Notes on Cry Essay

The dance’s intent is to portray the struggle & strength of the African American women who were in the slave trade; how women so enslaved & trapped can still manage to be so free. â€Å"I heard about lynching’s, Having that kind of experience as a child left a feeling of rage in me that I think pervades my work† Alvin Ailey. â€Å"She rises again to wear the cloth as a shawl, then steps on its ends as if bound by it to the ground†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"The final posture mirrors the opening posture of the dance, suggesting a cyclical inevitable progression of frustration and despair†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Ailey has abstracted this narrative to portray the woman’s despair. BEEN ON A TRAIN The use of the percussive piano accents in relation to movement. For example, the dynamic emphasis of the gestures Ailey uses. â€Å"The power of Cry emanates from its defiantly shifting images of identity in its first section, the bottomless abyss of sorrow approached in its second section and the transcendent quality of ecstatic faith engaged in the third section.† â€Å" Cry became emblematic as an act of simultaneous defiance and release. As a depiction of contemporary African American  identity, the dance liberated audience and dancer in its  modernistic layering of movement genres, especially its  conspicuous use of neoAfrican  body part isolations.† In this work there are three distinct sections and for each new section, there is a new song that is played. The songs used in this work are ‘Something About John Coltrane’ by Alice Coltrane, ‘Been On A Train’ by Laura Nyro and ‘Right On. Be Free.’ by The Voices Of East Harlem. In a couple of these songs the word ‘north’ is used quite a bit. My personal  interpretation is that these slaves perhaps saw freedom and/or refuge in North America, wished to be there but something stopped them. She clearly demonstrated Ailey’s mother’s struggles as well as any other African American woman’s struggles at the time as a slave to their fight for freedom.

AIU Human Resources Essay

To the head of AIU: In this message I would like to inform you about the relationship between job satisfaction and the age, this relationship will help in providing a clear indication of the best workers to employ in a company depending on satisfaction, the more satisfied the workers are then the higher is their productivity level and therefore companies should employ more satisfied workers. Summary of the survey participants: Gender: The following is a survey on some workers in a company and this email reports on the findings about the overall satisfaction of workers, the study included a total of 29 participants where 19 of them were male and 10 were female, the following chart summarizes the distribution of male and female in percentage: From the above chart it is evident that the probability of picking a male from the sample is 64.52% while the probability of picking a female from the sample is 34.48%. Tenure: Regarding tenure it was evident that 21.05% of males and 10% of female had worked at the company for less than two years, 57.89% of males and 50% of females have worked with the company for 2 to 5 years, finally 21.05% of males and 40% of females have worked with the company for over 5 years. The following table summarizes the results: MALE FEMALE Less than 2 years 21.05% 10.00% 2 to 5 years 57.89% 50.00% Over 5 Years 21.05% 40.00% From the table it is evident that majority of both males and females have worked with the company for 2 to 5 years, however the less females have worked with the company for less than two years. Department: There are three departments namely Human Resources, Information Technology and Administration, in this case the following was the distribution of participants in each department: From the chart it is evident that most of the participants were from the administration department, the least number of participants were from the information technology department. Satisfaction: The participants were asked to identify the level of intrinsic satisfaction, extrinsic satisfaction and overall satisfaction; the following tables summarize the mean values of satisfaction: MEAN MALE OVERALL 4.65 INTRINSIC 4.78 EXTRINSIC 4.81 MEAN FEMALE OVERALL 5.39 INTRINSIC 5.62 EXTRINSIC 4.62 From the table the mean value for overall and intrinsic satisfaction for female is greater than the mean value for the male; however the mean value of extrinsic satisfaction for males is greater than that for the females. Therefore from the above we can conclude that females are more satisfied than males. Age: The participants by age were categorized into three groups, this include those aged below 21, those aged between 22 and 49 and those above 50 years, the table below summarizes the results: participants percentage 21 and under 5 17.24% 22-49 17 58.62% 50 and over 7 24.14% From the table more participants were aged between the age of 22 and 49 years and that less participants were aged 21 years and below. Position: There are those participants that are hourly employees and the salaried employees, from the survey it was evident that more employees were salaried and this comprised of 58.62% of the participant; the table below summarizes the results. Hourly Employee (Overtime Eligible) 12 41.38% Salaried Employee (No Overtime) 17 58.62% Relationship between satisfaction and age: The following table below represents the mean level of satisfaction for the age groups OVERALL INTRINSIC EXTRINSIC 21 and under 4.34 4.02 5.78 22-49 4.69411765 5.317647059 4.8294118 50 and over 5.81428571 5.228571429 3.8 Overall satisfaction: There is an increase in the mean level of overall satisfaction as the age increases, from this reason those aged 50 and above years have the highest level of overall satisfaction, therefore these individuals will tend to be more productive in the company, for this reason the company should employ older people in the organization to realize the advantage of satisfied workers. Regarding intrinsic satisfaction it is clear that those aged below 21 years have the lowest intrinsic satisfaction while those aged 22 to 49 years have the highest mean level of intrinsic satisfaction, finally regarding extrinsic satisfaction those aged 50 years and above have the lowest extrinsic satisfaction. Conclusion: From the above discussion it is evident that age is an important factor to consider when employing individuals, a company should employ individuals aged between 22 years and 49 years this is due to the simple reason that they will work in the company for many years and also will have higher levels of intrinsic, extrinsic and overall satisfaction. Surveys: A survey is a study on all the individuals in a given population or a chosen number of participants using the sampling techniques, example of a survey is a country census that involves all individuals in the country. A census is used by the government to determine the population size and therefore decision on provision of social amenities is made easier. In a survey there is need to include the names of the individuals involved in order to keep the information private, to ensure that the information is unbiased there is a need to have a standard data collection tool, there is also a need to ensure that there are ways in which the consistence of information by a participant is checked. Time is an important factor to consider, there is need to have ample time for preparation of a survey, this is because if one wants to use questionnaires then one has to prepare the questionnaire and then pretest it. References: Robert Mason and Douglas Lind (1997) Statistics: An Introduction, Duxbury Press, New York

