Monday, November 25, 2019

Roman and Greek Art

Roman and Greek Art The Roman Colosseum The Roman Colosseum has had a great impact on western architecture. The construction of the three dimensional elliptical amphitheatre took place between 72 AD and 80 AD in Rome (Hopkins Beard, 2011). The constructors used various materials such as concrete.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Roman and Greek Art specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The concrete used was obtained from a local limestone lighter than marble laid the foundation of the Colosseum. In effect, using limestone in concrete gave the amphitheatre a strong foundation. The walls were made of marble and bricks while the floor was made of sand. Sand in Latin is known as arena, thus, the English word arena has its origin from the Latin word of sand. The most distinct technique used in construction is the use of arches. Effectively, these arches allow the creation of wedges in the amphitheatre giving it the oval shape (Coarelli Gabucci, 2001). Morale in Rome was low due to the death of Emperor Nero, one of the Roman Emperors held in high regard. Therefore, Vespasian, the new emperor, had to find a way to restore the Romans’ morale. Subsequently, he destroyed the palace built by Nero and started the construction of the Colosseum. Effectively, the Colosseum is representative art depicting the greatness of Rome (Coarelli Gabucci, 2001). According to Hopkins and Beard (2011), the Colosseum depicts the might of the Roman Empire. Using arches in construction artistically reduced the weight of the building since the amount of materials required in construction reduced. Alternatively, the materials used in constructing the Colosseum were light enough to allow the amphitheatre stand without a lot of support. In addition, the arches allowed support of the tiered seating. Moreover, the passageways of the arches allowed easy access in the amphitheatre. The Colosseum served the people of Rome in their best sporting acti vities organised by their leaders. In effect, the Colosseum is historically important in the construction of modern day sports stadiums such as modern football fields. In addition, the artistic use of light materials in the construction of the Colosseum plays the traditional role of inspiring the modern day theatres and stadia construction (Coarelli Gabucci, 2001).Advertising Looking for essay on art? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Doryphoros The Doryphoros is a three dimension stone sculpture of a naked human-like six feet tall man standing. Polykleitos of Argos sculptured the Doryphoros using bronze between 480 BC and 415 BC. The main process of creating this masterpiece was by sculpturing. However, sculptures require addition techniques such as the knowledge of proportionality and balance in order to stand on its own. Therefore, for Polykleitos to create a sculpture of a human being in what is known as a chi astic pose, technical expertise in proportionality was fundamental. On the other hand, the use of balance is evident in the sculpture since the weight of the body is on one foot, and the other foot is flexed at rest (Moon, 1995). The Doryphoros depicts the principle of proportionality in a human figure on an individual capacity. In this regard, the sculpture is a classic example of representation art because it brings out the ideal attributes of the human being in terms of proportionality. The representation is further depicted by the sculpture’s creation in that; it follows the general attribute of the relationship in all human body parts once divided. The sculpture is a quintessence of the perfect male human form. The perfect proportional body parts and the muscles define the beauty of an athlete in ancient Greece. In addition, the artistic impression of a cool and calm youthful demeanour of a nude man, presents a sensation of nobility the Greeks identified with. In effect, this special identification differentiated the Greeks from what they called barbaric neighbours. In traditional Greek philosophy, beauty and the goodness in an individual went hand in hand; this is a character exemplified by the sculpture of Doryphoros. In addition, the artistic impression of Doryphoros as an attractive human being went in conjunction with perfection and morals of the Greeks, a religious philosophy among ancient Greeks (Moon, 1995). References Coarelli, F. Gabucci, A. (2001).The Colosseum. Michigan: J. Paul Getty Museum Publishers. Hopkins, K. Beard, M. (2011). The Colosseum. London: Profile Books Limited.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Roman and Greek Art specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Moon, W. G. (1995). Polykleitos, The Doryphoros, and Tradition. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Animal Liberation Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Animal Liberation - Term Paper Example Singer equates treating animals lesser than human beings to other forms of discrimination like racism and ethnicity. Furthermore, Singer equates animals with human beings who have irreversible brain damage. The utilitarian views of Singer are opposed and refuted by Cohen. Cohen argues that rights can only be restricted to moral agents. To refute Singer’s argument that animals have equal rights to humans, Cohen proposes a definition of rights as claims. A right according to Cohen is a claim made against somebody else. Cohen further argues that an obligation to ensure animal welfare cannot constitute a right. To prove this Cohen clearly shows that rights entail obligation but obligation cannot entail rights. However, Cohen’s fails to show how humans without the ability to claim their rights can enjoy rights. These groups of humans include human infants and mentally handicapped persons. Cohen’s speciesist theory failure to explain how humans without the capacity to claim rights can enjoy moral rights assists Utilitarianism answer his criticism for their explanation of animal rights. The starting point for answering the question â€Å"Is there such thing as a moral saint?† always starts with an attempt to define the term. This is occasioned by the fact that any author who attempts to tackle the controversial question must have a standard of morality that the supposed â€Å"moral saint† satisfies. This approach is reflected in Wolf who starts his work by giving a brief description of what the moral saint is supposed to be. Wolf defines a moral saint as a person who strives to be as good as possible everyday and in every situation. Similarly, Carbonell in his work article Moral Saint Reconsidered also starts his exploration of the issue with a description of the term moral saint.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Conclusion Section of Thesis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Conclusion Section of Thesis - Essay Example Over the past decade, use of addictive substances has infiltrated its way into the mainstream culture in certain countries. Younger people in particular seem to possess a skewed sense of safety about these substances, believing rather erroneously that they are safe and benign. Meanwhile, addictive substances are posing a serious threat to the health, social and economic fabric of families, communities, and countries. For many countries, the economic burden is relatively new, but growing quickly and unlikely to go away easily (Regidor, 2006). It is estimated that at least 20% of the American population suffers from some form of addiction. The total cost of addictive behaviors in terms of family disintegration, loss of labor productivity, illness, injury, and death reaches the staggering sum of $300 billions per year, making it one of the most serious socioeconomic problems facing society. Thus, prevention and treatment of drug addiction has been an important issue in the USA as well as worldwide for decades. While the individual patient, rather than his or her disease, is the appropriate focus of treatment for substance abuse, an understanding of the neurobiology of dependence and addiction can clarify the rationales for treatment methods and goals. Brain abnormalities resulting from chronic use of nicotine, stimulants (e.g., cocaine), opioids (e.g., morphine), cannabis (e.g., marijuana), alcohol, hallucinogens (e.g., phencyclidine), inhalants (e.g., toluene), and many other abused substances are underlying causes of dependence and addiction meaning intense substance craving and compulsive use. The abnormalities that produce addiction, however, are wide-ranging, complex, and long-lasting. They may involve an interaction of environmental effects, for example, stress, the social context of initial substance use, and psychological conditioning. Many factors, both individual and environmental, influence whether a particular person who

