Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Rape of the Lock Satirical Devices Essay

From the excerpts studied in The Rape of the Lock, Alexander Pope skilfully uses the mock epic genre to satirize the trifling nature of his society through exaggeration, parody and juxtaposition in rhyming couplets. The epic form makes everything larger than life which Pope uses to reveal the absurdity of the society he lives in. A simple card game is turned into a complex â€Å"combat on [a] velvet plain,† which exaggerates the little action that actually takes place in the Canto. In the card game called Ombre, hands are not just hands. They represent armies of different suites. Face cards are â€Å"four kings in majesty revered, with hoary whiskers and a forky beard† ,†four fair queens whose hands sustain a flower, the expressive emblem of their softer power† and â€Å"four knaves in garb succinct, a trusty band, caps on their heads and halberds in their hand.† Pope also parodies the epic form in order to depict questionable values in his time. A feast is a scene common in epics like Beowulf and is mirrored by the coffee scene in this mock epic. â€Å"The board with cups and spoons is crowned† shows the great worth placed on China and utensils. Instead of vessels to hold beverages, Pope portrays them as â€Å"China’s earth [that] receives the smoking tide.† Coffee is almost given supernatural powers since it â€Å"makes the politician wise, and see through all things with his half-shut eyes.† The coffee is the â€Å"fuming liquor† that â€Å"sent up in vapors to the baron’s brain,† giving him the idea to plan to cut off a lock of Belinda’s hair. Pope combines the ordinary with the unusual with simplicity to suggest the triviality of the values of his time through the juxtaposition in rhyming couplets. Canto III describes Hampton Court where Queen lives â€Å"whom three realms obey, dost sometimes counsel take – and sometimes tea,† which sets the tone for the events to follow in the court. He suggests that â€Å"One speaks the glory of British Queen, and one describes a charming Indian screen; a third interprets motions, looks, eyes; at every word a reputation dies† through the conversation of the ladies and gentlemen in court, describing society’s twisted value system. Pope uses aspects of the mock epic to satirize his society’s irresponsibility. He uses exaggeration to mock misplaced importance. He takes specific scenes and uses parody to illustrate the irrelevance of rituals such as coffee drinking. He uses the structure of rhyming couplets to contrast the ordinary with the extraordinary to reveal how important things are considered.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

