Wednesday, July 31, 2019

An Analysis of Ann Petry’s “Like a Winding Sheet” Essay

There have been countless studies to that show Stress, Frustration and Anger are related. In Ann Petry short story â€Å"Like a Winding Sheet† you can observer this relationship. First, let us study the title â€Å"Like a Winding Sheet† the words Winding Sheet means â€Å"shroud†, this indicate the characters of the story could have a shroud hanging oven him? The story is told in a third person point of view it takes place in the Ghetto’s of Harlem. As you start reading the story, you can see right away Johnson and his wife Mae seem to be a happy black couple. He tries to get up before his wife Mae, and he wants to â€Å"surprise her by fixing breakfast† (1). This divulges a romantic side of Johnson to the reader however, instead of getting up he goes back to sleep because, he has worked ten hours at night and his legs are sore. Another sign of Johnson’s love for Mae is when they were arguing about being late for work and â€Å"he couldn’t bring himself to talk to her roughly or threaten to strike her like a lot of men might have done† (59). Although, this appears from the outward appearance to be a normal relationship it’s hard to ignore the inward emotion that Johnson has been keeping bottled up. Was this the beginning of Johnson’s Stress, Frustration, and Anger? As the story moves on Johnson arrive to work late as always, he see the forelady, a white woman who is upset about something. He avoids looking at her, but she stops him anyway. He greets her â€Å"good evening; Mrs. Scott’ (91) and waits for her reaction. The forelady refers to the time and tells him that â€Å"he is late again† (92). Johnson explains to her that his legs are giving him trouble. Then suddenly she makes a remark that’s bring out Johnson anger â€Å"Every guy comes in here late always has an excuse† (100) â€Å"and niggers are the worse† (102). She also points out that she is â€Å"sick of niggers† (104) which is definitely, in today society considered a racial statement. This along with the fact that it was coming from the mouth of a white woman was more than Johnson was prepared to handle. But, he reframes from hitting her because she is a woman. Was this the beginning of Johnson’s Stress, Frustration, and Anger? Work is finally over and Johnson’s anger has subsided. However, this doesn’t last long. As Johnson makes his way home he sees a line of people being service coffee at an urn. He stops to get some when the white girl who is  serving the coffee refuses to give Johnson a cup and he assumes it is because he is black but in really it was because the young lady had to make more. Just the thought of not being serviced the coffee because, he was black made him furious and makes him want to â€Å"hit her so hard that the scarlet lipstick on her mouth would smear and spread over her nose, her chin† (253). But, as with the forelady he reframes from hitting her because she is a woman. Was this the beginning of Johnson’s Stress, Frustration, and Anger? Johnson makes home from work and starts arguing with his wife. She says that he is â€Å"nothing but a hungry nigger who is trying at act tough† (312).This pushes Johnson over the edge his anger and frustration take over. He finds his hands on this wife face not realizing that he was taking all his anger and frustration on the one he loves. You may ask why Johnson didn’t hit the forelady when she calls him a nigger, and why did he control his anger when the waitress refuse to give him a cup of coffee, and more important why did he lose it when his WIFE called him a† hungry nigger†. As the reader of this story I came up with two answers to these questions: one is if a black man lost control on a white woman his life would be worthless and black on black violence was acceptable. My second reason is as human being we have the tendency to take all of our frustrations and anger out on the ones that we love hoping that they will understand and will forgives us.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Managing Change in Organisations

