Saturday, August 31, 2019

Merits and Demerits of Tuition

We all know that every child is unique. Every child has different skills and potential. The same goes with every child's ability to learn at school. Some child can grasp school lessons faster as compared to other children. How the child performs in school should not be compared to other children because each child has a different learning pace. Brilliant students would need to compete with other students who get good grades for them to be able to keep their rank in school.At the same time, those average students would also need to strive also hard in order for them not to fail the class. This is the reason why having a home tuition can be very beneficial to fast, average, and slow learners alike. the following are some of the benefits to students You will have the advantage of a whole teacher to yourself, with their lesson plans and strategies of teaching designed just for you! It seems impossible to doubt the enormous benefits this will offer.In a classroom, one teacher may be faced with around thirty pupils, each with different abilities, different rates of learning, and individual strengths and weaknesses; yet despite this, for the majority of the lesson the teacher will be forced to treat his class as if it contained just one student. He or she will orate from one end of the classroom, unable to gauge how effectively each pupil is assimilating the lesson. The lesson plans will be designed to fit the needs of the average pupil; and the teacher will proceed at a rate suitable for the average pupil.In this environment it is all to easy for a bright child or adolescent to fail to grasp one particular point, as the swathe of teacher talk washes over them like the unrelenting tides. It is unlikely even the best of teachers would spot the particular point of misunderstanding cast on the countenance on one pupil, hidden amongst so many other faces. To draw attention to their lack of understanding can be intimidating for the pupil: everyone else is silent, so they m ust have understood. Do I want to draw attention to myself?All too often the misunderstanding goes unexpressed and unaided. The obvious benefit of one to one tuition is that the tutor can tailor their teaching style to the abilities of their student. They will be able to gauge the level of the pupils understanding, and, more importantly, track down the sources of misunderstanding, and deal with them effectively. Away from the bustle of the classroom, the student will feel more able to voice their difficulties; and having just one pupil to deal with, the teacher will be more capable of resolving them.Compared to the conflicts of the classroom, fraught with distractions and intimidation from other pupils, the relaxed environment of tutor and student can be a safe haven of erudition. Most tutors will be willing to travel to the pupil’s house, allowing them the benefit of learning in a happy home location. A tutor will be able to focus their teaching on a particular area: the pup il may be very competent in mathematics overall, but be deficient in calculus, with this specific weakness undermining their whole confidence in the subject.Maybe they are highly literate and proficient in English language, but shy away from public speaking. The syllabus may demand some oral work (foreign languages certainly do), so it would be a shame if this particular and minor deficiency detracted from their overall grade in the subject. Even if the pupil is performing well at school, it is highly likely that some private tuition will give then the edge over their peers. For it is their friends and contemporaries that they are competing against – many of who may already be receiving tuition.In an age where extra tuition is almost becoming the norm, it may be necessary to join in, or risk being left behind. One more advantage of having a home tuition is that it gives a good chance of reinforcing the new topics learned earlier form school. It also gives a good chance of cla rify difficult topics and making it simpler to understand. With a home tuition, it will be possible for the child to accelerate their learning process. Having you children attend home tuitions after school will also spare them from doing unhealthy hobbies after school such as getting hooked to computers and different video games.Another good thing about putting your children to home tuition's is that it will be able answer to the problems that the school teachers have to deal with nowadays. Aside from academic problems, the school teachers will also have to deal with every child's different behavioral problems. This is not easy because in a regular school teachers will need to attend to a number of students per class. Thus, it will be impossible for every teacher to give equal attention to every single student. The end result of this scenario will be poor performance and low grades.Good thing is, with a home tuition, sufficient reinforcement is given. Problems are corrected early on , thus early interventions are given. The over all confidence and performance of your child can be developed through home tutoring. This can be very beneficial on the development of your child and also to every parent out there. Home tutoring can spare you from worrying too much if your child has received quality education or not. Nothing compares to the comfort of having a peace of mind knowing that your child's learning potentials are maximized.And that your child is getting the quality of education that he or she deserves. demerits and merits of extra tuition Private tuition can be advantageous. Sometimes students are unable to concentrate during lessons for various reasons, such as distractions, not feeling well or explanation gaps. Therefore, students missed many key points taught during lessons. Under such circumstances, private tutors can re-explain the topics learn t reiterate key points, abstract concept and help to solve problems students find difficult to tackle. Students can be lazy at times. They may loss their motivation to work hard.The temptation for students to play is strong, particularly playing and surfing internet and playing games, idling their times away watching TV, sending messages and chatting with friends over the phone. Allocating times for private tuition reduces their time spent in unhealthy pursuits. Private tutors also help to motivate the students to study hard. A private tutor can keep the students on the right track when they stray off course. For example, private tutors can help parents to reprimand their children if they become too playful. Private tutors can assign homework to them, so that they can spend their time in a more meaningful way.A private tutor can thus act as a role of disciplinarian. Sometimes students have personal problems that they find hard to confide in their parents, tutors can act as a ‘listening ear’ and help them resolve some of their problems. Having private tuition also has its disadva ntages. Sometimes tutors provide additional homework on top of those given by teachers in school. The extra homework from tutor is an added burden to the students. Sometimes, tutors can arrive at the wrong timing, For instance, the students are not in the mood to learn or have gone through a hard day work in school and are, therefore mentally feel tired.Despite in such a bad timing, the tuition sessions may still have to carry on, which make it unfruitful. Private tuition can be a financial burden to parents who are poor. However, when the student is a slow learner who needs a tutor outside school, tuition is a necessary evil. Some students treat their tutors as a walking dictionary, expecting them to furnish answers to the homework given by school without thinking through the solutions by themselves over time. This can make them mentally lazy.There are some parents who have unreasonable expectations. They insist that their children engage private tutor even though their children pe rform well academically. In conclusion, it is good to have private tuition provided the parents can afford and the students to find the tuition session is beneficial to them. The benefits are plentiful if parents manage to find a good tutor who can value added by playing various roles to help their students to achieve academic success. ow effective can teachers teach without tuition Tuition are important in learning processes of student since it clarify more of what has been taught and student fail to understand,but in a case like that of Kenya where tuition has been burnt teachers are expected to perform and produce good results:a teacher should know how to manage time,time is crucial is a major factor in learning if a teacher doesn't manage her time well she will not finish the syllabus on time hence will not even have time to revise anything.The teacher should have the knowledge of the subject,she should know the subject not perhaps well but enough this will help the teacher take the student through the subject at faster speed hence covering the subject on time and having adequate time for revision also a teacher will be able to deal with the weak students in her class. A teacher can also use appropriate and varied questioning,use of questions will help in covering syllabus in a unique way i. teacher to collect many past papers and use them to teach this will form a discussion where student will contribute with the guideline of their teacher A teacher should create a pleasant social/psychological climate in the classroom,this will help since the student will be to concentrate hence teaching will be smooth for the teacher thus making him have humble time to finish the syllabus on time,on a good environment student are prone to a better and fast understanding of the subject.A teacher should have a positive attitude this will help the teacher in tha the teacher will be able to manage herself since she has that positive calling to her work the fact that tuition were cancelled was a big blow and a discouragement to many teachers which made them loose morale teachers with such attitude can not be able to deliver as expected rather teachers should change their attitude so that they are able to deliver appropriately.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Lord of the Flies: Civilization vs. Savagery Essay

Civilization vs. Savagery William Golding’s, Lord of the Flies is a novel that displays the power and importance of the rules of civilization and its role in preventing humans from following their natural inclination toward savagery. This novel displays how the rules of civilization are overcome by savagery when rules and authority get displaced, and savagery starts to become inevitable. When the boys were first ‘placed’ on the island it was the boy’s original instinct to be civil and just. The boys voted on a leader, Ralph, and established rules and jobs for the boys to do and follow. This civility between the boys can be seen deteriorating throughout the course of the six hunts. Jack, who was obsessed with hunting pigs to prove himself as a hunter, is the leader of this deterioration. This deterioration started first when the three of the boys were on an expedition to search the island for any signs of other people. The three boys came across a piglet stuck in the brush but Jack f roze â€Å"because the enormity of the knife descending and cutting into living flesh; because of the unbearable blood† (Lord of the Flies, page 29). Jack was scared of the idea of killing and spilling blood of a living animal. This action shows that Jack was still held back by the rules of civilization. This close call is what started to fuel Jacks obsession to hunt to kill. After Jack killed his first pig, and realized that he can kill without any negative consequences, he brutally killed a mother sow with piglets. He then cut the head off and placed it on a stick that was sharpened at both ends as a sacrifice to the beast. This shows Jacks savage obsession to kill pigs was beginning to take over, and his fear of blood was no more. This brutal kill was savage and reckless. Jack became so confident that he can kill anything, that it lead him to want to hurt a human. Jack ended up becoming so savage that he hunted Ralph. This was when almost all of the rules that held Jack back from killing had left him and he made up his own rules. The changing effectiveness of the conch and its ability to govern over the boys is another example that displays the deterioration of the rules of civilization. The conch was first the most important item and symbol of authority that the boys had on the i sland. The conch was used to call meetings and govern over the boys. But, eventually over time people like Jack started to ignore it and break the rules. He and other boys faulted away and the conch became useless â€Å"And I’ve got the  conch- ‘You haven’t got it with you,’ said Jack sneering. ‘You left it behind. See, clever?- And the conch doesn’t count on this side of the island-â€Å" (Lord of the Flies, page 166). The conch eventually is destroyed, along with Piggy killed, and the last symbol of authority over the boys is vanished. The destruction of the conch symbolizes the final loss of authority Ralph has and the final event that led Jack to be overcome fully by savagery. The last example of the deterioration of the rules of civilization is the boy’s fear of the great beast and how they began to offer sacrifices to the beast. Throughout the novel, the beasts caused a great amount of fear within the boys. The fear started within littleuns being afraid of the dark and many other objects on the island. The fear began in the big-uns when Sam and Eric claim to be chased by a flying beast. This fear kept the boys from having a fire on mountain and gave some of the littleuns nightmares. This fear also made Jack give offerings to the beast, a pig’s head. This gruesome act had been believed to work so when the time came Jack wanted to put Ralph’s head on a stick to. This savagery is what lead to the final conflict with Ralph and Jack as Ralph held on to the last bit of goodness on the island, his life. In conclusion the deterioration of the rules of civilization and its role in preventing humans from following their natural inclination toward savagery can be seen through these three examples: the six hunts, the loss of effectiveness of the conch, and the drastic actions caused by fear.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Air Asia Essay Essay