Jesus as the Founder of Christianity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Jesus as the Founder of Christianity - Essay Example In their work, there is a clear indication on the basics of Christianity, thus making it easier for students and scholars studying theology have a justified ground to base their arguments. From Sinclair & Bowman’s (2006), work, it is evident the stand they take in regard to the foundation of Christianity. Their values conform to those of other scholars and analysts who believe that the Bible is the basis of Christianity, and Jesus take the upper hand. Just like indicated in the Holy book, Sinclair & Bowman (2006), indicate that the good news has come to the human race and will be continue to prevail in order to guide Christians on the right path in life. From this indication, therefore, it is evident that the Bible indicates that Jesus is the root of Christianity through His messages to the human race. From the view that Jesus died for the sins of human kind, it is apparent how much He had and still has love for the human race. Apart from that, we are justified to argue that J esus Christ existed in the world before and from his existence, Christianity found its way into the lives of human kind. The word ‘Christians’ emanate from ‘Christ’ to mean followers of Jesus. This is the more reason why Jesus Christ is referred to as the founder of Christianity. ... 1.1. Body 1.1.1. An analysis of textual sources In an attempt to understand the foundation of Christianity, the Holy Bible cannot be alienated from the picture. As discussed earlier, the Bible is the blue print and reference to Christianity, and in this study, therefore, constant reference has to be made to the book. Sinclair & Bowman (2006), undertake a study of the Bible in an attempt to prove the view that indeed Christianity has its basis on the Bible. Sinclair & Bowman (2006) indicate that the Bible consists of both the Old and New Testaments that relate to the foundations of Christianity on Jesus. They seek to emphasize on the New Testament’s view on Christianity for its rich ideas on the theme. The books of Matthew, Luke, Mark and John emphasize on Jesus’ life while on earth. It is from these books that Christians borrow the aspect of a good life based on Christian virtues from the example of Jesus. It is justified to argue that the Bible leads to many Christians base their belief in Jesus as the founder of Christianity from the readings. It is these texts that parables are explained in broad detail. Jesus plays the role of a servant that was sent by God to save the human race. Jesus is seen more of a servant to the people that the king. According to the Christian values, humility is one of the virtues that all people must embrace. In line with this context, Jesus may be regarded as the founder of Christianity from the example that He set on the human race. In fact, studies indicate that it is from His mission on earth that many people learnt to emulate good virtues from him. Were it, not from Jesus’ mission on earth, Christianity would not have a strong foundation that it has today. At that

Conversation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Conversation - Essay Example At the very beginning of the conversation he felt free expressing his emotions, but as more we were talking as more his gestures were becoming abrupt, so he was gesturing more when he was trying to prove something and he was standing crossing his hands on the chest while listening to my retorts. It was very obvious when Mike disagreed with me, because he put his right forefinger on his mouth like he was trying to close his lips with something in order not to say anything when he disagreed with me. Furthermore, in the moments when our conversation turned into a hot discussion, he uncrossed his legs and stood up in a straight posture, bending his chest towards me like if he wanted to fight with me. As for Mike’s facial expressions they were multiple and depended on the course of our conversation. When we got into discussion, Mike’s facial expressions demonstrated aggression, for instance, he frown his knit brows and screwed up his lips. However when we agreed with each ot her’s points he usually smiled and his pupils became bigger. As far as our conversation mostly consisted of discussions and arguments the general tone and cadence of the verbal part of it were intensive and mostly were conducted on raised voice. When we just started the conversation our tones were soft and our voices were of the same volume. Notwithstanding that our discussion started unexpectedly, we had been raising our tones since the very moment our disagreement appeared. Thus our voices had been rising for some period of time, until we started almost yelling at each other, but then we had to lower our voices into whispering, because it was prohibited to turn on caps lock voice in the museum. Still even when we had to whisper, we used voice inflections in order to emphasize on the specific points, which each of us tried to make the other

