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Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 6
Management - Essay Example And third, this essay identifies bad effects of HRM and leadership failure to live within such a modern theory of HRM. By definition, Human Resource Management is the strategic process of sourcing manpower through recruitment, selection, and hiring, followed by rewarding, developing with training and assessments, relationship building and sustaining. (Rowley, C. and Jackson, K. 2011, p.xxvi). It normally takes time and financial investments to build up good relationships with employees on top of just training them to perform well in their jobs. This is very important to derive positive attitude and wholesome cooperation from employees. If they work hard enough, the company derives more benefits from them. But employees need to be engaged with their part of the functions, duties and responsibilities, in order to be highly desirable in their behaviour and highly productive in their share of the works to achieve objectives. The benefits of training and development over the years are rea lized in achievements of goals through good performance. Whenever a company has to retrench manpower by reason of force majeure, e.g. in times of economic crisis, the company actually loses not only qualified manpower but also the training and development investments incurred to make employees perform better. In the HRM Theory of Engagement, the term â€Å"engagement†refers to a mental attitude with positive behaviour, emotions, and thoughts about a job for the organization to meet the required high performance of manpower capabilities in achieving company objectives. (Holbeche, L. and Matthews, G. 2012, p. 12) A very good example in connection with applying these two theories was reported by the CEO of SRS Real Estate Partners, Chris Maguire. The economic crisis that started in 2008 forced him to sell a part of the real estate business which was supposed to be the â€Å"bread and butter†of SRS in the USA (Fehrenbach, P., 2012) even while he wanted to maintain his ma nagement and staff because of their years of being together. How to maintain their morale and work performance obviously became a major problem. From depending on the big market for real estate and construction industry, SRS shifted to the retail sector or the smaller market in an attempt to find transactions for their survival. One of his leadership skills which paid off eventually was the willingness to be transparent to the people he managed. All members of the organization knew what was happening to the organization. Involvement was high for the survival of the entire manpower resource. This implies the depth and extent of knowledge by the employees that they had to scramble for transactions in the retail sector of the industry in order to find transactions for SRS. Also implied in the situation of SRS were the treasured training, relationship building, and maintenance of good leadership-employee relationship in good or bad times. From the viewpoint of the leadership, retrenchme nt in operations was necessary for survival. Although the story does not give details about what happened to employees connected to the sale of major assets tied with the big chunk of its real estate business, it can be imagined how employees were either transferred to the accountability of the new owner, Jones Lang La Salle, or probably transferred somewhere else. In an economic crisis, where people would
Monday, October 28, 2019
Thinking About Rewards Essay Example for Free
Thinking About Rewards Essay From the article entitled Dump the Cash, Load On The Praise, why is salary alone not a motivator?            According to the article, while money has its merits and value, it is often not enough. Studies show that employees have always valued other things more than money. These other things include: verbal and non-verbal affirmations and praise of performance; the respect of colleagues and peers; feeling that one is making a contribution; having interesting work, and; getting involved in and being informed about whats happening within the company.            The article explains that recognition is vital in boosting an employees esteem, which would in turn improve his/her performance. Recognition makes the employee do something special because he/she knows that someone will notice and someone will care.            In contrast, relying on money alone will get the work done. But it is not necessary the employees best work. It was also found that in this situation, employees often do their least, and do not go above and beyond expectations.            In addition to money, the article suggests a compendium of motivators praise, recognition, promotion and growth opportunities, and challenging work. After reading Nelsons top ten ways to motivate todays employees list, identify five suggestions from that list that would be effective strategies to use to motivate you as an employee. Explain.            Be willing to take the time to meet with and listen to employeesas much as they need or want. This is most important to me at my current job, because above all, I need to learn about the job. Having regular discussions with my boss would not only help me in the learning process, it also gives me a chance to clarify some things, as well as, provide an indicator of my progress.            Provide specific feedback about performance of the person, the department and the organization. Basically, for reasons the same as above. Only this would also provide me with a glimpse of what values, attitudes and performance indicators are getting more weight. It also helps me learn more about the company, the people and the dynamics.            Strive to create a work environment that is open, trusting and fun. Encourage new ideas and initiative.  I like to work in an environment where I dont feel the need to conform to everyone elses expectations. And since I am new, I expect to contribute some systems that I have learned in the past. I want to be able to try out these systems without any fear of making mistakes, the same mistakes that we all can learn from. I would like to be able to express ideas and not be shot down without getting heard.            Involve employees in decisions, especially when those decisions affect them. I think its only fair to involve me in decisions about things that would affect me, both on a personal and professional level. That way, I can share my situation and opinions. It would also make me feel like my inputs are important, while giving me an opportunity to better understand the issue from the managements perspective.            Give people a chance to grow and learn new skills. Show them how you can help them meet their goals within the context of meeting the organizations goals. Create a partnership with each employee. Probably, the first thing that would make me leave is a sense of stagnation the feeling that I am no longer learning or the things Im doing is getting routine. From the Getting Happy with the Rewards King article, do you agree with Bob Nelson’s position that â€Å"while money is important to employees, thoughtful recognition motivates them to perform at higher levels?†Contrast Nelson’s perspective with that of Alfie Kohn in the For Best Results, Forget the Bonus article where he argues that rewards don’t work.             I agree with Nelson when he says that money is not everything, and that recognition motivates people to work at higher levels. I have seen this happen many times at work, with myself, or with my colleagues. Ive seen it happen in school.            It is also intuitive, and common sense. You cant get anything from beating a dead donkey. In the same manner that you cant get the best work out of a demoralized employee. Recognition builds the employees self-esteem, and shows him/her what is important in the organization. It helps him/her create positive relationships with colleagues and superiors.            Nelsons empirical ideas is backed by years of experience in human resources.            Kohn, on the other hand, drives home the point that the effect of rewards is, at most, temporary. Kohn argues that rewards are more like punishment. However, unlike Nelson, Kohns arguments are not rooted in research, or empirical observations. In fact, Kohns ideas run contrary to what Ive seen and learned thus far.            Sure, Kohn cites studies but fails to name them. I feel that the conclusions derived from these studies (if they do, in fact, exist) are either limited, or erroneous. Organizational behavior is a complex phenomenon that its difficult to weed out extraneous variables, even in most experimental settings. Kohn relates the findings found at an unnamed Midwestern company, where an incentive system was taken out. At first, Kohn says, the production went down as expected, but in the long term, production rose to a level at par or higher than before. Since the study was not actually named, we could only judge it from what Kohn wrote. Firstly, it seems simplistic that an experience or result at one company should apply to the general population. Secondly, Kohn failed to eliminate other causes, like the workers learning more about their processes or additional machinery acquired, and other things. For me, Kohns cited studies seem largely unscientific and and their applications are profoundly limited.            However, Kohn succeeds in explaining why recognition should work. Ironically, by comparing recognition and punishment, Kohn showed us that recognition as a catalyst for behavioral change has the same impact as punishment. We all report to work on time to avoid pay deduction, or a warning. We dont smoke in areas were not supposed to, because of the company policy, or the indignant stares we get. Like it or not, punishment works. By equating recognition with punishment, Kohn undermines his statement that recognition do not and will not work.            And since Kohn cites studies from social psychology, it would be interesting to know what Kohn thinks of conditioning theorists like Skinner who expoused the importance of positive reinforcement on behavior changes and learning.            In the end, all Kohn is arguing is the value of the reward involved, not the recognition system per se. For Kohn, a reward of higher value would make recognitions impact more felt. Intuit is cited as among the Fortunes Best Companies (#33 on the 2007 list, up from #78 in 2004) to work for because they have a corporate culture that is always focused on employee recognition. Go to the Intuit website and review their rewards program for employees http://web.intuit.com/about_intuit/careers/rewards/ . In light of our readings on rewards, what is your assessment of the Intuit rewards culture?             If I were to serve as a judge for Fortunes Best Companies to work for, Intuit would jump from #33 to at least the top 20. For one, Intuit has an enviable benefits package, including medical, vision and dental plans, a flexible spending account benefit, stock plans, assistance and referral programs.            While the Web site is largely silent on non-cash recognition, it can be inferred that the company cares for its employees. Its disability insurance that pays up to 70% of the employees basic salary promotes a sense of security for its labor force, in the event that something bad happens to them. The companys openness and assistance in their employees savings, as well as its assistance programs, also speaks about the companys concern. The company is also committed to help employees learn formally with a tuition assistance programs. Furthermore, the company even pays for their employees gym memberships and fitness classes.            More than that, the company says on its Web site that employees are recognized through cash and non-cash incentives.            Intuit is right up there on the list of best companies to work for because of all these. They are right on target and on track with recognizing their employees, making them a company to be emulated by others. How does your organization stack up with respect to creative and fun work environments with respect to reward systems?            I have just been recently hired as a contact representative by the Social Security Administration. Even though I am still in training, I find that my job is fulfilling based on what my colleagues tell me and what I see from them. First off, I have a supervisor who provides me regular feedback on my performance and how I am progressing, and even the things that I need to address or learn more. I work at an office that specifically values respect among its workers and to its callers. There is actually a written policy that says each employee must treat other employeesand customerswith respect, regardless of their race, gender, age, religion, etc. My colleagues are actually very friendly and helpful.            I also find that the very nature of my worktalking to a variety of people about their social security, their checks, and their benefitsis stimulating for me. There is always a new case with new circumstances every single day. I am grateful that my colleagues also find time to share their stories and their work. At various points of the day, we share tips on how to handle irate callers, or how to best process a complaint, or what to do in a particular instance.            Even if the SSA is a very structured organization, I find that we have leeways in handling calls. We actually can use our own methods in answering calls and getting the information to the callers. Its not that stiff. The quality of your work is based on how clearly youve communicated the information to the caller, and how you handled the caller.            Whats more, I work with people that puts a high value on camaraderie. Just yesterday, a colleague celebrated her birthday, and everybody chipped in to buy her a big chocolate cake, while our department boss gave her a bouquet of flowers.            I think Im going to like it there. In your experience, is employee recognition a scarce commodity in organizations? Why is that so?             No. I think I have been very lucky to be involved in organizations in the past that respected and valued diversity and initiative. In a way, I have been praised for my work. I have also been objectively reprimanded for lapses.            I am currently in an organization that strives to build relationships among its people. The same organization that is very clear with what it aims to achieve, and rewards the people who makes it happen.            Its not really just about commissions, or big fat incentives. Recognition comes in various forms. My personal criteria is that if it makes you feel warm all over, if it boosts your self-esteem, if it makes you want to repeat your behavior, then thats recognition. What is the most important lesson you took away from these readings and discussion?             My most important lesson is that while recognition has profound positive effects on the employeesand ultimately, the organizationit doesnt have to be expensive. Recognition could be as simple as a pat on the back, a good word, or singling out the employee/s who did good and thanking them. Recognition does not have to be elaborate, it just have to be apparent.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Essays --
Alcohol should be illegal in the United States. Alcohol is scientifically proven to be depressing. Alcohol have ruined millions of families in US and around the world. Some people drink alcohol to get out of their depression but in reality they are getting more depressed just like tobacco and other drugs. It is the fifth most dangerous drug in the world. It is very easy to get hands on these days around any corner of the world. Today everywhere we go, people have social gatherings or party, in these gatherings we show class, what’s a better way to show class then open up an expensive bottle of patron or absolute vodka? Yeah see were this is going a man can’t be judged by what he drinks. But should this mean Alcohol should be illegal? Alcohol consumption can cause several problems like health, automobile accidents and crimes. Now a days, drinking alcohol is not big deal even if you are twenty one year old. Alcohol is ethanol and that cause more than sixty diseases for example cancer, anemia, cirrhosis and many more. Alcohol is central nervous system depressant that slow down ...