Master of Business Administration Assignment Programme Title: University of Wales MBA (Project Management) Student Full Name: Raji Shakirudeen Damilare Student STU number: STU32417 Student Email Address: [email  protected] com Module Name: Managing Change in Organisations Word Count: 4273 words Submission Deadline: 16 July, 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTERPAGE CHAPTERS CHAPTER 1 – TASK 1 3 – 5 * Introduction3 * Nature and Scope of Change3 * Major Drivers of Change4 CHAPTER 2 – TASK 26 – 10 * Key Issues and Challenges6 * Action plan 9 CHAPTER 3 – TASK 311 – 14 * Change implementation 11CHAPTER 4 – Task 415 – 16 * Change success 15 * Conclusion 16 REFERENCES 17 CHAPTER 1 TASK 1 1. 00INTRODUCTION Background: Operational wastes come with a lot of cost and it is generated in many forms within an operational system. The intention of any profit making organisation is to maximize customer’s values and yet minimize the waste. Aim and Structure: The assignment will identify areas that will be compelled by the Total performance management TPM as an improvement to the existing system. It will analyse the key contents and benefits of TPM implementation.It does also seek to outline the scope of the change, dealing with key issues and providing actions plans using relevant models. The assignment will evaluate the change models application during the implementation phase, measure in milestones the change success and provide adequate feedback on success recorded. 1. 10NATURE AND SCOPE OF CHANGE Meeting production targets will not be enough anymore to judge production performance if records of customer complaints, rework or defects, overproduction, over processing, delayed inventory, human and equipment breakdowns, administrative delays caused by the bureaucratic setup and low team spirit.Total performance management TPM is an effective performance pillar with nine key components that is designed to completely re-eng ineer the system, integrate functions and take functional expertise into the value creation process. In particular, it is focused on supporting frontline personnel and frontline leaders to eliminate operational waste that will guarantee the optimization of all manufacturing and production processes. The TPM pillar descriptors to be used are: 1. Autonomous Maintenance: This pillar aims to improve equipment reliability through equipment care. . Planned Maintenance: This is a step by step process for improving facility maintenance. 3. Education and Training: This pillar enhances focused knowledge and capability building. 4. Focused Improvement: This pillar provides a structured method to identify and prevent problems. 5. Early Management: This pillar is directed towards the development, design and implementation of new technology and strategy that will cope with the future. 6. Quality Maintenance: This pillar aims to create a system incapable of producing quality defects. . Office: Thi s pillar focuses on ensuring LEAN and error free business processes. 8. Safety Health Environment: This pillar aims to ensure elimination of unsafe behaviours and conditions. 9. LEAN Factory: This pillar focuses on LEAN Thinking specifically applied to logistics management. NCE Introduction (2009, pg 8) 1. 20MAJOR DRIVERS OF CHANGE Key drivers of change are listed and described as follows: Improved Production performance: Production performance is greatly affected by incessant machine and human breakdown.It will be necessary to implement a comprehensive shift management programme and strategic maintenance management system to improve the system. Re-engineered Inventory management: Factory inventory tracking system has been poorly managed, thereby impacting on consumables and spare parts management. Maintenance management system is undermined or sometimes ignored as a result of poor inventory control. Inventory management needs to be re-structured to speed up the existing system proc esses, by providing an effective system application tracking software that will eliminate the threat of delay and low productivity.Optimizing logistical management: Raw materials stock management continues to be affected by late deliveries and poor stock management system. Production plans are disrupted, production volumes are not met and consumers are faced with products scarcity. Early management is required and implementation of a comprehensive system application tracking software that will re-structure the logistical management system to cope with increasing activities. Minimised operational cost: Defected products are separated during production and routine quality checks.Products are also return from markets for quality reasons, thereby resulting to rework and reprocessing which will increase the operational cost of producing a product more than ones. Total quality management strategy will be required at the shop floor. Customer delight: Series of customer complaints have been recorded on products defect, short counting, late delivery and products scarcity. Scarcity provides the advantage to competitors to fill the vacuum created by our ineffectiveness and poor operational management. Market growth:Market projection have shown a steady 10 % annually increase, which means that the total business will be tripled in the next 10 years (MBS, 2009). This forecast has proven to be realistic and achievable from the growth trend recorded in the past ten years. NCE document (2009) Total performance management system will enhance manufacturing and production performance, positioning us for the future opportunity. Excel in compliance: Factory’s existing quality, safety and environment system standards and guidelines are currently managed independently.As these systems are interrelated, they will be integrated into a single management system. This will allow a simplified process for compliance, auditing and improved focus on the specific compliance aspects. Go vernment policies must be fully adhered to enjoy an enabling environment and imbibe best practices within the organisation. Creating Competitive advantage: Part of the main drivers of change is the presence of a strong competitor that is working hard to take over the market. In the modern world of advanced technology, trade secrets cannot be the only advantage that must be possessed.All competitive gaps that are created must be closed by ensuring availability of quality products to the market, delighting consumers at affordable price. Improved marketing strategy will be appropriate. CHAPTER 2 TASK 2 2. 00KEY ISSUES AND CHALLENGES This chapter is expected to identify and define major issues and challenges that have resulted to the generation of operational waste. The cause and effect analysis (Fishbone diagram) will be adopted to define the major problems, brainstorming will be achieved applying the affinity chart that will help categorise related issues and identify the major causes of the problem through Pareto.Problem Definition: Operational wastes have been recorded in so many forms across all major departments. Waste is not anymore limited to tangible and physical objects, but has spread deeply into key aspects of daily operations. Failure to meet production target is a major waste, which can result to increasing production cost, products scarcity and quality issues hereby posing a huge risk to the system. Brainstorming What are the major causes of Operational waste that have been identified in the system?Collective ideas are highly needed at this stage of problem solving, where key players with common objective brainstorm and come up with pool of ideas or suggestion that could lead to the actual cause of operational waste. After a long brainstorming session and thorough investigation, the change management team have come up with list of possible causes of operational waste generated from log sheets across the departments. The group contains different memb er from different school of thought, which have resulted to the initial generation of a large list of possible causes of the challenge.The list was streamlined at random and major possible causes where picked and listed in the table below; System Failure| Lack of operational knowledge| Increased production cost| Customer compliant| Rework / Defects| Production targets failure| Weak quality management system| Lack LEAN mindset| Poor logistics management| Poor inventory management| Ageing equipments| Low production output & performance| Raw material variation| Finished product late delivery| Poor production output| Manual operations| Poor maintenance management system| Less commitment & Engagement| Defected products| Equipment Breakdowns| Safety issues| Poor communication| Poor mindset / Behaviour| Network disruption & Failure| Figure 2. 0. 01 Random selection of major problems The Affinity diagram will help regroup and sort listed problems into related categories in the 6Ms format as illustrated below; People Machinery Ageing Equipment Low production output Poor operational knowledge Less commitment Low production performance Safety issues Poor production output Poor communication Poor mindset / Behaviour Manual operation Equipment breakdown Material Raw material variation Rework / Defect SystemPoor logistics management Production target failure Late delivery of finished products Checks / Control Poor maintenance management Network disruption Weak quality management Increased production cost Process System failure Lack of LEAN mindset Defected / Rejected products Customer complaint Poor inventory management Figure 2. 0. 02 Affinity chart for Operational waste Identify major causes: The problems illustrated in the affinity chart in figure 2. 1. 01, shows a list of possible causes of the problem, categorising them into key six major categories that could be the summary of the possible causes of the problem.The cause and effect diagram will provide a clearer pictu re and additional insight to further link the possible problems from respective sources showing the potential primary and secondary source of the problem, based on the findings of the change team. The major problems have been clearly identified and linked into various sources in a cause and effect diagram as shown in figure 2. 1. 02 below, it is imperative to analyse further the frequency of occurrence of these problems using Pareto. The referring log sheet shows the rate of recurrence of some problems more than the other and clearly defines the effect on daily operations. Figure 2. 0. 03 Cause and Effect diagram for operational waste Figure 2. 0. 4 Pareto chart for operational waste Referring to the Pareto chart above in figure 2. 1. 03, it shows clearly that â€Å"low production output† and â€Å"production target failure† have occurred more frequently than â€Å"low production performance† and others with same frequency of occurrence. The occurrence of most o f the listed problems seem on the high side and needed to be treated as such, having recorded low incidence on problems like â€Å"manual operation†, â€Å"raw material variation† and â€Å"network disruption† which should not be underrated, has it is assumed that most of the major problems recorded could have triggered them as remnants.This invariably indicates that when the bigger problems are completely resolved, it takes care of the ones with low occurrence. The machinery category is the highest contributor of the operational waste, ranging from the machine condition to operations, but seconded by the people category that have in actual sense contributed the largest share of the problems that have made the system unhealthy. Checks, system and process category have their own share in terms of occurrence recorded, this makes it difficult to ignore any of the listed problems no matter how little, because it could develop to a complex and epidemic challenge that will take longer time to solve.Operational waste action plan Prepared by: Change management team. Summary: Operational waste has been generated across the 6 categories of challenges recorded in the organisation, translating clearly the areas that require swift response to change and improvement. The problem solving techniques adopted have identified the root cause of the operational waste and the major area that requires concentration. It is imperative to prepare an action plan to tackle the listed challenges. Solution: The main goal is to implement Total performance management TPM into all functions as the solution to operational waste. 2. 10ACTION PLAN Goals| Measures| Responsible| Target Date|To provide a unique maintenance strategy (Autonomous and planned maintenance). | Perform daily operational review at the shop floor, weekly operational review at the management level to track improvement and report achievements. Report weekly maintenance plan and execution. Measure line per formance and efficiency against set target. | OperationsOperationsManagement| January, 2013January, 2013January, 2013| To lay more emphasis on personnel training and development. | Get training feedback from trainees. Subject trainees to knowledge checks and exercises. Track personnel improvement against line performance. Use performance evaluation to appraise personnel. | HR| January, 2013| To improve in quality management system. Provide in-line quality checks system. Record defects and investigate the root cause. Embark on monthly market visit. Record batch sampling quality. Communicate quality status monthly. | Quality assurance| January, 2013| To be safety conscious at all time| Commence SHE observation and report area weekly safety status. Perform random safety checks. Carryout monthly safety drill to check and re-communicate awareness. | Operation / Management| January, 2013| To introduce early management approach. | Provide detailed template on early management programming. Provide feedback from early management plan and communicate the achievement on implementation. Management| April, 2013| To implement LEAN thinking, system and mindset. | Outline system layout in LEAN concept and map out areas according to compliance. Track awareness level in all staff. Check LEAN mindset reflection in reporting and follow-up. Report cost saving from LEAN implementation. | Operation / Management. | July, 2013| To focus more on continuous improvement. | List areas of continuous improvement, outline changes and business advantage. Compare changes â€Å" before and after†Track improvement progress against global objectives. | Operation / Management. | November, 2013| Fig 2. 1. 01 Action plan for the implementation of TPM CHAPTER 3 TASK 3 3. 0 CHANGE IMPLEMENTATION Change implementation requires strategic and logical approach which can only be analysed using basic change management models that clearly describes the steps to effective implementation of change. The change implementation will be evaluated in more than one change management model to better outline the model that will be more effective to this particular change implementation. Kurt Lewin and John Kotter models of change management will be critically evaluated as the options for the implementation of TPM. The models will be compared to properly decide on the best option the managers can adopt during implementation.Kurt Lewin Model: Lewin (1951) Model gives simpler overview of change implementation, although it is assumed that conditions exist because of competing forces that are in equilibrium. To effect any change, the force must be adjusted. Cited by F. Ashton Blog (2010) Change or Transitional Refreeze Unfreeze Lewin model comes in 3 stages namely; unfreeze, change or transition and refreeze. The idea is focussed at the implementation of change in an organisation that is already accustomed to a particular mindset and ideology. Existing mindset, ideology, system, attitude and pe rformance TPM fully integrated as a guide to excellent performance. Implementation of Total performance management Fig 3. 0. 1 Lewin Change model Kotter Model: Kotter’s (1996) 8 steps model of change is a top down approach that provides a wider range for change implementation. This change model is linear and it predicts the change processes in steps that identify core areas that should never be neglected if a change where to be effective. Fig 3. 0. 02 Kotter Change model Source: The Change Management Blog (2009) Model Comparison At the first stage of Lewin’s model of change, leadership comes up with the unfreeze strategy that will alter or disengage the existing system practices.It targets the root cause of the problem, by providing the best assumption using the force field analysis to factor out the pros and cons before considering implementation. Unfreezing is carried out at the leadership level, based on assumptions from the analysis. Unlike the first stage in Kot ter’s model that clearly emphasise on the need to first establish a sense of urgency from top-down, by carrying along all members of staff from the inception of the change implementation, sharing with them the reason change is necessary at the time and also help to identify the protagonist and antagonist to the change. Although the force field analysis applied in unfreezing stage also consider the driving and refraining force for the change, but it is clearly based on assumptions.The Kotter’s model starts change communication from the first step of implementation, where preliminary information have been provided for all to brainstorm about, not streamlining it only to the leadership. The second step is aimed at constituting a powerful coalition that will form the formidable, experienced and result focussed change management team. Rather, in Lewin’s model change management team are selected are at earlier stage based on management’s decision. Creating a vi sion for change is the third step in Kotter’s model, where all the ideas, thoughts and brainstorming that have been collected by the change management team are streamlined and integrated into company’s objectives and vision. Perhaps no idea is foolish and the collective enquiry to solve major issues gives employee the sense of ownership and esponsibility towards achieving the collective goal. Lewin’s model distorts an existing system with the intention of introducing or improving a system. This idea and vision comes from the management, who have practically analysed the major problems based on their experiences and knowledge of the company’s objectives. The transition stage, which is Lewin’s second stage for change modelling provides the actual implementation of change. This stage is the roll out phase of change to all employees â€Å"official launching†. This stage seems to be the hardest as the existing ideology, mindset and processes are unfrozen either to extinguish or modify to a new system.The fear of the unknown and resistance may be recorded. That is why Kotter and Lewin emphasise more on communication at this stage. Communication becomes the tools for change campaign. At this stage continuous training and coaching is very key to acceptability and embrace. Kotter identifies communication as a day to day affair and ensuring that antagonist are converted and the supporters are maintained and developed to live the change. Lewin’s transition stage encompasses communication in all forms. Perhaps might take more time than anticipated to achieve the level of acceptance needed, it requires consistent coaching and training to get the buy-in of all employees.Kotter insist that after communication have been initiated, though it is a continuous process but will definitely meet some deadlocks, ranging from the unacceptability, fear of the unknown, structures that do not support the change and the vision. The fifth st age identifies the major deadlocks and provides the right approach to solving them. Lewin’s transitional stage give a lot of room for neglect of some major deadlock identification, hereby living some elements like virus behind, that could develop to catastrophe in the future or even hinder this change process. Lewin’s last stage is the refreezing stage, stability establishment is the main objective once the change has been effected and accepted as part and parcel of the system. The intention is to strengthen and reinforce the change implementation, allowing for full integration by all functions.The new change is freeze and continues to monitor progress of implementation, bearing in mind that change will be continuous and can never be permanent. Theoretically, Lewin target the adjustment of the force field to adequately buy-in employees to acceptance and embrace of the change. The change is integrated into the company’s structure and system and refreezes as the n ew outlook of the organisation. Part of the reason the Lewin’s model could take more time to be fully integrated is the lack of comprehensive practical application that influence acceptance. It is important to target a feedback mechanism that will encourage a swift change embrace.Kotter’s sixth step encourages the need to create a short-term wins that will motivate employees further. Employees deserve first hand information on the benefits recorded so far to elevate their confidence and also management to gain more support from all. The best way is to set milestones where employee’s achievements can be celebrated and recognised. Kotter believes in continuous improvement, that is his main model in the seventh step. Change cannot be cast on stone that will not require further improvement; it requires building upon to achieve maximum effectiveness. The short-term win has various advantages, part of it is the opportunity to see other areas that need improvements and explore other options to achieving set objectives.Lewin’s refreeze does not show the required detail to record areas of further improvement, because the mindset of the employee already fixed on the refreeze syndrome. Managers should consider the Kotter’s model as it also adopts the concept of refreezing, but in a different manner. He believes that when change is stick completely into the system, it should become parts and parcel of the organisation, like a revised constitution that have been adopted, but requires further improvements. It re-emphasises the need to continuously maintain the support of the management and all employees to avoid falling back to the initial problem. TASK 4 CHAPTER 4 4. 00 CHANGE SUCCESSTo assess change management effectiveness, leadership needs to focus on measuring the progress of the change implemented to ensure they are moving on the right direction. To achieve this effective implementation, milestones and measure are required to effecti vely measure the progress and performance of the change. The performance measures are categorised in 7 stages namely: 1. Internal Performance Assessment. When change is assumed to be completely implemented, the organisation needs to be certain of these assumptions. The reason they involve an independent internal audit team to track change implementation progress, using the qualitative and quantitative monitoring approach in determining the level of compliance.Employee change appraisal survey is forwarded to all functions to get the right feedbacks. Individual functions will be audited and informed of areas that still require more attention, compliance and improvements. At this stage, the organisation is certain of the level of compliance and areas that requires more concentration before the pre-assessment and full assessment that will be carried out by external auditors. This usually takes about 3 months before pre-assessment. 2. Performance Assessment. It is important that a pre-as sessment is done after the first nine month of change implementation to effectively measure the level of compliance and adherence to the new change.The outcome of each pre-assessment must define the status of the change as to â€Å"what the goals are â€Å", â€Å"where we are now† and â€Å"where we are going†. The pre-assessment must also measure individual progress using a five-level commitment scale to monitor the commitment level of employees during implementation and then choose specific strategies to help individuals progress through the five levels. Level 1: Awareness: Measure the level of awareness in all functions. Level 2: Acceptance: Measure level of acceptance. Level 3: Application: Measure skill level of employees. Level 4: Adoption: Measure level of adoption and reflection in employee’s daily activity. Level 5: Advocacy: Share and accept feedback amongst employees.The full assessment (gate opening) will be done six month after pre-assessment cer tification and correction of other identified areas of improvement and a yearly post-assessment will also be carried out. 3. Perform Customer Satisfaction Survey This is the next step of assessment performance provide a gauging mechanism to monitor customer satisfaction as a tool to benchmark with acclaimed internal operational success. Feedback is vital from the customers and are closely monitored, recorded and acted upon immediately. This is a continuous exercise. 4. Measure the Volume of Defects We cannot hide from the fact that perfection is nearly impossible, but we must put measures in place to track and check level of amount of rework or defected recorded compare difference with the previous system.System must be in place to ensure that defects are be recorded as they occur and subjected to root cause analysis to check if we still maintain residual problems and follow is the rectification. Key performance indicator KPI is to see reducing trend in the volume of defects generat ed over a period of time, showing the percentage of improvement. 5. Measure the Volume of Failed Changes When measuring success rate of changes being implemented, we must be able to define â€Å"what is† and â€Å"what is not† a successful change, and the criteria being used for each definition. SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely) criteria must be in place where changes are reviewed for success.The KPI is to see the level of compliance increasing, showing the percentage of improvement. 6. Measure the Services Performance Service performance is wide to measure in one piece, so functions shall have a different KPI to measure their performances which is then cascaded to the organisation. Internal and external auditors perform assessment exercise to check impact on indicators, compliance and adherence to the operational documents. 7. Calculate the Return on Investment The main purpose for the implementation of Total performance management is to de light our customers, create competitive advantage and enhance operational performance. The change implementation comes with cost and it must also beget remarkable financial benefits.We must measure and record the saving generated across all functions. Source: Mark, S (2008, pp 2-8) 4. 01 CONCLUSION To reduce operational waste to an acceptable state, the introduction of Total performance management is the solution. We have defined the major causes and the possible solution to be implemented. Solution comes with measures and deadlines, if achieved will provide the positive benefit that is targeted. The benefits from change implementation are targeted to continuously meet company’s objectives in delighting customer’s satisfaction, creating competitive advantage and compliance. The objective is to maximise profit at the best minimum cost.Measure, milestone and deadlines are in place, which are guided by the application of renowned change management models to ensure the rig ht approach to introducing a new change conforms to the company’s culture and objectives. Effective application of the control and monitoring mechanism to track effective transition as illustrated in change measures have enabled the changes to be effective. We have tracked and recorded minor deficiencies which are a result at the acceptance stage of TPM have since been resolved. Positive feedbacks received from customers and remarkable records of decreased customer complaints, because of the new quality management check in-house that has guided quality production output. REFERENCES Woolnough, M. , 2009. Glossary for Nestle continuous excellence NCE document, Nigeria Pg 2 – 3 Ashton, F. , 2010. Lewin Model (K. Lewin, 1951).Available from: http://www. ashtonfourie. com Blog (Accessed 6 July 2012) Kotter, J. , 1996. Leading Change. Available from: http://www. mindtools. com (Accessed 6 July 2012) Mark, S. , 2008. Measuring success- Ideas on how to show that real benefits are being delivered, Fox IT, Pg 2 – 8 Holger, N. , 2009. Change Model 3: John Kotter's 8 Steps of Leading Change. Available from: http://www. change-management-blog. com (Accessed 13 July 2012) Lewin Model. Available from: http://www. change-management-coach. com. (Accessed 6 July 2012) Nestle continuous excellence NCE Introduction VI. 6. Available from: http://www. intranet. nestle. com/NCE (Accessed 6 July 2012)

