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The Hilton Worldwide Performance Advantage is an integrated system of innovative solutions and advanced technologies that work together to drive increased business and keep costs down, without comprising quality. Together, these seven services provide access to the latest tools, technologies, forward-thinking strategies, and the most influential people in the industry to create an unrivaled competitive advantage. Hilton Performance Advantage Benefits The Hilton Performance Advantage combines the power of scale, access, reputation, and innovation—delivered by the world’s premier hospitality company.Our system provides powerful resources across our portfolio of brands, delivering leading edge solutions to consistently drive profits and efficiencies. This solution creates a higher share of wallet, guest loyalty, and leading innovation making it easier for on-site personnel to focus on delivering a superior guest experience. Hilton Performance Advantage Services Hilton HHon orsâ„ ¢ Hilton HHonors is the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s ten distinct hotel brands, honoring its 27 million members by allowing them to turn points into experiences worth sharing.Learn more Hilton Worldwide Sales (HWS) A team of professionals are ready to help you build influential customer relationships and meet the demands of today’s Corporate, Group, and Leisure travelers. Hilton Reservations & Customer Care (HRCC) Experienced team members provide 24-hour, multi-language global coverage in an effort to support and deliver business to your property. Global Online Services Reach travelers at every opportunity with the latest mobile, search, and online channels that place your property at their fingertips.Revenue Management Consolidated Center (RMCC) Revenue Management supports you in maximizing market share through price optimization, inventory & channel management. Information Technology (IT) Technology is the foundation of the Hilt on Performance Advantage, offering both you and your guests access to technology solutions such as reservations, Internet access, and entertainment. Hilton Supply Management (HSM) Our seasoned team secures you the best pricing, highest quality, and fastest delivery of the products and services your Hilton property needs.

Conformity and Rebellion

Conforming to societal norms can have many benefits. There are 3 different types of conformity; the first Is compliance; this Is the act of conforming to the larger majority In public while privately retaining one's personal beliefs. This can be seen In George Rowel's â€Å"Shooting an Elephant†: â€Å"The crowd would laugh at me†¦ L did not want to shoot the elephant. † In this short story Orwell is pressured by his society to shoot the elephant. Orwell did not want to shoot the elephant it was no longer causing any harm but to not shoot the elephant Orwell old be seen as a bad individual to his society.In this case one's personal beliefs must be taken back, if not the group of Indians would see Orwell as an evil person. This variety is often seen amongst adults complying with the rules and regulations of a job when they do not necessarily agree with its policies. This allows for the individual to maintain his or her own sense of individuality while still gaining whatever needs are afforded to them by adhering to the norms expected of them. The second form of conforming is called identification. This is the act of informing to someone admired or dollied by the individual. This can be done to mimic that of a celebrity or other iconic figure.Teenagers often conform as a way to make friends. By wearing a certain brand of clothing they are choosing to identify themselves with any others who wear that style or brand. This variety is most often seen amongst groups of the similar age. The third type is called initialization. This Is the act of fully adhering and believing in certain norms both publicly In society as well as individually to themselves. Initialization can be seen is Faulkner â€Å"A Rose or Emily: â€Å"l have received a paper, yes†¦ ‘ have no taxes In Jefferson. † In the town of Jefferson Emily never had to pay taxes until the town had changed Its norms.This variety Is most often seen amongst groups of similar rel igious beliefs or ethnic background. This allows for an Individual's full acceptance Into their chosen group. Conforming to the crowd Is actually physiologically programmed In to our brains. Studies show that the anterior Insularly cortex; the part of the human brain that controls social emotions and self-awareness as well as anterior Cingular cortex; the art of the brain that helps In error detection, have both been shown to Increase In activity when a subjects answer to a question is correct but dissenting from those of his or her peers.Though conforming to societal norms may grant individuals such things as social acceptance and inclusion, it also sometimes robs adhering persons of their feeling of individuality and private freedom. As sun tanner are also tense won seek to Aviva compliance Walt skeletal norms or to rebel against them. Societal rebellion is the act of rebelling against the norms expected. This is very often seen in younger generations. Rebelling from societal norm s is a way of giving up the privileges and acceptance associated complying with them in order to fully maintain ones independence and individuality from society.Societal rebellion is a double edged sword, where as it can be used passively as a way to move towards noble cause. For example the peaceful protests by Mahatma Gandhi as well as the sass Montgomery bus boycott. Both of these rebellions were against societal norms yet both were peaceful and nonviolent. Conversely societal rebellion can also be any act of violence or anarchy. Murders and all other acts of Eileen crimes can be perceived as social rebellion because obeying the law is also seen as a societal norm.Therefore by committing a crime, you are in turn disobeying a societal norm. Conformity and rebellion are both tools humans use to interact with society, whether it is conforming to initiate and maintain friendships, or it be rebelling in order to maintain ones individuality, or even to try to change the structure of so ciety itself. Conforming or rebelling is two sides of the same coin, but both are needed to establish ones presence and function in society.

World War One and its Aftermath, Extract from the Treaty of Versailles Essay

World War One and its Aftermath, Extract from the Treaty of Versailles (1919) - Essay Example notes, as does other writers in this field, that the chief architects instrumental in designing this peace deal – a deal which bashed Germany on the face and left her drop on a myriad of problems, acted so on pressure from the electorates of their respective nations. George Clemenceau- the French Prime Minister, Woodrow Wilson-the American President Vittorio Orlando-the Italian Prime Minister and David Lloyd- the British Prime Minister were the four members of council that deliberated on the peace deal. It is important to point out that Germany was excluded from the talks and their fate was determined by the council of four2. Kitchen seems to employ a neutral ground rather than that of criticism in his articulation of facts and opinions. He appears not to be holding belligerent views with other writers on this topic but instead, concurs to a larger extent with what is in other texts. His focus is on a sober audience who intends to find out historical facts free from personal prejudice and judgment, something, which I believe, is the underlying drive for this work. One exception though, he doesn’t seem to agree with those who are quick to blame the Versailles treaty as the direct cause of world war two. He instead has Hitler and his limitless ambitions to blame. The culmination of the bloody war which had far reaching effects on nations and humanity, which defied definitive calculation, came to a halt with the signing of the peace agreement on 28th of June 1919 in Paris, France. This was the peace treaty with Germany.3 Best 1984 p2 ,points out that there were other lesser treaties with Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria and Turkey. The former, he confirms, was crafted by the four council members while the latter was left to the government officials and inter-Allied agencies. What then were the outcomes of the Versailles Treaty? There is a general consensus in the works of many writers that the end result of the treaty was nothing to be desired by the Germans.

Administering the School Budget Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Administering the School Budget - Essay Example This objective is extremely essential as it negates possible fund embezzlement. Without proper financial management, the school administrative would enormous losses. (Brimley et al, 2008).In an education set up, there are three most influential financial functions. These include auditing, budgeting, and accounting functions. Although, the functions are separate, discrete, and distinct operations, nonetheless they have close relationships. They are the required financial activities that provide a reliable fiscal data, information, accountability, and guidance to government funds allocated to public school programs. Budgeting is the system through which the funds allocated expenditure is particularly determined and approved. Accounting takes care of money organization by use ledger that standardizes the spending. Financial accounting, for the state and local school system applies the coding system, to enable financial auditors analyzes the school spending, and makes sure that the legal procedures and appropriate use of public funds.Budgeting is a vital tool for the school districts. It ensures the successful operation of the local and state public schools. Nonetheless, effective budgeting paves way for significant mission planning opportunities, achieving the educational goals and objectives, and improving administrative operations. As such, financial loss is considerably evaded. This allows the state to gain confidence of the running of public schools. As a result, government disburses more financial aid to these schools for effective learning (Brimley et al, 2008). Additionally, it creates a positive image of local schools to the public thereby enhancing beneficial relationships. Therefore, attracts potential stakeholders to donate for the local school funding programs. More technically, a budget is a statement presentation of the total amount of school spending, and the necessary resources required to run the program and an approximation of the revenues that c overs the expenditure. The education system has experimented many organizational budgets that aim at eradicating financial losses. This ensures that the students are well catered for, and child misses the essential education. No leaving trails can be experienced in the future with proper financial budgeting. Leaving trail is deviating from the path of practice (Brimley et al, 2008). The incidences of fund misuse are substantially minimized when a thorough budgeting program is set for the public schools. It provides clear, authentic education system responsibilities that help achieve high standards of education. The local schools often take the basic objective budgeting systems alongside the program budgeting systems that zero in to the required school objectives. These programs narrow down the possibility reports of child education fund misuse at the local level. The activities are particularly done with the aim of linking the budget system to school goals and objectives but simulta neously devolving a budgeting system at the local education level (Brimley et al, 2008). Budgeting at the school level helps track costs and school spending to ensure accountability and responsible spending. Budgeting performs crucial functions for most of the district schools. The budgeting system at the school level organizes public spending along the basic functions and proper management of the system. This includes student care and support, student’s transportation to school, administration functions but not limited to school operation, staff and nonstaff support (Brimley et al, 2

