Small Scale Digital Device Forensics Lab Project Essay

Small Scale Digital Device Forensics Lab Project - Essay Example With all the talks about advancement in phone technology, security remains an integral part of daily requirements as far as the end user is concerned. The smart phone enables this function and allows backups on an external source. Most of the data on your BlackBerry smart phone, including email messages, organizer data, fonts, saved searches, and browser bookmarks, can be backed up and restored using the BlackBerry Desktop Software and your computer. That way you have total access to your files during a failure of the system or theft. To carry out the backup, you ensure your smart phone is connected to the computer using the USB Port. When this is done follower the simple steps: In the applications folder of the computer, select blackberry desktop software. Select the backup icon displayed at the top of the screen. Perform one of the following: 1. Select ‘all data’ to backup all the data on the smart phone 2. ... Finally, select the backup command button Note: With the encryption, you may be prompted to include a password. The BlackBerry Enterprise Server for Lotus Domino is capable of influencing the performance of the Lotus Domino Server. The leverage ability causes a minimal increase in server versatility as a result of its addition to an existing enterprise. The load associated with enabling mail users in a BlackBerry solution is centralized on the BlackBerry Enterprise Server. The BlackBerry Enterprise Server, using the Domino application programming interface (API), maintains cached sessions with each mail server on which BlackBerry users reside. Because of the nature of the polling model, in which the BlackBerry Enterprise Server opens each user's mailbox to check for new messages at a regular interval, session caching avoids the overhead associated with creating and tearing down a session at each interval. From the Domino mail server's perspective, the activity generated by the BlackB erry Enterprise Server is similar to the activity of an active user or another Domino server accessing it for replication; it is just another Notes Remote Procedures Call (NRPC) session. At each polling interval, the BlackBerry Enterprise Server performs the following steps to check for new messages and, if required, deliver them to the BlackBerry handheld: 1. The BlackBerry Enterprise Server verifies that the mail database has changed since the last polling interval. Using a lightweight API call, the BlackBerry Enterprise Server quickly determines if further analysis of the mail file is required. 2. If the database has changed, the BlackBerry Enterprise Server uses another API call to enumerate all new or modified documents in

Propylene Glycol as a Pharmaceutical Excipient in Pediatrics

Propylene Glycol as a Pharmaceutical Excipient in Pediatrics Disha Patel The Utilization of Propylene Glycol as a Pharmaceutical Excipient in the Pediatric Field Abstract As a widely used excipient in pediatric formulations, propylene glycol functions as a solvent, emulsifier, humectant, and hygroscopic agent. It is a clear, colorless liquid whose properties enable it to have pharmacodynamic applications. Oftentimes, propylene glycol is combined with other mediations to enhance its penetration. For instance, a combination of 20% propylene glycol and 5% lactic acid in a semiocculusive cream base is used as a highly effective and well-tolerated keratolytic in patients with lamellar ichthyosis and possibly could be in various other hyperkeratotic diseases. Unfortunately, though to a lesser degree, this excipient is associated with toxic effects such as hyperosmolality, hemolysis, and lactic acidosis. Also, in concentrations greater than 10%, propylene glycol may act as an irritant in some patients (Health Effects 2). From a pharmacokinetic viewpoint, there is a potential of renal toxicity associated with propylene glycol and lorazepam. The high concentra tion of propylene glycol contained in certain intravenous drug products, such as phenytoin, diazepam, digoxin, and etomidate, may induce thrombophlebitis. Here, the patients increased serum creatinine concentrations are likely to have resulted from exposure to propylene glycol due to lorazepam infusion. Serum osmolality and osmol gap may be useful markers for propylene glycol toxicity. Much like the above mentioned applications, through its chemical composition, propylene glycol has the ability to exert a beneficial effect on pediatric formulations (Webbook 5). Introduction Propylene glycol, which is also known Propane-1,2-diol, is a colorless, viscous, organic liquid with a slightly sweet taste. This excipient is utilized in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical preparations. Examples of pharmaceutical applications include therapeutic drugs such as vaccines, cough syrups, local anesthetics, antiseptics, vitamins, and hormones. It is produced through the fermentation of yeast and carbohydrates. Propylene glycol is industrially made from propylene oxide. It is made from either a catalytic or a non-catalytic method which exposes the propylene into extremes of temperature and a small amount of sulfuric acid or alkali to yield propylene glycol for industrial purposes (Frequently Asked Questions about Propylene Glycol 1). It is concluded that, with extensive research, this excipient is categorized as safe in the body. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry, in the body, under conditions of normal low exposure, propylene glycol is quickly metabolized and excreted. Its metabolic pathway is comparable to that of sugar: propylene glycol is quickly converted into lactic acid, similar to what happens with the energy in the muscles when exercising. Afterwards, the lactic acid is excreted via urine (Database of Select Committee on GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Reviews 2). Surprisingly, from a toxicological point of view, alcohol is more toxic than propylene glycol. Propylene glycol has been used safely for more than 50 years in a large variety of applications. As a result, it is effectively used in prescription medications such amoxicillin (500 mg), clindamycin hydrochloride (150 mg 300 mg), gabapentin (300 mg), lyrica (50 g 75 mg), and omeprazole (20 mg) (Result Filters 4). Through statistical data, it is overwhelmingly evident that there is a continually growing market for propylene glycol. According to the IHS website, United States (19%), Western Europe (39%), Japan (17%), and China (80%) had the largest consumption (Inactive Ingredients in Pharmaceutical Products 5). Since it has been proven safe with a relative low toxicity level, it is projected that the consumption of propylene glycol will rise (IHS Home Page 4). The Effects of Propylene Glycol in Pediatrics Pharmaceutical medications are composed of two very essential ingredients: active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients. The purpose of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in a drug is to elicit a specific therapeutic effect on the patient. Specifically, when the drug is consumed, it will exert a necessary effect on the body in order to produce an ideal outcome: the therapeutic response (TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR PROPYLENE GLYCOL 3). The component of the drug is the excipient, which is an inactive ingredient utilized for possible multifunctional usage. For instance, an excipient can be binders, coatings, diluents, disintegrants, fillers, flavors, colors, lubricants, glidants, sorbents, preservatives, sweeteners, and solubilizing agents. Oftentimes, they do acquire some extent of therapeutic acclivity, though less than the API. Similar to many other drugs, propylene glycol functions both, as an API and excipient-an indication that multiple functions can have multiple benef its (AccessMedicine [41168448] 2). Additionally, medications are tailored to a specific age group to maximize the therapeutic effect for the patient. Therefore, criteria for an ideal drug for the pediatric population will undoubtedly differ from the criteria for the geriatric population. Routes of administration suitable for pediatrics include oral, topical, rectal, inhalation, injectable and drop (eye, ear, and nose). Propylene glycol enters the body as an alcohol and metabolizes in the bodys enzyme pathways. These pathways do not mature in humans until 12 to 30 months of age. Proper judgment when administering a propylene glycol-based formulation to neonates is crucial in order to prevent potential complications (PubChem 1). In comparison to adults, new born babies have a propylene glycol half-life of 16.9 hours rather than a significantly lower 5 hour half-life for adults. In one study, the use a multivitamins whose contents included propylene glycol resulted in serum osmolality in low-birth-weight premature babies. However, in another research activity, phenobarbital injections containing propylene glycol were deemed to have an inconsequential effect on the osmolar gap (AccessMedicine [40400741] 4). A higher amount of propylene glycol delivered per dose, such as 3 grams, is known to cause more seizures in infants, in comparison to those receiving lesser amounts per dose, such as 300 mg. In a population of 262 patients treated for burns, roughly 3 percent were the result of topical propylene glycol which resulted in hyperosmolality (Potential Safety Concerns with the Large Amount of Propylene Glycol 2). Since propylene glycol is a liquid excipient, it affects the gastrointestinal tract. However, studies of people and animals show that if you have repeated eye, skin, nasal, or oral exposures to propylene glycol for a short time, you may develop some irritation. Furthermore, extensive studies performed have concluded that there are no severe risks of propylene glycol in infants. Thus, it is assumed to be safe if consumed in moderation. The oral liquid formulation also illustrates a high compliance rate amongst infants. Simple considerations such as route of administration and effective concentrations can help achieve a therapeutic response (AccessMedicine [40400741] 6). The chemical composition of propylene glycol is relatively simple: alcohol groups with a hydrocarbon backbone. To an extent, this simplistic structure plays a broad role in various applications ranging from industrial to pharmaceutical uses. Generally, neonates can be exposed to propylene glycol orally or topically. Absorption through oral intake is significantly more effective than on the skin. Once propylene glycol reaches the site of action, it is rapidly metabolized and subsequently excreted (A-Z Index 9). In the blood stream, the half-life of the excipient is approximately 2-4 hours in adults. However, in neonates, it is drastically longer (17 hours). Pertaining to its mechanism of action, it is further metabolized to lactate which is further metabolized to pyruvate, carbon dioxide, and water. Through utilization of the gluconeogenic pathway, glucose is formed. Even though the safety the propylene is apparent, extremely large exposures to propylene glycol have the potential to r esult in lactic acidosis and hyperosmotic changes in the blood (Health Effects 4). Extensive research has provided sufficient evidence on the safety and quality of this excipient. To begin, numerous sources indicate that propylene glycol has a dramatically low degree of toxicity. It is associated with moderately low concern for acute toxicity by ingestion, skin contact, and inhalation. There have been reports of altered nervous system function because of high oral exposure to propylene. Normal metabolism of this excipient can be negatively affected through blood pH and osmotic changes. Furthermore, animal studies also confirm the relative low risk of propylene glycol (Webbook 2). For example, a longitudinal study performed on rodents with extremely high exposures to the excipient presented no indication of adverse effects. Consequently, a similar study performed on cats illustrated hematological changes. High aerosol concentrations inhaled by rats caused minor nasal and ocular signs that may have been due to mild irritation or drying effects of propylene glycol on mucous membranes. On a positive note, there is no correlation to cancer from the use of propylene glycol (AccessMedicine [45774923] 1). Pharmacological Profile of Propylene Glycol Propylene glycol, with a formula C3H8O2, is readily miscible with water, acetone, and chloroform. In reference to its structure, it contains an asymmetrical carbon atom, so it has two enantiomers. Since the commercial product is a racemic mixture, pure optical enantiomers can be achieved by the hydration of optically pure propylene oxide. Upon the mixture of propylene glycol and water, the freezing point of water is drastically depressed. Because of this, it is used as a de-icing fluid for vehicles. With the exception of ethylene glycol, glycols are generally known to be non-corrosive and have low volatility and toxicity. Even with the strict criteria established for pediatrics, propylene glycol satisfies the requirements for safe administration to pediatric patients (A-Z Index 5). Furthermore, it is derived from propylene oxide and its production methods include either catalytic- proceeds at 150  °C to 180  °C in the presence of ion exchange resin or a small amount of sulfuric acid or alkali, or non-catalytic- high-temperature process at 200  °C to 220  °C (IHS Home Page 3). Even though this paper focuses mainly on propylene glycol’s purpose as an excipient in pediatric formulations, it has an overwhelmingly degree of other applications. A certain amount (45%) is used as chemical feedback for the manufacture of unsaturated polyester resins. Chemically speaking, propylene glycol reacts with a mixture of unsaturated maleic anhydride and isophthalic acid to give a copolymer. Continuing further crosslinking, thermoset plastics are produced from the unsaturated polymers. Similarly, propylene glycol also reacts with propylene oxide to produce oligomers as well as polymers that are utilized to form polyurethanes (Frequently Asked Questions about Propylene Glycol 2). As proven be multiple research articles, this excipient is proven safe. The extent of safety is measured by plasma concentration: â€Å"Serious toxicity generally occurs only at plasma concentrations over 1 g/L, which requires extremely high intake over a relatively short period of time.† However, there is always an uncertainty and accidental occurrences. For instance, rare cases of propylene glycol poison were largely related to either inappropriate intravenous administration or accidental ingestion of enormously large quantities by children (Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet 9). Conclusion As proven through this research paper, propylene glycol is an effective ingredient for pediatric use. Since there was no established linkage between cancer and its use, it is popular for multiple uses. Several considerations should be utilized in formulating pediatric medications-specifically, the ingredients in the formulation. With its multiple uses, propylene glycol is well-suited for children for its safety and effectiveness. Like all ingredients, propylene glycol may produce adverse effects in the patient, but drastically less harmful than others. Since an enormous quantity must be consumed before toxicity level is reached, it is well suited for children. With viscous properties, upon consumption, it has the potential to elicit a faster therapeutic effect on the patient. Therefore, it is both potent and efficacious. In all, this ingredient proves to be a significant element to the overall formulation of a medication, regardless of the age group targeted (Webbook 5). Bibliography A-Z Index. ATSDR. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=1120tid=240>. Database of Select Committee on GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Reviews. AccessData. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnDetailNavigation.cfm?rpt=scogsListingid=262>. Frequently Asked Questions about Propylene Glycol. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://www.propylene-glycol.com/uploads/PropyleneGlycolAdvocacybrochure.pdf>. Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet. New Jersey Department of Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/3595.pdf>. Health Effects. ATSDR. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp189-c2.pdf>. InactiveIngredients in Pharmaceutical Products: Update (Subject Review). Peditrics. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/99/2/268.full#sec-11>. Potential Safety Concerns with the Large Amount of Propylene Glycol. Natap. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://www.natap.org/2000/may/potential_safety051500.htm>. Propylene Glycol. PubChem. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=1030>. Propylene Glycol. Webbook. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C57556Mask=8>. Propylene Glycols. IHS Home Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://www.ihs.com/products/chemical/planning/ceh/propylene-glycols.aspx>. Result Filters. National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14524641>. St. Johns University Academics Schools Libraries. AccessMedicine. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com.jerome.stjohns.edu/content.aspx?bookid=348sectionid=40381672jumpsectionID=40400741>. St. Johns University Academics Schools Libraries. AccessMedicine. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com.jerome.stjohns.edu/content.aspx?bookid=388sectionid=45764289jumpsectionID=45774923>. St. Johns University Academics Schools Libraries. AccessMedicine. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com.jerome.stjohns.edu/content.aspx?bookid=392sectionid=41138958jumpsectionID=41168448>. TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR PROPYLENE GLYCOL. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp189.pdf>.

