Graduation Speech High School - 986 Words

When I was in high school I wanted to be like everybody else. I wanted to fit in and meet some new friends. With meeting new friends I met the good ones and the bad ones. What I didn’t realize at that time was the bad ones were only going to bring me down and make me skip school. My junior year I had dropped out of school during the middle of the year because my mom just found she had cancer and I was the only one that was there to help her. I decided once that year was over that I would go back for my senior year, but I would have to be a semester behind and not graduate with my class. It was a big disappointment, but I knew that my mom was my main priority so I sucked it up and took her to her appointments, sat with her while she was doing her treatments, took her home, and helped her with whatever she needed at home. Summer finally came and I was ready to get back to school in those short couple months. I knew my mom was doing better and her tumors were shrinking. I decided that I wanted to hang out with friends more during that time when my mom was feeling good. Then during the summer my grandpa found out he was had a tumor on his liver. It ended up spreading throughout his whole liver during the summer, but unlike my mom he didn’t have the options to do treatments because he was so old he could have died on the table. I ended up spending my whole summer with my family so I didn’t miss anytime with them. It was time for school to start and at this point of my life IShow MoreRelatedGraduation Speech : High School934 Words   |  4 Pageslife would be graduation. For many people, graduating from high school is an objective. It takes a lot of time, effort, and determination to accomplish that goal. For others graduation is the end of high school, and the beginning of a new chapter in life. When graduated people feel as if adulthood has begun. In the long run, graduating opens a lot of opportunities for people to thrive. I can almost reminisce the day as if it was yesterday. I was sitting in bed like any other school day. It seemedRead MoreGraduation Speech : High School852 Words   |  4 PagesAccording to a report from Thomas Nelson Community College website, 15.7 percent is the graduation rate in 2010. 84 percent of students failed to receive their degree. That’s beyond sad. College can be difficulty especially with everyday life is getting harder to main family life work and financials. Because college is challenging, I know that I have issues that I must overcome. I told myself the more patient s I have the better success I will have. Although college will be difficult my goal isRead MoreGraduation Speech : High School Essay2254 Words   |  10 Pages The day I graduated from high school The High school graduation day is a life full of journeys for everyone, high school life is a memorable time for most people, for me as well. High school can be filled with lots of good memories for some people and it could be filled with bad memories, for me it was both I had good times and I had bad times. The High school Graduation day should definitely be the best day of your life because that means no more high school, no more having to wake up at 6Read MoreGraduation Speech : High School Graduation854 Words   |  4 Pagesfail High School graduation can be an exciting time in a student’s life. It is a time in their lives where they begin to experience the kind of freedom that comes along with growing up. This freedom allows students to choose the type of college or University they would like to attend. It is necessary that they understand how responsible they need to be with the freedom that is being offered to them. When choosing what college or university to attend it may be tempting to want to go to a school thatRead MoreGraduation Speech : High School Graduation1507 Words   |  7 PagesForest English 1010 9/9/2014 Graduation During our lives, most of us have hated getting up early. Whether we as humans enjoy mornings or not, we’re always looking forward to that unforgettable day. That special is high school graduation for me. Graduation is a ceremony that recognizes students that have excelled through school. Graduation was one of the best days of my life, perhaps even better than the day that I started college. There is no other day like graduation where there comes this feelingRead MoreGraduation Speech : High School Graduation933 Words   |  4 PagesHigh School Graduation With regards to high school graduation, Balfanz, Herzog, and Iver (2007) followed 12,972 Philadelphia students enrolled in traditional middle schools from six grade (1996-1997) until 1 year beyond their expected graduation from high school (2003-2004) in order to understand what indicators would affect their projected graduation date. Unlike many of the early K-8 schools, the population Balfanz et al followed consisted of 64% African American, 19% White, 12% Hispanic,Read MoreGraduation Speech On High School Graduation851 Words   |  4 PagesThere Is No Success Without The Opportunity to Fail High School graduation can be an exciting time in a student’s life. It is a time when they begin to experience the kind of freedom that comes along with growing up. This freedom allows students to choose the type of college or University they would like to attend. It is necessary that they understand how responsible they need to be with the freedom that is being offered to them. When choosing what college or university they would like toRead MoreGraduation Speech : High School997 Words   |  4 Pagesup, I loved going to school and dreamed of one day attending college. Attending school every day and receiving good grades had become my top priority from K-12. I excelled from K-8th grade, but entering into high school was completely different than primary school. The atmosphere and environment was new to me, I was free to roam the halls or walk back out the door without any repercussions. This began my downward spiral in high school. My freshman year was by far the best school year for me becauseRead MoreGraduation Speech : High School897 Words   |  4 PagesHigh school was one of the most challenging moments in my life. Not only did I have to deal with the academic pressures and social issues from my peers I had external factors that were heavily impacting me as well. During my junior year my mom separated from her husband and me and my three little brothe rs ended up staying house to house with close relatives. Shortly after that time at the beginning of my senior year, my mom was sent to prison. In the midst of dealing with all of the demands thatRead MoreGraduation Speech : High School Essay1434 Words   |  6 PagesWhen I was in high school I had one goal, I would graduate top of my class and go to the University of Florida for pre-medicine, then onto their medical school. I never considered that I would want anything else, so I went to a specialty high school that would allow me to specialize in Biomedical sciences(STEM) and never even thought about the possibility of a life other than the one I had so precisely planned out for myself. When my nephews were born my sophomore year all of my priorities changed

The Character and Psyche of Owen Meany Essay - 1260 Words

John Irving begins his novel with one of the most iconic introductory lines in modern literature; introducing a character who is a great source of pain and anguish, yet the ultimate source behind the narrator’s belief in God (Irving 3). In this paradoxical sentiment the theme of the book born, what follows it is a journey that is different from any other. John Wheelwright, the narrator, tells a story of his best friend Owen Meany and what effect he has had on John’s own life, while concurrently interjecting the plot with information about the occurrence in the world around him and how it relates back to Owen. Through the uses of sporadic but continuous plot development John Irving develops a self acclaimed Christ-like character whose†¦show more content†¦This qualifies him then to fall under the hero archetype (Guerin), of course, he is an atypical hero, with one of his most heroic actions being that of severing his best friend’s finger off with a diamo nd edged granite saw (Background). His growth into the position of hero is an integral part of the plot and the ultimate catalyst for his undertaking of his quest. Owen did not start out as the perfect hero; in fact, Irving takes a very typical road and develops Owen’s character through series of events that lead up to his taking of his place as the Christ-figure hero (Guerin). Owen starts out as a coward – albeit a coward who refuses to act like one. For instance, he pees his pants when his female cousin is in the same closet as him (Peterson). He is also the source of both the main sorrows of the novel, his own death, and the death of Tabitha Wheelwright, acting as the exact opposite of a hero. He undergoes a metaphorical rebirth to mature into the Christ Hero; who gets his arms blown of by throwing grenade out a window to save some Vietnamese children. The catalyst for this rebirth is paradoxical in that is actually a vision of said rebirth; in the form of Owen†™s vision and subsequent dreams about the circumstances surrounding his death. Irving does this to fulfill the other part of the hero archetype, by giving

