Going Towards the Light (Dealing with the Dark Ages) essays

Going Towards the Light (Dealing with the Dark Ages) essays It has been asked if it is fair to consider the Middle Ages as the Dark Ages or was it only a continuation of trends that were long underway by the time the Renaissance occurred. Can we say there was no true political expansion? Would we be accurate in saying there were no new thoughts or ideas? Did our ancestors truly halt all thought and spiritual growth to wait for the Renaissance? I should think not! Although there may have been only one great empire with no great shift of political and religious thought, the Middle Ages were far from being devoid of activity and upheaval. This was an incredible age of transition. This period is integral in the growth of western civilization as it goes towards the light. Dark Ages they were not! For several hundred years, from about the first to around the fifth century AD, Rome was the greatest power in Europe, ruling Britain and the countries around the Mediterranean Sea. However, in northern Europe, there were fierce tribes that were only held at bay by the Romans. Around 400 AD, the Roman Empire began to weaken and the northern tribes moved across the continent of Europe and plundered the city of Rome. The Roman Empire collapsed and was gradually replaced by many small kingdoms ruled by a strong King, Prince or Noble. These kingdoms and principalities often were heavily influenced by the Holy Roman Empire and would rarely go against its wishes. The Roman Catholic Church was the single, largest unifying structure in medieval Europe. It touched everyone's life, no matter what their rank or class or where they lived. With the exception of a small number of Jews and Muslims in Spain, everyone in Europe was a Christian during the Middle Ages from the richest king down to the lowest serf. It was the important stabilizing and unifying force that Europe needed to move through this period. This helped form a rudimentary form of government known as the Fe...

