Learning Theories Amongst Young Adults

Introduction The concept of ‘learning' has been embedded In each and every one of us from the daddy were born. Since, the beginning of man, learning has been incorporated Into our very nature whether we are conscious of It or not; from learning how to control fire to noticing how that fire provides us with warmth and security to ward of wild animals. Learning as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary is the activity or process of gaining knowledge or skill by studying, practicing, being taught, or experiencing something'.Over the years, psychologists have come up with different theories on how we learn. Marketers have taken these theories and applied them to gain a better understanding of how consumers learn and behave, in order to develop better marketing strategies to satisfy the needs and wants of consumers. This is commonly known today as consumer behavior. The rapid increases of millennial consumers over the years have Intrigued marketers to further understand and analy ses this new breed of consumers. Hence, to understand their behaviors Is to understand how they learn and process Information.There are many ways to learn and along with that, many different learning theories. In this research, I will be focusing on three mall learning theories related to young adult learning and what are the implications of these theories to marketing. Learning Theories of Young Adults & How Marketers Apply Them To analyses how young adults learn, we have to first understand the term young adult'. In actuality, there is no definition to the term; however it is widely used these days to describe an individual who lies within the transition period between the adolescence to adulthood period.The term is also typically used to better categorize his segment of individuals in researches, studies and even marketing. According to Erosion's Stages of Development, the young adult stage ranges between the ages of 18-35 years (Erikson, 1968). Due to the advancements of this ev er-changing society, learning today Is not the same as It was 20-30 years ago. The exposure to technology from an early age has altered the way these ‘dealt natives' think and process information compared to previous generations before them (Presents, 2001 Thus, the towards understanding how young adults' learn. Knowledge is perception – Socrates.Learning is no longer Just a passive assimilation of knowledge (Pigged, 1968), which is passed down from teacher to student. As Benjamin Franklin once said, â€Å"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn†. The conventional student-teacher or teach me' methods of learning can no longer be applied to the young adults of this generation. Instead, the use of a more active learning method such as cognitive learning is more relevant today. Cognitive learning is a theory that defines learning as a behavioral change based on the acquisition of information bout the environment' (Mossy, 2009).There are three main branches of cognitive learning; the iconic rote learning, vicarious learning and reasoning or analogy learning. Iconic rote learning The first area of cognitive learning we will be looking at is Iconic rote learning. Iconic rote learning is defined as learning the association between two or more concepts in absence of conditioning (Neal, Sequester, Hawkins, 2002). The essence of this concept is repetition, where the intended concept is repeated over again to engage the attention of the intended target.On the surface, this concept might seem similar to hat of the classical conditioning method which also involves repetition. However, this concept differs from classical conditioning because of the absence of a stimulus- response mechanism, a direct reinforcement or reward involved. The aim of iconic learning is Just to boost the attention and promote awareness off concept to associate its key attributes. Young adults today are faced with a â€Å"continuous partial atte ntion† syndrome, where there is an overload of information from the use of technology (Coleman, 2013).It is difficult to teach a young adult today in a classroom, specially with the use of smoothness, laptops and gadgets, while simultaneously trying to receive information from the speaker or teacher. Moreover, young adults have the tendency to be distracted by the thought of needing to check their text messages or notifications from social-media circles. This attachment to technology is the reason why the transfer of an intended information or concept, has to be extensively repeated to obtain the constant attention or awareness of the intended person, in order for learning to occur.Herbert Simon, a Nobel-winning economist rote â€Å"Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention†. Therefore, marketers who understand this theory, apply it to their marketing strategies to attract the attention of young adult consumers. Advertisers use mediums such as televis ion commercials, Youth ads, and print media to create a link between the brand and its key benefits to consumers through iconic rote learning. For example, the extensive repetition and occurrences of a Cataracts advertisement, associates the brand to premium coffee.Once consumers have made the connection between Cataracts and premium coffee, consumers will cognitive processing. The presence of these commercials can even be made on digital platforms such as tablets and smoothness through downloaded APS (applications). Hence, with the right amount of exposure and occurrence, marketers will be able to capitalize on the ‘distraction' of technology to learning and use it to their advantage when marketing young adults through infiltrating popular internet mediums such as Backbone and Youth. Vicarious learning Vicarious learning, also known as observational learning (sometimes called modeling or imitation) is simple learning by observing others and copying their behavior Fletcher and Gorton, 2007). Often used in conjunction with Bandanna's social learning theory, made famous by the ‘Boob doll' experiment; considers that children learn complex social behaviors by copying the behaviors of adults. Later on, Bandeau acknowledged that learners also play an active role in the learning process by only choosing models which are consistent with their own personal beliefs and values which produce desired outcomes (Bandeau, 1989).Androgyny, also known as the study of how adults learn, was made popular by Malcolm Knowles who believed that adults are self-directed, goal-orientated and bring life experiences and knowledge to their learning experience (Knowles, 1989). Hence, it is clear that Bandanna's theory not only applies to only children but to young adults as well because they only model those who align with their own prior beliefs and knowledge, to reach a desired goal or outcome. Thus, marketers who understand these learning theories apply them to their marketin g strategies to reach young adult consumers.For instance, popular Swedish retailers H&M use David Beckman (a famous footballer and celebrity) as their brand ambassador and spokesperson for their clothing line. Young adults who identify and look to Beckman as their role model will tend to imitate him; including what he wears in this case. Analytical or reasoning learning Analytical or reasoning learning can be defined as â€Å"an inference process that allows consumers to use an existing knowledge base to understand a new situation or object† (Hawkins and Motherboards, 2010).In analytical learning, critical reasoning based on existing understanding and knowledge is used together with new information or concepts in the learning process. This is common in young adults as they incorporate life experiences and pre-existent knowledge to their learning experience, as mentioned earlier based on the androgyny study (Knowles, 1989). Simply put, this theory of learning helps young adult s use a pre-existing knowledge of something that they familiar with, to learn something that which they are not familiar with.Typically, high-involvement products involve more reasoning thinking because consumers are motivated to learn about products that they are interested Marketers who understand this theory use it to reach young adult consumers. An example of this is the purchase of high-involvement products such as smoothness. Users in Malaysia were between the ages of 25 to 34 (Enterprise News, 2011), hence falling within the young adult category (Erikson, 1968).The consumer behaviorism model suggests that a typical consumer goes through four stages before purchasing a product; recognition, searching for information, evaluation of alternatives and finally, the purchase decision (Kettle and Keller, 2012). Therefore, in the purchase of a smartened, young adults in Malaysia use analytical or reasoning learning to acquire as much information about the smartened when comparing betw een brands and prices.Hence, marketers in the smartened industry, should market their smoothness based on emphasizing on the unique specifications and restorability of price in order to gain a comparative advantage over competitor brands. If the product attributes align with a previous knowledge or experience, then the young adult will be motivated to learn more about the smartened and eventually decide to purchase it. Conclusion Young adults have become the main target market of marketers. Hence, it is critical to understand how they think, behave and learn.In this assignment I highlighted who young adult are and analyses the different cognitive approaches to learning when it comes to young adults which include; iconic rote, vicarious and analytical learning. These learning theories have a direct impact on the decision-making process of young adult consumers in purchasing items. I have also given real life examples which illustrated and describe the appropriate marketing strategies to not only reach but significantly affect and influence the way young adults purchase products.

Traditions of Tatarstan

Family relations of the Tatars developed in a complex way. Family based on old principles, with some elements of woman's seclusion, traditionally dominated. The wedding and birth of a child were the most significant family events. The wedding through courtship was most widespread. The choice of a bride was made by groom's parents, then the matchmaker was sent. After the agreements, bride's relatives began to prepare for the wedding. A day before the wedding, groom's parents sent ransom and gifts to the bride. During the wedding and at the wedding dinner, bridegrooms were absent, represented by their fathers. The birth of a child was a joyful event. Tatar enlightener and historian Kayum Nasyri describes this custom as follows: When all guests arrive, the child is brought on a pillow to the mullah. He asks the parents how to name the child. The mullah prays, then repeats three times: â€Å"Let your precious name be †¦ â€Å". Each visitor is given honey and oil. Being treated, he puts as much money on a tray, as he can†. In some families, the wedding ceremonies – ransom for the bride (kalym), bride's dowry (birne), religious ceremony of wedding (nikah) and others -remain bright and interesting to our days. Ceremonies and holidays express the emotional and aesthetic life of the people. Celebratory culture of the Tatars traditionally included both religious (Kurban-bairam, Uraza-bairam, Ramadan) and secular holidays celebrated in a certain season. The calendar cycle of national holidays and ceremonies of the Tatar people begins with Nauruz celebrated on the day of the spring. It symbolizes updating Nauruz was followed by the time of spring sowing – the most beautiful season, when the Sabantui festival was arranged. Its history is as old as our people. The earliest evidences of Sabantui are dated of 921. Preparation to the holiday started two weeks in advance. Sabantui is traditionally celebrated. Sabantuy is one of the most ancient national holidays. It is celebrated in honour of the spring sowing. It is the most favorite holiday among people † . Maydan is the culmination of the holiday, where people compete in bags jumping, pot braking with closed eyes, pulling of a rope, horse riding etc The main distinctive element of Sabantuy is koras (Tatar wrestling) The winner gets alive ram. Muslim holidays were especially esteemed. Kurban-bairam is the most significant one. It is a holiday of sacrifice in memory of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness sacrifice his son for the sake of Allah. Kurban Bairam is a religious holiday of a sacrifice. It begins in 70 days after Ramazan and lasts for 3 days. Each Moslem must kill a ram and distribute its meat among poor people Uraza-bairam is celebrated at the end of a 30-day fast in Ramadan. Having tried sweets in the morning, Muslims go to the mosque, and in the evening arrange the family feast. Since 1992 two religious holidays Kurban-bairam and Christmas are included in Tatarstan's calendar of public holidays. It is impossible to imagine cultural life of Kazan without the Day of the City, which is celebrated on August 30. On this day, cities and villages of the republic flourish, all multinational Tatarstan people get together to see the festival open-air performance with historical customs and traditions, horse races, national wrestling, ensembles of ancient instruments and folklore groups performances. The holiday is ended with a big colorful firework. The Republic of Tatarstan enjoys the richest traditional and cultural heritage. Today the life of Republic combines both ancient traditions and the present. It is a memory of the past and aspiration to the future.

