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In general, these challenges relate to identifying, evaluating, and making tradeoffs across national, organizational, and personal contexts. Thus, we will discuss formulation- and implementation-related challenges as well as generate solutions to ‘international marketing dilemmas. Learning Methods: Case discussion; Role plays; Mini-debates; Mini-lectures Assessment methods: Class participation; Case presentation; Final exam CLOI . Understand the international marketing environment; Contemplate and analyze international marketing opportunities.CL02. Gain an understanding of international marketing effort related to the market entry and marketing mix strategies CL03. Identify, interpret and evaluate information sources related to multinational marketing with the emphasis on information technologies (Internet). CL04. Understand the principles of global retail management, such as site location, environmental impacts on retail planning and execution, global sourcing, and others. CL0 5. Develop critical thinking ability and problem-solving skills through experiential learning.CL06. Expand creative, research, analytical and writing skills by developing a comprehensive analysis of an international marketing program. COURSE TOOLS To fulfill our course objectives, we will rely on several tools: 1) case studies, 2) readings, 3) small-group projects, 4) multi-media, and 5) mint-lectures. There is no textbook for this course. Instead, you must obtain a course packet containing cases and readings. Please contact the Program office for more information. It is your responsibility to access the course material.COURSE ASSESSMENT Class participation Individual effort Presentations Group effort; Maximum group size = 8 persons Final Exam Group effort; Maximum group size = 4 persons 25% of the final grade 50% of the final grade a) Class participation. Class participation refers to making relevant and meaningful discussion that enhances the quality of our class meetings. Thus, t he content (i. e. , what? ) as well as the process (i. e. , how? ) of discussion are important. Class participation should not be confused with â€Å"air time. † We are interested in your arguments and, importantly, the Justification you offer in their support.Since there are no right or wrong answers, you will not be graded on whether you agree or disagree with the majority. Your failure to participate penalizes all of us. For example, i) you deprive us of your insights, ‘i) your opinions and ideas go unevaluated and unscrutinized, and iii) you lose an opportunity to develop important business skills. Unless there are truly extenuating circumstances, there will not be any make-up assignments in lieu of class participation and/or absences. Participation also includes your involvement in small-group exercises (e. . , mint-presentations, role play, resentation of assigned readings, and so on) as well as unannounced quizzes and assignments. We shall pursue such diversions whenever I feel they are necessary. Given this broad definition of participation, I strongly urge you to be fully prepared for every class. Details of small-group exercises will be announced when they are undertaken. In general, group assignments will be graded on the quality of your output and defensibility of your position. b) Case presentation. Each group must present a case study.All presentations involve a 25-minute oral presentation plus question-answer time. You must provide e with a legible copy of your overheads prior to the presentation. If appropriate, you may distribute case-related material to our class. Each group must sign-up for cases on a first-come-first-served basis. After sign-up, each group should confer with me as early as possible to identify the case decision/issue. Since no two cases are identical, the nature of my assistance will vary. Nonetheless, all assistance shall be related to a specific case and the discussion topic that the case aims to reinforce.Yo u must not research the case decision in preparing tor the presentation (or discussion). This is because such ex post information would not be available to a case protagonist when s/he was confronted with that particular case decision. Previous experience has repeatedly shown that gathering ex post information to reach a case decision is detrimental to the case presentation grade. Be creative in your presentation. Refer to the ‘Guide to Persuasive Presentations' reading. The use of standard analytical frameworks (e. g. SWOT) may be convenient, but contributes to a very dull and boring presentation. Keep your presentation interesting to engage the audience and retain their interest and attention. Regardless of your approach, a holistic presentation typically contains the following material. Of course, you can include other relevant slide(s) containing information you need to support/explain/articulate your analysis. Such slides should be inserted wherever appropriate. Slide-I: Names [Presentation case and group members], Slide-2: Issues [What is the case all about (e. g. , Effects of Globalization, and so on)? , Slide-3: Decision [Specific question(s) to which the decision-maker needs an answer], Slide-4: Cause [Fundamental reason(s) prompting the need to make the above ecision], Slide-5: External Analysis [Detailed analysis of context-specific factors, if any], Slide-6: Internal Analysis [Detailed analysis of company-specific factors, if any], Slide-7: Managerial Preferences [Detailed analysis of management preferences, if any], Slide-8: Options [Detailed discussion of the pros/cons of each feasible option], Slide-9: Recommendation [Selected option and Justification for its choice]. 