Reflective personal learning journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Reflective personal learning journal - Essay Example These four subjects are motivation, leadership, conflict management, and teamwork. I will now describe each of these four areas in turn by showing what I have learned, how I have applied what I have learned to real situations, and how the insight gained has influenced how I will manage employees. One of the important topics covered in the course was motivation. Motivation has been described saying, â€Å"Motivation refers to the forces either within or external to a person that arouse enthusiasm and persistence to pursue a certain course of action† (Daft, 1997, p. 526). As a manager, an important part of my duties will be to ensure that employees are motivated. For this reason, I have considering how motivation applies within the organisation so that I can gain insight into methods I can use to motivate employees. The organisational behaviour approach to motivation includes considering how the organisation impacts on the motivation of employees and how employees can be motivated. This includes recognising that the characteristics that result in a person being motivated are not often simple or obvious. An approach to the issue that does not look at the behavioural aspects but only looks at the problem on the surface may see employees as being rewarded financially and assume that they should be motivated by this financial reward. The behavioural aspect goes a lot deeper than this and considers the complex issues that contribute to motivation. This approach may recognise that while financial rewards are received, employees do not receive adequate recognition or praise for their efforts. This approach may also recognise that employees feel pressured in the workplace and that this stress causes a decline in motivation. By focusing on the behaviour of employees, the many aspects that contribute to motivation are noted. I think this is important because it will allow me to take positive actions to motivate employees. I will

What are the main issues which an organisation must consider when Essay

What are the main issues which an organisation must consider when implementing strategic change - Essay Example me main issues which organizations must consider in the strategic implementation process are focusing on the redesigning and restructuring of the organization. Another significant issue may be caused by the ambiguous flow of communication and the manner in which information is handled. Measuring competencies and planning resources is another challenge. Most firms have resorted to utilizing shared resources and competencies. This is especially true for mergers and acquisitions or even in situations when two departments or divisions may be merged. One more critical problem in the implementation stage may be created due to the inability to translate the aims developed in the strategic change stage. In order to take care of these issues, a maturity model has been developed which is associated with sustainability and have diverse elements of evaluation and resourcing, results, managing capability and capacity, strategy and policy and managing programs. The change management maturity matri x in this case defines various stages of strategic change implementation by classifying them as immature, early maturity period, defined, managed and optimization. The last state is the one which a firm needs to attain when it has optimum allocation of resources and garners optimum levels of revenue by implementing strategic change. Another core issue in handling strategic change is lack of effective leadership in the organization. It is important to have an effective leader who is able to deftly handle change management strategy and drive motivation and employee engagement. Organizations also face issues in strategic implementation while managing the employees. Major hurdles are faced because strategic change efforts are resisted by personnel. The role of non financial and financial...Scholars have focused on certain elements encompassing strategy. These are as follows: a) Depending on uncertain market conditions, strategies are revised and reformulated. b) Strategies demonstrate t he manner in which resources may be utilized to fulfill the desires of entrepreneurs c) They provide a direction to in developing the organization d) Strategies are aimed to make and develop long term prospects of success by gaining competitive edge over rival firms (Markiewicz, 2011). Implementation of strategic change is a very challenging task. Successful strategic change implementation leads to business success whereas failure in implementing strategic change may lead to catastrophic outcomes which may sometimes wipe out the business enterprise. Critical strategic change process happens when supervisors use symbolic resources and discourses in order to obliterate existing systems in meanings and find out new ones to try to set a direction to the strategy formulated and implemented (Buchanan & Dawson, 2007). In fact, a survey conducted in the year 2009, comprising of 190 staff and line managers confessed that strategic change implementation is critically significant in the strate gic implementation process. There are several hindrances in the strategic change implementation processes. Sometimes time management in formulating and implementing the new strategy may also lead to failure in the strategic change process.

EMR Information System Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

EMR Information System - Article Example Electronic records also provide opportunities for standardization of forms, abbreviations, as well as data input. Where the medical forms are digitized, the collection of data for epidemiology and clinical studies can also be facilitated (Bates, et.al., 2003). EMRs can also easily be constantly updated and the ability to exchange records between the EMR systems can also assist in the coordination of health delivery in other health facilities. Moreover, the data from the EMR can also be used alongside statistical reporting which can assist in quality improvement, as well as resource management and public health disease surveillance (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, 2003). EMRs can also facilitate the reading and writing of patient’s records through the workstation but also through mobile devices (Littlejohns, et.al., 2003). These records may also include improved access to personal health records which makes individual notes within each unit readily available to consumers. Some EMR systems also allow for the automatic monitoring of clinical events involving specific patients, assessing patient data from the electronic health records in order to predict, as well as detect possible adverse events or risks (Littlejohns, et.al., 2003). This would likely include discharge or transfer orders, laboratory results, as well as medicine orders and related services/orders. I agree with what Mr. Aaron said because EMR helps capture data at the point of care and then to integrate such data with various internal and external sources (Ammemworth, et.al., 2003). This type of data also helps provide support for the decisions of caregivers in terms of diagnosis as well as timely care. This data also ensures immediate access to key information, including allergies and medications which can help improve the caregivers’ ability to make sound and timely clinical decisions (Ammemworth, et.al., 2003).  

