A Simple Heart free essay sample

A Simple Heart, is the narrative account of one woman’s painfully unrewarding life as a humble and blindly dedicated servant, Felicite. Throughout the story chronicling her life, she suffers a series of heartbreaking losses, but continues to love unconditionally nonetheless. A Simple Heart brings up themes of death and loss, and unquestioning duty and responsibility. It also calls into question conventional religious belief, through, among other things, Felicite’s warship of the parrot, Lou Lou. Felicite represents each of these themes partly in her own ignorance and simplicity and, as a result, it is seemingly difficult to validate the authenticity of her religious experience and views. However, it is this piety that, in the end, affords her contentment with her own life. And in this sense, everyone’s personal religious experiences are expressly unique and genuine, thus proving their legitimacy. Orphaned at a young age, Felicite grows up working on farms until a young man named Theodore courts her. We will write a custom essay sample on A Simple Heart or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page After his initial violent attempt to seduce her fails, which he later blames on alcohol, he is successful in garnering her affection. However, instead of marrying her as promised, he chooses a rich old woman who can save him from conscription. Heartbroken, she travels to Pont l’Eveque, where Madame Aubaine hires her as a servant. Here, she will spend the rest of her days, caring for Aubain’s children and keeping house. At the same time, she will suffer tremendous loss while maintaining a caring and innocent heart regardless. A main theme woven into A Simple Heart is that of loss. Manyh of Felicite’s losses throughout the story are directly connected with death, and therefore death act as the primary vehicle of loss in Felicite’s life. She is orphaned at a very young age by the death of her parents, loses Virginie to illness, her nephew Victor to the sea, Madame Aubaine to Pneumonia, and her parrot, Lou Lou. In addition, while not as a result of death, she loses her first love, Theodore, to abandonment, Paul to society, and is even threatened with the loss of her home upon the death of her master. She has no control over the losses she endures; loss is inevitable. This idea of loss plays into another theme within A Simple Heart- that of unquestioning duty and responsibility. It is Felicite’s simplicity and, at times, her ignorance that allows her to so be so blindly devoted and caring. She works faithfully for little pay, and remains incredibly loyal to Aubain’s family. For example, when she saves Aubaine and her children from a raging bull, she puts her own life in peril without a second thought. She takes no pride in this act, and has not the â€Å"barest suspicion that she had done anything heroic† (1023). She also displays this when she fails to see Virginie before she dies because she feels so strongly about making sure the house is locked and secure before she leaves to see her. Despite her pure heart, it seems that Felicite is never rewarded. This challenges the value of such blind and unshakable devotion in such an unrewarding and oftentimes cruel world. However, Flaubert’s most significant idea presented in this story, one that is intertwined with death and devotion, is his questioning of mystical belief. Felicite’s religious devotion seems arbitrary and indirect. Despite this, it also appears to be quite deep and meaningful to her. The irony lies in the fact that she gains most, if not all, of her religious experience vicariously through Virginie’s own encounters. This first appears when Felicite brings the young girl to her first communion ceremony. When Virginie’s turn came, Felicite leaned forward to see her; and with the imaginativeness of deep and tender feeling it seemed to her that she actually was the child; Virginie’s face became hers, she was dressed in her clothes, it was her heart beating in her breast. As the moment came to open her mouth she closed her eyes and nearly fainted. (1025) When Felicite went early the next morning to receive the communion, â€Å"she took it with devotion, but it did not give her the same exquisite delight† (1026). In this example, is such religious devotion hers, or is it only the young girls? However, who is to decide the legitimacy of Felicites own piety? Could she not have simply been less overwhelmed in this instance than during her first real connection with God; many feelings lose their power as one continues to experience them. If she feels piety genuinely in her heart, regardless of the cause of the emotion, is it not inherently hers? It is. Flaubert also shows his skepticism of religious devotion in Felicite’s simple mind. Perhaps she, an uneducated woman, lacks the logical knowledge to question these feelings and beliefs. For instance, when Felicite visits the dead body of Virginie, â€Å"she kissed them [her eyes] and would not have been immensely surprised if Virginie had opened them again; to minds like hers the supernatural is quite simple† (1030). She also show’s her ignorance when she studies the map with M. Bourais, trying to figure out how far her nephew is out at sea. She asks him to show him the house in which Victor lives, and he throws â€Å"up his arms, sneezed, and laughed immensely: a simplicity like hers was a positive joy. And Felicite did not understand the reason; how could she when she expected, very likely, to see the actual image of her nephew† (1028). Is it simply too convenient for a simple mind, like Felicite’s, to blindly accept such mysticisms. If so, then how can anyone, including those with immense logical knowledge, explain mystical belief? They cannot. Mystical belief is not something that one can explain; it is a sensation that can only be felt deep in a person’s soul and summons an inner consciousness of the supernatural. The question remains: Are Felicite’s moments of grace legitimate, or are they simply a product of her ignorance and forced religious beliefs? Perhaps her most questionable moment is her vision of Lou Lou as Christ. Throughout Flaubert’s writings, it is clear that Felicite worships the parrot. She goes as far as to hang a stained glass portrait of Christ’s Crucifixion directly next to the stuffed birth. She prays to Lou Lou as she would Christ, and even upon her death, she sees the clouds open and a vision of him appears. While it may seem easy to argue that her ignorance and perhaps stupidity allow her to worship this bird, why is it so unbelievable that she does so? Mystical feeling and experience can and should not be so limited. If the feeling is powerful and genuine to Felicite, it is wrong for anyone to challenge her personal moment of spiritual awareness. Furthermore, any religious sentiment or oneness with a higher being should not be challenged, as such experiences are innately unique to every individual. That is the beauty of the unknown; it is up for any interpretation.

Biography of Musical Inventor Joseph H Dickinson

Biography of Musical Inventor Joseph H Dickinson Joseph Hunter Dickinson contributed several improvements to different musical instruments. Hes particularly known for improvements to player pianos that provided better actuation (the loudness or softness of the key strikes) and could play the sheet music from any point in the song. In addition to his accomplishments as an inventor, he was elected to the Michigan legislature, serving from from 1897 to 1900. The Life of Joseph H. Dickinson Sources say Joseph H. Dickinson was born in Chatham, Ontario, Canada on June 22, 1855, to Samuel and Jane Dickinson. His parents were from the United States and they returned to settle in Detroit in 1856 with the infant Joseph. He went to school in Detroit. By 1870, he had enlisted in the United States Revenue Service and served on the revenue cutter Fessenden for two years. He was hired at age 17 by the Clough Warren Organ Company, where he was employed for 10 years. This company was one of the largest organ makers in the world at that time and  made over 5,000 ornate inlaid-wood organs per year from 1873 to 1916. Some of their organs were purchased by Queen Victoria of England and other royalty. Their Vocalion instrument was a leading church organ for many years. They also began to manufacture pianos under the brand names of Warren, Wayne, and Marville. The company later switched to manufacturing phonographs. During his first stint  at the company, one of the large combination organs Dickinson designed for Clough Warren won a prize at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Dickinson married Eva Gould of Lexington. He later formed the Dickinson Gould Organ Company with this father-in-law. As part of an exhibit on the accomplishments of black Americans, they sent an organ to the New Orleans Exposition of 1884. After four years, he sold his interest to his father-in-law and went back to the Clough Warren Organ Company. During his second stint with Clough Warren, Dickinson filed his numerous patents. These included improvements for reed organs and volume-controlling mechanisms. He was not the first inventor of the player piano, but he did patent an improvement that allowed the piano to start playing at any position on the music roll. His roller mechanism also allowed the piano to play its music in forward or reverse. Additionally, he is regarded as the main contributing inventor of the Duo-Art reproducing piano. He later served as superintendent of the Aeolian Companys experimental department in Garwood, New Jersey. This company was also one of the largest piano manufacturers of its time. He received over a dozen patents during these years, as player pianos were popular. Later, he continued to innovate with phonographs. He was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives as a Republican candidate in 1897, representing the first district of Wayne County (Detroit). He was re-elected in 1899. Joseph H. Dickinsons Patents #624,192, 5/2/1899, Reed Organ#915,942, 3/23/1909, Volume-controlling means for mechanical musical instruments#926,178, 6/29/1909, Volume-controlling means for mechanical musical instruments#1,028,996, 6/11/1912, Player-piano#1,252,411, 1/8/1918, Phonograph#1,295,802. 6/23.1916 Rewind device for phonographs#1,405,572, 3/20/1917 Motor drive for phonographs#1,444,832 11/5/1918 Automatic musical instrument#1,446,886 12/16/1919 Sound box for sound-reproducing machines#1,448733 3/20/1923 Multiple-record-magazine phonograph#1,502,618 6/8/1920 Player piano and the like#1,547,645 4/20/1921 Automatic musical instrument#1.732,879 12/22/1922 Automatic piano#1,808,808 10/15/1928 Music roll magazine