Monday, July 29, 2019

Western Medieval Christian Architecture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Western Medieval Christian Architecture - Essay Example In the beginning of this essay it is important to mention that two major styles, Romanesque and Gothic, were developed in the field of architecture of Western European Middle Ages. These two styles have reflected the world outlook of their era in the best way. Medieval Romanesque period begins in the X century, when a period of a lull was possible after many internecine wars. Historical evidence states that, by this time, a vast empire of Charlemagne had already formed some European states which have not been able to acquire the cultural autonomy and identity, and culture of each of them was just a variation on a European theme (Perry et al. 217-222).It is obvious that pilgrimages to Jerusalem and the crusades introduced Europeans to the culture of the Arab East. Different Christian monasteries greatly expanded their activity: they built roads, bridges, hotels and hospitals. New experience and traditions were transferred from the master of one monastery to other monastery.Composition in the Middle Ages was understood literally, as the folding, drawing up a new form of ready-made. This was evident in all the arts, and especially in the architecture. And even today the Romanesque cathedral seems as it is composed of several separate volumes like cubes. In such a way, previously stated information gives us an understanding of the fact that already the Romanesque era formed the main design features of the cathedral, which was brought to perfection in the Gothic style in the next centuries.

Sunday, July 28, 2019

International Finance and Internet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

International Finance and Internet - Essay Example Countries reacted by restricting movements of capital and establishing fixed exchange rates. Starting from 1973, industrial countries began to reduce restrictions on capital and exchange rates were driven by forces of competition between markets. Modern theory of trade encourages trade liberalisation towards global welfare. Trade liberalisation would enable countries to specialize in producing products they have comparative advantage at producing at more quantities and less costs. Eventually the world would enjoy more products at lower costs. The integration of innovations in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) with trade liberalisation has lead to the emergence of International E-Commerce (IEC). IEC is a subset of e-commerce and it is defined as an on-line commitment to sell a product that result in the import or export of goods or services cross-borders. IEC still accounts for a small portion of overall international trade (USGAO 2002). Investment in ICT generated new financial instruments leading to invention of new means of conducting business worldwide. The Golden age of European economic growth (the period between 1950 and 1973) was superseded by the United States productivity growth that outperformed European productivity growth. ... During the 1990s there was spectacular progress in ICT production, which encouraged more capital investment in ICT causing ICT equipment to become much cheaper. ICT production became larger relative to GDP in the United States. EU has lagged behind the United States in ICT investment and in the contribution made by ICT to labour productivity growth. For most EU countries except Ireland, ICT production accounts for smaller proportion of GDP than in the United States (Crafts 2003). Weak investment in ICT in Europe is related to regulation. Employment protection legislation, which raises firing costs, is an obstacle to the reorganization of the labour force and work practices which are central to obtaining the payoff from ICT. Although Europe has moved in the direction of deregulation and some countries have a strong advantage over the United States in human capital, the continued strength of employment protection remains as a drag on ICT capital investment. ICT investment is likely to boost growth (Crafts 2003). 2.1 Economic Effect of Information and Communication Technologies It is assumed that innovative ICT will make financial transactions easier, secure and at a lower cost. It is possible to lower transaction costs since information costs make up a great portion of the transactions costs. Transaction costs are mainly operation cost. In the B2B segment, the use of e-commerce technologies, i.e. primarily electronic information exchange among enterprises, optimizes production, inventory keeping and distribution (Wenninger, 1999). Automating transactions may markedly reduce the procurement cost before, during and after a transaction,