Cvs Marketing Development Essay Example

Cvs Marketing Development Essay Example Cvs Marketing Development Essay Cvs Marketing Development Essay Porter’s Five Forces ForcesGradeNote Segment Rivalry Strong The current market is divided between a few powerful competitors that can relatively easily attract customers from one another as the switching costs are low and practical absence of product differentiation contributes to the easy loss of market share. Threat of MobilityWeakWhile the new entrants only need a relatively simple GUI and a supplier in order to enter the market, the federal and local regulations will require significant investments prior to any positive cash flow. Again, the differentiation is practically non-existent and the new entrants will have to compete with financially established enterprises capitalizing on competitive advantage. Supplier powerStrongIn order to sustain the market share in this highly competitive industry the pharmacies have to establish and maintain strong working relationships with PBMs that have power to divest particular clients from a pharmacy by denying reimbursement privileges to their customers. Buyer PowerStrongIt is not hard to obtain the same drugs from different sources so the customer loyalty is virtually non-existent and the pharmacies have to try extremely hard to sustain their consumer base. Threats of substitutesWeakThere are very few alternatives to drugs. The alternatives are practically limited to traditional medicine. Therefore, the threat of substitute is weak. Conclusion: CVS is in a favorable position because it already controls the large share of the market and its brand name is known to the populace. Therefore, it is crucial for the company to protect its market share and pursue the aggressive expansion policy to secure even large customer base. Financial Analysis CVS was able to secure such a large market share in part because of its strong financial base. Since the pharmaceutical industry is not strongly correlated with the market (average beta is 0. 2) the slowing economy does not affect much CVS financial performance. The firm employs about 190,000 people and boasts the 20 million strong consumer base with projected growth 3. million within the next three years. The firm’s Price-to-Earnings Ratio (P/E) of about 21 is higher than P/Es of its primary competitors. Hence, CVS reported 21 bps increase and the total gain of $68 million in the last year. At the same time, the forward earning on the CVS stock yielded over 9. 3% allowing the firm easily meets its dividend obligations. The EPS proves that the stock has been performing well at over 30%. The revenue has been growi ng at 15. 7% per year during the last three years compare to 14. % revenue growth within the industry. This stocks forward earnings yield of 7. 41% is the annual return it would generate if its profits remained fixed and it paid out all of its earnings as dividends. This is normal compared with the earnings yields of other stocks in the industry, and is healthy in absolute terms. Finally, most companies in the industry have generated very low returns on assets over the past five years. CVS has posted results that are about average for the industry, though its ROA over the most recent 12 months was very high. Porter’s Generic Strategies Provided the CVS position in the market, it is clearly pursuing the low-cost leadership strategy. The company offers the same goods or, sometimes, a wider product assortment at the lower prices than its competitors. The firm’s prescription drugs’ sales constituted 68% of total sales, 8% ahead of its major competition Walgreen. This number reflects a strong relationship with PBMs that are attracted by the company’s lower prices than in the industry. However, the element of differentiation is also present such as money back guarantee on beauty products, stores conveniently open 24-hours and exceptional customer service. The company capitalizes on its current broad customer base to provide those services and differentiate itself from a tight competition. Also, traditionally, CVS stores were more consumer oriented, e. g. while Walgreen stores had larger area the CVS stores’ layouts were such that the aisles were wider and shelves lower making shopping more convenient. The same approach was taken by CVS to the on-line sales offering the consumers user friendly intuitive format and live customer support 24/7. Market The market is highly regulated and is subject to established relationships between health care providers and PBMs. Currently the pharmaceutical retail market is divided mostly between large chain stores such as CVS, Walgreen, Rite Aid, etc. The market is rather saturated and the competition is strong on the part of the comparable size players as well as online retailers and supermarkets. The industry faces personnel shortages especially in qualified pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. In the past the industry was strictly regionally dominated with Walgreen dominating the West, Rite Aid was strong in the South and Southeast, and CVS spread throughout the Northeast. However, the CVS broke the balance by advancing into the Rite Aid domain in 1997 creating the nation-wide competition between the companies. The ecommerce forced the major retailers to launch internet based services to compete with the new entrants such as WebMD. om and Drugstore. com. The price war in the cyber space resulted in lowering prices at the retail locations as well as shifted paradigm of in-store pharmacy assistance to the full-blown internet-based services. New short-lived phenomena emerged in a form of acquisitions of PBMs by the drug manufacturers in order to manage drug approval process and gain influence in the prescription drugs sales. However, only one merger (Merck-Medco) survived the attempt. Product CVS offers a combination of health care services such as pharmacy and medical equipment together with general merchandise ranging from beauty products to groceries via retail locations and on-line internet portal. The firms also provides consultative services such as medical plan designs, health management programs, and retail-based health clinics that are staffed primarily by nurse practitioners and physicians assistants treating limited number of common ailments and offering routine vaccinations. Price The prices are lower than the major competitor such as Walgreen. The prescription prices are negotiated with PBMs and other insurance companies. The general merchandise is obtained at wholesale prices and the savings are passed onto the consumers aiding to sustain the cost-leadership strategy. Channels of Distribution Online sales via cvs. com and over 4,000 retail locations. The firm offers automatic refills to be mailed to the consumers. The purchase and refills could be done via the telephone or on-line. Promotion CVS was the first pharmacy retailer to offer both: online shopping and traditional store services. CVS maintains extensive database of customers urchases from which it creates weekly individually tailored coupons for consumers. Also, CVS was the first retailer to offer money-back guarantees on beauty products Key Issues As the costs of healthcare increase proportionally to the aging population and slowing economy, the CVS’ main issue is the retention and growth of its market share. Historically, the CVS has been pursuing the Co st Leadership Strategy and only recently, facing the fierce competition from other players in the industry, CVS introduced the elements of differentiation such as MinuteClinic services, 24 hour locations, and 24/7 customer service. The mix of strategies might reduce the firm’s liquidity and stagnate its further expansion necessary to secure its market share. Boston Consulting Group Growth Share Matrix Clearly, CVS belongs to the Cash Cow section of the BCG Matrix. The aging population and health care demands contribute to the industry stable growth in terms of both market and sales. By the 2010, total annual sales should surpass $200 billion, with most of this growth claimed by chain pharmacies. In such a market the large players have slowly emerged and are in the position to protect their consumer base via mergers and acquisitions of the new and independent entrants. Thus CVS’ management team should concentrate on increasing market share and consider further expansion in both retail stores and in the on-line operations. Recommendations Securing market share and further expansion should be CVS first priority. Thus, in addition to maintaining the low cost advantage, the firm should invest into the ecommerce marketing to compete successfully with on-line retailers. These new services should be based on a rigorous research of consumer preferences, economic analysis, monitoring demographics as well as pay steadfast attention on competition that could use cost advantage strategy to attain the CVS market share through a system of discounts and special deals with PBRs. Thus, the firm’s pricing policy should be flexible enough as not to discourage the price-sensitive consumers and yet allow the company to sustain ever increasing product and service development costs. Also, mergers and acquisitions could be used by the company to its advantage. That would be following into footsteps of the CVS recent acquirement of Arbor Drug and Revco and comparable transactions performed by the CVS competitors such as Rite Aid acquiring Marco, Thrifty Payless, and K. The M practices make sense as they reduce competition, increase the customer base, and provide convenient locations for the existing customers. One of the main points in this respect is the necessity to create a unified customer database similar to the one operated by Walgreens that allow customers to access their prescriptions from any CVS store.