Monday, November 18, 2019

A study of acetylcholinesterase and its inhibition Essay

A study of acetylcholinesterase and its inhibition - Essay Example The purpose of this study was to explore the enzyme acetylcholinesterase and the physiology of this complex system, and the various disorders associated with the cholinergic system by a review of literature. The central nervous system (CNS) gets a variety of internal and external stimuli. These are integrated and expressed subconsciously through the autonomic nervous system, which modulates the involuntary functions of the body. The autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic (thoracolumbar) outflow, and the parasympathetic (craniosacral) outflow (Robertson D, 2005.) Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that help neurons to communicate with other neurons through a chemical synapse. They are categorized into four groups: monoamines, amino acids, peptides and acetylcholine. After synthesis, they are packaged and transported, if required, to the presynaptic cell terminal. The release of the neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft is triggered by the arrival of an action potential at the presynaptic cell terminal. The neurotransmitter then diffuses across the synapse, and activates receptors on the postsynaptic cell resulting in either excitation or inhibition of that cell. The final step in this process is the inactivation of the neurotransmitter by enzymatic breakdown, re-uptake or by neurotransmitter diffusion. (PKAL conference, 1997.) Acetylcholine (ACh) is the primary neuromediator of both sympathetic and parasympathetic preganglionic neurons. It is also the mediator of parasympathetic postganglionic fibres. ACh has mostly an excitatory effect but it is known to have inhibitory effects at some of the peripheral parasympathetic nerve endings, like inhibition of the heart by the vagus nerve (Guyton AC, 1986.) Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease due to the lack of cholinergic receptors in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Although the function of ACh in the brain is not as

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Definition Of Resistance To Change Management Essay