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Aeneid and Odyssey - A Comparison between Aeneas, Achilles and Odysseus
Aeneid and Odyssey - A Comparison between Aeneas, Achilles and Odysseus      A comparison between Virgil's hero, Aeneas, and the Homeric heroes, Achilles and Odysseus, brings up the question concerning the relevance of the difference between the Homeric heroes and Aeneas. The differences in the poets' concerns are explained by the fact that Virgil lived many years after Homer, giving Virgil the advantage of a more developed literary and philosophical society than Homer had at his disposal. But the question remains: how are the differences between the Homeric heroes and Aeneas relevant to the epic at large? This question will be answered by first pointing out the differences between Greek and Roman society, then explaining how those differences relate to the heroes of the three epics at hand, and finally explaining how these differences allow Virgil to portray the Roman values and way of life as more structured and oriented towards a greater-good.  The differences in Greek and Roman societies arise primarily because of the different time periods in which they existed. But the geologic characteristics of Greece also played a role in the particularities of Greek society. The Greek peninsula is a mountainous region with neighboring islands that are known for their individualistic nature; in Homer's Odyssey islands are often occupied either by very few people or by people that are socially inept such as cannibals or the Cyclops. The Greek society, which was composed of various individual and independent city-states, followed from its geological surroundings since communication was such a difficult task. The few cultural aspects of life, such as language and religion, were the only things that gave... ... between Aeneas and the Homeric heroes, given an account of the historical and mythological background of Rome and demonstrated that the Roman way of life is necessarily more structured and community oriented than the Homeric Greek way of life. Virgil wrote The Aeneid as an ode to the greatness of Rome, we could imagine that as he wrote it he was in constant competition with Homer because The Aeneid was a proclamation of greatness for the Romans as the Homeric epics were for the Greeks. But Virgil took advantage of the flaws that the Homeric Heroes had and gave the corresponding virtues to Aeneas thus ensuring Aeneas' superiority and consequently Rome's superiority.  Works Cited and Consulted: Homer. The Odyssey. Trans. Robert Fagles. New York: 1996 Virgil. The Aeneid. Translated by Robert Fitzgerald. New York: Vintage Books, 1990. Â
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Consumer Behaviour Essay
Art consumers in the modern world have increased their buying capacity of art as paradigms shifts to knowledge and information based concepts. Cultural diversity and technology are developing new forms of art and ways to market these art pieces to a wider range of art consumers. However, there is no room for complacency in art managers of art galleries. It is still best to incorporate sound motivational theories that guide marketing efforts towards being robust, effective and efficient. Three motivational theories had been highlighted forming a well-rounded strategy to approach art gallery marketing. Maslow’s heirarchy of needs gives a step-by-step escalation of man’s satisfaction levels. It was noted that although art cannot satisfy physiological needs, consumers can still be motivated to buy art as objects to satisfy their needs of self-esteem, belongingness and need to self-actualize. McGuire’s advice on motivating people offers looking into the cognitive and affective factors of man’s thinking process. The more art gallery marketing efforts cater to affective faculties of their consumers, the more selling will take place. And lastly, the theory of Freud has been chosen as another guidepost in defining what makes the consumer buy. Innate biological elements found in man such as sexual desires is the most commonly known Freudian motivation that is closely related to selling art. Construction of marketing strategies to sell art does not end in incorporating concepts from these motivation theories. These motivations must further zoom in on the consumer eventually. The way to fine tune the marketing strategy is to incorporate concepts found in the five-step decision making process that all consumers go through.  As the art buyer goes from recognizing his need to gathering information that will lead him to a possible purchase, to evaluating criteria affecting his possible purchase, to his actual purchase and to coming up with insights that happens during his post purchase, the marketing strategy of the art gallery is put into a test. INTRODUCTION The art market is slowly evolving. Art has evolved into many forms and galleries have transformed to accommodate a wide range of consumers. With the entrance of innovative technology, cultural diversity and faster access to information, art galleries been challenged to study and understand consumer behavior of this widening niche. â€Å"For the last few years, the media have trumpeted contemporary art as the hottest new investment. At fairs, auction houses and galleries, an influx of new buyers–many of them from the world of finance–have entered the fray. Lifted by this tidal wave of new money, the number of thriving artists, galleries and consultants has rocketed upwards.†(Spiegler, 2006) But amidst all this buying frenzy, sellers have remained steadfast to the consumer behavior theories that guide the markets. Buying behavior theories have not changed and remained formidable in figuring out what buyers want, why they want, how they avail of these wants and the factors that affect these decisions. Consumers of art hold special focused studies. Consumers who buy art also buy gas, groceries, basic services and insurance. Though there is culture in gas, groceries, basic services and insurance, these commodities does not directly fall under art. Art products and services are born out of a cultural industry. These consumers have their own consumer behaviors. â€Å"Consumer behavior is the process involved when individual or groups select, purchase, use, and dispose of goods, services, ideas, or experiences to satisfy their needs and desires. It is important that marketers understand consumer behavior because wants and needs are satisfied best when marketers understand the behaviors of consumers.†(Hawkins, 1998) Therefore, appropriate buyer behavior theories must be employed to so that marketing strategies to sell products in art galleries will be most appropriate, effective, efficient and economical. THE PRODUCT AND SERVICE Marketing strategies start with knowing the product or service. Characteristics of these items for sale will be essential in finding the consumers who would want to buy them. Art encompass a wide variety of products and services. Art galleries themselves have evolved into stores that sell different art genres depending on how one beholds something as art, from the flea markets selling antiques to the fine art galleries bidding by the millions. Applied and decorative art are products found in advertising, architecture and urban design. Crafts, jewelry, fashion, industrial, product and interior design fall under this art category. Entertainment art provides enjoyment services such as film, recording and TV programs. â€Å"Fine art is motivated by ‘art-for-art’s-sake’. It is the primary research and development segment of the arts industry. It generates ‘enlightenment’, i.e. it sheds light on the nature of the human condition – on the individual and society. â€Å"It is primarily in the fine arts that new talent and technique are developed; new scripts and scores created; and, new images and styles set. Results of fine art ‘R&D’, like the results of scientific research, are sometimes adopted by for-profit enterprises in and out of the arts industry. And, as in pure science, fine art is not financially self-supporting. The right to fail is an essential artistic and scientific freedom – a freedom that requires patience and risk-taking on the part of patrons, investors and audiences.†(Chartrand, 2000) Heritage art subsumes all kind of art. It feeds contemporary art and is the one that sets standards of the following generations. This art inspires creators and enriches artists through its integration of scarcity and aesthetic value while employing a sense of social relevance and cohesion.  â€Å"Between 1969 and 1989, heritage art yielded the highest return of all financial investment opportunities (The Economist July 1, 1989). Furthermore, theft of antiquities is the most lucrative international crime. Ounce for ounce, an antiquity can be more valuable than drugs. It can yield a higher return, at lower risk of being caught, and generally produces less jail time if one is convicted†(Chartrand 1992a). MOTIVATIONS OF THE ART CONSUMER A person who walks into an art gallery is differently motivated compared to a person who walks into a McDonald’s burger store. A company who buys a 10 million art work does so with objectives different from its putting up a building worth about the same cost. Consumers of art are motivated differently and theories defining these motivations can help marketing strategist clear marketing goals and activities. Maslow’s Heirarchy of Needs Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) has been one of the century’s great inspiration in personality theories. The Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as illustrated in Figure 1 has helped both researchers, scholars, scientists and most specially marketing executives on how to motivate clients and consumers. Maslow believes that man is motivated based on the level of satisfaction he can achieve at a particular time when the product or service is offered him. And the levels of satisfaction starts from getting his physiological needs, then his safety needs and subsequently his belonging needs, esteem needs until he arrives at his self-actualization. Figure 1. Maslow’s Heirarchy of Needs (Boeree, 1998) â€Å"Maslow suggested the intuitively appealing notion that humans must satisfy the most basic objectives before they can move onto â€Å"higher level†ones. Thus, an individual must satisfy physiological needs (such as food and liquid) before he or she will be able to expend energy on less fundamental objectives such as safety. Only when basic objectives have been met will a person move on to seek such objectives as love and belonging, and only a small minority of people make it as far as seeking self-actualization.†(Boeree, 1998) Art consumers at the art galleries are motivated to satisfy a certain level of need as illustrated in Maslow’s diagram. Art definitely cannot be eaten and cannot quench physical thirst. Consumers who are still struggling to satisfy their physiological needs in the normal circumstances will not buy Art. Art buyers are usually motivated to consume art to satisfy safety, belongingness, need for self-esteem and to perform their self-actualization. A person will buy art to safeguard savings. Certain works of art appreciate in value as the artist becomes more popular or when he dies. More than once, the cultural scene has witnessed these value increases and rich people have coveted owning these masterpieces not for their artistic magnificence but more for their financial value.  A person will buy art to satisfy belongingness especially if he or she finds himself trying to get into company of art buyers. Belongingness would sometimes overpower physical hunger especially in these modern days when people have gone towards the limits of individualism isolating themselves from social groups that provide comfort in belongingness. In the early years of high art, kings and queens would have their portraits painted by in house artists such as Michael Angelo and Da Vinci. These portraits help a person increase his self-esteem. Coffee shops, banks and other commercial establishment hang works of art in their walls not so much for decorative purposes but these products increase the company’s self-esteem. Their clients are able to admire the company knowing that the company they chose is of the cultured type and can afford these works of art. Based on the Maslow’s Heirarchy of Needs, the marketing strategy must realize that in order for art galleries to sell their products, it has to appeal to the motivations of the people walking into the gallery. These gallery visitors are basically interested in art and the curator must work on satisfying needs. Marketing campaigns must cater to satisfying client’s need to raise his self-esteem or need to satisfy his belongingness. Strategies such as knowing the client’s kind of groupie or the client’s thoughts of himself will be a few effective tactics towards forging a sale. FREUDIAN THEORY Though highly controversial and continuously debated upon by psychoanalysts, Sigmund Freud has been the most popular theorist of the century due to the sexual nature of his findings. Basically, he suggests that â€Å"(1) much behavior has a biological basis which is (2) often sexual in nature, and (3) that early experiences in childhood will have a profound, but unconscious effect on later life–e.g., people who are rejected in an early, â€Å"oral†phase of development may become â€Å"oral retentive†and end up as wine connoisseurs later in life.