Importance of Media Interpreter in Nursing Sample for Students

Question: Write a Reflection using a Recognised Model to Demonstrate how the Exploration of the Creative Representation will Enable your Future Practice to be Authentic to your Values and Beliefs. Answer: Introduction Nurses are paramount people around the globe, and they come across various patients who are from different background as well as setting who need their care. At times there is a need of using a media interpreter to understand d the patients as they come from different cultures and cannot use the official language, English. Therefore for efficient care, there is need to have a media interpreter. The concept of nursing which most people describe as care is hard to define or explain what exactly it entails. Eds Brykczynska seconded the claims. Jolley asserts that the normality of caring physically as well as the culture makes it hard to describe as well as define it. In this paper, I will deeply examine and explain my view on the art of caring through creative reflection and using a synthesized model of communication of caring in nursing. My current understanding on Nursing Some people define nursing as care where one shows concern as well as responsiveness for others. Dr Watson comes up with a theory that outlines three elements for nursing. The elements in nursing include the carative factors, the caring moment as well as the transpersonal caring. In her theory, she suggests that as a nurse one should honor the patients one serves. I agree with her on this aspect of care as a nurse that one should respect the subjective experiences of the different patients. (Arslan?zkan et al., 2014) Dr Watson suggests that in caring four elements are necessary for efficient care. One of the elements, which I also believe is vital, is attentiveness. For a nurse to offer adequate care to the patient, he or she must be attentive. In attentiveness, one examines the patients as well as the patient family needs. A nurse has to understand the patient and come out of his preference system and closely looks at the patients needs. By doing, this one gets to know the real patient state of affairs (Gilissen et al., 2016) In a hospital that I once worked with, they tried to enforce attentiveness of the nurse so that he will give out adequate care by indicating that some places were no passing zone. Through this, the nurses were able to identify the patients who needed attention. If a nurse saw the light, it was evident that the patient required attention. We also go for rounds after every hour where we ask the patient requirement after every hour. (Meade, Bursell keteslen 2006). I believe that undertaking the hourly strategy is good to a nurse as it helps the patient feel cared for and not neglected especially when in need. The second element that one needs in nursing and describes care is responsibility. Nurses should be responsible for their patient when one is in charge of something he or she takes great care of it. It is because one is answerable for anything that happens to the person for instance when transferring a patient for an operation. When a nurse has in mind that she is entirely responsible for the patients, he will take great care of the patient. The other element which is vital and that I embrace as a nurse is competence. A nurse has to be competent in all of the practices that he undertakes, for instance, a nurse that carries out pain management techniques that may not be efficient to the patient is uncaring. Poor pain management strategies may be due to poor organization procedures or lack of adequate knowledge from the nurse. To have the proper knowledge one has to take the professional as lifelong learning. (Vanlaere Gastmans, 2011). To provide effective care to the patient, which i s the obligation of a nurse one, has to update her competence frequently. I embrace this knowledge on the need for expertise, and I regularly read books as well as interacting with others. In this, I get more knowledge on how to give my patients better psychological, Physical as well as spiritual care as the days progress. Another element of attention that I adopt as a nurse is a need for responsiveness. Care primarily involves two people the caregiver who is the nurse and the person who is receiving the care who is the patient. Therefore, there is a need for openness between the patient and the health professional thus; she can know whether she has met the requirement of the patient as well as the family. I also believe that the nurse has an obligation to take great care for herself as for efficient care to others there is need to first care for you. Understanding from the synthesized model of communication Nursing which is to an extent the care that one gives to the patient has definitions from the synthesized model of Communication of Caring in Nursing by Knowlden. In the model, Knowlden proposes that the nurses should practice the interpersonal care. These involve care as well as having a good relationship between the patient and the medical practitioner. Therefore, the definition of nursing is the care of the patient as well as the interpersonal relationship between the nurse and the patient. The model demands that when caring for a person, one should try to build the patients esteem. When a person is sick the feelings of humiliation may intensify the illness thus as a nurse one should talk to him to build self-worth. Interpersonal care also involves showing love and great concern to the patient. By doing this, the patient develops trust and hope towards you. The model also proposes that the care should not have limits such as time, culture or space. The mode of communication should be changing and should make the patient feel cared for no matter his condition. Therefore, according to the model nursing is caring for a person by building his self-esteem, showing great love, universal care no matter the culture among other inhibitors as well as efficient communication. (Bramley Matiti, 2014.) Bouds Triangular model of reflection Using the bouds triangular model of reflection and looking at the creative thinking, I was able to come up with knowledge that will help me in my nursing career as well as improve my values and belief. This model of reflection claims that experience leads to learning and thinking. Through one of my experiences that I named above when working in a hospital where there were some signs of no passing zone, I learnt about care as a nurse. The case enhanced attentiveness only a nurse could walk past, and when he sees lights, he knows that the patient needed attention. Having this strategy helped the nurses to be more attentive. Through my experiences when working in one of the hospitals, I learnt that care involved responsibility of the patients as we took great care of the patient when transferring them from one ward to another.( Tashiro et al. ,2013) Conclusion Concisely through reflection and synthesized model of communication in nursing as well as personal experiences, we get the definition of nursing. Nursing is the care of a patient that involves many elements. The features include attentiveness, responsibility, responsiveness as well as interpersonal care as described in the synthesized model. References Arslan?zkan, ?., Okumu?, H. and Bulduko?lu, K., 2014. A randomized controlled trial of the effects of nursing care based on Watson's Theory of Human Caring on distress, self?efficacy and adjustment in infertile women. Journal of advanced nursing, 70(8), pp.1801-1812. Blais, K., 2015. Professional nursing practice: Concepts and perspectives. Pearson. Bramley, L. and Matiti, M., 2014. How does it really feel to be in my shoes? Patients' experiences of compassion within nursing care and their perceptions of developing compassionate nurses. Journal of clinical nursing, 23(19-20), pp.2790-2799. Gilissen, J., Pivodic, L., Smets, T., Gastmans, C., Vander Stichele, R., Deliens, L. and Van den Block, L., 2016. Preconditions for successful advance care planning in nursing homes: A systematic review. International Journal of Nursing Studies. Gkantaras, I., Mahfoud, Z.R., Foreman, B., Thompson, D.R., Cannaby, A.M., Deshpande, D.H., Watson, R., Topping, A. and Gray, R., 2016. The effect of Nurse GraduaTeness on patient mortality: a cross?sectional survey (the NuGaT study). Journal of Advanced Nursing, 72(12), pp.3034-3044. Huber, D., 2013. Leadership and nursing care management. Elsevier Health Sciences. James, S.R., Nelson, K. and Ashwill, J., 2014. Nursing care of children: Principles and practice. Elsevier Health Sciences. Knowlden, V., 1998. The communication of caring in nursing. Sigma Theta Tau International. Nguyen, Q.D., Fernandez, N., Karsenti, T. and Charlin, B., 2014. What is reflection? A conceptual analysis of major definitions and a proposal of a five?component model. Medical Education, 48(12), pp.1176-1189. SHERwooD, G.D., 2012. MetaSynthesis of Qualitative Analyses of Caring: De?ning a Therapeutic Model of Nursing. Caring in Nursing Classics: An Essential Resource, p.357. Stanfield, M.H., 1991. Watson's caring theory and instrument development (Doctoral dissertation, Texas Woman's University). Tashiro, J., Shimpuku, Y., Naruse, K. and Matsutani, M., 2013. Concept analysis of reflection in nursing professional development. Japan Journal of Nursing Science, 10(2), pp.170-179. Vanlaere, L. and Gastmans, C., 2011. A personalist approach to care ethics. Nursing Ethics, 18(2), pp.161-173. Vanlaere, L. and Gastmans, C., 2011. To be is to care: a philosophical-ethical analysis of care with a view from nursing.

Theoretical Framework in Nursing Process free essay sample

As you read Hendersons definition of nursing, what nursing functions and actions are applicable today? Explain. Almost all basic independent nursing interventions have its basis on the fourteen nursing needs by Henderson. She described the role of the nurse as one of the following: substitutive, which is doing something for the patient; supplementary, which is helping the patient do something; or complimentary which is working with the patient to do something (http://nursing-theory. rg). In essence, all patient needs across the dependent-independent continuum would need some sort of intervention from the nurse while the patient is under her care with the main end-goal of full independence by the time the patient is discharged. Among different types of patients, those admitted in the intensive care units, particularly those who are rated 3 to 7 out of 15 on the Glasgow Coma Scale require a mostly supplementary form of care. Simple activities of daily living are fully performed by the caregiver that includes, but not limited, to the following: maintaining patent airway by placing an oral protective airway and suctioning of secretions via oral or endotracheal tube (breathe normally); ensuring adequate nutrition by tube feeding either through NGT, PEG or intravenously (eat and drink adequately); frequent changing of soaked/ soiled diapers or underpads (depending on institution policies) or the insertion of a foley catheter as well as emptying of excess bodily fluids such as that from an ostomy appliance or a Jackson-Pratt drainage (eliminate body wastes); unless contraindicated, routine positioning and turning of the patient from side-to-side and flat on back for the prevention of bedsore formation and promotion of comfort or by employing postural drainage for mobilization of pulmonary secretions (move and maintain desirable body postures/protect the integument); ensuring ambient noise is minimized, provid ing dimmed but adequate lighting, maintaining room temperatures in check, and reducing patient manipulation during time of sleep (sleep and rest/maintain body temperature); routine hygienic measures such as daily bed baths and oral care, shaving of facial/body hair as necessary and regular change of linens and patient clothes/hospital gown (keep the body clean and well groomed/select suitable clothes); ensuring that side rails are up at all times, making sure that the bed is free from sharps or other objects that could be potentially harmful to the patient, following the 10 R’s and hospital protocols when administering medications (avoid dangers in the environment). We will write a custom essay sample on Theoretical Framework in Nursing Process or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In other cases a client (may it be the patient or a relative) maybe fully capable but is simply unaware, incompetent, uneducated, confused, or perhaps is undergoing some stressful situation at present, that a nurse is needed to guide, coach, counsel or teach. This is where a nurse’s most often overlooked roles come in the form of patient/client education and compassionate care through sympathizing and empathizing. Numbers 9 up to 14 of Henderson’s components fall under this type of nursing function. B. Select a patient in your practice setting or recall a patient when you were a student. Use Abdellahs typology of 21 nursing problems to assess the patient. Make an NCP and identify outcome measures. Patient A. M. a 55 year old male comes into the ER with complaints of a left sided chest pain that is 7/10 on the pain scale. Upon assessment, the patient is diaphoretic, his right hand clutching his chest and is short of breath. Upon interview, it was learned that started 6 h ours ago as an epigastric pain and so he thought that he was just having a heart burn but has now gotten worse and is now accompanied with difficulty of breathing. He states he is on hypertensive and diabetes medications and has had a previous double-vessel bypass surgery in 2008. Upon arrival, his vital signs are as follows: BP=186/101, HR=101, O2 Sat=95%, RR=22, and Temp=37. 4? C.

A Comparison of two Macbeth films Essays

A Comparison of two Macbeth films Essays A Comparison of two Macbeth films Essay A Comparison of two Macbeth films Essay but whereas Nunns version doesnt hook the audience, Polanskis does from the very beginning. His film starts with the titles in white against a black background, this is quickly replaced by a landscape shot of a beach at sunrise which has been sped up. At this time the soundtrack is completely silent. The clouds and sand are tinged with red, this gives the impression of violence and blood shed. The only sound at this point is the eerie cries of seagulls, they sound as if they have been put through a synthesizer, this gives an extra edge to the atmosphere. Nunns soundtrack at the beginning of the film is heavy organ music this is quite clever because people normally think of vampire films when they think of organ music, so when the camera focuses on the witches it magnifies their evilness. When the camera focuses on Duncan the organ music serves to emphasize his holiness and goodness. This is a very smart idea because by doing this he very effectively implying the battle between good and evil. After Polanskis shot of the sunrise the camera then focuses in mid shot on the three witches, one of the older witches eyes seemed to have been taken out of their sockets. They then start performing a ritual which involves burying objects in the sand. These objects include a hangmans noose, a freshly severed hand and forearm, so fresh it is still pliable. To an audience of that time it would have been shocking and grotesque. Once the ritual is over the witches then turn their backs on the camera and walk slowly along the beach into the distance. The process of getting the witches from the foreground into the distance has been cut short because of clever editing, so they reach the end of the beach in a matter of seconds. By doing this he avoids Nunns mistake, he avoids boring the audience. As the witches reach the horizon they are engulfed by fog which is also tinged red. Nunn approaches the three witches in a different way, you see the witches in mid shot, two of the older witches are supporting the younger one and they lower her gently to the ground, she is groaning and screaming, the other two are staring intently in the direction of her lap as if she is about to give birth. After a while the camera turns to a close up of Duncan, his hands are joined together in prayer. He is dressed more like a holy man or priest than a king, his robe is of a cream colour in contrast to the witches costumes which are completely black. A very bright light is shining behind his head which makes his hair seem even whiter and makes him appear saint-like. As the camera cuts between Duncan in prayer and the witches, the witches groans get louder and louder and eventually drowns out Duncans prayers, this gives the impression that evil will win over good, this also shows very effectively that the film is about the battle between good and evil. As the witches screams reach a deafening climax they are stopped by a loud clap of thunder, the young witch stops screaming, this gives the impression that she has finished giving birth, and she has given birth to evil. As the witches are engulfed by fog in Polanskis version, for a second the soundtrack goes completely silent, and it is only now that Polanski uses the fog to project the titles of the film. A few seconds later the sounds of battle replace the silent soundtrack you can hear the sounds of a general shouting charge!, the neighing of horses and the galloping of their hooves, weapons clashing against other weapons or shields and men crying in agony from their wounds. Once the titles had finished the fog clears to reveal a wide angle shot of a battle field, you can see soldiers looting corpses. A soldier walks up to what appears to be a dead enemy, he checks for signs of life by kicking his leg, when the corpse moves the soldier swings the mase he is carrying with full force repeatedly into the soldier lying on the floor. This level of violence is shocking, and is quite unnecessary, but makes excellent entertainment for the audience. At a closer inspection of the battle field you can see that it is the same beach as where we met the witches, by doing this Polanski avoids the expense of switching locations by tricking the audience into thinking the setting has changed by just changing the soundtrack. One of the main features that a start of a film needs is to hook the audience and keep their eyes magnetized to the screen. Another thing that needs to be achieved is to introduce the characters and themes well. While Trevor Nunn has cleverly introduced the themes of kingship and power, he fails to accomplish the most important purpose of the start of a film, hooking the viewer. In contrast Polanski has gone out of his way to shock, sicken and revolt his audience with images of violence, thereby making it more realistic, this in affect does hook the audience. The differing approach of each director is due to their different situations, the production values of each director was very different. Trevor Nunn had been paid up front and did not have to make his film popular or have it approved to a wide audience, he could afford to make his priority to faithfully represent Shakespeares original script. Polanskis situation was the exact opposite he had sunk and invested every single penny he owned and had also taken out massive bank loans to make Macbeth. In order for him to pay back the money the film had to be be on general release and had to be very popular. Having made his film popular he had to make sure it remained so. He did this very effectively because he treated everyone to a very enjoyable time and a fantastic cinematic experience, with a film that has stood the test of time, whereas in my opinion Nunns has not.

