Roles and Governance Models Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Roles and Governance Models - Research Paper Example The roles are disintegrated for each professional and have to execute it diligently to ensure that the project becomes a success. The basic role of a software engineer is to build and develop software according to the specifications that will serve the purpose as documented in paper work. When a project is proposed, it is always in a paper work, it then calls for a software engineer to interpret the information by programming (Dickens, 2006). Through programming language, the software engineer is able to come up with a system that does exactly what is proposed in the paper work. The engineer must be good in data structures and algorithms for this stage of the project to successfully be realized. The software is varied and only conforms to the purpose to which it is planned; a software engineer must therefore be good in programming to produce quality work. A system architect plays more or less the same role as software engineer; he is responsible for the development of the design of the software given that he understands best the customer’s specifications. Software must be designed first before actually it is developed, the analogy here is the plan of the hours, the architect has to draw the plan of the house before engineer can come in, the same principles applies in the development of the software. System analyst is a guru in the development of software and that is why they are able to work out architectural design of very complex systems for the developers to execute the remaining development. In this regard, it explains how close the team operates in the achievement of the purpose (Dickens, 2006). Business analyst is responsible for the dealing with the customers to identify the taste of the customers so that he can provide specification of the software project. Business analyst is responsible for knowing what the customers want so that he is able to provide the same

First year students’ challenges Essay Example for Free

First year students’ challenges Essay Entering a collage is like entering to a new different culture for high school student. Students are not just entering a school, but they are entering an academic environment. Many challenges will be ahead for them since it is the first year of transition. Some students might need one or two semesters to adopt the new environment. The most common challenges that students will face are not only the academic challenge, but also time management and responsibility challenges. Academic challenge is the first difficulty for the freshman students. The academic workload is a lot more that they can think of. Indeed, they are required to read and research more for their homework, assignments, or research papers. For example, students are required to finish one book in one or two week in order to do their do assignment, while other classes also have much homework. Students cannot complain that they have much other homework to do, but they need to finish it one time, instead. Be able to do so, students will need to face another challenge that is time management. Time management will be the second challenge for the first year student as well. As I mentioned above, there are many workload that students need to finish, so student need to have time management. In fact, they need to plan what to do, how much time they need to spend for each of their homework, or they will not be able to finish it one time. For instance, they need to classify their work from urgent and important to important but not urgent. Form my own experience, I managed my work by considering which homework is more urgent then I did it first, and less urgent, I did it later. In addition, students will face the challenge of responsibility. After entering the college, the students will need to be on their owns. They need to have responsible for every activity they do, and every decision they make. They cannot put blame on somebody or something else. To instructor or other people, they are the mature now. If they are wake up late for school, for example, it is their fault, they cannot say because of this or because of that. In conclusion, the first year of transition can be one of the most challenges that they will have in their lives. They need to be more mature, and deal with the challenges they face by themselves.

The Importance of Truth in Jean Rhys Wide Sargasso Sea Essay -- Wide

The Importance of Truth in Wide Sargasso Sea In Wide Sargasso Sea " Rhys presents a white Creole family living in a Caribbean Island (Jamaica), which is a lush and insecure world for them, after the liberation of the slaves. The husband had once been a slaveholder, the mother is a confused and crazy lady and Antoinette, the daughter, is a child in an atmosphere of fear, recrimination and bitter anger. She becomes increasingly isolated-this isolation is broken by her scheming stepbrother, who signs Antoinette's inheritance over to the naive Mr. Rochester. The book's account of Antoinette's marriage to Mr. Rochester is a study in sexual manipulation and cultural misunderstanding. There is also foreshadowing, irony, and symbolism throughout Wide Sargasso Sea. In Wide Sargasso Sea, Antoinette's family is shattered when the ex-slaves torched their home. Her brother died in the fire and that caused her mother to go insane, then her husband left her, which even made her situation worse. Under the care of her aunt, she attended a convent. The convent became her refuge and sunshine, a place where she wished for happiness. "I thought at first, is there no happiness? There must be. Oh happiness of course, happiness, well." (Rhys 34) After all, Antoinette never was a very happy child. Her parents never really gave her love, her father was too busy drinking himself to death and her mother was too busy doing her own thing. After her stepfather's death, her stepbrother decided to marry her off to this Englishman, Mr. Rochester, which she knew nothing about. Mr. Rochester did not marry Antoinette for love or because he fancied her. He married her to claim her fortune. Mr. Rochester seemed to marry Antoinette for money, or perhaps ... ...uld be to disclose everything about herself and her past that she would think Mr. Rochester   wanted to know before he would   want to marry her. But she might think that it's in the past, so it's not really important to let him know every little detail, just the basics or maybe she wanted to give her version of the truth . For example, when Mr. Rochester asked Antoinette what happened to her mother. She told him that her mother died in the fire. Me and Mr. Rochester might look at   her and call her a liar because her mother did not die in the fire, she died years later. But to Antoinette her mother did die in the fire, because from the day of the fire her mother changed. she was not the same person, she was now a mad woman. So as you can see this novel is based on truth. But what is the truth?    Work Cited: Rhys, Jean. Wide Sargasso Sea. London: Penguin, 1997.

Our Individual Social Responsibility Essay -- Personal Social Responsi

Individual Social Responsibility is a moral belief where we as individuals, have a responsibility toward society. Being "socially responsible" is about all individuals behaving ethically and sensitively towards social, economic, and environmental issues. It is about being accountable for our actions and being conscious of the impact your actions have on others, our communities, and the environment. By taking an active participation in resolving some of the issues, we as individuals should all strive to set good examples by applying and adhering to socially responsible practices, such as improving the quality of lives for individuals and their families, volunteer energy and time towards improving and benefiting society. Get involved and actively participate in helping to solve some ...

Theme Analysis of Marriage: Jude the Obscure

Thomas Hardy, the author of Jude the Obscure, focuses on multiple themes throughout his book including social order and higher learning which is mainly seen in the first part of the book. Jude, a working class boy aiming to educate himself, dreams of a high level education at a university, but is pushed away by the cruel and rigid social order. In the second part of the book, Jude abandons his idea of entering Christminster and the focus shifts to Sue. The themes of love, marriage, freedom replace the earlier theme of education and idealism. Hardy pushes each of these themes to his audience and challenges everyday ideology by his audacious story about Jude Hawley. Hardy begins an argument against the institution of marriage, but he does not necessarily suggest that marriage is automatically bad; he just makes it clear that he believes people should be able to step away from a marriage if things do get dire. He also makes it clear that marriage is not necessarily linked to love in any way, so it's obvious that a decent, understanding society would accept Jude and Sue's relationship because they truly love each other, regardless of whether they are married or not. Hardy tends to view marriage with cynicism, and there are many disapproving comments about the nature of marriage being based on contracts. Hardy was conscious that women were not treated equally in society, and that the laws of nature were often heavily weighed against women. He treats the subject with sympathy and understanding. He also illustrates that marriage could victimize both men and women. There are no happy marriages or content couples seen in the book. Jude, when married to Arabella, feels trapped in a hopeless situation. Marriage is compared to being â€Å"caught in a gin, which would cripple him if not her also for the rest of a lifetime,† (43). However, Jude is partly aware even before the marriage that Arabella is the wrong type of woman for him. He recognizes that there is something in her â€Å"quite antipathetic to that side of him which had been occupied with literary study and the magnificent Christminster dream. It had been no vestal who chose that missile for opening her attack on him,† (27). A few chapters later, the reader is told, â€Å"he knew too well in the secret center of his brain that Arabella was not worth a great deal as a specimen of womankind,† (39). Naive and trusting, he does the honorable thing and marries her. But he has married the wrong woman, and the marriage is bound to be a disaster. Sue's marriage to Phillotson is another example of a disastrous marriage of rashness and thoughtlessness. Jude suspects that Sue has married Phillotson as a reaction to his own marriage, a kind of retaliation, a way of â€Å"asserting her own independence from him,† (129). She does not realize the enormity of the step she has taken, and after the ceremony, there is a â€Å"frightened look in her eyes,† as if she has only just become aware of the rashness of her decision. Barely a month later she admits, â€Å"perhaps I ought not to have married† (142). Sue is the loudest critic of matrimony in the novel. She makes sarcastic comments on the custom of giving away the bride, â€Å"like a she-ass or she-goat or any other domestic animal† (126). When her marriage is in trouble, she criticizes the institution, explaining the difficulty she experiences fitting into the conventional mold which society demands. The nineteenth century tradition of the subjection of women to fathers and husbands is reflected in Gillingham's advice to Phillotson to be firm with Sue until she has knuckled under. Hardy makes it clear, however, that it is the man here who is victimized in this marriage; Phillotson is far from being a cruel, tyrannical husband. Instead, he is an extremely patient and liberal husband. Sue's views on marriage should not necessarily be connected with Hardy's. Hardy himself points out her emotional inconsistency, and there are several signs that she is not really cut out for marriage. In Part V, both Jude's and Sue's divorces come through, but Sue avoids their possible marriage. She calls marriage a â€Å"sordid contract† and a â€Å"hopelessly vulgar† institution, and she fears that an â€Å"iron contract should extinguish† all tenderness between them, reinforcing Hardy’s negative view of the nature of marriage. Most of Sue’s views on marriage are given in parts V and VI. She feels that the contractual nature of it will kill all impulse and romance; â€Å"it is foreign to a man's nature to go on loving a person when he is told that he must and shall be a person's lover,† (193). The visit to the unclean registry office in part V, chapter 4 is horrifying for her, and she shows abhorrence to the ordinary church wedding. She sees it in terms of a sacrifice of the bride: â€Å"the flowers in the bride's hand are sadly like the garland which decked the heifers of sacrifice in olden times,† (215). Sue's views on marriage are rather extreme, and they represent a push away from the norms of marriage. Hardy also raises some valid arguments of the overly rigid attitude of society towards the unmarried and the unconventional. Phillotson's humanity and charity in letting Sue go scandalizes the school authorities, and his career is ruined. A kind, decent man who was only trying to be fair is scorned by society's intolerance. Sue and Jude also became the subject of cruel gossip at Aldbrickham: the neighbors ignore them, Little Father Time is taunted at school, Jude loses his job, and the family is forced into a nomadic existence. Hardy is pushing the fact that society is vindictive and intolerant of those who deviate from its normal codes of living and marriage. Hardy repeatedly emphasizes that marriage involves making a commitment that many people are emotionally unfit to fulfill, and this thought comes from the narrator, but it is also expressed by Sue, Jude, Phillotson, and Widow Edlin through the whole novel. Although the custom of marriage is such a central theme pressed by Hardy, he conflicts against other conventions in his society like education and social class which ultimately show a huge theme of fighting against the norm.

