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New to AnnotatedeTexts! For a long time at , weve displayed eTexts on the siteentire works that anyone can access for free. But recently weve worked to make them even better. Welcome to our all new Annotated eTexts! Whats an Annotated eText? Have you ever underlined words or made notes in the margins of your books while reading them? These notes help to re-familiarize you with a passage of text when you flip back through it, or draw out evidence that points to a novels main themes. Well, now those notes are made for you, and by the very same teachers who expertly answer your questions in Homework Help. With real teachers and professors helping you with your homework, how can you go wrong? How do I find them? All of eTexts can be accessed by clicking the eText header link via any page of the site: Pick a work from over 120 Annotated eTexts on this list. A full list of all of our eTexts can be found here. Both lists are alphabetical. While reading an Annotated eText, hover over the portions of text highlighted in yellow to bring up an annotation, like this: Annotated eTexts cover novels, poems, plays, and more! Ready to have a look? Here are some of our most popular titles: Macbeth by William Shakespeare Apology by Plato Oedipus Rex by Sophocles Beowulf by Anonymous Hamlet by William Shakespeare Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Plus, many more from Poe, Shakespeare, Dickens, and more to come soon! Explore them all here.

Hybrid Car Essays

Hybrid Car Essays Hybrid Car Essay Hybrid Car Essay Hybrid Car Name: Course: Lecturer: Institution: Date: Hybrid Car Introduction As we are all familiar to the gasoline-powered cars and electric cars, a hybrid is a cross-brid of the two sets of cars (Oliver Seung, 2010, p.97). The car has a combination of component of both the electronic cars and the gasoline-powered cars. The vehicle distinctly has the two most powerful sources to move the vehicle. In this topic, we compare consumers purchasing behavior in different cultures, in order to establish if culture plays a role to the purchase of a hybrid car. Apart from culture, the purchase of hybrid cars can be affected by the social factor that includes ones income. Hybrid cars’ car purchase intentions: across cultural analysis Apart from expense, air pollution is a factor that affects the consumption of gas. The invention of the hybrid car helps us provide solution to this problem of air pollution (David Richard, 2006, p.30). In France and California, hybrid cars have replaced gasoline vehicles to help prevent urban air pollution. This shows that some countries have embraced the idea of the hybrid car to this effect. Marketers and analysts want to get information in which they would use to update consumers on the hybrid cars. Research has changed over time; this makes it unreliable and less useful to consumers. In a survey of 1083 US drivers and 783 Koreans, it is recorded that there are some social factors and cultures that shapes the intentions of the buyers to purchase a hybrid car (Anonymous, 2006, p.13). In the findings, it showed that some of the determining factors include the self-image analogy and susceptibility to information to the environment played an important factor to the purchase intentions of the drivers. It is seen that things that are more expensive reflect on the image of the consumer and require prior research before purchase (O’cass Lim, 2002, p.45). The association to social value of the consumer also was a key concern to the Korean consumers unlike the US consumers. It is therefore advisable for marketers of the hybrid car in both countries to advise or communicate the social value of the hybrid cars. They should help the consumer understand the positive reflection of possession that reflects on the consumers’ image and focus the information on consum ers that are in need of knowledge on the green products. However, this can only applied to the Korean Drivers as it may be a turn off on US drivers. Green issue and social responsibility is a great concern to most consumers. In another case study, Toyota has tried to sell the hybrid vehicle in China; unfortunately, the Chinese do not appreciate the hybrid car (Jackson, 2006, p.8). Only few shoppers are interested in the car. This shows that the hybrid car is not popular in the developing countries compared to the developed countries. In America, the Mitsubishi Company has conducted a survey with the use of questionnaires, to find about hybrid cars in the country. The results to this analysis made the company sell out the electric cars. This shows that the company had reliable sources for it to choose the electric vehicle over the hybrid car. A qualitative and quantitative analysis has shown that the automobile is highly appreciated by the consumers because it is relevant to the values of the consumer in regards to the consumption of fuel (Povey, 2006, p.95). The Qualitative and quantitative analysis illustrate that the automobile is used in a riskier social setting compared to the hybrid cars. The purchasing of a car involves financial investment and therefore the automobile is a bargain compared to the hybrid car. The automobile is a better choice for most consumers because it relates to the social identity and status of the consumer. In the social context, it is very important to make wise decision on the type of car one purchases. In the cross-cultural perspective, the decisions made are more significant and are geared towards the preservation of the environment by purchasing of environmental friendly commodities. Many researchers have contributed to the importance of environment friendly attitude and behavior by cons umers. However, these studies have been limited to the behavior of the people (Juettner, 2009, p.84). Conclusion In conclusion, culture is seen as an element of importance in the usage of Hybrid cars. Researchers have shown cross-cultural analysis that contributes to purchase intentions of these cars and increases the knowledge on both the social and cultural factors. These factors are very important in the decision-making process in regards to the hybrid cars. It is therefore necessary to replicate the results. Bibliography Anonymous, 2006. Toyota Promises More Hybrids. Business the Environment with ISO 14000 Updates, 19 (8), p10-15. Calef, D.and Goble, D. The allure of technology: How France and California promoted electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce urban air pollution. Policy Sciences, Vol. 40, p. 1-34 David, S., and Richard, B. 2006., Methodology or â€Å"methodolatry†? An evaluation of focus groups and depth interviews. Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, 9 (1), p26-37. Jackson, K., 2006.Mitsubishi to sell electric car in the U.S. (cover story). Automotive News. 81 (6224), p1-16. Juettner, B., 2009. Hybrid cars. Chicago, Ill. Norwood House Press McIntosh, M. J., 2009. Determinants of environmentally conscious consumer behaviors: Measuring the value consumer environmentalism and predicting behavioral intention to purchase environmentally friendly products. Available through: [emailprotected] Amherst Oliver, J, D. Seung, H, L., 2010. Hybrid car purchase intentions: a cross-cultural analysis. Journal of Consumer Marketing, Vol. 27 pp. 96-103 O’cass, A., Lim, K., 2002. The Influence of Brand Associations on Brand Preference and Purchase Intention. Journal of International Consumer Marketing. 14, p. 2-3. Povey, K. D., 2006. Hybrid cars. Farmington Hills, MI: KidHaven Press. Wilson, N. M., Thomson, G., Keall, M., 2008. Vehicle emissions and consumer information in car advertisements. Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source. 7.