†(Hawkins, 1998) For Freud, people are motivated by their sex drives. Though some sectors of the scientific communities do not believe this, advertising, film and marketing have used the Freudian theories and have remained successful in the promotion and selling of their products. Cars, cigarette, alcohol and other vices have used sex at one point or another in their commercials, posters or corporate IDs. MTV’s have evolved into using pretty boys and sexy girls to get the maximum buying power of teenagers and young adults. Even new generation anime features voluptuous heroes, heroines and villains. Wonder Woman has never been as seductive and Superman has been redrawn to sport more muscles that spell musk. Though Freud never really thought sexuality in the new millennium context, evolutionists understands this kind of sexual motivation due to the inherent nature of human beings to help the species survive and sustain power over the natural kingdom. The only way to keep from extinction is to continue procreation. In Darwinian logic, motivation to procreation is as sensible as breathing. Sex has always helped sell art. Art from ancient Greece such as sculptures Adonis or Venus were sometimes seen as pornographic. Though these artworks of nudity became monuments of great cities and tourist destinations that earn millions of dollars, parent of little children still become uneasy explaining nudity in these kinds of art works. Marketing art with tactics from the Freudian theories that sex sells would make marketing of art forms planned in a way that it attracts sexual motivations from the buyers. Art galleries, when opening an exhibit usually employs wine, beautiful ladies in little black dresses and music that appeals to the possible clients. This type of marketing style that is guided by Freudian motivation theories supports art works that have sexual undertones already in them. Bar owner Schrager narrates the reason for buying an artwork. â€Å"According to Schrager, the decision to commission Clemente for the ceiling mural and lamps was an easy one. â€Å"I love Clemente’s work, and I thought a ceiling mural would be appropriate for the place and location. For me, a lot of Clemente’s work has sexual undertones, and I thought it would fit in perfectly in the bar.†(Silberman, 2001) MCGUIRE THEORY OF MOTIVATION McGuire’s psychology of motivation stems from his cognitive and affective experimentations. Thinkers are seen to carry out directed-thinking tasks. These thought systems in people illustrate their motivations.  â€Å"Five dimensions that together provide an inclusive description of thought systems were identified. Two dimensions are cognitive: (1) size; and (2) cognitive-affirmational bias. Two others are affective: (3) affective desirability bias; and (4) people-favorability bias. The fifth dimension is (5) cognitive-affective congruence.†(McGuire, 2006) McGuire believes that affective stimulus influence the cognitive aspect of human motivations more. Men and women have different thought patterns since they react differently to stimulus. Knowing this, it is important for art galleries to note who has the buying power when couples walk into the gallery to purchase the artwork. At culturally diverse markets, art managers need to address what could stimulate affective motivations in their clients. Sometimes, talking to an art manager who understands the client’s affective stimulus like race or culture is effective. â€Å"More buying power translates into more art-buying ability. Art dealers and publishers are keenly aware of this. But what they also need to understand is that while African Americans are looking to buy more high-quality art, they’re also looking to buy from dealers and publishers who understand them and will cater to them.†(Hagan, 2004) 5 STAGES OF DECISION MAKING PROCESS Equipped with the three motivational theories above, the next important part of the marketing strategy is integrating the promotional or advertising activities to the five stages of the decision making process that each art buyers goes through whenever they are in making a decision whether to buy, to buy later, or not to buy. Source: http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~renglish/370/notes/chapt05/ Problem recognition is the stage where the buyer becomes aware of his need. Awareness of needs does not happen like magic. Need is stimulated. The client must be aware of his need from its unconscious state to the conscious and articulate status. Commercials that stimulate problem recognition are effective because they can visually show what the client does not have and therefore, just by looking at advertisement, the client realizes his lack of that product thereby moving towards the process of coveting the product for himself. A blank wall will stimulate a need to buy art. An empty corner can stimulate a person to acquire a statue. Occasions and celebrations from birthdays to monthly anniversaries to grandmom or grandpop days and other more outlandish occasions can also create the rationale to make the consumers think of buying art. The second phase is where the client begins to look for information that will lead him into being able to find the product or the service that can quench his need. In the case of art galleries, a person must be able to find the art gallery. This ease of art gallery access will be attained with proper promotions and advertising. Art gallery accessibility geographically will also be essential in attracting buyers who are currently looking for information so satisfy their needs. The Internet is the latest virtual shop where buyers from around the world can be tuned in at the same time. With the Internet platform as marketing tool, selling is definitely without borders and without pressure of time. The buyer from spread of mouth information can also acquire details on how to locate the art gallery. Employers had always stressed good service because positive feedback is the gateway of businesses. With the information at hand, the consumer goes to the third stage of the decision making process which is the evaluation stage where alternatives are ranked. â€Å"This stage establishes the criteria for evaluation, features the buyer wants or does not want. Rank/weight alternatives or resume search. May decide that you want to eat something spicy, indian gets highest rank. If not satisfied with your choice then return to the search phase. Can you think of another restaurant? Look in the yellow pages etc. Information from different sources may be treated differently. Marketers try to influence by â€Å"framing†alternatives.†(classnotes, 2006) Art galleries’ marketing strategy must make sure that the criteria set by its consumers are achieved. After product characteristics, price is usually the next criteria that the client considers. For art, the prices depend on a flexible standard. Other pieces are â€Å"priceless†while other art products are set by how the community valuates the artist. This is where the talent of the art manager or the curator comes in. Framing the art product, literally and figuratively spells putting on more weight on the piece or turning the off the client’s needs which will surely fail selling the product when the fifth decision making process starts. The fourth stage is the purchase stage. The buying value is affected by three possibilities as the client decides from whom to buy, when to buy or if the client decides not to buy. Purchase from art galleries will be affected by the terms of sale, credibility of the establishment and return policies. Tax information on artwork is an important information that will tip the scales towards the sales. A news clipping shows reaction of buyers and galleries on impositions of added tax to art pieces. â€Å"Paying an 8.8 percent tax on art doesn’t discourage him or his wife, Virginia, from buying, but he said he could imagine â€Å"it would slow some people down.†That’s what worries the Seattle Art Museum.†(Hackett, 2005) The atmosphere of the art gallery, and happiness of the shopping experience influences the time of sale. Some galleries maintain calmness in the gallery depicting unstressful experience for the buyer. Especially with purchases of millions of dollars, the atmosphere must be as much stress free as possible. The last stage of the process is the post purchase stage where the client reflects on the purchase that he did. The buyer usually compares the purchase with his expectations based on the need he originally formed. In the post purchase stage, either the art consumer is satisfied or unsatisfied with the purchase. Customer satisfaction or dissatisfaction is affected by his value perceptions. Art buyers know there is inherent value in art works. Physically, art is just a piece of paper or canvass with pigment but the images and visualization that the artwork shares to the consumer is what is of value that have been purchased. For artwork, one piece may create more value to another person depending on the level of beauty value he gets from the work of art. His satisfaction therefore depends on the value that the art product or experience in buying the artwork communicates to the buyer. Art galleries are cultural venues where patrons are soon established. The repeat-purchase behavior found in the art galleries must be high and excellent because these repeat buyers are also automatic promotional agents of the art gallery. Appreciating an art piece in a hotel lobby, an interested consumer would normally ask where the piece was bought. And that is first lead of the art gallery that happens outside the gallery. Patrons of the art help in lessening the cognitive dissonance of art consumers. When there is a feeling of anxiety after purchase, the consumer looks for elements outside his decision that would help him be assured of his purchase and publicity of the art gallery’s success or social responsibility or how famous people patronize the gallery helps in relieving cognitive dissonance in post purchase stages of consumer decision making process. CONCLUSION Everyone buys art at one time or another. The time and cost of art that an individual buys depends on his motivations as incorporated in many studies in consumer behavior backed by psychological discourse and experimentations. With the need for the art industry to profit and keep the industry afloat, marketing strategies benefit from these motivational theories. It is safe to note that whenever a painting or a piece of art lands in a hotel lobby, or a financial establishment, a museum or simply in a living room wall, much human activity has been put into it that basically further increases it s social and cultural value. References Boeree, George. 1998. Abraham Maslow. Retrieved October 31, 2006 from http://www.ship.edu/~cgboeree/maslow.html Chartrand, Harry Hillman. 2000. The Public Life of the Arts in America†¨Joni Cherbo and M. Wyszomirski (eds),†¨Rutgers University Press, April 2000 Classnotes. 2006. Consumer Buying Behavior. Retrieved October 31, 2006 from http://www.udel.edu/alex/chapt6.html Silberman, Vanessa. 2000. Results of Consumer Survey Shed Light on Art Buying Behavior. Art Business News, Nov, 2000 Hagan, Debbie. 2004. Black buying power shows strength in art: growing incomes and more national exposure of African-American art translates into a widening base of art buyers – news. Art Business News, Jan, 2004 Hackett, Regina and Michelle Nicolosi. 2005. Art collectors fault state agency on tax issue. Seattle Post – Intelligencer Reporters. Friday May 27, 2005. Retrieved October 31, 2006 from http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/226106_reactart26.html?source=rss Hawkins, Del I., Roger J. Best, and Kenneth A. Coney (1998), Consumer Behavior: Building Marketing Strategy, 7th ed., Boston: McGraw Hill. McGuire, William J. & Claire V. McGuire, Yale University. 2006. Cognitive versus affective aspects of phenomenal thought systems focused on persons. Retrieved October 31, 2006 from http://www.sydneysymposium.unsw.edu.au/1999/abstracts.htm Spiegler, Marc. 2006. Time to Reform the Art Market? The Art Newpaper. Retrieved October 31, 2006 from http://www.forbes.com/collecting/2005/05/30/cx_0530conn_ls.html
