Objectives of Kingfisher Airlines Essay

KINGFISHER AIRLINES Kingfisher Airlines Limited is an airline group based in India Its head office is in Andheri (East), Mumbai and Registered Office in UB City, Bangalore. Kingfisher Airlines, through its parent company United Breweries Group, has a 50% stake in low-cost carrier Kingfisher Red. The airline has been facing financial issues for many years. Until December 2011, Kingfisher Airlines had the second largest share in India’s domestic air travel market. However due to a severe financial crisis faced by the airline at the beginning of 2012, it has the lowest market share since April 2012. Vijay Mallya is looking at reports of Q3 of 2008 , thinking that can there beany way to at least break even in this critical time of economic slowdown. Aviation industry is very sensitive industry triggered hard by the recession across the world. Kingfisher reports Rs. 592.96 crore net loss (from exhibit-1) for the quarter ended 31st December 2008. Indian aviation sector is buckling under rising fuel prices & manpower costs and falling air traffic. Sales stood at Rs 1,447 crore versus Rs 1,353 crore, in line with Jet Airways, which also posted a net loss of Rs 214 crore for the quarter under review because of poor load factors. The company claimed that technically, the financial results for the third quarter cannot be compared with the corresponding quarter because the Vijay Malaya-led Kingfisher was not listed last year and this year’s result include figures of erstwhile Air Deccan, which Kingfisher took over last year. â€Å"High fuel and other operating costs coupled with lower load factors contributed to the losses at Kingfisher,† an industry observer said. On the operational front, Kingfisher saw corporate traffic being hit during the quarter because of the economic slowdown. Yields and front-end load factor also suffered â€Å"The full impact of the price reduction in aviation turbine fuel will lower the ai rlines’ operating costs,† HISTORY Kingfisher Airline is a private airline based in Bangalore, India. The airlines owned by Vijay Mallya of United Beverages Group. Kingfisher Airlines started its operations on May 9, 2005 with a fleet of 4 Airbus A320 aircrafts. The destinations covered by Kingfisher Airlines are Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmadabad, Cochin, Guwahati,  Kolkata,Pune, Agartala, Dibrugarh, Mangalore and Jaipur. In a short span of time Kingfisher Airline has carved a niche for itself. The airline offers several unique services to its customers. These include: personal valet at the airport to assist in baggage handling and boarding, exclusive lounges with private space, accompanied with refreshments and music at the airport, audio and video on-demand, with extra-wide personalized screens in the aircraft, sleeperette seats with extendable footrests, and three-course gourmet cuisine. CURRENT SCENARIO Kingfisher Airlines currently operates with a brand new fleet of 8 AirbusA320 aircraft, 3 Airbus A319-100 aircraft and 4 ATR-72 aircraft. It was thefirst airline in India to operate with all new aircrafts. Kingfisher Airlines isalso the first Indian airline to order the Airbus A380. It placed orders for 5 A380s, 5 A350-800 aircrafts and 5Airbus A330-200 aircrafts in a deal valued at over $3 billion on June 15,2005. With the sign of trouble in aviation industry, Kingfisher airlines and Jet airways (used to be competitors), formed alliance (October, 2008) to significantly rationalize and reduce costs and provide improved standards and a wider choice of air travels options to consumers with immediate effect. †¢Kingfisher airline has won global awards at the SKYTRAX World Airline Awards ceremony held recently in Hamburg, Germany (2009). †¢Air France –KLM is in talks with Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airline for having a code-share agreement .The conclusion of this agreement. MERGERS AND ACQISITIONS Dec. 2007Low-cost carrier Deccan and Vijay Mallya-led Kingfisher Airlines decided to merge and create a single corporate entity to cut down operational costs and accelerate their journey to profitability. Shares of Deccan Aviation have doubled in a little over a month in anticipation of a reverse merger of Kingfisher Airlines into Deccan Aviation. Details of Deccan-Kingfisher merger, valuations and swap ratio will be worked out by  accountancy firm KPMG. Mallya would be the chairman and CEO of the merged entity, while executive chairman of Deccan, Captain G R Gopinath would be the vice-chairman. STRATEGIC PARTNERS 1. Kingfisher Airlines Inks Strategic Alliance with American Express. Partners launch India’s first Airline Corporate Charge Card Program Fast track Corporate Savings with exclusive Rebates, Discounts, and Employee Rewards with King Club and Bonus Points. 2. Strategic and operational alliance with rival domestic carrier Jet Airways owned by Naresh Goel in 2009. Current strategy of Kingfisher Airlines Following strategies were followed to make it one of the leading Airlines in India. Functional strategies It planned to re-launch its commercial air service called UB Airway again which it had to withdraw it due to government restrictions. The Company gave best services to its customers that were like providing world class interiors, and in-flight entertainment systems. The company came up with only one class airlines rather than other airlines that had Business Class; Economy Class the idea was to combine Business Class experiences and Economy Class experiences in one. Having a single class freed up more leg space for passengers when compared to normal economy class flights. The company started addressing its customers as â€Å"GUEST† rather than passengers. The company made its mark by providing its guests with more legroom and bigger seats so as to provide better comfort.KFA has set its sight to become India’s largest airline both is capacity and in market share. KFA’s Promotional Strategies & Marketing Strategies It came up with a very appealing Promotional line â€Å"Fly the good times† and  it reflected in the experience the company offered to its passengers.   KFA is also launched Kingfisher express In order to tap into the growing LCCsegment. Also launched the facility of web check-in, allowing travelers to print their boarding passes via www.flykingfisher.com and the introduction of the Roving Agent at the airport. The Roving Agent is like a check-in counter on the move. You no longer need to go to the check-in counter and wait for long. As part of its Promotional strategy the marketing team of KFA showcased the airline as â€Å"the new flying experience†. The following initiatives were taken as part of its promotional strategy†¦Advertisements hoardings at airports depicted the stylish interiors of the â€Å"Fun liners†, which conveyed youthful, fun-filled, and world class image. INOX multiplexes in Mumbai publicized KFA’s special offers for a month. KFA was the official travel airlines for the cast and crew of â€Å"Mangal Pandey†- the movie . KFA made use of various fashion shows, celebrity golf matches, New Year parties allto build its â€Å"Kingfisher† brand. The UB groups’ monthly magazine called â€Å"Pegasus† published information about-face along with other information related to UB group. KFA launched many attractive offers to promote its sales like the â€Å"King Card† in association with ICICI Bank, in August 2005. This was meant to create loyal customers for KFA by providing benefits like privileged access to lounges, restaurants, free refreshments at airports, access to 180 golf clubs across India, special invites for lifestyle shows. In October, KFA launched â€Å"Chill Times Offer â€Å"in the month of August 2005 and September 2005. In October they launched the â€Å"King Saver Offer â€Å"which said â€Å"Fly like a King, don’t play like one†. KFA targeted the frequent fliers  business traveler segment, which was dominated by Jet Airways. By offering a â€Å" King Saver Booklet†, this booklet contained six free flight tickets and was presented as a free gift if the passenger bought two such booklets each worth Rs. 26,999.Passengers could avail off this offer if they showed there Jet Privilege Member (Gold or Platinum) card. Financial strategies: KFA came up with many new financial strategic moves that made it one of the leaders of aviation industry the company had adopted following strategies: 1. The company is planning to spend close to Rs 40 crore on various media and below-the-line marketing activities for the year 2009-10 2. Cut down the salaries of the staff like trainee pilot now drawing Rs20k as compare to Rs2.0lacs. 3. To come over the financial crisis the KFL is considering an option of retrenchment. 4. It purchased brand new A320 aircrafts powered by the cockpit that was a paperless environment. 5. KFA was first Indian carrier to place an order for A380s. Expansion strategy To further its expansion plan KFA put in its bid to buy Sahara in November 2005.However negotiation came to a standstill when KFA felt the valuation of Sahara Airlines of around US$750mn to US$1 bn. was too high.KFA has plans to make an Initial Public Offer (IPO) and raise around US$200 mn that would be used for its fleet acquisition and route expansion activities.KFA set up Kingfisher International Inc. (KII), a subsidiary in US for its international operations. KFA plans to operate international routs by end of 2007. But KFA had yet to receive permission from the Indian government. According to Indian government domestic air carriers are not allowed to fly  international routes without five year of domestic flying experience. But Mr. Mallya said if he failed to convince the government to change its rules, it would start an airline in a foreign country and fly it to India. Human Resource Strategies Prior to launch, KFA signed a â€Å"non-poaching alliance† with Air Deccan under which both the airlines agreed not to hire each other’s employee. KFA’s flight attendants called â€Å"Flying models† were selected through a national level model contest.KFA also stressed the fact that its employees had to be capable enough to meet the airlines’ high service standards.Mr. Mallya said â€Å"Kingfisher Airlines Limited has a first class management team not just at top most level but also in the second line. This is part of the UB group’s commitment to human resources†. *Recommended Strategies 1. Should tie up with different state tourism (like Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu etc) to promote domestic air traffic. 2. Running online contests to boost traffic 3. Looking at partnering with premium hotels, so that the customers of hotels directly choose Kingfisher airlines for traveling. 4. To minimize the air fuel cost and other operating expenses of aircraft they should purchase new more fuel efficient and advance technology based aircraft. 5. Code sharing with other airlines. 6. Rescheduling of flights so that they can adjust the load. 7. More tie ups are required like they can also be a part of STAR alliance. 8. At the time of recession making collusions and cartels could be a good idea. 9. In such a scenario it is imperative for any airline to build its brand and have focused marketing strategy and created a new category of Aviation hospitality thus making service and hospitality as main focus. 10. The Company should join hands with certain banks like ICICI, SBI etc. to offer e-ticketing.