Definition Of Resistance To Change Management Essay This chapter will cover the definition of change and resistance to change, then each variable which may potentially influence middle managers attitude towards change are discussed separately which include: middle managers perceived benefits of change, and middle managers involvement in change. Secondly, the chapter will also discuss the influential factors which may influence attitude towards change, based on extensive literature of researches carried out which include: organization benefits, organization barriers, employees age, employees education, and demographic characteristics. Finally, the chapter will end with a conclusion. As cited by Jia, Li, Song, Tsui, Zhang (2008) middle managers are taking an important position in organizations. They are accountable for achieving organizational goals by translating and implementing organizational strategies, managing change, creating optimal working environments, ensuring smooth running of operations, building teams and motivating subordinates, and so on Delmestri Walgenbach (2005), Floyd Wooldridge (1997), Huy, (2002),Barsoux, Kieser, Ganter, Stewart Walgenbach(1994). In order to survive, organizations rely on the creativity and innovation of middle-level managers Dutton, Ashford, Oà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸Neill, Hayes, Wierba(1997). Resistance to change introduces costs and delays into the change process Ansoff (1990) that are difficult to anticipate Lorenzo (2000) but must be taken into consideration. Resistance has also been considered as a source of information, being useful in learning how to develop a more successful change process Beer and Eisenstat (1996), Gol dstein, 1988; Lawrence(1954), Piderit ( 2000), Waddell and Sohal (1998). In previous research, middle managers were identified as the key group in organizations that covers a wide range of responsibilities. Mintzberg (1980) identified as one of the responsibilities of middle managers were translating strategy into operations. Miller Shamsie (1996), stated that knowledge has become one of the most important assets in economic life. Unlike physical assets, which have traditionally been considered the basis of competitive advantage, knowledge assets are the source of todays organizations ability to outperform their competitors In addition, Carney (2004) also stated that middle managers are the ones who developed strategy. Beckwith, Glenzer Fowler (2002), defined middle managers as the ones capable of leading change from the middle. Other definition of responsibilities of middle managers are championing, synthesizing, facilitating and implementing FloydLane (2000); Anderson-Ashcraft (2007) 2.2 Definition of Change Change can be defined as the process of transitioning from one state to another (Newton, 2007). According to Newton the word transformationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ is often used as a synonym for change. According to Herold Fedor, (2008), organizational change defined as alterations of existing work routines and strategies that affect a whole organization has become a central focus in the strategic and change management literatures Beck, Bruderl, Woywode, (2008); Huy,(1999) Pettigrew, Woodman, Cameron, (2001). A common distinction made in the management of organizational change is between incremental and radical change (Lee, 2011). Arris (1999) referred to incremental change as continuous improvement. Radical change is according to Lee (2011) often referred to as transformation. According to Miller and Friesen (1984) and Greenwood and Hinings (1996) radical change is a qualitative alteration of an organizations rules of organizing the fundamental rules that members use to interact cognitive ly and behaviorally with the world around them. Kotter, Schlesinger Sathe (1986), underscore this by commenting that most managers approach change with a simple set of beliefs and end up exacerbating the problems that arise because they fail to understand them in any systematic manner. However, in many cases, sometimes estimated to be as many as 50 percent of all changes, organizational change has failed to deliver expected results and or meet intended objectives Marks,(2006); Paper Chang, (2005); Quinn, (2004). Similarly, a recent survey of global companies reported that only one-third of organizational change initiatives were considered successful by their organizational executives Meaney Pung, (2008).Former empirical researches concluded that attitudinal and behavioral implications of employees had An important participation in the success of organizational change. For instance, researchers have found that individual employees change related attitudes and behaviors are related to post change organizational performance Kim Mauborgne, (2003), Robertson, Roberts, Porras, (1993) and their work performance following change Neubert Cady, (2001). Paton and Mc Calman, (2000) stated that change management approaches and theories generally stress the need to multi-task and to view change holistically. They also stated by means of research done that women middle managers are likely to be far better suited to multi-tasking than their male colleagues. Dempster, (1998) confirmed that it is not surprisingly, that they tend to manage change differently. 2.3 Definition of resistance to change Lewin (1951) was one of the first researchers to consider the notion of employee resistance to organizational change in the management field. His conception of the term was drawn from the physical sciences and considers resistance to be a restraining force attempting to maintain the status quo Piderit, (2000). Bouckenooghe (2011) stated that the majority of the literature about attitudes toward change, including resistance toward change, focuses on planned, top-down driven organizational change and the individual level of analysis. The term resistance always implies a sense of opposition Hollander Einwohner, (2004). Bouckenooghe (2010) and Piderit (2000), stated that in recognition of the varying definitions of resistance to change and similar concepts that have emerged, such as cynicism about organizational change, some authors have tried to create a more integrative view of attitudes toward change. They also stated that, This notion of attitudes toward change is used to bring toge ther the varying ways of conceptualizing peoples reactions toward change by incorporating cognitive, affective or emotional, and intentional, behavioral components The specific problem in this research is to determine how two main potential determinants, perceived benefits of change and involvement in change impacts middle managers attitude. This research verified how these factors acts as possible mediator to influence the attitudes of middle managers in a positive or negative way towards change, in organizations. Giangreco (1999) argues that the distinction between overt and covert forms of resistance to change is particularly important in relation to middle management roles. He stated that middle Managersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ dissent usually takes the form of passive resistance than of open rejection. Van Zandt (2004) argues that manager resistance comes from a slightly different perspective than the other employees. According to him, the leading reason for managersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ resistance to change is fear of loss of power and control. The two factors directly related to this are the perceived benefits of change and the involvement in the chan ge process. Attitude of a person is determinant how he will perceive whatever change has to be applied. This is in line with Ajzen and Fishbeins (1980) theory of reasoned action suggesting a direct link between peoples specific attitudes towards a given phenomenon and their behavioral reaction to it Bandura,(1977); Fishbein and Ajzen,(1975). Change often eliminates something over which the