Saturday, May 23, 2020

Indian Version of Big Brother, Big Boss, Derived from...

The popular television ‘reality’ show, Big Boss has really caught up with the Indian audience, with the winners enjoying their 15 minutes of fame, producers making their money and viewers enjoying their dose of entertainment. Few are aware that Big Boss is in fact the Indian cousin of ‘Big Brother’, the internationally popular original show where contestants are closely monitored by cameras in the house and personal microphones. The term ‘Big Brother’ and the basic idea behind it originate from George Orwell’s novel 1984(NineteenEighty-Four) published first in 1949. Written in 1949 and set in 1984, the book is a futuristic view of a totalitarian society of Oceania that is present day Great Britian. The Queen is no longer the ruler of†¦show more content†¦The book is surely not meant for the weak hearted. The idea shown in Big Boss or Big Brother of having a few people locked up inside a house and each and every of their movement being caught on camera and beamed on television across the world may seem to be a source of our entertainment, but have you ever tried to relate it to our lives? How would our lives be if even our bedrooms are installed with telescreens and we are constantly told what to do what not to? When history is erased and what remains after all is just fantasy or fiction instead. Where there is no luxury of choice and not the slightest possibility of love or affection. A generation where the government propaganda is so strong that it turns your children against you. It is indeed a matter of debate whether this is a piece of classical literature or is in fact a prophecy trying to warn us of future times. The people of Oceania are monitored round the clock by Big Brother. Where you go, what you do, when you do, it cannot go unnoticed. No, I am not talking about how is the present world under scrutiny all the time. How we are surrounded by CCTV in the name of security or how we are monitored on the internet. But it does sound a little similar to Oceania, doesn’t it? The book does talk about endless wars being fought without winning or losing because winning or losing doesn’t matter. What matters isShow MoreRelatedOrganisational Theory230255 Words   |  922 Pagesdilemmas. The book engages in an imaginative way with a wealth of organizational concepts and theories as well as provides insightful examples from the practical world of organizations. The authors’ sound scholarship and transparent style of writing set the book apart , making it an ingenious read which invites reflexivity, criticalness and plurality of opinion from the audience. This is a book that will become a classic in organization studies. Mihaela L. Kelemen, Professor of Management Studies, Keele