The AT&T Restructuring of 1995 :: essays papers

The AT&T Restructuring of 1995 Wednesday, September 20, 1995, AT&T Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert E. Allen announced plans for a strategic restructuring that would separate AT&T into three publicly traded global companies. Robert E. Allen said, "The company was taking this bold step to capitalize on the opportunities in each business' segment of the global information industry -- communications services, communications equipment, and transaction-intensive computing." Under the plan, a fourth business -- AT&T Capital Corporation -- would be sold, and AT&T shareowners would hold shares in each of the three remaining companies. "Changes in customer needs, technology and public policy are radically transforming our industry," said Robert E. Allen. "We now see this restructuring as the next logical turn in AT&T's journey since divestiture. It will make AT&T's businesses more valuable to our shareowners, even more responsively to their customers, and better able to focus on the growth opportunitie s in their individual markets." A focus of one of the new companies will be to provide the best communications and information services worldwide. The services company, operating under the familiar "AT&T" brand name, would consist of AT&T's current Communications Services Group, the AT&T Universal card Services Corporation, the newly established AT&T Solutions consulting and systems-integration organization, and AT&T Wireless Services. The services company plans to create an AT&T Laboratories unit around the core of the Bell Laboratories. "AT&T's products and systems businesses, along with the world-renowned Bell Laboratories, would constitute a communications systems and technology company that would immediately be the global leader in its industry," said Robert E. Allen. The communications equipment company would include AT&T's Network Systems Group, Global Business Communications Systems, Consumer Products, AT&T Paradyne and Microelectronics. The new company named Lucent Technologies, would be a powerful compe titor in the fast-growing communications systems market. Henry B. Schacht was designated Lucent Technologies Chief Executive Officer. The company's computer unit AT&T Global Information Solutions (GIS), would be established as an independent company by spinning it off to AT&T Shareowners. "Our services and systems businesses are at the intersection of tremendous change and opportunity," said Allen. "This restructuring ensures that each can follow the path of greatest opportunity without worrying about bumping into each other along the way." Lars Nyberg was announced Chief Executive Officer for NCR, formerly known as GIS, the new computer company.

For Safe Assign

Poverty is rampant in the Middle East, and the region's past, current and future water crisis plays a more significant role than what is shared in the major news. While the major focus of conflict is often attributed to the devastation of violent cultural war, countries that have been major victims will need rising leaders and peacekeepers to focus on the more significant issues as to begin with a strong foundation while they rebuild. The World Bank predicts that with rapid growth, regional ; cultural instability on top of climate change, these challenges are more pressing than ever before. Water accessibility has always posed great challenges for the Middle East. In the recent decades, the changes in both the economy and infrastructure of the Middle East have made its water challenges a growing issue, to the point where the lack of water conservation could negatively affect the infrastructure and stability of these countries in the future. Rapid population and economic growth in urban areas, increasing and wasteful water consumption, geographical challenges and inadequate governance to name a few. According to studies, climate change is causing more severe and frequent weather events. Political and social turmoil have also worsened existing constraints of water scarcity. Currently, poverty doesn't appear to discriminate against regions, whether stable or unstable. The water crisis in the Middle East plays a significant role when it comes to the population's hunger, food insecurity, and lack of food production. The Arab World is where 6% of the world's population is located. Only 2% of the world's water supply is located there. Rural unemployment occurs when the amount of suitable farmland decreased and desertification increases. As more of the population suffers from little agricultural cultivation, the Middle East sees a decrease in production, and farmers find themselves without jobs or food. The lack of security in water supplies and irrigation cannot sustain productive farmland and agriculture. With a more stable structure and plan for agriculture, climate smart agricultural practices and better irrigation methods will go a long way in conserving water. The public must be part of the conservation effort through awareness. A focus on minimizing water waste, as well as efficient energy usage at desalination plants will reduce the environmental cost of producing water. In such an arid region, there is no denying water takes on critical importance. However, some natural sources do exist, though they attract the attention of those geographically close to them. The issue is who gets to claim these sources. These less fortunate populations suffer due to this continuous conflict. The Golan Heights, for example, has long been a place of conflict for critical players in the Middle East. Countries like Syria, Lebanon and Israel are engaged in conflict over this area because it holds a strategic advantage. One-third of Israel's freshwater supply originates in the Golan Heights, and promotes fertile land, which stretches from the Sea of Galilee to the Jordan River. But while this source of water aides Israel, ceding control of the Golan Heights to Syria would give Syria access to the Sea of Galilee's eastern shore and one of Israel's two largest sources of water. In addition, Jordan and Lebanon would stand to benefit from its resources. But a lack of governed structure in place to allocate and value water in a way that is sustainable will affect the countries' ability to support a civilization that could flourish and their ability to get rid of the poverty caused from a lack of water structure. It is quoted that 60 percent of the surface water resources in the Arab region are transboundary, and all countries share at least one aquifer. This further highlights how important all of the countries' cooperation and solid management of shared water resources. As poverty continues, so will contention. Urban water systems that are in place will continue to be targets of armed conflicts. Countries recovering from war and decimated infrastructure, for example, see leaking water pipes; meaning that some cities lose up to 40% of their water before it reaches the users. Ultimately, entities such as ISIL, Al Qaeda, and the Kurdish forces are perpetuated by this conflict, as they leverage their advantage and control over regions with reliable water sources. With precious and limited natural resources in the hands of these entities, there is little hope of the wealth to be shared or structured. As the economic, social and political pressures mount in the Arab world, the international focus will need to shift its focus to security and communication to avoid engagement in conflict. The above issues and nature of water scarcity and its implications for growth, prosperity and end to poverty cannot be sidelined in efforts at international dialogue and engagement.

