International business communication Assignment

International business communication - Assignment Example ciple of global e-commerce discusses about the details of e-commerce and e-business activities and how internet and social networking along with other digital tools are used for marketing activities. The strength of a traditional hierarchical structure is that the employees have clarity of their position in the organization and they have a single person to report to. This as a result removes any ambiguity of roles and overlapping of responsibilities, thereby removing any room of error (Baligh, 2007). Owing the presence of steep hierarchical structure, internal organizational communication becomes a challenge. In most cases the employees can only contact the supervisor who is immediately above him in hierarchy. The hierarchical organizational structure is suitable for very large firms, with more than a thousand employees. It is mostly suitable for the firms which operate in relatively stable market environment. The strength of a bureaucratic organizational structure lies in strategic decisions taken by the organization. It allows the higher management to have high level of control in every decision making process in the organization (Baligh, 2007). In a bureaucratic organization the employees are less motivated and their creativity is not encouraged. The higher level of control by the management reduces the room for working freedom and flexibility in the work environment thereby de-motivating the employees. This type of structure is suitable for the firms where strictly following rules and regulations are imperative to high quality product and service development, such as in case of hotel management (Bate, 2008). The matrix organization allows the firm to bring together all the managers and employees together so that they can proceed towards a shared goal. The departments can work closely together owing to the efficient exchange of information (French and Rayner, 2011). Organization behaviour is the aggregate of the ways in which an organization impacts the

Te Whariki and Concepts of Play Essay Example for Free

Te Whariki and Concepts of Play Essay How important is play to children’s life? Is it just for fun, or is it actually a passage for children to learn? According to a research conducted in French and Canadian schools, children who spent one-third of school time engaging in physical activity were â€Å"increased in fitness, improved attitudes, and slight improvements in test scores.† And the outcomes correspond with nearly 200 other studies suggesting that â€Å"physical activity supports learning.† (Olga S, 2003.) In this essay, I am going to discuss the influence of play on children’s development and learning, by referring to Vygotsky and Parten’s theories and Te Whariki. What is play? Play is a significant part of children’s development, and it is also a part of their nature. Children love to play, they are more motivated to learn during play, and they obtain all kinds of experiences and knowledge through play. Moreover, play provides opportunities for children to establish good relationships with teachers and peers. For example, in the first week of my last practicum, I helped a four-year-old girl to play number-matching puzzles. We had a very good time playing together, and this girl stayed very close to me for the rest of my practicum. I have also observed in my practicum that children who played together earlier in the day tended to stay together for the rest of the day. This emphasizes the important connection between play and social development of children. Moreover, according to Vygotsky’s theory, culture such as language, values and perspectives is transmitted through social interactions. (The Mozart of Psychology Lev Semenovich Vygotsky, 2005.) He also believed that, children’s cognitive development is socially and culturally mediated, and it depends on and is affected by social interactions. (Berk, 2007.) Children interact with each other through verbal and non-verbal language, and play is a starter to these interactions. Throughout play, they obtain knowledge, practical skills, share ideas and experiences, learn about sharing and turn taking, right and wrong and boundaries and limits. In 1932, Mildred Parten (as cited in R. Tomlin, n.d.) came up with the theory â€Å"Categories of Play†. It classifies children’s play into six categories that represent six types and degrees of children’s social behaviors and development. They are unoccupied play, onlooker play, solitary play, parallel play, associative play and co-operative play. The unoccupied play is a stage where the child does not engage himself in play, not with any other children or toys. The child is more like an ‘observer’ than ‘player’, he may watch other children play and take notice of the things that happen around him. He may stay in one location or move around randomly. During the onlooker play, the child is still more of a ‘watcher’ than ‘player’, he may engage himself with other children verbally during their play, such as asking questions, offer suggestions, but not engage in participating in the activity. Solitary play is a st age where the child plays by himself. There are no interactions with other children, and no interests of what other children are doing. However, when a child plays alone it does not necessarily mean he is socially isolated, it can be that the child just needs some time by himself. Parallel play is a stage that occurs in all age groups. It is when children play with similar toys or engage in similar activities at the same time and location, but play separately. They are more focused