Child Adoptions (Domestic vs International) Research Paper

Child Adoptions (Domestic vs International) - Research Paper Example There are two forms of adoption: international and domestic. Domestic adoption is carried out within a native country of the child. On the other hand, international adoption involves adopting a child from a foreign country. Of the two, international adoption is more involving and hectic. The following discourse seeks to assert that international adoption is more complicated than the domestic one. Introduction Child adoption refers to the process through which a person who is not the biological parent of a child assumes parental responsibilities. The process entails the transfer of all rights and privileges of having the child thereby making one responsible for the child’s welfare. Most common reason for adoption is barrenness (Bharat 32). Unlike guardianship in which a person takes care of a child belonging to the biological parents, adoption provides one with permanent ownership of the child thereby taking full responsibilities and rights of parenting the child. These include renaming the child which is always giving the child a new family name. Additionally, the child assumes the rights and privileges of the new family. Adopted children have the right to inheritance, and consideration in important family functions. The process is emotionally engaging and requires effective consideration. There are two types of adoption: domestic and the international adoptions. ... Discussion International adoption would most likely introduce a child to a totally different culture an aspect that may lead to culture shock. Consequently, getting used to a new culture in the case of international adoption would mean that it is more complicated especially if compared with the domestic one where one is mostly likely to be adopted within the same culture. This is normally the case since the international adoption involves taking a child to a new country. In such a case, the child would be exposed to a new experience since the demographical differences between the adopting and country of origin would be quite imminent. A child would therefore find it quite difficult to cope up with life in the new country. As expected, it would take some time before an adopted child fully adapts to life in the new country. This contributes to the complication in the process in case of international adoption. Legal and constitutional differences between countries complicate internation al adoption. Individual countries have their own regulations and legal practices which their citizens must adhere to before adopting a child. This is usually outlined in the constitutions. The differences in the legal frameworks between countries thus come as a hurdle while adopting a child. For instance, some countries outlaw homosexuality. In such countries, a couple which is homosexual would not be allowed be considered as married. In other nations, people who are homosexuals adopt children who they take care of (Leslie 22). Therefore, an international adoption where a gay person would seek to adopt a child from a country where homosexuality is outlawed would be complicated. This highlights how the process of international adoption might be

Federalism and State Powers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Federalism and State Powers - Essay Example The original federal government not only had little authority over confederate states and their activities such as commerce, the system had no court system and taxation powers. Essentially, the confederation was a loose union of politically sovereign governments, with each state having a free hand in regulating own commercial activities and having independent courts structures. The hindrances of the fragmented nature of the government with respect to national political and economic growth soon dawned on many Americans. As such, a reevaluation was thus necessary and so a Constitutional Convention was called in 1787 to restructure the government and harmonize functioning of the national and state economies. Finally, the â€Å"Great Compromise† was struck paving the way for federalism as the basis for governmental control. In the spirit of the US Constitution, Federalism is a dual system of sovereignty in which power was to be split between the central government and state govern ments. The agreement set fourth the United States Constitution as the Supreme law of the land with elaborate federal power system of shared responsibilities. (U.S. Const., Art. VI, cl. 2). Both levels of governments were to have a direct influence over the US citizenry through officials and enacted laws in both levels of governance. Noteworthy, changes in the constitutions governing the conduct of both the federal and state governments had to be consultative to promote magnanimity referred to in the superior laws. Articles I to VI of the supreme law basically define powers of the national government putting restrictions on what states’ spheres of influence. Accordingly, only the national government has authority to coin money, govern Indian tribes, conduct foreign relations, raise armies and a navy and declare war whenever necessary. Concerning the court system hitherto a thorn before the ratification of the constitution, only the Supreme Court was elaborately named in the US Constitution. Establishment of other federal courts fell under the powers of Congress. Declared under Article VI of the Constitution, the US constitution is the supreme law governing every aspect of governance in the entire nation. It apportions certain distinct powers to the federal government (enumerated powers) effectively limiting state powers to avoid conflict of interest. However, it also reserved other powers to the respective states (literally known as reserved powers). While State governments derive their authority from the people as outlined in their respective constitutions, the ratification of the United States Constitution basically transferred certain powers to the federal government effectively limiting state powers with respect to certain areas of policy action. According to the Tenth Amendment, â€Å"all powers not delegated to the federal government nor prohibited to the states were retained by the states.† Accordingly, states retained â€Å"police power" to enact laws governing health and safety, and those required to enhance economic welfare of the citizenry. Both levels of governments hold overlapping powers in certain areas. In general, issues regarding public security in terms of crime control, education, public health services, transport systems, and the general infrastructure are primarily state responsibilities. Nevertheless, all of these

