The study of organizational behavior free essay sample

The study of organizational behavior is concerned with: A) psychosocial, interpersonal, and organizational structure B) interpersonal, group dynamics in organizations, and work design C) psychosocial, interpersonal, and work design D) psychosocial, interpersonal, and group dynamics in organizations Points Earned: Correct Answer(s): D 2. The beliefs and assumptions about people, work, and the organization best reflects the: A) social surface B) formal organization C) informal organization D) overt part of an organization Points Earned: Correct Answer(s): C 3. The task of an organization is reflected in its: A) mission, purpose or goal B) human resources C) input materials D) structure Points Earned: 1. 0/1. 0 Correct Answer(s): A 4. The science of human behavior and individual differences is: A) psychology B) sociology C) engineering D) anthropology 5. EXTRA CREDIT: What was your preferred learning style as indicated by the VARK Questionnaire? Also list one way you want to take in intormation according to your style. For the extra point you had to name your VARK learning style AND one way to take in information (according to VARK) Points Earned: 0. We will write a custom essay sample on The study of organizational behavior or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page /0. 0 6. The internal or external perspectives offer: A) conflicting explanations for human behavior B) complementary explanations for human behavior C) alternative explanations for human behavior D) similar explanations for human behavior 7. The specific setting within which organizational behavior is enacted would be called the: A) external environment B) situation C) organizational context D) group Points Earned: 0. 0/1. 0 8. Culture and the study of learned behavior comprise the domain of: A) management B) psychology C) sociology 9. All of the following are internal behavioral processes except: A) Judging B) perceiving C) leading D) cognition The four main driving forces creating and shaping changes at work include: A) globalization, demography, diversity, ethics B) globalization, technology, diversity, employee attitudes C) globalization, diversity, ethics, and technology D) globalization, technology, religiosity, ethics 11. The description of an organization as clockworks, in which human behavior is logical and rational, would come from which level within the organization? A) organizational level B) internal level C) group or department level D) individual level The work of Hofstede is important because his studies revealed that more differences n work-related attitudes can be explained by: A) culture B) age C) gender D) profession The major difference between prejudice and discrimination is: A) prejudice refers to behavior and discrimination refers to an attitude B) discrimination has been shown to have more of an impact on productivity than prejudice C) prejudice has been shown to have more of an impact on productivity than discrimination D) prejudice refers to an attitude and discrimination refers to behavior Points Earned: 0. 0/1. According to your text, African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans are likely to be at disadvantage within organizations because: A) available Jobs in the tuture will require less skill than in the past B) they are under-represented in declining occupations C) the proportion of African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans who are qualified for higher level Jobs are often higher than the proportion of qualified whites and Asian- Americans D) they tend to live in a small number of large cities that are facing severe economic difficulties Points Earned: 0. 0/1. 0 Globalization implies all of the following except: A) a borderless world B) competition between workers from other countries C) an organizations nationality is held strongly in consciousness D) the world is free from national boundaries Which of the following was NOT recommended as a technique for increasing the sensitivity of differences between people from various cultures? A) describing one anothers culture B) cultural sensitivity training C) cross-cultural task forces or teams D) role analysis technique (RAT) Which statement best captures the spirit of managing diversity? A) It is a painful examination of hidden assumptions that employees hold. B) It is assimilating women and minorities into a dominant male culture. C) It is complying with affirmative action. D) It is being a good corporate citizen. Which of the following statements/statistics about women in the workforce is incorrect? A) There has been little increase in the number of women CEOs.

Free Essays on The Time Machine

The Time Machine H.G. Wells’ writings focus on science and social science. His knowledge of the two subjects allowed him to write about situations that are most likely impossible and make them appear to be possible. Wells takes the reader through a series of explanations that seem to make sense to a casual observer and make his fiction evident and plausible. Wells used science as a tool to explain his ideas and to help the reader believe what is going on in his novels. In addition to science, Wells used society as an aid to help the reader believe what is going on in his novels. Wells created human characters in his novel that are educated and successful. These characters are upstanding citizens of society and people look up to them and respect them. Wells knowledge of science is made evident when his characters and he discussed scientific ideas and tried to reach a conclusion that ended up supporting Wells’ theories. Wells also incorporated ideas on society into his novels. The ideas on society such as a utopian world and the conflict between industrialists and the workers have been in conflict with his society and others throughout the centuries. By bringing in these real life debates on society, the reader is pushed into believing Wells’ ideas even more. With the constant incorporation of real life situations, ideas, thoughts and theories, Wells helps the reader accept his premises and allows the reader to slip their minds into accepting the novel without doubting the possibilities presented in the novel. Israel Zangwill’s review of the Time Machine is satirical and suitably amuses us with the idea of time travel and does not see anything utopian in the idea of time travel. Mark R. Hillegas, on the other hand, applauds H.G. Wells attempt to ease the mind of the reader and allowing the reader to accept the fiction as a possibility. Wells believed in the idea of a utopian world, but his writing never actually reached a poin... Free Essays on The Time Machine Free Essays on The Time Machine How Does H.G Wells use language in the novel ‘The Time Machine’ to teach us about his vision of the future? H.G Wells wrote one of the first science fiction novels: ‘The Time Machine’. This was due to a premonition that he had about the future. Science Fiction is a genre of fiction and film with an imaginary scientific, technological, or futuristic basis. Science fiction - deals with the impact of actual or imagined science upon society or individuals. It aims to shake up standard perceptions of reality through alternative realities, dystrophies, utopias and natural or man-made disasters. Early practitioners of science fiction were Jules Verne and H.G Wells. Examples of science fiction novels and films are: Percy Bysshe Shelley’s Frankenstein and Fifth Element. Another spectacular science – fiction movie called I Robot is based on our scientific progress in nana -technology. The recent smash hit clearly shows Sci-fi is still a popular genre in the modern day era. Wells was a pioneer of science fiction. His obsession with science led to him being the first man to write about Science in order to express his views about how scientific developments will potentially lead to an apocalyptic war. Wells witnessed the conspicuous class distinctions of the late nineteenth century. He felt strongly about the social divide between the rich leisured classes and the working class. ‘The Time Machine’ portrays what he felt could happen to mankind as the divisive gap between the indolent rich and hard-working poor became wider. Wells was writing to an audience that was curious about the future. There was a rise in scientific intelligence in the 19th century following the Industrial Revolution. People of the 19th century began imagining what the future would become, if all the inventions created became more advanced. Thus Victorians believed Science – Fiction opened the possibility for an entire new range of ad... Free Essays on The Time Machine The Time Machine H.G. Wells’ writings focus on science and social science. His knowledge of the two subjects allowed him to write about situations that are most likely impossible and make them appear to be possible. Wells takes the reader through a series of explanations that seem to make sense to a casual observer and make his fiction evident and plausible. Wells used science as a tool to explain his ideas and to help the reader believe what is going on in his novels. In addition to science, Wells used society as an aid to help the reader believe what is going on in his novels. Wells created human characters in his novel that are educated and successful. These characters are upstanding citizens of society and people look up to them and respect them. Wells knowledge of science is made evident when his characters and he discussed scientific ideas and tried to reach a conclusion that ended up supporting Wells’ theories. Wells also incorporated ideas on society into his novels. The ideas on society such as a utopian world and the conflict between industrialists and the workers have been in conflict with his society and others throughout the centuries. By bringing in these real life debates on society, the reader is pushed into believing Wells’ ideas even more. With the constant incorporation of real life situations, ideas, thoughts and theories, Wells helps the reader accept his premises and allows the reader to slip their minds into accepting the novel without doubting the possibilities presented in the novel. Israel Zangwill’s review of the Time Machine is satirical and suitably amuses us with the idea of time travel and does not see anything utopian in the idea of time travel. Mark R. Hillegas, on the other hand, applauds H.G. Wells attempt to ease the mind of the reader and allowing the reader to accept the fiction as a possibility. Wells believed in the idea of a utopian world, but his writing never actually reached a poin...

