Wednesday, December 25, 2019

The Tell-Tale heart Essay - 805 Words

The behavior of the narrator in The Tell-Tale heart demonstrate characteristic that are associated with people with obsessive-compulsive disorder and paranoid schizophrenia . When Poe wrote this story in 1843 obsessive-compulsive disorder and paranoia had not been discovered. However in modern times the characteristics demonstrated by the narrator leads people to believe that he has a mental illness. Poe’s narrator demonstrates classic signs throughout the story leading the reader to believe that this character is mad nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Most psychiatrists believe that when a person suffers from paranoia they most likely have paranoid schizophrenia. According to Frederick Frese chief psychologist at Ohio mental hospital,†¦show more content†¦The narrator justifies the murder by believing that the old man will vex him. The irony here is that the old man is murdered because he is considered a madman by one who is himself insane. The narrator believes that by killing the old man he can get rid of the curse that the eye possesses. He is paranoid that the old man will figure out his plan so he takes extra precaution to be extremely kind to him. The narrator states that he has a disease that has â€Å"sharpened† his senses. His over sensitive ears have made him hear things that don’t even exists. The old man’s eye and heart set him over the edge, He had to kill the man to stop the look of the eye and to quiet the beating of the heart. After the death of the old man, the narrator takes the time to dismember the corps. There was no blood because he was cleave enough to dismember it in a tub. He did not have to worry about anyone find out about the murder He hears the knock at the door and opens it because he had nothing to fear. As he sits with the police officers, he acts calm like nothing has happened. He soon believes that he can hear the sound of the old mans heart beating thought the floorboard. It grows louder and louder and as this happens the narrator becomes paranoids that the officers can hear it too. It is to much for him and he must admit his deed. â€Å" I admit the deed-tear up the planks- here, here! - It is the beating of his hideous heart.† (Poe 121) The narrator thinksShow MoreRelatedThe Tale the Heart Tells523 Words   |  2 PagesMany a night, just at midnight, when all the world slept, it has welled up from my own bosom, deepening, with its dreadful echo, the terrors that distracted me. I say I knew it well. I knew what the old man felt and pitied him although I chuckled at heart† (Poe 2). The narrator sees the man as his double through such an emphasis on their similar features, which later becomes crucial as the narrator feels the need for the displacement of his fear. Th e fact that the old man’s fear is warranted due toRead MoreEssay on The Tell-Tale Heart852 Words   |  4 PagesAndrew Fiddler Professor Esquivel English 1020 15 February 2013 Themes of â€Å"The Tell-Tale Heart† Edgar Allen Poe explores the similarity of love and hate in many stories, especially â€Å"The Tell Tale Heart.† In â€Å"The Tell-Tale Heart,† the narrator confesses a love for an old man whom he then violently murders and dismembers the body and hides the pieces below the floorboards in the bedroom. When the police arrive, the narrator appears normal and unshaken by the murder. Later on, the man gives inRead MoreEssay on The Tell Tale Heart655 Words   |  3 PagesThe Insane Killer One of Edgar Allan Poe’s most terrifying tales is â€Å"The Tell Tale Heart†. Poe’s life was tragic because many of the women that Edgar Allan Poe loved very much had died of tuberculosis- his mother, his foster mother, his wife Virginia, and the men in his life kept abandoning him, so that made him dark and depressed. That darkness shows in a lot of his stories, including this one. â€Å"The Tell Tale Heart† is a story about a murder the narrator commits. He kills an old man becauseRead MoreThe Tell Tale Heart Essay1015 Words   |  5 PagesBeating Heart With a descriptive epistle of murder and insanity, â€Å"The Tell Tale Heart† threw itself into history as a classic. The narrator tells of his plot to murder an old man with a â€Å"vulture eye.† Although he sneaks into his bedroom, night after night, he still cannot murder the old man, because he loves the man, but hates the eye. When seeing the vulture eye on the eighth night, he murders the old man and dismembers his body. While insisting upon his sanity he hears the old man’s heart beatingRead MoreTell Tale Heart Essay1367 Words   |  6 PagesIn â€Å"Tell Tale Heart,† Edgar Allen Poe develops the plot and creates a mood through the use of metaphors, symbolism, imagery, and foreshadowing. The unique use of said literary devices enables the story to strongly entice the reader’s interest and spark high levels of curiosity. The vivid mental pieces of art are beautifully painted with metaphors, symbolism, and imagery, the tools mastered by the p ainter, Edgar Allen Poe. The initial analysis will be that of the old man’s eye. Mr. Poe uses veryRead More The Tell Tale Heart Essay1656 Words   |  7 PagesIn the â€Å"Tell-Tale Heart† by Edgar Allan Poe, the narrator is extremely uncanny due to the reader’s inability to trust him. Right from the beggining the reader can tell that the narrator is crazy although the narrator does proclaim that he is sane. Since a person cannot trust a crazy person, the narrator himself is unreliable and therefore uncanny. Also as the story progress the narrator falls deeper and deeper into lunacy making him more and more unreliable, until the end of the story where the narratorRead More A Hanging and A Tell-Tale Heart1541 Words   |  7 Pagescharacters of the guard from George Orwell’s â€Å"A Hanging† and the servant from Edgar Allen Poe’s â€Å"A Tell-Tale Heart†, they both experience the act of taking another person’s life. The guard from â€Å"A Hanging† works at a prison in Burma where felons await execution. His job is to lead the convicted men to their doom and makes sure everything goes routinely and swift. While the servant from â€Å"A Tell-Tale Heart† is a psychopathic man who lets his obsession over his boss’s glasseye lead him to plot and carryRead MoreAnalysis Of The Tell Tale Heart 1110 Words   |  5 Pagesdespicable villains are marked with indifference towards their moral reprehensibility. â€Å"In the Penal Colony† and â€Å"The Tell Tale Heart† both elucidate the idea that corruption, darkness, and immorality alike are unperceivable to the one afflicted. However, while â€Å"In the Penal Colony† suggests that this blind nature is a result of dutiful honor, responsibility, and hope, â€Å"The Tell Tale Heart† alternatively submits that it is a result of the possibility of fulfillment. Distinction between bothRead MoreThe Tell-Tale Heart Confession593 Words   |  2 PagesProbably not, but most americans have had this issue in that past. The narrator in â€Å"The Tell-Tale Heart† had the same exact same problem during his span as a butler. â€Å"The Tell-Tale Heart† is a short story composed about a butler that murders his master because he didn’t liked the way his master’s eye looked when it was open. The meaning of the title â€Å"The Tell-Tale Heart†, means that every heart has a tale to tell. At the ending of the story the narrator openly admits that he killed his master to policeRead MoreThe Black Cat And The Tell Tale Heart957 Words   |  4 Pages the manner in which he expressed these emotions was his brilliantly horrifying short stories. In the two short stories â€Å"The Black Cat† and â€Å"The Tell Tale Heart† Poe uses characterization to portray the guilt of the narrator. â€Å"The Black Ca t† short story’s writing has a morbid effect on readers and describes the torments of guilt. In â€Å"The Tell-Tale Heart† Poe explores the effects of the subconscious mind, the suppressing of guilt and the narrator’s guilt forcing him to confess.† â€Å"The Black Cat† is

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Cuba And The United States - 1610 Words