Strategic risks †thinking about them differently Essay

One of the most important aspects to put into consideration when taking up a project is project risk management. A project risk is an event / condition, which is uncertain that, upon it occurrence brings either a positive or a negative impact on the project. A positive manager should consider this as one of the ten knowledge areas where competence is highly regarded. Risk management is critical, especially to organizations working in multi-project environments and the maturity for risk is high (Loftus, 1999). A wide range of risks is apparent when working in projects involving construction among other engineering work. These risks are mostly attributed to government policy, diversity in stakeholders’ aspirations and the challenges of adding multiple projects. For a good risk management process, there must be a clear statement and understanding of roles and responsibilities, proper skills on technical analysis and the prevailing organizational factors should support the project . Project risk management involves identifying, assessing and prioritizing of risks: and thereafter putting resources to use in order to reduce, monitor and control those risks that could affect the project negatively and increase realizing of opportunities (Jaafari, 2001). This report seeks to outline the knowledge acquired on management of risk in projects among other basic knowledge gathered on management of projects. Discussion             All organizations exist for their own different purposes, and that of public engineering organizations in the construction business, the purpose is to deliver a service, which brings a beneficial result in the public/ stakeholders interest (Harrison, 2004). Decisions to pump resources into investments on capital infrastructure are prompted by needs that are meant to enhance the achievement of the major purpose. According to Flanagan and Norman (1993), the benefits of efficient risk management are evident especially in projects involving capital infrastructure because they are dynamic in nature and bring positive cost implications from the construction related decisions. Risk management should be taken as an intrinsic part of capital infrastructure investment decisions mainly because, as project, ventures get more elaborate, the role of risk management is exemplified (Kutsch & Hall, 2010). Regarding this realization, some countries have enacted government policies on constructors emphasizing on the need to incorporate risk management in capital infrastructure schemes (Uher & Loosemore, 2004). Risk is therefore, in many occasions, viewed as a condition or event whose occurrence will have adverse effects on the project and may hinder the attainment of set objectives. Hence, risk management relates decisions to such probable harmful effects (Chapman et al, 2012). This philosophical approach to risk management enables the process to be broken down into four fundamental sub-processes (Culp, 2001). These involve identification, analysis, response and monitoring. The former step of identification is the most critical step because it has the biggest effect on decisions emanating from the process of risk management. Reviewing risk management, in his article, Williams (1995), notes that there is little structured work in publication about typical risks. According to Chapman (1998), as much as risk identification is critical on the risk assessment and response phases, very little empirical evidence is available at this early phase. The heavier task in risk management remains in the analysis and response to the risk, yet the reasoning stands that unless the risks are identified, they cannot be analyzed and responded to. For most engineers, the need to have a set out program is critical for it provides an umbrella under which all current projects fall so that an outcome can be delivered massively in general, and greater than the total sum of all others. A program is usually temporary, and flexible; created to direct and oversee the implementation of a set of related projects and activities for the deliverance of beneficial outcomes that relate to the organization’s strategic objectives. Several projects are undertaken under this umbrella. This explicitly differentiates between program management outcomes and project management outputs. However, there is a link between projects and strategy through the program. Risk management is becoming an increasingly important process due to external pressures in existence. However, good risk management is seen as a critical attribute of organizational success in the field of engineering. The assumption that programs are merely extensions of projects should cease to exist because many will tend to reflect program risk management to project risk management (Allan, 2008). Program management is a broad extension of the varied, yet related, projects. On projects, it is important to define one or more objective functions like capital expenditure and completion time to represent it to measure the probability of achieving the set targets. Risk management then goes on to model the project’s objectives against the projects variables like costs and the quantity of inputs. These variables are usually uncertain as time goes on, hence the uncertainty of a hundred percent achievement of the objectives set. The most ideal situation would be identifying and characterizing the variables in advance providing that they will remain unchanged by time. This would make it easy to estimate the possible risks and the consequent variance of the project’s objective(s). However, not all project variables can be identified as new variables might surface as the project goes on while the probability of occurrence of the initial variables may vary (Kerzner & Saladis, 2009). The impacts of the initial variables, both positive and negative, may change too hence making risk management even more hard (Drummond, 1999). Certainty and uncertainty of realizing a project’s objectives are measurable, only ideally. The possibility of a project not breaking even could be considered as a representative of the whole project: and then used in turn to evaluate against the variable and try to reduce the risks involved. This becomes a basis for decision-making. Some projects may proceed normally in a stable environment, hence making the uncertainty high at the time it is conceptualized. Pro-active planning and making prudent decisions will see the uncertainty reduce (Royer, 2001). However, uncertainty in complex projects within a changing environment will not necessarily reduce/ diminish as time goes by Chapman (1998). It is necessary to keep on checking on the project’s variables and re-evaluating of the objective function’s status to facilitate adjustments in the project’s strategies. Uncertainty surrounds many parts of a project; hence early resolution of variables may not be poss ible always. Variables change over time leading to exposure to new threats and risks along the way. This fact should not be refuted and a lot of work is required in the planning evaluating phases, where most of the critical work is done. In spite of all the uncertainty and complexity surrounding risk management and project management, it is important to seek methods of improving the project’s base value (Drummond, 1999). Conceptualization, planning, and implementation of a project are complex process that requires management based on set strategic objectives, which vary from time to time. The objectives should be integrative and holistic in the sense that it caters for social, political, environmental, and community aspects (Sears et al, 2010). Traditionally, planning in project management should form the basis of planning, alongside other functions of project management including; human resource, time, scope, integration, quality and procurement. These should be the fundamental factors f consideration along each phase. A variety of guidebooks, protocols and codes of practice in the engineering field have been made available for use in risk management in project management. In the United Kingdom, the ‘Orange book’ is a framework that is set to offer guidance on basic risk management concepts and as a resource for developing risk management processes and implementing them I the public sec tor (Aritua et al 2011). It is also aimed at using a risk based decision-making on investment. There have been many more publications and publications aimed at dictating hoe risk management should look like. These guidelines have offered a basis upon which projects are appraised and their investment viability tested. This has enhanced the process and shifted its reception and perception from project risk management to a risk management strategic level (Melton, 2011). In engineering and construction professions, program management and project management came to existence due to the changing procurement environment (Cox et al 2006). In the United Kingdom, procurement of infrastructural assets was done in a sequential manner, which involved a clear differentiation in the project life cycle phases. Currently there are three major procurement systems. These systems are prime contracting, Design and Build procurement and Private Finance Initiative (Aritua et al 2011). These methods were because of the need to adopt integrative and collaborative project delivery methods. The procurement systems have features like framework agreements, the use of specifications that are output based, and more importantly, emphasis on the lifelong value of the structures (Shehu and Akintoye, 2009). The office of Government Commerce has facilitated the change in construction procurement in the public sector too. The agency’s main agenda is to ensure that policies ar e followed and enhancing promotion of the best performance practices. These systems ensure that the project undertaken is of high quality and regard set policies and guidelines. These sanctions in the public works and construction sector have acted as strategic risk management tools for they ensure quality assurance as well as proper quality management. Project management should incorporate the use of a strategy-based management approach. This will facilitate the integration of planning, risk management and decision-making hence ensuring real time real time realization of an optimum of the project’s strategic objective against its variables (Schmidt, 2009). The project’s promoters are not always the investors. Investors are not always actively involved in the management of the project, but invest resources into the project hoping to get dividends. The promoters’ objective, on the other hand, is to deliver a facility that will ensure a long term balanced and financially viable business entity. The project is therefore a compromise between the attainment of investors’ interests and that of the community (Pinto & Morris, 2010). Project development should be based on a set of strategic objectives, which stamp the project as a business and entwining project decisions to strategic business decisions (Wearne, 19 89). Amid all risks, the project should be planned proactively regarding its variables and with a focus on the life cycle objective functions (Westland, 2007). All life cycle functions should be observed. These are: financial functions, customer satisfaction, and policy observance/ adherence to statutory concerns. Statutory concerns could be like those regarding projects adjacent to ecological systems or highly populated areas (Jha, 2011). Proactive planning of the project ensures real time minimization of risk. Effective risk management ensures that there is typical conceptualization of projects and their subsequent implementation using strategic objectives. It also ensures any further variables are assessed and managed accordingly to optimize the project’s strategic outcome, that which of a business entity (Heagney, 2011). Since projects are subjected to changes in objectives and variables due to external factors, it is important to incorporate a continuous risk management process that involves continuous risk and uncertainty management process conducted in real time to bring value to the project manager. Strategies made from risk analysis are a basis upon which decision-making is based going forward. Objectives of the life cycle are the vessel for analysis. Ethical practices are important factors to put into consideration when taking up/ procuring a project (Ralf et al, 2014). There exists codes of conduct and these codes may vary depending on the government regulations from one country to another. These codes guide management of projects, operations and supervision of work, and the technical aspect of the project, which is building. Since the work done is of great importance, the designed code of conduct and ethical measures should be used as they set standards for the output as well as achieving business objectives with the community in regard (Haukur et al, 2011). Reflective assessment Group activities that included vast research and group projects were vital in broadening my understanding of the project management theory, which of great importance to establishing and undertaking successful projects. According to Turner (1993), scope management is what the project management theory regards. Scope management involves three fundamental issues; ensuring that an adequate amount of work has been done, avoiding doing any unnecessary work and ensuring that the work done fulfills the intended business purpose as stated. The recognition of the sequential state in which activities are undertaken helped us as a group in determining what had to be done at a particular time and by what particular persons as well as accounting for what had been spent on completed work in anticipation of costs that would be accrued in the next steps. I came to understand project management by likening it to production operations management. The crystallization of project management theory to oper ations management theories made it easy for us to recognize the resounding reliance on the transformational theory, which is production oriented. This is because project management involves injecting inputs on which transformational processes occur to bring the result, which is the output (Nell, 1998). Goals are set on the output, upon which a basis for control is placed: control systems are put in place to ensure activities align with achieving intended goals and putting improvement measures in place. This deep understanding of the theory has been enhanced mainly by the critical analysis and discourse that we have engaged ourselves with in the group to widen knowledge on the process. Relevant knowledge on management theories on planning, execution and control has expanded from these activities as well as project theories pertaining flow of production (which projects have been likened with) (Sulliman, 2014). These productions method include incorporating techniques such as lean prod uction and just in time (JIT) (Gilbereath, 1922). Ethical practices in governance for contemporary organizations are also a major factor for consideration (Ralf et al, 2014). Conclusively, exploration on the area of project management has instilled in me management skills, which are very critical in handling projects and managing every aspect in them including risk. References Allan, N., Davis, J., 2006. Strategic risks — thinking about them differently.Proceedings of ICE 159 Aritua B., Nigel J. Smith, Denis Bower (2011) International Journal of Project Management. United Kingdom: University of Leeds Chapman, C. B., Ward, S., & Chapman, C. B. (2012). How to manage project opportunity and risk: Why uncertainty management can be a much better approach than risk management : the updated and re-titled 3rd ed of Project risk management, processes, insights and technoiques. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley. Cox, A., Ireland, P., & Townsend, M. (2006). Managing in construction supply chains and markets: Reactive and proactive options for improving performance and relationship management. London: Thomas Telford. Culp, C. L. (2001). The Risk Management Process: Business Strategy and Tactics. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Drummond H 1999. Are we any closer to the end Escalation and the case of Taurus? International Journal of Project Management Flanagan, R., & Norman, G. (1996). Risk management and construction. Oxford [u.a.], Blackwell Science.Gilbreath, R. D. (1992). Managing construction contracts: Operational controls for commercial risks. New York: Wiley. Harrison, F. L., & Lock, D. (2004). Advanced project management: A structured approach. Aldershot, England: Gower. Haukur, I. J., & Ingason, H. T. (2013). Project ethics. Farnham, Surrey: Gower. Heagney, J. (2011). Fundamentals of Project Management. New York: AMACOM. Jaafari A. (2001) International Journal of Project Management. Sydney: University of Sydney Jha, K. N. (2011). Construction project management: Theory and practice. New Delhi: Dorling Kindersley. Kerzner, H., & Saladis, F. P. (2009). Project management workbook and PMP/CAPM exam study guide. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley. Kutsh E. &Hall M. (2010) International Journal Paper of Project Management. United Kingdom Loftus, J. (1999). Project management of multiple projects and contracts. London: Thomas Telford. Means, J. A., & Adams, T. (2005). Facilitating the Project Lifecycle the Skills & Tools to Accelerate Progress for Project Managers, Facilitators, and Six Sigma Project Teams. Hoboken, John Wiley & Sons. http://www.123library.org/book_details/?id=9130. Melton, T. (2008). Real project planning developing a project delivery strategy. Amsterdam, Butterworth-Heinemann. Nell, E. J. (1998). The general theory of transformational growth: Keynes after Sraffa. New York: Cambridge University Press. Pinto, J. K., & Morris, P. (2013). The wiley guide to project, program, and portfolio management. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley. Ralf M., Rodney T., Erling S.A, Jingting S., Oyvind K. (2014). Ethics, Trust, and Governance in Contemporary Organizations. Norway: Project Management Institute Royer, P. S. (2001). Project risk management: A proactive approach. Vienna, Virg: Management Concepts. Schmidt, T. (2009). Strategic project management made simple: Practical tools for leaders and teams. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons. Sears, S. K., Sears, G. A., & Clough, R. H. (2010). Construction Project Management: A Practical Guide to Field Construction Management. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Shehu, Z., Akintove, A., 2010. Major challenges to the successful implementationand practice of programme management in the constructionenvironment: a critical analysis. International Journal of Project Management Suliman Saleh Al Fredi (2014) International Journal of Science and Technology. Saudi Arabia: Al Qassim University Uher, T. E., & Loosemore, M. (2004). Essentials of construction project management. Sydney: UNSW Press. Westland, J. (2007). The project management life cycle: a complete step-by-step methodology for initiating, planning, executing & closing a project successfully. Williams, T., 1995. A classified bibliography of recent research relating to project risk management. European Journal of Operational Research Zhang Lianying et al (2012) Procedia Engineering. China: Tianjin University Source document