Shurgard self storage Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Shurgard self storage - Case Study Example This work tells us about the founder of Shurgard, who has proven that goals can be achieved by proper investing and waiting. Shurgard Self Storage has proven its success. Like other business, it is important to create an image and allow shares. He created an image by creating a large lighthouse that could be used by customers to identify the business.Shurgard also wanted the services of the Self Storage to be similar and close to one another so they could be easily accessed. Easy access and fair pricing is a part of Shurgards business strategy. Sucess usually brings expansion. It was not a surprise that Shurgard had decided to expand. Europe had a huge market for self storage units. Shurgard knew what it took to grow and had a great chance at becoming successful in a foreign area such as Europe. Keeping the same business ethics in Europe should mean for a promising expansion.will be successful in Europe with the help of investors. Investors can help the company grow. Growing the comp any will allow Shurgard to expand its Europe operations and make more profit. They will only be successful if they wait for tenants to rent and give the self storage units time to pay for themselves. Current views on the firm’s expansion plans in Europe are promising. This means that an investor will need to help provide necessary funds. Expanding too fast in a foreign location could turn out to be unsuccessful. This is for many different reasons. Europe may only show an increase in tenants for a short length of time. If this happens, Shurgard will not do as well in Europe as the firm did in the United States. It is realistic to plan for an expansion if the expansion will be beneficial to the business. The management of Shurgard faces many expansion challenges. The challenges will bring opportunities but only if Shurgard can become successful. Challenges include, maintaining the storage units, advertising, and handling customers. Managers will be from another country and have to be taught American ways. Opportunities include expansion, and obtaining a good foreign reputation. d. The consortium is proposing to invest 122

Motivation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Motivation - Essay Example The company deals in gold jewellery, diamonds, silver and pearls. There are more than 14 outlets of all 3 categories. My role is of managing the business, staff and production decisions of Gold Mold Inc. (GM )The firm employs more than a hundred employees and I generally overlook the areas of staff problems and promotions, new designs and exhibitions for all these outlets. The most recent crisis occurred in the past few months where I had been designated to choose a new factory and retail site for our group of companies. The site in question which was nominated by the consultants would appear to have everything. It was close to a railway station, bus services are fairly good from the middle and west of the district and was a popular area for professional staff to live. We could have drained the land (a small water feature would be an attractive low cost possibility). It was a prestige site in what is a very desirable part of the district. The large number of golf sites and good green space within walking distance further add to the attractiveness of the site as a commercial centre. However the only problem was that the nature reserve itself had been declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the presence of Great Crested Newts in some of the ponds and wetlands. There have been recent instances where development still pressed ahead despite the presence of these creatures but this resulted in delays & bad publicity due to strong opposition from environmental and wildlife groups. One representative of a bank involved in the group of development consultants and an ardent supporter of this site has put forward the idea, in confidence, that for a small sum it might be possible to â€Å"rid ourselves of the Newts†. This is certainly an attractive site and must not be ruled out. If the problems can be resolved relatively quickly and without too much cost building a Jewellery retail and factory

Proposal 1 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Proposal 1 - Assignment Example The primary focus of DroneIn will cater for developing more friendly and wholesome drones. Since there is an increasing rate of insecurity, my firm will create drones that cater for the growing market. I am not ignorant of the fact that, there are other established firms, which seems to have a relatively large share in this market. As such, i have established prior mechanisms that will enable me to cater for what the big players have left out. Although there are many player in this sector, there has VectorCal appears to be more established than a vast majority of other firms in this sector. It is a long way ahead, though there are promising results a willing heart. There are a number of weaknesses that I have seen in VectorCal, this create a open gap for exploitation. As mentioned earlier, VectorCal has not fully met the growing needs of a vast majority of consumers, additionally; this firm has a relatively weak forecasting method that have mainly focussed on short term goals success, poses clear threats. Ultimately, DroneIn will seek to be the leading entity in this sector with regards to provision of friendly but yet sophisticated drones that will serve the needs of the ever change consumers. Additionally, my firm will establish long term relationships with the consumers through offering affordable and easily controllable drones (Barnhart, 2012: pg 240-241). Conclusively, my firm will strive to give the consumers a reason to continuously work with us. My target consumers mainly involve governments, private security agencies and individuals. There are prior measures that have been established to cater for the different needs that are evident in the three groups. As for the government, I have ensured that there will be more faster and yet stable drones. Since private agencies have a growing need for drones that are smaller, I have sourced out relevant technologies that will