Question : How would you describe Fernandes’ entrepreneurial strategy? 1. General. Tony Fernandes was a risk taker; he bought his airline without prior knowledge about aviation as well as firsthand experience with the airline industry. He said in one of the interviews, â€Å"Go with your gut, give it your best bet and you may fail, but don’t give up† (INSEAD Knowledge, 2007). This statement shows the type of the person that he is. He is an independently-minded person who knows when to trust his gut. With his marketing and entrepreneurial ability, he was able to make his dream come true. Dato’ Sri Anthony Francis Fernandes – founder CEO of AirAsia 2. Entrepreneurial Strategies of Tony Fernandes. a. A good grasp of finance.Fernandes is an accountant by training and good at numbers. Educated at the London School of Economics, from 1987 to 1989 he worked as the financial controller of British tycoon Richard Branson’s Virgin Records in London. He got a good understanding of accounting and finance (Flores, 2013). b. Taking Care of Key Assets. One of Fernandes’ strengths is his caring for and nurturing good employees. He sees people as the â€Å"key asset† of any business and hopes to help develop their full potential, passions and dreams. His business offices have no walls and he seeks ideas from his staff (Speaker Ideas, n.d.). c. Steady Branding Strategy.Tony Fernandes said it took him seven years to consciously and consistently build up the AirAsia brand name and logo as distinct and internationally known (Times Internet Limited., 2014) . d. Efficient Marketing Strategy. Tony Fernandes invests in and excels in marketing. He said: â€Å"If you have a great product but no one knows about it, its history† (Flores, 2013). e. Use of Digital Technology. Fernandes believes in using digital technology for his businesses. Much of his business comes from AirAsia.com. It is part of his clever marketing strategy to make passengers discover and enjoy his website (Flores, 2013). f. Bold Vision. Tony Fernandes has a bold, global and long-range vision for his various companies. As a child, he dreamt of three things: running an airline, owning an English football club and owning a Formula One racing team (Harvey, 2012). 3. Conclusion.From the above review of the entrepreneurial strategy  of Tony Fanandes, it seems that Fernandes was very much a risk taking entrepreneur. However, the success story of Air Asia clearly reflects his skill in managing the company that revived Air Asia from its ashes. On the whole, Tony Farnandes should be an example in the history of entrepreneurship. †¢How should AirAsia respond to the challenges posed by (a) New low-fare carriers entering the Asian marketplace and (b) Low-fare strategies pursued by incumbent carriers? How would you characterize the competitive dynamics in this market? 1.For both cases, it would require Air Asia to give the best possible service at the best possible price. They should innovate and come up with new ground and in-flight services to differentiate themselves from other low-cost airlines. Air Asia should review their customer feedback and customer service parameters to effectively match the customers’ views and opinions to the services they offer. They can also introduce new concepts and enhancements to their brand of service. They must work to earn a reputation (for efficiency, punctuality, and safety) so that they could compete in terms of price and quality with the low-fare strategies pursued by incumbent carriers (Flores, 2013). 2.The best way for Air Asia to gain an edge over other budget carriers is focus on the quality of service. This includes ground services, in-flight services and on-time performance plus of course, aircraft safety which some budget carriers simply seem to flout. In addition to upping its safety and service standards, Air Asia should also chop out routes that are not as popular while increasing frequencies between airports that witness a heavy demand (Papars, n.d.). †¢How do you think the Asian passenger air transport marketplace will shake out? What lessons can be drawn from the North American and European experience? 1. The Asian passenger air transport marketplace will shake out when Asian governments impose strict regulations in the airline industries that prevent competition from flourishing. There will also be shake out if the Asian economy goes through recession again; the people would not have the relatively high purchasing power they have now. 2. The lesson that can be drawn from the North American and European experience is that business models that work in North America and Europe could also be applicable in the Asian setting. The world is becoming more globalized; the mindsets of people are also changing making it easier for them to adapt business models that are applied in other parts of the world. What is your assessment of Air Asia moving beyond its historic strength in Southeast Asia to Australia, China, India, and Europe? 1. It appears Air Asia will follow a strategy of low cost strategy to convert the large train travelling populace to flying. In India and China. Particularly,in the second fiscal quarter from July to September when the Summer school vacations starts, and their resultant family trips, conclude by June in the south where Air Asia India intends to commence operations (Agarwal, 2014) . 2. For Austrailia and Europe, it’s not the fanciest airline around and the service isn’t the most dedicated, but value for your money is probably the best reason to book a flight with the Malaysian low cost carrier. Services to and from Australia and Europe are the ones with the lowest and best prices on the market. â€Å"Now everyone can fly extra long† – The AirAsia X company slogan is quite a benchmark (Cahill, 2014). WORKS CITED Agarwal, D. (2014, May 8). Opinion: AirAsia India Granted Permission, But Should Wait to Commence Flights. Retrieved from http://www.bangaloreaviation.com/: http://www.bangaloreaviation.com/2014/05/opinion-airasia-india-granted-permission-wait-commence-flights.html Cahill, J. (2014, March 25). Review: AirAsia X Premium and Economy Class. Retrieved from http://www.gotravelyourway.com: http://www.gotravelyourway.com/2014/03/25/review-airasia-x-premium-and-economy-class/#.U_ZncPldUmM Flores, W. L. (2013, December 16). 12 Success Strategies of AirAsia Boss Tony Fernandes. Retrieved from http://www.philstar.com: http://www.philstar.com/business-life/2013/12/16/1268045/12-success-strategies-airasia-boss-tony-fernandes Harvey, C. F. (2012, November 22). Tony Fernandes — â€Å"Dream The Impossible†. Retrieved from http://www.chrisfharvey.com: http://www.chrisfharvey.com/2012/11/tony-fernandes-dream-the-impossible INSEAD Knowledge. (2007, August 26). CEO view: Tony Fernandes of AirAsia. Retrieved from http://knowledge.insead.edu/: http://knowledge.insead.edu/leadership-management/strategy/ceo-view-tony-fern

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Addiction of Second Life Online Game Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Addiction of Second Life Online Game - Essay Example They can as well chip in to the world around them, forming buildings and a number of other things, even simulations. Resident inclusions to the virtual world are known as user produced content, and this content is among the aspects that makes Second Life only one of its kind online setting, and have a huge number of users who are badly addicted to this game. For those who play Second Life, this is a game that is a lot more than just an ordinary game. For the players, it is an online word where they can have a chance to get a fresh start as well as a new â€Å"lease of life† (Kim et al, 2008, p. 214); and when people have a chance to make a fresh start thing, it can become somewhat hard not to get overly-involved in it. Each day, more and more people joining the Second Life and spending the most of their time within this virtual world. Whereas more or less everyone states that they play the game only for enjoyment, for the greater part of them, this is â€Å"more than just a g ame† (Kim et al, 2008, p. 215). Second Life utilizes the â€Å"Havok 1 physics engine† (Boulos et al, 2007, p. 236). This software creates actual physics inside a virtual setting. The physics engine decides the way avatars act inside the virtual world, together with crash recognition - the engine informs the software how the each item should respond as soon as they get are in touch, automobile activities and what simulations seem to be. The more refined the physics engine, the more realistic animations utilizing it will be.

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Managed Care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Managed Care - Essay Example In this type of organization there is a very good interlinks that is formed between the hospitals, doctors as well as the various health insurance plans and mostly these three can be found in the same organization. In such cases it is found that the HMO will own the hospital and the salaries of the physicians are paid by them. Under normal circumstances, the patients have to go for the managed care plan that is being offered by the organization and only in very extreme cases, the patient can opt for other types of medical care providers. It has been widely seen that the HMO offers medical plans that are quite friendly to the pockets of the patients, since they force both the doctors as well as the patient to control the cost for the medical treatment that is to be undergone. As a result they are considered to be much more advantageous than other plans but at the same time they lack the quality aspect through the control of costs. (Nguyen 2009) Fee For Service or FFS: In this case of plan the patient can choose any doctor as well as any type of health care provider they wish. As a result the physicians are paid fees on each visit of the patient and in addition to this; the patients also have to pay for the various medical tests that they undergo.

