Business Ethics and Deontology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Business Ethics and Deontology - Essay Example Moreover, the field of ethics in the business module observes ethical controversies with regard to various social responsibilities within the business process and also includes the ethical conditions of the professional entities, the fundamental rights of the employees, employment discrimination and positive actions among other concerns (Scribd Inc., 2012). The objective of this paper is to identify three major ethical issues that were raised in the WorldCom case in its various business processes and to evaluate those issues using the deontological ethics guidelines. Moreover, the ethical issues faced by WorldCom will also be critically assessed through implementing Kant’s Categorical Imperative model of business ethics. Three Major Ethical Issues of WorldCom An ethical controversy significantly affected WorldCom during its business operations and most importantly upon its sustainability in the business market. The organization had faced financial distress during the scenario of US bankruptcy in the year 2001. However, WorldCom emerged from bankruptcy fortification after reporting its accounting irregularities of USD 11 billion. The accounting irregularities in WorldCom had resulted in its being prosecuted against security charges of many of the organization’s senior executives (Scharff, 2005). ...Corporate Acquisition Strategy of WorldCom The core business strategy of WorldCom was highly focused to develop the organizational growth through an effective acquisition strategy which was quite complex and a lengthy process of operation. Mergers and acquisitions process in an organization is a delicate process to efficiently execute and can cause various problems in order to effectively overcome the concerns (Cernusca, n.d.). WorldCom had performed 65 acquisitions worldwide through its effective business strategies and was regarded as one of the major business organizations in the telecommunication industry. WorldCom had spent almost USD 60 billion bet ween the years 1991 to 1997 in its acquisition processes and accumulated a debt amount of more than USD 40 billion (Moberg & Romar, 2012). The acquisition strategy of the organization significantly focused on acquiring larger firms across the different regions of the world. The acquired organizations facilitated WorldCom to achieve larger market share along with strengthening their core competencies, however, it was observed that WorldCom failed to generate desired profit from its acquired organizations. The major ethical issues were raised due to various types of accounting scandals as well as certain unethical practices in the accounting department of the organization (Davis, Miksiewicz, Nitta, Rothenberger, & Scalera, 2011).

Defining Race and Ethnicity Essay Example for Free

Defining Race and Ethnicity Essay Whether this definition is accurate or not, this is what the terms â€Å"race† and â€Å"ethnicity† mean to me: Race is a term that describes a group of people with similar descent. I believe race is determined physical specifications such as color, language, eye shape, or even things such as blood types. Human beings as a whole are described as the â€Å"human race;† I believe this to be an accurate definition as human beings (despite color, language, or any other physical characteristics) are all the same. Genetically speaking, we are all made up of the same â€Å"parts.† The term â€Å"race† is an all-encompassing statement used to define a large group, overall. Ethnicity defines the background of a particular person or thing. This term encompasses many backgrounds and associations. Foods can be â€Å"ethnic† if they originate or are commonly consumed in a specific country or region. The same applies to human beings. One’s ethnicity may be determined by his or her birthplace, religion, of beliefs. Ethnicity does not define physical characteristics, but rather backgrounds and traits. The United States is a melting pot. This country is made up of thousands and thousands of different people from different places. The USA is home to many ethnic backgrounds; however, the population (in my opinion) is a single â€Å"race.† We are all humans, as I have previously stated. Although our ethnic backgrounds may differ in many different ways, all in all, we are one race. This is important to bear in mind. Heritage should always be recognized, as it typically is in the United States. But acknowledging the vast backgrounds that exist in this country is the most important concept of all.

The Importance of Setting in Developing a Theme for Wuthering Heights b

When Emily Bronte wrote Wuthering Heights England was going through a time of great change. It?s past agrarian society was changing and the common man was able to obtain wealth. Setting helps us to further understand the conflict between the natural world and cultured humanity, through the two main houses in text, and the social situation on the English Moors. Wuthering Heights uses this time of social unrest to develop the theme of the natural world in conflict with cultured humanity. An example of the natural world is the house, Wuthering Heights which the text is named after. It is a place of violent emotion inside, and violent weather outside. The narrator, Lockwood describes it through the medium of his diary ?pure bracing ventilation they must have up there.? It is located up on the Yorkshire Moors and away from society, its isolation from the cultured world aides the violence and mistreatment that occurs to its inhabitants. To the reader, the Heights and its inhabitants show the dangers and severe turbulence of the natural world. The Moors, where the Heights is situated shows us the danger and unpredictability of nature. The narrator, Lockwood is caught in a storm ?sky and hills mingled in one bitter whirl of wind and suffocating snow? at the start of the novel and the setting of the moors has a big impact on the story from there hereafter it is a place ?where human beings, like the trees, grow gnarled and dwarfed and distorted by the inclement climate. ? In contrast with the Heights, is the house at Thrushcross Grange which represents cultured humanity. The house is typical of the time, however to Catherine and Heathcliff (from the Heights) the inhabitants seem silly, petted and spoiled. It is described as ?... ...in the novel behaves as though he has seen her ghost himself. When Heathcliff dies, he is found in the bedroom with the window open, raising the possibility that Catherine's ghost entered Wuthering Heights just as Lockwood saw in his dream. At the end of the novel, Nelly Dean reports that various superstitious locals have claimed to see Catherine and Heathcliff's ghosts roaming the moors. Lockwood, however, discounts the idea of "unquiet slumbers for those sleepers in that quiet earth." The reader is also given the impression of the natural worlds ?quiet earth? no longer struggling against the civilised world. Setting helped to develope the theme of nature in conflict with civilisation in the novel Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. We are shown both civilisation and nature through setting and the context of the novel helps us to further understand the conflict.

Overfishing: When Humans Exhaust the Oceans Essay

The ocean is one of the major sources of food for human beings. This is not surprising, considering that oceans cover 75% of the Earth’s surface. The Pacific Ocean, for one, is home to well-known edible fish species such as salmon, herring, snapper, sardines and tuna. Furthermore, about 250 new species of fish are described every year (Heemstra, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity and South Africa Marine & Coastal Management, 1). However, overfishing is currently regarded as the biggest threat to the ocean’s ecosystem. Fishing at a much faster pace than nature’s ability to replenish fish has resulted in long-term economic and ecological consequences. Major fishing industries in various parts of the world have collapsed, resulting in massive unemployment (Iudicello, Weber and Wieland, 11). In addition, the extinction of a certain fish species would certainly spell the loss of other marine life that feed on it. Indeed, if left unchecked, overfishing could turn fish into a rare and expensive delicacy. Before World War II, fishing was associated with cotton nets, hand lines and coastal vessels with short ranges. Fishing capacity was often determined by factors such as the individual fisherman’s eyesight, experience and fish-finding capability. Despite the rudimentary technology, most fish populations survived. The balance between the number of fish populations and people’s ability to catch fish was maintained (Iudicello, Weber and Wieland, 11). But after the war, military innovations were applied to fishing equipment. Fiberglass was used to create lighter and cheaper hulls, larger and lighter nets were woven out of synthetic line and diesel engines and other electronic gear were appended to fishing boats to increase their speed and efficiency in locating productive fishing grounds. These were soon followed with advances in processing, transport and marketing of fish. As a result, the availability of fish increased in some countries (Iudicello, Weber and Wieland, 11). Rising human populations and affluence, especially in the United States, Japan and Western Europe, was another factor behind the boom of the fishing industry after World War II. During this period, fish was viewed as a cheap and inexhaustible source of protein. Thus, governments and entrepreneurs invested heavily in fishing vessels and infrastructure. Warnings of environmentalists regarding the dangers of overfishing went unheeded – the ocean was supposedly too vast and too deep for its resources to be limited (Iudicello, Weber and Wieland, 12). At present, it appears that nature is already exacting its revenge. Many fisheries around the world now require larger fleets to be able to come up with their usual catch (Iudicello, Weber and Wieland, 12). In addition, some species of fish and other marine life have already become extinct, resulting in the loss of livelihood for many fishermen. Overfishing, once largely-ignored, is now recognized as a grave threat. Fishing is no longer the local affair that it used to be. It is currently a global enterprise that not only generates billions of dollars in private income, but also serves as the economic lifeblood of several countries. According to the 1997 statistics of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), fish and shellfish landings worldwide increased from 16. 3 million metric tons in 1950 to 91. million metric tons in 1995. Meanwhile, the United States and several other countries extended the jurisdiction of their respective fishing industries by about 200 nautical miles offshore between 1950 and 1976 (Iudicello, Weber and Wieland, 12). This resulted in landings having an annual average growth rate of 5%, peaking at 86. 4 million metric tons in 1989 (Iudicello, Weber and Wieland, 13). World landings since 1950 were composed mostly of pelagic (open ocean) species such as tuna, mackerel and sardines. In 1994, they accounted for at least 60% of the world’s total catch. Pelagic species constitute about 59% of the catch in the Pacific Ocean. In the Indian Ocean, on the other hand, they make up at least 50% (Iudicello, Weber and Wieland, 13). Demersal fishes (species that live in the ocean bottom) are also an important part of the world’s fishing industry. In 1993, it accounted for about 50% of the world’s total landings – pelagic species made up only 40%. Given the enormous amount of catch from the world’s oceans between the 1950s and the 1990s, it is inevitable that the percentage of fish landings that are traded internationally rose from 20% to 33% from 1980 to 1993. Much of this cut is from Third World countries, which earned $15 billion in 1990 from fish exports alone (Iudicello, Weber and Wieland, 14). Humans consume about 60% of the world’s total fish landings in the form of processed fish meal and fish oil. This is because the percentage of catch distributed fresh decreased from almost 50% to 20% from 1950 to 1982. Freezing innovations, however, increased fourfold the percentage of fish marketed frozen – from 5% to 22% (Iudicello, Weber and Wieland, 14). Environmental experts argued that the unsustainable nature of fishing since the end of World War II proved to be conducive to the emergence of overfishing. The oceans are said to be â€Å"among the world’s greatest commons – (owned) by everyone and by no one† (Hollander, 56). Ships and sailors, for instance, are traditionally regarded as the bearers of the privilege to enjoy the â€Å"freedom of the seas† (Hollander, 56). Meanwhile, fish – a natural and mobile ocean resource – was always considered as common property that can be taken freely (Hollander, 56). Thus, those who are engaged in commercial fishing will not think twice about overexploiting the ocean’s fish stocks, as long as their own catch is maximized. As long as the catch was plentiful, people always assumed that the fishes in the ocean were unlimited. Furthermore, fishing was an industry that has been thriving for centuries – there was therefore no apparent need to think about its sustainability. The inhabitants of the New England coast, for example, were traditionally known for living off fisheries that caught cod, flounder and haddock. As of 2004, about 200 million people around the world are directly employed in fisheries (Hollander, 56). Poor government planning exacerbates the problem of overfishing. In First World countries, fishing is a state-subsidized industry. Tens of billions of dollars worth of state assistance has prompted those in the fishing industry to further expand their fleet rather than devise sustainable means of catching fish. In addition, economic and cultural differences among competitors in large international fisheries almost always result in the race as to who ends up with the biggest catch (Hollander, 57). Fishers in the world’s poorest countries are also responsible for the worsening of overfishing. Coastal dwellers in the poorest developing countries often have to compete with each other for the small stocks of fish available in their locality. In order to increase their catch, some fishers use cyanide or blow up coral reefs with dynamite. As coral reefs are the habitats of fishes, dynamite fishing diminishes and eventually destroys fish stocks (Hollander, 61). Being on the edge of starvation, fishers in the poorest nations cannot be blamed if they happened to disregard long-term management. The immediate need to catch fish for food and livelihood often traps them in the vicious cycle of resource overexploitation. But once the sea is already depleted, so is their source of food and livelihood. Thus, something must be done to about overfishing (Hollander, 62). Overfishing is not without serious economic and ecological costs. It has resulted in the near-extinction of the world’s most important fish species, including the Atlantic halibut, Atlantic bluefin tuna, Atlantic swordfish, North Sea herring, Grand Banks cod, Argentinean hake and the Australian Murray River cod. Overfishing has likewise severely depleted the number of other forms of marine life, such as seals, dolphins, whales, sharks and sea turtles. Furthermore, catches in the overfished areas of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans have declined since attaining their peak in 1989 (Diamond, 480). In the northwest Mediterranean, a study revealed that the removal of fish increases the population of sea urchins. A rise in the sea urchin population, in turn, reduces edible fleshy algae and produces crusts of inedible, coral-like algae. This may result in death to other marine life due to starvation. This experiment just goes to show that overfishing has indirect but very detrimental ecosystem effects (Hollander, 59). Another very negative effect of overfishing is the destruction of livelihoods that are based on fishing. It must be noted that the fishing industry is also composed of other supporting and distributing services like fish handlers and boat builders. Thus, overfishing will push countless fishing families into poverty (Environmental Cares Organization, 250). The collapse of the cod industry in Newfoundland, Canada in 1992 led to the loss of about 40,000 jobs (Greenpeace International, n. pag. ). Because the ocean is one of the major sources of food for human beings, common sense dictates that it must be taken cared of. While there is nothing wrong with fishing, it must allow nature to fully replenish the fish that has been caught. It must not be forgotten that the loss of fish is also the loss of survival for humankind. Thus, steps must be done in order to immediately address the problem of overfishing.

