Nosrdstrom Case Study Essay

1. The regional Manager of Human resources suggests that you start using a personality assessment too, such as the MBTI, in hiring new employees or your store. What are the benefits of this approach and what are the drawbacks. Now a days good service have become the most important value that a company no matter the industry need to have, therefore the need of employees who really enact it in their daily work is really important and it is in this value where personality plays and enormous part; personality is that thing that define who you are and how you understand the world, they way you act in an specific situation will completely depend on your personality which is constantly shaping depending on the experiences you have during your life time. Being this said an assessment tool, as an MBTI will help you foresee how a person would perform in a specific job with some specific needs and functions regardless of their studies. Note that sometimes this approach might mislead into assumptions of someone’s personality because of how it is perceived, the way we avoid the common errors of perception as first impression error, selective perception, stereotypes among others will succeed or disorientate the approach and will end up with no correct personality description which will mislead you into wrong conclusions. 2. Can a friendly, customer-oriented attitude be developed in person? Can Nordstrom â€Å"train† employees to prioritize making customer happy, or it is purely a matter of personality? Yes it can be developed in a person, but it would depend on its personality how this skill will shine and if this value will be enacted. Something like service, which is customer-oriented attitude, will depend on how this person  understand the world, how he communicate and what are his preferences. Being this said, it is not something that depends whether on the training or in the personality, there has to be a smooth connection between both. Nordstrom for example does an incredible work by hiring people which personality allows them to perform great on their customer-oriented service, a skill they train into each of their employees and due to their personality it is easily adapted and enacted since it is felt natural. 3. Describe the ideal Nordstrom salesperson in terms of the personality traits that are involved in core self-evaluation (CSE). Warmhearted, conscientious, and cooperative. Wants harmony in the environment, works with determination to establish it. Likes to work with others to complete tasks accurately and on time. Loyal , follows through even in small matters. Notices what others need in their day-to-day lives and tries to provide it. Wants to be appreciated for who he or she is and for his or her contribution.