A Perky Way to Productivity

A Perky Way to Productivity 1.One of the key responsibilities of human resource management in any organization is to keep the employees happy and contended. Most employees are never always motivated by the paychecks but rather by the perks awarded alongside the paychecks. Acceptance and appreciation greatly boost the employee morale. This in return leads to reduced turnover rates as well as cutting down hiring costs. Thus, giving perks to employees will also help to create employee security.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on A Perky Way to Productivity specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For instance, an employee will not perform to perfection if he or she is continuously distracted by concerns of child care, medical responsibilities, and entertainment needs, among other domestic responsibilities. Any effort in line with providing solutions to these concerns will not only relieve the employees of their worries but make it look like they are wel l taken care of. This will help keep the employees committed to their duties and responsibilities. The end result will be reduced chances of employees seeking appointments elsewhere even if the current appointment could be earning less. Giving employees perks as incentives alongside their salary will increase employee confidence and loyalty to the organization, boost the working morale and create a mutually interactive and friendly working environment for the employees. This will result in better performance of the organization towards its objective achievement. 2. Genentech and Zappos are two examples of companies using employee perks as motivating tools for their employees. Genentech Company has gone an extra mile in its concern for employee treatments. Retirement and health care allowances are considered ordinary traditional benefits that are given by any sensible company to its employees. Genentech has done something extraordinary in order to stand out in terms of employee treat ment by offering childcare during the day, free snacks, pet insurance, mothers nursing services and flexible scheduling among others. These are exceptional perks that are not offered by other companies. Thus, most employees of Genentech will resist the urge to seek employment elsewhere lest they forego these extraordinary perks. On the other hand, Zappos has invested greatly in employee bonding, fostering a team building culture and interactive atmosphere amongst its employees. It offers more lucrative social welfare perks including; pajama parties, regular happy hours and nap rooms to its fun loving employees to ensure an always jovial and happy employee fraternity. Therefore, it becomes virtually hard for an employee to ditch such perks for another company offering hefty paychecks but without such allowances. In a harsh economy that pauses huge and competitive expenses in hiring employees, the two companies have successfully won their employees’ trust and in the process ret aining them, hence resulting in lower turnover rates as well as controlled wage bills.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More 3. The two cases of employee treatment depicted by Genentech and Zappos can be adopted by any other company that seeks to lower its turnover rates without necessarily offering hefty paychecks to its employees. An organization that has successfully retained its quality employees finds it easy to attain its organizational goals. The only way to do this as practiced by most companies, is by upwardly revising the employees’ paychecks. Genentech and Zappos offer alternative approaches that will see companies retain their quality employees and still survive the harsh economies. The incentives offered by the two companies to their employees, are spread equally across the whole employee fraternity without discrimination. This is cheaper for the company in the long run as compared to scenarios where each individual employee would have their paycheck increased. Hence, such incentives can still be used by other companies to boost their employee morale.

Free Essays on Lower Mesopotamia

Factors that contributed to the emergence of city-states in Lower Mesopotamia and the influence the landscape played in the formation of the civilization which emerged. For this essay I considered the question of what factors contributed to the emergence of city-states in Lower Mesopotamia and the influence the landscape played in the formation of the civilization which emerged. Through my research on this topic I found that there is much evidence to support the claim that landscape was a very large influence on the emergence of civilization and that most of the contributing factors were, in some way, linked to geography. In order to fully understand the topic, I first explored what the definition of civilization is. The first criterion for civilization, that I could think of, is domestication and an agricultural economy capable of producing a stored surplus. From this, I felt the need to examine the origins of Mesopotamian agriculture. With the glacial retreat after the last ice-age (roughly 10000 BC) the Mesopotamian climate improved and many modern plants and animals began to become concentrated in specific areas. Around 9000 BC the vast majority of Mesopotamian peoples were hunter-gatherers. With the concentrations of plants and animals being in specific areas these hunter-gatherers soon began to domesticate those plants and animals and a sedentary village farming pattern arose. This became the predominant way of life around 6000 BC. This change from food collecting to food producing was one of the major transformations in human history. Early peoples no longer had to live the nomadic life of hunter-gatherers but could settle down in permanent housing and produce their own food. It also began an economic change that altered social and political institutions, religion, etc. Domestication is the process of altering plants and animals so that they are no longer bound to the natural habitats of their wild ancestors. In esse... Free Essays on Lower Mesopotamia Free Essays on Lower Mesopotamia Factors that contributed to the emergence of city-states in Lower Mesopotamia and the influence the landscape played in the formation of the civilization which emerged. For this essay I considered the question of what factors contributed to the emergence of city-states in Lower Mesopotamia and the influence the landscape played in the formation of the civilization which emerged. Through my research on this topic I found that there is much evidence to support the claim that landscape was a very large influence on the emergence of civilization and that most of the contributing factors were, in some way, linked to geography. In order to fully understand the topic, I first explored what the definition of civilization is. The first criterion for civilization, that I could think of, is domestication and an agricultural economy capable of producing a stored surplus. From this, I felt the need to examine the origins of Mesopotamian agriculture. With the glacial retreat after the last ice-age (roughly 10000 BC) the Mesopotamian climate improved and many modern plants and animals began to become concentrated in specific areas. Around 9000 BC the vast majority of Mesopotamian peoples were hunter-gatherers. With the concentrations of plants and animals being in specific areas these hunter-gatherers soon began to domesticate those plants and animals and a sedentary village farming pattern arose. This became the predominant way of life around 6000 BC. This change from food collecting to food producing was one of the major transformations in human history. Early peoples no longer had to live the nomadic life of hunter-gatherers but could settle down in permanent housing and produce their own food. It also began an economic change that altered social and political institutions, religion, etc. Domestication is the process of altering plants and animals so that they are no longer bound to the natural habitats of their wild ancestors. In esse...

Learn ESL Through Movement

Learn ESL Through Movement If youve tried, and struggled, to learn English as a second language (ESL) the usual ways, its time to try it Dr. James Ashers way- through movement. With a student seated on each side of him, Asher demonstrates his technique by asking them to do what he does. Thats all. They dont repeat what he says, they just do what he does. Stand,  he says, and he stands. They stand. Walk, Asher says, and he walks. They walk. Turn. Sit. Point. Within minutes, he gives commands as complicated as, Walk to the chair and point at the table, and his students can do it by themselves. Heres the clincher. In his DVD, he demonstrates in Arabic, a language nobody in the room knows. In study after study, Asher has found that students of all ages can learn a new language quickly and stress-free in just 10-20 hours of silence. Students simply listen to a direction in the new language and do what the instructor does. Asher says, After understanding a huge chunk of the target language with TPR, students spontaneously begin to speak. At this point, students reverse roles with the instructor and utter directions to move their classmates and the instructor. Voila. Asher is the originator of the Total Physical Response approach to learning any language. His book, Learning Another Language Through Actions, is in its sixth edition. In it, Asher describes how he discovered the power of learning languages through physical movement, and the lengths to which he went to prove the technique through scientific experimentation involving the differences between the right and left brain. Ashers studies have proven that while the left brain puts up a fight against the memorization of new languages that occurs in so many classrooms, the right brain is completely open to responding to new commands, immediately. He is adamant about the need to comprehend a new language silently, by simply responding to it, before attempting to speak it, much like a new child imitates his or her parents before beginning to make sounds. While the book is on the academic side, and a little dry, it includes Ashers fascinating research, a lengthy and comprehensive QA that covers questions from both teachers and students, a directory of TPR presenters around the world, comparisons to other techniques, and get this, 53 lesson plans. Thats right- 53! He walks you through how to teach TPR in 53 specific sessions. Can learning take place if the students remain in their seats? Yes. Sky Oaks Productions, publisher of Ashers work, sells wonderful full-color kits of different settings such as home, airport, hospital, supermarket, and playground. Think Colorforms. Remember the pliable plastic forms that stick on a board and easily peel off to move? Responding to imperatives with these kits has the same result as physically moving. Asher also shares samples of mail he has received from people around the world. One of his letters is from Jim Baird, who writes that his classroom has wall-to-wall white boards on which he has created communities and complete countries. Baird writes: Students are required to drive, walk (with their fingers), fly, hop, run, etc. between buildings or cities, pick up things or people and deliver them to other places. They can fly into an airport and rent a car and drive it to another city where they can catch a flight or a boat, all kinds of possibilities. Sure is fun! Asher is generous with the materials and information he provides on his Sky Oaks Productions website, known as TPR World. He is clearly passionate about his work, and its easy to see why.

Financial Statement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Financial Statement - Essay Example The vehicles are not a part of the operations for the next three years. The furniture and fixtures are depreciated at a useful life of five years. Equipments are depreciated at four years of useful life and building is also the part of the balance sheet for the first 3 years. The company will invest in buildings once the brand is known to the consumers. The account of reserves of bad debts are to be increased at the rate of five percent of the reserves of bad debt accounts of the previous year. The increase in the cash in hand, cash at bank and accounts receivable is estimated to increase with an average rate of five percent that are subjected to the projected estimates for the revenues. The projections of the sales of the company vary according to the seasonal changes due to which there is a fluctuation in the sales volume of the company on the basis of its monthly accounts. Looking at the cash flow of the company it can be noted that the company does not announced to pay off any of dividends or any additional cash against its current assets, borrowings or long-term assets. It can also be noted that the inflow of the cash relies on the sales of the company. Hence, it can be noted that the cash from the operations of the company and the outflow of the cash is mainly focused to the payments of the utilities, bills and cash spending (AASB 139 Financial instruments: recognition and measurement. 2014).   The company does not intend to create reserves for earnings or dividends to its shareholder.

The New Media, and New Forms of Communications Essay

The New Media, and New Forms of Communications - Essay Example According to studies, over sixty percent U.S households have a personal computer and more than fifty percent have access to internet. Considering this spread of modern communication devices, it seems necessary to look into their effects on communication and other social spheres. This study intends to look into various scholarly works on the issue ranging from the positive and negative impacts of modern means of communication on society, especially on young ones. The Positive Side of Modern Means of Communication There are various advantages of the use of these modern means of communication according to scholars. In the opinion of Matusitz (2007), it is the best way of communication for the people who are intimidated by others’ expression. According to him, people who are generally shy and reserved in face-to-face interaction tend to communicate naturally on internet (Matusitz). A similar opinion comes from Wakefield and Rice too; according to them, cyber communication is an ef fective way for those children who might not otherwise be confident to communicate. Another point as put forward by Matusitz (2007) is that internet helps conquer the geographical barriers too. ... An obvious benefit pointed out by Matusitz (2007) is that internet leads to the disappearance of the barriers erected by society and geography. It is evident that the people who do not have a chance to interact in their physical world can easily remain in touch through the modern means of communication. Thus, in the opinion of Wakefield and Rice (2008), by integrating internet with communication, students become able to share knowledge, personal perspectives, and experiences effectively. In addition, there comes the finding that the modern ways lead to more social interaction as people who spend time in the ‘digital realm’ tend to make tons of friends (Matusitz, 2007). Furthermore, there comes the finding that the development of virtual communities using modern means like internet helps improve the psychological wellbeing of people. This claim is based on the ideology that such virtual communities help sharing of interests, principles and beliefs. Thus, for those who fac e physical barriers, the virtual society gives a ‘sense of social interaction, and belonging’ (Matusitz , 2007). Almost the same notion comes from Wakefield and Rice; according to them, more and more youth are using internet as the main source of self-help. For purposes ranging from medical condition, support groups, and other issues that require emotional support, internet has become the best and easiest way. While other people work on the sociological and psychological benefits of modern means of communication, Janko (2002) looks into how the quality of information passed improves when modern means of communication are used; according to him, by using

We are writing a news story or a profile of someone interesting Essay

We are writing a news story or a profile of someone interesting. Perhaps you can interview someone in Saudi Arabia and write a story about them - Essay Example Being an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at a reputed Jeddah hospital, Mr. Karim described how his life had changed since he stepped into the field of psychiatry. I started by asking him what the general responsibilities of his profession were. He replied that his main duty was to provide high quality psychiatric services, which included medication and therapeutic advice and sessions, to patients who came to him with a myriad of psychiatric problems. He worked both as a therapist and a medication advisor for most of the patients; while for some, he was only the medical advisor. He described that a typical shift of a psychiatrist included sessions with psychiatric patients. Each session was 30 minutes long, and he saw around 10 patients in a day. Continuing the interview, Mr. Karim explained that the biggest challenge he faced while working with a hospital was that, in contrast to private practice, he was not able to manage his working hours, which were set by the hospital authority. So, he did not have control over his time and schedule, which he missed when he was working as a solo practitioner in the past. He had to give explanations and put leave applications if he wanted to go on a leave. Also, the hospital demanded that he should be available to patients on phone all the time, 24/7, which was something that he was well managing as a solo practitioner. The hospital would also call him on weekends, on and off. He said that while working with the patients with difficult psychiatric conditions, it was sometimes very stressful for him to deal with stressors. Forgetting one’s own worries and dealing with others’ was what was required of him, which he was doing very well, but at times, he would become stressed out. He described how some patients gave him tough time. Some patients would attack him verbally to let go of their frustrations and anxiety, and it would become very hard for him to keep himself calm. However, he