Impact of Technology on Young People

As a kid I would beg and beg to use the computer. †No. I'm on Facebook†, my sister would say in exasperation as I moaned at the unfairness of it all. She would sit in the corner of the room for hours upon end, her expressionless face lit up by the bright screen of the family computer. Always sulking with anger and frustration, yet enthralled by the on-goings within the world of the web. I wondered how something she enjoyed so much could affect her mood in the way it did. I would soon learn to understand this and experience the same teenage angst; a feeling that is certainly maximised by the negative effects of technology.Teens of the 21st century have grown up in a society where technology is constantly developing and upgrading. Its use in everyday life is becoming ever more prominent and it is used to such an extent that it is bound to have a considerable impact on the lives of the young. Mobile phones, games consoles, laptops, iPods. We are encouraged by giant corporati ons to demand the latest gadgets, often without considering their importance to us. As The Black Eyed Peas recently said, ‘this is the NOW generation’.The most popular application of modern-day technology is undoubtedly the internet. Young people are particularly keen on using social networks. Websites such as Facebook and Twitter are fantastic in the way they allow us to keep in touch with our friends. But what impact do these sites actually have on us? Well, I’ll begin telling you by dismantling the name ‘social media’. Ironically, these sites have more of an anti-social impact on teens than they do a social one. Their use is addictive by nature. Users often find themselves glued to the screens of their phones and laptops, while communicating with their friends online.Some teens don’t understand that you can actually have a real conversation with these ‘friends’ by getting off your ass and meeting up with them in the real world! It is laughable that a large number of teens genuinely believe social networking suffices as a form of real social activity. You can send people as many messages as you want, it won’t improve the people skills that you will need later in life. As entertaining as social networks may be, I believe that addictive technology like them is isolating individuals from society and nurturing a new generation of young adults with substandard social abilities.When I was originally introduced to Twitter, I saw it as a wonder of the internet. It was and still is a wonderful website. You can carefully tailor the information that is supplied to you by choosing who you wish to ‘’follow’’ and it works by bombarding you with a constant stream of information in a matter of seconds. Believe me, it has a very rich entertainment value. However, it can become extremely addictive and is often used excessively. I experienced this for myself last year. Very frequently, I wou ld come home and spend my time scrolling through my twitter feed for the remainder of the day.By over-using it, Twitter became a hindrance to both my school work and social life. So when I realised that I had to control my usage, I decided to take a break from all forms of social media. The 6 months that followed were hugely refreshing. I began to feel a lot happier and generally more energetic when I wasn’t glued to my laptop. Without a doubt, I advise other students to try out a similar solution. The cold turkey made me realise how technology impacts adversely on young people. For the first time in my life, I felt fortunate to still possess my ancient, battered Sony Ericsson. I was and am no longer jealous of those who flash about their expensive touch-screen whatever megapixel phones. I am glad that I’m unable to download the latest ‘’ios4 update’’. I use my phone to ring people because that’s the function that Alexander Graham Bell decided it would have.Children growing up today are immersed in technology while they are developing and still experiencing the joys of childhood. Many believe that it is vital they are taught about I.T. from an early age as it is such an integral part of modern society. As the internet is becoming ingrained in our lives, computer skills are clearly becoming vital. However, can we justify the encouragement of technology in a child’s life when the long-term effects of its use are yet to be uncovered? I don’t think so. Experts believe that technology can elevate a child’s exasperation, diminish their patience levels and hinder their writing and communication skills. I would go as far to say that parents who encourage and allow their children to use technology excessively are morally in the wrong.When we think back to our childhood, what memories stand out for us the most? For me, it is those long summer days that were spent outside. Being active. Exploring. Racin g go-karts. Building tree houses. Playing sports. These activities shaped us and built our characters. Without them we would be boring. And the truth is that overindulging in technology halts an active life. This technological generation endangers children from missing out on an important stage of their development. No one says ‘’remember that time I shot a load of Nazi zombies on Call Of Duty’’ .It is seriously worrying that a child would choose to confine him/herself to the realms of a virtual world rather than experience childhood as it should be. The impact of an unfulfilled childhood can be devastating in later life. This is another reason why the influence of technology should be controlled and moderated, especially in relation to young people.I expect the impact of technology on the young generation to become clearer at a later date. A divide may well emerge between the characteristics of those who were brought up under a technological influence and those who were shielded from technology during their childhood. A neurological divide, to be precise. In a survey released in 2011, 55% agreed with a statement that in 2020 the brains of young people would be â€Å"wired† differently from those over 35.The excessive use of technology may effectively cause this to happen. Because internet access is becoming increasingly efficient, we are constantly gaining a thirst for instant gratification. Online, we have access to innumerable content at incredible speeds. Our concentration span must be deteriorating as we now rely on a constant feed of information to satisfy our shallow brains. It’s quite sad that the immediate reaction to our problems is often simply ‘’I’ll google it’’ or ‘’Yahoo Answers will know this’’. We’ve stopped thinking about these problems ourselves. What’s the point? The answers are already there, on the internet. Perhaps, the deep thinking skills our ancestors once possessed are becoming lost upon the youth of today. Computers have begun to re-wire us with different intellectual capabilities.The same 55% in the survey of 2011 predicted that the youth of today would excel in mental processing and in searching effectively for information online. I would label these qualities as traits of a robot. Technology takes away our spirit and our ability to think for  ourselves. And by glancing around a typical group of students, you may observe a certain lack of atmosphere. You will notice some students who choose not to interact with each other, instead, all attention fixed on their phones. The sad reality is that these devices are responsible for de-humanising our society.Despite this, technology is constantly developing and often for a good outcome. But some might say that we were better off in the days when apple and blackberry were just fruit.

