Angelina Grimke & Catharine Beecher

Angelina Grimke’s public appeal for the institution of the human rights of all moral beings is ultimately superior to Catharine Beecher’s doctrine of female supremacy limited to the domestic sphere. Both women are visionaries of their era offering contrasting views of women’s proper place in society as well as their moral duties. History has proven that Grimke is unwaveringly the contest winner of this debate . Compelling reasons for Grimke’s historical success can be seen in the women’s differing contextual arguments, the effective use of rhetorical mediums, and the personal embodiment of beliefs. Angelina E. Grimke’s Letters to Catharine Beecher is a contrasting response to Beecher’s Essay on Slavery and Abolitionism, which was addressed to Grimke herself. Specifically, Angelina’s 12th and 13th letters serve as a fervent vehicle for which Grimke meticulously counters Beecher’s affirmations of woman’s societal subordination. Grimke wrote the letters â€Å"because of a ‘deep and tender interest’ for the ‘present and eternal welfare’ of ‘Sisters in Chris’ whose eyes were closed to the Law† . Although Grimke addresses her letters to Beecher, her intended audience includes every American, regardless of gender, race, or social status that may come in contact with her publishing or be touched by it in any manner. By 1837, Grimke had gained significant clout from both the reverence and contempt of her followers and critics. She stood as a dedicated abolitionist who broke down multiple barriers for the advancement of women’s rights and moral social change. Catharine Beecher’s Essay sets out to rationalize women’s submissive role by claiming a rigid, social hierarchy- divinely instituted- placing men above women. She argues that women should only influence society through the activities of their separate, domestic sphere. Like Grimke, she ultimately sought to benefit American society through moral reform, but through different means. Angelina Grimke gains historical influence in part by her ability to appeal to the emotional intellect of feminine nature through her faithful articulation and egalitarian interpretation of the Bible. Angelina appeals to the intuitive dispositions of her female audience by imploring that they lift their voices to demand their basic human rights as moral creatures. She effectively argues that, â€Å"all humans, through liberation from sin by Christ’s gift of grace, have the same moral nature and, as a result, the same rights in religious and civil life† . It is woman’s sacred duty to exercise a political and public voice. Grimke uses the Bible to respond to Beecher’s claim of man as the superior sex. She writes, â€Å"Did Jesus then, give a different rule of action to men and women? † She quotes Scripture by stating: â€Å"said God, I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy†¦they shall prophesy† . She calls on women to have faith in their struggles, â€Å"the disciples of Jesus were to walk by faith, not by sight. Did Abraham reason as to the probable results of his offering up Isaac? No! † . She passionately asserts that women suffer from â€Å"a violation of human rights†¦a violent seizure and confiscation of what is sacredly and inalienably hers† . She even effectively addresses the â€Å"clash between biology and religion† in the creation story. The formation of woman out of Adam’s rib serves as direct evidence that she is a part of him, made by his side so that she may be his companion and equal, â€Å"the last best gift of God to man† . Angelina’s open analysis and concise presentation of Scripture is a significant factor in her success. Grimke’s ability to invoke passionate response and appeal to thousands of people is based in the powerful combination of literacy and speech. In her literature, Angelina is very succinct and analytical, using the far-reaching hands of the press to access all of society. Her writings appeal to logical and educated minds, stating accepted foundations for her convictions: the truths of the Bible and the Declaration of Independence. As David McCants writes, â€Å"The principle of absolute human equality, which she believed was a biblical doctrine and with which she challenged the gender doctrine of male and female spheres, is essential† to her effectiveness. Angelina also used her voice to spread her message by making an emotional connection with her audiences. Her followers could relate to her sincerity as well as observe the â€Å"unusual religious inspiration in her speaking† . This tool of public speech also aided her cause in the form of visible opposition to her lectures. By combining the mediums of literacy and speech, Angelina Grimke could not be ignored. These two means of rhetorical persuasion proved to be a powerful language in her commitment to social reform. Another factor of Angelina’s progress is the radical nature of her arguments and the generation of loud opposition. â€Å"Success raises up opponents† . Angelina Grimke represented the most radical and controversial themes of her time. Not only was she a female Southern abolitionist and a champion of women’s suffrage, she publically proclaimed her contentious ideas to the masses. The very idea of â€Å"speaking to mixed audiences was a social taboo† . Women did not speak publically, certainly on political issues; these matters were seen to be too far above them. Angelina’s public response to Beecher and various other conservative opponents provoked dismay as she â€Å"extended the scope of [her] commentary beyond a simple defense†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦and proved it to be â€Å"a powerful offensive on woman’s rights† . Her