Introduction to managerial accounting slp Assignment

Introduction to managerial accounting slp - Assignment Example With its many stores around the world, considering its chain, 16,120 stores in over 49 countries, over 10,000 stores in the United States, and many other outlets in the rest of the globe makes the company an international coffee powerhouse. The main products are the drip brewed coffee and expresso-based hot coffee drinks. As a good customer of Starbucks coffee products, I took a keen interest to study the company’s managerial accounting analysis in planning and controlling processes. This paper thus looks into how the managerial accounting works for planning and controlling processes in Starbucks. The financial records are the financial agents of any firm in matters concerning accounting management. Using the internal control process, it is true that the internal control of Starbucks over financial reporting includes maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect Starbucks’ transactions and give logical assurance that the transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our financial statements. Secondly, these managerial accounting principles give some logical facts and assurances that receipts and expenditures are made in accordance with management authorization (Gilligan & Wilson, 2009). Finally, the managerial accounting facts provide reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of company assets that could have a material effect on the Starbucks’ financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. In analyzing the roles of the managerial accounting in Starbucks, it is important to determine the facts about managerial accounting. According to Maital & Seshadri, (2007), managerial accounting is basically concerned with providing information to personnel within Starbucks’ organization so that they can plan, make decisions, evaluate performance, and control operations. There are no rules and regulations associated with this field since the information is intended solely

Deontologism vs. Utilitarianism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Deontologism vs. Utilitarianism - Essay Example It advocates for fair consideration of other people’s interests while undertaking an action. Simply put, utilitarianism states that â€Å"we ought to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of people† or in another form, â€Å"inflict less harm on the least number of people† (Kanniyakonil, 2007, p. 65). A utilitarian would therefore contemplate the possible impacts of his or her action to other members of the society. Based on the doctrine, an act that threatens other people’s stakes is therefore avoided while a beneficial act is promoted. Singer, based on his four principles, argues that â€Å"pain is bad,† consideration into harmful acts should not be discriminatory and should be based on consequences of contemplated actions (Rachels and Rachels, 2007, p. 281). Utilitarianism can be understood from two perspectives, â€Å"act utilitarianism, and rule utilitarianism† (Kanniyakonil, 2007, p. 65). Act utilitarianism is based on each action by a person, which ought to always be consistent with the ethical principle of maximum good. It is defined by the view that good actions leads to good rather than harmful results. Act utilitarianism therefore judges actions from the specific consequences of a particular act, or intentions into such consequences rather an existing moral value (Kanniyakonil, 2007). ... The two approaches therefore differ with respect to time of determination of what is good and what is evil. While action utilitarianism determines morality upon an action or upon contemplation of an act, rule utilitarianism pre determines morality upon conception of an ethical value in a society (Kanniyakonil, 2007). Utilitarianism is further understood from four philosophical perspectives, â€Å"‘welfarism’, ‘consequentialism’, aggregative, and maximizing† (Kanniyakonil, 2007, p. 66). According to welfarism, utilitarianism is fundamentally determined by the resultant good from an initiative. Cosequensialism on the other hand focuses on the impacts of an act as opposed to its nature. Consequential theory therefore evaluates and determines an action with respect to available alternatives to the action and approves the most beneficial alternative. Aggregative and maximizing concepts of utilitarianism are on the other hand based on the view that even the most beneficial alternative is associated with possible reservations into unhappiness (Kanniyakonil, 2007). Associated problems Utilitarianism, regardless of its assumed appeal to maximum good from actions, has a number of associated problems. One of the problems faced under utilitarianism, and with respect to determination of the best alternative for maximum good is its reliance on probability. This means that there is no accurate measure of possible good to justify utilitarian approach to determining ethics (Kanniyakonil, 2007). Rachels and Rachels also identify a number of problems that seems to undermine the basic principles and assumptions of utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is for instance associated with injustice. This based on the difference in scope between morality and law. In

Handling Teenage Pregnancy Analysis Social Work Essay

Handling Teenage Pregnancy Analysis Social Work Essay Teenage pregnancy is no longer a surprising news to the public. Teenage pregnancy referring to McGraw-Hill dictionary, understood to occur in an age 13 to 19 who has not completed her secondary school study, has few or no marketable skills, is financially dependent upon her parents or continues to live at home and is often mentally immature . It made a critical impact upon Hong Kong society and it became a significan issue in society and academic fields. The paper would illustrate the brief history and contemporary situation in Hong Kong. It will also analyzes the social work pratice area of teenage pregnancy in Hong Kong and the reason why it is a hard task to deal. This is one of the social work practice that I think it is difficult for me to work on. I would review literature and cases about how can social workers handle this problem for the preparation for the further study and future work. Introduction In the past ten years of the 20th century, British governments became aware of teenage pregnancy issue as a significant public health and social problem . As a long-time sociologist on this isssue has observed, teenage pregnancy has become a veritable industry . This view was shared by Hong Kong society. Official statistics have already clearly shown the teenage pregnancy problem years ago. According to the a public survey on school-based sex education in Hong Kong conducted by Department of Social Work at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, among those aged 26 or below who requested for abortion in the past three years, 3% of them were teenagers below 16. Moreover , 183 teenagers aged below 18 gave birth in 2006 . All these statistics have again aroused the public concern. For the social work field, this is a social issue worthy of discussion. A local youth organization in Hong Kong conducted an exploratory and qualitative study focusing on teenagers who had become pregnant under the age of 18 (Hong Kong Federation of Youth Group 1995b). This is a in-depth study on teenage pregnancy in Hong Kong. The total of 25 girls were interviewed whom were referred by the Social Welfare Departmaent and other NGO. The study aimed at finding out their attitudes towards sex and contraception as well as the decision-making process regarding abortion. It explored that more interviewees chose to have an abortion in Hong Kong than to give birth to a baby that may trouble their futures. About half them made the decision to terminate the pregnancy within 2 weeks. However, four girls could not make up their minds or come to an agreement with their boyfriends . In these cases, the 24th week passed without a decision, making it too late for a legal abortion. Dealing with their issues of pregnancies, they worried more about the unpredictable chang es in their future life than the social moral or others impression on them. All in all, it concluded that these girls had actively participated in the decision-making process, moreover, even make the decision by themselves. In some condition,heir parents were not in direct practical help and some parents even did not know the problem at all. Difficulties in handling teenage pregnancy I know the most difficult part for me to handle the teenage pregnancy case is client self-determination phase. The client may be already suffered from her own confusion and the complicated emotion. As a professional social worker, must help the client to understand the pros and cons in her situation. Following the NASW Code of Ethics social workers respect and promote the right of clients to self-determination and assist clients in their efforts to identify and clarify their goals . This decision making is an overwhelmed task for everyone. To choose an abortion, means a loss of a essential attachment relationship . It is a more psychological tramua than a biological hurt. Choosing to keep the baby, also lead to a loss of the normal life, facing the threat of social norms, financial problem, parental style, end up of education, etc. It seems that there is never a good choice. In this helping process, it may conflict with my own interest and personal value and I afraid that would influence the clients self-determination ability. I feel confident with my professional of non-judgmental, but talking about providing the options, it is hard for my preference of anti-abortion. My mother is a Christian and her Christian value of opposing abortion has a great affect on me. From a Christian view, deliberate abortion, unless the mothers life is in danger, is murder. I agree with the idea that this is kind of killing the most defenseless livin beings by taking away their most basic right to live, without their permission. So this is also the reason why in some countries, abortion is illegal. The baby is innocent. It is a tragedy that one have no right to determine to live or not. I regard the baby as human life though some people say it is only an unwanted tissue. Besides, teenage abortion patients are more likely to come up with physical risks. Because their bodies are not yet fully developed and can not produce pathogens, which are found in the cervical mucus of older women and protect them from infection . These teenagers are also twice as likely to experience cervical lacerations and higher risk for post-abortion infections such as pelvic inflammatory disea se and endometritis . Scared by above information, I was clear that my personal interest is an obstacle to me of giving the unwed mother the choice of abortion. On the other hand, continue the pregnancy, the major concern is raising up the baby. If the baby could not born in a complete family, or the parent were reluctant to accept his/her, it may cause a negative effect on the babys whole life. It is not his choice to come to this world, but he have to bear all these. I really believe in the family of origins lifelong affect on the baby. Social scientists have found that the children growing up in single parent families are disadvantaged in many aspects comparing to a two-biological-parent families . Studies shows that these children are more potentially to have deviant behaviors such as become low acadamic achievement, drug abuse, join a gang, ect. Many of these problems are related to the poor economic condition and parenting style. To be honest, none of us want to born in a single parent family. The child may rather his mother did not give birth to him, but he have no choice. I worry that my dilemma of these cases would affect these sensitive teenage as they are really vulnerable under such condition. In the future work, I realize there is no way to escape from all this kind of issue. I have no choice but find out a applicable way to deal with it. How do social worker handle teenage pregnancy After doing literature review, I found the cardinal values of social work give me an effective support to handle these crisis. The Code of Ethics point out that all human beings deserve access to the resources they need to deal with lifes problems and to develop their full potential . As a social worker, we must believe that the client have the ability to make the preferable decision. Keep neutral and enhance their problem-solving and decision-making capacity in order to avoid conflict between our personal beliefs with the clients value. Tough decision to make Applying empathy to this kind of cases, we should recognize their emotional reactions. If we can not stand in their positions, it is impossible to help them to help themselves. During this period, their emotion would be easily affected and would go through shocked, frightened, frustrated, angry, helpless, lost and alone, worried and shameful. Showing acceptance and being supportive is essential, it can lower the clients anxiety and build up a trustful relationship. After the clients management of her emotion, weigh out the options, for example: her mental or physical health during prenancy, the financial conditionl and family support of the teenagers family, the family and status of the father, the future education or other plans for her . In the helping process, she is assisted to appraise her strengths and weaknesses as well as her extant resources and limitations, identify and assess alternatives, show empathy on her thoughts and feelings as well as take serious consideration of the welfare of the baby . Understand and inform the client about the pros and cons of all the choices, utilize the resources and then respect her choice no matter what it is.. Though the final decision is made by the client, this choice in fact would not be decided by her own. No doubt this would involved of her family support system or partner and friends social network. These teenager are tend to make decision under the pressure given by their parens or boyfriends. Mothers choice Usually, social worker whom work on the teenage pregnancy case will provide the teen three options and help this client to assess her situation. Keep the baby. If the client decide to keep the baby, the social worker should make it clear to the realistic demands of the costs whether now or the future. Make sure she get the fully perspective of the future challenges. Many kinds of responsibilities she has to take, such as physical and psychological changes, financial risks or maternal management. And the most important, is she well prepare for the new role of a parent. Give the baby up for adoption. The most crucial task before the babys birth, is consider to make the maximum benefits for the baby. Though it may broken the mothers heart. After concerns of the babys better future, some pregnant girls will continue their pregnancies and painfully give up the baby for adoption. If the client face her situation of not ready for a parenthood, no matter what kind of factors, we should respect her choice. She is bravely admitting she is not ready to becom a mother but want her baby to achieve a better life. To choose adoption can arouse the sense of loss and guilty. This feeling will start with the pregnancy itself because the expectant parents realize the fact of accept the loss of their own immediate life plans . Dealing with sadness and guilt is not easy, some of them may really suffer from the fact that permanently separated from their child or even feel grief and shame last a lifetime. So analyze all these cost and possibilities and inform her as much details as possible, it help her feel in control and confirm of making this decision. End the pregnancy. Some time abortion is a hard but reasonable choice. Abortion is a very sensitive issue for many people and a very difficult decision to make for many women. But to some extent, finacial or psychological limitation, they have no choice but to give up their babies for adortion for further consideration. Having an abortion under 24 weeks is considered legal in Hong Kong. Also, social worker should make sure that the client is informed the possible consequences, by consulting the doctor, the family and the partner to evaluate the determination. How if I face this issue As I realize the difficulties of myself in dealing with teenage pregnancy, the best way to solve this dilemma is follow the ethical principles. All social workers work is helping people to help themselves. What I have to do is to help her find out the best way to solve her problem. First is to keep confidential. Only in this way, the client assured that their information will not known by others so that will talk freely and provide more imformation. The principle also point our the confidentiality is not absolute when the client present a danger to self or others . I may discuss this concerns with my client and let her to decide whether to continue the services under such situation. A teen may face a dilemma, whether to tell others or not. When we feel the involvement of a parent or friends could be helpful, but she may not want any outside involvement . It is reasonable that under the pressure of social norms, this young girl will like to keep a secret. Senior social work suggest that the best way is explore her reluctance of telling others, after that, is up to her decision. And then, consent is an important ethical issue as well. We suggest voluntary involvement with the case to the client. For instance, Canadas common law states that people can consent if they are capable of understanding their problem, the proposed treatment, and the likely consequences of having or refusing treatment . In another word, it is her choice to consent or refuse. Facing any kind of deviant behaviour, a social worker must be non-judgmental. All of us were have been taught that we should not make judgments in class. As a human being, it is hard of putting none emotion on others. Geldard holds the view, that being non-judgmental and treating client with unconditional positive regard are goals which we should try our best to achieve. Though this is difficult, we need to explore in supervision any personal issues which may be interfering with their ability to be more accepting . I should strive to do this in order to build up a trustful relationship with the client. Conclusion Teenage pregnancy is a multifaceted issue that involve so many factors. As a social worker, understanding these teenagers as they try hard on making their decisions regarding sexuality and parenthood involves , keep in touch with their perceptions of themselves and their assessments of the opportunities that waiting them . After writing this paper, I recognize I had considered too much about humanitarianism and fostering a healthy baby, but neglect the pregnant teenager-my client. A social workers most concern is how to help the client to make maximum benefit in her situation but not to judge if they are right or wrong. I have to learn and practice more on believing in the clients ability to solve the problem and respect her choice. I will not pass judgment on the client who are confronting difficult decisions, they are doing the best they can.

