Managing People†Lenovo China Essay

Summary This assignment expresses and evaluates the Lenovo China’s human resource management from five parts. At stating, it introduces simply the history of Lenovo China. Then, describing and analysing approach of people management in Lenovo is the key point through five elements of overall approach, system of rewarding performance, employees’ recruitment, methods to improve development employees and the appraisal of individual performance. In particularly, the last three is talked mainly. However, the appraisal system has a little problem. Next, it mentions the leadership of Lenovo China which is mixture Chinese and western style. At end of the assignment, it gives some personal idea and recommendations on the appraisal system. 1.0Introduction The report will appraise human recourse management and give recommendations for Lenovo China. At beginning, it will introduce the background of Lenovo China. Then it will describe Lenovo China’s approach of people management from five aspects. Especially, it will focus on selecting and developing employees as well as the appraisal. Then it will talk about Lenovo China’s leadership and organizational culture. Finally, it will give personal opinions on Lenovo China and evaluation. 2.0People management in Lenovo China 2.1Introduction of Lenovo China The Lenovo China was established in 1984, turning the name of â€Å"Personnel Department† into â€Å"Human Resources Department† in 1995 when they had been an increasing awareness of the importance of persons (Ge, 2004). Nowadays, Lenovo China was a successful company because Lenovo China had ranked NO.450 in the ranking of the fortune Global 500 (CNN, 2011). 2.2Approach of People management in Lenovo China 2.2.1Overall approach The overall approach of Lenovo China is the mixture of classical approach and modern management theory with combination of X and Y theory (Mullins, 2010). In classical approach (Mullins, 2010), Lenovo China do not use absolute power and control over people. They think highly of human resource, because they know the importance of the talents (Ren, 2003). In addition, Lenovo China’s leaders also communicate with employees and listen to their opinions in order to gain their trust, which could obtain more ideas for development of the corporation. In spite of this, Lenovo China still have a complete set of the corporation system to manage people (Pi, 2011). In Lenovo China, as employees are doing any work, they must comply with these three principles: 1.insisting on working according to the rules if there are rules. 2. Working according to the rules in advance and coming up with recommendations timely, if the rules are not reasonable. 3. Applying and working according to the cultural value criteria of Lenovo China, if there are no rules (Pi, 2011). Employees of Lenovo China are in a condition of relative strict control, but they will be provided properly freedom to conduct activities and take responsibilities. For instance, technicians in Lenovo China have rights to adjusting their work hours with freedom (Deng, 2002). Thus, Lenovo China could offer opportunities to fulfil their ego needs. The overall approach is with Chinese and western characteristics of management and combine well these two management model. Lenovo China do not allow individualism like America, but they advocate collectivism. However, they are not like the old Chinese management model—centralization. Thus, the new generations can not only fulfil themselves but enjoy freedom at the same time. There are rules to control yet. 2.2.2System of rewarding performance Lenovo China apply mainly the Alderfer’s ERG theory (Mullins, 2010) to motivate employees, because they have two approaches which are physical satisfaction and psychological satisfaction (Pi, 2011). At beginning, for old generations of Lenovo employee, they have higher psychological demands. In addition to prove that their own knowledge can transform into treasures, their purposes are concerns about development of China. These people do not ask for much in physical satisfaction (Ren, 2003). On the contrary, there is a strong collective sense of honour between the old generations of Lenovo people. Hence, the motivation for them is development of collective spirit and motivation of goals (Ren, 2003). Further, at present, the new generations of Lenovo people is primarily motivated by physical satisfaction, because a plenty of foreign corporations and joints ventures were entering into China after the 1990s with offering high wage to attract diverse people, it threatened state-owned enterprises (Ren, 2003). However, nowadays, Lenovo China’s physical satisfaction includes several sides: salary, bonus, welfare and warrants. Bones have company’s, departmental and individual (Ren, 2003). For example, the half of the excess complete part shall be handed over to the corporation, and their department will dispose the rest of part to reward or give welfare (Pi, 2011). Welfare is normal welfare, such as insurance and housing public fund and so on. However, Lenovo China take the high standard. For instant, government has set a rule that each person have to save the 4 percent to8 percent of salary for the housing public fund, then Lenovo China will save the 8 percent for employe es (Ren, 2003). The advantage of method of motivation is that employee could be stimulated to devote oneself to fulfilment of overall objectives and personal expectations. In addition, the ways of stimulations of Lenovo China are very reasonable, because it is according to difference of various people to provide distinct stimulation, such as different personality, knowledge and features of jobs (Deng, 2003). Nevertheless, the more physical reward, the more expectations. Overmuch physical reward could not exactly stimulate improvement of employees, to the contrary, it perhaps leads the employee to be greedy and get private benefit without thinking of organizational goals. 