Managing of Human Resource at Starbucks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Managing of Human Resource at Starbucks - Essay Example In 1999, Schultz stepped down as CEO in favor of Smith and had given him the authority. Gareth (1998, p. 38) states: Particular attention was focused on the idea of making employees feel more useful and important by giving them meaningful jobs and giving as much autonomy, responsibility and recognition as possible as a means of getting them involved in their work. The duty of any good and successful leader or manager is to create a work environment that is effective to growth. The leaders who are ready to work in teams with an appropriate level of command and authority of making decisions are considered to be successful in motivating and raising the need amongst the employees to achieve the goals. The statement that is being provided by the company's CEO clearly showed that he has faith in himself and is confident that he would lead the company to a much higher level with a teamwork and authority because the managers or supervisors need to be authoritative in their decisions in order to lead a team. Kroom (1995, p. 355) suggests that, 'authority can be considered the managers right to act.' Leadership approach at Starbucks seemed to be of democratic style. ... Theories of Leadership at Starbuck Leadership approach at Starbucks seemed to be of democratic style. The leaders or supervisors of the company provides their subordinates with the prospect to work under their leadership and make them make the most of their potential fully by letting them play a part in the decision making process and planning phase. They believe that the most successful innovation came out from their employees and by giving them the authority to bring about their job make the employees feel esteemed and honored. McGregor proposed a theory which became a base for leadership. According to him the manager or supervisor categorize their employees in two distinct groups of human behavior, namely Theory X and Theory Y. Kroom (1995, p. 357) write that, 'the way in which manager or supervisor leads his subordinates is determined to a large degree, by his assumptions about human behavior.' Theory X is considered to have those people who are not ready to do any work, very lethargic and lazy and are controlled by their supervisors. On the other hand, in Theory Y, the human behavior of the people is positive towards the work and is very keen and enthusiastic in fulfilling the job. 'Theory Y which is a positive view, people are willing to work, will enforce self-control if they have committed themselves to objectives and will accept responsibilities.' (Kroom 1995, p. 357). The leadership style that is being used at Starbucks by the manager or supervisor is democratic management style. They gave empowerment to their employees and encouraged innovativeness. The employees mostly lie under Theory Y and have positive attitude towards their objectives. It is to believe at Starbucks that by implementing ideas by the employees gave them a sense of contribution and was

Malcolm X (in the text, he calls himself Detroit Red) Essay

Malcolm X (in the text, he calls himself Detroit Red) - Essay Example This is the real situation for most hustlers. They would pass as executives or people high on the corporate lane. Beneath these lives they live, they are illiterate. Although he had little formal education, Malcolm X spent his time in prison trying to educate himself using the dictionary. Then with time, he was able to make simple logical grammatical sentences which came in handy when writing letters. His efforts also paid off because he started understanding books when he read them. Although the prison authorities were aware of the letters that Malcolm wrote, they did not say anything to him about them. He believes that during that time, the white man knew he was the devil. During the time, there was widespread knowledge that the white man was responsible in a way for the black man’s condition. Malcolm X was filled with the desire to use his writing skills to educate about Allah and Islam. His desire to learn more led to his dedicated study of the dictionary. From this he taught himself to read and write. This expressly shows how someone can achieve their desires with dedication and a little investment in time (Benson and Cosgrove,

Construction Law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Construction Law - Case Study Example Partnering 1 means a relationship of open communication and close cooperation that involves both Government and Contractor personnel working together for the purpose of establishing a mutually beneficial, proactive, cooperative environment, alliances to contractual partnerships within which to achieve contract objectives and resolve issues and implementing actions as required. Partnering, as I define it, is the process of two or more entities coming together for the purpose of creating synergistic solutions to their mutual challenges. The Construction industry including both private and public sector clients, main contractors, consultants and specialists. The collective spend of the client members runs into billions of pounds and it constitutes the most influential pan-industry body in the construction industry. The building of a Partnering relationship is not straightforward and it is essential that sufficient time and resource is allocated in order to achieve the desired result. Effective relationships are the bedrock of Partnering and the Project culture needs to be one of full openness, honesty and trust in all dealings between the parties. .. The contract has been drafted as a purchase Order with separate Collaborate Construction terms. The former is only six pages long with additional appendices and is completed to fit the requirements of the particular project. In order to achieve a successful Partnering relationship all parties need to adopt a far greater degree of collaboration than would be found in conventional contracting. Partnering requires commitment throughout the business units and its suppliers and is not an easy option. Proactive attitudes and contributions will be required on Partnering from Project Initiation in order to obtain improved performance and shared benefits. The collaboration construction terms comprise some 18 pages and should not change, although some of the provisions may not apply, depending upon how the purchase Order has been completed. The contract is unique in that it can be used for the appointment of both consultants and contractors as a subcontract for appointment of sub consultants or subcontractors. There are already a growing body of evidence that lawyers are providing a different role from that of traditional 'legal technicians' and 'dispute adviser' in favour of movements towards 'assisting the delivery of successful projects'. Lawyers can genuinely 'add value' by explaining how a collaborative relationship can work within a supportive contraction framework. One simple step forward is for lawyers to at least explain the proposed form of construction contract (be it a partnering contract or otherwise) to the project team who will work under or in conjection with it. It is assumed that all parties fully understand what their legal obligations are and how their contract is indented to fit in with

Theoretical aspects of the phenomenon of child soldiers and scientific Essay

Theoretical aspects of the phenomenon of child soldiers and scientific issues related to the topic - Essay Example During colonial campaigns, armies would capture the children of prominent chieftains and raise them according to the colonial nation’s customs and laws. Nazi Germany used Hitler Youth movement to try to fight the Allied forces in the closing days of World War II. However each of these cases was isolated by time and geography. They were also exceptions to the level of armed combat which children performed. Ancient wars involved minors as charioteers and armor bearers for adult warriors. This practice can be found in the Bible. War in the middle ages was fought by strong men who had the physical strength to fight in those wars. Children were only used for support roles as they could not be participants in armed combat. The Roman army for instance required physical fitness as criteria for military service which only adult combatants could perform. Fighting with swords, spears, shields and heavy weapons required the use of adult combatants. During the middle ages, military units comprised of knights, heavy cavalry and infantry were extensively used in combat. They used armor and weapons which only adults could perform. The modern era of warfare began with the use of gunpowder. The modern nature of conflict saw the extensive use of muskets, cannons and cavalry against opponents. The weapons and training required to operate these weapons could only be performed by adult combatants. The adv ent of the industrial age also revolutionized the concept of warfare. By the twentieth century, modern armies were now using tanks, cannons, artillery, fighter jets, submarines and naval warships against each other. Again the use of children was mostly for support roles rather than combat purposes since the expertise required to train and use these weapons was only possible for adult combatants. During the middle ages, young boys were used as squires but their

Group Development Essay Example for Free

Group Development Essay The first stage is the forming stage. During this stage, things are characterized by much uncertainty. There is uncertainty as to what the purpose of the group is, what the structure of the group is, and who the leadership of the group is going to be. Members of the group will want to test the waters and try to determine how far they can go and what they can get away with during this stage of the group development process. The second stage is the storming stage. During this stage of group development, the members of the group accept the existence of the group but are against the restraints put on individual creativity. This can lead to serious problems if there is not some sort of compromise or agreement put in place on allowing individuals to be creative within the guidelines of the project. The third stage is the norming stage. During this stage, relationships among team members are becoming closer and group cohesiveness is coming together. The group identity is really becoming clear. This stage is considered complete when the structure of the group is completely solidified and the members of the group have decided on what is considered proper behavior for members of the group. In my opinion, this is one of the most critical stages in group development. The fourth stage is the performing stage. This stage of group development is really when things start to happen. Members of the team have fully accepted the structure and the team is working towards accomplishing the goals that were set forth initially. The group has gone from getting to know each other to complete understanding and working on accomplishing the  task at hand. The fifth and final stage of group development is the adjourning stage. This is only true for groups that are temporary. Permanent work groups are finished after stage four. This stage is normally when the group finalizes and wraps up the tasks that they have been asked to perform and then they go their separate ways. This stage is hopefully where the project is finalized and the group has been successful at accomplishing the goals that were initially set forth. Problem Identification There are two major problems that I see in this situation. The first problem that I see with this group is that there is going to be conflict of interests from each of the different groups. Each of the groups have different agendas as to how to fully accomplish the goals of the project. This can lead to problems or possibly a severe conflict between one or more of the groups. This differing of opinions and attitudes by the groups could also possibly lead to an overall failure to achieve any of the objectives of the group. The second major problem that I see with this project is demographic diversity. There are such wide and varied demographics in the school district that this project is going to take place. There could be conflicts that one demographic is being favored over another. There could also be problems that stem from this. If one demographic seems to think that another is being favored, then they could cause problems for the overall project and the goals of that project. Retrospective Evaluation The solution for the first problem will be the easiest of the two problems. During the formation of the development group for this project, common goals need to be decided upon by the development team. These goals need to be approved by all of the different entities that have an interest in this project succeeding. There should be one major common goal for the project and all of the groups should agree to this goal. If they cannot agree to a common goal, then there really is no need to go forward with the project. The solution for the second problem is going to be a little harder to solve. I believe that a non-interested third party group should be brought in to oversee the project. This will allow for an impartial representative to make decisions and also to ensure that no one demographic group is being favored more than another. If one groups interests are being pushed and another group see this favoritism, it could lead to problems and thus an overall failure of the project. Therefore, a third party should be placed in charge and there should be no conflicts because they should not favor any one particular group. Reflection The project is all about making things better for the kids of this school district. This could lead to better educational opportunities for all involved within the district. However, there are possible issues that need to be solved for this project to move forward and be a success. If these issues are addressed in the beginning then there should be resolutions and no problems should arise. This will allow a successful project and the enhancement of educational opportunities for the children of the school district.