Business Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business - Coursework Example There are two reasons why I think this is so. The first reason is that despite the crisis, I believe in RBS’ future. The bank has maintained its professional and constructive approach to business. The management seems to have been able to steer the bank out of trouble and there are reports that very soon RBS will opt out of the Government’s Asset Protection Scheme. The bank’s underlying business is stable and profitable while the bad debt ratios have been falling. The second reason is that the bank is working with a redefined strategy to regain customer trust and building itself on even more solid foundation. The global economic scenario is changing but I can see that the bank is maintaining its consistency – the consistency to adapt and offer the best to clients and investors. Joining the GBM markets programme at this stage would allow me to be part of this evolution and contribute to its success in near and long term future. Why do you believe RBS is the Right Place for you? Please use this section to outline what you know about RBS and what makes it an attractive workplace for you. (2048 characters / 250 words max) I love challenges. However, it would be naive to imagine that being ready to face challenges is enough without learning from the experiences of others. I believe RBS is the right place for me because its culture is built around cooperation, challenge, learning, and respect. The GBM Programme offers me the opportunity to learn with my peers and gain from the guidance of experienced colleagues. RBS, in my opinion, offers the best learning opportunities in the industry and the culture is intellectually stimulating. The well structured GBM Programme will offer me a full round exposure to the entire spectrum of products and services in the market. These include trading, sales, currency and interest rates, foreign markets, derivatives, risk, and analysis. This is a great learning opportunity that I would love to show excellen ce in. RBS seems to promote proactive workers and those who love to take the lead in creating solutions for the bank or its clients. This would be the ideal setting for me and I would also have the opportunity to work with the best and the brightest in the industry. Being a person who loves to interact with people, the GBM Markets Programme is the best place for me. I would get the opportunity to work with my colleagues, many of whom I understand come from various locations and cultures, and develop common shared successes. At this point, I feel I would be good in the sales segment of the business. What strengths and experience do you have that make you the Right Person for the GBM Markets Programme? Please use this section to describe your strengths and any experience that you have that makes you the Right Person for the GBM Markets Programme. (2048 characters / 250 words max) I mentioned earlier that I love challenges. RBS would be perfect for me as it requires someone who is able to work in a dynamic market, changing situations, and newer challenges all the time. It also requires that the person is capable of sensing a situation, apply knowledge creatively, make projections, and come up with a win-win solution for both the client and RBS. I strongly feel I have the personal qualities to fit that role. I also understand that one cannot individually offer all dimensions of a product. I am a team player and

Health and Promotion Policies and Promotion Essay

Health and Promotion Policies and Promotion - Essay Example The type of iron that is being used to fortify the soy sauce is called sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or NaFeEDTA. NafeEDTA is considered to be the most suitable form of iron because of its chemical stability and its effectiveness in foods that may need to be stored for lengthy period of times (Hurrell 2001). Also, NaFeEDTA does not change the taste or colour of the sauce. Soy sauce is consumed by roughly seventy percent of the Chinese population, which makes it an excellent food choice (2002). NaFeEDTA fortified soy sauce was first placed on the Chinese markets in 2002. As of 2003, the fortification programme has been funded by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, also known as GAIN (2005). The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition implemented a five year programme in the year 2004 that would develop a countrywide plan to manufacture, market, educate and supply the iron fortified soy sauce to China. ‘The goals of the programme include: annual yield of iron-fortified soy sauce in the amount of one million and eight hundred thousand tons, which accounts for thirty to fifty percent of the total soy sauce production in China; proper quality control system is to be established in all of the iron fortified soy sauce producers; the programme is to cover three hundred and sixty million Chinese residents, including one hundred and twenty-nine in high risk populations; and the reduction of the prevalence of anemia by thirty percent in the high risk populations (2005).’ GAIN’s nutritional plan also includes a programme to make the problem of iron deficiency known to the population.