Economic Growth Essay -- Economy, Neoclassical Model

According to the New Classical Model, economic growth can be achieved by accumulating labor, capital and other factors of production. Since all these factors experience diminishing marginal returns, the economy can only achieve a steady equilibrium income through continuous increase in saving and investment but at the same time reduce population growth. However, a policy that helps to increase both savings and investment but at the same time reduce population growth especially in developing countries is difficult to be implemented. This was supported by Blomstrom and Kokko (2003) who claimed that developing countries have low-income that lead to low savings with higher population growth rates. Solow (1956, 1957) also recognized the importance of technical progress as a determinant of economic growth. Technology is an exogenous factor. Per capita income cannot be increased to a steady state or even to a high level income economy unless these technologies are converged. The modern growth theory also supported the importance of technological progress because it can convert diminishing returns to increasing returns. Technological progress can take place in the form of education, training and research & development (R&D). With this, developing countries have the potential to grow faster. Blomstrom and Kokko (2003) confirmed that the potential of converting this knowledge of technology depends on the economic level of capital. The economic level of capital in a nation is determined by two sources. One is the domestic capital and the other is the foreign capital. Domestic capital is obtained through domestic savings made by the public and private sectors. Meanwhile, the foreign capital is obtained through the inflow of foreign dire... ...ious channels that create location advantage. Thus, location advantage can be obtained through channels like financial development, human capital development and environmental condition. In contrast, Chakraborty and Nunnenkamp (2008) claimed that economic growth influenced by location advantage does not necessarily bring positive impact but also negative impact to the economy. This supported the study by Li and Liu (2004). When foreign direct investment inflow takes place it can create job opportunity, economic growth, solve indebtedness and transfer technology but at the same time it can also create negative impacts like deficit in the balance of payment, pollution, economic dependence and social problems. Kugler (2005) also claimed that foreign direct investment can also affect industry negatively as well as positively, where it is usually underestimated.

History of state and federal prison Essay

Prisons, unlike jails, confine felons sentenced to longer then a year to serve their sentence within the facilities. They are operated by state governments but the Federal Bureau of Prisons also houses federal offenders in Federal penitentiaries. Since its establishment of prisons within the United States, over-crowding has always been a growing problem in both state and federal prisons. Since the beginning of the first state penitentiary in America, which was Walnut Street Jail led by Dr. Benjamin Rush in Philadelphia in 1790, officials and scholars have always been looking for more humane and reformed alternatives to punishments for criminals. Through the years state prisons have found ways of making the penitentiaries more humane and reformed through public work services and other forms of labor. In the 1930s, state prisons developed prison work camps in which inmates would be made to work various labor jobs as â€Å"slaves of the state†. Today prisons are much different where they do offer labor programs in some states, prisons are more for reforming the criminals through educational and religious programs. As well as work there is also the variety of security levels for prisons present today which are: Maximum-security prisons, Close high-security prisons, Medium-security prisons, Minimum-security prisons, and Open-security prisons. Most state prisons have multilevel prisons to house various levels of securities depending on the offender. State prisons aren’t the only one that has history throughout the years, as there is also Federal prison. Congress passed the â€Å"Three Prisons Act† in 1891, establishing the Federal Prison System implementing the first three prisons: USP Leavenworth, USP Atlanta, and USP McNeil Island. Throughout the years of federal prisons there have been various forms for federal prisons that house particular groups of offenders from juveniles, implemented in the 1920s, to reformatories for women. This moved to establish a more centralized way of doing administration and that was through the Federal Bureau of Prisons in 1930. Through the years, BOP has opened 16 institutions bring the total of federal prisons to 115 with a population of more than 211,310. State and Federal prisons may have their issues to work on as far as overcrowding and prisons conditions but the United States would not be where it is today without the help of our prison systems and it’s officials. References †¢ Federal Bureau of Prisons, (2010) retrieved from http://www.bop.gov/about/history/first_years.jsp †¢ Foster, B. (2006). Corrections: The fundamentals. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Media Convergence Worksheet Essay