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Research project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Research project - Essay Example Anthropologists generally denote this with the key phrase â€Å"cultural adaptation†. The vital elements in the cultural existence of the Yanomamo cope with territory and orientation to it (Early and Peters 35) The Yanomamo are widely recognized that they are among the handful of tribes on the planet whose presence was unidentified until few recent years. They reside in the boundaries between Venezuela and Brazil, and their human population is only about 20,000 people, dispersed in various villages and split up by miles of uninhabited territory. Once the anthropologist Napoleon Chagnon travelled to this area for the very first time, the Yanomamo were staying in certain undersized villages, referred to as shabonos, and they were talking in only their native language. As per Napoleon Chagnon, they fit in the class of â€Å"Tropical Forest Indians†, known as foot people, and this describes the villagers’ disbursement over the terrain. The Yanomamo conduct involves an accumulation of features which are linked among their communities that, all through particular viewpoint, manage the intricacy of association between the facets of ethnic, environmental, and natural routines. They depend for food and shelter on the things they can collect on the rain forest. They perform hunting and accumulating, and the most typical game creatures are wild pigs, monkeys, tapirs, armadillos, birds and rodents. Caterpillars are thought to be an extremely appealing meal, exactly like the grubs that reside in the seeds of palm fruit. (Early and Peters 221) Among their local meals plantains are the most vital. Additionally they cultivate tobacco, to which each and every Yanomamo is passionate. They are mindful furthermore of the methods of â€Å"slash and burn cultivation†, the procedure for farming employed in which flora is burnt, land is cropped for quite some time (two to three years), after which the boonies retake its position. Enthusiastic hunters

EU Crisis and its consequences Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

EU Crisis and its consequences - Essay Example The paper tells that the European crisis is an ongoing financial crisis that has led to involvement of third parties to help in the situation. The crisis began in 2009 with increased fears from investors attributed to by the rising government debt levels around the world. This was followed by an era of downgrading of government debt in a couple of European states. The issue became worse in 2010 leading to actions of rescue. Meetings have been held by the leaders in the project to come up with possible solutions. In projects, leadership should play a key role and this is the case with the European Union however other factors let it down. According to Olsson, there are different things that the leaders have been agreeing on for instance creation of a common fiscal union and balanced budget management in each state. In an issue like this one, it becomes necessary to look at the causes of the same before going deep to get solutions and recommendations. Although the European currency has remained stable despite the shock, sovereign debt has raised substantially in a few eurozone countries. In the crisis countries that are most affected are Greece, Ireland, and Portugal, which collectively contribute 6 percent of the eurozone’s gross domestic product. Members pinpointed to contribute to the evolution of the crisis are Greece, Ireland, and Portugal. From the three states, the crisis is noted to have spread to Italy, Spain, Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom. ... In projects, leadership should play a key role and this is the case with the European Union however other factors let it down. According to Olsson (2009), there are different things that the leaders have been agreeing on for instance creation of a common fiscal union and balanced budget management in each state. In an issue like this one, it becomes necessary to look at the causes of the same before going deep to get solutions and recommendations. Although the European currency has remained stable despite the shock, sovereign debt has raised substantially in a few eurozone countries. In the crisis countries that are most affected are Greece, Ireland, and Portugal, which collectively contribute 6 percent of the eurozone’s gross domestic product (Olsson, 2009, p.23-26). Analysis of the European Crisis Complex factors have resulted to the European sovereign debt crisis including globalization of finance; easy credit conditions between 2002 and 2008 that encouraged much borrowing; trade imbalances in the international markets; slow economic growth after 2008; fiscal policy challenges particularly high entitlement spending; and approaches used by nations to bailout banking industries challenged (Chrisdoulaki, 2010).The dawn of the crisis was in 2000 to 2007 where the global pool of fixed income securities increased. This increased savings in individual states as developing countries entered global capital markets. Different countries in the European were affected by these swings in the global economy that had begun in United States of America. Some borrowed and invested in different ways for instance Ireland, one of the leading contributors of the crisis, lent the money to property developers through its

Friday, July 26, 2019

Social Media in the Public Sector Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Social Media in the Public Sector - Dissertation Example In the midst of Arab uprisings, the role of social media such as Twitter and Facebook and their utilization by the Government 2.0 goes largely ignored (Council on Foreign Relations, 2011). While some research has attempted to examine the use of social media in the private sector, little attention has been given to the use of social media by the Government 2.0 in Arab countries in controlling and channelizing the thought processes of Arab citizens and averting such uprisings as happened recently. Background Previously, the world was organized around the traditional system of messages communicated via a single knowledge repository to all stakeholders with little or no interaction ‘amongst’ these stakeholders (Evans, 2008). However, the contemporary networked world is just the opposite with two-way communication being the norm. Social media has played a significant role in the birth of the boundary less world, with ease of collaboration and interaction amongst participants (Evans & McKee, 2010). Recent uprisings in Arab countries are raising concerns about the need for government to interact with its citizens, listen to their concerns and respond to them (Idle & Nunns, 2011). Governments in UAE have introduced blueprints for social media for government organizations in line with the e-participation directives (Abdallah & Albadr, 2010). Research indicates that approximately 30% of government organizations in Dubai have successfully adopted the use of Web 2.0 and social media technology at their place of work and another 30% plan to do the same in the coming 3 years (Abdallah & Albadr, 2010). ... by Arab governments is a step further in the concept of â€Å"open governments† which is a people-oriented strategy, in line with principles of true democracy, which is reflected in long term partnerships between the government and the nation’s citizens at a holistic level (Andersen et al., 2010). The concept is to engage the citizens by using ICTs that enhance trust, collaboration and participation between the government and its citizens. The notion of e-government includes but is not limited to, e-participation, a term that recognizes that two-way communication can be efficiently achieved via social media technologies by allowing the user (citizen) to interact with the government in real time (Macintosh & Tambouris, 2009). 2. Aims and Objectives The aim of this research is to identify, describe, and critically analyze the factors responsible for the need for use of social media in the public sector and establish the significance of social media as a tool for fostering Government 2.0. The objectives are as follows: 1) to define the tools used by public sector government organizations under the umbrella of social media 2) To determine the most significant tool in social media adoption in Arab world 3) To determine the extent to which the economic impact of e-government can be established 4) To examine the benefits of an open government and the role of social media in promoting it 5) To examine the challenges of implementing the social media networking technology in the context of promoting Government 2.0 6) To establish the differences between countries that are promoting Government 2.0 and those that are not 3. Intellectual Challenge: Within private sector businesses, there is evidence of use of social media as a tool for enhancing communication with stakeholders

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Intro and conclusion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Intro and conclusion - Essay Example Greece is one of the prominent countries in the European Union. However, unlike many other countries in EU, Greece is currently struggling a lot because of financial problems. EU is doing everything possible to revitalize Greece’s economy. However, the depth of the financial problems facing by Greece seems to be big. However, Greece still offers enough opportunities to foreign direct investments. Greece realized that internal resources are limited to streamline the economic progress in the right path. Currently they are trying hard to attract Foreign Direct Investment as much as possible to escape from the financial problems. New products and existing products have equal opportunities in Greece at present. Because of the blind faith in the abilities of Americans, American products are accepted with both hands by Greeks. Product manufacturers in America can capitalize on such attitudes of Greek people. We have planned to develop a new multipurpose product; alarm clock/ smart phone charger / coffee maker and market it in Greece. This paper is written as a marketing plan for the newly developed alarm clock in Greece. The current population in Greece right now is 10,767,827 (â€Å"Greece Demographics Profile 2013.†). There are currently 4,704,248 people that makes up our products target market, which is roughly 44% of the total current market (â€Å"Greece Demographics Profile 2013.†). Over the past three years, Greece’s economy has been on the decline and with the recently raised income taxes, there has been a decline in disposable income as well (â€Å"Cafes/Bars in Greece.†). For the average adult, the normal work week consists of 40 hours, but during this time, Greeks do not take normal lunch breaks (â€Å"Cafes/Bars in Greece.†). Instead they take multiple shirt breaks throughout the day in which they get coffee or a quick snack (â€Å"Cafes/Bars in Greece.†). Coffee has become apart of Greek culture where its is a daily routine. Greeks