What does the nature of statebuilding in Bosnia tell about sovereignty Essay

What does the nature of statebuilding in Bosnia tell about sovereignty during its post war reconstruction - Essay Example Earlier in the process of state building, there was an understanding that non-western states were autonomous and independent entities, and did not require western interference. However, in the post-Cold war era, in cases of domestic conflict, the issues of development and security have broadened to such an extent that non-western states cannot prevent the interference of foreign bodies in their domestic processes (Chandler, 2006). Bosnia, after the end of the civil war, was a transition state, and hence fragile in nature. In such cases, while helping to rebuild a fragile nation, the response from the international communities is often based on the establishment of new political orders and a new constitutional mechanism. Not promoting notions of state fragmentation through secession, the global community looks to pacify all parties that were at strife during the civil war by advocating agreements that make sovereignty a shared right amongst the existing warring factions within the sta te. Those in the arena of international relations often term this form of state sovereignty as internal self-determination (Cassese, 1995). This comprises the rights of different nationalistic groups within the realms of a multi-ethnic state that aims at preserving all the existent socio-cultural, language and religious identities, equal participation of these groups in state politics, with even a certain extent of regional autonomy (Hannum, 1990). Thus, to bring in peace initiatives for helping states in transition, experts in the line of international relations bring forth the notions of ‘consociational democracy’ that advocate a moderate form of political attitude (Lijphardt, 1969, 207). In real practice, various instances have shown that post-conflict reconstruction cannot be based only on establishing a new constitutional mechanism. In a fragile state, when a new constitutional mechanism is place, there are chances that the newly formed social and cultural institut ions and political framework may fail to form a sustaining framework. According to a report by the World Bank, chances of a conflict breaking out again after the close of a civil war, in a fragile state, is nearly 40 % (Collier, 2000, 6). Even with extensive negotiations with various concerned parties, undertaken by any international peace mission to prevent a fragile state from regressing back into armed conflict, there are substantial barriers in establishing an effective sovereign state. In case of Bosnia, we find that even after 16 years of large-scale efforts from the global community to reconstruct Bosnia and bring in socio-political stability in the country, the state is yet to achieve an established form. In 2009, after 14 years since the Dayton treaty (1995) heralded the end of a near four yearlong violent ethnic civil war, Bosnians again faced a serious threat of another civil war (McMahon and Western, 2009). In this context, keeping Bosnia as a frame of reference, this pa per will explore concepts associated with modern notions of state building, whether international form of state building is actually a way of assuming control over state functioning, the differences between peace building and state building, and viable alternatives to the current form of international state building. Discussion Viewing state building as regards its effectiveness in case of post-war Bosnia The Dayton peace agreement signed in 1995 is often viewed as a treaty, which was â€Å"designed to end a war, not build a state† (Ashdown, 2004, 15). Various scholars contend that leaders of ethnic

Does the Market System Best Allocate Resources?

