Succubus Revealed Chapter 16

The next week was one of the longest in my life. Every moment that passed was a moment without Seth and another reminder that I'd lost my one great love. Even if I hadn't quit as Santa's helper, that job would've been done now anyway, so my days were made even longer by their emptiness. Hugh was over a lot that week, and sometimes he and Roman tried to cheer me up or at least distract me. Mostly, they were holed up together, working on my appeal to Hell. They occasionally consulted me on it, but Hugh had most of the info he needed and simply had to put it all together in the appropriate manner. The two of them discussed other things too, mostly having to do with Hell's legal system in general. I didn't entirely understand why, but Roman was very adamant about learning every detail of it. It was like he was trying to pass the bar exam or something. I tried to preoccupy myself with packing for Las Vegas. Even with my appeal, I couldn't count on anything changing with my current Hellish status. So, I had to go forward with life as though Vegas were definitely in my future. Packing was mindless enough, however, that it didn't distract me so much as just provide more time for me to ruminate and agonize over being apart from Seth. Packing also had its own pitfalls because I kept running into things that reminded me of him. The worst was when I unearthed a box of keepsakes collected from over the centuries. The most recent addition was a ring Seth had given me last Christmas, just before we broke up. It was a modern twist on a Byzantine wedding ring, decorated with dolphins and sapphires. Even when we'd gotten back together, I'd left it in the box. Little did he know that I also had – in the same box – my actual wedding ring from the fifth century. It was worn with age but hadn't entirely lost its gleam. Looking at them both gave me a weird moment of disorientation as I tried to grasp the idea that they'd technically been given to me by the same person. During that week, I also received a fair amount of e-mail from the Las Vegas crew. Phoebe, Bastien, Luis, and even Matthias had stayed in touch since my visit, and all seemed to have increased their excitement over my pending move. Messages I would have found so witty and touching a week ago now left a bad taste in my mouth, now that I knew the truth about the transfer. Luis was simply helping to orchestrate Hell's grand plan to keep me and Seth apart, and I didn't trust a single word he said. Still, he was a demon, and one could expect a certain amount of insincerity from him. Phoebe and especially Bastien hurt more because they were operating under the pretense of friendship. I didn't doubt Bastien was still my friend, but everything he sent me seemed forced, since it was coming from the orders of those above him. Matthias was kind of a mystery. I didn't know what role he played here, if he was just a convenient mortal they'd found to take me on or if he was in league with Hell. Many humans knowingly were, in the hopes of grandiose rewards someday. For all I knew, he could be an innocent in all this, just an ordinary guy who thought he'd lucked out in finding a dancer. Without being able to say for sure, I took no joy in his e-mails either. Notably missing from the Las Vegas gang's correspondence was Jamie. I'd received no friendly â€Å"Can't wait to see you!† messages at all from him, something I suspected was also a direct result of Hell's orders. They wouldn't want to risk the topic of Milton again. When I mentioned this to Roman and Hugh, they told me it would be surprising if Jamie was even still in Las Vegas. If Hell saw him as a liability that might inadvertently expose the double-contract snafu, Hugh felt the odds were good they'd simply removed him to prevent me from finding him. If so, I hoped it was simply a matter of a transfer and that the imp hadn't been punished for drunkenly revealing information he didn't realize was dangerous. On New Year's Eve, Hugh and Roman told me my petition was finished. They presented it to me, a staggeringly huge stack of paper filled with legalese, and showed me where to sign. There was an air of both gravity and pride around them, like they'd just created a painstakingly crafted work of art. Considering how rare this type of event was, perhaps that wasn't such a bad assessment. I gave the ream back to Hugh, once I'd signed it about fifteen times. â€Å"Now what?† I asked. â€Å"Now I take it to Mei and say you gave it to me to submit to Hell. I also claim ignorance about what this is in regard to, but the fact that it went through me tips her off that there's a witness to it all. Not that she'd probably ‘lose it' or anything, but . . . well, with demons, it's best to be cautious.† â€Å"Are they really going to believe you're a hapless messenger ?† I asked. Hugh crooked me a smile and gestured to the paperwork. â€Å"Well, they certainly aren't going to believe you did this on your own. But there's no real way to prove my involvement, and anyway, I haven't technically done anything wrong. I'm an imp. I conduct business for Hell. That's what this is.† Too many days of pent-up emotion took hold of me, and I flung my arms around Hugh. â€Å"Thank you,† I said. â€Å"Thank you so much.† It was all kind of awkward since he was trying to juggle the papers, but he still managed to pat me on the back. â€Å"It's nothing, sweetie,† he said, seeming a bit flustered. â€Å"I just hope it actually accomplishes something.† I stepped back and attempted to get myself under control. â€Å"How will we know if it does?† â€Å"When you're summoned to Hell,† he said. â€Å"Oh.† My heart lurched with fear. â€Å"I actually . . . actually have to go there?† Roman leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. â€Å"How else do you think this is going to get resolved?† â€Å"I'd kind of just hoped they'd send me a letter,† I said. â€Å"You know, like a college acceptance.† Hugh snorted. â€Å"Afraid not. If they respond to it, they'll summon you to Hell and hold a hearing to examine the contract, your complaints, and whatever evidence either side can muster.† I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to picture what that hearing would be like. â€Å"I've never been to Hell. Have either of you?† They shook their heads, which wasn't a surprise. Lesser immortals were recruited on Earth, where they then served. We had no reason to visit the realm of our employers, not even an imp like Hugh. Roman, as a nephilim, was on Heaven and Hell's hit list. Walking into Hell would be like showing up in a lion's den and presenting yourself on a platter. â€Å"I always kind of pictured Hell as a cross between waiting in line at the DMV and watching a marathon of Perfect Strangers,† remarked Hugh. Roman shot him a sharp look. â€Å"What's wrong with that show?† Overcome, I hugged Hugh again and then Roman. â€Å"Thanks, you guys. I mean it. I owe you . . . more than I can ever pay back.† â€Å"Just win,† said Roman fiercely. â€Å"That's all the payback I need.† Hugh put the papers into his briefcase and slipped on his coat. â€Å"I'm going to get these over to Mei now, then head off to a party and drink away the memories of wading through all that legalese.† â€Å"You're going to Peter's?† I asked. Unsurprisingly, our vampire friend was holding a shindig to ring in the New Year. â€Å"Nah,† said Hugh. â€Å"Not much chance of getting laid there. I'm going to a party one of my nurses is hosting.† We wished him a happy new year and bid him farewell. As soon as he was gone, Roman turned to me. â€Å"What about you?† he asked. â€Å"Are you going to Peter's?† I knew Peter was counting on it, but it was hard to make myself feel like celebrating. â€Å"No. I'm not in the mood. Besides, I'm not sure I want to risk running into Jerome since I'm sure Mei's going to tell him about the appeal. I'll just keep packing.† â€Å"Come on,† Roman said. â€Å"You can't just sit around tonight. It's a new year . . . new opportunities. Maybe even the chance to break free of Hell.† I nodded, though it was still hard for me to imagine what â€Å"breaking free† would even look like. It was something we kept talking about, but I really couldn't feel it yet. And even though I'd talked a good talk to Seth about how the integrity of the soul and eternity were so much more important than any earthly concerns, it all seemed lackluster without him in my life. â€Å"I know,† I told Roman. â€Å"But any celebrating I do is going to be forced. If I'm going to be unhappy, I'd rather do it in a place where I feel comfortable.† He glanced at the clock. â€Å"Let's at least go out to dinner. Dress up and get a good meal. Then we'll come back and watch all the New Year's shows.† I didn't have much of an appetite but suspected if I said no, Roman would consign himself to the same self-imprisonment as me. I didn't want his night ruined because of me, especially after everything he'd done this week. One problem presented itself. â€Å"It's almost five,† I said. â€Å"We'll never get in anywhere on such short notice. Unless we want to dress up for Taco Bell. Which I'm actually not averse to.† Roman was already reaching for his cell phone. â€Å"I know someone who's a chef at this Italian place in Green Lake. We'll get a table.† Sure enough. One mysterious phone call, and we were on our way an hour later. I hadn't been up for elaborate styling and simply shape-shifted myself into New Year's finery, with an off-the-shoulder satin dress and my hair cascading in perfect waves. Roman had warned me â€Å"no black,† so the dress was dark purple, which still seemed appropriate for my mood. I paired it with a glittering necklace of white gold and amethysts that had been my Secret Santa gift to myself. I had great taste. â€Å"Have you made any moves to put your condo on the market?† asked Roman as he drove us through the city. â€Å"Contacted a real estate agent?† I gazed out at the bright lights of the downtown skyline. This time of year, darkness came early. â€Å"No. I need to. Unless . . .† I glanced over at him. â€Å"Do you want to keep staying there? I'll keep it and rent if you want.† He shook his head, a wry smile playing over his lips. â€Å"No. It wouldn't be the same without you and those furballs. I'll get another place. Sell it or rent it to someone else.† â€Å"Easier to sell,† I mused. â€Å"Well, in theory. But I'm not concerned with profit, and it saves the hassle of screening and dealing with – † I stopped as a startling thought suddenly came to me. â€Å"Hey. Do we have time for a, oh, fifteen-minute stop? Will your friend get rid of our table?† â€Å"Not if I call. Where do you need to go?† â€Å"The U District. Seth's place. Don't worry,† I added, seeing his look of alarm. â€Å"I'm not going to do anything crazy or lovestruck. I'm not even going to see Seth. Please? Just a quick stop?† Roman concurred, though his expression said this was against his better judgment. I almost told him his fears were unfounded because I was only going to actually stop if Margaret was home and Seth wasn't. The odds against that possibility seemed slim, particularly with the way my luck tended to run. The universe apparently owed me a favor because when we reached Seth's condo, I saw her car there but not his. A light inside gave me hope that they hadn't just all carpooled off together. â€Å"Do you need me to come in?† asked Roman, as he pulled into my parking spot. â€Å"No, but thanks. I'll be right back.† I left the car and walked up to the door, hoping some wacky happenstance wouldn't actually put me face to face with Seth. Not that I wouldn't have loved to see him. God, I missed him so, so much. But I knew no good could come of an encounter between us. I rang the bell and waited anxiously. A few moments later, Margaret answered. â€Å"Georgina,† she said, clearly surprised. â€Å"What are you doing here?† She took in my appearance. â€Å"Are you supposed to meet Seth?