Emergency Response & Crisis Comm Plans Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Emergency Response & Crisis Comm Plans - Essay Example The Crisis Centre includes two component parts. The first is the Operational Control Incident Centre (OCIC) which is the corporate command and control centre that provides policy guidelines, responds to enquiries from the media fraternity, and has admission to a wide selection of resources such as key personnel and communication instruments. The second component part is the Emergency Procedures Information Centre (EPIC). EPIC provides the coordination and control of all passenger and family information for the British Airways and liases with activated Telephone Enquiry Centers (TEC’s) worldwide, including the U.S.A. The second component part will support the OCIC in providing information and support (Belliotti, 2008).   However, the British Airways Emergency Response Plan does not mention any background on the anticipated crisis. There is a general mentioning of a possible accident but does not include any further details as to the type of crisis that can occur. In case a crisis does occur, the emergency response plan has outlined various specific actions that will be taken to address the needs of the families of the passengers involved. Detailed sections are included in the plan specifying the most relevant and necessary actions to be taken in case of an accident. The plan contains specific instructions on corporate command and control centre to be carried out by the OCIC and the EPIC. Overall, the plan is well presented with specific sections to address specific issues that are likely to come up in case of an accident. All the anticipated problems are dealt with in the emergency response plan and specifically put the interest of the involved families and stakeholders first. However, the Emergency Response Plan does not highlight the stakeholders on the nature of the accident for which the plan was proposed. It fails to inform the stakeholders on the specific nature of the accident. Considering the nature of the plan, the anticipated

Journal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 17

Journal - Assignment Example As a function of analyzing this dynamic, the following discussion will focus specifically upon two distinct minorities: African-Americans and Japanese Americans. With respect to African-Americans, not a great deal of benefit was achieved on their part as a result of the United States involvement in the Second World War. For the most part, racism, segregation, and the enforcement of Jim Crow laws within the South remained largely unabated. Faragher points out that the social norms and racial disparaties experienced by African Americans, specifically in the South, did not alter greatly as a result of WWII (Faragher, 691). However, it is also fair to note that many African-Americans were able to engage with the workforce in a manner that they had previously been unable to do. For instance, the high demand for labor and the production of war material created a need for all able-bodied employees to land their services to this effort. As such, African-Americans that had previously been passed over for factory jobs or production jobs were hired and began to learn valuable skills that were utilized once the Second World War concluded. In such a way, African-Americans indirectly benefited from the overall level of training and engagement in the workforce that the Second World War was able to provide. However, by means of comparison and contrast, their participation in combat was still segregated as compared to white soldiers and they were deemed as inherently less valuable by almost each and every military leader (Best 203). Likewise, in terms of the overall impact of the Second World War on Japanese Americans, the analyst should necessarily consider the fact that this particular conflict drastically reduced their standing within American society. It further partially destroyed their civil rights, and ultimately set this