2.2.3Recruiting and selecting employees The process of selecting employees in Lenovo China is very strict. There are two aspects which are inside recruitment and outside recruitment (Mullins, 2010). Inside recruitment involve choosing managers from within the organization, however, Lenovo China adhere to observe their abilities in same working conditions rather than proud achievements in the past (Deng, 2002), which is special. In addition, outside recruitment needs to hire new from outside by put up the information of campus recruitment at first (Pi, 2011). Then, beside testing of quality and evaluation of comprehensive capacityï ¼Å' Lenovo China also have a face to face conversation (Deng, 2002). There are nine questions Lenovo will ask: 1.self introduction, 2. what do you do in your company and what does your company do, 3. your superiorities and tell why Lenovo need you, 4. your weaknesses,5.do you have some suggestions for Lenovo,6.do you have wallet, 7.do watch the news, 8.what do you think of the job you apply and how to do well, 9.contrast with Lenovo and other brand, and the their advantages(Shi, 2008). Moreover, Lenovo China are willing to recruit the young who graduate from a higher institution, such as, Tsinghua University, Peking University and Beijing Science and Technology University and so on. In order to contest with competitors to seeking the persons with ability of professional technique and senior management, Lenovo China held recruiting activities in universities in advance, and conducting activities was earlier than foreign companies in each year. These activities included publicity of idea of Lenovo China and a meeting between students and outstanding employees with an on-site consultation of employment. Further, Lenovo China sponsored a competition of website designation for the national college students and set up a special award (Pi, 2011). Providing these opportunities helps Lenovo China to better promote their own and attract graduated students and graduands effectively. Moreover, nowadays, Lenovo china â€Å"focus on people who operate effectively on a global scale, regardless of their birth country†(Hegar and Hodgetts, 2011 p. 536). Lenovo China had appointed William Amelio who was an American executive from DELL in late 2005 (Schuman, 2010). However, in those years, â€Å"Lenovo was missing out on the faster-growing segments of PC markets† (Schuman, 2010 p.2). It demonstrated that foreign was not quit knowing about Chinese markets. 2.2.4Methods to improve development of employees Lenovo China emphasize training and retaining employees via four methods, because all of these trainings and results are associated with promotion (Wang, 2006). At first, each employee must be working from bottom of the corporation, then, having promotion step by step, due to organizational culture though this process being inherited and absorbed preferably(Ren, 2003). Secondly, they will choose those employees who are the most improved employees to training by experienced leaders teaching young challengers who will be the deputy jobs (Ren, 2003). Thirdly, it is essential to training coordinated operational capacity through teaching how to build teams (Ren, 2003). Finally, Lenovo China deem to be substance that is an assurance to attract talented persons, such as, giving ten present of stock of coordination, bonus and social welfare according to taking highest standards (Ren, 2003), especially, having vacation with salary and rewarding immediately (Deng, 2002). In addition, with regard to new employments, they all require to attend various oriented trainings. Then, they need to gradually accept trainings of organizational culture, generic skills and aspects of business and management (Deng, 2002). What’s more, though a series of trainings results, evaluation of specialists and 360 degree feedback analyse what aspects of the employees need to strengthen. Next, Lenovo China consider what aspects employees require to train according to their own development. Combination of two parts determines content of training of these employees and the whole year training plans. (Wang, 2006) On the other hand, the method of dismissal and post changing is an old way, but it is popular with employees. When an employee could not exactly exert his knowledge in his position, leaders will consider to giving his chance to check his ability by giving his specific objects. If he could deal with, it illustrates that the thoughts of leader has deviation. If he failed, the leader will have a personal talk when he admits his faults, the leader will continue to supply an opportunity to him. If he could not success until the third opportunity, he will meet refresh the position he stays at present. Then, even if the leader give him a demotion with the same wage as before (Deng, 2002), meanwhile, he will feel not uncomfortable. To conclude, it is a hommization management respecting for each member of the development, providing space of development and helping. 2.2.5The appraisal of individual performance Lenovo China pay attention to performance and ability with very strict appraisal of individual performance (Wang, 2006). Human resource department and every department of managers implement and control the appraisal through two ways which are performance measures and capability assessment. Performance was measured by quantitative evaluation of quality and quantity and cost of accomplished work and other contributions for company. Capability assessment involves work ability, work attitude and potential development (Wang, 2006). Moreover, there are four forms to apprise: superiors to subordinates, staff in the same level, subordinates to superiors, and the department to the department. Meanwhile, Lenovo China use questionnaires for departments evaluate each others in each year (Wang, Zhao and Li, 2009). Furthermore, each leaders and employees should set objectives they want to achieve in each quarter and year and describe what the goals are and list specifically. In the end of each year and quarter, Human resource department and every department of managers have to exam whether the work is achieved and how the quality of work results is (Wang, 2006). In a word, salary decision, promotion and content of trainings are based on these results of the appraisal (Wang, Zhao and Li, 2009). The advantage of the appraisal of individual performance is realizing the importance of taking responsibility by encouraging employees to put their own objectives into enterprise goals (Deng, 2002). In addition, it could supervise the accomplishment of the work. Further, organization could monitor and measure the performance with fairness. However, the appraisal of Lenovo China has disadvantages that employees are evaluated by managers. Due to unsteady factors like personal factors and environmental factors, the result of appraisal will be influenced. What’s more, sometimes emotional problems extremely affect results of evaluation in the process of the appraisal. Some performances are easy to measure like sales, but some are not. 2.3Lenovo China’s leadership Recently, the news said Liu ChuanZhi resigned Chairman of Lenovo China but be an honorary Chairman; what’s more, Yang YuanQing became the Chief executive officer and Chairman (Lenovo, 2011). Liu ChuanZhi, as one of pioneer of the Lenovo China, he creates lots of legends. Therefore, he has his own leadership style. He is more like a participative style of leadership. Liu ChuanZhi always let them raise their new idea, he just inspire them to bring up new thoughts without managing specific matters (Deng, 2002). Moreover, Yang YunQing’s management model is incomplete directive leadership, because he gives his advice at beginning, and then let employees give their views, and at last, he makes decision (Deng, 2002). Consequently, they have a common point which is allowing employees to participate in process of making decisions. They both wish employees’ creative power to get close to organizational goals (Deng, 2002). Hence, this way of encouragement is a great opportunity to fulfil ego needs. In addition, Liu ChuanZhi has distinctive personality and strong charisma which convinces employees, because he is a man of his words, which shows not only in high demands to him but his accomplished commitments for shareholders and employees (Deng, 2002). 