Questions Answers What is meant by the term media convergence with regard to technology, and how has it affected everyday life? Media convergence means to bring together old world media coverage with new age technology media coverage. It means someone who does not watch a particular show can still learn a lot about the show via certain websites, such as YouTube. It means people can use their smart phones to access the Internet and gain information on that show they did not watch and still be up to date on what is going on. By using the same smart phone, a person could cast votes for a show he never even watched because of the websites he could visit and gain information from. Also, a person could make video and post it to YouTube, it could be seen by a lot of people, drawing major attention to it. Because of all the attention, the news channels may pick up on that and do a broadcast on it. This could cause even more hits to that video. This is how information is shared most of the times, by mixing old media means and new world technology. Media convergence has affected everyday life in that you do not need to be home when a show is on in order to be up to date on it. You could be on a train and still see the show if you have a phone, laptop, or tablet and Internet access. Media convergence gives a person the ability to stay connected to all things media with the use of the Internet. You no longer have to be home to gain that access. What is meant by the term media convergence with regard to business, and how has it affected everyday life? Media convergence with regard to business means the merging of computing and information technology companies, telecommunications networks, and content providers from the publishing worlds of newspapers, magazines, music, radio, television, films, and entertainment software. This means that one company controls several products or services within the same industry. This could be like a company that owns a newspaper, has its hand in book publishing, broadcast television, and film, etc . Media convergence in a business’ everyday life means that they have the ability to do more  than just one company with only one fire burning. If a company only prints book, then they can only do that. But if there is a mother company that prints books and newspapers, they have just upped the amount of money they can make. The same can be said if the company has the ability to print books, newspapers, and magazines, as well as broadcast television and create films. They can make that much more money at once by owning all those different media outlets for people to enjoy. Outside of the money aspect, if a company can have their hand in that many media outlets, they are that much more of a recognized business. The more exposure a company can get the more successful it will likely be, and be able to stay in business for a longer period of time. What are some of the issues that result from dependency on modern media? Describe at least three issues. One of the issues that results from dependency on modern media is that children between the ages of 8 and 18 spend more than 7 hours with electronic devices each day, in which they c an view about 11 hours of media content in that time. Yes, the children are getting more done in less time, but is it really quality â€Å"work† they are getting done? Or are they performing what is another issue that results from dependency on modern media? With modern media, a person has the ability to multi task. He could be on Facebook, tweeting on Twitter, texting a friend and uploading a YouTube video all at the same time. The problem with multitasking is a person is not giving 100 percent of himself to one thing, instead only a portion of his attention is focused on each task. The result is multitasking allows more things to be done at once, but done poorly. Another issue that results from dependency on modern media is the potential for the Internet to erode attention spans, making minds distracted and less capable of deep, thoughtful engagement with complex ideas and arguments. The thought here is that before modern media you read all of the words to understand what was said, whether it was a book, newspaper, or magazine. With modern media a person can skim through the reading and find only the simple little parts they are seeking. For example, when on the Internet you do not need to read for understanding a full article, you only need to skim to gain a slight understanding of what is said. How does media literacy help with responsible media consumption? Media consumption is more responsible due to media literacy because the information is easier to access and has more outlets for easier access,  thanks to the Internet.

Letter of Recommendation Sample Close Colleague

Letter of Recommendation Sample Close Colleague SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips You don't have to be somebody's boss to write her a recommendation letter. You might have a coworker ask you to write one when she applies for an internal promotion or a position outside the company. This sample letter's written by a colleague for someone applying to a leadership position at another company. As a coworker and friend to the candidate, the writer can speak both to her professional skills and to her personal interests. Read on to see how the writer supports his colleague's job application. Sample Recommendation Letter #7: Written by a Coworker Mr. Ernie SandersChief Marketing OfficerGlobex Tech55 Valley RoadPalo Alto, CA 95014 Dear Mr. Sanders, I’m very pleased to recommend Alice for the position of Editor-in-Chief with Globex Tech. As a fellow IT Content Editor at CloudArk, I’ve worked alongside Alice for the past five years. Not only has she been a key player on our team, but she’s also become a close personal friend. Alice’s skills and leadership qualities would make her an invaluable addition to your information technology content development team. While Alice has found success at CloudArk, helping increase our blog traffic from a few thousand to over one million monthly readers over her time here, she’s looking to maximize her skills as a leader within a larger company. Our small start-up doesn’t yet have the opportunities for leadership for which Alice is qualified. Alice is poised to step into a role of editorial management for a content program with the potential for global reach. Alice can plan, create, and market IT content and build a global presence for Globex Tech. She’s an excellent writer and editor with a facility for translating technical information into engaging content. She has used her knowledge of the tech world both to popularize CloudArk’s blog and to develop a platform for educational training, including IT-related certifications, workshops, and webinars. She has her finger on the pulse of technological trends and provides content that’s both useful and captivating to readers. Alice marries her writing skills with a working knowledge of digital and inbound marketing. She works across social media, email campaigns, and other public relations outreach to effect viral engagement. Her last three posts across our social media platforms generated an all time high of 20,000 shares and helped bring in many unique visitors. In a leading position with your company, Alice would use strategic tactics, like search engine optimization and social media metrics, to take your web presence to the next level. In addition to her professional qualifications, Alice has personal qualities that make her well-suited to leadership. She’s naturally fallen into the role of â€Å"point person† that many of us go to with questions. She’s not afraid to take risks and often suggests new directions to explore. Alice was instrumental in introducing our educational platform for training, for instance, a direction that has proven to be very fruitful. She’s committed to quality, growth, and progress, and she inspires her team members to strive for the same. In short, Alice is a person with vision. On a personal note, Alice has become a close friend over our years of working together at CloudArk. She organized several social events for the company, like bar meet-ups and 5k races, helping to facilitate team cohesion and allowing us to form a great friendship. In fact, we’re going trail running this Saturday. Alice’s fun and friendly personality are just icing on the cake of her many other qualifications. Alice has my highest recommendation for the position of Editor-in-Chief with Globex Tech. I’m excited to see the directions in which Globex Tech will grow under Alice’s leadership. Please feel free to contact me for any further information. Thanks very much for your time. Sincerely, Robert WordsworthIT Content EditorCloudArkrwordsworth@cloudark.com(866) 811-5546 Robert sounds confident that Alice has the editorial and social media skills to beEditor-in-Chief. Recommendation Letter #7: The Breakdown This recommendation letter sample is one written by a coworker for someone applying outside of the company. This coworker describes his personal friendship with the applicant while also pointing outthe applicant’s professional skillsand work performance. He starts with a statement of strong support, as well as an explanation of why Alice is looking to step into a leadership position at a larger company. Robert describes Alice’s past accomplishments and future potential. He shows how she contributed toCloudArk's growth, describing her skill in content creation and knowledge of technological trends. He also touches on her digital and content marketing abilities, both of which would be essential in her target job. In addition to discussing her experiences, Robert explains that Alice has the leadership capabilities and vision to move into an Editor-in-Chief position. He says she’s become the â€Å"point person† for her colleagues while also excelling at collaborative work. This former skill is further evidenced by virtue of the fact that the letter is written by a work colleague. As Alice’s friend, Robert’s also able to touch on some of her personal interests, providing an additional dimension to the letter. Overall, Robert states strong support for Alice’s application and gives examples as to why she’s ready to step into a position of editorial leadership. His letter presents Alice’s editorial and marketing qualifications and proves that she’s established positive relationships with her colleagues. Want to provide a strong recommendation for your employee, but don't have the time to craft the perfect letter? PrepScholar's new recommendation tool, SimpleRec, takes you from good intentions and a blank page to a fully written and formatted letter of recommendation in under 5 minutes. All you need to do is give us some simple pieces of information about your employee and your experience working with them, and we'll do the rest. Try out SimpleRec risk-free today: What's Next? Not everyone asks a coworker or manager to provide them with a letter of recommendation. People who are just out of college often ask a former professor. Check out this next recommendation letter sample to see how a professor supports a former student's job application! Are you looking for more rec letter samples? Refer to this complete reference letter guide to find more samples and learn more about the letter writing process.

The Concept of The Natural Step essays

The Concept of The Natural Step essays Can Natural Step promote sustainability in Organisations? There are three examples where companies have used The Natural Step and the outcomes prove whether it promotes sustainability. The examples shown are Stena Metall AB, an industrial recycling, trading and shipping company. The second example is Scandic Hotels and example three is Interface, a manufacturer of commercial floor covering. The Natural Step is a non- profit environmental education organisation with sight of the socially and ecologically sustainable society. Karl Henrik Robert, a cancer doctor in Sweden, discovered Natural Step in 1989. He noticed an increase in childhood leukaemia cases and seen and understood an association between human illnesses and toxins. The approach for The Natural Step is to develop their framework, and put it to use in companies and other organisations. They intend to support it, plus Work towards becoming role models in the domain of sustainable development. Internet. The Natural Step promotes sustainability, and to define sustainability this is when materials are used in continuous cycles, reliable sources of energy is used continuously, and qualities of being human is sustainable. Examples would be as follows: creativity, co-ordination, appreciation, and spiritual and intellectual development. Internet The Natural Step sets out a framework to guide companies and organisations in a direction towards sustainable development and defines the framework it lays out. The purpose of the framework is to explain in the simplest terms so that companies can understand it and integrate in their everyday work. It includes four core processes: i. Understanding the nature of business and society that is unsustainable and the interest of inspiring towards sustainability. ii. Understanding the principles for sustainability, i.e., the four systems Conditions. iii. Strategic visioning through back-casting from a desired sustain...