Monday, May 18, 2020

A Study of the Macroeconomic Indicators - 1438 Words

Macroeconomic indicators The period from 2008 through today has been a highly difficult one, with countries struggling to support their national economies, to reduce costs and guarantee the living standards of their populations. At a general level, the recent years have manifested an economic crisis of a gravity unwitnessed since the Great Depression of 1929-1933. At a more particular level however, a deeper analysis would be conducted through the analysis of four economic indicators in four important global economies. The four economic indicators are the gross domestic product (GDP), the consumer price index (CPI), the unemployment rate and the interest rate, and the countries are the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan. 1. Output and growth For all of the four countries, the evolution of the gross domestic product throughout the past recent period is similar. Having followed a relatively stable growth trend, all states were dramatically impacted by the economic crisis in 2008. In the case of all United States, United Kingdom, Japan and Canada, the effects of the internationalized economic crisis came to be felt in 2008. At the end of 2007, the crisis had already commenced, but it was too soon for the countries to actually feel any real effects. Starting with 2008 however, all states registered decreases in their national outputs, which culminated in the first half of 2009. After that point, the national economies began to revive up untilShow MoreRelatedCorrelation Between Stock Market Returns, Inflation, And Money Growth Essay1621 Words   |  7 Pagessignificant correlation between stock market returns, inflation, and money growth. The effects of macroeconomic variable on equity returns are nonlinear and time variant. This characteristic makes the study of these effects difficult. I estimate a GARCH model of monthly returns of SP500, where realized returns and their volatility depend on 11 macro announcements. The purpose of this paper is to see which ma croeconomic factors affect aggregate stock returns most during 2008 financial crisis. Also, the effectsRead MoreThe Effect Of Macroeconomic Indicators On Economic Growth On A Petrol Dollar Economy Essay1391 Words   |  6 PagesTHE EFFECT OF MACROECONOMIC INDICATORS ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN A PETROL-DOLLAR ECONOMY: THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE 1. Introduction The Central Bank of Nigeria Act of 1958(CBN) vested the monetary policy powers of economic stability on the apex regulatory bank (CBN).Since our independence in 1960,CBN has operated a fixed exchange regime which was at various times was at par with the British pounds and later the United States Dollar. This exchange rate regime was operated in additionRead MoreThe Monetary Value That Represents All Of The Products Made A Country Is Gross Domestic Product1742 Words   |  7 Pagesincreased in this field (Industrial Production†). In the future, I can use this figure to predict if prices would increase in the field because if there is a limited amount of supply, then prices would increase. To add, Retail Sales is an economic indicator that shows the comparison of sales in the retail industry within a few weeks. It is included in the GDP because the retail sales shows the productivity shows the majority of sales and production in the overall economy. I can use the retail salesRead MoreThe Role of Macroeconomic Variables in the Financial Market673 Words   |  3 PagesMacroeconomic variables play a significant role in the financial market and when it is properly used it can be a precious resource for the investors and traders. By understanding the integration between the macroeconomic variables and the stock market will guide investors a long way to make better investment decision. The key objective of the study is to investigate the impact and the relationship of six selected macroeconomic variables namely, Consumer Price Index(CPI), Gross Domestic Product(GDP)Read MoreFinance Is Based On Economics841 Words   |  4 Pagesneeds by humans. Macroeconomics started with J ohn Maynard Keynes, an English economist, who published a book entitled General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money in 1936. Keynes offered a clarification for the fallout from the Great Depression, when goods remained unsold and workers unemployed, a feat that left classical economists stumped. Keynes theory explained why markets may not clear. This theory evolved throughout the 20th century, diverting into several macroeconomic schools of thoughtRead MoreThe Effects Of Oil Prices On Economic Activity1525 Words   |  7 Pagesbetween oil price dynamics and macroeconomic indicators in oil exporting countries such as Canada, Russia, Norway, Mexico and UK. The hypothesis of oil price effects will be tested by adopting the Vector Autoregression (VAR) framework, which has been widely used to examine the effects of changes in oil price on economic activity in other papers. The main findings of this paper conclude that there is a considerable relationship between oil prices and key macroeconomic indicators in the countries under analysisRead MoreCurrent Macroeconomic Conditions Of Australia969 Words   |  4 PagesCurrent macroeconomic conditions in Australia Introduction It is said that the Australian economy was picking up in the March quarter in 2015, although the growth rate of the economy is still below the average over the past year. And there were some early indications that the strength of growing in the June quarter was not as strong as in the March quarter (Rba.gov.au 2015). Different kinds of macroeconomic indicators construct a picture of current macroeconomic conditions in Australia. There areRead MoreImpact Of Fdi On Macroeconomic Factors Of India1592 Words   |  7 PagesIMPACT OF FDI ON MACROECONOMIC FACTORS IN INDIA R.PRIYA*; Dr.M.JEGADEESHWARAN** *M.PAHIL Research Scholar, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. **Assistant Professor Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. ABSTRACT Foreign Direct Investment is the major tool of attracting International Economic Integration in any nation. It serves as a relationship between investment and saving. Many developing countries like India are facing the scarcity of savings. This crisis canRead MoreMacroeconomics and Its Impact669 Words   |  3 Pagesï » ¿Macroeconomics and its Impact on Entering the Business World Macroeconomics is the field of economics that studies the behavior of the aggregate economy. Macroeconomics  examines economy-wide phenomena such as changes in unemployment, national income, rate of growth, gross domestic product, inflation and price levels (Investopedia, 2011). In other words, macroeconomics examines economic trends in the economy as a whole, in contrast to microeconomics, which looks at the decisions made by firmsRead MoreEvaluation Of Macroeconomic Performance Of Australia1186 Words   |  5 Pages Evaluation of Macroeconomic performance of Australia and US from 1990 to 2013 Submitted by Professor Name Date Course Title â€Æ' Table of content Executive summary 1. Macroeconomic performance of Australia 2. Key macroeconomic indicators: 2.1 Real Gross Domestic Production 2.2 Interest rates 2.3 Unemployment rate 2.4 Consumer Price Index (CPI): 2.5 Exchange rate 2.6 Exports and imports 3. Macroeconomic performance of United States of America: 3.1 Real Gross Domestic Production: 3.2 Annual inflation

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Is Work A Curse Because Of The Fall Essay - 1317 Words