Introduction A lot has gone on between the United States and Cuba between 1959 and 2015. In 1959, Cuba and the United States cut off diplomatic ties. On December 17, 2014, the United States and Cuba announced that they would restore diplomatic ties. Diplomatic ties is defined as â€Å"The art or practice of conducting international relations, as in negotiating alliances, treaties, and agreements† by The Free Dictionary. This means that two countries work together and with other countries to talk about alliances and make treaties and agreements. When they cut off diplomatic ties, the United States and Cuba basically had nothing to do with each other on the international scene. History of Cuba Cuba was first discovered by Spanish explorers about 500 years ago. Cuba is the largest country of the West Indies, which include Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico. Cuba has a population of over 11 million people. They have been shut off from the United States since 1959. They have not gotten any new cars from the United States since then, so they keep the 1950s cars in use. Fidel Castro became the Prime Minister of Cuba in 1959 after seizing Havana and overthrowing Fulgencio Batista. Havana, La Habana in Spanish, is the largest city in Cuba, as well as the largest city in all of the Caribbean, and the capital city of Cuba. Havana is also the only major city in Cuba. Havana has a scenic waterfront and is surrounded by beaches. Cuba is 64% white. These whites used to own AfricanShow MoreRelatedCuba And The United States864 Words   |  4 PagesCuba and the United States are two very different countries. Although they are only nearly 90 miles away from each other it has been over 50 years since both countries have had any real relationship towards each other, other than the hatred that seems to shown by the two countries’ politicians. In October 1960 the United States began to impose its first round of embargoes towards the small island when Cuba decided to nationalize all of the American Oil on its county after the United States withoutRead MoreThe United States And Cuba1491 Words   |  6 Pages Before the conflict between the United States and Cuba, the two countries were strongly connected in terms of trading, with the US purchasing 87% of Cuba’s exports (CITE). However, once Fidel Castro came to power in Janurary 1959 after successfully overpowering President Batista and established Cuba as a communist state, relations became strained. In the following year, $1.8 billion US assets in Cuba were taken by Castro and the newly Communist state created close ties with the Soviet Union (CITERead MoreCuba And The United States1217 Words   |  5 Pageshe U.S and Cuba officially cut ties in January of 1961, meaning that there have not been any high-level diplomatic relations with Cuba for 54 years. At the time, America and Cuba considered one another as mortal enemies and mistrusted each other’s government greatly. So this raises the question; Was it the correct decision for Cuba and the United States to cut ties? This break with Cuba was a bad decision because it caused Cuba’s economy to plummet, caused Cubans to immigrate, and it caused CubanRead MoreCuba And The United States1610 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction A lot has gone on between the United States and Cuba between 1959 and 2015. In 1959, Cuba and the United States cut off diplomatic ties. On December 17, 2014, the United States and Cuba announced that they would restore diplomatic ties. Diplomatic ties is defined as â€Å"The art or practice of conducting international relations, as in negotiating alliances, treaties, and agreements† by The Free Dictionary. This means that two countries work together and with other countries to talk aboutRead MoreThe United States And Cuba Essay1008 Words   |  5 PagesThe United States and Cuba The United States is the leader of the free world. The United States exercises strength in this role through trade agreements and military strength. Because of this, the foreign policies the United States puts into place greatly affect the economies of other countries. This is especially true of Cuba. The island of Cuba is just over 100 miles south of the Florida border. The United States and Cuba have struggled to find common ground in regards to foreign policy overRead MoreThe United States And Cuba1534 Words   |  7 Pageshostilities, the United States and Cuba have taken significant steps in recent years to dramatically alter their relationship in the years ahead. Those efforts are controversial to a number of Americans who oppose engaging the Cuban government. Prior to the Spanish American War of 1898, Cuba was a Spanish colony with extensive commercial relations with U.S. businesses, particularly with regard to the production of sugar. Following the U.S. victory in the Spanish American War in 1898, Cuba, which is locatedRead MoreCuba And The United States1307 Words   |  6 PagesCuba is a nation that formed from a history of colonial and imperial domination. Formal colonial status under Spain ended during the invasion by the United States in 1898, when military and corporate interests made the island a de facto colony of the United States. However, Cuba and the United States have had a long history of both political and military ties; both good and bad. Nevertheless, these ties have played a vital role in the current relationship the United States maintains with CubaRead MoreEssay on Cuba and the United States4491 Words   |  18 PagesCuba and the United States The island of Cuba has been a focal point of American foreign policy since the acquisition of Florida in the late 1800s. Cuba continues to capture Americas attention as it is the only existing communist state in the Western Hemisphere. U.S. policy has attempted to topple the communist regime in Cuba since its outset in 1961. Policies designed to incite revolution, destroy the Cuban economy, and starve the Cuban people seem to be at odds with American ideals ofRead MoreThe United States Embargo On Cuba2305 Words   |  10 PagesII 21 March 2016 The Extirpation of the United States’ Embargo on Cuba On an island far, far, away, are oppressed, poor, and hopeless people who have been under the subjugate control of a regime of communist dictators for over half a century. A body of people, who for almost 55 years, have been given the cold shoulder by one of the world’s biggest superpower and the only superpower in close proximity to their own island. The U.S. implemented sanctions on Cuba in 1960 and 1961, with President John FRead MoreThe Embargo On Cuba And The United States1781 Words   |  8 PagesIn December 2014, President Obama started restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba. Cuba and the United States have been hostile since the Cuban Revolution of 1959, when Fidel Castro overthrew the US-supportedbacked dictator, Fulgencio Batista, and established a Communist regime. The US rejected Castro’s bid for equal economic partnership because they wanted to maintain economic dominance. As such, Castro began seizing US assets, causing back-and-forth actions that culmi nated in Presidents Eisenhower

Monday, December 9, 2019

Chicago free essay sample

Prohibition-era musical based on a 1926 play of female criminals in Chicago. It is a tale of sin, corruption, knockout dancing, and edge-of-your-story showstoppers that explore feminism as well as the relationship between sex and marriage. Not only does it entail social issues, but the changes in theatre too. Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly are main characters of the musical. The plot follows them throughout their journey to freedom desperately trying to keep fame to their names with scandals and drama. (1920s) Original: Based on a 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins. A claimed reason for its more recent success is due to the way she crafted the play, with musical numbers as the plot.  Watkin’s set the foundation on the Kander and Ebb production because she made personal. Events that occurred within the musical, are historical events that actually happened in Chicago that she wrote about first hand as a reporter in the 1920s. We will write a custom essay sample on Chicago or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It is composed in the 1920s vaudeville style, but modernized by the issues at hand. The issues of society along with the feminist views exhibit Chicago’s impact in the history of musical theatre. Emphasized show-biz and media, showing its large role in the 1970s happenings. The vaudeville style effected the music heavily. Stylistically, vaudeville brings not only drama, but comedy in the duration of the short acts. All That Jazz is an example of this. Everything Comes Together: The lyrics work beautifully with the choreography to create the thematic essence that is necessary in a successful satirical musical. The plot is intricately intertwined with these two aspects to emphasize its uniqueness. The dancing seems more modern whereas the music is classic jazz, but it adds to the originality that is Chicago. It is a timeless musical. Humor. The relationships between men and women within the play are being implicitly exhibited. Creative Team: Witty lyrics, funky rhythms, jazzy Risk-aye choreography for the time frame it was set in. Dancing: sexual and expressive The creators carefully seleted the cast members in order to pull off this special masterpiece. Vaudeville was a theatrical genre of variety entertainment popular in the United States and Canada from the early 1880s until the early 1930s. Each performance was made up of a series of separate, unrelated acts grouped together on a common bill. Roxie: It’s about her claim to fame. â€Å"Who says that murder’s not an art,† this line emphasizes the thought which, during this time period, many women felt that murder was not all that bad. It was justifiable. Killing Fred Casely is what initially brought her publicity. Moreover, Roxie is singing about how everyone is going to know her; she will be a celebrity with a lot of money. In the song she says the reason everyone love to watch because they â€Å"never got enough love in their childhood,† meaning that they share a twisted acceptance of rebellion. The song shows how celebrity hungry and selfish she is in general. Towards the end of the number she references Sophie Tucker, a former vaudevillian, saying how she will be enraged to see Roxie’s name has more of an effect than hers. This aspect of the song shows the harsh side of show business and interestingly enough she tells the truth in the song, which contrasts the theme of corruption. All That Ja zz: ATJ is a clever, brassy jazz song that introduces the cultural changes going on in Chicago. The music consists of mostly brass instruments, for impact. Velma Kelly sings about the theme of liberation of women. Adultery, showing skin, exotic dancing, and short hair are all things that were arising. All  That Jazz is performed right after Velma murders her sister and husband and it vocalizes her new independence as a women. The choreography along with the lyrics showcase how suggestive and sexual the song is towards the audience. Mr. Cellophane: Roxie’s husband, Amos, sulks about how not only his wife, but everyone he comes to know, hardly notices him. He feels invisible, like cellophane. His character represents the little people that tend to be forgotten once fame comes into the picture. Amos showed Roxie all the attention she craves, but it goes by unappreciated and unrecognized.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Strategic International Human Resource Management for the Chinese Region