The Principle Agent Problem Between Shareholders And Managers Accounting Essay

Economic theory speculates that a house ‘s end is to capitalise on stockholders wealth ; accomplishable with entrepreneurial house since proprietors are directors. However, ownership presents is significantly diluted, with companies owned by big stockholder groups. This causes the separation of ownership and direction which hinders the relationship between stockholders and directors ; where directors replace stockholders involvement with their ain. This may be due to information dissymmetry[ 1 ]where directors have the power to move in conformity to stockholder demands. This is known as the â€Å" bureau job † and is common in modern corporate. Under this theory the relationship is formed through a binding contract whereby principal ‘s ( stockholders ) appoint the agents ( directors ) to put to death services with authorization to do determinations. However such â€Å" contracts † are imperfect as the impracticality to include every action of the agent whose determinations has an impact on their and the principal ‘s benefits. Therefore, self interested behavior arises in administrations as the involvement of both parties diverges, i.e. principal ‘s involvement respects maximization of stockholders wealth ( net income maximization ) whereas agent ‘s involvement lies in ain public-service corporation maximization ( bonuses/promotion ) . Stockholders permit directors to run the house ‘s assets ; ensuing in a struggle of involvement. The cardinal job therefore is to aline the involvements of both parties. Furthermore, principals expect board of managers to establish their determinations on maximizing equity value. However the board of managers expect directors to follow schemes that support their ends. This state of affairs illustrates that stockholders have no direct input into the operation and hence have no power to state directors what to make. This issue arises because of the separation of ownership and control and therefore directors are able to prosecute ends good to them and unfavorable to stockholders. Overall, withdrawal between the two parties increases deficiency of end congruity. The inquiry arises as to why stockholders do non supervise direction? There are three grounds why taking control causes troubles. ( 1 ) Expensive to supervise managerial activities as obtaining information is hard ( 2 ) disgruntled stockholders are unable to present menaces in order to cut down unwanted managerial behavior i.e. engaging an outside member and ( 3 ) dispersed stockholders have an inducement to â€Å" free drive † . Keasy et al 1997 regards the above as economic costs to monitoring. These restrictions pose jobs for stockholder wealth since unwanted managerial actions takes topographic point in the absence of control. Stockholders may present inducement bundles which include net income related fillips, public presentation, publicity inducements and promote employees to purchase portions which increase their rewards, to promote agents to do â€Å" optimum attempt † . Due to the above jobs, states have developed systems which carry out independent monitoring and control of the house in order to aline the overall end. OECD 1999 stated that â€Å" corporate administration construction specifies the distribution of rights and duties among different participants in the corporation, and spells out the regulations and processs for doing determinations on corporate personal businesss. By making this, it besides provides the construction through which the company aims are set, and the agencies of achieving those aims and supervising public presentation. † In UK capital markets play a critical function where portion monetary values advocates public presentation degrees. Management ‘s focal point is to maximise stockholders wealth through the usage of independent board of managers. The fright of coup d'etat commands forces direction to undergo effectual actions. Approximately 50 % of portions are held by institutional investors bespeaking dominant ownership. Cadbury Report 1992 provinces big proportion of stockholder ownership influence company ‘s actions. In 2008 the Financial Reporting council developed the ‘Combined Code ‘ i.e. assorted reports/codes refering ‘good ‘ corporate administration. The most influential is Cadbury Report 1992[ 2 ], was produced as the deficiency of supervising direction activities caused several dirts whereby executives acted in their involvement. Initially, Polly Peck[ 3 ]went into settlement after old ages of false accounting taking to size uping of the fiscal facets and answerability. However after the cozenage of BCCI and Robert Maxwell, they revised the relationship between boards, hearers and stockholders. The concluding study states CEO ‘s and Chairman ‘s of companies should be separated. Jenson 1993[ 4 ]provinces that if functions were common, struggle of involvement would originate. Furthermore, 3 non-executive managers, two of whom should be independent[ 5 ]and an audit commission affecting non-executives should be included. Companies were encouraged to follow these practises alongside â€Å" the codification of best practise † which outlines other countries of concern. However the â€Å" one size fits all † job was recognised by Cadbury doing all companies registered in UK to follow the â€Å" comply or explicate † system. Companies should follow with corporate best practise or have legitimate grounds for non-compliance. Furthermore, the board must offer a full account to stockholders and explain how their practises are consistent with stockholders. It ‘s acceptable merely when stockholders believe good administration has been achieved. Greenbury commission, formed to measure manager ‘s wage bundles and the deficiency of revelation of payments in the one-year studies, commenced over populace ‘s choler sing additions in executive wage. The study added to the Cadbury Code and advised ( 1 ) each board include a wage commission affecting independent non-executives briefing stockholders yearly and ( 2 ) managers should hold LT[ 6 ]public presentation related wage, all disclosed in the one-year histories. Furthermore, advancement should be reviewed every 3 old ages to guarantee companies are runing efficaciously. The Hampel commission[ 7 ]formed in 1998 suggested all old rules should be collaborated into a â€Å" Combined Code † . Furthermore, the president of the boards should move as the ‘leader ‘ , investors should see voting the portion and all wages information including pensions should be disclosed. The Turnbull Committee, created the following twelvemonth, advised that managers should be held accountable for internal fiscal and scrutinizing controls. Several studies have contributed to the Combined Code viz. the Higgs reappraisal sketching the actions of non-executives. More late, after the prostration of Northern Rock and the fiscal crisis that followed, the Walker Review formed a study refering banking sectors. The Financial Reporting Council produced a new Stewardship Code in 2010. Germany ‘s corporate system is chiefly stakeholder oriented and diffuses off from stockholders involvements. The aim is maximizing stakeholder value thereby uncovering several typical differences. First, the banking sector is a major stakeholder. Charkham ( 1994 ) stated that Bankss hold a dominate place in funding and oversing companies for legion grounds. ( 1 ) During 1870 companies were to a great extent reliant on recognition. Banks began offering LT loans to LT clients who tied the companies, obtaining ownership and moving as ‘shareholders ‘ within industrial houses. ( 2 ) Banks hold 25 % of voting capital in big corporations and 28 % of seats on the supervisory boards. ( 3 ) Banks are stockholder representatives, authorised to vote for their portions plus proxy portions[ 8 ], giving farther control. Consequently companies are improbable to face coup d'etats, since Bankss will back up them through fiscal adversities unlike in the UK. Second, â€Å" co-operative † civilization is articulated under the Co-determination Act 1976 whereby workers obtain important functions in the direction procedure ; known as work councils. Work council staff influence concern actions and partake in determination devising procedures. Employees ( elected by work councils ) sit on the supervisory board when a house has more than 2000 employees aboard stockholder representatives. This system reduces work force struggles by bettering communicating channels, addition dickering power of workers through statute laws and eventually right market failures. Overall productiveness degrees addition, with low degrees of work stoppages as better wage and conditions implying â€Å" good industrial dealingss † . Finally, Germany involves a two – tier board compared to UK ‘s one – tier board. It includes a direction board ( Vorstand ) where directors monitor day-to-day operation and behavior of the house. Plus a supervisory board ( Aufsichtsrat ) affecting merely non-executives[ 9 ]who monitor the direction board duties and O.K.ing determinations. Separation of the two increases the consciousness of single duties and helps forestall direction maltreatment. The ruin is holding worker representatives on the supervisory board as they will choose for determinations good for employees instead than company. For illustration shuting down a mill may hold good for the company nevertheless debatable for excess employees, doing it is hard to work in the best involvement of the company. Germany ‘s corporate system lies to a great extent on good industrial dealingss which considers it ‘s company, employees and public. It shows corporations are a societal establishment instead than an economic 1 as it â€Å" does non set fiscal value for stockholders at the top of the list of policy aims †[ 10 ]. Stockholders are seen as one of many stakeholders and non merely a privileged constituency. The Nipponese corporate administration revolves around banking dealingss like Germany along with life clip employment. There are outstanding characteristics including the intercession of authorities and close confederations between authorities and companies. Business and industrial activities are monitored by the Nipponese Ministry of Finance, affecting them in the direction and determination procedure. Nipponese corporate rely on chief Bankss[ 11 ]which are all interlinked with houses, organizing a concentrated ownership ( stockholders ) . Prowse 1992 provinces that persons hold 26.7 % of a house ‘s equity while corporations hold 67.3 % . Unlike western states, Nipponese Bankss can keep equities up to 5 % . The statement is by moving as loaners and stockholders, struggle of involvements of debt suppliers and equity will be eradicated. Furthermore Bankss hold these equities for long periods, constructing a LT â€Å" banking relationship † unlike UK ‘s â€Å" transactional banking † . Furthermore, they are involved with the internal direction by obtaining seats on the board of managers. They actively contribute in the determination procedure and act as insurance companies for companies come ining fiscal troubles i.e. bankruptcy or coup d'etats. Like Germany, Bankss form LT contracts with companies based on fiscal services and supervising and act as represent atives for other stockholders through proxy ballots. One major differentiation in Japan is the Keiretsu system. Companies form close confederations chiefly between Bankss, concerns and the authorities, by working towards each other success. The function of the authorities became of import when they intervened in 1990s as Japan suffered a recession. The authorities wanted to reconstruct the economic system through its policies and ordinances by bettering the corporate administration to excite growing and investing. Germany and Japan both work toward the involvement of the company and workers as a collective. However Japan ‘s board construction is different as all members consist of former employees excepting â€Å" outside † managers apart from bank functionaries. The boards have more members than UK and Germany as some companies have over 60 managers. This proves really effectual as no domination of managers occur. Harmonizing to Allen and Gale ( 2000 ) , concentrating on stakeholders instead than entirely on stockholders, societies resources are being used expeditiously as employees, providers and clients are taken into history. This enhances productiveness, therefore bring forthing higher net incomes, profiting the house and stockholders. Since 1990 the UK have implemented many policies reforming the direction and administration of companies. These scope from codifications, studies, ordinance and statute laws ; but how effectual are they? To guarantee company involvements are aligned with stockholders, UK has imposed assorted commissions to supervise the effectivity. For illustration, audit commissions review audits yearly and overlook fiscal relationships between companies and hearers. Nomination commissions administer human resources and programs future managers. Compensation commissions examine direction actions and day-to-day operations. Furthermore the being of institutional investors has its advantages as puting in houses they have incentive and motive to supervise them. This leads to high public presentation degrees which reduces bureau costs. However, companies practise ST[ 12 ]net income maximization without LT be aftering doing companies underperform, therefore investors sell their portions and â€Å" issue † instead than â€Å" voice † their discontent ( occurs chiefly in Germany ) . Overall UK ‘s attack in supervising company involvement is effectual as companies have bulk of bing stock holders through the demand of commissions. The ‘Code of best pattern ‘ gives stockholders assurance that companies are runing with high degrees of transparence during determination devising procedures. From this, the â€Å" comply or explicate † system was created, whereby some freedom is left for companies to do effectual determinations. The additions from this is that ( 1 ) directors and stockholders follow the LT involvement of both the company and proprietors ( 2 ) distinguishes the civilization barrier single houses face since there are different degrees, size and ownership of companies, whereas codification of best pattern instils â€Å" one size fits all † regulation. Furthermore, codifications are more effectual than ordinances as companies can turn whereas implementing rigorous internal controls companies are limited to processs. Furthermore, codifications tackle more ‘softer ‘ jobs associating to best practise compared to ordinances i.e. preparation and back uping managers in th eir function. The Cadbury Report reflects the above whereby â€Å" The effectivity with which boards discharge their duties determines Britain ‘s competitiveness place. They must be free to drive their companies frontward, but exercising that freedom within a model of effectual answerability. This is the kernel of any system of good corporate administration. † For this system to work efficaciously stockholders require full revelation to ease them in their determinations and holding rights when dissatisfied. Consequently companies must unwrap information in their one-year studies saying how they have applied the combined codification and giving stockholders voting rights to dispatch managers. All these demands are set out under the company jurisprudence doing the system successful since it was adopted in EC[ 13 ]and included in the EUD[ 14 ]in 2006 ; sketching same rules. Empirical grounds show that UK has drawn near to the construct of ‘good ‘ corporate administration. Harmonizing to the FTSE ISS Corporate Governance Index and Governance Metrics International Reports, the UK has the highest mean administration score out of all the states. Furthermore 94 %[ 15 ]of UK pension Fundss considered corporate criterions in the UK has developed exceptionally. The undermentioned reforms revolve about two primary issues ( 1 ) deficiency of separation of direction and control and ( 2 ) quandary faced by non-executive managers in footings of monitoring. Accordingly UK ‘s current reforms indicated the demand for independent non-executive managers to understate struggles otherwise present. However, the disadvantage sing this independency is, there is less incentive to pass a sufficient sum of clip commanding company issues because they have no direct relationship with the company. In add-on, uncertainties on how much cognition they get besides poses a job. One possible polar solution that could be incorporated into UK administration is increasing the frequence and continuance of board meetings. Company information is really wide and complex particularly associating to LT fiscal public presentations, competitory place and organizational construction. Therefore it is critical that managers assign more clip to measure the information and deem upon past determinations and events. It is recommended that managers meet on a monthly footing for continual supervising and let managers to turn to all countries and inquire specific inquiries that affect the hereafter of the company. There are issues environing this proposal for illustration, readying, nevertheless the more frequent the meetings the less clip needed to fix as oppose to the clip needed for meetings held every one-fourth. Furthermore, meetings should non be limited to a clip agenda but instead should last until all facets are covered. This method is really flexible for illustration m eetings could last more than one twenty-four hours when a company is in a hard state of affairs. The advantage is that sentiments will be shared more openly and allows non-executive managers to be more involved ; this should be carried when discoursing the long term corporate scheme. Another solution is changing the composing of the board. In the ‘Combined Code ‘ subdivision A.3.2 it pronounces that â€Å" at least half the board, excepting the Chairman, should consist non-executive managers determined by the board to be independent † . This does non stipulate the maximal figure of seats in entire. Therefore it is advisable that the fewer managers, the more likely that each manager can play a dynamic and imperative function. The recommended figure should dwell of eight to ten managers in entire. This is so that there is adequate assortment and sufficient array of point of views. When there are more than ten or twelve members on the board, there will be a â€Å" free rider † job where some manager ‘s will halt preparing for meetings and rely on the work of others ensuing in subjects non being discussed in deepness. Finally UK should see adding a supervisory board like Germany and Japan as this will let wider diverseness among the determination devising procedures. Furthermore it will cut down maltreatments from dominate managers since there is changeless alteration of direction public presentation. Overall UK should discontinue to better bing constabularies and the challenge lies in maintaining UK ‘s corporate administration an plus instead than a liability for companies.