† â€Å"No . . . can I come in for a minute? I'll be fast, I promise.† She had on a coat, making me think she'd been about to leave. Either that or she was trying to save Seth money on his heating bills. She gestured me inside and shut the door. â€Å"I was about to go to Terry's. Seth's already there.† I didn't bother asking where Ian was. He probably celebrated New Year's on January third or something, just to be contrary. â€Å"You haven't been around in a while.† I wondered what Seth had told his family about us, if he'd even told them anything at all. Maybe he was just going to say nothing until one of them noticed my absence. â€Å"Ah, well,† I said. â€Å"Seth and I are having a disagreement.† She clucked her tongue disapprovingly. â€Å"You two need to sit down and fix it then.† How I wished it was that easy. I forced a neutral smile. â€Å"We'll see,† I said. â€Å"But the thing is . . . I may be moving. No, I am moving. I have a new job . . . and I was wondering if you'd like to stay in my condo when I leave. I remember you saying you didn't want to impose on Seth's space but that you wished you could stick around more to help. Well, now you can. You can have your own place. Mine.† â€Å"I can't afford to keep my place in Chicago and pay rent somewhere here, though,† she said sadly. â€Å"That's been the problem.† â€Å"You don't have to pay rent,† I said. â€Å"You can stay there for free.† She eyed me curiously. â€Å"How will you afford your mortgage?† Yes, how indeed would a poor retail-bound girl like me be able to swing that? â€Å"The condo's paid off,† I explained. Let her think it was passed down through the family or something. â€Å"And my new job pays well. Look, I really don't mind you staying. It'd be worth it to me to know that the girls have you close by to help. I mean, they're going to need a strong woman around, right?† Margaret took a few moments to answer. â€Å"Right. I just thought you'd be that woman.† â€Å"Fate has other plans,† I said. Wasn't that the damned truth. â€Å"Is that why you and Seth aren't getting along? Because you're moving? I'm surprised he doesn't just go with you. . . .† â€Å"No, no, it's not that at all,† I assured her. â€Å"It's . . . complicated. If it was as simple as moving, he would when he was able to . . . you know, when Andrea's better.† I hesitated, afraid of the answer to the next question, but it was one I had to know. With no contact from Seth, the status of the Mortensens had been a mystery. â€Å"How is Andrea? Is she still doing well?† â€Å"Yes, she's doing great. We won't know the details for sure until she sees the doctor in a couple weeks, but on the outside, things look wonderful. We're all praying.† I found myself smiling, unable to help my joy and relief. Andrea had looked good at Christmas, but I'd worried ever since then that whatever demon had made her sick before would return one of these days. Again, a doctor would have the ultimate answer, but I took Margaret's own observation as a good sign. â€Å"Thank you,† I said. â€Å"You have no idea how much that makes my night. I've needed some good news.† â€Å"Well, thank you for the housing offer. Can I let you know my answer later?† â€Å"Of course,† I said. I wished her a happy new year and told her good night. Then, I hurried off before I cracked and asked her to deliver some sentimental message to Seth. I liked Roman's company, but I still couldn't shake the wrongness of being out with him instead of Seth tonight. After last year's miserable New Year's Eve, I'd hoped this one would be better. â€Å"That was nice of you,† Roman said, when I explained what I discussed with Margaret. â€Å"It's an easy thing for me to do that can help a lot of people,† I said. â€Å"No reason not to.† He shook his head, incredulous. â€Å"You shouldn't even need a technicality to escape Hell's reach. They should fire you out of principle.† The restaurant was tiny but elegant – and packed. I seriously doubted any connections Roman had would get us in, but through some magic, the hostess beckoned us through the crowd and led us back to a cozy candlelit corner. In it was a table covered with an old-fashioned lace cloth, as well as crystal and china place settings – for three. I looked at her in surprise. â€Å"But there's only – â€Å" â€Å"Hey, hope I'm not late.† Carter suddenly emerged from the crowd, wearing his usual grunge wear. The hostess didn't even blink an eye. Seeing us about to sit down, he smiled. â€Å"I guess not.† â€Å"What are you doing here?† I asked. I looked to Roman, who appeared just as perplexed as I was. â€Å"I didn't tell him any details. He called while you were inside Seth's to see if we were going to Peter's, and I told him we were going to dinner instead. That's it.† Carter waved it off. â€Å"That's as good as a homing beacon. I love this place. You're getting wine, right?† It wasn't that I was unhappy to see Carter. It was just that when Carter appeared, there was usually a reason. â€Å"So you heard?† I said, once we'd placed our orders and dispensed with small talk. Carter swirled the wine in his glass. We'd ordered a nice vintage that would probably be wasted on him at the rate he drank. â€Å"That you're skipping Peter's party? Yeah, I did. Man, he's going to be pissed.† I rolled my eyes. â€Å"That's not what I mean. Are you here about the appeal we filed?† â€Å"I'm here to have dinner with friends,† said Carter demurely. â€Å"But now that you mention it . . .† â€Å"Word gets around fast, huh?† I asked. It had been a couple hours since we'd seen Hugh, more than enough time for him to deliver the paperwork to Mei and enough for her to have told Jerome. â€Å"Oh, I found out from him,† said Carter, nodding toward Roman. â€Å"He asked when he called me earlier,† explained Roman. â€Å"He knew we'd been working on it.† â€Å"How?† I asked, startled. â€Å"Hugh and I have had to consult him on a couple of things this week,† said Roman. â€Å"Nothing that breaks any rules, of course.† Carter gave him a mock toast to that. â€Å"But enough to clarify a couple points about Hell's fucked-up legal system.† I wondered what they had needed to consult Carter on but doubted they'd tell me. I was also kind of amazed that I'd been so out of it this week that I hadn't even known my legal team had been in touch with the angel. No, on second thought, I wasn't that surprised. My misery had been pretty all-consuming. â€Å"So what do you think our odds are?† I asked. Carter shook his head. â€Å"I can't answer that.† â€Å"Because it breaks a rule?† â€Å"Because it's too tempting for me to answer with a joke about a snowball's chance in Hell.† I sighed. â€Å"That's not very comforting.† â€Å"You're awfully grim about this,† said Carter. â€Å"I figured there'd be a little more excitement from someone trying to win back their soul.† â€Å"It doesn't mean much without Seth,† I said. â€Å"Oh, for God's sake,† said Roman. He reached for the wine bottle. â€Å"You're on the verge of getting your soul and your life back . . . and he's still what determines your happiness ? You don't need a relationship to be happy, Georgina.† â€Å"No,† I agreed. â€Å"But Seth's not just any relationship. He's tied to my soul. He found me in the world of dreams. We've come together, life after life. I'm not just some girl who needs a guy around. Seth and I are connected. We both have done terrible things to each other . . . but also made great sacrifices for each other. It just seems like only half a victory to get my soul back but not be with the person who's affected it so much.† Roman surprised me by acknowledging the point. â€Å"Okay. I can see where you're coming from there.† â€Å"And,† added Carter gently, â€Å"you need to replay your own words there. You and Seth have come back together, life after life. What makes you think you won't again?† â€Å"Well, his recent actions for one,† I remarked bitterly. â€Å"That and . . . I don't know. Just the look in his eyes.† â€Å"Seth had a lot thrown at him all at once. Whose idea was the hypnosis anyway?† â€Å"Mine,† said Roman. â€Å"And get that accusing tone out of your voice. It was the fastest and easiest way we had to get the information we needed.† â€Å"Perhaps,† said Carter. â€Å"But there's a reason reborn mortals forget their past lives. It's a lot to process, and that kind of regression brings on too much, too fast.† â€Å"Hugh kind of said something like that too,† I said. Carter nodded, gray eyes kind. â€Å"Don't give up on Seth yet. I think he might surprise you once he's settled down. He loved you enough to always come back to you. He loved you enough to remember you, even when Hell tried to erase you from his mind. That's powerful stuff, Daughter of Lilith.† It was, and I suddenly questioned how fairly I'd been approaching this situation. My old fears had held me back from truly fighting for Seth. I also hadn't really tried to imagine what it must be like for him to have ten people in one mind. â€Å"It could take a while,† I said, unable to meet Carter's eyes. â€Å"For him to come around, I mean. And it could take a while for Hell to respond to my appeal too, right?† Both men nodded. â€Å"What do I do then? What do I do with all that time?† â€Å"You live,† said Carter. â€Å"You go on with the life you have, with the opportunities you have. You want your soul. You want Seth. If it's within your power to achieve those things, do it. If it's not, accept it and figure out what else you want.† I muddled over his words. â€Å"Part of my immediate life is dictated for me. I have to go to Las Vegas.† â€Å"What do you want to do there?† prompted Carter. â€Å"Be happy . . . if it's possible.† I knew I was being melodramatic but couldn't help it. â€Å"If I have to be there, I'd like some sort of chance at a happy life that I created. Not a fake one Hell fashioned for me.† I thought about it some more. â€Å"I'd like to find out if Bastien is my friend first and Hell's servant second.† â€Å"There you go,† said Carter. â€Å"Start there. Focus on what you can control.† â€Å"I'd like to help Seth's family too,† I added, kind of on a roll now. â€Å"I'm already trying to do something for his mom, but before I leave them, I want to do whatever I can. Even if Hell leaves Andrea alone, we don't know how things will turn out. Even if Seth decides he never wants to see me again, I still care about them. And there are still things they need.† â€Å"Indeed. That pony collection isn't nearly complete,† Carter mused. When I dared a look back at him, I saw that the angel was smiling at me. â€Å"You see? You aren't lost. No matter what happens to you, you have a plan. There's still hope.† â€Å"You told me that once . . . that no matter what happens, there's always hope. Do you really still believe that?† I asked. Carter topped off all of our wineglasses. â€Å"I'm an angel, Georgina. I wouldn't have said it if I didn't.† â€Å"And even though you're counseling contingency plans, you still think I can pull it all off, don't you?† I pushed. â€Å"What do you know that I don't?† â€Å"At this point?† he admitted. â€Å"Nothing more than you do. The only difference is that I think I have more faith in you than you do.† â€Å"You're an angel,† I pointed out, throwing his words back at him. â€Å"Don't you have to have faith in everyone?† â€Å"You'd be surprised.† He chuckled. â€Å"I have faith in some more than others. And you? I've always been one of your biggest fans. If you believe nothing else, believe that.† â€Å"Here, here,† said Roman, raising his glass. â€Å"To faith and a new year.† I clinked glasses with them and caught Carter's eye. He winked. Was it enough? His faith? I'd noted before that having him pull for the Mortensens was a powerful thing. Having an angel say he believed in you was equally monumental. But I wasn't fighting an ordinary adversary. I was fighting Hell, the only force that could stand against Heaven. I've always been one of your biggest fans. I would find out soon if it was enough. For now, I drank up and tried to have hope.