Introduction Expatriation of our managers to the greater China republic can be taken as an honor, success, and opportunity to increasing our global economy. It portrays how broad our spectrum can be than just exploring China, but also a dozen of different countries in the world.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Strategic International Human Resource Management for the Chinese Region specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, our move to China is not a simple task. It requires an efficient, effective, and complex management team that can formulate the best international policy choices that compete with the demands of the international integration.1 Notably, a strategic human resource management system should link and coordinate the standard international human resource to our strategies. It will seek to move our most qualified staff and advertising managers to china to limit catastrophic results caused by lack of q ualified expatriates.2 Therefore, it is critically important to incorporate an international human resource management system since the international assignments require adequate training before deployment. Through expert knowledge, consultation, and academics, this report seeks to identify themes, strategies, directions, and issues for international human resource management for the Chinese region. Generally, the primary objective of the human resource management will be to oversee the importance of the human labour in relation to the current physical resources and finance in order to make the most effective use of human lab our. Differences between human resource management and international human resource management Even though human resource managers have similar tasks compared to the international human resource managers, the international human resource managers have responsibilities that are more complex.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More International human resource managers will have an obligation of coordinating what is happening in their home and the host country. Additionally, they will have to cater for the needs of the different national subsidiaries, the parent country nationals, and the third country nationals.3 Local human resource managers only administer programs to a single group of national employees who are bound by similar taxation and compensation policies. However, international human resource managers are faced with challenges of administering and designing policies for a diverse group of employees. Additionally, international human resource managers have a greater involvement with their workers personal lives as compared to the local human resource managers.4 Recommendations in Management of Expatriates Preferably, management of expatriates is a critical aspect in our company. Therefore, the company has to agree on the most ef ficient integrated international human resource strategy. The strategies that will be developed are required to support the international relations. Notably, our findings have approved the ethnocentric approach to be a suitable practice for our company. The reason is that this approach will allow us to control the expatriates right here in Australia so as to regulate the cost and the company resources. Additionally, in order for our organization to run strategically, the firm will have to link the operational requirements with the new foreign assignment. The approach will allow our managers to identify the strategic decisions and the manner in which the advertising assignment will be managed. The success of the company depends on how the global managers manage their staff. Research has shown that most of the expatriates leave their companies after repatriation, which means that there is much loss of talents and experience.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Stra tegic International Human Resource Management for the Chinese Region specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Therefore, loss of ex-repatriates mean another incur of cost by the firm since it will be required to train new managers for the future tasks5. Another important point to note is that these experienced managers are a loss to the competitors giving them a chance to outweigh the company. Lastly the company’s long term goals are lost. From this observation, it may be recommended that a good working relationship ought to be maintained between the company and the managers in terms of remuneration packages, appraisals and training programs.6 Preferably, training programs will help the expatriates to become prepared for the task. Through international human resource strategies, we can create new insights as to how regional economies and cultural diversity as well as political differences affect the international human resource in Chin a. It will allow the managers to learn the current emerging issues of human resource management in china; the future directions and the innovations in the human resource management for the China republic.7 This will clearly create self-awareness, interpersonal skill, emotional stability, and flexibility to our advertising managers as they leave for their respective assignments.8 For instance, in the movement to China, the international human resource management will need to concentrate on language, culture, local living details, accommodations, expatriate administration, and local business briefing so as to adequately train our managers.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Recruitment and selection Selection of managers and recruitment that allows their deployment into international assignments will be the most challenging practice that our company is going to undertake. These assignments can only become efficient and effective only if we identifying the best and efficient expatriates for the China adverting operations. Through our international human resource management, we can develop competitive global managers who can effectively adapt to the constraints of the host country.9 Selection criteria In order to minimize poor returns and failure by our expatriates, it is important to have a selection program, which can help us choose the best team to deploy.10 Therefore, our international human resource management team for the selection criteria proposed the following considerations: Technical ability This will be the most vital factor to consider for our managers. Therefore our selection team needs to evaluate personal records of the selected managers so as to review the candidates potential and only come up with the most competent and skilled managers. Family requirements It is very important to look at the family requirements. The family ties will greatly influence the success of this assignment. It is very important to consider the expatriates’ willingness to serve overseas due to family ties or the willingness of the expatriates’ spouses to accept living overseas. Cross culture suitability Noting that out assignment will greatly relate to cultural interactions, it means that the expatriates have to be very conversant with the Chinese culture. Therefore, our managers will require positive attitude to foreigners and desirable attributes such as emotional stability, diplomacy, ease of adapting to languages and maturity so as to face the hardships and pressures when living in China.11 Considerably, what would seem as a normal practice and a custom for our country may turn out to be a taboo or an illegal practice in another country. Recruitment The next critical step after selection will be recruitment of our expatriates. This will ensure effective performance and no failure of our expatriate while abroad. Training them on cultural expectations will aid the managers to easily adapt to their new environments and exercise their cross cultural managerial skills. Additionally, having cultural seminars could help the affected parties to discuss their various experiences in different cultures.12 Performance and strategic management Frequent up-to-date feedbacks on the managers will be required during the assignment in order to measure their performance. Notably, this will help to decrease the risk of incurring losses from the failures of expatriates.13 For instance, feedback will help them to regulate costs such as payments of poor performing or failed employees. However, how will the international human resource strategy become implemented? The following are some of the recommendations that our team forwarded for an effective strategy implementation: The firm should ensure that the international human resource data base is computerized through ways such as creating a website so as to create an easy access to the human resource data The international human resource should be formulated in conjunction with the line managers so as to create a transnational mindset within the firm. Before implementation of any policies, it is important to investigate the degree into which the political, economic, cultural, and legal factors affect the integrated human resource policies. Remunerations Management of expatriates is a complex task since it comes from different backgrounds, and varies in skills and expediencies. Therefore, it is important that our human resource system comes up with a strategy that fairly distributes salary among our employees so as to avoid conflicts. This proposes that our international human resource managers ought to adapt must clearly define the terms and condit ions for the different remuneration packages. The managers must therefore be aware of their proposed salaries and the reason for having the stated packages before their deployments are set in order to avoid conflicts.14 For instance, the Chinese remuneration policies have been found to be inappropriate and inefficient according to the living standards. This depicts that our standard payment policy would have to be affected so as to match with the local practice. Conclusion International human resource management is a very critical system of managing human labour for global business, and differs from local human resource since it has wider and complex aspects that it should cater for. Managers in international human resource assignments need to evaluate issues including laws, culture, payment expectations, and integrated procedures in order to ensure that they have the best working relations with their staff. Bibliography Armstrong, M 2007, Strategic Human Resource Management: A Guid e to Action, Kogan Page Publishers, London. Aswathappa, K Dash, M 2006, International Hrm and the process of global staffing, Tata McGraw-Hill Education, Mumbai. Beck,T 2011, Differences and Similarities Between International and Domestic Human Resource Management, GRIN Verlag, London. Bhattacharyya, D 2010, Cross-Cultural Management: Text And Cases, PHI Learning, London. Brewster, C Harris, H 2012, International HRM, Routledge, London. Briscoe, D, Schuler R TariqueI 2012, International Human Resource Management, CRC Press, New York. Dowling, P, Festing ,M Engle, A 2008, International Human Resource Management: Managing People in a Multinational, Cengage Learning EMEA, London. Jackson, T 2002 , International HRM: A Cross-Cultural Approach, SAGE, California. Perkins, S Shortland, S 2006, Strategic International Human Resource Management: Choices And Consequences In Multinational People Management ,Kogan Page Publishers, London. Schuler, R Jackson, S 2008, Strategic Human Resourc e Management, Wiley India Pvt. Limited, Mumbai. Scullion, H Collings, D 2006, Global Staffing Volume 7 of Routledge Global Human Resource Management Series Global HRM Series, Rout ledge, London. Sengupta, N Bhattacharya, M 2007, International HRM, Excel Books India, Mumbai. Stahl, G, Bjà ¶rkman, I Morris, S 2012, Handbook of Research in International Human Resource Management, Edward Elgar Publishing, New York. Zacker, C, Faller, F, Holderbach, K, Plodeck, C Sterzer, F. 2004. IHRM –The Process of Foreign Assignments, GRIN Verlag, London. Footnotes 1 M Armstrong 2007, Strategic Human Resource Management: A Guide to Action, Kogan Page Publishers, London. 2 C Zacker, F, Faller, K Holderbach, C Plodeck F Sterzer 2004. IHRM –The Process of Foreign Assignments, GRIN Verlag, London. 3 T Beck 2011, Differences and Similarities between International and Domestic Human Resource Management, GRIN Verlag, London. 4 N Sengupta M Bhattacharya 2007, International HRM, Excel Book s India, Mumbai 5 K Aswathappa M Dash 2006, International Hrm and the process of global staffing, Tata McGraw-Hill Education, Mumbai. 6 P Dowling, M Festing A Engle 2008, International Human Resource Management: Managing People in a Multinational, Cengage Learning EMEA, London. 7 D Bhattacharyya 2010, Cross-Cultural Management: Text And Cases, PHI Learning, London. 8 C Brewster H Harris 2012, International HRM, Routledge, London. 9 G Stahl, I Bjà ¶rkman S Morris 2012, Handbook of Research in International Human Resource Management, Edward Elgar Publishing, New York. 10 D Briscoe, R Schuler TariqueI 2012, International Human Resource Management, CRC Press, New York. 11 T Jackson, 2002 International HRM: A Cross-Cultural Approach, SAGE, California. 12 S Perkins S Shortland 2006, Strategic International Human Resource Management: Choices And Consequences In Multinational People Management, Kogan Page Publishers, London. 13 R Schuler S Jackson 2008, Strategic Human Resource Mana gement, Wiley India Pvt. Limited,Mumbai. 14 G Stahl, I Bjà ¶rkman S Morris 2012, Handbook of Research in International Human Resource Management, Edward Elgar Publishing, New York. This report on Strategic International Human Resource Management for the Chinese Region was written and submitted by user Brody L. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Asthma and current treatment available in Australia Essay Example