The case of “Janet Cooke and the Washington Post” in the frame of Robinson

Nowadays, our daily life can not be assumed without deviance being inherent in education, at workplace and other areas. The most common type of deviance can be observed at the workplace. Although this field is quite new, various conceptualizations are brought forward by different scientists. At this point the research of Robinson and Greenberg (1998) is worthwhile. These researchers distinguish five dimensions of deviance: perpetrator, intention, target, action and consequence. In the following paragraph, the case of â€Å"Janet Cooke and the Washington Post† will be analyzed in the scope of above-mentioned dimensions.Profound analysis of the case studyAccording to Robinson and Greenberg`s five dimensions, perpetrator might be insider or outsider (Robinson and Greenberg, 1998). In this case, being involved in an illegal action Janet Cooke can be described as a perpetrator. So, working as a reporter in the Washington Post, she is an insider (person) and not an organization. Deviant action can be executed intentionally or unintentionally (Robinson and Greenberg, 1998). Clearly, Cooke`s intentions were to get achievement and reputation, while using a spurious way to be on the list of well-known and recognized journalists. So, Cooke intentionally cheated both society and organization she was a part of, endeavoring to pursue her mercenary intentions. In my point of view, the action of this reporter was not intentionally harmful, targeting either organization or people. Obviously, while writing the story about Jimmy, she did not suppose that her action would bring great damage to the reputation of the Washington Post. In addition, she did not expect her article to be awarded â€Å"Pulitzer†. Robinson and Greenberg divide targets of deviant actions into these categories: inside and outside; individual and organizational; additional. So, Janet`s action directed toward both inside – organization (Washington Post) and outside – readers of newspaper. Apart from it, organizational (organization itself) and additional (people reading Janet`s article) targets can be defined in this case, as both of these categories were misled. Information given in Janet`s article was based on non-valid and exaggerated story. Consequently, the action of Janet, having an illegal basis, disrupts both organizational and societal norms. Certainly, if organizational norms and behavior are contrasted by actions of an individual, they are apparently focused on personal interests, being a workplace deviance. Although Janet did not expect, her action resulted in negative consequences. First of all, the reputation of the newspaper she worked for was seriously damaged. Apart from it, such kind of activity is shameful for the name of journalism. The core of journalism is to provide society with valid and credible information, whereas, her action ran counter to it. Conclusion After having analyzed this case, it can be concluded that all the actions having illegal intentions should be avoided, otherwise, consequences can be inevitably harmful for both society and organization, either intentionally or unintentionally. References Robinson, Sandra L; Greenberg Jerald. Employees Behaving Badly: Dimensions, Determinants and Dilemmas in the Study of Workplace Deviance. Trends in Organizational Behavior, volume 5. Edited by Cooper, C.L, and D.M. Rousseau, 1998.IACA – INTERNATIONAL ANTI-Concepts and Issues in CorruptionSince ancient times laws and regulations within countries all over the world have always been different, having their own principles and peculiarities. Clearly, laws have always been subject to amendment, though, some of them accepted in one country are completely objected at another one. So, this situation paves the   way for people and businesses to avoid law without breaking it in either their own countries or abroad. In the modern, rapidly developing world globalization and neo-liberalism heavily contribute to this process (Passas, 2005). The provided essay will discuss the concepts of â€Å"lawful, but awful† and â€Å"crimes without law violation† in the context of the Azerbaijan Republic, trying to find out differences and aspects they are based on. Moreover, there will be given examples to clarify it.The concept of â€Å"lawful, but awful†The concept of â€Å"lawful, but awful† was originally developed by professor Nikos Passas describing it as activities being legal while having negative consequences or eluding regulations and laws not accepted in this or that country (2005). Prior to giving examples reflecting the concept of â€Å"lawful, but awful† in the Republic of Azerbaijan, three categories of it defined by Passas w ill be given: Firstly, corporations have legal businesses while producing harmful or dangerous products such as cigarettes, weapons, and alcohol (Passas, 2005). Secondly, despite producing useful products for the society corporations release toxic materials, wastes, and etc., causing damage to society, environment and country (Passas, 2005). Finally, the third category describes some industries pursing public purposes mostly aimed at raising money rather than positively contributing to the society, thus resulting in negative outcomes (Passas, 2005). A few examples will be given to illustrate the concept of â€Å"lawful, but awful†:â€Å"Shadow education† in AzerbaijanThe â€Å"shadow education† is the term describing extra education provided by teachers for extra money beyond the official curriculum (Transparency International, 2013). It is a widespread example of this concept severely spreading in some parts of the world. Turning to Azerbaijan there are many factual examples of this term. Since the Soviet Union collapsed many public sectors have deteriorated including the education system. In recent years, people have intensively been concentrated on education and career making to cope with stiff competition on the labor market. A Additionally, the salaries of teachers do not conform to standards and cost of living in our country. Consequently, all the above mentioned circumstances have given teachers the opportunity to take advantage of them, getting involved in private tutoring to raise extra revenues. Studying for exams to enter universities and other educational institutions most of current students tend to take extra classes to get scores they target as curriculum taught at school is deliberately lowered by teachers to attract more students to their private tutoring. Although this type of activity is not prohibited by the law provided a teacher pays taxes to government, yet such type of private tutoring has a negative impact on the level of education within the country.Difficulties of entrepreneurship issuance in AzerbaijanSome years ago potential businessmen used to go through complex stages to have their entrepreneurships issued. Initially, they had to be involved in long procedures taking fourty days until they were implemented, thus preventing many of them to set up businesses. Apart from it paved the way for corruption, involving bribery, to accelerate the process of entrepreneurship issuance. Consequently, all the above indicated factors impeded the development of the private business sector being one of the important contributors in the economy of the country and well-being of the society. Due to the latest reforms this procedure has been reduced to only two days, stimulating the development of private sector.The concept of â€Å"Crimes without law violation†The concept of â€Å"crimes without law violation† is based on principles involving elusion of regulations and laws using various frauds and loopholes without infringing national or international legislation.Tax machinations in AzerbaijanIn the Republic of Azerbaijan a person involved in entrepreneurship is supposed to pay taxes to the government depending on their turnover of business. Having a turnover not exceeding 120000 manats per year physical and legal persons are supposed to pay four percent simplified tax. However, if this amount is over 120000 manats, entrepreneurs are supposed to pay 18% valu e added tax (VAT) (taxes.gov.az, 2015). Clearly, this large gap paves the way for tax evasion with many business people coming up with â€Å"tricks† to evade tax legislation. One of the â€Å"tricks† is to establish a few companies having different names and TINs sharing turnover among them so as not to pay 18% VAT. Consequently, this action is considered to be violation, however, no law is broken, thus reflecting the concept of â€Å"crimes without law violation†Sale and purchase machinations in AzerbaijanAccording to property and tax legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, when selling or purchasing a real estate, an owner is supposed to pay taxes to government. One is supposed to pay four percent providing property price does not exceed 120000. However, the amount over this sum is subject to 18%. So, some tricks are also used to evade this tax. Usually, seller and buyer agree to reduce the cost of property in the sale and purchase agreement to the amount being less than 120000. Consequently, in fact, these people are not involved in tax evasion as official documents have valid information with no law violation, though, their machination involves â€Å"tricks† to defraud the government.ConclusionIt can be clearly concluded that, all countries over the world have laws and regulations, though they often differ from each other depending on a country. However, businesses and individuals having different intentions are often aimed at finding loopholes to avoid law violation and punishment, while pursuing their goals. Obviously, it is challenging for countries to monitor this activity with no law broken and anybody to bring to justice. Exactly, there are certain reasons contributing to the above-mentioned tendency. Primarily, shadow education arises from law salaries and drawbacks in educational system, making teachers and people turn to private tutoring. As regards the example of tax machination, it is obvious that it is based on some flaws in the tax code, such as a large gap between 4% and 18% tax, inciting people to use â€Å"tricks† to elude high taxes. Consequently, along with public awareness these loopholes should be filled in, otherwise, this tendency is not subject to healthy change.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Indians & Indian Policy in the USA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Indians & Indian Policy in the USA - Essay Example According to Philip, in his book on the termination policy, he talks of the effect of the policy on native Indians. This is because the living condition of Indian tribes in reserves was worse and the government had to find a way to change the lives of Indians into normal lives. The termination policy took long to enforce and eventually it gave way to recognition of indigenous Indians as Americans1. One of the people involved in change of policy was the then American President, Harry Truman who wanted Indians to be recognized as Americans. However, this was not the only policy that affected the Indian Americans in the United States since other polices were effected on American Indians. Cynthia Cumfer in her book explains the experiences that the Cherokee and the Tennesseans underwent in the USA. For instance, the refusal by Indians to be civilized led to the white administration colonizing their lands for different uses. During the presidency of Andrew Jackson, the government wanted to engage the Indians in a manner that could ensure equal rights were awarded to Indians. According to Jackson, Indians were naturally liberal and that they could not be considered as primitive and uncivilized. This is because he thought that if Indians could be taught on civilization then they would enjoy equal rights and privileges as the white Americans2. As a result, the government saw the need for integration of the Indians into main stream American societies. This policy ensured that economic equality and education handed to the Indians at the expense of Indian traditions and culture3.

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Advance Database Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Advance Database - Essay Example The report gives a detailed technical description of the systematic formation of the system’s data model. The objectives of the report intend to encompass the important details related to the four major phases involved in building the proposed database design: 4. Implementation of the database design in Oracle and testing of the design through scenario specific SQL queries. The correctness of the result would prove the correctness of the proposed database design. The major constraint in designing a class diagram of a scheduling management database is in relation to a large number of variants brought about by the seasonal change of train journey, planned and unplanned maintenance of trains and rearrangement of weekdays and the holiday. Though the calendar stating of each train, the entry number description for a particular day, time and station makes the whole process cumbersome. The approach requires not less than 2 million records to accommodate the train scheduling the proposed relational database. In addition, to hold the schedule for a long time raises the number of records the key issue is the operation of updating changes in the schedule. Another key constraint is the issues relating to objects that have overlapping lifespan. This is very profound when this object overlaps. The situation is peculiar since the object maintains its state actuality even after changing (IBM 2003). It only takes place in that given a short time during the replacement. This will result in a situation where we have multiple real time tuple which describes the different versions that the same object has. This idea does not merge the previous RDBMS concept, therefore it is inherent to develop special data queries which will solve this situation. To form a structural model for the system, all critical entities of the TFR for which data is stored and that are part of the daily business operations were

Saturday, July 27, 2019

English essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

English - Essay Example ifies a loss of contact with realism, as well as an overestimation of a person’s own capabilities or competence, especially when the individual displaying it is in a position of authority or power (Moore 34). To consider whether hubris equals megalomania, it is vital to look into the traits of the two, which this paper found to be extremely similar. Individuals who suffer from these two defects have a clear self-focus in interpersonal relations. They also have a problem in sustaining gratifying relationships. Another trait of the two is that people lack emotional awareness (Moore 67). Other traits include trouble with sympathy, problems differentiating the self from others, reaction to any abuse or imagined abuse, weakness to shame instead of guilt, proud body language and obsequiousness towards individuals who affirm and admire them. People who suffer from these two defects also detest individuals who do not like them. They use other individuals without bearing in mind the cost of doing so. They pretend to be more significant than they, in reality, are. They brag (cleverly but tirelessly) and overstress their achievements, arguing to be "skilled" in a lot of things. Finally, individuals who suffer from these defects do not view or observe the world from the perception of other individuals in that they are mostly denial of gratitude and remorse (Emmons 291). Hubris and megalomania might exist in each and every individual. Critics argue that the two are a unique state from which an individual develops the love or affection object. Shelley (34) argues that healthy hubris or megalomania is a vital element of normal growth. According to Shelley (56), the affection of the parents for their children and their mind-set toward their child could be perceived as a reproduction and revival of their own hubris or megalomania. The child has a power of deliberation; the parents arouse that emotion since, in their children, they observe the things, which they have never