Everyone remembers Michael Jacksons red leather j Essays

Everyone remembers Michael Jackson's red leather j Essays Mtv MTV Everyone remembers Michael Jackson's red leather jacket covered with zippers and the sexy style of Madonna. MTV, or music television, nationally publicizes these images and entertainers, and others like them. The station also promotes an idealized teen lifestyle, reflecting the images of these famous artists, that contrasts with the realities of the Generation X lifestyle. While some view the station as illustrated radio or an entertainment network for viewers' pleasure, others more accurately assess it as an advertising enterprise that endorses products and promotes attitudes. The advertisements that are both hidden in videos and placed in regular slots, influence viewers. Whether or not MTV critics agree with these messages that the network sends out, it has become a huge franchise generating large profits and great popularity. During the 1980's, MTV grew from being strictly a music video station to an original, three-station network that became the choice of several generations of viewers and the advertisers who court them. MTV's entertainment, commercialism, and messages satisfy and influence many types of viewers, giving them a healthy sense of group identity. In 1981, MTV became one of the first stations to be able to appeal to such a populous audience as the twelve to twenty-four year old age group. The chief operating officer of Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment Company (WASEC) felt that there was a body of young people being ignored, hence the company designed MTV (Denisoff 37). Although at first success was unpredictable, the MTV network fought off competition by such competitors as the powerful Turner Broadcasting System (Daspin 20). There isn't room for two or three services doing the same thing, commented MTV's Bob Pittman (Hedegaard 38). Later, the MTV network came out with VH1, or Video Hits One, a music station for older viewers, and Nickelodeon, a children's service station (Daspin 19). These two stations and the original MTV station gave the network a station for an audience of just about any age, satisfying many advertisement agencies. Once the advertisement industry noticed the MTV network's popularity, it became a very desirable sales medium. Advertising agent Kevin Burns explains that if you're a national advertiser and you buy teens, you're going to buy MTV (Viacom 11). MTV appealed to its viewers by constantly televising popular singers and other role models. A music video endorses many nonmaterial items, as well as material items. Regular inter-program commercials usually promote brands of physical items. However, in music videos with popular singers, messages and images are promoted to the viewer. Videos increase an entertainer's popularity, thus promoting his/her record, producer, type of music, style of dance, and physical image. This popularity increases profit for many industries. The artist's record sales boom, benefiting the record company, the record stores, and any other person involved in the process o f production. MTV was dealing with the [record] labels, not the artists, states R. Serge Denisoff (154). In addition, clothing companies benefit when the singer wears their brand. Creative director Judy McGrath feels that MTV videos are almost a subliminal fashion show, meaning that clothing brands and styles are introduced and publicized through music videos (Denisoff 258). Lastly, fine arts companies, specifically dance and music, increase in popularity as people wish to imitate the musicians. A perfect example of this advertising scenario is Michael Jackson's Beat It video. In the early 1980's the already popular pop singer came onto the screen wearing a red leather jacket and a sparkling glove. He introduced an ankle-flicking dance style that moved to the beat of his pop-style music. Soon children across America were wearing replicas of the clothes and moon-walking down the schools' hallways. In this scenario, Michael Jackson, pop music, red leather jackets, dancing, and Motown Records all became popular. With so many brands and agencies wanting to place their ads on MTV, the network itself needed to advertise its own information and existence in some way to increase its own profit. The network began to air animated segments after commercial breaks that endorsed the MTV logo. Then in 1989, the network issued In The Bin, a newsletter designed to unite MTV, VH1, and retailers (Newman, MTV Spreads 55). The newsletter included advertisements and information about new developments in the MTV Network.

Gabriel Oak Essays

Gabriel Oak Essays Gabriel Oak Paper Gabriel Oak Paper Gabriel Oaks character has developed a lot in Far from the Madding Crowd. He started off as clumsy and foolish and he ended up as heroic. A hero is a man admired for achievements and noble qualities; In this case this word does not refer to someone with superhuman powers! The first description of Gabriel Oak: on working days, he was a man of sound judgement, easy motions, proper dress and general good character. Hardys description implies that there is nothing special about Farmer Oak; that he is just an average man. Hardy also states, that on a Sunday, a non-working day; Oak is a kind of pepper and salt mixture. This means that he is normal; he is a man with balanced morals. Another thing that Hardy uses to bring across Oaks personality is the way he dresses. This gives people more idea about Oaks character and personality. His clothes were very practical but they made him look clumsy and foolish. Hardy also states that Gabriel was a source of some amusement; his watch was very difficult to get out, apart from being amusing, this also demonstrates that Oak doesnt need to use modern conventions to tell the time. He can use the position of the sun and stars to tell the time. This is an example of how close he is to nature. : This is also hinted in his name: Gabriel oak, the word oak is used to describe him as natural and sturdy like the oak tree. In the 1st chapter, Bathsheba is in a carriage laden with goods, she is stopped at a toll gate and she refuses to pay the toll. When Farmer Oak sees this he steps in and pays the man at the gate the money needed to let Bathsheba pass. This shows that Oak is a generous and bold man. Generosity is one of Oaks many noble qualities. In chapter 5, Hardy demonstrates one of Gabriels first changes in character: one of Farmer Oaks dogs rounded up and chased all of his flock over the cliff. This lost him a lot of money as the sheep were not insured and ruined his livelihood. His first thought was of pity, he felt pity for the sheep, after this Gabriel muttered: Thank God I am not married: what would she have done in the poverty now coming upon me! This proves Oak to be a very humble and kind man, he did not think of himself or the debts he now had. This demonstrates another noble quality that Farmer Oak has: selflessness. It also shows Oaks true feelings about Bathsheba. In chapter 6, Hardy also demonstrates Oaks heroism: there was a fire at the farm in weatherbury, a rick of straw had caught fire in a barn. There was a crowd of spectators all panicking, none of them new what to do. Gabriel immediately and calmly took charge of the panicking crowd. He called for a ladder and began putting out the fire himself with no concern of his own personal safety. This was a very heroic act by Gabriel. He was described as bold by one of the bystanders. In chapter 21, there is another disaster at Bathshebas farm, one of her flocks of sheep managed to get into a clover field and they are all going to die. Bathsheba sends for Farmer Oak; he is the one who knows how to cure them, as Oak has just been sacked from the farm, he is reluctant to come back and help. Although, Gabriel swallows his pride and goes to the farm and began to cure the sheep very calmly and precisely: Gabriel began to use it with a dexterity that would have graced a hospital surgeon. This is a very heroic act, he swallows his own pride and helps someone else, he didnt even think about receiving a reward, he did it out of his own kindness and his own concern for the animals. In chapter 36, Gabriel realises that there is lots of Bathshebas produce exposed to rain. He goes back inside to fetch help but everybody has passed out because they were drunk. Gabriel, rather than leaving it and hoping it would not rain, begins work atop the rick with no concern for his own safety. This is a very helpful and heroic thing to do. In chapter 37, Gabriel Oak is working on top of one of the ricks of straw in a powerful lightning storm. Bathsheba comes up to help Oak; they then begin to engage in an intimate conversation in which Bathsheba turns to Gabriel for guidance. Once again, Farmer Oak puts his own feelings aside and guides Bathsheba. Thomas Hardy made Gabriel Oak the hero in this novel, at the end of the novel, Gabriels noble qualities finally paid off and he managed to marry Bathsheba Everdene; he was always the one standing by her side, supporting and helping her in whatever she did. Hardy implied this by his name- he was a rooted form of support. This shows Farmer Oak as a true hero, putting his feelings aside to help others.

Congugation of Jeter in French

Congugation of Jeter in French   Jeter  is one of two verbs that means to throw in French, and conjugation of this common verb can be tricky for students to learn. But this stem-changing verb, like lancer (which means the same thing), is a very useful one to know. Youll use this verb to talk about sports and to describe everyday activities. Present, Future, Imperfect The first step in any French verb conjugation is to identify the stem and in this case, it is  jet -. Thats very important here because  jeter  is a  stem-changing verb. In the conjugations, you will notice that some forms use a double T while others retain the single letter from the infinitive form. Subject Present Future Imperfect je jette jetterai jetais tu jettes jetteras jetais il jette jettera jetait nous jetons jetterons jetions vous jetez jetterez jetiez ils jettent jetteront jetaient A series of infinitive endings are added to the stem to match  the subject pronoun  with the proper tense. For instance: je  jette   I throw  nous  jetterons.  Ã‚  We will throw   Present and Past Participles The  present participle  of  jeter  is formed with an s: jai jetà ©   I threwnous avons jetà ©.   We threw Subjunctive, Conditional, and Other Conjugations As you become more proficient in French, you may also need to know some of these tenses.  The subjunctive verb mood implies that theres a question to the verbs action. The conditional does not guarantee it either because the action is dependent on conditions. Youll probably only find the passà © composà © and the imperfect subjunctive when reading French. Subject Subjunctive Conditional Pass Simple Imperfect Subjunctive je jette jetterais jetai jetasse tu jettes jetterais jetas jetasses il jette jetterait jeta jett nous jetions jetterions jetmes jetassions vous jetiez jetteriez jettes jetassiez ils jettent jetteraient jetrent jetassent In the imperative verb form, skip the subject pronoun because its implied in the verb. For these short exclamations, use jette instead of tu jette. Imperative (tu) jette (nous) jetons (vous) jetez ​​

Analysis of Thin Client Article Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Analysis of Thin Client Article - Assignment Example 7 References †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 8 Summary The article, Quantifying Interactive User Experience on Thin Clients, espouses the importance of thin client computer environment in a less costly management information system. Using an unbiased approach, the article vividly studies the nuances of implementing the thin client computer environment. The article is reliable because the theories are grounded on academic resources espousing the usefulness of incorporating the thin client computer network in the company’s computerized information system. The article enumerates some satisfied thin client customers like Time-Warner, Wal-Mart, and the Pentagon to ensure its reliability. In addition, the same article insists on an unbiased stand in explaining the rudiments as well as the complexities of the thin client issues. By using survey data and other references, the company offers an unbiased stand. The bandwidth issue indicates unbiased journalistic and academic discussions. The discussion on network latency adds an unbiased discussion on the computer’s information transfer speed. Lastly, the article is out of date. Published in 2006, the article should be revised to include the current trends, and theories on the thin client topic. The thin client computer set up includes JAVA in its electronic information transfer system. Clearly, the thin client is defined as a network computer that is maximized as a remote screen visual of the software application’s output that is grounded on a working central computer network server. INTRODUCTION The thin client is characterized as a network computer that is harnessed as a remote screen visual of the software applicati on’s output with data processing done within the central computer network server. The thin client software environment cost less than the usual computer terminals. In the normal thick client computer environment, the terminals are installed with licensed computer programs. The company installs one licensed computer programs for each computer terminal. On the other hand, the thin client situation is described as the company installing software in the central server alone. There are no computer programs installed in the thin client network computers strategically located in several points within the company. The company saves on software license expenses (Pras 87). The company will only pay for one software license even though the company has two, four, 50, or 100 computers installed using remote computers. However, the thin client computer network has some disadvantages. For example, the increase in the number of thin client computer networks reduces the information transfer s peed of each computer due to unresolved bottlenecks. Likewise, if the network server bogs down, all the remote thin client network computers monitors will malfunction simultaneously. The focus the research is to examine the thin client article using three tests. The article vividly shows an unbiased approach in explaining the financial advantage of implementing the thin client computer environment. TESTS Reliability Test The article is reliable. The article uses valid references to support its statements. The article offers convincing examples of companies favoring a thin client environment. The article indicates that Time-Warner, Wal-Mart, and the

The ways in which work can have an influence on an individual's Essay

The ways in which work can have an influence on an individual's motivation - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that employees are the most important part of an organizational structure since they shape the performance levels of an organization. In order to perform to their level best employees need to be properly motivated towards achieving the goals and vision of an organization. Employees are motivated by different factors at the workplace that may drive them to work more and push for their different motivation aspects at the workplace that is understandable through understanding the psychological factors that influence an employee. Motivation is psychological as it is an aspect of an employee that is not tangible and therefore cannot be quantified and as a result, it is important to come up with proper motivation structures at the workplace that may help the employees. The first psychological aspect of motivation at the workplace is intensity which is the amount of effort that an employee puts to push for their goals. Desire is also an aspect tha t is psychologically motivated since it is the amount of conviction and dedication that an employee has towards a specific goal. In addition, there is arousal that is usually the initial instinct or the trigger that is critical to individual performance and motivation at the workplace. Workplace motivators are important for the employee since they are able to focus on achieving their specific goals and as a result, they do not deviate from the set structures and behaviors that help them to achieve their goals.