Fundamental Physical Constants in Physics

Fundamental Physical Constants in Physics Physics is described in the language of mathematics, and the equations of this language make use of a wide array of physical constants. In a very real sense, the values of these physical constants define our reality. A universe in which they were different would be radically altered from the one that we actually inhabit. The constants are generally arrived at by observation, either directly (as when one measures the charge of an electron or the speed of light) or by describing a relationship that is measurable and then deriving the value of the constant (as in the case of the gravitational constant). This listing is of significant physical constants, along with some commentary on when they are used, is not at all exhaustive, but should be helpful in trying to understand how to think about these physical concepts. It should also be noted that these constants are all sometimes written in different units, so if you find another value that isnt exactly the same as this one, it may be that it has been converted into another set of units. Speed of Light Even before Albert Einstein came along, physicist James Clerk Maxwell had described the speed of light in free space in his famous Maxwells equations describing electromagnetic fields. As Albert Einstein developed his theory of relativity, the speed of light took on relevance as a constant underlying important elements of the physical structure of reality. c 2.99792458 x 108  meters per second   Charge of Electron Our modern world runs on electricity, and the electrical charge of an electron is the most fundamental unit when talking about the behavior of electricity or electromagnetism. e 1.602177 x 10-19 C Gravitational Constant The gravitational constant was developed as part of the law of gravity developed by Sir Isaac Newton. The measurement of the gravitational constant is a common experiment conducted by introductory physics students, by measuring the gravitational attraction between two objects. G 6.67259 x 10-11 N m2/kg2 Plancks Constant The physicist Max Planck began the entire field of quantum physics by explaining the solution to the ultraviolet catastrophe in exploring blackbody radiation problem. In doing so, he defined a constant that became known as Plancks constant, which continued to show up across various applications throughout the quantum physics revolution. h 6.6260755 x 10-34 J s Avogadros Number This constant is used much more actively in chemistry than in physics, but it relates the number of molecules that are contained in one mole of a substance. NA 6.022 x 1023 molecules/mol Gas Constant This is a constant that shows up in a lot of equations related to the behavior of gases, such as the Ideal Gas Law as part of the  kinetic theory of gases. R 8.314510 J/mol K Boltzmanns Constant Named after Ludwig Boltzmann, this is used to relate the energy of a particle to the temperature of a gas. It is the ratio of the gas constant R to Avogadros number NA: k   R / NA 1.38066 x 10-23  J/K Particle Masses The universe is made up of particles, and the masses of those particles also show up in a lot of different places throughout the study of physics. Though there are a lot more fundamental particles than just these three, theyre the most relevant physical constants that youll come across: Electron mass me 9.10939 x 10-31 kg   Neutron mass mn 1.67262 x 10-27 kg   Proton mass   mp 1.67492 x 10-27 kg   Permittivity of Free Space This is a physical constant that represents the ability of a classical vacuum to permit electric field lines. It is also known as epsilon naught. ÃŽ µ0 8.854 x 10-12 C2/N m2 Coulombs Constant The permittivity of free space is then used to determine Coulombs constant, which is a key feature of Coulombs equation that governs the force created by interacting electrical charges. k 1/(4πΠµ0) 8.987 x 109 N m2/C2 Permeability of Free Space This constant is similar to the permittivity of free space, but relates to the magnetic field lines permitted in a classical vacuum, and comes into play in Amperes law describing the force of magnetic fields: ÃŽ ¼0 4 Ï€ x 10-7 Wb/A m

Planning Your Financial Future Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Planning Your Financial Future - Assignment Example Other skills that will be significant in my career include: project management, planning and organizing, technology, and dedication to continuous learning. After identifying the appropriate career which in my case is marketing, I will have to be prepared to face any career development and alteration in the future. For this to be possible, I will have to remain dynamic in career planning in the short term. In addition, for me to become an expert in the paths of career, I will have to conduct various researches on careers and to scan the environment on regular basis. By doing this I will be better equipped for my next decision. Your target timeframe for the purchase, including the funding of associated costs, taxes and deposit My target timeframe for my first house purchase is 5 years. An estimated budget for servicing your ideal lifestyle including contingency plans (insurances and emergency funding) The intended house to be purchased is a three bedroom house at a cost of ?180,000incl uding all other related expenses. It is located at Cole Close London SE28. It is near Thamesmead shopping Centre. It has a small garden, garage, and is three bed-roomed. Insight and opinion on renting versus buying- The purchase of first house is not mainly about the ownership of personal property. Owning a home involves several costs, risks and responsibilities. My insight and opinion on renting versus buying is that it is better to rent a house rather than to buy. In my view it is costly to buy a house. Renting is better because of: first, simplicity. It takes minimal time to find a house that fits ones needs and desires. Buying on the other hand involves obtaining adequate finance and conducting the necessary inspections hence, buying is time consuming. Secondly is the convenience in renting a house rather than buying. The landlord will be responsible for various tasks of maintenance and upkeep. Therefore, no expenses are incurred on maintenance of a home. Thirdly is flexibility. In a rented house, it is easier to move unlike when in ownership of a house. After buying house, one becomes less mobile. When changes arise for example, in the workplace and one is forced to move the procedure of selling and buying another house is expensive. Fourthly, is increased liquidity, when renting one has large inheritance or fat paycheck. However, one is stretched when buying the first home since it involves down payment and related costs hence, cleans up ones money. The related costs of buying a house include; mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance, maintenance and repair expenses. On the other hand, while renting one can keep extra cash for one self and makes budgeting easier without upkeep-expenses that home owners are likely to incur. Such expenses involve sudden urge to replace a leaking roof or old furniture and fixtures. Fifth, renting has better diversification. Those with purchased houses have bulk wealth tied in their homes rather than on better altern atives such as stock, bonds, or even starting a small business. The sixth factor is lower cost. If one is living in an area where home prices sky rocketed faster than rentals, real estate may be overpriced and it will not be a wise idea to buy a house. Evidence of research in terms of career, ideal starter-home/location and mortgage (type/ rate/ term etc) As a professional

The Irony of Presence and Absence in a Tethered World Assignment

The Irony of Presence and Absence in a Tethered World - Assignment Example   People are cyborgs because they become their technology, where they expect enhancement of, not just their experiences and interconnections, but also their identities. Turkle argues that connectivity also allows people to experiment with their identity development through Erik Erikson’s notion of the moratorium (152). She describes it as having new free spaces, where people can easily explore the production of ever-changing identities. Moreover, Turkle underscores the irony of using technology for one’s diverse gains. The tool becomes the person, as the person becomes inextricably dependent on it. Turkle argues that the more people use tethered technologies, the more they nurture their dependence on it (154). Furthermore, Turkle explores her hesitancy in embracing a virtually connected self. She admits that she enjoys being connected because she can bring memories with her anywhere she goes, and she can remain connected to her loved ones. However, Turkle recognizes t he drawbacks of 24/7 connection: the inability to be disconnected when one should be so. In â€Å"Tethered and Marked Absent,† Turkle describes how technology connects and disconnects people from one another. On the one hand, communications technology connects people in real time. On the other hand, as they use these technologies, they become disconnected with whoever they are with physically. The disconnection includes having a sense of limitless privacy as if others around them no longer exist. In â€Å"From Life to the Life Mix,† Turkle emphasizes how technology provides new materials for reworking people’s identities. She uses the term â€Å"life mix† (160) to describe the shift from multi-tasking to living parallel lives. She gives examples on how Second Life and other social networking sites allow people to be their real selves, even when these identities live in a parallel dimension, and where every aspect of its looks and capabilities are contrive d. In â€Å"Multitasking and the Alchemy of Time,† Turkle discusses the illusion of multitasking benefits. First, multitasking does not make people more efficient because studies show the contrary. Second, multitasking becomes addictive, though it can be physically and emotionally stressful. She offers examples of parents not doing much parenting and students not doing much studying because of their mobile communications devices. Turkle is amazed that people think that they can be more by doing more when it is evident that they can hardly concentrate on their existing tasks because of constant interruptions.  

The General (1926) Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The General (1926) - Research Paper Example The themes can range from the downright funny to the dead serious, to the everyday lives of people. This review would be focusing on a silent comedy film, acclaimed by many to be one of, if not the best silent comedy film ever produced in Hollywood cinema. The movie featured in this review is entitled â€Å"The General†, which was finished in 1926 and premiered the following year. The lead role was played by Buster Keaton, one of the most well-known silent comedy film actors of all time. The movie has an American Civil War theme, which is based on an actual historical event but mixed with comical elements, along with Keaton’s signature poker-face or deadpan face, which adds up to the amusement of viewers. Screenplay is by Al Boasberg, Clyde Bruckman and Buster Keaton, direction by both Bruckman and Keaton, and produced by Joseph Schenck and Keaton. The film narrates how a simpleton named Johnnie Gray (Keaton) was not enlisted in the army to fight for the Confederate Arm y of Tennessee, and was dumped by his sweetheart Annabelle Lee (Marion Mack) because she thinks Johnnie backed out of the enlistment. But an incident changed that, when a group of Union Spies hijacked Johnnie’s train, The General and taking along Annabelle along with it back to their headquarters. Risking life and limb, Johnnie did everything to get his beloved train and sweetheart back.

Individual project 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Individual project 2 - Essay Example On the other hand, NASDAQ is highly automated in operations. Trading at NASDAQ happens in the invisible trading system. The second major difference is based on the types of stocks that are traded at each exchange. NASDAQ focuses on high growth IT and Telecommunications industry. Most of the Silicon Valley biggies are actively traded on NASDAQ. Even, IT companies from other countries are listing themselves at NASDAQ through the allowable investment routes. At the same time NYSE focuses on the traditional market consisting of auto, electronic and semiconductors, etc. The charges for listing in NYSE are as high as $250,000 while that for NASDAQ is $150,000. NASDAQ is seemed to be a highly volatile market while NYSE is less volatile. This is also known as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). The Sarbanes-Oxley Act may be defined as â€Å"An act passed by U.S. Congress in 2002 to protect investors from the possibility of fraudulent accounting activities by corporations.† (Investopedia, 2012) The SOX was a result of various well known scams in the early 2000 such as Enron, Tyco and WorldCom. The act lays down various rules and guidelines that have to be followed mandatorily by an organization. The act applies to all publicly listed companies and its two main objectives are investor protection and prohibition of misrepresentation of financial data. The administrative authority of the act is the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As per the Act, a business firm should maintain their financial records at least for a period of five years failing which the concerned authority will be subjected to fines and/or imprisonment. This Act also applies to those companies from other countries that are listed in the US stock markets. The act has brought about changes even to the composition of the board of an organization. Post the act, it is mandatory for all public companies to form an audit committee as part of the board of directors. Companies are also not supposed to