Introduction What is work? Why do we have to work? Is work a curse because of The Fall? What does the Bible say about work? Why am I working? Is the paid employment I am in what God has called me to do? What exactly has he called me to do? This essay will critique the extent to which my disposition towards professional practice as â€Å"work† harmonises with the examination of a biblical understanding of God, people and work. While reading and reflecting on a wide range of sources on the topic of work in the context of modern society and within the biblical narrative, I discovered that there is a vast disparity in what work was intended to be in the biblical context and what it became in 2015. When â€Å"work† is used in a modern day context it almost always refers to paid employment and a person’s paid employment often defines who that person is. I have caught myself answering the question: â€Å"And you are?† as: â€Å"Heslia Swanepoel, a teacher at KingsWay School† or â€Å"Heslia Swanepoel, Head of Middle School at KingsWay School†. My sense of calling and being is clearly wrapped up in my paid employment. In exploring the biblical narrative in relation to work, it transpires that work is a blessing from God which encompasses all of our lives. Work is not the result of The Fall, thus not a punishment for sin but part of the character of God which he placed within h uman beings as his image bearers. (Garber, 2011; Goheen Walters, 2005; Mackenzie Kirkland, 2003; Smith Scales, 2013; Stevens,Show MoreRelatedAdams Curse by William Butler Yeats Essay933 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Adam’s Curse†Ã¢â‚¬ ¨William Butler Yeats †¨ William Yeats’ â€Å"Adam’s Curse† is a poem that addresses a profound truth of time. Any human accomplishment such as poetry, music, or physical beauty requires much labor and is appreciated by few. He says this through an emotional recollection of a conversation between himself, his lover and her friend. I believe the meaning of the work lays waiting like a net, waiting to catch the reader at surface level. The poem is simplistic in nature, which is quite atypicalRead MoreSimilarities Between Genesis And Numbers1119 Words   |  5 Pagesblessing and curses. In Genesis 12:3 we read this: â€Å"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse†¦Ã¢â‚¬  This is God speaking to Abram, telling him how He will bless him and only curse those who curse him. In Numbers, we see this yet again, but from a slightly different perspective: a man named Balaam. Balaam was told to curse the people of Israel by Balak, but he couldn’t be cause God has never cursed, so Balaam could only bless. If he had the ability to, God would have to curse firstRead MoreShakespeare s Hamlet : The Fall Of Man And The First Murder1713 Words   |  7 Pagesstories in Genesis: the fall of man and the first murder. The allusions to Cain and Abel sit on the surface of the play, and are backlit by the presence of subtler allusions from the story of the fall of man, such as the serpent and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This imbedded breadcrumb trail of archetypal allusions simultaneously supports and deconstructs the revenge plot of Hamlet. Although these allusions function separately from one another within the play, they also work together in a subversiveRead MoreEssay on The Rime of the Ancient Mariner Analysis878 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner† by Samuel Taylor Coleridge The poem, â€Å"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,† by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a truly imaginative work utilizing the familiar yet timeless themes of good fortune, the power of Mother Nature, and adventurous voyages over the sea. The Mariner relates the bone-chilling tale of his adventure to a guest at a wedding in his native country. Although the guest succumbs to the Mariner’s tale, he is eager to get to the wedding, which is about to startRead MoreOedipus Rex Vs. Antigone1417 Words   |  6 PagesDaniel Nierenberg Comparative Essay 11-20-01 Oedipus Rex Antigone It is only natural that an author use similar vessels of literature, such as figurative language, literary devices, and elements in his/her work. It is even more apparent between works that are connected by character, time, and theme. Sophocles did this when he wrote Oedipus Rex and Antigone. When comparing the two pieces, it becomes evident that very similar vessels connected these very different plays. Sophocles uses aRead MoreEssay on The Truth of Love Revealed in Adam’s Curse1083 Words   |  5 PagesThe Truth of Love Revealed in Adam’s Curse  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"Adam’s Curse† is a poem by William Butler Yeats that was written at a time when his first true love, Maud Gonne, had married Major John MacBride.   This may have caused Yeats much pain and Yeats may have felt as cursed as Adam felt when God had punished man from the Garden of Eden.   This poem, in fact, symbolizes his pain and loss of love that he once had and is a recollection of his memories during happier times with Maud.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the beginningRead MoreEssay on Oedipus the King: A Classic Tragedy1003 Words   |  5 PagesOedipus the King, a Classic Tragedy Aristotle, in his work The Poetics, tries to delineate the idea of a tragedy. Throughout his work Aristotle says that the hero, or at least the protagonist in a tragedy must be substantially good, almost godlike. This hero must bring upon themselves their downfall, due to their fatal flaw. If the hero is not at a high point, an audience will not care about them, and won’t notice their fall. One must fall a long way in social class in order for it to be noticedRead More Oppression and Spiritual Deterioration in William Blakes Poem London1154 Words   |  5 PagesI hear: 8 How the Chimney-sweepers cry 9 Every blackning Church appalls, 10 And the hapless Soldiers sigh, 11 Runs the blood down Palace walls. 12 But most thro midnight streets I hear 13 How the youthful Harlots curse 14 Blasts the new-born Infants tear, 15 And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse. 16 London by William Blake is a short poem packed with meaning. The poem has two related themes. The first explores the spiritual decay and slaveryRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Romeo And Juliet985 Words   |  4 PagesMercutio. Mercutio is the character most responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet because he causes problems for both families even after his death. Mercutio pushes Romeo to crash the Capulet’s party, which causes Tybalt to get aggravated and duel with Romeo, and the cursing of both families that come true after his death. Firstly, Mercutio should be blamed for the young, star-crossed lover’s deaths, is because he is the one who convinces Romeo to join the Capulet’s party where he meets JulietRead MoreThe Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe946 Words   |  4 Pagesknown for the suspenseful and mysterious nature in his short stories, and to achieve this he uses repetitive symbolism. In the â€Å"Fall of the House of Usher†, the narrator gets a letter from an old friend saying that he needs his help. When he arrives he starts to hear voices that eventually cause the house to fall and results in the death of usher and Madeline. Poes â€Å"The fall of the House of Usher† portrays a melancholy setting and utilizes a motif of the supernatural, however, the symbolism conveys

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Film Analysis Of Citizen Kane - 1143 Words