2.4Lenovo China’s organizational culture Liu ChuanZhi pays more attention on organizational culture, because it is a representative of Lenovo China and has significance of goals accomplishment (Ren, 2003) like task culture (Mullins, 2010). â€Å"It is reflected in the statement: We do what we say and own what we do (Lenovo, 2011)†. There are four major organizational cultures. Firstly, Lenovo China quite advocate spirit of cooperation, because Lenovo China believe that it is a requirement of maintaining a consistent team (Deng, 2002). Secondly, they emphasize spirit of struggle, because Liu ChuanZhi said that five percent of hope turned into one hundred percent of reality. For example, in 1991, Lenovo Hong Kong had loss of more than fifty million Hong Kong dollars in three months, Lenovo overcame. As a result, Liu ChuanZhi suffered Meniere’s from syndrome (Deng, 2002). Thirdly, great reputation and credit is life of corporation. There are two types which are individuals and corporation. Individual reputation and credit means that working seriously and doing what they had said can win the trust of users, colleagues, subordinates and superior. The reputation and credit of corporation came from satisfaction of users. Lenovo China would rather lose money than lose credibility and reputation (Deng, 2002). For instance, in 2003, the rate of bad account is less than 0.005% (Ren, 2003). Fourthly, innovation and study are one of the cultural of corporation (Deng, 2002). Today’s successes are result from Lenovo China innovating and studying continually. Further, there is a special organizational culture; they have a â€Å"CTIME† for encouraging communicating like a friend. Meanwhile, CTIME means coffee time. Each afternoon at 1o’clock, employees and leaders go to the third floor and can talk easily. Especially, leaders will pay employees for coffee every Tuesday which is for encouraging friendly c ommunication from each other (Pi, 2011). Therefore, the culture of Lenovo China is successful to let employees have cohesions through communication and teamwork. In addition, the efficiency of execution is high because of nice teamwork. Overall, it is a relative perfect culture. 3.0Personal opinions on Lenovo China If there is an opportunity to work in Lenovo China, â€Å"YES† is the answer. At starting, this is a big and well-know corporation. For ego needs, it is based on satisfaction of physical needs at first, like food, clothes and so on. In addition, leadership in Lenovo China is different from other old state-enterprises, because it can produce a sense of belonging through each involvement of employees. When employees contribute to Lenovo China, it is important to embody the meaning of individual existence. They are not complete power control but participative style. Thus, there are more spaces to allow employees to develop strengths though proper freedom. Moreover, the relationship of colleagues is fair competitions instead of vicious and harmful competitions, which makes employments safety. Due to Lenovo China advocating friendly communication between leaders and employees, this policy can get rid of estrangement between people and give enough respect for employees which is attractive. Hence, ego needs could be satisfied. Then, for individual development, Lenovo China offer relevant help. They choose training employees to learn new skills for free, because they have their own training base. Apart from the theoretical knowledge, there are leaders passing on knowledge of their experiences which is treasure and cannot learn from books directly. However, the appraisal of individual performance has a little problem which is evaluation with personal emotions. Perhaps, it is unavoidable, but it can be evaluated through various channels. For example, individual evaluation could do like department appraisal which is evaluated by doing questionnaires in other departments, managers and employees. In other words, the appraisal of individual performance can be evaluated by colleagues, managers and users. 4.0Conclusion In conclusion, it can be seen then that Lenovo China’s people management is relatively successful. Success of Lenovo China is showed on three parts which are approach of people management, leadership and organizational culture. In particularly, in part of approach, it focuses on three aspects which are selecting employees and how to develop employees and the appraisal system. Especially, it indicates that the appraisal of individual performance has shortage. In addition, it mentions that organizational culture is the core of corporation. Finally, it gives opinions on human relation of Lenovo China and reasons. Reference CNN. 2011. Annual ranking of the world’s largest corporations [On-line]. CNN Money. Available from: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/global500/2011/full_list/401_500.html [Accessed 11 December 2011]. Deng, Z.H. 2002. The human resource management of legend. Hohhotï ¼Å¡Publication of the people of Inter Mongolia Ge, X. 2004. To discuss the Manpower Recourses Management of Legend Grow up. Journal of Liaoning Business Vocational College, 63(2), 18-19. [On-line]. Wang Fang Data. Available from: http://d.g.wanfangdata.com.cn/Periodical_lnswzyxyxb200402009.aspx [Accessed 11 December 2011]. Hegar,K.W.and Hodgetts R.M. 2011. Modern human relations at Work. Google Books. Available from: http://books.google.com.au/books?id=kleg0QYjidUC&pg=PA536&dq=Lenovo+China+human+resource&hl=zh-CN&ei=BL_lTuqtHMSaiAf9v8y2BQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=book-preview-link&resnum=2&ved=0CEMQuwUwAQ#v=onepage&q=Lenovo%20China%20human%20resource&f=false [Accessed 12 December 2011] Lenovo. 2011. Our Company [On-line]. Lenovo. http://www.lenovo.com/lenovo/ca/en/our_company.html [Accessed 15 December 2011] Mullins, L.J. 2010. 9nd ed. Management & organizational behavior. London: Prentice Hall Pi. B.W. 2011. Liu ChuanZhi: Diaries of Managing Lenovo. Beijing: China Railway Publication. Shi,Y.Y. 2008. Analyses and Enlightenment of the model of human resource management. Industrial and science Tribune, 7(12), 250-251. [On-line]. Wang Fang Data. Available from: http://d.g.wanfangdata.com.cn/Periodical_cyykjlt200812123.aspx [Accessed 12 December 2011] Ren, X. 2003. Liu ChuanZhi discussing experience of Lenovo China. Beijing ï ¼Å¡Thread Binding Books publishing House Wang, J.P. 2006. Lenovo:How to turn students into elites. Computer Education, (9), 66-69. [On-line]. Wang Fang Data. Available from: http://d.g.wanfangdata.com.cn/Periodical_jsjjy200609021.aspx. [Accessed 13 December 2011] Zhang, Y.S., Zhao, M.X. and Li, J. 2009. Human Resources Management Cases Series. Beijing: China Social Sciences Press