Facebook Comments Essay

The National Labor Relations Board’s most recent decision demonstrates that not all employee social media posts are protected by the National Labor Relations Act. Questions remain, however, about the extent to which employees can be disciplined over social media activity We can expect the NLRB to continue to address the topic of employee rights as they relate to social media. Employers should review their employee handbooks and employment policies to ensure compliance with the NLRA and the NLRB’s jurisprudence. Employers should also consider training managers about permissible and prohibited conduct under the NLRA. Finally, employers should consider conducting their own education programs, including reminding employees of social media policies. 1. DOES AN EMPLOYEEE HAS ANY LEGAL RIGHT TO DESCIPLINE OR DISCHARGE AN EMPLOYEE OVER COMMENT ABOUT THE COMPANY? In my opinion addressing employee terminations resulting from Facebook posts, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) determines that the comments were concerted activity protected by the National Labor Relations Act (NRLA or Act). This latest decision reinforces that employers must exercise caution before terminating or disciplining employees as a result of their comments on social media. The answer is no. Employers should take note of the NLRB’s continued focus on social media policies and its view of social media activity as akin to water cooler conversation. The decision should prompt all employers to evaluate their policies regarding employee social media usage and speech outside the workplace. Employers should also train supervisory personnel on how to respond to the increased use of social media. 2. would you willing to settle the charges voluntarily; would you do so or insist on legal right to a formal NLRB HEARING ON THE CHARGES? I would insist on my legal right to a formal hearing with the NLRB. The NLRB’s main concern is that any restrictions employers put on workers’ social media conduct do not violate their rights under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act to engage in protected concerted activity, such as discussing the terms and conditions of their employment with co-workers, even on Facebook. But that does not mean you have to let your employees run amok online. Your policy is more likely to survive scrutiny if you have made an effort to provide specific examples of what is and is not acceptable conduct. Here are some examples from the recent guidance on social media policies that are employee-tested, NLRB-approved: †¢Prohibiting â€Å"harassment, bullying, discrimination or retaliation,† even at home or after business hours. †¢Informing workers that they are â€Å"more likely† to resolve complaints by speaking with co-workers or going through the company, rather than posting grievances online. †¢Forbidding â€Å"inappropriate postings,† specifically threats of violence or discriminatory remarks. †¢Instructing employees not to reveal trade secrets or confidential information, as long as you detail the kind of information you mean, so there’s no chance of the policy being read to restrict Section 7 rights. 3. DID THE COMPANY COMMIT UNFAIR LABOR ACT? An employee was discharged lawfully after posting negative comments on Facebook critical of patient care, because the employee’s postings were merely an expression of individual gripes, as opposed to protected concerted activity. In this case, at least several coworkers responded to the posting; however, their messages reflected that the posting was individual and not group activity. The NLRB also rejects a policy requiring company approval for employees to identify themselves as employees on social networking sites or requiring the employees to state that their comments are their personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the employer’s opinions. Not surprisingly, the NLRB also found it is unlawful to discharge any employee pursuant to an overbroad social media policy prohibiting disclosure of private or confidential information of another employee because the policy did not provide guidance on what the employer considered confidential. This is how I feel it was unfair labor act: †¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šA policy prohibiting employees from making disparaging comments when discussing the employer or its supervisors was unlawful because the policy did not make clear that it did not prohibit protected concerted activity. †¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šThe discharge of a paramedic i who posted demeaning comments concerning her employer’s clientele was lawful because there was no evidence of protected concerted activity: the comments did not mention any terms or conditions of employment, the posting was not discussed with any coworkers, and the comments were not for the purpose of inducing group activity or an outgrowth of collective concerns of the employee or her coworkers. The NLRB’s recent report provides helpful guidance to employers not wishing to become potential NLRB cases, including the following:†¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šCommunications that are not concerted are generally not protected. However, the cases highlight that a finding of concerted activity might turn on evidence not readily available to the employer, so caution is warranted. †¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šCommunications that are concerted (i.e., that are not merely an individual gripe) on matters of mutual concern to employees are likely to be found to be protected by the NLRA. †¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šCommunications that are protected do not become unprotected simply because the comments are communicated via the Internet and/or because they might be read by nonemployees as well. †¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šCommunications that are protected do not become unprotected just because they contain some critical (about the employer) or otherwise objectionable language. †¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šAn association policy that, reasonably interpreted, would tend to â€Å"chill† employees in the exercise of their rights under the NLRA is likely to be found unlawful by the NLRB if it is challenged. Given this new focus on social media, employers should: 1) Review their relevant employment policies to ensure that they are not overbroad and do not constitute potential unfair labor practices. 2) Proceed cautiously when determining whether to discipline an employee because of his or her comments in postings on Facebook, Twitter or other social media.

An Annotated Bibliography Essay Example for Free

An Annotated Bibliography Essay Chin, Jean Lau. (2004). The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group This book discusses the effects of prejudice and discrimination on the psyche and one’s participation in society as a whole. The relevant section in this book discusses the unique plight of gay or bisexual black men that have to contend with homophobia as well as racism. Of special note is the section in which sexual orientation often has a negative effect on the career development of many gay black men. This is an interesting resource since most of the material on the subject does not address the secondary sub-category of sexual orientation (Chin, 2004). Daniels, C. (2004). Black Power Inc. : The New Voice of Success. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons C. Daniel’s Black Power Inc. is a book of medium length that explores the phenomenon of black people placing a growing emphasis on economic rather than political power. The book is geared toward young to middle-aged black professional men and women, who are Working While Black (WWB). C. Daniels writes for Fortune magazine with an extensive history in writing about the social dynamics inherent in big business—especially as it relates to the unique issues black men and women face in the corporate world (Daniels, 2004). Davis, G. & Watson, G. (1982). Black Life in Corporate America: Swimming in the Mainstream. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press Although written twenty-seven years ago, this account by Davis & Watson (1982) is still relevant in chronicling the early stages of Black integration into corporate American life. The book describes the upstream struggles of educated black professionals as they attempt to make a living commensurate with their skills. While also observing the lesser tolerance of open bigotry in the workplace, certain â€Å"jokes† and comments are often alienating to black men (Davis & Watson, 1982). Gates, Henry Louis. America behind the Color Line. New York: Warner Books, 2004 This book contains interviews from several powerful African-American men including Russell Simmons, Quincy Jones, Vernon Jordan, Colin Powell and Morgan Freeman. Written by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. , one of the premier scholars of African-American studies today. This book shows the diversity of successful Black men from the corporate and political arenas to the performing arts and community activism, and discusses triumphs and challenges. A very good read for anyone studying black achievement (Gates, 2004). Livers, A. & Caver, K. A. (2002). Leading in Black and White: Working across the Racial Divide in Corporate America. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons This book by Livers & Caver (2002) describes the challenges faced by Blacks who occupy a higher level on the corporate ladder (i. e. managerial positions). They challenge the popular assumption that black leaders have the same issues as white leaders, and underscore the problems of trust many black men have with their white colleagues because of lack of common experiences. This book was intended for black managers that need help in continuing to navigate the system (Livers & Carver, 2002). Merida, K. (2007). Being a Black Man: At the Corner of Progress and Peril. Washington: Public Affairs This is a collection of essays about the personal and professional struggles of black men in America. Many points of view deal with identity intersections of different roles—husband, father, employee, and businessman—as well as dreams and ambitions. This book generated a great deal of interest in the reading public as it offers a personal glimpse of the realities of black life. K. Merida is a reporter for the Washington Post, and was thus able to use his credentials to find many contributors to this volume (Merida, 2007). Van Horne, W. A. (2007). The Concept of Black Power: Its Continued Relevance. Journal of Black Studies, 37(3), 365-389 This is a study of the growth of Black Power in America as the middle-class grows slowly and quietly. Even though over time, black people have gained more civil rights in America, there is still a significant lag between them and the white majority. However, W. A. Van Horne notes that the black underclass often overshadows the slow, but inexorable growth of the black middle class. He also raises questions of whether the black power movement is still relevant (Van Horne, 2007). An Annotated Bibliography. (2016, Aug 04).