Citizen Kane was rife with innovations in cinematic technique and introduced many new and unique aspects of mise-en-scà ¨nà © that would thrive in films to come. Orson Welles was a young visionary whose career had been limited to stage production and radio until his first film, Citizen Kane. Uniquely, as someone new to the film industry, he retained full creative control of his very first project, co-writing, producing, directing, and starring as Kane himself. This unfounded level of trust for a newcomer allowed Welles to trail blaze and experiment with techniques few other directors were willing to risk such as a non-linear story, narrative from multiple unusual character perspectives, unique blocking and lighting, deep focus, and†¦show more content†¦Additionally, the use of low camera angles required sets to be built with ceilings which was very different from typical Hollywood conventions. Studios usually had large sets of lights above the the set to illuminate the scene, but with the low camera angles used, the lighting had to come from other sources, primarily atmospheric lighting. The presence of lighting and how it is used in Citizen Kane is unique and was influenced greatly by the low camera angles used, but after eliminating the overhead lighting effects afforded by not having a ceiling, Welles and Toland used this absence of light to their advantage. The use of focused light to illuminate the subject of a shot in deep focus still allowed the viewer to pick out whatever he wanted to see, but the director still had control over that focus using lighting and shadows. Shadows played a particularly strong part in Citizen Kane. A notable scene is when the opera ends and Kane alone is standing to applaud. In this scene Kane is backlit so we see his shadow standing out in stark contrast to those around him who remain seated. Using light and dark in stark contrast like this is called chiaroscuro and is frequently an element of film noir. Citizen Kane can be called the first film noir. Film noir is a style characterized by the use of chiaroscuro, unique camera angles, and stories that often include a mystery or investigation. Welles delivers those things with his story of CharlesShow MoreRelatedFilm Analysis : Citizen Kane Essay2071 Words   |  9 Pagescreate his debut film Citizen Kane, Orson Welles assembled a talented group of artists and technicians who together produced a film that redefined cinema forever. During the film’s production process, Welles himself stated that making a film â€Å"is the biggest electric train set any boy ever had.† By this he meant that the production studio was his playground and he intended to use every tool at his disposal. Starting from the film’s very first shot; he proves this to be true. As the film begins, the cameraRead MoreFilm Analysis Of Citizen Kane1299 Words   |  6 PagesCitizen Kane incorporates a well-rounded variety of shots and angles t hat make the film more entertaining. This movie is significant because the American people will always be able to relate to it. There will always be a rich politician who wants to change things for the better. Sometimes, scandal and broken promises ensue. The American people will always want someone that they can trust to make their lives better. It is interesting to note that this film combines multiple genres, giving it a factorRead MoreFilm Analysis: Citizen Kane1768 Words   |  7 Pagesmany reasons as to why Citizen Kane has been lauded as one of the best, if not the best, film of all time. Orson Welless Citizen Kane has had a lasting impact on cinema and continues to influence directors to this day. Visually striking, Citizen Kane helped to usher in a new era of cinema through its innovative techniques and use of mise-en-scene. From the films onset, it is evident that it is going to be a tale of woe. The film begins very ominously, much like a horror film, and immediately beginsRead MoreCitizen Kane Film Analysis1347 Words   |  6 Pagescinematic history in 1941 when he produced, co-wrote, directed, and starred in the revolutionary American mystery drama Citizen Kane. The movie follows Kane’s pursuit of power, and the dangers that lay beyond it, as well as Kane’s loss of innocence and the resonating effects that it has on he and his life. Welles’ co-writer Mankiewicz based the outline of the protagonist, Charles Foster Kane, on his former friend William Randolph Hearst. (See Slide ONE) Hearst, who built America’s most expansive newspaperRead MoreCitizen Kane Film Analysis1195 Words   |  5 PagesWelles’s Citizen Kane: The Blackmail Scene (Definite Version) â€Å"There’s only one person in the world to decide what I’m going to do – and that’s me.† – Charles Foster Kane from Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane. Orson Welles’ 1941 classic film Citizen Kane tells the story of Charles Forster Kane. The turning point of the film is when Jim Gettys attempts to blackmail Kane. The scene demonstrates Kane’s fall from grace through pride. His reactions to the other characters in this scene (Mrs. Kane, Susan AlexanderRead MoreAnalysis Of The Film Citizen Kane By Orson Wells1303 Words   |  6 Pagesan extract from the film ‘Citizen Kane’, directed by Orson Wells (1941) for this assignment. The technical aspects I have chosen to explore will be the use of both mise-en-scene and editing. Synopsis The clip I have selected from Citizen Kane is a montage scene that shows the protagonist Charles Foster Kane eating breakfast with his wife Emily. The scene is presented in the form of a narrative exposition from the mind of Jedediiah Leland, who is the ex business partner of Kane. The entirety of theRead MoreCitizen Kane: Film Analysis Essay536 Words   |  3 PagesSince the beginning of the Industrial Age, Americans have idealized the journey towards economic success. One thing people do not realize, however, is that that journey is not the same for every individual. For Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles), the main character of Citizen Kane, directed by Orson Welles, the path towards riches and a fulfilled life is being well liked. He serves to please others. He strives for that attention. This view cost him his happiness in the end. In this man’s rise and fallRead MoreFilm Analysis : Citizen Kane Directed By Orson Welles1955 Words   |  8 Pagesnarrative. The 1941 film, Citizen Kane directed by Orson Welles is a phenomenal example of the exploration of innovative uses in photography, sound and editing. Orson Welles uses staging, shadows, low-key lighting, deep focus and overlapping dialogue to emphasize various aspects of the film. The main character Charles Foster Kane is sent away by his parents when he is just little boy after they come into a large amount of money. Due to this, he grows up to be an insensitive and vain man. Kane becomes veryRead MoreHistorical Analysis of the Movie, Citizen Kane Essay1699 Words   |  7 Pages Historical Analysis, Citizen Kane: Camera Movement Citizen Kane, directed by Orson Welles, was an exemplary and ground-breaking work. In narrative structure and film style, Welles challenged classical Hollywood conventions and opened a path for experimentation in the later 1940s. Gregg Toland’s deep-focus cinematography and Welles’ use of low-key lighting are often discussed aspects of the movie. True, these were areas of innovation, but when watching the movie in class I was particularlyRead MoreWhy Citizen Kane is the Best Movie Ever Made Essay760 Words   |  4 PagesCasablanca and Citizen Kane has been a classic argument between film critics and historians alike, and this is because both of these pieces are timeless pictures that have managed to captivate audiences well after their era. On a broad spectrum analysis this is an apples and oranges debate as the two films both have great cinematographic value but for different reasons. However, the real question at hand is which film is the greatest? Which film trans formed the future of American film making? It is