Start Writing a Book 7 Best Practices to Become an Author Fast

Start Writing a Book 7 Best Practices to Become an Author Fast Start Writing a Book: 7 Best Practices to Become an Author Fast Writing a book is intimidating.When youre not sure how to start writing a book, it can paralyze you. But we have the best top steps to start writing a book today so you can become an author!Beginning the process of writing a book and presenting it to a worldwide audience is very exciting but also a little scary espeically if you mess it up and end up making a fool of yourself.Its a fear we all have, trust me.You have amazing book ideas that you want to share with the world, and you’re more motivated than ever to educate your readers about them!Here are the steps for how to start writing a book well cover:Set up your writing environmentDevelop a writing habitCreate a book outline to start writingFocus on writing your book ONLYMaintain your focusSchedule book writing timeDeal with writing distractionsStart writing your book!Once you begin, you may realize that writing a book is hard work. There are many obstacles that can prevent you from writing and can create stress leading t o anxiety. For example, you may find yourself in front of a blank page unable to type and thinking of stressful questions like:â€Å"How do I even start writing a book?†Ã¢â‚¬Å"Do I need to blog first?†Ã¢â‚¬Å"Should I start without an outline†?Writing a book shouldnt be this hard!But many get overwhelmed because they lack a writing process.Start Writing a Book for Success with FREE TrainingIf you want to skip right ahead to what willreally help you start writing, then youll want to check out this free training we put together for you.With your FREE training, we can help you understand HOW to start a book and self-publish it so the maximum number of people can enjoy it.Just click the button below to TAKE ACTION on your dream and lets do this together.Click here to save your spotHow to Start Writing a BookStep-by-StepIf you’re feeling demotivated when it comes to starting your book, you’re not alone. Writing can still be one of the hardest parts for mos t authors even if they havebeenwritingfor a long time!Fortunately, there are some extremely effective techniques for how to start writing a book and overcoming these hurdles.Well cover what you can put into action to assure you show up with a game plan to get your thoughts out of your head, down on paper, and into the minds of your readers.Ready to start your journey to becoming a bestselling author? Lets go!How to Start Writing a Book for BeginnersBelieve it or not, writing a book isnt as difficult as its made to seem. At least, getting started isnt.We have a complete guide that will cover best practices to start writing a book asap even today if you sit down and put your pen to paper, so to speak.#1 Set Up Your Book Writing EnvironmentOne of the most importantthings to remember if you want to start writing a book is designing an environment that allows your creativity to flourish unhindered.Create an environment that is designed to help you stay focused.Whether you prefer noisy environments or absolute solitude, it’s up to you to determine  which will get you into the writer’s flow.What you want to avoid is a super messy environment, even if you think you work well in those types of spaces (like the one featured below).If anything can distract you from writing, its not worth it.Here are a few ideas to create your ideal space for writing:Have collections of inspiration.Decorate your work area with inspiring quotes or pictures that house references to deep work.Unclutter your space.Create an uncluttered open space to help organize not only what you need, but also your thoughts.Be Flexible.Your creative space doesn’t need to be one spot, it can be anywhere. Even your favorite authorshave discovered their best ideasin the most unexpected places.Buy a calendar:Your book will get written faster if you have set goals for the week/day. The best way to manage this is by scheduling your time on a calendar. Schedule every hour that you commit t o your author business. What gets scheduled, gets done.Create a music playlist for inspiration:Many authors can write to the sound of their favorite tunes. Is there anything that gets you working faster? Do you write better with deeper focus when listening to rock music or classical? Set up several playlists that you can use to get into the flow of writing.Try Multiple Locations.You wont know how creative you can be if you dont try different spots to write. Maybe writing from your bed is your ideal creative space. What about working in a noisy cafe? Change up your location frequently particularly if you feel creatively spent.Here are some more tips for starting your book and putting together your writing environment:How to Start Writing TipExecutionMinimize Distractions- isolate yourself from family/friends/even the family dog - remind everyone it's YOUR time - Turn your phone off - Close ALL web browsers - Close your emailGet Comfortable- invest in a GOOD chair - or resort to using a stand-up desk for more energy - fill the area with motivational quotes - make sure you're physically comfortable for the next 30 minutes or an hourChoose Beneficial Background Noise- turn off all sounds if it distracts you - turn on lyric-less music to help you concentrate - choose energizing music to help you focus#2 Develop a Writing HabitThe number one reason authors fail to publish a book is because they never finish the book they intend to publish. Why?Because they didn’t form a good writing habit.Feeling overwhelmed when writing a book is natural, but you must remember that this  journey always begins with the first page. And in order to write your first page, you must take action.For example, schedule your writing time daily so that you can stick to a solid writing routine that will allow you to make real progress.This is why having a writing habit will develop your writer’s flow.Your writing habitcan start small. Don’t overwhelm yourself thinking t hat you must write your every thought on the page. You can start with a few paragraphs, a sentence, or even just a word.The purpose of this exercise is to commit to your writing session every day until it has become second nature. #3 Create an OutlineA clear book outline provides clarity and direction to your story. It is also the roadmap for your book that keeps you on track and ensures you have all your ideas organized in a natural flow. And thats not even to mention that it helps you write a lot faster, too.There are many types of outlines you can use here.We highly recommend starting with the mindmap outline and then moving to the sticky note method, as our students find it the most helpful.When you get stuck or suffer writers block, you can always go back to your outline to find what comes next regardless of whether the book is 100 pages or 300 pages long. It will help you see the overall picture.If youre not sure how to outline a book, weve got a handy video right here for yo u to learn: Before you write, spend some time creating your outlinewith these steps:Brainstorm:  List every thought and story idea you want in your book by creating a mind map.Organize:  Combine all related ideas together.Order:  Arrange ideas into subsections from general to specific.Label:  Create main and subheadings that will eventually be your chapters. Action Step: Spend a good portion of your time constructing an outline. If you want more on creating it, be sure to check out our guide.#4 Work on ONLY WritingOne challenge many authors experience is taking on multiple new projects when they should be focused  on one because their minds are full of amazing book ideas.Although enticing, the division of attention can spread your energy thin producing bad writing or worse, failure to complete your book.But dont worry. Weve all experienced shiny new book idea syndrome before!There’s only one clear solution to this problem: Cut the clutter and focus on one project u ntil it’s finished.Be fully committed to starting your book by doing the following:Create an action plan that breaks down the entire project into realistic portions to complete.Set hard deadlines for each and every phase of your book.Learn to say â€Å"NO† to any additional projects no matter how intriguing they appear. Action Step:Create an action plan and commit to it. Learn to be selfish and practice saying NO often. Its better to complete one book and get it right than to write two books with poor results.#5 Maintain Your FocusOnce you get into the flow of starting your book, you want to remain focused through the duration of your writing session. Any break to your concentration can set you back 20-30 minutes and disrupt your flow.We become less efficient when we are distracted, and it can end up taking twice as long to complete our writing.Thankfully, there are very effective techniques that can help you remain centered andin the moment.Leave the distractions beh ind by doing the following:Create a writing schedule.   Schedule your writing for the same time each day. This conditioning will develop your writing habit until it becomes as natural as knowing when to brush your teeth.Use the Pomodoro Technique.  This is a time management strategy that breaks down work into intervals separated by short breaks. With a clock ticking, you will less likely be distracted by email or social media.Turn off your phone. Your phone is the most addicting device that steals your precious attention. Don’t let it take that from you, turn it off. If you dont want to turn it off, then download a writing software or app that limits distractions.Have a Task Management app.  Task Manager apps, like Todoist,  helps you organize your tasks by their time and priority, so you know exactly what to do in what order the next day.Disconnect from the Internet. Want to ensure you dont get distracted by email notifications, Facebook notifications, etc.? Disconne ct your computer from the Internet and enjoy distraction-free writing time. Action Step:Experiment with each of these productivity techniques and optimize your writer’s flow. By becoming a productivity expert, you will easily double your output and complete your book in no time.#6 Schedule Your Writing TimeJerry Seinfeld is one of the most popular comedians of all time, and he attributes his success to his unbelievably strong writing habits. In the early days of his career, Seinfeld was asked how he managed to have such great content.He said, â€Å"The way to be a better comic is to create better jokes, and the way to create better jokes was to write every day.†Seinfeld used the â€Å"Calendar Method†, otherwise known as the â€Å"Don’t Break the Chain† method, and it worked like this:Get yourself a calendar, and hang it on the wall.For each day you write, draw an X on the calendar for that day. By the end of the week, you should have a row of Xs at the end.If you miss a day, start over and see how long you can go before breaking the chain.If you can keep this chain going, you will write your book faster than you can imagine. Action Step:Buy yourself a calendar and get started on the â€Å"Calendar Method! Being held accountable will keep you motivated and not â€Å"Break the Chain.#7 Deal With Writing DistractionsDistractions can hinder you and your deisre to start writing a book.Resistance is a common obstacle that has the ability to distract us for too long. Its a form of fear that intimidates you from writing and can throw you off your writer’s flow.Not only do you have the distractions of everyday life, but if someone in your life has qualms with you spending time to write, it can be extra difficult to concentrate and just write.Everyone has encountered this awful feeling, but it doesn’t have to defeat you.Here are a few ways to deal with resistance:Read morning affirmations.Affirmations are powerful sn ippets of positive words that set the tone and atmosphere for writing. An affirmation could be a quote from a writer, a motivational speech from a public figure, or an inspirational video.Free Flow for 10 Minutes.Julia Cameron, the bestselling author of The Artist’s Way, called these morning pages, and its purpose is to clear your mind of all the anxiety and junk rolling around in your head onto a piece of paper. Write anything. You don’t have to edit, publish, or have a word count, it’s simply a 10-minute exercise to clear out heavy thoughts and prepare you for a more productive day.This is best done with pen and paper instead of typing into a document with your digital device.Exercise.Exercising is not only good for your healthbut will help keep you mentally sharp. Working out will increase the blood flow to the brain which will sharpen your awareness and give you the energy you need to tackle your book. Action Step:Create a resistance plan! Figure out which m ethods best filter out the negative noise and get you to prepared to write.Start Writing a Book TODAY!If you want to become a published author, you must take ownership of your writing habits. By following these seven strategies, you can have a completed book within months and be on your way to becoming a successful writer.But what can you do right now to ensure the success of the book youre going to start writing? Weve got them for you.#1 Join your free training!Thats right! We have free training thatsjust for you! Chandler Bolt will walk you through everything you need to go from blank page to published author in as little as 90 days.

