Happy Endings by Margaret Atwood Analysis Essay

Margaret Atwood’s ‘‘Happy Endings’’ first appeared in the 1983 Canadian collection, Murder in the Dark, and it was published in 1994 for American audiences in Good Bones and Simple Murders. Subtitled ‘‘Short Fiction and Prose Poems,’’ Murder in the Dark featured four types of works: autobiographical sketches, travel notes, experimental pieces addressing the nature of writing, and short pieces dealing with typical Atwood themes, notably the relationship between the sexes. ‘‘Happy Endings,’’ which is essentially a self-referential story framework, falls into the third category. In ‘‘Happy Endings,’’ Atwood fulfills this role with a challenge that she throws out to those writers who rely on the stereotypical characterization of men and women and to the reader who accepts such gender typing. At the same time, she challenges other writers to more closely examine typical literary convention (1). Margaret Atwood was born on November 18, 1939, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Her childhood was divided between the city and the country. Her family spent the school year in Ottawa and Toronto, where her father taught entomology or worked for government agencies, and summers in northern Quebec and Ontario where her father conducted research. These early experiences away from urban society encouraged Atwood to read and develop her imagination. As a child, Atwood composed and illustrated poems, which she collected into small books. She wrote prose and poetry for her high school drama class. In her short story â€Å"Happy Endings†, Margaret Atwood simultaneously displays her feelings about not only the art of creative writing, but also the equally artistic act of living one’s life to the fullest. The story, if it can really be called a â€Å"story† in the traditional sense of the word, immediately breaks the thin wall of author/audience by presenting a completely uniqu e structure: that of an outline or a jumbled notebook. By asking the reader, â€Å"If you want a happy ending, try A,† Atwood is seemingly giving the reader a choice. Since â€Å"A† must be the happy ending, it implies that there are other, more sinister endings yet to be discovered. Appropriately, after the happy ending has completed, there follows five more endings, all of which seem to be quite depressing, but nevertheless end in â€Å"everything continues in A† Margaret Atwood uses her short story Happy Endings to show that it is not the end of a story that is important it is the middle. She seems to say that the endings are all clichà © that the middle is the part that is unique. This holds true with literature versus a beach novel although a beach novel and piece of literature may end the same way it is the rest of the book that makes one different from the other. As she says the true ending is â€Å"John and Mary die† the only guarantee in life is death. So since the ending is already known why does it have the tendency to â€Å"steal† the spotlight from the rest of the story? Sure in some cases people can guess the middle of a story from the ending, if they find someone died in an electric chair they can assume he committed a crime. However if someone dies from heart failure no one can know anything about his life, they may guess the person ate too much junk food, or drank too much but if they don’t know anything else they can’t guess the middle. However if someone knows the middle they can guess the ending, if they are told that person â€Å"A† had to have triple bypass surgery and that person â€Å"B† murdered a few people they can make an educated guess how each story ends. †¨But even the middle of the story is only part of a greater whole, without the beginning of the story no one can tell why certain events happened and what lead to person â€Å"A† to doing â€Å"action z†. Atwood also says that what happens is not all-important but how it happens and why it happens. According to Atwood, all the what’s are just the plot, one thing that happens after another, however the how and the whys are what really make a story more than a story. This is the important part, the how’s and the whys are what makes a story literature with out them it makes no difference if the prose is expertly laid out or not it is all still a story nothing more. The step from story to literature is a gray line and is based on personal taste, as Justice Stewart said â€Å"I know it when I see it† although he was referring to obscenity it is just as applicable here. The use of story like this to portray the differences in opinion on what makes a story is pure genius on the part of Atwood, what is even more interesting is the fact that it is also considered literature. The main theme in most literature that divides it from the rest of the stories is that literature tries to make a specific point, and in doing so forces the reader to think about the point that the author is trying to make. In this way it is easy to decide what is literature and what is not, if at the end of a story if the reader’s only thought is â€Å"Gee, what a nice story† then it is most definitely not literature, but if instead if the thought is more along the lines of â€Å"The author said A, B and C but were they really trying to make a point about D?† it is literature. Although even this test has it’s holes because literature for one person is just a nice story for someone else. As Flannery O’Connor said, â€Å"[if you don’t get the enlightenment] just sit back and enjoy the story. Why would Atwood do this? In each of her scenarios, she creates two main characters, John and Mary appropriately boring names for characters that are so underdeveloped and stereotyped as to be almost comedic. It would be possible to call them each protagonist, but they are the very definition of flat characters: dull and undeveloped. In fact, the reader is informed of their personality traits not because Atwood shows them through a conflict or a plot rather, she simply tells them. Lines such as, â€Å"She sleeps with him even though she’s not in love with him,† present the type of stock character that Mary or John will assume for said scenario without any mystery involved. By creating such flat characters that differ between scenarios, but still coming back with â€Å"everything continues as in A,† Atwood brings up an interesting point: it’s not the destination that matters it’s all the same for everyone it’s the journey. In fact, after presenting all of her mock scenarios for the characters, Atwood abruptly changes tone to tell the reader an important fact: â€Å"The only authentic ending is the one presented here: John and Mary die. John and Mary die. John and Mary die.† After all, at the end of every person’s life, regardless of how he or she lived it or what he or she experienced, they will encounter death. Atwood notices that people tend to not think quite like this, if only because it is not the most comforting of thoughts, and she uses â€Å"Happy Endings† to allow people a chance to be a bit introspective. â€Å"So much for endings. Beginnings are always more fun. True connoisseurs, however, are known to favor the stretch in between, since it’s the hardest to do anything with.† Such is true for writing; such is true for life. With her unconventional structure, caricatures for characters, and sometimes-sarcastic tone, Atwood manages to convey one of the most important concepts about life of all. Do not let life become â€Å"a what and a what and a what.† Learn to favor the stretch between beginning and end, and then, perhaps, you can make your own happy ending.

Brian Clark Whose Life Is It Anyway Essay

Exploring the ways in which Brian Clark makes the scene an important and dramatic moment in the play When talking about the important and dramatic scene in this play I refer back to pages 25-30. These six pages are all about a little encounter between Ken and Mrs Boyle. This is a fundamental scene in the marvellous play because Ken finally expresses his motives and feelings. Brian Clark uses many techniques to give the reader this valuable information through repetition, the use of speech (quite obvious, could be expected), stage directions and the form of text (Carmen figurate but then for texts). The stage direction supplies the reader with a lot of essential information. In the beginning just before Mrs Boyle enters the room Ken is supposedly happy. I know this because I quote; â€Å"(cheerfully), Doubt it Sister (pg. 25). I’m not even able to be death of myself. Because of he stage direction we can clearly see that Ken is in a positive mood. The interactions with Mrs Boyle start of with a friendly and respectful greeting to Ken, â€Å"Good Morning† (pg. 25). But through out this scene Ken changes his attitude and starts shouting and cursing. The main reason why he was shouting is because Ken dislikes the professionalism that goes on in the hospital. He dislikes it to a certain extent when it can be called hate. In this important scene Ken has mentioned that he doesn’t want to live on anymore with these conditions of the body, as he only wants to live if he can live a normal life. And a normal life would include living healthily with out the help of medical instruments. Brian Clark has made Ken use a certain amount of sarcasm and partly rhetorical questions to portray Ken to the reader as he is. The reader will most likely think that Ken Harrison is trying to outsmart people and sometimes he does achieve this. Such as; â€Å"What do you do? Conjuring tricks? Funny stories? Or a belly dance? If I have any choice, I’d prefer the belly dance. † Mrs Boyle: I’m afraid I’ve left my bikini at home. Ken: Who said anything about a bikini? He thinks outside of the box. He repeats the same kind of jokes. This can be funny for the reader but for Mrs Boyle and the other hospital staff it might be annoying on the long-term aspect. Also the joke about the ‘How to be a sculpture’ book is funny, but in the meantime its another moral definition. This joke tell us that one of his many reasons to die is because he cant do what he loves most, sculpturing. This is quite sad but you must think through each joke. Through out the whole play Clark portrays Ken as a sex addict who loves to flirt with the younger nurses but we (as a reader) find this ok because all have a weak spot for this funny paraplegic individual. He insults Mrs Boyle and the hospital staff multiple times in this short scene. Many of these curses are religion related but this is most likely just because of when this was written. The early 90’s this was very usual. Ken says Christ almighty, for god’s sake and other things. He must express his feelings in some way and since he can only move his head and speak he chooses, since its his only option, to let out his anger via the mouth. These words are all aimed towards Mrs Boyle’s professionalism and detachment. This makes Ken very angry and I understand his motives very well. His feelings are just being crushed and he feels ignored, so why continue living a life you don’t want to live? The main genre of this scene and play is the fight between personal choices versus professional opinions. The doctors claim the responsibility to keep him alive if he can (except for John, but he is not a â€Å"real† doctor). In conclusion Clark has successfully made this an important scene in the play. One of the main things was the moral of Ken’s actions.