Role of Human Resources Function Essay Example for Free

Role of Human Resources Function Essay Nowadays, the world of business is shrinking day by day, technology has conquered almost every place of the business sector with its different technological instruments and equipments, which perform and accomplishes the role two times greater than a human accomplishes. In midst of these innovations, a number of companies give credit to the role of human resources for their success and prosperity in their business and service sectors. (Frembrun, 1984) Subsequently, the role of human resources and the need of proper human resources management have been significantly given importance for their proper management, in order to achieve better and long-term positive results in a company. In this regard, we will try to define, analyze, and discuss various aspects of human resources management and their different functions of recruitment, selection, and planning of human resources in a company in this paper. An educational hypothesis or a business practice, in which employees are managed through its theoretical and a practical procedure, is termed as Human Resource Management. (Goss, 1994) Mainly, the employees with varying needs and goals are given primary importance in this hypothetical discipline, and do not allow the consideration to think of them as basic business resources, for example, filing cabinets and trucks. (Ferris, 1995) Practitioners see the Human Resource Management as a more innovative analysis of workplace management, rather than the older traditional approach. (Frembrun, 1984) Managers of an enterprise are forced through its methods to express their goals with specificity, so that workforce may understand and undertake them easily. The academic theory of Human Resource Management’s basic assertion is that humans are not degraded as just machines. (Marta M, 2005) Therefore, an interdisciplinary assessment of populace is necessary in the workplace. As a result, psychosomatic, sociological, industrial fields, and post-structuralism, post-modernism critical theories engage in recreating a major role in the aforementioned regard. (Zwieg, 1991) In recent years, varieties of performance enhancing and progressive human resource management practices are adopted by the U.S. companies, to improve their competitiveness in the global marketplace. These recommendations may be unsurprising, because the way of managing people in an organization influence its performance was more emphasized by the professionals and academics. (Mckenzie, 2002) Therefore, many testimonials were produced in the last decade to the value of progressive human resource management practices and their regarding systems. While assuming the staffing selection and its quality, many employers seek fresh graduates for the colleges, with a major in human resources, industrial or labor relations, human resources administration. (McNeil, 2004) Rest of them seems to be looking for the graduates with a business background or a kind of arts education. Previous experience is an asset for many specialized jobs, for example, the jobs of arbitrators, mediators, and managers. Due to overwhelming supply of these qualified college graduates, keen competition for the jobs is expected from the employers. (Burke, 2005) In particular, improvement of the performance of organizations is widely due to the staff involvement, empowerment, job redesign, extensive employee training; team based production systems, and performance-dependent inducement compensations. (Hutton, 2004) The success of any organization is very significant in regard of attracting the qualified employees and their matching for the suited jobs. (Chelladurai, 2006) However, it is impossible for many large enterprises to allow the top management to be in the close contact with the employees. This connection is provided by the labor relations, training, and human resources managers and specialists. (Tayeb, 2005) In the past, the performance of the managerial functions of an organization was related to these abovementioned workers, such as handling employee benefits, interviewing, recruiting, and hiring new staff as per the policies and the requirements of the top management of the organization. (Dransfield, 2000) Nowadays, top executives are consulted regarding the strategic planning to manage the tasks by these human resources employees. These workers have come up from their behind the camera work to leading the corporation by their suggestions and improving the policies. The financial success of an organization is due to the significance of the human resources management department, and therefore, is recognized by the senior management. (Bach, 2005) These workers are also helping the organizations, in an effort to augment their productivity and morale, performance and their business results by using employee skills and providing required training and giving opportunities to develop themselves, to increase the satisfaction of the employee in their working environment. While some jobs do not require close contact with the public, but still, dealing with people is an important key factory of the human resources job. (Jackson, 2006) A human resources generalist in a small business handles every aspect of human resources work and may require a variety of knowledge for this purpose. However, in a large corporation, the management and development of human resources programs and policies is frequently done by the top human resources executives. (Dransfield, 2000) Several departments are supervised by the human resources director, with an experienced manager, likely to be specializing in any one human resources activity, like benefits, training, compensation, development, and employment or employee relations. However, the placement and employment managers do the supervision of hiring and supervision of workers and various employees. (Jackson, 2006) In the recruitment, the college campuses are often visited by the aforementioned specialists, and screening the applicants occasionally. In order to discuss wages, promotional opportunities, and working conditions with prospective employees, these specialists must familiarize themselves with the policies and the organization, itself. They should also update themselves with the equal employment opportunity and affirmative actions guidelines, like, Americans with Disabilities Act, etc. (Marta M, 2005) Equal employment opportunity statistical reports are complied and submitted by the equal employment opportunity officers, and delegations, in an attempt to investigate and resolve grievances regarding corporate practices for possible violations. (Mckenzie, 2002) Employer relations representatives are usually seen in the government agencies, maintaining working relationships with local employers. Promotion of use of the public employment programs and services is also sustained by these rep resentatives. Specialization programs in specific areas like position classifications or pensions are conducted by job analysis specialists for the employers. These analysts collect and examine job duties information, which explain the training, skills, and duties, required for each job. Expert knowledge of the job analyst is also required, whenever an organization introduces a new job or when reviewing existing jobs. (Tanke, 2000) Research and planning work is conducted by occupational analysts in large firms. Studying the effects of industry and professional trends upon employee relationships and occupational classification systems is also a concern for these analysts. However, compensation managers establish and maintain pay system of a firm as their principal job. Staff specialists assist them, devising ways in order to ensure equitable and fair pay rates. (Buhler, 2002) Surveys are also conducted to examine the comparison of their rates with the other companies, and to examine the pay scale of their firm with the changing laws and regulations. Reward systems such as pay-for-performance plans are also designed by these managers to manage their firm’s performance evaluation system. (Carrell, 1992) As a part of the planning process, the health insurance and pensions plans are managed by the employee benefits managers and specialists. In addition, life, accidental death, and dismemberment insurance, disability insurance are also offered by some firms, to meet the necessities of workforce change, for example, child and elder care, employee assistance, and wellness programs, etc. Changing Federal and State regulations and