Describe the qualities in the young Beowulf and later in Wiglaf, that make them stand out as warrior heroes Free Essays

Beowulf’s sea journey and arrival into Denmark is expressed with potent dramatic splendour and magnitude. The immediate realisation of our being introduced to a character of great consequence is shared by the Shieldings’ watchman and highlighted with Heaney’s colourful adjectives and powerful imagery. Before Beowulf has even spoken or been addressed, we have heard that ‘there was no one else like him alive / In his day he was the mightiest man on earth high-born and powerful. We will write a custom essay sample on Describe the qualities in the young Beowulf and later in Wiglaf, that make them stand out as warrior heroes or any similar topic only for you Order Now ‘ Travelling on a boat ‘loaded’ with ‘a cargo of weapons’ and ‘shining war-gear’ is indicative of a feat these men are about to undertake. When the watchman witnesses their arrival, he is astonished most by Beowulf’s physical appearance: ‘Nor have I seen a mightier man at arms on this earth’. Throughout the poem this is a recurring theme as we are delivered countless images of his physical strength including his ‘handgrip’ ‘harder’ than that of ‘any man on the face of the earth’ when in battle with Grendel and his use of the sword ‘ so huge and heavy of itself only Beowulf could wield it in battle’ during his combat with Grendel’s mother. Such repetition of course was a key feature in the oral tradition of Anglo-Saxon poetry to establish their important attitudes and values, and Heaney has ensured this is maintained in his translation. We cannot however, award the young warrior heroic status merely as a result of his overwhelming brute strength, both by modern standards and more importantly those of the Anglo-Saxons, there were numerous other qualities required to fulfil this role. The Germanic heroic-code went a long way to defining the system of valuing and honouring its peoples including warriors, kings and ordinary citizens. For a man to be considered a warrior he must obey the code and to be classed as a heroic-warrior ought to exceed its expectations. As mentioned above, strength most certainly was present within this code, along with courage, loyalty and reputation. When the young Beowulf and Wiglaf are examined according to the code, their behaviours as described to us by the poet and as validated by other characters within the epic, confirm that they clearly adhere to its requirements. The importance of reputation is closely linked with that of lineage, few characters are described without reference to their fathers or their ancestors, when Beowulf introduces himself to Hrothgar he says ‘I am Hygelac’s kinsman’. In order that he may be permitted to enter Hrothgar’s kingdom and embark upon the task of restoring peace and order within Denmark, he must be accepted by the king ‘my one request is that you won’t refuse me’. This form of introduction is echoed later when the young Wiglaf is described as ‘a son of Weohstan’s’ ‘well regarded’ and ‘related to Aelfhere’. In terms of personal reputation, we understand that Beowulf has already established an element of fame within Geatland when he relays to the king: ‘I have suffered extremes and avenged the Geats’ his modesty is apparent as he resists the need to elaborate on his acts of heroism confining himself only to convey the essential details. He only begins to boast of his accomplishments in a swimming contest against Breca when Unferth questions his motives for participating. Unferth is presented as a foil to the heroic Beowulf, the poet informs us that he is ‘sick with envy’ but his own bitterness and inferiority is exposed and Beowulf’s virtues accentuated as the latter is able to articulate an intelligent and composed response: ‘it was mostly beer that was doing the talking’ ‘I was the strongest swimmer of all’. Again Heaney encompasses powerful adjectives, ‘perishing’, ‘deep boiled’, ‘mangled’ into Beowulf’s speech, closely adhering to the traits of Anglo-Saxon poetry and successfully winning over the reader and ensuring ‘the crowd was happy’. Where Beowulf has established and proceeds to heighten his fame, we see the young Wiglaf at the beginning of his journey to achieve the same. It is impossible to overlook his role in the execution of the dragon and in such a feat we can draw parallels with the young warrior Beowulf. Equally as important as strength and reputation in the heroic code is loyalty which is highly evident in both our young warriors. Of course it his loyalty to Hrothgar that brings Beowulf to Denmark to engage in battle with Grendel and in part a repayment for a debt once settled by the king for Beowulf’s father, having ‘healed the feud by paying’. Wiglaf could almost be considered an epitome of allegiance when we later see Beowulf entering into combat with the dragon, taking with him eleven of his assumed most faithful and greatest warriors and only Wiglaf remains by his lord’s side whilst the others, ‘that hand picked troop broke ranks and ran for their lives’. Wiglaf’s entrance is reminiscent of that of Beowulf as Heaney uses a powerfully emotive introduction: ‘But within one heart sorrow welled up: in a man of worth the claims of kinship cannot be denied’. Wiglaf has an acute understanding of loyalty being imperative to the heroic code, when he rebukes Beowulf’s men who fled from battle he affirms that they have ‘disgraced’ themselves and that ‘A warrior will sooner die than live a life of shame. ‘ Such devotion could only be demonstrated by one who was equally courageous, Wiglaf was willing to sacrifice his own life for his lord and their peoples and of course, this is the exact behaviour which earned Beowulf his worthy right to the throne and his sound reputation. Recognition of the young warriors’ heroic deeds and attitudes is not limited to the poet and the modern day reader or Anglo-Saxon listener, the poet assures us that Beowulf was rewarded for his actions, ‘furnished’ with ‘twelve treasures’ ‘gold regalia’ and many other gifts by the king. However, it is important to consider heroism as being subjective and that it should be measured within its context both in terms of history and religion. Whilst Pagan beliefs would have viewed the vengeful and murderous nature of the heroes necessary to conform to the heroic code, such behaviour severely contravenes the principles of Christianity. We must also understand that Beowulf as with all the warriors illustrated within the poem, were human and thus fallible, their being at the mercy of God’s will or fate. We must also reserve judgement for the young Wiglaf as we have yet to see him in battle alone and whilst the limited behaviours we do observe in him are commendable, we cannot assess him in the same way as Beowulf whose character has been developed to a much greater extent within the poem. How to cite Describe the qualities in the young Beowulf and later in Wiglaf, that make them stand out as warrior heroes, Papers