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Appellate brief Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Appellate brief - Essay Example Unfortunately, the trial court on February 14, 2009, denied accepting the suggestion. The trial court established that’ â€Å"Under the circumstances, for all intents and purposes the suitcase was abandoned. The defendant did not express a possessory interest in the suitcase at anytime after he learned its location. Having been abandoned, the defendant had no expectation of privacy in it or in its contents† (Tr. At 40-41) (Congress 551). On March 6, 2009, Mr. Stewart engaged himself in a conditional guilty plea, determined to achieve his right to appeal by suppressing the judgment that was done against him (Doc. At 22) (Congress 551). The defendant was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment, followed up by 3 year period supervised release, on April 27, 2009. This is an appeal of the federal grand jury’s judgment that was entered on April 29, 2009. Summary of Arguments This is not the first time a case of this form was appearing before the Court. The court case invol ving United States and Arango, 912 F.2d 441 (10th Cir. 1990), ruled that anybody who has the legal right to the ownership of a personal property has the legal rights to prevent other people from searching it. Other ruling in a similar case between the United States and Jones, 707 F.2d 1169, (10th Cir. 1983), ruled that in situations such as this of United States Vs Steward, no prior or related appeals are made (Congress 552). This case, therefore presents a question of first order: Whether Mr. Stewart should be allowed to engage in an appeal system, or whether the Law Court should consider this case like one which does not require prior or related appeals. Discussion The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 set that a 5- and 10-year mandatory-minimum penalty will be issued to any subject found possessing drugs with the purpose of distributing depending on the nature and weights of the substances (Congress 539). Stewart was imprisoned for possessing 100 grams of heroine with objective of dist ributing. The court had earlier handled such two cases and gave rulings which are can help in understanding the case between United States Vs Stewart. The defendant is in a legitimate position as an American citizen, to defend his rights to appeal, so as to keep away other people from inspecting his property. But this condition is not easy to determine, because the process the defendant went through was such a complicated one that required more time and consideration. The trial Court was legally right to deny Mr. Stewart an opportunity to engage in an appeal that was intended to dismiss the charges against him. According to the former judgment, any person who has legal ownership of a property through existing proofs such as documents are the ones who are entitled to request for apple if their assets are illegally inspected without their consents (Congress 539). It should also be noted that the property that can be protected should not be illegal, property like bags carrying heroine, cocaine, bang, guns and other illegal property can be inspected by security officers even if the owner denies accepting inspection. Mr. Stewart, defendant, only claimed that the suitcase was his without providing any evidence. This left a question for proving whether the luggage was legitimately his. Because he was the only person who claimed the ownership of the property, the security had no otherwise but charges him accountable as the owner of the bag. The Airport security

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Sale of Goods Act 1979 sections 20A & 20B - Passing of Property & Risk Essay

Sale of Goods Act 1979 sections 20A & 20B - Passing of Property & Risk - Essay Example Section 20A is applicable to Contracts of sale where there is a â€Å"specified quantity of unascertained goods.† Section 20B was enacted to supplement the lacuna created by section 20A where there has been deemed consent by the buyer as a co-owner of goods from the bulk and the protection of liquidators from any action in case of insolvency. It means that an act done under Section 20A by one of the co-owners (buyers) binds the other but in case of the seller’s insolvency before passing of property paid for, the buyer is protected. Therefore, the researcher concludes that the legislature never introduced any form of injustice to replace another by enacting Sections 20A and 20B but they cured the mischief in law and strengthened the justice system that could have created endless litigations due to uncertainty of goods, undefined deemed consent and the insolvency of the seller where property had not passed to the buyer. Analysis Sections 20A and 20B Section 20A of the Sal e of Goods Act as amended specifically deals with contracts where the parties traded in â€Å"specified quantity of unascertained goods† in the bulk and gives legal parameters to the effect that property and risk in goods is deemed to have passed upon ascertainment as per the Avory J in Healey v Howlett & Sons (1917). This can either be by identification of goods by the buyer, appropriation by the seller, abatement and or severance of the goods in the bulk by the buyer. In this vein, particular conditions should be fulfilled which includes; that such goods for sale or a sample from the bulk should be clearly identified as forming part of the contract or by any other subsequent contract by parties to that agreement (Burns, 1996, P.268). Secondly, there should be consideration for those goods forming wholly or part of the contract according to Burns, (1996, P.268) and also upheld by the Court in Cohen v Roche (1927). It is an exception to the old rule of thumb that goods pass u pon delivery and payment (Ward (RV) Ltd v Bignall,1967, P.545). In this circumstance, it’s upon ascertainment. Where upon the above conditions are satisfied, property and risk is premafacie passed onto the buyer for those ascertained goods in the bulk as per the Court in Pignataro v Gilroy & Sons (1919) involving the sale of unascertained rice2. The only exception is where there is an agreement to the contrally between the contracting parties (The Sale of Goods Act, 1795, S.20A (2)) or if there are special factors forming part of the essential terms of the contract (Nicole, 1979, P.143). Property further passes in unascertained goods by the buyer’s approval of goods produced by the seller before delivery but the seller should notify the buyer of that production (Wilkins v Bromhead, 1844). This thus means that there has been appropriation of goods hence passing of property and risk (Noblett v Hopkinson, 1905). Furthermore, part payment for the goods being ascertained is in the circumstance treated as consideration and therefore makes the buyer owner of the goods. Property is thus deemed to have passed according to Hendy Lenox Ltd v Grahame Puttick Ltd (1984). However, the terms of the contract must be fulfilled failure of which negatives the passing of property as was the case in Carlos Federspiel & Co SA v Charles Twigg & Co Ltd (1957) involving the sale of bicycles which didn’t pass until they had passed the ship rail. Therefore, sections 20A and 20B were not

Monday, July 22, 2019

Physical Therapist Essay Example for Free

Physical Therapist Essay Physical Therapist [pic] Ka’Liyah Matthews Workforce Essentials 7th Block Mr. Boyd Advantages One advantage of becoming a physical therapist is that you get to know more people of different age groups, values, cultures, and faiths. The advantages of becoming physical therapist do not end there, qualified and skilled physical therapy professionals receive competitive salaries and excellent benefits as well. Disadvantages Sometimes physical therapist work long hours. They can get overworked, and have a heavy patient load. If working in a hospital they are exposed to all kinds of nasty bugs and viruses. Sometimes they have to hurt people. Job Outlook Although many people are training to become physical therapists, the supply of these workers is expected to fall short of demand. However, employment growth may be restricted by controls on health-care costs. Education Requirements To become a physical therapist, one must have a masters degree in physical therapy from an accredited institute and a state license. Moreover, he should possess strong interpersonal skills so as to communicate with the patient and his family. The physical therapy job demands scores of patience from the practitioner. Training Requirements Accredited physical therapy programs offer both masters degrees or doctorates in physical therapy. Applicants need bachelors degrees that include prerequisite courses, which are set by each graduate program. To be licensed, graduates of accredited programs must pass state examinations. Many states require continuing education to remain licensed in the field. Salary A physical therapist’s salary may vary slightly according to the type of employer. Most physical therapists are employed by health practitioners and earn about $73,980 annually. Benefits Benefits for salaried physical therapists included paid holidays and vacations, health insurance, and retirement plans. Self-employed therapists had to provide their own benefits. Work Schedule Most physical therapists work forty hours per week. Those who prefer flexible hours can usually find part-time or consulting work. Work Conditions Physical therapists usually work in clean, pleasant, and spacious areas. Some therapists treat patients who are confined to hospital beds or their homes. Because they treat patients who may be depressed by their disabilities, physical therapists should be patient and encouraging. They need to be in good health and should be able to work well with their hands. Opportunities for Advancement Experienced therapists can become supervisors of hospital departments. With additional education, they may teach physical therapy. Employment of physical therapists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014, because the population is growing older and likely to need rehabilitation and long-term care. Advances in therapeutic techniques, especially for trauma victims and newborns with birth defects, should create additional demand for rehabilitative care. Personal Qualities Needed Physical therapists must possess problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, patience, manual dexterity, physical stamina, and the ability to work closely with a variety of people. Physical therapists must work well independently, as well as with a team of care givers. From initial examination and evaluation through the discharge of a patient or client, the physical therapists responsibility is to work with the individual to ensure maximal function. A love of lifelong learning, a positive attitude, and an outgoing personality would serve you well in this field.

Narendra Modi Essay Example for Free

Narendra Modi Essay Born in 1950. 1960-1970 Tea, Tea, Tea! A cup of Tea for 10 cents. Would you like to have some tea sir? 2001- Chief Minister of Gujarat, one of the biggest states of India and remained as the Chief Minister for four consecutive terms until he became the Prime Minister of India in 2014. Before Narendra Modi became the Prime minister of India, corruption was the only key to success in India. A couple years ago, my mom got her divers license in Muscat, where I stay and she wanted Indian driving license so that she could drive in India as well. She went to the department office, and to her surprise there was this guy standing at the entrance of the office gate who was ready to give her an original driver’s license without having to give a test for half the price in no time. My mom did that because she didn’t want to stand in a line for like hours to get her license. Last summer, I drove to the department office to get my license but I couldn’t dare to get one illegally. Modi’s new law says that any person reporting an instance of corruption will be rewarded and person engaging in corruption will be punished. So now, you’ve got more eyes watching you than before if you’re in India committing any kind of crime. A brilliant idea to stop corruption because he realizes that not many are willing to eradicate corruption until they have some personal gain. During his election campaign, Modi spoke about his plan to replace the whole legal system of India with fewer new laws. The opposition party and many business men argued that only a more rigorous legal system can help prevent corruption. More than 65% of the population was corrupt. According to India times, Modi responded, â€Å"My election campaign is totally based on what I will do as a Prime Minister and what a government should do is to create a positive climate that will bring investment. I don’t make false promises. This is what I will do and vote for me only if you want this.† If I were him, then I would never dare to talk about such a plan that would invite criticism during the election campaign. Normally, a person would think that Modi just lost 65% of the votes that he had already won. But guess what, Modi not only had those 65% in his favor, but also the others supported him because he offered a brighter future for India. Previously, one would need to take multiple approvals for an action, running from this govt office to that govt office, etc. Today you need to go to one govt office where you only need to take a couple approvals to begin action. According to times of  India, Modi created history when he invited the prime ministers of the south Asian countries including that of Pakistan to his prime ministerial swearing ceremony after which they discussed their political issues. Getting over the ego, takes a lot of guts. In an important meeting with representatives of the neighboring countries, he asked the nations to be clear and declare immediately whether the countries were with India or against India, so that it isn’t like good face to face and later crossing borders and firing soldiers. The outcome of this meeting was a peace treaty signed by South Asian prime ministers (SO no more world war 3 between India and Pakistan), improved trade relations and took action for the better of collective south Asia. Here is a glass of water. Some people will say that the glass is half filled by water, some will say that the glass is half empty. He believes in the third view as explained in the Economic Times. According to him, the glass is half of water and half of air because only optimism can encourage courage. Here is a short video of what the Indian prime minister has accomplished in his 1st 100 working days which no other prime minister ever has. TO conclude,  Modi is a business man because he is a risk-taking, profit-minded person and I call him courageous because he has the courage to believe the unbelievable. Today, he is the inspiration of Indian youth. If you’re looking for Leadership, Governance and Decision Making, then vote for Modi. Thank you. Modi says, â€Å"people throw stones at me and I show courage by collecting those stones and making a temple out of them.† During his election campaign, he openly blamed the then chief minister of Delhi for corruption. The whole of india blindly trusted her that time because she was like this mother figure who would die for her country and blabla. Guess what, delhi chief minister was investigated and she was found guilty. Imagine, if she was not found guilty which was very much possible considering the power she had, then he would have not gained a single vote. He says that business lies in taking risks and higher the risks, higher the profits are. Modi had applied for visa to the United States and was rejected  3 times while he was the chief minister of Gujarat. But one day before the 2014 prime ministerial election results were out, Barak Obama sent an invitation to Narendra Modi requesting him to visit America. This doesn’t talk about Modi’s courage but indirectly speaks about his bold and aggressive nature which even forced Obama to invite Modi a day before he was announced as the Pri me Minister.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Implications of Casual Dress At Work