Experiences of African Americans During the Civil War Period Essay Example for Free

Experiences of African Americans During the Civil War Period Essay The 1860s and 1870s were particularly trying times for African Americans. The Civil War which lasted from 1861 to 1865 saw America undergo social and political change as Americans struggled to redefine their idea of race and face the question of slavery. More importantly still were the experiences of blacks during and after the war as they fought to be accorded the same rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In the early days of the war, the issue of slavery was avoided vehemently by Lincoln and Davis (Norton et al. 2008) despite it being an essential issue in the war between the North and South. In fact, freeing the slaves was never an agenda of the North. The North was against slavery because they perceived the South, who was pro slavery, as a threat to the North’s social and political order (Norton et al. , 2008). Consequently, being against slavery did not necessarily mean Northerners were not racist. In fact, many still saw themselves as racially superior to the blacks. Despite the apparent racial prejudice, blacks in the South still saw in the Union army their route to freedom. After Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation allowing blacks to serve in the Union cause, thousands of slaves, amongst them, one John Boston (Linden Pressly, n. d), fled their masters and joined the Union army in their fight against the South. Many blacks sought to assert their manhood despite discrimination in the army through the display of bravery and valor. Still more died, like the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts regiment, in their fight for equality. Therefore, although Lincoln had given them a motive to reak free, it was the blacks’ own courage to fight for their own freedom which ultimately led to their emancipation. The North’s victory over the South in 1865 meant that the slaves were finally free. As freedpeople, one of their foremost desires was to own land as land meant subsistence and sufficiency (Norton et al, 2008). Also, because it was all they had known to do, many fell back on plantation agriculture as their livelihood. Some, like Josua Culverson and Major X Whiteing, applied for leases through the U. S. Com of Plantations (Linden Pressly, n. ). Because most freedpeople had no money to purchase land, they could only lend it on credit. However, because of preexisting prejudices, freedpeople found even that to be a task. Consequently, they returned to their old farms where they had worked as slaves. However, unlike previously, these freedpeople sought to better their situation by reaching an agreement with the owner through a system known as sharecropping. Often, such an agreement would entail the provision of food and seeds in exchange for a portion of the crop earnings (Norton et al. 2008). Such is the case between William R. Steen, a white citizen, and Caroline, a colored woman; along with 7 other Arkansas freedpeople whom by contract, had to give one third part of the crop raised upon the farm by their labor to the owner of the farm (Linden Pressly, n. d). The years 1865 to 1877 saw efforts in reconstructing the war-torn South. A huge hurdle existed then to reconcile the freed blacks with southern whites, who were so used to operating in a slave society that their prejudices could not be eradicated so easily. Furthermore, they were threatened by the rise of black status and into the ranks of political power so much so that a group of whites came together and formed the first Ku Klux Klan; a society which sought to maintain white supremacy through intimidation, violence and terrorism (Norton et al. , 2008). Klansmen committed murder, arson, and rape whilst asserting their notion of white supremacy. As a result, despite having been emancipated, the freed blacks still suffered considerable pain and fear under the hands of the Ku Klux Klan. Amongst the most targeted were blacks who had rose to political power. Ann J. Edwards, the daughter of a black Congressman recounted that â€Å"We, his family, lived in constant fear A day or two before election a mob gathered†¦in front of the house, and we thought the end had come. † (Sterling, n. d). More gruesome was the story of Joe Johnson who was elected into the Republican office. He was burnt nearly to death, and shot because of his refusal to resign from office (Sterling, n. ). His execution was witnessed by his wife who could do nothing against the oppressive terror and violence of the Ku Klux Klan. Blacks were not the only victims of the Ku Klux Klan regime. Whites who openly supported blacks saw their lives being threatened as well. Hannah Flournoy, a black woman, gave account of an execution involving a white Georgian who had supported the black cause. â€Å"[Men] bolted right in and commenced shooting†¦They were disguised but I knew a great many of them. Hannah â€Å"thought it right to take [Ashburn] in† and was â€Å"willing to die for him† simply on the basis of him being a Republican (Sterling, n. d). The incident reflected the loyalty of many blacks to stand beside those, white or otherwise, who sought to uphold their natural rights. Teachers were another group being targeted. Colored schools came under the attack of the Klan and were burnt to the ground (Norton et al, 2008). Many blacks endured the hardship of abuse and violence despite its injustice and unlawfulness. Recounted Harriet Hernandez, â€Å"He struck me on the forehead with a pistol†¦kicked me over [the fence]†¦dragged and beat [me and my daughter] along. † Despite the blacks being freed in the South, the activities of the Ku Klux Klan ensured that blacks would not enjoy the same rights as whites. â€Å"[Colored people] have no satisfaction to live like humans†¦all summer I have been working and it is impossible for me to enjoy it†, said Harriet (Sterling, n. d). Despite all the violence inflicted on them, blacks exhibited extraordinary courage in the face of threats by Klansmen. Emeline Bremfield whose husband was a target of the Klan, stood unwavering in the face of death, as the Klan confronted her of her husband’s whereabouts (Sterling, n. d). Blacks even went out of their way to fit into a black aggrieved society. Many like, Caroline Smith and Lucy McMillan, dressed down in order not to stand out for fear of being whipped (Sterling, n. d). Although the Ku Klux Klan‘s primary motive was the assertion of white political power, Klansmen took every opportunity they got to assert white supremacy mindsets. McMillan’s house was burned simply because she had mentioned she wanted to own land. Smith was whipped only to remind her not to â€Å"sass any white ladies† (Sterling, n. d). Aside from the destruction of property and life, black women suffered in yet another form – sexual assault. Klansmen sought to assert their superiority over black women by sexually harassing them. Some black women were even mutilated, like Frances Gilmore who was â€Å"cut with a knife†, or gang raped (Sterling, n. d). Racial hostility and terror ultimately brought down the Republican regime in the South. Efforts by the Ku Klux Klan prevented strong presence of the Republican coalition in the South and a restoration of the Democratic majority. The Klan continued to terrorize black people and ran amok until the Enforcement Acts and subsequent persecutions brought an end to the first Klan. Overall, the blacks suffered greatly during the Civil War and Reconstruction Era. Despite having obtained emancipation, prejudices continued to affect their lives. Although we now know that it did not succeed in driving them out of the country, blacks today continue to face the same prejudices.