NURSING Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

NURSING - Personal Statement Example Concurrently, from a reflective stance, I realized that nursing is a career with vast opportunities for growth. As people get older, there would always be a need to address various ailments through their lifetime. As such, one could never be bored in this profession as it is seen to pose varied challenges through meeting diverse people with unique and distinct health conditions; yet, it also provides opportunities for personal fulfillment and uplifting rewards. The graduate specialty track that I have selected is the Dual Family Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Public Health Nursing Program. I have always had the interest to gain specialization in the provision of primary care services, not only to individuals; but more so, to family members, and even local community residents within a defined population. I am interested to pursue higher education in this field to gain advanced theoretical frameworks on the provision and delivery of holistic care to a wider range of clientele. Through research in the online medium on this field of specialization, I strongly believe that by pursuing advanced courses and modules through the program, I would be accorded with the opportunity to develop the skills required for addressing health care issues within the community level that requires services such as addressing chronic illness, educating members on preventive care, as well as effectively focusing on interventions for acute care, as needed. A situation that could be remembered regarding taking a leadership role was when I was elected the leader of a group in terms of complying with an academic project. As the leader, I assumed a proactive stance at discerning the need to delegate tasks; effectively identify the roles and responsibilities of each of the member according to their competencies and skills; as well as regularly monitoring the performance of each member to ensure that tasks were appropriately accomplished according to schedule. Through

Monday, August 26, 2019

An Evaluation of Recent Digital Resources that Have Been Developed to Essay

An Evaluation of Recent Digital Resources that Have Been Developed to Support Teaching and Learning in ICT - Essay Example You may find it useful to write the assignment before making a presentation and then fine tune your work in the light of feedback from that occasion. Abstract Applicable with the use of the old ICTs (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and digital videos), the role of the recent digital resources in primary school education is to bridge the teaching and learning gap between the primary school teachers and the student. Aside from making it easier to address the specific teaching and learning needs of each student, significant changes in the features of interactive whiteboard, Blackboard, COSE, and MOODLE are useful in terms of promoting e-security and facilitating better communication and interaction between the primary school teachers and the students and/or among the primary school students. Table of Contents Abstract .............................................................................................................................. 2 Table of Contents ...................... ......................................................................................... 3 I. ... ...................................................................................... 10 IV. Conclusion and Recommendations ....................................................................... 14 References ......................................................................................................................... 17 Appendix I – Sample of Scientific-based Study on Human Lung Capacity ..................... 22 Appendix II – Sample of a Napoleon’s Theorem Diagram Drawn Using an Excel Worksheet ........................................................................................ 22 Appendix III – PowerPoint Presentation on Multiplication Using a Combined Plain Text and Cartoon Character .............................................................. 23 Figure IV – PowerPoint Presentation on Multiplication Using Plain Text ........................ 23 Appendix V – Using PowerPoint Slides in Conducting a Whole Class Review Activi ty . 24 Appendix VI – Movie Trailer on How to Use iMovie ........................................................ 25 Appendix VII – Two-way Interaction Using MOODLE .................................................... 25 Appendix VIII – Using MOODLE for Individual or Group Math Homework .................. 26 Introduction Since 1999, ICT has become a significant part of the curriculum of the UK primary schools. To improve the quality of teaching and learning, primary school teachers are required to incorporate the use of ICT tools in their teaching and learning curriculum. Since primary school teachers in UK are required to use ICT in teaching, most of them buy Maths and English packages to allow the students to practice. These packages would also

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Marketing similation report (pirateeye marketing plan) Term Paper

Marketing similation report (pirateeye marketing plan) - Term Paper Example The target is however with the smaller boat owners, who form close to 35% of the entire market strength. A consumer behavior analysis undertaken shows that the consumer base are in high demand for high quality technology based system that can actually track pirates even before they get on board boats. This sets the basis for the marketing mix, whereby high quality products that are not too expensive are supposed to be produced for the market. The introduction of PirateEye to small boats would also serve as a very fertile breeding ground for owners of marine transport to test and comprehend the quality and value of the system. With this opportunity, it would be easier to switch to competitive marketing for larger boats and ships in the medium to long term basis. Still on the application of the STP, it will be emphasized that the business to business segmentation criteria, commonly referred to as B2B shall be used. This is because this segmentation criterion gives the marketer the oppo rtunity to assessing most aspects and areas of market including demographics, psychographic, behavioral, and environmental. This means that the B2B is a multi-dimensional approach that would help in meeting all the marketing goals set out by the company. Introduction Market penetration in the marine transport industry has never been an easy venture for new competitors. This is because of the existing competitors have already established solid brand equity and are thus very found with the consumer base. Commonly these competitors engage in the trade of boat and ship accessories, which generally helps in making the activities of boat owners easier. Not much attention has however gone to the area of transport security in terms of the activities of pirates. It is not surprising therefore that there is currently only one key competitor in the manufacture and installation of surveillance security systems for boat owners (Knill, and Tosun, 2008). This brief background gives credence to why the aim of introducing PirateEye as a market security product option for boat owners is a viable venture. The present report looks at why and how attention was given to the smaller boat market as against other segments of the market. One interesting dynamic of the target market is that there is enough research that suggests that frontrunners in the theatre industry, which form the majority of the target market, have an urgent quest and need for an immediate and coordinated technology that will address the problem of piracy in their industry. In other words, there is a ready market (Katel, 2011). Evaluation of the Targeted Market Ideally, the targeted market for the PirateEye product is the many industry players in the marine transport business. This is made up of all stakeholders who are concerned in one way or the other with the transportation of people and raw material from one place to the other. Most ideally however, owners of smaller boats shall form the core customer base of the product. A brief demographic analysis on these groups of persons suggests a very interesting trend that favors the fortunes of the company in a great deal. For example it is on record that there are over 140,000 commercial boat owners all across the globe (Billitteri, 2007). These are collectively used by more than 10,000,000 travelers on an annual basis. Reports of incidence of piracy among the general number of trips made by

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Corporate Social Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Corporate Social - Essay Example This paper discusses the importance of CSR strategy for the organisations and the challenges faced by organisations when they implement such a strategy. The corporate social responsibility strategy is important for the organisations as this strategy takes into consideration the acceptability of the organisation by the consumers of the particular region. This strategy has to take into consideration the corporate governance factors; this strategy ensures that the organisation is conducting its operations in a responsible ways and will be accountable for all its business activities that are impacting the environment (Brooks, Williams, and Thomas, 2004). Implementing a corporate social responsibility strategy in the organisation is a strategic issue. This is so because this strategy allows organisations to conduct their business by maintaining strong and cordial relationship with their stakeholders and the community (Hemingway and Maclagan, 2004). The customers are important for the success of the organisation, when customers have in mind that the organisation is a socially responsible organisation, the reputation of the organisation further improves and so does the customer base. This positive image proves to be useful for the organisation in the long term. If organisations do not consider the community and their business operations harm the community then there stands a high chance of business failure in that community. Customers may get the message that this particular organisation is not concerned with the welfare and wellbeing of the people (Levy, 2007). Any negative message transmitted to the consumers by any business activity will cause the organisation to face heavy consequences. Therefore, keeping in view the shareholders and the community is important for organisation’s success. The shareholders or the organisation, the valuable customers and the workforce of the organisation, all these elements have expectations with the business and

Friday, August 23, 2019

Econimics course work Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Econimics course work - Coursework Example This puts high power incentives as a risky means of having things done in an organization. If the management system is not strong and if means of monitoring and evaluation is not keen, then employees could use dubious means to have their goals realized. This could put an organization in the edge of losing its face and reputation. Applying high power incentives also has a tendency of narrowing the capacity of employees (Campbell, 76). They would largely concentrate on one endeavor wherein there is a promise; while at the same time neglecting other areas that may not be of great urgency but of equal priority. This may also lead to an extensive malfunction of other departmental organizations and functionalities. These make high power incentives not appropriate for motivating employees. Various tasks are best performed by contract. These include such tasks that need external audit that internal employees should not do. Also tasks that require expertise attention that may not be found wit hin the organization warrants a contract. Tasks, which may expose the secrets of the organization, are good if they are contracted unless under examined ethical conditions. Internal employees best do such tasks. 2. Issues related to the organization of the firm (Contract between Asphalt Acres and Auto Engineering Company) The main purpose of a contract is formalizing an agreement between parties. The agreement has to be mutually agreed upon and legally consented to. Contract often encompasses a wider range of things; in this case, the use of a property, pricing of items and facility, open knowledge of any due charges. The contract relationship, terms of dispute settlement, and terms and conditions underlying work for hire have to be made clear. Since the pricing of the property and any other charges underlying the contract has to be made by Asphalt Acres, it would be proper for the Auto Engineering Company ensure that they evaluate these terms if they are commensurate to the profita bility of the whole project. It is also important to determine the cost of other options available lest they run the risk of being exploited. All issues in a contract have to be made clear, all the hidden chares may interfere with the relationship of the contract, and therefore the Auto Engineering Company should not accept any vagueness related to the issues of the contract. All charges have to be made clear to avoid any conflict. Additionally, to avoid any conflict of interest, the relationship, and the management of the field has to be made clear. The offer has to be of value and of great benefit to both parties. They also have to determine their terms of management and clearly determine the roles of each company in the field to avoid any confusion that may arise. 4. Transfer Prices Transfer of pricing refers to the analysis, charge adjustment, and price setting made between Parties of related interest trading on goods and services. Price transfer is an important determinant of h ow the prices and interests are accrued between the parties. The transfer of pricing also determines the rate of taxes. Allocation of resources is also determined by the determined by the existing prices among the components. Price transfer is important for the tax administrators and taxpayers due to their importance in determining the income, expenses,