Implications of Casual Dress At Work Contents (Jump to) 1. Abstract 2. Introduction Professional dress Casual dressing at work 3. Literature Review Background/history Definition of casual wear Business casual A brief history of the Bank of America The role played by clothing The origins of casual dressing Consequences of casual wear Positive consequences Negative consequences 4. Methods of analysis Methods of collecting data Results of analysis 5. Conclusion and recommendations 6. References 1. ABSTRACT This paper seeks to establish the effects and implications of getting casual within the work environment of Bank of America. The Bank of America being the largest bank (by assets), it is known for its high levels of professionalism and its workers formal dress code. This paper will therefore discuss the banks service delivery to its clients while at the same time highlighting the aspects of effects of possible causal approaches that may be employed by the bank employees in discharging their duties. This discussion will be done systematically with special emphasis on different sections that will comprise of a table of content, introduction, literature review, method of analysis, results of analysis, the conclusions and recommendations made, a list of the references used in the collection of the information and finally a list appendices showing the additional material used in this discussion. 2. INTRODUCTION The Bank of America Corporation is based in charlotte which is in North Carolina, it is considered to be one of the largest financial institutions that offer financial services, it is also considered to be the largest bank in the assets category (it ahs the highest asset value).The bank is also the largest commercial bank by deposits. It is also ranked as the second largest bank on the basis of market capitalization in the United States. The bank (company) is known to hold about 12.2% of the total U.S deposits. It also holds the number one position of underwriting the global high yield debt, it is considered to be the third largest underwriter of global equity. The Bank plays a very important and critical role as an adviser to the global mergers and acquisition (it is therefore placed at the ninth position as an adviser on global mergers and acquisitions. The total numbers of clients served by the Bank of America originate from more than 150 countries from across the world. It has the highest percentage of relation with the U.S Fortune 500 companies (this percentage stands at 99%).Its relation with the fortune Global 500 stands at 83% (of these companies).The bank is a very important component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and also an influential member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).The bank demonstrated its ability to weather the 2007 credit crisis and emerged as the healthiest financial institution during that period. It later plunged in market value after incurring heavy losses as a result of purchasing the Merrill Lynch. The 2009 first quarter profits were valued at 4.2 billion with 3.7 billion having originated from the Merrill Lynch. Professional dress Before engaging in an informative discussion on the possible impacts of casual dressing at the work place or any other associated aspects of casual attitude in the work environment, it is important to understand the concept of professional dressing and its significance in the professional world of business. Professional dressing has a lot of significance especially in the Financial sector (which the Bank of America is part of).There is great significance that is attached to the color of the professional dress, this is largely due to the different meanings expressed by the different type of colours.For example, deep and dark colors are associated with wealth.Nuetral and the basic colors are most appropriate for business attire. In the Bank of America most senior managers dress in Dark colored suits which is a symbol of authority, the dark colors also symbolize power. Blue is a color that conveys dignity. Green has been labeled as a very inappropriate color for a male suit; this is because it is a common color for many hotel uniforms has cannot live up to the status demanded by the professional world. Gray is a common color that represents success and trustworthiness. The female employees have realized that the black color is an important and is able to complement many of their professional dresses. They therefore need to choose their clothes carefully based on solid colors that can easily blend with as many colors as possible. Female employees can always soften the basic colors for their professional dresses like brown and black by adding jewel tones, these usually demonstrates their confidence and energy, which is much needed by customers they serve in the professional environment of Bank of America. The corporate and professional standards must be respected during the selection of the Professional dresses; the color of these dresses is a key factor to making a good a selection. The type of fabric is also a factor in the selection process simply because it is symbolic (For example the natural fibers like linen, wool, cotton and silk are a symbol of status. The most preferred type of fabric for both male and female employees in the Bank include 100% pure wool. It is the most appropriate fabric for the professional dresses, followed by cotton. The likes of suede, leather, velvet and satin are fabrics that are inappropriate for professional dresses. There have been different interpretations for the meaning of professional dressing in America (different states have their interpretations, for example the Texas and some Western states believe that a business man can wear polished cowboy boots and their business suits and remain professional).Florida and California has a more casual dre ssing standard compared to New York. There are States that have remained very conservative with their dressing style (meaning they tend to dress professionally more often than not) these states include D.C, Atlanta, Boston, and Chicago).It is common knowledge that professional dressing has its important significance, in the sense that it builds confidence of the employees and also helps to build a professional environment within the Bank environment which is a plus to the image of the Bank of America. It necessary that the customers or the Bank clients constantly feel that they are dealing with professionals who will at all tomes give them professional advice to help them protect the investments and also give them sound financial advice. It is interesting that professional dressing helps to build this environment. A good professional image for the male employees within the bank is to ensure that they wear good quality suits that are solid and have dark colors. These suits should be complimented with good quality ties. They need to maintain a conservative way of dressing, simply because Bank of America as explained in this introduction is an international bank and has clients all over the world and therefore employees within the American Branch have a high potential of serving customers from all over the world and must remain professional if they are to handle such customers who constantly need assurance that the bank is professional and has safely kept their deposits. Casual dressing at work The major possible causes of the emerging trend of the casual dressing trend in the financial sector with specific interest in the Bank of America include; the need to return to a state of elegance as a new approach of expressing professionalism and slow but progressive change from the formal dress code. This paper will therefore will address the history or origin of the casual dressing and its possible consequences within the Bank of America. Some of the casual dressing trends also adopted by other banking institutions or businesses include the casual Fridays and the dress-down days. 3. LITERATURE REVIEWBackground/history This section of the paper will focus on the corporate history of the bank in an attempt to trace the reasons for the Banks dress code policy in relation to the type of customers or clients that they serve. It must be noted that the term ‘getting casual at work does not specifically refer to the dressing code but can be broadly discussed in the context of the employee behavior within the bank; this behavior could also be referred to as being informal be it in the hierarchal level or towards the delivery of services to customers. The Bank of America does not really have an extremely strict type of dress code but insists on smart business casual or any other dressing style that excludes jeans-shirts or in appropriate dressing, suits are not very common within the Bank(this is with reference to the junior employees who are not part of the management team). There are different types of casual dressing which include: Smart casual, Business Casual and sports wear. The most commonly used casual dressing style is the business casual followed by the smart casual. Definition of the casual wears Smart casual: This type of dress code is loosely defined and is very distinct compared to the business casual. The only challenge is that its definition is not very precise and many confuse the term smart casual with the term business casual, this definition of smart casual contains dress trousers even though other definitions include jean trousers. It also includes long sleeve dress shirt, loafers, tie (is optional), a belt, a sport coat. For female employees this could mean a skirt (either long or short), a fashionable belt, a jacket, a sweater that complements the dress that the employee has worn. The women are free to wear jewelry that compliments there type of dressing. It must be noted that this type of dressing is mostly appropriate in academic circles that majorly involves events where the said expert or professional speaks in front of an audience during lectures. Business casual This is a dress code that emerged in many white collar jobs in a number of western countries; this trend emerged in the early 1970 when there was the energy crisis. During this period the government had decided to raise the thermostat setting which then led to many managers authorizing their employees to do way with ties and jackets. The popularity of the business casual had surpassed the business formal attire wear. There are different definitions with regard to the business casual wear, meaning there is no generally accepted definition for this kind of wear, every organization defines this type of wear according to their interpretation which is majorly structured to suit the objectives or the interest of the organization. A definition given by the New York Times cites job search engine Monster.com states that a business casual wear means dressing professionally and looking neat while at the same time remaining pulled together. Business casual for female employees comprises of a ski rt of reasonable length or even full length pants of non jeans material. This can be complimented with a top. The business casual wear for men is considered as a combination of a collard shirt, belt and shoes (e.g. loafers) with socks. The neck ties and cufflinks are generally not recommended for business casual wear. A brief corporate history of the Bank of America Amadeo Giannini founded the Bank of Italy in the year 1904 in San Francisco. The main function of this bank was to cater to immigrants. Amadeo was brought up by the Fava family; this happened after his lost his father, who was shot trying to collect a debt. Opportunity knocked at Amedeos door step when the San Francisco earthquake struck in the year 1906.He was able to rescue all his funds from the banks building which was ruined. He then used the rescued funds to loan out to individuals who were willing to rebuild. He got his fortunes in the later year after all his debtors paid up their loans. He used his money to start the bank of America and Italy in the year 1922 (this was in Italy where he had bought Banca dellItalia Meridionale which had been established in the year 1918).In the year 1927 Amadeo consolidated his Bank of Italy which already had 101 branches with the Liberty bank of America which had 175 branches. This resulted into the Bank of Italy National TrustSavings Association which had a capital of $30,000,000 and had resources worth $115,000,000.It was later in 1928 that he merged with Bank of America Los Angeles, he later renamed his Bank of Italy to Bank of America in the year 1930.The Merger was completed in the year 19 29 and resulted into BANK OF AMERICA. The role played by the Clothing There is great importance pegged to the dressing style in the corporate world and this includes the Bank of America. It is common for executives within the bank to be associated with Business suits which usually symbolize the executive status. This simply means that the dressing styles acts as a code of differentiating the employees within the bank. In cases where the corporate body has a corporate uniform, there is increased ease of employee identification by the customers (this greatly helps to promote the corporate image).Since there is never a second chance to make a lasting impression to the customers, it is important for the employees to realize that the appropriate clothing for a given role within the bank can help improve the image of that employee within that role or even potentially help the employee win other roles within the bank. There is an interesting fact about clothing and the role it plays in placing individuals within a given social order. It is undeniable that there are different social orders that exist within the Bank of America, and these social orders are characterized by the dressing styles that are adopted by the employees (this usually happens whether they are aware or not).It is advisable for the employees to identify the type of role that they want to play and then dress the part. Status is another role played by the type of clothing chosen by a bank employee. A museum specialist called Barbara Dickstein argued that clothing was the major thing that represented an individual as opposed to the jewelry they might own. Wallach also stated in the year 1991 that clothing was a way of stating the status, the role of an individual in life and his social position.Role of clothing (examples). Blue velvet represented or symbolized the French nobilities (this was in the seventeenth century).The European court officials in the past wore clothes that were royal blue and purple in color. In Germany, clothing that were red in color were only designated to the members of the upper class. The ‘casual revolution begun in the year 1990, it was noted that during this period many employees including the company Managers were slowly adopting this emerging trend of casual wear. Apart from bank of America the trend was largely noticeable in downtown financial districts, businesses and corporate rooms in America. The characteristic of the trend is that employees would be casually dressed but look very presentable at the same time. As mentioned in the introduction there are different types of casual wear, the most common being the business wear (It is a very interesting dressing style in the sense that it allows the employee to feel comfortable while at the same maintaining his or h er professional image (examples include cotton shins,sweaters,and khaki pants. Care must be taken during the selection of the casual wear, simply because some of them are in appropriate for an office environment. Many employees have ignored the fact that casual does not imply that one should dress in a sloppy manner, examples of inappropriate casual wear include sleeveless shirts, tank tops and sports wear. It is appropriate for the female employees to avoid clothes that are revealing as these fall under inappropriate dressing. The main reason given by many accounting firms like Delloite and Touche and KPMG is that the casual wears affect the professional image of these professional companies that are always expected by their clients to maintain a corporate and professional image. John Molloy who authored the book ‘Dress for Success mentioned in his book that ‘Rulers of the Corporate and Political America wear suits-always have and always will, There are some large American companies that have also embraced the concept of casual dressing, examples of these companies include General motors and the Ford (they have come up with casual dress policies that cover the entire week as shown by Rothenberg, 1995.Another notable example is the Chrysler car company, where the employees at the headquarters are to dress as they please, twice in a week, there is a possibility of this trend completely taking over the dressing policy of the company. The customer expectation is an indispensable factor when it comes to choosing the most appropriate type of dressing. The management team of the Bank of America strongly believes that the dress code could affect the perception of the customers towards the company e.g. inappropriate or unprofessional dressing badly dents the professional image of the company. The Human Resource Manager of Price Water House Coopers (Pat Cooper believes that â€Å"Appropriate dress reflects good judgment and clients feel someone who has good judgment will give good advise† (walker, 1993).There is need for clear dress policy within the bank to assist with the definition of the casual wear that is acceptable to the customers and the bank ultimately. The different origins of casual dressing The current trend of casual wear within the Bank cannot be traced to one particular origin but can be attributed to the egalitarian movement in the business and industrial environment in the early 1980.This also brought with it the idea of empowerment and teamwork which aimed at reducing the distinctions that resulted from class. The dress codes are greatly influenced by the customer and employee demands. The bank only recommends very casual dressing for those events that are considered charitable. Consequences of Casual wear Positive consequences This section of the paper will explore the different aspects of casual wear with respect to their impact on employee behavior towards customers and even the Bank management team. It can be argued that appropriate casual dressing brings with it positive consequences. These positive consequences benefit both the employer and the employee. If the management team of Bank of America would dress more casually then they would be more comfortable and therefore look approachable to the other employees and this could in a great way boost interaction with the management team which could result into sharing of ideas that would otherwise not be shared.There is a growing popular realization that companies can immensely gain from more comfortable and flexible employees, it is an interesting fact that casual wear usually creates a more relaxed environment thus making the employees to have sense of freedom. If this kind of environment was enhanced through positive control, then the productivity level of employees within the Bank of America can be improved greatly. The casual ware also has its secondary impact in the clothing industry. The emerging trend of casual wear has led to an increased sales volume for many casual wear clothing firms; hence they have experienced positive growth in terms of profit margins. The fashion firms have also engaged in extensive campaigns to encourage the firms to adopt the casual wear for their employees. Departmental stores like Jacobsons have realized that they can promote the trend and in turn boost their sales volume in the long run. They have opted to taking the campaign to the door steps of these financial institutions or Banking corporations by giving them free seminars on the type of casual dressing that can be adopted. Negative impacts of casual dressing It is undeniable that the business casual wear and many other types of casual wear which were popular in the early 1990 have sent shock industry across the financial institutions that had adopted them. The focus of this paper will be on the negative impacts of this casual on the Bank of America. The discussion will therefore capture both aspects of the term of ‘getting casual at work. The aspects in this case will refer to the business casual dresses used by the employees and the casual attitude adopted by the employees towards discharging their duties. The current statistics show that this formerly popular trend is on the decline after the Bank realized that this particular type of dressing was projecting an image that was perceived by the Bank customers as unprofessional therefore eroding the confidence of the customers in the bank. The issue that alarmed the Bank is the statistics that showed that employees who dressed more casually at work tended to be more casual at the place of work in the sense that they discharged their duties more casually. This meant serious implications for the Bank. The casual attire was the largest contributor to the damaging of the corporate image, it also led to casual interaction among the employees for example it encouraged slacking off in the work productivity. The employees tended to joke more frequently, engage in non productive discussions through comments that encouraged flirtatious behavior thus creating an environment that could encourage sexual harassment within the work place. This directly meant that the bank could potentially lose skilled employees through court cases and court penalties. It also posed the risk of dragging the Banks image into these court cases (this could dent the banks image).It also led to the loss of manpower hours. Evidence from a survey conducted by a law firm further supports this fact. There survey which was conducted in 1,000 companies revealed that 50% of these companies had noticed an increase in absenteeism and tardiness after implementing a casual dress policy.30% of these companies also realized that flirtatious behavior had risen. Another challenge that faced the casual dress was the fact that there was no clear definition of what casual business attire should entail. Many employees interpreted the casual wear as what they usually put on at home (some even walked around in the office without shoes. This had the potential of making the work environment not conducive. Molloys research showed that women who were trying to get ahead in the corporate world found it increasing challenging to be taken seriously when they were casually dressed. The business casual wear in the bank sent a strong subtextual message to the customers who interpreted the message to mean that the Bank employees were going to handle their financial needs including their hard earned moneys in a very casual manner. This signal sent to the customers was not the message the Bank would at any one point wish to send to its clients and customers, hence casual wear sends a contrary message to what the bank wishes to send to its clients and customers. A critical review of the casual dressing policy reveals that the policy has more disadvantages than the advantages the Bank would want to achieve at the end of the day. Hence the Bank has become very skeptical of the proposed advantages the business casual wear would bring to the Bank environment. The bank bases its argument on the far reaching effects the casual wear would have on its customers who are the Banks number one priority. 4. METHODS OF ANALYSIS The following techniques were used in the analysis of data and information that was collected in this research paper: Case study, this involved conducting inquiries in order to investigate the phenomenon of ‘getting casual at work within its real life context, this was done on purpose because the boundary between the phenomenon and the context was not very evident. It involved the extensive use of qualitative data that was drawn from interviews and observations. It therefore was used to draw a clear understanding of the concept of getting casual at work. It involved the examination of surveys that were conducted in companies that had the casual wear policies and its main focus was on the Bank of America. The second technique used was the Experimental Design, which is an investigative technique that provided maximum control. It enabled the relationship between the casual attitude and dressing at the work place and its possible impacts to the Bank of America in terms of employee productivity and customer relation, to be isolated and then measure accurately in a carefully controlled experimental environment (where there is the experiment and the control) Methods of collecting Data The type of data that was collected in this case was qualitative data which was structured; this kind of data was produced through closed questions. This involved the use of questionnaires, which made the process of data analysis easier and more efficient. The questionnaires were administered to the employees, customers, and even managers of the Bank of America. It important to note that the questionnaires can only allow the prescribe questions and restricted responses. The design of the questionnaire was largely influenced by the type of data analysis. Interviews were also used to collect the data, in this particular case the structured interview approach was used to get information directly from the bank employees, customers and managers. Results of Analysis These will presented through the use of charts and graphical tables 5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS This paper has demonstrated that ‘getting casual at work poses a potential threat to the image of the Bank of America and can therefore the casual wear can not be adopted as a possible dress code for the bank, this is largely due to the fact that the disadvantages the casual wear holds outweighs the advantages of this concept of ‘getting casual at work. It is important for the bank employees to maintain a professional image by maintaining or putting on professionally recognized dresses. The female employee can dress in the upper class type of business wear that are mostly of natural fibers and respect cultural standards. 6. REFERENCES Button, G. (1995, November 6). No bathrobes, please. FORBES, 130. Davies, R. (1992, September). Managing by listening. Nations Business, 6. Himelstein, L. (1996, April 1). Levis vs. the dress code Business Week, 57. Rothenberg, A. (1995, June). What to wear? Wards Auto World, 32-33.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Hysteresis :: essays research papers