Friday, July 26, 2019

Advanced Computer Integrated Manufacturing Essay

Advanced Computer Integrated Manufacturing - Essay Example CIM is also known as integrated computer aided manufacturing.3. Applications software and hardware, including material planning and control, quality systems, inspection and vision, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing, and computer aided process planning/computer-aided engineering ."Another scholar described CIM as an "integration tool which uses information and automation hardware and software for production control and management".A different perspective of CIM is that it is a "management technology that makes feasible the fully-automated factory-of-the-future".GT is a manufacturing philosophy in which the parts having similarities are grouped together to achieve higher level of integration between the design and manufacturing functions of a firm.The aim is to reduce work and improve performance by reducing lead times.GT emphasizes the principle that many problems are similar to each other and by grouping similar problems together; we can find a single solution to a s et of problems. The group of similar problems is known as part family and the group of machineries used to process an individual part family is known as machine cell. This type of manufacturing in which a part family is produced by a machine cell is known as 'Cellular Manufacturing'. Group Technology can: Enable Cellular Manufacturing Reduce Engineering Cost Accelerate Product Development Improve Costing Accuracy Simplify Process Planning Reduce Tooling Cost Simplify Purchasing Help With Value Stream Mapping BENEFITS OF GT GT benefits manufacturing in many ways. It reduces the number and variety of parts. Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP) is an important tool for this. It uses the coded similarities to plan consistently, standardize and accurately estimate costs. It then assigns the part to a GT manufacturing cell. It also reduces throughput time and Work-In-Process. They simplify schedules, reduce transportation and ease supervision. Some of the more dramatic and tangible savings come from improved setups and tooling cost. Setup time reductions bring smaller lot sizes and smaller queues which mean faster throughput, shorter lead times and decreased inventory. Moreover, GT sometimes eliminates the need for expensive NC equipment. Combined with NC, GT simplifies programming, fixturing and tooling. FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEM (FMS) "A system that consists of numerous programmable machine tools connected by an automated material handling system" (Russell). FMS has following

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Strategic grouping, competition, and consumer behavior Essay

Strategic grouping, competition, and consumer behavior - Essay Example The paper will analyze five sectors that are denoted as follows (with their corresponding NAICS codes): 44812 (women’s clothing), 448310 (jewelry stores), 45391 (pet stores and supplies), 722330 (mobile food services), and 72111 (hotels and motels). Furthermore, the discussion between these five industries will analyze class, category, forms, and brands that exist within each; helping the reader to gain a further level of interpretive understanding that relates to the way in which these entities compete and exist within the current environment. Through an analysis of these metrics, the author will be able to provide the reader with a more in-depth analysis of the way in which the following markets work and the levels of consumer choice, substitutability, and competition that exists within each one of these.   Though it might be understood that competition is guaranteed, the reality of the fact is that differing levels of competition create unique opportunities and help to de fine markets that would otherwise be incorrectly categorized.   The first industry that will be analyzed is that of the NAICs code of 44812, or women’s clothing – listed under the retail trade 44- NAICs category.   Naturally, the class and category of this particular industry are that of consumer goods relating to fashion.   Yet, extreme diversification exists with respect to the forms and brands of actual industries that compete within this sector.   For instance, Forever21 competes alongside the likes of Versace and Prada.

Ethic code Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ethic code - Essay Example One particular aspect of the code concentrates upon the rights of individual employees to report possible abuses of power and perhaps unethical actions without fear of reprisal. This protection of whistle-blowers. An interesting aspect of the code is that it does not only provide general principles and goals, but also actual examples of what acceptable and unacceptable behavior might be. Thus dealing with the issues of privacy of information, "The identity of customers and potential customers and their personal, business and financial information" (savings, 2006), and for insider information,: This is a very useful method of communicating an ethics code. Employees need to have both general principles of ethical standards and actual examples. If employees do not know whether an act is or is not ethical then tension may occur, and employees may become too worried about what they are doing rather than their job performance. Everyone must avoid any action or situation that conflicts with the interests of the Company or its customers, or which gives the appearance of a conflict. The appearance of a conflict can at times be as damaging as an actual conflict, and can diminish the valuable relationships we have developed with others. The idea that a company and its employees must appear to be e... The appearance of a conflict can at times be as damaging as an actual conflict, and can diminish the valuable relationships we have developed with others. (savings, 2006) The idea that a company and its employees must appear to be ethical as well as actually acting ethically may seem self-evident, but as recent corporate scandals have shown it must be constantly repeated. The Code of Ethics is excellent, but there is some room for improvement. Specific kinds of ethics related to different positions and jobs within the hierarchy might have been included. Thus the Code might have stated ethics that apply to corporate leaders and also to entry level employees. Are they the same kind of ethics or different ___________________________________________ Works

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

The Proper Management of Money Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Proper Management of Money - Essay Example I realized that business skills are not sufficient to lift a people, and an economy, to a higher level: the crucial factor is the proper management of money. My fortuitous stint as an accountant at HMS Host (Bethesda, MD) was the turning point of my life. I received exposure to the entire gamut of accounting and banking and discovered in myself a passion for the subject. I went on to obtain an associate in accounting and decided that I had found my calling in life. I believe that acquiring a Master’s degree in Accounting, with a specialization in internal audit, will best equip me to realize my immediate goal of acing my CPA examination, and became an auditor in a reputed firm. Once I have thoroughly enhanced my understanding of the field and built up my credentials as an auditor, I intend to go back home and establish my own CPA firm, with the goal of contributing to the development and welfare of small businesses and nonprofit organizations. I see Accounting and Auditing as powerful tools in my battle to help the small business owners in my country, who struggle to compete with large corporations in the face of considerable odds. I see myself actively involved in financial planning and growth strategies for small businesses, as a consultant in investment opportunities, and as a tax advisor. I intend to be in the vanguard of a movement against the prevalent corruption and fund embezzlement which are ruining my country’s march to wards true development. The Robert H. Smith School of Business is widely acknowledged to be among the best in the world and has been my ‘Dream School’ for more than a decade. I cannot imagine a better place in which to build up a rock-solid foundation for my future career as an auditor and accountant.

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Identify the role of risk management in a business operation Assignment

Identify the role of risk management in a business operation - Assignment Example Roles and responsibilities that may be mandated during federally declared disasters may not apply in an event like the shooting at Sandy Hook† (par. 1). If a disaster plan was in place, it would have significantly averted or prevented the fatal shooting. In the first place, the entry point should have been made more secure. As noted from news report and cited by Governor Malloy: â€Å"the gunman used "an assault weapon" to ‘literally (shoot) an entrance into the building’† (Sandy Hook shooting: What happened?, 2012, p. 1). From here on, no emergency plans were evidently applied since the perpetuator was able to enter freely and had inflicted fatal shots successively, prior to taking his own life. Although reporting to the authorities have also been revealed, it was apparent that despite the immediate and urgent response, the casualties had already be made. In just a matter of less than five minutes, a lot of lives have been lost. A plan could have made the children and adults more protected and secured; and would have enabled the exercise of appropriate response that prevented the entry, and prevented the loss of lives of these unsuspectingly young and helpless