manager had control or introduces something over which the manager does not have control. As cited by Van Zandt, some managers perceive a change as a personal attack by other managers and react to the change initiative as a battle for turf. Prosci,(2003). They feel an overload of their current tasks, the pressures of their daily activities, and limited resources to assist them with the new responsibilities given to them during the change process Durant, (1999). Giangreco and Peccei (2005) suggest that the most common factors that affect employee level of resistance to change in organizations are perceptions of the cost and benefits associated with change and the extent of their involvement in the actual process of change. They noted that the perception of the cost and benefits associated with change relates to the content of change. Braaf, P (2011) said that it specifically refers to individualsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ perceptions of the possib le impact that the change could have on them, of the personal advantages and disadvantages associated with the actual change itself. Dempster, (1998) also stated that, gender issues in the workplace have also faced a great deal of scrutiny, however there has been little or no research linking gender differences to the management of change. These factors that go along with change can cause substantial fear and anxiety amongst individuals involved in the change process and; hence, can become an important source of resistance to change Caruth, Middlebrook, Rachel(1985), Mc Crimmon(1997), Hegarty(1993), Nadler (1993), Hultman, (1995), Folger and Skarlicki (1999); Pardo del Val and Martines Fuentes (2003). According to Giangrecco and Peccei (2005) individuals will exhibit higher levels of resistance when they perceive more costs from change than benefits. Regarding the process as the other major influence on resistance, Giangrecco and Peccei (2005) argue that it relates to the way the change itself is managed. It refers to the way in which individuals affected by the change Figure 1-Model Source: Giangreco and Peccei (2005): Middle managers resistance to changehttp://imageserver.ebscohost.com/img/imageqv/archive/3cc/20051001/1481384.jpg?ephost1=dGJyMNXb4kSepq84v%2bvlOLCmr0qepq5Srqa4SK6WxWXS are involved in the process of change, and the extent to which they participate in various aspects of the development and implementation of the change within the organization. Following the explanatory model of resistance to change Giangreco and Peccei (2005) gives the relational factors that affects attitude towards change. This conceptual model, (Figure 1-1),showed the interrelationship of the dependable Resistance To Change and Attitudes towards change, with the two independent variables Perceived benefits of change and the Involvement in change. This study, however was to investigate the involvement in the change process and the perception of the cost of change on managers attitudes towards the change itself, and how this, influence their reactions towards change Kotter and Schlesinger, (1979), Lawrence, (1954), Pugh, (1993). As mentioned in limitations the direct and indirect influences on resistance to change were excluded. The two independent variables involvement in the change processes and perceived benefits of change are the factors that directly, influence attitudes towards change, which could acts as mediator to positively or negatively influence middle managers reactions toward change. Hence, the factors perceived benefits of change and involvement in change both can have a direct or indirect effect on change, through the indirect influence of factors that impact managers attitudes towards change. 2.4 Perceived Benefits of Change The variable Perceived benefits of change represents how the middle managers filter their preferences and appreciation of the changes to happen. Isabella, (1990), Lau and Woodman, (1995), Smollan,( 2006) stated that success of a change process is not determined or dictated by how change is described, explained, or understood by scholars, but by how it is experienced and what it means to those directly affected. The cognitive aspect of Change is a determinant on the attitude of middle managers. Mintzberg (1990), Floyd and Wooldridge(2000) stated that middle managers can both be thinkers and doers of strategy .The social conception and personal values or self interest are some critical triggers to the attitude of middle managers to accept change. Change can be viewed and understand by managers in different ways. According to Bartunek, Lacey and Wood, (1992); Stubbard, Meindl and Porac, (1994); Weber and Manning, (2001), participants view change, it is filtered through their preferences and appreciated and accepted or resisted accordingly. Such preferences are a function of social cognition or sense-making Weick, (1999). Atkinson (1984), Brett, Stro, Reilly, (1993) stated that job changes within the company are usually seen as a positive phenomenon, contributing to organizational flexibility and employee development. The perception is the key factor for a manager to decide if he engaged to change to be applied in an organization if considered desirable or undesirable. DiBella (1996) stated that Perceptions of the change varied at different levels of analysis and across the organizations department-based subcultures. Kotter and Schlesinger (1979) state that there are four common reasons for employees resistance: a desire not to lose something of value, a misunderstanding of the change and its implications, a belief that the change does not make sense for the organization and a low tolerance for change. Diener, Smith, Fujita, 1995; Shaver, Schwartz, Kirson, OConn or 1987 defines that, like moods, emotions can easily be classified into positive and negative categories, however, research has shown that there are many more than two distinct emotions. Kotter (1995) also observed more than 100 companies in a decade and reported that when organizations attempt a major change, the employees often understand the new vision and want to make it happen, but there are obstacles that prevent execution. Taylor, and Weaver (1977), Penley and Hawkins (1980), Quinn, Smes and McCullough (1973) stated that yet womens attitudes toward their jobs are often more favorable than mens. All mentioned, are based on how a manager can perceive the benefits or the loss regarding its position in a new process of change which affects its attitude towards change. 2.5 Attitudes towards change Attitudes of middle managers are considered as the mediating tool for success or for failure. Alreck Settle (2004) defined attitudes towards organizational change as the beliefs of a manager about organizational change and their likelihood to take action based on these beliefs. If the influence on the attitude of the middle manager is negative, his total attitude towards delegation of change strategies will be negative. In addition, Blau, Ferber, and Winkler,(1998),Jacobs (1992) observed that although women have made progress at moving into management positions in recent years, gender segregation of organizational hierarchies persists, with women often concentrated in lower and middle level management positions rather than the more salient upper-level positions Beer, Eisenstat, and Spector (1990) found that in the fundamental flaw as the fallacy of programmatic change that the place to begin an organizational change is with the knowledge and attitudes of individuals. Middle managers are the ones who interpret actions, experience and observation in both directions to the top management and to the work floor. Burgelman (1994), Currie (1999) Currie and Procter (2001), all stated that middle managers play a central role in developing new ideas with the reshaping of firm capabilities and affecting strategic renewal. Strategy implementation and strategy formulation are closed interrelated, half of the strategic decisions in organizations fail