players when compared with the other countries mentioned. By the end of the nineteenth century almost all the entire continent was under political control of at least one European power. European expansion into Africa was encouraged mostly by the industrialization era in Europe as those countries sought raw materials for new and growing markets. Many historians, however, felt that there were many and varied reasons. â€Å"There was the lure of adventure, the search for personal freedom, the sense of mission. There was greed and vanity and lust for power.† 1 The decolonization of Africa, for the most part, took place towards the middle of the twentieth century. Many of the problems faced by Africa today can be attributed to the impact of colonization. There has also been positive impacts, however, that have helped to move the continent forward since the pre-colonial era. One of the major long term consequences of colonizing Africa is the political culture of the different countries. Prior to the colonial era most of Africa could be described as a stateless society. Many of the borders of these modern states were created according to the whims and fancies of the different colonial leaders. â€Å"Namibia’s odd shape was created by the strategic requirements of a German foreign minister†2 . The current political rulers of the varied African countries retained the boundaries set by the colonial rulers with the exception of modern day Tanzania and Eritrea. . This in some way helped in the social identity of the different nations. Hodder stated that ‘once the colonial boundaries of Africa have been drawn up they acquired a permanence, which assisted by unified administration within them, helped to engender modern African unity’3 . In the establishment of the Organization of African States in 1963, on of the agreement made by the members was