Monday, July 22, 2019

Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” Essay Example for Free

Tchaikovsky’s â€Å"1812 Overture† Essay The concert that I chose to review was an online performance of Tchaikovsky’s â€Å"1812 Overture†. This overture is the finale to his Symphony No. 5. The piece that I chose was performed by the Berlin Philharmonic on October 9, 2008 and conducted by Seiji Ozawa. Ozawa has conducted orchestras in Germany, Austria, France and many other countries. He holds the distinction of being, â€Å"the first recipient of Japan’s Inouye Sho†¦recognizing lifetime achievement in the arts† (â€Å"Seiji Ozawa: Conductor). The â€Å"1812 Overture† has movements that have become famous and have been used in movies and on television, but the sections of it that have been used in these places don’t convey the whole feeling of the overture. The â€Å"1812 Overture† as a whole is a moving piece because it combines elements of music to uniquely convey emotion. The overture begins adagio, with the strings playing in a very legato style. The notes are smoothly combined with a slight tremolo to them to evoke emotion. The woodwinds enter next, with the flutes featured legato in accompaniment to the strings. Ozawa conducts with his whole body and his arms seem to move in the same way that he wants to listener to feel the music. The tone of the piece changes when the percussion enters espressivo and joins the wind instruments and the strings. The piece begins to accelerate when the percussion instruments begin to play. An oboe solo contrasts with the percussion’s vibrato. The introduction of the percussion makes the whole orchestra play faster and more allegro. As the brass and percussion instruments increase in speed and volume the entire orchestra plays forte and with force. At about four minutes into the overture as the overture becomes more and more allegro there is a section that echoes the drum section of the overture that has become so famous that will be played later. This opens up a section of grandioso style with all instruments playing forte and allegro, giving the overture an overall lively and quickly moving feeling. There is an interlude that follows this quick movement of the overture. The strings are featured in this movement and the whole movement is played softer, more adagio and with several glissando sections from the stringed and wind instruments to calm the overture down. Here an oboist and flautist each perform a cavatina, a short solo that is part of the larger piece the orchestra is playing. Their solo parts echo the orchestra but also compliment it. From here the overture returns to a vivace tone and all sections play briskly, lively and fast. The timpani accompanies this fast pace with several forte, brisk notes. Ozawa moves the orchestra easily through the overture’s theme and the adagio sections seem to blend easily with the vivace movements and make the overture feel whole and vibrant. There is a wind instrument section shortly after the timpani that leads into the forte, grande finale of the overture that has become so popular. This section features the flutes and clarinets playing a very fast and repetitive section. When I listened to this section I felt that the whole energy of the overture was accelerating. This was accompanied by timpani and percussion making the movement more forceful and forte. The overture continues to build and accelerate in volume and pace as it reaches its finale. As the strings speed up the brass section joins them to make the movement more forceful. The percussion joins in with bells that seem almost dissonant to the other instruments. This feeling of semi-dissonance is because the other sections are all playing fast, repetitive fifth note tremolo progressions while the bells seem to be playing almost at random. The bells didn’t quite seem to fit with the rhythm of the other instruments at this point to me, but as the movement progressed towards the finale I understood how the bells fit in to the whole piece. The bells play in a similar tone as the other instruments, so even though they are playing in a completely different time signature they don’t seem completely out of place. I enjoyed watching the bells being played during this section also because the bells used are so large they were almost the size of the man playing them. This somehow made them seem even more powerful and forceful when they were being played. As the movement progresses it slows down briefly once more, becoming slightly more adagio but the bells don’t stop. The bells continue to play and act as a bridge to bring the othe r sections into the grande finale section. In the final moments of the overture the percussion and brass sections seem to take over. The whole finale is played very grande, with all of the instrumental sections combining to give the overture a very big, encompassing feel. In the performance notes for a performance by the Burgess Hill Symphony Orchestra, Sonia Hill describes the overture as, â€Å"a festive and patriotic piece to immortalize Napoleon’s defeat and celebrate the liberation of the Russians† (Hill) and this final movement illustrates that inspiration. Ozawa’s body language changes during this final movement also, and he begins to move as quickly and forcefully as he wants the orchestra to play. If the other instrumental sections were not playing as forte as they are, the percussion section would probably drown them out. The end is punctuated by many staccato sections from the brass instruments that echo the forte notes by the percussion section. This is then contrasted right afterwards by longer, smoother notes from the woodwind section. The reason the end of the overture is so memorable and powerful is because of that contrast between the forte percussion playing huge, booming notes, the brass playing staccato and vivace, and the wind sections providing tremolo sections that accompany them. The final moments and notes of the finale feature rolling sequences by the timpani. These rolls seem to signal that the overture is ending, but they also contribute to the grande tone that is meant to leave a lasting impression on the listener. The pace of the orchestra slows down from the frantic pace a few seconds ago and here the strings play forte but smoothly, bringing all the sections of the orchestra together and also signalling the end of the overture. The overture ends with each listener remembering the power of that final movement. Works Cited â€Å"Overture 1812†. YouTube. May 29 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blroZTvCOMQfeature=related â€Å"Repertoire: 1812 Overture†. The Burgess Hill Symphony Orchestra. May 2004. May 28 2010. http://www.bhso.org.uk/repert-173-Tchaikovsky-1812-Overture-Op-49.htm â€Å"Seiji Ozawa: Conductor†. Welcome to the World of the Bach Cantatas. 12 January 2010. May 28 2010. http://www.bach-cantatas.com/Bio/Ozawa-Seiji.htm

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Post Fordism System

Post Fordism System Post Fordism is an industrial model that replace Fordism model in 1970. It is a production model which is closely associated with socioeconomic system used in most industrialized countries. Unlike Fordism which was used by Henry Fords plant where workers worked in a production line with each person performing specialized task in a repetitive manner, Post-Fordism is characterized by the use of new information technology with the coming of the globalize financial market. From this model, I have learned that production should be tailored to the needs of the customers and should be driven by market demand. This means that labor has to be managed according to the production process utilizing the current technology in the market. I have also learned that the production process should be more aimed at the consumers and their demands. Flexible organization is an approach which believes that production should not be aimed at the mass but it should be flexible enough in order to target a certain group of consumers. Firms no longer need to invest so much of their money in creating production lines for mass production but they sound rather embrace the modern technology which requires them to use intelligent labor and machine systems in order to respond to the market needs quickly. One example of such flexible organization or flexible specialization is just-in-time manufacturing. This concept of just in time production embraces producing what the consumers want and when it is needed taking into consideration the quantity that is needed. This ensures that there is not overproduction of goods and there is minimal wastage of resources. Just in time production has been described as a pull system of production in which the actual order signals the real product to be manufacturers. This is a demand pull which enables an orga nization to produce only what the market requires and in the correct quantity and at the needed time. This is a concept to minimize the cost of house ware since the levels of raw material, component the labor and end product are kept to the minimum. It means only the needed labor will be kept in the organization. The concept also requires that use of horizontal chains of authority. This means that unlike in the earlier model where authority came from the top, post-Fordism ensures that authority in the management of labor in an organization flows in a horizontal manner. It gives more authority to the line managers to make decision without relying on the decision from the top management. One of the concepts that support horizontal chains of authority is the concept of decentralized decision making. This means that there is more decision making power that is delegated to the junior and middle staff in an organization. It helps line supervisors and manager and even the individual employees to make their own decision and not wait for decision to come from above. Decentralize to decision making allows the labor force to have more space to make their own decision concerning their work. (Womack 2003, p. 45) Having a creative labor is advantageous to the organization. It helps the organization to create a competitive advantage in the market. To manage creative labor, the concept of post-Fordism applies in that the labor force must be given space and time to be innovative. This will help them to make the decision that they have to make in their work which increases their production. Basic critiques on post-Fordism argue on its structuralism, functionalism and evolutionism. Structuralism view change in terms of tensions, contradictions and dysfunction of structures not as a result of voluntary action of social agents. Functionalism continue despite opening of alternatives and faced with structures actors must make a choice. It has also been cricticised on the idea of selecting a single central factor as the impetus for change. From the topic I have learned that labor should be managed in order to be in line with the production needs of the organization which is dictated by the needs for the market. From what I have from the concept of post-Fordism it will help me in my future management practice since I have knowledge of labor management following the characteristics of post-Fordism. This will help me to manage labor specialization and feminism in the work place. It will help me manage labor to match the production needs of the customers. â€Å"Enron the smartest guys in the room† The above phrases come from a movie that was screened describing the collapse of the collapse of Enron Corporation. This resulted in criminal trails involving several top executive of the company. The film describes how the Enron trades were involved in the California Electricity crisis. This film gives an insight into the corporate cultures and the inherent problem that comes with its. It describes some mechanism which motivate a vast immoral and profit oriented corporate culture. It describes how the organization misused the employees in a bid to make higher profits. It also tried to describe how an individual can take an order before they question the reason why they are taking the order. It is a general review of how companies use immoral means to make high profits Form the case, we can relate the idea of organization complexity in how and organization is made of different people and of diverse characters. The film illustrated how Enron was made up of different people of different character and in the whole portrayed a picture of the complexity of the organization both in the making and in its operation. From the above I learned how the organization functions as a complex entry that needs a clear leadership in order to harmonize all the characteristics to function as one. The complexity in the operation of the organization comes out in the strategy that the company uses to hike price only to return electricity later in order to make more profit. However this movie has been crictsized on the ground that while it gave so much on what can happen on peoples lives which were ruined by Enron, it did not give them a real human face. It also illustrates the concept of how an organization functions as a system. In this film, the management creates an unhealthy competition that crates animosity on the workers. They start engaging in an unhealthy competition in a bid to outperform the other. This is because employees doing worst in an area were to be fired. The concept of organization as system means that the organization functions together as a system made of different interdependence parts. This means the management and the workers must work together to achieve the goals of the organization. But in this case the management uses the workers in order to make more profit. From this I have learned that the management should create a cordial working condition with the employees rather than creating competition between them. From this example we can see how the organization uses a fraud means in order to make more profit. Enron shifts power in order to create power shortage and raise price and later bring back power in order to reap the high profits. This happens in the full view of the managers. I have learnt that as a manager I am given the sole responsibility of deciding for the organization and I should use my power to prevent an organization from committing such fraud. I have learned that it is fraudulent to use the employees in ode rot make higher profit rather than protecting them. Once the Manager in the Enron knew that it was collapsing they started selling their shares and encourages the employees to retain theirs. In the movie there is the milligram experiment that is performed in order to understand how a worker can take order from a person without questioning such an order. A person is given an order to raise the voltage and push the button until he stops pushing the button on a moral ground. This showed a factor of leadership. This experiment was meant to show that there is a high probability that the one who is given an order to carry out questions it. From this I have learned that as a manager I should provide real leadership to those under me and not just issue order. Every one has the right to question why they have been told to carry out that order. In the future I will be able to provide real leaderships to the workers and explain to them the orders that I issue and at the same time allow them to enquire about the orders. Production chains and coff ee industry: â€Å"Black Gold† â€Å"Black Gold† was a documentary that was made as a film depicting the struggle African farmers in Ethiopians undergoes despite producing one of the most important primary commodity in the world. This film was made to illustrate how the western consumers fails to get in reality with the plight of those African farmers who toil day in day out to produce coffee for them. It also features the World Trade Organization which was just an illustration of how production chains exploit the farmers in Ethiopia who are faced with famine. This documentary showed how the complexity of the production chain continues to hamper the prosperity of business. It gives an idea of how reducing the production chain can benefit the primary producer like the farmer in Ethiopian Highland. However the documentary has been crictsized on the ground that while it highlighted the plight of the Ethiopian Coffee farmers, it did not give any solution on what can be done to improve the distribution chain. One of the most important highlight of this documentary is the need to reduce production chains. It shows how the chain from producer, middlemen exporter, importer, roaster, retailers and consumers pushes the price of the end product and at the same time reduces the price of the primary producer. Although we can accept the idea of chain production, a lengthy chain leads to exploitation. From this documentary I have learned that the longer the production chain, the higher the operation cost and the higher the price of the end product. Hence in my future management, I will be striving to shorten the production chain in order to make effectful use of the labor and reduce the production cost. This documentary also brings an important aspect of business ethics. Business ethics is an integral part of any business operation. It is the moral values that form the backbone of operation of any business. Business code of ethics is an important tool that should guide any strategy that is taken by management. In this documentary, it was clearly evident how the middlemen continue to exploit the Ethiopian farmer and how the western consumer rushes to give food aid to the Ethiopian farmer who is faced with hunger without taking into consideration how much they take from that farmer. I have learnt that as a manager we should conduct our business following a code of ethics. This is important since it helps us to operate with a clean conscious. It is also important since it avoids the exploitation of the consumer. In my future management work, I will strive to ensure that I keep to the business code of ethics. I will try to position the operation of the company with the need of other peo ple in regard to the needs of the consumers and the need of the employees. I will strive towards implementing strategies for the company which reduces chances of exploitation. The paradox that comes from the movie is that while the farmers are exploited, they are not aware of what they produce. They toil in their fields but they are not aware of the value to their products. They are not aware of the price their products fetch in the market. At the same time the western consumers are not aware of what the Ethiopian farmers goes through in the field as they struggle to produce sweet for them. I have learnt that informing the consumers of what we are producing is very important since they become aware of the source of that product. It is important to inform the consumers about the product right from the starting of the production chain up to when it reached them. In this regard as a manager I will ensure that all products from the company bears clear information on the label and carry out advertisement to inform the consumers on the product. It is important for them to realize that what they are consuming and where it has come from. References CKD, 2008, Director FAQ, Black Gold, Retrieved from http://www.blackgoldmovie.com/faq.phpon 12th march 2008 Dempsey, J Campbell, R 1999, A Value Chain Approach to Coffer Production, Available at, http://www.acdivoca.org/852571DC00681414/Lookup/WRSpring06-Page5-7-ValueChainCoffee/$file/WRSpring06-Page5-7-ValueChainCoffee.pdf. George, B 2004, Fordism, Social Analysis, Vol. 48, Issue 3, P. 2-5 Gloria, C 1999, Managing Fraud and Integrity Risk, Arthur Anderson Howard, R 2004, Business Ethics: Company with a conscious, Myers Templeton, Denver Independent Lens, 2008, Enron: The Smartest Guy in the Room, Retrieved from, http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/enron/ on 12th March 2008 Jacobsen, I 2000, Creating a Flexible Organization, The Innovator Leader, Vol. 9, Issue, 1, p. 6-9 Kiechel, W 1995, Managing Innovators, Kiechel Research Tutor 2U, 2008, Just in time Production, Retrieved from http://tutor2u.net/business/production/just-in-time.html on 12th March 2008 Varghees, J 2000, Centre for leadership and management, Griffith University, p. 1 Womack, J 2003, Lean Thinking, Harper Business Yolles, M 2004, Organization Complexity and management, MCB Publishers