legislations should be updated, which may affect employee benefits. (Buhler, 2002) Training plays a significant role in the success of an organization. Therefore, training and development programs for employees are conducted by training and development specialists. Increasingly, management recognizes that business results are achieved by increasing individual and organizational performance, building worker’s loyalty to the firm and enhancing productivity by developing their skills and quality of work. So, training is nowadays recognized as a business imperative, while presenting it as a method of improving employee morale and developing their skills. (Rothwell, 2003) The complexity of the work environment, the organizational and technological change’s rapid pace, the constantly generation of the new knowledge due to the growing number of jobs, determines the need of training in an organization. In addition, insights have been provided by the advances in learning theory into the ways of adult learning and the different ways of organizing an effective training for the employees. Planning, directing, and organizing this wide range of training is done by these training specialists. New employees are given the opportunity of on-the-job training and orientation sessions, in order to improve and maintain their job skills and simultaneously, preparing them for the jobs requiring greater skill. Supervisors are also helped by these specialists in order to deal with employees effectively. (Ferris, 1995) International human resources managers are also emerging specialties, which requires the handling of human resources issues related to an organization’s foreign operations. Secondly, human resources information system specialists process human resources information through their developed and applied computer programs, for the matching of job seekers with different job openings, and the handling of other human resources matters. (Ferris, 1995) Classes for the enhancement of the marketable skills of the workers are also offered by most of the specialized organizations in human resources. Certification programs are also offered by some institutions, which help in the advancement opportunities. The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans is an example of these programs, where a designation is conferred to the persons after completing a college level courses series and passes the related exams. (Ulrich, 1997) In terms of selection and recruitment, a thorough job analysis for the determination of level of the skills, technical abilities, flexibility of the employee, competencies is considered very important by the professionals. At this point, the consideration of both the internal and external factors is imperative, which can have an impact on the employees’ recruitment. Current and future trends of the labor market, such as education level, skills, government investment, etc. like issues and that out-with the power of an organization are the external factors. On the other hand, organizational culture and management styles can be controlled, predicted, and monitored easily as the internal influences. (Ulrich, 1997) Consideration of the ethical and legal implications should be necessary in an organization regarding their decisions concerning human resources management policies, which are made to protect employees from racial or ethnic conflicts, such as white employees in the comparison of African-American subgroups. (Foulkes, 1989) Awareness of the rise in discrimination, unfair dismissal, and harassment cases regarding different race and sex, and their harmful effects on employees and organization should be in the employers. A foundation for an increasing interest in diversity during work has been provided by the Anti-discrimination legislation over the past 30 years. In order to understand the different responses of individuals to the labor market’s changes, one should try to understand the different perspectives, such as geographical spread, professional structure, and generational disparity. The organization should consider the distance of traveling for the work while offering the pay. When deciding the requirements and eligibilities of a post, one should also think about the influencing factors, like transportation and infrastructure of the area. (Webb, 1989) During the recruitment and selection process, there may not be any effect of blocking people on the discrimination of race, color, and creed. People with disabilities should also be entertained for the employment opportunities and promotions. Essentials functions should be reflected in the screening, recruiting and interviewing of the candidate. It is appreciable in the human resources, if the people of different color, and disable people may be included in the selection committee. (Mabey, 1998) In the recruitment, an organization can also employ, based on targeted approach. In this case, a request is post to the human resources administrator, in order to approach jobseekers for the vacancy. This request is then reviewed by the administrator to check the arrears at its extreme extent. After the request is approved, the targeted recruitment plan is implemented and then the aforementioned specialists match the jobseekers with the required vacancy. Â  Regarding the affirmative action, it does not end when an employee is placed after the employment process. All the employees should be treated fairly and equitably are some of the logical and subsequent efforts of this action. The goals of workforce diversity will be accomplished greatly, if the administration of reasonable and sound human resources policies will be in a consistent manner. (Frembrun, 1984) In addition, steps should be taken to ensure that equal opportunities are provided to the ethnic or racial minorities, women, and disabled people. It should also be equally important that the workplace environment should be a positive one as these minorities move into the more depressed state where they are considerably unrepresented. (Hristozova, 2006) Conclusively, we have tried our best to explain and understand the Human Resources Management in relation to its recruitment, staffing, training, placement, and planning in a business organization. All these abovementioned aspects play a vital and crucial role in the success of a particular business association, which has been significantly dealt with sensitivity and importance by the professionals and company managers. References Charles J. Frembrun. (1984). Strategic Human Resources Management. John Wiley and Sons. David Goss. (1994). Principles of Human Resource Management. Routledge. David Ulrich. (1997). Human Resource Champions. Harvard Business School Press. Dr Christopher Mabey. (1998). Human Resource Management. Blackwell Publishing. Dr Gerald R Ferris. (1995). Handbook of Human Resource Management. Blackwell Publishing. Elena Hristozova. (2006). Human Resource Management in Consulting Firms. Springer. Fred K. Foulkes. (1989). Human Resources Management. Prentice Hall. Gerald R. Ferris, Sherman D. Rosen, Darold T. Barnum. (1995). Handbook of Human Resource Management. Blackwell Publishing. Gisela M. Webb. (1989). Human Resources Management in Libraries. Haworth Press. J. Steven Mckenzie. (2002). Opportunities in Human Resource Management Careers. McGraw-Hill Professional. Janice (EDT) Simmons-Welburn, Beth McNeil. (2004). Human Resource Management in Todays Academic Library. Libraries Unlimited. Mark C. Zwieg. (1991). Human Resources Management. John Wiley and Sons. Marta M. (2005). Managing Human Resources in Latin America. Routledge. Mary L. Tanke. (2000). Human Resource Management for the Hospitality Industry. Thomson Delmar Learning. Michael R. Carrell. (1992). Personnel/Human Resources Management. Maxwell Macmillan International. Monir H. Tayeb. (2005). International Human Resource Management. Oxford University Press. Packianathan Chelladurai. (2006). Human Resource Management in Olympic Sport Organizations. Human Kinetics. Patricia M. Buhler. (2002). Streetwise Human Resources Management. Adams Media. Robert Dransfield. (2000). Human Resources Management. Ca-Print-Harcourt_Heinemann. Robin W. Hutton. (2004). How to Set Up an HR Department. Lorman Business Center. Ronald J. Burke. (2005). Reinventing Human Resources Management. Routledge. Stephen Bach. (2005). Managing Human Resources. Blackwell Publishing. Susan E. Jackson. (2006). Strategic Human Resource Management. Blackwell Publishing. William J. Rothwell. (2003). Planning and Managing Human Resources. HRD Products.