Asthma and current treatment available in Australia Essay Example Asthma and current treatment available in Australia Paper Asthma and current treatment available in Australia Paper Essay Topic: Current Abstract Asthma has a high prevalence in Australia but education and appropriate medications are availed to manage this condition and improve health outcomes.   The purpose of this report is to discuss and avail the current available treatment methods for Asthma in Australia. The report examines the prevalence of Asthma in the 1980s and 1990s when the disease became highly prevalent in Australia, and compares it to the prevalence, treatment and management practices today, through a critical review of literatures. The research strategy used is a case study which highlights asthma management practices of a healthy 30 year old male (patient X). Data is collected from a variety of scholarly literatures that discuss asthma management and current treatment available in Australia.   This dissertation provides a critical look on whether the General Practitioners (GPs) and asthma patients are applying effective treatment and management practices for control of asthma and whether these practices improve the health out come.   After analysis of the available treatments, the report recommends an appropriate treatment for patient X who was diagnosed with adult onset asthma and was under treatment using Ventolin inhaler prn but the patient later shifts to Ventolin puffer where he puffs thrice, four times a day on a regular basis. Despite availability of effective medication and management practices, healthy patients who otherwise face persistent asthma attacks, risk using inappropriate management practices for asthma and therefore under manages the condition which later leads to poor health outcomes. Introduction Asthma is a respiratory illness characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways that affects people of all ages and sexes (1). Asthma patients experience difficulty in breathing due to airflow obstruction. Chest tightness, bronchospasm and wheezing sound are some of the uncomfortable symptoms in asthma sufferers (2) and causes absenteeism in work places and schools. Asthma is one of the major public health burdens in Australia (1) affecting about 2 million Australians and about 1.2 percent of the national’s health budget targets asthma control. Although asthma is life threatening, it is not the leading cause of death. Asthma prevalence in Australia is high as compared to most countries and the increase was notably high in the 1980s and 1990s. Currently, the prevalence seems to reduce among the children and remains stable with the rest of the population but it is believed that better management practices would further improve health outcomes and reduce hospital admissions (1,5). Public health campaigns are carried out in Australia with the purpose of creating awareness and increasing effective management of asthma for better health outcomes. Literature review and argument   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Asthma is incurable but can be well managed for better health outcomes with appropriate medication and lifestyle. Asthma management has be come a national priority and many studies have been carried out to determine the effectiveness of Asthma management for better health outcomes. A lot of studies have been carried out in Australia concerning Asthma and its management and findings published in scholarly journals. Research strategies used include telephone surveys where patients are conducted or filling of questionnaires on management practices. A process to improve the integration of health care for asthma patients in primary care and rural settings is required (4). This is because higher asthmatic exacerbation risks occur in people with little knowledge about asthma management, or lack regular GP attendance. Asthma medication falls into two categories; the beta 2 agonists that provide quick relief from asthmatic symptoms, for instance Ve ntolin puffs; and Glucorcorticoids/inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and Long Term Beta Agonists (LABA) that are medication for long term use (5). The therapy for asthma can be preventive, reliever or symptom controller (9). Preventive therapy where the corticosteroids fall is regarded as a first line therapy for asthma that is moderate to persistent in both children and adults (9).   Several studies indicate that the available strategies to manage asthma are enhanced but Australia continues to face high morbidity rates caused by asthma (1, 4, 5,). This is attributed to factors like inadequate self-management education and inappropriately used optimal therapies among other factors. Low ICS dosage administration is crucial in determining health outcomes, and sometimes a combination therapy of ICS and LABA achieves better outcome in mild to severe asthma (5). However, another study reveals that long term use of ICS risky and leads to poor health outcomes (7). The high prevalence rate of Asthma in Australia is suspected to come from adherence to beta 2 agonists and low or no usage of prescribed ICS (8). Frequent use of short term inhalers like Ventolin can lead to risky side effects as well as non responsiveness in the longer run. Moreover excessive use of beta 2 agonists is an indication of deteriorating control of asthma. A visit to the GP is required to reassess the therapy plan, and usually, it is an indication that the patient needs to be put under ICS therapy. Chlorofluoro-carbon (CFCs) inhalers have been phased out as treatment for Asthma in Australia and replaced with hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant and other asthma inhalers which are CFC-free (1).Ventolin is an example of HFA. CFCs have been associated to ozone layer destruction.   HFA perform as effectively as CFC but without the ozone layer damaging effect.   Asthma management is a task for both the GPs and patients as there are both incidences of under prescribing and under usage of medication (6 ). A survey (6) reveals that one in five asthma patients neither visits a regular GP nor sees an asthma specialist.   Regular visits are required of asthma patients whether with mild or severe asthmatic attacks because medication has to be regulated depending on surrounding factors (7, 10). Questionnaire and telephone surveys were used to collect data from patients under asthmatic treatment (8). Findings reveal that significant use of ICS on patients with current attacks, similar to patient X, has better outcomes. Asthma is manageable and treatable due to medication, management strategies and education which improve with time. Improved medication and management practices will lead to a reduction in mortality and morbidity rates of asthma (1, 2, 10). Discussion Currently, asthmatic prevalence stabilization is attributed to the increase use of ICS as compared to the earlier decades of 1980s and 1990s when the population preferred the short term beta2 agonists and hence increased morbidity rates (3). However, there still needs to be education on proper therapy education. Patients with mild asthmatic attacks or those with adult onset attacks tend to overlook the importance of adhering to prescribed medication or frequent GP visits for regular checkups (8). Beta2 agonists are known to provide faster relief but are for short term use, and their overuse should be avoided. ICS and LABA are proved to provide better health outcomes and their consistent use should be encouraged. Regular visits to GPs and Asthma specialists need to be carried out disease assessment and therapy evaluation. Conclusion and Recommendations Asthma management can be effectively achieved if both the patients and healthcare providers are well educated and willing to corporate on the use of current therapy. Corticosteroids and Long Term Beta Agonists are available drugs that have high efficacy for asthma treatment as seen from several studies. Ventolin and other beta 2 agonists for quick relief should only be used as combinational therapy with either ICS (a preventive thrapy) or LABA (a symptom controller).. Adherence to quick relief medication should be discouraged through the ongoing asthma campaigns and education because they risk the life of the patient afterwards (3). I recommend corticosteroid inhaler (ICS) therapy for patient X, and even though he can puff Ventolin for short term symptomatic relief, ICS should be the underlying therapy.   ICS is one of the current treatments for Asthma prevention, available in Australia today. ICS does not provide immediate relief on the symptoms but it works on the airway linings to heal the inflammation, and is known to have less adverse effects as compared to symptom relievers like beta 2 agonists. I chose this treatment for patient X because his situation is current and his asthma falls between moderate and persistent. Patient X has just been diagnosed with asthma at 30 years. This is an indication that the asthma is not hereditary but could have been caused from environmental factors. If he begins ICS therapy early enough chances are that his condition can be reversed or will become less severe. Other than using ICS patient X needs to work closely with his GP and verify allergens that trigger his conditio n, then determine ways to avoid them. Proper dosage of ICS and appropriate usage as well as leading a risk free life style will enable patient X to have a better health outcome. References 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Kandane R, Matheson M, Simpson J, et al.   Medication use between asymptomatic and   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   symptomatic asthma patients. Asian Pacific society of Respirology. 2008; 13(2) 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Jenkins C. Expert view. Health Insite: An Austarlian Government initiative.Available at  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   healthinsite.gov.au/expert/Asthma___Expert_View 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Marks GB, Abramson MJ, Jenkins CR, Kenny P et al. Asthma management and   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   outcomes in Australia: A nationwide telephone interview survey. Respirology, 2007; 12: 212-219. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Laurence M, Beilby J, Campbell S, et al. Processes for improving the integration of care   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   across the primary and acute care settings in rural South Australia: Asthma as a ca se   Ã‚  Ã‚   study. Blackwell Publishing Limited: Australian Journal of Rural Health. 2004; 12; 264-268. 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Jenkins C. Clinical perspectives: An update on asthma management. Internal Medicine   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Journal.2003; 33: 365-371 6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sawyer SM and Fardy JH.   Bridging the gap between doctors’ and patients’ expectations   Ã‚   of asthma management. Journal of   Asthma, 2003; 40(2): 131-138 7.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Lancsar EJ, Hall JP, King M. et al. Using discrete choice experiments to investigate subject preferences for preventive asthma medication. Respirology. 2007;12: 127-136 8.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Reid D, Azbramson M, Raven J and Walters H. Management and treatment perceptions   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   among young adults with asthma in Melbourne: The Australian experience from the   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   European community respiratory health survey.   Ã‚  Respirology, 2000; 5: 281-387. 9.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Comino E and Henry R. Changing approaches to asthma management in Australia:    Effects on Asthma morbidity. Therapy in Practice, 2001; 61(9): 1289-1300 10.   Simonella L, Marks G, Sanderson K, and Andrews G. Cost effectiveness of current and optimal treatment for adult asthma.   Internal Medicine Journal, 2006; 36:244-250

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Quantum Physics Overview, Concepts, and History

Quantum Physics Overview, Concepts, and History Quantum physics is the study of the behavior of matter and energy at the molecular, atomic, nuclear, and even smaller microscopic levels. In the early 20th century, scientists discovered that the laws governing macroscopic objects do not function the same in such small realms. What Does Quantum Mean? Quantum comes from the Latin meaning how much. It refers to the discrete units of matter and energy that are predicted by and observed in quantum physics. Even space and time, which appear to be extremely continuous, have the smallest possible values. Who Developed Quantum Mechanics? As scientists gained the technology to measure with greater precision, strange phenomena was observed. The birth of quantum physics is attributed to Max Plancks 1900 paper on blackbody radiation. Development of the field was done by Max Planck, Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, Richard Feynman, Werner Heisenberg, Erwin Schroedinger, and other luminary figures in the field. Ironically, Albert Einstein had serious theoretical issues with quantum mechanics and tried for many years to disprove or modify it. Whats Special About Quantum Physics? In the realm of quantum physics, observing something actually influences the physical processes taking place. Light waves act like particles and particles act like waves (called wave particle duality). Matter can go from one spot to another without moving through the intervening space (called quantum tunnelling). Information moves instantly across vast distances. In fact, in quantum mechanics we discover that the entire universe is actually a series of probabilities. Fortunately, it breaks down when dealing with large objects, as demonstrated by the Schrodingers Cat thought experiment. What is Quantum Entanglement? One of the key concepts is quantum entanglement, which describes a situation where multiple particles are associated in such a way that measuring the quantum state of one particle also places constraints on the measurements of the other particles. This is best exemplified by the EPR Paradox. Though originally a thought experiment, this has now been confirmed experimentally through tests of something known as Bells Theorem. Quantum Optics Quantum optics is a branch of quantum physics that focuses primarily on the behavior of light, or photons. At the level of quantum optics, the behavior of individual photons has a bearing on the outcoming light, as opposed to classical optics, which was developed by Sir Isaac Newton. Lasers are one application that has come out of the study of quantum optics. Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) Quantum electrodynamics (QED) is the study of how electrons and photons interact. It was developed in the late 1940s by Richard Feynman, Julian Schwinger, Sinitro Tomonage, and others. The predictions of QED regarding the scattering of photons and electrons are accurate to eleven decimal places. Unified Field Theory Unified field theory is a collection of research paths that are trying to reconcile quantum physics with Einsteins theory of general relativity, often by trying to consolidate the fundamental forces of physics. Some types of unified theories include (with some overlap): Quantum GravityLoop Quantum GravityString Theory / Superstring Theory / M-TheoryGrand Unified TheorySupersymmetryTheory of Everything Other Names for Quantum Physics Quantum physics is sometimes called quantum mechanics or quantum field theory. It also has various subfields, as discussed above, which are sometimes used interchangeably with quantum physics, though quantum physics is actually the broader term for all of these disciplines. Major Findings, Experiments, and Basic Explanations Earliest Findings Black Body RadiationPhotoelectric Effect Wave-Particle Duality Youngs Double Slit ExperimentDe Broglie Hypothesis The Compton Effect Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle Causality in Quantum Physics - Thought Experiments and Interpretations The Copenhagen InterpretationSchrodingers CatEPR ParadoxThe Many Worlds Interpretation