on what they are doing than on other children. Associative play mostly occurs between three and four years of age. It is a stage about socialization. Communication and interactions start to occur, children start to learn to share, to take turns. The main focus is not on the objects anymore but on their peers. The last stage is co-operative play. It is a stage that children start to have a concept of ‘team’ and ‘team work’. Everyone is working together toward the final goal by fulfilling the roles they assigned to. Play can be considered as an excellent tool to enhance children’s development. For example, in my last practicum, we often played a game called â€Å"The Rainbow†. It is to ask all the children and teachers to hold a large colorful fabric together, and the children are assigned to different numbers from one to three, then we start to sing a song, when the song finishes, we lift up the fabric, the teacher will call out the number, and the children who are assigned to this number will have to run under the fabric and switch positions. This game offers an opportunity for children to exercise their body by running, lifting up their arms, to practice their thinking skills by understanding the rules of the game, to practice their language skills by singing the song, and to recognize numbers. The children have a really great time playing the game, their emotional well-being has been nurtured, and by playing the game with all teachers together, they would feel safe and protected from harm. Moreover, a sense of belonging has been developed by playing the game together with the whole team. (Ministry of Education, 1996.) Other types of play, such as pretend play, symbolic play also help children to obtain a higher level of cognitive competence. For example, in pretend play, children have to have â€Å"the ability to transform objects and actions symbolically† (Bergen, 2002) Through these various types of play, children start to make sense of the world, to separate fantasy from reality, to learn self-regulation, to practice their thinking skills. It also provides children with opportunities to revisit joyful experiences, or to deal and cope with negative emotions. In terms of making sense of the world, a child who pretends to be a bus driver, and sits at the front of the ‘bus’. The idea of where the bus driver is on a bus comes from the child’s real life experiences, where he gets on the bus with his parents and sees the bus driver sitting in the front, then he starts to release that is the way it is. Also, when a child pretends to be a doctor, he has to understand its characteristic, such as costume, postures and vocabulary, in order to carry out the role. And an example of how children separate fantasy from reality is the ‘cooking’ game that I observed in my last practicum. The children used lots of containers, bottles, spoons and sand to ‘cook’. A four-year-old girl brought me a bottle filled with sand and said, â€Å"It’s milk, it’s for you.† And when I took over the bottle and start to ‘drink’, she said, â€Å"We are not really drinking it, we just pretend it’s milk, ok?† However, some other younger children would actually eat the sand, because they have not yet developed the concept of fantasy and reality. As previously said, pretend play and symbolic play help children to learn self-regulation, to practice thinking skills. They learn to control their emotions, to share toys and take turns, and underst and the reason to do that. They learn that daycare is different from home, and there are different sets of rules to follow. Children also love to re-act the joyful moments they had in previous experiences. For example, on a Monday morning, A came to my practicum centre telling us she had a great time on the beach during the weekend. Then later during the day, A and two other girls took bags, sun glasses and sunhats pretending they are on the beach. From these examples, we can see how children benefit from play. Play improves and enhances the holistic development of children, so for adults, it is important to encourage and enhance children to play, identify children’s learning and provide them with a safe environment, materials, various types of learning experiences and appropriate responds and assistance. Moreover, most importantly, â€Å"adults should make children aware of any hidden risks in physical challenges they set for themselves.† (Fernie, 1988) The four principles of Te Whariki (Ministry of Education, 1996.), empowerment, holistic development, relationship and family and community facilitate appropriate curriculum for children’s development through play. The principle of empowerment ensures that children’s physical and emotional well-being is nurtured. This may include, nutritious meals, appropriate food for children with allergies, sufficient amount of outdoor activity and rest, and knowledge of their body, body function and self-help skills, awareness of harm and skills, sense of safety, and understanding of rules about harming others and the environment. As for the emotional well-being, the principle of empowerment ensures that children take responsibilities of their own decision and actions, develop sense of self-recognition, ability of self-regulation and self-adjustment. The empowerment principle contributes significantly to the second principle, holistic development. It enables children to have a concept of the ECE settings, home and the world, and the links and differences between them, the knowledge of people, objects, communities and natural recourses, and interests in discovering them. Also, it helps children to build confidences through participating in activities and social