How Technology Changed the world Essay

Over the last five years, technology has been rapidly changing and expanding in every field imaginable. Smart phones are now capable of acting as standalone computer devices that can take pictures, search the Internet, send emails and text messages and yes, they even make phone calls. While it might seem that the technology of today has reached its limits, it is still actually spreading its proverbial wings. Only twenty or so years ago, personal computers were becoming small enough and affordable enough for families to buy them for home use. Since then, the world of technology has shown no signs of slowing down and practically every device available today is somehow tied to computer technology. From the first day that technology was introduced to war, it has helped shape the latter. Flint-made daggers and spears, and leather or wickerwork shields, did quite as much to shape the tactics adopted by ancient societies as horses did during the middle ages and as tanks, aircraft, and vario us combat ships do today. All transportation depends on technology, whether it’s the wheel, the jet engine, or the computer chip. Transportation is not just technology it’s a system of technology, people, energy, money, and more—but advances in technology play a key role in shaping transportation systems, which in turn help to shape our lives, landscapes, and culture. Because transportation is so important to commerce, because literally and figuratively so much is riding on it, it has been the focus of an enormous amount of inventive activity. Corporations have invested billions of dollars in improved technology. Individuals have sought their fortunes in breakthroughs big and small. Technology has changed society tremendously. Things like iPods, Netbooks, BlackBerrys, Blue Tooth, and flash drives have definitely not been around for a long time. Our society today has many advantages thanks to technology. Law enforcement officers have a great advantage with things like  GPS and tracking devices and cell phone records. The general public also faces a lot of distraction because of some technology though. Car accidents used to be caused mostly by people falling asleep or drunk driving. Now the big concern is that people are playing with their gadgets, messing with music players, playing DVDs in the background for kids, and talking on their cell phones. That is a lot of potential distractions! Society is becoming a union of ‘we want it now’ people thanks to most technology offering super fast services. There isn’t enough stopping to smell the roses anymore. For the most part, however, technology does us more good than harm: It’s reconnected us with old college roommates, helped us learn a foreign language, and encouraged us to exercise. Follow us as we look back at how technology has changed our lives—for the better and for the worse—in terms of communication, computing, dining, entertainment, and travel. http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Technology-Affects-Us&id=7429569 http://www.ehow.com/info_7844707_impact-technology-warfare.html

Mechanical Principles, Complex Loading Assignment

Mechanical Principles, Complex Loading - Assignment Example 27). There occur changes in dimensions when a body is subjected to an axial force. Considering a bar of length l, breadth b and thickness t, it changes dimensions to l+Éâ€"l, b+ Éâ€"b and t+ Éâ€"t respectively (Gere & Goodno, 2012: P. 27). When subjected to an axial force, whether compressive or tensile, then, The Bulk Modulus of a solid material is the ratio of direct stress exerted on a body to the volumetric strain exerted on the same body, provided both are kept within the elastic limit of the material of which the body is made of. As thus, it is the resistance of a body to compression under uniform force (Gere & Goodno, 2012: P. 42). As such, one parameter be worked out if the others are known, and therefore, there is no further need for complicated derivation of each formula. However, on its own, the Elastic Modulus can calculated from the formula: Modulus of Elasticity (elastic modulus) can be defined as the ratio of shear stress to the shear strain exerted on a body. As thus, it denotes a body’s ability to undergo temporal elastic deformation when a force is exerted on it. Modulus of rigidity of a material refers to its ability to resist angular change that is bound to occur when the body is exposed to external stresses. The stresses may lead to the formation of an angle in relation to the original position of body. As such, the modulus of rigidity is the coefficient, or measure o resistance to the formation of this angle (Gere &Goodno, 2012: P.

Personnel Rights, Diversity, Sexual Harassment, and Affirmative Action Assignment

Personnel Rights, Diversity, Sexual Harassment, and Affirmative Action - Assignment Example The concept of better human resources treatment in workplaces is not a preserve of only the private sector but has over the years extended to public companies and institutions thus putting to question the role that public personnel manager has to play in ensuring that the aforementioned issues are well addressed (Cooper, 1990). This paper looks at the issues above based on a critical review of some peer reviewed journals as well as other sources. Employee’s rights Within an organization that consist both the employer and the employee, each group has its own role to play in terms rights. There is need to ensure that employees have access to adequate compensation in relation to their work performed. Overtime work must be paid through overtime schemes in order to avoid exploitation. Proper channels need to be put in place to address the misgivings of employees since they have a right to be heard and assisted (Robertson & Fadil, 1999). The other part includes providing employees w ith safer working environment that has no hazards whereby the management must consider safety and health standards of the work place. Also the management has the responsibility of training its employees and advising them on the possible hazards that could be encountered within the organization as well as performing voluntary medical tests on the employees to keep medical records updated. Among others, the management also has the duty to keep records of employees on work related injuries that could be used in future if need arises. All these responsibilities are to safeguard the employees’ safety which they have a right to (Brooks, 1989). Diversity It is in the interest of any organization, be it in the public or private sector, to create a diverse workforce environment. This involves managing an organization’s human resource from a wide variety of background with wide range of experience to smoothly attain the goals of the organization (Robertson & Fadil, 1999). Divers ity in employment relates to issues of race, color, national, age, religion, disability, sex, gender identity, socio-economic background, parental status, education, among others. These issues are important and must be considered while managing human resource. This gives each individual within the organization the opportunity to contribute positively with a sense of belonging to the attainment of the organization’s goal. With diverse variety in experience, there is more opportunity that promotes on job training as well as improvement on personal skills. As much as it is a new productive tool to the organizational management, it faces challenges as well. With the new era of more educated and young managers straight from management schools, they get opposition from the traditional old managers and employees within an organization and this hinders organizational objectives. Although diversity has gained momentum, it is still evident that there exists biasness in the higher level of management where women and the disabled are still sidelined in employment and promotions. Also diversity is challenged in terms of race where the race factor is more influenced by political factors such as which race is more dominant in politics and hence it should be influential in other

Recognizing and Managing Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Dysfunction Research Paper

Recognizing and Managing Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Dysfunction after Myocardial Infarction - Research Paper Example I agree with this thesis particularly because the absence of symptoms or signs of LVSD in myocardial infarctions makes a timely diagnosis of the condition to be significantly crucial for the survival of the affected patients. Epidemiological data on the etiology of Asymptomatic left ventricular Dysfunction in Europe and America suggests that nearly 60% of patients develop the condition after suffering from myocardial infarction. According to Gheorghiade  and Bonow (1998), â€Å"myocardial infarctions survivors usually have an increased risk of LVSD.† Consequently proper and early disease management models should be established to ensure cases of the disease are detected and managed effectively. Similarly, a number of critical pathways can now be effectively used to improve detection and detection of asymptomatic LVSD. On the other hand, one-half of LVSD patients are asymptomatic. In this regard, the early detection and management of the condition in post-myocardial patients can significantly help nurses to reduce mortality in the asymptomatic cases. Some of the evidence-based practices and techniques employed in the early diagnosis of the disease include radionuclide imaging, echocardiography, and ventriculography (Goldberg  and Jessup, 2006). All these strategies are important in the intervention of the dysfunction and the improvement of the quality of life in the affected patients. A number of evidence-based practices can be employed in the assessment of LVSD in patients who have suffered from myocardial infarction. One of the effective multidisciplinary approaches is carrying out an assessment of the disease in myocardial infarction survivors (Timmins and Kaliszer, 2001). Additionally educating such patients on their conditions can help doctors and clinicians to detect and prevent some the risk factors that may increase progression to heart failure.