We do not have a language to represent female killing Essay

We do not have a language to represent female killing - Essay Example Women aggression and violence is not tolerated in many societies as it deviates from the womanhood. Much stereotyping arises with the women violence and killing cases and media has taken advantage of the cases to report what is not. Involvement of women in violence is associated with lesbianism which is said to be change towards masculinity making women more like men and can do anything men can. Women violence and criminality is unique and unnatural under the natural womanhood and is associated with change towards masculinity and attracts much media attention, which may have an impact in the judicial process which seems biased against women. The Changing Trends Women involvement in criminal activities, violence and even killing has always remained an imagination but it seems it has turned to be a fact. In the twentieth century, several cases involving women aggression and violence were reported and included the Papin Sisters in 1933, Aileen Wurworns in 1989-1990, Stacey Wigginton in 1989 and Sanna Sillanpà ¤Ãƒ ¤ in 1999 were reported. In all these cases, women were involved in violence which led to death of some people. It is interesting that men were the majority victims in all these cases. The society takes the case of women killing differently compared to the cases involving men. Berrington and Honkatukia (2002) confirm that women involvement in crime is exceptional and unnatural. In an interview, Dr Lizzie Seal, the author of the book Women, Murder and Femininity confirms that women who kill are not natural women and they can be called failed women in the society. She goes on to explain that women are nurturing and gentle in nature. In that case, a woman killing is in total contrast to their natural characteristics (Taylor, Seal and Westmarland, 2011). The deviance to get to that level is surprising according to the expectations of women. In any society whether it is in the developed country or under developed, women are expected to be just women with well defined roles. Roles of women include looking after the house, taking care of children and most importantly complimenting the man especially in the white middle class. In this case, women are care givers and nurturers by nature as stated above. The traditional social role of women put them in a situation in which they could not engage in criminal activities. However, the society has been opening up and the roles of women are changing from the traditional social and home roles. These changes are the reasons women are now involved in criminal activities as Rosenblatt and Greenland (1974) explain. According to them, the new changes can easily create opportunities for women to be involved in criminal activities, violence and killing. However, the idea of women killing has not been accepted by many. Most people in the society keep wondering what can inspire women to kill other people. Several theories have been drawn to explain this idea. One theory which is stated in many books states that women can only kill when they have changed in their bodies. In this case, their bodies change to be like those of men. Men bodies are masculine and their traditional roles allow them in some way to kill, though it is not allowed by law. Therefore, a woman would have to be masculine to be able to kill. Barak, Leighton, and Flavin (2007 p.114) point out a women can kill when

DiscussionAnalyzing Cost of Capital Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

DiscussionAnalyzing Cost of Capital - Essay Example In order to reduce this and attain an optimum capital structure the firm needs to determine the combinations of equity and debt that minimize the W.A.C.C. The effective use of that capital should also be considered, as there would be no need of accumulating large amounts of capital without necessary considerations of the projects that are supposed to be undertaken. The company should also consider the cost of raising the particular capital that it deems appropriate. This is measured by the marginal cost of capital. . To obtain finance a company will pay implicit costs which are commonly known as floatation costs (Rosemary, 2012). These include: Underwriting commission, Brokerage costs, cost of printing a prospectus, Commission costs, legal fees, audit costs, cost of printing share certificates, advertising costs etc. For debt there are legal fees, valuation costs (i.e. security, audit fees, Bankers commission etc.). The company needs to determine the combination of capital items that will minimize to a large extent the marginal cost of capital (M.C.C). The company also needs to consider leverage. This is the amount of debt used to finance a firm’s assets. A firm with significantly more debt than equity is considered to be more leveraged. A high degree of leverage increases the financial risk the company faces, as it may not be able to refinance such debt, leading to insolvency (Rosemary, 2012). An optimum capital structure needs has lower amounts of financial risk and sustainable levels of