Year of Wonders

Year Of Wonders Essay 2 Whilst Anys and Aphra are minor characters, they still play an important role in the novel, do you agree? Introduction: In the historical novel The Year Of Wonders, Although the author Geraldine Brooks portrays both Anys and Aphra as support characters, both Anys and Aphra play an important role in the novel, this will be explored in three ways, Anys’s view on the patriarchal society and how she effects the town, Aphra’s importance in the town and her influence on Anna, and lastly Anys’s influence on inspiring and teaching Anna.Anys Gowdie may not have a large acting role in the novel but her presence in the novel compensates for that, Anys plays an important role in the town because of her attitude towards the patriarchal society and her unique views on religion and on the men. In a time where women were living in a society where they were suppressed, uneducated and restricted in their occupations, Anys and Mem demonstrate a new form of w omen that are emerging among the village of Eyam. They challenge the values of the period in several ways.They are highly educated in herbal medicine, independent and non-conforming to the conventions of society. In particular, the Gowdies sense of uniqueness is what allows them to contribute to positively impacting the village. Anys shows how Barber surgeons â€Å"knew nothing of women’s body† and how she does, just by being a woman. Brooks verges on an idea of how logic, science and independence (all followed by the Gowdies) allows one to be stronger than those who oblige themselves to superstition and religion, thus showing us the importance of Anys’s character in the novel.Anys Gowdie doesn’t just have a big impact on the town of Eyam but Anys also plays an important role with her unlikely friendship with Anna. Anys inspires Anna to be a strong, independent woman. For it is â€Å"Truculent Anys† that Anna hears â€Å"whispering impatientlyâ₠¬  in her ear as she tries to deliver the Daniels baby. Anna admires Anys’s strength (â€Å"Why would I marry? I’m not made to be any mans chattel, I have my work, which I love, I have my home- its not much, I grant, yet sufficient for my shelter, but more than these, I ave something very few women can claim: my freedom, I will not lightly surrender it†) and this in turn makes Anna stronger. â€Å"she was a rare creature, Anys Gowdie, and I had to own that I admired her for listening to her own heart rather than having her life ruled by other conventions. Without Anys’s â€Å"guidance Anna wouldn’t have believed she could deliver the baby alone. Aphra Bont is also considered a minor character but like Anys she still plays an important role in the novel.Throughout the novel Aphra is seen as a great contrast to Anna she is portrayed as a cold hearted harsh women and Anna’s view was â€Å"I was always a pair of hands before I was a person, someone to toil after her babies† None the less Aphra was still an important woman without her we wouldn’t have seen the harsh breakdown of society which is shown in the chapter †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ where Aphra’s punishment is carried out by the angry and fragile towns people, Aphra is chucked into a cave filled with pig excrement up to her nose and left there for an entire night, when she emerges from the cave she seems to have gone insane, it is this side of Aphra that signals just how far the town has fallen since the plagues beginning, this scene highlights Aphra’s importance in the novel. However Aphra also plays an important role in the climax of the plot. In a fit of rage (after her decaying daughters head falls off) Aphra stabs and kills Elinor with the very knife that kept Joss Bont stuck to the mine. This is a key scene in the novel, for it is this scene that starts Michael Mompellion down the path of depression, it is after this chapter that Michael M ompellion loses his faith and falls into a pit of despair, which is shown by his comment â€Å"untrue in one thing, untrue in everything. This key scene emphasises the importance of Aphra’s character.