Mutant and Wild-type Yeast Strains via Mitochondria Proteins

Mutant and Wild-type Yeast Strains via Mitochondria Proteins Differentiating between mutant and wild-type yeast strains via mitochondria proteins    By: Jason Hoang Lab Partner: Daryan Chan Introduction Yeasts are important organisms due to their uses in everyday such as baking, making fermented foods and alcohol production (Steensels et al, 2014). Yeasts have been so widely studied that it was one of the first organisms to have its genome sequenced (Goffeau et al, 1996). Thus, Yeasts are more than capable of acting as a model organism for eukaryotes (Botstein et al, 2011). For this experiment we are working with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The mitochondria is the powerhouse for cell, as it is the major production site of ATP for the cell. The inner mitochondrial space has an electrochemical gradient, from which ATP is generated by using 5 protein complexes create an electrochemical gradient to assist in ATP production (Alberts et al., 2015). The COX6 assembly accepts electrons from cytochrome c and uses oxygen as the terminal electron acceptor to make water (Alberts et al., 2015). ATP synthase then uses the resulting proton gradient made by those complexes to pump protons back into the mitochondria matrix and make ATP (Alberts et al., 2015). The objective of this experiment was to determine if a given yeast sample was a wild type or a mutant with no COX6 activity. One of the major techniques to be used in this lab is subcellular fractionation. This technique first lyses the cells and then uses centrifugal forces to separate particles by size (Alberts et al., 2015). The centrifugal forces results in the denser particles moving away from axis of rotation creating a pellet which contains the heavier particles and a supernatant which contains lighter particles (Alberts et al., 2015). Another major technique used was Gel electrophoresis. Gel electrophoresis is used so that a fraction with multiple proteins can be separated based on size and shape (Alberts et al., 2015). Protein fractions are loaded on to wells in the gel and an electrode is attached (Alberts et al., 2015). SDS page is popularly used because it can confer a negative charge and linearize proteins being run through the gel (Alberts et al., 2015). The proteins will run through the gel due to their negative charge (Alberts et al., 2015). A standard is used to provide a reference to determine the sizes of the sampl proteins (Alberts et al., 2015). One of the other major techniques used in this lab was western blotting. After proteins are run on electrophoresis a labelled antibody is exposed to the electrophoresed fractions in a process called immunoblotting in order to detect presence of a specific protein (Alberts et al., 2015). The gel is exposed to a membrane where a current is run to dive the proteins onto the membrane (Alberts et al., 2015). The membrane is then drenched in labelled antibodies to detect for a specific protein (Alberts et al., 2015). This process can detect very small amount of specific protein and is useful for detecting changes of concentration of a specific protein in a cell under various conditions (Alberts et al., 2015). To measure cytochrome oxidase activity in this lab, we looked towards Beers Law which states that the ability of a solution to absorb light at a single wavelength is proportional to the concentration of solute in solution (Lukofsky et al, 2009). This show that absorbance and concentration are linearly related. Therefore, this would allow us to determine the rate of cytochrome oxidase activity in a sample. Materials and Methods Experiment was performed according to protocols set by Department if Biology, Winter 2016, Biology 331 for Experiment 1: Subcellular fractionation of yeast cells, pg 2-8, Experiment 2: Yeast growth curve; light microscopy; protein determination, pg 1-4, Experiment 3: Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, pg 1-8, Experiment 4: Development of Western Blot; COX Activity Assay, pg 3-10, written by Dr. Dragana Miskovic where the experiment was performed with no deviations unless specifically noted (Miskovic, 2017) The only deviation occurred in experiment 2 where we had ran out of BSA STD and had to borrow from another group. The borrowed BSA STD was not tested to have exact concentration as specific in lab protocol and may have had different concentration. Results Experiment 1 Yeast Strain Sample: A2 Table 1. Masses recorded for Lysing Yeast Cells Section Items Mass (g) Mass of Centrifuge Bottle containing Yeast 159.2 Mass of Empty Centrifuge with Pellet 49.89 Mass of Pellet 3.23 Amount of STE solution needed to resuspend yeast pellet: 3.23g x 2= 6.46mL Table 2. Volumes recorded for the Aliquoting Yeast Subcellular Fractions Section Solutions Total Volume LPS 3mL + 3.7mL= 6.7mL HSS 3mL + 2.8mL= 5.8mL MITO 300ÃŽÂ ¼L + 300ÃŽÂ ¼L= 600ÃŽÂ ¼L It was also noted that after the MITO fraction was made the pellet was intact and not messy Figure 1: Drawings of 50/100/200 ÃŽÂ ¼L dye drops from pipetman and expected 1 mL dye drop Experiment 2 Part A Table 3. Concentration of Yeast Cell at Two Different Times Time OD600 Reading Concentration (cells/ mL) 2:47pm 0.021A 210,000 4:59pm 0.043 A 430,000 It has been determined that an OD600 value of 1.0 is thought to contain roughly 1 x 107 cells/ mL. An OD600 value of 0.021 A will contain a concentration of 210 000 cells/ mL. An OD600 value of 0.043 A will contain a concentration of 430 000 cells/ mL. Figure 2. This graph shows the change in absorbance of yeast culture at 0 and 120 minutes. Equation to represent growth is calculated and shown above. Calculating Doubling time Formula for growth of yeast is y=0.0002x + 0.021. given initial absorbance reading of 0.021, doubled concentration should give reading of 0.042. Therefore use y= 0.042, where x means time in minutes 0.042=0.0002x + 0.021 where x = 105. Therefore it was found that doubling time is 105 minutes. Part B Yeast cells dyed with methylene blue stain Figure 3. These are some of the cell types that were observed when the overnight culture was stained with methylene blue under 40x magnification. It was found that roughly a third had a stained positive for a nucleus. None of the cells appear to be multi-nucleate. No vacuoles were observe either Yeast cells dyed with neutral red Figure 4. These are some of the cell types that were observed when the overnight culture was stained with neutral red under 40x magnification It was found that over 90% of the cells stained positive for a nucleus. Many of the cells appeared to be multi-nucleate and budding as well. It appeared that 1 or 2 vacuoles appeared to be detected per cell. Part C Table 3. Absorbance Results for the BioRad Protein Determination Assay 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 A 0.27 0.191 0.21 0.201 0.196 0.37 0.397 0.404 0.369 0.036 B 0.246 0.24 0.303 0.192 0.226 0.245 0.272 0.372 0.252 0.035 C 0.23 0.263 0.248 0.294 0.037 0.036 0.036 0.036 0.036 0.036 D 0.256 0.227 0.25 0.277 0.035 0.035 0.035 0.035 0.035 0.034 E 0.246 0.182 0.242 0.215 0.474 0.362 0.306 0.389 0.482 0.035 F 0.289 0.349 0.285 0.246 0.299 0.264 0.347 0.738 0.203 0.036 G 0.203 0.254 0.321 0.249 0.035 0.035 0.035 0.037 0.035 0.036 H 0.2 0.261 0.263 0.274 0.034 0.034 0.035 0.035 0.035 0.034 11 12 A 0.036 0.037 B 0.035 0.035 C 0.037 0.038 D 0.035 0.044 E 0.036 0.035 F 0.035 0.035 G 0.035 0.035 H 0.035 0.034 Figure 4. This graph shows absorbance readings of standard solution using BSA at different concentrations. Calculating concentrations of LSP, HSS, and Mito. Equation for concentration of solution based on absorbance reading was determined based on above graph. Equation yielded was y=0.1264x + 0.2159 Average absorbance readings: LSP was 0.245, HSS was 0.249, and MITO 0.289. Using found readings as y for above equation we calculated concentration of proteins in each sample. LSP: 0.245 = 0.1264x + 0.2159Therefore x = 0.230 mg/mL HSS: 0.249 = 0.1264x + 0.2159Therefore x = 0.262 mg/mL MITO: 0.289 = 0.1264x + 0.2159Therefore x = 0.551 mg/mL Dilution factor needed to get fraction to 2ÃŽÂ ¼g/mL LSP: (0.230 mg/mL)(0.1mL)=> (0.0230 mL)(1/x mL)(10 dilution factor) = 2mg/mLTherefore x= 0.115 mL HSS: (0.262 mg/mL)(0.1mL)=> (0.0262ÃŽÂ ¼g)(1/x mL) (10 dilution factor) = 2mg/ mL Therefore x= 0.131 mL MITO: (0.551 mg/mL)(0.1mL)=> (0.0551ÃŽÂ ¼g)(1/x mL) (10 dilution factor) = 2mg/ mLTherefore x = 0.2755 mL Experiment 3 Figure 5. PVDF Membrane after proteins are transferred over from gel after electrophoresis. Our group is left side (D.C, J.H) Experiment 4 Figure 6. Membrane after detecting solution had been added over 10 minutes ago. Bands on right hand side are the standard Figure 7. This graph shows the distance travelled by each protein in the standard mix against the Log(Mw) on semi log paper Table 4. Cytochrome c Oxidase (COX) Activity Assay Sample Absorbance At 0 sec (OD) Absorbance after 20 sec (OD) Change in absorbance Change in Concentration (ÃŽÂ ¼mol/mL) COX activity (ÃŽÂ ¼mol/ L/min) Blank 0.525 0.525 0 0 0 LSP (1) 1.259 1.253 0.006 0.2143 0.6429 LSP (2) 1.272 1.264 0.008 0.2857 0.8571 HSS (1) 0.493 0.491 0.002 0.0714 0.2143 HSS (2) 0.496 0.491 0.005 0.1786 0.5257 MITO (1) 0.553 0.557 -0.004 -0.1429 -0.4286 MITO (2) 0.537 0.535 0.002 0.0714 0.2143 Table 4. This shows the Sample calculation for COX activity Change in absorbance = Absorbance at 0 sec Absorbance after 20 sec 1.259-1.253 = 0.006 Change in concentration ΆA = ÃŽÂ µ x b x Άc 0.006 = 28mM-1-cm-1 x 1 cm x ΆcTherefore Άc = 0.0002143 mM => 0.2143 ÃŽÂ ¼molAssuming volume of assay is 1.0 mL, change in concentration is 0.2143 ÃŽÂ ¼mol/mL COX activity COX activity = change in concentration / time 0.2143 ÃŽÂ ¼mol/mL / (1/3 min) = 0.6429 ÃŽÂ ¼mol/mL/min Figure 8. Graphical representation of COX activity in LSP fractions Figure 9. Graphical representation of COX activity in HSS fractions Figure 10. Graphical representation of COX activity in MITO fractions Discussion Galactose was used over glucose as a carbon source for our yeast cells. This is because we wanted to determine if the mitochondria was functional in our yeast cells. Different yeast strains will use different metabolic pathways in presences of each. When glucose is used as a carbon source the yeast cells will generate ATP via fermentation, whereas when Galactose is used the cell will perform oxidation. This is important to observe as different yeast strains will have varying levels of cytochrome c usage based on that. To visually determine if cytochrome c will be utilized by the cell we can look at the fractionation experiment earlier. When separating for the MITO fraction if one had found a messy pellet it would have indicated that the mitochondria was not intact while solid pellets would indicate the mitochondria was intact. If one did find a messy pellet it could have been the result of differences in fractionation techniques, cells being lysed prior, or something had disturbed the cell in transport. For our experiment we had found the mitochondria to be intact, which is a strong indicator that the mitochondria for our sample was present. To reach cytochrome c oxidase (COX) we used diferential centrifugation which seperates objects based on size and density, where larger molecules such as the intact cells will settle at the bottom of a tube while mitochondria which is smaller would remain in supernatant. This is also why we had separate centrifugations, to get samples with intact cells and samples with intact mitochondria. Density gradient centrifugation is also a widley used technique that seperates based on density. In that case we would see multiple bands form in tubes with densest molecules gathering at the bottom and bands above it with less dense molecules. Experimentally we found yeast doubling time to be 105 minutes (1.75 hours) when inoculated in YPD (1% yeast extract, 1% peptone, 2% glucose). It has been determined in many other experiments that Saccharomyces cerivisiae has a doubling time of 1.69 hours (Deak, 2008). The difference could be attributed to many factors such as environment (amount of light, heat, and etc) and growth substrates used. But the difference is not very large and would still be considered to conform to literature results. During the methylene blue staining of yeast cells it was noted that roughly a third of yeast cells contained a nucleus but it did not seem to be multi nucleate. While the neutral red stains showed that many cells appeared to be budding with one or 2 vacuoles present per yeast cell. These findings fall in line with what is normally expected from yeast cells as they do have vacuoles in their cells (Armstrong, 2010). Furthermore results also fall in line with yeasts having nucleuses but not being multi nucleated (Roberts and Ganesan 1959) One thing that may have affected a major portion of the experiment was determining the concentration of each respective LSP, HSS, and MITO fraction and diluting it to 2mg/mL. it is important to note that during pipetting steps to get each sample that the suspensions be homogenous beforehand otherwise you may be taking up different components of the fraction and missing others depending on how deep the pipet was inserted. During the remainder of the experiment it was found that after gel transfer to PVDF membrane and during western blotting that very few to no proteins were showing up. If low concentration of protein was a factor then it would most likely be traced back to this step. Many reasons can be attributed to this for instance, poor pipetting technique, the fractions were not homogenized properly before pipetting or even the dilution factor could have been incorrect. As noted during the material and methods during the preparation of experimental samples which would to create o ur protein concentration standard curve we had run out of BSA STD and required taking some from another group. When we created our protein concentration standard curve it came out completely odd, having unexpected drops in absorbance readings. The expected result was a linear curve where a higher BSA STD concentration would have led to a higher absorbance readings. Due to the change in BSA STD this may have had a different concentration due to being taken from a different location in its container it could have had a different concentration. Thus causing inconsistencies for our standard curve. As the standard curve was deemed incorrect afterwards any protein concentration calculations based on it would have been flawed, leading to incorrect dilutions. If the dilutions been calculated incorrectly, as they most likely were, there is the chance that the protein fractions would have been over diluted leading to not enough protein to be present for visible bands for the gel electrophores is and western blotting. For the gel electrophoresis SDS was included in solubilisation buffer to give proteins inserted into the wells a negative charge so that when a charge was applied they would run to the other end of the gel and to help unfold the protein so that it would be able to go through the gel. For this experiment a 12% gel was used in the interest of saving time because a 15% gel would have caused the proteins to go through it slower leading to a lower resolution of identifiable protein bands. The purpose of transferring proteins from gel to PVDF membrane was to be able to visualize the movement of proteins on the gel after electrophoresis. To accomplish this we applied Ponceau stain to the membrane to increase the resolution of the bands and to ensure equal amounts of proteins are loaded onto the gel (Al-Amoudi et al., 2013). It was found that after proteins had been transferred to PVDF membrane that we had very few bands show up for the solubilizing buffer lane, both LSP sample lanes, and both HSS sample lanes. Bands did appear for both MITO samples, however, it appears that got smeared across the gel, bleeding over to other wells. This could have been the result of diluting samples in the wells for reasons noted above, the SDS gel would have been poorly constructed and contributed to the smearing, and poor electrode contact on the gel might have blocked the gel from having proper electrical charge. Issues could have also arisen during transfer of proteins from gel to me mbrane. Air bubbles could have been present during transfer which would have prevented any protein from being transferred as proteins cannot move through air. Additionally, poor folding between membrane and the gel could have attributed to smearing of MITO samples. The purpose of the western blotting was to be able specifically detect for the presence of biotinylated COX proteins. In order for a cell to express a biotinylated protein it needs to be able to take up foreign DNA, be able to properly fold COX-biotin fusion protein, the cell needs to be able to recognize the BSS signal fused to C terminus, and be able to translate COX and biotin together (moving stop codon so that it doesnt not stop halfway across the other.) It was found that after western blotting our membrane with protein fractions that no bands had appeared even after 10 minutes of membrane being in contact with detecting solution. This led to Figure 7. The chart showcasing the relative distances that proteins have travelled is blank as a result. This would imply that when the blocking solution was added that it managed to block the entire membrane (and any present proteins included) from interacting with the probe. However Tween-20 was used to wash excess reagent. So the milk most likely would not have been able to bind to any protein after introduction of Tween-20. Therefore the lack of data could be attributed to low concentrations of protein on membrane for reasons as noted above. Referring to Figure 5 the only proteins that were found on the membrane after were MITO which shows that there would have been no LSP or HSS for probe to bind to, whereas for present MITO sample the concentration may not have been high enough and as a re sult some of it could have been washed out by the methanol step causing concentration of MITO to be so low that it could have been blocked by the blocking solution. There is also a possibility that our yeast samples were not able to biotinylate the COX protein at all which could explain why there were no bands occurring Looking at COX activity graphs for LSP, HSS, and MITO they seem to follow what is expected except for HSS. COX was used as an identifying marker for identifying subcellular fractions containing COX because it is an integral membrane protein for the inner membrane space. If COX activity is present then that would indicate that the mitochondria is intact and functioning. These samples should have seen increased COX activity as cytochrome c was introduced into the fractions which provide electrons to the COX protein allowing it to pump proteins and reduce oxygen to water. Both MITO and LSP experienced increased COX activity as shown by figure 8 and 10 respectively. This falls in line with what was expected with the MITO fractions experiencing higher levels of COX activity then the rest as the cytochrome c had less of a distance to travel to reach inner mitochondrial membrane space than LSP. LSP should have a signal because it would contain intact yeast cells which have mitochondria Albe rts et al., 2015). Therefore LSPs rate of COX activity should be lower because the cytochrome c would have harder time reaching mitochondria. This is shown by Figure 10 having steeper reaction times than Figure 8 and 9. This reaction utilized Deoxycholate (DOC) to speed up the reaction which is why it was only done in 20 second intervals as DOC solubilizes with cytochrome c so that it can enter the mitochondria to interact with COX. If reactions were tested too long after DOC was added then the reaction would have finished before being able to measure absorbance. The one that did stand out was the HSS fraction which appeared to experience negative COX activity or none at all. This was expected as it should have all the remaining parts of the cell that werent the mitochondria, lysosomes and peroxisomes Alberts et al., 2015). This would indicate that these samples did not have an intact mitochondria with a COX protein to interact with cytochrome c. this could be explained by the In conclusion it was found that our yeast strain A2 is the wild type strain. This is because during initial centrifugation the resulting pellet was solid indicating intact mitochondria. Furthermore during COX assay the MITO strain indicated an active COX as shown by its increase in activity, proving that A2 was in fact a wild type strain with functioning mitochondria. References Al-Amoudi, M.S., Salman, M., Al-Majthoub, M.M., Adam,Abdel Majid A., Alshanbari, Naif A., Refat, Moamen S., (2013) Res Chem Intermed 41: 3089. doi:10.1007/s11164-013-1417-4 Alberts, B. et al. (2015). Molecular Biology of the Cell Sixth Edition. New York, NY: Garland  Science, Taylor Francis Group. Armstrong, John. Yeast vacuoles: more than a model lysosome. Trends in Cell Biology 20.10 (2010): 580-85. Web. 13 Mar. 2017. Botstein, D., Chervitz, S. A., Cherry, J. M. (1997, August 29). Yeast as a Model Organism. Retrieved March 12, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3039837/ Deak, Tibor. Handbook of Food Spoilage Yeasts, Second Edition. Contemporary Food Science (2007): 50-51. Web. 13 Mar. 2017. Glerum, Moira Miskovic, Dragana (2017). Biology 331 Advanced Cell Biology Laboratory Manual Winter 2016. Biology Department, University of Waterloo, Waterloo. Goffeau A, Barrell BG, Bussey H, Davis RW, Dujon B, Feldmann H, Galibert F, Hoheisel JD,  Jacq C, Johnston M, Louis EJ, Mewes HW, Murakami Y, Philippsen P, Tettelin H, Oliver SG  (1996) Life with 6000 genes. Science 274, 546 Lukofsky, David, Jonathan Bessette, Heejeong Jeong, Elsa Garmire, and Ulf ÃÆ'-sterberg. Can precursors improve the transmission of energy at optical frequencies? Journal of Modern Optics 56.9 (2009): 1083-090. Web. 13 Mar. 2017. Roberts, C., and A. T. Ganesan. The occurrence of multinucleate giant cells in yeasts. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 25.1 (1959): 97-107. Web. 13 Mar. 2017. Steensels, Jan, Tim Snoek, Esther Meersman, Martina Picca Nicolino, Karin Voordeckers, and Kevin J. Verstrepen. Improving industrial yeast strains: exploiting natural and artificial diversity. FEMS Microbiology Reviews 38.5 (2014): 947-95. Web. 13 Mar. 2017.