China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

China - Essay Example country was changing.  Radical restructuring of the economy has become an objective necessity â€Å"since the 1970s when they started shifting to a postindustrial service-based economic structure (in part as a reaction to earlier oil price shocks in the 1970s).†Ã‚  (Winters and Yusuf 150). Beginning late in 1978, the reform was fully developed after the XII Congress of the Chinese Communist Party  (1982) and strengthened its position as a result of the decisions of the XIV Congress (1992).  Important milestones were the XIII Congress (1987), which gave a detailed interpretation of the initial stage of socialism theory and the XIV Congress, which decided that the reform is to create a socialist market economic system with Chinese specifics. The main objective in the domestic politics of China became the recovery of productive forces through a set of market type economic reforms.  Strategically far-sighted was the decision of the Chinese leaders about gradual implementation of reforms, taking into account national specifics, according to folk wisdom - Crossing the River by Feeling for Stones. In 1979 – 1983, the interim target of the reform was to complement the command economy, which was still predominant, with market regulations under state control.  Practice of the transformations’ start-up phase included expansion of enterprises’ economic independence, creation of special economic zones, recovery of individual and collective structures in the economy, the first attempts to introduce market principles in pricing and sales of engineering products and household goods which had no ratios.  The biggest breakthrough was the elimination of the former ineffective system of rural people’s co mmunes. The new economic model included the following: 1) complete economic independence of enterprises; 2) replacement of directive planning by guiding; 3) free, under state regulatory functions, buy and sell of consumer goods and means of production; 4) creation of the

To Live Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

To Live - Movie Review Example The script of the movie is intentionally divided into several distinct parts which cover different periods of time. There are 4 decades represented in the movie. The 40-s are characterized by the civil war and revolution in China. They are changed by the 50-s and building communist industrial China. Cultural Revolution enters the country in 1960-s. The end of the movie covers a period after all these events. All these historical events are showed with the help of fiction story integrated in the narrative. It is a story of Fugui, a former landowner and a person who has to live. The story begins in 1940-s, which Chinese civil war unexpectedly changes lives of all people in the state. Fugui has already lost everything; his addiction to bargaining ruined his family and left his without a tile above his head. He manages to cope with poverty and his hard work brings his wife Jiazhen back to him. He is again inspired to live; he wants to ask for credit from the landowner who won his family mansion, but he gets a set of shadow puppets instead. The war enters his life accidentally; during one of the performances of his shadow puppet theater, the knife stubs the curtain and all actors are taken to the nationalist army. Fugui is adaptable to any change in his life; he happens to entertain people in the army by his performances. Eventually he misses the major attack and finds out that nationalists have been killed; only he and his puppet theater partner Chunsheng survive. They try to run away, but the Red Army catches them. They entertain people here again and get back homes alive. On the battlefield, Fugui says the most important words: â€Å"I want to live. There is nothing like family†. Having survived the war, Fugui’s family has a new challenge – to survive the building of Communism. They become very poor; his wife delivers boiled water to people to earn for living. Their daughter

Innovation of Emirates 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Innovation of Emirates 2 - Essay Example Appraisal of the Organization The Emirates Airlines has had a profitable run for a while now, and this calls for an in depth look at the company. This will involve looking at the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities that the company has and the threats that the company has to its profitability. Strengths of the Airline As seen above, the company has managed to be profitable within the economic downturn that has faced many of her competitors. This certainly points to the strength that this company has to its advantage. One strong point of this company is the level of stability in terms of management that the company has. In light with this, the company is able to transact with its clients who have a high level of trust that the company will deliver when it promises to do so. Another upside to the state ownership is the fact the company has a secure source of funding for its existent or future plans. Unlike most other airlines that compete with the Emirates Airlines, t he issue of funding does not bring in as much headache as it does to a lot of her competitors. This is because the state is in complete control of the airline and has a much wider purse with which it can fund the airline’s operations. This, to a large extent explains why the company has been able to remain successful in the long run. The airline is also committed to the use of technology in improving its services. The company has embraced the use of online booking of its tickets as a way of easing congestion as well as improving the overall customer experience. The company has adopted the use of Verified by Visa (VbV) technology (Pan and Polishuk 2004). This is a move that has been calculated to ensure that the airline has a safer mode of transaction with its clients. Aside from that, this technology is also poised to place the airline on a leadership vantage point in relation to its competitors. In addition, this has the advantage of mounting the trust that the clients place on the airline securing their return services. The airline has also strength in terms of the services that it offers to its travellers. The premium customers will get a limousine ride from their homes or office to the airport (Shaw 2011). This action, which is part, of the company’s product differentiation strategy, is calculated to encourage more clients to explore the premium package. This is further accentuated by the services that the clients will get once they arrive at the airport. These services include a kerbside check-in facility to eliminate the hustle of carrying heavy language into the terminal and further a luxurious lounge and ease for the passenger during checking-in (Shaw 2011). This, obviously remove many of the hustles that go with travelling. Therefore, this has had the effect of ensuring that customer loyalty is upheld as well as customer comfort throughout their travel. Weaknesses of the Airline The airline has a number of issues that limit its performan ce. Some of these issues have a lot to do with the ownership and by extension the management of the airline. Accordingly, the government, having full ownership of the airline highly controls the running of the airline’s operations. The government’s say in the running of the airline is a hindrance in many times (Betz 2010). Though the government having a say in the airline is not such a bad thing in the ultimate outlook, it may constitute interference when it decides to overhaul a decision that the airlines’

Writing about Manchester( see the description) Essay

Writing about Manchester( see the description) - Essay Example This appeared very intriguing and prompted my interest to delve further into the history of Manchester. In the 16th century the city was important for wool trade, and then in the 18th century, with the onset of the industrial revolution, it became known for textile production (Answers.Com, 2008). In the second half of the 20th century, after being beset with urban and industrial problems, the city redeveloped, ushering in cultural renaissance. As the textile industry grew and large warehouses were built to store and display the spun yard and finished cloth, the population grew as well. The population grew from 25,000 in 1772 to 90,000 in 1800 (Spartacus, n.d.). With the opening of the Railways in 1830 the population further increased. The population increased to 455,000 by 1851 and the housing conditions were appalling. Formal education started in the city in 1851 when a cotton merchant, John Owens, died in 1946 and left most of his wealth to establish a further education college for men. The nonconformist business community in Manchester supported this projected and helped raise furt her fund. Manchester has always occupied a special place in the British culture. It has always displayed a sense of independence and fostered a do-it-yourself-spirit (Haslam, 2007). It has absorbed migrants from all over and draws energy from its surroundings. The city was primarily a warehouse city linked to the northern mill-towns like Blackburn Burnley and Rochdale. John Dalton and Samuel Arkwright helped create a thriving and vibrant economy during the Victorian times (Moss, 2002). With textiles and other trades a young dynamic city was created, whose symbol is the worker bee. This emblem is repeated in mosaics all over the floor of the Town Hall in Manchester. The city also enjoys a cultural mix of people from various lands. In the Victorian era there was more of the Nonconformist, Liberal Class. While popular culture

Psy sim 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Psy sim 5 - Essay Example In other words, we conform to the behaviors and opinions of others present in the environment. The ambiguity and uncertainty about the nature of the stimuli are the main reasons behind subjects conforming to other people. Ans: The experimental design and the conditions created, that is the experimental and the control groups differed on the method of reporting results. The independent variable used in the study was the social pressure individuals experienced. It was found that the errors given in by the majority of people in the study influenced the perception of the right answer and the subjects gave in to social pressure. Hence they gave wrongs answers. Ans: informational social influence happens when there is no obvious correct answer to quantify the given question or situation. Therefore we look towards others for the information on the issue and in order to be right we get influenced by what they think. This finally leads to internalization. An example can be that in a restaurant we see how people are behaving and we behave in the same way. On the other hand, normative social influence happens when we accept what others’ perceptions are because we want to be accepted or liked by the group. This influence might also stem from a thought process designed to prevent embarrassment or a possible ridicule from the normative population they belong to. This finally leads to compliance. An example to illustrate is that teenagers start smoking because others in their peer group smoke. Ans: reactance is the desire for personal control. Burger (1987) defined reactance as an emotional reaction in direct contradiction to rules or regulations that threaten or eliminate specific behavioral freedoms. It can cause the individuals to adopt an attitude that is contrary to what others think and increases resistance to social influence. Ans: The thought processes involved the concepts of objects which led the mind to

The pricing decision Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The pricing decision - Essay Example These situations include new product promotion, test marketing, countering competition or predatory pricing, promotion of associated products and cost plus contracts. Fazlzadeh, Mohammadi & Sepehrfar (2011, p. 66) state â€Å"Setting optimal prices, however, is a complex problem in general and is particularly challenging in industrial or B2B market settings, where purchase prices of products and services typically vary from one customer account to another as prices are negotiated and modified from list prices in the course of the purchase process†. Based on the purpose, marginal, differential or total costing method would be adopted in pricing. The pricing strategies also vary according to the type of market such as monopoly, monopolistic or oligopoly. The strategy of skimming the market or the policy of ‘what the traffic will bear’ in the case of products backed up with IPRs are not uncommon in the market place. Also, pricing strategy for the same product by the same company varies based on the usage or purpose. For instance LPG cylinder used for commercial purposes could be costlier than the LPG used for domestic purposes. This paper seeks to discuss about various strategies adopted by businesses in pricing decisions. Why pricing decision is important? The strategic importance of pricing is many fold. Promotion Strategies (2010) states, â€Å"The  marketing promotion mix  is the use of the 4 P's. These are Product, Price, Place, and Promotion.  This system first appeared in 1949 and was developed by Philip Kotler†. The pricing is an important area in the management decision making, because profitability of any business hinges on right price for the product for making the most out of the prevailing economic situation and developments in technology, internet and telecommunications in the context of the business. Bayati & Makui (2011, p. 371) observe â€Å"Making an appropriate pricing and marketing strategy is a crucial managem ent issue in E-commerce†. The appropriate pricing strategy is adopted after analyzing the factors related to various pricing situations. Evidence – Chevrolet’s Spark Chevrolet has introduced the model ‘Spark’ for marketing in the developing countries, in the small car segment, which is not very popular in US or other developed countries. The price of the car is fixed at INR. 279,000 in India which works out to just US$ 6200 approximately. In the case of new products, in spite of the extensive market research on potential demand for the product, adopting a right pricing strategy is important to be competitive in the market. As it is a question of creating demand for the new product, pricing is the key to success in influencing the consumers’ decisions. Price sensitivity of the consumers is an important variable in the decision making process, and the proper positioning of the product in the market place and its rational pricing would stimulate demand for the product from the target consumers. The strategy should also ensure that the competitors are not tempted to introduce similar products in view of the attractive margin. This philosophy aims at sustainable growth in the long run. Therefore, the prices are fixed with a reasonable margin and at the same time not tempting the competitors to rush into this segment to spoil the first mover advantage. Argument for fixing prices at a lower level The pricing decision in this case is taken in the backdrop of uncertainties about the