Losing Your Identity Essay

People from around the world immigrate to the United States in hopes of finding the Promised Land. Some may define the promise land, as a land of freedom, a land of abundance, a land of peace, or a land of education. Most define it as a land of opportunity for a better life. America is a land full of culture and diversity, although it is notoriously difficult to characterize â€Å"American† culture. Is it possible to move to a land such as America, full of culture and diversity, and yet preserve your own traditions and cultural identity? Some believe this to be very difficult to do, due to materialism, beliefs and language barriers. The counter argument would be that Americans are open to new cultural experiences, are welcome to newcomers, and are willing to help give support. I believe that it would be difficult to move to America, try to find your place in materialistic culture while preserving your own culture and beliefs while learning a new language. There is a culture in this country whether spoken or unspoken. It is clearly visible in everything we say, do, or think. In the United States, we expect to compete in every aspect of our lives, a daily reminder of our status, the ladder of our success. Americans are materialistic. We want to own the newest iPhone, to wear the newest fashion, to drive the newest and most expensive cars, and to have a big house with a pool. We celebrate holidays and forget the true meaning of the day we are celebrating. Our traditions can easily include consuming goods that are unneeded or even unwanted. A few years ago my friend fell into great debt during the Christmas season because she and her family made too many purchases that exceed their income, only because they wanted to please others. I can see how this kind of behavior would be confusing or shocking to someone with traditions that have little to do with material items or status. In addition to many of our traditions being different, some of our religious beliefs may be confusing to a foreigner. They may want to hold on to their beliefs and find it difficult to do so, due to peer pressure. They may even find it hard to practice their beliefs because of racism. When my children were in grammar school, they were allowed to say the pledge of allegiance in their classroom. One of the students was able to leave the classroom every time they did this because her beliefs were different. As a child, she found it difficult to understand, being the only one in the classroom with those beliefs. Some of the children were open to her leaving and others would make comments. She was moved to a land where she was free to practice her religion, but at the same time shamed from her peers. As a result, she stayed at home on many of the school days that holidays were celebrated in the classroom. Besides adapting to the local weather, the food, work place and new technology, one must also learn a new language. If an immigrant has trouble speaking the language it could be difficult to communicate their wants and needs in life and on the job. If they order the wrong meal it could be dangerous if they are allergic to certain foods. If they do not understand the news or cannot read the newspaper, they may find it hard to seek out individuals who have the same beliefs or traditions. For example, this weekend in San Francisco, there is a grand parade for Chinese New Year. If an immigrant from China had moved to Modesto this weekend and could not speak or read English, they may not have know of this event or be able to find their way to the event. Learning a new language is difficult and can be overwhelming. It may take some time to learn the language before being able to communicate properly. In conclusion, many immigrants do succeed in America. Although, I think it is difficult to stay true to their traditions and beliefs while learning a new language and trying to keep up with the high demands of a materialistic society. Children may feel the pressures of their peers to fit in and be more main stream. Depending on their annual income, immigrants may find it hard to buy the things that they want or feel the need to buy, such as cars, houses, and clothing. It may also be difficult to find peers with similar beliefs and traditions if there is a language barrier. I am the sixth generation born and raised in California, so I find it hard to relate. But, I will remain to be an American who is open to new cultural experiences and will always welcome newcomers and offer support when I can.

what is management essays

what is management essays Management is universal in the modern industrial world. Every industrial organization requires the making of decisions, the coordinating of activities, the handling of people, and the evaluation of performance directed toward group objectives. In addition, our society simply could not exist as we know it today or improve its present status without a steady stream of managers to guide its organization. Peter Drucker makes this same point in stating that effective management is quickly becoming the main resource of developed counties and the most needed resource of developing ones (Certo, 1986). In short, management is very important to our world. Then, what is management? This essay will discuss this topic as following. It has to be recognized that the definitions of management are extremely broad. Harbison and Myers (1959) offered a concept for emphasizing a broader scope for the viewpoint of management. They observe management as an economic resource, a system of authority, and a class or elite from the view of the economist, a specialist in administration and organization, and sociologist respectively. Henri Fayol, the father of modern management theory, formulated fourteen principles of management. Hugo Munsterberg applied psychology to industry and management. Max Weber is known for his theory of bureaucracy. Vilfredo Pareto is considered the father of the social systems approach. Elton Mayo and F.J. Roethlisberger became famous through their studies of the impact of the social attitudes and relationships of work groups on performance. Chester Barnard suggested a comprehensive social systems approach to managing (Weihrich & Koontz, 1993). Every perspective has validity, but no single approach is a panacea. Because most management textbooks begin with a discussion of the nature of managerial work which about topic is the basis of the subject matter of management just as Fayol indicated many years ago (Carr...

Sediment Core Analysis in Archaeology

Sediment Core Analysis in Archaeology Sediment cores are an extremely useful tool used in conjunction with archaeological studies. Basically, a geologist uses a long narrow metal (generally aluminum) tube to sample the soil deposits in the bottom of a lake or wetland. The soils are removed, dried, and analyzed in a laboratory. The reason sediment core analysis is interesting is because the bottoms of a lake or wetland are records of the silt and pollen and other objects and materials which have fallen into the lake over time. The lake water acts as both a sorting device and as a preservative  since the deposits fall in chronological order and (if not subject to dredging) are not normally otherwise disturbed by humans. So, a tube extended down into these sediments collects a sample of 2-5 inch diameter of undisturbed deposits which reflect changes over time. Sediment columns can be dated using AMS radiocarbon dates from tiny pieces of charcoal in the sediments. Pollen and phytoliths recovered from soils can provide data about the predominant climate; stable isotope analysis can suggest plant colony type dominance. Tiny artifacts such as micro-debitage can appear in soil columns. Identifying periods when the amount of soil deposited within a given time increases steeply can be an indication of increased erosion  after adjacent land was cleared. Sources and Studies Feller, Eric J., R. S. Anderson, and Peter A. Koehler 1997 Late Quaternary Paleoenvironments of the White River Plateau, Colorado, USA. Arctic and Alpine Research 29(1):53-62. Head, Lesley 1989 Using palaeoecology to date Aboriginal fish-traps at Lake Condah, Victoria. Archaeology in Oceania 24:110-115. Horrocks, M., et al. 2004 Microbotanical remains reveal Polynesian agriculture and mixed cropping in early New Zealand. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology 131:147-157. Kelso, Gerald K. 1994 Palynology in historical rural-landscape studies: Great Meadows, Pennsylvania. American Antiquity 59(2):359-372. Londoà ±o, Ana C. 2008 Pattern and rate of erosion inferred from Inca agricultural terraces in arid southern Peru. Geomorphology 99(1-4):13-25. Lupo, Liliana C., et al. 2006 Climate and human impact during the past 2000 years as recorded in the Lagunas de Yala, Jujuy, northwestern Argentina. Quaternary International 158:30–43. Tsartsidou, Georgia, Simcha Lev-Yadun, Nikos Efstratiou, and Steve Weiner 2008 Ethnoarchaeological study of phytolith assemblages from an agro-pastoral village in Northern Greece (Sarakini): development and application of a Phytolith Difference Index. Journal of Archaeological Science 35(3):600-613.

How to break technology addiction and improve concentration - Emphasis

How to break technology addiction and improve concentration How to break technology addiction and improve concentration New research from Kent Universitys psychology department confirms what many of us already know from experience. Far from helping us become more efficient, the constant interruption of technology is weakening our ability to concentrate and slowing us down at work. With inboxes pinging and smartphones winking at us, were increasingly giving in to tempting but non-essential diversions and researchers say we could be wasting nearly one-fifth of our time in the process. No wonder so many of us are no strangers to working late. Lead us not into temptation The study came about after lead researcher Ulrich Weger noticed that his own progress at work was continually thwarted by email notifications luring him away from the task at hand. The experiment charged about 100 volunteers with reading text on a computer. During the task, they were interrupted by a one-minute verbal message, such as a phone call, and were asked to continue reading the text when it reappeared onscreen. The researchers used eye-trackers to follow the volunteers visual journey in returning to the task. Since they went back to the text at an earlier point than where they left off, each interruption caused an average 17 per cent increase in the total time to finish reading the whole passage. The study also found that it took volunteers significantly longer to read the text when it was accompanied by background speech or music. A return to concentration So, what of the resulting ideas for combating the problem? Weger suggests a daily concentration exercise, where you focus on a simple object for a few minutes. As soon as you become aware that your thoughts have drifted onto something else, gently bring them back to your chosen object. Its worth it, according to Weger: After practice, you get more competent at shielding yourself against the countless tempting stimuli in our world. Other solutions include: marking the point on the page where you temporarily stop reading (this accounted for 10 per cent of the time wasted in the study), turning off phones and email notifications, and making sure you dont sit looking out on, for example, a distractingly busy street. Burying phones in the garden and turning desks to the wall will undoubtedly appeal to some, but it probably wont work in the long run. We have a much simpler way to get the job done try some of our practical tips for beating writers block and the procrastination trap in our articles Forgiveness: the answer to writers block and Tips for breaking through the barrier. Reference: Reading resumption after interruptions: using eye movements to study the costs of interruptions during reading by Ulrich Weger.