Difference Between Takaful And Conventional Insurance Economics Essay

Difference Between Takaful And Conventional Insurance Economics Essay Takaful is an Arabic word which explains as guaranteeing each other (Tan Kin Lian, 2006). Haemala Thanasegaran (2008) also defined Takaful as mutual insurance in the Islamic system with compliant with principles of Shariah which is known as Islamic law. Shariah is attributing to direct Muslims by following principle which is: (W. Jean Kwon, 2007) Fard or wajib also known as halal which is obligation strictly enforced by Islamic law. Haram or mamu related to absolutely prohibition or unlawful activities. Mandub or mustahub which means that what is suggested or the activities that individuals are ought to do as own advantages. Makruh refer to what is discouraged or the activities that individuals are need to deny due to own benefits. Muhab is about permissibility or the activities that under the Islamic law is neutral. Besides, Alsadek Gait Andrew Worthington (2008) agreed that Takaful is a type of collaborate self-help program. Moreover, Ramin Cooper Maysami W.Jean Kwon (1999) who are stated that Takaful is establish on the law of large number whereby in the form of joint guarantee insurance mechanism. It means that a flock of public gathers their capital resource to prevent certain risk of losses. Takaful is an arrangement among a group of people with collective interests which aim to insure or defend each other from certain regulation of misfortunes instance of premature death, disability and property damages (Obaidulllah, 2005). Therefore, Faizal Manjoo (2007) said that Takaful is elicitation by the aqilah and diyah systems which is someone who is among a group of people are aim to financial salvage is possibility confronted with unexpected liability instance of paying for the blood money which means diyah. Takaful is an alternative form of financial instrument to guarantee assets, liabilities and other interests of individuals and organizations. (Zuriah Abdul Rahman, 2009) Therefore, Muhammad Ayub (2009) supported that the alternative of Takaful is according to the concept of social solidarity, cooperation and at the same time indemnification the losses of participants. Indeed, Haemala Thanasegaran (2008) pointed out that Takaful is similar with conventional insurance which is include the distribution of the risk and it is become play an important role as part of our professional and livelihood. As a result, Jamie Reid (2008) suggested that Takaful become a significant role to worldwide financial institution which is widely establish in Asian and Middle East currently and also has an opportunity advance to the western country. Present years, there are a lot of international insurance industries are interest participate in Islamic insurance market. Although, Takaful insurance is mainly expanded at Islamic countries for the sake of the advent of Islamic banking and it has presented its potential as an innovation financial instrument over the past decade. (Haemala Thanasegaran, 2008) Whereas, Ramin Cooper Maysami W.Jean Kwon (1999) examined that Takaful has also grown on religion principle which processes unique characteristic besides grown as an innovation financial instrument. 2.1.1 Concept of Takaful The concept of Islamic insurance which is known as Takaful was first introduced in Sudan in 1979 and the main concept is an alternative to conventional insurance whereas according to principle of Shariah. (Kassar, 2008) Takaful as a concept compliant the principles of Shariah which is Islamic law thereby it is essentially to a system of mutual help which refers to the pooling of resources to help the needy (Browne and Kim, 1993). Therefore, according to Tan Kin Lian (2006), who is examined that before the advent of Islam 14 centuries ago there is possibility that the concept of mutual cooperation among tribal members in the Arabian Peninsula already started. The instance in pre-Islamic history which to prove the argument is: Aqila which is the Pooling System Daman Khatr Al-Tariq defined as Surety System Al Hlif which is utilized by Trade Alliance Confederation Nevertheless, Catherine Stagg-Macey (2007) summarize that Islamic insurance also known as Takaful is a mutual insurance that establish with the concept of tabarru (donation) which means that everyone will be take advantage from a share of investment returns since they are contributes to a fund. It is the combination of guaranteeing each other and mutual or cooperative insurance and there are necessarily to including in Takaful. However, Dawood Yousef Taylor (2005) stated that according to Fiqh Academy in 1985 who judged that conventional commercial insurance was haram (forbidden) which contravened the rules of Shariah and Islamic insurance which is Takaful was halal (acceptable). Accordingly, Haemala Thanasegaran (2008) pointed out that the reason is the operation of conventional insurance is against the principle of Shariah which is involve the elements of Al-gharar (uncertainties in the operation of the insurance contract), Al-maisir (gambling as a consequence of the presence of uncertainty), and Al-riba (interest). Gharar (uncertainty) Gharar is means that uncertainty or ambiguity of the theme of the contract by the insured such as the occurrence of indemnity, the sources and the amount for compensation and the timing of uncertainty (Anwar, 1994). Maisir (gambling) Islamic law is prohibiting speculation or receiving return without effort. Since the policy holders of insurance are look like to bet premiums on the condition that the insurer will make compensation when arise specified accident thereby it is forbidden based on principle Shariah. (Anwar, 1994) Riba (usury or interest) Riba is prohibit by Islamic law which refer to unequal exchange of the same things and also can defined as difference amount and quantity between insurer and insured when transactions. (Anwar, 2004) 2.1.2 Type of Takaful In Malaysia, there is providing two different types of Takaful insurance services which consist of General Takaful and Family Takaful. Family Takaful The family Takaful is a long-term investment and saving. The function of family Takaful is providing protection to the participants family by mutual fund while participant involve in the event of death. Furthermore, the goal of designed this plan is to: Regularity save the contribution of fund during a fixed period which is long term Utilize fund that contribution by participant as investment to gaining profit or return under the rule or principle Shariah, and Assistance in financial while unexpected death of participant prior to the maturity of the plan Commonly, family Takaful can recognize to several form such as: Ordinary family which is composing from endowment, temporary, medical and health. Takaful endowment is same kind with the life insurance. However, there is also has combine with education plan which respond by public is enthusiastically. Investment-linked Takaful is providing participant protection and also get chance earn profit or return in future depend on value underlying assets. Takaful Annuity is attribute to guarantee participant future retirement life by provide periodic income. (Hendon Redzuan, Zuriah, Sharifah Sakinah, 2009) On the other hand, Haemala Thanasegaran (2008) stated that maturity period, amount and the frequency of annual contribution of family Takaful are determinant by participant as well as the fund contribution will save into the Participants Account (PA) which is for savings and investment and the Participants Special Account (PSA) which is for Tabarru or donation. General Takaful A general takaful plan is commonly standing in the period of 12 months which is known as short term mutual financial help. Generally, it is assuring for property, engineering, miscellaneous accident, marine, motor and others. Moreover, general takaful attribute to scheme that purpose to provide compensation to someone who is suffering losses such as destruction or disaster inflicted upon asset of the participant. Method of payment for general takaful is based on tabarru which is donation aim to mutually help and jointly guarantee each others with using the fund compensate for participants who are facing losses. (Hendon Redzuan, Zuriah, Sharifah Sakinah, 2009) Although, Mohd. Masum Billah (1996) suggest that general Takaful should identify as al-Musahamah (contribution) which replace al-Tabarru (donation) due to aim the participant has no against the rule of Shariah which in the risk on the theme of the policy while make a claim. In other words, participants are making a claim or gain return over their own contribute fund. As evidence, under Quran sanction of mutual co-operation has described that Help you another in righteousness and piety. 2.2 Development of Takaful Malaysia Islamic insurance which is also known as Takaful is a new industry compare with conventional insurance. Despite the origin of Takaful was beginning from 14 centuries ago, the first time that Malaysia started operating Takaful was in 1984 which is Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Bhd. (Dawood Yousef Taylor, 2005) Whether or not, Sudan was the first introduced the modern Islamic insurance initially based on cooperative model which similar with conventional mutual insurer in 1979. However, majority of the countries include Malaysia and Saudi Arabia implemented commercial models of Takaful afterward. (IFSB IAIS, 2006) Masum Billah (1996) concluded that Takaful in Malaysia is currently thrives. Nevertheless, Malaysia is the leader which has the largest market in Takaful insurance among non-Arab countries. For instance, Takaful occupy 27% of the total insurance market in Malaysia parallel to Asia Pacific countries which have approximately 9% market, Europe and US are about 1% market and Arab countries which is the head of Takaful insurance hold about 63% market. (Salihuddin Ahmad, 2007) In the Far East, Malaysia was the forefront of Takaful development who conducted by Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM) enact Takaful regulations with separate regulations that enable the prosperity of Takaful insurance. Alter of the regulation is compulsory as to compete with conventional insurance industry. Thus, Malaysia administer Takaful compete with the conventional insurance impartiality. There is possibility that the changes of the Takaful Act and regulations in Malaysia bring on prosperous of Takaful Malaysia and Takaful Nasional which are two major composite Takaful operators. It is lead to development of general and life insurance rather than general Takaful insurance. (Dawood Yousef Taylor, 2005) In addition, in term of Takaful in Malaysia successfully, there are new operators were intent to involve in Takaful industry on several countries such as: Brunei Takaful IBB Bhd and Takaful Taib Sdn Bhd Indonesia PT Syarikat Takaful Keluarga which transacting in family (life) business PT Syarikat Takaful Umum which transacting in general business Singapore Islamic Insurance Pte (Mohd. Masum Billah, 1996) Moreover, Takaful operators of Malaysia have establish joint-ventures in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka which aim to provided technical expertise to the Asian countries especially Indonesia, Brunei, Australia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Algeria and so on. (Yusof, 2001) Nonetheless, Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM) and the Takaful operators continued struggling to expand Takaful industry as assume in the Financial Sector Masterplan during 2002 which were focused on financial infrastructure development, institutional capacity enhancement as well as product and market development. (Central bank of Malaysia, 2002) On the other hand, Takaful has gradually develop as viable alternative to conventional insurance and may appeal to Muslim and non-Muslim which is a wide range of customers. (IFSB IAIS, 2006) Therefore, Malaysia as multi-racial country which is differences religious and cultural was able to attracted many consumers to purchase Takaful insurance. In Malaysia, Prudential BSN Takaful Berhad (PruBSN) has attracted more than 40% of non-Muslim customers among participant. (Mohamad Salihuddin Ahmad, 2007) Nevertheless, the corporate sector and multinationals in Malaysia are also preferred to select Takaful compare with conventional insurance. Although, there is no enough to promote and expanded Takaful thereby it was a challenges to the development and expanded of the local and global Takaful industry. (Mohamad Salihuddin Ahmad, 2007) Takaful is now implemented by over 60 companies in 23 countries and trend to promptly expanding. Recently, Malaysia initial offer Re-Takaful services in Labuan and also significant develops Re-Takaful which is the equivalent of conventional reinsurance. Presently, majority of Takaful operators reinsure to conventional reinsurers despite it is considered acceptable as long as there is no feasible that Shariah obey alternative. (IFSB IAIS, 2006) Since February 2008, Malaysia already has eight Takaful operators with license which is Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Berhad, CIMB Aviva Takaful Bhd., Hong Leong Tokio Marine Takaful Bhd., MAA Takaful Berhad, Takaful Ikhlas Sdn. Bhd., Prudential BSN Takaful Bhd., HSBC Amanah Takaful (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. and Etiqa Takaful Bhd., as well as two Re-Takaful companies which is Munich Re and MNRB Holding Bhd. (Bank Negara Malaysia, 2006) 2.3 Difference between Takaful and conventional insurance Takaful Conventional insurance It is a co-operative institution according to the principles of contract which is mutual co-operation (taawun). (Ahmad Ali Khan, 2003) It is a business institutions operated upon the principles of contract which is exchange. (Ahmad Ali Khan, 2003) Based on the principle, participants as insured and insurers their own self. Moreover, not insurance operators bearing the losses and risk of transfer whereas are shared by the participants each other. (Ahmad Ali Khan, 2003) The insured is uncertainly due to the transfer of the indeterminate fortuitous economic losses related with the prescribed risks in return for a pre-determined payment which is known as premium. (Ahmad Ali Khan, 2003) There are not endue with involve in the profits generated by the insurance operators. (Ahmad Ali Khan, 2003) Main objective is to gain profit or return from the insurance transactions for the shareholders. (Ahmad Ali Khan, 2003) All participants who pay a certain prescribed premiums are available to vote in the elections of the directors of the company or to check the companys annual accounts. (Ahmad Ali Khan, 2003) The policy-holder has no right to vote in the elections of the directors of the company or to check the annual accounts of the company. (Ahmad Ali Khan, 2003) Exchanging money with money in itself thereby no discrepancy in the amount or time. (Ahmad Ali Khan, 2003) Contribution of participants is attributed to Tabarru which means donation. (Mohd Tarmidzi, 2007) Both premium and claim being exchanged are different and takes place at different times. (Ahmad Ali Khan, 2003) Contribution from participants is due to investment. (Mohd Tarmidzi, 2007) Surplus in the fund will be distributed to participants. (Mohammed Musabah, 2008) Surplus in the fund is belong company as profit. (Mohammed Musabah, 2008) 2.4 Perception As to improve customers perception, companies should frequently adopt customers oriented and considering customers need in their position. Moreover, fully understand, elaborately configure, effectively manage, and exceed customers expectations already as a significant key to improve customers perception. (Frank Yao, 2007) On the other hand, according to Mohd Tarmidzi (2007), who is suggested that Takaful operators need respect the perception of the customers whether their criticism is truth or not. 2.4.1 Services Recently, providing better service quality already as a vital objective for companies to satisfy customers demand and compete with other same trade companies. (Izah Nor Mazlina, 2007) Thus, there is importance of service quality perceptions and the relationship between customer satisfaction and service quality. (Haque, 2009) Indeed, services are definitely related to the total quality management (TQM). Presently, a lot of global company services are adopted TQM as management paradigm since they realized that TQM also may effective in services as such in manufacturing. It is obviously that companies are emphasize to quality of services (Feng Jie, 2009) Regarding to Frank Yao (2007), who is defined that customer perception is very important to measure qualified services such as in operation execution layer, business development layer and others. It is due to adopt customers expectations and requirements will more efficiency to satisfy customers need. Thus, customer perception become a central topic and also as a key consideration. However, Dagmar Recklies (2006) studied that companies only able to develop appropriate strategies as they understand features of the services that consumers need and expectation. Therefore, customers perception considered as most important to the companies which is not merely strengthening relationship between customers but also achieves services improvement. 2.4.2 Reliability According to Arasli (2005), he stated that customers satisfaction may highest influence by the reliability of the products or services which priority had a statistically significant impact from customers perception. Furthermore, Haque (2009) concluded that reliability was primary related to the result of service. Despite, customers satisfaction not merely estimate on customers experiences on service delivery process whereas also the exactitude and reliability of the delivered service. Besides that, Asmak (2008) also suggested that majority of the customers while intend to purchase insurance, they will considered insurance companies in terms of assets and reliability. In the other words, customers perception and decision adoption will influence by reliability of the specified company. Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Bhd (STMB) stated that the reliability of the management information systems is very important which relying to Information System Security Policy (ISSP) Manual due to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, duplication, negligence error, modification, diversion, destruction, loss, abuse or steal of STMB information systems. (Takaful Malaysia annual report, 2009) 2.4.3 Demographic According to Wilkie (1990) indicated that demographic will affect what kind of products or services customer will purchase, how much that customer willing to pay as people achieve higher education. As a result, customer with higher education may enhance their ability to process more complicated information and decisions making. Nevertheless, Asmak (2008) who is pointed out that the demographic characteristics of a customer which is knowledge regarding the policy, income status household and customer antipathy to risk may influence customers decision or even indeed changing their policies. Regarding to Schiffman and Kanuk (2000), conclude that customers with better education alike to income higher which may affect their expected life-style. Therefore, customers will more willing to consume because power purchasing of them are higher due to their level imposable income better than general labor. Lastly, marketer may redesign, reposition and re-price the services in term of changing demographic attribute to fulfill customer requirement and satisfaction. (Kotler, 2000) In other hand, Lamb (2000) stated that income level which may give impact to customer consumption is significant in demographic variable due to segmenting market.