offense may have initiated opponents to â€Å"attack her for her radicalism and extremist views† , but the notion of her successful preaching cannot be denied. Controversy only sustained Angelina’s prophetic conviction. Angelina stands out as a transcendent proponent for social reform because she emphatically integrates her doctrine into her personal life; she entirely exemplifies the principles for which she believes. Born into an esteemed Southern family, Angelina experienced the evils of slavery while growing up on her family’s plantations. Although she legally belonged to a slaveholding estate, she personally always rejected the ownership of slaves. Grimke left the Episcopalian church to become a Presbyterian in 1826 after experiencing a spiritual awakening and personal revelation of the truths of the gospel. Yet two years later, she converted once again to the Quaker church because in â€Å"her mind only Quaker understanding of the doctrine was scriptural† . Angelina responded with conviction to her calling of piteous moral discipline and the search for Christian perfectionism. The conversion to the Quaker called for a more simplistic, modest, and identifiable attire. The allusions to biblical dress allowed for Grimke to â€Å"justify [her] own public activity by likening it to that of loved heroic women of the Bible† . This practice afforded her credibility as well as â€Å"some reassure of respect and safety to a space where women’s words could be taken seriously in their movement toward a new place for women† . Another way Grimke lived out her principles was in her courtship and marriage to Theodore Dwight Weld. Weld â€Å"knew that Angelina could not fully commit to him until she was convinced that theirs would be a singularly uncommon marriage: a feminist marriage, a union of equals† . Her strong spiritual, emotional, and intellectual connection with Weld even had the consequences of her disownment from the Quaker church. Still, Angelina did not question her faith or personal convictions. She was unwavering in her private dedication to moral righteousness and the establishment of relationships of equals on purely human terms. On the other side of Angelina Grimke’s success is Catharine Beecher’s ultimate failure to manifest her doctrine in American history. She was unable to effectively advocate her values and gain the support needed for her ideal reformation. Beecher sends a conflicting message between her notion that women may only act and influence upon their private, domestic sphere and her personal defiance of this proclamation exemplified by her openly published literature. Her platforms of the modernization of women’s role in the home as a professionally trained schoolteacher seem to â€Å"carve out what certainly must be considered a â€Å"public† niche for herself† and detract from her argument against the visibility of women . The contradiction lies in how Beecher is supposed to publically reject the speaking role of women in an effective and persuasive manner. The publication of her â€Å"private letter† to Grimke does not serve as sound example. Despite her belief that women should remain in the domestic sphere, Catharine’s life was centered outside of the home. She engaged in strong advocacy of greater educational opportunities for women in order to challenge their intellectual abilities. The paradox between her personal life and her view concerning women’s proper role in society is further exaggerated by her unwed status and the professionalism of her literature. Beecher rationalized a feminine teaching body as a lengthening of one’s maternal role. This peculiar mode of â€Å"gaining influence and of exercising power† to be secluded in the domestic sphere calls for the intellectual, moral, and religious education of the nation’s children . She asserts that the rise and fall of the nation depends on the virtues, intelligence, and piety of the female sex . Yet the nature of higher education and expansion of knowledge calls for public rhetoric. Beecher suggests that females are inherently and fundamentally responsible for the collective success or failure of society through their instructive influence on the private sphere. This disheartening conclusion leaves no wonder why women were not compelled to support this propaganda. Catharine limits the scope of her own influence by binding women to one sphere in society. In doing so, she subsequently devalues female intellect and limits their potential. The seclusion of female action in the domestic sphere contests the influence of the early female Christian martyrs, the sanctity of Biblical women in public stations, and the benevolence of the former female ascetics who served as public ministers. Beecher’s concurrence with the early nineteenth-century social attitudes ordering male and female roles according to spheres and virtues limits women’s charitable endeavors, cultural influence, and creative knowledge. They are instructed to perfect society, but are given inadequate resources to do so. In order for her work to become as universal and historic as Angelina Grimke's, Beecher must to appeal to the aspirations of women and inspire unification toward a common purpose. In this regard, among others, Angelina Grimke’s call for an egalitarian forum in which new ideas are celebrated and social barriers are eliminated wins out at the forefront of nineteenth-century social and political reform. Although Grimke and Beecher represent opposing ideals in terms of women’s rights and societal reformation, they share some common ground. Both women were concerned with the well being of mankind and the desire for American women to be distinguished by their intelligence