Arts and Cultural Heritage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Arts and Cultural Heritage - Essay Example Interaction between different countries is easier due to improved transportation. With the fast changing world, it also easier to lose cultural heritage. The more radical the industrialization, the more danger it provides to cultural heritage (â€Å"Arts and Cultural Policy† n.d.). While protecting cultural heritage is a priority, the discovering is not yet finished. There are still cultural heritage that needs to be retrieved. The UNESCO has also addressed the problem of mapping the lost culture, retrieving it and knowing which country it came from. It is called the cultural mapping (â€Å"Arts and Cultural Policy† n.d.). In Australia, strict implementation of cultural policy is promoted. The Aborigines or the ethnic group of Australia is rich in cultural heritage. With their policy, cultural heritage and intellectual property are being protected at maximum (â€Å"Arts and Cultural Policy† n.d.). Cultural heritage is one of the most important properties of a country or ethnic group that must not be lost. It is one of the shapers in the formative years of a country or ethnic group. It must be passed too next generation so that they will know how and why things came to be. There are still cultural pieces that must be discovered and government should continue to promote

What were the economic, social, and political consequences of the rise Essay

What were the economic, social, and political consequences of the rise of big business - Essay Example Although business and capitalism have their critics, they have provided an unalloyed good for humankind. This brief essay will explore the rise of big business and its economic, social, and political consequences. It will be hard to do this in such a short space, but even a brief summary indicates the resounding importance of this topic. The truth is that big business is all around us each and every day. It has shaped our lives in ways we do not even understand. The rise of big business can be traced back to the earliest days of human social organization. Back then various tribes lived in remote areas. There were no roads or train tracks connecting disparate human communities. Everyone had to rely on themselves. Slowly, however, contact was made and the tribes began to work together. The main way they did this was to trade. Trade permitted communities to dramatically increase their resources both by making use of things they had and trading a superabundance of these things for resour ces that they did not. From these humble beginnings, the first businesses began to grow. A business is usually an organization that makes or distributes an item or a service that people need. It is hard to think of a business that fulfills a goal which an individual could easily do on their own. Businesses are pooled resources and knowledge that make our lives more convenient and successful. However, it was not a direct path from these early tribe-like businesses to the businesses of today. One of the most important steps was urbanization. As people came to live together in large groups, cities developed. These large populations needed to be supported with businesses. These businesses often worked in close vicinity with one another in a marketplace. All cultures have marketplaces—they are sometimes known as bazaars in the Eastern parts of the world. From this accumulation, a number of phenomenon occurred. Businesses wanted to be more and more successful, and so they asked the government to develop policies which would help businesses grow. Politicians liked money, so they were happy to help businesses make more of it. For some critics of businesses this nexus between government and business is a negative one. However, while there have certainly been many corrupt governments over the years, and many politicians do enjoy lining their own pockets, it is not fair to criticize business for this reason. The truth is that politicians tend to listen to business interest for one very important reason: almost everyone works for a business of some sort. Businesses play an extremely important role in employing people and paying tax revenue which governments rely on to provide services for people. They are all around us at all times. Without big business we would not have cars, computers, food, ultrasounds, airplanes, movies, magazines, newspapers, soap, and many other things which use every day. We need to carefully consider the impact of business before complainin g about its rise. Business is at the heart of many political disputes. The 20th century saw the rise of Communism and its very anti-business ethos. Communists did not believe in the private sector. They felt that the government should run all businesses and control all private enterprise. Rather than permitting a market, or conglomeration of supply and demand, to decide the price of items, instead Communists believed that a central government would be able to do this much more effectively. Communists took over countries such as Russia and China and tried to destroy all private businesses. In other Communist countries foreign businesses were nationalized and brought under the control of the government. In each of these countries, the economy fell off a cliff. It became clear soon enough that governments

Arts and Cultural Heritage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Arts and Cultural Heritage - Essay Example Interaction between different countries is easier due to improved transportation. With the fast changing world, it also easier to lose cultural heritage. The more radical the industrialization, the more danger it provides to cultural heritage (â€Å"Arts and Cultural Policy† n.d.). While protecting cultural heritage is a priority, the discovering is not yet finished. There are still cultural heritage that needs to be retrieved. The UNESCO has also addressed the problem of mapping the lost culture, retrieving it and knowing which country it came from. It is called the cultural mapping (â€Å"Arts and Cultural Policy† n.d.). In Australia, strict implementation of cultural policy is promoted. The Aborigines or the ethnic group of Australia is rich in cultural heritage. With their policy, cultural heritage and intellectual property are being protected at maximum (â€Å"Arts and Cultural Policy† n.d.). Cultural heritage is one of the most important properties of a country or ethnic group that must not be lost. It is one of the shapers in the formative years of a country or ethnic group. It must be passed too next generation so that they will know how and why things came to be. There are still cultural pieces that must be discovered and government should continue to promote

New And Old Versions Of Romeo And Juliet Essay Example for Free

New And Old Versions Of Romeo And Juliet Essay Lately in English class we read the tale of Romeo and Juliet then, and we got to see both movies the nineties version and the original. They were very different their weapons, clothes, transportation but had a few similarities like the language they spoke the same language, kept the same characters, and so was the plot. Theyre many differences between both movies the nineties version and the original. Which are the weapons they used, in the older version they use swords while in the nineties version they use 9mm pistols. I think that having the use of pistols instead of swords helps me realize the severity of the situation. I believe that having pistols used shows the lethalness of the sword. Another huge difference is the clothes they wear are very different in the new movie the Montagues usually where dark colored, and the Capulets were vibrantly colored but the opposite ahs occurred in the new movie. In my opinion they must have forgot which family usually wore what. I believe that the Montagues like bright colored shirts because they usually are happy and joyful so they wear brightly colored shirts. But on the other hand they do have some similarities. Both movies the nineties version and the original are similar in many ways. One way in how they are similar are the type of English they speak they speak a mid English not an old English and certainly not a modern English. I believe that the director used this to help relate the event back to the original. I also believe that they must have had to study their lines for long periods of time. The director actually kept the same characters from the original he did not cut any one from the movie. I believe he did this not do dishonor William Shakespeare. In my opinion is the best writer that ever lived. Finally the director used the same plot in this movie and in the original, every character had the same role as in the original movie. In my opinion the director did not leave out any parts or scenes from the original movie. I think that the director did not cut out any of the parts because he wanted it to be just like it was in the original only in modern times. After viewing both of the movies the nineties version and the original I can see the similarities and differences clearly and have an understanding of  why William Shakespeare wrote this play and why it is so widely known.