Reading Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Reading Analysis - Essay Example ture of the problem, its causes and effects with the view to justifying some of the changes in policy in the country that govern the use of nuclear energy. In developing the article, Jeff Kingston employs a number of effective strategies that enhance the suitability of the article in analyzing the problem as the analysis below portrays. The author argues that an overriding absence of a culture of safety in the management of the nuclear energy in the country was among the fundamental factors that led to the Fukushima accident. Apparently, the Tokyo Electric Power Company did not employ appropriate safety precaution a feature that risked the lives of millions of citizens thereby eroding public confidence in the management of nuclear power plant in the country. lack of public confidence in the management of nuclear power for example led to the mass protests when the Prime Minister, Yshihiko Noda announced in June of 2012 that the government was restarting two nuclear reactors in the country (Kingston, 2013). In the article, the author argues that nuclear is a major source of energy but it presents a number of safety concerns. Japan’s nuclear village has carried out a number of strategies to ensure that it regains public confidence. Effect safety polices are therefore vital in the use of nuclear in any country w ith the Fukushima incident being a perfect lesson for other countries using nuclear. The article is clear and straight to the point. The author of the article makes convincing arguments given the fact that he uses simple and equally descriptive language. Furthermore, the author provides adequate background information to the topical issue. This way, the author enhances the comprehension of the arguments he makes in the article. The article is authoritative since the author cites a number of authoritative figures including the country’s prime minister and officials of the various companies involved in the case. In retrospect, the article is effective in

Terrorism is a form of risk that is impossible to manage. - Discuss Essay

Terrorism is a form of risk that is impossible to manage. - Discuss - Essay Example fact, the above views present the reality as it has been experienced by many people around the world after a series of relevant attacks that have been occurred in U.S., in Spain, in Britain and in almost all countries of the Middle East region. From another point of view, Kunreuther (2006, 38) has supported that ‘natural disasters and terrorist attacks are examples of what have been classified as low probability-high consequence (LP-HC) events; despite the first half of their title, these events are now in the headlines with increasing frequency’. It should be noticed however that although the above events are considered as quite possible to be repeated frequently, there is no sufficient provision for their prevention. Moreover, it has been stated that ‘there are features of these potentially catastrophic events that need to be carefully examined in order for individuals, firms, and governments to take steps today to reduce the risk of their occurrence in the future and to reduce the consequences should they occur; every government in the world faces the question of how to help its citizens face the risks of catastrophe but reducing these risks requires a concerted effort by individuals and firms’ (Kunreuther, 2006, 38). This weakness of the state to respond effectively to the needs of individuals and institutions that have suffered significant losses from terrorist attacks has led to the need for the creation of specific programs offered by insurance companies that focus on the provision of compensation to the victims of terrorist attacks (either individuals or organizations). Under these terms it has been found that ‘the institutions, programs, and policies that provide benefits to businesses and individuals affected by an accident, natural disaster, terrorist attack, or other type of loss can be thought of as a system composed of four primary compensation mechanisms: insurance, the tort system, government programs, and charity; together these

Project management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Project management - Essay Example Each project undertaken is unique in terms of its timeline, cost, objectives, roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders and participants, issues and constrains and this requires the use of the right approach or methodology. The main challenges of project management are satisfactory achievement of goals and objectives and overcoming all project constrains. These constrains include time, project scope and budget. There is also a challenge of integrating and allocating necessary inputs. This means that a successful completion of a project and the attainment of its goals and objectives requires the use of the right approach or methodology and the utilization of appropriate project management tools and techniques. According to Ireland (2006), project management techniques refers to the ways in which we communicate, gather information and get things done in the most effective and efficient ways. Project management tools are helpful in the efficient organization and management of a pro ject. Generally, the project management tools and techniques should have an overall effect of ensuring that the particular project does not over run and that it operates within its allocated budget. They are also important for the quick spotting of delays so that necessary steps are taken to rectify them (Ireland 2006). Wysocki (2007) defines project management methodology as a set of practices and processes that are repeatedly carried out throughout the project in order to deliver the expected outcomes. The chosen methodology gives a clear process of managing the undertaken project. After customizing to the project environment, the project methodology directs on what should be done, how, in what order and by when. A project methodology can therefore be used create a project roadmap, control change and scope, monitor quality, time and cost, manage staff and supplies, and minimize project risks and issues. Popular project management tools, techniques and methodology in market Project management tools The most popular project management tools in the market are Gantt chart, PERT chart, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Logic Network and Product Breakdown Structure (PBS). A Gantt chart is a chart that illustrates the schedule of a project. The chart tracks tasks across time hence it indicates the starting and finishing dates of the projects’ terminal elements (Wallace and Gantt 1922). Some Gantt charts are able to illustrate precedence network or dependency relationships between various project activities. Most importantly, it is possible to use a Gantt chart to show a projects current schedule status. This is done using a vertical TODAY line and percent-complete shadings. A Gantt chart is important in tool for showing resources, tasks, phases and milestones required as part of a project. The Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) chart is a project management tool used for the analysis of all tasks involved in the completion of a particular project. This mainly includes identifying the time required to complete each project task and the total project. According to Malcolm et al (1959), a PERT chart gives a graphic representation of a project as a network diagram composed of numbered nodes linked by directional lines. The numbered codes represent project events or milestones while the directional lines represent proje

Entrepreneurship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Entrepreneurship - Essay Example The entire process of investigating demand and supply patterns of given product in a given business environment, and establishment of businesses to address the potential and existing demand entails the process of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship refers to the act of collecting and incorporating business ideas aimed at achieving purposeful and unique innovation in the production of a given product or service (Carsrud and Malin 7). Innovation in the context of entrepreneurship may result in various advantages such as introducing new or improved product in the market, new production techniques, and identification of newer markets for a product or service as well as identifying new source of supply of raw materials. It is imperative to understand that entrepreneurship is not only about starting of new business organization, but can also involve ideas to improve the state and performance of an existing organization. Importance of Entrepreneurship to America Entrepreneurship is a powerfu l tool for economic growth in any country. It is because of entrepreneurship and presence of globally acclaimed entrepreneurs that the American nation tops the list of world’s best performing economies. ... Since entrepreneurship involves creation and introduction of new ideas, it has helped the development of research and innovation in the American economy. About two out of three innovations in America are as result of entrepreneurship. These innovations have eased production processes while improving the quality of products, accomplishments that have collectively spurred the growth rate of the American economy (Bordogna 13). Since entrepreneurship entails creation of new opportunities, it has empowered and facilitated the development and growth of national wealth (Miller). Income earned by entrepreneurs and their employees has expanded public expenditure as people purchase raw materials and finished products of entrepreneurship, encouraging national production. Bordogna adds that entrepreneurship has helped in providing self sufficiency to the American populace as people can afford and easily find what they need for their consumption (13). Self –sufficiency in the American econ omy also relates to increased local production of goods and services that ensure cheap and affordable prices for goods and services. Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurs are individuals with the brains bearing or capacity to exhibit entrepreneurial skills. Entrepreneurs identify business opportunities, gather and collect ideas that they use to establish businesses or improve state of particular firm. For entrepreneurs to emerge successful in implementing their ideas, they have to exhibit or posses particular characteristics. Unique ambition is one of the defining characteristics required of an entrepreneur. Ambition helps entrepreneurs to face the potential competition in the given industry with aims on achieving the desired goals (Gitman and Carl 14). Entrepreneurs are

BUSINESS ETHICS Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6500 words

BUSINESS ETHICS - Dissertation Example This may be further represented in class biases and alienation. This definition would seem to not prohibit the use of humour to make jest of any ideological, political, or moral concern, but also positions these judgments outside of the specialization of business management. This definition represents the pragmatic way businesses have operated throughout the history of capitalism on the basis of humour and morale in social operations. This represents a slight change in my perception of what is ‘good’ Business and Management Research (BMR), but is not really a main aspect of ethical concern. Tutorial 2: Introduction to Interpreting and Evaluating Research (27 October 2010 and 3 November) In the essay â€Å"Product development: Past research, present findings, and future directions† by S.L. & Eisenhardt, K.M. ... It is unfair, unrealistic, and possibly morally wrong to expect people to be less than fully human when acting as employees as a company, by requiring them to â€Å"turn off† their moral, political, and ideological concerns in the organization of commercial activity. This represents a major change in my perception of what is ‘good’ Business and Management Research (BMR), because to do so leads to injustice, poor practices, and social harm in the greater population through valuing only the bottom line of business against the environment and collective heritage of humanity. Tutorial 3: The Context of Management Research (8 December 2010 and 15 December 2010) In the articles from â€Å"Looking at ourselves as we look at others: An exploration of the publication system for organization research† by Nord (1985), I learned to apply the principles of Business and Management Research (BMR) to the recent financial crisis where banks in America were donating to polit icians that wrote the legislation for their industry, and the relaxed standards of the Bush administration that allowed banks to take on excessive risk. The absence of both political regulation and business ethics in Wall St. financial banks largely contributed to the crisis. This represents a significant change in my perception of what is ‘good’ Business and Management Research (BMR), because of the importance of public relations, brand identity, and advertising in modern business. Tutorial 4: Evaluating Quantitative Research (24 November 2010 and 1 December 2010) I used the information received from Miller& Shamsie (1996) in their essay â€Å"The resource-based view