interactions, initiatives awareness of daily routines and tolerance of changes, enhances their ability to accept new things, and to understand boundaries and limits. The third and forth principles, relationships and family and community work together to enable children to develop communication skills, build confidences in communication and establishing relationships with people from different gender, age group and cultural background. In my last practicum, one of the under two babies held a birthday party together with the over two children, the teachers and parents. The over twos also performed a song they had been practicing for the past two weeks to the parents. During the party, there were lots of interactions going on. The children were communicating with each other and adults verbally and non-verbally, they talks about the previous birthday parties, plans for their future birthday parties, they used facial expressions, gestures, postures and body movement to express themselves, some of the children showed their counting skills to the parent by counting the candles on the cake. The teachers and parents always respond to the children’s questions or needs, and encouraged them to bring their plate and water bottle to the kitchen branch by themselves and wash their hands after eating. Play is an important and significant part a child’s life, it provides opportunities for children to take initiatives in learning. As adults, we should provide children with helpful and suitable resources, materials and assistances to enable appropriate learning to occur. Moreover, it is our responsibility to arm ourselves with skills and knowledge in order to assist children to achieve their goals. We should start to be aware of the value and the significance of children’s play, guide and teach them during their play. Family, educators and caregivers should be working together, to help children to grow up into successful adults, and to make our world a better place. Reference List Bergen, D. (2002). The role of pretend play in childrens cognitive development. Retrieved March 23, 2010 from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_6893/is_1_4/ai_n28132540/?tag=content;col1 Berk, Laura E. (2007). (4th Edition). Development Through the Lifespan. USA: Pearson Allyn and Bacon. Fernie, D. (1988). The Nature of Childrens Play. Retrieved March 23, 2010 April 2, 2010 from http://www.silkysteps.com/family.cfm/auid/481/Hope-Hedgehog/Hopes-Articles/Childrens-Play Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whariki: He whariki matauranga mo nga mokopuna o aotearoa/ Early Childhood Curriculum. Wellington: Learning Media. Olga S, J. (2003). Recess in Elementary School: What Does the Research Say? ERIC Digest. Retrieved January 23, 2010 from http://www.ericdigests.org/2003-2/recess.html R. Tomlin, C. (n.d.). Play: A Historical Review. Retrieved March 20, 2010 from http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=618 The Mozart of Psychology Lev Semenovich Vygotsky. (2005). Retrieved March 13, 2010 from http://vygotsky.afraid.org/

Organizational Change Of Procter And Gamble Marketing Essay

Organizational Change Of Procter And Gamble Marketing Essay In these ever changing and highly competitive markets, there has been a considerable amount of research carried out into new product development and introduction. A successful new product launch is believed by many to be the recipe to business or firm growth and profitability depending on their ability to identify the needs of customers and to quickly create products that meet these needs and can be produced at a low cost. The next step is to analyse and develop the market plan. This is done by reviewing the 4Ps product matrix as a way to finding a unique position from which to create a competitive advantage for the product. Also, review the SWOT with Clients and utilize SMART technique to develop the written, working plan Executing the plan and launching the product. This includes developing collateral materials, begin placement discussion with the first stage in the ideal channel, have enough discussion with as many different entities with a view to uncovering any previously undiscovered real objections. Review and improve plan as necessary with the new information, repeat until sold, and explore link extensions with new partners. It should be noted that new product development and introduction plan is the first stage in the Product Life Cycle. It is created in stages, giving logical break points to force the decision to proceed or not based on what occurs at each stage. Aim and Objective The goal of this research paper is to present in a clear and detail way how the development and launch of household care products by Procter and Gamble (PG) Company is aimed at bringing together the marketing, design, strategy and manufacturing functions of the company and also to identify the overall profitability of the product. Companys Overview and History With its headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, Procter and Gamble (PG) Limited is one of the worlds leading giants when it comes to making household products. The company is engaged in producing beauty, health, fabric, home, baby, family, and personal care products. With commitments to remain as the leader in its market, PG is one of the most aggressive marketers and is the largest advertiser in the world. Many innovations that are now common practices in corporate America including extensive market research, the brand-management system, and employee profit-sharing schemes were first introduced at Procter and Gamble. Procter and Gamble Limited has an employee base of 138,000 or more and