Corruption in Electricity Sector

INTRODUCTION Corruption is a topic of interest and concern in academic circles, in the media, among people of different professions, within the civil service, among members of parliament, politicians, government officials, members of the business and financial communities, students, foreign investors, aid agencies and non-governmental organizations. In other words, the term corruption is not new to Bangladesh. A general impression conveyed by the media and by popular discourse is that among ordinary people in Bangladesh; corruption is viewed quite clearly as ‘a way of life'.A recent survey carried out by the Bangladesh Unnayan Parishad reinforces that impression: the survey found, among other significant data, that 95 per cent of respondents believed that the police were the most corrupt department in the land, followed very closely by the customs, the department of excise and taxation, the bureaucracy, and the judiciary. A solid 62 per cent of respondents believed that the pri mary responsibility for corruption in Bangladesh lay in the hands of government officials. Corruption is not identifiable as a single, separate, independent entity which can be isolated and destroyed.Corruption is a complex set of processes involving human behavior and many other variables, some of which are difficult to recognize or measure. Even though corruption manifests itself as a force on its own and often generates its own momentum, it is linked to many other factors, and it is by understanding these factors that we can hope to understand corruption. What is corruption? There are several meanings of the word corruption but when we use the term, we usually refer to a specific kind of exchange, activity or behavior.For instance, corruption could mean a process of physical decay or degeneration; the loss of innocence; a state of moral impurity or moral deterioration; perversion in taste or language; and also the wrongful, negligent or willfully corrupt act of a public official in the discharge of his or her public duties. Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It hurts everyone whose life, livelihood or happiness depends on the integrity of people in a position of authority. Corruption (philosophical concept), often refers to spiritual or moral impurity, or deviation from an ideal.Corruption is not just an economic exchange, generated by a monetary or ‘economic' motive. Neither is corruption an exclusively political activity, motivated by a desire to attain or retain political power. The process of corruption is more than economic or political – it is a social process as well, existing side-by-side with, and sometimes complementing economic and political activity. Historical Background: Power is the key source of productivity and an effective breakthrough to the modernization of the world society.Electricity was first installed at Dhaka in 1901, and in 1948, the Electricity Directorate was established in East Pakistan. D uring that period, the highest plant size was only 10 mw Steam Turbine in Siddhirganj along with other plants in Chittagong and Khulna. Box 1: Historical Background of The Power Sector 1901: Electricity was first installed at Ahsan Manjil, Dhaka City (Generation: 21 MW by Public; Distribution: 17 towns by private companies) 1948: Electricity Directorate (ED) 1959: Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) 1960: EPWAPDA statuary org. 972: Bangladesh Water Development Board and Bangladesh Power Development Board 1978: Rural Electrification Board 1991: Dhaka Electricity Supply Authority 1996: Electricity Generation Company of Bangladesh and Dhaka Electricity Supply Company 2002: Ashuganj Power Supply Company Ltd. 2003: West Zone Power Distribution Company Ltd. 2005: North West Zone Power Distribution Company Ltd Source: http://www. bpdb. gov. bd The construction of the Kaptai hydro-electric project with an installed capacity of 40 MW and commissioning of Dhaka-Chittagong 32 KV tran smission line in 1962, was a milestone in the history of power development in this country. Each year the demand is increasing at the rate of 10 – 12 percent or 800-1000 mw and the government is also commitment to meet the MDG (Millennium Development Goal) regarding the access to electricity for all by 2020, the country’s power generation has to be increased by at least 8 per cent each year. Besides, to ensure energy security, there should be an arrangement of 16–22 percent power to be reserved in both of public and private sectors through quality investment†3.Since only 12 percent of the households in the lowest 20 percent of the income distribution have access to power, the need for better access to affordable and reliable electricity to the majority of the people of Bangladesh by 2020. However, the yearly growth of the generation verses the demand for new connections provides the reverse scenario. Therefore, the determination of consumer tariffs and the reliability of power are important issues in terms of the policy formulation, as energy prices should be based on production costs and efficiency, and subsidies should be given on the basis of social and economic need.Overview of the Power Sector in Bangladesh: The Government of Bangladesh is committed to provide affordable and reliable electricity to all citizens by 2020. However, the nation’s 1386 million people, only 42 percent7 have access to electricity, which was only 3 percent in 1971; but per capita electricity consumption is 165 kwh/unit, still one of the lowest in the world, against India’s 561 kwh per. Unfortunately, 79 percent of the connected suffer severe load-shedding, and 60 percent of the consumers face low voltage supply. The power sector of Bangladesh is usually characterized by natural monopolies10.Conventional wisdom states that since natural monopolies threaten competitive pressures, they should be regulated either by the government, through inde pendent regulatory agencies or directly by public enterprises. Table 1: Key Statistics of the Power Sector SectorPublicIPP+Captive Installed Capacity5275 mw2490 mw* De-rated Generation Capacity4582 mw Generation (Effective)Demand* Maximum Generation (sep’ 07)4130 mw5368 mw Minimum (Jan’ 07)2331 mw Transmission Lines (230 and 132 KV in km)4119 Distribution Lines in Km2,64,891 Access of electricity (%)42Per capita generation 165 kwh Per capita consumption 140 kwh Consumer Number including WZPDCL97. 33 lac Agricultural Consumers2. 16 lac System Loss (Average Percentile) 21. 3 Source: Power Cell, February 25, 2007 * 1290 mw generation in IPP and 1200* captive power consumption Moreover, allowing another firm would increase cost or inefficiency. The Power sector includes the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity among different holdings including residential, commercial, industrial and service sectors under the guidance of the Power Division of MPEMR.At p resent, BPDB has total installed capacity of generating 4680 MW in 65 units, including the public and private sectors. The Independent Power Producers (IPP) is now producing 1290 mw in 37 units of power plants located at different parts of the country11. In this situation, the GoB drafted an energy policy accounting the increased scope of gas exploration and power generation to meet the future demand for both renewable and nonrenewable energy. Currently, 80 percent of power is non-renewable indigenous gas-based, and 70 percent of the commercial energy is recovered by gas12; the rest 20 percent is from power and 10 percent from coal.Due to poor generation, the maximum demand served was the lowest of 3000 mw at peak hours in January, 2007. Though there was no significant increase in power generation, the transmission network was expanded rapidly by the funding from ADB. However, due to the intervention of vested interest groups, poor co-ordination, the absence of accountability and tr ansparency is perverse. Power shortage hampers the contribution of power to GDP growth and creates huge excesses/unbearable demand.Under these critical circumstances there is an immediate need to identify or diagnose the major reasons for the unavailability of power as well as the low level performance of the power sector. Corruption is one of the major threats to global development, especially in developing countries; for instance, â€Å"corruption is jacking up the cost of power projects in the Philippines, delaying their implementation and providing Filipino households and businesses with expensive but unreliable electricity services†.According to the Household Survey on Corruption in 2005, â€Å"around 10 percent of the consumers are using illegal connections and around 48 percent paid bribes for taking a new connection or meter†. This corrupt practice was first identified in 1956. According to Husainy, â€Å"Dacca Electricity Supply Co. was also nationalized in 1 956 due to virulent corruption in new connection due to excess demand, maintaining uninterrupted power supply; though some improvement was observed but not significant at all during that period. †In terms of distribution of electricity, non-technical loss and pilferage of electricity make the sector more vulnerable and the bribery and harassment of the staff faced by 70 percent of the consumers18 are few of the examples of the mismanagement of this sector. Under the above circumstances, it is necessary to identify the prospect and governance in the power sector. This study tries to find the source of corruption in several issues of procurement, generation, transmission, distribution and human resource management, including the effectiveness of the existing act to combat the corruption and abuse of power.Purpose of the study: Broad Objective: The broader objective is to review the governance system of the power sector and to identify the nature of corruption likely to be presen t in the different division of the power sector. Specific Study: ?To diagnose governance failure and demand-supply shortfalls ? To identify whether any governance failure exists, regarding human resource, administration, finance etc. ?To identify the rate of corruption are occurred in this sector. To identify the actual lose has been occurred in this sector and so forth. ?To identify the sufferings and harassment faced by the consumers, especially by the poor in the commercial services including new connections, day-to-day services, billings load shedding. Methodology: Data Collection Process for Secondary Materials: Literature, articles, periodicals, reports, acts and rules, also electronic journals, documents of power sector, case studies on power generation and distribution have been reviewed. Collection of Primary Information:The primary sources of qualitative data are informal discussions with stakeholders, employees and experts of the power sector and documents on the procurem ent and distribution sides to assess whether any mismanagement or illegal practices such as abuse of power and/or funds and resources took place. Rapport building played an important role in the extraction of the qualitative data. Key informants were sector experts, policy makers, academicians who provided specific case studies and recommendations to improve the governance of the power sector, including procurement, BERC, generation, distribution and legal practice.Consumer Survey on the Quality of Commercial Service and Billing: A cross section survey among all types of consumers was administered during 5 May to 5 June of 2006 to find out the quality of services provided by different organization including DESA and DESCO. The instrument of the survey, i. e. the questionnaire, was developed by the researcher and then validated through field tests. The questionnaire on consumer survey covers the nature and extent of the corruption and harassment faced by the consumers. Questionnaire for Consumer Survey:The components of the questionnaire were six: i) the basic profile of the consumers with the information on the socio-economic profiles of the consumers/adult respondents, consumption pattern of electricity, ii) the types of connection, the new connection process, problems and harassment faced by consumers, the amount of bribe transacted during the connection process; iii)the quality of electricity service in terms of meter reading and billing process, illegal practices such as collusion with meter readers, fake billing, and other day-to-day service-related problems; iv) load extension, load shedding and voltage variation, losses of equipment due to voltage fluctuation; v) and finally, the consumers’ satisfaction regarding the different commercial services has also been illustrated through this measuring scale. Sampling Technique: A multi-stage stratified sampling technique has been followed to determine the sampling of the consumers for the survey  œ Stage 1: Consumption pattern of DESA DESCO, to put the proportionate weight in determination of the number of the sample for each agency. Then, the proportion of consumers across the distributors is considered in stage 2.Stage 2: Based on this proportion, different types of consumers are considered to select the sampling from each distributor agency. Stage 3: Distribution of Sample Consumers sing the standard formula of random sampling, the precision level or observed probability of corrupt practices was extracted at 0. 7 at a 5 percent level of error. Sample size, 1027 was determined using the design effect and across agencies in regional clusters. Distribution of Sampling Consumers: DistributorDistrict/Area Or Ward D C ISub totalTotal DESA DESCO Dhaka, Mirpur Dhaka, Karwan Bazar 10 10 10 10 10 10 30 30 60 (D= Domestic, C= Commercial, I= Industrial) Governance Failures and Problems in the Power Sector:Under the co-ordination and guidance of the Power Division, BPDB, a holding com pany, is solely responsible for generating, transmitting and distributing power through PDB, DESA, DESCO, WZPDCL and REB/PBSs though out the country. Usually, the Prime Minister is in Charge of the MPEMR and a State Minister runs the Power Division under the guidance of the PM. The PDB Chairman is Chairman of the newly converted holding company of BPDB21 and the Secretary of corporatized companies such as PGCB and WZPDCL. Furthermore, Chairman of DESA is also the Chairman of DESCO. The newly established BERC is to regulate planning, tariff fixing, dispute settlement and licensing.The following Flow Chart-1 shows the functional relationship between the different wings of the power sector. Adverse Power Crises: According to the ADB (2005), â€Å"Consumption of electricity in Bangladesh grew at an average annual rate of 8. 2% from FY 1994 to FY 2004 and forecast is to grow at an annual rate of about 8% for the next 10 years. † Since the early 1990s, the supply of power went down and system loss shot up and the frequency of load shedding increased vigorously by the middle of the 1990s. In this situation, the Government proposed the National Energy Policy in 1995, but this also failed to meet the crisis and finally Power Cell formulated the Private Power Generation policy in 1996 in order to boost the generation of power.Crisis in the power sector or the staggering demand-supply gap has emerged due to several key reasons. Since the generation of power did not increase at the rate of the increase in demand, the gap between served generation and peak demand has increased over the period shown in Figure 1. In mid ‘90, the shortage was almost zero, but the staggering gap and the demand has been increasing, the official figure is at 4250 mw, but the production is only at 2100-2200 mw which resulted in a 2000 – 2200 mw shortfall in generation. According to the PSMP 2006, the real demand was forecasted at 6200 mw in 2007, but at the same time the amoun t of power generation went down to 3,200 mw.It is noted here that the demand for power has been increasing at a rate of around 10 percent per year and furthermore then the total shortage of power would be around 435032 mw in 2010 or even more than the current estimate (shown in figure 4) if the progress of the establishment of the proposed power plants is not completed as per schedule. In estimating demand, the PDB does not usually consider economic growth and the exact demand of the prospective consumers. The crisis also emerged due to the absence of a vision and mission by PDB and DESA as well. Absence of clear organization goals of the PDB and DESA: The Power sector is such a dynamic sector that it requires clear organizational goals or objectives and the strength to take sharp decision. In reality, however, the PDB and DESA do not have clear working paper, organizational goals.As a result, there is always a sense of confusion between policy makers and the management. This hamper s the productive growth of the sector as well as its day-to-day services. New Connection Process and harassments faced by the consumer: The staff is responsible for completing the several tasks associated with a new connection. In a particular holding, no more than one residential connection is provided, with each flat considered flat as a separate entity. Requirements need to be fulfilled as per tariff rules and pro-poor documentation. In reality it is quite tough for an applicant to complete the process by himself due to harassments by the staff and agents or media.According to the survey, on average, 27percent of the consumers (the highest figure being 42 percent) face the harassment during the new connection process. A new connection process and the tyranny of â€Å"media† or â€Å"broker† According to the 2006 survey, among the applicant for a new connection, 94. 2 percent took the new connection through an agent in order to avoid the hassle and to save time; only 4. 3 percent of the consumers got the new connection by themselves. According to the consumer survey in the case of both LTI and HT connections, 94 percent of the applicants took the help of brokers or agents such as meter readers, MLSS/Fourth class employees, or electrical Contractor. Process of new connection IN DESA;Average bribe of a new connection: Reduction of bills at cost of bribe in DESA: The S & D Office disconnected the line with an outstanding amount of Taka. 3,00,000 and filed a case against ‘x’ consumer of Lalbagh S&D. The Meter Reader proposed a bribe of Taka. 1, 50,000 to settle the case. The concerned consumer agreed to the proposal in order to become benefited and to avoid harassment. Finally, the case was dismissed and office issued the reduced bill for only Taka. 28, 000 for the following month. It is noted here that the meter reader did not provide any bank receipt to the consumers, just a paper upto clearance. This is a reflection of the DESA†™s management system.Average bribe to reduce meter change Delay in Providing New Connections: According to the 2006 survey findings, if any consumer does not pay a bribe then the consumer can get connection even before the deadline of around 30 days; the longest delay in DESCO for providing a new connection was 103 days, but at the payment of bribe the connection took only 6 to 7 days for getting a new connections in DESA and RDB respectively. Interestingly, the PBS, through efficient in maintaining the desired import-collection ratio, also makes delays in getting new connection if the consumers do not bribe to the officials (Table 9). Complexities in File Processing:Bureaucratic dilemma/delay is a regular phenomenon in Bangladesh; and it is also practiced during the provision of a new connection, as application files pass through around 36/38 hands/tables before an applicant get a connection. Though the office claims that the delay is due to the insufficiency of MLSS and inadequa cy of the required documents, the real cause of the delay is illegal practice152 or the paying of bribes to speed up the process. Bribe for meter change: Office staff takes monthly bribes to reduce the electricity bill of the consumers by issuing a minimum bill against the huge bill of the power consumed (which are remaining unadjusted and stored in the meter).When the cumulative amounts of the unpaid bills, especially of HT consumers, become high, the meter reader proposes to change meter claiming to be concerned amounts showing the damage. Taking a handsome bribe, officers change the meter claiming to be concerned about the clients showing the cause of the consumer’s safety and GoB loose huge amount of revenue. Consumer, on average, pays an extra Taka 2056 as bribe to the meter reader, lineman, foreman or the Gatish of the meter reader if he/she wants to change the damaged meter. Interestingly, the highest amount has to be paid (i. e. Taka 8685 and Taka 2748) by the consume rs of the corporatized or said to the efficient organization REB. PBS and DESCO161. Erroneous and/or false billingOn average, 39 percent of the consumers of all the distributor agencies claimed that they received excess bills and the meter readers with the help of ledger keeper and the billing section. In case of the unavailability of receipts, consumer has to pay the bill with a fine including a surcharge; the significance of the chi-square value162 justifies the allegation on the wrong meter reading. It supports the presence of erroneous and bogus billing in the PDB, DESA and PBSs as well. If any honest consumer, particularly, is the small industries category (such as cold storage, cinema halls etc. ) where refrigeration plants, air conditioners had standard loads, does not agree To conclude with meter reader and wants to pay the correct bills, he is likely to be in serious trouble.Conclusion and Policy Recommendation: A number of efforts have been made by the present caretaker go vernment in order to mitigate the power failures. These efforts include the following: Cancellation of the tendering process of small power plants addressing the allegation of nontransparent process and attempt for re-tender. Identification of major targets to rehabilitate and maintain the power station, and sign of treaties to establish both public and private power plants. Unfortunately, it is alleged by local power company that the aid providing agencies have put several clauses in the bid manual so that they cannot submit the bid papers fulfilling the conditions.Approval of five IPPs (three foreign companies) of 1,930 mw capacity, increasing the share of IPPs in the total power generated up to 3,190 mw (62%). Unfortunately, no significant decision has been taken yet to identify the leakages and rampant theft of power. Appointment of two members for the BERC and development of several guidelines along with the methodology of the determination of power tariff. However, in this met hodology, the peak and off-peak demand was not considered. Besides, there is no vivid guideline from BERC on how submitted documents and information by applicant IPPs would be cross-checked and the previously completed contracts between PDB and IPPs are out of the proposed formula.This study was undertaken with the aim to diagnose the problems prevailing in this sector. The scope of this study includes review the state of governance in this sector, demand-supply shortfalls, the current procedure of power plant procurements and identifying the nature and extent of corruption, accountability of the staff, investigate the sufferings and harassments faced by the consumers, day-to-day services, billing, load shedding, and rural-urban disparities. Information from both primary and secondary sources has been used in preparing the report. Sources of secondary information included acts and rules, published articles, periodicals, reports, as well as official documents.Primary sources of infor mation include a consumer survey, informal discussion with stakeholders, employees, and experts of the power sector. The consumer survey covered the nature and the extent of corruption and harassments faced by the consumers. The cross section survey among all types of consumers (1027) was administered to find out the quality of services provided by different organization including PDB, REB/PBSs, DESA and DESCO. Adverse power crises and governance failures The PDB’s official report shows a shortfall of generation of around 2000 – 2200 mw. However, according to PSMP 2006, the total shortage of power would be around 4350 mw in 2010.The reasons for power shortages are identified below. Policy Level Failures: The government failed to put adequate emphasis on the power sector; there has not been any clear and specific guideline to estimate the real demand and supply; there have also been violation of the PSMP in the form of politicization of the location, size and types of p lants, emphasis on short-term planning, inadequate autonomy in making financial and administrative decisions, appointment of foreign consultants for rent-seeking purpose despite the availability of local hands, and imbalanced expansion of distribution lines for rent-seeking purposes Limitations and malpractice within the procurement process:The procurement process in power sector has been distorted due to unwanted intervention in the procurement process, complexities of the bidding process, wrong evaluations, absence of uniform Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC), delay in hiring consultants and resolving disputes due to bureaucratic dilemma, corruption such as putting specific condition, nepotism, extortion by vested interest groups, collusion between the bid officials and bidders, false experience certificate submitted by bidders, appointment of contractors for maintenance and rehabilitations without any tender, abuse of funds by plant and policy-level staff, supply of low qualit y machinery violating the contract, and power purchase agreements made at high rates. As a result, around Tk 4,007 crore or US$ 688 million (from purchase of the 6 power plants and outsourcing the maintenance and rehabilitation works to a foreign company) during 1996-2005 have been abused.Inadequate financial capacity: Around 17000 crore Taka is required to meet the demand for power of 8000 mw by next 2010; but the concerned organizations have inadequate financial capacity due to i) cumulative increase of unpaid bills and unaccountable indebted organizations, ii) poor rate of collection (caused by high T&D losses, legal shelter taken by large bill defaulters, low density of consumers in several PBSs of REB), and iii) instantaneous increase of financial burden due to contract with IPPs at a floating exchange rate, iv) contract, under PPA, with IPPs at high tariff arte, v) high input cost of diesel based generation plants. References:Analysis of the Sustainability of the Electrical Po wer Sector, Advanced Engineering Associates International (AEAI), February 2003, Asian Development Bank, 2005, Sector Assistance Program Evaluation of Asian Development Bank Assistance to Philippines Power Sector. Asian Development Bank, â€Å"Special Evaluation Study on Cost Recovery in the Power Sector Operation and Evaluation Department†, SS-55, April 2003 Bacon, R. W. and Besant-Jones, J. , 2001,’Global Electric Power Reform, Privatization And Liberalization Of The Electric Power Industry In Developing Countries’ The International Bank of Reconstruction and Development, The World Bank. Washington. D. C. Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Act 2003, BG press, MPEMR, GoB, 2003, DhakaBose, Sudhansu, Poor collection efficiency of Indian state owned power distribution companies: causes and remedies, White Paper, Wipro InfoTech Complexity of Electric Power Distribution Governance†, Journal, 26 (3), 1-39, 2004 Dr. Hardiv H Situmeang, June 1, 2005, THE CHA LLENGE OF FINANCING POWER PROJECTS. Jakarta Fiany, Ronald, et. al. July 2003, Governance Problem in the Brazilian Power Sector, Oxford University Gilbert, Richard and Kahn, Edward et al, 1996, International Comparisons of Electricity Regulation, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. HYPERLINK†http://www. stenmar. com/oil_and_gas_sector. asp† http://www. stenmar. com/oil_and_gas_sector. asp