The Purpose and Function of Business PowerPoint Presentation

The Purpose and Function of Business - PowerPoint Presentation Example The basic factors of running a business are land, labour, capital and enterprise (or expertise). Entrepreneurs are those who work upon developing and running a business. The entrepreneurs have to use the factors of production for starting a business. Opportunity cost refers to the alternatives that we leave while buying a certain product. We buy particular bread and leave the others; the left one is called the opportunity cost. Consumers have to undergo opportunity cost because they have to make choices while buying their products and services. Three examples of features of business are: Each business has its own goals and objectives for becoming successful and profitable. To increase market share, earning higher revenues and building a large customer base, utilizing latest technology, reducing labour costs are some of the objectives of businesses. To achieve all these objectives and purpose of the business, the organizations have to plan in becoming an international business as well. Once they make an international presence, they knock on many opportunities, have the chance to invest in latest technology and ensure that business operations are running successfully with higher profit margins. Importing and exporting, licensing and franchising allow new business units to commence and also allow the products and services to reach a wide audience at the global level. There are certain factors that are increasing the demand of globalization such as advanced technology, liberalisation of cross-border trade which allows the process of trading to easen, services that help international business in becoming successful, consumer demands, competition in the global business environment, the effect of political situations (favourable in many of the countries) and other such factors. These factors impede local organisations to have an international business expansion plan and deal with all rules and regulations of each country accordingly. 1.3 The legal and

BUSINESS ETHICS Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6500 words

BUSINESS ETHICS - Dissertation Example This may be further represented in class biases and alienation. This definition would seem to not prohibit the use of humour to make jest of any ideological, political, or moral concern, but also positions these judgments outside of the specialization of business management. This definition represents the pragmatic way businesses have operated throughout the history of capitalism on the basis of humour and morale in social operations. This represents a slight change in my perception of what is ‘good’ Business and Management Research (BMR), but is not really a main aspect of ethical concern. Tutorial 2: Introduction to Interpreting and Evaluating Research (27 October 2010 and 3 November) In the essay â€Å"Product development: Past research, present findings, and future directions† by S.L. & Eisenhardt, K.M. ... It is unfair, unrealistic, and possibly morally wrong to expect people to be less than fully human when acting as employees as a company, by requiring them to â€Å"turn off† their moral, political, and ideological concerns in the organization of commercial activity. This represents a major change in my perception of what is ‘good’ Business and Management Research (BMR), because to do so leads to injustice, poor practices, and social harm in the greater population through valuing only the bottom line of business against the environment and collective heritage of humanity. Tutorial 3: The Context of Management Research (8 December 2010 and 15 December 2010) In the articles from â€Å"Looking at ourselves as we look at others: An exploration of the publication system for organization research† by Nord (1985), I learned to apply the principles of Business and Management Research (BMR) to the recent financial crisis where banks in America were donating to polit icians that wrote the legislation for their industry, and the relaxed standards of the Bush administration that allowed banks to take on excessive risk. The absence of both political regulation and business ethics in Wall St. financial banks largely contributed to the crisis. This represents a significant change in my perception of what is ‘good’ Business and Management Research (BMR), because of the importance of public relations, brand identity, and advertising in modern business. Tutorial 4: Evaluating Quantitative Research (24 November 2010 and 1 December 2010) I used the information received from Miller& Shamsie (1996) in their essay â€Å"The resource-based view

Anyone lived in a pretty how town by E.E. Cummings Essay

Anyone lived in a pretty how town by E.E. Cummings - Essay Example The poem addresses one of the most major concerns for individuals in any society: the fear of dying alone and without touching the heart of another person. The main character in the poem is a lively man: â€Å"he sang his didn’t he danced his did† (Cummings); however it is clear that the people around him did not notice or care about his existence: â€Å"Women and men (both little and small) cared for anybody not at all† (Ibid.). This basic premise of the poem is very simple however it reflects the plight of many people in society who try their best to live life to the fullest and simply cannot hold the attention of anyone else who wishes to share it with them. Anyone is not an outwardly timid man, nor is he particularly a social outcast, it is simply that he does not have a partner in life and the fact that â€Å"someones married their everyones† (Cummings) merely highlights the fact that Anyone was alone in a world where everyone else seemed to find happiness with other people. Anyone is aptly named because he can literally be anyone, anywhere, who struggles to be appreciated and loved by one other special person (Baum 162). Noone is an elusive character who it eventually becomes clear does not actually exist at all. She is presented as the admirer of Anyone, at first: â€Å"Noone loved him more by more†¦she laughed his joy she cried his grief† (Cummings). The children in the town comment about how Noone loved Anyone, and while this seems like it might allude to the fact that Anyone is loved by someone who he does not love in return, it becomes apparent that Noone is more of a dream that Anyone has (Deutsch 114). He thinks about the non-existent Noone who might share in his life; he carries this dream with him until his death when â€Å"Noone stooped to kiss his face† (Cummings). In this ending sentiment in the life of Anyone, the poet finally admits that Anyone’s lover did