3 c) Final exam.The principal objective of the final exam is to promote your ability to synthesize your analysis† and our class discussion†of case studies and assigned readings. Your task is to clearly establish key takeaways that would help companies fulfill thei r international marketing agenda efficiently as well as effectively. Thus, these assignments require you to generate keen insights about how companies can compete in markets around the world. Note, the exam does not ask for a case summary or even your recommendations for solving a case. Likewise, the exam does not ask for a summary or critique of the reading.Another objective is to improve your written communication skills. Here, your task is to articulate your synthesis such that your intended message is communicated both concisely and coherently. Your goal should be to convince readers that the key takeaways you identified are indeed significant for competing in markets around the world. Given that the exam will be a â€Å"small† group effort, each group will be required to evaluate the contributions of its individual members. These contributions will be used to weigh the (group) grade for individuals in that group.Thus, depending upon his/her contribution, a individual may receive a higher or lower score than that earned on the graded assignment. Each response to a case study or assigned reading will be graded on a 15-point scale using the following criteria. Each criteria is worth 3 points: 1) Editorial considerations (e. g. , Grammar, spelling and punctuation, clarity of writing etc. ); 2) Format (Maximum 250 words per response, Times font, Size 12 font); 3) Connection between your response and the case or the reading (Is your response tied to the case/article you are responding to?Or is your response so general that it could be developed without access to the specific case/reading? ); 4) Lessons learned (How insightful are your takeaways? Are your thoughts expressed adequately, completely, and articulately? Does your response indicate a thorough nderstanding of the case issues/readings theme? ); 5) Significance of your responses (Why should anyone pay attention to your takeaways? What is it about them that should encourage others to read the case/ assigned reading?How do these responses facilitate a sophisticated grasp of competing in EMs? ). COURSE FORMAT 1 . The course will consists of nine 3-hour blocks (see next section) which comprise of various classroom activities such as mint-lectures, case discussion, and so on. 2. Our meetings will focus on conceptual and theoretical issues blended with examples and illustrations from actual cases. These meetings will follow an interactive seminar format. Consequently, attendance and participation (questions/ comments/ criticisms) in class discussions is critical.COURSE PLAN Class Topic Material [R] = Reading [C] = Casestudy Opening remarks & Course overview: Contemporary Challenges in International Marketing [R] Note on Case Analysis [R] Guide to Persuasive presentations Contemplating International Expansion: Developing a Framework to Evaluate Tradeoffs [R] Distance Still Matters†¦ [C] Ruth's Chris Ethics in Marketing: When in Rome†¦ and [R] Ethical Breakdowns [C] Medica l Equipment 4 t Help or Hinder? Global Sourcing ; Business Models: Do Benefits Justify the Costs? [R] Strategy ; Society†¦ C] IKEA'S Global sourcing Challenge: Indian Rugs & Child Labor (A) 5 Developing Business Models for ‘Poor' Countries: Marketing to the Bottom of the Pyramid [R] Is the Bottom of the Pyramid Really for You? [C] Making Waves in Rural Kenya 6 Ethnic Marketing: Are Strong Ties and Entrepreneurship Sufficient? 7 Are Brands an Asset or Liability? : Brand Equity Versus Market Size 8 Dynamics of Luxury Marketing in Developing Economies: National Environments & Consumer Behavior Social Media Marketing: How Much Does it Really Matter?R] Advertisings New Medium: Human Experience [C] Pan Boricua [R] The Chinese Negotiation [C] Majestica Hotel in Shanghai [R] Harnessing the Science of Persuasion [C] Louis Vuitton in India [R] The Global Entrepreneur [C] saltnasear 9 CASE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Case: Ruth's Chris: The High Stakes of International Expansion a) What di d Hannah do to make a first cut in the list of potential countries? How did he get from 200 to less than 35 potential new markets? Which variables seemed more important in his decision-making? Which unused variables might have been useful? ) What would be your choice for the top 5 opportunities? The top 10 opportunities? What equation did you use to reach that conclusion? Why? c) Hannah was focused on franchising as his mode of entry. Do the critical variables change if a different mode of entry is employed? d) What are some of the internal and external challenges Hannah will face in moving from a list to actually opening the restaurants? Case: Medical Equipment Inc. in Saudi Arabia a) Is bribery or corruption a problem in your country? Why is it a problem? Give some examples. ) Does Grover understand the local culture? Is it possible such situations are Just cross- cultural misunderstandings? If so, does the â€Å"problem† become a less