Criminal Law. Analyse the circumstances where liability for omissions Essay

Criminal Law. Analyse the circumstances where liability for omissions may arise - Essay Example However, there are special cases where the law specifies that a person act in order to save a situation failure of which results in criminal liability. Proponents of this type of legislations argue that the law should not bind people to help others since such a situation restricts people’s independence. Example: Tom was driving to town on a rainy afternoon, after driving for more than thirty minutes his car began heating up and huge white smoke began billowing from the bonnet of his car. Luckily, for him, the car had broken down some few meters to a bridge. He therefore alighted from his car and took a five litre water bottle which he had never travelled without from the trunk of his car and followed a small footpath that lead to the stream to fetch some water which could help cool his engine. He got to the stream, filled his container with the cold water, and began the short walk to where he had parked his car. However, a few meters from the riverbank, Tom heard hysterical sc reams emanating from the river, he turned and drowning in the river was a little boy probably seven years old. He immediately dived into the river without considering his actions, unfortunately, Tom had never swam before in a flowing water and it is only until he got into the water that he realized that he had made a mistake. He managed to grab the boy but the strength from the water current the weight of the boy overpowered him and before long, they were both drowning. It thus became a survival of the fittest situation; the boy was still alive and therefore held on to Tom tightly without letting go. Tom was fast losing breadth and he therefore needed to act swiftly to save his life or else they would both drown. In a sharp turn, he pushed the boy away from and fortunately managed to hold onto a root a few meters off the riverbank. The push from Tom combined with the strength of the water waves to give the boy a powerful thrust into a rock. The boy knocked his head and bled to death instantly. Just then, a group of young divers who had been tracing the boy from upstream arrived and one of the saw Tom push the boy away from him. They later removed the body from the water but a legal tussle was just to begin. Analysis The liability of omission begins when one decides to help in a desperate situation and later acts carelessly thereby causing a loss. In such a situation, the victim takes responsibility for his careless action. The law had not compelled Tom to try and save the boy, he could have simply looked at the young boy drown and continued with his business. In such a situation, he is acquitted from any liability since the law does not impose acts of humanity on the population. Had he left, Tom could have continued with his journey to the town and could not have answered to either the group of divers or the police. Additionally, should he have made a formal police report, he could have only been considered as responsible citizen and might therefore have appea red in the court only as a witness and helped the police with investigations to the best of his account of the event. The law does not command compulsory aid unless in special situations. By jumping into the water in an attempt to save the boy, Tom takes full responsibility of the boy and his subsequent acts of carelessness eventually result in the death of the boy. Immediately he jumps into the water, Tom

Living in the Toxic Food Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Living in the Toxic Food Environment - Essay Example A toxin is a noxious substance formed within living cells. They can be small molecules or peptides that are proficient for causing infections on absorption by body tissues interrelating with biological macromolecules such as enzymes and cellular receptors. A toxic environment is the consequence of ubiquity of harmful, processed foods, increasingly inactive lifestyle which personals spend a lot of time watching TV than exercising, enormous detonation of fast food eateries etc whereas a toxic food environment can be termed as the unparalleled exposure to high-calorie, high –fat, heavily marketed, inexpensive fast foods and the sedentary lifestyle increasing in our everyday’s life.These unhealthy eating and living habits can lead to serious health issues in human beings. Exercises have always being known as the best remedy to burn down fats and calories in a normal human system. Our fatty tissues absorb a group of chemically-related multifaceted known as Dioxins which accu mulate the food chain. These Dioxins are highly lethal and can cause great reproductive and developmental problems, harm the immune system and can also lead to cancer. It could also cause skin lesions and changed liver performance.The best way to control and prevent dioxin exposure is by proper incineration of contaminated material and this process requires high temperatures.The best way to prevent or reduce human exposure is through source-directed measures such as severe control of industrial processes to condense the formation of dioxins.

A part of an outline for security on campus paper Essay

A part of an outline for security on campus paper - Essay Example It is wise to enquire what other campuses have done to deal with insecurity and boost the security of their schools. There are professionals who have studied crime, criminals and psychology. They can help identify the weakest areas in security on the campus. Moreover, they can appraise and audit the campus security apparatus and staff against the crime in the campus area. This will provide video records of the movement of students around the campus. Students or other people showing suspicious behaviour will be easily noted by security personnel from the command centre who will remain on high alert. Students will complain about their privacy. However, they will be issued with a privacy policy from the campus that will indicate the records will only be used for security purposes (Phaneuf 48). Criminals like lurking in the dark. The dark conceals their identities and thus evidence of a crime cannot be traced back to them. There should be enough lighting. Lighting will increase surveillance by security personnel and movement can be easily noted in the dark. Vulnerable rooms are those that are easy to get. Vulnerable rooms on campus, especially those that contain valuables such as university electronics, exam papers and so on should not be easily accessible. The doors should be made from metal and cameras should be installed so that any suspicious movement or attempt to break in is traced back to the criminal. Police officers are implementers of the law. When a crime occurs, they should be informed so that they restore law and order. Criminals are then arrested. Early reporting can help prevent a crime from taking

Histology of the skin Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Histology of the skin - Term Paper Example Continued pressure on the skin may cause it to thicken. The appendages of the skin include the nails, hair, sweat gland, and oil glands (Milady 220). The skin is grouped into two main divisions namely the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis also known as cuticle is the outermost layer of the skin. Its main purpose is to offer protection to the body. It is the thinnest layer and contains no blood vessels but has numerous small nerve endings. The layer is divided into five sub-layers namely the stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, and stratum spinosum and stratum germinativum (Milady 220). Stratum corneum or horny layer is the outermost layer of the epidermis. It is composed of packed scale-like cells, which are usually shed off and replaced by other new cells coming to the surface from the layers beneath it. The cells are made up of chemical proteins known as Keratin, which mixes with sebum, a thin layer of oil, to aid in protecting and waterproofing the horny layer (Milady 220). The stratum lucidum also known as clear layer lies underneath the horny layer. It consists of small transparent cells through which rays from the sun pass. The stratum granulosum or granular layer consists of a group of cells that resembles granules. The cells are usually dead and are normally pushed to the surface to substitute the cells that have been shed from the stratum corneum (Busam, and Goldblum 2). The stratum spinosum or spiny layer is a sub-layer and usually lies above the basal stratum and beneath stratum granulosum. Milady (220) notes that it is in the stratum spinosum that the process that causes skin cells to shed starts. The stratum germinativum, malpighian, or basal cell layer is part of the epidermis found deepest. It consists of a dark pigment known as melanin that protects the skin from ultraviolet rays of the sun. It is also responsible for development of the epidermis (Milady 220). Dermis also

A part of an outline for security on campus paper Essay

A part of an outline for security on campus paper - Essay Example It is wise to enquire what other campuses have done to deal with insecurity and boost the security of their schools. There are professionals who have studied crime, criminals and psychology. They can help identify the weakest areas in security on the campus. Moreover, they can appraise and audit the campus security apparatus and staff against the crime in the campus area. This will provide video records of the movement of students around the campus. Students or other people showing suspicious behaviour will be easily noted by security personnel from the command centre who will remain on high alert. Students will complain about their privacy. However, they will be issued with a privacy policy from the campus that will indicate the records will only be used for security purposes (Phaneuf 48). Criminals like lurking in the dark. The dark conceals their identities and thus evidence of a crime cannot be traced back to them. There should be enough lighting. Lighting will increase surveillance by security personnel and movement can be easily noted in the dark. Vulnerable rooms are those that are easy to get. Vulnerable rooms on campus, especially those that contain valuables such as university electronics, exam papers and so on should not be easily accessible. The doors should be made from metal and cameras should be installed so that any suspicious movement or attempt to break in is traced back to the criminal. Police officers are implementers of the law. When a crime occurs, they should be informed so that they restore law and order. Criminals are then arrested. Early reporting can help prevent a crime from taking

Collaboration Project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Collaboration Project - Assignment Example I can still remember our conversations very late at night when we were supposed to be sleeping and our mom coming in to scold us for still being awake. We shared secrets that we swore we would never tell anyone and to this day as far as I know we have kept this promise. As we grew older I graduated from high school and started college while she was still in high school. We still remained close since my school was near to our neighborhood where I could commute. However, both of us became increasingly busy and we found ourselves spending less time communicating and interacting with each other. Before long, I was married and got my firstborn ten months after wedding date. My sister was still unmarried and living the single life going out after work whenever she wished. In retrospect, I think I was a little jealous of her carefree lifestyle because I faced responsibilities of taking care of my family. I quit my job in order to stay home and take care of my baby and my husband whom I love dearly. I would not have had it any other way, but I had a hard time adjusting to being at home every day. At this point in time we only saw each other about once every two to three weeks because although my family visited my mother with whom my sister still lived, she was hardly ever home when we were there. This is how it was for about fourteen years until she met and got married to her husband. She too, had a child within a year. Now that she was married and had a daughter that she stayed home to raise, she wanted us to spend time together but by then I was the one who was busy. I was working part-time and running all over town with my boys driving them to games or picking them up from after school activities. We talked through the phone but I always had to cut the conversation short to do something. My sister could not understand why I could shorten our conversation. According to her, now that she was at home, she could like us to spend time more time together but as for me, I had other more activities to attend. She grew resentful and it reached a point where she accused me of not being welcoming especially to her husband. Her accusation haunted very much and this made me angry and totally changed my attitude towards her. The unveiling events started to strain my relationship with my sister and we kept distance for a couple of years. I commenced this project in order to improve my relationship with my sister and try to restore the closeness we once had. I knew things would not change unless I put forth the effort to reconnect with my sister. I needed to let go of the past and let bygones be bygones. I needed to spend time listening to what she had to say as well as to spend quality time with her and her family. I found it necessary to start expressing myself clearly in order to eliminate and misunderstandings not only with my sister, but others with whom I interact. I also wanted to become less critical and more accepting of other people’s viewpoi nts and opinions. I intended to self-monitor to be certain that I was heading in the right direction toward achieving these goals. The hardest part of this project was getting started by reaching out to my sister. I didn’t want her to know she was part of a research project for grad school and I didn’t want her to become suspicious either. So, I initiated contact by emailing her and including a recipe I thought she might like to try. Goals and objectives Before the end of this collaboration, I had some objectives to