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Business Research Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Business Research Methods - Essay Example Today, highly advanced technologies are available and that can be used for various purposes of an organization. Information technology, mainly use of computer and software-assisted tools can be used for research and various other organizational functions. In research, different types of software can be used to ensure greater accuracy and dependability of the data or information being collected and studied. Purposes of Organizational Research Business organizations require useful, valid and accurate data in order to run the business effectively. When data are made available in the form of raw and they are converted to more useful, analyzed, synthesized and evaluated form, known as information, they are more helpful to managers to make appropriate decisions (Sekaran, 2003, p. 42). Basically, the research is conducted for two different purposes, one is to find a solution to a current problem faced by managers in specific work setting and it requires timely solution. This is known as app lied research. The second is to generate a body of knowledge in order to solve certain problems that are likely to occur within the organization. it is known as basic research (Sekaran, 2003, p. 7). For a business organization, financial and various other functional data play vital roles in decision making and many other managerial functions. For example, sales figures, gross and net profit, sales returns, reasons for sales return, commission or interest received, percentage increase in interest and profit and many other financial data are of greater use to the business. Both financial and management accounting departments can make use of these information for various decision making and strategic thinking processes. As Ghauri and Gronhaug (2005, p. 5) noted, business organizations are attempting to develop strategic monitoring programs in order to help them identify and recognize competitors’ strengths, weaknesses and overall business strategies. Business firms can establish computer-based analysis so that they can provide better information-management system to help them develop effective strategies and thus to sustain business success. As it is clear with any case, none can take decisions on any important issue unless a more deep investigation about that specific issue can be conducted. This investigation is more likely to help analyze all these information to make a judgment about the right solution to the specific problem being identified. Business Research with presently available software Generally, in recent years computer has become an integral part of business and it plays extremely significant roles in research as well. In simple terms, computer software like Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and any other spreadsheet or document software that are currently available are widely used for various research purposes. All these sorts of software are used for recording, listing, analyzing, interpreting, calculating, controlling, evaluating and synthe sizing different types of data. For instance, Microsoft Excel can be used for calculations and data presentation in a large numbers of different formats. Apart from these very basic software tools that are widely used for organizational research, following are some of other software that have recently gained significant importance in research. 1- Groupware- Groupware is a software, linked to networking to help research team work on

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Child needs in Mental Health Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Child needs in Mental Health - Research Paper Example One of these alternative methods that the article proposes is the person-centered or nurture approach to child mental health. Such a practical and empathic method of dealing with the actual experience of the child and his/her loved ones completely conflicts with the alleged psychoeducational model, which recognizes a biological explanation for mental distress, like schizophrenia. The article explained that in spite more than decades of continued criticism, the mental health nursing approach continues to rule the diagnosis and treatment of mental health illnesses. Even though initially related with a particular school of thought, the mental health model and, currently, the biopsychosocial approach and other psychosocial perspectives are all employed by different academic fields and expertise in their attempts to determine what has to be done for the sake of care, therapy, and medication. It is not unexpected that a particular nursing framework for mental health and psychiatric care di d not surface, or that theories of nursing have been quite poorly viewed by nurses themselves. Dissimilar from medicine and academic fields based on the social sciences, such as social work and medical psychology, nursing has traditionally been perceived as an intellectual minority, with very few empirical findings and negligible literature. Customarily, nurses have been relegated to a supporting role in the clinical field. In spite of two centuries of attempt to institutionalize an independent presence and a unique idea of the importance of nursing, nursing still seems to be preoccupied by the visions of the past. Because the general paradigm of mental health care keeps on involving the recognition of a clinical diagnosis and the operation of certain clinical interventions, the importance of any unique paradigm of nursing has been severely questioned. Analysis The article is quite descriptive and largely a review of related literature. In a way, the article has elaborated and justi fied the importance of person-centered approach to child mental health nursing, as well as the importance of alternative models, by mentioning credible scholars in the field. However, the article has some weaknesses. Even though nursing has an established relationship with the notion of caring through interpersonal attachments, ever more this has been dominated by claims for ‘evidence’ of their importance within an empirical scholarship framework. The article failed to provide some empirical justifications for its argument. Nevertheless, as some scholars argued, the dynamic mechanisms in nursing and the mental health patients, experiencing and dealing with a mental disorder, can eventually bring about healing, and are encountered per se by individuals under nursing care. The article argues that nurses have to build a certain rapport or attachment to the children in their care in order for them to unravel the experience of mental health disorder and wellbeing. Even thoug h health care is turning out to be apathetic and technologically, large numbers of mentally ill children and their families are demanding for care and medication to reconfirm the bonds between themselves and their healthcare providers. Within this point of view the

Sunday, November 17, 2019

State and federal Essay Example for Free

State and federal Essay How a society punishes their criminals can say a lot about the way the citizens live their lives. Here in the United States we would rather take better care of someone in prison for life than a person on the street who has never committed a crime in their life. The philosophy and practices has changed drastically in the last 30 years. Rehabilitation was the main focus for the beginning of the 20th century. This gave way to a new found focus on justice, and fairness in the 1970s. Crime control was the next practice of sentencing, this emphasized jail time as a way to reduce the crime in a community. During the 1980s-1990s this model of crime control was very popular. The emphasis on goals of the sentencing, and corrections policies, and practices can be characterized. Sentencing has four major goals that are normally attributed to it: deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation, and retribution. Retribution is from the 21 centuries model of â€Å"just deserts.† The main idea is that if someone breaks the law they should be punished. The other three uses more emphasize on protecting the public. The way they go about is how they differ. Deterrence focuses on the burdensome aspect of a punishment. This makes the offender think about what he or she is, has, or is about to do. This is to make a rational thought that the chance of getting caught is too high, not worth the risk. The idea is to make the person (specific deterrence) who may commit the crime so afraid of the punishment, and detour others (general deterrence) from committing the same crime. Incapacitation is when a person is deprived the capacity to commit a crime due to the fact they are, well in prison. Next is rehabilitation. The goal here is to change the way an offender thinks, and acts so that they do not commit crimes any more. This is done by usually offering an education to an offender. When all of this is combined, and put to work it creates a large work load for the corrections departments across the United States. Though not one of these works best for every prison, city, or inmate, but when combined can be a useful tool. The corrections system takes a large blow depending on how a crime or offender is sentenced. With most jails, and prisons near, at, or over capacity they must take each sentence in to consideration. For retribution there can be very little impact on a large scale prison, but for a small town corrections department this can make an impact. When an offender is charged with a crime, and is sentenced with a form for retribution, community service for example. For every person that is sentenced in this way it takes more resources to complete the task for the corrections department. If more offenders were sentenced to probation or parole the impact on the corrections system would be much less. This would defeat the purpose of the system many times. The idea behind the sentence is to get the criminal off the streets, and out of the community. Rehabilitation is considered to be the only punishment that is a combination of the reduction of crime with the offender’s rights intact. Crime can be deterred by long prison terms, and capital punishment, rehabilitation will only work if the offender can re-enter the community or society. If this is not an option extreme punishments need not to be ruled out. If one is to favor a â€Å"right’s oriented rehabilitation,† this is to accept the criminal’s liability to receive punishment, but also assumes the right on his or her part to be able to return to society, and be a contributing member of a community. This idea is often referred to as â€Å"state-obligated rehabilitation.† This meaning that if the right of the state is to punish, they also must be able to educate their prisoners. The idea is that no more harm comes than was intended at the time of the sentence. One can go as far as to say that if the state or federal prison system does not provide a source of rehabilitation to the inmates it would be cruel and unusual punishment. If the goal is to rehabilitate the criminals, and one day have them back on the street as functioning members of a society that we want so badly to be safe, and secure then yes. Prison should be a harsh environment, but at the same time a place where one can gain a new found  appreciation for a hard work ethic or a basis education. Also along with this prison needs to be a place where an offender can look back, and be thankful for the time they spent their because of the education they received, but at the same time never want to return because it is such a horrible place. According to The Free Dictionary (2013), â€Å"Determinate Sentence – A sentence to confinement for a fixed or minimum period that is specified by statute.   Indeterminate Sentence – The prison term imposed after conviction for a crime which does not state a specific period of time or release date, but just a range of time, such as â€Å"five-to-ten years.† My personal opinion is that indeterminate sentencing is a more appropriate approach to sentencing. For one there are so many variables that can go into a case that if a cookie cutter approach is tried to be used there will be several things over looked, and then many things over emphasized. The idea for a punishment to be passed down that is fair to the individual not the crime. Though I believe that some crimes should have a determinate sentence to them with an option of adjustment depending of the situation, but for the most part if someone breaks that law, no matter who, what, why, where, or when they get the same sentence. An example According to OMally Law Office (2013), †A man convicted of sexual assault on his maid had his sentence reduced from 28 years to life, to 8 years to life in an Arapahoe County, Colorado court recently. This story was reported in a CBS Denver 4 News release. Homaida Al-Turki, a Saudi-Arabia citizen, was accused and convicted on 12 counts of sexual assault related to keeping his maid as a sex slave in his Aurora, Colorado home. The reduction in sentence was said to be ordered because Mr. Al-Turki, who was incarcerated at a Limon, Colorado facility for the past five years, displayed good behavior, and also due implications from a recent Colorado Supreme Court ruling in a case unrelated to Mr. Al-Turki. It is important to note that Mr. Al-Turki still faces an indeterminate sentence. Indeterminate sentencing in Colorado means that a defendant may be kept for  his entire life, regardless of his minimum sentence. So, the practice effect is that if the parole board desires to keep Mr. Al-Turki in the custody of the Colorado Department of Corrections forever, they can. In effect, the sentence reduction only impacts the minimum sentence this defendant must serve, not the maximum. Indeterminate sentences in Colorado only come into play with Colorado sex offenses. Whether it is Douglas County, Weld County, Larimer County or another Colorado County, indeterminate sentences are devastating.†