Does the Market System Best Allocate Resources? In order to accurately examine the belief that the market system best allocates resources and encourages positive investment climate we must look at the functioning of the market system, resource allocation and the criterion within a positive investment climate. A Market System is a system where buyers and sellers interact without the intervention of government regulations. Inherent in this system is the concept that sellers want to gain maximum price for the goods, services and resources offered and buyers want to receive value for the lowest price. The balance of this relationship leads ultimately to the market equilibrium price. However, important to note in this system is that all factors external to the Market have no effect on this relationship that is government regulations or policies. Resources are therefore strictly allocated to the production of those goods which give the sellers maximum return and correspondingly give the consumers the maximum satisfaction of their wants at a market price. Within the Market system resource allocation is heavily dependent on the variations of the price of the resources themselves. Price acts as an indicator to both the consumers and the sellers within the market (Price Signals as Guides for Resource Allocation, Anon, n.d.) To be explicit given accurate price information the sellers will use high priced scarce raw materials, (e.g copper market) or resources to produce goods of high value. Likewise only those consumers who see benefit in consuming those higher valued goods will demand them therefore achieving balance within the system. Similarly where the price of a readily available resource is low it will be allocated by the resource users for use to produced goods in a lower valued tier and consumer behavior will also react accordingly. To summarize, the shifts in the price of privately owned resources within a free market results from the shifts in the demand and supply of the resource i.e. capital, labor, raw material. This is believed to lead in turn to efficient resource allocation by the resource owners through: (Expanding the supply) Reallocating resources to the production of high priced goods. (Contracting supply) Reallocating resources away from the production of low priced goods. Reallocating resources to production of goods in high demand by consumers in order absorb excess demand. Reallocating resources away from the production of goods in low demand in order to absorb excess supply. Therefore efficient allocation of scarce resources is based on private consumption, production decisions or a combination of both at the market equilibrium price. The investment climate itself is determined by several factors which affect the investment choices, opportunities and the resultant benefits gained by a firm or investor. A good investment climate encourages efficiency and productivity in order to increase profits and therefore increase capital available for investment (Investment Climate, Anon, n.d.). We must recall that the market system itself encourages producers to allocate resources such that they are put to use where there will be no wastage at the market price i.e. Pareto optimal allocation (Griffiths and Wall 2008 p. 212). Therefore we can say that the market system fosters efficiency within the business environment through full utilization of investment capital, machinery and labor. Essentially this indicates that the market system encourages a positive investment climate. It can be said that the creation of employment and market expansion is an indicator of a positive investment climate. As established, the market system is such that, where opportunities exists for both expansion into new markets or producer output to be increased, the private owner of the resources will act in response . For example, all things being equal, increased consumer demand for natural gas converted cars in Trinidad and Tobago would lead to increased production of scarce natural gas and new suppliers followed by increased job opportunities. From our examination of the market system and scarce resource allocation within it we have seen why it is believed by some that the market system is the best mechanism for allocating scarce resource. This is justified through accurate market price signals and the resultant efficiencies created and the positive effects these have on the investment climate. Bibliography http://livingeconomics.org/article.asp?docId=232 http://www.amosweb.com/cgi-bin/awb_nav.pl?s=wpdc=dspk=pure+market+economy References http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/investmentclimate.asp PURE MARKET ECONOMY, AmosWEB Encyclonomic WEB*pedia, http://www.AmosWEB.com, AmosWEB LLC, 2000-2010. [Accessed: November 10, 2010]. 746 Q.2 Why do some people believe that not everything can be left to the free market, but that governments also have a role to play in encouraging a positive investment climate? Explain your reasoning. In order to explore why some may believe that everything cannot be left up to the free market but government has a role to play in fostering a positive investment climate we must first look at what constitutes a good investment climate. The World Bank Report (2005) declared that a good investment climate is not one only centered on profit generation but one which cultivates benefits to society as a whole. Taking into consideration the free market system and its characteristics it is established that in this system exists: Private ownership of the scarce resources. The private needs and wants and or production decisions influence the allocation of scarce resources. Profit maximization as aim of producers. That is to say the free market system does not factor in the needs of society in pricing or distribution of scarce resources. The market system is such that scarce resources are allocated to the production of those goods whose market price yields maximum gain. However, in the production of these goods in the pure market system will to certain effects. These effects are known as Externalities. It is known that externalities occur when economic decisions create costs (negatives) and benefits for people other than the decision taker (Griffiths Wall, 2008). Externalities often lead misallocation of the scarce resources (Griffiths Wall, 2008, p. 35). These misallocations of scarce resources in the free market may occur where: The social benefit of production is not maximized as opposed to the private benefit of the production (profit maximizing firm). The social cost of production is less than the private cost. Where these situations are left unchecked, as will occur in a free market system, they will lead to over production and under production respectively (Griffiths Wall, 2008, p.283 p.284). There are other ways in which the free market will lead to misallocations such as in the provision of public goods, These would not be produced by the market system since no private benefit would be gained. Additionally where imperfect information exists within a market it can lead to misallocations (Griffiths Wall, 2008). This is especially important since the consumer and producers within a free market depend on information in order to allocate their resources i.e. capital. For example where a firm will make false claims about the high quality product which have not been verified by a government agency, this will lead to consumers using this product based on these claims. This will in turn signal to producers to elevate to higher production levels. The market system also has inherent failures for example natural monopolies and externalities. Where monopolies We must now consider what role the government plays in offsetting these inefficiencies and encouraging a good investment climate. As discussed previously a positive investment climate is one which considers the needs of the society. Therefore one important role the government plays in fostering this climate is in the provision of public goods, for example the police force for maintaining order in society. This also leads to trickle down benefits to the firm in terms of a stable society and deterrent to crime which is a cost to the firm (World Bank Report, 2005). The government can also seek to create opportunities for employment which is hallmark of a good investment climate. This may be done by providing incentives, financial or otherwise, to firms who introduce youth apprenticeship programs. The World Bank Report (2005) says that government has to control the markets through macro and micro economic policy. This may occur specifically in the form of regulations and also taxation. Consider where an environmental tax is introduced for firms producing a product with a dangerous chemical byproduct. This passes on the true costs of production to the firm. These capital gains by government can then be reinvested into society. Whilst the free market may allocate resources it is important to remember this allocation is based on profits and price signals. The government must therefore control the direct factor markets to some extent to bring fairness and stability. This may be achieved through minimum wage legislation or controls on the trade union powers. As we have seen the free market system on its own will lead to inefficiencies and misallocation. If a positive investment climate is to be fostered the government must interject in the form of macro and micro economic policies. Ideally this intervention results in a duality of benefits to both the firm and the society in the form of expanded growth and opportunity for all (The World Bank, 2005). Suggest some actual government policies that might be used in your country (name the country) to improve the investment climate. Explain your reasoning. The World Bank (2005) suggests that a good investment climate benefits society as a whole, not just firms. And it embraces all firms, not just large or politically connected firms. The government plays a central role in furnishing the improvement of the investment climate through use of policies and regulations. Let us examine some government policies that might be used in Trinidad and Tobago to facilitate the improvement of the investment climate. In Trinidad and Tobago there exists a problem within the land