Using Lime As A Construction Material

Using Lime As A Construction Material Lime is a material comprising any physical and chemical forms under which calcium and/or magnesium oxide (CaO and MgO) and/or hydroxide (Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2) can appear. Lime plays an important role as a construction material. The main uses of lime are as follows: In soil treatment and stabilization to provide a platform for heavy construction such as roads, earthen dams, airfields, and building foundations. As an additive in asphalt, lime improves the cohesion of asphalt, reduces stripping, and retards the aging process. As a binder in the productions of bricks, aircrete, fire resistant board and concrete. Lime is also a key ingredient in mortar and plaster. BUILDING LIME STANDARD For the preparation of mortar for masonry, rendering and plastering and production of other construction products using lime is outlined on BS EN 459-1. 2.1. BUILDING LIME TERMINOLOGY    Air limes: limes mainly consisting of calcium oxide or hydroxide which slowly harden in air by reacting with atmospheric carbon dioxide. Generally they do not harden under water as they have no hydraulic properties. They may be either quicklimes or hydrated limes. Quicklimes: air limes mainly consisting of calcium oxide and magnesium oxide produced by calcinations of limestone and/or dolomite rock. They have an exothermic reaction when in contact with water. They are offered in varying sizes ranging from lumps to ground powder materials. They include calcium limes and dolomitic limes. Hydrated limes: air limes, calcium limes or dolomitic limes, resulting from the controlled slaking of quicklimes. They are produced in the form of a dry powder or putty or as a slurry. Calcium limes: limes mainly consisting of calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide without any additions of hydraulic or pozzolanic materials Dolomitic limes: limes mainly consisting of calcium oxide and magnesium oxide or calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide without any additions of hydraulic or pozzolanic materials. Natural hydraulic limes (NHL): limes produced by burning of more or less argillaceous or siliceous limestones with reduction to powder by slaking with or without grinding. They have the property of setting and hardening under water. Atmospheric carbon dioxide contributes to the hardening process Hydraulic limes: limes mainly consisting of calcium hydroxide, calcium silicates and calcium aluminates produced by mixing of suitable materials. They have the property of setting and hardening under water. Atmospheric carbon dioxide contributes to the hardening process 2.2. CLASSIFICATION Air limes shall be classified according to their (CaO + MgO) content and hydraulic limes according to their compressive strength given in Table 1. SOIL TREATMENT STABILISATION USING LIME Lime can be used to treat soils in order to improve their workability and load-bearing characteristics in a number of situations.   Quicklime is frequently used to dry wet soils at construction sites and elsewhere, reducing downtime and providing an improved working surface.   An even more significant use of lime is in the modification and stabilization of soil beneath road and similar construction projects.   Lime can substantially increase the stability, impermeability, and load-bearing capacity of the subgrade.   Both quicklime and hydrated lime may be used for this purpose.   Application of lime to subgrades can provide significantly improved engineering properties.    Lime is an excellent choice for short-term modification of soil properties.   Lime can modify almost all fine-grained soils, but the most significant improvement occurs in clay soils of moderate to high plasticity.   Modification occurs because calcium cations supplied by hydrated lime replace the cations normally present on the surface of the clay mineral, promoted by the high pH environment of the lime-water system.   Thus, the clay surface mineralogy is altered, producing the following benefits: Plasticity reduction; Reduction in moisture-holding capacity (drying); Swell reduction; Improved stability; and Ability to construct a solid working platform. Soil stabilization occurs when lime is added to a reactive soil to generate long-term strength gain through a pozzolanic reaction.   This reaction produces stable calcium silicate hydrates and calcium aluminate hydrates as the calcium from the lime reacts with the aluminates and silicates solubilized from the clay.   The full-term pozzolanic reaction can continue for a very long period of time, even decades as long as enough lime is present and the pH remains high (above 10).    LIME IN MORTARS Lime in one form or another has been a binder in mortars for centuries, well before cement was invented. Lime today is still used as the primary binder in many mixes. usually in the form of lime putty or Hydraulic lime. Hydrated lime is used in modern cement based mortars mainly for its properties as a plasticiser. Lime mortar has important characteristics. These are: High workability Water retentivity very high. This makes it particularly suitable for use with some applications. The lime in the mortar improves adhesion (bonding strength) and reduces rain penetration. (Thereby reduces frost damage to unprotected masonry wall tops) In mortars containing lime, carbon dioxide dissolves in water and reacts with lime to produce insoluble calcium carbonate crystals. These crystals form in spaces such as cracks and grow, thereby sealing the cracks. This self-sealing characteristic reduces water penetration and increases durability. Especially in areas where masonry work is prone to frost damage. The rate of carbonation is dependent upon several environmental conditions. High plasticity, which allows the user to produce a flexible masonry structure, capable of contending with movement resulting from both, thermal and moisture content changes without cracking. Movement joints are not required since the lime mortar can absorb the expansion. This reduction in the risk of cracking reduces problems related with water penetration. Lime mortar has a lower structural strength than Portland cement but it insures a lasting durability, as many old historical building and medieval castles prove. TYPES OF LIME USED IN MORTARS Air Lime Air Lime gains strength slowly, by combining with atmospheric carbon dioxide to form calcium carbonate (as per the lime cycle). Air Lime, or high calcium lime does not have any hydraulic component. It can be quicklime for slaking or hydrated lime. Several grades of Air Lime are identified in EN459-1 the European standard for Building Lime. Hydrated lime Hydrated lime is NOT hydraulic lime and will not set in contact with water; hydrated lime is added to cement mixes to give the benefits listed above under Benefits of using lime mortars. CL90 Q CL90 S Grades of air lime for building as described in EN459 the European standard for Building Lime. CL90 Q is the purest grade of building quicklime and CL90 S is the purest grade of hydrated lime for building. Several grades of air lime are identified in EN459 the European standard for Building Lime. Lime with Hydraulic Properties Lime with hydraulic or cementitious properties which will set when exposed to moisture. Several grades of Lime with Hydraulic Properties are identified in EN459-1 the European standard for Building Lime. Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) Hydraulic lime which does not contain any performance enhancing additives. Its properties are as a result of the mineralogy of the calcium carbonate stone which is quarried for burning. Formulated Lime Lime with Hydraulic Properties based on NHL or Air Lime, which is a designer blend of constituents from a designated list. Formulated Lime may contain cement or clinker, pozzolana, ground granulated blast furnace slag or other performance enhancing additives. It is blended to give the required performance characteristics. Any additions are identified by the manufacturer. Hydraulic Lime Hydraulic binder which can contain many performance enhancing additives, including cement and clinker. There is no requirement for the manufacturer to notify the customer of its composition. PLASTER Internal plastering is used to cover up differences in level and to provide a surface which is suitable for the final decorative finish. The use of lime with cement nowadays provides a quick, strong and easily applied process of coating durable plaster. Other benefits are described as follows: The high water-retentivity of lime based plasters, coupled with their high workability, ensures a good bond to the background material. The ability of lime to promote the healing of cracks helps to ensure its durability by reducing water penetration. The high alkalinity of the plaster inhibits the growth of mould and the corrosion of iron and steel. In general the benefits raised from the addition of lime in the plaster, far outweigh the small increase in raw material costs. AERATED CONCRETE BLOCKS Quicklime is mixed with cement, sand, water and aluminium powder to give a slurry which rises and sets to form honeycomb structured blocks which have excellent thermal and sound insulation properties. The heat generated when quicklime reacts with water and the alkaline conditions combined with aluminium powder generates hydrogen bubbles which cause the blocks to rise. The heat generated subsequently causes the slurry to set. The blocks are then heated in an autoclave, which promotes reactions between calcium and silicates in the sand or PFA and gives extra strength. Dolomite lime and/or modified quicklime can be added to reduce excessive shrinkage or cracking, an issue which is increasingly useful for highly stressed materials, such as busy road junctions. LIME CONCRETE Lime concrete or limecrete is made by mixing controlled amounts of sand, aggregate, binder and water. Portland Cement is normally used as the binder, although nowadays hydraulic lime or hydrated lime can also be used. This type of concrete is used all over the world, including almost every type of transport surface from roads, runways, bus and rail tracks to the construction of buildings and even large dams. LIMEWASH Limewash is a traditional method of painting walls with a colour base that allows the masonry to breathe, providing both protection and aesthetic appeal. Limewash is also widely used in agricultural buildings due to its germicidal qualities coupled with its extreme ease of application and low cost. ASPHALT Hydrated lime can be used as an additive to hot mix asphalt used for road surfacing. The addition of lime increases the resistance of the asphalt to water stripping, allowing it to maintain strength and provide good resistance to heavy stress i.e. for road surfaces prone to regular traffic or congestion. Lime also acts as a mineral filler which increases the viscosity of the binder, increasing the stiffness, tensile strength, compressive strength and resistance to water stripping. Asphalt is currently used for the majority of road networks throughout the world. Infrastructure is often dependent on the quality of road surfaces, and without its superior materialistic properties, roads would be more hazardous and all types of vehicles would be prone to damages and accidents. (https://www.eula.eu/construction-civil-engineering) Find out more in the  technical section. Asphalt Hot Mix Asphalt Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) is a composite material comprised of two major ingredients; aggregate and binder. The aggregate is usually obtained from quarry operations (or through recycling) and the binder is a petroleum product, sometimes occurring naturally but usually the by-product of refining crude oil. The function of the binder is to basically coat the aggregate, creating a stable mixture of aggregate and asphalt that can resist numerous stresses induced by highway traffic and the environment. Asphalt pavements are a crucial part of the UKs strategy for building a high performance transportation network for the future. Asphalt construction is fast and relatively simple; it is economical, safe, quiet and the most sustainable solution to the future aspirations of the UK road network. Hydrated lime can be used as a modifier that improves performance in multiple ways to create high performance asphalt pavements. The benefits of lime A growing use for hydrated lime, particularly in the United States, is as an additive to the aggregates that can be applied either in a dry or slurry state. Hydrated lime tends to change the surface chemistry or molecular polarity of the aggregate surface, resulting in a stronger adhesion at the interface between the aggregate and asphalt binder. This is a particularly important factor for HMAs which are constantly subjected to changing environmental conditions and traffic wheel loads. The environment plays an important role in conditioning the pavement due to the presence of moisture, the fluctuations in temperature, and the ageing of HMA mixtures. Combining this with the stresses from repeated traffic loads, a physical separation between the asphalt binder and aggregate may begin to occur. As the binder is displaced, moisture moves in to capture the aggregates surface, a process which is known as water stripping or water sensitivity.