Is College Worth the Costs? Essay

â€Å"Higher education can’t be a luxury, it’s an economic imperative that every family in America should be able to afford.† These are the words spoken on the 2012 campaign trail by president Barack Obama, on the importance of higher education. The cost for a college education is a big conversation in many American homes, as well as in Washington. Families are deciding if they will be able to send their children to college due the high and rising cost of a college degree. Sadly, some of them are choosing to bypass college because they believe that the price is too high. Those who believe college is no longer worth the money think the risk of not finding a job is too high, the amount of debt incurred is ridiculous, and the financial effects on the economy are devastating. Although many of these points are true, college graduates tend to live longer, happier lives, are in better financial standing, and fill the critical demands of skilled professions. College tuition prices have increased rapidly over the past few decades, putting a damper on the idea of attending. In the last decade alone, tuition and room and board prices have increased by 23% at private institutions, and 36% at public ones (Mandel 1). It’s to be expected that since the price of almost of everything has increased the last decade due to the economy, that education would too. But, the hike in the price of college tuition has surpassed inflation, making it difficult for almost all middle class Americans to finance a higher education. The argument, though, is not if families can afford to send their children to college; it’s if they believe that a college education is still worth the high cost it entails. Despite the increases in education costs, higher education is still important, though it may be harder to obtain. The risky job market is a reason students are choosing to bypass college. Along with high tuition prices, the job market for recent graduates is unstable. In the previous 2012 presidential election, a big topic in the live debates were that recent college graduates were unable to find jobs in their field, and if they did, most of the time they were most of the time,  underpaid. This is a scary situation that graduates hope they never have to deal with. New graduates are hoping for a solid job upon graduating from college to pay for their previous four years, and to start their careers and lives. The problem can be summarized by the statement, â€Å"Indeed, 60 percent of the increased college graduate population between 1992 and 2008 ended up in these lower skilled jobs, raising real questions about the desirability of pushing to increase the proportion of Americans attending and graduating from four year colleges and universities† (Duke 3). If graduating from college means spending thousands of dollars to end up with the same job you would have if you didn’t go to college, people are asking, â€Å"what is the point?† More people are starting to realize this, and though students are still attending college, they are thinking hard about the possible risk of not getting the job of their choice after graduating. Sadly, some of them are turning down college because of the worry of not being able to find a job. Of course there are risks with every decision someone makes, and by attending college one is at risk of not finding a open position in their field and having to settle for something less. But there are also risks of not attending college. These risk include the health and well-being of one’s self. Whether or not one finds the right job after graduating, the education and skills acquired still stays throughout their life. This involves learning and practicing healthy habits. Studies have shown that those who earn college degrees are more likely to live happier healthier lives than those who don’t. A report done by the Commission on Heath stated â€Å"that those with more education are likely to live longer, experience better health outcomes, and practice healthy behaviors like exercise, avoiding smoking, and getting regular checkups† (â€Å"The Happy State† 7). Those who are highly educated, have learned the importance of health and wellness, and usually live lives that reflect that. Living a healthier life includes: living longer, seeking more prosperous relationships, and having better community connections. Pew Research on Social and Demographic Trends, found that those who have graduated college are significantly happier than those will a high school diploma or less (â€Å"Are We Happy Yet?†). So although the risk of not finding a job after graduating is very real, one should consider the  risk of not attending school. Unfortunately, people tend to think more about wealth and not health when deciding whether or not to pursue a college degree. Students are accumulating massive debt, causing some to believe a higher education is not worth the large loans they are forced to take out. With higher tuition bills, students are have to take out more loans, leaving them with a large debt to pay after graduating. In 2012, the average loan debt for college graduates was $27,000, which is more than double from five years ago (Ross 7). No one wants to start their careers with an overwhelming amount of loan debt. Therefore, many students are justified in skipping college to jump straight into a job where the money they will be making will not have to go toward paying off school debt. A $27,000 debt upon graduating is not usually a selling point for prospective students deciding if attending college is a smart decision. To help cut down on the amount of loans one has to take out, universities are generous with financial aid. A majority of students earn some sort of financial aid, whether it be academic or need based. These financial grants and scholarships can significantly reduce the amount of money needed to finance a college education. In a study done on Dickinson College, in 2007 the average discount rate for first-years was 30 percent. It was also states that the average at liberal arts colleges is 40 percent (Massa and Parker 94). So, even though the students are forced to take out more loans to pay for college, obtaining financial aid by doing well in high school can reduce the amount needed to pay for college. Along with cutting down on expenses by taking advantage of financial aid awards, earning more money in a lifetime is a smart reason to go to college. College graduates make significantly more money in their lifetime. Though many high school graduates are eager to start making money, investing time and money into a college degree will end up being a bigger pay out in the end. The amount of money earned in a lifetime with a degree exceeds the amount of loans that one owes. According to the research done, â€Å"college graduates earn, on average, about $20,000 a year more than those who  finished their educations at high school. Add that up over a 40-year working life and the total differential is about $800,000[†¦]† (Clark 3). Even though there are rare cases where students end up making a large amount of money without a college degree, like Microsoft founder Bill Gates, the chances of one finding a high paying job without a college education is slim. So even though incurring debt is unattractive, the amount of money earned by obtaining a college degree is worth having to pay back college loans. An effect of borrowing so much money from the government and not finding a decent job, students are not able to make loan payments. This not only hurts the students but the economy as a whole. When graduates are not able to pay back the money they owe, the federal government suffers and loses money. The â€Å"delinquencies† of student loans is now higher than credit cards, mortgages, and all other kinds of consumer loans. The federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has stated that student debt has surpassed $1 trillion (Coy 1). As the economy incurs more of this debt, taxpayers are forced to pay more. This issue has greatly impacted not only students and their families, but the older generations. Other generations now believe that students are not able to pay their school debt, convincing them that college is not worth the enormous amount of debt that affects not only the graduates. Although it is true that defaulted loans hurt the economy, the nation still needs skilled employees with college degrees to fill critical professions. These graduates play a big role in the furthering of society. It is no new information most people believe a college education is the first step in becoming successful. Many believe an education opens doors and opportunities in the world to become prosperous. In fact, President Obama has greatly promoted higher education during his terms. He even donated most of his $1.4 million Nobel Peace Prize Award to support those who cannot afford a college education (Beaver 21). America needs higher educated people to make advancements in technology, medicine, and relations. Imagine for a moment that everyone decided that a college education was not worth it. Yes, the economy would not acquire as much debt, but who would continue to make  advancements in science, treat the sick, or deal with foreign nations? Nations around the world are competing with the United States academically; as a result of this, countries like China, are making strides economically and technologically, competing with the U.S. as the worlds largest super power. A economic crisis like the one the United States is in now requires highly skilled professionals and leaders to make smart and effective decisions to better the country. These professionals are produced through higher education and knowledge. Without college graduates, there is no hope for bettering society. So, is college worth the costs? Many skeptical people believe that today it isn’t. Because of the risky job market, where recent college graduates are not able to find a job, or at least one in their field of study, students have chosen to skip college. Also, students are finding themselves struggling to afford the high tuition prices of most universities. The high tuition bills force students to rely on loans to pay for a degree, and when they cannot find jobs to pay back those loans, they default on those loans hurting themselves and the economy. These reasons have caused families to rethink attending college, and although they are legitimate reasons, there are still important reasons as to why college is worth the investment. It has been shown that those with a college education live happier, healthier lives. Graduates make significantly more money in a lifetime and are more financially stable. Lastly, people with higher education are essential for the country. Their knowledge makes the advancements needed to maintain a prosperous nation. Health, money, and social progression is why investment of a college education is worth the cost, even if the price is high. Works Cited Beaver, William. â€Å"Do We Need More College Graduates?.† Society 47.4 (2010): 308-311. Academic Search Complete. Web. 4 Nov. 2013. Clark, Kim. â€Å"How Much Is That College Degree Really Worth?† US News. U.S.News & World Report, 30 Oct. 2008. Web. 27 Oct. 2013. â€Å"College Grads Happier.†Pew Social Demographic Trends RSS. Pew Research Center, 3 Nov. 2010. Web. 02 Dec. 2013. Coy, Peter. â€Å"The Needless Tragedy Of Student Loan Defaults.† Businessweek.Com (2012): 3. Business Source Complete. Web. 4 Nov. 2013. Duke, Selwyn. â€Å"DIPLOMA DISASTER? (Cover Story).† New American (08856540) 29.15 (2013): 10-15. Academic Search Complete. Web. 30 Oct. 2013. Mandel, Michael. â€Å"College: Rising Costs, Diminishing Returns.† Businessweek 4148 (2009): 20. Business Source Complete. Web. 30 Oct. 2013. Massa, Robert J., and Annette S. Parker. â€Å"Fixing the Net Tuition Revenue Dilemma: The Dickinson College Story.†Strategic Financial Challenges for Higher Education: How to Achieve Quality, Accountability, and Innovation. By Donna Klinger and Lucie Lapovsky. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2008. 93-94. Print. Ross, Andrew. â€Å"Mortgaging The Future: Student Debt In The Age Of Austerity.† New Labor Forum (Murphy Institute) 22.1 (2013): 23-28. Business Source Complete. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. â€Å"The Happy State of College Graduates.†-. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Oct. 2013.