Article of Marketing Strategies of Bajaj Auto

It is required to provide protection for men, machines, materials, products or even the companyaâ‚ ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s secrets. It has to serve as a part of the production facilities and as a factor to maximize economy and efficiency in plant operations. It should be such, as would offer a pleasant and comfortable working environment and project the managementaâ‚ ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s image and prestige. Besides, it involves considerable investment of capital. In a way, a factory building is to a plant what skin and bones are to a living being, the structure and appearance heighten the functioning as a whole of the body corporate, or of a living body. It is for these reasons that the factory building acquires great importance. The management of an existing factory may, on certain occasions, feel the need for raising a building. This may be an improvement on, or an addition to, the existing building for purpose of expansion or growth, or a new structure necessitated by product diversification or market considerations. A factory building may be rented, if available in the place, when the management decides that way. But, generally speaking, no large factory, or even a medium-sized factory, is housed in a rented accommodation. The reasons are that, in the first place, ready made factory buildings are not available to suit particular needs, except for small plants. In the second place, a rented building does not indicate prosperity and progressaâ‚ ¬Ã¢â‚¬ a fact which is important to a manufacturing concern in so far as its public image is concerned. Whether a building has to be constructed, or rented, or improved, or expanded, certain factors, which are of vital importance to every plant, should be borne in mind. These considerations relate to: 1. The design of the buildings. 2. The types of materials for construction; and 3. The types of buildings Every factory management enlists the services of architects, engineers and contractors to ensure that these considerations find their due place in the consideration of factory buildings. more at http://www. citeman. com/136-importance-of-factory-buildings-in-operations. html#ixzz2O9Gy3LP6 Article of Marketing Strategies of Bajaj Auto It is required to provide protection for men, machines, materials, products or even the companyaâ‚ ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s secrets. It has to serve as a part of the production facilities and as a factor to maximize economy and efficiency in plant operations. It should be such, as would offer a pleasant and comfortable working environment and project the managementaâ‚ ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s image and prestige. Besides, it involves considerable investment of capital. In a way, a factory building is to a plant what skin and bones are to a living being, the structure and appearance heighten the functioning as a whole of the body corporate, or of a living body. It is for these reasons that the factory building acquires great importance. The management of an existing factory may, on certain occasions, feel the need for raising a building. This may be an improvement on, or an addition to, the existing building for purpose of expansion or growth, or a new structure necessitated by product diversification or market considerations. A factory building may be rented, if available in the place, when the management decides that way. But, generally speaking, no large factory, or even a medium-sized factory, is housed in a rented accommodation. The reasons are that, in the first place, ready made factory buildings are not available to suit particular needs, except for small plants. In the second place, a rented building does not indicate prosperity and progressaâ‚ ¬Ã¢â‚¬ a fact which is important to a manufacturing concern in so far as its public image is concerned. Whether a building has to be constructed, or rented, or improved, or expanded, certain factors, which are of vital importance to every plant, should be borne in mind. These considerations relate to: 1. The design of the buildings. 2. The types of materials for construction; and 3. The types of buildings Every factory management enlists the services of architects, engineers and contractors to ensure that these considerations find their due place in the consideration of factory buildings. more at http://www. citeman. com/136-importance-of-factory-buildings-in-operations. html#ixzz2O9Gy3LP6

Data mining and e-learning Thesis Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Data mining and e-learning - Thesis Proposal Example Data mining is often regarded as an inseparable facet of effective e-learning process aimed at better knowledge management. However, critics have also been of the view that data mining presents certain challenges that undermines its effectiveness as an ideal tool of knowledge management through e-learning (Ari, 2008; Monk, 2005). As argued in Abdullah (2008) and Chen & et. al. (2004), experiences of the data users in data mining and their accurate interpretation skills to use those data in knowledge management techniques when focusing on e-learning, often generate issues related with complexities and cost as well as time constraints. Emphasising this particular debated issue, the objectives of this particular research have been determined as the following. According to Moore & et. al. (2011), e-learning approach to knowledge management is fundamentally described as a web-based mechanism, which assists the users as well as the learners towards accessing knowledge or information in a convenient and time-efficient manner. In this similar concern, Moore & et. al. (2011) identified that the notion of e-learning emerged as one of the effective ideas in enhancing the knowledge of people through the incorporation of various innovative technological advancements. In this present day context, it can be apparently observed that data mining methods have been widely adopted in the application of e-learning for the purpose of solving numerous problems that arise while retrieving or gathering any data in today’s globalising world. As per the study conducted by Han & et. al. (2011), data mining is utilised in the field of statistics to support decisions in various fields of research including business or education, which tends to apply several techniques, neural networks, visualisation modes and decision trees among others. The various sorts of data mining techniques