serious issue for international expans ion by firms operating in foreign environments? Grover considers the option of sending A1 Humaidi to a Medical Equipment showroom in France or the United States? How does that compare to paying a bribe to A1 Humaidi? d) If you were Grover, what would you do? How would you Justify your actions to: i) your self, it) your boss, iii) your competitors, and iv) government regulators?Case: IKEA's Global Sourcing Challenge: Indian Rugs and Child Labor (A) a) How should Marianne Barner respond to the invitation for IKEA to have a epresentative appear on the upcoming broadcast ot the German video program? What actions should she take regarding the IKEA supply contract with Rangan Exports? c) What long-term strategy would you suggest she take regarding IKEA's continuing operation in India? Should the company stay or should it exit? Be prepared to discuss the impact of such a decision and how you would manage it.For those recommending that IKEA continue to source carpets in India, would you sug gest that Marianne: i) continue IKEA's own monitoring and control processes or sign-up with Rugmark? , ii) continue to focus only on eliminating the use of child labor n IKEA's supply chain or engage in broader action to address the root causes of child labor as Save the Children is urging? Case: Making Waves in Rural Kenya What key consumer needs must be considered and to what extent are these currently being satisfied? b) Discuss the key stakeholders in this case and the role that each plays in the consumer's problem-solving process.What possible consumer segments exist for the proposed WaterHarvester? Who should be the primary target? How would you position the WaterHarvester to your possible target market(s)? e) As Hermann, what specific action plan would you recommend to FTC? Case: Pan Boricua: Developing a Market Strategy for the Hispanic Market in the United States a) Develop an opportunity analysis/ marketing plan for exporting goods to a region where locals (Puerto Ricans) are in exile in the US but still nostalgically looking for goods associated with their homeland such as Pan Boricua / Los Cidrines-branded bread in their neighborhood stores and supermarkets.Take into consideration the legal issues involved. Case: Majestica Hotel in Shanghai How many issues require resolution between Majestica and CPS? As Majestica, where, if anywhere, would you make concessions? As CPS, if Majestica refuses to make concessions, will you walk away? Why? Louis Vuitton in India Does a high-end brand have a market in a low-income economy? Where should this high-end brand find its niche? How should a luxury-brand company deal with changing customer profile? How should a luxury-brand company deal with changing concepts of luxury?Case: SalinaBear: Monetizing a YouTube Profile Visit the SalinaBear YouTube channel and view some of Siu's video's. Assess SalinaBear's success. Has Siu been successful because of good luck and timing or due to her careful and shrewd assessment o f the marketplace? What factors have ontributed to the site's growth? b) How does YouTube work in terms of monetizing videos? What critical success factors are associated with monetizing videos through YouTube? Siu maintains that content, findability, and audience are her key success factors? Do you agree?Are there other key success factors she has neglected? c) Which option†if any†should Siu pursue? NOTE ON COURSE READINGS The assigned readings have been carefully chosen to enhance your learning as well as facilitate a more sophisticated grasp of course topics. Moreover, the readings will form a part of final exam (that is worth 50% of the final course grade). Hence, I strongly urge you to carefully/regularly study and discuss all readings. The following guidelines should help you maximize your learning: a) Identify the readings main ideas and arguments. What is the readings core thesis? ) Try to establish a connection between the readings core thesis and the case study which is paired with the reading. To do this, identify the case studys dominant theme: What specific decision does the case require you to make? Broadly, what is the case study really about? c) Ask yourself how the reading can help the case studys decision maker. Uncover all ideas/concepts/suggestions contained in the reading that could benefit the decision maker. Does the article contain problem-solving principles/approaches you can leverage? Can you see interrelationships?How can the article's content help you to generate a managerially usable framework? Can you link main elements of arguments to form a bigger/better picture? And so on. d) Play around with the above thoughts, and let them simmer for a few days so that you can better distill their essence as well as link them to the case study. e) Be creative. Try to develop the big picture without being too general or vague. Ask yourself whether insights generated from a reading could be derived without having readi a yes then yo u need to think/tocus more caretully on the reading. ) Discuss your thoughts/ideas with your group members and peers. Rarely will a reading provide you with a straightforward guidance regarding a case study! g) Revisit your initial responses, and update your thinking. h) Leverage your brain power to generate a workable solution to a issue/problem/challenge facing a decision maker. i) Yes, this is a difficult exercise. Yes, it can†and has been†done!