and influence on the interests of society. They both recognize the importance of supportive female networks and the promotion of their creativity. This mission encourages women helping each other overcome the conflict between individual aspirations and cultural imperatives. As visionary enthusiasts of their time, both used a public platform to petition support and gain recognition for their causes. Although Beecher does appeals to a portion of society, her arguments, rhetoric, and personal conviction leave much to be desired. Grimke’s unerring standard of equality on the grounds of human existence effectively challenged opposition, gained considerable recognition through her credibility and inspiration, and touched the hearts of a nation in desperate need of a radical social awakening. Works Cited Beecher, Catharine. Essay on Slavery and Abolitionism with Reference to the duty of American Females. Salem: Ayer Company, Publishers, Inc. , 1988. Beecher, Catharine, Margaret Fuller, and M. Carey Thomas. The Educated Woman in America. New York: Teachers College Press, 1965. Grimke, Sarah and Angelina Grimke. The Public Years of Sarah and Angelina Grimke: Selected Writings 1835-1839. New York: Columbia University Press, 1989. Hobbs, Catherine. â€Å"Untitled. † Review of Angelina Grimke: Rhetoric, Identity, and the Radical Imagination by Stephen Howard. Rhetoric Review, 2001. Isenberg, Nancy. â€Å"Untitled. † Review of Strangers and Pilgrims: Female Preaching in America, 1740-1845 by Catherine A. Brekus. Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture, 2000. Lerner, Gerda. â€Å"The Grimke Sisters and the Struggle Against Race Prejudice. The Journal of Negro History, Vol. 48, No. 4 (Oct. , 1963), http://www. jstor. org/stable/2716330. Mattingly, Carol. â€Å"Friendly Dress: A Disciplined Use. † Rhetoric Society Quarterly Vol. 29, No. 2 (1999), http://www. jstor. org/stable/3886084. McCants, David A. â€Å"Evangelicalism and Nineteenth-Century Woman’s Rights: A Case Study of Angelina E. Grimke. † Perspectives in Religious Studies 14 no. 1 (1987), http://ezp. lndlibrary. org/login? url=http://search. ebscohost. com/login. aspx? direct=true=rfh=ATLA0000973238=ehost-live. Nelson, Robert K. ‘The Forgetfulness of Sex’: Devotion and Desire in the Courtship Letters of Angelina Grimke and Theodore Dwight Weld. † Journal of Social History, Vol. 37, No. 3 (2004), http://www. jstor. org/stable/3790158. Phipps, William E. Adam’s Rib: Bone of Contention. † Theology Today 33 no. 3 (1976), http://ezp. lndlibrary. org/login? url=http://search. ebscohost. com/login. aspx? direct=true=rfh=ATLA0000757237=ehost-live. Sicherman, Barbara. â€Å"Review Essay: American History. † Signs Vol. 1, No. 2 (1975), http://www. jstor. org/stable/3173057.

Elvis Presley Coursework Assignment

What can you learn from source A about Elvis Presley's impact on popular music in the USA in 1955? From source A we can learn that Elvis was a popular, whether people liked his music or just him still sold his records, ‘six hit singles in the companies hit list of top 25 best sellers'. It also shows that the magazine liked him and had confidence in him and that he would succeed at the highest level. This is shown by the title ‘Presley Hot as $1 Pistol' meaning he will shoot to stardom quickly. The article also mentions that he is also ‘the number two best seller' after a well respected, clean cut singer. This shows he has already almost made the big time. Question 2. Study Sources A and B. Source B gives different impressions of Elvis Presley to that given in Source A. i) In what ways do the sources differ? Source A is different to Source B in many ways. Source A is a factual article which is encouraging towards Elvis, promoting the fact that he is popular. This source is aimed at any age group or race that had an interest in modern music and read the magazine. Source B is peoples personal opinions, condemning and objected, ‘Presley has no singing ability', and ‘primitive physical movement', are examples of the personal criticism and abuse Source B implies. Source B is aimed at middle aged, middle class white people. ii) Use Sources C and D, and your own knowledge to explain why Sources A and B differ. Source A is written earlier than Source B and is about record sales. Whereas Source B is commenting on a TV appearance made by Elvis later on. Source C also refers to his TV appearance. Source C agrees with Source B in that Elvis never should have gone on TV. Source A is written in March 1956 before anybody had seen Elvis on TV so there was no reason to criticise him. Source B is written in the same year but is after his first TV appearance. B is supported by both C and D in criticising Elvis about his appearance and his dancing technique. This is shown in Source B stating his ‘primitive physical movement' and is supported by C and D quoting, ‘unfortunately Presley makes personal appearances', and ‘how shocking he looked'. Source A is aimed at any age group or race that had an interest in reading the magazine and in modern music. Source B is aimed at the middle or upper class that would read national newspapers. Source C is aimed at Catholics, and Source D is aimed at anybody. Sources B, C, and D all criticise him so therefore support each other. This is another reason why Sources A and B are different. Source A is reaction to his records and is a factual Source ‘six hit singles in the company's hit list of top-25 best sellers'. Whereas Sources B, C, and D, are all opinions of him and his appearance. Source C supports Source B in that it was criticism of him early in his career when he first made his appearance on TV. Source D supports Source B in criticising