Effective Communication Essay Example for Free

Effective Communication Essay Effective communication between team members is a desire to have within all criminal justice organizations. Communication cannot only be done verbally; it can also be done nonverbally with the use of body language as well. Another major component in effective communication is having the ability to know the difference between listening and hearing. Even though effective communication is vital to the success of criminal justice organizations, there are many barriers to overcome such as: language barriers, communication involving semantics, and the ability to listen. The Process of Verbal Non-Verbal Communication and the Associated Components of Each There are two types of effective communication channels in the criminal justice field that are known as formal and informal channels. According to (www.businessdictionary.com), â€Å"A type of verbal presentation or document intended to share information and which conforms to established professional rules, standards and processes and avoids using slang terminology. The main types of formal communication within a business are downward where information moves from higher management to subordinate employees, upward where information moves from employees to management and horizontal where information is shared between peers.† In the criminal justice organization, the formal communication channel goes upwards within the chain of command based on the ranking system. The military is a perfect example because they are ran through a chain of command system where they are forced to utilize the formal communication channel. According to (www.ehow.com), â€Å"Formal channels of communication are within the hierarchy of the criminal justice field. The chain of command directs the formal channels of upward, downward, and horizontal communication through the  levels of command. The organizations hierarchy establishes procedures related to communication within the levels of command. The directors dictate the means of communication and to whom each subordinate is to report. The hierarchy sets the structure and atmosphere through written policies and procedures.† An example of an informal channel of communication would be a conversation between two people at work about a particular individual and their work habits. There is no documentation of the entire conversation and it is not formal. The Difference Between Listening Hearing in Communication There are a few key differences between listening and hearing. When you actively listen you are able to comprehend what the person is saying and able to remember it along with giving an accurate response. The meaning of hearing is one of the five senses. According to (www.differencebetween.info), â€Å"Hearing is one of the five senses of a person and it is the ability to perceive sound by detecting vibrations through an organ such as the ear. According to Merriam-Webster, hearing is â€Å"the process, function, or power of perceiving sound; specifically: the special sense by which noises and tones are received as stimuli.† In hearing, vibrations are detected by the ear and then converted into nerve impulses and sent to the brain. A person who is unable to hear has a condition known as deafness. Hearing occurs even in sleep, where the ear processes the sounds and passes them on to the brain, but the brain does not always react to the sound. Listening also known as ‘active listening’ is a technique used in communication, which requires a person to pay attention to the speaker and provide feedback. Listening is a step further than hearing, where after the brain receives the nerve impulses and deciphers it, it then sends feedback. Listening requires concentration, deriving meaning from the sound that is heard and reacting to it. Listening is a process of communication, where if the person is not listening it can cause a break in communication. Listening is defined by Merriam ­-Webster as, â€Å"to hear something with thoughtful attention: give consideration.† When you are an active listener you are giving the speaker the upmost respect because it shows that you truly care about what they are saying. This is the best way to effectively communicate and it he lps build the relationship between the two individuals who are engaging in conversation. Criminal Justice Language Barriers Solutions to Barriers Just a few weeks ago a San Diego Naval Hospital bomb scare occurred due to a language barrier in communication. Nobody was able to understand two Spanish men that approached the gate to deliver a package. According to (www.sandiegoreader.com), â€Å"When questioned by the sentries on duty, a language barrier prompted uncertainty about the mens intentions, specifically regarding a package in their possession. Notice went up through the chain of command, and orders came back to follow precautions used in case of a bomb threat. The gate was put on lockdown, and bomb-sniffing dogs were called in. Since the area immediately surrounding the gate lies outside Navy jurisdiction, a notice went out to police for assistance. The SDPD complied by setting up a blast perimeter, closing access to Florida and — according to an eyewitness — Pershing Drive north of 26th Street and south of Upas. No residential streets were affected by the closures.† Eventually a border patrol offi cer came to aid the Naval Police and translated the words of the two Spanish men. They were not a threat at all and were merely just delivering hospital items to the base. A solution to this problem must take place to avoid an issue like this happening again. A quick solution to this issue is to train all security personnel on navy bases so they can understand multiple languages and/or having personnel who already speak multiple languages guard the front gate. If all personnel were able to understand all languages then this problem will have never happened. A situation like this is an embarrassment and is also can fall into the lines of harassment if the two men wanted to press charges. References Business Dictionary. (2014, Jan 6). Formal Channels of Communication. Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com Difference Between. (2013, December 12). Difference Between Hearing and Listening. Retrieved from http://www.differencebetween.info San Diego Reader. (January 2, 2014). Language Barrier Prompts Naval Hospital Bomb Scare. Retrieved from http://www.sandiegoreader.com eHow. (2014, Jan 10). Formal and Informal Channels of Communication. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com