Make a list of your human capital Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Make a list of your human capital - Assignment Example In the office, computer literacy in MsOffice productivity tools such as MSword, excel, powerpoint and outlook is a basic requirement. The ability to surf and do research online is also now a required skill. The degree of required computer proficiency may vary but it is still needed in the new work place. I am happy to report that I could be a part of the modern workplace because I am very proficient in computers and also literate in using other devices. Without this knowledge about computers, one can only do manual labor which are not high paying such as doing construction work, flip burgers or wait tables in restaurants. I consider my good health as a human capital because it enables me to do a lot of things. People who are very healthy may take this human capital for granted but this is actually very valuable because it ensures that we have the energy to achieve our goals and objectives. If we become sickly, we are almost out of the game of pursuing our dreams because we cannot physically pursue it. My social skills can also be considered as a human capital because it enables me to establish connection with other people whom I may need in the future. This human capital should not be underestimated because this skill provides the opportunity. Any skill or knowledge would be useless if there are no opportunities to use it. My college education of course is an invaluable human capital. My college diploma guarantees my competency in my field of study and almost assure me of an above average salary upon employment. It also serves as a ticket for a long term career in any endeavor that I may choose where there is a huge possibility where I could assume executive position because of my education. Unlike with my other human capital where its possibility of being used as a source of income is very small, college education opens a lot of possibility for me to make a living. I can use it as a credential in applying for a job. Or it could also be

Paper 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Paper 3 - Essay Example For instance they are not set legislatively and so the commitment is non-legislative making them voluntary and in doing so they produce results which are self enforcing however they are agreed to basically by one or more organizations and certain bench marks to behavior and standard, they can thus be applied to produce consistent results or outcomes. These qualities are useful because: They have been known to advance and grow public interests, in these way they help in the dissemination of information between the organizations and the public in areas such as production, manufacturing and delivery of goods and services Labor standards, health environment age requirement human rights and overall decency are addressed which help to protect the public. In these ways organizations are stimulated to create operation practices that are more efficient and equally effective that produce minimum negative effects but maximum social economic and environmental results. (HEVIA, 2013, p 2197). If codes are developed openly and also include public participation (like the workers, consumers, NGOs Competitors, public interest groups etc.) they gain more respect and reception increase effectiveness and credibility of both participants and proponents (HAUGAARD & CLEGG, 2012, p103) CSR – this is an obligation by a business towards the society whereby the law alone is not sufficient and in this way an organization is bound by its own internal mechanisms to give to society back, this responsibility could take on various forms and could focus on social, economic or legal responsibilities. Social responsibility helps in reducing negative impacts of the company while also maximizing its positive impact. While addressing the issue of CSR with regards to issues affecting local water supply, corporate bodies have to look at certain areas that have been seen by past experiences like the Coke debacle in Kerala India, which cause anxiety and

Others Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Others - Essay Example Relative to other companies, we provide a flexible way of working, employees can choose a time to finish the work at home. In addition, our company also saves on the cost of renting office space and daily maintenance. This is because our devoted staffs are allowed to carry out their tasks in the comfort of their houses. In this case, the company makes provision for all logistic requirements to facilitate workers in their day to day activities. The world’s economic system is fast changing due to the roles that international trade and investment is playing in the system of economic development. Due to cultural and language barrier in terms of trade, investment and cooperation, emerging concepts of translation services has led to a number of successful international trade negotiations. Consistent with the long-standing predictions, available data reveals an increase in international trade negotiations across the globe. Many States and policymakers have already recognized the importance of cultural competence in facilitating effective communication during negotiations. Internet-based translation has become increasingly popular even though a pivot translation service is required to fully realize the translation between non-English languages through cascading different translation services. It is with great effort that e-translate have made it their priority to develop a content-based coordination that aims at maintaining the consistency of the word meaning during the translation services. The number of languages used in internet has shown a rapid increment. For instance, those using English comprise of 40 percent of all the internet users, Asian language users represent 26 percent, European language users represent more than 30 percent excluding English users, while other languages users represent nearly 20 percent. This trend has a greater influence on the requirement of translation services among non-English language users, as well as between

Four Essay Questions of Art History Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Four Questions of Art History - Essay Example Some features that are used to identify Greek sculpture cannot apply sometimes due to difference in the sculptures. The ancient Greek sculpture has always been able to stand on without any support. Roman sculptures were created or curved in such a way that they cannot stand without a subjection of support or broad base to them. The two sculptures have shown distinct features such as possibility of broad base from the second sculpture that shows a crowd of people around a man on horseback. The 6 feet marble relief of standing man is a Greek sculpture, since the background of the sculpture looks like it has been made from bronze. Both the two sculptures are made from bronze and marble but the heights are different. Greeks used to make slightly taller curving than the Romans. The first statue is more idealistic and has an athletic figure than the sculpture of crowded men behind a man with the horseback. Greek artists concentrated more on their mythology in the creation of the statues, a nd unlike the Romans they gave more importance on athleticism making them produce idealistic statues. The second curving of crowded men behind a man on horseback looks more real, and it does not seem like one that believe in mythology. Only the Romans believed in creating sculptures that looked real and they didn’t believe in mythology. The Romans gave much importance to realism that made them create sculptures of real people. One bigger thing about the Romans is that they believe and cropped into history. The work of the artist from Romans has always described more of historical nature than the Greek’s artists. The second sculpture that shows crowded people around a man on horseback seems to be very ancient than the first sculpture. The background of the statue shows old but real creativity of old trees and the relation seems historical. The Romans became popular of their statue cravings due to their creative style on historical background. The first statue of a stand ing male is very plain and has no background that can describe a historical creativity or evolvement therefore it represents a work from Greek artists. Greek artist started by creating small sculptures but they evolved and created statues of mythological character, and as well they upgraded themselves as the creators of marble sculptures as well. The Greeks awhile evolving from making small sculptures to mythological once they created tall but not that much taller than the Romans structures, that is why you can suggest that the first sculpture is that of a Greek artist’s work rather than the Romans. Sometimes it is very hard to differentiate statue of the Romans from that of the Greek, it is because the Romans have tried to preserve the statue culture and tradition and as well they have followed closely the work of Greek artists. And due to time passing they developed statue of their own with a very unique style of creativity. If you look carefully at the second statue of cro wded men around a man on horseback is more unique and if you take a closer look you will realize that the background is very unique compared to the first sculpture of a standing man with a very plain background. Compared to other works with the lifelike statue of the classical era, a good Greek sculpture is rigid and stylized making it seems so obvious but distinctive from other work. Sculptures that are more culturally and traditionally linked are the Roman statues. But to some extend some of the Greek sculptures do show cultural affiliations just like the Roman

A linear relationship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

A Linear Relationship - Essay Example The politician wants to reduce the independent variable in order to achieve a desired dependent variable. The dependent variable, on the other hand, is the increase in crime. The increase in crime is the dependent variable in this situation since its results depends on the independent variable of early release of prison inmates. The dependent variable is the observed results of a manipulation of an independent variable. The increase of crime depends on the number of prison inmates released early. The observation results in the conclusion, which is that the increase of crime depends on the release of prison inmates and thus the independent variable is the release of prison inmates while the dependent variable is the increase in crime. 2.A negative linear relationship occurs in a state where there exists a reduction of a dependent variable because of an increase in the independent variable. A nonlinear relationship, on the other hand, is a situation where the relationships between vari ables are not directly correlated. A nonlinear relationship is evident where there is a more than or less than proportionate change in the dependent variable as a caused by the change in the independent variable. In this situation, the implied relationship is a positive linear relationship since the early release of criminals leads to an increase in crime. The increase in the number of prison inmates released early causes the rate of crime to go up. The politician believes that the elimination of parole will reduce the rate of crime. The hypothesis here us that the increase of the independent variable, which is the premature, release of the criminals leads to the increase of the dependent variable that is the rate of crime. According to the politician, the elimination of parole will reduce the rate of crime. The elimination of parole, which is the independent variable, translates to the reduction of the dependent variable that is the crime rate. In light of this, the implied relatio nship is a positive linear one. 3. The politician cannot correctly claim that there is a relationship between the early release and crime rate.  

4 levels of organization Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

4 levels of organization - Assignment Example From the organism, several organisms make up the population. A population, therefore, is a combination of more than one organism of the same species, mostly living in a particular place at one time. For instance, group wolves also known as pride are only made up of a particular species of wolves. Species have similar biological characteristics and can breed to produce a viable offspring. However, there are different species that may be located in different geographical locations. For instance, there are different species of wolfs such as gray wolf and red wolf. The difference in the geographical locations of the species can be because of factors such as climatic conditions, the threat to extinctions because of poaching among other. According to Chapman, a community is a combination of a different population of a diverse population and species. Most of than not, categorization of community is based on the manner in which different species interact. Within the community, different species depend on each other for survival for instance wolf will depend on deer for food as the deer will depend on vegetation for their source of