Elvis. It shows that even other singers were being shocked by his performances ‘told some real bad, crude jokes, which weren't even funny'. Whereas normally you would expect another person in the same trade to be more accepting of a young up and coming star, who is new to the business. Question 3. Study Sources B, E and F. Do Sources E and F support the evidence of Source B about the impact of Elvis Presley? Use your own knowledge to explain your answer. Sources E and F do not support Source B. Source B was written as newspaper articles about Elvis' appearance on the Milton Berle show. The three articles in source B are all critical about Elvis eg. ‘Presley has no singing ability', ‘unintelligible lyrics' and ‘grunt and groan antics'. Whereas Sources E and F are positive about his appearances. ‘The Milton Berle show topped Sergeant Berle in the ratings'. This shows that people were watching the show to see him perform, ‘it was a relaxed and therefore more effective Milton Berle show'. Source F shows screaming and shouting girls and how popular he is. This Source could also be negative as it shows him and his roughneck appearance. All of these sources show that Elvis did make an impact whether he was liked or disliked. The age group he had the biggest impact on were the teenagers. This was because they liked his music and his rebellious style. Question 4. Study Source G. Use your own knowledge to explain why these different views were expressed. In Source G the three different people speaking all have the same view but for different reasons. The congressman Emmanuel Celler dislikes Elvis because he thought that he overdid his actions. The congressman did not have a problem with rock'n'roll but ‘Presley and his animal gyrations violate all that I know to be in good taste'. He thought that Elvis was over the top. The next part of Source G was a statement by a member of the Ku Klux Klan. The KKK were a big racist group in south America at the time of Elvis' rise to fame. At this time segregation and the Jim Crow laws were still being used. The KKK spokesman dislikes Elvis because he used black peoples style, for example Little Richard style songs. He also describes Elvis as a ‘cannibalistic, negro-loving rock and roller', which shows he has a vision of a stereotypical American red Indian who would eat white men that entered their territory. At this time 56% of Blacks were under the poverty line. The Preacher is agai nst Elvis because he sees Elvis as a bad influence on the young, stating that he ‘would not let my daughter cross the road to see Elvis'. He might also dislike Elvis because as a member of the church he might be against his sexual movement such as the hip thrusts. Question 5. Study Source I. Source I suggests that attitudes to Elvis Presley were beginning to change by 1958. Use the source, and your own knowledge to explain why this was happening. Source I shows that people were starting to like Elvis. Source I suggests that he had achieved US democracy doing what all American citizens were expected to do ‘This is US democracy at its best', because he did not use ‘influence to buy his way out'. This changed his image from a rebel to a squeaky clean pop star. He changed his style of music and started making films. Recording sessions were made shorter so he could move on to his next film, in contrast to the 30 takes of Hound Dog. After he had returned from the army he stopped doing live concerts and started wearing suits. He sung a duet with a well respected star, Frank Sinatra, on Frank's TV show, which was edited so that the audiences screams were taken out. Elvis' films joining the army and business manner made him more acceptable for all age groups and classes. Question 6. Study all the sources. ‘The impact of Elvis Presley on US society during the 1950's was more the result of television coverage of performance than his music.' Use the sources, and your own knowledge ,to explain whether you agree with this view of the career of Elvis Presley. The impact of Elvis Presley in the 1950's is said to have been more to do with his TV appearances than his music. A lot of people did not have TV's in the 1950's but most people had radios so the statement is debatable. Newspapers and magazines also highlighted and mostly exaggerated Elvis' appearances. Personally I disagree with the statement. Sources B and C are Magazine and newspaper articles with other peoples opinions about his TV appearances. Both of these articles are one sided against Elvis, only giving a conservative reaction. These reactions are all picking out bad things about his appearance and movements eg. ‘Presley has no singing ability', ‘Unintelligible lyrics', ‘primitive physical movement', and ‘grunt and groan antics'. Source F which shows Elvis dancing and singing could be positive in that there are so many screaming fans, or negative showing roughneck appearance with sideburns and controversial dress sense. Sources A, E, and H are all positive Sources towards him and his records. Source A shows that his music was popular and that he was already the ‘number two best seller' before he even appeared on TV. Source E shows that his appearance on the Milton Berle TV show had topped the ratings. This shows that people were tuning in to see him again showing he was popular before his first TV appearance. Source H is more facts about his record sales and how well they were selling compared to other artists at the same time. These statistics tell us that his music was extremely popular. These three Sources are factual rather than opinion like Sources B, and C. The middle aged group of people at the time were always looking to criticise Elvis.