The Role And Importance Of Educational Research Philosophy Essay

The Role And Importance Of Educational Research Philosophy Essay Educational research is important because it is conducted in order to provide trustworthy information regarding educational problems and their solutions. There are many things that need to be considered when looking at what educational research is for example some thought needs to be put into looking at current paradigms, what counts as evidence in educational research, maintaining quality, and the role of peer review in validating new knowledge in educational research. There are many different approaches to educational research which are shaped by many different research paradigms. Koul (2008) states that the various research paradigms have different criteria for ontology and epistemology to maintain quality standards. The ontology and epistemology of a research paradigm influence researchers applying the quality standards, methodology and methods (para. 1). What is Educational Research: Research is a combination of both experience and reasoning and must be regarded as the most successful approach to the discovery of truth (Borg, 1963, as cited in Cohan, Manion, Morrison, 2000). Educational research can be defined as a purposeful and systematic enquiry to solve a problem, illuminate a situation or add to our knowledge (Mutch, 2005, pp. 14) by the discovery of non-trivial facts and insights (Howard Sharp, 1983, as cited in Bell, 2005, pp. 2) in relation to the improvement of education policy and practices, with a commitment to broader dissemination of research findings beyond publication in high status, international, refereed journals (Lingard Gale, 2010, pp. 31). In order to define educational research we must first look at what research is. Research is a combination of both experience and reasoning and must be regarded as the most successful approach to the discovery of truth, particularly as far as the natural sciences are concerned (Borg, 1963, as cited in Cohan, Manion, Morrison, 2000). Therefore Educational Research can be defined as a `purposeful and systematic enquiry to solve a problem, illuminate a situation or add to our knowledge (Mutch, 2005, pp. 14) `by the discovery of non-trivial facts and insights (Howard Sharp, 1983, as cited in Bell, 2005, pp. 2) `in relation to the improvement of education policy and practices, with a commitment to broader dissemination of research findings beyond publication in high status, international, refereed journals (Lingard Gale, 2010, pp. 31). Anderson and Arsenault, (1998) suggest that there are ten characteristics of educational research that can be grouped into three main categories; the purpose of research, the procedures of research and the role of researcher (p. 7). They go on to explain that the purpose of research is to solve the problems and develop knowledge, the procedure involves collecting or generating data with accurate observation, objective interpretation, and verification. It also involves carefully designed procedures and rigorous analysis (Anderson and Arsenault, 1998 pp. 7), and finally the role of researchers is to be patient and careful in every step of the researchers procedures, and be experts in their area of study, which requires them to use research data to develop solutions and increase knowledge. What is a Paradigm: The use of this fashionable word came about from the philosopher of science, Thomas Kuhn. The word comes from the Greek work paradeigma which translates literally as pattern. It is used in social science to describe an entire way of looking at the world (Davidson Tolich, 1999). It can be viewed as a basic set of beliefs held by an individual that represent a worldview which defines the nature of the world, the individuals place in it and the range of possible relationships to that world and its parts (Denzin Lincoln, 1998, pp. 200) A paradigm relates to a particular set of philosophical assumptions about what the world is made of and how it works. One way to consider a paradigm is as a collection of ontological and epistemological assumptions (Davidson Tolich, 1999). Inquiry paradigms define for inquirers what it is they are about, and what falls within and outside the limits of legitimate inquiry. (http://prk.dreamwidth.org/60977.html) Examining paradigms define for inquirers what paradigms are about and what fall within in and outside the limits of that paradigm? Denzin and Lincon (1998) state that there are three fundamental questions that need to be addressed in order to complete research. These questions are; the epistemological question, the ontological question, and the methodological question it is important to note that however one answers a question it effects how they answer the other two. The Epistemological Question: Epistemology is the study of the nature of knowledge. http://www.translationdirectory.com/glossaries/glossary007_e.htm Epistemology raises the questions of how we know what we know, and what is knowledge. http://atheism.about.com/od/philosophybranches/p/Epistemology.htm It encompasses the debate on if knowledge can be obtained through experience (Empiricism) or by the use of reasoning (rationalism). The epistemological question is asking what the form and nature of reality is and, what can be known about it? Denzin and Lincoln (1998) uses the example of if a real world is assumed, then what can be known about it are how things really are or how things really work where as other questions like matters of aesthetic or moral significance, fall outside the realm of legitimate scientific inquiry. (pp. 201) Questions for analysing paradigms Research paradigms Positivism Epistemological questions Nature of knowledge Knowledge can be described in a systematic way Knowledge consists of verified hypotheses that can be regarded as facts or laws. Probabilistic i.e. holds true for large groups of people or occurs in many situations Knowledge is accurate and certain Role of theory Theories are: Normative Present models General propositions explaining causal relationships between variables Theory building/testing Postulate a theories that can be tested in order to confirm or reject Prove a theory from observable phenomena / behaviour Test theories in a controlled setting, empirically supporting or falsifying hypotheses through process of experimentation Role of research Uncover reality i.e. natural laws Scientifically explain / describe, predict and control phenomena Research findings are true if: Can be observed an measured Can be replicated and are generalizable Role of common sense None only deductive reasoning (Voce, 2004 pp. ) The Ontological Question: Ontology is defined by as What is the nature of the relationship between the knower or would be knower and what can be known? Denzin Lincoln (1998) continue with their example of reality being assumed because one has already answered the epistolocial question the posture of the knower must be one of objective detachment or value freedom in order to discover these thing.. What is the nature of the relationship between the knower or would be knower and what can be known? The answer that can be given to this question is constrained by the answer already given to the ontological question; that is, not just any relationship can now be postulated. So if, for example, a real reality is assumed, then the posture of the knower must be one of objective detachment or value freedom in order to discover how things really are and how things really work (Denzin Lincoln, 1998, pp. 201). Questions for analysing paradigms Research paradigms Positivism Ontological Questions Nature of reality An objective, true reality exists which is governed by unchangeable natural cause-effect laws Consists of stable pre-existing patterns or order that can be discovered Reality is not time- nor context-bound Reality can be generalised Nature of human beings Rational Shaped by external factors (same cause has the same effect on everyone) i.e. mechanical model / behaviourist approach. Under certain conditions people will probably engage in a specified behaviour (Voce, 2004) The Methodological Question: Methodology is defined by the free dictionary as a body of practices, procedures, and rules used by those who work in a discipline or engage in an inquiry; a set of working methods http://www.thefreedictionary.com/methodological Therefore the methodological question surrounds how the inquirer goes about finding out what they believe can be known? Depending on what answers have already been given to the above questions they will constrain the answer to this one, whether the methods are qualitative or quantitave. The methodological question cannot be reduced to a question of methods; methods must be fitted to a predetermined methodology (Denzin Lincoln, 1998, pp. 201) How can the inquirer (would be knower) go about finding out whatever he or she believes can be known? The answer that can be given to this question in constrained by answers already given to the first two questions; that is, not just any methodology is appropriate. For example, a real reality pursued by an objective inquirer mandates control of possible confounding factors, whether the methods are qualitative (e.g. observational) or quantitative (e.g. analysis of covariance). The methodological question cannot be reduced to a question of methods; methods must be fitted to a predetermined methodology (Denzin Lincoln, 1998, pp. 201). Questions for analysing paradigms Research paradigms Positivism Methodological questions Role of researcher Objective, independent from the subject Investigator often controls the investigated Role of values Science is value-free Values have no place in research must eliminate all bias Methods Empirical Structured and replicable observation Quantification / measurement Experimental directly manipulate variables and observe Type of studies Survey studies Verification of hypotheses Statistical analysis Quantitative descriptive studies What is Positivism: Knowledge is based not on unchallengeable, rock-solid foundations, but rather upon human conjectures (Phillips Burbules, 2000). Positivism is an epistemological perception which states that only knowledge which is based on sensory experience and positive verification is authentic knowledge. More simply worded, positivism is the view that all true knowledge is scientific, and that all things are ultimately measureable. Positivism emerged from the success of the scientific approach in natural sciences such as physics, chemistry, and biology. The impetus for this came from the overwhelming success of science in understanding and solving problems in the natural world. The ontology of positivism is realism; an apprehend able reality that is assumed to exist, driven by immutable natural laws and mechanisms. Knowledge of the ways things are is conventionally summarised in the form of time- and context-free generalizations, some of which take the form of cause-effect laws. Research can, in principle, converge on the true state of affairs. The basic posture of the paradigm is argued to be both reductionist and deterministic (Hesse, 1980, cited in Denzin Lincoln, 1998, pp. 204). The epistemology of positivism is dualist and objectivist; meaning the investigator and the investigated object are assumed to be independent entities, and the investigator to be capable of studying the object without influencing it or being influenced by it. When influence in either direction (threats to validity) is recognised, or even suspected, various strategies are followed to reduce or eliminate it. Inquiry takes place as through a one-way mirror. Values biases are prevented from influencing outcomes, so long as the prescribed procedures are rigorously followed. Replicable findings are, in fact, true (Denzin Lincoln, 1998, pp. 204). The methodology of positivism is experimental and manipulative. Questions and/or hypotheses are stated in propositional form and subjected to empirical tests to verify them; possible confounding conditions must be carefully controlled (manipulated) to prevent outcomes from being improperly influenced (Denzin Lincoln, 1998, pp. 204). Originally conceptualised by Auguste Comte in the early 19th Century (Pickering, 1993), positivism has been greatly criticised, including by positivist themselves. A number of the concerns raised have influenced the epistemological position taken within this research; particularly that knowledge is a social variable, knowing one is the subject of a study, changes in ones behaviour, and the notion of subjectivity and value orientation. What is Social Construction of Reality/ Post-Positivism: The Social Construction Reality/ Post-positivism paradigm include the following paradigms: interpretive, critical, feminist, and postmodern paradigm. I think interpretive paradigm is the paradigm that most education research is  based on  at the University of Waikato. The social construction of reality assumes that knowledge is subjective and unique therefore researchers undertake systematic and painstaking analysis of social episodes (Cohen, Manion and Morrison, 2007, pp. 19). This is a less reductionist approach to research recognizing the importance of context and aiming to represent how participants view their world. Rather than seeking generalisations this paradigm accepts that reality is multilayered and complex (Cohen et al, 2007, pp. 21) therefore data collected are open to multiple interpretations. This approach is more speculative based on the assumption that theory is emergent therefore the researcher should not be seeking evidence purely to support a predetermined hypothesis. Post-positivism is a meta-theoretical stance that analyses and adjusts positivism in light of the criticisms which positivism, as a scientific paradigm, has received. Post-positivism offers primary amendments to the positivist paradigm. Firstly, that the absolute separation of the knower and the known is not assumed; and secondly, that a single, shared reality which excludes all others is not assumed to be a true basis for reasoning. It is critical to note that post-positivism is not a rejection of the scientific paradigm, but seeks to amend the criticisms associated with positivism (Phillips Burbules, 2000; Zammito, 2004). Post-positivism states that knowledge is based not on unchallengeable, rock-solid foundations, but rather on human conjectures (Phillips Burbules, 2000; Zammito, 2004). Epistemologically speaking post-positivism works on the position that facts and law deduced through research are probably true (Guba Lincoln, 2005) in light of evidence provided (Phillips Burbules, 2000; Zammito, 2004). Post-positivism of this type is common place in social science for conceptual and practical reasons (Phillips Burbules, 2000; Zammito, 2004). What are the differences between the two Meta-Paradigms: Based on the literature, the most fundamental differences between both paradigms are how they search for the truth and define validity and reliability. The positivist paradigm seeks and finds them in a (perceived)  value free and objective evidence based world and the constructivists in a subjective, contextual and interpretive world (Silverman 2005, p. 6; and Cohen et al. 2007, p. 26). Research as creating new knowledge: Positivism and Post-positivism create knowledge by a process of accretion, with each fact (or probable fact) serving as a kind of building block that, when placed into its proper niche, adds to the growing edifice of knowledge. When the facts take the form of generalisation or cause-effect linkages, they may be used most efficiently for prediction and control. Generalisations may then be made, with predicable confidence, to a population of settings (Denzin Lincoln, 1998, pp. 212). What counts as evidence in Educational Research: What counts as evidence in educational research depends on what is being asked. If one is looking at effectiveness of direct impact then there would be a different type of key evidence compared to if the question was in relation to the nature of a problem, or how some intervention worked or how a naturally occurring process takes place. Basically the kinds of evidence that will count will depend on the nature of the proposition. Anyone that is interested in the evidence needs to remember that the evidence is always connected to what was being asked or the proposition. One cannot take for granted that it is true one needs to still ask: how is the connection made possible? And what values, assumptions and conventions are behind that kind of connection? (Andrews, 2007). Maintaining quality in Educational Research: The quality standards related to the post/positivist paradigm are validity and reliability. This is because the focus of this is to discover the truth using empirical investigation. Anderson and Arsenault (1998) write that validity refers to the extent to which what we measure reflects what we expected to measure [which] has two forms: internal and external (pp. 257). Related to the research, the term internal validity refers to how the findings meet the expected results. While, external validity refers to being able to generalise the findings to other situations and contexts. Therefore, an experiment is valid if the results are appropriate to the manipulated independent variable and if they are able to be generalised to individuals or contexts other than the experiments setting (Gay Airasian 2000, pp. 371). Because the focus of this paradigm is to find out the truth, reliability is an important indicator for the consistency of the research findings. Anderson and Arsenault (1998) state that reliability refers to the extent that an instrument will yield the same results each time it is administered (pp. 256) an example of this is, if you were to administer a survey the larger the source of the data you collect the more it will be reliable as the results become more generalised the more it will give the same results the next time you did it. Furthermore, trustworthiness is a foundational criteria to maintaining quality. Trustworthiness can be broken down into four quality standards these being, credibility using multiple methods and perspectives and member checking, transferablility by providing rich data and thick descriptions, dependability by having a detailed audit trail, and comformability can be achieved by giving readers clear track of data and interpretations. (Anderson and Arsenault 1998) Peer Review. Research shows the benefits of Peer review doesnt only improve the language that authors use and they way their ideas are presented, but also alerts them to statistical and scientific errors in their research, inappropriate methodology, or accuracies in referencing which they can then correct before the publication. (Taylor and Francis Author Services, 2010) An example of this is when one submits his/her work to an international journal for anonymous refereeing by unknown peers, they read they article critically and then suggest for it to be accepted, rejected, or most often revised and improved before it is published. Without this external seal of approval many scientists would consider any results as preliminary, potentially flawed (Gannon, 2001). Conclusion Conclusion: Educational research with its characteristics is influenced by four major paradigms. Each paradigm has its own epistemology, ontology, and quality standards which influence the researchers to find the truth and see the reality. The important point is that knowing the nature of each paradigm which can help the researchers to conduct their research process. Researchers can conduct the research within and across paradigms which is called multi-paradigmatic research paradigms (Taylor, 2008). The nature of educational research is analogous with the nature of research itself, which is systematic, reliable and valid to find the truth, investigates knowledge, and solves problems. Moreover, educational research process involves steps to collect the information in order to investigate problems and knowledge. However, the educational research is more complex because it can use various approaches and strategies to solve problems in educational setting. It also can involve many disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, behaviour, and history. In addition, educational research is important because of contributing knowledge development, practical improvement, and policy information. Therefore, educators can use those research findings to improve their competences and teaching and learning process (Yulirahmawati, 2008).