Pulmonary Disease or Lung Disease Essay Example for Free

Pulmonary Disease or Lung Disease Essay Pulmonary disease or lung disease is any disease or disorder that occurs in the lungs or that causes the lungs or that causes the lungs not to work correctly. Some diseases or disorders that affect the lungs are Pneumothrax, Pneumonia, Hemothorax, and Infectious Mononucleosis: Epstein Barr virus Infection. There are many signs, symptoms, treatments and medications for Pulmonary diseases. Symptoms and signs for Pneumothorax varies from patient to patient but usually includes Sudden and sharp soreness in the chest on the region where the lung is affected. Briefness of breath is a symptom depending the quantity of the lung that is collapsed there could be more or less shortness of breath. Tension in the chest around the area of the collapsed lung is a symptom or sign. Another Symptom or Sign is rapid heartbeat. Treatment for Pneumothorax is to allow the lung to heal. The quantity of the patient’s lung that is collapsed will determine whether the doctor needs to monitor the condition with X-rays until the lung re-expands to normal this can take up to a few days or a few weeks. Needle or chest tube insertion is a form of treatment when the lung has collapsed this is how the doctor will remove the air from the patient’s lung. Chest tubes are often attached to a suction device that will constantly remove air from chest cavity this suction device can be in position for a couple of hours or a few days. Video assisted thoracoscopy is a commonly used surgical process where the doctor inserts two to three tubes one tube is for the camera while the other tubes are used to close the air leak with surgical tools. Video assisted thoracoscopy usually works but if it does not a surgical process with an incision may be needed. Medications for Pneumathrax are anesthetics and analgesics which should be used if the patient is not in distress. Antibiotics after chest tube insertion may decrease complications. Coding for Pneumothorax is 512 (requires a fourth numeral). Pneumonia is an infective inflammation of the lungs (Frazier Drzymkowski, 2009). Symptoms and signs of Pneumonia can differ from patient to patient but include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, sweating and shaking chills. Other symptoms and signs of Pneumonia are chest pain that changes with breathing headaches, muscle soreness and exhaustion. Treatment for Pneumonia differ depending on how bad the symptoms and signs are and the type of Pneumonia the patient has. Bacterial Pneumonia will be treated with antibiotics. Viral Pneumonia is treated with antiviral medications, plenty of rest and plenty of fluids. Mycoplasma Pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. Fungal Pneumonia is caused by fungus and is treated with antifungal medication. There are several medications that can be taken for Pneumonia. Amoxil is an antibiotic it must be taken for the entire length the doctor prescribed to be completely treated. Bactrim is an antibiotic that is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Flagyl fights infection caused by bacteria. Zyvox fights bacteria in the body. The ICD-9-CM Code for Pneumonia is 486 (organism unnamed). Hemothorax is the accumulation of blood and fluid in the pleural cavity (Frazier Drzymkowski, 2009). The symptoms and signs of Hemothorax are nervousness, chest soreness, rapid heart rate, restlessness, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms and signs of Hemothorax are pale and damp skin weak pulse, and falling blood pressure. When treating Hemothorax the goal is to stop bleeding, get rid of the blood and air in the pleural space. A tube can be placed in the chest wall to deplete air and blood. The tube will be kept in place for several days to re-expand the lung. The blood that is lost must be replaced. Surgery may be needed to stop the bleeding. Medication for Hemothorax would be an antibiotic when tubes are in the patient’s chest. Pain control may be required in the chest area where the tube is going to inserted in the patient’s chest. The ICD-9-CM Code is 511. 8. Infectious Mononucleosis Epstein-Barr Virus Infection is also is known as Mono. Mono has many symptoms and signs they are exhaustion, weakness, uncomfortable throat, fever, inflamed tonsils, headache, irritation on skin, loss of hunger, nighttime sweats. Inflamed lymph nodes in the patient’s neck or armpits are also symptoms and signs of Mono. Mono is viral infection so antibiotics will not work to heal it. Bed rest and plenty of fluids are needed to fight Mono. Rinse your throat with lukewarm salt water to ease painful throat. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for soreness and fever. The ICD-9-CM Code for Mono is 075. Pulmonary disease or lung disease affects all people. All Pulmonary diseases have different symptoms, signs, forms of treatment, different types of medication and ICD-9 codes.

Save the Animals Animal Testing Paper

Save the Animals Animal Testing Paper Melanie Sellner A poor animal shivers in a cage waiting for the researchers to return and continue testing. Dogs, cats, hamsters, mice, and primates are only a few of the many animals that are tested on daily. Even though some animal testing has been successful most are flawed because animals are too different from humans; therefore it should be stopped. Libby was a dog rescued from a lab, along with 250 other cats and dogs, that was shut down because of a PETA investigation. She crawled up to people, too scared to stand, the only thing separating her from the others was the number on her ear. She had hookworm, tapeworm, a vaginal infection and her teeth were rotten. The lab where she was rescued from was paid to infest dogs or cats with worms ticks and fleas. Then the animals were force-fed or smeared with chemicals to test products for companions.The PETA investigation showed they kicked, threw and dragged dogs. They lifted puppies by their throats and screamed at the animals. This investigation prompted the lab to fire four people; one was a supervisor, on felony cruelty charges. After her rescue, Libby is happy with her new family, playing tug-o-war and wrestling with the two other dogs the family owns(@peta). Of the millions of animals that are used in research facilities, the Animal Welfare Act or AWA does not cover rats, mice, fish and birds, which comprise around 95% of the animals used in research(Animal). The AWA-covered 1,134,693 animals used for testing in the fiscal year 2010, which leaves around 25 million other animals that are not covered(Animal). These animals are especially vulnerable to mistreatment and abuse without the protection of the AWA. The bodily structure, the chemical reactions used to keep cells alive, and cellular differences between animals and people make animals poor models for human beings. Paul Furlong, Professor of Clinical Neuroimaging at Aston University (UK), states that its very hard to create an animal model that even equates closely to what were trying to achieve in the human(Animal).   Thomas Hartung, Professor of Evidence-Based Toxicology at John Hopkins University, argues for alternatives to animal testing because we are not 70 kg rats(Animal). Animal testing . Many animals used in experiments are force fed, forced to inhale, food and water deprivation, prolonged physical restraint, burned or are inflicted with other types wounds to study how they heal. The causing of pain to study its effects and remedies is cruel and inhumane. Killing by carbon dioxide asphyxiation, neck-breaking, decapitation, or other means are some of the ways these poor animals die. One example of cruel testing is the Draize eye test which involves rabbits being forced to keep their eyes open, with clips, for prolonged periods of time and is used by cosmetic companies to test produces. Another commonly used test is the   LD50 (lethal dose 50) test which involves finding out how much of a chemical will kill 50% of the animals being used in the experiment. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported in 2010 that 97,123 animals suffered pain during experiments and were given no anesthesia for relief(Animal). Jane Goodall is a chimpanzee specialist who has studied them for 50 years; she received a video of an animal testing lab and was horrified by what she saw. Chimps in the wild are close, supportive and have affectionate bonds between family members that last throughout their lives. They have nonverbal communication patterns of posture and touch that are similar to ours, like   kissing, embracing, patting one another, swaggering, wave their fists, tickling and laughing. They even have a sense of humor and a sense of self that sets them apart. On the other hand chimp in cages, like the young, who lose their mothers may show signs of depression comparable to those of a socially deprived human child. Chimps show a variety of stereotypic stress behaviors, such as rocking, swaying, moving from side to side, and repetitiously banging on the mesh of their cages, the walls or the ceiling. And when researchers come to retrieve a patient the procedure causes extreme panic. Most researchers couldnt care less about the animals in many cases. Animals stay in metal cages with no bedding or enrichment activities. Baby chimpanzees wearing diapers, clinging to each other, in their sterile cages. The cages of the adults were small and absolutely bare. There might be one shelf on which a chimpanzee could sit. When the staff, with gloves and masks, showed adult chimpanzees syringes the chimps would shy away and wouldnt come, when this happened a capture gun was used. The sight of the gun caused panic with all the chimps. When the gun was used, the researchers did nothing to calm the panicked chimps. The chimps in the video were gradually confined to a smaller and smaller space. When researchers would sedate chimpanzees they didnt care if the chimp was on a perch and would fall. Jane Goodall didnt see any chimpanzee being given a reward-not even a kind or encouraging word when they did something correct. One researcher put an orange outside the cage where it coul d not be reached by the chimpanzee who rocked from side to side in depression. Most researchers have a lack of concern for the psychological welfare of the chimpanzees and that needs to change.(Goodall). Animal research has few successful results, is cruel and should be stopped. Hundreds of millions of animals lives can be saved if animal research is stopped. You can help by buying cruelty-free products or donate to foundations like PETAs Rescue and Investigations fund to help them continue to investigate cruelty and seek justice for the animal victims. Works Cited @peta. Life After the Laboratory: Libbys Story. PETA Life After the Laboratory Libbys Story  Comments. PETA People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, 14 Oct. 2013. Web. 18 Oct. 2016. Animal Testing ProCon.org. ProConorg Headlines. ProCon.org, 25 May 2016. Web. 18 Oct.  2016. Goodall, Jane. Jane Goodall Responds to Undercover Chimpanzee Investigation. : The  Humane Society of the United States. The Humane Society of the United States, 4 Mar. 2009. Web. 19 Oct. 2016.