Leadership and HRM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Leadership and HRM - Essay Example Deregulation in many of the European countries have led to less collective arrangement for employees and more employee benefits at an organizational level . Most of the recognized organizations all over the globe have: (Rioux, Bernthal, Wellins,) `Best Practices` within an organization has often been linked to the Human Resource system that is being adopted by any particular organization. Human resource systems refer to the electronic tools that are used to assess and perform HR related information and functions respectively. Human resource system enables the HR staff to execute all the HR related activities such as personnel actions and job announcements. Marriot International has adopted various innovative HR practices which has earned it the reputation of â€Å"the best place to work† in the hospitality industry. Marriot`s spirit to serve has in fact guided its various HR initiatives. The company has reaped several benefits because of its employee friendly HR practices. J. William Marriot had set `The Hot Shoppe` in Washington in 1927 where hot food was served along with root bear. In 1937 Hot Shoppes ventured into airline catering services at Washington Airport. Over the next three decades Hot Shoppes diversified its business into many other service management sectors and in 1967, its name was changed to Marriott Corporation. In 1982, Marriot acquired Host International and became the largest operator of airport terminal food, beverage and merchandise facilities in the US. With the acquisition of Saga Corporation in 1986, Marriot became the largest food management company in the US. Marriot has also diversified into moderate price segments of hotels under the brand name of `Courtyard`. Today Marriot is a product of the metamorphosis that began fifteen years ago. Five major trends that can define the organisation are: Marriot has always been known for the

Design for United Natural Foods Inc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Design for United Natural Foods Inc - Essay Example The rampant global warming portrays as the biggest threat to the company’s objectives. This is due to increase in food shortage due to drought, increase in the federal government restriction on greenhouse wastes to the environment and fluctuations of oil fuel prices due to economic changes. LEED will reduce production costs by almost 50% due to the reduction power usage and the reduction of over reliance on electricity and diesel (United Natural Foods, Inc. 2014). The use of renewable energy reduces carbon dioxide emissions, thus reducing taxes on environmental pollution. The use of recycled materials to build its warehouses has increased the space by 185%, making enough room for production and storages at a cheaper cost. The reduction in lighting power by 18% helps reduce expenses (United Natural Foods, Inc. 2014). This reduction in production costs will hence increase the profit margin, making the company restore its competitive advantage. The ability to conserve the environment will improve the goodwill of the company that will be useful for successful

Leadership and HRM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Leadership and HRM - Essay Example Deregulation in many of the European countries have led to less collective arrangement for employees and more employee benefits at an organizational level . Most of the recognized organizations all over the globe have: (Rioux, Bernthal, Wellins,) `Best Practices` within an organization has often been linked to the Human Resource system that is being adopted by any particular organization. Human resource systems refer to the electronic tools that are used to assess and perform HR related information and functions respectively. Human resource system enables the HR staff to execute all the HR related activities such as personnel actions and job announcements. Marriot International has adopted various innovative HR practices which has earned it the reputation of â€Å"the best place to work† in the hospitality industry. Marriot`s spirit to serve has in fact guided its various HR initiatives. The company has reaped several benefits because of its employee friendly HR practices. J. William Marriot had set `The Hot Shoppe` in Washington in 1927 where hot food was served along with root bear. In 1937 Hot Shoppes ventured into airline catering services at Washington Airport. Over the next three decades Hot Shoppes diversified its business into many other service management sectors and in 1967, its name was changed to Marriott Corporation. In 1982, Marriot acquired Host International and became the largest operator of airport terminal food, beverage and merchandise facilities in the US. With the acquisition of Saga Corporation in 1986, Marriot became the largest food management company in the US. Marriot has also diversified into moderate price segments of hotels under the brand name of `Courtyard`. Today Marriot is a product of the metamorphosis that began fifteen years ago. Five major trends that can define the organisation are: Marriot has always been known for the

The Holiday Market Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Holiday Market - Assignment Example Geographic segmentation divides the market in terms of cities, countries, regions or locality. This may also include the size of the area, population and climatic conditions. Psychographic variable takes into account people’s lifestyles and attitudes. Socio-economic basis helps the marketers to target selected products to different segments thus made. In addition to the above bases for segmentation, because of changes in consumer demands, several other bases for segmentation have been found. These include behavioral and attitudinal segmentation. Behavioral segmentation is undertaken based on how the customers know or respond to the use of the product. The holiday sector is seasonal and hence based on the occasion, segmentation can be undertaken. Customer behavior also pertains to usage and loyalty and these are also used as bases for segmentation on this sector (Tutor2u, n.d.). Marketers can engage in attitudinal segmentation but Diaz-Martin et al., find that people with diffe rent attitudes may also end up buying the same brand or having the same preferences. The attitude determines the preference for the activity and some may choose hill trekking while others prefer scuba diving. All the above bases for segmentation as discussed above do not apply to all areas within the holiday market. In the air sector segmentation based on expected sales is redundant. Latent class segmentation is undertaken which is based on consumer perception of brand, price promotion, sales personnel and product line (Bond & Morris, 2003). Customer expectations are not homogenous and airlines also use customer expectation as an important segmentation variable. Expectations influence the perceived service quality which helps to gain competitive... The Holiday Market Segmentation comes naturally to human beings. Segmentation helps focus on the specific market and service its needs accordingly. The market has to be defined in terms of the end users of the products or services. Sales and marketing is not about getting any customer but to select a homogenous group of customers. This helps devise the right marketing mix strategy as market segmentation is a proactive process involving several analytical techniques (Goller, Hogg and Kalafatis, 2002). This paper evaluates the different bases that marketers use to select their target market. It also examines the segment that is likely to increase or decrease in the next decade. Based on this analysis, the paper recommends how holiday marketers can monitor and devise their marketing strategy. What bases for segmentation might be appropriate in the holiday business? The holiday market is highly competitive and fragmented and hence the segmentation is based on different factors. In fact segmentation in the holiday market could differ for different products. For instance segmentation in transportation could differ from segmentation strategy adopted by the hotels. Segmentation can be based on factors such as demographic, socio-economic, geographical, or psychographic. On review of the above discussion and research it can be concluded that holiday marketers would have to segment their customers based on demographics even if it is considered an outdated method of segmentation. The older customers’ is a high potential segment which prefers package holidays as they seek convenience, comfort, security and safety.

Contemporary Views of Leadership Essay Example for Free

Contemporary Views of Leadership Essay Contemporary Views of Leadership Somina Membere University of Phoenix Commonalities and Disparities of Contemporary Views of Leadership In evaluating the various contemporary leadership models, I will start with a definition of leadership within the contemporary context. There have been several definitions, research studies commonalities and disparities about leadership and leadership theories. According to Burns (1978), the father of contemporary leadership thinking, leadership is the leader encouraging the follower to act for the goals that characterize their common beliefs and for the benefit of both follower and leader. According to Wren (1995), the complexity and variation of leadership definition stems from all the variables involved including the leader, the followers and the circumstances. Bass (1985) defines leadership along the lines of transforming followers, by creating visions, goals and the path for followers to the achieving the goals. The brilliance of leadership lies in the ability of the leader to transform him and to act on behalf of the interest of both himself and the follower. Fiedler (1967), simplifies leadership as the direction and coordination of the work of group members. The ways in which a collective group of people are motivated towards achieving their objective (Roach Behling, 1984). However, Burn’s work on transactional and transforming leadership is the Holy Grail from where other contemporary leadership thoughts have evolved. Every definition, acknowledges the relationship, of the three ingredients in the leadership mix; the leader, the follower and the purpose. Other contemporary models have evolved since, including spiritual leadership, situational leadership, contingency leadership, charismatic leadership and eastern leadership. In evaluating contemporary leadership models, I have chosen to explore the commonalities and differences of writings of three views involving spiritual leadership, transforming leadership and contingency models. I will analyze each model within the context of a developing country; particularly Nigeria, where corruption, education and governance are major handicap to development. Spiritual Leadership Spiritual leadership according to  Spiritual Leadership As Intrinsic Motivation  (2013), is â€Å"intrinsically motivating and inspiring workers through hope/faith in a vision of service to key stakeholders and a corporate culture based on  the values of altruistic love to produce a highly motivated, committed and productive workforce† (para. 1). The word spirituality quickly brings religion and its tenets to mind. Crossman (2003), differentiates spirituality from religion as a private experience, and religion as an organized process involving the public, using sacred writings and ceremonials (Crossman, 2003). Within the context of this paper, spirituality transcends religion and any particular religious beliefs and bias, because in general, spirituality is seen by many writers as an intimate and private relationship and experience (Houston Sokolow, 2006, Speck, 2005). According to Speck (2005) it is a matter of ones own heart (pp. 8-12). The law also protects and provides for individuals to practice and define their personal spirituality (Lowery, 2005). There are divergent views for the resurgence of spiritual leadership. Crossman (2003) attributes the resurgence to recent interest to find answers to social ills, the influence of all-inclusive ideas and change in scientific ideas that have influenced society. Cavanagh and Bandsuch (2002), have attributed the resurgence to disclosures by notable public figures about the positive influence of spirituality on their careers. These ideas have motivated other leadership scholars to revisit the subject. Others have found increasing annoyance and displeasure with greediness as the reason for the reemergence of spiritual leadership (Hoppe, 2005). All of the above reasons, point to one singular fact, a displeasure with the leadership status quo and need for new way of thinking about the leadership phenomenon. There appears to be more commonalities in the spiritual leadership discourse than there are disparities. A leadership style aligned with faith and hope draws many sympathizing views. Benefits of spiritual leadership such as improved self-confidence and stress management have been identified by both Crossman (2010) and Fairholm (2003). Every profession, organization and society will benefit from a leadership style that will improve the morale of staff, improve shareholder value and help staff reduce stress. This is of particular benefit to developing countries like Nigeria, where spiritualism is highly revered. Having a system of leadership that the people already believe in, will significantly improve employee morale and productivity for organizations. Other areas where spiritual leadership scholars share identical views, is in the area of the relationship of spiritualism and business. Both Sumner (1959), and Durkheim (1915/1968) share similar view. Sumner states, that because of the difference in purposes between spirituality and business, they have never been successfully associated. Durkheim (1968) stated, â€Å"the sacred and the profane cannot co-exist in the same place† (pp. 344-349). A more graphic representation was by Metcalfe (2008), referring to the relationship as a fearful prospect if spirituality sets up tent with businesses; which he terms as irrational, manipulative and insane. Drawing from their discomfort with the integration of spirituality with business, one is left to question, in which environment and organization, is the leader with spiritual attributes most suited and in what context could it be implemented. Crossman (2003), answers this question by citing several organizations that have incorporated spiritual perspectives into their corporate proclamations. Example include Amway, Pratt, Toms of Maine, Tickler and Ford. Within the context of a developing country such as Nigeria, the spiritual leadership model will be well received. Nigerians perceive everything spiritual with holism and sacredness. It follows therefore, in a country where corruption and governance is rife, a leadership model that is akin to values of faith and hope will attract the followers to the leadership for a common goal. According to Sendjaya, Sarros, and Santora (2008)  Ã¢â‚¬Å"serving others in organizations and the wider society as an act of obedience and gratitude to a higher power† (pp. 404-408). This quality of service, beyond self, is a necessary ingredient for elevating the morale of followers; which  is a desperately needed remedy in the Nigerian context. Transformational Leadership Burns, the father of contemporary leadership thinking, as part his seminal work on leadership, also propagated the now popular transformation and transaction leadership theories. As expected, his work has generated plenty interest and variation. The most popular variation of the transformation leadership theory, is the work by Bass. Burns (1978) and Bass (1985) are different sides of the same coin. Bass (1985) transformational theory was an offshoot of Burns (1978) initial transformation concept. Beyond the initial idea and the similarity in name, little more related the works of both men. Bass’s work was changed from transformation leadership to transformational leadership. To Burns, the difference between transformational and transactional leadership is about what they offer each other. Transformational leaders, he argues, provide a solution that transcends immediate satisfaction, but instead focuses on higher order fundamental needs (Judge Piccolo, 2004). Bass transformational leadership is about the transformation of the follower, in a one-way directional influence, dissimilar to Burns, where through the interaction of leader and follower, the leader also gets transformed (Cuoto, (1993). In the area of usage, Bass’s work was focused in formal organizations i. e. schools, military, businesses whilst Burns leadership research is within politics and social sectors (Cuoto, 1993). In contrast, Burns (1978), researched on the relationship between leaders and followers, within a political environment. Bass’s focus on traditional organizations is an indication that his work is most applicable to corporate organizations, whose objective is profit maximization and value creation for shareholders. According to Cuoto (1993), Bass’s focus was in formal 20th century organizational setting, where profit maximization, management and strategies blend. Both Burns (1978) and Bass (1985), transformational theories could easily be applicable in the context of a developing nation such as Nigeria. Burn’s model will suit a political setting to groom leaders with character and empathy and Bass’s proposal will help transform leadership in a corporate environment, for the maximization of profit and growth. Contemporary Leadership There are two popular contemporary models of leadership that will be analyzed; Fiedler’s contingency theory and Vroom and Yetton’s normative approach. Feiedler’s work is centered around task motivated and relationship motivated leadership styles, while Vroom and Yetton’s work is focused on three decision making styles of leadership; autocratic, consultative and group (Chemers, 1984). However, they both agree that, there is no one best way for leaders to make decisions, rather the characteristics of the situation determines the best approach. This approach is reminiscent of flexibility in the decision making process and the ability to respond to change effectively. Other similarities between Fieldler and Vroom and Yetton, is their identical predictions concerning the effectiveness and efficiency of autocratic and participative decision styles (Chemers, 1984). Interestingly, Bass also contributes to the conversation, regarding decision-making styles in leadership. He identified five decision-making styles called directive, negotiative, consultative, participative, and delegative (Chemers, 1984). Their most notable disparity between these two models of contemporary leadership scholars, is in the area of leadership ability to quickly change their decision styles. The normative model argues, that leaders can quickly change their style to adapt to situational circumstance, whilst Fielder argues that leaders are of a certain type, with well-formed attributes that are difficult to reshape (Chermers, 1984). Conclusion In conclusion, all the contemporary leadership models we have analyzed, bear their roots from the great work by Burns (1978), giving recognition to the follower and exalting the sacrosanct role of the leadership function. The leader he argues, provides a need beyond material and tangible satisfaction which uplifts the follower. In return, the follower responses to every suggestion and direction given by the leader. This dynamics of this leader, follower relationship set the ball rolling for other seminal work in leadership, including Bass (1985), Chermers (1984) and (Avolio Bass, 1995). African countries, such as Nigeria and other third world countries, seriously lack effective leadership, which is effecting economic development (Guest, 2013). A testament to the fact is, the Mo Ibrahim Leadership Award, has only been won three times since its inception seven years ago. We have here, a blue print for tackling most kinds of leadership challenges. Our leaders should lend their ears and eyes to the transformational change and wise counsel of leadership scholars.