The history of Yoga Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The history of Yoga - Essay Example The practice did not take long to gain popularity as within a century it had already become a method of both mental and physical exercise in the Western world. There have also been several researches that have been carried out in an attempt to verify the psychological mechanism of action during yoga practice (De Michelis, 55-60). In addition, there has also been an attempt to use this practice as an alternative and complementary therapeutic intervention for patients suffering with psychological disorders such as schizophrenia, or other as you have chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer or asthma. This paper will however focus on the history of this practice and how it has developed over the years. As mentioned above, yoga was practiced in several ancient cultures and it could be said that it is just as old as civilization. However, physically there is no evidence to support this theory and the earliest archaeological findings of yoga practice dates back to approximately 3000 BC (De Michelis, 55-60). However, some scholars have disapproved this theory and dates yoga back to Shamanism in the Stone Age. These scholars believe it was a key practice in therapeutic intervention during this period. ... The main characteristic features of yoga practice as stated in these readings includes ceremonies and rituals that were performed in order to perform certain actions that were physiologically limited by the mind. In this period, the practice was taught by rishis which were also educators on living a harmonious life. They were presumed to have the gift and ability to foresee past reality to their deep practice of spiritual rituals (Samuel, 12-23). Pre-Classical Yoga This period begins with the formation ofUpanishads, which contain 200 Scriptures (Samuel, 12-23). These describe internal perception of reality that is altered and intensified by one’s dedication to Brahman. There are three main principles that were explained in the Scriptures and they include Brahman, Atman and the interrelation between the two entities (Samuel, 12-23). In addition, the Scriptures give further insight on the teachings of the Vedas. In Buddhism, yoga can be traced back to the sixth century BC. In th is period, Buddha began spreading teachings on the religion and his main emphasis was meditation. Gautama was the first to practice yoga among all Buddhists and was able to gain enlightenment by the time was 35 years old (Samuel, 12-23). Around approximately 500 BC a text known as Bhagavad-Gita was formulated and is considered as the oldest documentation of yoga Scripture. In addition, it does not involve other aspects and is mainly focused on yoga. It emphasizes on activity as a form of being alive and importance of our actions exceeding our egos (Samuel, 12-23). Classical Period This phrase possesses another entity of Yoga known as Yoga Sutra. It is believed to have been written

Economics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Economics - Research Paper Example For instance, a reduction in the target federal funds rate by the Federal Open Market Committee is quite likely to lead towards a fall in the short term interest rates which are mostly charged on commercial papers and treasury bills among other financial products (Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, 2012). The short term interests are affected not only by the current federal funds rate but also by the expected overnight changes in the rates (Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 2011). The influence of federal fund rates on the interest rates has been shown in the figure below: Source: Money Cafe (2012) In addition, the changes in the federal funds rate also have certain noteworthy effects on the foreign exchange rates within an economy. For instance, if the fund rates increase in the United States, investing in dollar assets may seem to be more favourable, which in turn may result in the increase of the value of dollar in the foreign exchange market (Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 2011). Furthermore, the Federal Reserve plays a vital role in setting up the monetary policies for a nation which includes the setting up of reasonable long-term interest rates as well. ... One of the major functions of the Federal Reserve is to control the money supply and credit supply in the economy in order to support the economic goals of a nation (Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, 2012). Likewise, the increase in the federal funds rate might also cause the short term interest rates to rise. This can further lead the business houses and the customers to reduce their expenditures causing a decrease in the economic activities and leading to a fall in the employment rate (Modeste & Mustafa, 2002). A reduction in the in the interest rates of Federal Reserve is likely to result in the decrease in income and output level of the economy. The ‘contraction policies’ implemented by the Federal Reserve is mainly focused on controlling the cumulative demand in an economy. These ‘contraction policies’, have often been observed to lead towards a decrease in the aggregate supply of money within the economy. This results in an increase in the interest rat es which eventually decreases the investment level within an economy leading towards a substantial fall in the overall output level (Khawaja, 2012). The following diagram illustrates the influence of federal funds rate fluctuations on the output gap: Source: (Bivens, 2012) The federal fund rates have significant effect on inflation as well. A decrease in the federal fund rates is likely to result in an increase in the demand for goods and services. This increase in demand for commodities in turn enhances the employment opportunities for labours and requirement for raw materials for the production purpose (Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 2011). This aspect can be evidently observed from

Write a single page summarizing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Write a single page summarizing - Essay Example The company was happy with the product, which manifested great features as compared to Apple II. However, the happiness was cut short, two months after introduction. The project did not consider the available software, as only three existed. Evidently, no software was expected at the time for a period of six months hence making operations difficult. Apple III software was buggy and crashed even at little functions such as the save command. Certainly, this caused frustration among journalists interested in exploring the new device. The problems did not stop at the software, but the motherboard also got hot hence pushing chips out of their sockets. In response, Apple officials advised customers to drop their systems for reset. Nonetheless, the project came at a halt when IBM launched a more effective computer at lower prices ($1,565) than Apple. In this light, customers crossed over to IBM PC without giving apple even the alternative option hence the

Why is implementation so difficult Discuss Essay

Why is implementation so difficult Discuss - Essay Example ills, there is need for cross-functional expertise and efforts, because the management team and strategic thinker may not have cross functional excellence. Instead, the changes should be implemented gradually, starting with the skills that can be learned and mastered easily. For instance a thinking and action system is whereby an organization is made up of interdependent elements, which must be considered. Changing one thing may not be enough and may have a ripple effect which affects other elements, including organizational arrangement, technology, individual behavior and social factors. Because a business needs to be seen as a ‘whole’, implementation should take care of connected elements as a whole (Lazin 86). Additionally, strategic motivation should be implemented to ensure that enthusiastic participation of inspired organization officials. In spite of the strategic motivation, the officials should adapt with times considering that the rapidly changing environment makes past strategic options obsolete. In turn the officials should revise strategy continuously, gain knowledge from feed back and reassess past decisions. However, failure to assess sources of internal resistance occurs because forces of inertia are underestimated. According to Knaap (269), decision makers should therefore conduct broad research to obtain as much knowledge as possible to be used in designing a policy, understanding and identifying best implementation approaches. The alternatives should be tested to identify the cost effective, review the impact of different approaches, learning from testing enabled implementers to launch policies with and time quick time table that will speed up implementation. Consequently, they should develop an implementation plan which will specify the roles, responsibilities and dead line for implementers. In order for the decision makers to manage barriers to change, there is need to identify potential resistance from people responsible for

E-government & social inclusion. Critically assess policies of digital Essay

E-government & social inclusion. Critically assess policies of digital inclusion in the UK Digital Britain Final Report (2009) and compare them with policies in Singapore - Essay Example Digital Britain Report recognizes the fact that Digital Life Skills are central to the sustainability of the UK economy in general and of the marginalized sections of the society in particular (2009). Digital Life Skills are the cardinal participative tools that will eventually determine the success of all the government policies targeted at the upliftment of the socially and digitally excluded segments of the masses. Digital Life Skills stand to be the credentials that enable the citizens to have an equitable access to public services and economic opportunities in the sphere of social inclusion, employment and education. The report establishes beyond doubt that though the proportion of the people lacking in basic ICT skills has gradually dwindled over time, still a considerable chunk of the British population stands to be digitally excluded (2009). This lacuna deprives them of having an effective access to state portals of service and aid, thereby aggravating their sidelined plight in the attribution of opportunities and benefits. Therefore, the report calls for a sincere and concerted effort towards the enablement of digitally excluded segments of the society that are either unable to or do not know how to go online (2009). The report envisages the extermination of barriers that curtail the opportunities for the weaker sections of the society. It unequivocally conveys that the opportunities for the weaker sections of the society can be augmented and increased by the democratization of the ICT skills. This will enable the people to improve the quality of their life, better their employment prospects and uplift their communities. The digital infrastructure and literacy ought to be ubiquitous and universally accessible. This calls for the envisaging of steps that assure the incorporation of the marginalized groups within the ambit of digital