BX Enviro Legislation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

BX Enviro Legislation - Research Paper Example This act required, mandated that projects that were put forward as proposals by the different government federal agencies were to include statements relating to the projects’ environmental impacts. Apart from this, the law spurred the creation of an office within the Office of the President devoted to the environment, called the Presidential Council on Environment (MNN Holdings).   This office would later be called the Council on Environmental Quality or CEQ (CEQ). The law also broke ground for stipulating in a formal fashion the policies and goals of the federal government relating to the national environment. Where the law recognizes that every American has a stake and a responsibility for being a steward of the environment in each one’s personal capacity, the law also makes a point to include wording that essentially puts the brunt of caring for the environment in the hands of the US federal government.. The idea is that legislation and new programs and projects sh ould be considered for their environmental impacts just as much as for their technical and their financial suitability and viability, and the law puts this principle as a matter of compliance with the law (MNN Holdings; CEQ). a priority concern when considering projects and activities tied to the economy. The goal is the improvement of environmental health metrics which redound to better human health. The Act has been credited with reducing pollution emissions into the air by 41 percent during the first four decades,... The law prompted/spurred the starting of sixteen projects of reclamation precisely in that area targeted by Roosevelt in the southwest United States, for the purposes that he intended (Oracle). The overriding motivation was that the congestion in urban areas necessitated the location of alternative land where farming could take place, and the main technology for the reclamation and transformation of the dry lands in the southwest was irrigation. The bill came before the establishment of the Reclamation Service, later to be renamed as the Bureau of Reclamation, the government agency that was tasked with the work related to the bill (ccrh.org; Bureau of Reclamation). 2. Richard Nixon A. Legislation 1: National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 This act required, mandated that projects that were put forward as proposals by the different government federal agencies were to include statements relating to the projects’ environmental impacts. Apart from this, the law spurred the creat ion of an office within the Office of the President devoted to the environment, called the Presidential Council on Environment (MNN Holdings). This office would later be called the Council on Environmental Quality or CEQ (CEQ). The law also broke ground for stipulating in a formal fashion the policies and goals of the federal government relating to the national environment. Where the law recognizes that every American has a stake and a responsibility for being a steward of the environment in each one’s personal capacity, the law also makes a point to include wording that essentially puts the brunt of caring for the environment in the hands of the US federal government.. The idea is that legislation and new programs and projects

Employees' Development plan supporting individual and organizational Research Paper

Employees' Development plan supporting individual and organizational effectiveness in an organisation - Research Paper Example Introduction The global financial crisis has turned some companies to scrimp on their budgets just keep them afloat in these difficult times. Many people have lost their jobs as a result of the budget cuts. For employees left to work to help their companies rise above the economic crunch, training and development are ensured in the expectation that it will contribute towards the betterment of not only the individual employee but of the whole organization as well. Employee development has been identified as key to improving overall organizational effectiveness. Jacobs and Washington (2003) have defined it as: â€Å"Employee development refers to an integrated set of planned programs, provided over a period of time, to help assure that all individuals have the competence necessary to perform to their fullest potential in support of the organization’s goals† ( 344). One organization that continues to reap success in spite of the economic crisis is McDonald’s Food Co rporation. This company has gained a reputation for excellent standards in food and service. Recently, it is also being known as a supportive employer offering a remarkable employee development program. Background of the Organisation McDonald’s was first developed by brothers Dick and Mac McDonald in 1940. They concentrated on just a few products with their juicy hamburgers as their main seller. In 1954, Ray Kroc was appointed by the brothers to be the first franchisee in San Bernardino, California. He opened his first restaurant the following year in Des Plaines, Illinois and the McDonald’s Corporation was created (McSpotlight.org, 2010). The company upheld the highest quality in food, service, cleanliness and value that Quality, Service, Cleanliness and Value (Q.S.C. & V.) became the company motto since 1957. In 1961, Ray Kroc bought all rights to the McDonald’s concept from the McDonald brothers (mcspotlight.org). He also opened the Hamburger University in El k Grove, near Chicago where people intending to be in the business were given high quality training and development. Since then, McDonald’s kept growing in terms of business and innovative products and concepts that attracted the international market to acquire franchise stores in their countries. The awards reaped by the company throughout the years prove that McDonald’s is one company committed not only to the highest standards of excellence in the food service industry but also to being a great employer that motivates its employees to strive for their best performance. Literature Review on Learning and Employee Development Nowadays, people have more access to learning. More and more training courses are developed and offered in schools and online for people who want to go further in what they know to gain skills and knowledge in their own areas of interest. The term learning may be defined in a myriad of ways. â€Å"Learning is the act or process by which behaviora l change, knowledge, skills and attitudes are acquired† (Boyd, Apps, et al., 1980:100-101). Learning is not limited to schooling, especially for adult learners who seek knowledge from many sources other than schools. Knowles et al. (2007) theorizes that adult learning is organized around the notion that adults learn best in informal, comfortable, flexible and nonthreatening settings. Employees who engage in further learning have their own motivations that urge them to carry on. The motivation to learn is affected by the

Organizational Knowledge Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Organizational Knowledge - Essay Example Other than this, in this competitive scenario, the essence of retailing changed adversely and gave rise to a centralized market situation where the rate of exchanged is extremely high as compared to others (Feldman, 2003). In this market, metal coins and paper notes are also exchanged for other goods which enhanced the scope and extent of retailing to a high extent in the recent decades. Side by side, introduction of online stores also enhanced the range of total sales in retaining sector in today market scenario (Moser &Vander, 2003). However, in spite of huge advancement, the Retail Management sector presented numerous interesting challenges that gave rise to more innovative solutions. The most vital and noteworthy issue that is hampering the portfolio of the sector of retaining is commoditization. It is a trouble-some issue that arose a few decades before that mainly highlights price wars and fierce competition among the rival players of the market. Due to which the position and b rand image of numerous reputed organization operating successfully in this segment is experiencing massive downfall resulting in reduction of the profit margin and total sales of GameStop Corporation of US. As a result, the position of GameStop Corporation in the markets of US is reducing at a significant extent, which is quite insignificant (Moser &Vander, 2003). ... This cause also marked a significant downfall of the position of US among other big players around the globe (Moser &Vander 2003). Detailed background information of the issue of commoditization described above Historical Origin of the problem: Due to the entrance of numerous new entrants, the extent of competition aroused, resulting in the problem of commoditization in the segment of retailing. Other than this, as entry in this segment do not require huge rate of investment and so it’s quite easy for the new entrants to enter it (Moser &Vander, 2003). As a result, the segment became extremely aggressive and the rate of switchovers also increased to a significant extent (Nonaka & Nishiguchi, 2001). In case of pricing problem or lack of trendiness, the customers immediately shift over towards other brands resulting in loss of prospective customers and profit margin as well (Moser &Vander, 2003). In order to cope up with this problem, I instructed my juniors and other administra tive officials to maintain a competitive margin of the products so as to retain the customers towards their brands and products. Along with this, I also decided to introduce ad present more concentration in introducing varied types of innovative designs and features in the products lines so as to make the customers attracted towards their products as compare to other rival players (Moser &Vander, 2003). Otherwise, they might not be able to maintain a sustainable position in the market among other players (Tsoukas, 2005). This proved quite successful for the organization thereby amplifying the profit margin (Moser &Vander, 2003). Proposed Solution Not only this, according to Cooper, (1999), to maintain the portfolio of the products, just like the other retailers I also tried to implement the

Information Enclosed Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Information Enclosed - Essay Example However, question arises if digression of women from their traditional roles was the only factor causing this change or were their elements too, that resulted in this transformation. A careful analysis of current corporate and social policies would indicate that women have been given a chance to participate equally in almost every field of life. From military to social work, even running big enterprises, women have undertaken major leading roles in different organizations. In order to facilitate women with these responsibilities different facilities like childcare, flexible working hours, work from home, have been introduced. However, it is important to evaluate if participation in other fields of life was actually necessary for women. Before World War I, women were confined to their traditional roles of a house keeper who was responsible for maintain the house, raising kids and in retrospective, taking care of agricultural activities and cattle rearing in family farms. With advent o f new technology, most of traditional methods of agriculture were modified. It is important to note that women were responsible for growing and preserving food because there were no other methodologies available. Furthermore, technological changes not only brought changes to family life but also affected economic preferences as well. After World War I, the concept of New Girl emerged which was a reflection of new empowered and liberal women who was taking on new responsibilities. After Great Depression, responsibilities of women increased greatly due to lack of economic resources (Abelson 105). Along with taking care of family, most of them were forced to work to earn their living as divorce rates and trends of men leaving their families unsupported increased greatly. Although the trend changed after World War II, and era of 1940s to 1950s was of male dominance but role of women in economic and social activities could not be ignored. With emergence of â€Å"baby boomers† and â€Å"Xers†, women’s participation in national workforce increased greatly after 1950s (Boyd 650). A critical analysis of a famous TV show, â€Å"Leave It to Beaver† illustrated men and women’s roles in the normal American family. With Ward Cleaver being the head and bread earner of the family, June Cleaver was demonstrated as regular woman who was busy maintaining a house and taking care of her family while performing chores like washing, cleaning and cooking (Shaffer n.p). Comparison of this TV series to another recent TV series, â€Å"Modern Family† would also show Clair Dunphy as a woman who preferred her family over career. She is a multi-tasking woman who is highly concerned about her house and kids. She is often seen as busy with driving for different household chores, community work and even doing extra things like running for Town Council. Hence, she is a house wife but the definition of house wife has transformed as she seems to be busy w ith driving children, arranging their school functions and managing community drives. A comparison of these two sitcoms illustrates that overall family structure has changed greatly which of course