Croft Court Hotel London - Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Croft Court Hotel London - Analysis - Assignment Example The rooms are fully air conditioned, with modern en-suite bathrooms, televisions, safe, refrigerator, and direct-dial telephones. The rooms are also equipped with hair-dryer, Wi-fi access, and voice mail. Within a short walk from the hotel are a fully equipped gym and swimming pool, to which the hotel provides complimentary discount vouchers for its guests. Croft Court also provides reduced rates for taxi fares from all airports. The hotel itself boasts of a spacious lobby that has a 24-hour tea/coffee making facility. Its room rates begin at ?85.00 (GBP) upwards, and is already inclusive of a Kedassia continental breakfast, served between 8 am and 10 am. It also has a spacious function hall and garden which are ideal settings for weddings and anniversaries, as well as Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sheva Brachot and Britt, and similar occasions for a large number of guests. Goals and key objectives of the organization The hotel has two principal objectives: to provide quality lodgings and servic e to its target customers, and to realize profits for its shareholders. Other objectives include the provision of gainful employment for its staff, profitable business for its suppliers, and to contribute to the development of the immediate community. Environmental factors which affect the company The industry is one that is affected by both internal and external environmental factors. Factors pertaining to the internal environment are discussed under Porter’s five forces model. Factors external to the industry include those under the PEST model – political, economic, social and technological. In the hospitality industry as a whole, probably the factor with the strongest influence is the political factor, due to spate of terrorist attacks that have dampened public interest for tourism. Second would be economic, because during an economic recession such as that pervading in Europe and the United States, people who fear the loss of their jobs or erosion of their wealth w ill tend to forego the less urgent or luxurious activities, such as travel for pleasure. Porter’s 5 Forces Model Internal rivalry – Internal rivalry is high. In the immediate vicinity where Croft Court is located in Golders Green, there are several other lodgings and inns where a traveller may stay over. These include the Eagle Lodge, the Regal Guest House, Zanzibar House, Chesterfield Court and Gloucester Court, among others. Croft Court Hotel is ranked by Trip Advisor as 83rd from the top out of London’s B&B Inns. Bargaining power of suppliers – The bargaining power of suppliers is neither high nor low. There are a number of providers of kosher supplies to the many Jewish establishments in the vicinity; they are specialty suppliers and therefore may not easily be replaced, however, there are nevertheless other suppliers which may be sourced since the strong demand in the area has prompted several kosher suppliers to enter the market to meet the demand. Bargaining power of buyers – The bargaining power of buyers is also neither high nor low, discounting the seasonality of Jewish festivities that may create peaks and troughs in the hotel’s take up rate. If buyers feel the price of the Croft Court is a little high, they may find

Analysis of Financial Statements Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Analysis of Financial Statements - Essay Example The suite that I choose for the ratio analysis was the Wagner suite. The reason I choose this suite was based on the fact that the suite provides better balance in comparison with the StuarMason. The StuartMason ratio suite places too much importance on sales turnover. The greatest weight in the Wagner suite goes to sales growth which is a great indicator of the progress the company has made through the passage of time. As far as the ratio analysis the company that rated better overall was Lambda. The profitability, sales turnover, liquidity, and capital structure of Lambda are superior. One of the few metrics in which Coral received a better rating was sales growth. The second analysis that was performed to compare the two businesses been considered for a joint venture was an analysis of the notes to the financial statements. The accounting practices of Lambda are more aligned with the requirements of Panorama. As far as inventory Lambda utilizes First In First Out inventory system (FIFO). FIFO provides advantages such as providing a more accurate valuation of the total inventory. Coral has some pending lawsuits yet to be resolved that could inhibit the financial status of the company in the future. Both companies are weak as far as its stock option disclosures due to the fact that they do not mention the actual amounts of stock options outstanding. The third analytic tool utilized in the simulation was an evaluation of the non-financial information of the company. The non financial metrics of the pair of companies seem to indicate that Lambda is a superior choice. Lambda has a lower employee turnover ratio which is a positive sign. A low employee turnover ration represents money savings since it reduces initial training expenses and it allows for a company to create value in the form of human capital. Lambda has a better array of products and higher revenues from the introduction of new products. Lambda

E-Business Paper Essay Example for Free

E-Business Paper Essay Businesses today operates under intense competition and are under pressure to provide a product/ service that is customized, of high quality, and delivered in time at lowest possible cost. The growth and development of electronic and communication technology has been a key environmental factor that has revolutionized business in recent times. Many successful business organizations have harnessed electronic and information technology, especially internet to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their business processes to gain competitive advantage. E-business involves business communications and transmissions over networks and through computers, specifically the buying and selling of goods and services, and the transfer of funds through digital communications. (Hutt Speh, 2004) Dell Computers is a classic example of an organization that has used internet technology to successfully refocus its business from a traditional business model to an e-business model. It has used Internet to improve the efficiency of many of its business processes and enhanced customer focus, responsiveness and relationships in all its customer segments including individual consumers, small businesses and large corporations. Dell is now able to align with its customers through the internet, on order management, product configuration, design and customization. This has resulted in better service and more satisfied customers for Dell. The Dell website allows the company to provide low-cost access to both order entry and order tracking 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This has reduced personal selling efforts and driven down the transactions costs massively both for Dell and its customers. The advent of globalization has resulted in supply chain of any organization becoming a key cost driver. Dell has used Internet to electronically link customers, suppliers, intermediaries and alliance partners in spite of organizational, geographical and functional boundaries. It has helped the company to drastically reduce the lead times as vital data with respect to sales forecasts, production plans, delivery schedules, shipments through distribution network and inventory levels at various stock points is shared amongst the participants of the supply chain on a real time basis. The unauthorized use of such competition critical information is a major risk facing Dell. Effective communication has always been a major challenge to any business. Dell has used Internet to expand its communication capabilities with its customers. Internet leverages the advantages of both, advertising which is paid form of non personal mass communication and personal selling which is face to face communication. Dell provides real time, up-to-date, low cost and fairly customized information to its potential customers in different segments. This has reduced the company’s expenses on communication mix to a great extent. The major limitation of Internet as a communication tool is that it is impersonal, though information can be customized to a large extent. The purchase of computers is associated with a fairly complex buying behavior, especially for individual consumers. The over emphasis of Dell on Internet technology may drive many of the customers, who are more comfortable with face to face communication for their information needs, to its competitors. Dell has used Internet technology very effectively to penetrate far-flung global markets. It has exploited the technology to expand its customer base all over the globe by implementing order and procurement management systems as well as sales, marketing and customer support functionality. Its website has provided it the necessary coverage freeing it from investment in sales force or â€Å"bricks mortar† assets in every potential market. The company also uses the internet to provide a wealth of marketing information with respect to the segments, the customers and their charging needs. Such information can be used for better responsiveness. Dell’s e-business success has resulted in the risk of delineating with members of its distributor channel who perform vital marketing activities. The major risk Dell may face in future is that it may not receive co-operation from its channel members when a future unforeseen situation may call for their support. So also most of the company’s strategic data is also available to its competitors who can easily respond to its strategic moves. The confidence and the security involved in electronic payments still remains a challenge to Dell. References Hutt, Michael, D Speh, Thomas, W (2004), Business Marketing Management, Thomas Southwestern pp. 117 – 144

Free My Antonia Essays: Female Roles :: My Antonia Essays

Female Roles in My Antonia "THERE was a curious social situation in black hawk. All the young men felt the attraction of the fine, well-set-up country girls who had come to town to earn a living, and, in nearly every case, to help their fathers struggle out of debt, or to make it possible for the younger children of the family to go to school." (Page 127) This was the way of life for most girls around the 1920s. The book My Antonia by Willa Cather, Refreshingly creates female roles and strong personalities. Frances Harling, Molly Gardner, And Lena Lingard are excellent examples of such women. Frances Harling is one of the vast examples of what a strong woman can be. She is very responsible. She takes care of her father's business when he goes out of town, and on Sundays she would go to the office just to read the mail. Frances is very talented. She could play the piano with out a light and talk to her mother at the same time. Frances also was one of the most dependable people in town. If any one had a wedding she would bring a present. If there was a funeral she would be there to help console them. You could always count on her to be there. Molly Gardner had a strong personality. Molly would show her personality by the way she presented herself. Jim the narrator said "Mrs. Gardener was admittedly the best-dressed woman in Black Hawk, drove the best horse, and had a smart trap and a little wh ite-and-gold sleigh."(Page 117) Molly liked to have the best meterial goods in the town, and she liked to show them off. Mollys personality was the reason that her husband’s and her business did so well. Jim also said "†¦he knew that without her he would hardly be more that a clerk in some other man’s hotel."(Page 122) Molly would also go on all the business trips because she was the smarter one between her and her husband. Lena Lingard was not one of the most respected people in town, but she wanted to improve herself. She wanted to get away from the farm she thought the work on the farm was endless. Lena had left the farm at a young age to become a seamstress and study under Mrs. Tomas, a well known dress-maker in town.