E-Business Research Paper for Golfing Paradise Essay Example for Free

E-Business Research Paper for Golfing Paradise Essay 1. Introduction: This paper consists of two tasks. Task I seeks to discuss and analyze migration of a traditional retail business to the Internet using the case of Golfing Paradise while Task 2 examines Internet security as concern for the same company. 2. Project Overview The whole project for Golfing Paradise, Victoria local retailer of golf equipments and accessories aims to migrate into the Internet to increase sales. 3. Overview of the migration project The migration project does not change the industry where Golfing Paradise belongs. It just proposes the benefits of expanding customer base in the Internet but not without costs and risks. 4. Summary of Scope, Activities, Costs, Milestones, Dates/durations, Resources, Deliverables, Risk factors, Gantt chart. The first two months require buying of equipments (computers and transportation), IT programs and software and hiring of additional personnel to man online business that may operate 24 hours a day and seven days week. Risk factors are discussed in relation to the choices of having and not having the same but not having the same without the opportunities is less preferable. 5. Management Summary This paper answers some of the relevant and materials concerns of Golfing Paradise in deciding to migrate into the Internet in selling its products to more customers. The company hopes to increase customer. Hence it will need to make some investment (Brigham and Houston, 2000) in new equipments and the hiring or retraining of some personnel to bring them to its new way of doing business. The benefits are of course increase profits from increased revenues (Meigs and Meigs, 1995) but also increase costs that may come from transportation costs depreciation of new equipments and even salary payments for new staff. 6. Main Body 6.1 Important facts for analysis: The business Golfing Paradise is currently providing Golf products through a network of 3 retail premises across Victoria. The products include Golf equipment such as clubs, buggies, golf balls as well as sports clothing and golf accessories. Golfing Paradise is selling both Australian made and imported products. The management of Golfing paradise has decided to expand its operations to the Internet, providing service to existing customers and attract new ones by offering products online. 6.2 Questions and Answers 6.2.1 Describe three of the most important issues that Golfing Paradise will face in migrating the same type of business to the internet. The three of the most important issues that Golfing Paradise will face in migrating the same type of business will include the following: (a.) What products will have to be sold online and how to bring or deliver the products to customers expected revenues that may be generating in migrating it retail trade? ; (b) What is the extent of the coverage area where products of the business could be sold? ; and (c) How will payment systems be modified as a result of migrating its business to the Internet. Each is described and explained below: 6.2.1.1 Products to be sold online and how to bring or deliver the products to customers? The online business is an addition to the traditional retail business will have to visit the stores. Hence, customers online would most like purchase by visiting the stores or they would request for delivery of their products to their homes, business place or an place of need. Determining therefore what products (Kotler, 1994) to be sold on line should be material issue to decide specially on customers who will choose to have the products they ordered online to be delivered. Case facts say that products include Golf equipments such as clubs, buggies, golf balls as well as sports clothing and golf accessories and said products are also include both Australian made and imported products. The guide to determine which products to sell should be estimated on the probability that the customers ordering online would have their products delivered on time and they are ready to pay for any shipping charges that may charged by the company. An online buyer preferring orders to be delivered to their place of business is one of those who do not have the chance to visit the store, hence Golfing Paradise must be able to deliver goods on time as per order to the customer. Those who can visit the store, customers should be allowed provide clear guide to reach the place of business or any authorized outlet from which customers could pick up the goods. 6.2.1.2 The extent of the coverage area where products of the business could be sold The coverage area where products are to be sold will make persons ordering online to know whether they could have the goods that are offered for sale on line. Since the Internet is accessible almost worldwide if not worldwide, it would be impossible for Golfing Paradise to reach every customer when its present place of business is only in Victoria, Australia Case facts provide that Golfing Paradise is currently providing Golf products through a network of 3 retail premises across Victoria and the products both include Australian made and imported products. If Golfing Paradise is ready to go outside Victoria, it must provide so in its website up to what extent. It may for example want to limit only to Australia but as discussed earlier the business must be capable of delivering its representation of its products. Case facts also provide that the management of Golfing paradise has decided to expand its operations to the Internet, providing service to existing customers and attract new ones by offering products online, hence the extent of coverage will have to be clearly defined. If customers outside Victoria will have to be considered, where will the customers pick up their orders? Will Golfing Paradise need to set up already an outlet outside Victoria? This decision must be made after the demand for company’s products may have expanded that would justify the cost of putting a sales outlet outside of Victoria. 6.2.1.3 The manner of payment system a result of migrating its business to the Internet Selling online presupposes dealing with people who are prepared to enjoy the benefits of trading in the Internet. The company must therefore consider whether it would limit accepting payment through credit card, aside from cash or will it also accept electronic currencies? The decision as to the mode of payment that may be accepted carries with them different requirements for administration that may involve hiring of additional personnel or acquiring computer systems, for the smooth running of the system. This must therefore be tied up with the later topic on Web design of the business as part of the marketing strategy (Churchill and Peter, 1995). 6.2.2 Discuss two possible internet marketing strategies that you could employ when migrating the business to the internet. The traditional ‘Four P’s of Marketing’ includes product strategy, place strategy, promotion strategy and price strategy. We will consider some of these on online selling. We will consider as part of our strategy product, place and promotion strategies. Lowery (2006) agreed with us when she said, that developing a successful internet marketing strategy is an essential part of online success. In order to succeed, we must develop and implement a strategic plan that includes all of the following: (a) A great product, (b) A web site specifically designed to sell, and (c) A killer marketing strategy. 6.2.2.1 Developing Your Product Lowery (2006) said, â€Å"Your first step will be to develop a great product. Youre probably thinking thats easier said than done, but its really not. The absolute best product is one that you can develop you and deliver over the Internet. With todays technology, there is absolutely no reason why you cant create your own product. The knowledge you have within your own mind is extremely valuable. Everybody is good at something, has a special talent or some specialized knowledge. Use this knowledge to create a product.† Lowery (2006) further said, â€Å"The key to developing a great product is exclusiveness. Your product should be unique and not be in competition with hundreds of other similar products. You must give your potential customers exactly what they want. Develop a high-quality product that fills a void to increase your chance of success.† Another consideration of great importance is Golfing target market. Let us keep in mind that the Internet is a global marketplace and developing a product with a large geographic target and a wide appeal will fulfil a need or desire and provide instant gratification. Thus, before we develop our product, hence, we have to do some research and find out exactly what people want and develop your product accordingly. The most important consideration when developing our product should be quality since Our product should not only deliver what we promise, but should go above and beyond the expected and over deliver. It is thus a reality that customer’s satisfaction is of the utmost importance. (Lowery, 2006 ) (Paraphrasing made). 2.2.2.2 Our promotions and place strategy Developing our website will be and indispensable part of migrating out business in the Internet. Doing the same actually satisfies place strategy because the said strategy means proving the customers the availability of the products to customers when they are needed. In the website therefore customers will have a chance to see the products that could be sold online and which could not be. In the same website a customer can chat or communicate via email with customers services that will assist the customer in brining the goods to the customers. Lowery (2006) said, â€Å"Once youve developed a great product, your next step will be to develop a great web site. Your web site must be specifically designed to sell your product.† It added, â€Å"Everything within your web site should have one purpose getting your visitor to take action. Words are the most powerful marketing tool you have. The right words will turn your visitors into customers. The wrong words will cause them to click away and never return. Lowery (2006) further made the following advice: â€Å"Your words are the entire foundation of your business. Your product, your web site and your marketing strategies all depend upon your words. Fancy graphics dont make sales words do. She added: â€Å"Every word, sentence and headline should have one specific purpose to lead your potential customer to your order page. Write your web site copy as if you are talking to just one person. Identify a problem and validate that one visitors need for a solution. Continue to write and explain why your product is the solution to their problem. Tell them exactly what your product will do for them why it will solve their problems and how. Pack your copy with benefits and more benefits. Write to persuade thats the bottom line.† Developing the website would constitute the big part of the work since this where online business will most likely depend. 2.2.3. How to Develop Marketing Strategies? Marketing strategy is the final process of the migrating plan which must include both short-term and long-term strategies in order to succeed. Lowery (2006) agreed when she said that short term marketing strategies are those that bring a temporary boost in traffic. Although these techniques are very important to our over-all plan, they are only a temporary traffic source and must not be solely relied upon. These short term marketing strategies normally include purchasing advertising, bulletin boards and search engines (Lowery, 2006) (Paraphrasing made). It must be stated that marketing should be ingrated with corporate strategy. (Porter, 1980) Lowery (2006) added that long term marketing strategies are those that bring the company a steady stream of targeted traffic over time and these strategies are believed to continue to produce results even years down the road. She added that long term marketing strategies include: Opt-in Lists, Freebies and Content (Paraphrasing made). By creating and implementing a balanced marketing strategy, using both short-term and long-term strategies, the company will drive a steady stream of targeted traffic to our web site. (Lowery, 2006) (Paraphrasing made).   It must be pointed that developing a marketing strategy is dynamic thing because of fast changing environment. 7. Costs and time frame for delivery The benefits that Golfing Paradise expects to gain from migrating of course could be roughly estimated to gross or net profit margin on a per customer basis. Stated simply, the company would be pricing its products and services above cost. Costs (Slavin, 1996) here of course includes capital cost on additional investment in terns of computer systems and salary of new additional staff that may be hire including all other cost of doing business on line 8. Conclusion: Golfing Paradise decision to go on line is the right mode to expand the number of its customers. It need not abandon the retail trade. However, in so migrating its business to the Internet, it needs to consider different factors in such change of business. Migrating to Internet involves all the benefits of the system like increasing the number of customers. However, it also will entail new ways of doing business for which it must be able to serve orders on line with define authorities. Customers on line may also need to pay in forms other than money and credit cards; hence the company must be ready in any eventuality. I must prepare a list of what goods may be sold on line including estimates for delivery cost for those who may want to pot for delivery. These and other things must be done by Golfing Paradise prefer to have more customers. TASK 2 (10 marks): Security Two of the security issues that the business has been left exposed include the issues of preventing internet fraud and other one is all other internet security problem. As to how each of the issue is fixed is explained below: To say that fraud could prevented in the internet sound like bringing the whole humanity to the moon. George (1999) talked of IT criminals like the hackers who just steal other money by their ingenuities and who profit from many innocent card owners by accident by pure ignorance. Even in the manual world fraud happened because people connive and so crimes get committed. The Internet is a new world with new and unfamiliar rules. Business happens online and there could be no one who would be regulating transactions particularly those happens across countries. There might be organizations like international courts but many on line users would yet to agree if the people who get victimized may opt to go to court, since no one may be user what could will have jurisdiction. As to Golfing Paradise, although it may limit its area coverage from whom it may take payments, it cannot be sure of perfectly preventing fraud. The best way is the use of common sense and knowledge of how the business environment in the net functions. The other issue is security where files and computer soft wares could be rendered useless by ‘viruses’ or ‘spy wares’ or eve ‘phishers’ (Wikipedia, 2006) . For business rendered online such problems are inevitable and some may even be discouraged of migrating in the Internet but simply opportunity lost in not migrating might be more punishing. Hence the attitude is to protection to acquire the latest software and some of them may yet be downloadable from the Internet. It is thus the choice of avoiding the problems but no chance for improvement or joining and braving the risk but with great chance for growth. I believe more will take the risk of migrating because of opportunities. References: Brigham and Houston (2000) Fundamental of Financial Management, Thomson South Western, USA Churchill and Peter (1995), Marketing, Creating Value for customers, Irwin, Sydney Australia George, K. (1999), Different World, Praxis Business Line’s Journal on Management, Vol. 2 : Iss. 3 , {www document} URL www.hinduonnet.com/businessline/praxis/pr0203/02030400.htm, Accessed Nov. 19,2006 Kotler, P. (1994) Marketing Management, Prenctice Hall International, London , UK Lowery, S. (2006) Internet Marketing Strategies, Part One: Three Step Formula, {www document} URL http://www.web-source.net/3steps.htm Meigs and Meigs (1995), Financial Accounting, McGraw-Hill, New York, USA Porter (1980), Competitive Strategy, Free Press, USA Slavin (1996) Economics, Irwin, London, UK Wikipedia, (2006) Phising, {www document} URL http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phising, Accessed November 18,2006