Obesity In the United States Essay -- Health Weight Obese Essays Diet

In America we have many issues to worry about from AIDS to Ebola. A large worry should be the epidemic in America that has killed more then 300,00 people a year (tuberose,1). An epidemic so strong that over the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in the United States? (Nutrition,1). How would you feel if I told you this very epidemic was in your house now? America is at war right now and we are losing , this war started many years ago and has not yet been won. Every year we lose many of our beloved ones to this monster , what can we do? Obesity, the new green eyed monster, has taken over America and nothing has been done. Americans are heaviest people in the world we have been the heaviest since , the 1950s. With our growing wealth and appetites we eat way more than three meals a day, which in some countries is a whole weeks worth of food. â€Å"In 1996, a U.S. Department of Agriculture study revealed that at least 33 percent of all adults in the United States were overweight; that number increased to 61 percent of adults and 13 percent of children in 1999 according to the Surgeon General. In late 2001, the Surgeon General’s report said 27 percent of Americans are obese and 61 percent are overweight.† ( Tuberose,3) Scientists have found there are four main components working against us in this battle of the bulge, The media, our eating habits, lack of exercise, and our own individual heritage.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In today’s society it seems that everywhere you look you are always being pressured into trying to make yourself better, there are signs every where you look telling you that your not pretty enough, smart enough, thin enough, or that anything you have is not good enough. All this pressure that the media puts on people causes a low self-esteem (Tuberose,6). When people are stressed out or have a low self-esteem they produce a hormone called insulin, which increases the lipid intake causing people to gain weight in their midsection and buttocks, the two most dangerous storage areas. (Susan G. Berg page 12). Not only does the media tell you that you are worth less they try to fool you into thinking that you might not be so worthless if you bought some of their products for example, diets pills. Most diets pills are dehydrators, they make you think you are losing weight when in reality you are onl... ...   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If we can come together and learn to live a healthier life ,full of eating right ,and exercising we can over come this monster which kills to many of our beloved ones each year. If we don’t act now we might face worse consequences in the long run. â€Å"According to a 1995 report by the Institute of Medicine, 59 percent of the adult population met the current definition of clinical obesity, which qualifies the disease for epidemic status. One study predicted that if obesity continues to increase at its current rate, every single man, woman, and child will be obese by the year 2030.†( Tuberose,3) Works Cited: 1. American family Physicians. â€Å" what it takes to lose weight†. Jan 1,2003. American   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Academic of family physicians.02/03/05.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2. Tuberose â€Å"calories and obesity† no posting date, Tuberose .02/03/05   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   3. Nutrition & Physical Activity.08/17/04.National Center for chronic diseases prevention   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  and health. 02/03/05 4.Aliha Bauman and the editors of Prevention . Fight Fat. Library of congress: St. Martins press. 1998 5. Susan G. Berg and the editors of Prevention . Food Smart. Library of congress: St.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Martins press. 1998