Gas-filled Liposomes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Gas-filled Liposomes - Essay Example In medicine, MRI is an invaluable tool for soft tissue assessment as it analyses the absorption and transmission of high frequency radio waves absorbed by water in high magnetic fields to derive cross-sectional images of soft tissue (Alexander et al, 1996; Maresca et al, 1998). The use of GFLs as components of tracer materials may enhance the use of this technology in medical diagnostics (Klibanov, 1999). A recently developed method of GFL preparation (Vangala et al, 2007) involves the homogenization of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero3-phosphorocholine (DPPC) or 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorocholine DSPC in aqueous medium below their transition temperatures to effect a stable GFL formation. Biophysical assessment indicated that the initial vesicle size was 10microm, which increased to approximately 12 microm for DPPC and 23 microm for DSPC containing vesicles in 7 days at 25C. The addition of cholesterol 1: 0.5 or 1:1 to the DPPC lipid homogenate produced significant increases in vesicle size as well as enhanced stability compared to DPPC alone (Liu et al, 2000). Surface charge induction was implemented by the addition of stearylamine at a molar ratio of 0.125 or 0.25. The surfactant did not appear to be incorporated into the bilayer. Microscopic analyses demonstrated that spherical structures ranging from 1-8 microm were produced by this method. When used as cardiographic contrast agents in cardiac assessment in experimental animals, GFL performed with greater sensitivity than aqueous liposomes (Mohammed et al, 2004; Unger et al, 1992, 1993). 2-Aim and Objective The objective of this research is to prepare Gas-filled liposomes (GFL) and to characterize their biophysical properties. The goal is to prepare liposomes that are gas-filled (air) using experimental lipid components and to assess their stability and biophysical properties. This assessment may facilitate the use of GFL for both medicinal purposes in MRI and in environmental studies such as novel methods for oil recovery. 3-Materials Sigma-Aldrich (Poole, Dorset, UK) 1,2-dimysteroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorocholine DMPC(C14) 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorocholone DPPC (C16) 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine DSPC (C18) methyl cellulose cholesterol stearylamine phosphate buffered saline tablets Lipid Products (Nutfield, Surrey, UK) egg-phosphatidylcholine (PC) double-distilled water 4-Methods Gas-filled liposome preparation: GFL will be prepared using a modified method first developed by Unger (1999). This method involves the following steps: 1. 50 mg of DSPC or other lipid added to 5ml of doubly-distilled water in a 50ml beaker to hydrate the lipid. Cholesterol or stearylamine should be added if these components are to be included in the vesicle preparation. 2. Mixture is homogenized for 4 minutes below the phase transition temperature of the lipid using a high speed homogeniser (Ultra -Turrax T8). 3. A gas (air) filled lipid layer will form above the aqueous layer following homogenization: this constitutes the GFL fraction. 4. Varying GFL concentrations will be prepared by mixing varying volumes

Supply Chain Mangagement Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Supply Chain Mangagement - Case Study Example Are all these SKUs necessary, profitable, and providing value to the company Many products may make good marketing sense, but Barilla's margins may be affected by the costs of the equally complex supply chain needed. b. Complacency of internal sales and marketing staff: If their reaction to JITD is any indication (p. 99-100), this may be most serious cause. Perhaps, they were just poorly managed because they did not buy the idea that a more efficient distribution system would result in higher sales and profits. Or worse, to satisfy unprofitable market demand and meet sales quotas, the sales team couldn't refuse requests of distributors and retailers even if the company's profitability suffered in the process. c. Old-fashioned distribution system: JITD was a partial solution superimposed on an existing distribution channel that proved non-scalable with sales volumes increases. JITD, by shifting control over buyer information from distributors to Barilla, marked a big difference in the dynamics of the supply chain to which existing players inside and outside the company found difficult to adjust. Poor planning and forecasting also shows how 'old-fashioned' (p. 96) is the distribution system that may have worked when sales volumes were still low and manageable. d. d. Poorly designed marketing incentive system: Marketing incentives should push the product and add predictability to market demand, but despite having a system in place every four weeks (p. 96-97), Barilla continued to experience variability in orders. Barilla has to address these underlying causes when implementing JITD that is, like all supply chain management systems, a support activity to major strategic decisions. 2. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the JITD program. a. The JITD was designed to give the following benefits to Barilla and its distributors: i. Better service to the end-customer who will get the product when needed. ii. Barilla and distributors can build a stronger partnership because of the mutual dependence created. Properly managed, this is good for both. iii. More stable timing of orders, generated on a predefined basis, assures better product quality. iv. Distributors will experience lower stockout and inventory levels and improved fill rates from Barilla and to the end customer. This means lower planning and ordering costs, and higher profits, for distributors as these costs are shifted to the manufacturer. v. Distributors can provide better quality service to end customers. vi. Barilla will find forecasting easier, plan its incentives better, and improve its inventory and procurement plans. Product returns will be lower as only those that could be sold given the stable end-customer demand will be delivered. b. However, JITD also has some drawbacks: i. Every employee at Barilla and distributors must fully understand and accept the program. Total participation is needed so that this change to the way things are done can be properly managed. ii. Close coordination between Barilla and distributors is needed as regards trade promotions and the gain or loss of large

Black Billionaires The Roberts Brothers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Black Billionaires The Roberts Brothers - Essay Example However, despite these odds and lower expectations, a few of these African Americans rise to the occasion to demonstrate such impeccable leadership skills and business value given that they make it to the list of billionaires of America. One such example of black billionaires is the Roberts Brothers who have managed to erect a chain of hotels worth billions. Studying their case to demonstrate the leadership styles can give a good sense of the true scenario prevalent in America. Also, going over the issues which these business-men had to face while conducting business can also proved futile to their style of business. Therefore, the paper will aim at exploring and understanding the business techniques and styles undertaken by these African American professional who are performing exceptionally well in their respective domains and earning billions. The African American Billionaires, contrary to popular perception, are engaged in a diverse range of businesses. In other words, African American entrepreneurs can now be found leading almost all kinds of businesses. For instance, Oprah Winfrey is one of the most renowned talk show host, producer, director amongst many other things, alongside playing an active role in politics. Similarly, Kenneth Frazier owns a pharmaceutical company while Ursula Burns is the CEO of Xerox. Similarly, many entrepreneurs like Roberts brothers are making a name in hospitality industry with various other black billionaires indulged in a multitude of businesses. Therefore, black billionaires aren’t dominating in a single field, rather their scope of engagement in context to business is expanding by the day. This implies that the number of African Americans seeking a higher educational status is increasing and thus, the business practices would now have to be shaped in such a way that African Ameri cans also get a fair share of inclusion. In other

-Issues with Chinesse Made goods (toys, food) Research Paper

-Issues with Chinesse Made goods (toys, food) - Research Paper Example orted recall of Stuffed Fun balls, during June 2006 to March 2007, from dollar and other discount stores; as these baby toys contained dangerous level of lead in the paint used by the Chinese maker. Similarly many ‘children’s turquoise rings’ were recalled by the Central Distributing Company of Maryland, during May 2007, as the same contained dangerous levels of lead.(Jefferson, 2007) The wheat gluten that was imported into America from China has been found responsible for the contamination of food products that killed huge number of pets and dogs, during 2007. However, media reports inform that the person responsible for allowing the export of such food product was arrested and executed by the Chinese government. The Chinese company exporting contaminated wheat gluten for human and animal consumption has been banned by the US government. Fortunately no large scale human tragedy was reported, due to such contamination.(Vujsa, 2007) In view of the ever increasing rejection of Chinese goods, due to above and other reasons, many Chinese business houses have incorporated corporate social responsibility and global law-abidance in their business models. The same include guarantee of high quality products and services by the business enterprises, among other issues.(Zhihai, 2007) Zhihai Zheng, â€Å"Corporate Social Responsibility†, International Management Review, Vol. 3 No. 1 2007, accessed on 8th March 2011 at:

Amazon Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Amazon - Research Paper Example This essay declares that technology is everywhere; it plays an important and major role in the society. It aids in the provision of powerful tools for research. It is used for knowledge transmission and enables people to learn in a much easy and efficient way. The research paper focuses on Amazon technology that is currently widely used for online shopping purposes and the way it has enhanced life. It shows whether the technology offered by Amazon can be used for a prolonged time and in an effective. Online shopping entails use of specific networks to shop for goods online. Lots of information can be found on the internet, but the credibility and reliability of information is questionable. Amazon technology involves e-book innovation, which makes reading e-books easier on other devices. Amazon uses AT&T’s 3G network which aids in bringing e-books to e-readers through their devices. Amazon ought to design solutions that are accurate and precise. This report makes a conclusion that Amazon technology has a great future in carrying out research of any kind. It changes from time to time through upgrades and researchers should be at par with the technology. For one to use the technology efficiently they must be computer literate. In this modern times, access to computers has greatly increased, becoming computer literate should not be a problem. E-readers should come up with effective ways of preventing virus attacks on the systems.

News in the United States Political System Essay

News in the United States Political System - Essay Example However, the qualities of reporting and journalism in the country certainly have dimensions along which they can improve, and some observers are even severely critical of the state of affairs with respect to the media. The nature of content and safeguards against bias are especially controversial aspects of the matter. There are 3 major groups of stakeholders with respect to news and the media: the people who report, their audiences, and the entities covered by these reports (Bennett, 2007, p. 6). Each of these categories is further affected by their circles of acquaintances and votaries, and the effects that media content have on their images and societal positions. However, the audience should have precedence in all matters related to the development of media, because their vital interests should not be compromised in any circumstances. This document essays a review of how information is collated, analyzed, and presented by US media to its audiences, the impacts on each of the major categories of stakeholders, and how some of the important perceived limitations can be addressed. It is largely based on a major text on the state of the US media, which is widely used, and which is current as well (Bennett, 2007, p. 6). Two significant factors dominate key US media processes: economics and technology. It is expensive to gather first hand information, and to disseminate it as well. Owners, advertisers, and theories of what audiences would like to see and hear, cast overbearing spells on the workings and decisions of reporters and most professional journalists. Economics rule news content (Hamilton, 2004, p. 7). The advantage of free enterprise becomes an entry barrier as far as the collection and dissemination of news is concerned. Editors have to function as executives, with eyes on lines of financial statements, rather than on the strengths they should have, and the accountabilities which they should hold most sacred. Interference and interventions by quarters which provide financial sustenance to the media is not blatant in any overt way, but the subtle compulsions are not to be denied. The most influential of such pressures on professional journalistic processes, relates to the role of advertisin g. The latter is directly related to sizes of audiences. Truth and relevance must be subservient to guessing as to what people would like to read and to hear. This leads to a high degree of subjectivity in the evaluation of the media and its utility, because the population which it serves is so diverse. Television has substantially displaced the print media as a source medium for news (Bennett, 2007, p. 23). Thus, technology is a determining factor in shaping views, and calls for an extension if not a shift of factual reporting skills from newspapers to electronic media forms. This aspect of media process does not end with television as the Internet grows in influence at unprecedented rates. This trend is set to accelerate much further as cellular telephones offer to keep people in touch at virtually all times. However, this does not mean that mainstream media is condemned to obsolescence, and the resurgence of radio is a reassuring example of how quality news management can retain the loyalties of audiences. The business sector of media is incredibly complex, and most lay people are not conscious of the logistics and management skills which are integral