Financial and non-financial implications of Winston Barkwiths proposal Essay Example for Free

Financial and non-financial implications of Winston Barkwiths proposal Essay Introduction: For my analysis I simplified normative investment process model (original source: Pike and Dobbins, 1986), which I would like to use to determine the future viability of the project plan put forward by Winston. The basic idea which underlies the model is that the process of capital investment can be considered to flow from strategic planning through to search for investment opportunities to meet that plan. The opportunities are screened and defined for the subsequent analysis by management. If the project is sanctioned then the investment is made, making sure that there are no cost overruns. Once a project has been commissioned and running for a time it is useful to assess whether it is meeting the expectation promised at the evaluation stage. Audit technique can be used at latter stages to ensure appropriate control. In order to evaluate Winstons proposal I used in depth qualitative cost-benefit analysis and also numerical techniques, such as cash flow forecast and payback (see Appendix 1). Main body of the report: 1) Strategic plan. Strategic plan of the North West Trust for the Protection of Wildlife is very well reflected in the aims of that organisation, which state the following: h to encourage farming practices in the region which will not endanger local animal life; h to enable the regions residents to enjoy the local countryside; h to educate the regions young people on how to look after and enjoy the local countryside and wildlife. 2) Search, Screen and definition of investment opportunities. There are two projects put forward before the committee. One of which is the proposal made by the newly elected chairman of the committee, which involves reorganising Moult Hall property into quad biking course. On the other hand, there is a proposal made by Jonathan and Ingrid, who are senior members of the committee. Their idea is to restructure Moult Hall. This would allow young and disadvantaged members of society access to the property. 3) Evaluation of investment opportunities. In this section of my work I would like to concentrate on the cost-benefit analysis of Winston Barkwith project, because it is one which is most contradictory to organizational aims and raises most concern among the members of the Trusts committee. I mentioned the word contradictory because according to the opinion of many leading financists capital investment decisions should allocate resources within the organisation to offer the best potential for meeting its objectives. Benefits: As understood by me, the idea of financing profit oriented recreational facility is a relatively new one for the organisation. Therefore, the estimates of future profits and cash flows cant be made using the past experience as a guide. Consequently, form financial point of view they are going to be subjects to greater risk by being the product of forecasts and estimates. The riskier the project the more return the company is likely to require. In the case of Winstons proposal we can consider the venture as a diversification, which is usually associated with required return of at least 30%. Although no discount factors are given, the nominal figures predicting amazing cash inflow, which can be used to finance other projects. Use of money from the venture could give the organisation opportunity to help more people than they currently do. Dramatic increase in the capital inflow may  give the Trust prospect to achieve much wider objectives than its original ones, e.g. go nation-wide, create or support government lobby, international ventures, etc. There are other, mainly non-financial, advantages of the proposal as well, such as possible boost to the local economy. Organising of quad biking courses will create money inflow into the local economy, which will be magnified by the positive multiplier effect with the end result being increase in wealth for the local community. Let me demonstrate, employees and sub-contractors paid by the owners of Moult Hall are likely to be spending significant proportion of their incomes in the nearby area, which in turn means increases in revenue for the local businesses. Increase in revenue for businesses is likely to result in greater variety, create jobs and allow for more taxes to be collected by the local council, which than can be spend on such public programmes as support of elderly and disadvantaged members of the local community. Another benefit to the local economy which is likely to occur is an improvement in infrastructure. Improved infrastructure should breathe life into the local community; make Moult Halls and the Trusts facilities more accessible. By accepting Winstons project the Trust could gain invaluable City contacts. If the situation arises the Trust is likely to be in a better position to raise additional funds. Also, the customer segment the proposal is aiming for are extremely wealthy individuals, they are CEOs (Chief Executive Officer) of large corporations. By cleverly promoting itself the Trust can attract some very influential beneficiaries or even become sponsored by one of the companies. It is not an unrealistic thought, since in the UK many companies which finance charitable organisations often get tax breaks from the government. To add more weight to my arguments in favour of Winston Barkwith proposal I would like to bring forward idea which belongs to one of the leading economic thinkers of the modern era. Milton Friedman of University of  Chicago holds the view that all businesses should use the resources available to them as efficiently as possible. Friedman argues that making the highest possible profit creates maximum possible wealth to the benefit of the whole society. Costs: A good starting point would be the issue of finance. It may be difficult to find finance capital for such a risky venture. It is unlikely that the Trust will have extra four hundred thousands to spend on the project with such a degree of risk. It is a new to the organisation business, there is a high chance of failure. Few of the possible reasons can be overstated or unrealistic customer figures; it may be illegal to destroy woodlands in the area. Also, the Trust, more likely than not, will have to apply for the planning permission for the stable conversion and the petrol tank installation, etc. To continue I would like to remind that organizational aims are the long-term intentions of the organisation to develop in a certain way. Their purpose is to create a common vision which everyone in the organisation should work towards achieving. They use the language intended to motivate within the firm and to convince those outside it of the companys sincerity and commitment. By accepting Winstons proposal the Trust will be acting against its stated aims. If the Trust will decide in favour of quad biking facility it will have serious detrimental effect on the local wildlife and farming practices. It will be especially harmful for the re-introduction of red kites project, which is supported by the Trust. An organisations aims should establish which stakeholder needs will be identified and considered when strategic policy is developed. Balancing the interests of stakeholders can be extremely difficult, if the aims of some of these groups conflict. The decision to continue with Winstons proposal would undermine interests of existing stakeholders of the business, people who donated their money for the Trust to accomplish its organisational objectives. The trust is a charitable organisation. Its ethical behaviour is its unique selling point (USP). It will be really difficult to continue its fund raising activities if its existing beneficiaries will be thinking that their money invested into some profitable business ventures. On the finance side the organisation may loose more than it gains, since it is currently receiving eight hundred thousands from donations only. Bad publicity may outset revenue from the project (800k vs. 750k). The committee consists of people who look like they have strong ethical values. Introduction of unethical policy, which Winstons proposal is, can create divisions within the organisation. One can even argue that by accepting the project the committee members would act in direct contradiction to morals which motivated the founder of the Wildlife Trust Doreen Barkwith. Conclusion: To a large extent but not entirely the proposal made by Jonathan and Ingrid is a better option for the organisations long-term growth and objectives. However, the Winstons proposal no doubt is a more financially sound one. Nevertheless, one needs to remember that ethics are the moral principles that should underpin decision-making. An ethical decision means doing what is morally right; it is not a matter of scientifically calculating costs and benefits. A decision made on ethical grounds might reject the most profitable solution in favour of one of greater benefit to society as well the firm. On the other hand, we all have different world views and different interpretations of what is beneficial for society. Therefore, I would suggest a more democratic approach to the decision making or find a human solution, such as to use less noisy vehicles, go with a different proposal or even building indoor track course.