Thursday, August 22, 2019

“The Unknown Citizen” by W. H. Auden Essay Example for Free

â€Å"The Unknown Citizen† by W. H. Auden Essay â€Å"The Unknown Citizen† by W. H. Auden is a compelling piece of poetry that is multi-layered in thought. While it is poignant, it is also replete with tension. I have therefore decided to give three responses/presentations to this poem in the following executions: a) An MTV, b) A piece of Installation Art, and c) A Short Story. We shall tackle these one by one in the following paragraphs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Although the poem was written in the late 1930’s, much of its message still resonates today especially now that we are faced with technology that enables the quick transfer of information throughout the world. To be able to reach a broad audience, I thought of coming up with an MTV as a presentation because this medium is vastly appreciated by a wide spectrum of people. The MTV will have an instrumental piece of music as background. I am quite inclined to use 1920’s jazz as the musical genre a la the musical score for the movie ‘Chicago’ – mainly because jazz especially of this era reflects the moods, emotions, thoughts, etc. of the working class.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The MTV’s visuals will consist of fast cuts of real people in real time doing a variety of daily chores/work. I would like to get visuals of factory workers at an industrial plant, rank and file employees at a Fortune 500 company, pedestrians at a busy street in a big city, etc. These visuals will be interspersed or dissolved on a background of a clock whose hour and second hands are rotating rapidly. This visual juxtaposition I think would be effective in imparting the message that we, as a workforce, have become slaves in the highly industrialized world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The second presentation I would like to propose is an Installation Art. The installation will compose of different objects, articles of clothing, supplies, etc. that I will gather from different people and/or areas of work. These objects will be arranged at random to form a sculpture-like piece that can stand on its own. The objects then will be ‘washed’ with a gray paint or metallic finish. The rationale for this presentation is to link or remind the audience of everyday objects that we take for granted but are part of our daily life. Objects that will remind us of our daily grind or the ennui we experience at work. The finishing of the installation in gray or metallic color will further enhance the ‘coldness’ or routine nature of ‘The Unknown Citizen’. The tactile nature of the installation will hopefully entice the audience to take a closer look at the piece of art. Also, copies of Auden’s poem may be strewn on the floor of the exhibition area where this installation will take place.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The third response will be a short story that will basically deal with a man’s isolation from the world at large. Just like in the poem the main character in the story will be nameless, the readers however, will be able to get to know this ‘man’ by way of the descriptive manner that it will be written as well as the dialogue that will be included. The setting of the short story will be in contemporary times set in Middle America. I see the main character as a white male in his thirties, married with children. His wife is also a working mother. The isolation the main character feels will stem from his routine at the workplace, his ever-widening gap with his wife due to less time spent together as both are working, and his alienation from his teenage children who are caught up in a world of their own.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The man’s catharsis will take form of his resignation from his work and goes on a long trip, alone, into the countryside in search of a connection with his past and a better understanding of his future. How the short story will end I still have to think about – however I will try to remain as true to Auden’s tone and intent as he wrote ‘The Unknown Citizen’.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Out of these three responses I hope to finally choose one with the following criteria in mind:   financial constraints in undergoing the project, feasibility in terms of time and resources, overall impact on the intended target audience. On the whole, I believe these three responses will best communicate Auden’s poem on a more contemporary manner. While art mirrors life, great art transcends time and space. The truths Auden spoke of during his lifetime still ring true today and will continue to impact the future generations to come.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Essay About Bullying Essay Example for Free

Essay About Bullying Essay There are millions of children in the United States that attend local school districts that are suffering from an epidemically called bullying. Bullying does not discriminate against age, sex, or race it is an ongoing problem that needs addressing immediately. It is vital that this situation is identified to prevent irreversible psychological damage to the victim. If this situation is not detained in a timely manner the situation can destroy an individual’s self-image and many times have fatal consequences. It is essential to train school district employees and parents with a variety of strategies to assist victims with bullying. There are many factors that can contribute to a child or adolescent in becoming a target of bullying. There are no specific characteristics that will prevent an individual in becoming a target. Bullies operate alone or in a group to torment their victim. Bullies always pick victims that seem vulnerable to them and know that they will not react to the situation. Bullying has been defined as a repeated aggressive behavior whereby a bully, or groups of bullies, systematically victimized weaker peers (Olweus, 1993; Willard, Perry, 1990). Bullying grew tremendously in the last decade, it is no longer just about being made fun of the way you dress or look now it is more complicated. Bullying no longer stays in classrooms, schools, or neighborhoods. Technology allows bullying to travel around the world in a matter of minutes this process is done through your fingertips. There are many types of bullying the old fashion type are still in place the bully victimize its target victim face to face it consist of pointing at a person laughing at them and standing there until they see them cry. There is also indirect bullying this means that they make no physical contact with the victim t he bullies just spread rumors about the victim and ruin their reputation and credibility with their peers. Now with technology being so advanced cyber-bullying has made its entrance which consists of bullying an individual through websites like face book, Instagram, twitter, or any school website that students create.  Another powerful trend that is in the rise is sexting. Sexting consists of sending or receiving explicit or sexually suggestive nude or seminude images generally via cell phone devices only. In our society today, we see a growing concern regarding bullying. Teacher and professionals are aware of bullying, was not taken lightly as decades ago. All school districts nationwide have adopted a policy that has been in effect it’s called Anti-Bullying policy. This policy has a zero tolerance in bullying in school grounds. Once the victim reports the incident school officials have to take immediate action to protect the victim from the aggressor. School district have also developed many intervention plans and strategies to avoid bullying, they are proactive in the anti-bul lying policy. Districts are making sure that every student is aware of the anti-bullying policy and learn techniques in how to protect themselves and where to seek for help if needed. Bullying is not considered a normal part of growing up. When parents would state that bullying is a part of growing up that the victim had to toughen up, or like many would day it is just child’s play. They never realize that impact that these victims had in their adulthood due to the bullying in their childhood years. Being bullied creates an abnormal family environment. The victim distances themselves from the family to avoid having to discuss the problem. Many times this causes scars in the victims that it prevents them from living a normal life. In cases like this, it is recommended that individuals look for help immediately. A professional is the best option for a family in assisting them in the healing process. We need to find ways to target bullying efficiently to avoid low self-esteem issues that child ren and adolescents are encountering in their safe zone that should be their school and environment. We need to be aware that if these problems are not targeted the victims will have emotional and mental problems and may lead them to commit suicide. America is a land of dreams and opportunities this country has been liberal and allows everyone to have freedom of speech. We are now at an era that people’s rights are equal. Now laws have been changed to respect the gay and lesbian alliance rights in society. There are clubs and organizations in schools that support lesbian and gay rights. These types of clubs create a tense situation among peers and people that join these clubs become targets of bullying. Observing the world of bullying we are able to identify the potential harm that causes  children and adolescents to live trapped in this life. As counselors, our job is to be able to identify this matter quickly. To try to prevent the victim in falling through the cracks and start experimenting with drugs, suffer from depression or decide to escape the situation through suicide. We all need to unite and stand together and target this problem hand in hand with all the resources available. The commitment we have to the community should be one hundred percent. In conclusion, we are aware of the types of bullying that exist in society today, we are also armed with the best key to defeating this issues knowledge. Our oath as professionals is that we are willing to go over and beyond to help a bullying victim and their families. Considering all the points discussed today we are able to acknowledge that we need to create a team with parents to make sure that if a problem of bullying ever arises we are able to communicate and prevent a victim to becoming psychologically disturb and a family to lose a loved one. References Personality Mental Health. Nov 2012, 6 (4), 325-339.15 Retrieve on 3/21/14 FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. Jun 2013, 82(6), 2-4-5 Retrieve on 3/21/14