How Effectively an Organization Meets the Wants

Competitiveness How effectively an organization meets the wants and needs of customers relative to others that offer similar goods or services Business compete using MARKETING 1. Identifying consumer wants and/or needs is a basic input in an organization’s decision making process, and central to competitiveness. The idea is to achieve a perfect match between those wants and needs and the organization’s goods and/or services. 2. Price and quality are key factors in consumer buying decisions. It is important to understand the trade-off decision consumers make between price and quality. 3.Advertising and promotion are ways organizations can inform potential customers about features of their products or services, and attract buyers. Business compete using OPERATION 1. Product and service design should reflect joint efforts of many areas of the firm to achieve a match between financial resources, operations capabilities, supply chain capabilities,and consumer wants and needs . Special characteristics or features of a product or service can be a key factor in consumer buying decisions. Other key factors include innovation and the time-to-market for new products and services. 2.Cost of an organization’s output is a key variable that affects pricing decisions and profits. Cost-reduction efforts are generally ongoing in business organizations. Productivity(discussed later in the chapter) is an important determinant of cost. Organizations with higher productivity rates than their competitors have a competitive cost advantage. A company may outsource a portion of its operation to achieve lower costs, higher productivity, or better quality. 3. Location can be important in terms of cost and convenience for customers. Location near inputs can result in lower input costs.Location near markets can result in lower transportation costs and quicker delivery times. Convenient location is particularly important in the retail sector. 4. Quality refers to material s, workmanship, design, and service. Consumers judge quality in terms of how well they think a product or service will satisfy its intended purpose. Customers are generally willing to pay more for a product or service if they perceive the product or service has a higher quality than that of a competitor. 5. Quick response can be a competitive advantage. One way is quickly bringing new or improved products or services to the market.Another is being able to quickly deliver existing products and services to a customer after they are ordered, and still another is quickly handling customer complaints. 6. Flexibility is the ability to respond to changes. Changes might relate to alterations in design features of a product or service, or to the volume demanded by customers, or the mix of products or services offered by an organization. High flexibility can be a competitive advantage in a changeable environment. 7. Inventory management can be a competitive advantage by effectively matching s upplies of goods with demand. . Supply chain management involves coordinating internal and external operations (buyers and suppliers) to achieve timely and cost-effective delivery of goods throughout the system. 9. Service might involve after-sale activities customers perceive as value-added, such as delivery, setup, warranty work, and technical support. Or it might involve extra attention while work is in progress, such as courtesy, keeping the customer informed, and attention to details. Service quality can be a key differentiator; and it is one that is often sustainable.Moreover, businesses rated highly by their customers for service quality tend to be more profitable, and grow faster, than businesses that are not rated highly. 10. Managers and workers are the people at the heart and soul of an organization, and if they are competent and motivated, they can provide a distinct competitive edge by their skills and the ideas they create. One often overlooked skill is answering the t elephone. How complaint calls or requests for information are handled can be a positive or a negative. If a person answering is rude or not helpful, that can produce a negative image.Conversely, if calls are handled promptly and cheerfully, that can produce a positive image and, potentially, a competitive advantage. Key EXTERNAL factor 1. Economic conditions. These include the general health and direction of the economy, inflation and deflation, interest rates, tax laws, and tariffs. 2. Political conditions. These include favorable or unfavorable attitudes toward business, political stability or instability, and wars. 3. Legal environment. This includes antitrust laws, government regulations, trade restrictions, minimum wage laws, product liability laws and recent court experience, labor laws, and patents. . Technology. This can include the rate at which product innovations are occurring, current and future process technology (equipment, materials handling), and design technology. 5 . Competition. This includes the number and strength of competitors, the basis of competition (price, quality, special features), and the ease of market entry. 6. Markets. This includes size, location, brand loyalties, ease of entry, potential for growth, long-term stability, and demographics. Key INTERNAL factors 1. Human resources. These include the skills and abilities of managers and orkers; special talents (creativity, designing, problem solving); loyalty to the organization; expertise; dedication; and experience. 2. Facilities and equipment. Capacities, location, age, and cost to maintain or replace can have a significant impact on operations. 3. Financial resources. Cash flow, access to additional funding, existing debt burden, and cost of capital are important considerations. 4. Customers. Loyalty, existing relationships, and understanding of wants and needs are important. 5. Products and services. These include existing products and services, and the potential for new produ cts and services. . Technology. This includes existing technology, the ability to integrate new technology, and the probable impact of technology on current and future operations. 