African American Family Structure Essay -- Culture Cultural Educationa

African American Family Structure Effects of African American Family Structure on School Attitudes and Performance In today's world, there is such a big emphasis on education and its importance. And there should be an emphasis. Unfortunately, not everyone has the same attitude about receiving a good education. This article attempts to discuss the attitudes of African American's towards education when a stable family structure is absent. Given, not all homes are the Cleaver family, but if a person really wants an education, they should try to concentrate on just that-their education. Parents have a huge responsibility in that if they have children in a single-parent home, the parents attitude must be encouraging for the child. If the parents have a bad attitude or let their ... African American Family Structure Essay -- Culture Cultural Educationa African American Family Structure Effects of African American Family Structure on School Attitudes and Performance In today's world, there is such a big emphasis on education and its importance. And there should be an emphasis. Unfortunately, not everyone has the same attitude about receiving a good education. This article attempts to discuss the attitudes of African American's towards education when a stable family structure is absent. Given, not all homes are the Cleaver family, but if a person really wants an education, they should try to concentrate on just that-their education. Parents have a huge responsibility in that if they have children in a single-parent home, the parents attitude must be encouraging for the child. If the parents have a bad attitude or let their ...

Private Schools vs. Public Schools Essay -- Private Schools Public Sch

Parents often wonder how to start off their children’s education. Depending on ones religion or beliefs a private or public school is a choice most parents face. Of course, each school offers it’s own pros and con’s the choice is simple. Public schools offer the best well rounding of a student. While being enrolled in a public school, students are faced with real outside world problems, are with a different blend of students each year, and are also introduced to the latest technology faster. While, a public school the money is offered to them by the state easier then having donations like a private school. Ones child will most likely be with the same students throughout their educational years. Classes aren’t as big and varied like classes at public schools. While in a public schoo...