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Free Essays on Prejudice In “The Merchant Of Veniceâ€Â
In the play â€Å"The Merchant of Venice†by William Shakespeare many forms of prejudice are expressed through various characters in the duration of the play. There are several prejudice comments made by various characters, however, Shakespeare also includes statements that support his tolerance. This is what has aroused the controversial question of whether or not he shares the common prejudice of the Elizabethan era. After examining the play, we see that Shakespeare is somewhat prejudice, however, he has more of an enlightened opinion. In this play the audience is exposed to various forms of prejudice such as Portia’s casual discrimination towards several ethnicities and Shylock being a character that runs into an abundance of hardships and obstacles; we are able to realize that this supports the theory that Shakespeare did in fact share a portion of the prejudice. Through Portia’s discrimination towards the prince of Morocco, the prince of Spain, Arragon; and against people of Jewish origin, the audience is able to recognize Shakespeare’s prejudice. It seems as though Shakespeare tries to build sympathy for her character beforehand, by revealing her to the audience as a kind and loving woman, who is looking for love, yet her frame of mind is very unjust. We are first witness to her prejudice when she is made aware of Morrocco’s arrival: â€Å"If he have the condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil I would rather he shrive me than wive me.†(I, iii, 129-130) Poriaâ€⠄¢s comment reveals her intolerance for dark complexions, she is admitting to her superficiality. We are able to determine that Portia is not concerned with the actual person, only with race. She does not accept differences and turns her back to even a man with a saint-like disposition, simply because of the colour of his skin. The second encounter with Portia’s prejudice is with Arragon. She did not even serve him supper. Portia is very quick to judge,... Free Essays on Prejudice In â€Å"The Merchant Of Venice†Free Essays on Prejudice In â€Å"The Merchant Of Venice†In the play â€Å"The Merchant of Venice†by William Shakespeare many forms of prejudice are expressed through various characters in the duration of the play. There are several prejudice comments made by various characters, however, Shakespeare also includes statements that support his tolerance. This is what has aroused the controversial question of whether or not he shares the common prejudice of the Elizabethan era. After examining the play, we see that Shakespeare is somewhat prejudice, however, he has more of an enlightened opinion. In this play the audience is exposed to various forms of prejudice such as Portia’s casual discrimination towards several ethnicities and Shylock being a character that runs into an abundance of hardships and obstacles; we are able to realize that this supports the theory that Shakespeare did in fact share a portion of the prejudice. Through Portia’s discrimination towards the prince of Morocco, the prince of Spain, Arragon; and against people of Jewish origin, the audience is able to recognize Shakespeare’s prejudice. It seems as though Shakespeare tries to build sympathy for her character beforehand, by revealing her to the audience as a kind and loving woman, who is looking for love, yet her frame of mind is very unjust. We are first witness to her prejudice when she is made aware of Morrocco’s arrival: â€Å"If he have the condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil I would rather he shrive me than wive me.†(I, iii, 129-130) Poriaâ€⠄¢s comment reveals her intolerance for dark complexions, she is admitting to her superficiality. We are able to determine that Portia is not concerned with the actual person, only with race. She does not accept differences and turns her back to even a man with a saint-like disposition, simply because of the colour of his skin. The second encounter with Portia’s prejudice is with Arragon. She did not even serve him supper. Portia is very quick to judge,...
Monday, October 21, 2019
Anselms Onotological Arguments Essay
Anselms Onotological Arguments Essay Anselms Onotological Arguments Essay BIB1001 Old Testament History and Literature University of Northwestern Mark H. Muska Fall 2013 1-2 Kings 1. Author: unknown, but probably one person because of the unity of writing style throughout the books. 1.1 As with 1-2 Samuel, the writer had access to several named sources: Book of the Acts of Solomon (1 Kings 11:41), Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah (14:29) and Israel (14:19). 1.2 The author appears to write soon after the start of the Babylonian Captivity (c. 550). He refers to the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah taken to Babylon (2 Kings 25), to the 37th year of the exile (25:27), but does not mention the return from Babylon. 1.3 Some of the great writers of that period include Jeremiah, Ezekiel, or Ezra. 2. Date: the events of 1 Kings begin with David very old and his successor in question, about 970. 2 Kings ends noting King Jehoiachin’s release from prison in Babylon in about 560. Without definite evidence to the contrary, the book was probably written soon after the events in the book conclude, somewhere in the middle of the Babylonian exile in the mid-500’s. 3. Structure: as with 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings appear to have originally been one book because there is no major break in the narrative from 1 Kings to 2 Kings. The two books together have three major sections. 3.1 United Kingdom: David and Solomon (1 Kings 1-11). 3.2 Divided Kingdom: Israel and Judah (1 Kings 12 to 2 Kings 17). 3.3 Kingdom of Judah (2 Kings 18-25). 4. Purpose: to evaluate the rise and fall of Israel because of the disobedience of the kings. The books could be appropriately titled â€Å"The Rise, Decline, and Fall of the Hebrew Monarchy.†5. United Kingdom: David and Solomon (1 Kings 1-11). 5.1 This section explains the initial deterioration of the nation after it reaches its greatest power. 5.2 The nation expands to its greatest power with Solomon, yet because of his wandering, the nation begins to decline. It is predicted that the Northern tribes will be torn from Solomon and his family (1 Kings 11:11-13). 5.3 David establishes Solomon as king just before David’s death (1 Kings 2:12) and charges Solomon to remain faithful, for the kingdom to endure (1 Kings 2:1-4). 5.4 Solomon serves God with sincerity, seeking the good of the nation by asking for wisdom to rule well (1 Kings 3:6-9). 5.5 God grants grants Solomon’s request for wisdom, then God prospers him like no other king in Israel before or after (1 Kings 3:10-14). 5.6 Solomon is also faithful to build the temple (1 Kings 6:1). 5.61 God promises to bless Solomon, but the promise is conditional (1 Kings 6:11-13). 5.62 How do we reconcile this condition on Solomon with the unconditional promise to David in 2 Samuel 7? Each son of David must follow God to prosper. If they do not, God will put another son of David on the throne in their place. 5.63 The temple is fabulous and ornate (1 Kings 6:23-28, for example). 5.64 God dwells in the Temple (1 Kings 8:10-11). 5.65 Israel celebrates with worship and joy (1 Kings 8:62-66). 5.7 Solomon and the entire nation prosper greatly (1 Kings 10:14-21). 5.71 Solomon’s house is also build, symbolizing that as God’s presence is established in the nation (in the Temple being built), the king is also established with a firm rule (7:1-12). 5.8 Yet the end of Solomon’s life is tragic. Solomon wanders away from the Lord to idols (1 Kings 11:1-4). The consequences for him and the nation are far-reaching. 5.81 The immediate result is adversity for Solomon and the nation: Hadad the Edomite (1 Kings 11:14-22), Rezon (11:23-25), and, most significantly, Jeroboam (11:26). 5.82 The long-term result is that most of the tribes will be taken from David’s dynasty. Only Judah will remain (11:9-13, 29-36). 5.83 David’s line of kings is inconsistent after the time of Solomon, over the next 400 years. Some are great kings, and the kingdom prospers.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
buy custom Government and Business essay
buy custom Government and Business essay Government plays an important role in ensuring that businesses act responsibly in providing quality and effective services to its public. Therefore, it may intervene in business for various reasons. For example, in case of antitrust issues, regulate prices as well as control the economy. The government may also seek to control the level of competition among different firms in the market. AT T and T-mobile firms are involved in provision of wireless services in United States. Due to intense competition between them, the government is looking forward towards merging them. However, this has both negative and positive effects on the firm being affected as well as to consumers. Deputy Attorney General James M. Coles argues that combination of AT T and T-mobile would lead to loss of jobs of tens of millions of consumers (Sheffrin, 2003. This may also lead to lack of variety due to fewer choices, increased prices of services provision as well as low quality products. Innovations are also diminished in the sector of mobile services provision. This is due to lack of competition in the market. Government seeks to achieve social efficiency and equality in provision of goods and services for the benefit of the public (Kohler, 2005). Therefore, government directly or indirectly regulates public goods provided in the market. Monopolization or reduction of number of firms in the market by the government may imply loss of variety. This is due to loss of consumer and producer surplus. Competition is essential as it leads to improvement of goods and services provision in order to retain market share by the firms (Sheffrin, 2003). According to FCC official, consumers have the rights to receive quality services. He argues that competition policy should be reviewed to ensure that there is fair competition in the market. Both powerful and growing industries have the right to participate in the market. No firm should be forced to merger provided that it is able to stand on its own. In conclusion, government intervention in business may involve reducing competitive effects. Nevertheless, a fair consideration should be given when such activities are being undertaken. Mainly, consumers are the losers in such cases. Therefore, the outcomes are mainly unfavorable to both consumers and the targeted firms. Buy custom Government and Business essay
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Literature Review of My Dissertation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
Literature Review of My Dissertation - Essay Example Prior to the international disaster setting in, it was flourishing and was considered to be Turkey’s trademark and a proof of the active role it played in world economic trade scenario. â€Å"The Turkish shipbuilding industry has made a considerable contribution to the Turkish economy with 1.5 billion $ from new ship building, 1 billion $ from repair and maintenance activities. Furthermore, industry creates an employment opportunity to 25,000 people directly and 100,000 people in total with related industries. In 2007, 98 ships with a total of 670.000 DWT were delivered. 80 Ships and yachts were already contracted for 2008. Over the past three years, Turkey has gone from being the world’s 23rd largest shipbuilder to being 8th on the list.†(Tulay Uyanik) It was truly global in its reach and remained commercially lucrative and profitable for a very long period of time till the worldwide financial recession gripped this business too in its vicious claws. Mr.Zaman, Minister of Transport Binali Yildirim says, â€Å"The shipbuilding capacity has increased by an average of 65 percent in the last four years. The number of shipyards operating or about to start operating in Tuzla as well as in the Black Sea, Izmit Gulf, Yalova, in the Aegean or Mediterranean has reached 60. We used to build ships of up to 20,000 tons maximum but we are currently able to build ships of up to 60,000-70,000 tons.†(www.turks.us) The once-prosperous community of owners who were doing extremely well earlier are now facing a grim situation coupled with many challenges like the over-valued lira which is the currency of Turkey, an unexpected spurt in the overall costs of running the ships and large amounts of contributions made towards the social security benefits of the crew members aboard these active ships. The high costs of protecting the workers’ interests increased the maintenance