operates in nearly 80 countries around the world and markets more than 300 brands in over 180 countries; more than half of the companys revenues are generated overseas. The company recorded revenues of $83,503 million during FY2008, an increase of 9.2% over FY2007. The operating profit of the company was $17.083 million during FY2008, an increase of 10.6% over FY2007. The net profit was $12.075 million in FY2008, an increase of 16.8% over FY2007. History Procter and Gamble Company (PG) was established as a joint partnership business by William Procter and James Gamble, two immigrants from United Kingdom in 1837 with head-office in Cincinnati, Ohio. By 1890, PG was selling more than 30 different types of soap, including Ivory. In 1915, the company built a manufacturing plant in Canada, its first outside the U.S. During 1917-1918, PG established the chemicals division which function was to formalize research procedures and develop new products. Then in the 1920s the company discontinued the manufacturing of candles. KEY DATES AND ACQUISITIONS: c. 1851: The Companys famous moon-and-star symbol is created. 1878: PG introduces White Soap, soon renamed Ivory. 1885: Introducing Innovative Employee Benefits. 1890: The company was incorporated as Procter and Gamble Company. 1911: The debut of Crisco, the first all-vegetable shortening. 1931: Brand management system is formally introduced. 1946: PG introduces Tide laundry detergent. 1955: Crest toothpaste makes its debut. 1957: Charmin Paper Company is acquired. 1961: Test marketing of Pampers disposal diapers begins 1963: Company acquires the Folgers coffee brand. 1982: Norwich-Eaton Pharmaceuticals is acquired 1985: PG purchases Richardson-Vicks Company, owner of the Vicks, NyQuil, and Oil of Olay brand 1988: Noxell Corporation, maker of Noxema products and Cover Girl cosmetics, is acquired 1990: PG expands its presence in the male personal care market by acquiring Shultons Old Spice Product line. 1991: Max Factor and Betrix cosmetics and fragrance lines are bought from Revlon, Inc. 1992: Pantene Pro-V shampoo is introduced. 1993: Major restructuring is launched, involving 13,000 job cuts and 30 plant closures. 1994: Company enters the European tissue and towel market with the acquisition of the Germany-based company, Schickedanz. 1997: Company acquires Tambrands, Inc., maker of Tampax line of tampons 1998: Organization 2005 restructuring is launched. 1999: Premium pet food maker Iams Company is purchased. 2001: PG acquires the Clairol hair-care business from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. 2002: Jif peanut butter and Crisco shortening brands are divested. 2003: Company acquires a controlling interest in German hair-care firm Wella AG. By 2004, the company announced its agreement to acquire the commercial business of Grupo Vita in Spain. In the same year, PG finalized the sale of its juice drink brands, Sunny Delight and Punica, to JW Childs Associates LP, a private-equity firm in Boston. This further paring of the food business left PG with just two main food brands, Pringles and Folgers. The snacks and beverages unit accounted for only 7% of the companys total revenues in fiscal 2004. At the beginning of fiscal 2005 PG realigned its business units, shifting it five previous units into three: global beauty care; global health, baby, and family care; and global household care. Pringles and Folgers were placed within the latter unit. During the fiscal 2004, sales surged 19%, surpassing the $50 billion mark for the first time. Net earning also jumped 25%, hitting $6.48 billion mark. The newly invigorated company continued its streak of paying dividends without interruption since its 1890 incorporation, and it also increased its dividends for the 48th straight year. And in July 2005, a proposed merger with the Gillette Company, a leader in male grooming product was completed and cleared by the European Commission. Literature Review Product planning should be considered as a key driver for the eventual manufacturing and development of a successful new product. It can mean both organizational entity and the process of planning the product which can involve many more departments in a company (Allen, 1993). The consistent investment in consumer and market research, innovation, brand-building and go-to-market policies has considerably helped Procter and Gamble Company achieve success in its new product development strategy and also achieve considerable market shares. This case continues with an insight into PGs product innovations that have been a success among the diverse segments of the global market. The company is organized into three Global Business Units (GBUs) and a Global Operations group for producing commercially viable products. The three GBUs are beauty, health and well-being, and household care. The Global Operations group consists of the Market Development Organization (MDO) and Global Business Service (GBS). Research Methodology The research methodology will be based on the qualitative analysis, i.e. on the presentation and the analysis of a series of findings retrieved by researchers in the literature (Internet sites, online newspapers, periodicals, books and other academic publications, journals). The presentation of appropriate primary sources (statistical indexes, graphs, and financial data) will be also used in order to support the views of the literature. In other words, the research will be mainly secondary mostly because of the objectivity of data involved. More specifically, the use of primary research would not be used for the purpose of this research. Chapter 1 Organizational Culture and Structure 1.0 Corporate