Human Resource Management Essay Example for Free

Human Resource Management Essay Introduction The new trend in human resource management is strategic human resource management. It is gaining popularity edging out the traditional human resource management. Strategic human resource is critical to the success of any organization because it is management that is tied to achievement of the broader goals and the objectives of the organization. Strategic human resource gives the firm competitive advantage in the industry within which it operates as it boosts the productivity of labor, which is oriented towards the long term, and short-term goals of the organization. In pursuit of strategic human resource management there is an obvious consequence, which is attainment of competitive strategies and improved firm performance. This is so because the essence of strategic management is its ability to influence the employee to develop an attitude that leads the organization into competitive edge and productivity. A firm cannot obtain growth and expansion which strategy that facilitates operations towards the objective. 3.1 Identify a range of HR strategies for an organization There are a range of human resource strategies that are adopted by organizations in order to improve their business performance and their competitive strategies. First and foremost, the organization has resourcing strategy which ensures that the management puts in place proper human resource planning, maintains high retention rate of employees, and harness the immense talents of employees to the betterment of the organization. Secondly, there is the learning and development strategy which aims to give employees platform to engage in further training and career development. The other strategic human resource strategy is reward strategy. This strategy ensures that the employees are paid remuneration which is equal to the effort they put in the organization. Finally there is employee relation strategy which helps to ensure there is good rapport between management and employee. The employee relation strategy is achieved through having various communication channel and sound conflict reso lution mechanisms (Legge, 2005 P.154). 3.2 Assess HR strategies and their application in an organization Each organization exists in a unique industry and it is therefore prudent that each of the human resource strategies are applied uniquely depending on the industry. Industry such as manufacturing and construction industry are such that it is easy to measure employees input by physically looking at the work they have done over a given period of time. It is therefore easier for the management of the organizations in those industries to adopt reward strategy. This strategy ensures that the employees are paid remuneration which is equal to the effort they put in the organization, on the other hand, in most service industry such consultancy services it is not easy to measure employees input since input can only be assessed in terms of clients’ satisfaction (Price, 2011 P.89). Quantify client satisfaction and tying it to pay for employee is therefore almost impossibility. Other strategies are largely uniform across several organizations with only slight differences and hence they ar e applicable across organizations in different industries. 4. Identify contemporary issues affecting strategic human resource management Strategic human resource management is very dynamic and keeps changing because better approaches to the concept are realized frequently. The  dynamism that has characterized strategic human resource is driven by the fact that organizations wants to increase their competitive edge and boost their performance in the organizations within which they operate. The major contemporary issue that influences strategic management is globalization. All firms want to expand and grow into new markets to increase their revenues. In achieving this they must strategically direct the efforts of employees toward this objective. The other contemporary issue is downsizing. Firms usually are operated with profitability incentive they must therefore have cost cut measures to reduce expenses and enhance receipts (Scholes Johnson, 2007 p.69). Downsizing offers the best option to cost cutting because salaries constitute a lion’s share of organizations’ expenses. The management is therefore forced to retrench some its workers in a bid to realize profitability. Automation of systems is yet another contemporary issue affecting organizations’ strategic human resource management. Automation compels organization to ensure that their employees are knowledgeable in as far as technology is concerned. Installing system in organization is not any easy fete to achieve, it involves a lot of costs to procure the software and hardware components for the system. The other challenge is that it is time consuming because a lot of procedures have to be followed in integrating a system to the organization. The most challenging part of a management system is managing the system and its associated risks. The first risk is that the employees who are supposed to be part and parcel of such a system may refuse to embrace because they may not fully understand how such a system would be beneficial to them. The human resource team should therefore rise to the occa sion by finding ways and means of influencing the employees to embrace such system within their ranks (Sharma 2011 p.48). Conclusion . Strategic human resource is critical to the success of any organization because it is management that is tied to achievement of the broader goals and the objectives of the organization. Strategic human resource gives the firm competitive advantage in the industry within which it operates as it boosts the productivity of labor which is oriented towards the long term and short term goals of the organization. In order to achieve this daunting task human resource management is responsible for several strategic functions such as recruitment, motivation of workers, designing job analysis, making of remuneration and other non-financial packages to employees, as well as facilitating staff training and development. References Armstrong, M. Baron, A. (2004) Managing performance: Performance Management in Action. London: CIPD. P.136 Bamberger, P. Meshoulam, H. (2000).Human Resource Strategy: Formulation, Implementation and Impact. Sage Publishers, p.254 Bechet, T. P. (2008). Strategic Staffing: A Comprehensive System for Effective Workforce Planning. New York: AMACOM, p.145 Cox, W. Klinger, E. (2011) Handbook of Motivational Counseling: Goal-Based Approaches to Assessment and Intervention with Addiction and Other Problems, Wiley Sons p.125 Goodstein J. (2009) A Practical Guide to Job Analysis, John Willey and Sons pp. 68 Griffin, W. Moorhead, G. (2011) Organizational Behavior: Managing People and Organizations, Cengage learning, p.32 Henry A. (2008) Understanding Strategic Management, Oxford University Press pp. 51 Legge, K. (2005) Human Resource Management Rhetoric and Realities, London: Palgrave Macmillan, p.154 Price A. (2011) Human Resource Management, Cengage Learning, p.89 Scholes, K. Johnson, G . (2007) Explaining Corporate Strategy, Hempstead: Prentice Hall, p.69 Sharma K. (2011) Human Resource Management: Strategic Approach to Employment, Global India publications p. 48 ASSIGNMNET 2 Executive summary Strategic human resource is critical to the success of any organization because it is management that is tied to achievement of the broader goals and the objectives of the organization. The report analyses how British Airways has adopted different strategies in strategic human resource management to achieve competitive strategies and improved firm performance. The reports also put into perspective the impact of merger between British Airways and Iberia on strategic HRM at British Airways Overview of British Airways The company commenced business in the 1974 after the successful merger of BOAC and BEA. It was owned by the state until 1987 when it undergone privatization. Up to date British Airways is the leading airline is UK flying over 400 destinations across the world through both its freight and passenger business. The company decided to merge with Iberia a Spanish Airline in order to produce synergies and as cost cutting measure through economies of scale. Task 1: Human resource strategies and their application to British Airways There are a range of human resource strategies that are adopted by British Airways in order to improve their business performance and their competitive strategies. First and foremost, the organization has resourcing strategy which ensures that the management puts in place proper human resource planning, maintains high retention rate of employees, and harness the immense talents of employees to the betterment of the airline. Learning and development strategy which aims to give employees platform to engage in further training and career development is equally applicable to British Airways. Several roles at the airline such as pilot and aeronautical engineer require immense skills and experience and as such the strategy ensures that employees attain this standard (Scholes Johnson, 2007 p.69). The other strategic human resource strategy applicable to British Airways is reward strategy. This strategy ensures that the employees are paid remuneration which is equal to the effort they put in the organization. By adopting this reward strategy employees at British Airways are driven by reward incentive to increase their productivity consequently earning the airline more business performance in terms of profitability and revenues. Finally there is employee relation strategy which helps to ensure there is good rapport between management and employee. British Airways can achieve employee relation strategy through having various communication channel and sound conflict resolution mechanisms. Task 2: Impact of merger between British Airways and Iberia on strategic HRM at British Airways The merger between British Airways and Iberia has had tremendous impact on strategic human resource management of British Airways. The merger was driven by the fact that organizations wants to increase their competitive edge and boost their performance in the organizations within which they operate. Through the merger the Airline hoped to increase its global presence by increasing its flights to the over 400 dest inations that it had before the merger. Globalization through merging with Iberia ensures that the airline now under the holding company, International Airlines Group (IAG) expands and grows  into new markets to increase its revenues. In achieving this they must strategically direct the efforts of employees toward this objective. The other impact of the merger is downsizing. (Henry, 2008 p.51) says that downsizing offers the best option to cost cutting because salaries constitute a lion’s share of organizations’ expenses. The management is therefore forced to retrench some its workers in a bid to realize profitability. British Airline after the merger embarked on an elaborate cost cutting measure; this involved reducing their costs by a whopping  £400 million in five years, one major way of achieving this would involve downsizing the workforce. The other impact of the merger is that the business adopted a new model. Installing system in organization is not any easy fete to achieve, it involves a lot of costs to procure the software and hardware components for the system. The most challenging part of a management system is managing the system and its associated risks. The first risk is that the employees who are supposed to be part and parcel of such a system may refuse to embrace because they may not fully understand how such a system would be beneficial to them (Armstrong Baron, 2004 p.123). The human resource team should therefore rise to the occasion by finding ways and means of influencing the employees to embrace such system within their ranks. The management of the International Airlines Group (IAG) decided to train 900 of British Airways staff and 4000 of Iberia staff on various aspect of this new business model Conclusion International Airlines Group (IAG) has no choice but to restructure its human capital by implementing the strategic needs of this factor of production to allow the firm a competitive edge in the industry. The management of IAG needs to integrate all the strategies of strategic human resource management to ensure that the employees are influenced towards achieving the strategic needs of the merger. The merger despite the challenges promises better gains for the holding company in terms of increased profitability and efficiency n operations. References Armstrong, M. Baron, A. (2004) Managing performance: Performance Management in Action. London: CIPD. P.123 Henry A. (2008) Understanding Strategic Management, Oxford University Press pp. 51 Scholes, K. Johnson, G. (2007) Explaining Corporate Strategy, Hempstead: Prentice Hal, p.69

Socratic Method Essay Example for Free

Socratic Method Essay Since the formulation of the Socratic Method, it has been made reasonably clear that the quest for knowledge is based on firstly knowing that one does not know everything and secondly that the only way to know more about anything is to ask more questions. This does not imply of course that one simply propound any knowledgeable person with a barrage of question. This simply suggests that perhaps not accepting everything at face value without any verification as to its truth or validity is simply not the way to learn. From the earliest years, the questions, what, who, how, when, where and the all time favorite, why, have been uttered at least a dozen times by any single person. While these are not the keys to critical thinking, they do form an important foundation of critical thinking and that is that it challenges the current knowledge and pushes people to find out more about things and not simple be content with what is present. Herein lays the first benefit of critical thinking. It challenges the mind to ask more questions and remains at the very center of the quest for knowledge. Without critical thinking, everything in itself would become the rule and nothing would ever be the exception. A falling apple would be a different rule in itself and not connected to a flying bird when in it is in fact clear that through the exercise of critical thinking gravity and all the other forces are at work on these two objects. Secondly, critical thinking pushes at boundaries. To simply say that a truth is truth in itself is naive. Critical thinking plays an important role in all of this because it does not alter the truth but simply brings more of it into light. It reveals and enlightens and only constricts those who are too bound and caught up in the piece of truth that they have come to know. Critical thinking provides other clear benefits but none as important as its role in uncovering the complete truth and driving the quest for knowledge for the benefit of all mankind. After all, critical thinking in itself would never even be the subject of this discussion if it never existed.