Social responsibility

Social responsibility 2.Social responsibilities of an organisation Social responsibility is an ethical or ideological theory that an entity whether it is a government, corporation, organization or individual has a responsibility to society. This responsibility can be negative, in that it is a responsibility to refrain from acting (resistance stance) or it can be positive, meaning there is a responsibility to act (proactive stance). While primarily associated with business and governmental practices, activist groups and local communities can also be associated with social responsibility, not only business or governmental entities. (Wikipedia, 2008) Business is expected to create wealth and employment, while society is expected to provide a favourable environment for the business to flourish. The value and ethical standards that a company adopts are the long-term assets of the organization. There are a number of tasks that a business has to fulfil to the society. These include the financial task, political task, environment task, adaptive task, economic task, and social tasks. Financial tasks include laying down policies and guidelines for the proper functioning of the financial systems. The environmental tasks include the responsibility of an organization towards the environment. With the perceptions of the consumers changing towards products that are harmful to the environment, companies have to show their concern for the environment by producing environmentally friendly products. The maintenance tasks include the involvement of organizations with non-profit organizations in providing service to the society. Social task include providing equal opportunity for all the members of the society by organizations and taking into consideration the basic human rights of an employee. The way an organization responds to its responsibility to the society has been discussed with special reference to the enlightenment matrix. Further the social challenges of an organization have been discussed with community involvement choice flow. It is a process that guides an organization in fulfilling its role to the society. (ICMR Case studies, 2007) The 10 Best Corporate Citizens for the year 2007 in Sri Lanka were (in alphabetical order)  § Aitken Spence  § AMW  § Cargills  § CTC  § Holcim  § JKH  § Nestle Lanka  § Sampath Bank  § HSBC  § Unilever The awards honour the corporate community for their efforts in promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and evaluate its applicants on five categories before selecting the â€Å"Best Corporate Citizen. Leading up to the grand award, best practices in Community Relations, Employee relations, Customer relations, Economic Performance, and Environment will be rewarded with awards to the top three Corporate Citizens. Awards will also be given to the winners of each stakeholder category and to the Top Ten Best Corporate Citizens. (Sunday Times, 2008) 2.1 Code of conduct A statement and description of required behaviours, responsibilities, and actions expected of employees of an organization or of members of a professional body. A code of conduct usually focuses on ethical and socially responsible issues and applies to individuals, providing guidance on how to act in cases of doubt or confusion. In simple its a set of rules to guide behaviour and decisions. (B-Net Business Dictionary, 2008) 2.2 Stakeholders and Business responsibilities towards them A company has responsibilities to a wide range of interested parties, people who have a stake in what the company does. A companys stakeholders so defined include not only its customers, owners, workforce, suppliers and their families, but also those living near its sites, as well as special interest groups, and of course society as a whole, including society in its role as steward of the environment. (Times Newspapers Ltd and MBA Publishing Ltd, 2008) In terms of understanding the objectives of a business or other organisation, there are two traditional views. 1. The Shareholder Concept In the theory of accounting and finance, it is assumed that the objective of the business is to maximise the value of a company. Put simply, this means that the managers of a business should create as much wealth as possible for the shareholders. Given this objective, any financing or investment decision that is expected to improve the value of the shareholders stake in the business is acceptable. In short, the objective for managers running a business should be profit maximisation, both in the short and long-term. 2. The Stakeholder Concept In recent years, a wider variety of goals have been suggested for a business. These include the traditional objective of profit maximisation (in other words the shareholder concept has not been abandoned). However, they also include goals relating to earnings per share, total sales, numbers employed, measures of employee welfare, manager satisfaction, environmental protection and many others. A major reason for increasing adoption of a Stakeholder Concept in setting business objectives is the recognition that businesses are affected by the environment in which they operate. Businesses come into regular contact with customers, suppliers, government agencies, families of employees, special interest groups. (Tutor2u, 2007) Therefore stake holders can be categorized as internal and external. Internal stakeholders Shareholders Employees Management External stakeholders Consumers Suppliers Creditors Competitors Community Shareholders are important to the business, because they have a primary stake in the business. Organizations responsibilities towards the stakeholders are: to provide professional management, fair returns on their investment, disclose relevant information, protect shareholders assets etc. The organizations responsibility towards employees are improving working conditions, maintaining open and honest communications, welcoming suggestions/complaints, providing equal opportunity etc. Management plays a key role in balancing the multiple claims of stakeholders. Therefore the responsibility of management involves maintaining healthy relationships among the stakeholders. The organizations responsibilities towards consumers include offering quality goods, providing prompt services, treating customers fairly etc. Good relations with suppliers will determine the profitability of the company. The company must treat its suppliers with respect. Suppliers /creditors must be paid promptly. Companies must also follow ethical competitive practices. Finally, the responsibilities of the organization are, respecting human rights, improving workplace safety and economic well being etc. (ICMR Case studies, 2007) 2.3 Investors rights As a shareholder in a company, you can enjoy certain rights:  § To receive the share certificates, on allotment or transfer as the case may be, in due time.  § To receive copies of the abridged Annual Report, the Balance Sheet and the PL A/c and the Auditors Report.  § To participate and vote in the general meeting, either in person or in proxy.  § To receive dividends in due time once approved in General Meetings.  § To receive corporate benefits such as rights, bonus, etc. once approved.  § To apply to the Company Law Board (CLB) to call or direct the Annual General Meeting.  § To inspect the minute books of the General Meetings and to receive copies thereof.  § To proceed against the company by way of civil or criminal proceedings.  § To apply for the companys winding-up.  § To receive the residual proceeds. Group rights: Besides these rights you enjoy as an individual shareholder, you also enjoy the following rights as a group:  § To requisition an extra-ordinary general meeting.  § To demand a poll on any resolution.  § To apply to CLB to investigate the companys affairs.  § To apply to CLB for relief in cases of oppression and/or mismanagement. Debenture holder: As a debenture-holder, you have the right to:  § Receive interest/redemption in due time.  § Receive a copy of the trust deed on request.  § Apply for the companys winding up if it fails to pay its debt.  § Approach the Debenture trustee with your grievance. The above mentioned rights may not necessarily be absolute. For instance, the right to transfer securities is subject to the companys right to refuse transfer according to the statutory provisions. Your responsibilities: While you may be happy to learn of your rights as a stakeholder in the company that should not lead you to satisfaction; because you have also certain responsibilities: To remain informed. To be vigilant. To participate and vote in general meetings. To exercise your rights on your own or as a group. (The Hindu Business Line, 2001) 2.4 Ethical and Moral dilemmas face by businesses One of the defining features of an ethical conflict is that it involves being pulled between two or more objectives, values, or ideals which often draw strong emotional reactions. The competing objectives or values may both be ethical in nature, as in the conflict between loyalty to a friend and duty to report that friends unlawful behaviour. Alternately, one of the competing values may be ethical (e.g., the desire to help a person in need or in danger) while the other is pragmatic (e.g., financial prudence or self-protection). In either situation, a moral or ethical conflict more than other conflicts often has a strong emotional component. One of the challenges decision makers face in such situations is the need to integrate their emotional reactions to different choice options with their cognitive evaluations of the possible or expected outcomes of these options. Following this definition of an ethical decision, ethical or moral decisions do not simply constitute a specific conten t domain of decisions that parallels and complements other content domains such as financial decision making or recreational decision making(Weber, Blais, Betz, 2002). Instead, ethical decisions can occur in any substantive content domain; putting it differently, many decisions across content domains include ethical aspects or considerations. The factors that contribute to whether a specific decision is being construed as an ethical issue or a health or financial issue are themselves an important topic of experiential investigation that have implications for the ethical training and education. Morality can be defined as a system of judging acts in light of an ideal or a code of conduct. Moral judgments involve judgments about what somebody (either the decision maker or another person) should do in a certain situation. Haidt (2001) defines moral judgments as judgments about the actions or character of other people, using as a standard of comparison the moral prescriptions and ideals of ones culture or subculture, which are frequently formalized in written or unwritten codes of conduct. Most scholars agree that moral or ethical decisions need to be intentional and in response to a sense of obligation that is shaped by an ideal. (Blasi, 1987) Mainly there are four types of psychological processes when behaving morally. interpret the situation in terms of the actions possible, and the effects of these actions on the self and others; judge which course of action is morally right; give priority to what is morally right over other considerations; demonstrate the strength and skills to follow through on the intention to behave morally. (L.K Trevino, 1992) Here is a good example explaining above facts. A woman called Shani works for a company that treats people simply as a means for making profits. Customers are appreciated and engaged solely for the purpose of adding to the bottom line. She has found it difficult to find other employment, and has a family to provide for one of her highest values. One day Shani is pressured by her boss to increase her performance (get more customers using any means possible) or she will be terminated. The conflicting values for her are: Providing for her family; Providing an honest days work for an honest days pay; Valuing people over profits. At this point she is clearly faced with a moral dilemma. The dilemma was not quickly or easily resolved, but here is what Shani did;  § She made a decision to never violate her second and third values. In her mind people always come before profits. She also wants to be known as a good employee with a strong work ethic who works hard and gets the job done. She made a conscious decision to do her best in fulfilling her bosses instructions (i.e. get more customers) without violating her value of people over profits. Her production improved as she worked harder and she knew she was contributing to the organization in ethical ways.  § She also stepped up her job search. That day she came to the realization that the companys values and hers did not mesh. She knew that she would have to change venues in order for her to be able to feel comfortable in her work while providing for her family. Today she does a similar job for a different company, and loves it. In her job search she made sure she asked important questions about how the companys values would fit with her own. In her new company she is able to be productive, value the customer over company profits, and provide for her family. 