The Host Chapter 35: Tried

I groaned. My head felt all swirly and disconnected. My stomach rolled nauseatingly. â€Å"Finally,† someone murmured in relief. Ian. Of course. â€Å"Hungry?† I thought about that and then made an involuntary gagging sound. â€Å"Oh. Never mind. Sorry. Again. We had to do it. People got all†¦ paranoid when we took you outside.† â€Å"‘S okay,† I sighed. â€Å"Want some water?† â€Å"No.† I opened my eyes, trying to focus in the darkness. I could see two stars through the cracks overhead. Still night. Or night again, who knew? â€Å"Where am I?† I asked. The shapes of the cracks were unfamiliar. I would swear I'd never stared at this ceiling before. â€Å"Your room,† Ian said. I searched for his face in the darkness but could only make out the black shape that was his head. With my fingers, I examined the surface I lay on; it was a real mattress. There was a pillow under my head. My searching hand touched his, and he caught my fingers before I could withdraw them. â€Å"Whose room is it really?† â€Å"Yours.† â€Å"Ian†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"It used to be ours-Kyle's and mine. Kyle's being†¦ held in the hospital wing until things can be decided. I can move in with Wes.† â€Å"I'm not taking your room. And what do you mean, until things can be decided?† â€Å"I told you there would be a tribunal.† â€Å"When?† â€Å"Why do you want to know?† â€Å"Because if you're going through with that, then I have to be there. To explain.† â€Å"To lie.† â€Å"When?† I asked again. â€Å"First light. I won't take you.† â€Å"Then I'll take myself. I know I'll be able to walk as soon as my head stops spinning.† â€Å"You would, wouldn't you?† â€Å"Yes. It's not fair if you don't let me speak.† Ian sighed. He dropped my hand and straightened slowly to his feet. I could hear his joints pop as he stood. How long had he been sitting in the dark, waiting for me to wake? â€Å"I'll be back soon. You might not be hungry, but I'm starving.† â€Å"You had a long night.† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"If it gets light, I won't sit here waiting for you.† He chuckled without humor. â€Å"I'm sure that's true. So I'll be back before that, and I will help you get where you're going.† He leaned one of the doors away from the entrance to his cave, stepped around it, and then let it fall back into place. I frowned. That might be hard to do on one leg. I hoped Ian truly was coming back. While I waited for him, I stared up at the two stars I could see and let my head slowly become stationary. I really didn't like human drugs. Ugh. My body hurt, but the lurching in my head was worse. Time passed slowly, but I didn't fall asleep. I'd been sleeping most of the last twenty-four hours. I probably was hungry, too. I would have to wait for my stomach to calm before I was sure. Ian came back before the light, just as he'd promised. â€Å"Feeling any better?† he asked as he stepped around the door. â€Å"I think so. I haven't moved my head yet.† â€Å"Do you think it's you reacting to the morphine, or Melanie's body?† â€Å"It's Mel. She reacts badly to most painkillers. She found that out when she broke her wrist ten years ago.† He thought about that for a moment. â€Å"It's†¦ odd. Dealing with two people at once.† â€Å"Odd,† I agreed. â€Å"Are you hungry yet?† I smiled. â€Å"I thought I smelled bread. Yes, I think my stomach is past the worst.† â€Å"I was hoping you'd say that.† His shadow sprawled out beside me. He felt for my hand, then pulled my fingers open and placed a familiar round shape in it. â€Å"Help me up?† I asked. He put his arm carefully around my shoulders and folded me up in one stiff piece, minimizing the ache in my side. I could feel something foreign on the skin there, tight and rigid. â€Å"Thanks,† I said, a little breathless. My head spun slowly. I touched my side with my free hand. Something adhered to my skin, under my shirt. â€Å"Are my ribs broken, then?† â€Å"Doc's not sure. He's doing as much as he can.† â€Å"He tries so hard.† â€Å"He does.† â€Å"I feel bad†¦ that I used to not like him,† I admitted. Ian laughed. â€Å"Of course you didn't. I'm amazed you can like any of us.† â€Å"You've got that turned around,† I mumbled, and dug my teeth into the hard roll. I chewed mechanically and then swallowed, setting the bread down as I waited to see how it hit my stomach. â€Å"Not very appetizing, I know,† Ian said. I shrugged. â€Å"Just testing-to see if the nausea's really passed.† â€Å"Maybe something more appealing†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I looked at him, curious, but I couldn't see his face. I listened to a sharp crackle and a ripping sound†¦ and then I could smell, and I understood. â€Å"Cheetos!† I cried. â€Å"Really? For me?† Something touched my lip, and I crunched into the delicacy he offered. â€Å"I've been dreaming about this.† I sighed as I chewed. That made him laugh. He put the bag in my hands. I downed the contents of the small bag quickly, and then finished my roll, seasoned by the cheese flavor still in my mouth. He handed me a bottle of water before I could ask. â€Å"Thank you. For more than the Cheetos, you know. For so much.† â€Å"You're more than welcome, Wanda.† I stared into his dark blue eyes, trying to decipher everything he was saying with that sentence-there seemed to be something more than just courtesy in the words. And then I realized that I could see the color of Ian's eyes; I glanced quickly up at the cracks above. The stars were gone, and the sky was turning pale gray. Dawn was coming. First light. â€Å"Are you sure you have to do this?† Ian asked, his hands already half-extended as if to pick me up. I nodded. â€Å"You don't have to carry me. My leg feels better.† â€Å"We'll see.† He helped me to my feet, leaving his arm around my waist and pulling my arm around his neck. â€Å"Careful, now. How's that?† I hobbled forward a step. It hurt, but I could do it. â€Å"Great. Let's go.† I think Ian likes you too much. Too much? I was surprised to hear from Melanie, and so distinctly. Lately, she only spoke up like this when Jared was around. I'm here, too. Does he even care about that? Of course he does. He believes us more than anyone besides Jamie and Jeb. I don't mean that. What do you mean? But she was gone. It took us a long time. I was surprised by how far we had to go. I'd been thinking we were going to the big plaza or the kitchen-the usual places for congregating. But we went through the eastern field and kept going until we finally reached the big, deep black cave that Jeb had called the game room. I hadn't been here since my first tour. The biting scent of the sulfurous spring greeted me. Unlike most of the caverns here, the game room was much wider than it was tall. I could see that now because the dim blue lights hung from the ceiling rather than resting on the floor. The ceiling was only a few feet over my head, the height of a normal ceiling in a house. But I couldn't even see the walls, they were so distant from the lights. I couldn't see the smelly spring, tucked away in some far corner, but I could hear it dribble and gush. Kyle sat in the brightest spot of light. He had his long arms wrapped around his legs. His face was set in a stiff mask. He didn't look up when Ian helped me limp in. On either side of him were Jared and Doc, on their feet, both with their arms hanging loose and ready at their sides. As though they were†¦ guards. Jeb stood beside Jared, his gun slung over one shoulder. He appeared relaxed, but I knew how quickly that could change. Jamie held his free hand†¦ no, Jeb had his hand around Jamie's wrist, and Jamie didn't seem happy about it. When he saw me come in, though, he smiled and waved. He took a deep breath and looked pointedly at Jeb. Jeb dropped Jamie's wrist. Sharon stood beside Doc, with Aunt Maggie at her other side. Ian pulled me toward the edge of the darkness surrounding the tableau. We weren't alone there. I could see the shapes of many others, but not their faces. It was strange; through the caves, Ian had supported most of my weight with ease. Now, though, he seemed to have tired. His arm around my waist was slack. I lurched and hopped forward as best I could until he picked the spot he wanted. He settled me to the floor, and then sat beside me. â€Å"Ouch,† I heard someone whisper. I turned and could just make out Trudy. She scooted closer to us, Geoffrey and then Heath copying her. â€Å"You look rotten,† she told me. â€Å"How bad are you hurt?