Midterm Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

Midterm - Essay Example However, comparing the two, there are major differences which make the film more articulate and detailed in detailing the motives, desires and intricacies that led to Frank’s murder, which the novel does not address critically. The short story begins as Matt thinks about Frank’s funeral, which creates suspense at the beginning as readers are not introduced to the motive behind Frank’s death. The suspense at the begging slowly wears out as the story progresses to Frank’s burial and the planned revenge which makes the audience to learn what really happened to Frank. On the contrary, the film offers a good background of the story and beings as Natalie and Frank run in an open field kissing one another in a romantic scene, which creates a deception that the film would be a romantic one. However, the film still prepares the audience not to expect a romantic scene as the lovers are only seen half way, their faces are not visible, while a strong wind blows through the trees, a case that is not ideal for a love scene. This crates some difference in the plot, which affects the relationship of events. The novel delves directly into death and the revenge as Frank’s farther ponders about hi s next move, the revenge. However, the film plot first brings about the theme of love and passion, and a plot with complex relationships as the story starts to unfold. These incidences are descriptive of what really happened to Frank, and why he was killed. While in the short story the plot is laid by Matt’s feelings and thoughts of a possible revenge (Dubus, 105), the film organizes the plot in a chronological order, which offers the audience enough information regard the murder while the novel does not. The killings are narrated purely from the Fowler’s viewpoint, and present his thoughts as pure revenge through exploring his emotions and bitter feelings regarding his son’s death, which alters his moral judgment and perception of morality (Dubus,

World History College Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

World History College - Essay Example The condition of women within a particular society was dramatically impacted by the amount of socialization the central culture had developed. For example, India had a heavy caste system wherein women were viewed as weak, frivolous, unimportant, etc. (AUTHOR # 1 132). The fact that the social system perceived women in such a negative light, and was then too inflexible to accommodate change, resulted in women remaining in oppressive or inferior positions with no recourse. In fact, it was the very development of these types of systems that relegated women to a lower class structure. As AUTHOR # 2 states, "women enjoyed broader occupational options and a stronger voice within the family and in society as a whole before the emergence of centralized politics and highly stratified social systems (AUTHOR # 2 268). Not unpredictably, the more money a woman's family possessed, the better daily life she lived. A poor woman would be expected to work in the field or perform other menial tasks while a rich woman would be less likely to experience hardship.

Prosperity of Australia Essay Example for Free

Prosperity of Australia Essay Presently there are about 3. 6 million people who are living on less than $A400 per week. Around two million Australians are living in poor conditions with only one earning person in a single family. Nearly 700,000 children growing in families where none of both the parents have a full time job. Among the poorest only 20 per cent of population hold government service. The Democrats are debating on the issue of poverty in Australia, with a concrete fact that over the past decades there has been a continuous economic growth in Australia despite of which the poor were worst effected and the prosperity of Australia has not reached the poor. This has been further supported by Government by reducing the incomes of many single parents and of disabled people, which has contributed to the growth of higher poverty. Living in poverty is a struggle and affects families in physical and mental health. It can even be stated here that ‘healthy families make a healthy society’ and societies make a state and healthy states make a healthy nation. The importance and significance of healthy families is much larger and plays a pivotal role in making a happier and prosperous nation. There are segregations about class living and style such as ‘middle class’ ‘upper middle class’, ‘luxurious class’ and last, not least ‘poor class’ which receive a minute attention in all aspects of health care, nutrition and in efforting to make both ends meet which is a great responsibility of governments to provide food and shelter as a basic need for living. The pestilence of poverty is tiresome and requires a great amount of effort and hard work from the end of governments to create job opportunities, encouraging new small and big industries, encouraging basic education and providing some discounted facilities for further advancement in education, creating new and innovative career and job opportunities or self-employment schemes by providing small amount of financial loans from banks to make a living for poor. As a matter of fact, how much ever new jobs are created either in government, public or private sector, many people are still left not having a seat for job which means that public bodies cannot create jobs till the number of zero and it is for the unemployed to seek and find an area of source through which income can be generated on one side and on the other side, make a happy family. In this regard, computer technology offers a multiplex opportunities and with basic knowledge of computer, unemployed can offer services of various kinds and can make a living by setting SOHO (Small office Home office) Such as this, there are many other professional methods to reduce poverty line and introduce better standards of living among poor people, viz., computer technical jobs, software jobs, application jobs and other electronic communication jobs and even industrial and public sector labor jobs can be advantageous to create job opportunities wherein with minimum education, jobs can be suitably found which would at least enable most of the family members to stay in jobs and endeavor to grow further for hike in salaries. However, these are not as easy as stated and it requires more efforts, job and employment schemes from Governments in the interest and prestige of nation. Otherwise, this would further deteriorate the standards of living of children, elderly and ageing couple, single parented families, young people and students and migrants. According to the survey conducted in the year 2001, there are 100,000 people who are homeless and looking for home assistance. Poverty rate in cities is 10. 5 per cent and it is 12 per cent in other states and territories. It is also to be noted that 6 out of 10 poor Australians are living in capital cities which concludes a fact that both regional areas along with cities have to be equally assisted in development of strategies to remove poverty. In March 2004, there were stringent efforts by Senate Community Affairs Committee has issued a report on poverty and financial hardship which stated that â€Å"â€Å"These key findings presented below serve to illustrate a compelling case that Australia will face a crisis of poverty and disadvantage in the coming years. They carry with them the implication that Australians are increasingly at risk of falling into poverty and indeed more so now than at anytime during the post-war era. What is most disturbing however is the common theme that while poverty is becoming more entrenched and more intractable, the Commonwealth is increasingly abrogating its responsibility to tackle this great indignity inflicted on the Australian people. † The Senate Committee further recommended 95 strategies to be implemented in Australia. Some of the important recommendations are viz. , development of a strategy for providing national jobs, focusing on school education, work and training and how to advance in education without deviating from work, research on skills, wages, where the shortage exists, the reasons for low-pay jobs, the problem of casual workers and job insecurity, a guaranteed work experience of six months for those who were without employment for a period of two years, provision of employment security and social security to casual workers by strengthening work environments and poverty proof wage system which has an economic measuring scale for adequate and satisfied living.