How effective is the ending to The Great Gatsby?

The conclusion of Nick's account of his experiences ends in chapter 9. The final section, on pages 148-9 is a very effective and evocative ending to the novel. It is rich with metaphorical representations which Fitzgerald deliberately implements in order to create emotion and an intricately intimate aura in order for the reader (back in the time of publication) to identify and understand the ‘big picture' behind the plot. The green light that has been mentioned further emphasises Gatsby's greatest attribute – his ability to dream and hope. It symbolises his obsessive limerence with his beloved Daisy, but Nick points out that Gatsby ‘did not know that it was already behind him†¦ ‘, in that his visions and aspirations (as well as the symbolism of the green light), go far beyond only Daisy. This possibly indicates the fact that Gatsby hasn't realised the extent of his progression to be as close to Daisy as possible (until she takes a tour of his house), which is referred to by Nick (â€Å"He had come a long way to this blue lawn†¦ †). Nick relates the green light, with all its connotations, to the first Dutch sailors who visited America for the first time. He pictured the ‘fresh, green breast of the New World' (and how it must have looked like to the Dutch sailors who stumbled upon it, without any industrial pollution or buildings (as it used to be called New Amsterdam before NYC)) as the green light, and muses that Gatsby – whose wealth and success so closely echoes the American Dream – failed to realise that the dream had already ended; that his goals had become hollow and empty. The Dutch envisioned it as a land of freedom and equality, where no one is judged and everyone can have a fresh new start; a place for dreamers such as Gatsby. Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us†¦ ‘ conclude the novel and find Nick returning to the theme of the importance of the past to the dreams of the future (represented as the green light). He focuses on the struggle of humans to achieve their goals by both transcending and re-creating the past (as observed in Gatsby, â€Å"can't repeat the past?†¦ why of course you can! † and it is Gatsby's mindset which makes it one of the reasons Nick calls him The ‘Great' Gatsby). Just as Americans have given American meaning through their dreams for their own lives (i. e. the American Dream), Gatsby instills Daisy with a kind of idealised perfection (i. e. he built her up to be this perfect ‘goddess' over the years†¦ ) that she neither deserves nor possesses (†¦ which crumbles the climax as she isn't all he perceived). Gatsby's dream is ‘already behind him somewhere' as it is ruined by the unworthiness of its object (i. e. Daisy), against contrasted with the American dream and its mythical presence in the 1920s also ruined by the unworthiness of its objects (i. . money, pleasure, etc. ). In the final sentence of the novel, it is metaphorically conveyed that humans are not able to move beyond the past, as the ‘current' draws them backwards, making their efforts of rowing towards the metaphorical representations of the green light futile. The past I describe functions as the source of their ideas fuelling their future (epitomised by Gatsby's affair with Daisy pre-war) and they can't escape it as they continue to struggle to transform their dreams into reality. While they never lose their optimism (â€Å"tomorrow we will run faster†¦ ), their energy is expended in pursuit of a goal that moves ever farther away. This metaphor characterises both Gatsby's struggle and the American dream as well. Nick's words register neither blind approval nor cynical disillusionment but rather the respectful melancholy that he ultimately bring to his study of Gatsby's life. The umpteen frequency of Gatsby's party also relate to the connotations of the green light in some ways. Most of the guests that attended his parties weren't invited, as they came ‘for the party with a simplicity of heart that was its own ticket of admission'. The taxi driver that passed