Exploration Of The Failure Of Feminism Essay -- Essays Papers

Exploration Of The Failure Of Femininism When looking through Newsweek, the article "The Failures of Feminism" grabbed my attention, and I reacted to it strongly. My immediate response was one of defensive disgust, but the more I realized that I might actually understand and argue with the author on some points. This essay is an exploration of my own beliefs and reflection of my growth as both a writer and a person. There are many women, like Kay Ebeling, that feel that feminism has failed them, that the promises of Gloria Steinem and others remain unfulfilled, or are false altogether. In an angry and discontented voice, Ebeling employs her personal experience to mold and create "The Failure of Feminism," a vote for return to traditional patterns of interaction between men and women in order to recapture the "American Dream" family of the 1950's. Feminism is multi-faceted, each face containing an important idea or plan that strives to empower all people. Examples of this empowerment are presenting improved opportunities and environments for both genders; distributing equal bargaining power; expanding the boundaries of sharing and expression; and placing value on the flexibility of choice. All of these are necessary to break with tradition in order to achieve the ideal of a happy, stable family, where both partners are satisfied. Feminism is neither a cure for societal ailments, nor a crystal ball for unexplainable phenomenon, nor a simple recipe that can easily result in a sensational masterpiece of the kitchen. It is a complexity, one that is explained by many people in many ways. It is a conglomeration of ideas that can serve as inspiration for change, but change requires investments of time, energy, and emotion by ind... ... and enlightens me. With every review of my beliefs, challenge to my present knowledge of myself, and experience of new environments, I grow emotionally, my commitment to feminism grows, and my acceptance of my own mistakes as building blocks for the future grows. If Kay Ebeling had been willingstagnation and encourages me to continuously grow, each day learning new ways to deal with my frustrations and improve my relationships. to invest in feminism, feminism would have given her a new way to deal with her experiences. Instead of disillusionment, she could have gained new, positive opportunities and understanding Ebeling's complete repudiation of feminism takes away her enthusiasm to achieve goals, while my commitment allows me to be continuously inspired toward mine. Feminism directs me away from personal The complexities of feminism have endless possibilities. Exploration Of The Failure Of Feminism Essay -- Essays Papers Exploration Of The Failure Of Femininism When looking through Newsweek, the article "The Failures of Feminism" grabbed my attention, and I reacted to it strongly. My immediate response was one of defensive disgust, but the more I realized that I might actually understand and argue with the author on some points. This essay is an exploration of my own beliefs and reflection of my growth as both a writer and a person. There are many women, like Kay Ebeling, that feel that feminism has failed them, that the promises of Gloria Steinem and others remain unfulfilled, or are false altogether. In an angry and discontented voice, Ebeling employs her personal experience to mold and create "The Failure of Feminism," a vote for return to traditional patterns of interaction between men and women in order to recapture the "American Dream" family of the 1950's. Feminism is multi-faceted, each face containing an important idea or plan that strives to empower all people. Examples of this empowerment are presenting improved opportunities and environments for both genders; distributing equal bargaining power; expanding the boundaries of sharing and expression; and placing value on the flexibility of choice. All of these are necessary to break with tradition in order to achieve the ideal of a happy, stable family, where both partners are satisfied. Feminism is neither a cure for societal ailments, nor a crystal ball for unexplainable phenomenon, nor a simple recipe that can easily result in a sensational masterpiece of the kitchen. It is a complexity, one that is explained by many people in many ways. It is a conglomeration of ideas that can serve as inspiration for change, but change requires investments of time, energy, and emotion by ind... ... and enlightens me. With every review of my beliefs, challenge to my present knowledge of myself, and experience of new environments, I grow emotionally, my commitment to feminism grows, and my acceptance of my own mistakes as building blocks for the future grows. If Kay Ebeling had been willingstagnation and encourages me to continuously grow, each day learning new ways to deal with my frustrations and improve my relationships. to invest in feminism, feminism would have given her a new way to deal with her experiences. Instead of disillusionment, she could have gained new, positive opportunities and understanding Ebeling's complete repudiation of feminism takes away her enthusiasm to achieve goals, while my commitment allows me to be continuously inspired toward mine. Feminism directs me away from personal The complexities of feminism have endless possibilities.

Randolph Bourne Crying Out Against the Betrayal of the Values of Civilization :: Randolph Bourne Writers Essays

Randolph Bourne Crying Out Against the Betrayal of the Values of Civilization John Dos Passos wrote, that if ever a man had a ghost it was Bourne: A tiny twisted unscared ghost in a black cloak hopping along the grimy old brick and brownstone streets still left in downtown New York, crying out in a shrill soundless giggle: War is the health of the state. Dos Passos, 1919 (N.Y.: Harcourt, Brace & Co., 1932), pp. 105-106. When World War I erupted it came as a surprise to the overwhelming majority of American intellectuals. Its barbarity stuck them as anachronistic and they tended to view the conflict as a temporary sidetrack in the march of civilization, an expression of residual animal instincts. The dawn of the Enlightenment and the tremendous progress made in the Nineteenth Century made war seem quite uncharacteristic (in their view) of humanity's evolving nature. Of course, they saw themselves as important and instrumental in defining and fine tuning that nature. On the leading edge of political and social brilliance, ivy-league educated, born to lead and with the silver spoon in the mouth to prove it, they were socialists. And when President Woodrow Wilson (who had been re-elected as a peace candidate, under the slogan, "He kept us out of war") opted to throw the full weight of the country's resources into the European conflict, they rallied to his support. Randolph Bourne, who was to die in the flu epidemic shortly after the Armistice, cried out alone against the betrayal of the values of civilization by his fellow writers. He and his magazine paid a heavy price and, of course, he did not live to see the backlash following the war. The damage had been done; the stage was set for the idiocy of the conditions at Versailles, the ascendency of Adolph Hitler, the unimaginable horrors of National Socialism, and the destruction of the cities of Europe within the next thirty years. Randolph Bourne Crying Out Against the Betrayal of the Values of Civilization :: Randolph Bourne Writers Essays Randolph Bourne Crying Out Against the Betrayal of the Values of Civilization John Dos Passos wrote, that if ever a man had a ghost it was Bourne: A tiny twisted unscared ghost in a black cloak hopping along the grimy old brick and brownstone streets still left in downtown New York, crying out in a shrill soundless giggle: War is the health of the state. Dos Passos, 1919 (N.Y.: Harcourt, Brace & Co., 1932), pp. 105-106. When World War I erupted it came as a surprise to the overwhelming majority of American intellectuals. Its barbarity stuck them as anachronistic and they tended to view the conflict as a temporary sidetrack in the march of civilization, an expression of residual animal instincts. The dawn of the Enlightenment and the tremendous progress made in the Nineteenth Century made war seem quite uncharacteristic (in their view) of humanity's evolving nature. Of course, they saw themselves as important and instrumental in defining and fine tuning that nature. On the leading edge of political and social brilliance, ivy-league educated, born to lead and with the silver spoon in the mouth to prove it, they were socialists. And when President Woodrow Wilson (who had been re-elected as a peace candidate, under the slogan, "He kept us out of war") opted to throw the full weight of the country's resources into the European conflict, they rallied to his support. Randolph Bourne, who was to die in the flu epidemic shortly after the Armistice, cried out alone against the betrayal of the values of civilization by his fellow writers. He and his magazine paid a heavy price and, of course, he did not live to see the backlash following the war. The damage had been done; the stage was set for the idiocy of the conditions at Versailles, the ascendency of Adolph Hitler, the unimaginable horrors of National Socialism, and the destruction of the cities of Europe within the next thirty years.

History of the Amana Communes :: essays papers

History of the Amana Communes With the new foundland of north America, Europeans saw a chance to apply their hopes and dreams of a perfect Utopian society. They saw an oppertunity to raise communities of so called ‘utopian societies’ that they could not create in their already ruled land of Europe. While there would be Utopian experiments is Europe -like the Paris commune and the Fourierist Planxes, it would only be in America where the European divines would apply their Utopian ideals with such effort. The socialism of these early communities was the kind that Marx, rightly or wrongly, would brand as ‘utopian,’ suggesting that it was idealistic and impractical. Rather than seeking to create an ideal government or reform the world, the members of these communal groups withdrew form the sinful, corrupt world to work their miracles in microcosm, actually hoping to imitate the elect state of affairs that existed among the Apostles, who were said to hold all things in common. The most interesting point of these communal groups to me might be the overall backing of their desire to create a community. It seems some of the communal groups, such as the Amana, were only created out of feelings of guilt and hope for redemption. From Oveds book, two hundred years of American Communes, he describes the Amana as seeing their community as an island of redemption in a world awash with temptation, sin and avarice; the Elect could come and perfect themselves, if they were prepared to heed the Lord’s call to chastity, poverty, simplicity, hard work, purity, and brotherly love. Although they sought redemption, the main driving force behind the Amana was that they sought religious freedom. Unhappy with their religious rights and flixability in Germany, the Amanas left ifn 1842, settling near Buffalo, New York. In 1855, the â€Å"community of True Inspiration,† as they were called, moved west, forming their first village along the Iowa River. The Amana set up their communities with a diligent effort. Each village practiced their Utopian ideals and worked together as one large community. Perhaps the most impressive view of the Amana may be their unique contributions to social reform. Many aided and abetted the abolitionists, women’s rights, and objections to war. Their history and communal methods were basically unchanged for 89 years. The Amana is definitely one of the longest lasting communal societies in the world. In a sense you could actually say it was a bit of a success. The Amana had thier whole social class set up eliminating the need for conflict.