The Recruitment and Selection Process

The Recruitment and Selection Process According to Trevor Bolton (1997) recruitment is concerned with the production of the definitions of a job (job descriptions and personnel specifications) and also with attracting the interest of suitably qualified candidates in the vacant position. Recruitment can be defined as a process of attracting individuals on a timely basis, in sufficient numbers and with appropriate qualifications and attitudes and encouraging them to apply for jobs in the organisations (Armstrong, 1999). Furthermore, as per Snell and Bohlander (2007), recruitment is described as the process of locating potential individuals who might join an organisation and encouraging them to apply for existing or anticipated job openings. Similarly, Noe et al (2008) support that recruitment is the practice or activity carried out by the organisation with the primary purpose of identifying and attracting potential employees. On the other hand, Dave Bartram (2000), in his study Internet Recruitment and Selection: Kissing frogs to find princes contradicted that recruitment filters the numbers of applicants down by selecting out those who fail to meet key criteria and that traditionally, recruitment has been required in order to reduce the numbers of applicants to a practical size for the more formal and more resource-intensive select-in assessments (interviews, psychometric tests, assessment centres exercises, etc). Barber (1998) points out that recruitment is an important part of Human Resource management as it performs the essential function of drawing an important resource-human capital into the organisation. Lievens et al (2002) asserted that the war for talent meant that the emphasis in organisations moved from the selection to the attraction of employees, and the labour market. Research by HR prospects (2003) found that recruitment was the second highest priority for HR practitioners (after absence management). Nonetheless, some researchers and practitioners recognise that the recruitment process is complex in nature, mediated by organisational, legislative, social and political requirements and expectations (Courtis, 1994; Hinton, 2000 et al) with a multiple number of stages, activities and characteristics (Barber, 1998; Breaugh, 1992 et al). The major criticism has been the attempt by researchers and practitioners to render the participants, the people and the organisation as objects tha t are controllable and manageable units when applied to rational and scientific methods (Hilton, 2000 et al). Gatewood et al (1993) acknowledge that recruitment is a more complex concept that is influenced by the job choice process of applicants in terms of the series of decisions made about which jobs and organisations to pursue for future employment. 2.1.1.1 Recruitment Policies Trevor Bolton (1997) proposes that policies for recruitment should be: cost effective, be consistent with the wider public relations aim of the organisation as it is important to remember that potential employees are also actual or potential customers and finally should not discriminate against people on the basis of sex, race, age, physical disability or religion. Again, Noe et al (2003) validates that the key policies of recruitment are: attracting a group of potential candidates for existing vacancies, ensuring that fair means and processes are used for all recruitment activities and all recruitment activities should contribute to organisations goals and objectives and thus project a positive organisational image to those who come in contact with it. 2.1.1.2 Recruitment Process Peter Stimpson (2005) described the recruitment process into the following steps: establish the precise nature of the job vacancy and draw up a job description (or specification) draw up a person specification, that is, the type of qualities and skills being looked for in suitable applicants devise a job advertisement reflecting the requirements of the job and the personal qualities looked for. Once the applications have been received, the selection process can begin. 2.1.2 Selection Armstrong (1999) defines selection as the process of choosing from a group of applicants the best suited individual. Also, Dave Bartram (2000) supports that in the selection process; there are various forms of assessments that are used to select those candidates with the best potential for success in the job. Snell and Bohlander (2007) state that selection is the process of choosing individuals who have relevant qualifications to fill existing or projected job openings. In simple terms, selection involves choosing the best applicant to fill a position (Grobler, 2006 et al). 2.1.3 The Recruitment and Selection Process Ideally, the recruitment and selection process is intended to identify prospective employees who will fit well with the hiring organisation. Clark (1992) points out that even a small number of poor staffing decisions can have significant impact upon the goals of the organisation and hence, the Recruitment and Selection process in the Human Resource Management should be efficient. Furthermore, Sheila Rioux and Paul Bernthal (2001) found that better Recruitment and Selection strategies result in improved organisation outcomes. However, it is a complex and expensive process (Sohel Ahmad and Roger G. Schroeder, 2002). Ndunuju Adiele (2009) agrees that the most important job of a HR person is the selection and hiring/recruitment of employees. He also stated that it cannot be faulted that the success of any firm depends on the quality of human resources or talents in that firm and this is why it is very important for any HR expert to be very sure of hiring the right staff without compromis ing anything from the onset. The more effectively organisations recruit and select candidates, the more likely they are to hire and retain satisfied employees. In their study Recruitment and Selection Process in HRM- A case of Bangladesh Open University, MD. Abu Taher and Kamrul Arefin (2000) concern that because of the high cost of poor Recruitment and Selection, if an organisation fails to select the right person, it has to suffer as long as those persons stay in the organisation, even if the quality of service is strongly influenced by the Recruitment and Selection Process in the organisation. 2.1.3.1 Employee Recruitment and Selection process Flow Chart (Figure 1, Appendix I) Optimal match of employee talents with organisational needs Performance Appraisal Training Placement Orientation Initial Screening Recruitment Selection Human resource planning Feedback regarding past and present job performance supervisor/subordinate plans for the future Competence to perform present or future job requirements Understanding of company/ departmental policies, procedures and benefits New employees Cognitive, work sample, or situational tests, personality inventories, polygraphs A smaller pool of qualified candidates Recommendations, reference checks, application blanks, interviews Specification of human resource requirements A pool of qualified candidates Planning, operations, control Job analysis Products Activities Step Source: Wayne F. Casino, 1998 Figure 1. 2.2 E-Recruitment 2.2.1 Evolution of HRM and the internet 2.2.1.1 Internet as a recruiting tool Edgeley (1995) alleged that the future of recruitment is on the net and it is the internet which will bring radical change to corporate recruiting. This claim proved to be true when Kerschbaumer (2000) agreed that it took more than 30 years for radio as a medium to reach 50 million of listeners, and the internet reached 50 millions of users within 5 years. Online recruitment has indeed grown rapidly over the past 10 years and now it is used to a greater extent all over the world by both recruiters and job seekers (Capelli, 2001). The internet first emerged as a recruiting tool in the mid-1990s and was named as recruiting evolution by the media due the benefits it could bring to recruiters (Boydell, 2002). Bush et al (2002) supports that the adoption of the web as a medium has been faster than any other medium in history. In addition, Crispin and Mehler (2006) found that 20 per cent external hires were from corporate sites and another 13 per cent were from jobs boards. Also, in the UK , it was found that two third of the organisations in 2004 used job boards (independent websites which are used to match multiple recruiters to job applicants typically through recruiter advertisements). 2.2.1.2 Shift from traditional way of recruiting and selecting to new way From relevant literature, the traditional recruitment method is the way that a company announce a job opening to the market place through classified advertisement, an executive recruiter, a job fair or other media (Othman Musa, 2006). Web-based technology which has a number of hiring activities can effectively streamline hiring processes by making them faster, more efficient, and less costly. Timeliness is critical to both the candidate and the organisation and unnecessary delays while paper is being routed or data being entered into numerous systems are clearly targets for improvement for the process (A. Walker, 2001). Good candidates are lost by unnecessary delays. In terms of HRM, the internet has changed recruitment from both an organisational and a job seekers point of view (Feldman, 2002, Epstein, 2003, Warner, et al 2005). Traditional recruitment processes are known as being time-consuming with long hiring cycle times, high costs per process and minimal reach to job seekers ( Lee, 2005). In his article Training and human resource issues in small e-business: towards a research agenda, Harry Matlay (2004) drew the same conclusion and argued that in the early 1990, ICT and the internet began impacting on organisational growth, development and competitiveness at both micro- and macro-economic levels and as more and more customers and suppliers began to use the internet, the speed, direction and emphasis on strategic change and competitive drive shifted from traditional trade to online business transactions taking place within a fast growing and rapidly expanding digital economy. 2.2.1.3 Factors contributing to shift Rapid introduction of the internet into the recruitment process can primarily be attributed to the Internets unique communication capabilities which allow for written communication (e-mails and documents) to be transmitted for a second; for organisations and individuals websites to be accessed at the click of a mouse and for real-time conversations (print, audio and visual) to be conducted rapidly (Wyld, Bingham et al, 1997). Similarly, Ulrich (1997) concurs that an emerging HR practice area that will require investment of time, talent and resources needs technology which can help in reducing the tension between strategic and administrative role and can remove part of the administrative responsibility. Furthermore, as per Sharon Hill (2001) the factors behind recruiting via the internet as low cost, reach, speed, ease, coverage and products and services for example, resume databases, online applications, banners, profiles etc. Empirical studies also have helped enormously in finding the factors contributing to the shift from traditional way of recruiting people to new way. For example, David Pollitt (2007), stated in his article Superdrug prescribes e-recruitment to improve talent management, that the HRM manager of the health and beauty retailer Superdrug claimed that it is essential that their recruitment process is as fast and efficient as possible and the launch of their careers websites helped them largely to quickly and efficiently process large numbers of applications and thus reducing the administrative burden of processing CVs. Moreover, M. Voermans and M. Van Veldhoven (2007) in their study about Attitude towards E-HRM: an empirical study at Philips alleges that nowadays companies can seek the possibilities to run HR operations more efficiently due to the swift development of electronic HR systems. Through internet, communication is quick, easy and cheap and it can reach on a local, national and international scale. In addition, Graeme Martin and Martin Reddington (2009) Reconceptualising absorptive capacity to explain the e-enablement of the HR function (e-HR) in organisations validates that HR can claim to help create competitive advantage and align the function of creating added value for managers and employees through efficient information flows by reducing HR transaction costs and Headcount for example, supplying HR information to a large number of people virtually and help in delivering e-training and e-learning to a large number of people. 