Kant philosophy Essay

For this case, I will be using Kantian ethics to pinpoint the rationally correct action to take. Before discussing Kantian ethics in relation to the case, we must first explore what Kantian ethics is. Kantian ethics comes from the deontological school of thought, which focuses on the moral correctness of the act in itself (Johnson, 2013). This means that the judgment on the act is done a priori. This is contrasted to the consequentialist school of thought, which focuses on the results of an act as the factor that would qualify the rightness or wrongness of an action (Sinnott-Armstrong, 2012). A consequentialist would make a judgment on an act a posteriori. Kant utilized a concept called the Categorical Imperative, which states that that which is moral is that which is rational (Johnson, 2013). Therefore, a moral act is one that follows from a rational agent. An immoral act, as it follows, is that which is irrational (Johnson, 2013). Another significant factor to consider in Kantian ethics is that the most important value that they seek to preserve is autonomy. Contrasted to a Utilitarian, a Kantian would promote autonomy rather than happiness. The Categorical Imperative contains three main elements. One element of the Categorical Imperative is the formula of universalizable maxims. The formula of universalizable maxims states that a right action is that which can be universalizable (Johnson, 2013). The question here would be: would an action be acceptable if everyone did it? To test this, a person would need to imagine a twin world wherein that action is the norm for everyone. Then that person would need to see if such a world is conceivable and rational. Another important factor for this experiment would be to see if the universalized act would inhibit other people’s freedom. If the universalized act or maxim doesn’t infringe on other’s freedom then this act is acceptable (Johnson, 2013). Another element under the Categorical Imperative is the Humanity Formula. This concept states that humanity is a means in itself and should never be treated merely as a means to an end (Johnson, 2013). This means that each human being must be respected because he or she has his or her own inherent autonomy and dignity (Johnson, 2013). This formula stipulates that a person may not be manipulated by another as a means to achieve a particular goal. Realistically, though, you cannot help but use people as means to an end (Johnson, 2013). This happens everyday, for example, when we use shop clerks to purchase food. In this example, we are using the shop clerks as a means to get the ends, which is food. The reason as to why this particular case of using a person as a means to an end is acceptable is because of the idea of consent. A shop clerk has freely chosen to pursue his or her own line of work and this entails being a means through which people can purchase food. Thus, the shop clerk consents to being a means to this particular end. The third element under the Categorical Imperative is the Kingdom of Ends Formula. This formulation states that an agent exists in a community that is made up of equally rational agents who have just as much say in the maxims that become universalized (Johnson, 2013). The universalized maxims become the law and every agent in this community agrees to conform his or her actions to the law. B. DISCUSSION OF CASE For this particular case, we are dealing with the maxim of taking cognitive enhancing drugs to increase productivity output. If we were to test this particular maxim using the formula of universalizability, we would have to imagine a world wherein every person would do this particular action. In this world, everyone would use cognitive enhancing drugs to meet deadlines or to finish their work faster. In the face of stress, instead of overcoming the obstacle through the person’s own hard work and will, he would only merely need to pop a pill. As mentioned in the case, this kind of accepted behavior could create a new kind of neuro-society. This new neuro-society would be filled with people popping pills like Adderall or Ritalin to focus on their work on hand. There is essentially nothing wrong with increasing the ability of a person to focus on a particular task. The downside of this kind of society would be that it would become a society of drug dependency. Designer drugs like the ones previously mentioned would act as a quick fix for people. Instead of relying on their own wills and capacities, people would be relying merely on the drug to be able to produce an output. This dependency goes against the value the Kantian holds above everything else: autonomy. By allowing a drug-dependent society to prosper, we would be limiting our own freedom by slowly becoming more dependent on drugs. In this world where using cognitive enhancing drugs is the norm, imagine if the drug would suddenly be taken away. People would not know how to focus or get their work done without the drug. In the face of stress, people wouldn’t know how to act since they have lost the drug that previously did all the work for them. This is because they supplemented their own shortcomings with the drug instead of developing themselves into becoming fully functioning and autonomous adults who could deal with their problems. This maxim being universalized would stunt our own development and would, in turn, create an infantilized society. This thought experiment aims to show that the maxim of using cognitive enhancing drugs does not pass the test of universalizability. Secondly, in this world with this universalized maxim, the using of cognitive enhancing drugs may become a norm not only for college students or adults, but also for children. Children are vulnerable in the sense that their autonomy is still limited. Because a Kantian would uphold autonomy as the most important value, he or she would feel an obligation to protect vulnerable parties who have limited autonomy. In this world, there may be over-achieving parents who want their children to be competitive in the world of academics. If the using of cognitive enhancing drugs becomes the norm, then these kinds of parents might try to get their children to take these kinds of drugs to get ahead in their studies. A Kantian would see that the children must be protected from these kinds of actions since they cannot utilize their autonomy in the full capacity. Another point for this argument is that if children are put on cognitive enhancing drugs from an early age, then they will grow up never knowing what it is like to function without these drugs. Furthermore, they will become extremely dependent and they will never be able to realize their own full potential and capacity. This means that their autonomies will always be somewhat limited. Therefore, a world wherein cognitive enhancing drugs are the norm, not just for adults but also for children, must be avoided. Therefore, based on the twin world test, the use of cognitive enhancing drugs should not become a norm since it creates a dependent society and it creates an opportunity for vulnerable parties to remain vulnerable and never reach their full autonomies. Thirdly, another reason as to why this particular maxim would not be acceptable for a Kantian is because it goes against another element of the Categorical Imperative: the Human Formula. As previously stated, this formulation asserts that humans should not be used merely as means to an end. This formulation includes disallowing agents in using themselves as a means to an end (Manninen, 2006). The act of taking cognitive enhancing drugs reduces the person to merely a means to an end. Instead of respecting one’s own capacity to achieve one’s full potential, a person merely reduces himself to something akin to a machine that will produce output in the quickest way possible. Instead of the person using his or her own capacity in facing the challenge, the act of using a cognitive enhancing drug will circumvent the process of self-development and will skip the opportunity for personal growth. In this manner, the person will accomplish the short-term goal of churning out an output without actually developing his or her own talents. As noted in a journal article by Manninen (2006), when drugs are treated as a miracle solution to the stressful emotions an agent is feeling, this stops the agent from growing and overcoming the stress by himself or herself. This sacrifices an important aspect of being human: the capacity to engage in personal development. This stunts personal growth and, in turn, society is left with people who do not know how to deal with problems by themselves. Instead, they turn to using drugs as an emotional crutch. In conclusion, we see how a Kantian would view the maxim of using cognitive enhancing pills in response to stress or a heavy workload. Since the most important value for the Kantian is autonomy and the development of this, he or she would see this maxim as something that limits and stunts autonomy. Therefore, to make this maxim into a universalized law would be irrational. In my opinion, I think that Kantian ethics did pinpoint the morally correct response in this case. This is because the using of cognitive enhancing drugs would reduce the agent to a mere means. This is not morally correct since human beings are not mere means nor machines but rather rational agents who deserve respect and the chance to grow. References: Johnson, R. (2013). Kant’s Moral Philosophy. In E. Zalta (Ed. ), The stanford encyclopedia of philosophy. Retrieved from http://plato. stanford. edu/entries/kant-moral/ Manninen, B. A. (2006). Medicating the mind: A kantian analysis of overprescribing psychoactive drugs. Journal of medical ethics, 32(2), 100-105. Sinnott-Armstrong, W. (2012). Consequentialism. In E. Zalta (Ed. ), The stanford encyclopedia of philosophy. Retrieved from http://plato. stanford. edu/cgi-bin/encyclopedia/archinfo. cgi? entry=consequentialism.