Benefits and Challenges of Performance Related Pay Free-Samples

Question: What are the Benefits and Challenges of usin Performance related Pay to Motivate Employees. Answer: Benefits and Challenges of Using Performance Related Pay to Motivate Employees Performance-related pay is a system that employers use to pay their employees depending on their productivity at the place of work. These systems vary depending on the type of industry, the number of employees, and the size of the firm. Many companies use these systems because of the rewards that they get. Employees also receive the rewards of performance related pay (PRP). However, those rewards do not come without certain shortcomings. Performance related pay systems are popular with most people first of all because of their ability to boost the career of employees. If employers effectively implement these systems, employees can easily monitor their own performance and increase the prospects of their careers. For employees who do good work, the systems also offer them a way to prove that they deserve salary increase or bigger bonuses. Since employees often receive basic pay, performance related pay can help them to increase their income. Further, this system can increase the feeling of satisfaction. When employees work hard, and their work is rewarded, that can significantly increase their level of job satisfaction (Wynn Sorbero, 2007). Performance-related pay is a vehicle for improving employee performance. This compensation plan ties employee performance to groups, corporate, and individuals. Since employees want high pay, this compensation plan motivates them to work hard so as to make more money. According to Stredwick (2003), this model clearly puts employees in front and the center of their own financial destiny. Employees can take full control of their destiny and are inspired to work as much as they wish to be paid for. This compensation plan also enhances employee retention. During a period when there was a nursing shortage in a medical center, and a busy town had a waiting list of nurse applicants. Since they paid by performance, nurses who were working hard were not encouraged to leave. The hospital held that there should be no low performers. This strategy helped them to retain a high number of qualified workers (Hellerman Kochanski, 2009). At the same time, performance related pay has several advantages for employers. The first benefit is staff motivation which eventually benefits the employer. When employers use this system, and they receive bonuses for actual results, they become more motivated and result-oriented. Besides, they are able to attract new talents (Stredwick, 2003). Qualified professionals always prefer to be paid depending on their performance as they are confident of their ability to deliver quality and meet deadlines. It also increases staff productivity. If proper performance related pay systems are used, this can lead to significant increase in staff productivity. When employees are satisfied, the rate of turnover is lower. Employees who are working hard and well paid are loyal to the company. The employer is also better placed to achieve their goals. Performance related pay, therefore, helps employers to encourage employees to work hard and achieve company goals (Performance related pay, 2004). Performance related pay also helps employers to differentiate between the performance of a low employee and a high performing employee. By doing this, Hume (1995) says it helps the employer to know who qualifies for different types of rewards. The company does not end up rewarding low performing employees at the expense of higher performers, which in the long run helps to create a good working environment for high performers. Further, performance related pay, unlike bonus pay and profit sharing schemes, enables employers to differentiate between the performance of particular individuals and the overall performance of the company. While these systems also provide an overall reward, by reserving a portion of the available compensation for high performers, it promotes values such as effective customer service, positive coworker relations, and teamwork. In addition, this system provides a device for employers to recognize the performance of individuals on a one-time basis. Because of this, employers can use it to reward employees who participate in one-time projects like opening up new sales territories (Hume, 1995). Another benefit of performance related pay is easing administration and understanding. It sets out the standards that employees must adhere to. When a company adopts the policy, their employees get to know these set standards right from the beginning as they are part of their contract. Many sales organizations find this strategy useful. They pay their employees for performance by either a straight-forward scale using a particular formula or a percentage of commission (Johnson, 2011). Pay for performance programs also create the room in the workplace for healthy competition. When a company gathers records of performance and keeps this information, employees, who see this data are motivated to compete to reach and exceed the level that other workers have reached. There is also the element of cost-effectiveness. Many employers are concerned about the cost-effectiveness of their processes (Hume, 1995). When an employer pays their workers on a salary basis, gauging whether this amount is being spent on a worthy course is very difficult. However, when they implement performance related pay systems, the company can scrutinize hard facts regarding how effectively they are distributing costs (Grace, 2006). Another benefit of this system is the existence of less supervision. Organizations operating with performance related pay policy have no pressure to supervise their employees. Employees have a clear understanding of what they need to do and are motivated to do it as it is linked to their pay. As a result, they have to show initiative. This element enables these companies can function with fewer supervisors than those that use other strategies. The ultimate benefit is this can be increased profits (Grace, 2006). Other than these benefits, there are challenges of using performance related pay. Various studies on this subject have revealed several problems in various areas. While performance related pay can motive staff, there are instances when it can do just the opposite. These payment systems are not always as effective as some employers suppose. If a PRP scheme is not designed well, it can cause affect staff morale negatively whenever it offers an amount of money that is not enough meet their personal needs and subsequently motivate them. Additionally, when managers lack the skills to implement the policies or when there is inadequate communication between managers and the staff, it can negatively affect the performance of employees. Employees may begin to consider the strategy as a device that the management intends to use it to undermine their hard work (Grace, 2006). Since the performance of PRP systems often depends on the appraisal of individual workers, which line manager usually do, personal favoritism and bias can influence pay decisions. If employee expectations are not managed well, and when they consider that their works are being evaluated unfairly, they react negatively. Such a reaction can have an effect not only on the performance of individuals but also the whole organization. Perceived unfairness can also make teamwork to be undermined, which in the long run to