7. Suppliers. Supplier relationships, dependability of suppliers, quality, flexibility, and service are typical considerations. 8. Other. Other factors include patents, labor relations, company or product image, distribution channels, relationships with distributors, maintenance of facilities and equipment, access to resources, and access to markets. PRODUCTIVITY MEASURE Productivity measures are useful on a number of levels.For an individual department or organization, productivity measures can be used to track performance over time. * This allows managers to judge performance and to decide where improvements are needed. * For example, if productivity has slipped in a certain area, operations staff can examine the factors used to compute productivity to determine what has changed and then devise a means o f improving productivity in subsequent periods. Productivity measures also can be used to judge the performance of an entire industry or the productivity of a country as a whole.These productivity measures are aggregate measures. In essence, productivity measurements serve as scorecards of the effective use of resources. Business leaders are concerned with productivity as it relates to competitiveness: If two firms both have the same level of output but one requires less input because of higher productivity, that one will be able to charge a lower price and consequently increase its share of the market. Or that firm might elect to charge the same price, thereby reaping a greater profit.Government leaders are concerned with national productivity because of the close relationship between productivity and a nation’s standard of living. High levels of productivity are largely responsible for the relatively high standards of living enjoyed by people in industrial nations. Furtherm ore, wage and price increases not accompanied by productivity increases tend to create inflationary pressures on a nation’s economy. Improving Productivity A company or a department can take a number of key steps toward improving productivity: 1.Develop productivity measures for all operations. Measurement is the first step in managing and controlling an operation. 2. Look at the system as a whole in deciding which operations are most critical. It is overall productivity that is important. Managers need to reflect on the value of potential productivity improvements before Okaying improvement efforts. The issue is effectiveness. There are several aspects of this. * One is to make sure the result will be something customers want. * For example, if a company is able to increase its output through roductivity improvements, but then is unable to sell the increased output, the increase in productivity isn’t effective. * Second, it is important to adopt a systems viewpoint: A productivity increase in one part of an operation that doesn’t increase the productivity of the system would not be effective. * For example, suppose a system consists of a sequence of two operations, where the output of the first operation is the input to the second operation, and each operation can complete its part of the process at a rate of 20 units per hour.If the productivity of the first operation is increased, but the productivity of the second operation is not, the output of the system will still be 20 units per hour. 3. Develop methods for achieving productivity improvements, such as soliciting ideas from workers (perhaps organizing teams of workers, engineers, and managers), studying how other firms have increased productivity, and reexamining the way work is done. 4. Establish reasonable goals for improvement. 5. Make it clear that management supports and encourages productivity improvement. Consider incentives to reward workers for contributions. . Measure impr ovements and publicize them. Other factors that affect productivity include the following: * Standardizing processes and procedures wherever possible to reduce variability can have a significant benefit for both productivity and quality. * Quality differences may distort productivity measurements. One way this can happen is when comparisons are made over time, such as comparing the productivity of a factory now with one 30 years ago. Quality is now much higher than it was then, but there is no simple way to incorporate quality improvements into productivity measurements. Use of the Internet can lower costs of a wide range of transactions, thereby increasing, productivity. It is likely that this effect will continue to increase productivity in the foreseeable future. * Computer viruses can have an immense negative impact on productivity. * Searching for lost or misplaced items wastes time, hence negatively affecting productivity. * Scrap rates have an adverse effect on productivity, signaling inefficient use of resources. * New workers tend to have lower productivity than seasoned workers. Thus, growing companies may experience a productivity lag. Safety should be addressed. Accidents can take a toll on productivity. * A shortage of information technology workers and other technical workers hampers the ability of companies to update computing resources, generate and sustain growth, and take advantage of new opportunities. * Layoffs often affect productivity. The effect can be positive and negative. Initially, productivity may increase after a layoff, because the workload remains the same but fewer workers do the work—although they have to work harder and longer to do it.However, as time goes by, the remaining workers may experience an increased risk of burnout, and they may fear additional job cuts. The most capable workers may decide to leave. * Labor turnover has a negative effect on productivity; replacements need time to get up to speed. * Design of the workspace can impact productivity. For example, having tools and other work items within easy reach can positively impact productivity. * Incentive plans that reward productivity increases can boost productivity.