30 Pivotal Moments in Apples History Essays

30 Pivotal Moments in Apples History Essays 30 Pivotal Moments in Apples History Essay 30 Pivotal Moments in Apples History Essay Are graduates equipped with the right skills in the employability stakes? Joanne Raybould and Victoria Sheedy Joanne Raybould is Graduate Employment and Training Coordinator and Victoria Sheedy is Marketing Assistant, both at Graduate Advantage, Birmingham, UK. Abstract Purpose – To discuss employability and skills requirements for graduates from a graduate recruiter’s point of view. Design/methodology/approach – To look at key graduate recruitment organisations and explain what skills programmes are available to graduates. Also looks at continued development and what employers may be able to do in the future to improve skills? Findings – There are transferable skills that employers like to see in a graduate and these can vary according to type of role; also, in general, graduates are keen to develop their skills further. There are organisations to help graduates improve these employability skills like Graduate Advantage and higher education institutions. Originality/value – Of value to employers looking to recruit graduates, who need to be aware of what types of programmes are available to graduates. It is valuable to graduates, who need to look at their own skills and improve their employability. Keywords Graduates, Skills, Employment Paper type Viewpoint I ? t is something of a cliche for businesses to note the importance of their ‘‘human resource’’, i. e. their people. But, what is expected from this resource? What skills are required, particularly from graduates entering employment? This article explores some of these questions and reports on the action that is being taken in some areas to support business requirements. The skills required The emphasis on skills required by employers varies depending on the type of job role to be carried out within an organisation. However there has been some consensus of opinion on the importance of ‘‘transferable’’ or ‘‘employability’’ skills for employees, particularly for those in management positions. These skills refer to certain personal abilities of an individual, which can be taken from one job role to another, used within any profession and at any stage of their career. According to Graduate Prospects, the trading subsidiary of the charity HECSU, ‘‘Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of vacancies on offer are open to graduates from any discipline. This re? cts the fact that employers are looking for vital soft skills in graduates which are obtained during study and periods of work experience, rather than degree-speci? c knowledge. ’’ Peter Knight from the Institute for Educational Technology at the Open University is quoted in the Hobsons Directory 2005 (www. get. hobsons. co. uk), for graduate-level vacancies, discussing skills looked on favourably amongst employers: ‘‘When hiring, employers generally value good evidence of: ability to cope with uncertainty; ability to work under pressure; action-planning skills; communication skills; IT skills; pro? iency in networking and DOI 10. 1108/00197850510609694 VOL. 37 NO. 5 2005, pp. 259-263, Q Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 0019-7858 j INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL TRAINING j PAGE 259 team working; readiness to explore and create opportunities; self-con? dence; self-management skills; and willingness to learn’’. Thus for graduates to be attractive to employers it is important that they are able to show evidence of having these skills. Statements from employers’ organisations such as the Confederation of British Industry and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development include comments on ‘‘the dif? ulty employers face in recruiting ‘work-ready’ individuals’’. Therefore it is re levant to consider whether graduates do have the opportunity to develop these work related skills What is being done to ensure that graduates are ‘‘work-ready’’? According to the Learning and Teaching Support Network, ‘‘producing employable graduates is becoming more complex and more important. Graduate numbers are expanding faster than the market for traditional graduate jobs; graduates are more diverse in age, social background and motivations, while the labour market which they enter is more complex and volatile. As a result, the government and HEFCE have become more interested in measuring institutions’ success in this ? eld. ’’ ‘‘At the same time, Government’s concern to develop the skills and knowledge base of the economy has led to the creation of a network of agencies with interests in graduate skills, including Regional Development Agencies, Sector Skills Councils and Local Learning and Skills Councils. ’’ In addition initiatives such as Employer Training Pilots have been implemented to stimulate both the supply and demand for skills. The experience of a government-funded organisation involved with learning and development, Graduate Advantage, con? rms the need for focus and collaboration amongst organisations to ensure that graduates are developed appropriately and their input to businesses enhanced. Graduate Advantage as a graduate recruiter has over 25 years combined experience spread across the team, with graduates being recruited for many types of roles, for its graduate employment and training programme. Whilst offering a free recruitment advertising service for West Midlands based businesses it also has a wider remit, which includes graduate development. As a result of a collaboration between the heads of careers services in 11 higher education institutions in the West Midlands, Graduate Advantage recognise that recent graduates may lack the experience and the awareness of the skills required by employers and seeks to improve the situation. To enhance ‘‘employability’’, graduates are directed to their careers service for assistance on areas such as: B B B B completing applications; interview techniques; assessment centres; and personal development. Graduate Advantage offers graduates and ? al year students the opportunity to complete a three-day intensive skills course (GradSkills) to boost their employability. GradSkills comprises workshops, lectures and group activities. As explained by Joanne Raybould, graduate employment and training coordinator at Graduate Advantage. ‘‘The course is an initiative that helps prepare graduates looking for their ? rst major employment role. Over the three days the aim is to improve the graduate’s commercial awareness and to develop their personal transferable skills. In addition the graduates are given valuable advice from employers, on what is expected from a graduate level employee’’. A networking event on day two enables interaction with graduates and employers. In addition, ‘‘The Business Game’’, delivered by Birmingham Future, who aim to develop the leadership potential of Birmingham’s young professionals, enables the graduates to demonstrate their new skills working in teams under the scrutiny of local employers. PAGE 260 INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL TRAINING VOL. 37 NO. 5 2005 j j Siu Mei Pang, who studied BA Communication, Culture and Media at Coventry University, commented ‘‘I gained a lot of useful information and insight into the business industry. I developed skills which are invaluable to employers. ’’ It is important to allow graduates to see the value of their learning through the eyes of the employers. As James Morrish, publicity and promotions of? cer at Rural Stress Information Network, explains ‘‘Public speaking and presentation skills are important tools in the world of business. I was happy to give up my time to providing guidance on the development of these skills to a very talented group of graduates. ’ Small- and medium-sized businesses in particular welcome initiatives such as GradSkills as it enables them to access graduates who have had development similar to that offered by large company graduate training schemes. Graduates sometimes ? nd that smaller businesses have the opportunity to offer mor e responsibility and a wider range of experiences in the early stages of their career. Rudi Kesic, BA in Law and LLM in International Law at Warwick University, discusses his experiences: ‘‘I always used to think it was the large multinational ? rms in London who offered ‘diversity’ but in my experience the opposite is the case. Working in a smaller ? rm has de? nitely given me the opportunity to make a difference. Anything I do immediately re? ects on the whole team and so my actions have direct impact on the future of the ? rm. ’’ The bene? t of a variety of ongoing development opportunities The importance of ensuring that opportunities to develop continue during employment is noted by The Association of Graduate Recruiters’ chief executive Carl Gilleard who states ‘‘Employers are looking for a reasonable level of skills to be further developed and the potential to develop those skills. ’ (source: The Prospects Directory 2004/5, www. prospects. ac. uk). Graduate Advantage has found that there is no lack of enthusiasm for further learning amongst student and graduates and in response, has placed emphasis upon professional development based around the requirement of graduates, their role within an organisation and the employer needs. As part of the graduate employment and training programme (GET), each graduate undertakes a training-needs analysis in relation to the requirements of the role and the employer. Once completed, a training plan is prepared to assist with continued professional development. Enhancement of skills does not come purely from attending training courses. A mix of learning and development approaches can be bene? cial. For example at Graduate Advantage, some graduates have utilised the traditional method of reading books combined with the technology based ‘‘e-learning’’. Almost all graduates on the GET programme have attended workshop style courses where there is the additional bene? t of networking and sharing good practice. The in-house training delivered at Graduate Advantage is summarised below, the strong emphasis upon practical application has been particularly well received by graduates and employers alike. A summary of the Graduate Advantage workshops is shown in Table I. How do employers identify whether graduates have the appropriate skills? The desire for motivated staff is nothing new; it links to the employer’s notion that they like to recruit people who have chosen to work for them. Recruiters know that in reality most ‘ Graduates are more diverse in age, social background and motivations, while the labour market which they enter is more complex and volatile. ’’ VOL. 37 NO. 5 2005 INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL TRAINING PAGE 261 j j Table I A summary of the Graduate Advantage workshops Name of course Project management Content What is project management? The purpose of projects Phases and checkpoints Project direction Tracking and control Checkpoint reviews Progress mon itoring and reporting Report writing Risk assessment Cost bene? analysis Task activity management Action planning Gant charts Time thieves Reactive and proactive work Time management model Delegation Tips on altering the way we do things now Effective meetings The functions of management The decision-making manager Organisational structure Organisational culture Links between structure and culture and their effects on business The business environment Understanding the team Team dynamics Group development Team communication Motivation Managing teams Your style Preparation Visual aids Active listening Questions Environment Communication in teams Communication in meetings Communication by telephone Active listening Questioning The agreement staircase The negotiation process Preparation checklist When not to negotiate Who wins? Pitching the ? rst bid Deadlock Qualities of a negotiator Negotiating teams Sources of capital Introduction to accounts What is a cash ? ow forecast? How do bud gets link to cash ? ow? The balance-sheet and its parts Break-even The quality improvement cycle Why do we lose customers? Exceeding customer expectations Prevention is better than cure Solve the problem before it occurs Analysis tools Communication with your customers Customer relationship building Time management Commercial awareness Team-work and team-building Presentation skills Effective communication Negotiation Financial business analysis Customer service PAGE 262 INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL TRAINING VOL. 37 NO. 5 2005 j j ‘‘ Graduates sometimes ? nd that smaller businesses have the opportunity to offer more responsibility and a wider range of experiences in the early stages of their career. ’’ graduates make more than just one job application, but nevertheless they expect to see reasons why a graduate has chosen them. Through all levels of the selection process, they expect a graduate to demonstrate an understanding of what the business is about and an enthusiasm to be part of it. Competence based questions have become increasingly prevalent over the past 10 years. There is focus upon the all round skills such as team-working, leadership, problem solving as well as technical abilities. The online application forms used on www. graduateadvantage. co. uk have the facility for employers to add their own competency-based questions. Give and example of when you have shown initiatives? Describe a time when you had to work effectively with peoples who’s views differ to your own. How did you management the situation? What about the future? In conclusion it seems that the general consensus from higher education institutions is that the current and future employment market requires graduates to be equipped with a range of skills. Applicants need to be able to demonstrate their core transferable skills in addition to their academic success. Students and graduates need to be willing to develop their personal and professional skills relevant for the world of work to improve their chances of employment success. In addition they need to take advantage of opportunities to develop relevant skills – for example during work experience and part-time employment. However, there is also a responsibility for employers who are demanding the skills. In a market economy, employers are often reluctant to invest in employee development due to perceived uncertainty about the return on this investment of time and money. Some critics are going as far as to say that a training levy system should be introduced, as in France, but such regulation is unlikely to be forthcoming in the UK where employers and government are more committed to a more voluntarist system with limited state intervention and regulation. Thus employers will bene? t from actively looking for available assistance in the area of learning and development, and initiatives such as Graduate Advantage will continue to deliver an integral part of the support needed by West Midlands business. VOL. 37 NO. 5 2005 INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL TRAINING PAGE 263 j j