for reasons relating to strategy implementation rather than formulation Jarzabkowski, (2008); Mintz- berg Waters, (1985) Hickson, Miller, Wilson, (2003); Nutt, (1999). Mcshane and Von Glinow (2008), gave another dimension of attitude toward change indicated that, it generally consists of a persons cognitions about change, affective reactions to change, and behavioral tendency toward change. Allen and Meyer(1993;1997), Mowday, Porter, and Steers,(1982) found out that, older and more tenured workers have more access to positive work experiences, explaining their higher levels of commitment. Explaining the different satisfaction levels that men and women have experienced. Hakim (1991) and Fagan and Rubery (1996) have also suggested that women in full-time and part-time employment have qualitatively different working attitudes than men, explaining the different satisfaction levels that men and women have experienced. Chreim (2006) also stated that attitudes function as predictors of subsequent behavior with regard to participation in the process of change. Therefore, whenever change occur attitudes towards such change should be taken into consideration because it predicts success and failure of the programs. Meyer and Allen (1991), stated that organizational commitment is expressed by attitudes and behavior that reveal an employees identification and involvement with the organization and it has been linked to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism and turnover. Keck (1997,) argued that, demographic studies showed that young, less tenured and heterogeneous middle managers have the composition most likely to produce strategic and structural changes in turbulent contexts. According to Rosabeth Moss Kanter (1993,1994),the gender balance in the workplace is changing, this is one of the most significant demographic phenomenon ever to face organizations. As stated by Kanter (1991), Mintzberg (19 94), Pascale (1997), Boddy and Paton(1998), Paton and Mc Cal-man (2000), given the emphasis placed upon developing a transformational style, or culture, when managing change, or when formulating and implementing strategic initiatives, one could speculate that women may be better equipped to manage such situations than men. 2.6 Involvement in change The second variable involvement in change is the experience of the middle managers participation in the development of the strategies that will affect its attitude towards the change itself. Floyd (1992),Wooldridge (1997) and Balogun (2003), stated that the middle manager role in strategy, is implementing top managements intended strategies. Westley (1990) stated that the first condition for championing middle managers is the inclusion in the process of planning. Hardy(1996); Balogun (2005), Gioia and Chittipeddi (1991)   stated , that by mobilizing process and resource power, several middle managers were able to influence meaning making and position themselves as major sense givers, with great influence on others sense making. Kanter,(1977), Burt (1992; 2001); Lane and Bachman,(1998) have underlined the importance of trust during organizational change, but their main focus has been on trust as a factor that facilitates change or that positively moderates the relationships between facets of the change process and successful implementation of change. The involvement of middle managers in strategy planning affects their attitude positively toward the change. Floyd and Wooldridge, (1997); Huy, (2001) claimed that top management can gain advantages from involving middle managers more closely in strategy development. Akerlind (2005) and Padilla (2008) stated, while the development of staff has received attention in terms of teaching, and to a lesser extent, research there is a gap in the literature regarding female academics development in their administrative or management roles, particularly at the middle levels. Huy (2002) concludes that middle managers are at least as important as senior executives in facilitating radical change. Balogun (2003) also found that middle managers are not per se a blockage to change, but can make an important strategic contribution. De Marco (2002) speaks of the `critical role of middle management. Research has increasingly shown t hat middle managers play a pivotal role in developing new ideas, reshaping firm capabilities, and affecting strategic renewal Burgelman, (1994); Currie, (1999); Currie and Procter, (2001). Popper and Lipchitz (1992), Redshaw (2000) also stated that coaching has been defined in several ways; as a process of giving guidance, encouragement and support to the learner, or as a day to day, hands on process of helping employees recognize opportunities to improve their performance and capabilities. Allen, Eby, Poteet, Lentz and Lima (2004) explains that mentoring consists of three parts; vocational support, psycho social support and role modeling. Mintzberg (1990); Floyd and Wooldridge (2000), stated that middle managers can both be thinkers and doers of strategy. Mintzberg, (1994), Wooldridge and Floyd, (1990), Kogut and Zander, (1996), all stated that, involvement of middle managers in strategic planning is said to be beneficial for organizations as they provide valuable soft information on key stakeholders, improve the quality of strategic decisions and generate a sense of ownership and identification with organizational goals By participating middle managers in the whole process of change brings only advantage for the organization. This enhance the trust on both sides and brings a more clear understanding to the managers mind the why and how changes has to be applied, making for him more easy to convince employees toward the change that affects also the manager attitude in a positive manner. 2.7 Conclusion In conclusion; This research, focused on two factors perceived benefits of change and the involvement of change. The perceived benefits of change and the involvement of change were investigated as influential drivers of the attitudes towards change. In this study, the approach to attitudes towards change was based on the behavior of middle managers towards change as a form of passive oppositions to manifest their dissent towards organizational change to be implemented. Middle managers, conscious of their position do not express in such violent ways and choose a milder form of resistance to express their dissatisfaction. Gianfranco (1999) stated that this distinction between more overt and covert forms of dissent, linked to notions of opposition and resistance to change, respectively, is particularly important in relation to middle management roles. According to the literature, middle managers reactions to change and their role in processes of organizational change more generally have, nevertheless, attracted considerable interest and attention in literature Balogun ( 2003), Dopson and Neumann (1998), Floyd and Lane (2000). As already mentioned the two main factors which potentially affect employees attitudes towards change are: perceived benefits of change and involvement in change. Furthermore, factors as employees age, highest completed education, tenure and gender profile were also studied. The outcome of this study, will provide important information to organizations of Curacao, for effectively assess organizational change. It will also give new dimensions of thinking, how to implicate middle managers in organizational change and valuate more deeply middle managers functions in organizations on the island of Curacao. The literature review used in this chapter was used to validate the questionnaire used in this survey. The literature review verified also the results obtained from data collection, with the results mentioned in the literature theory. The following chapter will elaborate more on the methodology used for this study.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Analysis of Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice Essay -- Jane Austen Pri