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Feminist Spirituality and Goddess Religion Essay -- essays research pa

Feminist Spirituality and Goddess Religion Thousands of years ago, the Goddess was viewed as an autonomous entity worthy of respect from men and women alike. Because of societal changes caused by Eastern influence, a patriarchial system conquered all aspects of life including religion. â€Å"Furthermore, most feminists interested in goddesses are women who strongly reject western patriarchal theology†(Culpepper 51). Thus, there was this very strong feminist idea of women being the prime in the early part of the 17th and the 18th century. Today, the loss of a strong female presence in Judeo-Christian beliefs has prompted believers to look to other sources that celebrate the role of women. Men and women have increasingly embraced goddess religion and feminist spirituality as an alternative to the patriarchy found in traditional biblical religion of the past and the present. In this paper, I would like to discuss this whole issue of the uprising of women spirituality in the United States and also the formation of these so called Goddess Religions, and the ways in which these religions are changing the face of American societal believes. My argument will be supporting the central theme of the movie ‘Women & Spirituality: A Full Circle’, the one that was featured in the lecture. I would like to discuss the main ideas on which this religion is based, the way in which it has come back a full circle and also its adjusting to this modern American society full of many other religions having different ideologies. Within a few thousand years the first recognizable human society developed worship of the ‘Great Goddess’ or ‘Great Mother’. For these people, deity was female. The importance of fertility in crops, domesticated animals, wild animals and in the tribe itself was of paramount importance to their survival. Thus, the Female life-giving principle was considered divine and an enigma. This culture lasted for tens of thousands of years, generally living in peace. Males and females were treated equally. Their society was matrilineal--children took their mothers' names, but not a matriarchy (Christ 58-59). Life and time was experienced as a repetitive cycle, not linearly as is accepted today. Even the movie we saw in the lecture reflected this basic idea of women being the soul of every living thing on this earth and the gist of life was women. However, Eastern... ...ind of religion that can save our mother nature and also our earth’s resources for our future generations and provide us all with a better and safer life ahead. Women in all cases should have equal respect and importance in society, or else this world and life on it would cease! Bibliography 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Culpepper, Emily E. â€Å"Contemporary Goddess Thealogy: A Sympathetic Critique†, ed. Clarissa W. Atkinson and Margaret R. Miles. Michigan: U.M.I. Research Press, 1987. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Christ, Carol P. â€Å"Why Women Need the Goddess: Phenomenal, Psychological, and Political Reflections† in Woman Spirit Rising, ed. Carol. P. Christ and Judith Plaskow. San Francisco: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1979. Pp276-285 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Miles R. Margaret. â€Å"Violence against Women in the Historical Christian West and in North American Secular Culture: The Visual and Textual Evidence†. ed. Clarissa W. Atkinson and Margaret R. Miles. Michigan: U.M.I. Research Press, 1987. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Christ, Carol P. â€Å"Rebirth of the Goddess: Finding Meaning in Feminist Spirituality†. New York City: Routledge, 1997. 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Corbett, Julia M. â€Å"Religion in America-4th edition†. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2000. Pp 290-295.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Criticism of the Malthusian Theory of Population Essay

Thomas robert malthus was a son of Daniel and Henrieta Malthus. He was born in 1766 in England. He studied philosophy, mathematics and theology at Jesus college, Cambridge in 1784. His students afectonatelly referred to him as â€Å"pop† or population and he entered the church in 1791. He later became a professor of history and political economy in the colledge which East India company maintained at Haileybury near London. He was in this position untill 1834 when he died. Fundamentally malthus did not agree with Adam smith optimism. He was pessimist unlike Adam Smith and other economist, he observed economic realities with greater concern. Especially when it comes to the power people. For instance while Adam Smith was ignoring the severe impact of rising food prices. Malthus did not. Malthus agued that the economic system, as it was working, needed some remedial action. Malthus major contribution where his â€Å" theory of population† and â€Å" the theory of economy crisis† it was his theory of population that dominated his writings. He made many other contributions to the study of economics. He anticipated a member of theoretical contributions of later times. His thesis of deficiency of effective demand was picked up and elaborated systematically by Keynes. Malthus philosopy was a mixture of his religious moralty and cold blooded reality of the world. His reasoning despit the fact that he was a revrend and a gentleman was properly connected in sientific reasoning and language. His approach to the population problem and all the problems in economics and social science which he studied was strictly scientific in the modern perspective. THOMAS ROBERT MALTHUS THEORY OF POPULATION Malthus extensive writings on the theory of population was a response to others before him. Some argued that a densly population country was good for production so a very definite and scientific relationship was not developed between population and the means of subsistence. Some argued that the only way to contrrol population is to give workers subsistence wage, some also believe that increase in population is needed to have good, large and powerful millitary. Out of all these economist the one that extrated a response from Malthus was William Godwin whose book â€Å" An inquiry concerning political justice, and its influence on moral and happiness† (1796) argued that human being could reach perfection immoralty and that there will never be over population because as at that time only one-quarter of the earth’s is being cultivated. Malthus response to this was â€Å" An essay on the principle of population â€Å" (1803) which is published in his Sixth edition. In his book Malthus did not agree with the views expressed by Godwin that either the population growth would be counter balanced by a coresponding increase in means of subsistence or reason would prevail leading to check of growth population. Malthus stated that, the populations of the world would increase in geometrin proportion while the proportion of food will increase in an arithmetic progression

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Case 7 the Forgotten Group Member

The Forgotten Group Member Case 7: The Case Study for this Week MGMT-591-62034 Leadership & Org Behavior July 28th, 2012 The Forgotten Group Member Group Development In the case study, â€Å"The Forgotten Group Member† (p. W-112) the components of the team came out of the forming stage to enter to the Storming stage. At this stage, as the book points out, is a period of high tension among the group members and emotionality. During this stage, hostility and infighting may occur.This can be seen when one of the members, Mike, feels outside of the group. From the beginning Mike was categorized as the clown of the team, and he contributed to have given that name. During the process, he has not shown much cooperation and/or effort in terms of meetings and tasks assigned as a team. Therefore Christine, Diane, Janet and Steve have shared more and developed teamwork in which each has a function. Misinterpretations and some incidents occurred during those five weeks that made Mike feel rejected by his team.All these events have created an atmosphere of tension where the team has been not able to completely create a team work. Christine as â€Å"Team leader† was worried and understood Mike and even empathized with him but on the other hand the group it could be affected by his performance. By knowing the different of the stages that team passes, Christine could have prevented certain situations, for example in the formation stage is when the group is known and defined the goal of them as a team and what is expected of them as individuals.It is important to remember what the â€Å"team† will produce at the end of the class (a good grade). Another important point is the behavior and attitudes as individuals within the team and establishes rules. Problem Identification Primary, the group itself was facing a problem of communication which has brought misunderstandings with one of the members. From the beginning the communication was not effective with th is member, Mike.He, in humorous mode, expressed that could not arrive at meetings before the class, and that was not taken into a consideration by the other members. Therefore, this made Mike feel outside of the group and that not be involved and/or participate actively in the work and decisions of the team. Secondary, Christine didn’t know how to address the issue, she was more worried about her qualifications then the team succeeds. She was concerned because depending on the group’s opinion about the value of the contribution of each member that could raise or lowered their grades.Christine should have known that as a leadership establish a clear vision and sharing that with the member of the group was part of her role and it was crucial for the team to success. Also, coordinating and balancing the conflicting interests of all members would have helped her with Mike’s situation. Therefore, Christine should have followed the OB SAVVY â€Å"Must Have† Con tributions by Team, by she understanding every single of these criteria, would have avoid the situation that her team is going through. Two Possible Solutions to the Primary ProblemA possible solution to the lack of communication between Christine, Janet, Diane and Steve with Mike is doing a reunion in which all the above are present. Definitely, they will have to return to the Forming stage to set clear objectives and team goals. Christine must assume her role of leader defining and dividing the tasks between each of them in equal proportion. She should promote the team work and let them know what is expected of each of them as individuals within the team. This time must establish and defined rules for behavior.Another possible solution would be to change the leader. Basically, choose another team member as leader. Two people that seem to have the attitudes are: Steve and Janet. Per the description in the text they are both responsible, respectful and committed with the team. Since Steve showed more initiative, for example taking notes of what was done at the meeting, he might be a good prospect. However, Steve would have to return to the Forming stage to establish team goals, etc. POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS| PROS| CONS|Returning to the Forming stage| – will allow Christine establish and define goals as a team-will also give her the opportunity to know her team and to communicate effective | -no too much time, the case will be due in a week-there may be resentment from Mike to Christine or the group| Choosing a new Leader| -different way of strategies, point of view and attitude -no room to think that it will be the same like with the old leader| -no too much time, the case will be due in a week-it may create a rough environment between the new leader and Christine|Unfortunately the group did not have a good basis from the beginning as Christine began to exercise her role of leader well. Not established goals for the team and not conducive good relationship be tween them. It seems that the team consisted of 4 people, not 5. In no time she met with Mike to find alternatives.It is important to note that Mike did not work hard to find a solution to his situation. He could have tried to talk to the team and let them know how he felt about it, but since Christine was the team lead she should have approach him and work it out. If the team had been composed by Steve, Janet and Diane, Christine would have been an excellent leader.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Rhodium Facts - Periodic Table of the Elements