Research proposal

Research proposal Introduction The research proposal you are about to read is constructed in order to describe the research project I will execute. I will execute this research project in order to finalize the educational program ICT in Business at Leiden University. In this proposal I will give the objective and explain the methodology of this research. First, I will start with an introduction of the topic and the theoretical background. The research will be hosted and supervised by Getronics Consulting and will be executed at the Business Unit Innovative Technology (BUIT). The time span of this research will be 24 weeks. Industry This research will be focused on the Dutch ICT consultancy industry. This industry suits my interests and the knowledge I gained during the educational program ICT in Business. Getronics Consulting Getronics Consulting is an ICT Consultancy firm which operates in various markets like financial, industrial, educational, public and healthcare. Getronics Consulting advises companies on their ICT-strategy and executes ICT reorganizations based on knowledge about current ICT-architectures. They streamline and integrate people, process and technology in order to create a reliable ICT-architecture which is accessible anywhere at any time. Getronics Consulting has already 20 years experience in IT Service Management and has a working force of 1400 experienced professionals. The ambition Getronics Consulting wants to be known as the opinion leader in the area of leading standards and advanced information and communication technologies. Business and ICT-trends are translated into concrete and usable products and services. They state that every business process needs another ICT approach and call themselves architects of the invisible. The approach In their approach in improving ICT-services, they consider all aspects of the organization: people, products, partners and processes. From that perspective, Getronics Consulting offers support in setting up and optimizing ICT organizations. The philosophy is to enable employees to do their work more efficient. Business Unit Innovative Technology The Business Unit Innovative Technology (BUIT) is a competence center in the field of Web Content Management and (collaboration) portals. The customer base includes diverse organizations throughout the Netherlands varying from government, energy, media and logistical service providers. The tools used by BUIT are SDL Tridion and Microsoft SharePoint. The execution of successful ICT projects is based on the collaboration between People, Process and Technology. These technologies used by BUIT support the customer needs in various ways and are part of Enterprise Content Management (ECM). Enterprise Content Management The Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM), also known as the ECM association defines ECM as: The strategies, methods and tools used to capture, manage, store, preserve, and deliver content and documents related to organizational processes. ECM tools and strategies allow the management of an organizations unstructured information, wherever that information exists (AIIM, 2008, What is ECM?, para.1.). The solutions offered by BUIT are within the manage category. This category has five traditional application areas (Kampffmeyer, 2004): Document Management (DM) Collaboration Web Content Management (WCM) Record Management (RM) Workflow/business process management (BPM) BUIT has the focus on two application areas: collaboration and WCM. The customer needs are supported with different solutions (Tridion SharePoint) around the latter mentioned application areas. The approach Getronics Consulting brought structure into the approach of their projects. They based this approach on the experiences of projects executed in the past. These experiences are bundled into best practices which are based on the eBusiness Development Cycle. The eBusiness Development Cycle consists of six phases. I will elaborate on these phases to give an explanation of the most important activities. Strategy Knowing the mission, vision and goals of the customer is important in order to determine in what direction that organization wants to move. A clear business case is delivered which describes the added-value of the desired solution. Secondly, a conceptual blueprint is created. This blueprint will describe the building blocks of the system in a functional as well as a technical manner. A flexible and modular architecture is the fundamental idea which enables functionalities to be added in the future with minimal adaptations. This blueprint will also function as a starting point of the second phase. Preparation During this phase, several analyses will be done. First, together with the customer, the sources of information which need to be opened up are identified. In other words, what kind of business content does the customer have and for what purpose. Secondly, a prioritized list of the desired functionalities is created. This document will describe the need-to-haves and the nice-to-haves. Also, a scan of the infrastructure is performed in order to compare the current infrastructure with the desired infrastructure. This scan will identify possible technical bottlenecks. After these analyses, the organization itself will be analyzed in order to get a general picture and to see how the new solution would fit in. The main purpose is to define which processes, responsibilities and tasks are related to the helpdesk, technical management and functional- or application management. Finally, all he information gained from the analyses will be the input of the project plan. This plan will be created based on the project management methodology Price2. Design During the design phase, several designs will be expanded in detail. These designs are the basic foundation of what should be built during realization. The designs to be delivered are: infrastructural design, graphical design, functional design and technical design. Acceptation criteria will be written down by the customer. These criteria will be used at a later stage in order to test if the delivered product matches the customers criteria. Every implementation needs its acceptation. Acceptation within the organization is a crucial factor of the success of an implementation. Therefore, an integration plan is created which describes the tasks, responsibilities and processes in such a way the customer understands how they should deal with them. Realization The designs of the latter phase are approved and BUIT will start with the implementation of the infrastructure and the development of custom components. External functionalities and connections will also be realized. Finally, all the realized functionalities will be tested according to the acceptation criteria before the actual implementation takes place. Implementation During this phase, existing content will be migrated to the new system according to the migration plan. The users of these new functionalities will be trained properly. Also, the implemented system will be tested in order see how it performs and what kind of influence it has on the environment. The users are the last ones testing the system. Again, this is based on the acceptation criteria. During this test, the users will investigate the usability and user interfaces of the system. Bugs, found during the tests will be fixed and last but not least: the system will go live including the communication to the end-users. Maintenance The maintenance phase is the operational situation after implementation of the complete system. The emphasis of this phase lies on proper documentation in order to simplify and support future developments and decisions. If necessary, backup- and monitoring processes can be arranged. In the end, an evaluation of the project and its output will be executed. Customer needs The customer requests received by BUIT are especially about online collaboration and the publication of business information (Web Content Management). Today, these processes are supported by internet technologies. The following sections will elaborate on these customer needs. Web Content Management Customers have the need to maintain business information in an easy and intuitive way and make it accessible for those who are authorized to see the content. Information should not be scattered around the organization accessible via different platforms, but via one central platform. Organizational members should also be able to add content to this platform. Adding and maintaining information is one thing, finding the information is another important feature. Organizations have the need to find information via one central search engine which mines different business information sources. Some information is confidential and should only be accessible via the intranet. Organizations can also have the need to share information with the outside world. Think about jobs, news etc. Collaboration Collaboration, essential for improving productivity, becomes more and more important as global market opportunities and competition increase (Soriano, Lizcano, CaÃÆ'Â ±as, Reyes, Hierro, 2007). Today, there are all kinds of collaboration platforms available. BUIT is specialized in Microsoft SharePoint. Microsoft SharePoint is an enterprise platform which supports organizations with collaboration. SharePoint enables people to access diverse resources of information via one platform regardless the devices they have available (Microsoft, 2009). Interest in new technologies BUIT notices the emergence of new technologies and is interested in how these new tools are able to support their current and near-future customer needs. With these new technologies I refer to Web 2.0 technologies. BUITs assumptions about Web 2.0 are not rare. Some researchers come up with statements which add even more question marks. According to Tedennick (2006) Web 2.0 technologies have the advantage of adaptability to the business environment and responsiveness to changing business information needs. He argues that Web 2.0 technologies may offer real benefits in business environments where information plays a vital role. Bughin and Manyika (2007) say that Web 2.0 technologies rely on user collaboration. For BUIT, this raises a couple of questions. What should we do with Web 2.0? Should we embrace Web 2.0, if yes, why? And what are the benefits of Web 2.0 when supporting our customers needs? Web 2.0 Nowadays, new technologies emerged under the label Web 2.0. Web 2.0 is a label coined by OReilly (2005) to describe new patterns which emerged due to the changes occurred by the use of internet. These patterns do not describe the technology but describe the way people share information, contribute to collective knowledge, collaborate and interact with each other. Although this explanation is not about technologies, technologies play a significant role in Web 2.0. As Shah et al. (2005) state in their essay about Web 2.0: The technologies behind Web 2.0 provide a richer user experience and make use of information in unique ways (Introduction, para.1). Theoretical background Like many researchers and organization the Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM) has also his own opinions about Web 2.0. They state that: Many organizations see value in using Web 2.0 tools or social software within their organizations for improved collaboration and innovation, and this is then often referred to as Enterprise 2.0 (AIIM, 2008, What is Web 2.0?, para.2). The AIIM (2008) defines Enterprise 2.0 as: a system of web-based technologies that provide rapid and agile collaboration, information sharing, emergence and integration capabilities in the extended enterprise (What is Web 2.0?, para.1). An important link with this study is that Web 2.0 seems to improve collaboration (AIIM, 2008). Organizations, mainly located in the US are planning to maintain and increase investments in technologies which encourages collaboration (Bughin Manyika, 2007). Unfortunately, the literature gives no evidence about the Dutch interests and investments in Web 2.0. Tredinnick (2006) has the most interesting statements regarding the interests of BUIT. He claims that The key to Web 2.0 is harnessing the ways in which users use information to add value to information (either through direct or indirect user-participation) in creating the information sources that they use (p.232). This is in relation with the current customer needs. As you could read in chapter 2, in the most abstract form, customers have the need to publish information and enable the access to multiple sources of information. Another conclusion of Tredinnick (2006) suggests a benefit for the customer needs: Web 2.0 technologies also allow a far greater degree of collaboration in the creation of content. (p.233) Not only Tedinnick talks about Web 2.0 benefits regarding collaboration. Soriano et al. (2007) says that: Enterprise 2.0 provides enterprises with new models and tools for emergent collaboration and co-creation (Introduction, para.1). Clearly, Web 2.0 has a relation to customer needs regarding WCM and collaboration. Unfortunately, we do not know which elements of Web 2.0 offer what kind of benefits. It would be interesting to know which specific Web 2.0 patterns can offer benefits in supporting the customer needs described in chapter 2. Web 2.0 design patterns OReilly described his ideas about Web 2.0 through seven design patterns: 1) the web as a platform; 2) harnessing collective intelligence; 3) data is the next Intel inside; 4) end of the software release cycle; 5) lightweight programming models; 6) software above the level of a single device and, 7) rich user experience. The web as platform The internet can be seen as a platform through which the users are connected and collaborating with each other. The platform can be seen as the core which binds the elements of Web 2.0 together. Facebook implemented the pattern: the web as a platform. Facebook, an online social network enables people to connect with each other and share and access information. Their mission is to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected (Facebook, 2010). Facebook (2010) also provides the programmatic interfaces that make it easy, quick, and efficient to share and access information. Harnessing Collective Intelligence Today, the web connects 1.7 billion users with each other (Internet World Stats, 2010). The web enables these users to add content to the web and collaborate with each other. This means users are collectively participating. They bring structure to information by tagging the information (OReilly, 2005). Arguing about topics in their blogs (short for Web Log) and sharing their knowledge trough online encyclopedia like Wikipedia (OReilly, 2005). Data is the next Intel inside The web is all about finding, sharing and enriching information. Amazon, the online store for books and electronics gets his information about books from ISBN registry provider R.R. Bowker. Amazon and its users enrich this information by adding covers, previews, comments and reviews about the books. The ISBN registry is also available to the competitors of Amazon, but the value added by amazon and their users is hard to copy by competitors. The enriched information