The Use of Mixl1 in Ex Vivo and Chimeric Organ Regeneration

The Use of Mixl1 in Ex Vivo and Chimeric Organ Regeneration Anokhi Kashiparekh   TA: Goheun Kim Regenerative medicine is a field in biology that uses the underlying cell properties of differentiated growth to create entire tissues and organs from that cell. Regeneration in its true form, applies human pluripotent stem cell (hPSCs) differentiation, to make new organs like the natural regeneration of the human liver or that of the zebrafish heart (Mostoway et al, 2013). A very useful area for such a technique is the organ donation and replacement discipline. One of the greatest challenges for organ replacement is the shortage of organs donated for the cause. This is where the field of regenerative medicine can come in use. If the cells of the person in need of the organs can differentiate in a way that fills up the niche left by the diseased or missing organ, there could be a remarkable decrease in the need for organ transplantation and organ rejection. However, the development of the human organs is a gradual process and may take longer than the time the patient has to survive. A tactic to increase the speediness and the efficiency of organ regeneration is to manipulate certain genes to promote either ex vivo differentiation or differentiation in a chimeric host with a faster developmental time than humans. Specific genes can be engineered to perform specific functions, like prompting apoptosis using the Bcl-2 gene or assessing mesodermal markers using Wnt3 (Wu et al, 2016). Inducing Mixl1, the endoderm and mesoderm formation transcription factor, can play an important role in generating organs from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Mixl1 plays an important role in chimeric and ex vivo regeneration models; although further research is required on the viability of these models. The Mixl1 transcription factor binds to the Mix gene and is a part of the hox gene family that codes for homeodomain proteins. The most important function of the Mixl1 is the regulation of cell fate and differentiation during the developmental stages of an organisms life. It regulates the formation of the endodermal and mesodermal layers and consequently can be used to manipulate hPSCs towards a particular lineage of growth. This principal property of the Mixl1 gene, as well its interactions with other genes, has been the focus of genetic regenerative medicine, in order to understand the role and consequent use of said genes. Various experiments have tried to incorporate the Mixl1 system in stem cell growth but two of the most widely known models are the ex vivo regeneration model and the chimeric model. Both of these models rely on the property of Mixl1 to guide iPSCs towards either endodermal or mesodermal fate. The basic difference between these models is the environment in which these cells are allowed to differentiate. The ex vivo model allows cell differentiation and growth outside an organism, generally in a laboratory. It is a widely preferred model due to the fact that cells from an organism can be extracted, cultured in a lab and placed back in the same organism. Each step in the experiment can be tracked and monitored and all the cells are cultured in a sterile environment. Thus, the cells placed back inside the animal are safe from potential bacteria or viruses. However, this also means that the organs generated from this may not be compatible with the surrounding tissue when introduced in an organisms body, due to the lack of interaction with other cells. Ex vivo culture of cells and ultimate organ regeneration is a step towards solving the problem of limited availability of desired cells. This ex vivo model of organ regeneration makes use of different substrates to recreate a natural differentiating environment for the cultured cells. However most times it is hard to push the hPSCs towards a particular lineage of growth, i.e. mesodermal or endodermal. The Mixl1 gene with its property to establish cell fate, is useful in resolving this. The forced expression of Mixl1 in hPSCs, in the right environment, with particular substrates and specific protein mediums, can promote ex vivo cell differentiation. Ex vivo culture, with connection to the Mixl1 gene is efficient due to the control over time of forced expression of the Mixl1 gene as well as external monitoring of the growth. Liu et al (2011)3 established this by using Là °Ã‚ Ã‚ Ã‚ °5ÃŽÂ ²1 and Là °Ã‚ Ã‚ Ã‚ °6ÃŽÂ ²1 protein ligands to promote Mixl1 induced hPSCs, in a BMP4 medium. The procedure included purifying polypeptides, culturing the hPSCs and allowing them to differentiate. The results showed that the differentiation of cells peaked on the third (to) fourth day of culture when both the LÃŽÂ ±5ÃŽÂ ²1 and Là °Ã‚ Ã‚ Ã‚ °6ÃŽÂ ²1 protein ligands were used. This gradual growth was tracked using immunofluorescence and analyzed by flow cytometry. The results of this experiment encompass both the usefulness as well as the disadvantages of an ex vivo regeneration of organs using Mixl1. The biggest challenge encountered in an ex vivo organ regeneration model is the limited number of substrates that the hPSCs can use and differentiate into a mesodermal lineage. In various cases, Mixl1 is induced unsuccessfully. This is due to the high substance substrate specificity of the iPSCs that do not survive long enough for Mixl1 to express and differentiate. Another case seen in Liu et al was the very minute expression of Mixl1 when cultured with various other individual ligands, showing that this procedure also requires the correct combination of substrates. Various agencies have also raised ethical concerns over culturing animal cells in labs. The obtaining of cells, external media and substrates from animal bodies is cited as animal abuse (cruelty). To minimize the use of animal products, a more specific area of the ex vivo model has been developed, called the xeno-free culture. Typically, all components required for a xeno-free culture come from the same organism while taking care that it is completely free of animal or human elements, like bovine blood for culturing media, etc. As a replacement to these essential components, researchers are trying to synthesize new protein ligands that can function in a similar pattern4. To reiterate, genetic manipulation of the ex vivo model has the potential to save lives but requires a deeper study in the areas of limited substrate compatibility and availability. In contrast to the ex vivo model, the chimeric model revolves around cell differentiation inside a living body. Chimeras are organisms made up of a combination of two or more zygotes and thus this model introduces extraction from and cell differentiation in two different individuals. Generation of embryonic chimeras is of both practical and conceptual importance as it provides a method to assess the developmental competence of cells. The cells of the different individuals on the same embryo can be tracked and genes can be manipulated to create a chimeric organism that can act as a vessel for organ generation. Blastocyst complementation and target organ complementation are two important techniques in chimeric organ regeneration. While blastocyst complementation uses iPSCs transferred to an embryo of another species, generally a porcine embryo, target organ complementation is focused on the regeneration of specific organs of the body. Due to the unconventionality, the adherence to soci al and ethical limitations is of great importance and requires more research to be conducted. Experiments combining this regenerative model and the forced expression of the Mixl1 gene have been successful in producing organs in different hosts. By trying to reconcile the idea of targeted generation of organs derived by using the patients own PSCs as seen in the case of the mice, Kobayashi et al (2016) makes use of blastocyst complementation to create pancreatogenesisor nephrogenesis-disabled mice. Blastocyst complementation is a technique that makes use of induced human pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) transferred to an embryo of another species; thus, following cell growth in another body. This study used Pdx1-LacZ heterozygous mice as the chimeric hosts and injected humanized pancreatic cells in the blastocyst. This complementation was followed by the forced induction and expression of the Mixl1 gene using the pRosa26-tTA-Mixl1 vector. The data was analyzed by Western blotting and flow cytometry. The immediate result showed chimeric cells throughout the bodies of the mice. The mice were then introduced to a cell medium without Doxycycline (Dox). Immunofluorescence confirmed the distribution of cells being confined to just the guts, showing that specific target organ regeneration is possible with suitable environmental conditions and resources for the culturing cells. The forced expression of the MIxl1 gene represses mesodermal fate determination and promotes endodermal fate determination, thus helping to induce the formation of target specific organs, including the pancreas or the liver, in the disabled mice. In order to test for the amount of time Mixl1 takes to express, these mice were injected with Dox at various time intervals and the results were examined using EpCAM, an endodermal genetic marker. The cell growth apex was noted on the 4t h day of Dox administration. This leads to the belief that time is an important factor in understanding cell growth in chimeric organisms. To understand the regulation of Mixl1 based on biological functions, it was allowed to express under the influence of Oct3/4, a genetic marker seen to express in early development. The absence and presence of Dox in the host chimera was compared to establish that its absence would achieve specific target organ regeneration as compared to cell growth throughout the body. The data implied that Mixl1 presence was necessary until the epiblast stage. This gives way to the inference that the time taken for Mixl1 to express can be reduced, thus giving way to a quicker technique of organ regeneration. This model, although promising, is questionable due to the ethical controversies like the formation of human neural cells or germ cells in the host animal. This is a cause for concern due to the fact that the idea of a human brain trapped inside a mute animal is disturbing. Proper manipulation of cell differentiating genes like Mixl1 is essential to keep hPSCs from turning into cells that could humanize the host animal. While understanding and experimenting on techniques that help in human advancement, there has to be a larger focus on the social and ethical concerns of utilizing them. In conclusion, although it is limited by growing ethical concerns, genetic manipulation in chimera may help save lives with the advancement in understanding cell repair and regeneration. Thus, the idea of organ regeneration using chimerism should be looked into by science but in a way that can appeal to social principles. Another problem associated with this model of regeneration is the low success rate of differentiation in non- rodent animals2. Majority chimera experiments include rodent species as the main focus, due to both the size and relatively easy manipulation of the rodents. Although recent experiments have shown (that) porcine hosts act as good carriers for human pancreatic growth6, there is a lot of research to establish pigs as conventional hPSC hosts in order to continue chimeric research to generate bigger organs like the human heart or the human lungs. While comparing the advantages and the disadvantages of both these techniques of organ regeneration, the role and function of Mixl1 itself cannot be overlooked. Mixl1 has been shown to express within 4 days of being induced. More research may lead to a quicker expression time. Mixl1 has also helped to achieve a target specific organ regeneration by promoting mesodermal differentiation as required. The use of Mixl1 is enormous in the field of regenerative biology and can be used in other projects as well as models of regeneration. In conclusion, both ex vivo regeneration and chimeric regeneration have flaws but it is possible to refine them for better and more specific results. While the usefulness of Mixl1 cannot be denied, better models of regeneration must be established to achieve maximum efficiency for its expression. References: Mostowy, S., Boucontet, L., Moya, M. J. M., Sirianni, A., Boudinot, P., Hollinshead, M., Colucci-Guyon, E. (2013). The zebrafish as a new model for the in vivo study of Shigella flexneri interaction with phagocytes and bacterial autophagy. PLoS Pathogens, 9(9) Wu, J., Greely, H. T., Jaenisch, R., Nakauchi, H., Rossant, J., Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte. (2016). Stem cells and interspecies chimaeras. Nature, 540(7631), 51-59. Yang, L., Wang, X., Kaufman, D., Shen W. (2011) A synthetic substrate to support early mesodermal differentiation of human embryonic stem cells. Biomaterials. 2011 Nov;32(32):8058-66. Karnieli O., Friedner O., Allickson J., Zhang N., Jung S., Fiorentini D., Abraham E., Eaker S., Yong T., Chan A., Griffiths S., When A., Oh S.A consensus introduction to serum replacements and serum-free media for cellular therapies. Cytotherapy , Volume 19 , Issue 2 , 155 169. Kobayashi, T., Kato-Itoh, M., Nakauchi, H. (2015). Targeted organ generation using Mixl1-inducible mouse pluripotent stem cells in blastocyst complementation. Stem Cells and Development, 24(2), 182. Matsunari, H., Nagashima, H., Watanabe, M., Umeyama, K., Nakano, K., Nagaya, M., . . . Nakauchi, H. (2013). Blastocyst complementation generates exogenic pancreas in vivo in apancreatic cloned pigs. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 110(12), 4557-4562.