Project Management and Communication

Project Management and Communication ANSWER 1 According to this case study, lot of project management steps that were important to follow for product development. I am going to describe these steps below. Project management should follow these steps for success business such as, Project Initiating: It is very important step to start any project in which management have to consider how they project will start, about providing material and overview of the project. Project management should focus on important things and check scope etc. Project Planning: This steps should be taken by senior management and implement on the rules of a project, budget and personal etc. They have to plan according to the project that has been run success. Project execution: In this step management need to implement their knowledge on the job place and have to deliver good work on the project. Monitoring and Control: Each project has some senior staff to monitor and control the workers who are working under their. They should have complete their work on right time by monitoring junior staff and they have to control all issues like health and safety etc. The given case study depicts that Corwin Corporations project was failed because they had to take some important steps to make their project success that are given below, They need to focus on experienced project manager who can proceed their projects successfully. Also project manager should be well qualified, good communication skills etc. Corwins company should complete their project on time as they assigned at the time of making a contract. Also they need to complete their project in the budget as they committed. They have to be attention on raw material and resource planning like they may not waste any material for any reason. ANSWER 2 A) Senior management employees are working as executive and there are very important areas and role on where they have to work or implement their knowledge in this competitive job market. The steps are given below, Senior management: They work as a senior management at a project. They have to provide all kind of staff as per requirement on a project that project can be completed successfully. So they have to check ability of every employee who will work on a project. Selection of Project Manager: The executive have to select a project manager for a particular project. They should have to check all ability of a good project manager that manager should have good communication skills to work in the competitive market. Also project manager have a well qualified to work on a project. Scope:- They should give a whole report of a project like if there will be any risk or any kind of trouble may be occur during the project and also give solution. The executive should have good knowledge about all kind of work. Budget:- They have to make a budget report by calculating all the material and they should have to complete work within the budget whether they exceed the budget. Resources:-Executives should have to provide all kind of resources on a project as per requirement but it should be of good quality as they committed in the contract. B) Project manager should have some qualities which need to be considered by Corwin Corporation like a project manager should have a very high communication skills with that manager can communicate with all people who are working on a project. Also manager should have good qualities of work to do so safely and be completed on time. Moreover, project manager should have good knowledge of scope. ANSWER 3 They had many problems in communication between Corwin Corporation and Peters company are given below:- There were no exact ways of talking between the project manager and executives at the time of project. They had introduced the project with the absence of senior manager of the company. The discussions were made in the vacations about the project and also decision was taken at the time of holidays. The project manager and the executive were not giving a proper statement about the development of project. One person went on holidays for two days without any prior notice who was Den west working in engineering support department. Moreover, he had not informed to the line workers and not attended the very important meeting which may help to him regarding the project. ANSWER 4 The organization chart of Corwin Corporation is given below:- Corwin beat administration had not considered the important enthusiasm for the venture work and did not give the official level support:-       Corwin constantly rolling out the improvements in the arranging and planning of the venture till the consummation of the venture. In house illustrative of the dwindles organization was meddling the employments and he expelled the utilitarian administrator from the venture at the term of the venture. Dan west gives a wrong data about the venture to the senior management. ANSWER 5 STAKEHOLDERS NAME ROLE DUTIES Dr. Frank Delia Vice President Manage whole marketing group, providing job to them, making new systems, informing senior administrators and execution regarding choices. Pat Ray In- House Representative To watch that all the work has done by the particular principles and within the time, or in other work to cosmetics the advance and afterward report back to organization Dr. Reddy Research Development Director To do additionally investigate and build up the item as far as quality and determinations, other thing resembles that they have to co-work with the designing and also promoting office. Dick Potts Contract Person He is in charge of all the work instruments utilized by them, their wages and their supply too. Gene Frimel Vice President Deal with different organizations about the up and coming task and taking choices about matters identified with that division. ANSWER 6 S. No. Activities Department 1 PROJECT INITIATION MARKETING 2 APPROVAL OF PROJECT MARKETING 3 SELECTION OF PROJECT MANAGER RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT 4 PLANNING SCHEDULING OF PROJECT RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT 5 PROJECT CONTROL QUALITY QUALITY MANAGER 6 ASSIGNMENT OF WORK PROJECT MANAGAER 7 PROJECT RESOURCES PROJECT MANAGER 8 RISKS RISK MANAGEMENT 9 PROJECT EXECUTION PROJECT MANAGER 10 TERMINATION OF PROJECT EXECUTIVES b) Work Break Down Structure ANSWER 7 a) Dan west broke down that thirty test would be directed and matrix test would gave depiction about the test state of the five stage. The remained 25 test condition would be led later wards Before the finish of the third week all the important raw material had bought and essential detailing and testing were prepared to start. b) Project manager ought to be ensuring about these obligations for the consummation of this venture:- Project manager should include in the designing office in the venture work and counsel ought to be set aside from the opportunity to time. Project manager should have made the correct booking and making arrangements for the venture function as they were rolling out ceaseless improvement in their venture arranging because of that the date of the venture execution was postponed. P.M. need to convey the right data about the venture work to the senior administration with the goal that they can find a way to get the venture work the correct bearing. c) P.M. needs to perceive the formally and casually chance which specifically impact the fulfillment of the venture. Project manager can utilize the venture administration programming to design the reports and diagrams in regards to the advance of the venture work. P.M. could concoct the senior manager, line director and partners so every updates can be effectively get with respect to the venture and it can be convey to the senior supervisor ANSWER 8 a) Given Below 1) Definition of Peters company project scope:- subject to task supervisor One assignment need been regarded feasible. Outline from claiming work breakdown structure. Plan furthermore arrange have been portrayed 2) Scope Verification:-degree watching board Undertaking degree suggestion Affirmation Support 3) Observing Scope:- Arrangement all the required assets for the venture group Making arrangements for the venture work Perceive the advantages for the venture group Arrange the instruments and gadgets b) Asses the effect for hold from asserting change diminishes specific association one errand on time, cost and resources. The subsides association venture may have not been fulfilling each and every one of criteria of the higher forces. The undertaking may have been requiring behind beginning with its calendars that were made sooner for its accomplishment the less gathering may have not been competent to accommodate those fitting achieves the rendered time opening. Likewise they acquire utilized the arrangement the initial periods of the venture amid those farthest point they were in charge of the endeavoring of the one assignment. The benefits they were using for those one errand were under utilize no right supervision were furnished for with them. ANSWER 9 A) 1.Toward by examining those exploration try illuminate the reasons in view of which dwindles association venture may have not been described fittingly. 2. Administration the first and the primary reason may have been those inadequate administration, the directors kinfolk were secured a huge bits differing practices so they were not giving fitting attentiveness with respect to the people endeavoring around. 3. by examining circumstance think about, analyze the piece of understanding executives in the degree and the augmentation assortment of the wander. B) A line director will be the person who particularly controls and oversees diverse parts of the less gathering. 1. Some portion of offering were responsible for managing the arrangement sheet furthermore. 2. They were scanning for the gone through calendars of the errand that if not require behind. C) They were in charge of every one of their exercises to their project manager. Obligation- The schedule of the wander may have not been really portrayed similarly the people were bringing extra event when will finish those one errand in light they were not getting those sponsorship from their seniors. Financial plan- They plan the arrangement of the endeavor may have not been truly described in like manner the people were bringing extra period ought to finish those wander in view they were not recovering those from their seniors. Budget- The arrangement of the errand may have been portrayed in the timely stages yet the less gathering may have not been endeavoring in a similar way. They required ate up that arrangement at the outset stages. ANSWER 10 A) By examining research attempt make sense of announcing weight. Besides administration channels that were used inside dwindles specific association undertaking. The detailing weight besides administration channels were social events and telephone requires the inverse less gathering parts of the wander. They were additionally using oral introductions as of late on accessible those undertaking subtitle components. B) Suggest in any occasion specific case announcing weight moreover administration gadget that may achieve productive fulfillment about diminishes shares of the association undertaking. That best demonstration may make introductions that may oblige minimum paper fill in additionally perplexities. Thus in the introductions each and every one of proposals would respected in addition they could make discussed on the table in the region of each and every one of gathering parts. likewise also it wont make any conflicts in the mind about various less gathering parts. Since at first the moderator will join each besides all that in the introduction be that whichever if he left anything those gathering of people then again those gathering of spectators could incorporate their a noteworthy perspective under it to the immense execution of the one undertaking. ANSWER 11 A) A similarly a develop chief from asserting Corwin Corporation, survey the part from cosset regulated economy all through different period around one errand. Essentially as an endeavor chief require to settle on correct one undertaking cost organization thought. Those one assignment cosset directed economy and procedure will quantify the cost of the errand in discrete phases of the one undertaking. Concerning delineation an endeavor overseer our major errand will be to finished those value of exertion inside the accommodated arrange. For this we have particular stage that is given beneath:- 1. Resource arranging Above all else we should check those past data ought to evaluate those cosset to an endeavor of same kind. Taking after that exasperate the masterminding from guaranteeing cost as expressed by resources open in the affiliation. Like the thing that is the cost for overhead moreover et cetera cosset concerning outline an expand director we should describe this cosset in the organizing system which would fundamental on manufacture an endeavor. 