Rhodium Facts - Periodic Table of the Elements Rhodium  Basic Facts Atomic Number: 45 Symbol: Rh Atomic Weight: 102.9055 Discovery: William Wollaston 1803-1804 (England) Electron Configuration: [Kr] 5s1 4d8 Word Origin: Greek rhodon rose. Rhodium salts yield a rosy-colored solution. Properties: Rhodium metal is silvery-white. When exposed to red heat, the metal slowly changes in air to the sesquioxide. At higher temperatures it converts back to its elemental form. Rhodium has a higher melting point and lower density than platinum. The melting point of rhodium is 1966 /-3 °C, boiling point 3727 /-100 °C, specific gravity 12.41 (20 °C), with a valence of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Uses: One major use of rhodium is as an alloying agent to harden platinum and palladium. Because it has a low electrical resistance, rhodium is useful as an electrical contact material. Rhodium has a low and stable contact resistance and is highly resistant to corrosion. Plated rhodium is very hard and has a high reflectance, which makes it useful for optical instruments and jewelry. Rhodium is also used as a catalyst in certain reactions. Sources: Rhodium occurs with other platinum metals in river sands in the Urals and in North and South America. It is found in the copper-nickel sulfide ores of the Sudbury, Ontario region. Element Classification: Transition Metal Rhodium Physical Data Density (g/cc): 12.41 Melting Point (K): 2239 Boiling Point (K): 4000 Appearance: silvery-white, hard metal Atomic Radius (pm): 134 Atomic Volume (cc/mol): 8.3 Covalent Radius (pm): 125 Ionic Radius: 68 (3e) Specific Heat (20 °C J/g mol): 0.244 Fusion Heat (kJ/mol): 21.8 Evaporation Heat (kJ/mol): 494 Pauling Negativity Number: 2.28 First Ionizing Energy (kJ/mol): 719.5 Oxidation States: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 Lattice Structure: Face-Centered Cubic Lattice Constant (Ã…): 3.800 References: Los Alamos National Laboratory (2001), Crescent Chemical Company (2001), Langes Handbook of Chemistry (1952), CRC Handbook of Chemistry Physics (18th Ed.) Return to the Periodic Table Chemistry Encyclopedia

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

The Duryea Brothers of Automobile History

The Duryea Brothers of Automobile History Americas first gasoline powered commercial car manufacturers were two brothers, Charles Duryea and Frank Duryea. The brothers were bicycle makers who became interested in the new gasoline engines and automobiles. Charles Duryea and Frank Duryea were the first Americans to build a successful commercial automobile and the first to incorporate an American business for the expressed purpose of building automobiles for sale to the public. Duryea Motor Wagon Company On September 20, 1893, the Duryea brothers first automobile was constructed and successfully tested on the public streets of Springfield, Massachusetts. Charles Duryea founded the Duryea Motor Wagon Company in 1896, the first company to manufacture and sell gasoline powered vehicles. By 1896, the company had sold thirteen cars of the model Duryea, an expensive limousine, which remained in production into the 1920s. Americas First Automobile Race At 8:55 am on November 28, 1895, six motor cars left Chicagos Jackson Park for a 54-mile race to Evanston, Illinois and back through the snow. Car Number 5 driven by inventor Frank Duryea, won the race in just over 10 hours at an average speed of 7.3 mph. The winner earned $2,000, the enthusiast from the crowd who gave the horseless vehicles the new name of motorcycles won $500, and the Chicago Times-Herald Newspaper that sponsored the race wrote, Persons who are inclined to decry the development of the horseless carriage will be forced to recognize it as an admitted mechanical achievement, highly adapted to some of the most urgent needs of our civilization. Americas First Recorded Automobile Accident In March 1896, Charles and Frank Duryea offered for sale the first commercial automobile, the Duryea motor wagon. Two months later, New York City motorist Henry Wells hit a bicyclist with his new Duryea. The rider suffered a broken leg, Wells spent a night in jail and the nations first traffic accident was recorded. Charles Duryea (1861 - 1938)Frank Duryea (1870 - 1967)

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Ethical Clinical Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Ethical Clinical Research - Essay Example Meeting the diverse needs of these stakeholders generates a number of questions and sometimes conflicts about responsibilities and values, where the most important philosophical need would be to carry out research in a way sensitive to the needs of participants in the field (Chadwick and Tadd, 1992, 7-63). Some basic issues in research ethics centre on special levels of protection and aid for vulnerable and disadvantaged parties, when a research is contemplated involving their participation. These issues cut across clinical ethics, public health ethics and research ethics (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2002a). When individuals lack the ability to select the approach that would be most consistent with their values and preferences, it is inappropriate to give them control over their consent to a research (Royal College Of Nursing Research Society, 2004). Vulnerable persons usually need the protection of a trustworthy individual to make decisions on their behalf. The capacity evaluation is essential to determine whether autonomy or protection is the appropriate governing principle in particular cases (Broome, 1999, 96-103). Ethical and Legal Principles in Research To make autonomous choices, people must have certain abilities, and there is agreement on the basic features of decisional capacity. It has been mentioned that four abilities are central, the ability to communicate a choice; the ability to understand relevant information; the ability to appreciate how this information applies to one's current and future situation; and the ability to give comprehensible reasons for a decision (Noble-Adams, 1999, 888-892). Simple mental status assessments may furnish preliminary guidance; they are insufficient to determine whether someone is able to make autonomous decisions about participating in research. This is more so if the person is being treated for some mental reasons, and research involving these persons are very common (Polit, Becks, & Hungler, 2001, 143-160). Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate decisional capacity in the context of the specific research situation at hand. Decision-making capacity should be assessed through a discussion o f the facts relevant to the particular choice facing a patient. At the least, patients should demonstrate the ability to understand the goals, potential benefits and risks of a proposed research, and should be able to express a reasonably stable choice as well (Manning, 2006, 35-47). Consent and Informed Consent Often, in research, it is insufficient to obtain the cooperation of prospective study participants alone. If the sample includes children, mentally incompetent people, or senile individuals, it would be necessary to secure the permission of parents or guardians. From that point of view, a research problem may not be feasible because the investigation of the problem would pose unfair or unethical demands on participants. The ethical responsibilities of researchers should not be taken lightly (Noble-Adams, 199

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Astronmy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Astronmy - Essay Example Knowledge on astronomy is also used in navigation, planting strategies, and explaining the origin of earth and its nature. The Greeks incorporated astronomy into their beliefs, mythology, religion and superstitions (Heath, 1991). One of the earliest writings on astronomy is Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, also known as the oldest-manual of astronomy. It provided information on constellations, stars, eclipses, and meteor showers. It also described how ancient people used stars in traveling both land and sea. Iliad also includes the idea that Earth is flat surfaced, an idea which is widely accepted then (Wood, 1999). It was also said that Thales, one of the Seven Sages or the Seven Wise Men of Greece, was able to predict an approximate time of an eclipse and devised a navigating system using the constellation Ursa Minor (Dreyer, 1953). Ancient Greeks used astronomy as a tool that can aid them in their everyday lives. An example of this is Solon’s calendar. The calendar, which is based mainly from his observation of the moon, which lead to the discovery and understanding of seasons provided the Greeks knowledge with better planting schemes and became vital for good food production (Ehrenberg, 1973). Aside from calendars, Greeks were also introduced to sundials by Anaximader of Miletus around 560 B.C. Although sundials are said to be originally discovered by the Babylonians, the Greeks were able to develop and make various forms of sundials (Aveni, 1989). Many people see the hands of God in studying the heavenly bodies, and the Greeks used astronomy as a means to see, understand and commune with God. As a result, astronomy and religion are closely related in Greek civilization. Names of planets are derived from Greek mythology, which is a great part of their religion (Heath, 1991). Several speculations were made by early Greek philosophers. One of them is Pythagoras, who provided the idea that

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Magical Realism And Transformation Of Characters In Animated Films Case Study