Information systems proposal Essay

In order for our nostalgic, brick and mortar record store to continue its success and remain afloat in today’s rough economy our first objective is to consider the right technology systems needed for our business. Information technology can help us in many ways. This includes keeping records of inventory, company payroll, sales, and tracking return customers. There are five types of systems in which would be helpful for us to look over and review. 1. Functional area IS- This system allows for automated payroll by tracking employee hours, tax rates, hire date, and personal information used by management. 2. Management information system- This system can produce reports summarized from transactional data. This will allow us to track inventory. 3. Transaction processing system- This is the point of sale terminal where customers purchase our merchandise, even at a self-checkout station. 4. Electric commerce system- This system gives us access to the web. With the web we are able to market and sell products electronically. 5. Enterprise resource planning- This system combines all functional areas within one database. All of the systems listed above will help the business even if some may pose a tiny drawback in certain areas. With our business being very physical, with a personal face-to-face customer experience, it would be best to have  many options that would benefit our business and our style of handling customers. Understanding these different systems will also help us improve our managing skills. The table below briefly describes the benefits and/or drawbacks within each system. System Benefits/Function Drawbacks Functional area IS Automated employee tracking (hours, personal info, etc.) Forged hours of work. Access to sensitive information Management information system Easy inventory tracking Transaction processing system Tracks all purchases made within the store Theft at self-checkout Electric commerce system Expand merchandise to the web for high profits Computer glitches, non-updated online stock Enterprise resource planning Easy access to all department data Access to sensitive information Although we run a very simple record store, it is extremely important to keep our technology and information systems updated. These are five different systems that are typically used in all stores that help management and employees serve their customers. Functional area IS. Tracking employee schedules and hours will help to pay the employees for their work or even prevent over paying them. A slight drawback may be forged hours of work where an employee could swipe out later than their worked hours. Management information system. This system provides easy inventory tracking. It makes summarized reports of all merchandise bought and sold from the store. This systems information could be automated  or manual, allowing employees or management to input data. Transaction processing system. This system is self-explanatory; it processes the transactions in the store. This is mostly done at the point of sale terminals operated by cashiers or at self-checkout stations. The only drawback I see would be theft. Automated self-checkouts may be too much for our store, but it would be good to keep it in mind. Electric commerce system. This system allows access to the web, allowing for electronic sales. Often times I have experienced online stores not being current with their online stock. This may go hand in hand with the management information system mentioned earlier. Enterprise resource planning. This system integrates all functional areas into one database. Easy access to any information needed would be helpful to management and employees. The only setback would be the ability to access unnecessary information that should only be seen by certain personnel. This system must definitely come with password access. In conclusion, implementing each of these systems at our record store will ensure proper operation from management and employees while still keeping our nostalgic, brick and mortar style. Understanding these systems is important, but upholding our flare of business is our key component. REFERENCES R. Kelly Rainer Jr. (2011). Information systems: Concepts and management. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, BIS220 website.

Poverty Destroys Education in America Essay

Poor people do not have weaker work ethics or lower levels of motivation than wealthier people (Iversen & Farber, 1996; Wilson, 1997). Although poor people are often stereotyped as lazy, 83 percent of children from low-income families have at least one employed parent; close to 60 percent have at least one parent who works full-time and year-round (National Center for Children in Poverty, 2004). In fact, the severe shortage of living-wage jobs means that many poor adults must work two, three, or four jobs. According to the Economic Policy Institute (2002), poor working adults spend more hours working each week than their wealthier counterparts Low-income parents hold the same attitudes about education that wealthy parents do (Compton-Lilly, 2003; Lareau & Horvat, 1999; Leichter, 1978). Low-income parents are less likely to attend school functions or volunteer in their children’s classrooms (National Center for Education Statistics, 2005)—not because they care less about education, but because they have less access to school involvement than their wealthier peers. They are more likely to work multiple jobs, to work evenings, to have jobs without paid leave, and to be unable to afford child care and public transportation. It might be said more accurately that schools that fail to take these considerations into account do not value the involvement of poor families as much as they value the involvement of other families. one particular content area that’s of their interest, and everything that’s in it has to meet certain standards *These conditions are the result of a tremendous growth of social inequality, combined with a governmental assault on social programs in recent decades by politicians of both big-business parties. For society’s youngest members, this finds expression in the growth of poverty and hunger, attacks on education and welfare programs, and an increase in violence and abuse What the government failed to do was enact a basic income guarantee for all citizens. Free-market economist Milton Friedman had recommended a negative income tax in his 1962 book â€Å"Capitalism and Freedom,† and in 1967 a National Commission on Guaranteed Incomes confirmed the idea. In 1969, President Richard Nixon announced a Family Assistance Plan that would pay $1,800 a year to any family of four with no outside earnings. The program passed the House of Representatives with two-thirds of the vote but was rejected by the conservatives who controlled the Senate Today, poverty is becoming a national catastrophe even while the highest income brackets prosper. From 2002 through 2006 the economy was floated by the housing bubble, with many lower income people getting into homes of their own through the proliferation of subprime mortgages.

Visit to Art Museum

I've never had a chance to visit any museum in real life, and it's even harder for me now since I've just arrived to the USA for 3 months. But I'm an art addicted, so I usually visit famous museums around the world on the internet. One Of my favourite museums is The Walters Art Museum. The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland is internationally renowned for its collection of art, which was amassed substantially by two men, William and Henry Walters, and eventually bequeathed to the City of Baltimore.The collection presents an overview of world art from pre-dynastic Egypt to 20th-century Europe, and counts among its many treasures Greek sculpture and Roman sarcophagi; medieval ivories and Old Master paintings; Art Deco jewelry and 19th-century European and American masterpieces. The Walters Art Museum preserves and develops in the public trust a distinguished collection of world art from antiquity to the 20th century. In 1931, the museum's founding benefactor, Henry Walters, bequ eathed the core collection to the City of Baltimore â€Å"for the benefit of the public. Since its opening, the Walters has been a national leader in scholarship, conservation, and education. The Walters Art Museum brings art and people together for enjoyment, discovery, and learning. They strive to create a place where people of every background can be touched by art. They are committed to exhibitions and programs that will strengthen and sustain our community. The Walters Art Museum preserves and develops in the public trust a distinguished collection of world art from antiquity to the 20th century.In 1931, the museum's founding benefactor, Henry Walters, bequeathed the core collection to the City of Baltimore â€Å"for the benefit of the public. † Since its opening, the Walters has been a national leader in scholarship, conservation, and education. Mission Statement The Walters Art Museum brings art and people together for enjoyment, discovery, and learning. We strive to create a place where people of every background can be touched by art. We are committed to exhibitions and programs that will strengthen and sustain our community.

Determining Causes and Effects Essay

The majority of blood donors are middle aged due to advertising not being effective among youth donors. Young prospective first time donors, with their long-term donation potential, are especially attractive targets for blood agencies. Youth are often underrepresented in donor pools, however; persuading them to give blood may require specifically tailored marketing communication. The first cause of not being effective in advertising towards youth is marketing communication. Blood collection agencies often emphasize altruism. Altruism is the philosophical doctrine that right action is that which provides the greatest benefit to others. Specifically, research demonstrates that established donors who have given blood several times report altruism and awareness of the need for blood as their main reasons for giving (Glynn S.A. 417). In other words, a regular blood donor gives because they want to help others in need, and they act altruistically without expectation of reward. Altruistic ads focus on the altruistic message of a blood recipient thanking individuals for giving blood to save his/her life. An appeal to self-interest may be more effective in heightening blood donation intentions among youthful donors. The second cause of advertising not being effective is not appealing to individual self-interest. Collection agencies often use a communal message strategy that you should donate because someone close to you may need it. A communal ad features blood donors asking others to join them to help save lives. This communal approach, often receives less attention from donors because people value incentives. There has been little academic research conducted in blood recruitment to further these recommendations and actually test the effectiveness of specific message types in relation to the established profiles. Another contributing cause is the selectivity model, attributes sex differences in information processing to traditional gender roles. For instance, the male or agentic gender role is characterized by concern for the self (ex., what helps me or is of interest to me?). It is associated with personality traits such as independence and autonomy. Men, who already attend to self-relevant information because of their presumed agentic gender role, should respond even more favorably to a self-benefit message that also  invokes a higher degree of self-referencing (Hupfer, 1004). The communal female role, which encompasses concern for both self and others (ex., what interests or helps both me and others?). The personality traits associated with the female are independent and giving. The female role is typified by sympathy, understanding, and sensitivity to others’ needs. These traditional role distinctions lead to sex differences in response to information that is self-relevant or other relevant (Hupfer, 1004). Gender roles, therefore, should be an important determinant of reaction to blood campaigns. They should indicate that giving blood helps me which is the agentic benefit (Fig 3). Or giving blood helps someone else which is the communal benefit (Fig 4). When an advertising message elicits attention by reflecting on negative outcomes it appears to be more favorable. When advertising message elicits attention by focusing on the positive outcomes it appears to be less favorable. One effect on the economy is when agencies paid people to donate it decreased the blood supply. Economists were skeptical citing a lack of empirical evidence. Since then new data and models have prompted a sea change in how economists think about incentives. Economists have found that offering to pay women for donating blood decreased the number of donators by half. However, letting society contribute the payment to charity reversed the effect. This psychology here has eluded economists, but it was no surprise to business owners. Rewarding blood donations may backfire; because it suggests that donor is less interested on being altruistic than in making a buck. Incentives affect what our actions signal, whether we’re being self-interested or civic-minded, manipulated or trusted, and they can imply wrongly what motivates the U.S. (Bowles) An increase in unemployment may mean people have more time to give blood, but I doubt it would cause an increase in supply. First, many blood donations are arranged by firms who agree to give employers time off work during the day. Secondly, it is possible that if you are unemployed you are likely to be stressed and don’t feel inspired to give blood. Findings indicate that when donors are eligible to benefit from the day-off incentive (i.e., when they are in paid employment) they make, on average, one extra blood donation per year, a substantial effect that represents a 40% inc rease (Lacetera). The decrease in blood supply affects those who have diseases such as sickle cell. There are more than 80,000 people in the U.S. with Sickle Cell, who require blood  transfusions. It also affects those who have cancer because chemotherapy consists of needing blood; sometimes on a daily basis. Also car accident victims can require as much as 100 pints of blood (American Red Cross). So if there are shortages of blood, there are not enough lives being saved. Hospitals haven’t had enough blood supply to care for patients with leukemia. It also affects newborns that are faced with having open heart surgery. Most patients who are hospitalized for serious complications and require transplants suffer because of the lack of blood supply in the U.S. In conclusion, collection agencies should consider appealing to young non-donors by suggesting that they give blood to make it available for themselves. Those who are capable of donating should do so with no questions asked. You never know when you will have a life-threatening event in which you need a blood transfusion to save your life. Researchers should continue to find theories on advertising to appeal to self-interest so that the blood supply in the U.S. will increase; however, the best approach in advertising is appealing to people’s emotion. If everyone would come together as one as they do in elections for blood drives the outcome would be greater. Fig. 3. Agentic Version of accident scene Fig. 4. Communal version of accident scene. Works Cited American Red Cross (2012). Blood Facts. www. Redcross.org Bowles, Samuel (March 2009). The Magazine; Harvard Business Review Glynn, S.A., Kleinman, (2002). Motivations to donate blood:. Transfusion, 42, 216-225. Hupfer, M.E. (2006). Transfusion 46(6), 996-1005, Visuals, DOI: 10.1111/j.1537- 2995.2006.00834.x Lacetera, Nicola (n.d.), Icentative Research Foundation. Time for Blood Article.