Moot Court Outline

General Outline of a Moot Court Argument INTRO May it please the court, my name is _____ and I represent the Petitioner/Respondent __(name)___. [REBUTTAL REQUEST & PROCEDURAL BLURB (for Petitioner ONLY)] With the court’s permission, I would like to reserve 2 minutes for rebuttal. Thank you. This case is on appeal from the District/Circuit Court (name of court). The District/Circuit Court denied Petitioner’s request for _____, holding _____. ROADMAP Your honors, _______ is a violation of international law and we ask that you ________ for (the following) two/three reasons: 1.First, [substantive legal argument – strongest point] 2. Second [substantive legal argument] 3. And Third, as a matter of public policy OR as public policy dictates, [policy argument] ARGUMENT 1. With respect to the first point your honors . . . OR First, . . . CONCLUSION Since [first point], [second point], and [third point], Petitioner/Respondent respectfully requests that this Court finds __ __ a violation of international law. Thank you. [REBUTTAL (for Petitioner ONLY)] Respondent made one/two point(s) that I would like to address. (First) Respondent stated that . . However, . . . OR Respondent contends that _____. However, . . . MISCELLANEOUS SUGGESTIONS – For Rebuttal: o Attack misstatements and glossed-over weaknesses. o Address concerns of the court. o One to two points – most important point first. – If you obviously and/or materially misspeak, say â€Å"rather, ____† OR â€Å"pardon me your honors, what I mean to say is ____† and correct yourself. – If you are really hard-pressed for a transition, say, â€Å"which brings me to my second/third point† and find a way to fit what you were talking about into that point. If you are going to quote a case, drop the case language verbatim into your outline and KNOW the pin cite. – If you aren’t sure what the judge is asking, seek clarification. o This can also be used as a stall tactic if you are unsure how to answer the question. o Say something like, â€Å"Your honor, I want to make certain I understand your question, would you mind regarding-phrasing? † – DON’T: o Say, â€Å"I don’t know† in response to a question. ? If you don’t know the answer, say something more like, â€Å"Your honor, I am unable to fully answer your question at this time.However, I would be more than happy to submit a supplemental brief on the issue/matter/case. † o Smile or laugh or otherwise lose composure during argument (unless the judges are smiling and laughing and you feel it would be inappropriate to NOT smile and laugh). o Take a pen up to the podium. – DO: o Outline your argument! ? Try to reduce your argument to 2-3 pages. ? Use headings and sub-heading. Bold, capitalize, etc. for ease of reference. ? Use a manila folder to organize your arguments. †¢ Take nothing but that manila folder up to the podium. Listen carefully to opposing counsel’s arguments and the judges’ questions. ? Take verbatim notes of both. Quote and/or directly address if appropriate. o Know, in advance of the argument, which points you are willing to concede (if any). o Preface your answers with the following: ? Yes your honor, however . . . ? No your honor. †¢ Be cautious using this one – it can appear less-than deferential. ? I (respectfully) disagree with your honor’s characterization/construction of . . . o Have your introduction, [procedural blurb], roadmap, and conclusion memorized.

Pros and Cons of Television Essay

Television is one invention that serves as a type of role model for Americans everywhere. This mechanism is in almost every room in our home and people canÂ’t help but turn on the switch to see what is showing. Some only rely on a television as their only source of entertainment and some view it as a way to get the family together. But one thing for certain is that television has some characteristic that draws humans to the screen and most people reflect what they watch. The television is an unavoidable technology that shapes peopleÂ’s lives, on that can both benefit and harm its viewers. Although television is unavoidable, it does have its benefits. Almost every American has one TV in one room of their home. The news channel is one of the most widely watched program in the world. People watch news as a source of what is happening during the day. Before work, a woman would turn on the news, to check how the weather is so she can pick out the right outfit. Or some may check the news just to take a glance at traffic to see which roads to avoid in order to make it to work on time. The news also benefits children. It helps them understand what is going on in the world. “News, current events and historical programming can help make young people more aware of other cultures and people.” ( Media Education Resources, 18 Oct 2006. http://www.media-awareness.ca) Some news casts help by showing the latest threats in places or even in food reports, which are good things to be aware of. Some people also find the joy in knowing about the latest product on the market or a br and new diet test. However, the news might not show decent programming for all audiences all the time. The potential harm in television is the violence that is shown on almost every channel, but particularly in the news. The news is the place where most of the violence is shown and worse, the violence is real. The news reaches all audiences which means children are exposed to this violence. But the violence show is harmful to all its viewers. “Some local news shows go out of their way in search of violence.” (Online News Hour, 18 Oct 2006. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/media_violence.html) When kids witness violence on the news, it gives them ideas and it shapes their view on the world. The same goes for young adults. Most of the violence on the news are by young  adults who are in gangs or a student at school. Worse is that the violence is shown in detail and shows every act from explosions to gun shots, to fist fights. These kinds of scenes are not ones that should be exposed to young children and adults. “As more violence is reported in the news and as young children spend more time involved with media, they are more likely to hear disturbing news.” (National Association for the Education of Young Children, 18 Oct 2006. http://www.naeyc.org/ece/2003/01.asp) The news is a helpful program to have, but not when disturbing images are shown. Most Americans who own a TV watch it for an excessive amount of hours, mainly children, so they are bound to see some amount of violence while watching. Some may stumble upon it on accident so they have those frightening images in their mind. Parents are concerned that their kids watch the violence because they are entertained by it. Some kids might have to watch news casts for homework assignments and find helpful information about the country they live in, but they also might see some of the dangers that are here as well. The fact is that the news has the habit of showing clips of “disturbance” during their supposed innocent broadcasts. Overall the news does have its advantages and its disadvantages just like television. The television is an unavoidable technology that shapes peopleÂ’s lives, one that can both benefit and harm its viewers.

Research Proposal on E-Commerce vs Web Store Front

Research Proposal on E-Commerce vs Web Store Front E-Commerce vs. Web Store Front Research Proposal: With the advent of internet technology, organizations have greatly improved in certain ways. One of the most important facets of the computer and internet technology that have undergone rapid change is the E-commerce (Umar, 2004). Ecommerce or electronic commerce is the act of doing business over the internet through the aid of remote computers linked to each other to form a network. Specifically, it allows the users to transact business over the internet, where very little or no physical contact between the two parties is involved (Umar, 2004). Companies throughout the modern world are increasingly changing from traditional in-store format due to the increased opportunities with online business, as well as reduced cost of doing business (Umar, 2004). Currently, most retail businesses maintain a web storefront, while others have completed deviated from their physical location and moved permanently to the online business location. Traditional Versus Online Shopping It is not necessary that the word shopping have the meaning of exchange of goods and services in a specific physical location, as it was the common definition (Columbus, 2009). For instance, it was the only way for the shopper to leave the physical location and visit to the physical market or store in order to shop. However, in the modern world, shopping has greatly been revolutionized primarily through the internet technology. However, there are facets of this revolution that has brought in certain weaknesses with the shopping method, which are not common with traditional in-store method of shopping (Umar, 2004). Traditional in-store shopping method requires that the buyer and the seller meet in a certain area to do the transaction. The buyers must pay in cash or credit card. This method is very time consuming because all these activities requires time. In addition, in any case where the buyer and the seller have to negotiate on the price and nature of the service or commodity, they must do so within a given time, which increases the time spend on the process. For the buyer to choose the right product, he or she must take time seeing the product or service and verify its worthiness before paying for it. This is an advantage over the modern E-shopping, where even scammers have the opportunity to place fake or unworthy orders or products and feign as honest dealers or buyers. This might be a good way for the dishonest parties to execute their ill-intended actions over the intent (Umar, 2004). The traditional method of shopping is advantageous over the internet as far as this issue is concerned because it allows the two parties to carry out intensive verification of the other party’s intentions and degree of honesty. For example, there is enough time of the two parties to spend together and verify each other’s intentions and degree of honesty. In addition, physical shopping is quick because the buyer does not have to ship, especially for household and other goods, which are required on time and place (Columbus, 2009). Despite these advantages with the traditional method of shopping, several issues are associated with it, which are easily solved with the online shopping methods. For example, this method is highly time saving because it allows both parties to transact business over the internet. In this case, the parties do not need to meet physically, but rather the internet provides the opportunity for the two parties to meet and even discuss from remote places. There are also certain ways to enhance security of the transaction. For example, it is possible to operate secure accounts over the internet provided by trusted companies such as PayPal and iKobo. Ecommerce has increased the ability of doing business in foreign and new places. The internet is perhaps the driving force behind the modern concept of globalization. Globalization is a new dispensation in modern world, which has seen business organizations operate on worldwide scale, rather than dealing in specific regions (Umar, 2004). This new dispensation in business has increased the ability of the business organizations to diversify their business over extensive geographical locations, breaking geographical barriers and thus, distributing their risks and losses. This has further seen business organizations reduce the expense of crossing geographical barriers because they do not necessarily need to have physical outlets or these new offices, and those, which have these offices, are connected effectively the technology (Umar, 2004). Shoppers have the opportunity to go over a large-scale window-shopping before they can settle on the items to buy. Comparison of prices over the internet is also simpler than physical shopping because one needs to browse the prices and products over the computer in a sitting location, which further reduces the time needed to make shopping decisions. Shopping experience at Express Company Express Corporation is an American organization that specializes in clothing, and has several outlets in America, Europe and Asia, most of which were opened and operated before the organization embarked on extensive ecommerce. Currently, the organization operates one of the best and consumer friendly website, from where consumers in any part of the world can browse through the great variety of products and product brands available in the company stores. In addition, it allows the potential customer to use a shopping cart, in which they are free to add or remove any item they wish to or not to purchase. The shopping becomes easy because the online buyers are able to decide on the item they want to buy over a long time, which could even be days. This allows the users to make sound decisions on their purchases. Moreover, the website has extensive list of available and products, alongside their prices, quality and other details. Payment is quite easy because the organization accepts cred it cards online, PayPal and iKobo in addition to E-money services. The transaction can take a number of days, while the shipping can be very quick in cases where the customers are located in one of the 60 countries where the company operates in full scale. In addition to these features, the organization’s website allows the users to define their need and search through the website with just a click, and find their preferred product. Ethical and Legal Issues Concerning the Use of Internet in Business The internet technology has proved to be a tool for improving the methodology for doing business (Columbus, 2009). However, several legal and ethical issues are concerned (Umar, 2004). As a relatively new technology in business, the internet, as applied in ecommerce, has several issues concerning the security of the information, the money on transit as well as the product. For example, the organizations doing business through the internet relies heavily on the information on their website, and the information passed between the two parties. This implies that in case this information is leaked or interfered with, then both parties are likely to lose. Confidentiality of the information is also highly regarded in the business done over the internet (Umar, 2004). Ecommerce further requires high product suitability since there are certain products that are hardly offered on the internet. For example, household products such as sugar, soap, and others may not be sold in retail scale over the internet; rather they need traditional method of commerce. Products such as clothing, vehicles and other machineries, information such as music and games as well as academic materials are highly suitable for internet transaction.