Aim: To investigate the pattern in the amount by which a hanging piece of elastic stretches when a load force is applied and the amount by which the stretch is reduced when the load is removed. Aim (in simpler terms): To determine the relationship between the force on a rubber band and its stretch, both during extension and retraction. Hypothesis: Not required. Method 1)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hang a piece of elastic on a clamp stand. Ensure the elastic is new. 2)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Clamp a ruler using the clamp stand. Ensuring the markings on the ruler is as close to the elastic as possible. -  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Draw a diagram 3) Measure the length of the elastic and record the data. 4) Hang masses on the elastic until it reaches it point of irreversible distortion. Take note of this weight; do not hang more than this weight in the experiment. 5)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Add a weight of 100N (change appropriately). Wait for a few seconds for the system to â€Å"stabilise†. Measure the length of the elastic and record the data. Special care must be taken to ensure that when the mass is added the elastic should not retract. 6)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Add more weights, till the total weight is close to its point of irreversible distortion or till there are no more weights. 7)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Remove the weights one by one. Wait a couple of seconds for the system to â€Å"stabilise†. Measure the length of the elastic and record the data. Ensure that when the mass is removed the elastic should not be allowed to stretch further. 8)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Repeat, till there is no more mass on the elastic. Measure the length of the elastic. Equipment Elastic Clamp stand Ruler Different weights or a weight hanger Variables Independent: Mass hung on elastic Dependant: Length that the elastic extends or retracts. Controlled: Same conditions – thus the behaviour of the elastic is constant   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Same equipment Results Force (N)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Length of elastic (m)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Length that elastic was stretched   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During extension  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During retraction  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For extension  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For retraction 0  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1.2  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  0  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  0.2 100  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1.5  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1.4  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  0.5  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  0.4 .. .. .. .. .. .. ..  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  .. .. .. .. .. .. ..  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  .. .. .. .. .. .. ..  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   900  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ..  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ..  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1000  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ..  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ..  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Note: To find the length that the elastic was stretched. Simple subtract the value â€Å"During extension† by the original length of elastic. Then write the result in the column â€Å"For extension† for the appropriate weight. Repeat for retraction. Construct a graph of this data. For ease of data interpretation, graph force on y axis and length that elastic was stretched (that is the column â€Å"For extension† and â€Å"For retraction) on x axis. Also possible to have intervals of 0.98 N on y axis so that value of mass in grams can be plotted accurately (assuming g=9.8 m/s^2) Plot the points and draw a smooth curve.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Macbeth Essay -- English Literature Essays