montaigne and descartes on doubting Essay -- essays research papers

Montaigne and Descartes   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Montaigne and Descartes both made use of a philosophical method that focused on the use of doubt to make discoveries about themselves and the world around them. However, they doubted different things. Descartes doubted all his previous knowledge from his senses, while Montaigne doubted that there were any absolute certainties in knowledge. Although they both began their philosophical processes by doubting, Montaigne doubting a constant static self, and Descartes doubted that anything existed at all, Descartes was able to move past that doubt to find one indubitably certainty, â€Å"I think, therefore I am†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  How often do we question what is real or true? Descartes believed that doubting everything that he knew to be truthful knowledge was the only way to find out what was actually true and real. He turned doubting into a key principle for his methods of philosophy. Descartes would ask what we really knew beyond the shadow of a doubt. To do this he resolves to search within himself (Descartes 9). First though, since he decided to doubt everything, he had to put aside all of the knowledge that he supposedly knew, to search out the truth (Descartes 13). He did this blindly, not knowing whether the truth is the knowledge that he already knew and was forcing himself to put aside, or that the truth is some knowledge he did not know that would replace his previous forms of knowledge. Descartes decided that he did not need to prove that all of his knowledge was false, but only that all of his knowledge was not certain. He did not, however, spend time examining every one of hi s bits of knowledge. Instead after setting all of his previous knowledge aside he tried to find one thing outside of his knowledge that was certain.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Not only did Descartes set aside all of his previous knowledge, but he also set aside all knowledge he had gained, and that he continued to gain from his five senses. He would not believe what his eyes saw, or what his hand felt, because he could not yet determine his senses as giving him knowledge that could be turned into certainties. He did not have any reason to believe that he could rely on his senses. Descartes doubting of his senses also caused him to reject any knowledge that he had gained through life experience. Most of the knowl... ...se which†¦belong exclusively to the mind†¦things are sensed through understanding, understood through senses (Montaigne 414)†. It is also important to realize that our mind doubts things because it knows its own limits. Thus since we know nothing to be certain it is important to use softening phrases such as â€Å"perhaps, somewhat, some, they say, I think, and so on (356)†. Montaigne was constantly amazed at how much knowledge we claimed to be sure of.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Throughout Montaigne’s and Descartes written work they used doubt as a method to attaining knowledge about the world and about themselves. Descartes believed that preconceived knowledge gained through learning and the senses must be set aside in order to discover certainties. Montaigne believed that there were no certainties because our knowledge was attained through our senses, and thus everyone’s knowledge would be different, because everyone senses things differently. Either way both men turned into themselves to find the knowledge they described in their philosophies. They both left us with one important bit of knowledge to carry with us throughout our lives, accept nothing, and question everything.

Carmen Marinache Essay

Assuming complex businesses in which company is part of: – organising logistics operations ( railway transportation from station of departure to station of destination, reception of wagons at final station of destination, unloading the cargo from wagons and loading it into trucks / handling, delivery up to the client’s terminal); – organising special transports such as munitions transportation in transit via Romania; – organising cargo exports from Romania with guard protection on route; – organising oversized transportation, export from Romania to different countries, which implies: obtaining loading drawing from an authorised company, obtaining approval for transportation from the railways and infrastructure, issuing CIM railway bills, coordinating the transport with foreign railways on traffic and obtaining all necessary traffic permission by keeping in touch with all our external partners, solving problems that might occur while transportation is performed; – organising exports from Romania to different countries from exCIS in special SZD wagons (wagons from CIS countries), obtaining all traffic permissions, keeping in contact with clients and partners for a prompt solving of all difficult situations; – organising transportation of wagons on their own wheels as well as of locomotives; – participating to organisation of multimodal traffic – Ex: cargo coming by vessel, unloading directly or indirectly to wagons and customs clearance through a sister company specialised in port in such ki nd of operations), railway transportation up to one station in Europe, unloading of cargo and delivery by trucks to consignee, etc. ? Keeping in contact with Accounting and Financial Dept. in order to mutually solve problems related to the financial part of the business; ? Based on the information received from the Controlling Dept. , analysing and proposing to the Executive Manager personal evaluation for personnel; ? Monthly analysing the activity of the Railway Dept. calculating estimated operational profit, calculating the total tonnage, presenting the situations to Executive Director; ? Contacting and visiting potential clients; ? Taking part to set up of transport and freight forwarding contracts with Romanian and foreign clients/partners ; ? Representing the company within international exhibitions and fairs, in Romania and abroad, to Express Interfracht Holding own stand, and within conferences having as topic the improvement of railway transportation; ? Issuing the documentation of company presentation and representing the company within different tenders opened by big production companies in Romania, in o rder to choose logistic supplier.