Hamlet and His Many Roles Essay -- essays papers

Hamlet and His Many Roles In the Shakespearean play, Hamlet, the title character portrays many roles, and all of these roles intersect in one scene in the play, Act III, scene ii. This scene takes place at the exact center of the play and if broken up into sections one can see a different aspect of Hamlet’s personality for each one. The play-within-a-play scene suggests that Hamlet is putting on his own play and reminds us that in real life, a person can play many roles. Hamlet plays a different role with each character in the play, such as Polonius, Claudius, Ophelia, Horatio, and the players. In the play scene, these characters are in the same place at the same time. Bert States calls Hamlet â€Å"a succession of responses to rapidly changing stimuli†. As he reacts with each character, he must move from role to role very quickly. It can be asked which roles are parts of Hamlet’s true self and which are feigned? Shakespeare uses references to plays and acting throughout the play to keep in mind the theme of appearance Vs reality. Hamlet says, â€Å"Our indiscretion sometimes serves us well, when our deep plots do pall, and that should learn us/ There’s a divinity that shapes our ends, rough-hew them how we will† (V, ii.lns 8-11). He is referring to the plot, the plan to alter the Murder of Gonzago, that he had earlier used to catch the conscience of the king. Hamlet also refers to a play when speaking of his voyage with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern: â€Å"being thus benetted round with villainies-- or I could make a prologue to my brains, they had begun the play† (V, ii. lns 29-31). Here, Hamlet is claiming that his brain is working independently of his will and that a play is being, in a sense, written for him. He is just a... ...s by himself. The play scene highlights the significance of each role and what purpose it serves in Hamlet’s quest for truth and revenge. Bibliography: Works Cited Fisch, Harold. Hamlet and the Word: the Covenant Pattern in Shakespeare. New York: Frederick Ungar Publishing Co. 1971 Nevo, Ruth. â€Å"Acts III and IV: Problems of Text and Staging.† Modern Critical Interpretations: William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers. 1986. Rose, Mark. â€Å"Reforming the Role.† Modern Critical Interpretations: William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers. 1986. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. ed. Louis B. Wright. New York, NY: Washington Square Press. 1993. States, Harold. Hamlet and the Concept of Character. Baltimore, MD: John Hopkins University Press. 1992.

shadow of a doubt Essay examples -- essays research papers

Charlie-Horse   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Shadow of a Doubt, Hitchcock utilizes and stretches the ambiguous line between comedy and suspense by utilizing smaller characters in the film to keep the story line moving, and to help break sequence or rhythm of what the audience had been perceiving at the time. Many of the minor characters were used as â€Å"fillers†, such as the waitress in the bar when Uncle Charlie and Charlie are sitting in the bar, and makes the comment â€Å"I would die for a ring like this†; or the quiet, gentle neighbor Herb who is fascinated with the process of homicide and murder. It brings to the audience an immediate comic relief, but similar to all of Hitchcock, leaves an unsettling feeling of fear and suspense with the viewer. Shadow of a Doubt is a film that hits very close to home for me, primarily because of the small town feel very similar to Orono that I have grown to know so well. There is a brutal irony that lurks through the film, especially during the tim e period that the film was made. The picturesque stereotype of small town life in the 40’s is brutally torn apart by Hitchcock wit and creative ingà ©nue, putting the viewer in an uncomfortable mind stretch of reality.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first instance of ambiguity between comedy/drama begins directly at the beginning credits of the film, with the brilliant shot of a uniform waltzing party, in carousel motion, or a perfect circle. From my perspective, I was unable to recognize w...

International Finance Corporation

Financing the Mozal Project Executive summary We have assessed the various risks involved in the Mozal project. The construction risk, operating risk and financing risk are relatively small but the political risk is very high. Creeping expropriation and moral hazard are realistic threats to the project. The high sovereign risk is reflected in the hurdle rate. The hurdle rate amounts to a much higher value than the internal rate of return. Therefore, it is not feasible for the sponsors to undertake the proposed investment in the project.Regarding the financing gap of $250m; participation of the IFC is quintessential as commercial bankers refuse to provide funding without its involvement. IFC involvement could be very beneficial for the project but the IFC's board should not go through with the recommended investment of $120m as the high sovereign risk does not justify making the IFC’s largest investment yet. Summary of facts The Mozal project, a $1. 4b aluminum smelter in Mozam bique, is a joint venture between Alusaf, the aluminum subsidiary of the Gencor group, and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of South-Africa, a government owned development bank.Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world and only recently emerged from a 17-year civil war that had destroyed the country’s infrastructure. Both parties would each own 25% of Mozal by an equity investment of $125m. Ownership of the remaining equity stake of $250m is still to be determined. To be able to attract additional funding, the sponsors require needed to involve the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. The IFC has a good reputation and solid experience in structuring deals in emerging markets.The IFC board has received a recommendation by its team to participate in the project with a $55m senior debt and $65m subordinated debt investment. http://www. slideshare. net/prafful16/financing-the-mozal-project http://www. scribd. com/doc /105379331/The-Mozal-Project | Financing the Mozal Project Benjamin Esty Harvard Business School – Finance Unit February 18, 2000 Case No. : 200-005; Teaching Note: 5-200-025 Abstract: SUBJECT AREAS: project finance, emerging markets, sovereign risk, valuation analysis, Africa, International Finance Corporation, multi-lateral agencyCASE SETTING: June 1997, Mozambique, aluminum smelter, $1. billion investment, $700 million revenue, 750 employees In June 1997, a project team from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) was recommending that the board approve a $120 million investment in the Mozal project, a $1. 4 billion aluminum smelter in Mozambique. Four factors made this recommendation controversial. First, it would be the IFC's largest investment in the world and by far its largest investment in Sub-Saharan Africa. Second, the project was enormous by Mozambican standards–it was not much smaller than the country's 1996 gross domestic project (GDP).Third, Mozambiq ue was a very poor country at the time (per capita GDP of $90) and had only recently emerged from 20 years of civil war. Fourth, many aspects of the deal remain undetermined such as who was going to provide half the equity needed to finance the project. Despite these concerns, the sponsors, Alusaf (the aluminum subsidiary of the South African minerals company, Gencor) and Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC is a development bank), want to structure a limited-recourse deal to finance the smelter; it will be non-recourse to the sponsors after completion.Commercial bankers have refused to participate unless the International Finance Corporation gets involved in the deal and so the sponsors have approached the IFC about participation. After reviewing the project's commercial viability and development impact, the IFC team is recommending the investment. The board must decide whether it is the right time and the right project to make such a large investment. The case h as four pedagogical objectives. ) It presents an extreme example of political risk in a developing country setting and shows how organizations like Institutional Investor, the Economist Intelligence Unit, and The PRS Group attempt to analyze it for prospective investors.2) It illustrates the modern form of political risk management through project selection, structuring, and insurance, and contrasts this approach with the older, financial style of political risk management whereby sponsors simply increased hurdle rates to ensure sufficient project returns. ) It highlights the various roles multilateral development institutions, in general, and the IFC, in particular, can play in financing major projects. 4) It analyzes IFC's involvement in appraising, structuring, monitoring, and financing projects, and shows how these activities create value by resolving costly market imperfections including information, distress, agency, and transactions costs. It also explores the IFC's performan ce in these various activities. Given these objectives, the case is appropriate for business/government, strategy, international business, and finance courses. Case and Teaching Paper Series