Whirlpool Corporation †A Lawful, Ethical, and CSR Minded Business Essa

Whirlpool Corporation – A Lawful, Ethical, and CSR Minded Business Whirlpool Corporation – A Lawful, Ethical, and CSR Minded Business During the past several years global companies, like Whirlpool Corporation, have gained global awareness of the complex and evolving legal, ethical, and social expectations of their stakeholders. While many companies have started to tackle these new set of requirements by modifying their mission statements, business policies, and workplace practices, leadership companies continue to wrestle with the challenge of integrating these three vital topics into their overall business operation. Companies that successfully integrate plans to incorporate the legal, ethical and corporate social responsibility concerns within all areas of their business stand to gain financial and social benefits through the identification of new business opportunities, the strengthening of their brands and corporate reputation, the attraction and retention of top employees, and the recognition as a trusted partner (Integrating CSR: New Risks, New Rewards, 2004). In this particular paper, the author will attempt to describe how legal issues, ethics, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) impacts the management planning of Whirlpool Corporation. Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of over $13 billion. They employ 68,000 people, and have nearly 50 manufacturing and technology research centers around the globe. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Consul and other major brand names to consumers in more than 170 countries. Whirlpool Corporation is also the principal supplier to Sears, Roebuck and Co., of many major home appliances marketed under the Kenmore brand name (Fast Facts, 2005). Embedded in Whirlpool Corporation and their Board of Directors is the deeply held value that continues to guide them: "There is no right way to do a wrong thing" (Continuing Legacy, 2005). This basic code of conduct underlies the company's long tradition of strong and independent corporate governance. Whirlpool's Board of Directors is currently comprised of eleven directors, nine of whom are indepen... ...al responsibility and education. Retrieved June 25, 2005, from http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/social_responsibility_education.html. References Whirlpool Corporation. (2005). Social responsibility and the environment. Retrieved June 25, 2005, from http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/social_responsibility_enviroment.html. Whirlpool Corporation. (2005). Social responsibility and mexico. Retrieved June 25, 2005, from http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/social_responsibility_mexico.html. Whitman, D. (2003, April). Building a global loyal following. Retrieved June 26, 2005, from http://static.highbeam.com/a/appliance/april012003/buildingagloballoyalfollowing. Yahoo Finance. (June, 2005). DiversityInc. magazine recognizes whirlpool for diversity strengths. Retrieved June 25, 2005, from http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050616/deth006.html?.v=14.

Hsm 541: Week 2 †You Decide

HSM 541: Week 2 – You Decide Krystal Richards Professor Alan Flower Middlefield Hospital has been a great healthcare facility to the Middlefield area. Middlefield Hospital consists of a 450-bed tertiary facility in a major urban area in the Northeast. The hospital is an integrated health system that provides the full array of inpatient and outpatient services. The hospital enjoys a reputation of quality care in the area. In recent years, there are areas of concern that need to be addressed.As I have been assigned the position as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Middlefield Hospital, I will provide strategies and recommendations needed for implementation to turnaround the hospital into a more positive experience not only for the patients but for the employees as well. My approach will implement a triad of care – access, cost, and quality. Middlefield Hospital has been a key staple within our market area of Middlefield. The hospital was able to build another facil ity on the other side of town.The new hospital offers much better facilities and the technology is state of the art. While visiting the new hospital, I noticed that the staff appeared much more invested in the quality of patient care and the patients also seem happier. As with new facilities, there comes lots of excitement. The quality of our old facility needs to be upgraded and needs some new type of organization. There needs to be a balance of power so that the new hospital is able to start performing better. This lies within the hospital medical staff, hospital administration, and hospital governance.With the hospital medical staff we need to take into account their pay for their performance on the work they do. This will in turn encourage them to want to stay with the hospital knowing they will have a steady long-term position. Hospital administration is another important thing to take into account since they work with the clients just as much as the medical staff does. From he alth insurance, to IT, to security everyone plays a key part in making sure that the patients feel comfortable. To mprove the performance, there need to be upgrades with the systems that the hospital uses to keep track of the patients information. I recommend using Epic as a tool to help keep all of the patient’s information confidential and easy to access with a click of a button. This will allow for every department to have access to a certain patient’s file whether to be from a doctor entering notes about the patient’s visit, to health insurance billing department making sure that copays and such are being paid and their accounts are kept up-to-date.The hospital governance plays an important role because of the need for funds to help keep the hospital. By providing more outside events to raise money for the hospital will be a great start to being able to fully provide for each patient that comes through Middlefield Hospital doors. Since the employee morale is going down, I think it is important to obtain a good relationship with the local university, Essex University, to provide jobs and internships to the students in the nursing program.This nursing program will make sure that our managers will be able to teach classes at the university and help train the students to be prepared to work in the hospital. This should address the problem of the employee turnover rate to decrease and bring down the number of nursing vacancies. Nurses are a very important part of the hospital because they are by the patient’s side more than the doctor can be, so they have to show compassion all of the time. This is not a hard characteristic for them to have because they already know how much helpful being a nurse can be.Also by providing better compensation packages to prospective employees might help as well. Middlefield Hospital needs the best of the best in terms of medical staff. Now that there is another hospital in the area, we need to make sur e that both hospitals can be top notch at all times. As with all plans and strategies, this is just the beginning. I believe that Middlefield Hospital will be on top in our marketing areas. By planting these seeds, I am sure that our hospital will continue to grow and become a valuable part of the community.

Literary criticism Essay

Literature represents a language or a people: culture and tradition. But, literature is more important than just a historical or cultural writing. Literature introduces us to new worlds of experience. We learn from books and literature; we enjoy the triumphs and the tragedies of poems, stories, and plays; and we may even grow through our literary journey with books. In conclusion, we may discover meaning in literature by looking at what the author says and how he/she says it. We may interpret the author’s message. However we interpret literature, there is still an artistic quality to the works. Literature is important to us because it speaks to us, it is both universal and individual, and in many ways it affects us, for the better. When some people think of the word â€Å"Literature† they think of books like, Walden, Old man and the Sea, Tom Sawyer, Great Expectations, or Moby Dick. These are what some call â€Å"the classics. † While these few books are indeed literature do we subconsciously judge other books based on the styling’s of these few? People believe that the true meaning of â€Å"Literature,† is a literary work in which the readers mind is opened to new concepts and ideals. For a writing to be called â€Å"Literature† it doesn’t have to be considered a â€Å"Classic† nor does it need to follow the same construct as these so called â€Å"Classics†. The book, 11/23/63, is much more of a form of â€Å"Literature† than A Tale of Two Cities. Based solely on the fact that in the Stephen King novel, he places the thought of, â€Å"What if? † into your mind.. Whereas, â€Å"A Tale of Two Cities†, depicts the plight of the French peasantry in the years leading up to the revolution, as opposed to opening your mind. While A Tale of Two Cities, shows you what life was like in those times. Stephen King shows you an alternate universe in which there was but one change, and how that one change affects how history takes its course. When the author helps your mind, explore worlds of endless possibility, or sheds light on a new way to perceive things. That is when the author has created a â€Å"True† work of literary merit. The thing about the term, â€Å"Literature†, is that it doesn’t have just one meaning. Literature is comprised of many things, but while Webster definition of â€Å"Literature† is, â€Å"the production of literary work especially as an occupation. † The â€Å"True† meaning is open to interpretation, meaning that one person’s definition of the word may be completely different than another person’s definition. This is both the great and horrid thing about the term. When scholars classify writing as literature, they often consider it a book or writing that has stood the test of time and despite its age it has surpassed many other great works through history by receiving merit from the scholars, based on their description of the word, influential. You may agree that it should be considered a piece of â€Å"Literature†, if it has done this, and you would be right, but what if it was a great piece of literary art that didn’t become a best seller? And thus was cast into the abyss to be forgotten until stumbled across one day by a mind ready to take in what the author wanted to say. Would you consider it â€Å"Literature? † Or would you just leave it in the abyss because it never became a best seller? Take Moby Dick for example, it is considered to be one of the Great American Novels and a treasure of world literature. However, it never received enough credit to title it a â€Å"Best seller. †One literary work, also helps define my idea of the word Literature, is The Hobbit by J. R. R Tolkien. The reason I consider this a piece of â€Å"Literature† is because of the amount of imagery Tolkien uses to bring his world to life in the imagination of the reader. In this excerpt from that book, he describes every thought of the characters and his use of imagery helps create the scene in the mind of the reader. â€Å"The dark came into the room from the little window that opened in the side of The Hill; the firelight flickered-it was April-and still they played on, while the shadow of Gandalf’s beard wagged against the wall. The dark filled all the room, and the fire died down, and the shadows were lost, and still they played on. And suddenly first one and then another began to sing as they played, deep-throated singing of the dwarves in the deep places of their ancient homes; and this is like a fragment of their song, if it can be like their song without their music. † (The Hobbit, Page 15) Tolkien’s powerful use of imagery in that passage painted a clear picture of what happens while the dwarves sing. However, Splatterpunk also uses powerful imagery to paint pictures. The key difference between the imagery used Splatterpunk and the imagery used in The Hobbit, is how the imagery is used. In the novel, The Cipher, which combined intensely poetic language and lavish grotesqueries, the author, uses imagery to place the pictures into the mind of the reader using powerful and descriptive words. As opposed to Tolkien, who draws upon the reader’s imagination with basic descriptions to help create a sketch in his mind. Now, many would not consider this a form of â€Å"Literature† due to the lack of personal connection between the story and the reader. However, I consider this book, and even this passage alone, to be a form of â€Å"Literature† solely because it opens my mind to a new world full of adventure and intrigue, while keeping the reader glued to the book during the time he reads. Imagery is a powerful tool for both the author and the reader, for if the author isn’t clear with his use of imagery it breaks the reader’s attention and allows him to be lost within the story, and not in a good way. Tolkien also uses diction to place an image into the readers mind, and he does this in such a way the reader begins to sing the song in his own head. Far over the misty mountains cold To dungeons deep and caverns old We must away, ere break of day, To claim our long-forgotten gold. Goblets they carved there for themselves And harps of gold; where no man delves There lay they long, and many a song Was sung unheard by men or elves. The pines were roaring on the height, The winds were moaning in the night. The fire was red, it flaming spread; The trees like torches blazed with light (The Hobbit, Page 16) Literature is important to us because it speaks to us, it is both universal and individual, and in many ways it affects us, for the better. In ways we sometimes may never understand. Ultimately, we may discover meaning in literature by looking at what the author says and how he/she says it. We may interpret the author’s message in one way, while someone else finds the message a different way. In this way we see how the definition of â€Å"Literature,† is subjective to both the readers own interpretation, and the overall meaning of the work. Because even when it is ugly, literature is beautiful. Sources Cited Tolkien, John R. R. The Hobbit. N. p. : George Allen & Unwin, 1937. 15. Web.