Critical Analysis of a Project Business Case Essay

Critical Analysis of a Project Business Case - Essay Example A business case is used to present the strategies and evaluate the alternatives associated with the project plan. To critically analyze the business case regarding the proposal of Affordable Housing for Essential Workers in Port Hedland town in Western Australia, the business case can be looked into with an aim of reflecting on the goals and objectives of the business case as proposed, the valid opportunities and scopes that the case effectively addresses, evaluate the costs and benefits as proposed in the business case and identify the various economic, legal and non- economic benefits as well as the strategies and risks involved in the business case report. Also the business case should be analyzed critically to understand the level of alignment that it has with the vision and objectives of the organization undertaking the project. The rationale for developing the business plan and the risk factors and benefits of implementing the alternatives should also be critically evaluated. B ackground Port Hedland is located in Western Australia on the coastal region of Pilbara region. Due to the presence of a natural harbour, the area has developed as a service centre hub for many industries like gold mining and pearling. In 1960, large iron ore deposits were discovered in Pilbara which drove major changes in the townscape with developments in the construction of railway lines, harbours, accommodation and other facilities for the increase number of mining workers and their families moving into the town. Since then, Port Hedland saw major investments towards resource projects which established Port Hedland as a prominent administration and service hub. In the current scenario, Port Hedland has a huge service population constituting of more than 20,000 full time workers and around 3000 hour based workers. This is referred to in Appendix 1. The accommodation of the rapidly expanding work population has become a major challenge for the town (Government of Western Australia , 2012). The Western Australian Government has become much focused towards improving the living standards and qualities in port Hedland and turning the city into a modern and diverse city with several facilities, infrastructure and services being provided for the population in Port Hedland. The Analysis The greatest challenges for the government of Port Hedland are to develop sufficient infrastructure, land and housing to match the accelerated and unpredictable growth in the population and service workers number (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008). The business plan for Affordable Housing for Essential Workers in Port Hedland town can be analyzed to be in alignment with the current developments in the town area. The region is experiencing huge demand from the resource boom and has to particularly focus on the land and infrastructure projects to match up with the current and the future growth trends in the town. There are extensive plans made for Port Hedland city growth plan to offset the complex development, infrastructure and planning constraints. The business case under study is streamlined with the requirement of more developed infrastructure, housing facilities and other amenities to make the economy more diversified. The economic outlook in the town of Port Hedland looks perfect for new business investments particularly in the housing

British Education System Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

British Education System - Case Study Example A brief analysis on each of these issues is discussed below. The curriculum followed in the British universities is either national curriculum or hidden curriculum. Most of the university does not follow the national curriculum. Instead they prefer the hidden curriculum, which they design according to their wish. They do not consult the other universities and decide on preparing own curriculum. In some colleges, hidden curriculum works out not too well. This is an important issue because the pattern of study entirely changes from one university to another university. This posses some sort of difficulty to the students. It is better to maintain a single curriculum throughout the state. It will be an advantage to the students instead of having separate curriculum for individual colleges. (Woods 1996).Hidden curriculum does not cater the needs of all groups of students. Instead it concentrates only on a particular sector of students. The difference may be based on ethnicity, race or the status of the student. A curriculum should be common to all the students. It should be unbiased. But in the existing British Education system there is a lot of difference among the class of people. Each of them is treated differently. Education is common to all and hence the universities must follow the same procedure. The national curriculum will work out effectively as the students of all the universities will follow the same syllabus. Hidden curriculum will lead to certain problems among the students. As it is not common to all, each of them will have a difficulty in learning it.(Davies 2000). Another problem in hidden curriculum is, the teaching will be different for each group of students, as the curriculum is different. This needs more number of teachers to be trained in specific subjects. This will enhance the teacher student relationship as only a minimal number of students will be assigned to a particular teacher. One advantage is there will be individual attention for all the students. The value of education is more and it is the basic defining criteria for any curriculum. Hidden curriculum is mainly followed in schools and they are based on the type of school. National curriculum should be enforced by the government and this will avoid the unnecessary problems between the universities. Primary and middle level education does not face much of a problem. (Lempp, Seale 2004).But the problem starts in Higher education. As the schools are separately maintained for each type of curriculum, there is no problem for the students in selecting the course and type of school they prefer. Once a child finishes schooling and starts his higher education, the situation becomes different. Universities do not concentrate much on the student's selection. They specify the courses and curriculum available and it depends on the student to select whatever they wish. In some states there is difference of status and schools and colleges are decided based on their students. Some schools that are under the control of government follow a different strategy when compared to the private institutions. There are institutions that provide education to students who cannot afford to pay their fees. These institutions are run by the government. Private educational institutions provide education