Workplace counselling and therapy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Workplace counselling and therapy - Essay Example Personal problem contributing to poor job performance are usually complex and multi-faceted. They often include issues that few supervisors are trained to handle - complicated issues like; Besides reducing cost associated with employee's personal problems, Nyack Hospital employee assistance program provides training for managers and supervisors to help then develop skill and confidence in resolving employee's performance issues. The program also offers additional training modules for management and staff on issues such as sexual harassment, promoting a drug-free work place, stress management, parenting and many other human resources development topics. The employee assistance program enhances existing benefit program and demonstrates company's commitment to and concern for its employees well being. Dollar for dollar Nyack Hospital's employee assistance program is one of the best investments an organization can make. Having a program like this one can help your organization contain cost in many important ways including; As above stated employees assistance program (EAP) is undertaken by few supervisors or specialists who are trained to handle complicated issues. These complicated issues are problems that employees undergo while working. They may arise from their homes or within their workplace. ... These complicated issues are problems that employees undergo while working. They may arise from their homes or within their workplace. The problem should be solved so that they don't interfere with an employee's. This is another reason why Nyack Hospital has endeavoured to provide this program for its employees. In this regard employees' assistance program addresses the following problems as stated above and explained in detail below. Stress at work. Stress means arousal o stimulus. This is a condition where an employee is disturbed by other factors either within workplace or external problems (An introduction to workplace counselling, J. McLeod, 2001) This condition does not allow the employee to concentrate in his work as his or her mind is divided. The condition affects both the employee and the organization. While in this state he or she being unable to perform affects the organization in terms of productivity. The general perception has been that stress in an organization occurs to middle level and junior employees. However, it starts right from the top. Senior managers are not superwomen or supermen; they also undergo stress at work. However, they learn the art of delegation by the time they read at the top. They have secretaries and assistants who help them The assumption that death, divorce and moving house are the three biggest causes of stress has been overtaken by office as the principal focus for stress. The biggest contributing factors to stress are: - Pressure to perform Fear of redundancy/job uncertainty Recession Change/pace of change Personal/home life Increased job load Excessive hours Maintaining quality. In general, organizations are

Understanding organizations and the role of HR Essay Example for Free

Understanding organizations and the role of HR Essay YTL Cement’s purpose in beginning this business is to supply quality cement to local construction companies for a competitive price especially in the eastern corridor of peninsular Malaysia. There were no cement plants in the eastern side of peninsular Malaysia. So, cost of purchasing cement was high due to logistics. Our plant in Pahang solved all issues as we could now provide cement with a much cheaper price. YTL Cement is currently the second largest cement producer in Malaysia. Our goal is to be the largest cement producer in Malaysia and also southeast Asia. From one cement plant, we have rapidly expanded to four plant now. The goal to be the largest cement producer in Malaysia might come to past earlier than expected. PRODUCTS SERVICES We have 5 brands of bagged product and 4 types of bulk product. The 5 brands in the bagged products are Castle, Orang Kuat, Wallcem, Marinecem and Dragon. Each bag weighs 50 kilogrammes. Each brand is different in terms of  uses, strength and suitability. Cement has many uses during the construction process such as brick making, brick laying, concreting, plastering and tiling. So, each brand has its own suitability. For instance, when it comes to tiling, the brands Castle and Dragon are the most suitable. We have 4 kinds of bulk products. They are MASCEM, SLAGCEM, OPC and CLAGCEM GGBS. Bulk products are usually dispatched in tankers. The weight of each tanker varies from 28 tonnes to 40 tonnes. We supply bulk cement to all parts of Malaysia via tankers and rail. CUSTOMERS CLIENTS YTL Cement has customers and clients both locally and internationally. The bagged products targets small contractors, hardware stores and individual purchasers. These target use cement for small scale renovations and other personal use. Bulk cement is usually bought by large contractors who are employed by the government or the private sector to build housing estates, buildings, bridges and more. The cement quantity needed in these projects is huge so purchases are made in bulks. 4 EXTERNAL FACTORS Economy The cement industry depends on the economy situation. If the economy is stable, then development and construction is on-going. The government and private organizations will initiate projects which include housing and other infrastructure project which requires cement. Hence, the demand for cement will increase. But if there is an economy downturn, it will have a bad impact on the construction industry. And when the construction industry is down, then the demand for cement will decrease which will directly affect the cement industry. Technology Technology plays a very important role in the process of making cement. Technology has grown and new machinery is constantly being introduced to maximize output and minimize the usage of power. The advances in technology, has also allowed cement plants to increase production on a daily basis. This directly contributes to the profit of the organization. One of the biggest issues in cement plants are the breakdowns. Metal fatigue and corrosion cause machinery to break down which effects production. Technology today allows machinery to run longer with minimal maintenance procedures. Legal Legal implications always surround heavy industries that effect the environment. New acts and new policies enforced by governments will affect the cement industry. A growing population with growing concerns about the environment will push the government to impose new laws which will directly or indirectly affect the cement industry. Environment The most important raw material to used to make cement is limestone. Limestone is a sedimentary rock. Limestone can be mined in two ways which are from hills which contain limestone and two, from limestone deposits deep underground. Aggressive mining can deplete the limestone and when that happens, we will not be able to produce cement. As most natural resources, limestone is not renewable hence making it a limited resource. Coal is used in cement plants to heat up the kiln. A kiln is something like an oven where raw materials are transformed at high temperatures. The temperature in a cement kiln can reach up to 1400 degree Celsius. So, huge amounts of coal are used everyday to heat up the kilns. Like limestone, coal is also a limited resource. The depletion of coal will impact the cement industry. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE YTL Cement has a top down organizational structure. It is a family owned business. As such, all decisions are made by the Executive Director which is Dato’ Sri Michael Yeoh who is a member of the Yeoh family. Authority is vested at the top and flows down through directors, managers and executives before finally reaching those who make the product. The four functions in this organization which are vital are operations, human resources, finance and purchasing. Operations The operations team are in charge of the day to day operations of the cement plant and all its machinery. Achieving daily production output is the end result of this team. Human Resources The human resources team are in charge of daily employee related activities such as recruitment, training and development, attendance, disciplinary and much more. Finance The finance team are in charge of financial aspects of the plant in the daily  matters such receiving payments, making payments, processing invoices and much more. Purchasing The purchasing team handles all purchases made by all the other departments in the plant. OPTIMIZING PERFORMANCE All the functions in the organization work hand in hand to optimize performance. Operations Operations is the money maker in the organization. The wages, profit of the organization depends on the capability of operation in achieving its targets. The more money the organization makes, the better it is for the stakeholder and the employees. The extra funds can be used in various ways such as upgrading infrastructure and machinery, giving more incentives and benefits to employees, increased increments, better bonuses and much more. Upgrading infrastructure and machinery will directly increase performance. Increased performance leads to increased production which leads to increased profits. Providing better benefits, increments and bonuses, increases the employees’ morale and motivation. A motivated workforce raises productivity. This will directly lead to optimizing the performance of the department which will then optimize the performance of the organization. Human Resources Human resources work together with the rest of the departments in the organization in many ways. Recruitment of employees based on the forecast, manpower planning and attrition is an ongoing process. Selecting the right candidate at the right time is vital to insure that performance is not affected. A pool of suitable candidates for key positions must always be available incase of unforeseen emergency. Retention of employees is also important. Each employee carries knowledge, skill and experience of the designated role he or she works in. Losing an employee can affect performance of a department. Resources such as time, energy and money need to be used to re-train a new employee. As such, human resources must always be aware of the current market salary, current compensation and benefits packages, training and development requirements as to keep turnover as low as possible. Finance The finance department’s activities range from bookkeeping to providing information to managers and directors in making strategic decisions.   Finance department is responsible for all the day to day transactional accounting for the organization. This includes tracking of all financial transactions that happens in the organization. The finance department is also responsible for the organization’s cash flow to ensure that funds are available to meet the day to day payments. This is important as to make sure that operations run smoothly without any problems. The finance department also contributes to the management and improvement of the operations by reporting regularly on key numbers important to the success of the organization. They also work with managers and head of departments to prepare budgets and forecasts. This information can be used to plan machinery purchases and expansions and cash needs before they become necessary. All this contribute to optimising the p erformance of the organization. Purchasing The role of the purchasing department is to procure all necessary materials needed for production or daily operation of the organization. For YTL Cement, a heavy industry company, this will include raw materials such as iron, silica, gypsum, coal or sand which will be used in producing cement. Other items procured, which are as equally important such as machinery parts, electrical parts are vital in sustaining operations of the plant. The purchasing department also needs to evaluate the prices of materials procured to maximize profitability. A purchasing department in a small business needs to locate the best vendors’ at the most reasonable prices. Purchasing department staff needs to communicate with many vendors to negotiate a better price for any material which will be ordered. CULTURE AND ITS IMPACTS The culture in YTL Cement is more of a Power Culture. All decisions are made by the Executive Director and the Director of Operations. Due to this culture, all decisions are pushed upwards from below. The impact of this culture is employees are not empowered to make decisions about their job. They will always look for higher authority to make even a simple decision. And when employees do not take decision, they do not take responsibility. And when employees do not take responsibility, they do not feel proud of their organization. This also affects the loyalty of the employee which leads to a high turnover. 3 HR ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION’S STRATEGY Strategic HR Planning Strategic HR planning is links HR management directly to the strategic plan of the organization. Organizations nowadays have a strategic plan that guides them in successfully achieving their vision and mission. Based on this strategic plan, the organization can develop a strategic HR plan that will allow HR to make decisions now to support the future direction of the organization. Strategic HR planning also helps to: Ensure sufficient workforce to meet the strategic goals and operational plans of your organization Keep abreast with economic changes, technological changes, social changes and legal changes that impact HR and the cement industry Talent Management A talented workforce is essential to achieve our vision and mission. Aligning individual goals with the organizations strategy is a proven recipe for success. Goal alignment is a powerful management tool. When the organization engages employees in their work through goal alignment, a greater employee ownership in your companys ultimate success is created. Thus, the employees become more committed to your company and achieve higher levels of job performance. Compensation Benefits A good compensation and benefits package will always attract competent employees. Employing competent workers leads to better results and leads to higher productivity. A compensation and benefits plan that rewards employees for company loyalty is also vital in retaining talented employees. When this appreciation is shown to senior employees, new employees realize that the organization values employees who choose to work with the organization for the long-term. This encourages new employees to decide build a career with the organization hence retaining competent employees. 3 WAYS HR SUPPORT THE LINE MANAGERS AND STAFF Training and Development Based on the Training Needs Analysis (TNA), HR can then select the relevant  training courses and trainers to train the employees. Whether its technical training or management training, choosing the right kind of training with the right modules and trainer is vital. This to make sure that the training is relevant and effective. Training improves employee job performance. This helps reduce job performance disputes and contributes to the department achieving its KPI. Coaching Coaching can improve employee performance, increase employee engagement and reduce turnover. During coaching, the key issue will be on the employee’s performance in the workplace which includes assessment, appraisals and discussing the employee’s strength and weaknesses. Employees feel more engaged when they can discuss their achievement and plan for the future. Engaged employee will work harder, contribute more and are less likely to leave the organization. Recruitment Selection Recruitment includes screening potential candidates using tests and interviews and then selecting the right candidate. This procedure is important the candidate has to be balanced in terms of technical knowledge and also has good character and management skills. This will help department when the right person is selected and the candidate is able to fulfil their new roles effectively. Choosing the wrong candidate can lead to de-motivating and de-moralising current employees, workplace disputes, poor performance by the department and much more.