2.5 Organisations encourage ethical behaviour As an airline company directors and employees in Jet Airways should attempt to promote ethical behaviour and to encourage employees to report evidence of illegal or unethical behaviour to appropriate Company personnel. It is the policy of the Company to not allow retaliation against any employee who makes a good faith report about a possible violation of this Code. Suspected violations of this Code may be reported to the Chairman of the Board or the Chairman of the Audit Committee. All reported violations will be appropriately investigated. When in doubt of the best course of action in a particular situation, employees are encouraged to talk promptly to their supervisor, managers or the Head of Human Resources. Employees are expected to fully cooperate in internal investigations of misconduct. (Jet Airways Sri Lanka, 2006) Patients, consumers, doctors and governments want to use medicines from companies that they trust. Therefore, ethics policies require all GSK employees to meet the highest standards of ethical and legal compliance in their work. Company has led efforts to create the first marketing code for the Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry based on the IFPMA Code. These are some of the policies they conduct to encourage ethical behaviour; GSKs 12,000 managers completed self-certification confirming that they comply with our Code of Conduct. All new sales and marketing staff in the US completed ethics training and over 9,000 existing staff received two hours of annual refresher training. Employees are encouraged to seek help and to report any concerns or suspected cases of misconduct. They can do this through their line management, our network of compliance officers, or through our confidential Integrity Help lines. (GlaxoSmithKline, 2007) 2.6 Rights and responsibilities of employers and employees Employers and employees have responsibilities to each other where they should also expect their rights to be upheld. These rights and responsibilities relate to areas such as Health and Safety, the provision of Terms and Conditions of Employment, Equal Opportunities and the right to be paid a Minimum Wage. The Health and Safety at Work Acts set out responsibilities and rights for both employees and employers. Employees are expected to carry out their work in a way that has regard to the safety of others. Employers are expected to abide by a range of requirements governing such aspects as providing safe machinery and equipment, carrying out regular health and safety checks, ensuring the training of employees in health and safety issues, and carrying out a risk assessment to assess the dangers of particular work activities. There are also specific regulations about the way in which potentially harmful substances should be used and stored. There are a number of requirements about the mi nimum temperature at work, and other aspects of working conditions. Employees are expected to receive the terms and conditions of their work setting out when their work commences, what their main duties are, who they are accountable to, rates of pay, and other entitlements. Equal Opportunities legislation sets out that all employees should receive the same pay and conditions for carrying out the same or broadly similar work. There are also laws against sexual, racial and disability discrimination. The Minimum Wage Act sets out the Minimum Wage that workers can expect to receive which today is more than a  £5 an hour. The Minimum Wage is regularly reviewed and will increase over time. There is also European Union requirements governing the maximum number of hours that workers will be expected to work in a typical week which is currently set at 48 hours. Employers and employees are expected to meet minimum legal requirements for such areas as Health and Safety at Work, and minimum standards and conditions related to hours, and the treatment of people in the workplace. Along with rights for employees there are corresponding responsibilities such as the expectation to work in a safe way and to have regard for the safety of work colleagues. (Times Newspapers Ltd and MBA Publishing Ltd, 2008) 2.7 Ethical issues caused by information technology Ethics and the Information Revolution, De George (2003) describes his approach to the ethical questions he will discuss. He locates the issues within a common and universal framework of ethical norms. Murder, stealing and other such acts are generally inconsistent with societal norms across societies despite their cultural differences. Within a society, norms exist for many practices that bear certain similarities to new and emerging practices made possible by information technologies. This suggests a two-step method. First, when evaluating a new practices such as monitoring e-mail, one can use analogical reasoning from similar practices and norms; for example, opening and reading private correspondence. He applies his method of analysis to the general system of IT taken as the basis for the information society. Here he argues that core values of an information-centric society are truthfulness, accuracy, information sharing, and trust. While important in other types of society (agricultural, industrial), these values take on greater role in an information economy, in contrast to punctuality, for example, which is critical in an assembly-line industrial economy. Ruth Rikowski (2006) pointed out that computers are changing the face of the work scene. For some people, their jobs are becoming redundant or they have to play quite different roles, and others are suffering increasing levels of stress from work pressures. Others are, obviously, reaping the benefits of having more rewarding jobs, and there is certainly more emphasis on knowledge, information and I.T. skills than ever before. However, this all clearly poses various ethical issues. Should those that lose their jobs be compensated? How can the pressure be eased on those that are suffering stress? Is it acceptable for computer programmers to be made redundant ‘on the spot etc? There are many ethical issues that need to be addressed here. Clearly writing and spreading virus programs are unethical acts. They have very serious consequences, and cause systems to crash and organisations to cease operating for certain periods. One of the most concerning consequences of such actions is when viruses interrupt the smooth functioning of an organisation such as a hospital, which could in extreme cases even cause people to die. Logic bombs are also sometimes planted. There is obviously a lot of anti-virus software on the market now though that helps to deal with this ever-growing problem. Many different computer crimes are committed, which clearly poses ethical questions for society. Various illegal acts are performed on computers, such as fraud and embezzlement. This includes, for example, using imaging and desktop publishing to create, copy or alter official documents and graphic images. There are also various ethical dilemmas, such as whether copying such files is as bad as stealing something. So, this conflict might mean that companies do not, in reality, give enough consideration to the ethical issues in I.T., as the drive to create new products and upgrade products, thereby raising the profit margin, takes precedence over moral considerations. Some of the ethical issues in I.T. are being tackled more effectively though (although there is obviously always room for improvement). Great efforts are being made in regard to finding ways to deal with viruses, for example, and more and more attention is now being given to ergonomic and health issues. 3. Industrial relations 3.1 Trade unions The field of industrial relations (also called labour relations) looks at the relationship between management and workers, particularly groups of workers represented by a union. Sri Lanka has approximately 1000 Trade Unions. Out of these about 20 have more than 100,000 members. Out of these 1000 Trade Unions, 750 are in Government Departments where labour laws do not apply. These workers come under the establishment code. Only 30 per cent of the countrys workforce is organized in Trade Unions. Here are some trade unions in Sri Lanka. All Ceylon United Motor Workers Union Ceylon Federation of Labour Ceylon Mercantile Union GCSU Sri Lanka United Corporations and Mercantile Union (Wikipedia, 2008) 3.2 Enterprise bargaining Enterprise bargaining is an about introducing change in the workplace with everyone sharing the benefits. It is an opportunity for an employer and his/her employees, either directly or through their union representatives, to undertake cooperative negotiations. Enterprise bargaining is a way to discuss how work is performed, conditions and productivity improvements that will benefit both employer and employees. This can foster a culture of change in the workplace which can be a valuable tool in the process of continuous improvement. It can assist in the creation of vital, responsive and flexible enterprises and improve productivity and efficiency. 3.3 Industrial disputes Industrial dispute means any dispute or difference between anemployer and a workman or between employers and workmen orbetween workmen and workmen connected with the employment ornon ­employment,orthetermsofemployment,orwiththeconditionsoflabour, or the termination of the services, or the reinstatement inservice, of any person, and for the purposes of this definitionâ€Å"workmen†includesatradeunionconsistingofworkmen. (BOI, 2008) The Industrial Disputes Act (IDA) provides for the prevention, investigation and settlement of industrial disputes and for connected/incidental matters. The IDA also specifies the methods by which the Commissioner of Labour is empowered to help settle an industrial dispute. These methods are as follows. with reference to a Collective Agreement where such an agreement is in force between employers and workmen; Through conciliation at conference either by the Commissioner himself or an authorized officer (usually attached to the Industrial Relations Branch in the Department of Labour); Through voluntary arbitration. Where the parties to the dispute do not consent to reference of the dispute to an arbitrator, the Minister is empowered to refer the dispute for settlement by arbitration to an arbitrator or to a labour tribunal. The Minister can also refer any industrial dispute to an Industrial Court for settlement. The ideal process would be for a time span to be fixed between the making of a complaint to the Labour Department and a reference to arbitration, tying up the processes of arbitration and conciliation so that the whole dispute could be settled within a reasonable length of time instead of the parties having to wait for years in order to see an end to the dispute. It may also be worth looking at the possibility of establishing an Appeal Court to go into positions of dissatisfied parties within a short period of the arbitrators award so that settlement could be reached speedily. (Globalization and Industrial Relations in Sri Lanka, 2000) 3.4 Awards systems Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) carries out two major award systems in Sri Lanka. Ø Peoples Awards This includes people from all walks of life advocating their favourite personality, brand, company, advertisement, film, teledrama, song etc. Men and women throughout the island, excluding the North and the East, take part enthusiastically. To ensure that the results represent the diverse population of Sri Lanka, the interviews are carried out in all the provinces excluding North and East. SLIM Nielsen Peoples Awards is based on a sample survey conducted by The Nielsen Company encompassing a sample of 5,050, equally split between males and females, and between the ages of 16-65 years living in both urban and rural areas. The survey will go on for a period of 5 consecutive months with a random sample of 1,010 per month conducted through face to face interviews at an all island level (excluding north and East). The Nielsen Company assures quality and clarity of answers given by the respondents. To ensure accurate feedback, its stringent quality control measures adhere to the WatchBuild er standards, a process, globally unique to the Nielsen Company. Ø Brand Excellence The SLIM Brand Excellence Awards is a celebration of brand excellence at national level and rewards the outstanding efforts of outstanding marketers. Through this event, SLIM endeavours to not only encourage best practices in branding, but also to raise local brands to global standards, to enhance the image of marketing in the country and that of SLIM in the region. This event translates as industry recognition of the motivation, dedication and hard work that great marketers have demonstrated in making brand champions. Each year panel of judges evaluates the contenders for each category of award, looking for those elusive qualities which elevate a brand above the sea of nondescript products. For the Brand Excellence Awards to be truly successful there must be industry-wide, representative participation which will ensure healthy competition. (SLIM, 2008) 4. Sri Lanka and international business 4.1 Trends in Sri Lankan trade Sri Lankas exports grew 14.7 percent helped by strong prices for tea, while apparel exports grew by a slow 5.3 percent where the trade deficit expanded 92 percent on higher oil and capital goods imports. The Central Bank said April export earnings increased 14.7 percent to 610 million US dollars with agricultural and industrial exports contributing 59 percent and 37 percent. According to official data, agriculture exports grew 46.5 percent in April 2008 compared with a year ago on the back of increased export prices of tea. The average export price of tea was four US dollars a kilogram, the highest recorded up to then. Industrial exports grew by 6.9 percent supported by increased exports of garments, food, beverages, tobacco, rubber products, petroleum products and ceramics, official data showed. Cumulative exports during January to April 2008 grew 11.3 percent to 2,488 million US dollars. Expenditure on imports in April increased 37 percent to 1,269 million US dollars. The Central Bank said import expenses on consumer goods such as food expanded significantly in April 2008 owing to increased expenditure on rice and sugar. Import expenditure on intermediate goods which increased 38 percent from a year ago contributed 64 percent to the increase in import expenditure in April 2008. The Central Bank said import expenditure increased owing to high crude oil and fertilizer prices. Imports of investment goods such as transport equipment, machinery and building materials have also recorded a growth of 33.5 percent. The cumulative expenditure of imports during the first four months of 2008 amounted to US dollars 4,533 million, an increase of 37.4 percent from a year ago. The Central Bank said higher oil and capital goods imports have widened the trade balance from 394 million US dollars in April 2007 to 659 million US dollars in April 2008. The overall balance of payments recorded a surplus of 320 million US dollars from January to April 2008 increasing the gross official reserves to 3,383.8 million US dollars by endApril2008, which is sufficient to finance around 3.3 months of imports. (LBO, June 16,2008) 4.2 Trading partners Major trading partners;  § Export (% of total, customs basis): US 28.2%, UK 11.5%, India 9.0%, Germany 4.1%. Export Commodities: Textiles garments, tea, diamonds jewellery, petroleum.  § Import (% of total, customs basis): India 18.5%, China 10.5%, Singapore 8.7%, Hong Kong 4.2%. Import Commodities: Mineral products, textiles, machinery transport equipment, base metals. Ø United Kingdom Trade and Investment with the UK UK imports from Sri Lanka have consistently exceeded UK exports to Sri Lanka. Exports have declined during the period 2001 to 2004 from  £142.4 million to  £138.8 million and imports have steadily increased from  £400.8 million to  £466.9 million during the period 2001 to 2004. The UKs net investment in Sri Lanka has averaged some  £50 million per annum over the last 20 years. The UK is the largest European investor in Sri Lanka and second overall in terms of projects. Further progress in the peace process would lead to more opportunities for British companies in Sri Lanka. Cultural Relations with the UK The British Council has English Teaching Centres in Colombo (one of the fastest growing in the network with well over 3000 students) and Kandy, and is involved in English language projects throughout the island. It also runs busy libraries at the teaching centres, and maintains a lively arts programme. The Council runs an education information service that offers detailed information on all aspects of the British education system, and administers exams in Colombo and Kandy. In Sri Lanka the Council also works closely with the Ministry of Education on its education reform agenda, particularly at Primary level. (www.iptu.co.uk) Ø USA The Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), signed by the USA and Sri Lanka on 25th July 2002 in Washington DC, provides an ideal platform for the two Governments to maintain a closer dialogue on a number of areas / fields that are of mutual interest to them. On the Sri Lankan side: (a