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

The Carnival Cruise Lines

The Carnival Cruise Lines Carnival Cruise Lines is a global cruise company and one of the largest vacation companies in the world. CCL generates all of its revenues from the cruise industry. The companys wide-ranging product offerings provide guests with exceptional vacation experiences at an outstanding value. The success in providing quality cruise vacations has made CCL the most profitable company in the leisure travel industry. Carnival Cruise Lines stock is dually listed on both the New York Stock Exchange and on the London Stock Exchange under symbol CCL. It is the only company in the world to be included in both the SP 500 index in the United States and the FTSE 100 index in the United Kingdom (Carnival Corporation PLC, 2012). Carnival Cruise Lines operates a fleet of 100 ships, with another seven ships scheduled for delivery between now and March 2016. With approximately 200,000 guests and 77,000 shipboard employees, there are more than 277,000 people sailing aboard CCLs fleet at any given time (Carnival Corporation PLC, 2012). For the purpose of our report it is crucial to understand how the Carnival Cruise Lines Corporation works today. We need to understand how the various aspects of the business are set up and how they work together. Only after a true understanding of the current situation, we can come with proposals for improvement and indicate the impact on current ways of working. In literature one can fine many models that can be used to look at an organization with an internal perspective. In appendix X we provide an overview of some management models we have found in literature, with an explanation why, when and how it should be used. Since our report needs to cover the implementation of a new IT management strategy, we have decided to use McKinseys 7S model as shown in figure X. This model, developed in the 1980s, involves 7 factors, which can be categorized as hard and soft elements. Hard elements can be identified and influenced more easily. They would be driven by the organization charts and reporting lines within the business and they may include the systems you use to get work done. Soft elements are, by their very nature, more difficult to manage and may be affected by the culture of the organization. But you have to apply yourself to these as much as the hard elements, as they provide the support structure for the successful implementation of any ch ange, and they are all interdependent on each other. Figure 7S framework (McKinsey) The hard elements in the 7S-model are Strategy, Structure and Systems; the soft elements are Style, Shared Values, Skills and Staff. In order to understand the 7S-model better a brief explanation is given below. Hard elements of the 7S-model: Strategy by using mission and vision the organizations objectives become clear. Structure how is the organization structured and which hierarchical layers are there Systems all formal and informal methods of operation, procedures and communication flows Soft elements of the 7S-model: Style this is about leadership and management styles Shared values the standards and values and other forms of ethics within an organization in which vision, corporate culture and identity are the key elements Skills these concern both the skills of the organization and those of the employees Staff this is about the employees, their competences and job descriptions In addition to the above elements we added two paragraphs specifically on Information Management and Risk Management to give a complete overview of the situation of Carnival Cruise Lines today. 2.1 Strategy of CCL The mission of Carnival Cruise Lines is to take the world on vacation and deliver exceptional experiences through many of the worlds best-known cruise brands that cater to a variety of different geographic regions and lifestyles, all at an outstanding value unrivaled on land or at sea (Carnival Corporation PLC, 2012). The vision statement of CCL is the following: to consistently deliver fun, memorable vacations at a repeat value (Carnival Corporation PLC, 2012). Derived from this mission and vision, Carnival Cruise Lines has set up the following strategic objectives: to be the leading cruise operator in all segments entered and to maintain the most up-to-date fleet of cruise ships in the world to develop new cruise segments and innovative cruise packages to reach a larger number of potential and past cruisers employ sophisticated promotional efforts to achieve a greater awareness by the public concerning the availability and afford ability of cruise travel attract the first-time and younger cruisers (Carnival), experienced cruisers (Holland America), upscale cruisers(Seaborne), and cruisers wanting a sailing vacation (Windstar) promote cruises as an alternative to land-based vacations provide a variety of activities as well as ports of call be innovative in all respects of operations of the ship. All initiatives that are taken by Carnival Cruise Lines need to be in line with the mission, vision and strategic objectives (Carnival Corporation PLC, 2012). With regard to the strategy of Carnival Cruise Lines the following strengths can be identified: Strengths Weaknesses Dominant market share Strong acquisition strategy Comprehensive portfolio (target groups) Strength Dominant market share The biggest strength of Carnival Cruise Lines is its huge scale and scope. The company is twice as large as its biggest competitor and competes in nearly every market and segment worldwide (Appendix X). This gives CCL enormous power over the cruise industry as a whole. It enables the company to undertake projects that grow the industry, gives it a platform for continued mergers and acquisitions activity, and helps CCL negotiate with major manufacturers of cruise ships (Levin, Jones, Slade, 2011). In all initiatives and projects that are undertaken by the company, the incentive is always to keep that dominant market share and even to grow it further. CCL wants to be a leader, and this will be reflected in management decisions. Strength Strong acquisition strategy Carnival Cruise Lines has the ability to obtain companies through acquisitions. By using an acquisition strategy, the Corporation has been able to position itself in each geographical market in the world and rank itself as number one in the cruising sector. However, this strength also results in a highly decentralized IT landscape, as described in paragraph 2.8. Strength Comprehensive portfolio (target groups) The corporation has a large fleet capacity and operates ten of the most recognizable cruise brand names. CCLs portfolio of brand names appeals to almost every niche market, from budget minded, contemporary to luxury cruises (Marketingteacher, 2012). Each cruise line operates globally and is targeted at one or more nationalities (Appendix X). This is linked to the fact that CCL wants to be the leader in the cruising industry and wants to keep the dominant market share. 2.2 Structure of CCL Carnival Cruise Lines Corporation plc has two main headquarters, Carnival Place in the US and Carnival House in the UK. The constituent Corporation and plc are separate listed companies with different shareholder bodies, but they jointly own all the operating companies in the group. Both headquarters have their own management team, strategy, and IT organization. Within Carnival Cruise Lines every brand is seen as a separate business unit, with its own profit and loss statement. With regard to the structure of Carnival Cruise Lines the following strengths and weaknesses can be identified: Strengths Weaknesses Strong financial position Clear focus on cost leadership Strong marketing Decentralization of business operations Decreasing profit Over-dependence on US market Strength Strong financial position Carnival Cruise Lines is one of the most profitable cruising companies. The companys average net income (FY2005 to FY2009) amounted to 18.1% compared to the industry standard of 6.3% (Marketingteacher, 2012). The firm is dual listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange under the symbol CCL. Since the company is dual listed, it has the ability to raise more funds from investor than its competitors. With this also comes greater stability due to different markets being affected by different economic occurrences, political issues, and societys views (Levin, Jones, Slade, 2011). Due to the strong financial position, CCL has a certain luxury to take strategic important and cutting edge decisions and, at the same time, invest the necessary funds to make it possible. Strength Clear focus on cost leadership Carnival Cruise Lines has a clear focus on Cost Leadership, i.e. CCL offers its product to the mass market. Therefore the highest focus is put on the price and keeping the price as low as possible. Once the customer is on board the ship, additional revenue is created by having the customer pay for everything that was not covered in the base price. CCL is such a large company that it has significant cost advantages over most of its competitors. Unlike Royal Caribbean where the focus is on delivering the best customer experience (Appendix X, interview Vicki Freed), the focus at CCL is more on providing the best cruise for the lowest amount. Additional revenues are generated once a customer is onboard. Strength Strong marketing Carnival Cruise Lines invests explicitly and effectively in print and television media. Their promotions target the lifestyles of each group of customers (Marketingteacher, 2012). This strategy enables CCL to get name recognition in every market segment, hence the different cruise lines under the brand. Weakness Decentralization of business operations Historically, CCL has been run by the Arison family as a coalition of largely independent businesses. Each cruise line largely manages its own customers, marketing, distribution, sales, ports, and logistics. This approach has had benefits: internal competition means that each line operates better than any would in isolation. The yearly capital planning process happens on both the US side as on the UK side, which might lead to duplication of effort. The business operations of the cruise lines are not centrally managed. Better coordination of these business operations could generate additional benefits for Carnival Cruise Lines (Levin, Jones, Slade, 2011). Figure Organization chart Carnival Cruise Lines Figure X gives the high-level organization chart of CCL. On the left hand side all the 10 brands with their presidents are listed, with a direct line to Mickey Arison. As stated above, although there is a direct reporting line to Mickey Arison, every brand is managed as a business unit with its own profit and loss. On right hand side all the supporting functions, such as HR, legal, IT,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ are listed with their CxO or head of department. These departments have a direct reporting line to Mickey Arison as well, but in every business unit there is an own representation of each supporting function with a reporting line to the president of the brand. The communication between the business unit representation and the CxO of the supporting function is not always seamless, which can lead to duplication of effort. Weakness Decreasing profit The profit of CCL has diminished over the last years. The net profit was $1,790 million in FY2009, a decrease of 23.2% as compared to 2008. The profit recovered some in 2010 and 2011 but never reached the level of 2008 (see appendix X) Another weakness is that Carnival Cruise lines reports their financial statements in dollars. About half of their revenue is generated in a non-US currency, but is reported in terms of US dollars. The value of the dollar against Euro appreciated from 1.60 in January 2010 to 1.53 by April 2010 against the Pound. If the dollar strengthens it would record a lower revenue than is actually earned (Marketingteacher, 2012). The pressure on profit will keep on adding pressure on taking the right management decisions and investing in the right opportunities. Weakness Over-dependence on US market Carnival Cruise Lines derives a majority of its revenue (nearly 52%) from US customers. In 2009 the revenue from the North American market registered a double digit decline. The over-dependence on the US market makes CCL vulnerable to the economic fluctuations of the American economy and this company is dependent on customers disposable income (Marketingteacher, 2012). All cruise companies, CCL as well, are moving their focus from the US market to Europe and Asia. Especially in Asia there is a huge growth potential. 2.3 Systems within CCL This paragraph gives a high level overview of systems as mentioned in the 7S model: all formal and informal methods of operation, procedures and communication flows. In paragraph 2.8 we focus on Information Technology systems and the current IT landscape. With regard to the systems of Carnival Cruise Lines the following strengths and weaknesses can be identified: Strengths Weaknesses IT incorporated in company results No prioritization process in place No benefits tracking No integrated CRM process Strength IT incorporated in company results In some companies IT is considered as free of charge, since IT is not incorporated in the company results. This leads to a distorted view of company/business unit results. However, Carnival Cruise Lines incorporates the costs of IT in the company/business unit results, which allows both the company/business unit itself to get a more realistic view of the results, but also the market gets a more trustworthy view of the results. This leads to a more positive ranking in the market. Weakness No prioritization process in place Since every business unit is set up as an own profit and loss center, every business unit deems their own project to be the most important. Currently, there is no prioritization process in place on the business side, which leads to a continuous flow of projects that need IT resources. Weakness No benefits tracking Many projects get kicked off and promise benefits. However there is no process in place to measure these benefits after the project has been delivered. This allows the business to keep on creating additional projects to deliver the same thing, again allowing business increase costs instead of reducing costs. Weakness No integrated CRM process Carnival Cruise Lines does not have an integrated CRM process in place for the whole corporation. This leads to the fact that customers from the one cruise line arent recognized as a repeat customer with a different cruise line within the group, this has an immediate effect on the pricing for repeat customers. Also, due to the lack of this process, the organization cannot target specific customers groups, based on their previous behavior on the cruise, since that information is only fragmented available. 