The Flight English short story

The Flight â€Å"This is gonna be so cool† Ryan said, staring at the 12inch model aircraft his twin sister, Beth got him for his Christmas. â€Å"Come on Ryan, you've never stopped staring at that since I got you it and you still haven't even said thank you† Beth said. â€Å"Oh yeah,† he grinned â€Å"thanks.† Ryan was 17, well built and his jet-black hair was nearly always spiked up with gel. Beth was 17 and looked exactly like Ryan apart from the obvious fact that he was a boy, probably what you would expect if you had a twin. â€Å"When's Jack coming?† Beth asked. Jack Forrest was Ryan and Beth's best friend from school and they had been friends ever since they had started school. â€Å"He said he'd b here at 10pm, Ryan said, looking at his watch. â€Å"its ten-to ten now sp we better put these suitcases in the car, that way we can head to the airport as soon as Jack comes.† They wheeled the cases out the door and put them into the boot of the car. â€Å"I still can't believe we won those tickets to Canada on the new 5 star luxury plane.† Ryan said as he lifted his suitcase and positioned it on top of Beth's massive holdall, â€Å"it's always been a dream on mine to fly in one of those planes, and it even has a restaurant!† Just as Ryan said that, Jacks taxi pulled up and he got out of the back with a giant suitcase and a rucksack. â€Å"Hey Ryan,† he grinned, â€Å"Hey Beth!† â€Å"The flight's gonna leave with out us if we don't get to the airport by eleven so we better get a move on, its already five past ten,† Beth said, pointing to the car. They all piled into the car and Ryan pulled out of the driveway. It took about half an hour to get to the airport and about an hour to go through the check-in and passport control, so when they got to the welcome lounge they all headed straight to the gate. â€Å"Here we go† Beth smiled as they reached gate 22, â€Å"Our plane's gonna be boarding in a minute so I'm gonna quickly get a pack of smarties from that vending machine.† Just as a packet of smarties dropped out of the vending machine, a woman's voice came up on the tannoy, â€Å"Flight 2780 is now boarding from gate 22† They all went up the steps and boarded the huge plane. It had four floors, a bar, restaurant, widescreen TV and loads more extras. â€Å"Whoa,† Ryan gasped as he took his first step into the newly built luxury jet, â€Å"This is amazing!† There was fancy lighting, a bar in the middle of the 1st floor, a huge red carpet stretching the whole length of the plane, and recliner seats. â€Å"This is nothing I ever imagined,† Jack joined in with the dazed expressions on both Ryan and Beth's faces. They all found their seats and buckled up their seatbelts. * Once the plane levelled off in the air all of the seatbelt signs went of. â€Å"I'm gonna go and get a coke from the bar,† Ryan said, â€Å"you two coming?† â€Å"Ok,† Beth and Jack said in unison and they all headed towards the bar. Just as they were about to sit down a guy came barging through and knocked Jack over. He was middle-aged and was bald. He was the type of guy that you didn't want to mess with. â€Å"Watch it!† Jack shouted back at him but he didn't even turn around to look at him again, he just kept walking purposefully. Jack was about to shout back at him â€Å"Are you gonna say sorry or what?† but he changed his mind when he saw a vague outline of something bulging from his trousers – a gun – â€Å"Oh my God† Jack said, â€Å"Ryan, Beth, that guys got a gun†. They looked round and saw it too. â€Å"We'll have to do something† Ryan decided. â€Å"What if he hijacks the plane?† The three kids all came to a decision to follow him. If they stopped and told a stewardess about the gun, it would cause panic and they would lose him. They walked quickly and followed the mysterious man. The three kids all went to karate and judo classes when they were about 10 so they all knew how to defend themselves. The guy led them down to the basement of the aircraft, three floors down from were their seats were. He opened a hatch, which was concealed by a bin and stepped down some stairs into the very bottom of the aircraft. Here there were all sorts of controls like lighting, radiators, fridge temperatures, fuel, and all sorts of controls for everything. Ryan, Jack and Beth all sneaked down the ladder and hid behind a huge metal board. The man went of to the other side of the room and looked closely at a set of labelled toggles and controls. He flicked a switch and suddenly the lights went out. â€Å"Whets happening† Beth whispered, with a touch of panic in her voice. â€Å"I haven't a clue but it's definitely something serious if he's turning the lights out, it could be the fuel next.† â€Å"What if he's going too hijack the plane?† Beth asked. â€Å"We cant take that risk, we all know how to take him down and its one against three so I bet we will be better off than him when its over† Jack said. They sneaked behind another metal divider but Beth tripped up and fell over, giving the man a warning and he reached for his gun. Before he could reach it, Jack and Ryan lunged forwards and kicked him to the ground. Beth had twisted her ankle from the fall but still managed to haul herself up and grab the man's gun. â€Å"What are you doing here?† Beth asked, pointing the man's own gun at him. â€Å"Do you seriously think I'm gonna tell you?† The man replied, unable to get away from Jack and Ryan's powerful hold. She was about to boot him, but she heard the sound of another man in the doorway and looked around to see him standing with a gun pointing towards them. â€Å"Let him up† he ordered, still pointing the nozzle of the gun at them. Ryan and Jack released their grip on him and he stood up. They both looked around but they realized that Beth was missing. Just as the man got up she launched herself at the guy in the doorway. He was caught by surprise and he crashed to the ground, sending his gun sliding across the floor. â€Å"Don't move† She said to the other man who was about to make a gab for it. Ryan and Jack ran forwards and grabbed it before he got the chance. â€Å"I'll go up and tell someone† Jack said, â€Å"You two keep them on the ground. It wasn't long before the whole crew were in the basement, including the captain. It turned out that the captain was an old enemy of the two hijackers and they were going to crash the plane and parachute out before it hit the ground. â€Å"Well done† the captain said as he shook Ryan, Beth and Jack's hands. â€Å"You should have seen the faced of everyone when the lights went out,† one of the crew members said, â€Å"Some people said they were going to die!† * Ryan, Beth and Jack all wore their bravery medals and the flight was still showing on the news. â€Å"This has been the best holiday ever† Beth grinned, â€Å"The snow here in Canada is great!† The all got on a taxi to take them to the airport. â€Å"To the airport please† Ryan said to the taxi driver. â€Å"Ok he said and turned around to give them an evil grin. It was the man who had tried to crash the plane . . .

American Exceptionalism essays

American Exceptionalism essays Is America better than all of the other countries in this world because we offer more opportunity and hope for humanity? Are our constitutional ideals that are focused on personal and economic freedom giving us a top seat to other cultures and nations that share this earth with us? A lot of Americas would like to think so. We live in a country that is arguably one of the freest nations, not only personally, but also politically. We are governed by public and private interests, which are based on our very own constitution that is set up to give everyone an opportunity to succeed in our growing culture. American exceptionalism is partially a reflection of our nations long history, but Americans can tend to be ethnocentric and judge other cultures by the standards of their own. When a lot of people think of America, they think about a country that is made up of a mixing bowl of races and ethnicities. They think of a culture that is founded on constitutional rights and god given freedoms that everyone has. Some people may even take America a step further and think of it as a culture that may be superior to others because of its past history of opportunity and freedom for whoever may be in search of it; but is this true? Many people may argue that the United States is better than almost any country because of our freedoms, but others may argue that the U.S. is an egotistical superpower that strong-arms, and abuses its influence on other countries. Undoubtedly, America offers many opportunities and even a lot of hope for people searching for a new life, but freedoms such as these often come with a price. The U.S. has high taxes, low minimum wages, and even may flaws in the political system that is supposed to keep us running. Many Americans can get caught up in all the wealth and prosperity that they are making for themselves in the United States. Many think that other cultures just don ...