market of unregistered residential properties, with most residential properties being unregistered. As a result transactions within the property market have become an extremely complex and expensive process. This has resulted in a small supply of registered lands being available for purchase, as a consequence, property ownership and even rental in some cases, is only within the reach of the rich. I suggest that the Trinidad government adopt a housing policy that promotes property ownership for all. Through rapid programs of registration of title the supply lands readily available would increase sending market prices down. In so doing, in the medium to long run this would Raise living standards by potentially placing wealth in the hands of all. Secure future property rights of citizens. Reinvigorate the stagnant financial market for loans. Potentially create thousands of jobs within the construction and trades sectors. We must remember that the business environment must also benefit if an improved investment climate is to be realized. Therefore another policy that could be adopted is one of zero percent corporation tax for a fixed period for newly incorporated firms within the manufacturing sector. This would result in creation of new firms, jobs and creation of new business opportunities within the capital market. Additionally, these incentives would lead to expansion of the manufacturing sector, and improvements in the trade deficit position. For the benefit of existing firms the government could also drastically reduce the tax on profits gained from exports as was done in India during the 80s (World Bank, 2005). This would lead to stimulation of the manufacturing sector, increase of the countrys GDP and investments in new technology to improve production efficiency. Trinidad and Tobago suffers from the plagued of crime and a painfully slow justice system. The social policy areas of crime and justice must be looked at urgently by the government in conjunction with the above stated policies. Through reform of the crime and justice policies, improvements in the Investment Climate will be seen and would be advantageous to both society and firms. It is known that crime places additional costs on firms through hiring of security and losses from robberies (World Bank, 2005). Also the risk to investment associated with corruption poses a constant threat to investors, both foreign and local. Likewise crime affects the society as a whole corroding the investment climate. Therefore the policy should seek to: Focus on shortening the process time for serious violent crimes. Significantly increase the severity of punishment for violent crimes and public dissemination of information of such. Strengthen the anti corruption laws to reduce investment risks. There are numerous policy tools available to the government to intervene and improve the investment climate. The policies explored will improve the investment climate since both the firms and society will be benefactors. Q2. It is said that the main aims of macroeconomic policy are to achieve sustainable economic growth, a low rate of inflation, low unemployment and a balance of payments equilibrium For ONE country of your choice (name the country) a) Consider to what extent these aims have been achieved over the last 10 years b) Choose ONE of the aims and discuss the policies which the Government might use to achieve this aim over the next 10 years c) Recently it has been suggested that increasing the happiness of the population of the country should replace these 4 aims as the key objective of government policy. Discuss the difficulties the Government might encounter in trying to achieve this objective. a) The Trinidad and Tobago government, like most countries, intervenes into the working of its economy through the use of its macroeconomic policy. In order to assess their success over the past 10 years in doing so, we must first look at what macroeconomic policy entails. Macroeconomic policy can be described broadly as the range of strategies used by a government to influence the workings of the economy or economic business cycle. Traditionally a government can influence the macro environment of an economy through the use of fiscal and monetary policies. Fiscal policies are aimed at controlling government revenues and monetary policies are geared towards controlling the supply and demand for money (Griffiths Wall, 2008). Low inflation may be considered to occur where prices rise steadily as oppose to periods of high inflation where consumer prices rise sharply. During the last ten year period the Trinidad government to a degree failed to achieve low inflation rates. Over the period 1999-2009 Trinidad and Tobago had varying rates of inflation as shown in Table 1.Trinidad and Tobago is often considered to have relatively low inflation however during the period 2004 to 2005 it experienced a relatively sharp increase in consumer inflation. Thereafter a sharp increase in the price of consumer goods resulted. During this period the government adjusted its fiscal policy decreasing the tax base and increasing their expenditure on large infrastructure projects. The periods that followed also showed increases in inflation in line with the increases in aggregate demand within the Trinidad and Tobago economy. During the last ten year period the government achieved relatively low unemployment figures primarily through the government driven infrastructure program, community employment programs and investment in downstream energy projects. The government also sought to achieve balance of payments equilibrium through investments large manufacturing projects, increasing the availability of acreage for oil exploration and contraction of car imports market. Additionally they increased their savings base by offering bonds and financial instrument on the open market during the period. Trinidad and Tobago experienced marked economic growth over the last ten years, seen by the consistent yearly increase in the GDP. This can be attributed to the increase in foreign currency reserves from Oil and Gas exports. Also, from the supply side, the government sought to expand the supply of labor through the tertiary level financial assistance programs. However sustainable growth is concerned not only with expansion of the economy but also with low inflationary growth and resource issues (Pettinger, 2008). In this regard, Trinidad have not been successful since there have been upward inflationary pressure in the economy coupled with lax environmental regulations during the period. In Addition to these facts the oil and gas reserves are being exhausted at a rapid rate though the One Horse economy. Trinidad and Tobago has done comparatively well in achieving the aims of macroeconomic policy. However, its success can be misleading since the government benefitted from windfalls from the oil and gas industry. Also the corresponding issues of growing inflation, resource exhaustion and environmental degradation still prevail. b) Sustainable economic growth can be thought to be manifest by the expansion of the Gross Domestic Product of a nation. However it is also thought to include low inflationary growth and productive sustainability (Pettinger, 2008). In order for Trinidad and Tobago to achieve sustainable growth in the next ten years the government must look at the following policy initiatives: 1. Diversification of the economy by investing in the agricultural sector. 2. Pursue the establishment of local Economic Zones or Free trade to encourage investment in manufacturing; to include removal of import duties on purchases of new capital equipment. Trinidad and Tobago has the climate, acreage and resources available for the expansion of its agricultural sector. The enhancement of this sector would lead to increases in exports, inflows of foreign currency and increases in the employment base. The improvement of this industry would also result in lower food prices resulting in lower consumer inflation (Sankar, 2010). The establishment of an economic zone would lead to increases in foreign direct investments and economies of scale for local producers who stand to benefit from foreign know how (World Bank Report, 2005, p.167). The government must also include tax breaks for exporters in the economic Zone which should encourage further investment. These initiatives when grouped would ensure sustainable economic growth in Trinidad in the next ten years since they would lead to increased exports, productive output and curb price inflation. Additionally the problem of resource exhaustion would be aided through diversification of the economy. From these facts it is conclusive to say that through a policy liberalization and expansion of the agriculture sector Trinidad can achieve sustainable economic growth in the next ten years c) Increasing the happiness of a people is purported to be able to replace the four aims of macroeconomic policy. It is often argued that by increasing happiness that output and national income will be increased whilst high unemployment and inflation will not occur. Veenhoven (2005) describes happiness as the personal enjoyment one gains from his life as a whole. However, there exists no standard measure for the happiness of a nation. A government would first face a dilemma in choosing measures of happiness since it is a subjective topic. Additionally happiness has been seen to be relative such that measures of happiness may have to differ based on class or even race (Layard, 2005 cited by Griffiths and Wall, 2008, pp. 78, 79). It is important to remember that man has unlimited wants. Therefore it follows that another dilemma which would face governments with an objective of happiness is the utilization of scarce resources. Are they to allocate resources to produce more luxury items? Happiness as a replacement for the aims of macroeconomic policy is a utopian ideology of modern economists. The implementation of such an objective would call for massive shifts in thinking, policy and regulatory structure of the Trinidad government. These shifts call for long term planning which is always a problem for small emerging economies like Trinidad and Tobago. However the idea of happiness of the population is one that warrants further research.