2.4 Style within CCL The leadership style at Carnival Cruise Lines can be called family-like. This family-like leadership style is a management style that Ted Arison already used when he was still steering the company. Ted Arison had a non-hierarchical approach to management, meaning that he delegated a lot of work downwards in the organization, allowing him to oversee the bigger picture (Managementparadise, 2012). With regard to the style of Carnival Cruise Lines the following strength can be identified: Strengths Weaknesses Leadership style empowering people Strength Leadership style empowering people People with the right skills are hired and are giving the support and room to do their jobs correctly. People are encouraged to be hands-on and take calculated risks. Taking risks also means that mistakes can occur, however CCL uses a no blame culture through which people feel empowered (Managementparadise, 2012). 2.5 Shared values of CCL Derived from the mission and vision of Carnival Cruise Lines (see 2.1) the company has set some company values that were a high priority. With regard to the shared values of CCL the following strengths can be identified: Strengths Weaknesses Strong company values Focus on the environment Strength Strong company values The company values are: honesty, integrity, fairness, hospitality and teamwork. The values are deemed important to do their job in a correct manner. Strength Focus on the environment Carnival Cruise Lines, as all other cruise lines in the industry, takes much pride in the focus they put on the environment. They invest heavily in health and safety, both for customers and for employees. There is a very strong focus on the environment and to work in a greener way. Charity is also one of the key components of their social responsibility strategy. 2.6 Skills at CCL Working in the leisure industry requires some specific skills that you cannot always learn. Most important skills that someone working in the leisure industry would need, are the following: customer focused, empathy, team work, stress resistant, multi-cultural, service orientation and multi linguistic. With regard to the skills of Carnival Cruise Lines the following strengths can be identified: Strengths Weaknesses Strong attention for skills attitude Loyalty programs in place Strength Strong attention for skills attitude Since Carnival Cruise Lines wants to be seen as the cruise line that delivers fun, the attitude of the employees is very important as well. The employees need to be cheerful and enthusiastic. CCL puts great effort in stimulating the desired skills and attitude of the employees. Strength Loyalty programs in place CCL has its loyalty programs in place. The company introduced a new loyalty program in 2012 providing past guests with a variety of value-added benefits and features, including priority embarkation and debarkation, guaranteed supper club reservations and dining times, personalized stationery and custom-designed CCL logo items (Carnival, 2012). Contrary to what is stated in the business case, Carnival Cruise Lines has now its loyalty programs in place. 2.7 Staff at CCL Cruise ships typically operate with three classes of crew. The first is the officers: these professionals are highly paid and given ultimate command of the ship. The second is entertainers and wait staff: typically lower-paid, but from the same countries as the cruisers that they serve. Finally, most of the ships crew is drawn from developing countries. While pay is low, the salary can represent an attractive opportunity for these workers, who often work 10-month contracts without being able to see their homes and families. Turnover is high, and few of the crew sees working on a cruise ship as a viable long-term career. Staff remains 24/7 on board of the ship, have their own cabins at the lowest two decks of the ship. Only officers are allowed to mix between guests, this at special occasions and in formal attire. Other crew members have dedicated times during which they can be present on guest decks. With regard to the staff of Carnival Cruise Lines the following strengths can be identified: Strengths Weaknesses Operational excellence experience Talent development programs in place Strength Operational excellence experience Carnival Cruise Lines has achieved below-industry-average costs and above-average revenue historically. This is largely due to the companys immense experience in owning and operating cruises, as well as some smart strategic plays. That advantage makes expanding into new markets vastly easier for CCL than for a smaller player or upstart firm. CCL has the largest pool of data to draw on to determine what does and does not work and has the most experienced marketers of cruises in the world. These soft advantages let CCL potentially segment its customers more efficiently than competitors (Levin, Jones, Slade, 2011). Strength Talent development programs in place CCL has a separate training and development department set up in the organization. The corporation invests heavily in coaching of high potentials by giving them learning opportunities that are fit for their personal needs. 2.8 Information Management The current IT landscape of CCL is much diversified. First of all, the IT landscape is split in the shore side systems and the shipboard systems. This split between on shore and shipboard adds a dimension to the complexity of the landscape, since most of the shipboard systems need to be able to communicate to the shore side systems. An additional challenge in the current IT landscape is the use of legacy systems. Since there are basically only three main competitors in the cruise industry, there is not really a vendor that specializes in cruise industry systems, hence all the cruise companies use their own developed systems. Years ago, this was not really a problem, but nowadays with the globalization of industries, limitations of these legacy systems refrain CCL to be as agile as they would like to be. Figure X gives a high level overview of the current IT landscape within Carnival Cruise Lines at the time of the case description One can assume that due to acquisitions between 2006 and 2012 this landscape has grown in complexity even more. Another type of systems now in the current landscape which were not described in the case are the risk management and internal control systems. For this CCL uses IBM OpenPages Financial Controls Management and IBM OpenPages Operational Risk Management (IBM Corporation, 2011). Figure Information systems within CCL With regard to Information Management the following strength and weaknesses can be identified: Strengths Weaknesses Excellent booking system for travel agents Decentralized systems Legacy systems No overview of project portfolio Weak resource management TCO for IT not in place Outsourcing level 2 3 support difficult Strength Excellent booking system for travel agents From a travel agents perspective CCL is easy to do business with: travel agents will say that Carnival is much easier to work with than Royal (Appendix X, interview Vicky Freed). Carnival Cruise Lines has upgraded the booking engine within its travel agent web portal, to help agents save time when booking reservations online. A streamlined and simplified process for managing bookings, as well as an interactive toolbar that provides easier navigation between different components of the booking engine, make it easier for agents to book cruises for their clients. In addition to an entirely new design and navigation, the upgraded booking engine offers convenient links to several applications (Travel Agent Central, 2012). The updated booking engine is designed to reflect the changing business models of travel agents and represents the latest enhancement to this comprehensive portal which serves as a one-stop-shop for travel agents to fulfill all of their sales and marketing needs (Lynn Torrent, senior vice president of sales and guest services CCL). Weakness Decentralized systems The decentralization within Carnival Cruise Lines translates into a decentralization of systems as well. Decisions arent always communicated from one cruise line to the other, which leads to duplication of effort. This decentralization of the business organization translates to the IT organization as well. Every brand has its own IT department with own systems and infrastructure. Weakness Legacy systems There are many legacy systems. Since there arent many players in the cruising sector, most of the strategic important applications are custom made. This leads to a spaghetti landscape in which integration is very difficult and which affects the time to market significantly. Weakness No overview of project portfolio Projects can start within a business unit or on a corporate level within CCL. Since the business is set up in separate business units, with their own IT departments, there is a lot of duplication of effort. There in not one global IT Program Management Office that oversees all the current projects and their requirements for IT. This has both an impact on the IT resource management as on the IT landscape that runs the risk to get even more diversified. Weakness Weak resource management Due to the lack of a prioritization process for projects, the first-in-first-out principle is often used, this means that resources get allocated either to the project that came in the pipeline first or either to the project that has a business owner or project manager who is very persuasive. Without the prioritization process in place, it is very difficult for the IT management to decide where to allocate resources to. The lack of prioritization leads to frustration on the business side, because there is the perception that IT is not able to deliver in time. Weakness TCO for IT not in place To really understand the total cost of IT for the business all costs of IT should be made transparent and understandable for any business owner. Currently CCL has no total cost of ownership for IT in place. Reasons for not having TCO for IT in place are miscellaneous; it is very difficult to really get cost like network transparent, an IT service catalogue needs to be in place, IT management needs to be committed,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ However implementing TCO for IT will help the IT management get the multitude of costs as a result of duplication of effort visible to the business. Weakness Outsourcing level 2 3 support difficult As already stated above, most of the applications of CCL are custom made. This in-house development induces resources with a very specific knowledge. Often, this knowledge is both on the system side as on the business process side and therefore confidential. Outsourcing level 2 and 3 support is very difficult, due to these specific knowledge. 2.9 Risk Management Enterprise Risk Management is a process, effected by an entitys board of directors, management and other personnel, applied in strategy setting and across the enterprise, designed to identify potential events that may affect the entity, and manage risk to be within its risk appetite, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of entity objectives (COSO, 2004). Organizations which manage risk effectively and efficiently are more likely to achieve their goals and to achieve this at a lower overall cost. Risk management is therefore good management. Risk management should be a multi-faceted discipline: often referred to as enterprise, integrated, holistic or practical risk management (The Institute of Risk Management, 2012). The objective of a risk management framework is to help ensure that appropriate technical and administrative controls are identified and implemented to protect information resources and help ensure continuity of business operations (Hillson, 2006). With regard to Risk Management the following strengths and weaknesses can be identified for CCL: Strengths Weaknesses Enterprise Risk Management in place Good frameworks Strong focus on security privacy regulations Poor safety record Strength Enterprise Risk Management in place Carnival Cruise Lines has introduced the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program. This program is designed to identify, assess, manage and report the most significant business and strategic risks faced by the company to senior management and the Board of Directors. The ERM program is overseen by a team within the Corporate Risk Advisory Assurance Services Department, based in the Miami headquarters. CCL also maintains onsite teams at each of its brands, in order to stay aligned with the corporations generally decentralized management structure and to develop on-site audit expertise at each of the major brands. (IBM Corporation, 2011). Within CCLs business units risk management and internal control is an ongoing process. It is designed to identify, evaluate and manage the significant risks faced by the units and is embedded in each of the operations. A system of internal controls has been established to be capable of responding quickly to evolving risks in the business. It includes procedures for the direct reporting of material internal control deficiencies together with the appropriate corrective action. The corporate executive management team receives periodic information regarding internal control issues arising at the business units. The primary focus of this aspect of the system is the corporate Management Advisory Services (MAS) Department. MAS is responsible for monitoring the process, ensuring that issues common to more than one business unit are identified and that all relevant matters are brought to the attention of the boards as a whole. The MAS Department is supported by the Corporate Finance and Corpo rate Legal Departments, as well as the CEO, COO and the CFO (CCL, 2010). Strength Good frameworks CCL has adopted the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) guidance for implementing its internal control framework as part of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 404 compliance plan (CCL, 2010). The COSO framework for ERM provides key principles and concepts, a common language, and clear direction and guidance for organizations to evaluate and improve their enterprise risk management (COSO, 2004). Carnival Cruise Lines has a structured approach to monitoring and managing operational, financial and compliance risk across the corporations spectrum of cruise brands. The system allows a high degree of comparability across the brand portfolio while recognizing the differences that make each individual operating company unique (IBM Corporation, 2011). The key to CCLs approach to auditing risk is the conceptualization of each of its brands as a set of business processes. Despite the differences in organizational structures, IT infrastructures and market segments, Carnival Cruise Lines operating companies all operate primarily in the cruise industry, which enables the organization to establish a common analytical framework. CCL has identified over 300 individual processes that are organized into 13 sections as shown in figure X (CCL, 2010). 1. Understand ma