† I shrugged. â€Å"I'm fine.† I started to wonder if Ian had let me struggle just to make a show of my injuries-to make me testify against Kyle without words. I frowned at his innocent expression. Wes and Lily arrived then and came to sit with my little group of allies. Brandt entered a few seconds later, and then Heidi, and then Andy and Paige. Aaron was last. â€Å"That's everybody,† he said. â€Å"Lucina's staying with her kids. She doesn't want them here-she said to go on without her.† Aaron sat beside Andy, and there was a short moment of silence. â€Å"Okay, then,† Jeb said in a loud voice meant to be heard by all. â€Å"Here's how it's gonna work. Straight-up majority vote. As usual, I'll make my own decision if I have a problem with the majority, 'cause this -â€Å" â€Å"Is my house,† several voices interjected in chorus. Someone chuckled but stopped quickly. This wasn't funny. A human was on trial for trying to kill an alien. This had to be a horrible day for all of them. â€Å"Who's speaking against Kyle?† Jeb asked. Ian started to stand beside me. â€Å"No!† I whispered, tugging on his elbow. He shrugged me off and rose to his feet. â€Å"This is simple enough,† Ian said. I wanted to jump up and clap my hand over his mouth, but I didn't think I could get to my feet without help. â€Å"My brother was warned. He was not in any doubt about Jeb's ruling on this. Wanda is one of our community-the same rules and protections apply to her as to any of us. Jeb told Kyle point-blank that if he couldn't live with her here, he should move on. Kyle decided to stay. He knew then and he knows now the penalty for murder in this place.† â€Å"It's still alive,† Kyle grunted. â€Å"Which is why I'm not asking for your death,† Ian snapped back. â€Å"But you can't live here anymore. Not if you're a murderer at heart.† Ian stared at his brother for a moment, then sat on the ground beside me again. â€Å"But he could get caught, and we'd have no idea,† Brandt protested, rising to his feet. â€Å"He'll lead them back here, and we'd have no warning.† There was a murmur through the room. Kyle glared at Brandt. â€Å"They'll never get me alive.† â€Å"Then it's a death sentence after all,† someone muttered at the same time that Andy said, â€Å"You can't guarantee that.† â€Å"One at a time,† Jeb warned. â€Å"I've survived on the outside before,† Kyle said angrily. Another voice came from the darkness. â€Å"It's a risk.† I couldn't make out the owners of the voices-they were just hissing whispers. And another. â€Å"What did Kyle do wrong? Nothing.† Jeb took a step toward the voice, glowering. â€Å"My rules.† â€Å"She's not one of us,† someone else protested. Ian started to rise again. â€Å"Hey!† Jared exploded. His voice was so loud that everyone jumped. â€Å"Wanda's not on trial here! Does someone have a concrete complaint against her-against Wanda herself? Then ask for another tribunal. But we all know she hasn't harmed anyone here. In fact, she saved his life.† He stabbed one finger toward Kyle's back. Kyle's shoulders hunched, like he'd felt the jab. â€Å"Just seconds after he tried to throw her into the river, she risked her life to keep him from the same painful death. She had to know that if she let him fall she would be safer here. She saved him anyway. Would any of you have done the same-rescue your enemy? He tried to kill her, and yet will she even speak against him?† I felt all the eyes in the dark room on my face as Jared now held his hand out, palm up, toward me. â€Å"Will you speak against him, Wanda?† I stared at him wide-eyed, stunned that he was speaking for me, that he was speaking to me, that he was using my name. Melanie was in shock, too, torn in half. She was overjoyed at the kindness in his face as he looked at us, the softness in his eyes that had been absent so long. But it was my name he'd said†¦ It was a few seconds before I could find my voice. â€Å"This is all a misunderstanding,† I whispered. â€Å"We both fell when the floor caved in. Nothing else happened.† I hoped the whisper would make it harder to hear the lie in my voice, but as soon as I was done, Ian chuckled. I nudged him with my elbow, but that didn't stop him. Jared actually smiled at me. â€Å"You see. She even tries to lie in his defense.† â€Å"Tries being the operative word,† Ian added. â€Å"Who says it's lying? Who can prove that?† Maggie asked harshly, stepping forward into the empty space beside Kyle. â€Å"Who can prove that it's not the truth that sounds so false on its lips?† â€Å"Mag -† Jeb started. â€Å"Shut up, Jebediah-I'm speaking. There is no reason for us to be here. No human was attacked. The insidious trespasser offers no complaint. This is a waste of all our time.† â€Å"I second that,† Sharon added in a clear, loud voice. Doc shot her a pained look. Trudy jumped to her feet. â€Å"We can't house a murderer-and just wait around for him to be successful!† â€Å"Murder is a subjective term,† Maggie hissed. â€Å"I only consider it murder when something human is killed.† I felt Ian's arm wrap around my shoulder. I didn't realize that I was trembling until his motionless body was against mine. â€Å"Human is a subjective term as well, Magnolia,† Jared said, glowering at her. â€Å"I thought the definition embraced some compassion, some little bit of mercy.† â€Å"Let's vote,† Sharon said before her mother could answer him. â€Å"Raise your hand if you think Kyle should be allowed to stay here, with no penalty for the†¦ misunderstanding.† She shot a glance not at me, but at Ian beside me when she used the word I'd used. Hands began to rise. I watched Jared's face as his features settled into a scowl. I struggled to raise my hand, but Ian tightened his hold around my arms and made an irritated noise through his nose. I held my palm as high as I could get it. In the end, though, my vote wasn't necessary. Jeb counted out loud. â€Å"Ten†¦ fifteen†¦ twenty†¦ twenty-three. Okay, that's a clear majority.† I didn't look around to see who had voted how. It was enough that in my little corner all arms were crossed tightly over chests and all eyes stared at Jeb with expectant expressions. Jamie walked away from Jeb to come squeeze in between Trudy and me. He put his arm around me, under Ian's. â€Å"Maybe your souls were right about us,† he said, loud enough for most to hear his high, hard voice. â€Å"The majority are no better than -â€Å" â€Å"Hush!† I hissed at him. â€Å"Okay,† Jeb said. Everyone went silent. Jeb looked down at Kyle, then at me, and then at Jared. â€Å"Okay, I'm inclined to go with the majority on this.† â€Å"Jeb -† Jared and Ian said simultaneously. â€Å"My house, my rules,† Jeb reminded them. â€Å"Never forget that. So you listen to me, Kyle. And you'd better listen, too, I think, Magnolia. Anyone who tries to hurt Wanda again will not get a tribunal, they will get a burial.† He slapped the butt of his gun for emphasis. I flinched. Magnolia glared hatefully at her brother. Kyle nodded, as if accepting the terms. Jeb looked around the unevenly spaced audience, locking eyes with each member except the little group beside me. â€Å"Tribunal's over,† Jeb announced. â€Å"Who's up for a game?†