Is Hofstedes Model Still Relevant Today?

Is Hofstedes Model Still Relevant Today? Hofstede model is a well-known cultural model in the world for many decades as Greet Hofstede is a pioneer who has done the research regarding cultural diversification and differences. In his dimension, there are four plus one cultural index stated which are Individualistic, Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, Masculinity and Long-term Orientation (Hofstede G., 1973). This model seems to give some knowledge foundation to people who do not have any basic understanding about cultural differences and it is also widely spread theory which is used in various fields of study especially business and management. However, Hofstede dimension tends to be considered as dated and bias. This essay discussion will be based upon the question How far do you agree that Hofstedes model is dated and biased and, as such, is of no use to the contemporary international business executive . Given below are the following reasons to our agreement/disagreement with Hofstedes model HOFSTEDE DIMENSIONS ARE OUTDATED There are critical reasons to argue that Hofstedes model is dated and may be inapplicable to the contemporary international business environment. The first reason is globalization the broadening geographical inter-linkages of products, markets, firms and production factors, with a large portion of each derived, generated, or available in more countries and regions according to Papaconstantinou, G. (1995). Due to the statistics from UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development), number of companies invest overseas and multinational companies (MNCs) operate worldwide are continually increased for decades which may reflect in higher number of immigrants and expatriate workers. Also, each business organization has its own culture promoted and inevitably workers should adapt themselves to organizational culture for instance encouraging teamwork, involving in decision making or maintaining relationship. Most of these companies operate globally, the organizational culture practices are consequently almost the same. Furthermore, global products such as McDonald s, Starbucks, Coca-Cola and jeans also influence people s lifestyles. One such illustration is when burgers become diet in many countries around the world not just only in Western countries. We now have a concept of global consumers, which are more aware about the availability of various options in the markets. Obviously, the cultures are converged and become similar from one and another, which are a complete contrast from the past. Another key factor which rapidly stimulates this trend is advance technology for instance internet, e-mail, and social-network. According to the world internet users statistic, there is an significant increase of internet users; 380.3 percent in 2000-2009 and 444.8 percent in 2000-2010(web ref.1). Since internet is accessible everywhere and all contents are available online such as fashion, music and movies so it is the most distinct and easiest means of cultural exchange. Thus, the internet servers may directly or indirectly absorb other different cultures from what they have seen or heard and may imitate those norms. For example, independent and individualistic images of Western people are positively present on internet, these may appreciated and motivated young Chinese to be individualist who prefer freedom lifestyle and seek for self-achievement (Guangrong R., 1998). As a result people tend to value things similarly because of globalization and advance technology. The second reason is the new generation of the sample countries; those who were born after 1973, were not taken into account of Hofstedes research. During the past thirty years this new generation is now becoming the effective workforce of the countries and can reflect the changes occurred in the society. One important driver which should be considered is education. Referring to the Institute of International Education, U.S. Department of State s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs report Nov. 2007, number American students study abroad increased by 8.5 percent and tend to continually increase every year. Moreover, there are many partners universities in Asia generate Asialearn program for overseas students who want to study and experience Asian cultures. Consequently, there are higher numbers of students who explore and adapt to new culture. Therefore, this stimulates the cultures exchange in the global environment and then gradually invokes cultures to merge. In addition, the educational system also influences people behaviors. Globalization affects education by changing the roles of student and teacher and generating a shift in society from industrialization to an information-based society and this effect reflects on culture and result in a new form of cultural imperialism (Chinnammai, 2005). To give you a clear example, Child-Centered System by Dewey J., 1963; system which encourage students to think by themselves, participate in group and be more confident to discuss with teacher in class, are continually promoted in Thai educational system since 1978 (web ref.2). This can directly affect the new generation of Thai in power distance aspect. As an Asian country, Thailand is perceived as a high power distance country and seniority are very important and widely practised in society (Rowley Warner, 2007). However, the Child-Centered System tends to lower the power distance between students and teachers which was rooted in Thai culture for centuries. Furthermore, people graduated from international school or international university tends to have different value, norms and behaviors from those who study in ordinary schools for example; less or no seniority system in international school because the curriculum and teaching methods of those international institutions are most ly based on American or British educational system. The third reason to argue against the Hofstedes dimension is changes in household structure. According to UN report about demographic and social trends affecting families in the South and Central Asia region (De Silva, I. 2003), in the recent years there is an increasing number of nuclear family due to the economic condition in Asia. This may reveal that close relationship between family s members are declining in Asian society and also the culture may be no longer transcend from generation to next generations anymore. Surprisingly, single household, loan parent, cohabitating couples, decline in fertility rate and delay marriage trend are also greater every year in many countries such as Bangladesh, Kazakhstan and the Anglicized based countries. (De Silva, I. 2003a). Besides, there is another considerable trend of women s changing role, as they tend to focus more on self achievement including higher education, higher rank position and career success (De Silva, I. 2003b). This may be implied that nowadays women tend to have more masculinity characteristic and are practicing more independent lifestyle than the past. The last reason is, Hofstedes research was based in surveys between 1967 and 1973. During that period, the economic and political condition in most of the countries, which are mentioned in his research, was a lot different than nowadays. Generally: In North America, the United States and Canada were to the dusk of the postwar prosperity, when an economic slowdown became visibly apparent in the early 70s (Web Ref. 7). In South America, Brasil had a spectacular growth after a five year stagnation period, Argentina was under a fast-pace development through developmentalism tactics when Mexico had a strong but unstable economic performance with problems in fiscal management and the investments (Victor Bulmer-Thomas, 2003). Europe was under an Industrial decline. Great Britains growth was struggling and the pounds devaluation (1967) was the second after 1949 (Cairncross, Alec:1992), (Nicholas Woodward, 1995). Germany, having serious problems with the industrial decline, was making efforts to guide an economic policy (Federal German Budget Legislation 1967), (Web Ref. 3). Only France was passing through a booming period (Web Ref. 4). In Asia, India was in a post-war period (with China-1962, with Pakistan-1965) and a currency devaluation in 1966 (Devika Johri Mark Miller). Japan was in a post-war rebuilding, with a great industrial development by mid-60s (Alfred K. Ho, 1968). In Singapore, despite of the difficulties faced by the separation from Malaysia in 1965, its economy moved upwards through many policies and investments (Web Ref. 5) and South Korea was in the dawn of a rapid industrialization, through an outward-looking strategy adopted in the early 60s (Web Ref 6). As can be seen, the changes in political and economic environment taking place in the above countries. It can be concluded that the business environment has completely changed from the period of the survey to the present business scenario. Moreover, Hofstedes model will not be applicable in present business environment due to the changes until today. Globalization, advance technology, changing education system, new generation, smaller household structure, different roles of women and period of conducting research seem to be the crucial answers why Hofstedes dimension is dated and inappropriate for international business application since many cultures become more similar and people independently choose to behave in the way they want. HOFSTEDE DIMENSION IS BIAS According to McSweeney, there are some limitations of Hofstedes methodology. He states that Hofstede is sceptical and can provide information about entire national cultures. We will now review the research method of Hofstedes model also in this part we are going to discuss about Hofstedes method of conducting research and his way of over assumption and mere hypothesis. Method of conducting research Firstly, Hofstedes findings are from a single company IBM, and his informants worked with a single industry the information technology industry. Although this survey covered all workers, the data used by Hofstede to construct national cultural comparisons were largely limited to response from marketing-plus-sales employees (McSweeney, 2002). Moreover, because all of the respondents worked for IBM, and the effect of organizational culture were single and same (McSweeney, 2002). Therefore, it can be argued that the background and values of IBM workers are a considerable small group i.e. they cannot cover holistically the different perceptions of various countries. (Mead and Andrews, 2009). Secondly, due to the research conducted in a single industry with a single company, the type of sample involved in this research is similar. Although these employees were from different countries, the effect of organization culture is the same on them (McSweeney, 2002). What is a culture? In an organization, culture can be defined as a way of studying and working everyday (Martin, 2002). Morgan provides us with a basic understanding of organizational culture: The set of beliefs, values, and norms, together with symbols like dramatized events and personalities that represents the unique character of an organization, and provides the context for action in it and by it. (Morgan, 1997, p.41). In addition, Hofstede highlights that the type of IBM culture is unique and uniform within the organization (cited in Risberg, 1999). As a result, it can be argued that the effect of the organizational culture on the IBM employees is very limited and similar. The third problem of his methodology is the method of questionnaire is not effective. McSweeney (2002) states that administration of the survey and the ownership of its results were IBM s; some of the questionnaires were completed within groups and not individually (McSweeney, 2002, p.103). Also, McSweeney (2002) explained that some employees of IBM were under a perception that their managers might provide more strategies on the basis of the survey results. Consequently, according to McSweeney s arguments, there are two main questionable points in the IBM s questionnaires. The first one is each country has different style of answering questions, due to this survey covered 66 countries. For instance, the effect of traditions and culture in Asia is profound (Littlewood, 1999), Asian people tend to answer questions giving more weightage to the theory aspect as well as their answers are based on their perceptions. In contrast, the westerners are opposite, their answers tend to be based o n what they think is factual rather relying on the theory. Hofstede also displays that the general amount per country was small (Hofstede, 1980a). McSweeney (2002) critiqued that his research covered 66 countries, but the final data and result were from only 40 countries. According to the data from the IBM s survey, it is undeniable that samples of this research are really not homogeneous. Furthermore, the sample size in each country was different. Only in a few European countries and in Japan, the responders were over than 1000. In most of the countries they were less than 200 in total for both surveys (Mc Sweeney, 2002:94). This inequality makes the research more accurate for only a few countries. That means that the data of the research are unequally weighted. When a statistical analysis has to take place, the data have to be collected in a similar way, for all the parties (sample range-extent-quality). The questionnaires were answered by the employees of a particular company who would like to take part and not by Hofstedes choice of separate categories of people. Thats obvious from the large differences of the sample size in each country. That means that the sample was not heterogeneous enough, in terms of population distribution, age diversity, behaviour, attitudes and perceptions. Hence, the data were not enough to characterize a whole country through these. It w ould be more accurate to refer to Hofstedes research as an IBM study of that period. According to Taras, Steel, Kirkman (2010:27), In terms of conceptualization of culture, Hofstedes (1980a) multidimensional model may not adequately capture the complete phenomenon of culture, because a singular focus on cultural values largely ignores other aspects of culture. Furthermore, at the individual and national levels, culture may not be as stable as Hofstede believed it was. So, as Hofstedes approach has a number of conceptual and methodological limitations that can contaminate data and introduce a systematic error. Hofstedes Dimensions are contradicting with each other The addition of the fifth dimension identified by the Hofstede might have boosted the strength of his national culture model. However an intense scrutinising of study from which Hofstede mined the further dimension Chinese value survey by the Chinese culture connection group (CCC: Bond, 1988)-reveals that on of this fifth dimension is problematic. That study recognised one of Hofstedes fourth dimensions-Uncertainty avoidance (UA)-as irrelevant to Chinese population and consequently demoted UA from being a worldwide dimension of national culture to a non-universal dimension. None of the CVS aspects were correlated with UA. If Hofstede regards the CCC study to be valid he should not have added the fifth dimension to his previous once. He should also have downgraded UA in his model. If, instead Hofstede regards the CCC study as unsound he should not have attached the fifth dimension .However the problem was? Hofstede wants it both ways. The meticulous examination of the research reveals that it relies on, fundamentally flawed assumptions. Hofstedes Model involves four vital assumptions upon which his measurements are based. Though it is reasoned that assumptions are all flawed and that therefore his national cultural explanations are invalid and misleading but these assumptions are vital in the sense that they are essential for the probability of his identification claims. Hofstede refer in multiple instances, to the common characteristics , the common traits (1991:19) of the inhabitants of a particular nation . Thus a unique national culture is assumed to be individually carried out by everyone in nation just like A.J.P Taylor stated that The problem with Hitler was that he was German .He assumed that The data of IBM was commendably restricted to the workplace only, while other segments of national population which includes- the waged and the unwaged, full-time students, the self-employed, part time students, the retired, home workers, and others were not taken into consideration. So, Brenden McSweeney (University of Essex) a critique while criticising his research, keeping all the flawed assumptions in his mind, contends, that Hofstedes project is a misguided attempt to measure the unmeasurable . IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT Hofstedes MODEL IS USEFUL TO SOME EXTENT Hofstedes model predicts what most people would do in routine situations, in other words it provides us with some basic understanding of how a person would behave in a particular culture. Let s say for example an American, who has never worked in a Chinese based organization and has no experience in working with Chinese people, will have some general ideas about how the Chinese work culture operates. We can say this by looking into one of the dimensions of Hofstedesuch as power distance: in which he has mentioned how cultures cope with societal inequality. Cultures with narrow power distance such as USA will try to reduce differences and solve problems via consultation and support whereas their counterparts (China) will do the opposite i.e. encourage differences and follow autocratic and paternalistic type leadership style. Now let s presume the previous example of the American going to work for a Chinese based company, if he/she has looked upon Hofstede model then he/she will have a certain outlook of how things run around in China. We do not say that the American should be completely guided by the model but it does help. In China, differences in power is indicated when people come for a meeting and the junior personnel may arrive much before time so has to show respect to his seniors. The American may find this hard to accept but when they become aware about this they are psychologically prepared to face this inequality. If the American has to establish and implement a management structure then it is very important for him to know the significant differences in various cultures. (Mead and Andrews, 2009) CONCLUSION As stated above there are a number of reasons why we agree that Hofstedes model is dated and biased. It cannot be used by an international business executive simply because they cannot be applied in the current international business environment for a number of factors, such as, work related values are not similar in the international business context. To inference we would like to state that Hofstedes dimensions are outdated due to change in technology, globalization from an international business perspective, emerging trends in different cultures. Another reason to argue that Hofstedes dimensions are biased is that the method of conducting research is based upon one industry and one company, similar types of sample involved in conducting research, various discrepancies in the questionnaire, elongated period of conducting research (changes in economic conditions), disproportionate sample size used to analyze data. Hofstede has relied more on assumptions and hypothesis thereby creating a paradigm wall around his model to protect his theory. In contrast Hofstedes model can be used in some parts of the business environment such as it provides business executives with some form of basic understanding. When an international business executive enters into a foreign culture everything seems different from the home environment. Using Hofstedes cultural dimensions as a reference point he/she can evaluate the approach to be taken, the decisions to be made, the actions to be executed in a very general sense for that cultural environment. No culture is homogenous and there will be deviations in real life business environment from Hofstedes cultural findings, however, with the use of Hofstedes model the business executive can have a foresight about how things may function in the foreign environment. It becomes less intimidating for him/her as he/she gets a much needed boost of confidence and security from studying the cultural model.