Civil Laws and Religious Authority in Jonathan Swifts Gullivers Trave

Civil Laws and Religious Authority in Gulliver's Travels  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In part one of Gulliver's Travels, Swift present readers with an inverted world, not only by transplanting Gulliver to a land that's only a twelfth the size (a literal microcosm), but also by placing him into a society with different ethical and civil laws.   Swift uses these inversions not only to entertain the readers imagination, but more importantly, to transform our perspectives to understand alien worldviews (e.g. in part four, there is great detail given to explain the Houyhnhnms' views on marriage, health, astronomy, poetry, language, death, and reproduction).   The Lilliputian conflict that erupts from the egg law (found in part one, chapter four) is an inversion, which (1) parallels the conflict of the Protestant reformation; and (2) argues that warring over religious viewpoints is futile and destructive to society, and (3) mandates lawmakers to be wary of creating laws that contradict religious teachings.   The conflict between the Lilliputians and Blefuscudians resembles the Protestant and Papist struggle because it's a struggle about interpretation of scripture. The "great prophet Lustrog, in the fifty-fourth chapter of the Brundecral" decrees that "all true believers shall break their eggs at the convenient end" (2353). The Blefuscudians (like Roman Catholics) hold a traditional view of scripture, and in their case, " the primitive way of breaking eggs . . . was upon the larger end" (2353), and that was "ancient practice" (2353). The Lilliputians (like Protestants), broke from tradition and held a personal view of scripture, as the Emperor decreed, "to break the smaller end of their eggs" (2353). And for "six and thirty moons past" (2353), the Lil... ...egg law that caused so many wars because of religious persuasions, Swift causes all lawmakers (and thus democratic voters) to be wary of instituting laws that conflict with religion.   Thus the seemingly silly egg law, points to huge ideas that affect every society. When Gulliver first awakes in Lilliput country, Swift has him strapped down staring at the sky, in a new land, with a new language, with new laws.   Swift, in a sense, straps us all down, to teach us about new perspectives and the importance of tolerance.   In Swift's inverted world, he parallels the Lilliputian conflict with the protestant reformation, argues for toleration of religious viewpoints and to not war over them, and instructs all lawmakers to be wary of creating laws that contradict religious teachings. Works Cited: Swift, Jonathan. Gulliver's Travels. Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1959. Civil Laws and Religious Authority in Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Trave Civil Laws and Religious Authority in Gulliver's Travels  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In part one of Gulliver's Travels, Swift present readers with an inverted world, not only by transplanting Gulliver to a land that's only a twelfth the size (a literal microcosm), but also by placing him into a society with different ethical and civil laws.   Swift uses these inversions not only to entertain the readers imagination, but more importantly, to transform our perspectives to understand alien worldviews (e.g. in part four, there is great detail given to explain the Houyhnhnms' views on marriage, health, astronomy, poetry, language, death, and reproduction).   The Lilliputian conflict that erupts from the egg law (found in part one, chapter four) is an inversion, which (1) parallels the conflict of the Protestant reformation; and (2) argues that warring over religious viewpoints is futile and destructive to society, and (3) mandates lawmakers to be wary of creating laws that contradict religious teachings.   The conflict between the Lilliputians and Blefuscudians resembles the Protestant and Papist struggle because it's a struggle about interpretation of scripture. The "great prophet Lustrog, in the fifty-fourth chapter of the Brundecral" decrees that "all true believers shall break their eggs at the convenient end" (2353). The Blefuscudians (like Roman Catholics) hold a traditional view of scripture, and in their case, " the primitive way of breaking eggs . . . was upon the larger end" (2353), and that was "ancient practice" (2353). The Lilliputians (like Protestants), broke from tradition and held a personal view of scripture, as the Emperor decreed, "to break the smaller end of their eggs" (2353). And for "six and thirty moons past" (2353), the Lil... ...egg law that caused so many wars because of religious persuasions, Swift causes all lawmakers (and thus democratic voters) to be wary of instituting laws that conflict with religion.   Thus the seemingly silly egg law, points to huge ideas that affect every society. When Gulliver first awakes in Lilliput country, Swift has him strapped down staring at the sky, in a new land, with a new language, with new laws.   Swift, in a sense, straps us all down, to teach us about new perspectives and the importance of tolerance.   In Swift's inverted world, he parallels the Lilliputian conflict with the protestant reformation, argues for toleration of religious viewpoints and to not war over them, and instructs all lawmakers to be wary of creating laws that contradict religious teachings. Works Cited: Swift, Jonathan. Gulliver's Travels. Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1959.

The Civil War :: essays research papers

The Civil War On paper the North was far stronger than the South. It had two and a half times as many people, and it possessed far more ships, miles of railroad, and manufacturing enterprises. Southerners, however, had the advantage of fighting on home ground with better military leadership. But Union superiority in manpower was not so great as the gross figures suggest. Half a million people scattered from Dakota to California, could make no substantial contribution to Union strength. And every year Union regiments were sent to the West to fight Indians. Hundreds of thousands of Americans in loyal border states and in southern Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois worked or fought for southern independence. Though, every state furnished men for the other side, there was little doubt that more Federals than Confederates "crossed over." The South had superior officer personnel. For twenty years before Lincoln's inauguration, southern officers had dominated the U.S. Army. Another source of southern confidence was cotton. Secession leaders expected to exchange that staple for the foreign manufactured goods they needed. The South's most important advantage was that it had only to defend relatively short interior lines against invaders who had to deal with long lines of communication and to attack a broad front. The Confederacy also had no need to divert fighting men to tasks such as garrisoning captured cities and holding conquered territory. In a short war, numerical superiority would not have made much of a difference. As the war continued, however, numerical strength became a psychological as well as a physical weapon. During the closing years of the conflict, Union armies, massed at last against critical strongholds, suffered terrible casualties but seemed to grow stronger with every defeat.

How does Russell make the audience sympathise with Shirley ? Essay

In this essay I will be exploring how Willy Russell, an author of the play â€Å"Shirley Valentine†, makes us sympathise with his main character. Willy Russell was a hairdresser, who lived in Liverpool. He felt unfulfilled in his life and wanted to become a writer. In his work, he met a lot of women, who shared their stories with him. That made him feel he understood many of them. But he was bored with his profession. Russell’s life experience is similar to Shirley’s. Just like himself, Shirley is lonely and unfulfilled in her life. She dreamed of going to Greece and sitting alone on the beach. Russell equally dreamed of something unattainable. They both are bored and disappointed with their everyday routine. Shirley, a middle aged woman, is disappointed because her husband treats her as a housewife and she does not have a life outside of the house. No one pays any attention to her and she feels underappreciated. Everyday life looks exactly the same. Russell uses a number of techniques to make us sympathise with Shirley. These include providing a social context for the play, flashbacks, language devices such as humour, dramatic monologues and voice-overs. The play is about a middle aged woman called Shirley Valentine. She is married to a man called Joe. When they newly was married they loved each other so very much, but after a few years her life became a routine of washing plates, dishes, cleaning and making food for her husband. In other words she became a housewife. Because she had nobody to talk, she is a Kitchen sink drama, it is about things around the house. Russel also used characters, dramatic devices and creative language to sympathise the audience with Shirley Valentine. In the opening scene we see first the film title track starts under a blue and white drawing of Shirley Valentine ironing. I think Willy chose the colour blue, because the colour blue suggest sadness and depression. Shirley’s life in the play is represent as sadness and depression. After that we see fifteen drawings of Shirley doing domestic works are never ending. None of the drawings show her having fun. Russel did this to show that her life is around her house. Then we see a drawing of a street of small semi-detached houses with small front gardens. This show where she lives. She turns in one of the houses and opens the front door. She closed the kitchen door and leans against it â€Å"Sighing† . This show she is fed up with her life maybe she is frustrated. â€Å"She talks to the wall† that shows she is lonely. She have nobody to talk with and it suggest she might going to be crazy. Russel uses the characters of Joe to make us sympathise with Shirley Valentine. He is Shirley Valentine’s husband. We sympathise with Shirley as Joe doesn’t show any love affections towards her. We can tell Shirley was happily married at the start, because she had fun with Joe. They was just newly married. â€Å"The are happily painting the kitchen†. This shows us that she was happy with her life. Joe was Romantic used to make her laugh. He told her that he love’s her, â€Å"I love you Shirley Valentine†. But now he is extremely changed. He is aggressive. This shows where he said he doesn’t care what Shirley is doing. That’s why Shirley take a decision to go too Greece. There she meet Costas. Costas is the opposite of Joe. He is Romantic and he listening to her, he made her feel warm and tells her how beautifull she is. â€Å"They are lovely because they are part of you and you are lovely. Joe never told her how beautifull she is Costas make her feel pretty and young.