Macbeth Trace Macbeths change over the course of the play. How does Shakespeare convey it? The transition from brave and loyal thane to brutal tyrant king can be easily traced, when focusing on the character of Macbeth throughout the play. All aspects of the character change to some extent as his sins and treachery increase in extremity; this includes his relationship with his wife and friends, his clothing, his style of speaking, his attitudes towards fate, paranoia and fear. Shakespeare conveys this change in character to the reader by making all of these different and changing character aspects obvious at some stage during the play. At the start of the play lady Macbeth is the more dominant character in the relationship. In his letter to his wife about the witches' prophecies, Macbeth writes, "This have I thought good to deliver thee, my dearest partner of greatness, that thou mightst not lose the dues of rejoicing, by being ignorant of what greatness is promised thee". He knows that his "partner" will like the idea of being Queen and seems to offer the news as a kind of present, this shows that Macbeth really feels as though he has to please her. However, it is Lady Macbeth that takes charge of the situation and ensures that Duncan is murdered, rather than allowing Macbeth to have his way and let Duncan live. After Macbeth has committed the murder he is distraught and talking about the intensity of the blood on his hands, once again Lady Macbeth takes control of the situation, by saying â€Å"a little water clears us of this deed† she attempts to clear Macbeths conscience. The change in the obvious contr ol Lady Macbeth holds over Macbeths actions, in the first two acts, becomes evident in the banquet scene ( scene 4, act 3 ), by this stage Macbeth is arranging the murder of Banquo without the assistance or reassurance of Lady Macbeth, however, when Macbeth is supposedly seeing the ghost of Banquo later on in the scene, it is Lady Macbeth who, once again, is put into a position of control, as she attempts to cover for her husband and explain his confusing speeches. As the play continues, the plot intensifies, and as Macbeth changes, Lady Macbeth plays a smaller role in the outcome of events. The audience sees her character in decreasing amounts, after the banquet scene, she only features in scene 1, Act 5. Which shows her increasing insanity, as Lad... ...s may not have had any supernatural powers whatsoever, other than Macbeth receiving the title of thane of Cawdor, which may have been coincidence, Macbeth caused everything else to happen, not giving fate a chance as he was causing everything to happen himself. Whether or not you make you own fate is one of the major themes explored by Shakespeare in the play of Macbeth. In the final scene of the play Malcolm describes Macbeth as a â€Å"dead butcher† this in itself sums up the change of Macbeths character, especially when compared to the praise received by the character during the first act of the play. During the early stages of the play Macbeth is described as a â€Å"worthy cousin† to the king and as a â€Å"noble partner† to Banquo, by the end of the play Macbeth has ensured the death of both, either doing it himself or arranging for murderers to do the deed. One has to wonder if it was in Macbeths destiny to face such changes in character, or if it happened as a result of the three weird sisters, playing with a situation that was not meant for their involvement. Regardless of the cause, Shakespeare successfully shows the change in character throughout the play in a large variety of ways. Macbeth Essay -- English Literature Essays Macbeth Trace Macbeths change over the course of the play. How does Shakespeare convey it? The transition from brave and loyal thane to brutal tyrant king can be easily traced, when focusing on the character of Macbeth throughout the play. All aspects of the character change to some extent as his sins and treachery increase in extremity; this includes his relationship with his wife and friends, his clothing, his style of speaking, his attitudes towards fate, paranoia and fear. Shakespeare conveys this change in character to the reader by making all of these different and changing character aspects obvious at some stage during the play. At the start of the play lady Macbeth is the more dominant character in the relationship. In his letter to his wife about the witches' prophecies, Macbeth writes, "This have I thought good to deliver thee, my dearest partner of greatness, that thou mightst not lose the dues of rejoicing, by being ignorant of what greatness is promised thee". He knows that his "partner" will like the idea of being Queen and seems to offer the news as a kind of present, this shows that Macbeth really feels as though he has to please her. However, it is Lady Macbeth that takes charge of the situation and ensures that Duncan is murdered, rather than allowing Macbeth to have his way and let Duncan live. After Macbeth has committed the murder he is distraught and talking about the intensity of the blood on his hands, once again Lady Macbeth takes control of the situation, by saying â€Å"a little water clears us of this deed† she attempts to clear Macbeths conscience. The change in the obvious contr ol Lady Macbeth holds over Macbeths actions, in the first two acts, becomes evident in the banquet scene ( scene 4, act 3 ), by this stage Macbeth is arranging the murder of Banquo without the assistance or reassurance of Lady Macbeth, however, when Macbeth is supposedly seeing the ghost of Banquo later on in the scene, it is Lady Macbeth who, once again, is put into a position of control, as she attempts to cover for her husband and explain his confusing speeches. As the play continues, the plot intensifies, and as Macbeth changes, Lady Macbeth plays a smaller role in the outcome of events. The audience sees her character in decreasing amounts, after the banquet scene, she only features in scene 1, Act 5. Which shows her increasing insanity, as Lad... ...s may not have had any supernatural powers whatsoever, other than Macbeth receiving the title of thane of Cawdor, which may have been coincidence, Macbeth caused everything else to happen, not giving fate a chance as he was causing everything to happen himself. Whether or not you make you own fate is one of the major themes explored by Shakespeare in the play of Macbeth. In the final scene of the play Malcolm describes Macbeth as a â€Å"dead butcher† this in itself sums up the change of Macbeths character, especially when compared to the praise received by the character during the first act of the play. During the early stages of the play Macbeth is described as a â€Å"worthy cousin† to the king and as a â€Å"noble partner† to Banquo, by the end of the play Macbeth has ensured the death of both, either doing it himself or arranging for murderers to do the deed. One has to wonder if it was in Macbeths destiny to face such changes in character, or if it happened as a result of the three weird sisters, playing with a situation that was not meant for their involvement. Regardless of the cause, Shakespeare successfully shows the change in character throughout the play in a large variety of ways.