Dead Mens Path Theme Analysis Literature Essay

Dead Mens Path Theme Analysis Literature Essay Dead Mens Path is a short story written in 1972 by African Author Chinua Achebe. It is about Michael Obi, a young and energetic man excited about all things modern who is just assigned a position to run a traditional school. Not long into the job, he finds that along with his misguided zeal, ignoring the traditions of his people can have great consequences. Obi is a bright and enthusiastic young man who is excited to find out that he will be the new headmaster of a school that has been in desperate need of help for some time. Obi was considered a pivotal teacher and he and his wife are both forward thinking and eager to share the modern life with everyone. Chinua Achebe shows the Obis modern enthusiasm by writing: We shall do our best, she Obis wife) replied. We shall have such beautiful gardens and everything will be just modern and delightful He also shows Obis views of the traditionalist people by attacking their character referring to them as, these old and superannuated people in the teaching field. Of his two goals for the school, one was to make the grounds a place of beauty. An upcoming inspection was the perfect motivation to begin what he thought to be great improvements. In time the gardens blossomed with beautiful red and yellow flowers. As Obi is admiring his work, he comes across an old woman from the village who walks str aight across the flowers onto what Obe discovers to be an old faint almost unused path. Obi speaks to a teacher and finds out exactly what the path was used for. It amazes me, said Obi to one of the teachers who had been three years in the school, that you people allowed the villagers to make use of this footpath. It is simply incredible. He shook his head. The path, the teacher said apologetically, appears to be very important to them. Although it is hardly used, it connects the village shrine with their place of burial. Obi didnt care about the reason and for fear that the coming inspector may see people on school grounds who didnt belong, demanded that the footpath be closed off immediately regardless of warnings from the teacher. The path was then blocked with heavy logs and reinforced with barbed wire. A priest was sent by the outraged villagers to try and talk some sense into Obi, pressing upon him the significance that the path has not to just the villagers, but also the dead who walk the path.Look here my son, this path was here before you were born and before your father was born. The whole life of the village depends on it. Our dead relatives depart by it and our ancestors visit us by it. But most important, it is the path of children coming in to be born. Obi rejected the priests words and in mocking replied to him Dead men dont walk. he dismissed his ancestry and instead chose the modern way. The path remained blocked and a few days later a village woman died in childbirth. The villagers took that as a sign that if the path remains blocked they would suffer great misfortune. Believing that the mother would be unable to rest in peace and the child unable to walk the path and enter the world, the villagers became agitated and tore down a school building as well as everything used to block the path and the flowers planted to impress the inspector. When the inspector finally arrived, he was presented with grounds that were completely destroyed along w ith a headmaster who thought only about himself and erasing the past to become modern. In the story, with the descriptions of the pretentious headmaster and his lack of respect for the elders and their traditions the narrator clearly has taken sides with the villagers. Chinua Achebe writes, The whole purpose of our school is to eradicate such beliefs as that. Dead men do not require footpaths. The whole idea is just fantastic. Our duty is to teach your children to laugh at such ideas. The main point in question in the story is in reference to the villagers beliefs and customs and the importance it held in their lives. Obi was wrong in his thinking and in his methods, believing that he can just cut the people off from what in our time would be considered a funeral. When it comes to the destruction and rejection of something that was and is important to people such as traditions no matter how old the customs may be, nobody has the right to negate a persons background and nobody has the ability to remove a persons belief and substitute it with their own. An unfamiliar cul tures belief may seem fanciful but to those who believe it, it is as much a vital part of their lives as technology is in ours. The heart of a persons belief is in having faith although what you believe can never be proven. What happens in death is a perfect example of this. Nobody alive can know what happens after death so we are left with our imaginations to hope that our loved ones are in a better place rather than in the ground or left as ashes. People need that faith to carry on because at times the thought of never again seeing those people can be unbearable. Our ancestors traditions and customs are important because the only knowledge we have of things we have no proof on is in the things passed down for generations. Just as the story explained, the villagers were so strong in their beliefs of the path that when it became blocked they attacked the school and everything that was blocking the sacred path: The beautiful hedges were torn up not just near the path but right around the schoolflowers trampledone of the school buildings torn down The importance of a persons culture is more than just the faith of a single person, it connects a group of people who believe alike and allows them to work together with the same end results. As stated in Achebes Dead Mens Path, contemporary community shouldnt do as Obi and try to eradicate the core of a peoples beliefs which, with his mocking reply to the priest is just what he tried to do. Our duty is to teach your children to laugh at such ideas. It is important to remember and to honor traditions. Many people fight to keep their traditions alive, whether its an old woman making her 80th annual pilgrimage to a Mexican cemetery to light a candle at Dona Candelaria de Sapiens grave or Native American tribe members dressed in full ceremonial clothing dancing to celebrate the coming rain. In Achebes story, the people fought to keep the path free so that those who pass on can rest in peace and the traditions of the vill agers can carry on for generations to come, far beyond the lives of the priests, villagers and Obi.

The Yellow Wallpaper -- essays research papers

"The Yellow Wallpaper", A Descent Into Madness In the nineteenth century, women in literature were often portrayed as submissive to men. Literature of the period often characterized women as oppressed by society, as well as by the male influences in their lives. "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman presents the tragic story of a woman's descent into depression and madness because of this oppression. The narrator's declining mental health is reflected through the characteristics of the house she is trapped in and her husband, while trying to protect her, is actually destroying her. The narrator of the story goes with her doctor/husband to stay in a colonial mansion for the summer. The house is supposed to be a place where she can recover from sever postpartum depression. According to Jennifer Fleissner, "naturalist characters like the narrator of Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper" is shown obsessed with the details of an entrapping interiority. In such an example we see naturalism's clearest alteration of previous understandings of gender: its refiguration of domestic spaces, and hence, domestic identity according to the narrative of repetitive work and compulsion that had once served to distinguish public life from a sentimentary understood home" [Fleissner 59]. "The Yellow Wallpaper" is a fictionalized account of Charlotte Perkins Gilman's own postpartum depression. Gilman was a social critic and feminist who wrote prolifically about the necessity of social and sexual equality, particularly about women's need for economic independence. According to critic Valarie Gill, "Gilman attached the nineteenth century's configuration of private space as woman's domain and its attendant generalizations about femininity. Gilman seeks to blur the distinction between private and public life. Gilman unflaggingly urged her audience to consider their logic in assigning women to the home. The composition of home life altered radically between the beginning and final decades of the nineteenth century" (17). The narrator loves her baby, but knows she is not able to take care of him. "It is fortunate Mary is so good with the baby. Such a deer baby! And yet I cannot be with him, it makes me nervous" (Gilman 359). The symbolism utilized by Gilman is somewhat askew from the conventional. A house us... ...ver been written to show why so many woman go crazy, especially farmers' wives, who live lonely, monotonous lives. A husband of the kind described that he could not account for his wife's having gone insane – 'for,' said he, "to my certain knowledge she has hardly left her kitchen and bedroom in 30 years" (60). Critic Sharon Felton says, "Even if we should remove every legal and political discrimination against women; even if we should accept their true dignity and power as a sex; so long as their universal business is private housework they remain, industrially, at the level of private domestic land labor and economically a non productive, dependent class . The wonder is not that so many women break down, but so few" (273). Critic Sharon Felton "Even if we should remove every legal and political discrimination against women; even if we should accept their true dignity and power as a sex; so long as their universal business is private housework they remain, industrially, at the level of private domestic hand labor and economically a non productive, dependent class ….The wonder is not that so many women break down, but so few."(273)

Dave of The Dave Matthews Band :: Music Musical Matthews Essays

Dave of The Dave Matthews Band Death and destruction sells in this day in age. As Santana so correctly put it, â€Å"It seems that I thrive on the dark side of things/ I always feel alive when the death bell rings/ now you come and you bring out the tears in me† As a culture, Americans have a tendency to enjoy something that gets their blood boiling, something that makes them want to just let it all go and scream as apposed to something that makes them feel all warm and bubbly inside. There are however, those bands out there that do manage to keep their fan base interested with love songs that are reminiscent of the sixties â€Å"flower children.† One of the greatest is the Dave Matthews Band. In order to understand Dave and his band, one has to understand Dave’s history. Dave was born in South Africa. Through out his childhood, he moved in and out of the states. Eventually, after his farther died in New York in the 80’s, Dave and his family decided to move back to South Africa. This is when, due to the hatred that engulfs this particular region of our â€Å"peaceful† world, his sister was murdered. One can safely assume that Dave took it upon himself to spread a loving message through his music. Love of ones neighbor is his common theme. Two of the more powerful songs that show this over all image of love are â€Å"The Best of What’s Around† and â€Å"Jimmi Thing.† â€Å"Hey my friend, it seems your eyes are troubled, care to share, your time with me?† Do you care to let me share some of your burdens? â€Å"The Best of What’s Around† is a song that puts the listener into the shoes of one of Dave’s friends. In the song, Dave is found comforting that friend through hard times. There are many forms of love in this world, one being, the love of thy neighbor. In â€Å"The Best of What’s Around† Dave is abiding by the golden rule, â€Å"Love thy neighbor as thyself.† Treat your friends with the same respect that you expect to receive. Its human nature to share loads. When someone sees that their friend is in a bad state, there is a natural urge for that person to try to help their friend out.