Structure Procter and Gamble organization structure is an important part of their capability to grow. It combines the global scale benefits of a $79 billion global company with a local focus to win with consumers and retail customers in each country where PG products are sold. PG organizational structure comprise three Global Business Units (GBUs), Global Operations, Global Business Services (GBS) and Corporate Functions (CF) Fig 1: Four Pillars of Corporate Structure of PG Global Business Units (GBUs) focus solely on consumers, brands and competitors around the world. They are responsible for the innovation pipeline, profitability and shareholder returns from their businesses. Market Development Organizations (MDOs) are charged with knowing consumers and retailers in each market where PG competes and integrating the innovations flowing from the GBUs into business plans that work in each country. Global Business Services (GBS) utilizes PG talent and expert partners to provide best-in-class business support services at the lowest possible costs to leverage PGs scale for a winning advantage. Corporate Functions ensure ongoing functional innovation and capability improvement. Procter and Gamble has adopted an organizational structure of innovation that allows them to launch innovation faster. The company has taken seven key steps in order to structure their innovation management and organization for faster innovation. Delegating decisions to innovative teams: Decisions are delegated to the innovative teams in order to avoid delays and enable fast innovation independent of top managements. Integrating the Research and Development Department into the Business Unit: Integrating majority of the RD into the business unit makes innovation management more effective and fosters the collaboration with the other departments of the business units and the orientation towards the customers in lieu of an exclusive focus on the technology. Co-Location of Teams Department: By locating all innovative team members and relevant departments of a division in the same place, the company can make sure that information flows without distortion. Central Innovation Team: Procter and Gamble has an organization of central innovation team at the corporate level which goes by the name Future Works. At the business unit level its central innovation teams belong to the New Business Development Organization. Central Innovation Fund: PG has established the PG Corporate Innovation Fund (CIF) for the purpose of financing the development of disruptive innovation and of new business. Crest Whitestrips were, for instance, funded by the CIF. External Interface for Open Innovation: In order to execute Open Innovation and to channel external solutions and ideas into the company, PG innovation management needs an effective external interface. The company has established its External Business Development Organization and its Connect Develop Organization. The mission of these departments is to realize the innovation potential, which slumbers in the outside world, via the development of external networks. Merger Acquisition Department: The mission of this department is to acquire innovative companies with a view of strengthening it innovation management and be in the market-place with innovations much faster. 1.1 Corporate Culture Procter and Gamble organizational culture is based on the guiding foundation of Purpose, Values and Principles (PVP) Purpose To provide branded products and services of superior quality and value that would touch and improve the lives of their consumers and in return, the consumers would reward PG with leadership sales, profit and value creation, and allowing their people, shareholder and the communities in which they live and work to prosper. Values Integrity Leadership Ownership Passion for winning Trust Principles Show respect for all individual The interest of the company and the individual are inseparable Strategically focused in their work Innovation being the cornerstone of their success Value Personal Mastery Seek to be the best Externally focused Mutual interdependency is a way of life. Organizational Change of Procter and Gamble A common aspect of any company whether small, medium or large scale is the structural and organizational changes. An organization undergoes change in order to ensure the products and services that would be given to customers are excellent, as well as, the performance of the employee within the company. Procter and Gamble is one the company that utilises change in organization in order to become one of the most well-known product producers in the whole world. Organization 2005 is aimed at changing PGs culture from a conservative, slow-moving, bureaucratic behemoth to that of a modern, fast-moving Internet-savvy organization. PG wants to make faster and better decisions, cut red tape, save cost out of systems and procedures, fuel innovation, set more aggressive sales goals and nearly double its revenue. The catalyst for all this change is Information Technology. Finally, PG wants to abandon its legacy of secrecy. Its new spirit of openness is most evident on the Internet. SWOT Analysis One strategic management tool that PG uses to stay ahead of its competition is the effective and efficient utilization of SWOT analysis. This involves specifying the goals and objectives of the business as well as identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable in achieving the goals and objectives Strengths Weaknesses * Strong focus on Research and Development. * Leading market position * Diversified product portfolio * Strong brand portfolio. * Increasing instances of product recalls * Dependent on Wal-Mart Stores for majority of its revenue Opportunities Threats