Use These 50th Wedding Anniversary Toast Quotes

Use These 50th Wedding Anniversary Toast Quotes Watching a young couple in love is joy, but watching an aging couple in love is bliss. When a couple has cherished their marriage for 50 years, it certainly calls for a special anniversary event. If youre the one giving the toast, youll want to plan your speech in advance. Its good to keep a celebratory toast under five minutes to keep the event light and fun. And focus on honoring the couple while shying away from embarrassing anecdotes that could make someone uncomfortable. Sprinkle in a toast  quote or two in your speech to help  you express your joy at the occasion and make it extra poignant, whether youre a child of the couple, the party host,  or one of the gold-anniversary  betrothed. Anonymous Newlyweds become oldyweds, and oldyweds  are the reasons that families work. â€Å"You are the parents that all kids hope to have; you are the couple that all lovers hope to be; and you both are the pillars of support that every family wishes it had.   Never laugh at your wife’s choices.  You are one of them.† Love is like an earthquake- unpredictable, a little scary, but when the hard part is over you realize how lucky you truly are. â€Å"You don’t marry someone you can live with. You marry the person who you cannot live without.† Moonlight and roses are bound to fade for every lover and every maid, but the bond that holds in any weather is learning how to laugh. A toast to love and laughter and happily ever after. Felix Adler Love is the expansion of two natures in such fashion that each includes as the other; each is enriched by the other. Pearl S. Buck A good marriage is one which allows for change and growth in the individuals and in the way they express their love. Mahatma Gandhi â€Å"Where there is love there is life.† Erich Fromm Immature love says: I love you because I need you.  Mature love says, I need you because I love you. Greek Proverb The heart that loves is always young. Mignon McLaughlin A successful marriage requires falling in love  many times, always with the same person. Ricardo Montalban â€Å"True love doesn’t happen right away; it’s an ever-growing process. It develops after you’ve gone through many ups and downs, when you’ve suffered together, cried together, laughed together.† Rita Rudner In Hollywood, a marriage is a success if it outlasts milk. Its so great to find one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life. Paul Sweeney A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance, and tenacity. The order varies for any given year. James Thurber Love is what youve been through with somebody. Themis Tolis â€Å"To love is nothing. To be loved is something. But to love and be loved, that’s everything.† Vincent van Gogh Love is something eternal- the aspect may change,  but not the essence.

Drug Trafficking Cartels Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Drug Trafficking Cartels - Essay Example The cartels have a reliable supply of guns and other weapons used while conducting their business. Mexico is the hub of this business and almost all the illicit drugs used in the United States comes from Mexico. This paper looks at the policies set by the two governments and the extent they have gone to reduce or prevent the crime. The paper also compares the rate of drug trafficking between Columbia and Mexico and their impacts in the world. In addition to this, this paper also discusses the politics and political impacts affecting the rate of drug trafficking within these countries. Government policies The current policies used by these countries in bid to control this crime are unsatisfactory. United States has the highest demand for illicit drugs in the world. It is for this reason that Mexico and Columbia has identified the country as their best destination for selling their drugs. It is clear that prohibiting the use of illicit drugs is not an option to combat this deadly crime . However, possible strategies proposing legalizing the drugs and embracing health and treatment as control measures are under intense debate. This is only possible if these countries agree. Increased crackdown of drug users and cartels has led to increased cases of drug trafficking between these two countries. It is also crucial to note that since then the avenues of drug trafficking have increased making the prices of drugs cheaper. This encourages more participants in the market. During the reigns of president Bush of America, Columbia and America organized a five-year plan that aimed at cutting or reducing narcotic production by half. With most of refugees migrating to Colombia, it has been a problem to reduce drug trafficking in the country (Hylton). The relationship between Columbia and US weakened 4-5 years ago due to the collapsing talks concerning drug trafficking. The failing administrative policies between these two countries pose serious security threats to the US. Mexico country is currently receiving aids inform of military personnel, guns and other resource with the aim of overcoming the cartels. United Nation International Narcotics Control Board has also played a significant role in employing policies aiming at reducing drug trafficking in Columbia and Mexico. However, such organizations and other multinational organizations have failed in their quest to control drug trafficking because of their reliance on interdiction and use of force rather than use of public health approaches and other related options. Use of drugs becomes addictive with time and, the only way to reduce its consumption is by offering counseling and guidance to users. Countries like the US begin offering guidance and counseling to children as low a s 9 years old with the aim of preventing them from indulging in illicit drugs. US is also reported to be contributing to increased drug trafficking rates in the world due to the readily accessible weapons. Most of the weapons confiscated in Mexico have their roots in US. With this problem, it is even more difficult for Mexican officials to control drug trafficking since they are not able to inspect the weapon database in the US. Crime level and drug trafficking continue to rise in Mexico due to the low education levels and poor enforcement agencies. In 2001, Capo Guzman escaped from jail while the

Role of Followers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Role of Followers - Essay Example I think this analogy clearly explains my vision of the role of followers in the organization. Leaders with committed followers are more successful that those who are not supported by others. I am a student and I can observe the role of the followers when we work in groups. Team leaders become main decision-makers. However, if their decisions are not supported by the team, they cannot make people work together. Instead of working they waste their time trying to persuade the leader to change his or her mind. In fact, good support of the followers boosts work effectiveness. Successful empowerment depends on many factors. First of all, it is presented by leaders ability to listen to their followers and take their opinions seriously. Ignorant leaders are not respected by their followers; accordingly, they cannot empower them. Second, leaders should give people enough freedom to act. If people feel that they they are also decision-makers, they are more committed to their work. Finally, leaders and followers should have shared vision of the situation in order to think in one direction. It is very important because their actions should be aligned for the sake of success. The article by Kotelnikov (n.d.) presents the most essential function of effective leadership. In my opinion, developing shared vision is the most crucial one. I believe that people can work together successfully only when they have the same vision of the situation. Leaders who lie to their followers or do not share their plans with them fail to make their followers see the same picture. I have observed several examples of good and bad leadership at school when we were divided in the groups of four to work on our projects. Those groups where team leaders were not sharing information with their followers and tried to do as much work as possible themselves without engaging their teams were a failure. At the same time, the teams where all participants understood their goal and had their tasks to be

Developing an attendance management and rehabilitaion policy Essay

Developing an attendance management and rehabilitaion policy - Essay Example Under Innocent absenteeism, employees fail to go to work for reasons that are beyond their control. According to Cascio & Boudreau (2008, p. 45), IHC, which is one of the UK healthcare consultants argued that half of UK workplace absence his not often related with health problems. People just decide to attend their domestic or personal issues while others are not motivated by their jobs and various other reasons (Griffin, 2011, p. 280). Absenteeism is a global issues that face almost all companies though rates of absenteeism varies across companies depending on company location, size, industry type, weather, and job stress inherent in a given job position and responsibility. Some of the reasons for work absenteeism include poor attitude toward work that may rise from abuse of freedom or critical issues like sick leave permissions. Personal or family problems including the need to take care of sick children or elderly, family conflicts, pregnancy problems among most women among other reasons are cited as common causes of absenteeism (Jacobson and School of Psychology, 2007, p. 136). In organizations where the workforce constitutes of aging population, there are often high rates of absenteeism since older people may not be able to hand work overload. In places where employees are stressed, absenteeism is often high, work-related stress may rise from poor feedback between employees and management, harassment and bullying, poor remunerations, overworking among other issues. As mentioned by Jacobson and School of Psychology (2007, p. 136), involuntary absenteeism may occur where employees are not provided with required transport. Other reasons of absenteeism may include activities of the organization such as trips, entertainment or training of staff. According to Cascio & Boudreau (2008, p. 46), some of the direct costs