2.2.2 Online Recruitment E-recruitment, also known within the literature as online recruitment, Internet recruiting or cybercruiting refers to posting vacancies on the corporate web site or on an online recruitment vendors website, and allowing applicants to send their resumes electronically via e-mail or in some electronic format (Galanaki, 2002). Similarly, Lievens and Harris (2003) et al define online recruitment as any method of attracting applicants to apply a job that relies heavily on internet. Furthermore, online recruitment is the method of matching job seekers to employers that has emerged over the last few years, and is growing quickly than any other means (Cooper Robertson, 2003). Therefore it can be summarized that e-recruitment is the use of technology to assist the recruitment process where job vacancies are advertised through world-wide web. Whilst e-recruitment is considered a relatively new concept for many organisations, articles on the topic first started appearing in the mid-1980s (Casper, 1985; Gentner 1984). However, it wasnt until almost a decade later in the mid-1990s that more systematic and rigorous literature and research on e-recruitment began to appear in human resource journals (E.R. Marr, 2007). The rise in the amount of literature in e-recruitment was initially attributed to the sudden increase in the use of online recruitment by IT companies and universities (Galanaki, 2002). Types of E-Recruitment A number of means has led to the increase in the use of the internet as a recruitment source. The three most common means identified by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD, 1999), cited in the article by Galanaki (2002) are: Firstly, the addition of recruitment pages to the organisations existing website. (As indicated by Lee (2005), this avenue is becoming increasingly common primarily as a result of rising costs and inflexibility of using other e-recruitment means and traditional media). Secondly, there is the use of specialised recruitment websites which act as a medium between organisations and potential applicants such as online job boards, job portals, job agencies and online recruiters and finally the use of media sites which involves placing an advertisement in a more traditional media such as newspaper which also has its own website and posts the same advertisement simultaneously in the website, usually for free. Similarly, Preetam Kaushik (2010) in his article E-Recruitment Trends: Internet and the Recruitment Process agrees that E-recruitments are generally done in two different ways. For example, post the company profile and the job specifications on one of the many available job portals and also search the portal to see if any suitable resumes are on the site or alternate is to create an online recruitment page on the companys own website where job seekers can submit their resumes which will get added to the database of the organization for future consideration. Criteria for effective E-Recruitment Arundhati Ghosh (2005): E- Recruitment: The Recent Trend of Recruitment Practices points out that in order to have an effective online recruitment, the organizations should be concerned about various factors such as Return on Investment which should be calculated to compare the costs and risks, the recruitment policy which has to be flexible and proactive to adapt market changes, unemployment rate as the whole process depends on the availability of candidates in the market and for every post, position it is not viable to spend too much of time because these rates will determine whether to be stringent or lenient, the impact of supplying compensation details that are the wage, salary, benefits as compensation rate of the company not only reaches to the candidates but will be known to all, the words that discriminates gender, age, religion and so on have to be avoided, and finally they need to be selective while choosing the sites because when special skill candidates are searched then generic job search sites have to be avoided. 2.3 Advantages and disadvantages of E-Recruitment 2.3.1 Perceived Advantages Given that the average job hunters spend around six to eleven hours each week searching and pursuing suitable positions, the flexibility of the internet is extremely attractive as a means of sourcing jobs (Farris Dumans, 1999). Also, the internet acts as a database of information for organisations, including information pertaining to potential applicants, if organisations know how to find and use it (Gutmacher and Leonard, 2000). According to Gutmacher (2000), Galanaki (2002) et al (2004), the biggest perceived advantage of internet recruiting is that individuals can quickly and easily access information in a wide range of job opportunities twenty-fours a day, seven days a week, reducing the need for employees to actively job hunt whilst performing current job duties, thereby minimising the visibility of the job search. They also further identified that online advertising helps in attracting the interest of high quality people, also known as passive job seekers, who are not actively searching for a job. The information can be passed through friends or collegues who are engaged in online social networking. Feldman and Klaas (2002) also claim that internet is a useful location to generate information on a wide array of industries, companies and search variables including the geographic location, job type or industry type, the remuneration and all when looking for jobs. Furthermore, Bingham et al (2002), Epstein et al (2003) and McCurry (2005) validates that the internet has been classified as an interactive source which helps to engage applicants by providing pertinent and more in-depth information about the job and the organisation through links to tesmonials and employment benefits sites. For organisations, online recruitment provides an opportunity for jobs to be advertised in global, local or niche markets, presenting the flexibility for recruiters to adapt the source to target an identified job market, or allowing for a brand scope of potential applicants by opening the job to the global market (Smith, 2005). Another advantage is that there is a reduction in the time for recruitment as organisations are able to source and process applications round the clock compared to traditional sources (Lee, 2005). Last but not the least, in his article Internet Recruitment, Radcliff (2000) mentions that it is easier for applicants to search for job vacancies and apply online rather than going through newspapers and submitting hard copy resumes to companies. As for Erica Marr (2007) E-Recruitment: The effectiveness of the internet as a recruitment source, she points out that another advantage cited in the literature on e-recruitment is the reduced costs associated with internet advertising compared to print advertising where the size of the advertisement and the publication itself impacts in the cost of posting the advertisement. She also alleges that more people get access to the internet nowadays and consequently there are a limited number of people who bother to read advertisements in newspapers. 2.3.2 Perceived Disadvantages As with all recruitment sources, there are not only unique advantages related to the medium, but there are also a number of shortages identified by a number of authors (Capelli 2001, Feldman et al 2002). Of major concern is the perception that the internet will generate a high quantity of applications. Screening and checking the skill mapping and authenticity of millions of resumes is a problem and time consuming exercise (Carlson, Dessler, Chyna et al, 2002). Moreover, it takes less effort and fewer costs for applicants to store their rà ©sumà © electronically and apply for a job online. Consequently organisations will be receiving a greater number of applications and as a result there will be an increase in costs of administering more in the recruitment and selections systems (Gutmacher 2000, and Smith et al 2004). Austin Texas (2001) in his article Impact of the internet on the recruitment of skilled labour mentions that one of the disadvantages of online recruitment is that there may be low internet penetration and lack of awareness of internet in some remote locations. Galanaki (2002) The decision to recruit online: A descriptive study argues that some large organisations have already found it necessary to officially dedicate one or more recruiters to focus all of their time exclusively to internet recruitment due to the extra time and effort needed for implementation. Referring to CIPD (1999), Galanaki (2002) also noted that many organisations lack the resources or the expertise needed to achieve an integrated e-recruitment process. They have to be ready to deal with the relevant IT tools such as search engines, databases, CV-screening and to undertake a whole change management effort in order to get the employees familiar with the implementation of the necessary tools. Another disadvantage highlighted in the article is that for the majority of job seekers, internet still is not the first option as organisations cannot be dependant solely and totally on the online recruitment methods. Furthermore, the study about E-HR at KPN conducted by David Pollitt (2006) adds that not all companies find it easy to move to e-recruitment. This is because the technology, the processes and the people capability have to be managed simultaneously and the risk that companies face is that HR managers, trying to pay more attention to get the technology right, sometimes give less importance to the processes and the employees. Therefore, there is a need to consider the new system first, prepare the workforce and then embrace the new technology to avoid unplanned circumstances. Another urgent need is to ensure that the organisations senior managers back the changes. Finally, in her article Careers and Employment, Kristian Keefer (2009) sums up the disadvantages as: a company which is hiring online will not have the ability to meet the individual applicants in person before recruiting them; employers might receive the positive impression of someone who ends up not being the best choice for the job; a perfect resume might be received but after contacting the person concerned, the employer may be disappointed if the applicant does not show any interest in the job. This is a waste of time and money. 2.4 Success of E-Recruitment As per D. B. Morin (2000) there are approximately 700 million people using the consumer internet and one of the most usages of the internet is to conduct online job searches, and one of the most searched-on key words is jobs. In short, the internet is fundamentally changing the way the recruitment industry is operating and it can be an extremely effective tool for hiring. Therefore, D. B. Morin (2000) has devised two ways to ensure successful internet recruitment. First and foremost, there is a need to build a recruitment centre within the companys own website. Logically, candidates will first look for jobs on the companys website if they are interested to work in that particular organisation. As a result, they should be able to have access to all the information about the company immediately. However, before adopting this method of recruitment, there are some issues which may have to be taken into consideration. For example, it should be made easy for prospective candidates to find recruitment area. Many online job applications are submitted by  ´passive ´ job seekers, that is, individuals who are not actively seeking a career change, but are intrigued enough by an individual job offer to apply. A conspicuous recruitment area will draw these  ´passive ´ job seekers in. Also, an efficient method of collecting job applications (i.e. will candidates email their rà ©sumà ©s or do you plan to build an online rà ©sumà © builder) can be established. Finally, we have to ensure that there are the resources to provide prompt responses to enquiries and applications.   With close to a billion users online, one good job advertisement could potentially swamp an entire HR department. As technology continues to evolve, there is an ever-increasing array of resume  ´sifting ´ software available. Secondly, we should advertise in websites. According to D. B. Morin (2000), there has been literally an explosion of online career centres, job guides, and recruiting services and there are now over 33,000 career specific websites on the Internet. The primary advantage to advertising our open positions on one or more recruitment websites is our extreme popularity with job seekers. If we are considering placing ads on the Internet, there are a few points to consider when evaluating sites such as does the site target candidates with a high likelihood of appropriate qualification? Is navigating around the site uncomplicated? Is the site professional and is it aligned with our company ´s image? How are postings added to the database and how often can you update or delete your listing? Or how many visits does the site get weekly and monthly? With such a plethora of job sites on the internet now, organisations need to position their job advertisements where they will gain the most exposu re to the most appropriate audiences. Just as there is no one way to recruit, similarly there is no one place to list jobs. Organisations need to employ a combination of recruitment strategies, services and resources to position their job advertisements effectively. By limiting the company ´s recruiting efforts to the Internet, many key applicants could be missed for jobs opportunities. For instance, in a study conducted by Drake Beam Morin (2000), the Internet provided sources for new jobs in only 4% of cases, compared to networking which produced opportunities in 64% of cases studied. The key element to consider for online recruitment is where qualified applicants would most likely look for open positions. Once that is determined, a media plan including a variety of targeted venues can be thoroughly constructed and evaluated. 2.5 Conclusion From the relevant literature, there is an argument that e-recruitment is needed to be used in conjunction with other techniques. Caggiano (1999) and Borck (2000) argue that Internet-based recruiting will not replace traditional practices, but a well-implemented e-recruitment strategy can help the recruitment process become more successful. Internet recruiting should be only one of many tools used to find and recruit applicants. Similarly, Pearce Tuten (2001) pointed out that although the employers see the advantages of e-recruitment, they continued to use traditional methods such as newspaper ads, personal referrals, and search agencies for most of their recruiting. Employer viewed the Internet as an important additional tool. Cullen (2001) also supports that e-recruitment is not treated as a stand-alone human resource tool but is integrated into an overall recruiting and selection strategy that includes, among other things, sophisticated behavioral and skills assessment, interviewing, and additional means of identifying needs and sourcing candidates. Previous studies show that a human resource department still uses both traditional method and e-recruitment in recruiting process. More than 75% of HR professionals are now using Internet job boards in addition to traditional recruiting method (HR Portal, 2003).