Literature as a Medium Which Conveys the Culture of the Target Language Essay Example for Free

Literature as a Medium Which Conveys the Culture of the Target Language Essay The purpose of this paper is to familiarize foreign language instructors with the effectiveness of using literature as a mean of bridging the cultural gap between students and the target language. It will also discuss how teaching literature can help students become more effective communicators in the target language and at the same time making them appreciate other cultures different from their own. This may lead to say that, one of the major functions of teaching literature in a foreign language classroom is to serve as a medium to transmit the culture of the target language of the people who speak the language in which it is written. Therefore, literary texts can offer to the students a colorful world that reflects the culture of the language community. As readers; students get engaged within these texts, they come to understand how the characters in such literary works experience life and how they speak and behave in different settings. However , the study of literature can be considered as a method in which students can dive into the cultural experience of the language throughout the imagery and metaphors mentioned in a given text, as Gray points out: â€Å" Students learn to see a world through another’s eye,observing human values , different kind of living and discovering that others live very different societies. they will understand and become broadly aware of the social,political,historical,cultural events happening in a given society. . The role of literature in language teaching Literature, when defined as a subject of study, is an activity that involves and uses language (O’Sullivan, 1991). Ganakumaran et al (2003) stated that it is also referred to as the big â€Å"L† that focuses on the literariness of a text. It is an example of language in use and a context for language use. Literature is seen as a medium in which students’ appreciation of different system language organizat ion can be developed. Therfore, studying literature, on the whole, may not be considered as a reaction but rather as an interaction between the reader , the writer and their cultures. From an other parameter ,the teaching of literature in foreign language classrooms is essential and can be used as a perfect instrument to stimulate and speed up the teaching and learning process Carter and Long (1991). In other words, literature contributes in helping the students to explore knowledge ,promote their literacy development and fosters their language proficiency. Also, literature may provide effective, attitudinal and experiential factors which will motivate students to read McKay (1982). As a matter of fact, Obeidat (1997) said that literature has much to offer than language would normally do, since it has greater freedom and since it acknowledges no linguistic barriers which could refrain our ability to use language. Therefore, it is undeniable that literature helps to improve students’ command of language and the ability to use it freely, not solely as a linguistic, but as a cultural, intellectual, social and psychological medium of expression. In terms of using literature to teach language, Brumfit and Carter (1986) asserted that literary texts not only can grip the reader’s imagination more strongly but they can also be promoted for the examination of language at work. Littlewood (2005) also observed that although such texts were predominantly valuable for developing reading skills, it could be exploited for purposes such as explaining grammar teaching and indicating various types of language usage. Since literary texts contain language intended for native speakers, literature stands as a model for language learners to become familiar with different forms and conventions (Collie and Slater, 1991). Containing real examples of grammatical structures and vocabulary items, the literary texts raise learners’ awareness of the range of the target language and advance their competence in all language skills (Povey, 1967). Second, using literature in language teaching has the advantage of providing cultural information about the target language. Literary texts increase foreign language learners’ insight into the country and the people whose language is being learnt (Collie and Slater, 1991), which fosters learners’ ability to interpret discourse in different social and cultural target language contexts (Savvidou, 2004). . Literature as an instruments that stimulates the knowledge of the culture Teaching literature stimulates the imagination of the students and develops their critical abilities by getting them involved in interpreting the different symbols and meanings found in the text. They become more productive and adventurous when they perceive the richness and diversity of the language. Therefore, it is vital if educators create a harmonious literary atmosphere ,they may enable their students to immerse themselves in the story by turning the classroom into a cultural island where students interact with the text, share different viewpoints about the settings, the style, the language. Researchers have recognized that the benefits of using literature in three core areas: First , literature is beneficial to language development( John and Louis, 1987; Morgan, 1998; Myonghee, 2004;Sage,1987); second, literature enhances the knowledge of ulture and society which is too complicated to be captured by any single piece of expository writing; Third, literature fosters critical thinking by offering readers multiple perspectives especially in books with issues such as immigration, cultural differences, social upheavals (Edmondson 1995/6). John Lye (2003) believed that literature captures the complexities of the human situation, illustrating (dramatically, imaginatively, compellin gly) the grounds and the meanings of values, and the nuances of our experiences. It also allows us imaginatively to inhabit the lives, the experiences, the meanings of others. Lye(2003) added that literature challenges the sentimentalization of values, and those distortions of values which serve the ends of the powerful, the opportunistic, and those who want only to serve their own desires ,from an other parameter, literature explores and reflects conflicts in the culture itself, conflicts in the values and ideas of the culture, the conflict of social groups (ethnic, racial, class, gender, religious and so forth), in addition to that ,it offers a sense of identity and community, by establishing and founding narratives which capture the essence of what typifies the culture or community, or by dramatizing those particular stories and images which give the culture a sense of common meaning and purpose. 4.  Applying literature and culture in language teaching classroom When it comes to learning a new language there can be no substitute for actually living in a country where this language is spoken. Besides, teaching literature does not mean ,limit students to take a passive role but to stimulate students to be engaged proactively within the target language. However, foreign language teachers can provide literary texts best by turning their literature classes into a community where students can engage themselves actively with the culture and the language they are studying and where the emphasis in class could be on ‘cultural experience rather than cultural awareness. As Duff and Maley point out, â€Å"literature offers universal themes which are relevant to students’ own experience,it is also a mirror that reflects and heightens each learner’s perception of the social world. Thus, literary texts are opened to multiple interpretations and interactions†. Students cannot remain passive if they are to interpret and understand what they are reading. They are placed â€Å"in an active interactional role in working with and making sense of the target language guided by the teacher, they have to actively participate and interact with each other. Literature and culture in foreign language teaching can provide linguistic and artistic elements and perspectives to students.  Through literature as well as culture, students could have the opportunity to establish a connection with the target language and realize that their own personal, social,cultural and historical contexts have been influenced by a foreign language and a foreign culture and how, in a symbiotic process, this other culture has been nourished. Culture, on the other hand, offers an interdisciplinary field that includes artistic discourses, social conventions, and reflexive impacts. It opens the door for students to increase their knowledge of the target culture as they can contemplate and critically comment on people’s way of life, values, attitudes, and beliefs, and regard how these elements can have an impact in linguistic categories and forms. Indeed,language found a soulmate in literature, and they are inserted in culture.