John F. Kennedy and PT-109 in WWII

John F. Kennedy and PT-109 in WWII PT-109 was an 80-ft. patrol torpedo boat used by the US Navy during World War II. Commanded by Lt. John F. Kennedy, it was sunk by the destroyer Amagiri on August 2, 1943.   After the loss of PT-109, Kennedy went to great lengths to have his crew rescued. Nation: United StatesType: Patrol Torpedo BoatShipyard: Elco - Bayonne, NJLaid Down: March 4, 1942Launched: June 20, 1942Fate: Sunk August 2, 1943 Specifications Displacement: 56 tonsLength: 80 ft.Beam: 20 ft. 8 in.Draft: 3 ft. 6 in.Speed: 41 knotsComplement: 12-14 men Armament 4 x 21 torpedo tubes ( 4 x Mark VIII torpedoes)4 x .50 cal. machines guns1 x 20 mm cannon1 x 37 mm cannon Design Construction PT-109 was laid down on March 4, 1942, in Bayonne, NJ. Built by the Electric Launch Company (Elco), the boat was the seventh vessel in the 80-ft. PT-103-class. Launched on June 20, it was delivered to the US Navy the following month and fitted out at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Possessing a wooden hull constructed of two layers of mahogany planking, PT-109 could achieve speeds of 41 knots and was powered by three 1,500 hp Packard engines. Driven by three propellers, PT-109 mounted a series of mufflers on the transom to reduce engine noise and allow the crew to detect enemy aircraft. Typically manned by a crew of 12 to 14, PT-109s main armament consisted of four 21-inch torpedo tubes which utilized Mark VIII torpedoes. Fitted two to a side, these were swung outboard before firing. In addition, PT boats of this class possessed a 20 mm Oerlikon cannon aft for use against enemy aircraft as well as two swivel mounts with twin .50-cal. machine guns near the cockpit. Completing the vessels armament were two Mark VI depth charges which were placed forward of the torpedo tubes. After work was complete in Brooklyn, PT-109 was dispatched to Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB) Squadron 5 in Panama. Operational History Arriving in September 1942, PT-109s service in Panama proved brief as it was ordered to join MTB 2 in the Solomon Islands a month later. Embarked aboard a cargo ship, it arrived at Tulagi Harbor in late November. Joining Commander Allen P. Calverts MTB Flotilla 1, PT-109 began operating from the base at Sesapi and conducted missions intended to intercept the ships of the Tokyo Express, which were delivering Japanese reinforcements during the Battle of Guadalcanal. Commanded by Lieutenant Rollins E. Westholm, PT-109 first saw combat on the night of December 7-8. Attacking a group of eight Japanese destroyers, PT-109 and seven other PT boats succeeded in forcing the enemy to withdraw. Over the next several weeks, PT-109 took part in similar operations in the region as well as conducted attacks against Japanese shore targets. During such an attack on January 15, the boat came under fire from enemy shore batteries and was holed three times. On the night of February 1-2, PT-109 took part in a large engagement involving 20 Japanese destroyers as the enemy worked to evacuate forces from Guadalcanal. With the victory on Guadalcanal, Allied forces began the invasion of the Russell Islands in late February. During these operations, PT-109 aided in escorting transports and provided security offshore. Amid the fighting in early 1943, Westholm became the flotilla operations officer and left Ensign Bryant L. Larson in command of PT-109. Larsons tenure was brief and he left the boat on April 20. Four days later, Lieutenant (junior grade) John F. Kennedy was assigned to command PT-109. The son of prominent politician and businessman Joseph P. Kennedy, he arrived from MTB 14 in Panama. Under Kennedy Through the next two months, PT-109 conducted operations in the Russell Islands in support of the men ashore. On June 16, the boat, along with several others, moved to an advanced base on Rendova Island. This new base became a target of enemy aircraft and  on August 1, 18 bombers struck. The raid sunk two PT boats and disrupted operations. Despite the attack, a force of fifteen PT boats was assembled in response to intelligence that five Japanese destroyers would be conducting a run from Bougainville to Vila, Kolombangara Island that night. Prior to departing, Kennedy ordered a 37 mm gun field mounted on the boat. Deploying in four sections, PT-159 was the first to make contact with the enemy and attacked in concert with PT-157. Expending their torpedoes, the two boats withdrew. Elsewhere, Kennedy patrolled without incident until spotting firing along the south shore of Kolombangara. Rendezvousing with PT-162 and PT-169, he soon received orders to maintain their normal patrol. Due east of Ghizo Island, PT-109 turned south and led the three-boat formation. Moving through the Blackett Straits, the three PT boats were spotted by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri. Turning to intercept, Lieutenant Commander Kohei Hanami bore down on the American boats at high speed. Spotting the Japanese destroyer at about 200-300 yards, Kennedy attempted to turn to starboard preparatory to firing torpedoes. Too slow, PT-109 was rammed and cut in half by Amagiri. Though the destroyer suffered minor damage, it safely returned to Rabaul, New Britain the following morning while the surviving PT boats fled the scene. Thrown into the water, two of PT-109s crew were killed in the collision. As the forward half of the boat remained afloat, the survivors clung to it until daylight. Rescue Aware that the forward section would soon sink, Kennedy had a float fashioned using a timber from the 37 mm gun mount. Placing badly burned Machinists Mate 1/c Patrick MacMahon and two non-swimmers aboard the float, the survivors succeeded in evading Japanese patrols and landed on uninhabited Plum Pudding Island. Over the next two nights, Kennedy and Ensign George Ross unsuccessfully attempted to signal patrolling PT boats with a salvaged battle lantern. With their provisions exhausted, Kennedy moved the survivors to nearby Olasana Island which possessed coconuts and water. Seeking additional food, Kennedy and Ross swam to Cross Island where they found some food and a small canoe. Using the canoe, Kennedy came into contact with two local islanders but was unable to get their attention. These proved to be Biuku Gasa and Eroni Kumana, who had been dispatched by Sub Lieutenant Arthur Reginald Evans, an Australian coastwatcher on Kolombangara, who had seen PT-109 explode after the collision with Amagiri. On the night of August 5, Kennedy took the canoe into the Ferguson Passage to try to contact a passing PT boat. Unsuccessful, he returned to find Gasa and Kumana meeting with the survivors. After convincing the two men that they were friendly, Kennedy gave them two messages, one written on a coconut husk, to take to the coastwatchers at Wana Wana. The next day, eight islanders returned with instructions to take Kennedy to Wana Wana. After leaving supplies for the survivors, they transported Kennedy to Wana Wana where he made contact with PT-157 in the Ferguson Passage. Returning to Olasana that evening, Kennedys crew was ferried to the PT boat and transported to Rendova. For his efforts to rescue his men, Kennedy was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. With Kennedys political ascent after the war, the story of PT-109 became well known and was the subject of a feature film in 1963. When asked how he became a war hero, Kennedy replied, It was involuntary. They sank my boat. The wreck of PT-109 was discovered in May 2002 by noted underwater archaeologist and oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard.