The Elements of Success: Self Motivation and Self Determination Essays

Self motivation and self determination are the most important ways to succeed. In this essay I will use, â€Å"Learning to Read and Write† by Fredrick Douglass, â€Å"The Lonely, Good Company of Books† by Richard Rodriguez, Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, and an interview of Patti Read to argue that self motivation and self determination are the most important elements to becoming successful. First, I will frame my argument, and then I will incorporate my first source, followed by my second source, and then I will have a paragraph that will deal with the opposition, followed up with my final piece of evidence. In this essay I will be identifying the most important ways of thinking about oneself in relationship to the world that can help lead a person toward success. I will first be using Fredrick Douglass, an American abolitionist, orator, and journalist, to show how his self motivation led to his success. Then, I will use Richard Rodriguez, an American writer, to give an example of how the determination to succeed is an important mindset for somebody who wants to live a fulfilling life. Followed up by a paragraph about Malcolm Gladwell, a journalist, author, and pop sociologist, stating the opposite point of view, that success is influenced by culture. Finally, I will use an interview done on Patti Read, a teacher, to give examples of how self determination, self motivation, and hard work have put her in the very successful position she is currently living in. Being self motivated is an important part to becoming a successful person, as it is shown by Fredrick Douglass through his personal experiences. Douglass, being a young black slave, was not allowed to go to school, but his mistress educated him nonetheless. He states in this arti... ...ple, such as Malcolm Gladwell, accept the point of view claiming that success is influenced by culture. Gladwell uses evidence such as plane crashes that occurred in Korean Airlines and how the culture of the pilots of the planes influenced the crashes. Gladwell claims that â€Å"Each of us has his or her own distinct personality. But overlaid on top of that are tendancies and assumptions and reflexes handed down to us by the history of the community we grew up in, and those differences are extraordinarily specific† (Gladwell 202). The co-pilot on Avianca 052, for example, did not know how to communicate with the tower in the urgent matter that was needed to tell them that the plane was out of fuel and the need to land immediately. Because the co-pilot did not make clear the urgency of landing the tower did not let them land, resulting in the crashing of the Avianca.

Effective Leadership Essay

Effective leadership is a leader with exceptional oratorical skills who can persuade people to follow him or her to reaching their goal by asserting encouragement or fear. Throughout history we have had a number of leaders, effective and ineffective. Of the effective leaders all had a goal he or she were striving to obtain. They also shared similar characteristics such as oratorical skills, and most importantly the effective leaders were aware that people are moved by pathos, emotional appeal. So therefore by asserting either encouragement or fear they were able to persuade others. All these characteristics must come together to be an effective leader. Strong speaking skills are one of the characteristics that an effective leader must have. Strong speaking skills are characterized by a controlled and firm voice. A breathy or wavering voice can be taken as a sign of weakness, and an effective leader is not one who is believed to be weak. Strong speaking skills also mean that the speaker uses purposeful and direct body movements. Distracting and unnecessary movements take away from the effectiveness because they distract the audience from giving their full attention whoever is speaking and receiving the message they are trying to relay. Most importantly for the effectiveness of a leader they must command attention with their oratorical skills. There are a numerous amount of effective leaders in history, and one thing in common was that they all had strong oratorical skills. Take Martin Luther King of example; he was a man of confidence and empowerment. He was active during the Civil Rights period when African American’s needed someone to lead them to justice and serve as a beacon of light. It was said that when he spoke to crowds nothing except the sound of his voice could be heard for miles. He commanded attention with his voice and his words of encouragement gave African Americans hope throughout the nation. His oratorical skills were one of the reasons why he became a martyr and an effective leader. Another example of an effective leader is Adolph Hitler. He spoke to thousands of people. And despite the immorality of his actions, when he spoke to people, he possessed a firm voice with even firmer body movements. In Hitler’s leadership style the strength he showed was intended to instill fear in the people; the strength he showed also made him an effective leader. `Not only does an effective leader possess strong speaking skills but they must also have the ability to be in touch with the emotional appeal of human beings. Martin Luther King instilled encouragement in the African American in their quest to overcome racial injustice. Adolf Hitler instilled fear into the German people, so therefore they felt as though there was no other option but than to obey him. Although Hitler’s ethics and actions may have been morally wrong, his means to going about having people obey him was an example of effective leadership. Both Martin Luther King and Hitler are effective leaders in the sense that they both had strong oratorical skills and that they moved people to follow them by asserting encouragement or fear.