Right Brain, Left Brain :: essays research papers

The article in which I chose to examine is called Right Brain, Left Brain: Fact and Fiction, written by Jerre Levy. In the past fifteen years or so there has been a lot of talk of left brain and right brain people. Levy's reason for righting this article was clearly to stop the misconceptions and show the truth about how our brain hemispheres operate. Levy first explores the myth of the left brain and right brain theory. She states that generally people see the left hemisphere of the brain controlling logic and language and the right, creativity and intuition. In addition people differ in their styles of thought, depending on which half of the brain is dominant. She believes that most of what these notions state is farce. Next the article explores the history of this fascination of the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Apparently the study of this aspect of the brain traces back to time of Hippocrates. Levy weaves in and out of the various theories and prominent people known for contributing to the confusion. It wasn't until 1962 when Roger W. Sperry began experimenting on certain aspects of the brain that contribute to the truth of the left and right brain theory. Sperry studied people who had undergone surgical division of the corpus callosum, the bridge between the two hemispheres. His studies showed that, "an object placed in the right hand (left hemisphere) could be named readily, but one placed in the left hand (nonverbal right hemisphere) could be neither named nor described. Next to branch off of Sperry's studies was psychologist Doreen Kimura. Kimura developed behavioral methods which involved presenting visual stimuli rapidly to either the left or right visual fields. Another important method developed was "dichotic listening" which centered around the use of sound to study the hemispheres. Through these tests and the continual study the theory that the left brain controlled ended. Instead a new theory was born known as the two-brain theory. This said that at different times one of the two hemispheres would be operating. An example of this is that the right hemisphere is in control when an artist paints but the left hemisphere was in control when a novelist wrote a book. This theory failed because of one physical studies showed that people with hemispheres surgically disconnected could operate in everyday life. Also, research demonstrated that each hemisphere had its own functional expertise, and that the two halves were complementary. Next, the article states its worth. The author shows the up to date agreed upon theory of the two hemispheres in five simple points.