Investigating Psychology Classic Studies Research Essay

Examine and assess the ways in which the classic studies discussed in Chapters 2, 4 and 8 of Investigating Psychology influenced subsequent psychological research. Certain psychological studies are termed ‘classics’ as they’ve become renowned for the influence or contribution that they’ve made to particular areas of psychology. This essay looks in detail at such studies, carried out by Milgram, Skinner and Broadbent, with a view to assessing the value of their influences on subsequent psychological research. This essay aims to demonstrate how these studies have largely been influential and valuable as a result of their strengths, but will also demonstrate that a weakness within the structure of a study can also be influential. B.F. Skinner is considered to be one of the most influential psychologists of the twentieth century (Brace and Byford, 2012). His work on behaviour shaping and theory of operant conditioning is still influential today. Skinner believed that behaviour could be influenced through manipulation such as reinforcement, and controversially believed that thought processes and free will play no part in d etermining behaviour. To test his theories he experimented with rats and pigeons. He created the ‘Skinner box’ which meant that the animals’ behaviour could scientifically and objectively be measured. This was an influential and important development that enabled future studies to be carried out under tight controls. Skinner argued that learning through reinforcement could be successfully extended to humans (Toates, 2012). Subsequent research studies have been carried out testing the sustained influence of Skinners theory of reinforcement, and supporting its validity and value. Studies by Swinson and Harrop, 2005 (cited in Toates, 2012) support that challenging behaviour in the classroom can be reduced using positive reinforcement. E.g. a child receives praise for desired behaviours, rather than receiving attention for undesirable behaviour. Therefore Skinner’s classical study has had a positive influence in relation to behaviour in education. Furthermore there is evidence from therapeutic settings (Flora 2004), (cited in Toates, 2012) including mental hospitals, showing that children and adults have been successfully modified for psychological issues such as self-harming, using therapies derived from Skinner’s studies. These techniques of reinforcement are being used today in many hospitals, schools and prisons. (Toates, 2012). However, aspects of Skinner’s theory of behaviourism, displayed weaknesses  and as such is not favoured in psychology today. Most psychologists retain the view that free will is instrumental to behaviour and how we learn, believing that our ability to make choices is influenced by factors other than operant conditioning alone. This was a view rejected by Skinner (Toates, 2012). This aspect of behaviourism has had little influence on subsequent research other than to refute it. Nevertheless Skinners work on operant conditioning remains influential, and is used by many professionals (Cherry, 2013). Furthermore, the work of David Broadbent has been greatly influential and valuable, the evidence of which continues to be seen in research today. Broadbent’s work has contributed to our understanding of attention. He invented the modern study of attention, introducing and making popular the ‘information-processing’ approach which launched the cognitive revolution. This approach was the first testable model of attention and Broadbent was keen that others carried out experiments to test it (Edgar and Edgar 2012). He believed that psychological theory should come from considering practical problems, and with this approach he bridged the gap between the laboratory and the real-world (Berry, 2002, p.403). Broadbent’s model displayed that we have limited capacity to how much information we can process at one time, and as such this affects our abilities to multi-task etc. (Edgar and Edgar, 2012). This has implications on everyday tasks such as driving. This proved extremely valuable information with regards to researching cognitive abilities in humans, and is still used in cognitive psychology today. Colin Cherry was a contemporary of Broadbent’s, whose research extended that of Broadbent’s to explore the role of ‘meaning’ in attention. Cherry’s (1953) findings showed that meaning does play a role in information-processing and as a consequence Broadbent’s original model needed to be modified in a way that recognised memory, experience and expectations can influence attention. These findings generated refinements to the model, raised further specific questions and generated hypothesis which have been, and continue to be tested by carefully designed experiments. This process is known as the â€Å"Cycle of Enquiry†. Broadbent’s research regarding attention and multi-tasking influenced Ivan Brown et al. (1960), (cited in Edgar and Edgar, 2012) to conduct studies into the effects on driving whilst using a mobile ‘phone. This study is an excellent example and evidence of hypothesis testing. There were certain  elements applied to the experiment to ensure a valid test of the hypothesis: Performance or ‘dependent variables’ were measured by speed/accuracy; the two ‘conditions’ were driving without using a ‘phone, and driving the same route whilst answering questions using a ‘phone. The ‘conditions’ arose from manipulating the ‘independent’ variable’ – the use of a ‘phone or not. Other variables were controlled to ensure that the only influence on the result of the study was the variable being measured. The finding of the experiment supported Broadbent’s views regarding attention and multi-tasking. The value that the ‘cycle of enquiry’ adds to subsequent psychological research is immeasurable, as it ensures research is constantly open to re-evaluation. Over time and with the advent of technology, re search performed by Broadbent has influenced studies using fMRI which have been able to ‘see’ how attention is depicted in brain activity. Findings were consistent with Broadbent’s theory of limited capacity (Sabine Kastner et. al. (1998) cited in Edgar and Edgar 2012). Broadbent’s methodical approach to experimental research and theory development were the origins of subsequent psychological research. As such he was instrumental in the development of cognitive psychology. (Edgar and Edgar 2012). Equally influential on psychological research is Milgram’s studies into obedience from authorities’ (1961), which was provoked by the atrocities of the Second World War. The studies investigated whether volunteers would administer potential lethal electrical shocks to another human because they were told to by an ‘authoritative figure’. The findings were alarming in that most people were willing to administer the shocks on the instruction of ‘someone in authority.’ It was these findings that provoked much debate and influenced attempts at replications of the original study. Weaknesses of the study included it being conducted in a single geographical area, using same gender participants, and not being carried out in a real-world environment. In order to address the issue of gender, Milgram himself replicated his study using only females, with the resu lts showing that women were just as likely as men to give the shocks (Banyard, 2012). With regards to culture and geography, Milgram’s study was replicated in many countries and the results were analysed by Peter Smith and Michael Bond (1993), (cited in Banyard, 2012). The findings were that varying degrees of obedience were displayed by different cultures. To test the theory in a real-world  environment, a replication was carried out in a work environment by Charles Hofling et.al. (1996), (cited in Banyard, 2012) to see if nurses would give patients an overdose of a drug on the instruction of a telephone call from a Doctor. The drugs were ‘dummies’ and the Doctor a fake. The request broke hospital protocol but alarmingly a very high percentage of nurses followed the Doctors instruction. However, it’s not just the findings regarding human behaviour that have been greatly influential, but a significant weakness of the study has been equally so. The first code of ethics, The Nuremberg Code, was devised in 1946 as a response to the atrocities carried out during the Second World War. Many people disapproved of Milgram’s obedience studies as they felt that it was ethically wrong. One such psychologist was Diana Baumrind who felt Milgram had broken certain aspects of the code of ethics (Banyard, 2012). She believe d that the participants hadn’t been treated properly as their welfare had been compromised due to the extreme stress they had encountered; they weren’t able to give informed consent; the emotional cost to the participants wasn’t worth the benefit of the study, and participants weren’t able to exercise their right to withdraw. Furthermore, she argued that Milgram had harmed the public image of psychology. The value of this to subsequent research is that the obedience study demonstrated why ethics is so important in psychology, and highlighted the need for strict guidelines in research (Banyard, 2012). These very concerns regarding ethics would make it difficult to replicate the original study today. However, the development of technology has enabled replications of the study to be carried out in a virtual environment (Mel Slater et.al 2006, cited in Banyard 2012). The findings were similar to that of the original study. However you measure Milgram’s impact, whether it’s in terms of obedience, ethics or human behaviour, he remains one of the most influential Social Psychologists of our time. (Banyard, 2012). To conclude, having looked in detail at the classic studies, the evidence supplied clearly demonstrates that they’ve had a significant and valuable influence on subsequent psychological research. The influence that they’ve had and the high value to research are evident throughout history. However, it is also important to note that these studies do also display weaknesses; there are elements which have been challenged, offer no value, and have had no significant influence on subsequent research. This is however, over  shadowed by the body of evidence presented that outline the many ways in which the classical studies have influenced subsequent psychological research and continue to do so. (1553 words). References: Banyard, P. (2012) ‘Just Following Orders?’ in Brace, N. and Byford, J. (eds) Investigating Psychology, Oxford, Oxford University press/Milton Keynes, The Open University. Berry, D. (2012) The Psychologist, vol.15, no.8 22 August [Online]. Available at www.thepsychologist.org.uk/archive/archive_home.cfm/volumeID_15-edition_83-ArticleID_437-getfile-getPDF/thepsychologist/aug02berry.pdf) (Accessed 14 August 2013) Brace, N. and Byford, J. (eds) Investigating Psychology, Oxford, Oxford University press/Milton Keynes, The Open University. Cherry, K. (2013) http://psychology.about.com/od/profileofmajorthinkers/p/bio_skinner.htm (Accessed 14 August 2013) Edgar, H. and Edgar, G. (2012) ‘Paying Attention’ in Brace, N. and Byford, J. (eds) Investigating Psychology, Oxford, Oxford University press/Milton Keynes, The Open University. Toates, F. (2012. ‘Changing Behaviour’ in Brace, N. and Byford, J. (eds) Investigating Psychology, Oxford, Oxford University press/Milton Keynes, The Open University.

The Mexican & American Economy

Growth has slowed considerably in early 2001 in response to the hard downturn in the US economy. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2001 is forecast to slow to 2%, from 6.9% in 2000. A rebound of growth in 2002 will depend on an upturn in the U.S. economy and continued conventional economic management. A tightening of monetary policy should enable inflation to fall to under 7% by the end of 2001. With hopes in 2002 of a further reduction in inflation, provided the peso depreciates gradually. The first year of the Fox administration, combined both the fiscal and monetary tightening that will characterize the administration, this will limit GDP growth to only 2% in 2001. A pick-up in growth to 4.5% can be forecast for 2002 as private consumption and export-oriented industrial output rebound with the beginning of a turnaround in the US economy. A sharper slowdown than currently forecast is possible if the US economy goes into recession. A slowing domestic economy, combined with tight monetary and fiscal policy, will ensure that inflation continues to fall in 2001-02, although not as quickly as officials have targeted. With inflation already at single-digit levels and the peso likely to depreciate during the next year, further large reductions in inflation will be difficult to achieve. To reach its inflation target of 6.5% for 2001, Banxico will have to tighten monetary policy again following several tightening moves over the past 12 months. Even considering a relatively tight fiscal deficit target ceiling of 0.6% of GDP, year-end inflation will probably be around 7.5% in 2001 and about 5% in 2002. Positive investor sentiment towards Mexico, fuelled by expectations of an investment upgrade, has resulted in a strengthening of the peso in 2001. However, with the trade deficit widening on the back of the US slowdown and a possible cooling of sentiment towards Mexico, the peso seems bound for depreciation against the US dollar of more than 10% in total during 2001-02. The depreciation would be more severe except for rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve (the US central bank), which began in January and are likely to continue during the year in reaction to a slowing US economy. Both exports and imports will grow at a much slower rate in 2001-02 than in the previous two years, reflecting a slowdown in the US economy as well as in domestic demand. Mexican exporters are facing an unfavorable environment for their products for the first time since the beginning of NAFTA in 1994. In 2000 growth in the import bill outstripped export earnings growth, a trend that will continue into the next year. Were the peso to depreciate more suddenly than currently forecast, export earnings growth could trend higher than import growth, resulting in a downward revision of the forecast for the current-account deficit. If the peso depreciates as expected, the current-account deficit will widen in 2001 and will further expand in 2002.