Enhancing Competitive Abilities for Airline Companies

Enhancing Competitive Abilities for Airline Companies Case of Air China Abstract This study examines the strategic, performance and learning issues confronting the Air China, in the aftermath of the Open Skies agreement between China and the United States. It uses a comparative perspective of United Airlines to examine Air China and the Chinese airline industry in context of ‘open skies, and in contrast to the wider global airlines industry. This is a questionnaire based study that uses both qualitative and quantitative data but relies more on the latter. The study is limited in its scope and implications primarily due to a small sample size, and the resulting inability to use inferential statistics. The study provides some focused recommendations on strategic thrusts and choices that could augment Air Chinas growth and performance as an international player. Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Background In the year 2008 the aviation industry forecasts show that Air China is the only Chinese airline that is likely to make a profit. Even Air China the Chinese flagship airline has been underperforming on international routes for some time now. While air travel is increasing on the backs of economic growth and the Olympic Games, fuel prices and competition under the ambits of international agreements like the ‘open skies between the US and China seem to have found Chinese airlines on the back foot for the moment. The fast expansion of the Chinese aviation market has seen investment flow in and international parties becoming interested as partners, investors and competitors in the sector. Chinese Airlines have responded with forays such as exploring alliancing, and strategic restructuring to respond to this duality of opportunity and threat. The open skies agreement in general implies â€Å"unrestricted access by any carrier into the sovereign territory of a country without any written agreement specifying capacity, ports of call or schedule of services† (Murali, 2005). Thus, theoretically, when the skies are open, any foreign airline can land any aircraft at any airport, with no restrictions on frequency and seat capacity. The frame of reference for the US China open skies agreement is the central provinces of Anhui, Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Henan, and Shanxi. As per the terms of the agreement they are completely open to US airlines. Being open to the American enterprise means generous funds flow but harnessing this implies capturing the air routes and the passenger traffic. Major US airlines including the United maneuver to do this with their greater experience, resources and air traffic exposure alongside Chinese airlines. The latter have the advantage of being domestic players and thus have the local advantages that come with the same (Ahmed et al, 2006). Coordination and configuration issues also affect highly transnational international airlines in both positive and negative ways (Porter, 1985, 1986). One is by having greater experience of reaching out to new markets and the other is inevitable increasing challenge of synthesis and adjustment as each fresh market is encountered. The domestic flagship carrier Air China also has the advantage of national prestige just like Lufthansa has for Germany and British airways for Great Britain: â€Å"Air China is the only airline company which carries the national flag to fly. It has the first rank of brand value among domestic airline companies (the world brand laboratory evaluated it in 2006 as 18.896 billion RMB), and it is among the leading position of air passenger transport, freight transport and related service† (airchina.com, 2008). The advantage shows in it being at least better performing than other domestic airlines. However, the international experience and resource strength of players like the United Airlines is considerable. United operates more than 3,700 flights a day on United, United Express and Ted SM to more than 210 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C hubs (AsiaTravel.com, 2007). With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United is also a founding member of Star Alliance With the Star alliance, United is clearly in elite company where international code sharing, passenger traffic movements, innovations, and control of international hubs are the forte of a group of heavily resourced carriers. International alliancing is rather nascent as a strategy in the case of Chinese airlines with Air China having but recently joined the Star Alliance. Furthermore, within the Star Alliance also competition is not nullified among alliance partners. With the squabbling over alliances in domestic market viz. between Air China and China Eastern Airlines, the market seems dangerously susceptible to foreign takeovers unless either performance improves or government takes safety measures through anti-trust clamp down. The trust in a government safety net have often resulted in airlines facing major crisis like for instance, the German carrier Lufthansa in 1990s where a leadership change and strategic turnaround of a seminal nature were required to save it (Mintzberg et a l, 2003). With the domestic carriers making a loss even for the flagship carrier Air China it is imperative to make sure that it does not sit easy on its asset of existing brand recognition that stems primarily from carrying the national flag. It is reported, at present in the Chinese and American aviation routes, the domestic operators is relatively disadvantaged. Neither the passenger transportation nor freight transportation have been able to raise profits and even made losses, the situation being particularly acute in the Chinese context. Low occupancy in flights returning from the United Stated is just one reason among other operational and strategic aspects like fuel prices, customer preferences, quality perceptions, pricing, and alliancing effects, to name a few(ATKearney, 2008). Since the open skies agreement the need to strengthen the Chinese airlines competitive position has been seen as key to both the airline industry and to the validation of the strategic intent of China to successfully globalize its key industries. 1.2 Motivation The aviation agreement between China and the US signals the intention of the Chinese Government to take on global competition for larger gains. With a five fold increase in airline frequency proposed over six years commencing the onset of the agreement in 2004 it is probably the right juncture to examine the state of the Chinese airline industry in the aftermath of this strategic drive. Air China being the flagship carrier makes for an ideal setting to be examined with a comparative frame of reference of United Airlines of the United States. The agenda is to look at strategies, performance, and impact across a range of indicators to reflect on competitive performance, and issues therein for the Chinese aviation industry. The perspective of the China US agreement is also a case that has implications for other open skies agreements that China has entered into like with the European Union in 2005. The consequences of Chinas opening up and joining the World Trade Organization in 2001 are also implied in issues, challenges and performance related reflections that are to stem from this study. The motivation for this study in its chosen research site of Air China, in a comparative reference with united airlines in the main, and under the US-China open skies agreement is thus of great relevance to industry and economic scenario. 1.3 Research Questions In light of the aforesaid the following research questions will deliver the examination of Chinese Airline industry. This in context of the open skies agreement using the case of Air China in the main, with a comparative reference to United Airlines, and with a view to generate implications for the Chinese aviation industry as a whole. What has been Air Chinas strategy in light of the open skies agreement? What are the issues affecting the performance of Air China in particular and of the Chinese airlines in general, in the aftermath of the open skies agreement? What are the issues affecting Air Chinas global brand development and recognition? What are the lessons that Air China can draw from United Airlines as a sample of what the Chinese airline industry can learn from more experienced international carriers? The first two research question clearly relates to the examination of Air Chinas strategic choices in light of the open skies agreement and how these have resulted in the realized performance. The next question relates to the idea of stretching of the domestically acquired- flagship status based, brand recognition into an internationally acclaimed brand. A key indicator for the same is quality and value that is associated with the brand. The final question is in the domain of lessons learned more-so strategic lessons in the aftermath of the open skies and with a comparative context of more experienced transnational carriers. This completes the loop by looking at learning in context of strategic choices and performance 1.4 Outline of the Dissertation This dissertation presents a literature review in the next chapter. The chapter takes off by a review the global airline industry, open skies agreement and the airlines under purview with reference to past information and research. This is in addition to and an extension of the background presented here. The literature review then contextualizes extant research broadly in the areas of strategy, organisation learning and transnational aspects as discussed under the discussion on research questions above. The methodology and approach chapter that follows the literature review moves forward to discuss how the indicators from a synthesis of the literature review are developed into an instrument, and associated, data, sampling, approach and methods in analyses aspects, among other aspects. The findings chapter provide an objective outlay of the analysis from a questionnaire study and then the discussions chapter provides and interpretative discussion on the same. Finally the conclusions reflect back on the aims of the research as operationalised under the research questions to also provide recommendations for strategy and for future research in the area. Chapter 2: Literature Review 2.1 Global Airline Industry, Open Skies and Air China The AT Kearneys (2008) report on the global outlook for the airline industry presents several noteworthy points. It posits that returns are lower than the cost of capital, and that oil prices have caused a dramatic decline in US business conditions with consumer confidence at an all time low since 2001. It further argues that growth looks better in emerging markets like China, tight credit norms are affecting U.S and Europe while excess capacity is a big issue to tackle with efficiency lifts being very critical across the board. In addition the argument for open skies to intensify competition is also driven home. This comprehensive scenario suggests that there is an opportunity for airlines in the growing/emerging markets to usurp dominant international carriers if they pull their act together. The overall crisis scenario has more negatives for the bigger carriers that are outside emerging markets. However, experience, network and resource muscle are keeping them ahead. The Chinese a irline market is probably the biggest opportunity to gain fresh turf and revenues given its relative robustness in recent times. The Chinese flagship carrier ‘Air China today is the new generation of what was the â€Å"Air China† established on 1988. It has come together as a merger of the erstwhile Air China, National Aviation Company and China Southwest Airlines. With this strategic reshaping event in the aviation history of China that happened in 2002, air China has taken giant leaps in trying to become a globally recognized player in the airlines industry over a short time frame. Its sustained profitability is a matter of pride and a signifier of the potential in and of emerging markets. Despite global downturns in profitability which have been a concern for Air China also, its performance is much better than most other global and all domestic players (Airchina.com, 2008). The company has strategic targets that indicate its ambitious designs despite its nascent lineage. However, these, that of competitive lead, continuous quality, service and profitability improvements with unique and memorable experiences for customers (Airchina.com, 2008) are but rather generic across airlines and also conjoint agendas. Operationalising this strategy has seen quality impetus that we will discuss later, trying to learn from and network with other airlines, among others. This national carrier of China has joined the Star alliance in 2007 and its cooperation with leading airlines around the globe has seen it expand massively to nearly nine hundred locations around the globe. It has its catch phrases to help keep strategy and performance feedback simple and translatable into new initiatives and improvements. One such aspect is to do with service and is called ‘four hearts- implying reassurance, satisfaction, easiness and sensation (Airchina.com, 2008). Other config uration aspects that link with the sales network expansion, working to fine tune the much used frequent flyer tactic, and using supplier and partner networks to improve capacity utilization and efficiency. It has tried to outdo professional and technical capacities deployed by international airlines, whether it be pilot and staff training, motivating service operations and innovations through awards, and as aforesaid, using symbolic emblems for quality in general that can make the strategic intent transmittable through the organisation at all levels. Branding at a global level has always been a concern worked at audaciously with domestic dominance never being in question (Ahmed et al, 2006; Airchina.com, 2008). In 2007, Air China reported an increase of about fourteen percent in its operating revenue. The growth in passenger and cargo services fuelled by economic growth and also the impending Olympics seem to have contributed. Managing efficiency to make sure that capacity utilization and efficiency in operations given the fuel crisis deliver to their best might have paid off to some degree. However, rising operating costs have taken hold given the oil price scenario. While hedging has helped counter fuel price impact it is not a stable measure (ATKearney, 2008). The current scenario is not bleak by far the overtime trends are of concern given the uncertainties that prevail in the aviation market and the intensifying competition under the open skies agreement. Air China has focused on transfer traffic to increase passenger uptake while opening up steadily on international routes. Nearly thirty five percent of its routes are now international operating across nearly thirty countries. The revenue chunk from domestic operations stills makes the bulk. Having joined the Star Alliance recently Air China has made path breaking improvements in quality, service and has upgraded both its fleet and support infrastructure like under the new terminus at Beijing also hosting the alliance. The operating performance of Air China is markedly higher than other Chinese airlines including Eastern China Airlines. Domestic competition had defeated efforts at alliances here but the climate of uncertainty that has had international airlines pitching for co-operation saw Air China enter the prestigious Star Alliance. The inclusion was also triggered by promise in the emerging markets as aforesaid. Being the largest carrier in China with over 20000 employees and well trained crew who are more abreast with international service norms and issues holds Air China in good ground when making internationalization efforts. Domestic market is a stable resource mooring for the Airline that seeks to become a globally renowned brand in the industry. It makes for a perfect alliance partner for international majors given that at the onset of the decade China was recorded to have the highest percentage increase in passenger traffic of about 11.50%. US on the other hand had the lowest at -6.30% (Ahmed at al, 2008). Since 9/11 things have finally shaken the slumber in the U.S but fresh crisis of rising fuel prices and capital crunch have nullified the recovery. 