Externalities of Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Externalities of Education - Essay Example Public Education and Decreasing Unemployment Levels: Rising levels of public education decrease unemployment levels so public education proves to be a positive externality. In developed countries where higher education is being more public, the level of unemployment further decreases. Moreover, in countries where technical education becomes more public this rate goes further down. When professional and skilled learning becomes public, it also increases the labor mobility rate and labor starts moving towards better occupation from traditional to more professional. Public Education Raises Living Standards: Public education is a positive externality as it raises the living standards of people. With the increase in technical and skillful education at public level, people start getting awareness about modern technology and pave their ways towards better living. Public education offers more chances towards advancement and development especially for common man. Comparatively, it is cheap than private education so more people have opportunity to achieve the benefits. Public education is readily available which also makes common man to reap the full benefits from this system of education. Public Education and the Level of Awareness among People: As already mentioned, public education can be readily available so with the help of this education system more and more people can get awareness about common issues regarding health and fitness, balanced diet, pollution etc. So, again we can easily say that public education is a positive externality because of its social benefits. When we analyze the existence of public K-12 school systems versus Private K-12 Schooling system, we can examine various points pro and against the existence of these two. It is important to understand that both the systems have their own advantages as well as drawbacks. Most of the

Macroeconomics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Macroeconomics - Research Paper Example Demand for goods and services are related to the real interest rate which is nominal interest rate minus expected inflation, whereas nominal interest rate is the market rate quoted in the financial pages of the newspaper. In this case, interest rate is almost zero that means nominal interest should be equal to expected inflation and the expected inflation is about 2% per year which is justifiable, it indicates that nominal interest rate showing unacceptable growth, adequate amount of rise in the nominal interest rate can increase the real interest rate to a desirable level. Usually when interest rate falls, borrowing increasing and individual’s purchasing power increases and so does the demand for goods and services, but if unemployment is very high and an economy is facing low GDP growth per year than shows the imbalance in the economy. According to the Philips curve, wages increases rapidly when unemployment is low and wages increases slowly when unemployment is low therefor e the government and the firms should raise wage rate to attract scarce workforce to increase the national production which will eventually increase the demands for produced goods and services. According to Okun’s law, a percentage increase in unemployment causes a 2% fall in real GDP, whereas in this case unemployment is very high, which is one the major reason of GDP downfall (Hall, 2011). Currently inflation is not matching the level of employment and GDP rate, therefore Fed and the government should increase the wage rate and decrease income tax rate to an acceptable level to encourage the spending which might result in increased demands for good and services and will eventually increase the national production, the government should also increase the subsidize the national production and increase import duty so national products will be preferred over international products (Hall, 2011). Conclusion By increasing nominal interest rate with a justifiable amount, by leverag ing wage rates and the local production, and by increasing import duty; the Fed and the government will be able to stabilize the economy and the balance of payment, the economy will grow at justifiable rate, the unemployment will decrease and the national production will increase while maintaining the inflation rate of about 2% which is quite justifiable. Part 2: Introduction Amendments in legislation and regulations were not the only causes of 2008 financial crises, changes in monetary and fiscal policy also contributed to the crises. The Federal Reserve dropped its federal funds rate very quickly to a very low rate, and kept the rate at historic lows for an extended period of time. Secondly the US deficit has increased its borrowing from foreign sources, especially from emerging countries such as China which are enjoying economic surplus. Contribution of monitory and fiscal policy in the causes of financial crises To eliminate the effect of the collapse of the technology equity bu bble and the terrorist attack on Twin Tower on September 11, 2001 on the economy; Fed chairman Greenspan injected low-interest rates below held guidelines which was an attempt to instill huge amount of liquidity in the US monetary system which actually resulted in lowering the interest rate by 2003 to 1%, the decided interest rate by Fed breaks the record of fifty years, that

Character Archetypes in For Whom the Bell Tolls Essay

Character Archetypes in For Whom the Bell Tolls - Essay Example To begin with, Maria’s story essentially begins when the enchanting American professor, Robert Jordan, enters her life. Before that, she was a rebel, a broken character all but destroyed by the civil war. However, Maria is a survivor. Her very character is symbolic of the war effort in that she has endured the loss of her family, who were brutally murdered by a fascist group, was gang raped by the fascists herself, and then spent time as a prisoner of the fascists, during which time her hair was cut short to symbolize her forced renouncement of the Republican cause. She was an utterly broken woman. Stripped of her family, her dignity, and her inherent power as a woman, Maria was on the verge of giving up—and would have—if not for the shining light that Pilar represented and the sexual redemption found within Robert’s arms. Maria is an inherently sexual heroine. She and Robert make love three times over the course of the novel’s three days and their relationship is fast-forming. Almost instantly, despite the civil war erupting around them, they discover a deep and transcendent love for one another. She is able to, at least outwardly, overcome the monstrous act upon her body; though, psychologically it appears as though she is taking up a sexual relationship with Robert because she is seeking a parallel comfort to her agony. In being sexually hurt, she seeks sexual redemption in the arms of the strong male lead. As a character, Maria is stereotypical and does not experience much evolution during the course of For Whom the Bell Tolls. She is nineteen, and while many women grow to be stronger characters during times of crisis, she maintains a youthful mindset, unable to fully escape from the horrors of her past. It is only when she finds herself safely in the arms of Robert that she attains some semblance of peace. What her character does represent, however, is the archetypal fire of rebellion in the hearts of the rebels during the war. Like the rebels, her heart, while damaged, fought for freedom, seeking solace in the darkness, finding peace in redemption. Ultimately, Maria’s sexual search for self is a direct correlation to the passion of the rebellion and demonstrates that a person can find true peace—an almost transcendent immortality—when the fires of rebellion burn hot within them. On the other hand, Pilar is a diverse and challenging character. She claims she is à ¢â‚¬Å"so simple [she is] complicated† (Hemingway 156). She is tough, almost more so than the male leads of For Whom a Bell Tolls, and, more importantly, she serves as an archetypal symbol for the strength of the Republican cause during the Spanish Civil War. She is a woman unafraid of conflict, and will challenge any of the men for their character flaws, cowardice, and mistakes. Perhaps the most endearing quality to Pilar—and that which makes her more accessible a character than Maria—is that she is nearing fifty and no longer knows the love of a man. She becomes almost instantly jealous of Maria and Robert’s relationship and makes a point of telling Maria so, explaining that â€Å"I love thee and he can have thee, I am no tortillera but a woman made for men†