Case Study Assignment

1. What is the key HR issue(s) of this case?The key HR issue of this case is not having the policy written or clear. It is important make clear to everyone what the policies are and that they are applied consistently and fairly across the organization. Bruce was not clear on the proper rules of not being able to sell the company product outside. He thought what he was doing wasn’t any different than selling to family and friends, which the other co-worker were doing. HR needs to clearly state to all employees that company products are not for resale, but for employee use only.2. What action should you take with Bruce? Are there grounds to discipline Bruce? Why/why not?I think suspending Bruce from the staff purchase program for a limited time is a good action. There are grounds to discipline Bruce by verbally warning him that selling at the flea market or anywhere else in the future is prohibited. That is the first and only step allowed to take in the current situation. Write down in his file that he was warned about this for future reference. Advise him that if it happens again he will get a one-to-three day suspension from work. Counselling Bruce about his problems at home as well should be taken into consideration as it could affect his work in the future.3. Develop a detailed, comprehensive plan, outlining the HR policies/practices that should be implemented, in order to minimize the company’s risk of another occurrence. Explain the reasons for your recommendations.First, HR must have a written policy in place. The company should create a new written policy confirming that company product is for the direct use of employees only. Referring this in the new employee orientation presentation is not enough. The policy should be included in an employee handbook and  there should be proof in the personnel files that everyone has received a copy with signatures. It should also state that if employees are found reselling company products for personal profits will either be suspended or cut off from the staff purchase program or lead to suspension/termination from work. The company should also state that if the purchase program is found being abused is can be decided that the program will no longer become available for everyone else as well.HR should state and bring awareness that one person’s bad actions could cost everyone else’s benefits with the purchase program and that suspicious activity should be reported immediately. Furthermore, a brief company policy poster should be posted within the work place as a reminder. It should be placed in the back room where it can be easily seen. The employee handbook can be simply forgotten about and posters can help remind and encourage employees to keep following the rules on a daily basis. New and different poster designs should be changed annually so they don’t become out-of-date and stale. This will show that the company takes thoughtful measures to encourage a t rustworthy and responsible staff.Secondly, the company should enforce these new and current policies with a mandatory training seminar annually. The training seminar should help explain the reasons behind these standards and to build a positive spirit of self-discipline. With proper monitoring and guidance, this will show that management is on top of operational standards. Without this, employees will realize management has fallen behind on company values and it creates an increased exposure risk of someone not properly following company rules.These policies, when organized and disseminated in an easily used form, can serve to prevent many misunderstandings between employees and employers about their rights and obligations. Instituting internal controls with the help of the training seminar should help identify wrongdoings within the workplace. This will also follow up with employees to ensure that they are living up to his or her commitments and to reduce the likelihood of having t o take more severe action. The seminar should also gain agreement with the employees that they are continuously responsible for managing his or her actions with company guidelines.The meeting should also acknowledge employees for their good efforts and loyal relationship. Recognizing staff  will inspire them to become long-lasting honest employees. Additionally, the seminar should include fun quick games or quizzes for knowing important company protocols. This will encourage employees to speak up and become involved in the meeting so that it is not a one-way lecture type of discussion. Awarding with prizes such as a free company product package will lighten and not bore the staff. The seminar should be used to refresh employees on company guidelines and to involve them with any questions or concerns.

A Pattern in The Least Successful Startup

A year ago I noticed a pattern in the least successful startups we'd funded: they all seemed hard to talk to. It felt as if there was some kind of wall between us. I could never quite tell if they understood what I was saying. This caught my attention because earlier we'd noticed a pattern among the most successful startups, and it seemed to hinge on a different quality. We found the startups that did best were the ones with the sort of founders about whom we'd say â€Å"they can take care of themselves.†The startups that do best are fire-and-forget in the sense that all you have to do is give them a lead, and they'll close it, whatever type of lead it is. When they're raising money, for example, you can do the initial intros knowing that if you wanted to you could stop thinking about it at that point. You won't have to babysit the round to make sure it happens. That type of founder is going to come back with the money; the only question is how much on what terms. It seemed od d that the outliers at the two ends of the spectrum could be detected by what appeared to be unrelated tests.You'd expect that if the founders at one end were distinguished by the presence of quality x, at the other end they'd be distinguished by lack of x. Was there some kind of inverse relation between resourcefulness and being hard to talk to? It turns out there is, and the key to the mystery is the old adage â€Å"a word to the wise is sufficient. † Because this phrase is not only overused, but overused in an indirect way (by prepending the subject to some advice), most people who've heard it don't know what it means.What it means is that if someone is wise, all you have to do is say one word to them, and they'll understand immediately. You don't have to explain in detail; they'll chase down all the implications. In much the same way that all you have to do is give the right sort of founder a one line intro to a VC, and he'll chase down the money. That's the connection. U nderstanding all the implications—even the inconvenient implications—of what someone tells you is a subset of resourcefulness. It's conversational resourcefulness.Like real world resourcefulness, conversational resourcefulness often means doing things you don't want to. Chasing down all the implications of what's said to you can sometimes lead to uncomfortable conclusions. The best word to describe the failure to do so is probably â€Å"denial,† though that seems a bit too narrow. A better way to describe the situation would be to say that the unsuccessful founders had the sort of conservatism that comes from weakness. They traversed idea space as gingerly as a very old person traverses the physical world. The unsuccessful founders weren't stupid.Intellectually they were as capable as the successful founders of following all the implications of what one said to them. They just weren't eager to. So being hard to talk to was not what was killing the unsuccessful s tartups. It was a sign of an underlying lack of resourcefulness. That's what was killing them. As well as failing to chase down the implications of what was said to them, the unsuccessful founders would also fail to chase down funding, and users, and sources of new ideas. But the most immediate evidence I had that something was amiss was that I couldn't talk to them.