Companionship Essay

Companionship Have you ever had a companion? Well, George and Lennie were great companions! The short novel â€Å"Of Mice and Men† written by John Steinbeck is a novel that teaches you about companionship. The two main characters in this Novel are George and Lennie. This novel teaches you about having a companion in your life. I think comfort and companionship are profound human needs that, when unmet, can destroy the human spirit. George and Lennie are traveling together everywhere looking for jobs to work. This shows that George has Lennie as a companion. When Lennie's Aunt Clara died, Lennie just came along with George working with him all over places. George and Lennie have a good relationship because they have been traveling together for quite a long time. Also, in the novel Slim says â€Å"Maybe everybody in the whole damn world is scared of each other. † This shows that Slim is wondering why more people don't travel together more often instead of traveling alone. Slim is suggesting that people should travel together more often instead of traveling alone. This means, traveling ogether makes people feel more happy and satisfied with their life's. When George killed Lennie at the end of the story for the purpose to give him a peaceful death shows how much of a companion George and Lennie were. Having the guts to shoot your own companion for a good thing like that is a really good companion in my opinion. George new that Lennie made a huge mistake this time and it could not be dodged this time so he made his decision to shoot Lennie. Also during the novel, Curly tells George that he doesn't see many people traveling ogether and laughs at them for traveling together as an odd group. Because Lennie is big and George is small he thought it was odd for them to travel together. This shows he was jealous that he did not have a companion in his life. This shows that comfort and companionship are profound human needs that, when unmet, can destroy the human spirit and mind. There are many people out there who are traveling alone and are very sad and lonely in there life's because they do not have a companion. Most people would love to have companions in there life rather than traveling alone.

Cereal Aisle Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cereal Aisle Analysis - Essay Example My observations are compiled in short statements in this report. First of all, there were ten different brands on display, out of which I could easily recognize three. These were Kellogg’s, Malt-O- Meal, and Cheerios. Among the Kellogg’s brand, and in the Breakfast Cereal category, there were 27 varieties of Breakfast Cereals, ranging from All- Bran to Mini – Wheat. Each one of them had their name and specialty prominently displayed on its cover. They were of distinct flavor and were available in five different sizes. The packets were specially designed to attract children. The focus on packing and labeling was such that many children were fascinated with them. (Kellogs, 2011) The second observation was that of brand Malt-O – Meal .The packing of Malt-O – Meal was very attractive and the shelves were segregated in two parts, cold and hot cereals. There was another category named Natural Cereal. On closer examination I found that they do not put artificial colors and used only natural preservatives. It gave a feeling that the company cares for the health of its customers. This made the choice easier, especially for the parents (MALT-O-MEAL, 2011) The third prominent brand which I observed was Cheerios. They had varieties for kids, parents, families and adults. I found it very interesting and observed that in the aisle only products meant for kids were stored. The packets were very well designed and as the name suggests, the labeling and packing conveyed the meaning of having fun (General Mills, 2011). I also observed the behavior of shoppers very minutely and there were six distinct behaviors which are worth mentioning here. In some cases, the children saw the displayed packets and took permission of their parents to go and have a look. Once they liked it, they took it out from the respective shelf and put it up for their parents to approve their choice. This type children were very well behaved and I did not find a singly parent declining the request of their children. The second behavior was different from the first one, in the sense that the children left their parents hand and simply grabbed the brand of their liking, In this case also, the parents were in agreement with the children’s choice but before they agreed, they did have a look at the brand and its label and read the nutritional value of the contents. In the third case, some children first grabbed the brand which they liked and then asked their parents for approval. This behavior was frowned upon by the parents. In the fourth instance, the children saw the brand, liked it but their parents were simply aghast with the choice and refused to buy it for them. Later on, after a lot of persuasion they did ask the

Link between Law, Democracy, and Governement Essay

Link between Law, Democracy, and Governement - Essay Example Democracy does not concentrate on an individual’s opinion. The United States Government, though having republic states in it, the continuous violation of laws and the struggle of the employees seem to have created a unfaithful atmosphere for the employee surrounding. The link that goes in between law, democracy and the government policies focuses on an imbalanced situation where only least benefits are visible for the employee community. The survey reports given in some of the journals, magazines and in websites show us the consequences as well as the root causes for such an imbalanced attitude going amidst the government and the employees. The overall estimation is that the United In general all forms of democratic government depends on their acceptance of population be it aggregative or deliberative or participatory. The United State Government focuses on its hold, in the sense; less chance are given to the population to enroll in any participatory activities such as demanding their rights. United States follow the Federal Government, which works under the leadership of President, Vice-President, Congress and the Senate. This form of rule is the dominant trait of United States. Every citizen is subjected to obey the three governing bodies such as [1].The Federal Government, [2]. The State and [3] County. The State Government has its own responsibilities. The events taking place within a concerned state should come under the supervision of the State it self. The events or matters include property regulations, industry, business, and other public necessities and finally the criminal section of that particular state. The aim of the Federal Government is to look at the State as a republic and at the same time the State should not make a move in contradiction o the rules or laws of the Federal Government. The State Government on the Whole is looked upon

Human Rights Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words - 2

Human Rights - Essay Example (Fenwick, H.; â€Å"Civil Liberties and Human Rights†; 2007). The answer lies in the fact that Section 3 of the Human Rights Act, as also many other sections, hedges its bets by saying that, â€Å"so far as it is possible to do so†, primary legislation and subordinate legislation must be read and given effect in a way which is compatible with the Convention’s rights. For instance, Section 12 of the Human Rights Act emphasises the role of courts in defending the right to freedom of expression, and states that this Section applies if a court is considering â€Å"whether to grant any relief which, if granted, might affect exercise of the Convention right to freedom of expression†. (Coppel, J; â€Å"Human Rights Act 1998: Enforcing the European Convention on Human Rights in Domestic Courts†; 1999) Moreover, it is considered unlawful for a court to act in a manner contrary to a Convention right â€Å"unless obliged to act in such a way by a provision of primary legislation†. (www.highbeam.com/doc/IP3-77629772.html). (www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts 1998/ukpga/19980042_en_1) Incidentally, discretionary increase in police powers has landed the UK Government at least once in the soup. Article 15 of the Convention states in Para 1 that â€Å"in times of war or other public emergency threatening the life of the nation, any contracting party may take measures derogating from its obligations under the Convention to the extent strictly required by the exigencies of the situation, provided that such measures are not inconsistent with its other obligations under international law†. However, in the case of Brogan and others v United Kingdom (1988; II EHRR 117) four persons were arrested on the suspicion that they were provisional members of the IRA, and detained under Section 12 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act 1984.They were released after four-to-six days. They claimed that Britain had violated several parts of the Article 5 of the

Assignment 1 Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Assignment 1 - Case Study Example 1). Using positioning strategy, retailers are making consumers aware of an expected increase in the prices of chicken products. They are also making consumers aware of the reason behind the increase in order to satisfy them. In the article, it is evident that Australian meat producers have researched the market to know the reason behind the expected increase in the chicken price. The research shows that chicken meat is one of the most favorite proteins of Australians who like to eat loads of chicken per year. Through research about prices, the meat producers have concluded that a significant increase in the international grain prices over the last three months is going to increase the chicken price in the Australian markets. Moreover, they have also researched about other products, such as, wheat the prices of which have increased by $100 a ton recently which is nearly a thirty percent increase in wheat prices. However, they say that chicken prices are not going to increase by more than five percent. Again, the producers are trying to make a good use of positioning to make consumers aware of the overall expected increase in prices. Another concept of marketing evident from the article is market equilibrium. According to Ali (2011), the difference between demand and supply has always a huge impact on overall market. The producers know that increased white meat prices will force consumers to eat red meat that will cause a decrease in the demand of white meat. The producers are trying to use this concept by saying that a decrease in the demand of white meat because of increased chicken prices will force suppliers to reduce feed prices which will consequently decrease the price of chicken in the Australian

Sport success in qatar Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sport success in qatar - Essay Example s success in sports improve as it started by building sports city, creating a national day for sports in its calendar, apart from hosting the world cup football and the Doha athletic world championship. The Federation for International Football Association (FIFA), is the international governing body of football, with headquarters based in Zurich (Simon, 2013). The foundation was founded in 1904 under the Swiss law. It has a total of 209 member association, of which, Qatar is one among the number. One of its goals is to constantly improve football through sponsorship, promotion, and organization. The body employs over 305 people from more than 35 nations, and it is composed of the Congress, Executive Committee, General Secretariat, and the committees in charge of assisting the executive body. Through its executive committee, FIFA carries out world cup hosting biddings in accordance with the FIFA Provisions and Statutes. Four years ago, FIFAs Executive Committee announced Qatar the winner of the 2022 world cup hosting, a competition that was highly contended. The Executive Committee, however, confirmed that the exact date for this hosting will be discussed in their meeting in March 2015. While awaiting that decision, the task force responsible for the international match calendar of 2018-2022 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatars team, chaired by the President of the AFC Shk. Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa will hold a prior meeting in Doha, in February of 2015 (FIFA.com, 2014). The FIFA Executive Committee confirmed to strongly support the creating of an independent body that will oversee the process of implementation of the reform program in Qatar regarding the issues of labor rights. This will take place in support of the recommendation put across by the DLA Piper report. This report also gave mandate to the FIFA President Blatter, with Dr. Theo Swanziger to go ahead with and discuss this issue with the political authorities of Qatar and be sure that the

Smile Now, Cry Later Essay Example for Free

Smile Now, Cry Later Essay Gangs are becoming a growing problem within American society. â€Å"In 2002 more than 877,700 young people between the age of 10 to 24 were injured from violent acts, and 79% of homicide victims ages 10 to 24 were killed with firearms† (Youth Violence: Fact Sheet 3). Young people are turning to gangs as a way to solve problems in their lives, problems such as: poverty, home violence, peer pressure, forced them to seek for power, money, respect, protection or simply love on the streets. the majority of gang members have been exposed or have suffered violence in their homes. When youths join gangs, social activities with friends, and school. Gang members tend to fall behind their classmates in school and do not try to stick around. They lost their motivation, interests and see school like a part of the problem and not like a solution. The majority of gang members are illiterate because they drop out of school at a very young age. Most of them have or are related with drugs, which destroy their lives and their chances for a good education and better life. Teenagers are joining gangs every day, becoming a problem in ghettos, urban areas and neighborhoods. They can be found in about every city in the United States. One thing that all the gangs have in common is that According to Luis J. Rodriguez’s book, Always Running ‘’La Vida Loca or The Crazy Life†, â€Å"the barrio gang experience, originated with the Mexican Pachuco gangs of the 1930s and 1940s and was later recreated with the cholos† (5). The cholos, one of the most prominent and violent gangs in southern California region, still attract more and more teenagers. Teens usually join gangs in an attempt to correct both the social and emotional problems in their lives. There are many complex reasons kids join gangs: the majority grew up in broken families without a father or a mother to look up to when everything went chaotic and family conflicts present. These kids have a very low-self esteem due to the poor family function. They join in order to find love and acceptance. They see gangs as a surrogate, or substitute family, and they find in the streets what they don’t have at home. They also join gangs to gain power, money and respect eventually by getting into fights and killing each other. They often join gangs because they want to feel that they fit in somewhere, feeling rejected in more common situations due to their cultural heritage, religious believes, sex, or race. They join gangs as a way to protect themselves from discrimination, racism, prejudice, and to find acceptance among other members of the gang. Gangs are one of the results of urban deterioration that’s why we see some communities more affected than others. Gangs are a violent reality that people have to deal with today because gangs are a direct result of human beings personal wants and peer pressure. These issues can be identify by looking at the way humans are influenced in society, because I truly believe there is good evidence to point the blame at several institutions including the power that the media has in our society, the government, drugs and our economic system.