Coffee and Starbucks Essay

Walk several blocks in almost any city in America and you’ll pass at least one Starbucks, if not more. And the same is true for most cities outside of the United States. The Starbucks empire has grown to 6,000 U.S. outlets and about 2,500 international locations. For some consumers, Starbucks is an obsession, and they just can’t begin their day without their cup of Starbucks coffee! In addition, while years ago people used to hang out at the corner candy store, today many people spend considerable time at their local Starbucks. They drink coffee, tea, and/or other specialty beverages, they bring their laptop and wirelessly connect to the Internet, they meet friends to chat, or they meet business associates to make deals. Is there anyone in America, at least old enough to be in kindergarten, who doesn’t know what Starbucks is? Questions Since everybody knows Starbucks, answer the following questions in the Indian context. For example, against question 1 below view the person as an India; and in response to question 4, identify an Indian celebrity. Some search on the internet about Starbucks and what its brand imagery stands for would help you with your answers. 1. If Starbucks was a person, describe the person in terms of demographics, personality, and lifestyle characteristics 2. If Starbucks was an animal, which animal would it be, and why? 3. If Starbucks was a color, which color would it be, and why? 4. If Starbucks was a celebrity (e.g., a sports figure, a movie or TV star), which celebrity would it be, and why? And why was your choice male or female?

High School Students on the Job Essay

High school is an important time in life; students in high school have a lot of responsibilities. Students are beginning to drive and getting into trouble. High school students that have entered the work force have less of a chance to get in trouble. Working students also have an advantage over their peers that haven’t worked. They learn money management, social skills, and responsibility. Money management is a very important part of life. Usually once high school students start working they begin to learn the importance of money and how to spend it. Saving money is one very important life lesson that high school students can learn once they start working. Saving money can help the students save up for their future, helping with bills and possibly buying their own car. Owning a car comes with expenses oil changes, unfortunate accident, tires, gas, etc. To pay for these expenses there has to be money. There also comes a time when parents may need a little help. While working, students can help their parents with a bit of money every month. Having all of these expenses students will have to learn how to manage their money so they have some left over for themselves. Next, if high school students have a job, they learn about social skills. The most important thing is treating people politely. Thus, they need to get a better communication such as talking to each other and listening very carefully. When high school students are on the job, they have to speak correctly and courteously so their customers could get the correct information. Also they have to listen very carefully. They should know what the customers are asking. In addition, they could learn about physical demeanor. At the work place, they have to keep a friendly smile and then keep a good posture by keeping themselves upright. Further, working students can learn to take responsibilities. Time management and appearance are two important responsibilities. First, working students have to get to work on time. Also, they should manage and make balance between school, work, sleep, home, family and friends. Second, many work places have special uniforms that represents them in what position they  work. They need their workers to put these specific dresses on. Working students take this responsibility too. Students have to take care of their hygiene to go into work, which includes keeping their hair clean, shaving, cutting nails, and keeping a clean scent. Money management, social skills, and responsibility are skills that are need in life to succeed. High school students that begin working learn these skills earlier than those students that don’t. Before students become adults, they need to develop money management, social skills, and sense of responsibility, so they have been preparing to adjust themsel ves to society. Therefore, I recommend teenagers work while attending high school.