Jane Eyre: An Unconventional Heroine Essay

‘Ms. Eyre is one of those heroines who refuse to blend into the traditional female position of subservience and who stand up for her beliefs’ Explore how the female position is presented. Jane Eyre was written by Charlotte Bronte and was first published in 1847 in the Victorian era. During this period, women were expected to remain at home and their time was to be spent taking care of household duties and their children. Females were regarded as properties rather than as humans: they either belonged to their fathers or their husbands. As they were believed to be incapable of surviving on their own, they had no independence. Permission was required for almost everything and they were expected to abide by rules set out by their owners. Men were considered to be very much superior to women and they were to be treated with respect by the latter, whether they agreed with their views or not. In general terms, society’s portrayal of a conventional woman was very different to what it is now, so it is not surprising that modern readers may find their attitudes as shocking. Although Jane Eyre was written during this period, Bronte portrays her character in a very unconventional way, following the trends of the Gothic genre. The character of Jane is used to mainly challenge the Victorian attitudes towards women, religion and class. The fact that Bronte chooses a female character to portray her views is surprising to the Victorian reader. During that period, inequality between the genders prevented the views of females from being expressed, and if expressed, they were not regarded with respect. Expressing their ideas in any way was extremely unconventional as it would have been shocking for a woman to be passionate. By using Jane as a device to put forward her views, Bronte challenges the idea that women did not have views worth considering. Jane is a character who is sure of herself and her behaviour is described as â€Å"a picture of passion.† However, the reader cannot deny she is very intelligent and that she has a very good judgement of character. Jane’s uniqueness is detectable from the start. Even as a child, she is different from her cousins at Gateshead. Instead of taking pleasure in playing, she prefers reading books such as â€Å"Goldsmith’s History of Rome† and â€Å"Gulliver’s Travels† and forming opinions on the characters involved. Jane has a strong wish to travel and see the lands that she reads about, showing that â€Å"women feel just as men feel.† Here Bronte uses Jane to present the idea that women are capable of being intelligent; that they can form right judgements and that they have ambitions and dreams, just as men do. This idea is reinforced throughout the novel, especially when it comes to religion. Bronte makes the character of Jane Eyre stand up for her beliefs by challenge the views of men. She uses this character to challenge different ideas about religion. Mr Brocklehurst, the headmaster of Lowood Institution (her second home), represents the hypocrisy in the Evangelical Movement and the forceful authority of men. When referring to his students, he feels the need â€Å"not to accustom them to habits of luxury and indulgence,† but to encourage â€Å"spiritual edification to the pupils† by making them suffer â€Å"temporary privation,† contradicting his own luxurious lifestyle. Jane emphasises the ridiculous in his portrayal and his concepts on religion are mocked through the depiction of his hypocritical sermons, suggesting that this interpretation of Christianity must not be taken seriously. Brocklehurst fails to influence the beliefs of Jane, and in some ways, her friend Helen Burns. This character conveys a different concept: one of endurance and peace mainly based on the New Testament idea of â€Å"loving those who hate you.† Once again, Jane is not satisfied with this interpretation of religion and insists that she should â€Å"resist those who punish me unjustly.† The third interpretation of religion is represented by St John Rivers, who believes in sacrificing emotional needs for Christianity, which Jane also rejects (by rejecting his proposal). Bronte makes Jane Eyre reject the ideas imposed by male characters, emphasising her controversialist personality. Jane forms a more reasonable and agreeable interpretation of religion than male characters, and Helen in not influenced by Mr Brocklehurst’s cruelty. Bronte proposes another interpretation through this character: that religion does not require you to deny yourself completely; that it can be used as a guide in circumstances beyond human control. By doing this, Bronte shows that females have the ability to form their own opinions on complex ideas, such as religion and that they can form them independently even under the pressure of forceful authority. The idea that woman are capable of being independent is established when she opposes Mr Rochester’s efforts to â€Å"make the world acknowledge you a beauty† by pointing out that she will not be herself if he succeeds, â€Å"but an ape in a harlequin’s jacket.† Here Jane is refusing to be objectified and changed even by the man she loves. Bronte presents an independent woman who is sure of herself, and who wants to retain her individuality at any cost. Although Jane is a governess, she makes it clear that Mr Rochester doesn’t â€Å"have a right to command† her and that she is equal to him in many ways. Also, Jane maintains her dignity by refusing to marry Mr Rochester. Bronte shows that women are capable of being respectable and that they are not always lead by their emotions. This causes Jane to take courage and leave Mr Rochester, disregarding the Victorian idea that women should do as men wish. While it could be argued that Jane surrenders to the Victorian expectations by returning to Mr Rochester, it is clear that she is not returning to him because she cannot survive on her own. Circumstances change, making Jane rich. She returns to Mr Rochester as an equal in every way (whereas previously she was aware of their social difference), and she returns for love more than anything else. Besides Jane, Bronte uses the characters of Miss Temple and Diana and Mary Rivers to portray that women are not inferior to men. The mentioned characters influence Jane and are involved in the development of her character as an â€Å"independent woman,† as she calls herself by the end. Miss Temple is her role model and helps her to realise that she does not have to give in to forced authority; that she must stand up for what is right. In many ways, Miss Temple gives Jane courage for the future. She goes against Mr Brocklehurst’s orders and sympathises with the girls who are treated cruelly. Apart from feeling differently to him, she takes action by giving the girls â€Å"a lunch, consisting of bread and cheese, twice† and fearlessly takes responsibility for it. She is also used represent what Bronte believes to be the true interpretation of Christianity, mainly by giving her a strong sense of injustice in the running of Lowood Institution. While Miss Temple inspires Jane to become independent and to be just, Mary and Diana Rivers inspire Jane to improve her knowledge and to become more intelligent. Jane â€Å"followed in the path of knowledge they had trodden before me,† suggesting that she wants to become as knowledgeable and accomplished. The fact that Bronte chooses Jane to be inspired by female characters reinforces the points that women can be intelligent and independent, and at the same time inspire others to become better people. While some characters are used to represent what women should be, Bronte creates a sharp contrast between the character of Jane Eyre and other female characters in the novel to challenge Victorian the concept of the conventional woman. Women of that time were only valued for their appearance, social and economic status. In many ways, Blanche Ingram (the woman whom Jane believed Mr Rochester loved) represents the ideal woman of the Victorian era. She is beautiful, wealthy and had a well reputed family, contrasting with Jane, who is (in her own words) â€Å"poor, obscure, plain, and little.† However, while the Victorian reader might be inclined to admire Blanche more than Jane, Jane feels that â€Å"Miss Ingram†¦was too inferior to excite the feeling† of jealousy because â€Å"she had a fine person† but â€Å"she was not genuine†¦her mind was poor.† The modern reader can spot that Jane, in contrast to Blanche is very intelligent, she has self worth and that she speaks her mind. Jane can also analyse one’s character rather accurately, (as proved by Blanches’ rejection of Mr Rochester after she learns of his inferior economic status). Bronte is stressing that women must be admired for their character rather than their outward beauty; that appearances can deceive and that women are worth more than social or economic status. Another contrast is formed between Jane and Bessie, the maid at Gateshead. While Jane rebels against the cruelty of her aunt, Bessie advices her to â€Å"make yourself agreeable to them.† Bessie is used to represent Victorian women who give in to the expectations, while Jane represents the idea that women can express their views and stand up for themselves. While some may argue that Jane is a rebellious character, it is clear that she has control of her emotions, unlike Bertha, who lets her rage out (even though it is beyond her control). By using the character of Jane Eyre, Bronte presents a woman who is capable of being intelligent, independent, dignified and confident about her opinions even though she is not very attractive or wealthy. She uses this character to challenge some of the Victorian concepts concerning women and their positions, as well as to convey her less major themes about religion and class. In some passages, Bronte addresses these issues directly (in the conversation about Mr Rochester and Jane being equals) while she uses more subtle methods in other situations (while describing Blanche). Bronte takes care not to make Jane a perfect person, but she incorporates flaws to allow readers to relate to her. She also uses other female characters to reinforce her points, by showing the qualities of some as well as showing the flaws in others. By doing so, Bronte shows that women can be equal to men, not only in intelligence, but in actions as well. She also portrays different types of women: some who give in to the expectations of society, and some who stand up for their own beliefs. She outlines what she thinks a woman’s qualities should be and she encourages women to stand up their rights. Bronte successfully puts forward her points and she makes the reader understand her ideas by the portrayal of her characters, mainly females.