Applied Principles for Responsible Business Practice

Human resource management is used to describe the management of the people within an organization. There are various responsibilities that fall under the human resource management , which creates an efficient workforce environment for the organization. Human resource management is a â€Å"resource† centred phenomenon that deals in monitoring, planning and control of the people associate with the organization (Punch,   2013). In this report, we analyse the Australia and New Zealand banking group (ANZ), which is the fourth largest banking in Australia and the largest bank in New Zealand. The human resource management program of the ANZ bank would be conducted in the report, with more stress on the labour practices and the approaches towards the social responsibility of the company. The report analyses various steps that are taken by the organization, and thereby helps the organization in achieving the goals of the organization of achieving an ethical framework. ANZ bank believes in the natural strengths of a vivacious, diverse and comprehensive team   where the background, aim and experiences of a particular person helps the organization to form a stable relationship with the customers of the company. it helps in making better decisions for the business. the labour practices of the ANZ organization can be divided s follows : Values – ANZ values ensures â€Å"doing the right things well† (Chien, 2012). Their values describe the position of the organization which implements the ideas of not willing to compromise in any situation with the customers, shareholders, community and with each other. Along with the code of conduct and ethics, the company helps in organizing the value guide that helps in taking efficient decisions. Their values are to do what is right, to connect and work in unity in order to fulfil the wants of the customers, to make their actions useful enough , value every choice and respect the customers and each other and to give their best at work . Approach to human rights – ANZ performs various approaches that guides the methods of treating its employees, promote culture and respect to the customers and suppliers ,and contributing the communities in which is persists (Executive Strategies | ANZ. (2016). They sign a mandatory un global compact that initiates the guidelines for the ethical conduct towards its employees. They have generated their standards available for the employees in five different languages. Diversity and inclusion – ANZ has maintained a diverse environment at workplace by following various approaches towards the employees. Numerous policies and plans are initiated in order to uplift the welfare of its employees such as   employment opportunity, plans against harassment and bullying, flexible working, accommodation for the staffs, parenting ,eldercare and childcare facilities. Various approaches have also been initiated dealing with discouraging gender bias at workforce, promoting cultural diversity , increasing accessibility and flexibility towards the workers (David & David 2016). It aims at providing all the facilities to its employees that would raise the productivity of each labour. Health and safety policies – ANZ provides its labour with various health, safety, security and wellbeing policies   that would help the labours of the organization. They have implemented a health and safety management system (HSMS) to identify and formulate the wellbeing of the employees, customers, contractors and visitors ad members of the organization. A special employee assistance problem has been initiated by ANZ bank which deals with a confidential counselling service providing professional guidance and support to the labours. A risk accreditation framework has been formed as a part of ANZ essentials that helps the labours to identify their specific roles and requirements for training. Training and development – ANZ has   a team of highly respecting banking professionals that aims at fostering the labour for longer term and a culture of continuous and self directed learning. They offer their labours with various formal and informal ways to learn ,develop and grow. They are in collaboration with some leading training institutes that help the organization in training their labour for producing quality efficient work. ANZ provides their labour with high opportunities to develop in their career (Oke ,2016). Employee relations – ANZ bank provides its employees with the work environment that encourage the employees to express their ideas, opinions and concerns towards the organization. They motivate their employees to participate in the policies and proposals of the bank which initiates a long term success of the company. The company conduct an annual employment engagement survey that is reported to the management board of the bank. They provide their employees with the freedom   to get associated with the decisions to be taken by the company (Jones,   McEvoy   & Barrett 2016). These commitments of the company are formulated by the freedom of association policy. ANZ aims at treating its employees with dignity and respect. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) have dedicated themselves in supervising the environmental impacts of their activities   Ã‚  and social responsibilities that would reduce both environmental impacts and costs incurred by the organization (Brammer, Jackson & Matten 2012).   In order to pertain an ideal situation towards its approach to social responsibility, ANZ has attempted to undertake various measures that would help the bank to achieve their target. The approaches could be listed as follows : Responsible business lending – the bank finances many social and environmental sensitive companies . The organization help their customers by providing them with aid in order to overcome their difficulties , minimise and manage their impacts. As stated by Mondy, & Martocchio (2016), the organization focuses on making balanced decisions that are fully informed, in order to help their customers to improve the management of environment, society, and governance risks. They have developed a number of processes such as social and environmental screening tool, reputation risk radar, early alert review committee and reputation risk committee. Climate change – ANZ is implementing   various plans n meeting the social, environmental and economic challenges posted by climate change. The organization has stated that they aim in   fulfilling the international agreement to limit the average global temperature , to not more than 2 °c  .   They have submitted a recent statement to the Australian parliamentary inquiry, which states the framework dealing with consistent information regarding the matters of carbon risk reporting. They have formed a carbon working group in acquisition with three other Australian banks (Murray, Davis,   Hewson   & McNamee, 2014). Managing footprints – the organization aims at reducing the environmental impact of the operations carried out by the bank, by formulating innovation and efficiency. There are some major environmental impacts that are as a result of the growth of digital banking services, which uses an expanded technological infrastructure (Mathis, et al., 2016).   The bank develops solutions in order to reduce these environmental impacts along with the view of reducing the costs. They have implemented various plans that designs sustainable branches and thereby reduces the need of natural resources (Hendry 2012). Supply chain -    ANZ bank is currently operating in 34 markets that utilises an extensive supply chain. As the bank knows, that their activities are directed towards having a social and environmental impact, and that their stakeholders expects to be managed accurately, the bank has formulated some approaches accordingly. They have a group sourcing policy to undermine the behaviour of everyone thereby ensuring a fairer and safe   conduct. A sustainability guidelines list is maintained for the bank in specific categories of the it sector, motor vehicle ease , legal services, print services and corporate wardrobe. ANZ has an extensive supplier code of practise (SCOP), which sets out various expectations of the suppliers (Stockport , et al., 2012). Energy and carbon emission – ANZ keeps a check on the performance of their 34 markets by operating through an online environmental reporting system.   They conduct video conferencing   other techniques in order to educate its employees regarding the   efficient consumption   of energy consumption. They meet the requirements of national greenhouse and energy reporting act 2007 and thereby helps to sustain the environment.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The code of conduct and ethics, helps in organizing the value guide that helps in taking efficient decisions for the company  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The company sign a mandatory un global compact that initiates the guidelines for the ethical conduct towards its employees  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Numerous policies and plans are initiated such as   employment opportunity, plans against harassment and bullying, flexible working, accommodation for the staffs, parenting ,eldercare and childcare facilities.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They have implemented a Health and Safety Management System (HSMS) to identify and formulate the wellbeing of the employees, customers, contractors and visitors ad members of the organization.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They are in collaboration with some leading training institutes that help the organization in training their labour for producing quality efficient work  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They have implemented a health and safety management system (HSMS) to identify and formulate the wellbeing of the employees, customers, contractors and visitors ad members of the organization.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They provide their employees with the freedom   to get associated with the decisions to be taken by the company.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The organization help their customers by providing them with aid in order to overcome their difficulties , minimise and manage their impacts.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The organization has stated that they aim in   fulfilling the international agreement to limit the average global temperature , to not more than 2 °C  .  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The bank develops solutions in order to reduce these environmental impacts along with the view of reducing the costs.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They have a group sourcing policy to undermine the behaviour of everyone thereby ensuring a fairer and safe   conduct. A sustainability guidelines list is maintained for the bank in specific categories of the IT sector, motor vehicle ease , legal services, print services and corporate wardrobe.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   ANZ keeps a check on the performance of their 34 markets by operating through an online environmental reporting system.    ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Company practices off shoring, that involves shifting of the business from one country to another.Weaknesses  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The bank has no job security schemes for its employees, hence it results in firing its workers without any notice.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Less funding for the training program.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   More optimization for   social benefits and include development strategies.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Supplier need to see that the public image of ANZ has not   been tarnished.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Delay in formulating the plan of carbon emission.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Environmental effects are more than the remedies installed. Human resource management provides the company with the scope of analysing a responsible environment   around the workplace. With the detail analyses conducted over the labour practices and approaches towards the social responsibility of Australia and New Zealand banking group . Information regarding the various approaches proposed and perceived by the company has been discussed, that provides a clear view of what are the strengths and weaknesses of the organization with regard to the two elements of the human resource management. Brammer, S., Jackson, G., & Matten, D. (2012). Corporate social responsibility and institutional theory: New perspectives on private governance.  Socio-Economic Review,  10(1), 3-28. Chien, I. L. C. (2012). A Study of Foreign Bank Acquisition Strategy-The Case of ANZ Bank. David, F., & David, F. R. (2016). Strategic Management: A Competitive Advantage Approach, Concepts and Cases. Executive Strategies | ANZ. (2016). Anz.com. Retrieved 22 September 2016, from https://www.anz.com/corporate/markets/structured-investments/executive-strategies/ Hendry, C. (2012).  Human resource management. Routledge. Jones, T., McEvoy, D., & Barrett, G. (2016). 5 Labour intensive practices in the.  Employment, the Small Firm and the Labour Market, 172. Mathis, R. L., Jackson, J. H., Valentine, S. R., & Meglich, P. (2016).  Human resource management. Nelson Education. Mondy, R., & Martocchio, J. J. (2016). Human resource management.  Human Resource Management, Global Edition. Murray, D., Davis, K., Hewson, C., & McNamee, B. (2014). Financial System Inquiry.  Final Report. Canberra, The Treasury of the Commonwealth of Australia. Oke, L. (2016). Human Resources Management.  International Journal of Humanities and Cultural Studies (IJHCS)à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹ ISSN 2356-5926,  1(4), 376-387. Punch, K. F. (2013).  Introduction to social research: Quantitative and qualitative approaches. Sage. Stockport, G. J., Godley, M., Guagliado, D., Leung, O., Mercer, B., Varma, G., & Wong, S. (2012). ANZ Bank: Building a strategy for Asia.  South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases,  1(1), 31-41.

Exxon Valdez Oil Spill in the Prince William Sound Essay

Exxon Valdez Oil Spill in the Prince William Sound - Essay Example These investigations proved beyond doubt that the damages caused by this mishap have been more than what one would anticipate and therefore huge remedial measures are necessary to regain the damaged eco system back to its normal state. Even though some relief works were carried out at the site for few months and some compensation were dispersed by Exxon; these measures were not sufficient enough to bring back the affected region to its normal state. Exxon slowly started to withdraw its relief operations in this area even though they accepted the responsibility of this mishap. This paper discusses the things happened after this mishap to the key players, the appropriateness of their actions and the recommendations for avoiding such mishaps in future. â€Å"Exxon Mobil has paid about $900 million under the 1991 settlement† (Yardley, 2011) to rebuild the environment back to its normal state. â€Å"Exxon says it doesnt have any obligation to pay more. But the settlement also had a "reopener" clause allowing the state and federal governments to later claim up to $100 million more from Exxon if there were unforeseen damages† (Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: Exxon Mobil Scores Key Victory In Alaska Case, 2011). But Exxon is note ready to obey the "reopener" clause of $100 million more aid to the affected people. Oil that penetrates deeply into beaches can remain relatively fresh for years and can later come back to the surface and affect nearby animals. In addition, oil degrades at varying rates depending on environment, with subsurface sediments physically protected from disturbance, oxygenation, and photolysis retaining contamination by only partially weathered oil for years. Long-term exposure of fish embryos to weathered oil at parts per billion (ppb) concentrations has population consequences through indirect effects on growth,

Comparing Media Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Comparing Media Systems - Essay Example With objective strategies aimed at making Facebook one of the most competitive social media, the management led by Mark Zuckerberg (founder), has been able to reduce the cost of operation. Currently, it is estimated that this media system has been spending about $536 million to meet its cost of operation. This amount is too low compared to the revenue generated explaining why Facebook continue to dominate the social media industry. Facebook has played a significant role in connecting people from different parts of the world. It is one of the cheapest means of communication that allows friends, and family members to connect and express their emotions. Currently, groups with common interests can are allowed to create a ‘group page’ which they can use to communicate without necessarily having to meet physically. With tight schedules that many people have, meeting physically continues to become a big challenge. Keeping people in touch has some psychological impact. Unlike ot her transitional media systems such as CNN, Facebook allows individuals to express their emotions through communication. This according to psychologists is imperative in stress alleviation. Facebook is also a source of information that has made it possible for people to know what is happening in different parts of the world. Just like other electronic and print media systems, Facebook can allow individuals know, and even contribute to difference social phenomena happening in different parts of the world. Politicians, businessmen, artists, and other influential forces have taken advantage of the Facebook to target their clients. In 2008 presidential debate in the United States, Facebook was one of the main communication tool that was used to allow target voters to follow events live and make their contributions. With the help of ABC in collaboration with Alselm College, a Facebook App that would make it possible for communication in this kind of setting was developed. This therefore makes facebook one of the unprecedented transnational media systems, which allow people to have a say in political and other social issues. Businesspersons have also taken advantage facebook to market their products, target and retain customers. They keep target customers informed about what they produce, where they can find them, and the price. Facebook has therefore made a positive impact in e-commerce, a phenomenon that has taken shape in the business world. Through this process, many companies have been able to increase their customer base, which consequently leads to more sales and profits. 2. Social impact of facebook While facebook has made a lot of impact on the society, this paper shall focus on the social impact. The latter will seek to analyze how facebook has transformed the lives of the people globally. In dealing with the issue of social impact of Facebook, the following questions shall be addressed: How has facebook enhanced social bonds, and communication? How does f acebook enhance information dissemination? How has facebook fostered relationship between clients and businesspersons? What are some of the criticisms of social impact of facebook? 1. Facebook and social bonds The media system theory of dependency is imperative inn explaining the kind of media that people choose. It also explains why people prefer certain