Discuss how far you agree with this argument Essay

These all create tension but none of these are in fact the real dramatic climax of ‘The Crucible’. The real dramatic climax of ‘The Crucible’ is when Elizabeth says that Proctor did not commit lechery, which Proctor had already confessed but Elizabeth was un-aware of this. But the build up to this was what really made this scene such a strong climax. After Proctor had confessed, Abigail denied it so Danforth tested Proctor’s judgement when he said, â€Å"In her life, sir, she have never lied. There are them that cannot sing, and them that cannot weep- my wife cannot lie. I have paid so much to learn it, sir. † Tension is built up as proctor convinces Danforth that his wife cannot lie, what also creates tension was when Danforth ordered Proctor and Abigail to turn their backs so that when Elizabeth came in she could not look at her husband or Abigail’s face to get a clue of what she must say. When she does come into the room she is asked, â€Å"has John Proctor ever committed the crime of lechery! † and she replied â€Å"No, sir. † To save her husbands god name. She had lied to Danforth, which made Proctor seem as though he were lying, not only to the high court, but also to god. This was not acceptable in Puritan Salem. The final act of ‘The Crucible’, it is known as the falling point. This means that it is usually where the problems in the play are resolved. This act could be considered more dramatic than Act three, but this is not true. As Act three contains he dramatic climax that made John Proctor worse off than he was at the beginning. It could be argued that this act also has a dramatic climax, when John Proctor confessed to witchcraft. But this was not as dramatic as the climax in Act three because the protagonist was still convicted of witchcraft due to his actions, so this made little or no impact on the final outcome. It soon becomes quite clear that Act four is not about John Proctor being persuaded to confess, but about his close relationship with his dear wife, Elizabeth. With comparison to Act two when John Proctor and Elizabeth had the argument. This Act is much calmer and shows that the Proctor’s can talk in a civil way and are emotionally attracted to each other. In this act Proctor puts his children first when he confesses as he does not want them to have to grow up without a father figure in their life. But soon during the confession Danforth asks for too much when he asks John Proctor to sign the confession. Proctor soon gains his own opinion and realises that once he signs this confession he and his family will not be able to live properly; they will always be under suspicion. John Proctor wishes to die as a martyr and not live the rest of his life in shame so he tries to have his confession removed by testing the nerve of Danforth by taking away the confession and ripping it up. Danforth then tells the marshal to take Proctor away. Elizabeth comes running up to him and cries on his hand, but he says â€Å"Give them no tears! Tears pleasure them! Show honour, show a stony heart and sink them with it! † He then kisses her â€Å"passionately† and goes. Then Danforth says angrily â€Å"Hang them high over the town! Who weeps for these, weeps for corruption! † Therefore, John Proctor dies as a hero, which ends the play very well, as it ends on a proud note. Because John Proctor dies with pride knowing that â€Å"Another judgement awaits us all! † In conclusion, Act three is the dramatic climax of the crucible, as all the tension built up in previous act is all released in this act, which creates a greater climax. Act four is not the dramatic climax because the peak at Act three which was the dramatic climax made sure that it was more dramatic than any other Act. In Act four it was just calming everything down after the climax, but Act four’s climax was minute compared to Act three. Act four ended the play superbly, as Proctor the protagonist did not finish as the enemy but the martyr, and Danforth ended as the enemy.

Strategic Direction of Harley Davidson

The success of Harley Davidson (HD) is due to the American motorcycle icon’s effective Strategic Management. HD’s vision, mission, goals and objectives strive to exceed the requirements of its main stakeholders. Although these needs are not always met, the company has unique relationships with is stakeholders. The company stays on course with its strategic plan, despite the economy and the decline of American manufacturing and what might be considered its dwindling U. S. consumer base. Stakeholders â€Å"represent very important constituencies or groups of individuals who are part of an organization or associated with an organization.† (Module 01, 2013)HD’s main stakeholders are its employees, customers and shareholders. Each stakeholder has its own motives for being involved with the organization. Normally these motives result in common goals and objectives.MissionAn organization’s â€Å"mission is the overachieving goal of a company, the reason w hy it operates. † (Module 01, 2013). Harley Davidson’s mission statement is â€Å"We ride with our customers and apply this deep connection in every market we serve to create superior value for all of our stakeholders† (Harley Davidson, 2012. p. 2).  This mission statement places the needs of stakeholder foremost in the company’s strategic plan.VisionA company’s vision should â€Å"set up the long term direction of the company (vision), they incorporate the goals of the main stakeholders (shareholders, customers, suppliers, employees), they express the main values of the management to be embraced by employees, and they describe the main goals† (Module 01, 2013). Harley Davidson’s vision is â€Å"We fulfill dreams inspired by the many roads of the world by providing remarkable motorcycles and extraordinary customer experiences.We fuel the passion for freedom in our customers to express their own individuality† (Harley Davidson, 2012, p. 2). Harley’s vision does state a continuing corporate path; however it is on quite romanticized. A look at the company’s goals and objectives is needed to complete a picture of the organizations vision.Goals and Objectivesâ€Å"Goals and objectives divide the vision into achievable units at department levels for instance, that are further subdivided into smaller and smaller units, until they reach every employee’s desk. † (Module 01, 2013) Harley Davidson’s has identified four major goals in its Annual Statements.These goals include obtaining flexible manufacturing, creating shorter product development times; developing a premium customer experience and fulfilling dreams (Harley Davidson, 2012, p. 4). Goals should meet the SMARTER principle. That is that â€Å"Goals should be designed and worded as much as possible to be specific, measurable, acceptable to those working to achieve the goals, realistic, timely, extending the capabilities of those working to achieve the goals, and rewarding to them, as wellâ€Å" (McNamara, 2011). We will evaluate each goal to measure whether it meets this criterion and the needs of the main stakeholders.Manufacturing. One of HD’s goals is to create flexible manufacturing within its multiple facilities. In the past Harley on produced one bike per plant. If the public demand changed in that area Harley may have been left with a large supply and no demand. Harley’s objective is to enable its plants to be able to produce the right motorcycle for the needed demand in that area. The company’s tactics include incorporating the success of its York plant into all of its plant globally. In 2011, the York plant was outfitted to produce both the Tri Glide and All Touring Softail motorcycles (HARLEY Davidson, 2011, p 4).This will allow the company to move product to the correct customer at the correct time. Employees of Harley are encouraged to provide input and incorporate changes to improve products as well the production process. The goal of flexible manufacturing meets the entire criterion for the SMARTER principle. Both employees and customers benefit if this goal is realized. Product development. Harley’s goal to reduce product development times include three main facets: â€Å"1) a laser focus on the best product opportunities; 2) reduced time-to-market; and 3) increased product development capacity through efficiencies† (Harley Davidson, 2011, p.4). This goal does not meet the full criterion of the SMARTER principle. The goal is not specific. It does not quantify how much it wants to decrease the timeliness of product development. Employees benefit from this goal. The main benefit is that because HD believes in employees participating in the product development process it has created a learner centric environment. Employees stay well versed in their fields while assisting the company in developing quality products in shorter peri ods of time. This benefits the customers by providing quality products that keep up with advances in technologies and consumer desires.Retail. â€Å"The goal of this transformation at retail is quite simple: to provide a premium retail experience with every customer, every day and everywhere, while strengthening dealer profitability† (Harley Davidson, 2011, p. 5). Harley Davidson plans to work with all of its stakeholders to ensure that all of its many faces culminate in a great customer experience. This includes an in store and online experience. The SMARTER principle is also not completely met with this goal. The goal is not completely measurable. It is beneficial to all stakeholders.The strengthening of retail keeps employees employed and the improved customers can make customers feel more valued and more likely to seek out the retail experience. Dream fulfillment. â€Å"At the core, these three transformations—in manufacturing, product development and at retailâ⠂¬â€come down to one thing: we must ensure, in a world of ever-increasing customer expectations, Harley-Davidson continues to fulfill dreams through remarkable motorcycles and extraordinary customer experiences far into the future† (Harley Davidson, 2011, p. 5). All of HD’s improvements end here.The improvement require all stake holder to work together to make the customer experience unique. The improvements, if effective will add to the Harley Davidson ethos.RecommendationMy recommendation to Harley executives is to remember to stay true to the brand, but to attempt to market products to find new consumer within the US. Since HD’s inception, Harley has been associated with the freedom of America, but it may be losing it American consumer while changing to a global market. â€Å"Harley-Davidson demographics has long shown its reliance on an overwhelmingly white, male and middle-aged consumer base would ultimately  challenge sales in North America, where it st ill earns two-thirds of its revenue† (Kelleher, 2013).The goal that I propose is to include marketing to a younger group with a disposable income. I have been introduced to Harley; in fact, I learned to ride on a Buell in a Harley Drivers Edge Safety Course. I an African American female and have never been in the Harley advertising demographic. Harley does have a female rider’s program but it’s not advertised. All of the commercials that I have seen for Harley actual talk about the experience and financing.Although it is an American institution like a lot of older brands, it may lose it appeal a younger population. Increasing its consumer base can only be beneficial to its other stakeholders. It may potentially prevent manufacturing jobs from being transferred outside of the U. S. as Harley seeks consumers in other locations. Harley Davidson’s use of strategic management is in line with the needs of its main stakeholders. The company’s mission ackno wledges the need to meet the demands of all stakeholders for a more effective organization.Harley’s vision recognizes what HD brand means to the consumer. The organization’s goals and objectives seek to make the brand more effective in the current global market while satisfying the needs of its stakeholders. HD should be careful that it continues to gain new customers as it reliable customer base ages and are no longer able or willing to ride. Harley has continued to use strategic management to change the company’s fortunes over the years. As a result, the company has faltered but never truly failed.