Gatsby's domain may have had a story of his own to explain events. This is in fact the procedure that most of the characters in the novel are involved in (including Nick). They're spreading around rumours and stories around the objects and events in their world in order to make a sense of them, as he cultivated mystery, Gatsby provided a singularly rich focus for speculation, scrutiny and invention (he continues to do so after his death, too). His engagement with the past is vividly rendered in this passage through the strength of his imagination summoning up the parties, in both visual and auditory terms. Fitzgerald portrays the 1920s as an era of decayed social and moral values, evidenced in its overarching cynicism, greed, and empty pursuit of pleasure. The reckless jubilance that led to decadent parties and wild jazz music—epitomized in the novel by the opulent parties that Gatsby throws every Saturday night—resulted ultimately in the corruption of the American dream, as the unrestrained desire for money and pleasure surpassed more noble goals. Gatsby's motives for throwing the parties is not to be passed unnoticed however. He used to throw the parties in hope of Daisy, people who know Daisy might attend. It is a proven fact because after their ‘affair' ‘Gatsby had dismissed every servant in his house', afraid of news of their meetings spreading (as he is aware how much gossip is spread about him already). This is what makes Gatsby's parties relate to the green light. It conveys Gatsby's constant desire and hope that someday Daisy will visit, and he shall not cease trying until he achieves his paramount ambition. The fact that Nick dubs him the ‘Great' Gatsby is also because he resembles a magician, in that he thinks he can bring back the past (quotation mentioned earlier). The fact that Daisy never shows up to his parties (until after they're familiar with each other) is also a metaphorical representation of how most people are denied the American dream, no matter how hard they push themselves. Gatsby changed his name from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby (god's boy) and his his domain is built upon the basis of a facade as he wishes to please Daisy and give a good impression. But in the end he dies due to several factors, such as the fact of his failure to realise that ideals differ from reality and that the past is almost impossible to re-enact. The ‘party' is over in a literal and metaphorical sense, and Nick prepares to leave the East for the Midwest. The people visiting his parties are aptly described by Nick as being ‘moths' or parasites, in that they ‘feed off of' or live off of Gatsby and his wealth. An example of this is Klipspringer, the boarder who visited for a party and never left. The word ‘last' recurs in this passage, which has an air of finality throughout. Another example would be the ‘material car' which Nick saw ‘its lights stop at his front steps'. Mention of the ‘material car' picks up on the recurrent thematic distinction between ‘materialism' and ‘idealism' as being two distinct versions of reality. In finality, we notice how and why the conclusions in this passage are justified as being famous in the literary world. The theme of this book, the ‘American Dream', is proven rightly to be a mere government-implemented myth, spread by the mass media, in order for people to not lose hope in a time of corruption and social decay. Characters and intimate objects represent more than their physical bodies throughout the plot, and it is difficult to spot a reference without a vivid or meticulous connotation behind it. Gatsby's death could be blamed on a lot of people for example, and not only the obvious Wilson (e. g. Tom for telling falsely telling him that Gatsby killed his wife, or himself as he failed to realise the fabrication that is the American dream). It is highly effective an intriguing as it basically sums up the messages and meanings behind the references in the novel Fitzgerald wants the reader to apprehend; which he delivers in a tantalisingly ornate format.