Lorraine Hansberrys A Raisin In The Sun - Dignity and the American Dr

Dignity and the American Dream in A Raisin in the Sun   Ã‚  Ã‚   The American Dream, although different for each of us, is what we all aspire to achieve. In Lorraine Hansberry's, play, A Raisin in the Sun, each member of the Younger family desperately hopes for their own opportunity to achieve the American Dream. The American Dream to the Younger family is to own a home, but beyond that, to Walter Younger, it is to be accepted by white society.    In the book entitled " Advertising the American Dream", Roland Marchand refers to the American Dream as the belief that "if you work hard and play by the rules, then you will achieve your goals" (Marchand 1). In the play, Walter Lee Younger does not do either one of these things. Walter doesn't show up for work regularly and he certainly has no intentions of playing by the rules to get a business licenses.    Walter Lee is a man stuck in a dead end job that he sees as demeaning and he becomes desperate to free himself from the bonds of poverty, oppression and racial discrimination. Walter Lee feels that with money he can change the hegemony's view of him as a poor, stupid, black servant. The hegemony's social construction of reality about blacks as being lesser and the hegemony's ethnocentric perception of being superior, is corroborated in an article titled "The Colour Bar of Beauty" from The Peak. Cristina Rodrigues, a member of the black cultural and social activist group Olodum, says " In Brazil, nobody wants to be black because the mass media equates black with poor and stupid" (Aujla 2).    Walter has a loving relationship with his family members, but he also has a relationship that frustrates him. Walter's family frustrations are brought on by society's lack o... ...y." The Peak. 4 May 1998: 1-5. Available: http://www.peak.sfu.ca/the-peak/98-2/issue1/colourbar.html Hansberry, Lorraine.   A Raisin in the Sun.   New York:   Signet, 1988. Johnson, Lyndon B. "The American Promise." Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Lyndon Johnson, vol. 1 (1965), 281. 1-9. Available: http://www.civnet.org/resoures/teach/basic/par6/40.htm Marchand, Roland. Advertising the American Dream. Los Angeles, CA. University of California Press, 1985 Margolin, Michael. "Reasons in the Sun." Metro Times. 25 March 1998: 1-3. Available: http://www.metrotimes.com/arts/stories/18/26/RasnInSn.html U.S. Census Bureau. United States Government Bureau of Statistics. Available: http://www.census.gov/prod/3/98pub/p20-509u.pd U.S. Federal Law. Cornell Law Resources. Available: http://law.cornell.edu/supct/html/97-156.ZS.html

Monday, August 19, 2019

Essay --

A popular writer in his own lifetime, William Shakespeare's reputation became increasingly popular after his death and his work is widely performed throughout the world. He is the most quoted writer in the literature and history because of his poetries and playwrights. His most famous play was â€Å"Hamlet†, which showed a great deal of revenge. This plays theme reflected the true meaning of betrayal, hate and revenge. In this play Shakespeare shows how individuals would act towards a loves death, no matter the outcomes. In the play Hamlet, there were four revengers, Hamlet himself, Laertes, Fortinbras, and Pyrrhus. However, Hamlet and Laertes will be my main focus on examining Shakespeare’s depiction of revenge. Hamlet is the Prince of Denmark, the son of the old King Hamlet. He is very melancholy, and bitter, full of hatred for his uncle’s usurpation. Laertes in the other hand is the son of Polonius. His character is very passionate but contrasts for the reflective Hamlet. These two characters have many comparisons in seeking revenge after the death of their fathers. Although each has the same intentions the outcomes are dissimilar. When Hamlet’s father King Hamlet and Laertes’s father Polonius were killed, it made them want to seek revenge. The similarities that compare these two characters are their life style and education, the emotions towards their father’s death, and the reasons for their revenge. Each character was described as young man who spend most of their times away from their families. Hamlet spends his time studying at the University of Wittenberg and Laertes spends much of the time in France. They were living their life away from all the problems that were occurring in their homes, until the news of t... ... king Hamlet murdered in the garden by his nephew. There Hamlet realized that the ghost’s word has been proven true and then started his revenge. Hamlet took everything much easy and took time to plan his revenge and Laertes didn’t and failed. In conclusion the death of a father has a strong impact on individuals. This play endorses revenge because everyone paid for their sins. Hamlet revenged his father by killing Claudius and so did Laertes when saying about the plot he did with Claudius which is proven in the book and in the film I saw of Hamlet. In the film, however Laertes shots Hamlet with a gun, that then reverses and Hamlet shots him and Claudius. Revenge was taken place and both fathers murder had vengeance. Even though everyone had to die, this play shows that no matter who was involved in any plot. Everyone involved has to pay for their actions. Essay -- A popular writer in his own lifetime, William Shakespeare's reputation became increasingly popular after his death and his work is widely performed throughout the world. He is the most quoted writer in the literature and history because of his poetries and playwrights. His most famous play was â€Å"Hamlet†, which showed a great deal of revenge. This plays theme reflected the true meaning of betrayal, hate and revenge. In this play Shakespeare shows how individuals would act towards a loves death, no matter the outcomes. In the play Hamlet, there were four revengers, Hamlet himself, Laertes, Fortinbras, and Pyrrhus. However, Hamlet and Laertes will be my main focus on examining Shakespeare’s depiction of revenge. Hamlet is the Prince of Denmark, the son of the old King Hamlet. He is very melancholy, and bitter, full of hatred for his uncle’s usurpation. Laertes in the other hand is the son of Polonius. His character is very passionate but contrasts for the reflective Hamlet. These two characters have many comparisons in seeking revenge after the death of their fathers. Although each has the same intentions the outcomes are dissimilar. When Hamlet’s father King Hamlet and Laertes’s father Polonius were killed, it made them want to seek revenge. The similarities that compare these two characters are their life style and education, the emotions towards their father’s death, and the reasons for their revenge. Each character was described as young man who spend most of their times away from their families. Hamlet spends his time studying at the University of Wittenberg and Laertes spends much of the time in France. They were living their life away from all the problems that were occurring in their homes, until the news of t... ... king Hamlet murdered in the garden by his nephew. There Hamlet realized that the ghost’s word has been proven true and then started his revenge. Hamlet took everything much easy and took time to plan his revenge and Laertes didn’t and failed. In conclusion the death of a father has a strong impact on individuals. This play endorses revenge because everyone paid for their sins. Hamlet revenged his father by killing Claudius and so did Laertes when saying about the plot he did with Claudius which is proven in the book and in the film I saw of Hamlet. In the film, however Laertes shots Hamlet with a gun, that then reverses and Hamlet shots him and Claudius. Revenge was taken place and both fathers murder had vengeance. Even though everyone had to die, this play shows that no matter who was involved in any plot. Everyone involved has to pay for their actions.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Social Security :: American Government, Social Security Deficit

In the past decades, Social Security Administration has had annual revenue that excesses the amount it pays to beneficiaries. However, U.S. economy situation has created a long-term effect in many of the public organizations and departments. Social Security Administration is one of many departments that will face some economy issues during U.S. economy recovery. Social security will post nearly $600 billion in deficits over the next decade as the economy struggles to recover and millions of baby boomers stand at the brink of retirement, according to new congressional projections, (Ohlemancher, 2011). The funds that Social Security has save to payout their beneficiaries have an expiration date. In the upcoming years more people will be eligible for retirement, however, many of them will only be pay 78 percent of their benefits, (Ohlemancher, 2011). The government needs to find solutions for the upcoming deficits and be able to help Social Security Administration to no run out of fund s. Issues In 2011, Social security administration will collect about 4.6 million retirement, survivor, and Medicare claims. 3.3 million Social Security and SSI claims and 326,000 SSI aged claims, (Social Security, 2011). These claims have to go to procedures that can take months to be approval. During these procedures, many more applicants are eligible to apply for social security and more money is pay to beneficiaries. In 2011, social security will collect $45 million less in payroll that it pays out in retirement, disability and survivor benefits, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, (Ohlemacher, 2011). 54 million people receive retirement, disability or survivor benefits with an average payment of $1,076 a month, (Ohlemacher, 2011). Social Security Administration has being able to save and invest taxpayers money into U.S. Treasury department. The money save into U.S. treasury department accumulates interest for future Social Security beneficiaries. Social Security has built up $2.5 trillion surplus since the retirement program was last overhauled in the 1980s, (Ohlemacher, 2011) The money that Social Security invested in the treasury department is no physically available for social security beneficiaries. The $2.5 trillion has been borrowed over the years by the federal government and spent on other programs. In a promised to pay off the surpluses Treasury department has issued bonds to Social Security, Guaranteeing payments with interest (Ohlemacher, 2011). If the situation gets worst for social security and asks federal government to pay off, there’s no way that social security will obtain the money because there’s no federal funds to pay off the debts to Social Security.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Don Benito Cereno: No Future without the Past