2. Cosset Estimation- Not withstanding those undertaking boss need ought to make the assessed cost to those assets, work, overhead, readiness with worker, testing cost and association cosset oblige ought to complete those venture. 3. Assignment Budget-Build an arrangement toward using most minimal part ought to top banana strategy the place wander organization personnel need ought to outline cosset to the unmistakable fill in things to make benchmark for those wander measuring likewise degrade underwriting from the senior directed economy. 4. Cosset observing In the get ready of the venture each and every one of data need with record to check if our undertaking is setting off secured nearby straight bearing likewise inside the arrangement. One errand boss need with screen the wander already, such methodologies with check there undertaking will be remain in line inside the administer arrange. After those fulfillment for errand make a report card for the total strategy which may make used inside future to such an endeavor. B) Assess imitating cosset evaluating relationship for the Subsides organization wander 1. Logical conditions subordinate upon backslide examination 2. Taken a toll Quantity affiliation 3. Taken a toll cost affiliation 4. Taken a toll non-cost relationship 1. Logical conditions subordinate upon backslide examination The backslide examination might be used to forecast and deciding those cosset for an endeavor. In this one is subordinate variable which depend on those change in the value about self-governing variable. Like in the Peters office undertaking at the sum for test is development those cost of the arrangement might be likewise construct. Along these lines the as a rule plan of the one assignment depend on those cosset utilize all the upon number from guaranteeing variable in the endeavor in control work/bolster cost, testing cost, overhead cost, materials and GA cost. The larger part it is self-governing variable which affect the cosset of the item however whatever of the things cost might be movements from assessed cost over it will impact the as a rule plan of the Subsides association extend. 2. Taken a toll Quantity relationship-Cost amount affiliation will be rely on upon the no about things make in within the cost. The one undertaking chief should outfit arrange. Like in Peters specific association one assignment those one undertaking should make those wander in the accommodated cost $250,000. Those commitment of wander boss will screen those endeavor will get the number for sum in the given to cosset on accomplish those target. 3. Taken a toll cost relationship-The cost-cost relationship contribute on the cosset which might be particularly connected with those assignment. In the Dwindles specific association extend those cosset utilize all the upon quick work/bolster, testing moreover materials will be the cost-cost relationship of the assignment. Those cost experience around work, attempting likewise material ought to have been helpful something to that effect no cost will be wastage once, in this manner the one undertaking organization staff need ought to screen. 4. Taken a toll non cost relationship-Those cosset which is specifically, roundabout likewise the larger part extraordinary which will be contribute on the venture is known as cost-non cost relationship. Like in the Diminishes specific association extend know cost put investigating quick work/bolster, testing, overhead, materials, GA likewise overpower might be cost moreover non-cost relationship. ANSWER 12 The one undertaking overseer for Corwin Corporation nees the cost from asserting one errand with $2,31,000. Following three month under the venture, those costs, (for example, material, work and so on.) acquired all things considered were $2,49,700. 1. Isolate between evaluated in addition genuine cost. 2. Make sense of that upon what measure of that is just the tip of the ice shelf assessed cost will utilized till realization. 1) The assessed cost in the whole deal for recommendation to sic month is $231000 toward managing each one things incorporating into it. like quick work/bolster, testing, overhead, material. Moreover GA at the outset from guaranteeing recommendation at that the long run. Be that taking after the three months total assignment cost is growing from $231000 ought to $249000 as a result of extending in the attempting additionally materials. Something to that effect taking after three month they settle on a report card to which each quick one of cosset for various things will be shown in addition it development the total cosset of the endeavor from those recommendation. Contrast genuine cosset then a short time later three months-assessed cost at the start from asserting endeavor $249000-$231000= $18000. The $18000 will be development till the third month of the venture yet the wander wont be done yet. The complexity between honest to goodness cost likewise assessed cost taking after three month will be $18000. 2) Concerning delineation we see over then after ward those three month the genuine cost might be more than those assessed cost yet the endeavor wont be done yet. Over then after ward this look west which might be an endeavor organization workforce attempt to help the Dr. Reddy to make another assessed cost chart on entire the endeavor. They disturb a chart for which each and every one of cost contribute upon prompt work, testing, overhead, materials likewise GA is assemble and the last assessed cost to those endeavor submitted might be $517000 which might be more than the recommendation the whole deal assessed cost $231000. The arrangement of the Peters organization errand will be about $250000. Distinction $517000-$250000= $267000. Thusly the Corwin Corporation need $267000 more assessed cost over the venture plan will finish those venture which might be scarcely a sunk cost. B) Distinction the center of prompt cost additionally back gave cost that could realize done Dwindles specific association extend. Verify that how sunk cosset could affect undertaking. Quick cost-Those cost which is particularly experienced upon the wander assembling and organization known as manage cost. For delineation in the Peters office undertaking the cost utilize all the upon materials, direct work/bolster also attempting is known as manage cosset which will be use toward the Corwin Corporation. Underhanded Cost-The continually on liabilities which extension those cosset of the errand at not straight forwardly related with the endeavor fabricating then again organization might be known as underhanded cost. Like cosset utilize all the showcasing, notice, papers, bookkeeping et cetera all is underhanded cost which impact the cosset about wander regardless not particularly for relationship with undertaking E.G. Corwin venture accommodate pay on undertaking advancing division, paper work, phone call charges, et cetera all through thusly, watching and stock game plan of all instrumentation might be upgrade the entirety this overhead cosset might be known as underhanded cost of a Peters shares of the association undertaking. Sunk Cost-The cost which might be some time ago experienced upon those venture besides accommodates realize nothing might be known as sunk cosset. Sunk cosset might be constantly straight forwardly related with the wander in materials, et cetera cosset which might be once in the past pay. E.G. in the Corwin organization those a while prior cost survey is $231000 for particular things regardless then after ward those third month of the venture those attempting increment, materials cosset increment, overhead augmentations which development the cosset from $231000 to $249700 those cost experienced on the past once unmistakable things in this errand might be the sunk cost. Till the realization of Peters association extend a substitute $267000 is extended in the evaluated taken a toll, this cosset is sunk cosset to those corwin organization accordingly it accommodate them nothing. Sunk cosset extended those arrangement for errand. Accepting that the sunk cost is produced over it prompts shut down the venture. C) Focus on the classes of evaluations that could an opportunity to be used in the long run Toms scrutinizing Corwin undertaking for die down association extend. Those endeavor head of Corwin association will have toll the well ought to make the cost estimation to a stretch out there about that the venture complete in time or inside the accommodated arrange. Those distinctive sorts of cosset gauges Similarly as accommodated beneath:- 1. Brutal ask for extent(ROM):- In the current past the one assignment will be definitively start the surveyed make for cosset for venture by those errand executive will be known as unforgiving solicitation degree (ROM). It might be otherwise called the figure gauge of the endeavor. It might be done amid the begin possibility of the venture. The exactness to this kind from guaranteeing appraisals may differs from 50 will 100 percent till the finish of the endeavor. In this we give nonattendance of clever lumpy lions share of the information over those arrangement accommodate brutal quality to an augment. Like in the diminishs specific association extend die down association surveyed the cost $250000 going before starting about wander that cosset is known as unforgiving solicitation degree (ROM) gauges and recognized by those corwin organization will make those wander. 2. Indisputable evaluations:- The decisive cost accommodates those clever lumpy lions share of the information something like those cosset contribute on the different outcome used to settle on the one errand. Those precision of the indisputable assessments will begin with 5 will 10% infers the genuine cost use secured nearby venture may an opportunity to be 5% less assessed cost ought to 10% higher over the gauge cost. Delineation to Diminishs specific association extend alcove west make the definitive evaluations to the assignment and show each cost contribute ahead various part, for example, work/bolster cost, testing, overhead, materials likewise GA cosset all in quick and dirty that upon what measure of cosset use ahead them will settle on the financial plan, the quality about indisputable cost is $231000. 3. Budgetary assessments:- As the cost of the endeavor might be extension beginning with the indisputable cosset in the inside on the other hand in any time of the one errand methodology the appraisals makes toward that event when might be known as budgetary evaluations cost. In this gauges the accuracy movements from 10% ought to 25% extra from those evaluations the exactness movements from 10% ought to 25% extra from those assessments cosset. Moreover look that at which an element those more should experience so the assignment should be finished. For e.g. Corwin enterprise assessed cost augment then a short time later those three month of the venture from $231000 with $249700 in this way the niche west make an arrangement toward that event when toward which things specific association need ought to contribute extra cash, in this the testing materials and overhead cost might be grow. This kind of plan will be known as budgetary assessments. D) Look at definitive additionally brutal demand degree gauges for the help of example from guaranteeing Corwin Corporation contextual investigation. Cruel ask for degree (ROM) gauges 1) Harsh ask for degree gauges finished toward those beginning period of the one assignment. 2) In this as of late survey is accommodated with respect to those wander. 3) It is done when those errand begin to accommodates evaluate about cosset for undertaking assurance. 4) Those accuracy is shifts from 50 with 100 percent. 5) Corwin organization make those undertaking from guaranteeing $250000 beginning with those Peters office assignment. Those cost accommodated toward them is those brutal demand degree gage for complete those one assignment. Indisputable appraisals:- 1) In the indisputable evaluations those for the most part plan from asserting particular outcome used inside those venture making. 2) This sort of asserting assessments used for a correct undertaking making inside the arrangement. 3) It might be completed at those the whole deal for securing and assembling. 4) Those exactness may changes the center of 5 on 10%. 5) Corwin Corporations endeavor manager produce a chart over which the clever dirty cost will be accommodated with respect to direct work/bolster, testing, materials also GA and the by and large arrangement fallen will be $231000 this cost appraisals will be called definitive cosset gauges.   Ã‚  