2.2 United Airlines: The lineage and Chinese Context United is one of the oldest airlines. It claims its genesis in W.T. Varneys airmail operations in the later 1920s. United went with the fortunes of the times whether it be the Wars or the economic boom thereafter which saw rapid expansion on the one hand and monopolistic competition on the other. The 1970s were true crisis times for United as it went through several leadership hands and tried to remain afloat during turbulent economic times. The era of stability thereafter has seen United become the largest employee majority owned company in the world. While this has had positive implications on service quality, it is also not without its downsides. Arguably employee lobbies resulted in factionalism at times but overall the service philosophy due to this ownership has taken great leaps, and the ‘friendly skies slogan got replaced with a more ambitious slogan of ‘rising. This was probably as much aspiration based as it was given deregulation across the World. New economies and markets beckoned with domestic competition being as intense as ever. The 9/11 crisis probably hit the United the hardest. However, with government support, employee cooperation and smart financial management United managed to stay afloat and recover as a strong player in the international market. While it shares the industry downturn of recent times, experience and employee ownership hold it in good grounds to face competition and explore new markets (United.com, 2008). In March 2008 United Airlines won the duel with other US based airlines like the Continental- to run daily flights between Washington D.C and Beijing. The implications for the United home the Dulles airport is massive. This includes a boost through employment among other things much needed in the slumping economy. With the Beijing Olympics then just around the corner this meant even more money. Despite the open skies agreement the number of carriers from US in Chinese air space are limited by the government and the routes that open up thus draw fierce competition amongst prospective airlines (asiatravel.com, 2007). Besides increasing communication, this has special implications for international carriers that are facing the brunt of global oil price rise and uptake of luxury class travel (ATKearney, 2008). The forecast of emerging markets being the place to be discussed before has seen airline industries queue up for the Chinese airspace. The success is not only in winning amongst peers but also by getting a bulk of revenue off Chinese airlines like Air China who have local advantages but when it comes to international travel where the clientele is mixed they have less experience. The bids draw great political clout that pitch in with one airline or the other. With nearly 90000 people moving between China and Washington the market is serious. Us airlines like Continental, American and Northwest are serious contenders for the overall Chinese air space and are carving out their own niche for instance the connection between Shanghai and New York that continental offers (Asia travel.com, 2007). The star alliance connection between Air China and United comes to the fore here as this alliance allows United to access more routes around Beijing. Clearly the alliance has a cooperation agenda at the fore but competition remains within alliance partners also. On the one hand they rope in customers based on loyalty points, better cumulative resource strength, and wider route configurations, among others while on the other they vie for getting more and more alliance passengers as primary to themselves. 2.3 Network effects, Quality and Service Value Quality drives with an international value paradigm are a key indicator of aspirations to become a globally renowned brand. Network effects like that of prestigious alliances and by virtue of passenger traffic in the area given events such as the Olympics and generally favorable economic climate also augment the potential. Air China identified key business activities to enhance service quality and by extension value perceptions in customers. These were: â€Å"flight service (including off flight), people management (employee satisfaction leading to better customer service); supplier network management; technology adoption and integration; passenger perception management; and customer satisfaction measurement and complaint handling† (Ahmed et al, 2006). Under these, customizing services for individual customers is considered important. At the same times basic satisfying aspects are to be ensured before specialist and high order services are to be configured. This is in line with the ‘hygiene -motivators theory of Frederick Hertzberg (1959). Working to deliver a unique experience through incorporating attractive cultural aspects that are also internationally appealing has also been on the agenda fueling creative insights and challenges in the process. It has not been without innovation meeting efficiency and operational bottleneck for example to stretch customer choices by providing onboard menus that met with some embarrassing failures to keep adequate stock of items. This was reworked with considerable focus on database management to record past preferences. Employee satisfaction and involvement at this stage is pivotal as they are central to service and in the airline business front end employee interface is critical for rep eat business and reputation building. The people management agenda at Air China is closely juxtaposed with quality, the role of the manager in tying together people, and productivity and excellence stemming from motivated employees are all key tenets practiced with the adage that performance and quality issues begin at the top (Ahmed et al, 2006). As far as network effects are concerned the company seeks to establish long term relations with suppliers for stability, assuredness and cost effectiveness. The product life cycle of the key artifact the aircraft also merits such an approach. Improvement needs, maintenance needs and incorporating new technology are connected issues where in-house capabilities are also important. The excellence 2008 programme works to look at technology as a nonhuman aspect and emphasizes the need for connection with people as pivotal in realizing developing capabilities. Processes and initiatives are kept simple for easy of delivery and communication from the staff and to the customer respectively. The network effects Air China seeks stretch out to the customer through loyalty programmes and horizontally to partners with exchange and amalgamation of routes, loyalty points and information among others (Airchina.com, 2008). Brand image as a natural and desired culmination of the aforesaid efforts takes number one priority, followed by scheduling which is closely connect with capacity utilization and efficiency. Interestingly pricing is at number six preceded by on and off board services and plane model (Ahmed et al, 2006). Clearly the agenda is to drive on quality first and be realistic about the associated price. This is a model very distinct from low cost short haul airlines and also some airlines in other emerging markets like Russia. This is also a bold step that underlines the agenda for brand recognition through quality and service value with a close perspective on customer needs. 2.4 Organisational Learning: Strategic Choices and Performance feedback Organisational learning is understood as learning within the organisation and is complimented by the idea of learning by organisations as a distinct concept (Cyert and March, 1963; Senge, 1990). Overall the literature on learning with reference to organisations has a rather expansive lineage that is outside the scope of this study. In context of this study it is important to keep in mind the context that of learning from competitors and partners, learning from the experience of initiatives like those related to quality within the organisation, and learning from past direct and indirect experiences to counter environmental threats. These three issues will be central to the main research site Air China in context of learning. Competitive, growth and recognition aspirations that we have broadly contextualized so far will be of concern The literature on organisational learning and learning by organisations as distinguished above can be viewed from several lenses. The first is the human development lens which is at the heart of Air Chinas people management orientation that drives everything else. The emphasis on simplifying inputs, delivery and adoption are all tied into the concern of this perspective. The individuals orientation, capacities and motivation to learn are at the core of this lens. Also the stages and enablers that make learning effective are design issues to be implemented and monitored (e.g. Kolb, 1979; Argyris, 1978, 1986, 1992; Talbot and Harrow, 1993; Dixon, 1994). The management science is essentially about information management. It is important to generate feedback from processes and operations again an important but not central issue. This is because while people management is supposed to motivate this automatically at Air China, the importance of effective processes to say generate employee and customer feedback cannot be ignored (e.g. Huber, 1991; Nonaka and Takeuchi, 1995). There are other lenses like the one that looks at organisation as a societal being and another that considers organisation from a productivity perspective only as far as learning is concerned (Easterby Smith, 1997). Both have consequences for efficiency and performance but alone do not suffice to deliver the needed learning for sustaining performance (e.g. Pettigrew, 1973; Hedberg, 1981; Talbot and Harrow, 1987; Buzzell and Gale, 1987). Easterby Smith (1997) has generated other perspectives from his extensive review of the growth of body in learning with reference to organisations. These include cultural and strategic lenses that are critical to appreciate given the globalization agenda to hand. The cultural multiplicity within organisations and the areas they operate is juxtaposed with increasing competitiveness as globalization becomes the order of the day for design and configuration of organisations and their goals (e.g. Shibata et al, 1991; Hamel and Prahalad, 1989,1993). While I explore these lenses here in context of the Chinese aviation industry and Air China in particular it is useful to refer back to the comparative frame of United Airlines being used. The context of learning also becomes important as experiences, the feedback and the realization of this feedback into improvements are not imitable but need to be adapted (Nickerson and Zenger, 2002; McDermott and ODell, 2001). With Air China drawing on conventional strategic and tactical threads used in the airline industry to fuel its mindset in this nascent stage of development care should be taken to recognize that it is a different organisation especially when indirect (experience of other airlines) are learned from (Schwab and Miner, 2001; Rogers, 1997). This is important because learning needs to translate into fine tuning the strategic frame. Choices that work need to be distilled from choices that dont. However there is the simplicity agenda to contend with here (Miller, 1993). Overtime this implies bracketing and focusing on an industry wide panacea or select aspects which are considered pivotal to performance while others are made dormant. A non-performing element whether it be pricing that takes a back seat to people management may be the cutting edge one is looking for when the aspect of employee management has been honed by all competitors to an extreme. Innovations lie in such dormant aspects and creativity within the organisation needs to be fuelled to encourage bouncing of new ideas outside the confines of what is taken as doing well in the present time (March, 1991; Miller, 1990, 1993). The globalization agenda makes this even more crucial as performance feedback is subject to more ambiguity than ever before. Outside once domestic arena interpretation of performance is often more difficult and mistakes can be costly. For Air China its bold steps like alliancing, technology and excellence drive that seems to be driven around dominant features of what has worked in the Airline industry may be risky. The learning agenda from United that is decades older than it could be to examine the shocks it faced when threading a similar path rather than what works for it and other more experienced transnational airlines (Mintzberg, 1979) 2.5 The transnational context: Establishing global recognition and competitiveness Globalization is a phenomenon that most industries and major companies therein choose, strive for and adapt to. On the one hand lies the legacy of domestic or local experience and competencies shaped in that mould, while on the other lies the challenge to customize and adapt this ‘strategic configuration to market realities of different international markets (Mintzberg, et al, 1998; Mintzberg, 1979). The multiple subsidiaries and spread across countries creates the need for multidimensional competencies that are flexible. These also come with the principle competency of being able to choose the right mix and leverage it to local realities. The relationship between intermediaries and with the parent /home unit is important resource strength. The perspective of being able to adapt, and at the same time identify with the parent organisation brings to the fore the important aspect of creating a balanced interdependency (Bartlett and Ghoshal 1987). Going trans-national thus needs to be a carefully crafted initiative with the aforesaid issues and a host of variables to be considered. These variables include the economic climate, and industry level variables. Baden fuller and Stopford (1991) provide a set of considerations that impact on the profitability of a global strategy (figure 1). While these are generic considerations that point that is again emphasized in shaping of this framework is that competing in the transnational market is a very distinct foray than domestic competition. Being a domestically profitable and successful firm will not imply that the same success will be repeated in the international market (Rangan, 2000). The company has to carefully stretch and leverage (Hamel and Prahalad, 1993) its value set and configurations (Prahalad and Hamel, 1990) so as to maintain a balance between the stability of its configuration and at the same time coordinate the diverse subsidiaries to gain maximum synergy and interdependent benefits (Porter, 1986). Air China with its nascent lineage that goes back just two decades, in its present form it being around for only a few years has a lot of lessons to draw on. Its dominance as the dom estic player in China has spurred it on but its transnational success is still an early call to make. The importance of being part of the Star alliance brings a novel perspective to going transnational. The interface with more experienced airlines and the trade off of benefits from hosting each other in home countries is mutually beneficial. Alliances are crucial not only given the airline industry needs but also they bring a novel enabling and risk averse perspective to global business. How this tells on competitiveness amongst the partners is also rather unique in the case of the ai