The Buddhist Five Precepts In A Nutshell Philosophy Essay

The Buddhist Five Precepts In A Nutshell Philosophy Essay Many of us know that negative emotions and behaviour are unwholesome and lead to suffering, and that, in contrast, positive emotions and behaviour are wholesome and lead to happiness. Yet, even with this knowledge, few of us are dedicated practitioners, following the Buddhist Five Precepts faithfully and sincerely on a daily basis. In other words, there is a gap between knowledge and practice. The purpose of Dharma education is not the accumulation of knowledge, but the use and application of knowledge to bring about change within us. The teachings of Dharma help us develop a good heart and true happiness for the benefit of ourselves as well as for others. True happiness requires training and a certain degree of inner discipline. We need to train the intellect and feelings, as well as the heart and mind. In this process we undergo a transformation of our attitudes, and our entire outlook, as well as our approach to living. Buddhism provides the framework and guidance to work towards this transformation. However, such transformation does not come naturally. As human beings, we have many negative mental traits; we need to address and counteract each of these and there is no easy way out. We are unlike computers, where a simple push of a keyboard button can delete a negative trait from our mind. As humans, we need to apply a variety of approaches and methods, such as observing the precepts, meditation and so forth to deal with our varied and complex negative mental traits. Observing the Five Precepts is one of the very basic methods, a set of guiding principles with which to counteract our negative traits. The Five Precepts also help to guide our bodily actions, our speech and our mental attitudes. It is a systematic means of actualising our aim of purifying our body, speech and mind. The process of transformation requires commitment and perseverance. We need to constantly apply various techniques and take time to familiarise ourselves with the practices. Determination and inner discip line are important qualities we need to develop if we are to bring about successful transformation. The training process encompasses faith, understanding, practice, experience and realisation. First, we need to have a certain degree of faith to enter the path. We need to have faith that the Five Precepts will lead us to happiness and that we can uphold them. Next, we need to learn the value of upholding the precepts, and how this can be accomplished by understanding their contents and principles. Learning the precepts helps us to understand the importance of becoming more ethical in our behavior and increasing our mental discipline. Subsequently, we transform this knowledge into action, that is, keeping the precepts sincerely on a daily basis. Determination and inner discipline are very important in upholding the precepts. By learning, understanding and upholding the precepts, we change our perception of the world, and most importantly of ourselves. As a result, our interactions with others and the way we conduct our daily lives will become positive, fruitful and light. Such experi ence and realisation will further enhance our understanding and faith in the precepts. In the beginning, positive changes may be very minor. The negative influences that we have held for so long within our minds remain strong, leading us to continue to violate the precepts. We have to be patient with ourselves and keep working at it. Little by little, our life will come into alignment with wisdom. With growing wisdom, we will become more mindful (aware) of our thoughts and actions. Negative actions that we once committed with little or no awareness are suddenly revealed to us. As a result, it becomes easier to maintain the precepts. Just like learning to ride a bicycle, we will fall often. However, with constant practice, we will get there eventually. Observing the Five Precepts is an ethical discipline which will require constant effort from ourselves, as old negative habits are replaced with new, positive ones. We need to work with ourselves and be patient. No one saves us but ourselves, and the Buddha merely guides the way! 3.1 THE BUDDHIST FIVE PRECEPTS IN A NUTSHELL The Five Precepts were recommended by the Buddha for anyone who wishes to lead a life of peace, while also contributing to the happiness of family and society. The Five Precepts are voluntarily observed by lay Buddhists; they are not commandments that have to be strictly abided by. They form the basis of universal morality outlined in the Noble Eightfold Path, which is very important, especially when one is beginning to follow the Buddhist way. WHAT ARE THE FIVE PRECEPTS? THE FIRST PRECEPT: ABSTAIN FROM KILLING Respect Life, Not Kill and Being Compassionate I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking life, so that I will practise compassion by protecting and benefiting all life. THE SECOND PRECEPT: ABSTAIN FROM STEALING Respect Personal Property, Not Steal and Being Generous I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking what is not given, so that I will practise generosity by sharing and giving away my material and spiritual wealth. THE THIRD PRECEPT: ABSTAIN FROM SEXUAL MISCONDUCT Respect Personal Relationships, Not Indulge the Senses and To Be Content I undertake the training rule to abstain from misconduct regarding objects and subjects of sense pleasures, especially adultery, so that I will practices contentment and channel my energies towards spiritual development. THE FOURTH PRECEPT: ABSTAIN FROM UNTRUTHFUL SPEECH Respect Truth, Not Lying and Being Truthful in Speech I undertake the training rule to abstain from false speech, and other unwholesome modes of speech, so that I will communicate positively. THE FIFTH PRECEPT: ABSTAIN FROM CONSUMING INTOXICATING DRINKS AND DRUGS Respect Mental and Physical Well-being, Not Taking Intoxicants and Being Mindful I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking alcohol, and that which causes intoxication, so that I will be more healthy and not break the precepts through loss of mindfulness. 2.1.1 The First Precept: ABSTAIN FROM KILLING I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking life The pali word panna means that which breathes. A living being is one that has breath and consciousness, including human beings, animals and insects. Plants are excluded as they do not have consciousness.This precept prohibits the killing of living beings. In broader terms, it should also be understood to prohibit injuring, maiming, and torturing a living being. Conditions Under Which A Violation Is Considered to Have Occurred à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Object: The fact and presence of a living being, human or animal à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Knowledge: The knowledge that the object is a living being à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Intention: The intent or resolution to kill à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The Act: The act of killing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Consequence: A resulting death Exceptions à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ By accident no intention The act of killing can take place through action of the body, or speech, such as commanding someone to kill, resulting in the death of a living being. The key factor for the violation of this precept is intention. The mental factor is the propeller while