Human Reource management for Samsung Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Human Reource management for Samsung - Essay Example The organizational structure also determines the approaches used in decision-making. This paper will present a report on the strategies that Samsung can adopt to register high performance and ensure a favorable working environment. Motivation and Reward This section will present an analysis of the motivation and reward procedure used by Samsung. In a bid to motivate its workers, Samsung has a very modern strategy, which offers the workers with a diverse range of possibilities. For starters, the managers in Samsung have made sure that the working hour-schedule suits the employees in conformity to their preferences, a factor that ensures that people are enthusiastic of each day’s work. Employees have a clear ascending path in the company, with the option to remain at the level of an individual contributor or become a manager (Pattanayak, 2005). It gives the employee awareness that if he does a good job, he will very likely ascend in the hierarchy, and receive a bigger salary and extra benefits. It is a strong motivational factor as the employee receives an adequate challenge, and the outcomes of staying with the company. Samsung has adopted a â€Å"pick your package† style of benefits for the employees. ... Moreover, Samsung is working on improving their workplace to offer a free catering, Starbucks gym, and social club on-site. Some optional benefits include social events, holidays, activities within the company, and many more, to maintain a good relationship between the company and the staff. This human resource strategy has shown its viability as evidenced by its adoption by companies such as Google and Kaspersky labs. The feedback collected from the employees indicates a feeling of satisfaction and a will to progress within the company (Pattanayak, 2005). Evidently, Samsung has achieved its goal in terms of motivation and reward. Samsung has also considered establishing goal incentives. This is an additional performance-based pay system to reward employees for improvement in their work efficiency. This system makes use part of the extra profit generated because of the effective performance of the management, human resource, facilities, and technology of our company (Lindholm, Yarris h, &Zaballero, 2012). When a business unit achieves good business performance, it allocates part of the extra profit to executives and employees. Under this system, part of an employee’s salary is determined based on the collective performance of the group. This is a variable reward system, under which executives and employees receive part of the profit in cases where a high performance that exceeds the goal is registered. Organizational Change and Culture This section describes Samsung's organizational change and culture, with admiration to RensisLikert’s participative decision-making theory. According to this theory, employers should seek to allow

LRH (Trade Show Event) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

LRH (Trade Show Event) - Essay Example My experience is of paramount importance in steering the success of this event. My aim is to come up with a simple relatively cheap but professionally organized event. This will be a week of familiarizing my self with the company's products. With the help of pat who is very knowledgeable about the products and has been in several trade shows with the company. He has also been handling sales staff. Together we shall come up with with a new revised marketing plan, develop new signs and banners with more attention catching messages and a team of well co-coordinated sales staff. Having familiarized myself with the company's products the next step will be registering as exhibitors with the relevant authorities, this will ensure that we get booth for events day. We shall pay for a more spacious both, a provision that is there on the marketing manager's budget, which will give room for increased displays and presentations. We shall then visit the meteorological department for the weather update so that we can know the kind of clothing our sales team will wear. In this week I will hold the meeting with terry, a brilliant administrative assistant in the marketing department. Having been severally involved in preparation of the events I will seek his knowledge and discuss the duties which will be issuing the take aways and updating presentations. In collaboration with pat, a settl... f trainer, we shall identify a group of six well placed persons to form the marketing team, pat will train the for a period of two weeks as to adequately prepare the for the event. He will train them on good communication skills interacting well with viewers and handling their complaints proffesionary. 2nd week to the event I will embark on the travel arrangement procedures to make sure that my products are delivered to the events city on time, the products will be twenty cartons of books, posters, computers and signs. Due to the short distance to the other city I will use road as my mode of transport. For furniture and equipments I will arrange on how to rent them from the events city. The furniture's will include two tables and for chairs. 4th day to the event Together with the pat and terry we shall travel to that city for both selection. The exhibitors will assign as the space and later issue us with a guide, which contains full information on the show preparation requirements. 2nd day to the event At this day I will confirm whether all products have been delivered at the venue of the show and assesses whether intact. Incase some will be missing I will organize for a rapid replacement to ensure that the sent is not lured. Events day We shall neatly prepare our booth making sure that it is attractive amongst the other booths. The sales team will be strategically located while one one of them will make sure that the stand is lively with the attractive staff who will play their roles as trained. Reference Manfred, M. (2005): Trade Show Management United Nations, commission of Interaction Trade Shows