Bernard Arnault's Leadership Style Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Bernard Arnault's Leadership Style - Case Study Example Louis Vuitton was a family run business in those days and in mid Eighties and he had to fight a bitter battle to gain control of this company. His appreciators say that he has inborn vision of clever marketing, creative designs and knows how to keep a tight control over his empire without a single slackening moment. He knows how to conduct global business with an uncanny ability and stopped further acquisitions when time was unfavourable. His leadership style is highly appreciated in the Corporate world. Entry into luxury marketing needs powerful backing and he received it from the French government which was looking for someone to take over the textile empire. It is said that the sale of his Mediterranean home made him exclaim that "When something has to be done, do it! In France we are full of good ideas, but we rarely put them into practice" (Forbes, June 2, 19971). His powerful friend Antoine Bernheim, MD of investment firm Lazard Freres arranged finance and family arranged $15 million of their own money and the total was used to buy Dior, which he said was the potential cornerstone of 'luxury-goods supermarket'. Also it is believed to be a brutal rise to power with opportunistic leadership strategies in which Henry Racamier, the former chairman of LVMH's Louis Vuitton was eliminated along with all top executives. His dicision making is ruthless, almost vicious and full of calculated risk taking. He knew how to balance commerce and artistry by involving both sound management practices with creativity. He was careful to be choosy when it came to picking his managers. "He believed that to raise creative energy, a company must have managers with a certain love for and understanding of artists" and he hired John Galliano, who could create unusually melodramatic unconventional designs" http://www.answers.com/topic/bernard-arnault The old business house changed its profile overnight to display the most brilliant artistry. A trained pianist, Arnault always maintained a creative eye and created a name for himself as the most unique CEO of the world. He insisted on financial discipline without curbing artistic innovation because he thought creativity counterbalances the commerce. He could be an autocrat and showed it when he terminated services of Dior perfumes heads to replace them with new US executives who became unpopular while company financially gained and this move resulted in some of the timeless most enduring 'star brands' which he explained: "Our strategy is to have some stars-and there are not many stars in the luxury business. What is a star It's a name that is the very best. It's a name that is very profitable. But the number of true stars is less than I can count on both of my hands" (New York Times, March 25, 2001). He went on a bourgeoisie shopping spree and indulged himself while amassing a business empire par excellence which spread all over the western world. He was advised against too large an expansion, but he believed in himself and came out a winner. He referred to the competitors in one of his interviews: "They saw it was working. And then they said, 'Okay, now we are going to do the same thing.' I think, really, they underestimate the difficulty. They underestimate

In Germany Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

In Germany - Term Paper Example According to the term paper "In Germany" findings, modern historians like Kocka claim that the development and expansion of fascism was a long and enduring process, with its roots in the nineteenth century. Apparently, fascism was a complex product of numerous political factors; most importantly, the weaknesses inherent in the German political and party system. I think that this knowledge of history can help to prevent future tragedies similar to fascism. Germany has a well-developed system of art trends and experiences. Expressionism is one of the defining features of German art heritage. Despite the lack of agreement on what Expressionism really means, it takes a definite place in the development of German art. Expressionism has a rich history in Germany. Elger writes â€Å"expressionism, however, was by no means limited to fine art, even though its significance and influence in other areas should not be overestimated. The desire to follow an Expressionist style was equally widesp read in literature, drama, stage design, dance, film and architecture† (8). This being said, Expressionism in Germany comes as a complex and omnipresent phenomenon, which crosses the boundaries of fine art and greatly affects all areas of human creative activity. Simultaneously, as Expressionism affected creative activities in Germany, so was Expressionism influenced by the political and social climate in the country. Art and Expressionism, in particular, is both a product and reflection of the social and political climate in Germany.

Sustainable Scottish Urban Property Development Coursework

Sustainable Scottish Urban Property Development - Coursework Example The Scottish Government has proposed a sustainable urban development strategy for the development of thriving and healthy communities. Such communities should be well planned, well connected and well maintained for making it attractive for inhabitants. The strategy supports an active effort in shaping local services and the local physical and cultural environment. The needs of everyone in the community should be considered and taken into account.The underlying policy behind the land reform is the community right to buy land in rural Scotland. Communities wishing to exercise the right to buy must have sustainable development as the heart of the community, and plans for the land. According to Pillai (2010), the most econocentric approach has been the focus on sustainable economic growth. Also, the community right to buy has its own sustainable development agenda. A diverse range of community ownership plans has been considered. These include the creation of sports facilities for the pr eservation of castles, lighthouses, and villages. Several economic, social and environmental objectives have been approved. It is widely held that communities failing to adopt the right approach will not succeed in using the legislation. Three themes have been critically examined in light of the strategy.Extensive land use rights are an integral attribute of property entitlements and ownership in the UK. Several legal and policy instruments have resulted in incremental reform. According to Rodgers (2009), some of these have been influenced by UK’s accession to the European Community and associated laws such as the European Union environmental law and Common Agricultural Policy. Some changes include the modification in allocation land-based utility in property rights. As land use policy increasingly has an increasing focus on the promotion of environmental stewardship, especially the countryside. General duty of environmental stewardship has become an attribute of land ownersh ip. This includes a consideration of recognition of larger community interests and sustainable management of land.  

Project assignment (Business Analysis and Process Consulting) Essay

Project assignment (Business Analysis and Process Consulting) - Essay Example Products and practices that can be incorporated for the expansion of service offerings as well as reduction of impact on the environment by Foresbys include that of introducing home cleaning services, waste management services, recycling services and security service for homes as well as offices (Checkland & Poulter, 2006). Waste management and recycling businesses share synergy with cleaning services because waste, that is produced and eliminated in a process of cleaning, needs to be disposed properly. Also, such waste management is required by each one of the client, who employ cleaning services invariably. Hence, there appears to be some definite synergy between the business and the proposed issue of change. Once the contract for cleaning was secured, the company sent their cleaning agents to the said location for performing their tasks within specified time frame. The cleaning agents were qualified officials who had the requisite training in safe and efficient cleaning of office premises and were also trained for specialized cleaning. To improve upon the existing distribution and operations structure, Foresbys can form specialized teams who were capable of handling specific jobs, rather than multiple cleaning activities at once. This would not only instil efficiency at specific work, but also increase the speed of cleaning tasks undertaken by the company (Checkland, 2000). The customers shall pay for proper disposal of their waste material and company can also charge them with a premium price for using environment friendly and safe products while performing cleaning activities. Customers are becoming increasingly concerned about the environment and shall be willing to pay additional prices for the environmental cause. Furthermore, it would provide the company with a sustainability edge over other cleaning businesses in the country. Socially responsible company behaviour