Friday, October 18, 2019
Problems in calculating national income Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Problems in calculating national income - Essay Example One of the most common problems that countries, especially developing countries face in this process is lack of expertise, as the methodology involves need highly professional experts, economics, and analysts that may complete the process in an accurate manner while eliminating as much human errors as they can (Bosch, pp. 11-14, 1992). However, a huge number of countries are experiencing shortage of such qualified individuals. Besides, lack of technical equipments is also significant issue exists in this methodology, as many countries do not have access to advanced technologies required for the calculation. Thirdly, determination of depreciation is a complicated step in the process that creates problems for economists. One of the basic reasons behind this is the characteristic of depreciation being estimation rather than an accurate deduction that results in inaccurate figures of the national incomes (Dombusch, pp. 23-25, 2005). In addition, experts (Jain, pp. 52-57, 2008) have identified another problem that relates to decisions regarding inclusion and exclusion of certain products and services. In specific, economists face confrontations while deciding to consider government spending on social welfare, development expenses, interests against debts, etc that often results in wrong calculation of the national income. Moreover, experts (Wall, pp. 39-42, 2008) have noticed that globalization has resulted in existence of huge number of foreign organizations working in a country, and economists face difficulties while determining whether to include income of such companies in their national income or not. However, the IMF has played a vital role in suggesting that economists should include income, as well as production activities in the owning country while ignoring the profits that should go in the national income of the parent country. Furthermore, studies (Jain, pp. 39-41, 2008) related to the calculation of national income have shown that
Journalism - The Culture and Civiliztion tradition and the Frankfurt Essay
Journalism - The Culture and Civiliztion tradition and the Frankfurt School agree that mass culture is bad for us but for different reasons. Discuss - Essay Example Both the Frankfurt School and the Culture and Civilization tradition put forward the same point that mass culture is not good for us but they presented different reasons to support their views. The Frankfurt school is not supportive of mass culture because it puts forward the opinion that mass culture gives way to capitalism. According to this thought mass culture only puts forward the opinion and the culture of the people who are politically dominant and imposes this upon the people who are less powerful and the minorities. It explains that mass culture is the culture that is the ways and the methods adopted by the people who are politically powerful or financially stronger. These ways are then enforced upon the working class that is the people who are weak so that the power of the already powerful remains intact (Nealon & IRR 2002). The Frankfurt school claims that mass culture depoliticizes the lower class. The Frankfurt school suggests that with new technologies men have been replaced with machinery and there is more leisure time and hence more exposure so there is greater spread of mass culture and hence there is greater oppression and suppression of the working class . according to this thought mass culture destroys individuality and diminishes the creativity and thoughts of an individual by enforcing upon everyone the thoughts of the popular masses (Storey 1998,2001). Adorno who is a prominent thinker of the Frankfurt school writes in his book Dialectic of Enlightment: â€Å"The purity of bourgeois art, which hypostatized itself as a world of freedom in contrast to what was happening in the material world, was from the beginning bought with the exclusion of the lower classes - with whose cause, the real universality, art keeps faith precisely by its freedom from the ends of false universality†(Adorno, Horkheimer & Cumming 1979, p 120-167). Although the culture and civilization tradition is also against mass culture but it puts forward different
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Business Communication 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
Business Communication 2 - Assignment Example The facilitation of nonverbal communication is featured by the use of gestures, body language, facial expression of eye contact etc. Besides these features, the prospect of one person’s speech being different from another by way of voice, style and stress also constitutes to the functioning of nonverbal communication. Similarly, even in written format of communication, there are certain features like handwriting, organization of sentences and the word selection can altogether constitute an insignia of a person’s nonverbal communication elements. The following paragraphs give a clear-cut ideal of the scope, function and practical application of nonverbal communication in different spheres of life. It is also essential to recognize the prominence of the seven aspects of this model of contact between people such as paralanguage, body language, environment, distance, touch, time and eye contact has to be clearly evaluated for their use and management in the practical applic ation of nonverbal communication. Managing nonverbal communication Managing communication in the absence of words is arguably one of the most challenging tasks for the managers of organized groups. It is equally important to manage the feelings and their reflections in the daily life of individuals. There can be many examples of the regular life of individuals in which they have to adopt the process of nonverbal communication aspects. Sometimes a look or a gesture does the role of a great command. In other contexts, body language or time set for a regular action can influence the stakeholders of the process of exchange of information. There can be certain references to prove that the use of words and their pronunciation doubtlessly making the communication easier and more cognitive; however, the transfer of feelings and intellectual significance of a conversation or relationship between individuals is influenced more by non-verbal communication channels than the routine voice based elements. For instance, as Soon (2012) points out, a meeting of two people is specifically garnished by their shaking each other’s hands or by a hugging; in either case, the process of the meeting commences with the routine greeting of the time covering that meeting. From a certain angle of view, it is visibly annoying to find that the absence of such a physical endorsement of feelings makes the communication less effective. In order to manage the communication using the nonverbal media, the communicator has to effectively analyze and make use of his body language, touch and vocal qualities with the careful concern for time, space and situations. Moreover, it may also be regulated and empowered by the use of symbols and graphic pictures developed by the modern technology such as printed documents, visual projects and placards etc (Pecha Kucha 6 minutes 40 seconds). The functional success of a nonverbal medium is directly connected to time and environment at which it is used. If a person winks an eye at a stranger as a gesture of information transfer, it becomes provoking sometimes to the opposite person. For another instance, the combined atmosphere and distance effect in a nonverbal communication event matters to a great extent in the completion of a meaningful transfer of information. In military operations and surgical or scientific experimental environments, the need for gestures as a device is necessary; and the right cognitive effect of this is analysed by the timing of such
Article Critique Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Critique - Article Example These articles have provided sufficient background information for the study. Key words are necessary in every research and should be stated in the research paper. Wilson et.al (2005) addressed the use cohorts or isolation to prevent or reduce the spread of MRSA in ICU’s. Willey et.al (2008) discusses the risk factors for MRSA in roommates who are infected with MRSA in acute-care hospitals. Fernandez et.al (2002), is focused on the role of patient isolation is the control of the spread of MRSA in acute care. Gholson, Landry and Ribner (1986) talks of modified versus strict isolation in prevention of MRSA spread. b. Research objectives Gholson, Landry and Ribner (1986) examine the various infection control methods to prevent the spread of MRSA. Wilson et.al (2005) and Fernandez et.al (2002) aims at determining whether patient, staff or visitor compliance with the isolation practices have effects on the nosocomial transmission of MRSA. Willey et.al (2008) investigates the differ ent risk factors for MRSA acquisition in those patients who are exposed to MRSA colonized roommate. Fernandez et.al (2002) evaluates the efficiency of the isolation practices towards the minimization of the spread of MRSA. ... This means that the research aimed at achieving all the set objectives. c. Planned behavior theory The four articles used the planned behavior theory in underpinning the study to determine the characteristics and behaviors of the patients before and after the study. The framework chosen is quite clear and well stated and fit well with the research objectives and problem. The theoretical framework for the study is well explained and referenced. For example, the author on the article about â€Å"Strict vs. modified isolation of prevention of transmission of MRSA†has used Infect Control 1986; 7(6):317-320 to reference the foundation of the study where all hospitalized patients suffering from MRSA were put in modified isolation precautions. The theoretical frameworks for the other studies apart from the study on â€Å"Isolation of patients in single rooms in order to reduce MRSA spread in ICUs†have been well referenced. d. Methods Independent and dependent variables The v ariables chosen in each study are highly linked to the research objectives as they were adopted to help the researchers in achieving the stated research objectives. All the four studies have chosen different study institutions for a given study period of 4- 12 months. Wilson et.al (2005) undertook a one year study in ICU’s and the variables were MRSA colonization as the independent variable and weekly screen as the dependent variable. Willey et.al (2008) used MRSA infection and infection control logs as the study variables. Gholson, Landry and Ribner (1986) used daily reviews of all organism and infection control program as it variables while Wilson et.al (2005) used infection control program and various isolation
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Business Communication 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