is therefore Amazons Intel inside. End of the software release cycle Normally, software is released when totally finished and tested. When this is not the case, it gets labeled as Beta which indicates that the software is not totally finished and needs some testing. In the world of Web 2.0, users are the testers and provide the vendor with feedback, or even help improve the software by co-development. This beta version gets updated regularly but never becomes a final version. Vendors use real time monitoring to track user behavior in order to make changes in their software (OReilly, 2005). Lightweight programming models This pattern could also be explained by Web Services and RSS (Really Simple Syndication). Web Services are protocols which make it easier for different systems to communicate with one another automatically in order to pass information or conduct transactions. For example, a retailer and supplier use Web Services to communicate over the internet and update each others inventory systems (Bughin Manyika, How Business Are Using Web 2.0: A McKinsey Global Survey, 2007).These Web Services are lightweight and could be used to pull or push information between systems. RSS enables users to aggregate information from various sources. Users can subscribe to websites and blogs or other information sources. The content gets separated from its design and can be used anywhere. Software above the level of a single device In the Web 1.0 paradigm, the web was only accessible via a single device. Nowadays, the web is accessible via a wide range of devices e.g.: mobile phones, televisions, game consoles, MP3-playes, PDAs etc. These devices are connected to the platform which enables users to stay in touch virtually anywhere at any time. Rich user experience Last but not the least the rich user experience pattern is about the richness of an internet application. These applications are also called: Rich Internet Application (RIA). A RIA is an internet application, viewed via the web browser where the user experiences a richer environment which is comparable to a desktop application. Research objective The objective of this research is to investigate the benefits of Web 2.0 regarding WCM and Collaboration activities. In other words, what is the benefit for an organization to have Web 2.0 support their Web Content Management and collaboration activities? In order to see the benefits I will need to compare the old situation with the new Web 2.0 situation. With the old situation I refer to how the WCM and Collaboration activities are supported today. The new situation refers to a situation where an organization implemented one or more Web 2.0 design patterns in order to support their activities. Measuring the difference between the two situations requires a measurement instrument. Having the validation in mind, this should be the same instrument for both the situations in order to make a valid comparison. Therefore, I will use the conceptual framework described in chapter 5. The first step of this research is to find out which processes are demanding what kind of information properties and with what degree (e.g. high accuracy of information). The second step is to look at new technologies referred to as Web 2.0 and investigate how they support WCM and Collaboration. The focus is on the level of information properties. So, how do Web 2.0 design patterns perform regarding the demanded information properties. It could be that a design pattern causes information to be better accessible. Managerial relevance This research will be relevant because ICT Consultancy companies like Getronics Consulting gain insight in the benefits Web 2.0 might offer when supporting their customers processes related to Web Content Management and Collaboration. Due to the abstract approach of this research, near-future processes which require certain information properties could be matched with Web 2.0 design patterns. Academic relevance Nowadays, Web 2.0 is a hot research topic. Researchers are trying to find out how businesses are using Web 2.0 (Bughin Manyika, How Business Are Using Web 2.0: A McKinsey Global Survey, 2007); what impact Web 2.0 has on enterprise applications (Adobe, 2007) and Web 2.0 Business A pointer to the intranets of the future? (Tredinnick, 2006). The survey done by Bughin and Manyika tells us that the corporate world has a clear interest in Web 2.0 technologies. Respondents of their survey say they are using Web 2.0 technologies to: communicate with customers and business partners; help manage knowledge internally; share and gather ideas and for automation and collaboration. (Tredinnick, 2006) explored the application of Web 2.0 technologies to business intranets, and their potential use in managing and developing business information and knowledge assets. The latter mentioned authors lack to describe information properties required by the processes of the organizations and how Web 2.0 affected these properties. New knowledge could be created by finding out which and how Web 2.0 patterns affect the information properties. Another issue from the latter mentioned papers is that they mainly surveyed the US and only some European countries like: Germany, France and the U.K. Since this research will be executed inside the Netherlands based on organizational needs from Dutch companies, new knowledge could be created. Information requirements Organizations have all kind of processes which need to be supported. Today, many of those processes are supported with IT solutions. Davenport (1993) defines a business process as: A structured, measured set of activities designed to produce a specific output for a particular customer or market (p. 5). In short, the core of a process could be explained as: Figure 1: Core principle of a process. Depending on what kind of activity needs to be supported, emphasis is placed on different requirements of information (Davis, 1982). One business process could require high accuracy of information while another process would require less accurate but timelier information. When these requirements or properties of information are known, a suitable solution for supporting the business process could be selected. But how do we analyze which information requirements are demanded? Conceptual framework Wang and Strong (1996) conducted research in order to develop a hierarchical framework for organizing data quality dimensions. This framework contains several information requirements grouped into four categories. Wang and Strong (1996) conclude that the framework could be useful as a checklist during data requirement analysis (p. 23). This particular statement is interesting since one objective of this research is to analyze which requirements of information are demanded by WCM and Collaboration activities. As you may have noticed, the words data and information are used interchangeably. The word data is a Latin noun, datum, meaning something that is given (Bovee et al., 2002). For information the definition that information is, or contains, input or pieces of information (data) organized to some purpose will be used (Davenport Prusak, Stonie, as cited in Bovee et al., 2002 ,p4). Therefore, data and information will be treated synonymously throughout this proposal. The perspective from which the requirements of information will be measured is an organizational perspective. Other researchers (Bovee et al, 2002 and Katerattanakul Siau, 1999) used this model to measure the quality of information based on a user perspective. Within the context of this research, the organization can also be seen as the user who requires information to be: e.g. accurate or timely. Again, this framework proves to be a relevant tool required by this research. The framework contains 15 requirements grouped into 4 categories. Wang and Strong (1996) stated that this framework provides a basis for deciding which aspects of data quality to use in any research study (p. 22). Regarding this statement, I will have to determine the relevance of each information requirement. For the case studies (proposed in chapter 7) the data quality metrics: accuracy, relevancy, timeliness, interpretability and accessibility will be used. The latter metrics are the most commonly used metrics according to the reviewed literature (Bovee et al., 2002 and Kahn et al., 2002 and Lee et al., 2001 and Griffiths, 2005). Figure 2: A conceptual framework of data quality (Wang Strong, 1996) Research questions Main research question What is the benefit for an organization to have Web 2.0 support their WCM and Collaboration activities? Sub questions Some sub questions are posed in order to answer the main research question. These sub questions will gain more insight about the separate components of the main research question. Which properties of information are important regarding the processes which are currently supported by WCM and Collaboration? Which properties of information are offered by each Web 2.0 design pattern? How do the information properties offered by Web 2.0 patterns match with the information properties demanded by WCM and Collaboration activities? Research methodology Obviously, the main research question as well as the sub-questions cannot be answered without justified sources of evidence. You can imagine that a certain starting point is needed. Therefore, the methodology for this research will be an explanatory multiple-case study within Getronics Consulting and KPN. Herriott Firestone (as cited by Yin, 2003, p.46) say that the evidence from multiple cases is often considered more compelling, and the overall study is therefore regarded as being more robust. According to Yin (2003) a case study is best used when asking questions such as how and why. Since the sub-questions one and two are not how or why questions, these questions are operationalized. The data collection methods will be face-to-face interviews, documentation and archival records (system data). Case description As stated in the introduction, two case studies will be conducted within two different companies. First the Knowledge Sharing Expertise Building project within Getronics Consulting will be studied. Secondly, the social media platform KPN1 Connect within KPN will be studied. Knowledge Sharing Expertise Building (KSEB) Getronics Consulting recently initiated the KSEB project. Getronics Consulting has the need to capture and preserve knowledge gained by its employees. When an employee is working on a project and wants to know more about a particular subject, he should be able to find the right colleague(s) with the right expertise for addressing this particular subject. The KSEB platform will consist of different portals: Personal; Communities; and Knowledge Base. The personal portal will contain a public profile and a blog with posts. The communities portal will contain a community wiki and a community team site. News, a forum and shared documents will be present on the team site. The last portal, the knowledge base will contain a category site with documents. KPN1 Connect The project KPN1 Connect is initiated because of a specific need. KPN had the need to foster communication between all employees across the entire organization. They wanted communication to happen in an organic manner rather than a horizontal/vertical manner which is based on the employees hierarchical status. Therefore, a social media platform was launched earlier this year. This platform is an extension to their original intranet and enables employees to communicate with one another via weblogs (blogs) and short (micro blog) messages. Employees have their own profile which contains: name; function; professional expertise; professional interests; hobbies; and product expertise. In short, they can post blogs; short messages; photos; videos and reactions based on content posted by others. The platform also recommends other employees based on the content of the employees profile. And, last but not least, a sophisticated search function enables employee to find other employees and content posted by others. Case studies propositions The propositions of a case study are important in order to direct the attention into the right direction within the scope of the study (Yin, 2003). For both the case studies the same propositions are posed. The propositions are: Getronics Consulting is using Knowledge Sharing Expertise Building in order to support WCM and Collaboration activities. KPN is using KPN1 Connect in order to support Collaboration activities. Getronics Consulting implemented at least one Web 2.0 design pattern into Knowledge Sharing Expertise Building. KPN implemented at least one Web 2.0 design pattern into KPN1 Connect. Web 2.0 design patterns have an effect on the properties of information. Operational questions With the case studies I hope to answer the sub-questions stated in chapter 6. The following table presents how the sub-questions will be operationalized in a larger set of questions, and how they will be answered by each method. Question q1 will be answered with three operational questions. By answering the first, evidence should point out which processes the company wants to support and why with the use of this particular system. The second question is about the analysis of the content. The analysis should indicate what kind of information is stored and processed by the system, and how this information is tagged and related with each other. The purpose of the third question is to investigate what kinds of properties of information are demanded by the organization. This is regarding the processes and the kind of content stored and processed by the system. Question q2 will be answered with two operational questions. The first question will explore what kind of Web 2.0 design patterns are implemented and with what intentions. The second question will measure how the implemented Web 2.0 design patterns score according to the properties of information. Analyzing the results During the case studies, the data quality will be measured twice. First according to what the organization is demanding. For example: organization x has the activity of publishing content and ranks the accuracy of the information most important. Secondly the data quality is measured according to what the Web 2.0 design pattern can offer. For example: design pattern rich user experience causes information to be better interpretable. By analyzing both results the last sub-question will be answered: (q3) How do the information properties offered by Web 2.0 patterns match with the information properties demanded by WCM and Collaboration activities? References Adobe. (2007). The Impact of Web 2.0 on Enterprise Applications A strategy to improve business performance through software that works the way people work. CIO Custom Solution Group. AIIM. (2008). AIIM What is Web 2.0? Retrieved April 13, 2010, from AIIM: http://www.aiim.org/What-is-Web-2.0.aspx AIIM. (2008, Januari). What is ECM? Retrieved April 2010, from AIIM: http://www.aiim.org/What-is-ECM-Enterprise-Content-Management.aspx Baarde, B., Goede, M. d. (1995). Methoden en Technieken (2nd ed.). Houten: Educatieve Partners Nederland BV. Bouman, E. (2008). SmarTEST: slim testen van informatiesystemen. Den Haag: Sdu Uitgevers bv. Bovee, M., Srivasta