Analysis of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Pride and prejudice is a novel set in the late 17th Century and was written by author Jane Austen. The novel is based upon the theme of marriage and social settings of the 17th century. The novel is set in an era where women where 2nd class citizens and were inferior to men. This is ever so prevalent in the novel. In the time of which the novel is set women were not meant to meddle in men’s affairs theses included involving in politics, participating in financial affairs this disabled the women to be independent. This did not allow women to play a greater role in society, in fact women were supposed to â€Å"bore birth and bring up and look after the children†. This was there only role society which was dominated my men. A women’s objective in life would’ve been to look for a wealthy husband who may not have necessarily have loved her. This would enable the women to have a secure future. The first line of Pride and Prujudice sums this up â€Å"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife† The problems which arise in â€Å"Pride and Prejudice† are that Mr Bennet has five daughters and no sons. This may be the reason why Mrs Bennet is obsessed with getting her daughters married. â€Å"A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!† Mrs Bennet always mentions the amount the possible candidate earns a year this shows that the financial aspect is vitally important as it ensures there daughters future security. Because Mr Bennet has only daughters there will be inheritance given to the daughters as there are not male but will be give to the closest relat... ...sal. Lastly both of the men are shocked to realize that Elizabeth rejects their proposals. The Character Elizabeth is a strong, free thinking women in the novel, and does not believe in the traditional ways of doing things. She believes that a person should marry for love, which was recognized at the time at which the novel is set. I think the Jane Austen’s opinions are portrayed in her characters as a means of displaying that traditions some times are wrong. Elizabeth has characteristics of feminism. This shows that Jane Austen was ahead of her time, because she believed that women could be free thinking and independent and still live a good life. This is portrayed in her characters as Elizabeth eventually is loved by Darcy for who she is even though Darcy recognizes the fact that Lady Catherine De Bourgh will take it upon insult him Marrying her.