Oedipus Rex †The Characterization Essay -- Oedipus the King Oedipus R

Oedipus Rex – The Characterization  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚   Sophocles’ tragic drama, Oedipus Rex, presents to the reader a full range of characters: static and dynamic, flat and round; they are protrayed mostly through the showing technique.    Thomas Van Nortwick in Oedipus: The Meaning of a Masculine Life describes Oedipus as he is seen at the opening of the drama, as a father to his Theban citizens:    In his opening words to the pathetic crowd of suppliants, Oedipus invokes images meant to reassure. As ruler, he is a father to Thebes and its citizens, and like a father he will take care of his â€Å"children.† We see already the supreme self-confidence and ease of command in Oedipus, who can address not only other people’s children as his own, but also be a father to men older than he is (21-22).    As protagonist, Oedipus is at the center of the story. The dialogue, action and motivation revolve about the characters in the story (Abrams 32-33). Werner Jaeger in â€Å"Sophocles’ Mastery of Character Development† pays the dramatist Sophocles the very highest compliment with regard to character development:    The ineffaceable impression which Sophocles makes on us today and his imperishable position in the literature of the world are both due to his character-drawing. If we ask which of the men and women ofGreek tragedy have an independent life in the imagination apart from the stage and from the actual plot in which they appear, we must answer, ‘those created by Sophocles, above all others’ (36).    Surely   it can be said of Sophocles’ main characters that they grow beyond the two dimensional aspect into really rounded physical presences. This is done through mostly the showing technique, though the chorus... ...ublishers, 1999.    Benardete, Seth. â€Å"Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus.† In Sophocles: A Collection of Critical Essays, edited by Thomas Woodard. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1966.    Ehrenberg, Victor. â€Å"Sophoclean Rulers: Oedipus.† In Twentieth Century Interpretations of Oedipus Rex, edited by Michael J. O’Brien. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1968.    Jaeger, Werner. â€Å"Sophocles’ Mastery of Character Development.† In Readings on Sophocles, edited by Don Nardo. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press, 1997.    Sophocles. Oedipus Rex. Transl. by F. Storr. no pag. http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/etcbin/browse-mixed new?tag=public&images=images/modeng&data=/texts/english/modeng/parsed&part=0&id=SopOedi    Van Nortwick, Thomas.   Oedipus: The Meaning of a Masculine Life. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 1998.    Oedipus Rex – The Characterization Essay -- Oedipus the King Oedipus R Oedipus Rex – The Characterization  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚   Sophocles’ tragic drama, Oedipus Rex, presents to the reader a full range of characters: static and dynamic, flat and round; they are protrayed mostly through the showing technique.    Thomas Van Nortwick in Oedipus: The Meaning of a Masculine Life describes Oedipus as he is seen at the opening of the drama, as a father to his Theban citizens:    In his opening words to the pathetic crowd of suppliants, Oedipus invokes images meant to reassure. As ruler, he is a father to Thebes and its citizens, and like a father he will take care of his â€Å"children.† We see already the supreme self-confidence and ease of command in Oedipus, who can address not only other people’s children as his own, but also be a father to men older than he is (21-22).    As protagonist, Oedipus is at the center of the story. The dialogue, action and motivation revolve about the characters in the story (Abrams 32-33). Werner Jaeger in â€Å"Sophocles’ Mastery of Character Development† pays the dramatist Sophocles the very highest compliment with regard to character development:    The ineffaceable impression which Sophocles makes on us today and his imperishable position in the literature of the world are both due to his character-drawing. If we ask which of the men and women ofGreek tragedy have an independent life in the imagination apart from the stage and from the actual plot in which they appear, we must answer, ‘those created by Sophocles, above all others’ (36).    Surely   it can be said of Sophocles’ main characters that they grow beyond the two dimensional aspect into really rounded physical presences. This is done through mostly the showing technique, though the chorus... ...ublishers, 1999.    Benardete, Seth. â€Å"Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus.† In Sophocles: A Collection of Critical Essays, edited by Thomas Woodard. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1966.    Ehrenberg, Victor. â€Å"Sophoclean Rulers: Oedipus.† In Twentieth Century Interpretations of Oedipus Rex, edited by Michael J. O’Brien. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1968.    Jaeger, Werner. â€Å"Sophocles’ Mastery of Character Development.† In Readings on Sophocles, edited by Don Nardo. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press, 1997.    Sophocles. Oedipus Rex. Transl. by F. Storr. no pag. http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/etcbin/browse-mixed new?tag=public&images=images/modeng&data=/texts/english/modeng/parsed&part=0&id=SopOedi    Van Nortwick, Thomas.   Oedipus: The Meaning of a Masculine Life. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 1998.   