Business Communication 2 - Assignment Example The facilitation of nonverbal communication is featured by the use of gestures, body language, facial expression of eye contact etc. Besides these features, the prospect of one person’s speech being different from another by way of voice, style and stress also constitutes to the functioning of nonverbal communication. Similarly, even in written format of communication, there are certain features like handwriting, organization of sentences and the word selection can altogether constitute an insignia of a person’s nonverbal communication elements. The following paragraphs give a clear-cut ideal of the scope, function and practical application of nonverbal communication in different spheres of life. It is also essential to recognize the prominence of the seven aspects of this model of contact between people such as paralanguage, body language, environment, distance, touch, time and eye contact has to be clearly evaluated for their use and management in the practical applic ation of nonverbal communication. Managing nonverbal communication Managing communication in the absence of words is arguably one of the most challenging tasks for the managers of organized groups. It is equally important to manage the feelings and their reflections in the daily life of individuals. There can be many examples of the regular life of individuals in which they have to adopt the process of nonverbal communication aspects. Sometimes a look or a gesture does the role of a great command. In other contexts, body language or time set for a regular action can influence the stakeholders of the process of exchange of information. There can be certain references to prove that the use of words and their pronunciation doubtlessly making the communication easier and more cognitive; however, the transfer of feelings and intellectual significance of a conversation or relationship between individuals is influenced more by non-verbal communication channels than the routine voice based elements. For instance, as Soon (2012) points out, a meeting of two people is specifically garnished by their shaking each other’s hands or by a hugging; in either case, the process of the meeting commences with the routine greeting of the time covering that meeting. From a certain angle of view, it is visibly annoying to find that the absence of such a physical endorsement of feelings makes the communication less effective. In order to manage the communication using the nonverbal media, the communicator has to effectively analyze and make use of his body language, touch and vocal qualities with the careful concern for time, space and situations. Moreover, it may also be regulated and empowered by the use of symbols and graphic pictures developed by the modern technology such as printed documents, visual projects and placards etc (Pecha Kucha 6 minutes 40 seconds). The functional success of a nonverbal medium is directly connected to time and environment at which it is used. If a person winks an eye at a stranger as a gesture of information transfer, it becomes provoking sometimes to the opposite person. For another instance, the combined atmosphere and distance effect in a nonverbal communication event matters to a great extent in the completion of a meaningful transfer of information. In military operations and surgical or scientific experimental environments, the need for gestures as a device is necessary; and the right cognitive effect of this is analysed by the timing of such
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Business patents report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Business patents report - Essay Example Following suit, other companies in the software segment are beginning to analyze their innovative intellectual properties for opportunities to exploit their unique technology developments and thus gain market share. Seeking patent protection on this business’ new software will restrict market entry from other software companies looking for B2B information technology solutions market potential. The main issue with attaining a patent is the litigation risk of not performing an adequate patent clearance search to identify software in our market already holding patent protections. The recent course case involving Apple and Samsung has set a business precedent for the high financial costs of accidentally duplicating various icons or display features in the development process. However, this business can offset these risks by assigning a patent clearance team to conduct appropriate external research to ensure development does not infringe on intellectual property protections. Patent protectionism will provide for licensing in the event that the business is unable to secure high volume of market interest post-launch. It is more likely that this business will be able to attain venture capitalist interest in financial investment, which will offset development and patent clearance costs, by minimizing litigation risks or competitor replication of the
Sociological Imagination Essay Example for Free
Sociological Imagination Essay The study of the social world in addition to sociological imagination contests the individualistic and naturalistic approach to the analysis of social forces that mould human behaviour in contemporary society. The interrelated social concepts that influence human behaviour challenge both explanations through suggested theories, empirical investigation and critical analysis hence, illustrate difference in perception. A direct interpretation of sociology, as defined by the writers of the text, ËÅ"Sociology: Themes and Perspectives is,  ¦Ã‹Å" the study of society. (R. Van Krieken, P. Smith, D. Habibis, K. McDonald, M. Haralambos, M. Holborn 2000:05). The study reveals mixed assumptions and perspectives of the institutions of the social world and how it influences the development of social behaviour. It challenges ideas and factors outside an individual for the pattern of human behaviour, that is, an external view. (E.C. Cuff G.C.F. Payne 1979:09). Understanding the patterns of individuals and groups in society as a whole is accepted as a scientific venture. Thus, it engages in theoretical assumptions that are empirically tested via systematic methodology and critically analysed after research results are displayed. (A. Giddens 1997:12). Sociology can only act as a window, suggesting viewpoints that may assist in a greater understanding of society. It will never determine the ËÅ"truth as a concluding result. (E.C. Cuff G.C.F. Payne 1979:09). The distinctive characteristic of sociology is the concept of being able to think beyond what is logically obvious in a particular situation concerning an individual or a whole population. It also reflects the position of an individual within the barriers of a social institution within society. This concept is referred to as ËÅ"sociological imagination. Author of ËÅ"The Sociological Imagination: The Promise, C. Wright Mills, establishes the significance of ËÅ"personal troubles, stating that, ËÅ"Troubles occur within the character of an individual ¦they have to do with his self ¦a biographical entity ¦ a private matter: values cherished by an individual are felt by him to be threatened and ËÅ"public issues as, ËÅ"An issue, in fact, often involves a crisis in institutional arrangements ¦ (C.R. Mills 1959:08-9). The exemplification of unemployment can be adapted to illustrate the framework of sociological imagination as a means of perspective. In the working field of a society, an individual is depicted as unemployed in contrast to the employed members of society. The individualistic situation is viewed as a ËÅ"personal trouble therefore theories based upon the character, skills and available opportunities of the individual are critically analysed and considered as possible explanations. Conversely, a group of individuals labelled as unemployed, are juxtaposed to the remaining employed members of the society. The circumstances are presented as a ËÅ"public issue and individualistic factors are no longer the case. The institutional arrangements of the society are contested critically, judging the social structure rather than examining each individual separately. Sociological imagination demonstrates the variation between the sociological perspective, that is, examining society as a whole, with the individualistic explanation of conforming to personal solutions contained by an individual. (C.R. Mills 1959:09, 2000:05-6). The naturalistic explanations of human behaviour, in terms of biology, suggest the theory, ËÅ"it is only human nature. (2000:06). The sociological perspective applies a critical approach, debating the idea of natural occurrences in the pattern of human behaviour. Social behaviour, perceived on sociological grounds, is acquired by the social force of culture, which is used as a theory against naturalistic or biological interpretation. The concept of culture generates the notion for change and permanence of societies in local, national to global contexts. It also refers to customs, beliefs, values, associated language and traditions that are learned and passed on from generation to generation of a particular community in society. A theoretical statement that is proposed and challenged by both explanations is the idea of ËÅ"parents loving their children. (2000:06). Naturally, parents express strong emotions towards their offspring as a result of biological structure. However, sociological perspective explores beyond the stated assumption and examines the issue on a cross-cultural basis. Empirical research submits the view of China and the involvement of illegal adoption schemes, the limited interaction between parents and children of European backgrounds with regards to boarding schools and the contact of a nanny during most of the growing ages of a child. Sociological imagination supports the concept of culture as a means of determining the patterns of social behaviour of individuals in society. A key role that also plays a part in moulding human behaviour is the social force of socialisation. It is a process of interaction between individuals and groups of a society. The knowledge is shared, learned and transmitted within small groups and large systems. Socialisation is promoted throughout a mixture of agents where the process occurs. A naturalistic perspective views this notion of communication as,  ¦Ã‹Å"an essential component of being human ¦ otherwise, known to be biologically inherited. (2000:08). The sociological assumption to the theory of skill adaptation, argue that the exposure of being in contact with other human beings assists in the development of social behaviour. However, the assumption does not contradict the biological theory of inheritance, it simply suggests that a considerable amount of identity development is produced from the social environment, that is, the agents of socialisation. The evidence of ËÅ"wolf children empirically justifies the need for human interaction in order to evolve an identity. (2000:08). The perceived theoretical explanations, supported by empirical evidence for the development of patterned human behaviour, demonstrate a differentiation that is critically contested between both evaluations. The perspective of functionalism in association to sociological imagination, practiced in the work of Emile Durkheim, may be interpreted on a biological level. Distinctively speaking, the human body may be exemplified as an aid to enhance the understanding of society as a whole. The different parts of the human body are linked, therefore understanding the relationship between them, formulates a basic conception of the organism as a whole. (2000:13, A. Giddens 1997:08-9). The Marxist feminism perspective views the position of women in society within the structural form. Sociologically, women are a form of underclass in the working class society of the economical system. The type of work and duties carried out in the institution of the home is unrecognised in the macro world. As a result, women undertake low-status jobs in the workforce, this action is known as a, ËÅ"reserve army of labour. (2000:20). The radical Marxist perspective suggests that females in contemporary society lack equality due to the biological difference of their body structure. Thus, the removal of the reproductive system is said to alleviate male patriarchy. The variation of the natural theory in contrast to the social idea is evident within the critical analysis of the position of women in society, hence moulding the social behaviour of individuals with regards to the status of women. (A.Giddens 1997:10). In conclusion, the emphasis on critical analysis between the sociological perspective and imagination in opposition to the individualistic and naturalistic approach illustrate differentiation in suggested theories. The dissimilarity articulates solid empirical evidence supported by both sides of perspectives, therefore challenges the social forces of culture, socialisation and identity that manipulate and mould the human behaviour in contemporary society. The connections like functionalism and Marxism, branch out from the perspectives to function as padding, placing a conceptualised interpretation of social behaviour with regards to society. The process of learning sociologically is, ËÅ"looking, in other words, at the broader view ¦cultivating imagination. (A. Giddens 1997:03). Sociology does not determine an accurate response to the theories placed upon society. Nevertheless, it can supply a greater capacity for understanding the society as a whole via the linkages of sociological imagination and individualistic and naturalistic angles.