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€ šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   The performance of an HMA mixture is primarily measured in terms of its resistance to rutting, fatigue, low temperature cracking, and ravelling. The resistance of HMA to these distresses can to some degree be evaluated using performance tests and the measurement of its susceptibility to moisture and temperature. In order to compensate for the problem of moisture damage, many manufacturers use anti-stripping agents, which may include lime. Experience in the US has shown us that lime is currently the most suitable additive for the widest range of aggregates and asphalts. Hydrated lime addition levels of 1.0 to 1.5% by weight of the aggregate are usually sufficient to reduce water stripping. In addition, hydrated lime added as a mineral filler, has been shown to increase viscosity of the binder, as well as increasing the stiffness, tensile strength, compressive strength and resistance to rutting, all of which increase the durability of the mix. Rutting is permanent deformation of the asphalt, caused when elasticity of the material is exceeded. Unlike most mineral fillers, lime is chemically active rather than inert. It reacts with the bitumen, removing undesirable components at the same time that its tiny particles disperse throughout the mix, making the pavement more resistant to rutting and fatigue cracking. Hydrated lime also has the ability to reduce cracking that can result from causes other than ageing, such as fatigue at low temperatures. Cracking often occurs due to the formation of microcracks. These microcracks are intercepted and deflected by tiny particles of hydrated lime. Lime tends to reduce cracking more than inactive fillers due to the reaction between the lime and the polar molecules in the asphalt cement, which increases the effective volume of the lime particles by surrounding them with large organic chains. Consequently, the lime particles are better able to intercept and deflect microcracks, preventing them from growing together into large cracks that can ultimately end in pavement failure. Overall, the broad array of benefits that result from the addition of hydrated lime to HMA work together to produce a superior high performance product. Although the benefits here have been described individually, they all work synergistically, contributing in multiple ways to the improvement of the final product. Synergistic benefits also occur when lime is used in conjunction with polymer modifiers, and recent research has shown that in certain circumstances lime and polymers when used together can in fact produce improvements greater then each of them used alone. Adding Hydrated Lime to Hot Mix Asphalt Hydrated lime can be added to HMA in a number of ways. This can be done as part of a mixed filler aggregate or through a separate system. Adding hydrated lime to HMA is a simple process, on which BLA members can advise. A general rule of thumb for the application rate tends to be one percent by weight of the mix, though in cases where severe stripping is anticipated the application may increase. Both powdered hydrated lime and milk of lime meeting the requirements of Types CL 70, 80 or 90 are most suitable, along with Type S dolomitic limes. The future of Lime in Asphalt: Hydrated lime has been recognised for many years as the premier asphalt modifier to correct water stripping problems. As its use has grown worldwide (particularly in the US) many other benefits have been identified, both in the laboratory as well as numerous field projects. The need to produce high performance asphalt pavements increases the importance of lime as a multi-functional asphalt modifier. Transport professionals and the public demand high performance asphalt pavements and hydrated lime provides an important tool to help meet those demands. CONSERVATION / HERITAGE Buildings pre 1900 would not have been built with cement but with a lime mortar. Therefore in order to conserve these buildings it is essential to use similar materials when doing so. To introduce cement or cementitious mortar would cause decaying due to the difference in chemical composition of cement and inevitably result in irreversible damage. Hydraulic lime mortars, hydraulic lime plasters and renders and lime putty are therefore all used for the restoration of the UK and the majority of Europes built heritage. The restoration of these buildings is often important for surrounding communities, providing them with lasting historical and cultural heritage, prolonging the buildings use as a tourist attraction, and often even increasing the aesthetic appeal of the local area. HOW LIME IS MADE Where it all begins Limestone / chalk is a naturally occurring mineral that consists principally of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). It occurs widely throughout the world with the UK being no exception. The whole process of making any type of lime all begins back at the limestone quarries. After gaining planning permission to quarry the area, careful surveys and preparation is carried out into locating and drilling holes behind the rock face into which explosives are placed. When detonated, the explosion dislodges up to 30,000 tonnes of stone each time. This is then picked up at the quarry face by huge, mechanised excavators which work along a bench of rock. Typically these benches have rock faces about 20 metres high. The excavators then either load the stone into equally large tipper trucks, each carrying up to 100 tonnes of stone per trip or on to a conveyor system. The limestone / chalk is transported across the quarry to begin its processing. Crushing The trucks then tip the limestone into a large primary crusher which usually relies on either impact or compression to break the rock. Depending on the size of the feedstone required and the kiln in which it will fed into, the same stone can go through a second and even tertiary crusher to reduce its mass even further. The stone is then screened into a wide range of different sizes from 125mm kiln stone all the way down to dust. Some of the stone at this point is washed to remove any clay particles that may remain. Kiln zone This processed stone is then transferred by conveyors to the lime kilns. The lime burning process within the kilns requires enough heat to be transferred to the limestone in order to decompose the calcium and magnesium carbonates. Heat transfer for lime burning can be divided into three main stages: Preheating zone  -  limestone is heated to approximately 800 °C by direct contact with gases leaving the calcining zone. Calcining zone  -  fuel is burnt in preheated air from the cooling zone. This produces heat at above 900 °C and turns limestone into quicklime and CO2. Cooling zone  -  quicklime leaving the calcining zone at 900 °C is cooled by direct contact with cooling air. There are currently three distinct types of kiln operating in the UK, these include; shaft kilns, rotary kilns and twin shaft parallel flow regenerative kilns. Each kiln is selected depending on the nature of the feedstone used and the quality of quicklime required.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   Shaft kilns Residence time approx 36 hours. Produces medium carbonate / medium reactivity quicklime (Ca0). Used mainly in steel industry processing. Major feed for hydrated lime manufacture. Shaft kilns can use limestone from a minimum of 20mm up to 175mm. Some shaft kilns can be operated on natural gas, liquid and solid fuels. This type of kiln tends to produce medium reactivity quicklime which can then be used in a number of industrial processes including the manufacture of iron and steel, and aerated concrete blocks. Quicklime from shaft kilns is also processed into hydrated lime (see Hydrate zone).    Rotary kilns Residence time approx 5 hours. Extremely flexible processing. Quick change-over to different specifications within 3/4 hours. Low carbonate grades for stainless steel processing. Can be fired on coal or gas.    The rotary kiln consists of a rotating cylinder inclined at an angle of 3 to 4 degrees to the horizontal. Limestone or dolomite is fed into the upper back end, and fuel plus combustion air is fired into the lower front end. The product is then discharged from the kiln into a cooler, where it is used to pre-heat the combustion air. Kilns of this type are usually fed with stone ranging in size from 15mm to 40mm and are fuelled by a range of fuels including coal, petroleum coke, natural gas and recycled materials. They are used to produce dolomitic lime, and highier purity quicklime used for the manufacture of low-carbon steel, fibreglass and healthcare products. Rotary kilns are also used to fire dolomite at high temperature to produce sintered dolomite for the production of dolomitic refractories. Twin Shaft Parallel Flow Regenerative kilns Residence time approx 18 hours. Flexible and controllable. Produces medium and low carbonate / high reactivity quicklime (CaO). Twin shaft operation gives good thermal efficiency. Uses: steel industry processing, ground into fine powders for concrete block production and environmental effluent treatment markets. Twin shaft parallel flow regenerative kilns have two inter-connected, vertical shafts which are fired in sequence to achieve excellent energy efficiency. The limestone size used by these kilns is usually between 90mm and 125mm. They are on the whole fuelled by natural gas and produce high reactivity and high purity quicklime which is often used in industrial effluent treatment, domestic sewage treatment, manufacture of aerated concrete blocks, steelmaking and soil stabilisation. Hydration plant Quicklime can be processed even further into hydrated lime. Depending on the facilities at the quarry, this can occur either on site or by transporting the lime to a separate hydrating plant. A basic hydrating plant consists of four stages: Quicklime handling and crushing Hydration Classification Storage and despatch Sophisticated control and monitoring systems maintain end-product purity, consistency and quality. Flexibility of using quicklime feed from different kilns to give specific characteristics to meet customers requirements. Quicklime can be processed even further into hydrated lime. Depending on the facilities at the quarry, this can occur either on site or by transporting the lime to a separate hydrating plant. A basic hydrating plant consists of four stages: Quicklime handling and crushing Hydration Classification Storage and despatch Handling and Crushing Where the removal of impurities in the hydrating plant is not important, the quicklime is often reduced in size using impact breakers. In other circumstances, rolls and jaw crushers, or cone mills may be used. Hydration: Hydrators usually consist of three main sections prehydrator, hydrator and finishing stage. The plant consists of numerous paddles that help to mix the water and quicklime quickly and efficiently from start to finish. The plant is kept under slight suction to prevent any dust emission throughout the process. The final moisture content of the raw hydrate after the finishing stage is usually about 1%. Classification: The raw hydrate is then taken from the hydrator to the classification plant. Depending on the customers specification, the raw hydrate can be adjusted and cut even further to meet their requirements. Storage and despatch: Finished products, whether they be dolomitic lime, quicklime or hydrated lime, can be either stored on site prior to dispatch by rail or road, or alternatively can be packed into bags which are then purchased by a range of customers, including steelmakers, DIY stores and builders merchants. The Application of Lime in Building Lime is in its original state, calcium carbonate. It is anti-bacterial, resistant to ultra-violet light, and will allow moisture to release from surfaces from the inside out, rather than trapping moisture, as some other modern coatings can do. It allows the moisture in, but unlike other compounds, allows it out again. When worked into a plaster form, lime absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and then forms a strong yet permeable coat of limestone. Lime plasters are known for being very slow-drying, which allows them to gain strength over a few days, rather than setting very quickly. This can allow the lime plaster to be re-worked if necessary. The forms that lime can be used in are as follows: Lime putty Lime mortar: this is lime putty mixed with sand. This can be used to bed in masonry, and is also used in pointing or rendering brickwork, and for general plastering use. Lime wash: this is lime putty diluted in water. This is used to paint internal and external walls. A pigment can be added to create a colour wash. The National Lime Association recommends adding a small amount of cement with lime and sand in a 1:2:9 mix to make a really tough mortar or plaster mix. However, there are several brands offering cement-free ready mixes available on the market, including quicklime which needs Prickly Pear Cactus Gel (Nopal) added as a binding agent, and many builders will naturally work to their own mixes, or work with a client or architect on creating the right blend for each specific job.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