Magical Realism And Transformation Of Characters In Animated Films - Case Study Example The numerous character transformations have been used to highlight or depict the social changes of the time some of which may include the changing women rights, homosexual issues and increasing transformations regarding birthrights and abortion rights among others (Moritz, 1996, 49). It has also been widely suggested that the transformations may have been used as a satirical anti-Nazi parable. Generally, although the silhouette artforms may have been made to target children, Lotte Reiniger may also have infused social responsibility. Some of the major characters that have undergone character transformation in the movie include Peri Banu and the African magician. For example, the African magician frees himself from the chains and transforms into a bat and attempts to seek out Ahmed before the Prince chases him back to human form. The first appearance of the African sorcerer/magician shows him slowly unfold in the medium of close up with his fingers undergoing spider like articulations (Moritz, 1996, 48). As he transforms into various creatures, the body of the African Sorcerer can be seen going through a series of contortions. On the other hand, Aladdin and the magician both engage in a fiery magical due to each transforming into various creatures (Warner (2011, 401). They, however, soon resume their human form after a while before flinging fireballs at each other. Princess Peri Banu also transforms herself from time to time. In some instances, Peri Banu has a proportionate body with softened mellow and silhouette s with constant grins and smiles while at the time the princess appears as an earthly creature with a frontal appearance. With a lot of plotting; this German animation film is the oldest surviving animated motion picture.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Challenges in Reverse Logistics

Challenges in Reverse Logistics Reverse logisticsthe movement of products back toward the manufacturer in a channel of distributionis a topic that has been given scant attention. However, the increased contemporary emphasis on reverse logistics appears to be the result of public policy and social marketing influences. Broadly speaking, reverse logistics may be the result of one of the following types of initiative: Customer initiativevoluntarily returned goods. Government initiativeproduct recalls. Industry initiativerecycling. The latter two factors have a distinct consumerist/public policy flavoring, and have become mainstream issues largely in the past thirty years. For instance, while product recalls have existed since the early years (Schneider 1974) of the 20th century, they have become prevalent only since the mid-1960s. Two important pieces of federal legislationthe Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 and the Consumer Product Safety Act of 1972have generated an increased number of product recalls. Similarly, interest in recycling surged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. As a result, prior to the mid-1960s, it appears as if reverse logistics considerations primarily involved customer initiative. Since customer motivated return of goods is a relatively small-scale phenomena, it was overlooked by scholars. As a result, the reverse logistics costs, both direct and indirect, associated with voluntary returns are likely to be miniscule. This low cost scenario provides one explanation for why the distribution ramifications of voluntary returns have gone unstudied. On the other hand, government-initiated and industry-initiated reverse logistics are generally conducted on a much larger scale than is the case with voluntary returns. For instance, with respect to recalls, in 1979, one firm (Corning Glass Works) had to recall nearly 18,000,000 (CPSC Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1979) defective items of the same product. As a result, the costs associated with recall and recycling are likely to be greater than those of voluntary returns. And, since physical distribution is concerned with costs, it is only natural for there to be greater interest in either government-initiated or industry-initiated reverse logistics. Virtually all companies must deal with returns. Consider such diverse organizations as Phillips Electronics and Aurora Health Care Pharmacy. Both companies are highly successful in dealing with returns. Phillips reduced the number of returns from 1.2-1.3 million per year to less than 500,000 (Sciarrotta, 2003). Aurora keeps returns at less than 2% of its total inventory despite stringent FDA regulations related to expiration dates, manufacturer recalls, and proper disposal of drugs (Morton, 2006). The common success factor: both firms have established and meticulously enforced returns-related policies and procedures. They each put a structured program in place to manage returns (Morton, 2006; Sciarrotta, 2003). Regardless of products and/or services involved, managers need to get control of their return operations. Control has been recognized as a crucial component of supply chain management (SCM): The first step (in SCM) is to introduce structure and discipline to the supply process, tightening up procedures, and taking control of all activities in the supply chain. (Sandelands, 1994, p. 44). One important way to introduce such structure is to formalize the operation. Level of formalization is indicative of how much control a given firm has over its reverse logistics operations. Thus, the issue of control becomes associated with the formal development and implementation of written down policies, rules, and procedures related to reverse logistics. Literature review and practitioners perspectives indicate that formalization is a necessity for managing all aspects of the distribution effort including the return movement of goods and services from the market. The purpose of the current research is to provide an analytical tool for measuring the level of reverse logistics process formalization achieved. Such a tool will allow for a more precise assessment of firms readiness to deal with the complexities involved in managing reverse logistics. Accordingly, this study examines the relationship between reverse logistics program complexity and reverse logistics process formalization. James (1974) recognized that transportation and warehousing are key components of a reverse distribution system. Large companies are heavy users of private warehousing. One advantage to private warehousing is control; perhaps one aspect of control is an efficient procedure for calculating warehousing expenses. The transportation-related research that has been done suggests that, for the most part, affected companies bear (Yaros 1976) the freight expense for recalled products. However, only about one-quarter of the affected companies (Yaros and Wood 1981) have control over carrier selection. Three warehousing-related variables contract warehousing, private warehousing, and relative use of private warehousing that show statistically significant relationships with revenues at all locations. Contract and private warehousing are more prevalent among larger firms; this may be an indication that larger firms strive to exhibit more distribution control than smaller firms. Among those firms who utilize private warehousing in both forward and reverse distribution, large firms tend to use private warehousing more in the forward channel. This may be an indication that larger companies are more flexible in their warehousing patterns. That is, the magnitude of a recall might influence whether or not private warehousing is used in the reverse channel (e.g., for small recalls, private warehousing may not be utilized). Reverse Logistics Reverse logistics is the process of planning, implementing and controlling the efficient, cost-effective flow of raw materials, in-process inventory, finished goods and related information from the point of consumption to the point of origin for the purpose of recapturing or creating value or for proper disposal. (Rogers Tibben-Lembke, 1999, p. 2). Despite the growing recognition of the importance of reverse logistics, many companies are not ready to meet the challenges involved in handling returns. The rapid growth in the volume of returns far outpaces the abilities of firms to successfully manage the returns (Rupnow, 2007). Because of all the uncertainties involved, reverse logistics program development and implementation becomes very complex. The major challenges involve the considerable number of unknowns that have to be accounted for in developing reverse logistics programs (A.T. Kearneys Executive Agenda, 2004). The process of measuring and analyzing returns-related performance criteria is aimed at improving reverse logistics quality and identifying potential problem areas. The following metrics were identified by returns managers as the most important reverse logistics indicators: 1) volume of returns; 2) type/condition of returned product; 3) dollar value; 4) percent of sales; and 5) resources, including human resources, dedicated to returns. In-depth analysis of these measures can help to identify problem areas. Analyzing the volume, type/condition of returns, dollar value, and percentage of sales can provide a comprehensive list of reasons for returns and identify trends. For example, if a particular customer is constantly abusing the returns policy, this will be apparent when volume of returns and percent of sales data are analyzed. Type/condition of the returned product measures can uncover damage-related problems with specific carriers. RD product designs and/or supplier selection pro cedures can be reconsidered if the number of defective products coming back exceeds a pre-determined level. Measuring and analyzing reverse logistics programs can streamline resource allocation decisions as well. Targeting resources to potential efficiency gains should be a priority. Some firms start to apply reverse logistics-specific ROI ratios to identify the value-added to both the firm and the customers. Investments in employee training and new reverse logistics technological solutions, for example, are tied to pre-determined performance outcomes. Process formalization will enable the application of standardized analytical and measurement tools, like ROI, which can provide feedback useful in improving the service-quality and economic performance of the reverse logistics program. The Effects and Implications of Reverse Logistics Process Formalization Consistent with the RBV of the firm, in its dynamic capabilities extension, (reverse logistics) processes/competences help to transform property-based and knowledge-based resources into enhanced (reverse logistics) capabilities and (reverse logistics program) performance (Teece et al., 1997). The formalization of these processes/competences becomes a necessary condition for building a state-of-art reverse logistics program. The formalization of the reverse logistics processes addresses the issue and provides several related benefits discussed bellow. First, the formalization of the reverse logistics program can serve as a foundation for developing and implementing a solid monitoring system. Specific measurement items can be developed to help companies get control over their reverse logistics operations through increased visibility of the processes and activities involved. In addition to enhancing control, multiple monitoring/check points can help firms to modify certain processes and related activities. A constant feedback system can be established allowing for continuous process improvement. Second, reverse logistics program formalization defines roles and responsibilities. A clear and shared understanding of what is involved in managing returns can increase employee motivation and contribute to increased operational efficiency. Clear delineation of required activities and associated responsibility can reduce returns processing time. The managers interviewed believe that reverse logistics process formalization allows employees to focus on ways to increase productivity. Measurable gains can be achieved, for example, by avoiding discussing potential options for every returned product. Instead, the prescribed policy/rule can be automatically applied. In addition to pure operational gains, providing structure to the reverse logistics program can contribute to enhanced performance by enabling reverse logistics personnel to build upon shared and in-depth, firm-specific knowledge and experience. Capturing standard policy through written formal procedures provides institutional memory and creates a firm-specific knowledge database. Next, reverse logistics program formalization can help to identify necessary resources and indicate how resources should be utilized. A step-by-step schematic of what exactly is involved in handling returns can greatly contribute to securing senior management support. Problem areas can be readily identified as well as potential economic and strategic benefits. Tailored investments can be made, for example in returns inspectors training and wireless technologies. These investments should be related to clear-cut performance outcomes through developing distinct IT, innovation, and responsiveness capabilities. More importantly, gaining support for reverse logistics was cited as the necessary first step in changing the attitude toward returns, the culture from lets try to lose less money to lets try to identify opportunities. The development of an effective, formalized reverse logistics program can also help companies to improve relationships with customers. When reverse logistics processes are formalized and documented at the detail level, preparing a customer-tailored offering can become less burdensome. Different activities can be adjusted as necessary and presented to the customer. The reverse logistics program can become an important element of the overall selling effort. Leading firms in reverse logistics management already include returns experts as part of their sales team. Formalization of reverse logistics processes can become a key, customer-oriented strategic tool.