Causes And Effects Of Delay In Malaysian Construction Construction Essay

Causes And Effects Of Delay In Malaysian Construction Construction Essay In the construction industry, projects can be delayed among large number of causes. There are different type and categories of delays found on construction Projects. Delay has major effect on completion cost and time of construction Project. Delays can be minimized if they were identifying causes. Knowing the cause of any particular delay in a construction project would help avoiding the same. Even though with different types of studies have been carried out to identify the factors influence the causes of delays, since the problems are quite related to the studies need to focus on specific geographical area, or region in Malaysia. A major appreciation of the Malaysia construction industry is due to the growing rate of delays in project delivery. In Malaysia most public work projects, including any construction projects under government authority or under privacy are awarded on a competitive basis using the traditional approach. The consultants and contractors are engaged in separate contracts. The contractors commonly would be involved until the whole project have been completed 1.3 Aim and objective of study 1.3.1 Aim To investigate delays pertaining in construction projects in Malaysia 1.3.2 Objective To identify the major causes of delays in construction project; To identify the effects of delays in construction project; and To identify the methods of minimizing construction delays. 1.4 Background of the study Construction delay is major problems frequent occur in the construction industry. Delays adversely impact on project stakeholders including owners, design professionals, construction professionals, purchaser and others. The main objectives of construction projects are cost, time, quality and safety numerous According to Assaf, et al. (1995) mentioned the most important causes in large building construction projects in Saudi Arabia which included approval of shop drawings, delays in payment to contractors and the resulting cash problems during construction, design changes, conflict in work schedules of subcontractors, slow decision making and executive bureaucracy in owners organizations, design errors, labor shortage and inadequate labor skill. Refer to causes of delay in Saudi Arabia, the major parties to lead the delay happen which include client and contractor. Because of client always change the design of building. Besides that, late responds and poor project management team and also delay pay month payment to the contractor by client. On the other hand, contactor due to not enough worker during work progress and some argument with sub-contractor. According to Ogunlana, et al. (1996) studied the delays in building project in Thailand, as an example of problem faced by the developing economies. They concluded that the problems of the construction industry in developing economies can be nested in three layers: problem of shortages or inadequacies in industry infrastructure, mainly supply of resources; problems caused by clients and consultants; and problems caused by incompetence of contractors. Construction in Thailand because some parties fault due to project delay such as contractor consultant and. During construction stage the client because of changing certain part of design and lack of experience could not solve the problem immediately. Besides client, designer is one of the parties because of own fault which is give unclear drawing to the contractor due to lack in experience. On the hand, the other parties which is contractor because of facing in poor management team, improper planning and scheduling and also inadequacy o f site inspection. According to Chan and Kumaraswamy (1996) surveyed and classified the causes of construction delays in Hongkong as seen by clients, contractor and consultants, and examined the factors affecting productivity. The results of their research indicate that the five principal and common causes of delays are: poor site management and supervision; unforeseen ground condition; low speed of decision making involving all projects team; client initiated variations; and necessary variation of works. Construction delay in Hongkong, the parties related to delay project include client, consultants, contractor and some relevant party. Factor to related delay by client such as client frequent delay make payment to contractor and also suffer in financial problem. Besides client, designer because of lack of experience always make mistake in drawing and late process design document. On the other hand, factor to cause contractor delay project which include lack of experience in project team and also poor site management and supervisions. Other than that, material is also one of the causes. During construction stages, material shortage and material changes to cause project delay. Identified the effects of delays in construction projects have been undertaken by some researchers. According to AIbinu and Jagboro (2002),identified the six effects of delays were time overrun, cost overrun, dispute, arbitration, total abandonment, and litigation. The results of their studied about the effects of construction delays on project delivery in Nigerian construction industry, shows time overrun and cost overrun were the frequent effects of delays in construction projects. In construction industry, the effect of project delay because of time and cost overrun. In this situation, some of the faults parties need to take responsibility to pay the loss and expense to those parties suffer in damage. Several studies have been studied and recommended the methods of minimizing delays in construction projects. Nguyen, et al (2004), identified five critical success factors could be applied to reduce the effects of delays includes: competent project manager; adequate funding until project completion; multidisciplinary/competent project team; commitment to projects; and availability of resources. To minimizing the project delay during the construction stage, first of all a client needs to hire an experience project manager. Once the problem of delay happen, the project manager can solve immediately. Besides that, the project team member should communicate with other team member. Aibinu and Jagboro (2002) in their study also identified two methods to reduce or if possible eliminate time overrun were acceleration of site activities, and contingency allowance. The contractor must take full responsibility during work progress. Once contractor found out actual work progress are not similar with estimate and he must take some action to avoid the project delay such as involve some additional worker. According to Odeh and Battaineh (2002) recommended four methods includes: developing human resources in the construction industry through proper training and classification of craftsman; adopting a new approach to contract award procedure by giving less weight to prices and more weight to the capabilities and past performance of contractors; and adopting new approaches to contracting, such as design-build and construction management (CM) type of contracts. 1.5 Scope of the Study The scope of the research will focus on literature review and a questionnaire. Projects investigate in this research included school building, church, office, hospital, communication facilities and etc. The survey will conduct in Malaysia. The questionnaire survey will design based on factors identify from literature review that contributed to causes of delays, effects of delays and methods to minimize delays. A questionnaire will developed to assess the perceptions of contractors and consultants of the relative importance of the causes and the effects of construction delays. The developed survey questionnaire will distributed to the target respondent in Malaysia. 1.6 Outline methodology Stage 1: Literature review The review of literature has provided useful information based on the causes, effects, reactions and possible solution related to the issues delay project in construction industries. Stage 2: Pilot study Data collection will take the form of a structured postal questionnaire. However, an initial pilot study will be conducted to test the validity of the questionnaire through in-depth interviews with three contract manager. Stage 3: Main survey questionnaire and questionnaire go through with interview. The feedback from the pilot study should assist in finalizing the questionnaire and prepare the ground for main survey. The questions with centre around the areas mentioned in the above objectives. In order to obtain a high level of response, a multi-option format will be designed and limited to about 30 question and 10 questions which are go through with interview. Open questions are considered to be inappropriate as they would required the respondents to formulate an answer which needs lengthier input and will therefore be more difficult to analyze. Stage 4: Analyzing the postal and interview questionnaire This stage is analysis of the questionnaire to determine the level of agreement or disagreement by the respondents to each question within the questionnaire by counting the number of respondents who answer favorably or unfavorably. Besides that, analyze the questions which is done by interview to determine how the contractor to solve the delaying problem of project. Stage 5: Writing the research report The stage involves writing up the content of the dissertation and should cover the chapter proposed in the following section. Proposed contents Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Literature review Chapter 3 Research design and method of analysis Chapter 4: Analysis of the result and discussion Chapter 5: Conclusion and future study evidence

HIV and AIDS :: STD, HIV, AIDS

AIDS/HIV   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, better known as AIDS, is caused by the incurable HIV virus. AIDS is a deadly disease that deteriorates the immune system. There are two groups of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), HIV-1 that occurs throughout the world and HIV-2 that mainly occurs in Africa. The HIV virus enters the white blood cells and takes over the reproductive system of that cell and uses the system to reproduce itself. The white blood cell dies and the new HIV cells infect other white blood cells and repeat the process. The Person with the disease will eventually die because the white blood cell dies off tottally.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If you have become infected with the AIDS disease you may not have any symptoms of the disease for the next ten years. People with the HIV virus usually look and feel healthy and may not even know that they are infected. Even though they don't look or feel sick, they can still infect others.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When the symptoms do start to happen they can be like the ones of many common sicknesses such as swollen glands, coughing, fever, and diarrhea. It is usually characterized by severe weight loss and fatigue.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The AIDS disease makes the less serious conditions harder for your body to control or get rid of because of the loss of many of the white blood cells in your body. The most common causes of death for the people with AIDS are pneumonia and Kaposi's sarcoma. Kaposi's sarcoma which shows up as purple lesions on the skin and tumors known as B-cell lymphomas have affected 70% of the infected people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  AIDS is transmitted in three main ways. Intimate sexual contact such as having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who is infected with HIV is the most common. While direct contact with infected blood, like sharing needles for injecting drugs, HIV also can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during pregancy or childbirth. Although some people speculate, you cannot receive the disease from kissing on the cheek and it is very unlikely that you could get HIV even from open mouth kissing, you also cannot get the disease/virus from close hugging, touching, cuddling, and massages as long as there isn't any open cuts or abrassions. HIV also cannot be contracted from using toilet seats,telephones, drinking fountains, straws, spoons, or cups or mosquitoes, air, food, water, coughs/sneezes, sweat or tears.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  AIDS is a life and death issue. To have the AIDS disease is a sentence of slow but defininate death. There currently is no cure or vaccine for this disease but there are drugs that have been proven effective in slowing the

Greed In Sports :: essays research papers

Greed Among Professional Athletes Due to the greediness of sports figures, professional athletes are not punished in the same manner as other professionals are. It is like they are in a completely different group that uses an entirely different set of morals. Team owners care more about making their money that they do about setting a good example for young kids and making professional sports fun again rather than a business. Three good examples of this greediness are Roberto Alomar, Warren Sapp, and Dennis Rodman. Team owners and their respective leagues need to do something to turn this situation around before they have murderers and rapists playing sports for millions of dollars a year. Roberto Alomar makes 5.5 million dollars a year due to his five Gold Gloves. He is one of major league baseball’s best all around players and is destined for the Hall of Fame. In a 1996 divisional playoff game, Alomar was up to bat. Umpire John Hirschbeck called Alomar out on strikes. Alomar went back to the dugout where he started to argue the call with Hirschbeck. The umpire finally tossed Alomar. Orioles manager Davey Johnson along with Alomar went racing to home plate to argue the ejection. As Alomar was being pushed away by Johnson, he spit at Hirschbeck. Alomar was suspended for five games which was to be served at the beginning of the 1997 season, so he could continue to play in the playoffs. In my Wallace 2 opinion, this act was indefensible and warranted a stiffer penalty than a five-game suspension. Major league umpires threatened to strike during the playoffs due to Alomar’s behavior and inadequate punishment. I believe that the league did not suspend Alomar during the playoffs because he is such a high profile player that he brings in enough money for the league that league that officials felt they could justify their actions. Warren Sapp was one of the best defensive players in the 1995 NFL draft. Sapp had tested positive for drugs mainly marijuana, seven times while playing college football at Miami, including once for cocaine (Wolff 49). In the beginning Sapp called reports, "a total fabrication," but later changed his story and said he did flunk one drug test at Miami (Wolff 49). Even after this admission of guilt, the NFL, still wanting to allow him to play so he could make them money, tried to brighten his image by saying that Sapp did not test positive for cocaine, oddly omitting any mention of marijuana (Price 48).