Monday, November 11, 2019

A Comparison Between Dulce Et Decorum Est and Pro Patria Essay

The First World War was the first truly modern war. Its atrocities and huge death toll changed people’s views of war drastically. Pro patria, by Owen Seaman and Dulce et Decorum est by Wilfred Owen are both war poems written around the time of the First World War, and as such share certain surface properties. However, the two poems differ hugely in their implicit meaning and intentions, giving the two poems many subtle differences between their texts. Both poems use metaphor. Seaman uses metaphor when mentioning the â€Å"brute sword† and soldiers using â€Å"storied ‘scutcheons†, a blaringly inaccurate image to conjure up the idea of chivalry and knights in shining armor, giving that the fighting would be fair and glorious, as opposed to the mass slaughter and unimaginable tortures spelled out in Owen’s Dulce et Decorum est. seaman also makes use of anthropomorphisation, making England out as some great, good but indistinct creature. He refers to England as a being of some sort, writing of it’s pleas for peace at â€Å"the nations bar†, stating that England needed to go to war to keep its honor. Owen uses metaphor to show the state of the soldiers in his poem, saying that the men were â€Å"drunk with fatigue†. The use of simile is more found only in his poem, when he talks about soldiers â€Å"bent double, like beggars under sacks† and â€Å"coughing like hags†. The u se of simile as opposed to metaphor adds to the realness of the poem. Both war poems have religious undertones. The use of Latin in both texts aids this, mimicking the Latin masses of the Catholic Church. Seaman says that those left at home whilst their sons go to war must be â€Å"strong in faith and in prayer† and that they should â€Å"ask what offering we may consecrate†, suggesting to the people back home to turn to their faith for comfort, and to be willing to give up the luxuries of a quiet life for the greater good. Dolce et Decorum est, on the other hand, uses the idea of the devil’s face to describe the expression of a gas victim: â€Å"His hanging face, like a Devil’s sick of sin† The comparison also describes the world weariness of the soldier, what atrocities must a devil be to be sick of sin? Both poems are trying to affect the public’s views on the war. Pro Patria is essentially a propaganda poem, an invention used to great effect during the Boer war and revived at the advent of the First World War. The poems early references to honor and duty are to provoke young men into singing up for the army, fabricating images of glorious victory in their minds, and carefully avoiding the nitty gritty mechanics of it, the living in squalid trenches and the likelihood of death. The later sections of the poem are addressed to the parents of the â€Å"warrior sons† urging them to keep a stiff upper lip, or as he puts it â€Å"to hush all vulgar clamor of the street†. The reason for this is that if every time a mother received a letter from the M.O.D telling her that her son was dead she were to rush out into the street screaming â€Å"OH MY GOD, MY POOR HARRY! HE’S GONE!† other mothers and fathers would have reservations about sending their sons off to war. Therefore the silence of bereaved parents of â€Å"worrier sons† went some way to helping the recruiting sergeant’s job. Dulce et Decorum est is the perfect opposite of the propaganda that is Pro Patria. Whiles Pro Patria uses misleading metaphors Dulce et Decorum est attempts to create the realities of war. Where Pro Patria attempts to glorify war and depict it as honorable, Dulce et Decorum est shows the dirt grime and suffering that went on at the front line. The impassiveness of the soldiers to the gruesome death of the gas victims as they fling him in the cart (the use of the word â€Å"flung† emphasizing the fact that this was not unusual and that it had happened before), the description of the soldiers as â€Å"beggars† shows a stark contrast to Seaman’s proud and noble warrior sons. In structure the poems are quite similar, Dulce et Decorum est seeming to be almost a parody of the older Pro Patria. Indeed when read line by line alternately from different poems, the poems seem to compliment each other: â€Å"England in this great fight to which you go, Bent double like old beggars under sacks†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Also, the last stanzas of both poems use very similar rhyme patterns. Pro Patria’s penultimate lines rhyme best with test, and Dulce et Decorum est rhymes zest with est in the same lines (in relation to the end). Both poems encapsulate their message in the last lines, the finishing pleas of Seamen for parents to send their sons to war, and the solemn Latin verse of Dulce et Decorum est warning people not to indulge in jingoism: â€Å"My friend you would not tell with such high zest, To children†¦, the old lie: Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori (How sweet and fitting it is to die for your country) Both poems are from around the time of the First World War, Pro Patria was written just before the outbreak, written during the conflict. I believe that the stance taken by the authors stems from their experience of the war and the time at which they were written. Seaman did not and could not know what was to happen in the Great War, as it was yet to happen when he wrote the poem. Owen, on the other hand, had been at the front line, and had seen what he was writing about, and felt a need to tell others what he had seen, as opposed to Seaman who was writing for the government.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Essay on Reflection on Education Policy

Essay on Reflection on Education Policy Essay on Reflection on Education Policy Essay on Reflection on Education PolicyThe current major issues relating to education include language issues, immigration issues and diversity issues. One of the most important issues relating to education is diversity in schools and universities. The U.S. government has already implemented considerable changes in education policy to improve language skills, solve the problem of immigrant children and promote multicultural education in schools. Today teachers are focused on student achievement and equity due to special training courses. The program No Child Left Behind helps to develop the proper assessments in basic skills of students and improve their academic outcomes. However, it is imperfect and needs reformation. Many interest groups, including civil rights groups, disability advocacy groups, civic and labor groups and religious organizations call for considerable changes to the federal education law because related policies are inefficient. They fail to address the needs of m inority children, children with disabilities, and children from low income families. Teachers are not well-prepared to meet the needs of these students. Besides, it is necessary to solve the problem of the current achievement gap between Black students and White students.Undoubtedly, some aspects in the U.S. education policy will be changed in the nearest future. The Obama administration is focused on increasing academic standards of students through re-classifying schools that have been characterized as failing, and to develop a new effective assessment system process for teachers. These changes will affect my personally because I am interested in high quality education. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and other acts are aimed at making improvements in the U.S. educational system. My thoughts prior to reading this week’s reading assignment were not serious as they are now. My perspective has been reinforced now t hat I am more informed. I realize that the issue of race, gender, social class, language status and disability issues should be addressed properly.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Mexican essays