Drug Essay Essay

â€Å"Drug abuse and addiction are major burdens to society; however, staggering as these numbers are, they provide a limited perspective of the devastating consequences of this disease† Essay On Drugs Numerous incidents have been reported in television and social Medias in this persuasive  essay about drugs users and dealers who are caught in the acts, especially in those squatters area or what they call â€Å"drug dens†. Not only those person who live in this populated area are being reported to the authorities but believe it or not powerful persons like government officials also indulge their selves in using prohibited drugs. Most of the drug users in the Philippines are young people. Illegal drugs that are present include marijuana, LSD, opiates, and barbiturates. While there are no accurate statistics available, it is estimated that as many as 60,000 young people in the Philippines are dealing with drug addiction. So what is the reason why this young people are attracted to use this illegal drugs? Maybe you will agree with this points I’ve listed. I’ll focus my discussion on young people who use prohibited drugs. First, Enjoyment. Despite all the concerns about illegal drug use and the attendant lifestyle by young people, it is probably still the case that the lives of most young people are centred on school, home and employment and that most drug use is restricted to the use of tobacco and alcohol. They may adopt the behaviour, fashion and dialect of a particular subculture including the occasional or experimental use of illegal drugs without necessarily adopting the lifestyle. Even so, the evidence of drug use within youth culture suggests that the experience of substances is often pleasurable rather than negative and damaging. So possibly the main reason why young people take drugs is that they enjoy them. Second, Environment. Many young people live in communities which suffer from poverty, with high unemployment, low quality housing and where the surrounding infra-structure  of local services is fractured and poorly resourced. In such communities drug supply and use often thrive as an a lternative economy often controlled by powerful criminal groups. As well as any use that might be associated with the stress and boredom of living in such communities, young people with poor job prospects recognise the financial advantages and the status achievable through the business of small scale supply of drugs. Third, Curiosity. Most young people are naturally curious and want to experiment with different experiences. For some, drugs are a good conversation point, they are interesting to talk about and fascinate everyone. Lastly, Personal Problems. Some young people will use drugs specifically to ease the trauma and pain of bad relationships and the physical and emotional abuse arising from unhappy home lives. Such young people will often come to the attention of the school. If these problems can be addressed, then if drugs are involved they can become less of a problem. So how can we prevent this wide spread use of drugs and drug addiction? For me, it is within ourselves, and that is DISCIPLINE. It’s hard for me to know that the lives of my fellow young people are being devastated just because of this prohibited drugs. If I have the opportunity to renew their lives, I would help them by conducting seminars about drug addiction. I will encourage them to join some recreational activities to reverse the ir attention on drugs. I will share to them the Good News, which is Jesus Christ because I believe that He alone can change our lives, from evil to good. Works Cited Currie-McGhee, L. K. Drug Addiction. San Diego, CA, ReferencePoint Press, 2011. Drug Addiction. Strasbourg, Council of Europe Pub., 2005. â€Å"Drug Addiction.† Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/drug_addiction. â€Å"Editorial Board.† Alcoholism and Drug Addiction, vol. 28, no. 2, 2015, p. iii. doi:10.1016/s0867-4361(15)00035-8.

Essay on Jeff Bezos and Amazon Ceo

Essay on Jeff Bezos and Amazon Ceo Essay on Jeff Bezos and Amazon Ceo Amazon.com is the leading online book retailer. The company also has an array of products and services available to its customer. So why did Amazon venture into the E- Grocery Market? This paper will address this question, using a peer reviewed article named, â€Å"Amazon’s Foray into the E-Grocery Market,† and the strategic concepts discussed in the assigned weekly reading. According to Devi, six months after opening in July 1995, Amazon.Com offered one-million book titles through its website and posted net sales of $511,000. But, after accounting for operating expenses, it incurred a net loss of $303,000. (Devi, 2008) This loss did not deter Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos, who believed that his fledgling business would succeed. Mr. Bezos continue to work diligently to make Amazon better. By 1996 he had hired about 151 employees and had 2.5 million titles online. Although the business had grown, Amazon.com still suffered a net loss of $5.7 million because the company spent more on shipping the books to the customers. (Devi, 2008) Amazon also faced fierce online competition rivalries during the same year. According to Hitt, Ireland, and Hoskisson, competition rivalry, is an ongoing set of competitive action and responses that occurs among firms as they maneuver toward an advantageous market position†( Hitt, Ireland, and Hoskisson, 2011, p.130). Company li ke BookStacks, BookZone, and Internet Bookshop, were a few of the competitors that made it hard for Amazon.com to gain a competitive advantage. In order to gain a competitive advantage, Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos knew he had to adjust his company operational strategies. According to Devi, Amazon had three operational strategies; cost-leadership, customer differentiation and focus strategy. Cost-leadership; this strategy was employed by Amazon to differentiate itself primarily on the basis of price. The strategy made sure that Amazon offers the same quality products as other companies for a considerably less price. (Devi, 2008) Amazon second strategy was customer differentiation. â€Å"This strategy ensured that Amazon provides current and potential customers, differentiation through design, quality or convenience and Amazon.com always selects a differentiator that is different from other competitors, so that its consumers can recognize and differentiate its product from competitors†(Devi, 2008, p. 64). The last strategy Amazon used was focus strategy. This strategy takes one of the two earlier strategies and applies it t o a niche within the market (Saunders, 2001; pp.122-123). â€Å"Amazon.com focuses on outstanding customer service as a niche but not the whole market because each niche has its own demand and requirement† (Devi, 2008, p. 64). Jeff Bezos knew that he needed to grow his company; therefore, he took advantage of every opportunity to do just that. He teamed his company with Target Corporation, Circuit City, Borders, Walden, Waterstones and CDNOW to sell its books and other products on its behalf online. He also partnered with Toys R Us, expanded its choice of merchandise well beyond its core line of books, music, and videos, and added new technology to improve customer relations. (Devi, 2008) Mr. Bezos wanted Amazon.com to offer customers everything they could dream of online. Although, Amazon offered a variety of merchandise and services, online groceries was something it did not. Amazon CEO saw this as another opportunity for his company to grow by using it to provide something to the customers that the competition could not. This action is also known as Competitive Behavior, â€Å"which is the set of competitive actions and responses the firms takes to build or defend it competitive advantages and improve it marketing position† (Hitt, et al., 2011, p.130). So in 2006, Amazon