Tales from Thousand and One Nights Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Tales from Thousand and One Nights - Essay Example e King Shahryar an important lesson meant to change his life – that all women are not the same, and the actions of one evil woman cannot be used to judge the virtue and morality of all women. The â€Å"Prologue† to the tales begins with King Shahryar firmly believing that all women are inherently deceptive, evil and immoral. The King’s solution to the misery his once beloved wife had caused him is to marry virgin girls and killing them after the first night. Scheherzade, the heroine of the Arabian Nights, vows to change his mind, and save her life as well as the life other girls of her land. Thus, this â€Å"Prologue† helps to establish the pivotal position of women in the entire series of events. A woman changed the King Shahryar’s life forever, and a woman will set it back to normal. The representation of women in the stories of Scheherzade is well planned and meant to achieve a certain purpose. The portrayal of women in Tales from the Thousand an d One Nights is not restricted to one definite category – they are depicted in characters that range from wise to foolish, from greedy to sacrificing and from highly virtuous to deeply immoral. This arrayed depiction serves to highlight the fact that all women are not alike, and it is fallacious for anyone to form rigid judgments about the character of all women. The order of the stories is significant in the representation of women. In the first few stories, women are depicted as evil and cunning. For instance, in â€Å"The Fisherman and the Jinee†, the destruction of the King of Black Isles is brought about by his wife. She is portrayed as an enchantress who not only has an adulterous affair with an Indian, but also uses her magic powers to perish her husband’s city, converting him into half stone. This character is also shown as the unnatural woman – a magician who defames the true essence of womanhood. A woman that does not love her husband, and fails to perform her duties as wife, thus, is represented as

Customer satisfaction towards self-checkouts at supermarkets and self Essay

Customer satisfaction towards self-checkouts at supermarkets and self service trend in the uk business (The case of Tesco ,sain - Essay Example The customer satisfaction therefore, is hugely important for business that provides it with competitive advantage within the industry (Ennis, 2009; Arnould et al., 2004). In the technology driven era, customer has not only become more informed but also significantly influenced by the myriad applications of technology that increase efficient delivery of goals, especially in retail shopping. Indeed, the strategic changes implemented within the operations of supermarket chains like Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury have been designed to enhance the experience of shopping for the customers. The use of information technology in retail shopping is one the major elements of customer satisfaction as it positively contributes in myriad ways. The research would evaluate the extent of customer satisfaction in self-checkout and self-service in supermarkets like Tesco, Asda and Sainsbbury in UK. Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury are three largest grocery retail chains that have significant market share. Accordin g to Lawson (2012) Tesco with 30.8% of market share is till the leaders, followed by Asda (17.6%) and Saisnbury (16.4%). While Tesco and Asda were the first major retailers to introduce self-service and self-checkout in their outlets, Sainsbury has also initiated self-checkout lanes to boost customer satisfaction. ... The special checkout lanes have therefore expedited the process of purchase and provided shoppers with unique experience to quickly shop for items that are needed and checkout without the hassle of standing on long queues on checkout lanes operated manually. This is especially become very convenient for shoppers who have been affected by the recessive economy and can ill afford to waste money on non-essential item. The self-service and self-checkout lanes have therefore increasingly become critical factors for retail shopping within supermarkets (Weijters et al., 2007). 2. Aims The main aim of the study is to evaluate the extent of customer satisfaction in using self-checkout and self-service for grocery shopping in supermarkets: Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury in UK. The automated process has been perceived as important initiatives to improve shopping experience for customers and promote their long term retention. The study would enable the supermarkets to gauge the impact of new technolo gies and provide them with constant motivation to improve and improvise shopping experience. 3. Objectives 3.1 To conduct comprehensive literature review on the impact of self-service and self-checkout on customer satisfaction in shopping. 3.2 Develop questionnaire for 75 shoppers, 25 each from Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury. 3.3 Develop questionnaire for 6 managers, 2 each from Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury 3.4 Prepare interview schedule for 30 shoppers, 10 each from Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury. 4. Literature review In the highly competitive environment of global economy and recessive trend, competing on capabilities has become very important aspect of business paradigms. The firms constantly need to evolve in order to meet the challenges of time. Technology hugely facilitates firms to leverage