C-T-E Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

C-T-E - Essay Example The failure to identify, expressly, the conceptual model that a researcher used in his or her study leaves readers guessing within a study’s conceptual context. It is not guaranteed that readers will guess the right conceptual model and they might end up not benefitting from such studies. Clinical judgment entails the use of information observed and recorded from a patient to make conclusions. This process helps in advising patients on how to improve their health. When promoting evidence-based research, clinical judgment involves patients in deciding the best practice to be adopted in intervention while taking into account their values. The situation is another thing that is considered in clinical judgment because different situations will come with unique sets of conditions. Clinical judgment is needed in different aspects in the clinical setting including communication, decision-making, therapy, and diagnosis (Kienle & Kiene, 2011). Continuous critical analysis, knowledge, experience, and practice are needed in the development of clinical judgment. These elements accounts for the differences noted between junior and senior medical practitioners in terms of their level of clinical judgment. Senior medical practitioners emphasize theoretical knowledge less than their junior counterparts do. Previous experience of cases and course of events is central to the level of clinical judgment exuded by senior clinicians whereas it is less important to the juniors. Senior clinicians are more likely to emphasize ethical and moral considerations when making clinical judgment more than junior clinicians do (Nilsson & Pilhammar, 2009). This made Kienle and Kiene (2011) to conclude that clinical judgment can be optimized and professionalized. This explains why new interns need intense supervision while on residency. Some interns have problems during clinical rotations and supervisors have to

Discussion board 5 - international law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Discussion board 5 - international law - Essay Example There is evidence, however, that the KP has done very little in solving the world’s climate problems. Even though the treaty was negotiated in 1997, energy-related emissions had grown 24%, and that only limited financial resources had been provided by developing countries to assist them in reducing their emissions. Another criticism of the KP is based upon what Liverman (2008) calls â€Å"climate justice† (n.p.). The emissions created by developing countries make up the bulk of the total number of emissions and are more vulnerable in these countries compared to the high emissions in the developed world, especially by the U.S. and by major multinational corporations. Critics of the KP have stated that it unfairly puts the burden on the west to financially rectify global warming, when developing countries are often more to blame. Therefore, the argument that the KP would have been more effective if the U.S. and China would have signed it is weak because even if they had r atified it, there is no evidence that global emissions would have been significantly reduced. Perhaps other protocols should be used, ones that do not penalize the west so heavily and that are more effective in what they seek to accomplish. 2. Laws of war Regardless of one’s opinion regarding the Bush administration’s compliance (or lack of compliance) with the international provisions governing the use of force with respect to retaliation, the use of certain weapons, the treatment of POWs and civilians, and the use of torture, any state that has signed agreements and treaties prohibiting them should adhere to them. If the United States or any other country that is a member of the UN that has signed these treaties violate them in any way, they should be held responsible. Of course, the controversy is if the Bush administration actually did that. Members of the U.S. government, especially in the Bush years, insist that they did not. That is beyond the purview of this as signment. It depends upon one’s perspective and political viewpoints, and it depends on who you ask. The U.S. Supreme Court, in its 2006 Hamdan vs. Rumsfeld ruling, declared that military commissions for trying terrorist suspects violated both U.S. military law and the Geneva Convention (Brooks, 2006). The Bush administration held that Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention did not apply to Al Qaeda combatants because its protections applied only to conflicts between states. They reasoned that since Al Qaeda was not a state, the Geneva Convention did not apply to them. The Supreme Court disagreed, which potentially made high-ranking Bush administration officials subject to prosecution under the federal War Crimes Act, something that did not materialize. 3. International Convention on the Prevention of the Sea by Oil This convention, also called OILPOL (http://www.internationallawhelp.com/convention_prevention_pollution_sea_oil.htm) and ratified in 1954, was the first of it s kind to prevent the pollution of the sea by oil by tankers. It prohibited the discharge of oil or oil mixture by tankers within prohibited zones. In 1969, amendments were made to OILPOL that created even more stringent requirements for operational discharges. This was done because the design of oil tankers had changed since 1954 to a â€Å"load-on-top system† (Global instruments, n.d.) OILPOL was further amended in 1971 that imposed new standards on the construction of oil tankers. It was superseded by the 1973/78 MARPOL