Free Essays on Compromise Of 1850

Slavery was not a new topic for discussion during the middle 1800’s in the United States. After the Mexican American War, the annexation of new territory led to an important crisis. Will there be new states added to the Union? If so, would they be free states or slaveholding states? The annexation of Texas to the United States and the gain of new territory by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo at the close of the Mexican War (1848) aggravated the hostility between North and South concerning the question of slavery. The free states favored the proposal made in the Wilmot Proviso to exclude slavery from all the lands acquired from Mexico. This, naturally, met with violent Southern opposition. When California sought (1849) admittance to the Union as a free state, a serious crisis threatened. With a precarious balance of 14 free and 14 slave states in the Union, Southerners could not maintain their power in Washington, D.C., with the admission of another free state. Southerners increasingly talked of secession. In January 1850 Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky tried to heal the breach with five actions packaged in one bill. California was to be admitted as a free state, but the territories of Utah and New Mexico, which were then largely ungoverned, were to be given governments with the authority to decide the issue of slavery themselves. Additionally, the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 would be amended to include enforcement provisions against the North and a requirement that the citizens would help catch and return runaway slaves. To compensate the North for the fugitive slave amendments, the interstate trade of slaves would be banned in the District of Columbia - a largely symbolic gesture since slave trading would continue in Virginia and Maryland and the private sale of slaves would still be permissible in the capital. The bill also resolved boundary disputes between the government of Texas and the federal government. Texas accepts narrower ... Free Essays on Compromise Of 1850 Free Essays on Compromise Of 1850 Slavery was not a new topic for discussion during the middle 1800’s in the United States. After the Mexican American War, the annexation of new territory led to an important crisis. Will there be new states added to the Union? If so, would they be free states or slaveholding states? The annexation of Texas to the United States and the gain of new territory by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo at the close of the Mexican War (1848) aggravated the hostility between North and South concerning the question of slavery. The free states favored the proposal made in the Wilmot Proviso to exclude slavery from all the lands acquired from Mexico. This, naturally, met with violent Southern opposition. When California sought (1849) admittance to the Union as a free state, a serious crisis threatened. With a precarious balance of 14 free and 14 slave states in the Union, Southerners could not maintain their power in Washington, D.C., with the admission of another free state. Southerners increasingly talked of secession. In January 1850 Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky tried to heal the breach with five actions packaged in one bill. California was to be admitted as a free state, but the territories of Utah and New Mexico, which were then largely ungoverned, were to be given governments with the authority to decide the issue of slavery themselves. Additionally, the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 would be amended to include enforcement provisions against the North and a requirement that the citizens would help catch and return runaway slaves. To compensate the North for the fugitive slave amendments, the interstate trade of slaves would be banned in the District of Columbia - a largely symbolic gesture since slave trading would continue in Virginia and Maryland and the private sale of slaves would still be permissible in the capital. The bill also resolved boundary disputes between the government of Texas and the federal government. Texas accepts narrower ...