Essay on the Deeper Meaning of Pride and Prejudice -- Pride Prejudice

The Deeper Meaning of Pride and Prejudice       While Pride And Prejudice is demonstrably concerned with the subject of love, from Lydia's physical passion for Wickham, through Jane's slightly too patient and undemanding feelings for Bingley, to Elizabeth's final "perfect" match with Darcy, it would be doing the novel and its author a great injustice to assume that it is merely a love story, and has no other purpose or design. The scope of the novel is indeed much wider than a serious interest in who will marry who and who will have the manor that is worth the most money, or even the less shallow subject of women trying, failing, and succeeding at finding their perfect mates on a romantic level. While the investigation of love in its many forms is by no means a completely trivial exercise in and of itself, Pride And Prejudice does not confine itself to that one topic, but while presenting a story that details several love affairs and the variously intelligent, mistaken, and idiotic views of diverse characters towards the subj ect, Jane Austen also gives the reader insight into issues that range from moral questions of pride and lack thereof, to individual and class prejudice, to the expected roles of women eighteenth and nineteenth century society.    "Whether we like it or not, she [Jane Austen] was... a moralist," writes Gilbert Ryle. "...she wrote what and as she wrote partly from a deep interest in some perfectly general, even theoretical questions about human nature and human conduct," (Ryle 106). This concept of Austen as moralist, but "not, however, to say that she was a moralizer," (Ryle 106), is not one of the more common views, especially concerning Pride And Prejudice. The title itself, however, is a direct st... ... examination of social and moral issues, the deft touch of satire and sincerity used in portraying not only Elizabeth, but her time and place, the attitudes toward her and toward people like her, make it a larger work. It may be overall a love story even when taking these into account, if one were to view it as Jane Austen's love affair with the examination of human nature- but on no account can Pride And Prejudice be described as merely a love story; given its scope, it isn't merely anything.    Works Cited Austen, Jane. Pride And Prejudice. London: Penguin, 1972. First published 1813. Ryle, Gilbert. "Jane Austen And The Moralists." Critical Essays On Jane Austen. Ed. B.C. Southam. London:Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1968. Wright, Andrew H. "Feeling and Complexity in Pride and Prejudice." Ed. Donald Gray. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1966. 410-420.

On His Arrival at the Age of Twenty- Three Poem Analysis Essay

On his arrival at the age of twenty-three, written by John Milton was created during the puritan period. John Milton was born in cheapside, London, in 1608, he grew up in a wealthy family that gave Milton all the opportunity’s to be well educated and attend Cambridge University one of the most highly decorated schools in Europe and the World. Milton grew up during the puritan age, literature during the puritan age shows the effects of social and religious conflicts, these thoughts effect how Milton wrote poetry and in this poem he reflects on his religious beliefs. At the age of 43 Milton was completely blind which affected his writing after that period, although he wrote this poem before that time allowing a different view of the world and religion. One thing to understand about Milton’s sonnets is their topical range was that he was not a writer of love sonnets. Milton writes political sonnets, occasional sonnets, elegiac sonnets, and sonnets of personal meditation, like this one. The result of the puritan period was a loss of freedom, severe persecution for all and a decline in literary progress (Hodson, February, 2013). On his arrival at the age of twenty-three was most likely written in 1632 at a crucial time in Milton’s life, just after his graduation from Cambridge. Milton here acknowledges that he may not seem as mature as some of his contemporaries but expresses a desire to use his talents well and his trust in God’s will for him over time. On his arrival at the age of twenty-three comments on how a man’s life has gone by, what he’s done and achieved and what role God plays into the life of humanity. The poem shows the concerns that Milton had about his career when he was young and still hadn’t chosen his own way in life. In this famous work of his we don’t see a celebration of a birthday but a problem that the young gentleman faces as time passes by. The author uses many metaphors and symbols in order to give a more vivid image of his problem, and at the end he gives a solution to this problem. In fact, this problem is relevant even today, when young people have to decide on a career. Also as time goes by people ask them more often what they have done in their life. Milton places a tone of despair and hope all into one poem, he’s aware he hasn’t done anything worthwhile in his life yet but believes God has still given him time to, the theme of the novel is that time goes quickly and if you leave your time in to the hands of God he will be on the right path in life, but also the crisis of faith and putting your life into Gods hands. Grant-3 Grant-3 Milton worries that time has passed too quickly. He has been at Cambridge studying, but has had little time to fulfill what he sees as his destiny. Milton is aware he is a talented poet, but instead of writing poetry, he has been studying. This precipitates a crisis of faith for the poet, who worries he has wasted precious time. But maybe the poet’s talent, which â€Å"be it less or more,† (Milton line 9) will be less when he is mature. He worries, although he is still confident of his future. About fifty years after Milton’s death, however, this poem was named â€Å"On His Having Arrived at the Age of Twenty-Three. † This title was immediately popular and has endured the time since his death, even if some scholars of Milton wonder whether in saying that â€Å"Time† has â€Å"Stolen† his â€Å"three-and-twentieth year† Milton is actually saying that he is commemorating in this poem his twenty-fourth and not his twenty-third. (Poetry for Students,  ©2013 Gale Cengage). Milton wrote in a Sonnet that had an a,b,b,a c,d,d,c rhyme style. The Petrarchan Sonnet was used during this time period, a Petrarchan sonnet into two distinct parts: the octave (the first eight lines) and the sestet (the last six lines). The octave usually poses a problem, depicts a situation, or offers an observation. The sestet usually provides a resolution of the problem or brings the matter to a conclusion. This sets up the poem for a problem proposed and a solution to solve everything (Hodson, February, 2013) Milton uses the structure to his advantage and his poses the problem of asting his time or â€Å" But my late spring no bud or blossom shew’th† (Milton line 4) and having no achievements yet. To the solution that â€Å" Toward which Time leads me, and the will of Heaven† God will lead him to what right and how he should live his life and use his talents to please God and get into heaven. In on his arrival at the age of twenty-three Milton is both the writer behind the poem and the speaker of it. This shows the poem i s about him and his experience with time. Grant-4 Grant-4 The though development throughout the poem is very intriguing and uses careful diction and metaphors to get his point across. In the first and second lines â€Å"How soon hath Time, the subtle thief of youth, Stolen on his wing my three-and-twentieth year! † (Milton 1,2). Milton personifies Time meaning Father Time that steal your youth then he uses a metaphor of a bird to represent time after and how Father time stole his Twenty-three years of youth. Just like someone stealing an object, the job is done quick and goes unnoticed till a later time just like time creeps up on all of us. Milton goes on to say he hasn’t been able to have any achievements yet. Next Milton says â€Å" Perhaps my semblance might deceive the truth, that I to mandhood am arrived so near; and inward ripeness doth much less appear† (Milton 4,5,6). The poet remarks that he does not seem as old as he is and the truth that he is practically a man. Inward ripeness continues the natural metaphor of bud and Grant-5 Grant-5 lossom in line 4; the poet has more maturity or ripeness inside than he shows outside, although others are â€Å" more timely-happy spirits endu’th† (Milton 8) meaning that they are happy being there age. This is where the shift from Octave to sestet occurs. He has stated the problem that live has gone by so fast he hasn’t been able to get an achievements and how he’s matured more then anyone else. Allow ing for a depressing tone by using words like stolen, no bud, deceive and a late spring to perceive that his time and talents have been completely waster so far. Where the octave found dissonance between his inner and outward states of maturity, the sestet’s answer is that time and the will of heaven will even things out according to plan. The sestet and solution begins with him realizing that weather he achieves something in his life now or later it will still be measured in the strictest even (Milton 11). Noting the multiple puns used by Milton in this line: â€Å"measure† could mean a musical measure or a line of verse; â€Å"even† may be an adjective modifying â€Å"measure† or may lead the reader into the next line, â€Å"even to that same lot. Milton often places adjectives both before and after nouns, and he likewise often lets the word at the end of a line work in two different ways in each line (encyclopedia. com). Regardless of how much maturity there is he is being judged equally to everyone else. The final three lines tell the audience that Milton will let God lead him to where ever he wants him to be and leaves his decision to God or the â€Å"taskmaster†. â€Å"Time leads me, and the will of Heaven† (Milton 12) Father time lets life go on and Milton will follow the will of the heavens. Milton then goes on and ends the poem by saying â€Å"I have grace to use†¦ in my great Taskmaster’s eye† (Milton, 11,12). Just like God chose Milton’s talents so will his destiny be chosen. Grant-6 Grant-6 The theme Milton developed throughout the poem was one of time going by quickly and the crisis of faith, the hard decision of putting all of it in God, although this would be easy for Milton to do back in the times of the puritans because that is what they believed in, although this day and age is would be a lot different. That’s the tremendous part of this poem, its applicable to every day society and life, we can use it to learn and be better. The crisis created by Milton’s awareness of the passage of time is one that can be resolved by the poet’s choice to put his future in God’s hands. In the first eight lines of the poem, Milton worries that time has passed too quickly. He has been at Cambridge studying, but has had little time to fulfill what he sees as his destiny. Milton is aware he is a talented poet, but instead of writing poetry, he has been studying. This precipitates a crisis of faith for the poet, who worries he has wasted precious time. Although he soon realizes God will lead him in the correct path with time and he can use his talent of poetry to the best of his ability. Milton used a cunning way and the sonnet format to produce a poem that can be read and studied throughout the ages and still be applicable to that day. Religion and the crisis of faith will always be a hot topic and its up to personal opinion to figure out which one you should choose. Milton and his puritan views allowed him to pick God easily although someone like Robert Herrick a cavalier in his days, would choose a carefree life so they live while they can now, â€Å"times, still succeed the former† (Herrick, To the Virgins, to make much of time, line 12). Throughout the poem Milton uses nature imagery for metaphors and produces and affective tone of despair and hope between the octave and sestet, also putting a theme of the how time passes very quickly and the crisis of faith.