Business attire Essay -- essays research papers

Commonly many Americans wonder what they want to wear to work. There are different styles constantly coming into style in our everyday lives with our constantly changing culture. Most of the time, what Britney Spears and other celebrities wear to their word day isn’t what we should to wear to work.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first article that I referenced was found after going to the search engine google (http://www.google.com). This article I found, Business Casual at Virginia Tech, from Virginia Tech’s webpage (http://www.career.vt.edu/JOBSEARC/BusCasual.htm#ATTIREMENWOMEN). What this site said was that men and women should wear Khaki pants and long-sleeved button down solid shirts. On a casual day what men could wear would be unwrinkled polo shirts when the work needs to be done outside or in a hot location.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What this site also said was that dressing nice isn’t always buying the most expensive clothing. They said that one would want to dress comfortably and that one shouldn’t expect that they need to look like the CEO of the company. Basically all we need to do when it comes to dress is make sure that our clothes are pressed and cleaned appropriately.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The guidelines that men should use to dress are: if you have doubt, wear a tie; dark socks that don’t show skin when you sit down; wear a light blue, white, or conservative striped shirts; have well groomed facial hair, if one has any; no earrings. Th...

Succubus Dreams CHAPTER 11

Simon hadn't had a lot to give me, but just like every other time I'd gotten an energy fix recently, I had the dream. It played out the same as always, starting with the dishes, going all the way up to when my dream-self looked into the living room to smile at the little girl. After a few more moments, my dream-self returned to her dishes. Silently, I screamed at her to look back. I couldn't get enough of the girl. I wanted to drink her in. I could have watched her forever, taking in those long-lashed eyes and wispy curls. Then, as though she could hear me, my dream-self glanced back into the other room. The girl was gone. My dream-self jerked her hands out of the water, just in time to hear a thump and a crash. The sound of crying followed, and then I woke up. It was late morning, and my energy was gone. That honestly didn't surprise me anymore. Coupled with that loss, however, was a new sensation. I felt cold, chilled to the bone. My skin also felt wet, like I'd been submerged in water. When I ran my fingers over my arm, it was perfectly dry. Nonetheless, I put on the heaviest sweater I could find, and eventually the chill abated. Work was busy and not particularly eventful until the end, when Maddie casually reminded me about us hanging out afterward. I nearly walked into a display when she said that. In my haste yesterday, I'd gone ahead and made plans with both Maddie and Seth for after work. I had a tendency to do that kind of thing when I was stressed. I felt so popular. And, as I often did in this kind of situation, I solved it by combining both of my mistakes into one solution. â€Å"Maddie wanted to hang out tonight,† I told Seth. â€Å"I think she's lonely. Mind if I bring her in for the babysitting thing?† â€Å"Sure,† he said, not looking up from his laptop. â€Å"Seth wanted help babysitting tonight,† I told Maddie. â€Å"Do you mind if we sort of make that our evening activity?† Maddie gave the proposition a bit more thought than Seth had. She didn't look upset so much as puzzled. â€Å"I haven't really been around many kids. It's not that I don't like them†¦just that it's always kind of weird.† â€Å"His nieces are great,† I assured her. â€Å"You'll be a convert.† I felt a little bad about strong-arming her into the Mortensen family adventure. She stayed silent for most of the ride up, keeping her thoughts to herself. Seth's family lived up north of the city, in Lake Forest Park. Their house looked exactly like the other ones on the street, but I suspected it was a necessary sacrifice in order to accommodate two adults and five girls. â€Å"Oh my God,† said Maddie when we stepped inside the house. All five Mortensen daughters were there. They ranged in age from four to fourteen, all sharing their mother's blond hair and blue eyes. We seemed to have walked into the middle of an argument. â€Å"Maybe†¦this wasn't such a good idea†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I looked around the room. Seth had gotten there earlier, and Terry and Andrea had already left to do their shopping. Fourteen-year-old Brandy tried to make her voice heard over that of Kendall, who was nine and the twins McKenna and Morgan who were six. Only four-year-old Kayla, sitting on the couch beside her uncle, listened quietly. I couldn't even tell what the others were fighting about. â€Å"It can spin webs!† cried Kendall. â€Å"No, it can't. That's just its name.† Brandy looked weary. The others weren't paying attention to her. â€Å"The horn would slice the webs!† cried McKenna. Morgan backed her by making a chopping motion with her hand. â€Å"Not if the monkey trapped it first,† retorted Kendall. â€Å"The unicorn can run fast. The monkey couldn't catch it.† â€Å"Then it's a coward!† Kendall looked triumphant. â€Å"It loses automatically if it doesn't show up for the fight.† Both twins appeared stumped by this bit of logic. â€Å"This is a stupid argument,† said Brandy. â€Å"Unicorns aren't real.† The other three girls turned on her and started shouting their protests. â€Å"HEY!† I yelled over the cacophony. Everyone fell silent and looked at me. I don't think the girls had noticed my arrival. â€Å"What's going on?† â€Å"A debate over who would win if a unicorn got in a fight with a spider monkey,† said Seth. Beside me, Maddie made a strange noise that sounded suspiciously like a squelched laugh. â€Å"It's been compelling and well thought out,† added Seth, his voice deadpan. Brandy groaned. â€Å"Unicorns aren't real.† â€Å"Spider monkeys aren't real!† McKenna shot back. â€Å"Yes, they are,† said Brandy. â€Å"This is all pointless.† Kendall glared at her. â€Å"It's hypocritical.† â€Å"Hypothetical,† I corrected. â€Å"Don't worry,† Seth told Maddie and me. â€Å"It's downright civil compared to the mermaid-centaur debate.† â€Å"Guys,† I said. â€Å"This is Maddie.† I ticked off the girls' names for her, one by one. â€Å"Hi,† said Maddie nervously. She eyed each girl, then looked at Seth uncertainly. She'd been acting differently around him since the auction, and I made a mental note to harass him about their date. â€Å"This might have been a bad idea†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He smiled one of those sweet smiles that could make anyone feel better. She smiled back, relaxing a little. â€Å"Nope. We need all the help we can get around here.† He rose, scooping up Kayla as he rose. â€Å"What I actually need is a distraction while everyone under age nine gets put to bed.† The twins cried out in dismay. I glanced at Brandy and Kendall. â€Å"Sounds easy enough.† â€Å"Don't speak so soon,† warned Brandy. Kendall was already in motion. She tore out of the room and returned with a long cardboard box that she nearly shoved into my face. â€Å"Look what Grandma sent me.† It was a Monopoly game. â€Å"The Industrial Revolution edition?† I asked dumbfounded. â€Å"It's about the only edition they hadn't made yet,† remarked Seth. â€Å"I think they're kind of grasping at straws.† â€Å"You got that for Christmas?† I asked. â€Å"You wanted it for Christmas?† â€Å"I want to be a real estate mongrel when I grow up,† she explained. â€Å"Mogul,† I corrected. â€Å"And I thought you wanted to be a pirate?† She gave me a pitying look. â€Å"They don't have very good health insurance.† I pointed to the box. â€Å"But why the Industrial Revolution? Wouldn't you have rather had, I don't know, the Barbie edition? Or the Sephora edition?† I kind of wanted that last one for myself. â€Å"The Industrial Revolution was an important period in Western Civilization. The developments in production and manufacturing forever changed the face of our culture and socioeconomic status.† She paused. â€Å"You wanna play?† â€Å"Is one of the pieces a spinning jenny?† asked Maddie. Seth laughed. â€Å"Actually, it is.† â€Å"I'm in,† she said. Kayla, who was in Seth's arms, appeared on the verge of falling asleep then and there. Her cuddly form reminded me of the dream girl, and my heart lurched. Suddenly, Monopoly held little appeal. I walked over to Seth. â€Å"Tell you what. You play, and I'll take bedtime duty.† â€Å"You sure?† â€Å"Positive.† He passed her off, and she wrapped her little arms around my neck. With the twins in tow, I left the others to set up the game. Maddie looked distinctly uncomfortable at being abandoned, but I knew she'd do fine. Sometimes being forced to socialize was the best way to learn. The twins were surprisingly easy to put to bed, probably because they slept in the same room. Going to bed wasn't such a big deal when you had a sister to whisper to and giggle with. I supervised the brushing of teeth and putting on of pajamas, then closed them in with warnings that I'd check back. Still balancing Kayla on one hip, I carried her to the room she shared with Kendall. Kayla almost never said anything, so I wasn't particularly surprised when she didn't protest having a pink nightgown pulled over her head and being tucked under the covers. I sat on the edge of her bed and handed her a stuffed unicorn I'd found on the floor. She wrapped it in her arms. â€Å"I think it could take the spider monkey,† I told her. Kayla said nothing but just watched me with those huge blue eyes. They were filled with such trust and sweetness – just like my daughter in the dream. How amazing would it be to do this every night? To tuck someone in and kiss her forehead, then wake up with her each morning? Suddenly, fearing I might cry in front of a four-year-old, I started to rise. To my complete astonishment, she held out her hand and touched my arm. â€Å"Georgina.† Her voice was small and soprano and sweet. I sat back down. â€Å"Hmm?† â€Å"Don't leave,† she said. â€Å"Oh, honey. I have to. You need to sleep.† â€Å"Monsters will come.† â€Å"What monsters?† â€Å"The bad ones.† â€Å"Ah. I see. Are they under your bed?† I was pretty sure that's where most monsters lived. Aside from the ones I played poker with and bought Secret Santa presents for. She shook her head and pointed up at the ceiling. â€Å"They live there. In space.† â€Å"Are they aliens?† As much as I hated the thought of her being afraid to go to bed, I was rather enchanted to be having a conversation with her for the first time ever. She was as articulate as all the other girls – not that I should have been surprised by that. â€Å"No. They're monsters. They swoop in the air and go in people's dreams.† I caught on to her reluctance to sleep now. â€Å"Have you been having nightmares?† â€Å"No. But the monsters are there. I feel them.† Something about her words and the serious set of her face sent a chill down my spine. â€Å"You want me to stay until you fall asleep? Will that keep them away?† â€Å"Maybe,† she said. She touched my arm again. â€Å"You're magic.† I wondered then if Kayla might be a psychic in the making, like Erik or Dante. The way she spoke implied more than a childhood belief in magic. There was almost an authority there. She'd be worth keeping an eye on, but I wouldn't pursue anything now. I certainly wasn't going to start quizzing her about auras. â€Å"Okay,† I said. â€Å"I'll stay.† I lay down beside her, and she studied me in silence. I began humming an old song, which made her smile and close her eyes. When I finished, she opened her eyes again. â€Å"What are the words?† â€Å"Eh†¦Ã¢â‚¬  That was hard to answer. It was a song from my mortal life, one that had been composed in an ancient Cyprian dialect no one spoke anymore. My husband used to sing it to me. Knowing I couldn't reproduce the rhymes or any sort of good translation on the spot, I simply sang it to her in the original language. The syllables, familiar yet strange, came awkwardly to my lips. When I finished, Kayla didn't say anything or move. I waited a couple more minutes and slowly got out of the bed. She continued sleeping. Turning off the light, I left the room and returned to the Monopoly players. Seth smiled at my approach and made room for me beside him on the floor. â€Å"Luddites burn your mill. Pay five-hundred dollars.† Brandy grimaced at her Chance card. â€Å"Weak.† â€Å"That's not as much as I had to pay when the Factory Acts cut my child labor force a couple turns ago,† Maddie pointed out. As I'd hoped, she seemed perfectly at ease now. Kendall rolled the dice and moved her miniature pewter Oliver Twist book ahead three spaces. â€Å"I wish I had a job, so I could save capitalism for my investments.† â€Å"Capital,† the rest of us said in unison. Kendall glanced up at me. â€Å"I could work at your bookstore. Under the table.† â€Å"Like stacking books under the table?† asked Brandy. Kendall ignored her. â€Å"Don't you need extra help?† I ruffled her hair. â€Å"Not until you're of age, I'm afraid.† Maddie moved her pewter spinning jenny. â€Å"Yeah, haven't you learned anything from this game? You'd get us shut down. Georgina doesn't need that kind of paperwork.† â€Å"How's your manager job?† asked Brandy. â€Å"Is it harder?† â€Å"Mostly it's†¦different.† Kendall brightened. â€Å"I could have your old job.† â€Å"Sorry. No vacancy. Maddie took my place.† Kendall sighed. Seth landed on a silk mill no one had purchased yet and began rustling up money. â€Å"The girls go to bed okay?† â€Å"Yeah†¦Kayla had a hard time, though. She was worried about nightmares.† He looked up in surprise. â€Å"She told you that? She, like, spoke?† â€Å"Yeah, we had a whole discourse. Laughed, cried, shared our hopes and fears. I think she has an oratorical career ahead of her.† â€Å"What's ‘oratorical' mean?† asked Kendall. â€Å"It refers to speaking in public,† Maddie explained. â€Å"Giving speeches. Talking in front of others.† â€Å"Oh. Uncle Seth doesn't have an oratorical career.† We all laughed. â€Å"No,† agreed Maddie. â€Å"He doesn't. I certainly don't either.† Seth high-fived her. â€Å"Introverts unite.† Brandy picked up another Chance card and groaned. â€Å"Cholera outbreak! Not again!† When the night finally ended and Seth's brother and sister-in-law came home, I was happy to learn that Maddie had had a really good time. â€Å"Kids aren't so bad as long as they're brainiac Mortensen offspring. Terry and Andrea were nice too. Good genes in that group.† â€Å"Yup,† I agreed. Maddie definitely needed more socialization, I decided. She was cheerful and upbeat, her eyes sparkling and excited. This had been a good night. I dropped her off at Doug's and drove back to my apartment. The parking gods weren't with me tonight, and I ended up about five blocks away. As I walked, I passed a newspaper dispenser for the Seattle Times. I usually read the headlines at the store but hadn't today. I paused in front of it, one article catching my eye. It was a weird story about a local man who'd turned delusional. He'd had a dream that if he swam across Puget Sound, it would bring wealth and security to his struggling family. Sadly, he hadn't made it very far before drowning in the freezing waters. The ironic part was that although some might consider the feat suicidal, his massive life insurance policy was going to pay out. His family would get their wealth and security after all. Staring blankly at the paper, I thought about the poor man succumbing and disappearing under the dark waves. I suddenly flashed back to this morning, and it was like I could feel the cold, wet sensation all over again. For half a second, I couldn't breathe. It was as though my lungs were filling with water, suffocating me. I shuddered and absentmindedly ran my hands over my arms, the d? ¦j? ¤ vu nearly overpowering me. Water. Water everywhere. Cold. Black. Smothering†¦ I shivered and finally made myself start walking again, needing to find someplace warm.