Mexican essays We would like you to know we are not all docile nor revolutionaries but we are all survivors. . . We do not all pick lettuce, run assembly lines. . . We do not all sneak under barbed wire or wade the Rio Grande. These are the facts. . .(Castillo). Ana Castillo, the author of this poem, proves a point that as a race we all come here to the United Sates in search of a new life. We come here to survive and as Mexicans, we suffered a great deal. There has always been something there encouraging them to succeed in life, their family. Parents try their best to encourage their sons and daughters to succeed in life and take advantage of the opportunities they never had. Mexican parents work hard to give their families the best life, by creating and sharing great memories with them. Therefore, one can relate back to what ones childhood was like and what fond memories one keeps of them. Looking at what the present holds for us and what the future might bring makes one think that in order to succeed one has to overcome those fears of failing. Interestingly enough, my past experiences made me realize the world we live in is full of opportunities as well as the mistakes that we make that guides us how to choose the correct path. Therefore, as I look at my memories of my past I realize that I choose the correct path. My parents both came to the United Sates when I was one and a half years old and moved to Redwood City where we lived for the beginning of my life. Living in those apartments made me realize that not everyone chooses the right path. Growing up on those streets was the hardest challenge I had to overcome. Watching gang members destroy and ruin their lives over some insignificant symbolic mask that they wear that gave them power and made people like me and others scared of them. Looking back into my past I remember how one of my friends decided to take the wrong path and become part of a gang. I clearly remembe...

Monday, November 4, 2019

Video review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Video review - Essay Example This paper is a movie review on the movie Capitalism: A Love Story. As stipulated above, the movie was directed produced by Michael Moore and Anne Moore. This was accomplished with the help of The Weinstein Company and Dog Eat Dog Films. The distribution was done by Paramount Vantage and Overture Films, which is based in the United States. Statistics affirm that the total budget of the film was approximately $20 million. The movie that runs for 127 minutes also premiered at the 66th Venice International Film Festival that took place in 2009 (Gabriel, 2011). This film was also displayed at the Toronto and the New York Film Festivals in the 2009 after its release. In fact, the critical response of the movie was also positive. According to the Rotten Tomatoes website, 75% of the critics were positive. This attracted an overall score of 6.7 out of 10. According to some of these reviews, Capitalism substantially resulted to direct blames to the political parties in the United States. For example, they blame the Democrats for helping out with the bail out of Wall Street. However, this film also spares the likes of President Barack Obama who still upholds a symbol of justice and hope in the United States (Gabriel, 2011). This film begins with several security surveillance footages of armed robberies in banks. Thereafter, Moore portrays a video comparison of the modern America and the Roman Empire. The film also reveals clips of homeless families in comparison to the Florida based real estate agency known as Condo Vultures (Moore, 2009). According to the movie, it is rather evident that Condo Vultures business flourished after the foreclosures. Some of the scenes from this movie trigger the emotions of the viewers. The film then presents the events during the victory in the United States after World War II. This is then followed by a speech from President Jimmy Carter who was warning the Americans about consumption and

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Vodafone and the Use of Internet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Vodafone and the Use of Internet - Essay Example As it operates in the telecommunication sector, it has optimal internet applications and those applications heighten its power, even while nullifying the threats. It uses internet not only for its operations but also as part of marketing tool, with its website being its main marketing tool. Vodafone UK’s Website is aptly designed providing detailed information about its products and services, but still more interactive can be incorporated. Its B2B model is working aptly benefiting both them and their partners. From ethical angle, Vodafone has included restrictions on adult content for children, so they do not become morally corrupt. Thus, Vodafone’s e-business initiatives through internet are working effectively, with need for only few optimization strategies. E-Business background Vodafone is the world’s largest firm in terms revenues earning more than 45 billion pounds and is the second-largest in terms of subscribers having close to 450 million subscribers as on December 2011. (Vitorovich 2012). In all those operations, internet technologies played and are playing optimal role in Vodafone. Vodafone’s major e-Business achievements include launching the first prepaid analogue package in the UK in 1996, acquiring the largest 3G license available in the UK by 2000 and launching their 3G service in 2004. (Further examples in Appendix A). In terms of services, Vodafone offers Mobile Broadband, Pay As You Go, etc. (Appendix B). As far as products are concerned, Vodafone do not build the phones paired with their service contracts, instead they collaborate with certain manufacturers to create Vodafone-branded phones. According to the Porter’s 5 Forces analysis (Complete analysis in Appendix C), the suppliers of Vodafone have less bargaining power due to the availability of similar handsets from many different manufacturers. On the other hand, the buyers have more bargaining power in relation to Vodafone because with strong alternati ves, they can switch to new networks without major financial burden. In addition, with internet offering the buyers the option to compare the various service providers or competitors and their services, buyers have sizable power. (Campbell 2007). There is a fairly low threat of new entrants thanks to the high costs and infrastructure including IT related ones required to compete with the big providers like Vodafone. (Thiele, Blakeway and Hosch 2010). There is a threat of substitutes in the form of mobile internet and the related services like Skype for phone calls, and other social networking options like Facebook, mails, etc., for other communications, but still there will be adequate space for Vodafone to operate. Vodafone faces high competitive rivalry from O2, 3, Orange, T Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Asda Mobile, etc. as they offer internet enabled services and products with good features and at competitive prices. E-Marketing analysis As part of e-marketing, Vodafone carry out optim al marketing strategies through various mediums particularly the internet. With internet as the ‘foundation’, Vodafone does e-marketing through its official websites, other Third Party websites in the form advertisements, press releases, etc., and also through social networking websites. Personalization: The Vodafone’s official website features all its products and services, as well as the benefits of using them, thereby providing the customers to personally choose what they