How to Use the French Preposition ÃÂ

How to Use the French Preposition Despite its diminutive size,   is a hugely important French preposition and one of the most important words in the French language. Its meanings and uses in French are many and varied, but at its most basic,   generally  means to, at or in.  Compare   to de,  meaning of or from, with which its often confused.   Contractions When  Ã‚  is followed by the  definite articles  le  and  les,  Ã‚  contracts  with themas a single word. le  Ã‚  au (au magasin)   Ã‚  les   aux  (aux maisons) But  Ã‚  does not contract with  la  or  l.   Ã‚  la  Ã‚   la ( la banque) l  Ã‚   l ( lhà ´pital) In addition,  Ã‚  is not contracted with  le  and  les  when they are  direct objects. Common Uses of 1.  Location or destination Jhabite Paris.  Ã‚  I live in Paris.Je vais Rome.  Ã‚  Im going to Rome.Je suis la banque.  Ã‚  Im at the bank. 2.  Distance in time or space Jhabite 10 mà ¨tres de lui.  Ã‚  I live 10 meters from him.Il est 5 minutes de moi.  Ã‚  He is 5 minutes from me. 3.  Point in time Nous arrivons 5h00.  Ã‚  We arrive at 5:00.Il est mort 92 ans.  Ã‚  He died at the age of 92. 4.  Manner, style, or characteristic Il habite la franà §aise.  Ã‚  He lives in the French style.un enfant aux yeux bleus  Ã‚  blue-eyed child; child with blue eyesfait la main  Ã‚  made by handaller pied  Ã‚  to go on / by foot 5. Possession un ami moi  Ã‚  a friend of mineCe livre est Jean  Ã‚  This is Jeans book 6.  Measurement acheter au kilo  Ã‚  to buy by the kilogrampayer la semaine  Ã‚  to pay by the week 7. Purpose or use une tasse thà ©Ã‚  Ã‚  teacup; cup for teaun sac dos  Ã‚  backpack; pack for the back 8. In the passive infinitive louer  Ã‚  for rentJe nai rien lire.  Ã‚  I have nothing to read.                                     9. With Certain Verbs, Phrases Followed by an Infinitive The French preposition is required after certain verbs and phrases when they are followed by an infinitive. The English translation may take an infinitive (to learn how to do something) or a gerund (to stop eating).      aider   Ã‚  to help to   Ã‚  Ã‚  samuser   Ã‚  to amuse oneself ___-ing  Ã‚  Ã‚  apprendre   Ã‚  to learn how to  Ã‚  Ã‚  sapprà ªter   Ã‚  to get ready to  Ã‚  Ã‚  arriver   Ã‚  to manage / succeed in ___-ing  Ã‚  Ã‚  sattendre   Ã‚  to expect to  Ã‚  Ã‚  sautoriser   Ã‚  to authorize / allow to  Ã‚  Ã‚  avoir   Ã‚  to have to / be obliged to  Ã‚  Ã‚  chercher   Ã‚  to attempt to  Ã‚  Ã‚  commencer   Ã‚  to begin to / ___-ing  Ã‚  Ã‚  consentir   Ã‚  to consent to  Ã‚  Ã‚  continuer   Ã‚  to continue to / ___-ing  Ã‚  Ã‚  dà ©cider (quelquun)   Ã‚  to persuade (someone) to  Ã‚  Ã‚  se dà ©cider   Ã‚  to make up ones mind to  Ã‚  Ã‚  encourager   Ã‚  to encourage to   Ã‚  Ã‚  sengager   Ã‚  to get around to  Ã‚  Ã‚  enseigner   Ã‚  to teach to  Ã‚  Ã‚  shabituer   Ã‚  to get used to  Ã‚  Ã‚  hà ©siter   Ã‚  to hesitate to  Ã‚  Ã‚  sintà ©resser   Ã‚  to be interested in  Ã‚  Ã‚  inviter (qu elquun)   Ã‚  to invite (someone) to  Ã‚  Ã‚  se mettre   Ã‚  to start, set about ___-ing  Ã‚  Ã‚  obliger   Ã‚  to oblige to  Ã‚  Ã‚  parvenir   Ã‚  to succeed in ___-ing  Ã‚  Ã‚  passer du temps   Ã‚  Ã‚  to spend time ___-ing  Ã‚  Ã‚  perdre du temps   Ã‚  to waste time ___-ing  Ã‚  Ã‚  persister   Ã‚  to persist in ___-ing      se plaire   Ã‚  to take pleasure in ___-ing   Ã‚  Ã‚  pousser (quelquun)   Ã‚  to urge/push (someone) to   Ã‚  Ã‚  se prà ©parer   Ã‚  to prepare oneself to   Ã‚  Ã‚  recommencer   Ã‚  to begin ___-ing again  Ã‚  Ã‚  rà ©flà ©chir   Ã‚  to consider ___-ing   Ã‚  Ã‚  renoncer   Ã‚  to give up ___-ing   Ã‚  Ã‚  rà ©sister   Ã‚  to resist ___-ing  Ã‚  Ã‚  rà ©ussir   Ã‚  to succeed in ___-ing  Ã‚  Ã‚  rà ªver   Ã‚  to dream of ___-ing  Ã‚  Ã‚  servir   Ã‚  to serve to  Ã‚  Ã‚  songer   Ã‚  to dream of ___-ing  Ã‚  Ã‚  tarder   Ã‚  to delay / be late in ___-ing   Ã‚  Ã‚  tenir   Ã‚  to hold (someone) to / insist on ___-ing  Ã‚  Ã‚  venir   Ã‚  to happen to 10. With Verbs That Need an Indirect Object   The French preposition is required after many French verbs and phrases that need an indirect object, but there is often no equivalent preposition in English.   Ã‚  Ã‚        acheter   Ã‚  to buy from   Ã‚  Ã‚  arracher   Ã‚  Ã‚  to grab, tear away from  Ã‚  Ã‚  assister (la rà ©union)  Ã‚  to attend (the meeting)   Ã‚  Ã‚  conseiller   Ã‚  to advise   Ã‚  Ã‚  convenir (quelquun) / la situation  Ã‚  to please; to be suitable for someone / the situation  Ã‚  Ã‚  croire   Ã‚  to believe something  Ã‚  Ã‚  demander (quelque chose) (quelquun)  Ã‚  to ask someone (something)  Ã‚  Ã‚  dà ©fendre   Ã‚  to forbid   Ã‚  Ã‚  demander (quelquun)  Ã‚  to ask (someone) to   Ã‚  Ã‚  dà ©plaire   Ã‚  to displease; to be displeasing to  Ã‚  Ã‚  dà ©sobà ©ir   Ã‚  to disobey   Ã‚  Ã‚  dire   Ã‚  to say; to tell  Ã‚  Ã‚  donner un stylo (quelquun)  Ã‚  to give (someone) a pen  Ã‚  Ã‚  emprunter un livre (quelquun)  Ã‚  to borrow a book from (someone)  Ã‚  Ã‚  envoyer (qqch) (quelquun)  Ã‚  to send (something) to (someone)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ãƒ ªtre   Ã‚  to belong to  Ã‚  Ã‚  faire attention   Ã ‚  to pay attention to  Ã‚  Ã‚  se fier (quelquun)  Ã‚  to trust (someone)  Ã‚  Ã‚  goà »ter (quelque chose)  Ã‚  to taste (something)  Ã‚  Ã‚  shabituer   Ã‚  to get used to  Ã‚  Ã‚  interdire (quelque chose) quelquun  Ã‚  to forbid someone (something)  Ã‚  Ã‚  sintà ©resser   Ã‚  to be interested in   Ã‚  Ã‚  jouer   Ã‚  to play (a game or sport)  Ã‚  Ã‚  manquer   Ã‚  to miss someone  Ã‚  Ã‚  mà ªler   Ã‚  to mingle with; to join in  Ã‚  Ã‚  nuire   Ã‚  to harm  Ã‚  Ã‚  obà ©ir   Ã‚  to obey  Ã‚  Ã‚  sopposer   Ã‚  to oppose  Ã‚  Ã‚  ordonner   Ã‚  to order  Ã‚  Ã‚  pardonner   Ã‚  to pardon; to forgive  Ã‚  Ã‚  parler   Ã‚  to talk to  Ã‚  Ã‚  penser   Ã‚  to think of / about  Ã‚  Ã‚  permettre   Ã‚  to permit  Ã‚  Ã‚  plaire   Ã‚  to please; to be pleasing to  Ã‚  Ã‚  profiter   Ã‚  to benefit; to be profitable to  Ã‚  Ã‚  promettre   Ã‚  to promise  Ã‚  Ã‚  rà ©flà ©chir   Ã‚  to consider; to reflect upon  Ã‚  Ã‚  rà ©pondre   Ã‚  to answer  Ã‚  Ã‚  rà ©sister   Ã‚  to resist  Ã‚  Ã‚  ressembler   Ã‚  to resemble   Ã‚  Ã‚  rà ©ussir lexamen   to pass the test  Ã‚  Ã‚  serrer la main (quelquun)  Ã‚  to shake hands with someone  Ã‚  Ã‚  servir   Ã‚  to be used for / as  Ã‚  Ã‚  songe r   Ã‚  to dream; to think of  Ã‚  Ã‚  succà ©der   Ã‚  to succeed; to follow  Ã‚  Ã‚  survivre   Ã‚  to survive  Ã‚  Ã‚  tà ©là ©phoner   Ã‚  to call  Ã‚  Ã‚  voler (quelque chose) quelquun  Ã‚  to steal (something) from someone Notes Remember that plus an inanimate noun can be replaced by the adverbial pronoun y. For example, je my suis habituà ©Ã‚  Ã‚  I got used to it. plus a person can usually be replaced by an indirect object pronoun that is placed in front of the verb (e.g., Il me parle). However, a few verbs and expressions do not allow a preceding indirect object pronoun. Instead, they require that you keep the preposition after the verb and follow it with a stressed pronoun (e.g., Je pense toi). Additional Resources Passive infinitive:  a grammatical structure in which something other than a verb needs to be followed by  Ã‚   infinitive.