influence people to think that performance is not linked to their pay but with establishing connections managers and supervisors (Pay for Performance, 2012; Mrudula, 2006). Another challenge with this system is it accentuates differences between the lowest paid workers and the highest paid employees. Highest paid employees begin to consider that they are more important to the company than their other counterparts. When this goes on unchecked for an extended period, researchers say it can lead to unhealthy competition. With this system, it is also difficult to design objectives that all employees can consider as fair and realistic. Some performance measurement strategies such as individual incentive plans are expensive to implement. Managers often struggle to choose appropriate time frames for rewards. If rewards are paid after a long period, it may be difficult to motivate employees, especially those who are not paid well enough ( Siegers, 2012). On the other hand, if payments are released within a short period, they can contradict organizational interests. Further, non-effective PRP systems can interfere with other programs and initiatives of the compa ny (Halsey, 2006). There is also a problem involving the evaluation of the contribution of employees onto the overall performance of the firm. This problem usually arises when a company decides to use schemes based on group incentives. In this case, when an individual fails to contribute, this can have little result on the overall performance of the group and the company. Therefore, it gives individuals an opportunity to do nothing completely for the advantage of his group and the company but still claim to have contributed to the general success of the company. As a result, such a person can end up receiving rewards owing to the hard work of other members of his group (Halsey, 2006; Boring, 2006). An additional challenge that this policy can present is created room for employees to fear giving their leaders their input for changes. They are motivated to do this even if they have productive ideas to avoid the possibility of the reduction of their earnings. Since many successful companies rely on the advice and input of their workers to make decisions, when employees feel insecure to give their ideas, that means the organizations can face many unforeseen problems (Brennan Barnes-Murphy, 2013). Another related challenge is resistance to change. Employees always fear company changes, especially in operating procedures. They consider that changes in this department can cause a decrease in productivity. Organizations that face such resistance are bound to use the best strategies to be able to remain productive. Research has established that those companies that choose to move on without putting into consideration the fears and demands of their employees often experience a reduction in production. If they handle these issues unprofessionally, the result can be an increase in the number of employees who are not motivated to perform. The most appropriate way of reducing this kind of employee resistance is providing enough training and explaining the reasons for implementing the changes (Risher, 2004; Bjo?rklund, 2001). Performance related pay cannot be used many service sector jobs. An employer can face a lot of difficulties when they try to measure the productivity or success of some workers such as teachers, doctors, and nurse. There is no way one can measure their performance in numeric terms, which makes the use of this policy limited to other jobs (Risher, 2004). In addition, from the employers perspective, implementing performance-related pay can be very inconvenient. It requires wide knowledge about the services that the company provides as well as many other internal and external environment of the firm. Those who are responsible for implementing these policies must also know clearly beforehand what particular employees and groups do and what should be done to ensure their performance improves and remains above par (Risher, 2004; Mihm, 2003). In conclusion, given that all compensation schemes have some both benefits and challenges; employers need to decide on plans that best suit their needs. Apparently, performance related pay policies can transform organizations into a result-driven culture where the desire to receive more income, the desire to improve and the desire for increased freedom can propel organizations to move forward to the next level. These reward policies can also improve employee retention and ease administration and understanding. However, ineffective PRP can also lead to a decrease in staff morale and eventually the lack of proper performance. Since it is difficult to use this system to measure the performance of people in most service jobs, employers cannot use it to do some jobs. For employers who opts for this strategy and wants to ensure it is successful, they must ensure that all targets and criteria of evaluating performance are agreed upon by all their employees and managers. Besides, all their designed goals must be consistent with the general strategy of the company. Further, employers need to create a favorable environment for which employers are able to achieve their targets and organizational targets as well. Given that PRP can help organizations to achieve high goals, employers must be prepared to spend a lot of resources and time in it to remedy problems that can affect the process. References Bjo?rklund, C. (2001). Work motivation: studies of its determinants and outcomes. Stockholm: Stockholm School of Economics, EFI, The Economic Research Institute. Boring, D. B. (2006). Does team-based variable pay work? Brennan, L. C., Barnes-Murphy, R. (2013). Payment methods. Mankato, MN: The Child's World. Grace, P. M. (2006). Performance pay: a study of its operation. Oxford: University of Oxford. Halsey, D. M. (2006). Pay for performance. Place of publication not identified: Amer Acad Of Orthopaedic. Hellerman, Y., Kochanski, J. (2009, August 14). Beyond Pay for Performance: Countering the 'Pay Entitlement' Mindset. Retrieved April 21, 2017, from https://www.shrm.org/ResourcesAndTools/hr-topics/compensation/Pages/EntitlementPay.aspx Hume, D. A. (1995). Reward management employee performance, motivation and pay. Oxford: Blackwell Business. Johnson, R. (2011, August 27). What Are the Advantages Disadvantages of a Pay-for-Performance Policy? Retrieved April 21, 2017, from https://www.sapling.com/12013917/advantages-disadvantages-payforperformance-policy Mihm, J. C. (2003). Posthearing questions related to pay for performance. Washington, DC: The Office. Mrudula, E. (2006). Employee motivation: an introduction. Hyderabad, India: ICFAI University Press. Pay for performance: should Fannie and Freddie executives be receiving millions in bonuses?: hearing before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, first session, November 16, 2011. (2012). Washington: U.S. G.P.O. Performance related pay. (2004). Belfast: Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. Risher, H. W. (2004). Pay for performance: a guide for federal managers. Washington, D.C.: IBM Center for the Business of Government. Siegers, D. (2012). Pay for performance? Place of publication not identified: Grin Verlag. Stredwick, J. (2003). Performance pay: objectives, operation and outcomes. Luton: University of Luton. Wynn, B. O., Sorbero, M. E. (2007). Pay-for-performance in California's workers' compensation medical treatment system: an assessment of options, challenges and potential benefits. Santa Monica, CA: RAND.