Monday, October 14, 2019
Historical cost accounting Advantages and disadvantages
Historical cost accounting Advantages and disadvantages Financial policy and accounting Financial policy is to determines hoe a business is to be financed, whether by equity or preference share capital, and extent to which reliance is to be placed upon long term or short term borrowing. In addition the credit and discount policies followed to be determined policies companies have a duty to publish account Historical costing Historical cost is the original monetary value of an economic item. Historical is based on the stable measuring units assumption Historical cost accounting is the situation in which accountants record revenue, expenditure and asset acquisition and disposal at historical cost: that is, the actual amounts of money, or moneys worth, received or paid to complete the transaction. Historical cost accounting is also called because it concern itself with the recording of actual cost on after the date when these are in cured. There are two basic costing system 1 is job costing and 2 is process costing. Actual cost is the part of most modern standard costing system but they are limited value. A basis for the treatment of assets in financial statements where they are recorded at their historical cost, without adjustment for inflation or other price variations What is historical cost accounting? Historical cost is a term used instead of the cost. Cost and historical cost usually mean the original cost at the time of a transaction. Historical cost is helps to distinguish an assets original cost from its replacement cost, current cost, or inflation-adjusted cost. Example, Land purchased in 1992 at cost of $80,000 and still owned by the buyer will be reported on the buyers balance sheet at its cost or historical cost of $80,000 even though its current cost, replacement cost, and inflation-adjusted cost is much higher today. The cost principle or historical cost principle states that an asset should be reported at its cost (cash or cash equivalent amount) at the time of the exchange transaction and should include all costs necessary to get the asset in place and ready for use. Historical cost principle in accounting Historical cost principle means that assets and liabilities are recorded at their actual historical cost. When an asset is written off, the loss is recorded as the historical cost of the asset less any accumulated depreciation. Typically, the asset would be fully depreciated and thus no loss recorded but this isnt always the case. If the asset is sold the gain or loss is recorded as the amount received for the asset less the historical cost (net of any accumulated depreciation). In both cases, youre using the historical cost as your basis in the asset, but in the write off, you didnt receive anything in return for the asset. To record a sale, you must account for the payment you receive and that amount is of course, the current value of the asset at least its value to someone (the purchaser). Advantages and disadvantages of historical cost accounting Advantages Historical cost accounts are straightforward to produce Historical cost accounts do not record gains until they are realized Historical cost accounts are still used in most accounting systems Disadvantages Historical cost accounts give no indication of current values of the assets of a business Historical cost accounts do not record the opportunity costs of the use of older assets, particularly property which may be recorded at a value based on costs incurred many years ago Historical cost accounts do not measure the loss of value of monetary assets as a result of inflation. Standard costing Standard costing is an important topic of cost accounting. Standard costs are generally connected with a manufacturing companys costs of direct material, direct labor, and manufacturing overhead. Rather than conveying the actual costs of direct material, direct labor, and manufacturing overhead to a product, several manufacturers allocate the expected or standard cost. This means that a manufacturers inventory and cost of goods sold will begin amounts reflecting the standard costs, not the actual costs, of a product. Manufacturers, at rest to pay the actual costs. As a result there are almost always differences between the actual costs and the standard costs, and those differences are known as variances. Standard costing and the related variances is a valuable management tool. If a variance arise, management becomes aware that manufacturing costs have different form the standard (planned, probable) costs. If actual costs are greater than standard costs the variance is unfavorable. An unfavorable variance tells management that if everything else stays constant the companys actual profit will be less than planned. If actual costs are less than standard costs the variance is favorable. A favorable variance tells management that if everything else stays constant the actual profit will likely exceed the planned profit. The earlier that the accounting system reports a variance, the earlier that management can direct its notice to the difference from the planned amounts. If we assume that a company uses the perpetual inventory system and that it carry all of its inventory accounts at standard cost (including Direct Materials Inventory or Stores), then the standard cost of a finished product is the sum of the standard costs of the inputs:       1. Direct material       2. Direct labor       3. Manufacturing overhead            a. Variable manufacturing overhead            b. Fixed manufacturing overhead Standard costs are those cost which are established through identify an objective connection between specific inputs and estimated outputs. Standard costs are usually related to warily analyze phenomenon both in the laborator and in the work place. Marginal costing Marginal cost is the variable cost of one unit product or service. Marginal cost is alternative method of costing to absorption costing. Marginal cost is variable cost charged as a cost of sale and a contribution cost is calculate (sale revenue minus variable cost of sale). Closing stock of work in progress or finished goods are value at the marginal (variable) production cost. Fixed cost is treating as a period cost and charged into the profit and loss account incurred the period of accounting Marginal production cost per unit of an item usually consists of the following. Direct material Direct labour production overheads Direct labour cost might be excluded from marginal costs when the work force is given number of employees on a fixed wages of salary. Even so it is not uncommon for direct labour to be treated as variable cost. When employee are paid a basic wage for a fixed working period. If in doubt you should tread direct labour as a variable cost unless given clear indicator to the country. Direct labour is a often steep cost. With sufficiently short step to be make a labour cost in a variable. The marginal cost of asset usully consist of the marginal cost of production adjusted for stick movement plus the variable selling cost The most important feature of marginal costing is the division of cost into those which are marginal (variable) those which are fixed. The latter are not apportioned to cost centers or products as under and other costing system. Instead they are charged against sale revenues within the period in which are incurred. this deviation of the cost are there application in a appropriate manner is extremely use full in showing management the effect decision, particularly those connected with short term utilization of production capacity. Principles of marginal costing: The marginal principal costing are as Period fixed cost are same any volume of sales and production (provided the level of activity within the relevant range) . selling by an extra item product or service following are as Revenue will be increase by the sale volume of sold item Cost will be increase by the per unit cost Profit will be increase by the contribution amount earned from the extra item The volume of sales falls by one item. Profit will be fall by amount of earned contribution item Profit is measurement should be based on analysis of total contribution. When a unit product is made the extra cost incurred for the manufacture variable Production cost. fixed costs are unaffected, no extra fixed cost are incurred when output is increased. The valuation of closing stock should be at variable production cost Decision accounting The comparison of an alternative courses of action may be facilitated the use of cost data. Latter may be collected by part of a routine or deal with the special problems when it arise strictly speaking, this is not a separate system. It calls upon another information system which indicates the management project likely maximum profit minimum loss. decision on capital expenditure whether to make or buy., what price should be charged as to subcontract and other important matter may all be assisted by the employment of accounting information. A few words on the role of decision making are very appropriate stage. One of the most important function of top management is to make decision. Irrespective of the method of employed decision making implies a choice from a number of alternative. Ther are two basic selection methods First the selection of the particular field in which the final decisions to be made, production is increased, the labour force may large new machine may be introduced: if sale are to be expanded the initial choice between employing more sales men identifying the advertisement to other sale publicity. Once a initial selection has been made, second choice must be follow, if machine is to be purchased Control accounting The comparison of an alternative courses of action may be facilitated the use of cost data. Latter may be collected by part of a routine or deal with the special problems when it arise strictly speaking, this is not a separate system. It calls upon another information system which indicates the management project likely maximum profit minimum loss. decision on capital expenditure whether to make or buy., what price should be charged as to subcontract and other important matter may all be assisted by the employment of accounting information. A few words on the role of decision making are very appropriate stage. One of the most important function of top management is to make decision. Irrespective of the method of employed decision making implies a choice from a number of alternative. Their are two basic selection methods First the selection of the particular field in which the final decisions to be made, production is increased, the labour force may larger new machine may be introduced: if sale are to be expanded the initial choice between employing more sales men identifying the advertisement to other sale publicity. Once a initial selection has been made, second choice must be follow, if machine is to be purchased
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Computers: Past, Present and Future :: Technology
Computers: Past, Present and Future Since the time when man first learned to express how they felt in written form, by drawing or writing, we have tried to communicate with other people. First, it was the prehistoric man with their conceptual cave drawings showing what animals to hunt, how to hunt them, and how to cook them. Soon that form took to hieroglyphics, in which the Egyptians would tell stories about battles they had won and about new pharaohs that had been born. This picture form soon turned in to words in which the Romans would communicate with one another. So it went, each generation progressed more and more, until it was the 20th century. In 1937 the electronic computer was born. Computers were in 1943 to break â€Å"the unbreakable†German Enigma codes. 1951 introduced the computer commercially. However, it wasn’t until around 1976 when the Apple II was introduced and it was immediately adopted by high schools, colleges, and homes. This was the first time that people from all over really had an opportunity to use a computer. Since that time micro processing chips have been made, the World Wide Web has been invented and in 1996 more than one out of every three people have a computer in their home, and two out of every three have one at the office. Today, computers influence all lifestyles, and all different types of businesses. They have become an essential part of everyday life, from chatting, to e-mail, to commerce, to gaming. Almost every person in the United States has had some use on the computer. Since the technology age began, computers have become a mainstay in American and world society as much as the telephone, the automobile, and the television. Almost every device has some type of computer in it. Whether it is a cell phone, a calculator, or a vending machine. Even things that we take for granted most cars since the 1980’s have a computer in it or a pacemaker. All of the advancements in computers and technology have led up to the 21st century in which â€Å"the greatest advances in computer technology will occur†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Mainly in areas such as â€Å"hardware, software, communications and networks, mobile and wireless connectivity, and robotics.†All lifestyles benefit from the use of computers.