Fashion: A Cultural Context

‘Fashion' is multi-faceted- a multiple choice- depending on your budget and attitude you can dress ‘in fashion' and yet be totally individual thanks to the available choice, and the liberal dress codes that exists. Only 40 years ago things were very different- discuss the social and cultural changes that have taken place since the 60's that has allowed this phenomenal change to happen, using quotes from authors and academics to underpin your ideas. Introduction As we approach the year 2003, we find a vastly different fashion industry from that which existed only 40 years ago. Although the fashion sector is known for its apid change, we see an industry today that has been dramatically transformed by such new things as new technology, globalisation, and changing consumer values. Every segment of the industry has been required to change to meet new competitive challenges. As a result, we find a fashion industry that has restructured its self to respond to global competition. The industry is faster, is geographically more wide spread and can focus on understanding and serving the consumer more effectively than ever before. Though transportation and communication advances, the industry has become a orldwide production and distribution network. At the same time, new technologies allow close examination of consumer needs and have reduced the time it takes to respond to those needs. One of the most enduring images of the 1960's is undoubtedly the mini skirt. Not merely a new fashion trend but a true icon of the sixties, the mini skirt epitomised the attitudes of the era. The name synonymous with the fame of the mini skirt is of course Mary Quant. Not only was she responsible for creating the infamous mini, but she also led the way for the radical changes in the fashion industry hat made London such a celebrated centre through out the decade. Like most new fashion trends, the mini skirt was an innovative idea sparked off by a series of unique social and cultural changes. Hemlines had been dramatically shortened at other times before the sixties, also in times of great social change, after and during World War 1and World War 2. This fashion revolution happened at the same time as another big cultural change of the century- pop music. Music has and always will be a major influence on fashion and sub-culture. Another huge cultural change of the decade was ‘the pill'. The younger generation was becoming less inhibited, and more sexually promiscuous because of the invention of the contraceptive pill, and clothes became more overtly sexual and revealing. Along the street of Haight Ashbury, hippies could be seen wandering along, wearing their multi-coloured kaftans or afghan coats over fringed tasseled dresses, flat leather sandals, a headband copied straight from the American Indians or a pair of scruffy flared jeans. What had started off for many as an ethical movement by a few die-hard individuals in America soon became a world ide phenomenon influencing lifestyles and creating the main stream fashion of the late sixties. This was a form of anti-fashion as revolt. It was untidy and spontaneous and radically different from the chirpy neatness of the earlier years of the decade and the futuristic fashions of the previous few years. Boutiques such As ‘I was Lord Kitchener's Valet' or ‘Granny Takes a Trip' in London, both reflected the sartorial anarchy of the times with their bright riotous designs. Hippie women reacted against the dolly bird image of the early sixties that with he arrival of the mini skirt had been designed to free the young woman from sexual stereotyping. With its thigh revealing length it confined her in a look, which aimed directly at the male's libido. Although the late sixties have been criticised for its naive belief that free love and marijuana would solve the worlds problems, there was a lot of creative activity which led to permanent social change. People felt free to break down taboos. The woman's, civil and gay rights movements all started in this decade. Sexual stereotypes were being broken down and ‘free love' was on the agenda. Men and woman began to look alike with unisex jeans and long hair, the older generation felt increasingly alienated from the young. Experimenting with gender was part of the revolution. As woman took up the banner for sexual equality, men began to reject the fifties ideal of muscular machismo. The old mores of what constituted male dress were broken down and men experimented with less obviously masculine looks. Much of the late sixties was, for many spent in a haze of drug induced euphoria. The use of LSD was a powerful influence on ideas and dress. People xperimented with their lifestyles in the belief that they were somehow on the road to a greater awareness and under standing, fuelled by the sensory experience of acid and its ability to distort the senses, creates hallucinations and vivid colours. Fashion has always had it's social conscience and can be the perfect vehicle for powerful political messages, from the iconisation of Che Guevara's portrait to the anti- war slogans of Katherine Hamnett's T-shirts. But the truly unexpected that flies in the face of fashion its self can carry as powerful a signal as the blatantly written message. Anti-fashion by definition is the opposite of fashion, so if it exists, it should be different every time fashion changes. But its rules stay the same because what it all represents is all negative- anarchy, destruction of order and instigation of chaos. By the mid 1970's woman had discovered that that trousers gave them a sexual neutrality that allowed them to compete in the work place. The 1980's career girl was now an executive who had business lunches and held boardroom meetings. She was confident, independent and more liberated than ever. Designers created outfits especially for these woman. Denim jeans were re-designed to fit woman, and the designer's name on a visible label became all-important. This period launched ‘power dressing'. Women's trousers have always reflected social change and women's growing confidence in their place in society. This was especially true during the seventies. Now every woman has a pair of trousers of some kind in her wardrobe, whether part of a suit or a pair of faded denim jeans. This continues to illustrate women's increasing sense of equality and freedom of choice in society, of which women's trousers have been a constant measure. Alongside this licence to choose from a range of styles regardless of the context a more serious fashion aesthetic existed. The androgynous clothes many women choose to wear expressed the growing women's movement and their desire to be taken more seriously they entered the work force on a more equal footing. The seventies represented the twilight of an era of sexual liberation, over indulgence and decadence. The sexual revolution may have been discussed at length in the sixties, but it could be argued that it actually happened and exploded in the seventies, especially in increasingly jaded ways. The chic new sexual conventions of the day denied that a person's sexuality could be neatly classified. During the 1980's, fashion became integral to the newly emerging concept of the lifestyle. The new wealth and prosperity hyped in the media were ever more evident throughout the decade. In this decade there was a deregulation of the stock market and an explosion in property prices. This helped establish the culture of the yuppie. There was enormous wealth around, but it was spent with a corporate mentality, so that even the most exotic trophy wife appeared to be dressing not only for her an, but for boardroom approval. Power dressing- dressing to show your importance and bank balance, dressing for success, was in. Even if you were a supermarket shelf stacker, you would still wear your impressive power suit in Your spare time. In the 1990's Princess Diana of Wales, was a major influence. She had the rare gift of combining aristocrat grace with the stature of a catwalk model. She championed the interests of British fashion at home and abroad and had her own unique international stage. Her style emerged over the years into a more sophisticated and confidently intuitive one. Having Diana wear your outfit was a priceless piece of publicity, but even for those who copied, she was a strong influence and a tonic to the industry. She gave hope to a whole new generation of couturiers and mainstream designers, and a new out look to many girls who could now wear such clothes without having to be debutante. To understand the constant changes in fashion, it is important to understand that fashions are always in harmony with their era. As a famous designer expressed it â€Å"Fashion is a social phenomenon which reflects the same continuing change that rides through any given age. Changes in fashion, he emphasised â€Å"Correspond with the subtle and often hidden networks of forces that operate on society†¦ In this sense, fashion is a symbol†. Different views exist on how fashion changes are started. Sprole & Burns categorised these views into two groups as follows- * Because the fashion industry thrives on change, this idea suggests that different segments of the industry force change on the consumer by dictating new trends. Traditionally, European fashion houses exerted a powerful influence; the trade media such as women's wear daily, shaped the industries choices. Therefore, consumer's choices and retailers dictated what would be worn by what they carried. Although all these forces are important, Sproles noted â€Å"Changing fashion is a far more complex phenomenon that those with the industry- centred views may wish to believe†. In recent years, many consumers have become increasingly resistant to having new fashions forced on them. Often consumers now exert a spirit of independence in their dress by wearing what they feel is right for them, regardless of what the industry promotes. * Others who study fashion change, believe consumers are responsible for hat becomes fashionable. Given an array of products from which to chose certain trends develop because a group of consumers establish that these fashions are right. Four major theories suggest how consumers determine the course of new trends; some trends may begin with the upper socioeconomic consumers. Others may occur within all socioeconomic groups. Sometimes fashions rise from subculture groups such as urban African- Americans, youth, blue collar workers and ethnic minorities such as Native American. Nearly any creative or initiative individual can launch fashion trends if they are consistent ith the social climate and lifestyles of the times (Sproles 1981). Men and women are complex creatures whose actions are seldom governed by reason alone. Change comes about for psychological reasons. People grow bored of what they have, the eye wearies of the same colours, lines, and textures after a time. What is new and different appears refreshing, and what has been on the scene for a while appears dull and unattractive. Changes for such psychological reasons occur also in the fashions for products other than clothing. Auto manufacturers introduce new colours and shapes because potential buyers ire of the same colours an shape. Changes in fashion are also caused by rational reasons, such as environmental factors that create knew needs. A classic example of social change that brought about drastic change in fashions occurred in the early decades of the twentieth century, when women sort, gained and enjoyed new political and economic freedom. Their altered activities and concepts of them selves encouraged them to discard the constricting garments that had been in fashion for centuries and to adopt shorter skirts like those of Mary Quants, relaxed waistlines, bobbed hair nd other fashions more appropriate to their more active lives. Generations later, as women moved into top executive positions in the business world, the tailored suit, soft blouses and attachi bags became the ‘dressing for success' fashion of young career women in the late seventies and eighties. The physical fitness movement in the 1970's and 1980's brought about the need for exercise clothing, and as the interest in jogging, hiking, tennis and aerobics grew, also did the need for new and different fashions appropriate to each of these active sports. Casual Fridays and a shift towards working at home have hanged the way many people dressed for work in the 1990's. Even environmental concerns influenced fashion by avoiding the use of certain dyes and finishes harmful to nature. Conclusion Although fashions change constantly and new ones appear almost every season, a full-scale change over is never completed at any one time. In studying the pattern in change in fashions, scholars have observed that changes in fashion are evolutionary in natu re, rather than revolutionary. It is only in retrospect that fashion changes seem marked or sudden. Actually they come about as a result f a series of gradual shifts from one season to the next. For example, when women's skirts became inching up from the mid calf in the 1960's this gradual shortening was not particularly noticeable at first. It was only when skirts moved thigh high, in the form of minis and micro minis, that people took notice of the approaching extreme. Even today, when the rate of fashion change has execrated sharply, the pace of change is really slower than it appears to the unskilled observer who has failed to notice the early evolutionary movements in a new direction. The evolutionary ature of fashion change is a fundamental principle that is recognised by fashion practitioners, it provides them with a solid, factual foundation for forecasting and identifying in-coming fashions. When planning and developing new styling ideas, they always keep the current fashions and evolving directions in mind. Therefore the expectance of a particular coat or dress fashion during a current season becomes a straw in the wind for experts to search for clues to next seasons trends. The degree of it's acceptance provides needed clues as to what will or will not be welcomed by the consumer in the next season. Knowing that people do not respond well to sudden changes, the fashion experts build gradually, not abruptly, towards new ideas. Even the slowest most gradual of evolutionary changes in fashion, do change eventually. Examples of this can be found in history and recent times. For example when the mini skirts of the 1960's moved up to the micro mini skirts of the1970's, hems began inching downward. Whether it be skirt lengths, suit lapels, silhouettes or general fashion looks, all fashions tend to move steadily towards an extreme, at which point a new direction develops.

Analysis of 2 Translations of Beowulf

Grendel’s Description Comparative Analysis Beowulf is a great piece of Anglo-Saxon literature that can be, and has been, translated in multiple ways. Of the many outstanding translations, two of which are by Burton Raffel and Seamus Heaney, different ways of writing are portrayed. Grendel’s description is written quite differently in both translations. Heaney’s translation is more similar to the Anglo-Saxon style of writing than Raffel’s translation.In Heaney’s translation, he uses a kenning to describe the Danes whereas Raffel uses simple wording to get the same story across. Heaney calls The Danish people â€Å"Ring-Danes† to get his translation to be closer to the Anglo-Saxon’s style of literature. This use of a kenning causes the reader to be more familiarized and to better understand how the story was originally written or, rather, originally composed. Raffel, on the other hand, plainly calls the Danes â€Å"warriors† to ma ke the passage clear and easy to read.By translating Beowulf this way, Raffel is simplifying the writing and turning it into a more modern style of writing by not using kennings, therefore, taking away from the original story’s metaphorical aspect and straying way from the Anglo-Saxon style of literature but making it more understandable to the less than advanced reader. Another way Heaney nears the Anglo-Saxon style of writing and Raffel digresses from it is the use of poetry and poetic devices in the translations. Heaney uses alliteration in nearly every line of his translation.For example, in line twenty five, â€Å"blundering back with the butchered corpses,† repeats the letter â€Å"B† three times. He translated Beowulf by making sure the same meaning is transferred into the new language, (English), and also made sure that the writing’s style was also transferred. This makes even the translation sound like a poem that can be sung just as Beowulf woul d have been many years ago. Raffel, on the contrary, does not use alliteration or other poetic devices as much.In line four, alliteration is present by repeating the â€Å"H† in â€Å"hall† and â€Å"harp’s,† however, this isn’t the case in many lines. An example would be, line one, â€Å"A powerful monster, living down. † By doing this, Raffel is turning what was initially a complex poem into a short story, setting it up in a way that is very similar to any modern novel. It is quite clear that Heaney’s choice of diction is far more complex and sophisticated than Raffel’s choice of diction, which is very simple.Heaney uses many words that may be hard to comprehend due to the fact that they are not often used in conversations or even in many other writings. An example of a word that Heaney uses in his translation that may not be understood right away is â€Å"prowler. † This word, which means stalker, is a word that may n ot be comprehended by someone with a weak vocabulary. It intensifies the story greatly, however, by allowing the reader to visualize Grendel sneaking up on his prey, showing that he has a deceitful personality.Raffel, on the other hand, simply describes Grendel’s actions. He skips from Grendel being a â€Å"powerful monster† to him growling due to the excessive noise from the hall. Grendel’s personality is not explained or stated as in Heaney’s translation. By Raffel missing this little piece of information about Grendel, the reader has an easier time comprehending what is currently occurring, though it is slightly less informative.Heaney and Raffel’s translations are both phenomenal works of literature. Heaney, however, concentrates more on how poetic and similar the translation is to the original writing to give the reader an idea as to how the original story was composed. Raffel strays slightly away from the poetic Anglo-Saxon writing style and simplifies Beowulf, making it easier to read. Both of the translations tell the same story, however, how the tale is told can impact the reader in different ways.