Friday, May 1, 2020

Retail Banking Services Delivery free essay sample

An examination of the future of retail banking service delivery. The purpose of this paper is to review the existing research on real world strategies of implementation of technology and consolidation and to draw conclusions towards recommendations of go-forward policies for harmonious and profitable future operations in retail banking. Table of Contents 1. Introduction Overview of the Research Project Organizational and Environmental Profiles Banks and the Financial Services Industry Regulation and Deregulation Consolidation Technology The Human Element/Human Resources Scope of the Research Limitations of the Research 2. Literature Review 3. Methodology Marketing Strategic Alliances Successful Systems Integration Business Case Customer Internet Use Geographic Impact Regulation Operational Risk Human Relations Considerations 4. Data Analysis 5. Summary, Conclusions, Recommendations References The banking industry has been impacted by a combination of technological, sociological and commercial factors leading to changes in delivery of retail banking services which are in common use today but were not even envisioned in banking business plans as little as a decade ago. We will write a custom essay sample on Retail Banking Services Delivery or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The impact of information and communications technology and the effects of banking industry deregulation have combined to create an environment in which the globalization of markets has led to bigger, more diverse markets and increased competition. The effect has been nothing short of a revolution in the structure and priorities of financial institutions, affecting all areas of retail banking: not only the products and services, but also operations, management and employees.