Essay examples --

Types of Biogeochemical Cycle Biogeochemical cycle is crucial for every living organism on Earth. It is strongly influenced by life forms, especially plants and microorganisms. A biogeochemical cycle can be defined as a continuous pathway by which conversion and circulation of chemical nutrients through both biotic and abiotic compartments of Earth (Butcher, 1992). Generally, biogeochemical cycles can be classified into three major categories which are nitrogen cycle, sulfur cycle and carbon cycle (Refer to Figure 1 in Appendix 1). First type of biogeochemical cycle is nitrogen cycle. Nitrogen is abundant and chemically inert gases, constitutes of about 78% of the atmosphere. According to Stevenson and Cole (1999), accumulation in soil happens through microbial fixation of nitrogen in the presence of ammonia, nitrate and nitrite; depletion exists in the process of crop removal, leaching and volatilization. In term of that, the process of releasing compound during decomposition is called mineralization. Mineralization process is carried out by the microorganisms in which it releases carbon, and also ammonium (Sprent, 1987). As a result, many kinds of organic reduce nitrogen present, like urea, organic bases, such as purines and pyrimidines, and amino compounds. Animals have nitrogenous wastes and will eventually produce lots of nitrogen (Sprent, 1987). Several pathways are illustrated throughout the nitrogen cycle, such as nitrogen fixation, ammonification, nitrification and denitrification. Gates (1921) state d that the process of converted gaseous nitrogen into ammonia or ammonium is nitrogen fixation, while ammonium can also be produced through the decaying of nitrogenous organic substance, which is called ammonification. Afte... ...ut slowly uptake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (Zepp, & Sonntag, 1995). Hanson, Ducklow and Field (2000) mention that in the ocean, some of the carbon taken up by phytoplankton in order to make shells of calcium carbonate that settles to the bottom of the sea to form sediments. In geological carbon cycle, carbonic acid combines with magnesium and calcium in the Earth's crust to form insoluble carbonates. Carbon dioxide reacts with some minerals to form limestone, then dissolves by rainwater and carries to the oceans. Once there, it can precipitate out of the ocean water and form layer of sediments on the sea floor. The limestone melts and reacts with other minerals under high heat and pressure far below the Earth's surface by releasing carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is then back into the atmosphere through volcanic eruptions (Lockwood, & Hazlett, 2010).

Tennessee Williams The Glass Menagerie Essay -- Williams Glass Menage

Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie If The Glass Menagerie were performed without the effects Williams wrote into the script, then the play would barely have a plot. Williams' use of music, lighting and a television screen add depth and meaning to the play. He uses effects to portray the feelings of the characters, rather than their words or actions. In Tom's opening speech he states that'The play is memory.' Because it is about his memories of his mother and her memories. They both spend the play living in the past. Tom is obviously living in the past because the play is based around 'post-war Tom's' memories of his life prior to the war when he was living with Amanda and Laura. Amanda seems to be divided between her world as an abandoned mother of two, and her youth back in Blue Mountain. When Amanda first appears in the play, so does the legend on the television screen 'Ou sont les neiges' and later, 'Ou sont les neiges d'antan?' which means 'where are the snows' and 'where are the snows of yesteryear?' this emphasises the idea that Amanda is longing for the past. She then begins to tell her children- and judging by Tom's reaction, for the hundredth time- of her youth and her many gentlemen callers and how wonderful her life was. The Glass Menagerie is a very static play, the audience do not leave the two rooms of their apartment and the characters lives are so uninteresting the highest point of the play is when a gentleman comes to the house for dinner. The family have become so consumed by the pressure and worries of the American depression, that their lives have become monotonous and lacklustre. Their struggle for survival is so apparent, that their dreams and life have been oppres... ...s played to express Laura's silent fears but other music is played in other scenes to express general feelings. For example in scene five, dance music called 'The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise', this is used to show society's general lack of motivation not just the family's. The last scene of the play is when Tom storms out of the apartment and he is standing on the stairs telling the audience what he then went on to do. In the background is Amanda comforting her daughter, and it is not a side that the audience has witnessed of Amanda before. This final moment is obviously a very important moment for Amanda and Laura because they are bonding, yet Williams has this scene in silence. This silence does not devalue this moment between the two at all, but makes it more powerful, because acts speak louder than words, hence 'A play is not just language...'.