Credit Risk Management in the UK Banking Sector

Credit Risk Management in the UK Banking Sector Background 3 Literature Review 7 Ascertaining why and how banking credit risk exposure is evolving recently 8 Seeing how banks use credit risk evaluation and assessment tools to mitigate their credit risk exposure 11 The steps and methodologies used by banks to identify, plan, map out, define a framework, develop an analysis and mitigate credit risk 13 Determine the relationship between the theories, concepts and models of credit risk management and what goes on practically in the banking world 17 Ascertain the scope to which resourceful credit risk management can perk up bank performance 19 To evaluate how regulators and government are assisting the banks to identify, mitigate credit risk, and helping to adopt the risk-based strategies to increase their profitability, and offering assistance on continuous basis 20 Research Methodology 21 Analysis 23 Ascertaining why and how banking credit risk exposure is evolving recently 23 Seeing how banks use credit risk evaluation and assessment tools to mitigate their credit risk exposure 25 The steps and methodologies used by banks to identify, plan, map out, define a framework, develop an analysis and mitigate credit risk 31 Determine the relationship between the theories, concepts and models of credit risk management and what goes on practically in the banking world 35 Ascertain the scope to which resourceful credit risk management can perk up bank performance 38 To evaluate how regulators and government are assisting the banks to identify, mitigate credit risk, and helping to adopt the risk-based strategies to increase their profitability, and offering assistance on continuous basis 40 Primary Survey 45 Conclusions 46 Recommendations 50 Bibliography 56 Background The sub-prime mortgage meltdown that hit the global banking sector in 2007, was a result of circumstances, actions and repercussions that began years earlier (Long, 2007). It, the sub-prime mortgage crisis, was based on unsound ground from its inception. Sub-prime mortgages represent loans made to borrowers that have lower ratings in their credit than the norm (investopedia, 2007). Due to the lower borrower credit rating, they do not qualify for what is termed as a conventional mortgage due to default risk (investopedia, 2007). Sub-prime mortgages thus carry a higher interest rate to off set the risk increase, which helped to fuel the United States economy through increased home ownership, and the attendant spending that accompanies it (Bajaj and Nixon, 2006). Implemented by the Bush administration in the United States to get the economy rolling after the recession fuelled by the September 11th air attacks, the entire plan began to backfire as early as 2004 as a result of the continu ed building of new housing without the demand (Norris, 2008). The new construction glutted the market bringing down house prices. This, coupled with a slowing economy in the United States resulted in layoffs, as well as many subprime mortgage holders defaulting on their loans, and the crisis ballooned. Some attribute the over lending of subprime mortgages to predatory lending (Squires, 2004, pp. 81-87) along with the underlying faults of using it as an economic stimulus package that did not control the limits on new housing (Cocheo, 2007). That set of circumstances represented the cause of the subprime mortgage crisis that spread globally as a result of the tightening of credit due to defaulted loan sell offs and restricted banking lending ceilings caused by the Basel II Accords (Peterson, 2005). The complexity of the foregoing shall be further explained in the Literature Review section of this study. The preceding summary journey through the subprime mortgage crisis was conducted to reveal the manner in which banking credit crunches can and do occur. The significance of the foregoing to this study represents an example to awaken us to the external factors that can and do cause banking credit crisis situations, thus revealing that despite good management practices such events can m anifest themselves. It is also true that poor or lax banking practices can have the same effects. Credit risk management represents the assessing of the risk in pursuing a certain course, and or courses of action (Powell, 2004). In addition to the foregoing U.S. created subprime mortgage crisis, the appearance of new forms of financial instruments has and is causing a problem in credit risk management with regard to the banking sector. As the worlds second largest financial centre, the United Kingdom is subject to transaction volumes that increase the risks the banking sector takes as so many new forms of financial instruments land there first. McClave (1996, p. 15) provides us with an understanding of bank risk that opens the realm to give us an overview of the problem by telling us: Banks must manage risk more objectively, using quantitative skills to understand portfolio data and to predict portfolio performance. As a result, risk management will become more process-oriented and less dependent on individuals. Angelopoulos and Mourdoukoutas (2001, p. 11) amplify the preceding in stating that Banking risk management is both a philosophical and an operational issue. They add: As a philosophical issue, banking risk management is about attitudes towards risk and the payoff associated with it, and strategies in dealing with them. As an operational issue, risk management is about the identification and classification of banking risks, and methods and procedures to measure, monitor, and control them. (Angelopoulos and Mourdoukoutas, 2001, p. 11) In concluding, Angelopoulos and Mourdoukoutas (2001, p. 11) tell us that the two approaches are in reality not divorced, and or independent form each other, and that attitudes concerning risk contribute to determining the guidelines for the measurement of risk as well as its control and monitoring. The research that has been conducted has been gathered to address credit risk management in the United Kingdom banking sector. In order to equate such, data has been gathered from all salient sources, regardless of their locale as basic banking procedures remain constant worldwide. References specific to the European Union and the United Kingdom were employed in those instances when the nuances of legislation, laws, policies and related factors dictated and evidenced a deviance that was specific. In terms of importance, credit risk is one of the most important functions in banking as it represents the foundation of how banks earn money from deposited funds they are entrusted with. This being the case, the manner in which banks manage their credit risk is a critical component of their performance over the near term as well as long term. The implications are that todays decisions impact the future, thus banks cannot approach current profitability without taking measures to ensure that decisions made in the present do not impact them negatively in the future (Comptroller of the Currency, 2001). A well designed, functioning and managed credit risk rating system promotes the safety of a bank as well as soundness in terms of making informed decisions (Comptroller of the Currency, 2001). The system works by measuring the different types of credit risk through dividing them into groups that differentiate risk by the risk posed. This enables management as well as bank examiners to mon itor trends and changes to risk exposure, and this minimise risk through diversifying the types of risk taken on through separation (Comptroller of the Currency, 2001). The types of credit risks a bank faces represents a broad array of standard, meaning old and establishes sources, as well as new fields that are developing, gaining favour, and or impacting banks as a result of the tightness of international banking that creates a ripple effect. The aforementioned subprime crisis had such an effect in that the closeness of the international banking community accelerated developments. The deregulation of banking has increased the risk stakes for banks as they now are able to engage in a broad array of lending and investment practices (Dorfman, 1997, pp. 67-73). Banking credit risk has been impacted by technology, which was one of the contributing factors in the subprime crisis (Sraeel, 2008). Technology impacts banks on both sides of the coin in that computing power and new software permits banks to devise and utilise historical risk calculations in equating present risk forms. However, as it is with all formulas, they are only as effective as the par ameters entered (Willis, 2003). The interconnected nature of the global banking system means that bank risk has increased as a result of the quick manner in which financial instruments, credit risk transfer, and other systems, and or forms of risk are handled. The Bank for International Settlements led a committee that looked into Payment and Settlement Systems, which impacts all forms of banking credit risk, both new forms as well as long standing established ones in loans, investments and other fields (TransactionDirectory.com, 2008). The report indicates that while technology and communication systems are and have increased the efficiency of banking through internal management as well as banking systems, these same areas, technology and communications systems also have and are contributing to risk. The complexity of the issues that arise in a discussion of credit risk management means that there are many terms that are applicable to the foregoing that are banking industry specific to this area. In presenting this material, it was deemed that these special terms would have more impact if they were explained, in terms of their context, as they occur to ease the task of digesting the information. This study will examine credit risk management in the UK banking sector, and the foregoing thus will take into account banking regulations, legislation, external and internal factors that impact upon this. Literature Review The areas to be covered by this study in relationship to the topic area Credit Risk Management in the UK Banking Sector entails looking at as well as examining it using a number of assessment and analysis points, as represented by the following: Ascertaining why and how banking credit risk exposure is evolving recently. Seeing how banks use credit risk evaluation and assessment tools to mitigate their credit risk exposure. The steps and methodologies used by banks to identify, plan, map out, define a framework, develop an analysis and mitigate credit risk. Determine the relationship between the theories, concepts and models of credit risk management and what goes on practically in the banking world. Ascertain the scope to which resourceful credit risk management can perk up bank performance. To evaluate how regulators and government are assisting the banks to identify, mitigate credit risk, and helping to adopt the risk-based strategies to increase their profitability, and offering assistance on continuous basis. The foregoing also represents the research methodology, which shall be further examined in section 3.0. These aspects have been included here as they represented the focus of the Literature Review, thus dictating the approach. The following review of literature contains segments of the information found on the aforementioned five areas, with the remainder referred to in the Analysis section of this study. Ascertaining why and how banking credit risk exposure is evolving recently. In a report generated by the Bank for International Settlements stated that while transactional costs have been reduced as a result of advanced communication systems, the other side of this development has seen an increase with regard to the potential for disruptions to spread quickly and widely across multiple systems (TransactionDirectory.com, 2008). The Report goes onto add that concerns regarding the speed in which transactions occur is not reflected adequately in risk controls, stress tests, crisis management procedures as well as contingency funding plans (TransactionDirectory.com, 2008). The speed at which transactions happen means that varied forms of risk can move through the banking system in such a manner so as to spread broadly before the impact of these transactions is known, as was the case with the subprime mortgage crisis debt layoff. One of the critical problems in the subprime crisis was that it represented a classic recent example of the ripple effect caused by rapid interbanking communications, and credit risk transfer. When the U.S. housing bubble burst, refinance terms could not cover the dropping house prices thus leading to defaults. The revaluation of housing prices as a result of overbuilding forced a correction in the U.S. housing market that drove prices in many cases below the assessed mortgage value (Amadeo, 2007). The subprime mortgage problem was further exacerbated by mortgage packages such as fixed rate, balloon, adjustable rate, cash-out and other forms that the failure of the U.S. housing market impacted (Demyanyk and Van Hemert, 2007). As defaults increased banks sold off their positions in bad as well as good loans they deemed as risks as collateralised debt obligations and sold them to differing investor groups (Eckman, 2008). Some of these collateralised debt obligations, containing subprim e and other mortgages, were re-bundled and sold again on margin to still another set of investors looking for high returns, sometimes putting down $1 million on a $100 million package and borrowing the rest (Eckman, 2008). When default set in, margins calls began, and the house of cards started caving in. Derivatives represent another risk form that has increased banking exposure. The preceding statement is made because new forms of derivatives are being created all of the time (Culp. 2001, p. 215). Derivatives are not new, they have existed since the 1600s in a rudimentary form as predetermined prices for the future delivery of farming products (Ivkovic, 2008). Ironically, derivatives are utilised in todays financial sector to reduce risk via changing the financial exposure, along with reducing transaction costs (Minehan and Simons, 1995). In summary, some of the uses of derivatives entail taking basic financial instruments as represented by bonds, loans and stocks, as a few examples, and then isolating basic facets such as their agreement to pay, agreements to receive or exchange cash as well as other considerations (financial) and packaging them is financial instruments (Molvar, et al, 1995). While derivatives, in theory, help to spread risk, spreading risk is exactly what caused t he subprime meltdown as the risk from U.S. mortgage were bundled and sold, repackaged, margined, and thus created a raft of exposure that suffered from the domino effect when the original house of cards came crashing down. Other derivative forms include currency swaps as well as interest rate derivatives that are termed as over the counter (Cocheo, 1993). The complexity of derivatives has increased to the point where: auditors will need to have special knowledge to be able to evaluate the derivatives measurement and disclosure so they conform with GAAP. For example, features embedded in contracts or agreements may require separate accounting as a derivative, while complex pricing structures may make assumptions used in estimating the derivative s fair value more complex, too. (Coppinger and Fitzsimons, 2002) The preceding brings attention to the issues in evaluating the risks of derivatives, and banks having the proper staffing, financial programs and criteria to rate derivative risks on old as well as the consistently new forms being developed. Andrew Crockett, the former manager for the Bank of International Settlements, in