Sentence and Claire Text Essay

Sentence and Claire Text Essay Sentence and Claire Text Essay 111/17 cut hand no paper work filled out no accident report given to fill out when asked about it was told we would â€Å"deal with it later† I text Claire on 12/17/14 asking her if she had filled anything out as my insurance was billed for my office visit, no response. I called out of work for 11/18 due to a family emergency and text Claire again asking if she received my text the night before, she responded â€Å"yes later† I asked her to clarify she said she would fill out the paperwork later. 11/19 talked with Claire expressing my concern with Alex, how I felt uncomfortable working in the kitchen. Talked with her about my concern with sandwiches and salads not being pulled and finding moldy ones. I asked for an 18% increase in my wage due to added responsibility and working the morning shift (3am-12p) I was told Claire would talk with bob the following day 11/20 I messaged Claire on her cell phone asking her if there was any word on my requested raise I apologized because I meant to talk with her in person but was very busy at work and Claire jetted out of the door, I was told â€Å" I am off the clock, lets talk next time† 11/24 Claire came into work today @ 6am and said we would discuss what bob had to say regarding my raise when we both had time. After Claire asked me to clocked off she asked me to go sit with her out in the food court. I led and saw Alex trotting behind Claire, I told Claire I didn’t feel comfortable talking about my wages around Alex as he is not management and I was told Alex is the Kitchen supervisor so he has a say in this. Claire immediately got to the point, saying â€Å"you need to be in your position for 90 days before you are eligible for a raise† I told Claire I couldn’t continue to work in the kitchen for 10$ an hour and I was going to have to put my two weeks in. Claire said she understood and asked if she could get my two weeks in writing, I said sure and requested to meet with bob to discuss my concerns expressed to Claire on 11/19. Claire text me saying bob will meet with me on 11/26 at 11am. 11/25 I went to the sandwich bar and found expired sandwiches that were not pulled the day before, I expressed concern with Claire and was told â€Å" I am not sure what to do about this† Alex had worked the day before and I reminded him before I left that they expired sandwiches needed to be pulled at 12p. (I text Claire at 12:25PM today to let her know I rescinded my two week notice) 11/26 Bob here today, Claire, myself and Bob all spoke in the cafeteria area in the airport. I mostly did all of the talking. I mentioned that I felt my review was extremely unfair as it was based solely on my performance in the kitchen and I had only just begun working in the kitchen (my first week working in kitchen began on (11/03/2014) I expressed how I felt uncomfortable working with Alex. My concern with the food and using old meat from expired sandwiches etc and how I felt like everything I made a complaint about him Claire always has an excuse. Bob said that when Claire approached him about my request for a raise he told her it was merit based and my

Research a current issue in relation to the topic Assignment

Research a current issue in relation to the topic - Assignment Example this reason, the paper will dwell on the solution and the effects of the lack of legal privilege towards the male and female along with recognizing the prevailing stereotype of the issue on hand. It has been proven that college students who encountered abuse are more comfortable in dealing with their experience with their peers rather than with professionals. In this manner, it is more acceptable to these students to deal with their experience with an informal conversation with their peers (Balk 179). According to the report written by Caroline Kitchener, she cited that it has been reported that most of the universities in the United States are already offering â€Å"peer-to-peer sexual assault counselling programme.† This programme is beneficial for students, as well as for the institution. However, most of these undergraduate peer counsellors receive at most 24 hours training. This is supported by the study of Salovey and D’Andrea (264) that shows most of the peer counsellors receive inadequate training materials and programs prior to being peer counsellors. The interview of the peer counsellors suggested that there was inappropriate and synchronized training model for the peer counsellors. The problem with this inadequate training is that the peer counsellors do not have the legal privilege to make their conversations with the involved individuals confidential. Therefore, the university peer counsellors must undergo trainings which are approved by the state in order for them to practice legal privilege in terms of confidentiality. Legal privilege is given to them in order to protect the involved individuals when forced to disclose their conversations (Anderson). The lack of assurance that the conversation between the peer counsellor and the involved individual often times restricts the involved individual in being honest with the counsellor. For both men and women, they will be hesitant in sharing their vulnerable and fragile moments and feelings towards the

Portfolio Part 3 Company Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Portfolio Part 3 Company Research - Essay Example It is the consumer banking division of multinational City group. The main location of this bank is at New York in United States. It has almost 983 North American branches which are concentrated in major metropolitan areas in US and these areas are New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles etc. Again the bank has spread its business activities in more than 36 countries. City bank has occupied 3, 777 branch locations across the globe. It is the largest bank in United States by total assets and this bank is followed by Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase. More than 2, 00, 000 employees are involved in this organization. The offered products of this company are investment banking, corporate banking, wealth management, credit cards, consumer banking, financial analysis, private equity etc. Again the bank also offers mortgage and loan facilities to its customers. Major competitors of this organization in US are JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America. Generally middle and high income groups are the target customers of City Bank. Again the bank has plenty institutional clients and major percentage of revenue is earned from this segment. The bank has two major segments for conducting its operational work. These segments are global consumer banking and institutional clients group. Global consumer banking segment generally provides retail banking services to more than 100 million people in 40 countries of the world. 50 % of total revenue of this organization is generated from this retail banking segment and deposit of this segment consists 40 % of total deposits (Citigroup, 2013). As per the statistical report, this can be said that the organization is going to achieve 5.6 % growth rate in the upcoming year. Again this can be said that as it is the largest bank in US so it has gained the maximum market share i.e. 35 % of total market