The Psychometric Test and the Employee Selection Process Essay examples

The Psychometric Test and the Employee Selection Process Most employers want the ‘perfect fit’ for any position vacant for recruitment. They always tend to want the best man suitable for the job, technically and interpersonally. The common ways of recruiting an employee is by application forms, curriculum vitae, and interviewing sessions. Most candidates are polite at interviews just to put across a good impression to the interviewer. Just interviewing someone is not enough to know if you have the right person for the job. Ability can be relatively easy to assess through interviewing and skills testing. Testing interpersonal skills is another issue. To reduce the risk of hiring the wrong person, the use of psychometric testing has been adopted by more and more organisations to increase the validity and reliability of the recruitment process. Psychometrics is the application of the objective, scientific measurement and mathematics to psychology. It refers top the testing of cognitive of mental functions and personality and the analysis of result. The psychometric test covers a lot of tests used to assess a characters strength or weakness providing accurate profiles of the suitability for a position. â€Å"Psychometric† means measurement of the mind. The Psychometric test is a way of assessing an individual’s ability or personality in a measured and structured way. Also, a psychometric test could be said to be any standardized procedure for measuring sensitivity or memory, or intelligence or aptitude as well as personality. Psychometric tests are one measure by which an employer can discriminate against individuals in the selection process. The tests are often presented in a multiple guess form, either paper or electronically based. There are two types of the psychometric test. They include: . Aptitude/Skills Test- This depends on the nature of the job that has been applied for. This type of test could be numerical or verbal reasoning, spatial awareness or diagrammatic reasoning. They are often time constrained. . Personal Questionnaire- this type of test is used to access the certain personal qualities required of the candidate. Psychometric testing does have real value to add to the selection process. However, it is not limited to the recruitment phase. Many organisations have seen the benefit of psychometri... ...ers for the questions. . As the assessment is not a 100% accurate, there may be little or no correlation between the candidate’s answers and the way he carries out the job. In conclusion, Psychometric test is versatile and can be used as an aid for personnel selection and recruitment, career guidance, career development, team building and personal development. Psychometric test is used by a vast number of large and small companies who appreciate its cost effectiveness when compared to the hard soft and human cost of selection errors. Psychometric tests, although a useful selection tool to implement, have many flaws and in order to be valid must be carried out in a strict and controlled manner in order for an organisation to make the right choice when seeking to recruit an individual into an organisational role. Research now shows that, in comparison with selection by normal interviewing techniques, the use of supporting psychometric testing can significantly improve the match between the individuals and the job. The growing use of psychometric testing in selection and assessment has to some extent outpaced the level of sophistication and knowledge.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Evidence of Dissociative Identity Disorder in Fight Club Essay

In the movie Fight Club we are introduced to an average, white-collared, middle aged man who is seemingly normal at first glance. However, it is clear that the narrator suffers from insomnia, anxiety, and depression very early in the film. The narrator attempts to combat these symptoms in a number of ways, however, the only way that he has found to be effective is by attending support groups on a nightly basis. The narrator soon creates an alter ego (though we do not know he is his alter ego until the end of the film) named Tyler Durden. Durden is more attractive, has a better physique, and is overall more confident than the narrator and Durden regularly takes control of the narrator without the narrator’s knowledge to carry out tasks that the narrator does not believe he has the power to accomplish. This use of dissociation is a defense mechanism used by the narrator to remove himself from situations that may produce anxiety. The narrator has many instances in which he is not able to recollect things that happened that day or in previous days, such as having sexual relations with Marla (the narrator envisions Tyler having sexual relations with Marla, while it is him having sexual relations with Marla). However, it is difficult to reason through whether or not he is having these memory lapses due to a true dissociative identity disorder (DID) or perhaps due to physical trauma that was sustained through his fighting. Although the narrator is seen consuming an alcoholic beverage on the first day he â€Å"met† Tyler Durden, it is not evident throughout the film that these blackouts/memory lapses are due to alcohol or other substances. As the film progresses the narrator continues to have issues related to anxiety and he a... ...rrator’s lack of respect for life, however, the general lack of respect for life possibly indicated that the narrator wanted to take his own life, or that the narrator felt indestructible and did not feel that his risky behaviors would cause an untimely death. It is also unclear at the end of the film whether or not the narrator actually shot himself in the head or if this was an intrusive symptom produced by dissociations. References Brand, B., & Loewenstein, R. J. (2010). Dissociative disorders: An overview of assessment, phenomenology, and treatment. Psychiatric Times, 27(10), 62-69. Sadock, B.J., & Sadock, V.A. (2007). Kaplan and Sadock’s Synopsis of Psychiatry: Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Psychiatry (10th ed.) Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Stahl, S. M., (2011). The Prescriber’s Guide. (4th ed.). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.