A. P. English September 22, 2012 No Future Without the Past By: Bernice Mojica â€Å"But the past is past; why moralize upon it? Forget it. See, yon bright sun has forgotten it all, and the blue sea, and the blue sky; these have turned over new leaves. † â€Å"Because they have no memory,† he dejectedly replied; â€Å"because they are not human. † â€Å"But these mild trades that now fan your cheek, Don Benito, do they not come with a human-like healing to you? Warm friends, steadfast friends are the trades. â€Å"With their steadfastness they but waft me to my tomb, Senor,† was the foreboding response. â€Å"You are saved, Don Benito,† cried Captain Delano, more and more astonished and pained; â€Å"you are saved; what has cast such a shadow upon you? † â€Å"The Negro. † (pg. 75) -Melville, Herman. Benito Cereno. New York: Dover Publications, Inc. , 1990 Don Benito Cereno’s epiphany over the mistake of underestimating the Neg roes keeps him moralized upon the past, rather than accepting his wrong doings and modifying them into optimistic beneficial accomplishments.To prove that his way of thinking is keeping him from moving on, Captain Delano advices him that, â€Å"the past is past; why moralize upon it? † Delano is letting him know that he can’t hold himself back from a great future based on a rotten past. Although selfishness is looked upon as a sinful thought, pleasing one’s self is still considered a good intention. Delano comforts Cereno by indirectly assuring him that he should never regret what has been done, because during the moment of that action, there was always a reasonable purpose to be followed.Those experiences taught him how to become a better human being; hence, if he didn’t go through any of that, he would not have the current regretful feelings he has at the end of the novel. Delano alludes to Benito that if the world is able to metamorphose, then so can h e; â€Å"See, yon bright sun has forgotten it all, and the blue sea, and the blue sky; these have turned over new leaves. † These are all forms of our dynamic nature which juxtapose Benito’s static character. DonBenito comes to realize that the population he had once tortured is the same as those who have morally and mentally saved him. This is translated when Captain Delano asks him, â€Å"you are saved; what has cast such a shadow upon you? † and Cereno replies that â€Å"the Negro† is what has cast the shadow upon him. The Negroes aboard the San Dominick represent â€Å"blackness†. Therefore, Cereno is implying that blackness is the evil within human nature, which the black ethnic group metaphorically represents.Blackness is a connotation of an actual color, and in this case, it is also the live image of what us humans believe stands for worthlessness and diabolic. This comparison is an oxymoron to what Cereno is referring to. If you recall, Cer eno had stated that he was saved because of this blackness; which I had just mentioned was unholy. This contradiction establishes how there is no future without the past; how you cannot grow without a base to keep yourself standing. There is no need for change if there is nothing destructive keeping you from reaching your goals.Cereno believes he himself was the destructiveness keeping the Negroes from fulfilling their wishes of being able to see their families again. This brings about the empathy that the reader feels towards him in the end. With this passage being at the end of the novel, it clearly exhibits a stable theme for the novel as a whole. Race seems to be the common denominator throughout the story. This is supported by the fact that it was written during the 1850’s; when slavery was most popular.Melville seems to realize that this sort of power over other humans was morally wrong and he did not agree with what was socially acceptable. Our generations have been ta ught that we should never judge a book by its cover, therefore, we should not judge a man by his color. You should never underestimate a man based on what he doesn’t have, but rather estimate his power based on what he does have. Now that Don Benito Cereno comes to terms with the equality of all men, he took the first step into admitting his mistakes and chooses to follow a leader rather than being one.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Lord of the Flies Roger Character Study

Roger is one of the antagonists in the novel, Lord of the Flies, and the decisions that he makes have major impact on the unfolding of the story. He is introduced as a slightly built boy who is shy, secretive and keeps to himself. Rather than let Jack automatically become the leader, Roger suggests that they have a vote. This demonstrates how at the start he was a civilized person who knew what was proper and just to do, rather than simply allowing the loudest voice to get their way. Roger is shown to be a bully as he constantly picks on the littluns by destroying their sandcastles, throwing sand in their eyes and throwing rocks at them. By Rogers own nature he really wanted to hit the boys with the stones but was held back by society’s conditioning of his behavior and as a result missed every time. In the hunt his true sadistic nature is further evidenced by his excessive violence towards the pig. This all demonstrates that he had made a conscious decision to follow Jack rather than Ralph as this allowed him to foster his dark intentions even though he knew that this was morally wrong. He chose to be involved in the frenzy that lead to the brutal murder of Simon and afterwards showed no remorse for his actions. Therefore civilization was being removed as an inhibiting factor and Roger became increasingly more primitive and savage in his behaviour. When Roger hears of Jack’s intentions to beat Wilfred he hurries back to the tribe so that he can torture him himself, showing the further lost of any control society once had on him. When he was looking down at Piggy from his vantage point at Castle Rock, his only thoughts about Piggy were that he was a â€Å"bag of fat†, highlighting Rogers’s now clearly evident complete lack of empathy for others. By this stage Roger is well and truly a savage with no more restraints of civilization and because of this he gave into his sadistic urges and pushed the boulder off the cliff, killing Piggy. In dealing with newly captive Sam and Eric, Roger asserts authority through violence and forces them to join the tribe and tell him of Ralph’s whereabouts, expressing his disregard for conventional authority. The next day Roger sets out with Jack on the hunt for Ralph with the intention of killing him and impaling him so that he can offer him to the Beast. At this point Roger exemplifies the complete breakdown of the boys’ behaviour from a civilized Christian background to a Pagan tribe. However he is stopped utterly in his tracks when the naval officer appears and he is dragged back to reality. In a flash the sight of a representative of civilisation from a screaming savage and has brought back all the memories of humanity. Rogers’s decisions reflect how his character gradually disintegrated under the breakdown of order. To me Roger is a despicable and reprehensible character who illustrates the worst aspects of humanity.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Life Lessons Essay

ife (â€Å"Hard Work Beats Talent, When Talent Doesn’t Work Hard†) – (Kevin Durant) Over this past summer, I experienced a lot of events that I think will change my life for the better. It seemed like everything started falling in place when I got an unexpected call from a college coach from a small school called Samford University. I was shocked that I received the call because for one, I’d never even heard of the school he was calling from. Also, I never actually played a full game of football in high school.The reason he’d called me is because he said he was at one of the previous scouting camps I attended a few weeks prior, and he liked my athleticism and how I always worked hard and never gave up, even when he saw I was having a hard time. He wanted me to attend one of the school sponsored scouting camps that he was putting together, and he offered to get me in for free so I gladly accepted. When I arrived at the camp, I was very nervous becaus e there were a lot more major college coaches there than I expected, and the combine included college students also, so I wasn’t just competing against any regular competitors.There were 6 different events that we were doing that day, and I had never done any of them at any previous camps so I had no faith in myself from the start. At the first event, the 40 Yard Dash, I had to race a college linebacker from another school so I had to prove to my coaches that I could take on any challenge they threw at me from the beginning. But everything didn’t go quite as I expected. On my first try I false started 2 seconds early, and everyone was laughing at me so I started to down myself. On the 2nd attempt, I false started again!It wasn’t as early as the previous one, but I was wasting all of my chances at getting an official time because I was too nervous to even start on time. On the 3rd and final attempt, I managed to get off on a good start and run a 4. 92, but the sc outs weren’t very impressed by that because they knew and I knew that I could do better than what I was showing them. At the next event, the Running back drills, I was already nervous because of how bad I had done at the previous event, and it showed in my actions.When I went up to catch passes from one of the quarterbacks that was attending the camp with me, normal passes that I could catch in my sleep became difficult for me to complete. I was so worried about messing up again that I wasn’t performing to my full potential. The coach that recruited me to attend the camp took notice at my performance and pulled me aside and talked to me. He told me â€Å"he knows for a fact that I could do better, and he wants to see the athlete that he saw at the previous camp, not the nervous one that he had seen today.Just believe in myself and perform to the best of my abilities for the duration of the camp and everything would be fine†. Then he gave me a quote to think of w hen I got down, â€Å"Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard†. Now I don’t know what it was about that speech, but when I went back to the drill, everything seemed to fall into place. I was catching every single pass the quarterback threw me, even the ones that were badly placed. When I re-did my 40 Yard Dash, my time dropped from a 4. 2 to a 4. 8. From that point on, I exceed all my expectations at every other event that was available to me at the camp. After that day, I learned that I can’t down myself every time I mess up at something, I have to just keep doing my best and to forget the rest. And whenever I get to the point where I want to just give up, I always remember that quote that the coach told me, â€Å"Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard. Word Count: 695