One Hundred Years of Solitude Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

One Hundred Years of Solitude - Essay Example These occurrences befall all the Buendia family generations, who are unwilling, sometimes unable, to run from these misfortunes that are often self-inflicted. Eventually, the town of Macondo is destroyed by a hurricane, a further highlight on the inherently cyclical turmoil that characterizes Macondo. As the story ends, a descendant of Buendia is able to decipher a cipher that many of Buendia’s descendants had found unable to, foiled by its encryption. The message contained in the cipher reveals all misfortunes, and fortunes, that the Buendia family had lived through over the generations. This paper aims to discuss the various varieties of love, a recurring theme in the novel, with particular emphasis on Amaranta and Jose Arcadia (ІІІ). Love exists in a variety of forms in the novel. However, because this love is born in a society afflicted with solitude, it is rarely happy. Doomed love permeates the novel as seen in the curious and tragic saga of the beautiful Remedies (Fox 49). Any man who strives to pursue her ends up dead. Another form of love is one that breeds animosity and jealousy, especially among siblings. An example of this is the rivalry that exists between Amaranta and Rebecca as they both fall in love with Pietro Crespi, who eventually decides to marry Rebecca leaving Amaranta with a feeling of animosity towards Rebecca. There also exists genuine love in the novel (Fox 50). The two most obvious examples are the love between Meme and Mauricio Babilonia, and Aureliano and Amaranta Ursula. Their love, however, does not end well, with intervention that is unexpected, horrific, and even gratuitous. Simple passion also exists between Aureliano Segundo and his mistress, Petra Cotes. This passion is productiv e as it brings wealth and fertility to the Buendia family (Bloom 99). Love triangles in the novel also exist. Colonel Aureliano and Jose Arcadio (ІІ) are involved in an affair with Pilar Tenera, whose result is two sons by each

Toyota Foundation in Toyota Motor Corporation Essay

Toyota Foundation in Toyota Motor Corporation - Essay Example Through the visits to the US and Europe, and the research that he carried out, Kiichiro Toyoda gained a lot of insight and knowledge about automobile production. In 1933, the Toyota Automatic Loom Works Ltd established the Toyoda automobile department. This led to the creation TMC in 1937 as a separate and independent company, with Kiichiro Toyoda as its president (Toyota Motor Corporation 1). Before becoming a separate and independent company in 1937, TMC had already produced and sold its first standard passenger car, the AA sedan, in 1936. TMC got its logo from a public competition held in September 1936, in which participants were required to design the best logo. Toyoda then changed its name to Toyota, trademarked its new name, and registered itself as the TMC in August 1937. TMC officially began its commercial production of vehicles at the Honsha plant in 1938. From September 1947, it sold its small-sized vehicles under the name â€Å"Toyopet†. The company focused on truck production during World War 2 for the Japanese army. Japan was hit by serious financial difficulties after World War 2. For this reason, TMC faced a financial crisis in 1949 that brought it to the brink of bankruptcy (Toyota Motor Corporation 1). During the financial crisis that the company faced, it only produced 300 trucks in 1950, and almost went out of business. To deal with the financial crisis, a consortium of banks lent TMC a loan to revamp itself. On obtaining the loan, the company began eliminating excess workers through layoffs and reduction of wages. In 1950, the company started the Toyota Motor Sales Company that lasted only until 1982 because it was merged with the TMC. Toyota launched the Crown Deluxe, Toyopet Master, and Toyopet Crown in 1955 (Toyota Motor Corporation 1). In 1950, Kiichiro Toyoda resigned as the president of TMC. Taizo Ishida took over the company’s presidency and was credited for focusing his efforts on investing in equipment. One such example was  when he led the establishment of the Motomachi plant.