Human Rights Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Human Rights - Research Paper Example We do sense that an ‘indispensable minimum’ is required for such an existence. If ‘we chose to set our minds to it by cooperating and making it a priority we feel with some confidence that such unnecessary deprivation could be overcome. And yet profound injustices on a staggering global scale remain. Continuing theoretical confusion and disagreement serves as a barrier for the human rights project. Nussbaum has advanced the 'capabilities approach' as a non-rights alternative. The capabilities approach focuses on what beings are actually able to do and be, their capability to function, and is an influential approach to quality of life measurement that increasingly features in international debate. A capabilities focus was incorporated into the United Nations Human Development Reports in 1993, largely under the influence of economist, philosopher, and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen. Nussbaum's own pioneering work initially adopted the language and notion of human capabil ity and functioning independently through her study of Aristotle. Nussbaum has since fused her project with that of Sen's into a theoretical framework at once grounded in ancient ideas and pertinent to development of contemporary public policy (Crocker 585). This paper explores the ways in which Nussbaum's theory is not only compatible with but also enriching of rights. The Concept of Capabilities A different language about people's basic entitlements and justified claims has emerged in recent years focused on human capability and human functioning. Capability concerns the freedom to function in certain ways deemed valuable, involving particular powers and opportunities. Functioning is the actual choosing and doing of these valued things. Conceptually, this language of people's capabilities refers to ''their abilities to do and to be certain things deemed valuable" (Nussbaum ' Capabilities and Human Rights’ 119). The idea behind Nussbaum's capabilities approach is that there are certain functions people should be empowered to do which are understood to constitute a human life. A life developed and shaped by the choosing and doing of a range of these functions demarcates a dignified or 'true' life from one that is stifled or oppressed (Nussbaum 71-72). Thus, Nussbaum "conceives capabilities as a person's valuable powers or faculties that can and should be realized in valuable functionings" (Crocker 599). A minimally good life involves recognition of the dignity of that life by empowering it with genuine opportunities to function. In principle a human life is an end in itself. Empowering someone and/or safeguarding an environment in which someone can live a dignified or 'true' human life upholds this principle. Nussbaum's foundational principle of each person as end can thus be restated as the principle of each person's capabilities. Those capabilities necessary for a dignified life constitute universal moral values (Nussbaum 74). Nussbaum's Methodology T he central question of Nussbaum's philosophy asks, 'What are people actually able to do and to be?' Answers to this question enable us to draw out a notion of what capabilities we think people need to be able to choose and achieve in order to function and flourish in a dignified manner. Put another way, the "list of basic capabilities is generated by asking a question that from the start is evaluative: What activities

AquaBlu - The premier online swimwear company Dissertation

AquaBlu - The premier online swimwear company - Dissertation Example ....................... 1.4 Consumers most likely to utilise AquaBlu.................................................. 1.5 Structure of AquaBlu................................................................................... 1.6 Location of AquaBlu.................................................................................... 2.0 Business environment analysis................................................................................. 2.1 Analysis of the macro environment.............................................................. 2.2 Analysis of the micro environment............................................................... 2.2.1 Size of industry and market size..................................................... 2.2.2 Important industry trends............................................................... 2.2.3 Competitive environment................................................................ 2.3 Competitor analysis........................................... ............................................. 2.3.1 Perry Ellis International................................................................... 2.3.2 Seafolly............................................................................................ 2.3.3 Jantzen Inc....................................................................................... 2.3.4 Quiksilver......................................................................................... ... ........................................................ 4.0 Strategic analysis of the internal environment............................................................. 5.0 Evaluation of the strategic fit....................................................................................... 6.0 Marketing plan.............................................................................................................. 6.1 Marketing objectives......................................................................................... 6.2 Segmentation..................................................................................................... 6.3 Targeting............................................................................................................ 6.4 Positioning.......................................................................................................... 6.5 Brand Identity................................................................................... .................. 6.6 Brand DNA Pyramid.......................................................................................... 6.7 Marketing mix..................................................................................................... 6.7.1 Product................................................................................................. 6.7.2 Price...................................................................................................... 6.7.3 Place...................................................................................................... 6.7.4 Promotion.............................................................................................. 7.0 Operational

Fair trade for the developing countries Research Paper

Fair trade for the developing countries - Research Paper Example Fair trade mainly exists in developing countries and it targets specific areas, for instance, the Handicrafts, Coffee Industry, Tea Industry etc, it does so in order to make sure that the workers and the producers are benefitted and their economic stature improves by participating in Fair trade. To understand the concept better, its principles should be well understood and they are as follows:â€Å"Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers, Fair trade is a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Its purpose is to create opportunities for producers who have been economically disadvantaged or marginalized by the conventional trading system.† The most important principle of Fair trade is to ensure that there are ample opportunities provided to the producer, the sole aim of Fair trade is to ensure the well being of the workers and the producers and in this process the first is to provide opportunities to the producer because only when th e producer has opportunities, it can be passed on to the workers.â€Å"Transparency and accountability, Fair trade involves transparent management and commercial relations to deal fairly and respectfully with trading partners.† Another important principle of Fair trade is to make sure transparency exists in every activity initiated by it, in the sense that every activity initiated by Fair trade should be without any fusses and problems, fair rules and policies are followed hence ensuring the economic and financial safety of the producer.

Performance and Reward Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Performance and Reward Management - Essay Example A good performance strategy entails a good competitive strategy, organizational structure, corporate structure and good human resources processes that include a reward management (Shields 2007). Reward strategy and management Reward strategy means achieving a balance between the human resource strategies, the environment that the organization operates in including the culture, technology and the external environment. It sets out to establish the purpose and intent of the organization on how its policies and processes on rewards meet the objectives of the business (Molander, et al 1994). Companies are increasingly trying to involve employees in the decision making processes and training them so as to attract and maintain them. Reward management involves managing all those rewards that are given to employees due to their contribution towards the growth and development of a company. It also involves identifying the strategies, systems, processes and policies that enable an organization to achieve its objectives by rewarding and attracting people they require by way of motivating them. It aims at meeting the individual, organizations and team performance as per the objectives set out. According to Williams and MacDerine, proper management of the rewards system usually leads to an enhanced employee behavior and well being, a well balanced relationship between life and work and eventually it increases the motivation and performance of the employees (Cornelius, 2001). A good reward system must be able to prioritize reward plans that are in line with the human resource and business strategies. A good reward strategy has four main guiding principles which include equity, constitency, transparency and fairness. The strategy must be fair... Reward strategy means achieving a balance between the human resource strategies, the environment that the organization operates in including the culture, technology and the external environment. It sets out to establish the purpose and intent of the organization on how its policies and processes on rewards meet the objectives of the business (Molander, et al 1994).Companies are increasingly trying to involve employees in the decision making processes and training them so as to attract and maintain them. Reward management involves managing all those rewards that are given to employees due to their contribution towards the growth and development of a company. It also involves identifying the strategies, systems, processes and policies that enable an organization to achieve its objectives by rewarding and attracting people they require by way of motivating them.   It aims at meeting the individual, organizations and team performance as per the objectives set out. According to Williams and MacDerine, proper management of the rewards system usually leads to an enhanced employee behavior and well being, a well balanced relationship between life and work and eventually it increases the motivation and performance of the employees (Cornelius, 2001).  A good reward system must be able to prioritize reward plans that are in line with the human resource and business strategies. People will always feel treated fairly according to how they are paid and depending on the value of their work to the company.