commenting on derivatives presented the double-edged sword that these financial instruments present, and thus the inherent dangers (Whalen, 2004) When properly used, (derivatives) can be a powerful means of controlling risk that allows firms to economize on scarce capital. However, it is possible for new instruments to be based on models, which are poorly designed or understood, or for the instruments to give rise to a high degree of common behaviour in traded markets. The result can be large losses to individual firms or increased market volatility. The foregoing provides background information that relates to understanding why and how banking credit risk exposure has and is evolving. The examples provided have been utilised to illustrate this. Seeing how banks use credit risk evaluation and assessment tools to mitigate their credit risk exposure. As credit risk is the focal point throughout this study, a definition of the term represents an important aspect. Credit risk is defined as (Investopedia, 2008): The risk of loss of principal orloss of a financial reward stemming from a borrowers failure to repay a loan or otherwise meet a contractual obligation. Credit risk arises whenever a borrower is expecting to use future cash flows to pay a current debt. Investors are compensated for assuming credit risk by way of interest payments from the borrower or issuer of a debt obligation. Risk, in terms of investments, is closely aligned with the potential return being offered (Investopedia, 2008). The preceding means that the higher the risk, the higher the rate of return expected by those investing in the risk. Banks utilise a variety of credit risk evaluation and assessment tools to apprise them of credit risk probabilities so that they can mitigate, and or determine their risk exposure. There are varied forms of credit risk models, which are defined as tools to estimate credit risk probability in terms of losses from banking operations in specific as well as overall areas (Lopez and Saidenburg, 2000, pp. 151-165). Lopez and Saidenberg (1999) advise us that the main use of models by banks is to provide forecasts concerning the probability of how losses might occur in the credit portfolio, and the manner in which they might happen. They advise that the aforementioned credit risk model projection of loss distribution is founded on two factors (Lopez and Saidenberg, 1999): the multivariate, which means having more than one variable (Houghton Mifflin, 2008) distribution concerning the credit losses in terms of all of the credits in the banks portfolio, and the weighting vector, meaning the direction, characterising these credits. As can be deduced, the ability to measure credit risk is an important factor in improving the risk management capacity of a bank. The importance of the preceding is contained in the Basel II Accord that states the capital requirement is three times the projected maximum loss that could occur in terms of a portfolio position (Vassalou, M., Xing, Y., 2003). Risk models and risk assessment tools form and are a structural part of the new Basel II Accord in that banks are required to adhere to three mechanisms for overall operational risk that are set to measure and control liquidity risk, of which credit risk is a big component (Banco de Espana, 2005). The key provisions of the Basel II Accord set forth that (Accenture, 2003): the capital allocation is risk sensitive, separation of operational risk, from credit risk, vary the capital requirements in keeping with the different types of business it conducts, and encourage the development and use of internal systems to aid the bank in arriving at capital levels that meet requirements An explanation of the tools utilised by banks in terms of evaluation as well as assessment will be further explored in the Analysis segment of this study. The steps and methodologies used by banks to identify, plan, map out, define a framework, develop an analysis and mitigate credit risk. The process via which banks identify, plan, map out, define frameworks, develop analyses, and mitigate credit risk represent areas as put forth by the Basel II Accord, which shall be defined in terms of the oversight measures and degrees of autonomy they have in this process. In terms of the word autonomy, it must be explained that the Basel II Accord regulates the standard of banking capital adequacy, setting forth defined measures for the analysis of risk that must meet with regulatory approval (Bank for International Settlements, 2007). This is specified under the three types of capital requirement frameworks that were designed to impact on the area of pricing risk to make the discipline proactive. The rationale for the preceding tiered process is that it acts as an incentive for banks to seek the top level that affords them with a lowered requirement for capital adequacy as a result of heightened risk management systems and processes across the board (Bank for International Settl ements, 2007). The foregoing takes into account liquidity (operational) risk as well as credit risk management and market risk. The risk management active foundation of the Basel II Accord separates operational risk from credit risk, with the foundation geared to making the risk management process sensitive, along with aligning regulatory and economic capital aspects into closer proximity to reduce arbitrage ranges (Schneider, 2004). The process uses a three-pillar foundation that consists of minimum capital requirements along with supervisory review as well as market discipline to create enhanced stability (Schneider, 2004). The three tiers in the Basel II Accord, consist of the following, which are critical in understanding the steps, and methodologies utilised by banks to identify, plan, map, define frameworks, analyse and mitigate risk (Bank for International Settlements, 2007): Standardised Approach This is the lowest level of capital adequacy calculation, thus having the highest reserves. Via this approach risk management is conducted in what is termed as a standardised manner, which is founded on credit being externally assessed, and other methods consisting of internal rating measures. In terms of banking activities, they are set forth under eight business categories (Natter, 2004): agency services, corporate finance, trading and sales, asset management, commercial banking, retail banking, retail brokerage, payment and settlement The methodology utilised under the standardised approach is based on operational risk that is computed as a percentage of the banks income that is derived from that line of business. Foundation Internal Rating Based Approach (IRB) (Bank for International Settlements, 2007) The Foundational IRB utilises a series of measurements in the calculation of credit risk. Via this method, banks are able to develop empirical models on their own for use in estimating default probability incidence for clients. The use of these models must first be reviewed and cleared by local regulators to assure that the models conform to standards that calculate results in a manner that is in keeping with banking processes in terms of outcomes and inputs to arrive at the end figures. Regulators require that the formulas utilised include Loss Given Default (LGD), along with parameters consisting of the Risk Weighted Asset (RWA) are part of the formulas used. Banks that qualify under this tier are granted a lower capital adequacy holding figure than those under the first tier. Advanced Internal Rating Based Approach (IRB) (Bank for International Settlements, 2007) Under this last tier, banks are granted the lowest capital adequacy requirements, if they qualify by the constructing of empirical models that calculate the capital needed to cover credit risk. The techniques, personnel and equipment needed to meet the foregoing are quite extensive, requiring a substantial investment of time, materials, funds, and personnel to accomplish the foregoing, thus this measure generally applies to the largest banks, that have the capability to undertake these tasks. As is the case under the Foundation Internal Rating Based Approach, the models developed must meet with regulator approval. Under this aspect of the Basel II provisions for this tier, banks are permitted to create quantitative models that calculate the following (Bank for International Settlements, 2007): Exposure at Default (EAD), the Risk Weighted Asset (RWA) Probability of Default (PD), and Loss Given Default (LGD). The above facets have been utilised to provide an understanding of the operative parameters put into place by Basel II that define the realm in which banks must operate. These tiers also illustrate that the depth of the manner in which banks identify, plan, map out, define frameworks, analyse and mitigate credit risks, which varies based upon these tiers. Under the Standardised Approach the formulas are devised by the regulators, with banks having the opportunity to devise their own models. Graphically, the preceding looks as follows: Chart 1 Basel II Three Pillars (Bank for International Settlements, 2007) Determine the relationship between the theories, concepts and models of credit risk management and what goes on practically in the banking world. The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (2000) states that the goal of credit risk management is to maximise a banks risk adjusted rate of return by maintaining credit risk exposure within acceptable parameters. The foregoing extends to its entire portfolio, along with risk as represented by individual credits, and with transactions (Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, 2000). In discussing risk management theories, Pyle (1997)/span> states it is the process by which managers satisfy these needs by identifying key risks, obtaining consistent, understandable, operational risk measures, choosing which risks to reduce, and which risks to increase and by what means, and establishing procedures to monitor the resulting risk position. The preceding statement brings forth the complex nature of credit risk management. In understanding the application of risk it is important to note that credit risks are defined as changes in portfolio value due to the failure of counter parties to m eet their obligations, or due to changes in the markets perception of their ability to continue to do so (Pyle, 1997). In terms of practice, banks have traditionally utilised credit scoring, credit committees, and ratings in an assessment of credit risk (Pyle, 1997). Bank regulations treat market risk and credit risk as separate categories. J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. (1997) brought forth the theory that the parallel treatment of market risk and credit risk would increase risk management by gauging both facets would aiding in contributing to the accuracy of credit risk by introducing external forces and influences into the equation that would reveal events and their correlation with credit risk. Through incorporating the influence and effect of external events via an historical perspective, against credit risk default rates, patterns and models result that can serve as useful alerts to pending changes in credit risk as contained in Pyles (1997)/span> statement that ended in due to changes in the markets perception of their ability to continue to do so. The Plausibility Theory as developed by Wolfgang Spohn represents an approach to making decisions in the face of unknowable risks (Value Based Management, Inc., 2007). Prior to the arrival of the Plausibility Theory, Bayesian statistics was utilised to predict and explain decision making which was based upon managers making decisions through weighing the likelihood of differing events, along with their projected outcomes (Value Based Management, Inc., 2007). Strangely, the foregoing this theory was not applied to banking. The Risk Threshold of the Plausibility Theory assesses a range of outcomes that may be possible, however it does focus on the probability of hitting a threshold point, such as net loss relative to acceptable risk (Value Based Management, Inc., 2007). The new Basel II Accord employs a variant of the foregoing that is termed as Risk Adjusted Return on Capital which is a measurement as well as management framework for measuring risk adjusted financial performance and for providing a consistent view of profitability across business (units divisions) (Value Based Management, Inc., 2007). The foregoing theory of including external events in a calculative model with business lines credit risks is yet to be fully accepted as the variables from external predictive models to result in scenarios along with credit risk models is a daunting set of equations. Ascertain the scope to which resourceful credit risk management can perk up bank performance. In equating how and the scope in which resourceful credit risk management can improve bank performance, one needs to be cognizant that credit risk represents the primary type of financial risk in the bank sector as well as existing in almost all areas that are income generating (Comptroller of the Currency, 2001). From the preceding it flows that a credit risk rating system that is managed and run well will and does promote bank soundness as well as safety through helping to make and implement decision making that is informed (Comptroller of the Currency, 2001). Through the construction and use of the foregoing, banking management as well as bank examiners and regulators are able to monitor trends as well as changes occurring in risk levels (Comptroller of the Currency, 2001). Through the preceding, management is able to better manage risk, thus optimising returns (Comptroller of the Currency, 2001). The improvement of credit risk management in terms of identification and monitoring, the process when operated effectively can improve bottom line performance through laying off risk identified as potentially being problematic in the future (KPMG, 2007). Zimmer (2005) helps us to understand the nuances of transferring credit risk by telling us: A bank collects funds and originates loans. It might only be able to attract funds if it holds some risk capital that finances losses and saves the bank from insolvency if parts of its loan portfolio default. If the bank faces increasing costs of raising external finance, CRT has a positive effect on the lending capacity of the bank. Providing the bank with additional risk capital, CRT lowers the banks opportunity cost of additional lending and increases its lending capacity. As has been covered herein, credit risk represents a potential income loss area for banks in that default subtracts from income, thus lowering a banks financial performance. The Bank for International Settlements (2003) advises that the principle cause of banking problems is directly related to credit standards that are lax, which is termed as poor risk management. The preceding reality has been documented by the The Bank for International Settlements (2003) that advises that poor credit risk management procedures and structures rob banks of income as they fail to identify risks that are in danger of default, and thus taking the appropriate actions. A discussion of the means via which resourceful credit risk management enhance bank performance in delved into under the Analysis segment of this study. To evaluate how regulators and government are assisting the banks to identify, mitigate credit risk, and helping to adopt the risk-based strategies to increase their profitability, and offering assistance on continuous basis. In delving into banking credit risk management in the United Kingdom, legislation represents the logical starting place as it sets the parameters and guidelines under which the banking sector must operate. The Basel II Accord represents the revised i