Theme Of The Orphan In Charlotte Bronte English Literature Essay

Theme Of The Orphan In Charlotte Bronte English Literature Essay Charlotte Bronte wrote Jane Eyre in 1847, it is a novel which tells the story of Jane who is a young orphan being raised by her aunty. Narrated by the protagonist of the young orphan herself, this novel tells the story of the characters internal development as she undergoes encounters with the outside world. The theme of the orphan in Brontes novel is evidently the stem from which all the other themes lead from. Janes alienation in being an orphan means that she faces struggles throughout her life which she has to overcome in her childhood, relationships with authority figures, and battling to find her own identity. After Jane becomes orphaned she is sent to live with her cruel, wealthy aunt Mrs Reed. Mrs Reed has a servant named Bessie who connects with Jane and provides her with part of the small amount of kindness she encounters throughout the novel, Bessie tells Jane stories and sings to her because of this Jane explains that even for her life had its gleams of sunshine [pp.32]. Towards the beginning Mrs Reed punishes Jane after a fight with her bully cousin John Reed, exclaiming that it is shocking conduct, Miss Eyre, to strike a young gentleman. your master [pp.11] the fact that she describes him as Janes master and not her cousin immediately defines the relationship between Mrs Reed and Jane, Jane is not treated like a relative but more like a slave [pp.11], from her own point of view. Jane is imprisoned in the red room; Jane is terrified of this room because it is the room in which her Uncle Reed died. This is the beginning of what will become an ongoing symbol throughout the rest of the novel, the red room can be viewed as a symbol for something Jane must overcome in her battling to find freedom, happiness and defeat her feeling of isolation. The red rooms importance as a symbol continues as a symbol throughout the novel. It reappears as a memory whenever Jane makes a connection with the place she is at now and the first time she felt ridiculed. Therefore she recalls the experience when she is embarrassed at her new School. Moreover, Jane attends Lowood School, when she initially arrives we strongly recognise her sense of isolation as she instinctively separates herself from the rest of the pupils. That being said, Jane does become intrigued by one girl, Helen Burns who she notices reading a book with an interesting title. Jane later witnesses Miss Scratcherd punishing Helen for having dirty finger nails; Jane is confused that Helen does not defend herself. Jane exclaims When we are struck at without reason, we should strike back again very hard [pp.80], at this point it is made apparent that Jane does not understand authority and the power that her teachers have over her and her fellow classmates. At this point Bronte sets a moral dilemma for Jane, Jane holds great anger towards those who punish her and believes that they should be punished too for doing so. In contrast Helen puts forward the idea that Heathens and savage tribes hold that doctrine; but Christians and civilised nations disown it. [pp.80 ], her argument is that people should be passive and forgiving, an idea that is taught in the New Testament. The moral dilemma that Bronte introduces outlines a new battle for Jane to overcome, should you love your enemy or should you wish them harm? More importantly to Janes current status, should she respect or dismiss the power of authority, particularly the authority of the teachers that are above her now? Janes development is central to the novel; at this point we witness Jane possessing a strong sense of self worth and dignity, a commitment to justice and principles. Lyndall Gordon wrote Literature cannot be the business of a womans life, and it ought not to be.[1] It is hard to define how individual Bronte was in her views today. However, the fact that Bronte created the character of Jane with such a strong personality and passionate nature, conjured up much controversy amongst critics in the sense that at the time females were expected to be calm and gentle, perhaps Jane is a representation of Bronte herself. This mirrors yet another struggle Jane has to overcome, her battling with herself and battling with others over gender roles. Throughout the novel we witness Jane continually struggling to reach equality, Jane needs to fight with those who believe women to be less than men to overcome this constant feeling of oppression. Brontes theme of Jane trying to find her own identity within her gender role, introduces us to two main male characters who threaten Janes battle to find equality and desire to maintain her dignity. The first of these characters is Mr Brocklehurst who is the head teacher of Lowood School. Mr Brocklehurst is a cruel, hypocritical character who explains that Deceit is, indeed, a sad fault in a child [pp.27], Mr Brocklehurst teaches a principle of privation while secretly stealing from the School. Jane goes onto describe seeing herself as transformed under Mr Brocklehurts eye into an artful, noxious child, and what could I do to remedy the injury? [pp.27], once again Jane is being prevented from being herself, she is unable to express herself and her feelings under the power of yet another aut hority figure. It reaches ten years and Jane describes herself as having an insignificant existence [pp.71] she later decides that the only way she can escape this oppression and the feeling of being ostracized is to escape. In her escape she turns to the second of these characters St John Rivers, who along with his sisters provides her with food and shelter. St John is cold and largely controlling in his interactions with others, meaning that yet again Jane is unable to feel free. St Johns controlling nature is witnessed through the actions of the females that surround him, and it is clear that he too believes women to be inferior to men. On Janes arrival she is greeted by Miss Varens who explains she will be happy to have Jane staying with them as Leah is a nice girl to be sure, and John and his wife are very decent people; but they are only servants, and one cant converse with them on terms of equality. [pp.83], if St John and his family were to talk to their servants the same wa y they talk to each other then, they would lose their authority. This conversation allows the reader to anticipate Janes future living in Thornfiled, although discussing servants, we instantly imagine that Jane will not find the freedom she had hoped for living under the care of St John. As the story continues Jane is faced with a dilemma when she can choose to marry St John. Each male character in Janes life appears to keep her in a submissive position, in her search for independence, self knowledge and freedom Jane must reject St John. Jane values intellectual and emotional fulfilment, her strong belief in gender and social equality challenges the Victorian prejudices against women and the poor. Jane Eyre is considered to be one of the first realistic exposures of a womans thoughts that were at the time considered to be wrong for a lady in the 19th century. That being said other criticism argues that this writing is a tradition of feminist discourse that originated fifty five years before Jane Eyre appeared, when Mary Wollstonecroft published A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792). [2]. Moreover, whilst being sheltered by St John, Rochester is introduced to us; he is Janes employer and the master of Thornfield. St John serves as a foil to Rochester, while Rochester is passionate John is austere and ambitious. Rochester is considered a just and liberal landlord by his tenants. he has travelled a great deal, and seen a great deal of the world [pp.91] he has travelled in an attempt to avoid youthful indiscretions , Rochesters problems are partly a result of his own recklessness. Jane must reject John and come to Rochester after ensuring that they may marry as equals. This condition is met after Jane proves herself able to be independant, she does not want to depend on Rochester solely for love and she can be independent financially. The battle then lies in the offers she receives from both John and Rochester, Rochester initially offers Jane a chance to liberate her passions; however Jane realises that this kind of freedom could also mean enslavement, by living as his mistress she would be giving away her dignity as a sacrifice for her feelings. On the other hand, John offers Jane a different type of freedom, the freedom to act on her values, he offers her the opportunity to live and work with him in India. However Jane again decides this would also act as a form of enslavement, in the sense that she would be forced to keep her feelings and her own passions hidden, as John does himself. Like the red room, Johns proposal dangers Janes emotional and intellectual feelings and would form further isolation for her. After Jane gains financial independence and asserts herself she can marry Rochester and find freedom in marriage. Jane does not want to depend of Rochester for love and the ending appears ironic, Rochester is blind and therefore it is he that becomes dependant on her. The fact that Jane Eyre is an orphan can undeniably take blame for the battles Jane faces throughout her life. This novel is very much a story about a quest for love, because Jane was an orphan she searches for more than romantic love. Jane has a quest to find acceptance, the feeling of being valued and of belonging. Jane does not want to lose her dignity and therefore struggles with her decision on who to marry, she needs to be independent and find equality in her relationship. Janes obsession with equality clearly stems from her being an orphan, and the fact that she was ill treated by her Aunt Reed. Moreover, her struggles with morality and authority also relate back to her Aunt, she fails to understand at home and at School why she should respect a figure that treats her badly and because of this she struggles with her own morality. Brontes novel appears highly controversial to its time in the sense that it raises feminist issues, that being said, its issues tackle what can be a reality of the effects of a child becoming an orphan, and therefore can still hold relevance to todays society.

Graduation Speech -- Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

Thank you President Rou, Thank you County School of Education but more specifically, a special Thank You to the Human Services Department and that includes faculty, administration, and fellow students. Thank You! Parents, Family Members, Relatives, Friends, Educators, Alumni, Turner Kids, and Graduates, We made it! Everybody give these graduates a-round of applause. Graduates give yourselves a-round of applause. Yes, we made it. We made it through all those late nights studying, studying in the early mornings, and we made it through cramming studies all night long. We made it through many obstacles placed in front of us, that we thought we could never overcome, but we made it. We made it through all the tests and papers, the research, the reading, the reading, and more reading, which was assigned, to us, and somehow we made it. But how were we able to keep our lives somewhat manageable throughout all this you might have asked? The answer is simple, the Educators of Western Washington University has shaped us, molded us, and guided us to become the leaders that it took for us to become, to make it here today. There were times I wondered if it would ever end. Or, I would think, what am I doing? It seemed as though I was studying around the clock everyday. Days were rolling into days and I often asked different people, what day is it? I began questioning the amount of work, because my original intentions was to go to school so I could earn more money and work less, which begged the questions; was this a set-up? Am I being trained and conditioned to work this hard after I graduate? Is this normal? Well, my fellow Graduates, because of the hard work and the abnormal lifestyle it took to acquire this degree, I learned that the... ...bout to put each and every one of us in a category where we can say, I am one of the 20% all the citizens in the United States with a college degree, and I am one of the 2% of all the people in the whole world, with a college degree. So you see, we really do deserve to be congratulated. So when we leave here today and set out on our path toward serving others, and making a difference in our world, whether that be shaping, molding, and guiding our children for a better future, leaving the ballot box after casting our vote for whoever, or whatever issue, or leading a march for a worthy cause, whether we stand-alone or we stand as a part of multitudes, We Need To Lift Our Heads Up High, Stand Tall, And Stand Proud because we are now, graduates of Western Washington University, and for that I congratulate you. May GOD Bless You In All Your Future Endeavors! GO Vikings!