Skills Required to Excel as an Administrative Assistant

Skills Required to Excel as an Administrative Assistant Administrative assistants keep a business on track while doing a myriad of duties- becoming the right-hand person for a top-notch executive requires  poise and adaptability. For those who want to enter  this career path and search for administrative assistant jobs, having what it takes is the important first step.Maintaining an Efficient WorkplaceA major job  responsibility  for administrative assistants is keeping everyone on time and on task. They must make sure executives not only arrive at meetings on time but also have what they need to conduct the meetings properly. Being organized in order to keep a top-level executive organized is another important duty.Staying on Top of the IndustryAn administrative assistant needs to understand industry terminology. Being able to carry on a conversation or understand notes flooded with technical jargon is key. In addition, staying on top of the technology the business uses most, as well as technology that might be employed in the fu ture, enables  administrative assistants to move smoothly through the day.Proficiency  in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and Power Point is expected, according to a representative of the International Association of Administrative Professionals.Turning Difficult Situations into Pleasant OnesA good administrative assistant is able to make the difficult seem easy, and that includes handling difficult personalities. From visitors to other office workers, making it possible for things to be copacetic is a hallmark of the assistant.When emotions run high, using humor and authority keeps thing running smoothly. In fact, good administrative assistants can see a problematic situation before it happens and thwart it, according to one well-known and high-ranking admin.Being the Face and Voice of a CompanyThe administrative assistant is generally the first person a visitor meets. Having the ability to represent the company in a well-spoken manner is indispensable. In addition, writ ing emails or letters to a wide range of individuals requires  an excellent command of the English language. Many administrative assistants take night courses to brush up on solid writing techniques.Maintaining FlexibilityAccording to executives and business owners, nothing is more highly prized than flexibility. Being able to think ahead and see things that need to be done or implement easier ways to accomplish tasks are hallmarks of the successful administrative assistant.Finding new solutions to existing problems and ways to avert other problems in the future makes an administrative assistant indispensable. Beyond that, finding ways to cut costs, such as streamlining office procedures or locating vendors who offer a better price, makes for a better bottom line.Todays administrative assistant can choose between a myriad of industries to select one that best suits his or her talents. Administrative assistant jobs with certain criteria are found using TheJobNetwork platform. This free to use online job search process lets you list the type of job you want and your background. It uses the information to search for jobs on a 24-hour basis. Once a job is located, TheJobNetwork sends a message to your email alerting you of the position.

Management and Organizational Behaviour Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Management and Organizational Behaviour - Essay Example ost cutting initiatives the question of quality control has arisen, a key component within the strategic and functional management of any organization, regardless of sector, product or service. Hence analysis of the quality control aspect, as well as related factors should be undertaken, with the recommendations of creating a conducive environment for the promotion of leadership attributes, quality control and the encouragement of the teamwork aspect to ensure that a continual monitoring across all levels of the organization ensues, in line with sufficient quality control methodologies. In order to provide advice regarding the issues of leadership and teamwork within an organization, a sound understanding of these concepts regardless of the firm in question is required. The different types, techniques and related processes involved within leadership require analyses in so far as aiming to increase or improve the quality of leadership within the organization, whilst aiming to improve the level and success of teamwork. The level of quality and efficacy of the leadership itself can start within the company itself, as provided by Manning & Curtis (2007) in "research shows that the evaluation of leaders by employees can be a valuable tool" (p. 308) and hence the suggestion of utilising this mechanism would be forthcoming, additionally the authors provide that "teamwork is essential for success of the group" (p. 177) which has a direct bearing upon this analysis. The level and nature of leadership upon such groups and teams will in all likelihood influence the success of any teamwork, based upon the understanding of the group as well as the influencing of the behaviour of the group, by the manager or leader (Mullins p. 298.) In order to assess the efficacy of how leadership and teamwork affect the organization, either in a positive or negative way, one of the most relevant examples or case studies is that of the Harley Davidson Company, and the leadership of the

Environmental Planning Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Environmental Planning - Research Paper Example Environmental planning activities are most pronounced in cities and urban places due to the fact that they are the regions most concentrated with development activities in addition to the large populations that reside in such places. In such a case, poor planning would lead to: environmental damage; social, economic, and cultural exclusion; and strains on the transport system. In the quest for enhancing sustainability is such places, planners should keep in mind that sustainable cities and urban places are an important factor to economic and social development which makes it the main engine of growth. They should also keep in mind that environmental degradation is the greatest obstacle to social equity and economic efficiency. The planners need to carefully study the components of federal or state regulations to understand the complex interactions between environment and development so that sustainability will be enhanced through a proactive management approach that is based on the understanding of these interactions. In this manner, all the future projects will be sustainable in terms of enhancing growth and development, which is supposed to be the main aim of any developmental