Synopsis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Synopsis - Essay Example I felt like my heart is going to explore. A couple days later, I registered NCLEX-RN class (National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse). I studied very hard. I did not feel tired. I felt like I can fly. I could not stop smiling at work, because I had a new dream. I passed the exam at first attempt. I quitted job and find an agency. I was interviewed and accepted in â€Å"A† group for which I only need to pay 25% of one-year program. I told my family at one night that I am going to America in two months. It was like having a funeral service at home. My mom and sister started crying and told me that the agency is going to sell me. My sister said if I leave for America, she was going to die. My dad and little brother were shocked. My lovely sister cried so much, so I could not persist in my plan. I folded my plan just for a while. I got a new job. Actually, I was scouted from the previous work. This was a new opening hospital. I had to teach other nurses and assistants one-on-one, because they do not had any experience in this department. It has been going really well. I was very pleased after hearing that I have strong leadership skill from the director of the department. On a very bright day, my father got a letter, which was about my grandmother land with two other people, and they wanted to sell it. As a result, we got enough money to buy a house, and paid back all the loans. I desensitized my family that America is not dangerous, as my sister said she is going to die if I leave. I opened my dream file again. I found a new agency, got a phone number from the owner of the agency, and asked her if it is okay, my mom calls you to ask questions. My mom talked with the owner for an hour, and then said I can go there. A week later, I had a dinner with my male friends, and I announced that I might go to America in four months. I got a phone call from a male friend with whom I

All activity in learning guide needs to be done eg group blog, Research Paper

All activity in learning guide needs to be done eg group blog, Activity, WIKI ENTRY, JOURNAL ENTRY - Research Paper Example Structural changes that build trust, stability in employment, and associability can foster organizational social capital. Organizational that use job security provisions or at least provide an understanding that practices like downsizing are a last resort rather than a first measure to cost cutting, are more likely to build high stocks of organizational social capital (Sims 57). Sims (67) explains that structural change and reorganization of teams ensures organizations are more likely to achieve superior performance in part because they have better connected workforce (structural dimension of social capital); in part because they have employees who are more attached to the organization (relational dimension); and in part because employees share knowledge and develop collective work strategies (cognitive dimension). Enterprise bargaining involves the setting of wages and other employment conditions through negotiations centered on a particular business. It provides employees with improved mechanisms for tailoring conditions to the particular circumstances of their enterprise. The main benefits employers gain from making an enterprise agreement is that they are able to avoid the operation of otherwise applicable awards, and can create customized and standardized terms to meet the needs of their particular workplace (Mukherjee & Kumar 123). It often involves modifying or even excluding certain award conditions, which is permissible so long as the employees in question are not disadvantaged. Enterprise bargaining agreement can help firms move closer to best practice by increasing the incentives to introduce more efficient and management practices. Enterprise-based bargaining provides an opportunity for employers to trade-off wage increases for changes in work places, thereby potentially creating h igh-performance environment. Workplace changes

Action Potentials and The Cardiac Cycle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Action Potentials and The Cardiac Cycle - Essay Example ld take approximately 200 to 500 milliseconds to complete and conducted from cell to cell, slower compared to less than 2 milliseconds in the action potentials in skeletal muscles (Seeley, Stephens, and Tate, 2007: 333). The following figures depict the stages or phases of an action potential: resting potential, depolarization, repolarization, and returning to resting potential or the final repolarization phase. The resting potential is the stage when the cell is not conducting an impulse (Rothenberg and Chapman, 1989). At this resting stage, the concentration of sodium (Na+) ions is higher outside the cell than the inside. On the other hand, the potassium (K+) ions are evidently higher inside the cell, compared to the outside. In this manner, the sodium-potassium pump is constantly at work to ensure a more positive ionic environment outside the cell membrane, thus leaving the cell interior highly negative (MCB-HHMI Outreach, 2005). Depolarization marks the first step in sending a signal or action potential, wherein the negatively charged cell interior is disturbed by the entrance positive Na+ ions, as we can see in the above figure (MCB-HHMI Outreach, 2005). Further, it is in this stage that Na+ channels open to give way to the diffusion of Na+ into the cell, at the same time, the K+ channels would just begin to open but closes immediately to decrease the permeability of cell to K+ (Seeley, Stephens, and Tate, 2007: 333). We can notice in figure 2 that the potassium and sodium channels are like gates that open to give way to their respective ions. Accordingly, the opening and closing of these membrane channels are responsible in the production of action potentials, as a result of the changes in cellular membrane permeability (Seeley, Stephens, and Tate, 2007: 333). In addition, calcium (Ca++) channels slowly open to cause Ca++ ions to diffuse into the cell, which also mimic depolarization (Seeley, Stephens, an d Tate, 2007: 333). An action potential triggers