Three Fundamental Elements Of An Effective Access Control Solution

What are the three fundamental elements of an effective access control solution for information systems?Identification, Authentication, and Authorization2. What two access controls can be setup for a Windows Server 2003 folders and authentication?Authentication and Access control.3. lf you can browse a file on a Windows network share but are not able to copy it or modify it what type of access controls and permissions are probably configured? What type of Access Control would best describe this access control situation?List Folder Contents – Security Policy based control.4. What is the mechanism on a Windows Server where you can administer granular policies and permissions on a Windows network using role-based access?Group Policy Editor5. What is two-factor authentication and why is it an effective access control technique? Two Factor uses two of the three characteristics in Authentication types (Knowledge, Ownership, Characteristics) 6. Relate how Windows Server 2008 R2 Activ e Directory and the configuration of access controls achieve C-1-A for departmental LANs, departmental folders, and data. creates security principals in the Active Directory domain partition7. Is it a good practice to include the account or user name in the password? Why or why not? It is not a good idea to have a user name in the password, because it easy for people can try to hack or decode the password.8. Can a user who is defined in the Active Directory access a shared drive if that user is not part of the domain?Non domain machines cannot access shared folders.9. Does Windows Server 2003 require a user's login/password credentials prior  to accessing shared drives?Yes – Credentials are required.I 0. When granting access to LAN systems for GUESTS (i.e., auditors, consultants, third-party individuals, etc.), what security controls do you recommend be implemented in order to maximize CI- A of production systems and data?Establish a temporary limited account for access to only what is needed; and have them sign user and non-disclosure agreements.

Ap Bio Work

Label the seven repertories illustrated here, and give a different example of each. Enter answer here Evolutionary Adoption Enter answer environment Response to the here Enter answer Order here Regulation Energy Processing Enter & Development Concept 1. 1 Themes connect the concepts of biology 2. What are emergent properties? Give two examples. Properties that are not present at the preceding level. Reproduction 3. Life is organized on many scales. Figure 1. 4 zooms you in from viewing Earth from space all the way to the level of molecules. As you study this figure, choose the correct label for each picture. Exosphere ecosystem ell organism organelle community tissue molecule population 4. Our study of biology will be organized around recurring themes. Make a list here of the themes that are presented, and give an example that illustrates each theme. Watch for these themes throughout your study this entire year. This will help you see the big picture and organize your thinking. (Go t o the Summary of Key Concepts at the end of the chapter for a concise look at the themes. ) Theme 1 Example Organisms Interact with other organisms and the Physical Environment The leaves of a tree, for example, absorb light from the sun, Theme 2:Life requires energy transfer and transformation Theme 3: Theme 4: A fundamental characteristic of living organisms is their use of energy to carry out life's activities. Theme 5: Theme 6: Theme 7: (Find it in 1. 2. ) Concept 1. 2 The Core Theme: Evolution accounts for the unity and diversity of life 5. Life is organized into groups. Study Figure 1. 14. Which level contains the greatest diversity of organisms? The least? 6. Taxonomy is the branch of biology that names and classifies organisms. Because of new molecular information, there have been many changes in placement of certain groups in recent years.Notice that all life is now organized in your text into 3 domains rather than the 5 kingdoms you may have learned earlier. Choose the kin gdoms mentioned in the text in the space above the proper domain names shown here. Mammalian Protests 7. What two main points were articulated in Darning's The Origin of Species? 8. What did Darwin propose as the mechanism of evolution? Summarize this mechanism. Are the two main types of scientific inquiry? Give an example of each. 10. What is the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning? Is either used by scientists? 1 1 .Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative data. Which type would be resented in a data chart and could be graphed? Which type is found in the field sketches made by Jane Goodwill? 12. In science, how do we define hypothesis? 13. A scientific hypothesis has two important qualities. The first is that it is testable. What is the second? 14. Look at Figure 1. 24. Use it to write a hypothesis using the â€Å"If .. . Then .. .† Format. 15. What is a controlled experiment? 16. The text points out a common misconception about the term â€Å"cont rolled experiment†. In the snake mimicry experiment, what factors were held constant? 7. Explain what is meant by a scientific theory by giving the three ways your text prepares a theory from a hypothesis or mere speculation. Chapter 2: The Chemical Context of Life 2. 3. This chapter covers the basics that you may have learned in your chemistry class. The questions that follow should help you focus on the most important points. Matter element trace element neutron atomic number atomic mass energy polar covalent bond anion compound proton isotope electronegative action dynamic equilibrium essential element electron electron shells monopoly covalent bond hydrogen bond Concept 2. Matter consists of chemical elements in pure form and in combinations called compounds 1. What four elements make up 96% of all living matter? Concept 2. 2 An element's properties depend on the structure of its atoms 2. Below is a model of an atom of helium, correctly label the electrons, protons, neutro ns, and atomic nucleus. 3. What is the atomic number of helium? Its atomic mass? 4. Consider this entry in the periodic table for carbon. What is the atomic mass? Atomic number? How many electrons does carbon have? Neutrons? 5. What are isotopes? Use carbon as an example. 6.Explain radioactive isotopes and one medical application that uses them. 7. Which is the only subatomic particle that is directly involved in the chemical sections between atoms? 8. What is potential energy? 9. Explain which has more potential energy in each pair: a. Boy at the top of a slide/boy at the bottom electron in the third energy shell the chemical behavior of an atom? B. electron in the first energy shell/ c. Water/glucose 10. What determines a. How many valence electrons does it have? B. How many protons does it have? Concept 2. 3 The formation and function of molecules depend on chemical bonding between atoms 12.Now, refer back to your definition of a compound and fill in the following chart: Molecule ? (y/n) Compound? (y/n) Molecular Formula Water Carbon dioxide Methane Structural Formula 02 13. What type of bond is seen in 02? Explain what this means. 14. Choose the correct labels for the electron distribution diagram of water. Which element is most electronegative? Molecule? Why is water considered a polar (This is a very important concept. Spend some time with this one! ) 15. Another bond type is the ionic bond. Explain what is happening in the figure below (2. 14): 16. What two elements are involved above? 17.In the preceding example, which is the anion? 18. Indicate where the hydrogen bond occurs in this figure. Hydrogen 19. Here is a list of the types of bonds and interactions discussed in this section. On the chart: hydrogen bonds, van deer Walls interactions, covalent bonds, ionic bonds. Van deer Walls interactions 20. What is the biological importance of weak bonds? 21 . Use morphine and endorphins as examples to explain why molecular shape is crucial in biology. Concep t 2. 4 Chemical reactions make and break chemical bonds 22. Write the chemical shorthand equation for photosynthesis. Label the reactants and the products. 23.For the equation you Just wrote, how many molecules of carbon dioxide are there? How many molecules of glucose? How many elements in glucose? Chapter 3: Water and the Fitness of the Environment polar molecule specific heat solute pH cohesion evaporation hydrophilic acid adhesion solvent hydrophobic base Concept 3. 1 The polarity of water molecules results in hydrogen bonding 1. Why is water considered polar? 2. How many hydrogen bonds can a single water molecule form? Concept 3. 2 Four emergent properties of water contribute to Earth's fitness for life Hydrogen bonding accounts for the unique properties of water. Let's look at several.Cohesion 3. What is demonstrated when you see beads of water on a waxed car hood? Calorie solution military . Which property explains the ability of a water strider to walk on water? Moderation o f Temperature 5. Water has high specific heat. How does water's specific heat compare to alcohol's? 6. Explain how hydrogen bonding contributes to water's high specific heat. 7. Summarize how water's high specific heat contributes to the moderation of temperature. How is this property important to life? 8. What is heat of vaporization? Explain at least three effects of this property on living organisms. Expansion upon Freezing 9. Ice floats!So what? Consider what would happen if ponds and other bodies of water accumulated ice at the bottom. Describe why this property of water is important. 10. Now, explain why ice floats. Why is ICC the critical temperature in this story? Solvent of Life 1 1 . Consider coffee to which you have added sugar. Which is the solvent? The solute? 12. Explain why water is such a fine solvent. 13. You already know that some materials, such as olive oil, will not dissolve in water. In fact, oil will float on top of water. Explain this property in terms of hyd rogen bonding. 14. Now, let's do a little work that will enable you to prepare solutions.Read the section on solute concentrations carefully, and show the calculations here for repairing a I-molar solution of sucrose. Steps to help you do this follow. The first step is done for you. Fill in the rest. Steps to prepare a solution: a. Write the molecular formula. B. Use your periodic table to calculate the mass of each element. Multiply by the number of atoms of the element. (For example, O has a mass of 16. Therefore one mole of O has a mass of 16 x 11 = 176 g/mole. ) masses of each element in the molecule. C. Add the d. Add this mass of the compound to water to bring it to a volume of 1 liter.