Friday, October 11, 2019
Landcare Revegetation :: essays research papers
Rehabilitation is the process of reclaiming land for economical or conservation purposes. This process usually involves re-vegetation. The main aim in rehabilitation is to either return the land to a self-sustaining ecosystem or prepare the land for human use, i.e. crops, pastures and plantations. Rehabilitation should take place at a rate that is significantly higher than natural succession. Several principles are implemented for successful rehabilitation. Of these principles includes the need for preventing disasters and anticipating problems before they arise, if this is taken to consideration then rehabilitation will be less costly and trouble free. When rehabilitating a site, all the components making up the ecosystem need to be looked at individually. They include soil, climate, vegetation, time and animals. These components need to interact at certain rates in order for the desired effect to be achieved and so might need to be altered. There are other principles of rehabilitation, which will be discussed, in greater detail. There are many methods and strategies involved in rehabilitation which, are specific to a site. In this case, surface mine reclamation and farmland will be looked at. A step by step illustration of the processes involved will be covered. When rehabilitating mine land, it is important to first prepare a plan before mining takes place. Researching and obtaining data on the floral and faunal elements of the ecosystem by conducting surveys of the upper, mid and under-story species present. If the aim is to restore the land to its original ecological balance and to conserve the species present, then further studies should be conducted on the ecology of the native species, i.e. seed biology of all species. Propagation techniques and the order of re-establishing species should be studied. When rehabilitation work was conducted on the bauxite mines in the southwest of W.A., special research was conducted on the germination requirements of sown seed. The aim in this case was to re-establish a self-sustaining forest, which maintains water, timber and all the valued qualities of forest. The timing component was carefully considered when removing topsoil in summer to ensure maximum seed store this was achieved when the forest was cleared after seed set took place. Hand seeding was done soon after ripping in order to ensured that the seeds other propagules were well established before germination. When conducting mining operations it is generally desirable that rehabilitation work takes place at the same rate as mining occurs. The soil component in this case needs to be removed in layers (topsoil and overburden) and stock piled during the mining process. The topsoil is very important because is contains most of the seed, propagules and micro-organisms which are needed for
Candide and Enlightenment
Voltaire’s Candide both supported and challenged traditional enlightenment viewpoints through the use of fictional ‘non-western’ perspectives. Candide mockingly contradicts the typical Enlightenment belief that man is naturally good and can be master over his own destiny (optimism). Candide faces many hardships that are caused by the cruelty of man (such as the war between the Bulgars and Abares, Cunegonde being raped, etc) and events that are beyond his control (the earthquake in Lisbon).Voltaire did not believe that a perfect God (or any God) has to exist; he mocked the idea that the world must be completely good, and he makes fun of this idea throughout Candide. He also makes fun of the philosophers of the time, because the philosophers in the novel talk a lot, do nothing, and solve no problems at all. Candide also makes a mockery of the aristocracy’s notion of superiority by birth. Voltaire also addresses the corruption of the religious figures and the church thus â€Å"destroying and challenging the â€Å"Sacred Circle†. Voltaire’s Candide is the story of one man’s trials and sufferings through life. The main character is Candide. Candide is portrayed as a wanderer. He grew up in the Castle of the Baron of Westphalia, who was his mother’s brother and was taught by, Dr. Pangloss, the greatest philosopher of the whole world. Pangloss taught Candide that everything that happens is for the best. Candide is exiled from the castle because of his love for the Baron’s daughter, Cunegonde. He then sets out to different places in the hope of finding her and achieving total happiness. Candide thought that everything happened for the best because the greatest philosopher taught him that, but everyone around him did not accept that theory. The optimistic Pangloss and Candide, suffer and witness a wide variety of horrors: beating, rapes, robberies, unjust executions, disease,and an earthquake, These things do not serve any apparent greater good, but be a sign of the cruelty and madness of humanity and the lack of sympathy of the natural world. Pangloss manages to find justification for the terrible things in the world, but his arguments are sometimes stupid, for example, when the Anabaptist is about to drown he stops Candide from saving him because he claims that the Bay of Lisbon had been formed specifically for the drowning of the Anabaptist. Other characters, such as the old woman, Martin, and Cacambo, have all reached more pessimistic conclusions about humanity and the world because of past experiences. One problem with Pangloss’ optimism was that it was not based on the real world, but on abstract arguments of philosophy. In the story of Candide, philosophy repeatedly proves to be useless and even destructive. It prevents characters from making realistic judgment of the world around them and from taking positive action to change hostile situations. Candide lies under debris after the Lisbon earthquake and Pangloss ignores his requests for oil and wine and instead struggles to prove the causes of the earthquake. In another scenario, Pangloss is telling Candide of how he contracting venereal disease from Paquette, and how it came from one of Christopher Columbus’ men. He tells Candide that venereal disease was necessary because now Europeans were able to enjoy new world delicacies, like chocolate. The character Candide was the nephew of the Baron of Thunder-ten-tronckh, whose sister, was Candide’s mother. The baron’s sister, refused to marry Candide’s father because he only had seventy-one quarterings (noble lineages) in his coat of arms, while her own coat of arms had seventy-two (Candide, 1). This exaggeration makes the aristocracy’s concern over the subtleties of birth look ridiculous. Candide explores the hypocrisy that was rampant in the Church and the cruelty of the clergy using a variety of satirical and ironic situations such as, the Lisbon earthquake that kills tens of thousands of people and damages three fourth of Lisbon; still the Portuguese Inquisition decides to perform an auto-da-fe’ to appease God and prevent another disaster. This serves no purpose because another earthquake strikes in the middle of the hanging of Pangloss and beating of Candide. Church officials in Candide are portrayed as being among the most sinful of all citizens; having mistresses, engaging in homosexual affairs, and operating as jewel thieves. The most ridiculous example of hypocrisy in the Church is the fact that a Pope has a daughter despite his vows of celibacy. Other examples are the Portuguese Inquisitor, who takes Cunegonde for a mistress, who hangs Pangloss and executes his fellow citizens over philosophical differences, and orders Candide to beaten for, â€Å"listening with an air of approval†(Candide, 13) to the opinions of Pangloss; and a Franciscan friar who is a jewel thief, despite the vow of poverty taken by members of the Franciscan order. Finally, Voltaire introduces a Jesuit colonel with marked homosexual tendenci es. The Enlightenment belief, in which a perfect society should be controlled by reforming existing institutions, is made to appear ridiculous, while erhaps all that Voltaire wanted to do was to present the history of his century with the worst abominations. It was probably Voltaire's ability to challenge all authority that was his greatest contribution to Enlightenment values. He questioned his own parenthood and his morals to express his ideas to the world of Enlightenment through the novel Candide. In particular, the novel makes fun of those who think that human beings can endlessly improve themselves and their environment. Voltaire expresses his beliefs on optimism, philosophical speculation, and religion through the main character. Candide, The main character of the novel, is set adrift in a hostile world and unsuccessfully tries to hold on to his optimistic belief that this â€Å"is the best of all possible worlds†as his tutor, Pangloss, keeps insisting. He travels throughout Europe, South America, and the Middle East, and on the way he encounters many terrible natural disasters. Candide is a good-hearted but hopelessly naive.
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