Business Management: questions and answers Essay

1. Define business ethics. Who determines whether a business activity is ethical? Is unethical conduct always illegal?Business ethics is the principles that determine the acceptable conduct in the business workplace. Customers, competitors, government regulators, interest groups, and the public determine whether a business activity is ethical. No, not all conduct is always illegal. 2. Distinguish between ethics and social responsibility. Ethics is the conduct that is acceptable in the business area and social responsibility is the business’s obligation to make a positive impact on society and lower its negative impacts. 3. Why has ethics become so important in business?Ethics has become so important in business because it builds trust among individuals and in business relationships, which leads the company and its employees in a comfortable environment. This also helps the business to have confidence that their employees are happy in their work area. 4. What is an ethical issue? What are some of the ethical issues named in your text? Why are they ethical issues?An ethical issue is a problem that a person needs to choose from several actions that may be considered right or wrong. Some ethical issues discussed are lying, abusive behavior, violations, stealing, sexual harassment, and many others. These are ethical issues because each of these issues can damage the workplace and the production of the company. 5. What is a code of ethics? How can one reduce unethical behavior in business?A code of ethics is formalized rules that a company expects of its employees before they start to work there. One can reduce unethical behavior in business by giving the employees advanced information on which conduct is acceptable and which isn’t. This helps for future problems with employees. 6. List and discuss the arguments for and against social responsibility by business (Table 2.8). Can you think of any additional arguments (for or  against)?Arguments for social responsibility are since businesses may help create a few social problems, they should help solve them also. Other arguments are that the businesses have the funds to help the social arguments; businesses should do their fair share to help others; and it can prevent increased government regulations. Arguments against social responsibility are that the managers of the companies are only concerned with making a profit. Another argument is that it may give the business too much power then it should have. Other arguments against social responsibility are that social problems are the responsibility of government agencies and those businesses may not have the expertise to make decisions about social problems. An additional argument I would say is that every company should be required to give some kind of donation to a school or charity at least once a year because they are making money and should help others also with their profit, this would be better for their companies recognition. 7. What responsibilities does a business have toward its employees?The responsibility a business has towards its employees is to provide a code of ethics to solve any future problems towards the employees. They should also have to pay them a decent salary for their work, and give them information about the company’s happenings. Also, employees want to be listened to by someone who is in a higher position. 8. What responsibilities does business have with regard to the environment? What steps have been taken by some responsible businesses to minimize the negative impact of their activities on the environment?The responsibilities businesses have regarding the environment are animal rights and pollution. Businesses have created positions in their business for enivornmental affairs. The businesses try to eliminate the waste practices they use and the emission of pollution or the chemicals they use if they are harmful to the environment. Many companies have turned to alternative energy sources. 9. What are a business’s responsibilities toward the community in which it operates?A business’s responsibilities toward the community it is in are through donations to organizations and to give money to schools to provide  better education. Companies also provide scholarships to students, support for teachers and computers for students. Also businesses are providing trainings for the unemployed. Book: Business Organization and Management

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe essays

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe essays There are many controversies in religion. Many questions are raised to challenge the beliefs of millions of people around the world. Is there one "true" religion? Is there only one God or many gods? These controversies overlap each other and distinguish certain religions from others. Christianity was a powerful venom that was injected into the primitive tribes of Lower Niger. The power of religion did more destruction than guidance when it came to the culture of a primitive tribe of Lower Niger. Christianity guided the religion of the Umuofia in many ways. It proved many of their beliefs false and encouraged the Lower Niger tribes to experience love and compassion shown through Christianity. Followers were easily attracted when the missionaries survived for several nights in the Evil Forest. Christianity guided the tribes of the Lower Niger into a greater understanding of the world. Barbaric rituals and the killing of twins did not make sense in the first place. Christianity opened the eyes of the Umuofia and other tribes in the Lower Niger. It gave a path for those who didn't believe in barbaric rituals and insane beliefs. It was more like a safe haven for those with caring hearts. It attracted Nwoye almost instantly. Although Christianity guided the primitive tribes of the Lower Niger into a greater understanding of things, it also caused a lot of destruction. Christianity nearly annhilated the culture and faith of these primitive tribes. What began as a peaceful missionary outreach to the tribes, turned into a harsh and violent attempt to convert all the tribes. Mr. Smith, an intolerant and strict man, tried doing so with the help of Enoch, a zealous convert. Unmasking an egwugwu during a sacred ritual only made the tribesmen angry. They burned Enoch's compound and Mr. Smith's church down. By going too far to trying to convert primitive tribespeople, Christianity was overpowered by the culture and faith of ...