Collabarative learning community

It is Important to promote the professional role of the nurse to provide health promotion and disease preventive care. Collaborating with other health care professionals and consumer groups In the community In redesigning health care can help meet the goals for Healthy People 2020. Refer to http://www. healthypeople. gov/ to open the Healthy People home page. Select the â€Å"2020 Topics & Objectives† tab.Select one of the 42 â€Å"Healthy People† topic areas for improving health. Submit the proposed area to the instructor for approval. No group may work on the same focus area as another group. Develop a PowerPoint presentation (15-20 slides) with accompanying speaker's notes and citations. For help deslgnlng PowerPoint slides, refer to the tutorial listed In the Topic Materials. In the presentation, address the following: State the objective of the presentation.State the Healthy People 2020 focus area your group has selected and the rationale or selection of the specif ic focus area. Explain how the focus area relates to the individual, family and community and all age groups throughout the lifespan. Identify ways to enhance or optimize health in the selected focus area using evidence-based research. A minimum of three peer-reviewed articles must be utilized. Address the health disparity among different segments of the population for the selected focus area.Provide a brief description of at least two community resources and at least two ebsite resources for professionals and clients. Provide a brief profile of at least one health-related organization for the selected focus area While APA format is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected and in- text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. This assignment uses a grading rubric.Instructors will be using the rubric to grade he assignment; therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment. collabarative learning community By Roopneetkaur It is important to promote the professional role of the nurse to provide health professionals and consumer groups in the community in redesigning health care can For help designing PowerPoint slides, refer to the tutorial listed in the Topic Collabarative Learning Community It is important to promote the professional role of the nurse to provide health promotion and disease preventive care. Collaborating with other health care professionals and consumer groups in the community in redesigning health care can help meet the goals for Healthy People 2020.Refer to http://www.healthypeople.gov/ to open the Healthy People home page.Select the â€Å"2020 Topics & Objectives† tab.Select one of the 42 â€Å"Healthy People† topic areas for improving health. Submit the proposed area to the instructor for approval. No group may work on the same focus area as another group. Develop a PowerPoint presentation (15-20 slides) with accompanying speaker's notes and citations.For help designing PowerPoint slides, refer to the tutorial listed in the Topic Materials.In the presentation, address the following:State the objective of the presentation.State the Healthy People 2020 focus area your group has selected and the rationale for selection of the specific foc us area. Explain how the focus area relates to the individual, family and community and all age groups throughout the lifespan. Identify ways to enhance or optimize health in the selected focus area using evidence-based research. A minimum of three peer-reviewed articles must be utilized. Address the health disparity among different segments of the population for the selected focus area. Provide a brief description of at least two community resources and at least two website resources for professionals and clients.Provide a brief profile of at least one health-related organization for the selected focus area. While APA format is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.This assignment uses a grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment; ther efore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment.

The Grave: Redemption and Coming of Age

The Grave: Redemption and Coming of age Everyone has that one person that they look up to as a child. In the short story â€Å"The Grave,† a young girl named Miranda grew up without a mother and is considered to be a tomboy. Her older brother, Paul, is that person she looks up to. She has a sort of epiphany after playing and digging through dirt in her grandfather's old grave with her brother and finding a gold ring which gears her into discovering her femininity.The author, Katherine Anne Porter uses symbolism to a great extent to illustrate the themes of redemption and Miranda's epiphany of deciding to accept and embrace her existence as a woman. The main form of symbolism that porter uses in the story is Christian Symbolism. Prior to when Miranda and Paul explore the graves, Porter describes the cemetery by stating: â€Å"The cemetery had been a pleasant, small, neglected garden of tangled rose bushes and ragged cedar trees and cypress. . . † (362). The description o f the grave refers to the Garden of Eden which is a Christian Biblical setting.Grubbs acknowledges that: â€Å". . . Something that Miranda says about a snake following their exploration of the graves makes the Biblical connection almost obvious. â€Å"We [the reader] guess that there will be a fall however, when Miranda asks if she can ‘have the first snake’ in their hunt, suggesting the snake that led Eve to eat from the tree of knowledge† (Smith, Ed 3). This supports the theme of redemption to this Biblical reference. Miranda and Paul feel much like how Adam and Eve felt in The Fall of Eden; the reader can make this comparison by this quote in the short story saying: â€Å". . The cemetery was no longer theirs, and they felt like trespassers† (Porter 363). When Adam and Eve begin to feel as if they have done a forbidden act, they start to have negative feelings such as shame and the fear of being discovered, just like Miranda and Paul, and how they do not want anyone to know that they have been playing in their grandfather's grave. Grubbs points out the meaning of the graves being, â€Å". . . symbols of experience . . . and one of the story's many links to the fall† (2).In the graves Miranda found a silver dove and Paul found a gold ring, which they soon traded their findings. Considering the dove as well, Grubbs notes that â€Å"The dove's emergence from the grave suggests innocence born from experience . . . † he reports as well that â€Å"Graves and treasures represent loss and recovery; together they suggest continuity† (2). The symbolic meanings of the dove and the gold ring have a large impact on the story. The gold ring though has an even more of an impact on Miranda than it does on Paul.Following trading the ring with Paul, Miranda has an epiphany regarding her feelings about her existence as a woman and moving away from being a tomboy and move toward embracing her femininity. Once Miranda saw the ri ng she loved it, in the short story it states: â€Å"Miranda was smitten at sight of the ring and wished to have it† (Porter 363). The ring becomes to have a stronger effect on her when she begins to resent her boyish clothes. â€Å"Now the ring, shining with serene purity of fine gold on her rather grubby thumb, turned her feelings against her overalls and sockless feet . . . (Porter 365). She then wanted to go home and wanted to â€Å". . . dust herself with plenty of Maria's [her older sister] violet talcum powder† and â€Å". . . put on the thinnest, most becoming dress she owned, with a big sash, and sit in a wicker chair under the trees . . . † (Porter 365). With this being stated the reader can observe how Miranda is realizing the reality of the true differences between her and her brother. Cromie and Karr reason that: â€Å"This fantasy obviously works to prepare us for Miranda's acceptance of her destiny as a woman, but it is also reminiscent of the F all† (4).This is true because Miranda accepting herself as being a woman reflects her loss of innocence in relation to the story line in the Fall of Eden. Porter uses many different examples of symbolism throughout the story to connect the concept of death and rebirth [redemption] and Miranda's maturing into a young woman. Grubbs comments that: â€Å"The narrator draws us into ‘The Grave' through several layers of time and seemingly disjointed events, each layer revealing more than the one before† (2).Throughout the story the reader can follow Miranda's thoughts and behaviors to conclude her significant changes from a young girl who looked up to her older brother as a role model to designating her older sister as her role model, not to mention Miranda's discovery of continuity. Work Cited Porter, Katherine Anne. â€Å"†The Grave†Ã¢â‚¬  The Collected Stories of Katherine Anne Porter. Orlando: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1979. 362-68. Print. Rooke Const ance and Bruce Wallis. â€Å"Myth and Epiphany in Porter’s ‘The Grave,’. Studies in short fiction 25. 3 (Summer 1978): 269-275. Rpt. In Short Story Criticism. Ed. Jenny Cromie and Justin Karr. Vol. 43. Detroit: Gale Group, 2001. Literature Resource Center. Web. 26 Oct. 2012. Grubbs, M. A. â€Å"The Grave. † Masterplots II: Short Story Series, Revised Edition (2004): 1-2. Literary Reference Center. Web. 26 Oct. 2012. â€Å"The Grave. † Short Stories for Student. Ed. Jennifer Smith. Vol. 11. Detroit: Gale Group, 2001. 78-93. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 25 Oct. 2012.

A Freedom Writer Toast For Change English Literature Essay

A Freedom Writer Toast For Change English Literature Essay A Freedom Writer named Maria entered class during the Toast for Change and was the first person to declare what she wanted to change in her life. Maria didn’t want to end up pregnant at fifteen like her mother, end up in prison like her father, or wind up dead at the age of eighteen like her cousin. She wanted a clean slate, and a bright future, but she didn’t want to start by reading Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl. Maria felt she couldn’t relate to Anne Frank, and on top of that she hated reading. Ms. Gruwell believed Maria would find herself within the pages of the book, and Maria wanted to prove her wrong. So one night as she read about Anne and the hardships she endured while living in the attic she realized Ms. Gruwell had been right! Anne and Maria have a lot of things in common. Even though Anne wasn’t Latina, and didn’t grow up in the same neighborhood as Maria, these two girls faced both discrimination based on the way they looked. After Maria finished the book Ms. Gruwell began to notice changes within her student. She had a better attitude in class, more focused on her studies, and became more interested in class material. # 2 In the fall of 1995, a freedom writer was sent on a mission by her family. Her goal is to defend her own against and testify against a rival gang member. This young woman was a witness to a murder committed by her friend Paco. A rival gang member sat on the opposite side of the court room falsely accused of the murder. She was always taught to protect her family no matter the circumstances. Her mind should have been made up, lie and go home, but as she sat on the witness stand two natures were at war inside of her, good and evil. The good nature told her to do what is right and tell the truth, the evil nature kept chanting protect your own and send an innocent man to prison. The decision had not been so easy anymore and someone made what Paco thought would be a smooth trial into someth ing her family and friends never thought could happen. On the opposite side of the court room, sat the rival gang members family. Her eyes gazed over their faces, almost all were filled with anger except one. A woman the author described as being strong with tears in her eyes. Out of all the faces in the court room this one was familiar. The strong woman with tears in her eyes resembled all the author and her mother went through when her father was on trial. She saw her mother and herself in the woman’s shoes, and a flashback of the day her father was sent to prison. At that moment she knew what she had to do. It frightened her because this was not part of the plan, if she did what was right the mission would not be accomplished and the one principal that held her family together would be shattered. The image of her mother gave her the power to end the fight between right and wrong. In this court room she realized the power she possessed. She could give this woman what was de nied to her mother so long ago, the truth and her family.