the body only functions as the channel for actualising the intent to kill. A complete act of killing constituting a full violation of the precept needs to involve the five conditions stated earlier. Let us first look at the first condition: Object. There is violation only when a living being is present and one perceives it as a living being. Here is a straightforward example to illustrate this idea. In a demonstration or riot where mobs are very angry with a political leader, they might burn the photos and/ or slash the statue of the political leader. In this case, there is no killing as the rioters only perceive the photo or statue as a living being. Intending to kill one being and killing another by mistake also does not constitute a full transgression. The second condition, Knowledge, denotes that killing occurs only when the killer is aware that the object of his action is a living being, not a photo or statue. So, if we step on an insect we do not see, the knowledge (awareness) of a living being is not there and hence full violation has not occurred. The third condition, Intention, ensures that the taking of life is intentional. There is no violation if there is no intent to kill, for example accidentally killing a fly when we try to keep it away. The fourth condition holds that the action must be directed towards killing and the fifth, that the being (human or animal) dies as a result of this action. Full violation of the precept is not deemed to have happened if there is no resulting death. Underlying Motivations for Killing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Greed à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Hatred à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Delusion An example of killing motivated primarily by greed is killing for material gain, such as hunting; or to gain enjoyment, such as fishing or eating seafood. Killing motivated by hatred is evident in cases of vicious murder out of strong aversion, cruelty, or jealousy. Killing motivated by delusion can be seen in the case of animal sacrifices in certain religious practices, or in holy wars, where one kills followers of other religious beliefs, and believing that to be a sacred act. How the Precept is Violated à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Committed by oneself à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ By commanding or instructing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Rejoicing in the act The precept could be violated by taking a life, or by commanding someone else to do so verbally or with gestures. A common example of instructing someone else to kill on our behalf is by ordering live seafood in a restaurant. Sometimes we may rejoice in the act of killing, for example, rejoicing in the murder of someone we do not like. When reading the news that an enemy has been killed, we must be careful not to rejoice in it. The Intensity / Severity of Violation à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Spiritual Nobility of the victim à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Size of animal à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Type of animal There is a difference between killing a human being and an animal. Killing a human being is certainly a more serious violation than killing an animal. Within the category of humans, it is a more serious violation to kill ones parent or benefactor, than a stranger. In the case of animals, the severity of violation is said to be proportional to the size of the animal, that is, killing a larger animal is more reprehensible than killing a small animal (such as a tiny insect). It also matters if the animals are domesticated or wild, and if they have a gentle or vicious temperament. Of all killings, the most culpable is the killing of an arahant/arahantini (a fully liberated being), and of ones parents. The Purpose of the this Precept à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To respect life à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To have compassion The purpose of this precept is to respect all living beings. In doing so, we learn to be kind and compassionate to all living beings and live in harmony with them. By upholding the precept of not killing, we give all living creatures security and freedom from danger. Quotes from Scriptures Giving up killing, we abstain from taking the life of any living being; laying aside stick and sword, modest and merciful, he lives kind and compassionate to all living beings. (DN.1) There is the case where a disciple of the noble ones, abandoning the taking of life, abstains from taking life. In doing so, he gives freedom from danger, freedom from animosity, freedom from oppression to limitless numbers of beings. In giving freedom from danger, freedom from animosity, freedom from oppression to limitless numbers of beings, he gains a share in limitless freedom from danger, freedom from animosity, and freedom from oppression. This is the first gift, the first great gift original, long- standing, traditional, ancient, unadulterated, unadulterated from the beginning that is not open to suspicion, will never be open to suspicion, and is unfaulted by knowledgeable contemplatives and priests. (AN8.39) The First Mindfulness Training by Thich Nhat Hanh Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to condone any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life. Thich Nhat Hanh has extended the First Precept of not killing humans and animals (sentient beings) to the protection of plants and minerals, which are technically not sentient beings though they are part of nature. The essence of observing this precept is to respect life, cultivate loving kindness and to live in harmony with our ecosystem and environment. In view of the consumerist world we live in, driven often by greed, this mindfulness training can help in our reflection on how we live, and how our actions contribute to harming our environment and the planet. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING THE FIRST PRECEPT What is the Buddhist perspective on suicide? Chan Master Sheng Yen: According to the Buddhist teaching of cause and effect, since one has not realised the truth of all phenomena, or is not liberated from life and death, suicide is pointless. When ones karmic retribution is not exhausted, death by suicide only leads to another cycle of rebirth. This is why Buddhists do not support suicide, and instead, encourage constructive living, using this life to diligently practise good, thus changing the present and the future for the better. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama: Some people commit suicide; they seem to think that there is suffering simply because there is the human life, and that by cutting off the life there will be nothingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ But, according to the Buddhist viewpoint, thats not the case; your consciousness will continue. Even if you take your own life, this life, you will have to take another body that again will be the basis of suffering. If you really want to get rid of all your suffering, all the difficulties you experience in your life, you have to get rid of the fundamental cause (greed, hatred and delusion) that gives rise to the aggregates that are the basis of all suffering. Killing yourself isnt going to solve your problem. Ven. K. Sri Dhammananda: Taking ones own life under any circumstances is morally and spiritually wrong. Taking ones own life owing to frustration or disappointment only causes greater suffering. Suicide is a cowardly way to end ones problems of life. A person cannot commit suicide if his mind is pure and tranquil. If one leaves this world with a confused and frustrated mind, it is most unlikely that he would be born again in a better condition. Suicide is an unwholesome or unskillful act since it is encouraged by a mind filled with greed, hatred and delusion. Those who commit suicide have not learnt how to face their problems, how to face the facts of life, and how to use their mind in a proper manner. Such people have not been able to understand the nature of life and worldly conditions. Ven. S. Dhammika, Good Question Good Answer, 2008, p26: When one person murders another they might do it out of fear, anger, fury, greed or some other negative emotions. When a person kills himself or herself they might do it for very similar reasons or because of other negative emotions like despair or frustration. So whereas murder is the result of negative emotions directed towards another, suicide is the result of negative emotions directed towards oneself, and therefore would be breaking the Precept. However, someone who is contemplating suicide or has attempted suicide does not need to be told that what they are doing is wrong. They need our support and our understanding. We have to help them understand that killing themselves is perpetuating their problem, surrendering to it, not solving it. To keep the precept of not killing, must we be vegetarian? There are various opinions among the different Buddhist traditions with regards to this question. The Buddha, himself, was not a vegetarian. Traditionally, Theravadin monastics live on alms food; they receive whatever is put into their alms bowl. In other words, they have no control over their diet. However, in the Jivaka Sutta (MN 55), it is mentioned that the Buddha only allowed meat to be taken on the condition that it is pure in three aspects that the monastic: 1. did not see the animal being killed 2. did not hear the cry of the animal being killed 3. did not suspect that the animal was killed specifically for the monk/nun Although these conditions technically apply only to monastics, they are often used as a reasonable guide by devout lay people. The Mahayanists relate these three types of purified meat to the nurturing of compassion. If we see the suffering of the dying animal, we should be compassionate towards them and try to relieve their suffering. It is against the principle of compassion if we do not help them, and indeed, even go ahead to consume their meat. Exceptions have also appeared in Tibetan Buddhism. In Tibet, people traditionally lived as nomads and it was, and probably still is, difficult to grow vegetables in the high altitudes, making it difficult to be vegetarian. Hence, monastics from the Theravadin and Tibetan traditions are generally not vegetarian. When Buddhism spread to China, the idea of compassion was developed further in the Chinese Mahayanist tradition, and the Bodhisattva vow of not taking meat was strongly emphasised and made compulsory. Chinese Mahayanist monastics are therefore vegetarian, and so are many devotees who have taken the Bodhisattva precepts. Today, more and more Theravadin monastics are encouraging vegetarianism, and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama also encourages Tibetan monastics living outside Tibet, and who have control over their diet, to be vegetarian. In my opinion, vegetarianism should be encouraged, but not imposed on others. Are we not contributing to killing by eating meat? Isnt the meat in restaurants and supermarkets killed for our consumption? Let us look at the example of poultry farming. In the old days, chickens were allowed to roam freely and grow in a natural environment. They were only sent for slaughter when naturally fully grown. In other words, the production of meat was not human-controlled but based on the natural growth of the animals. Today, driven by demand in capitalist economies, poultry is produced in controlled high-tech conditions. Poultry and other animals are now raised in large-scale factory farms, deprived of natural conditions which allow them to move around and seek food freely in a natural environment. They are fed solely by humans and/or machines and kept in cages or pens, just big enough for them to stand in, day and night. Driven by human greed, some poultry farmers, for example, speed up the growth of the chickens to generate more income, causing tremendous pain and suffering to the poultry. By creating longer days and shorter nights with the use of indoor lighting, the animals are misled into eating more often than normal. Under these factory farming conditions, these animals suffer greatly. Some reports say these animals attack each other, pecking out of frustration and wounding their mates, causing each other to bleed and suffer. To prevent them from attacking each other, farmers cut their beaks off, inflicting even more pain and suffering to the poor chickens. During festive seasons, there is massive slaughter of animals to satisfy the sensual pleasures of humans. So, if we look deeply into the consumption of meat, we could be indirectly contributing to the act of killing, because the production of meat today is dependent on demand in the market. Therefore, if we can reduce our meat consumption, it will certainly reduce the demand for meat, and thereby minimising animal slaughter. If we are truly concerned for the well-being of animals and not wanting to contribute to the cruelty of modern industrial farming, we will naturally develop a kind heart and compassion towards animals. The practice of the First Precept to abstain from killing is a celebration of life. We do not support any act of killing, and we can extend it further by teaching others not to. Being mindful of what we eat and what we buy, and making an effort in our diet are ways of preventing killing. Many Buddhists find that as they develop in their spiritual path, they have a natural tendency to become vegetarian. By doing so, they live up to the Buddhas teaching on loving kindness. This energy of loving kindness brings feelings of safety, health and joy to them and all sentient beings. What did the Buddha say about vegetarianism? (Taken from Ven. Sangye Khadros article, Mandala Magazine, June 2007) There is a lot of debate within Buddhism about this issue. There are some Buddhists who are vegetarian (no meat or fish), and some who are vegans (no animal products at all, including dairy products and eggs). And there are some Buddhists who do eat meat. What did the Buddha himself say about eating meat? Well, it seems that he said different things at different times. This may sound like he contradicted himself, but the Tibetans say that the Buddha was a very skilful teacher who understood the minds and needs of his listeners and would teach them accordingly. So to some, the Buddha said it was okay to eat meat, provided that they did not kill the animal themselves, or order it to be killed. But to others, the Buddha said that if you are a follower of the bodhisattva path, and truly compassionate, you should not eat meat. To these people he spoke of the harmful consequences of doing so. In fact, there is an entire chapter in the Lankavatara Sutra (a Mahayana sutra which has been translated into English) in which the Buddha spoke very strongly against meat-eating. So as I understand it, the Buddha did not actually forbid his followers to eat meat, but left it up to each person to decide this issue for him/herself. In a way, that was compassionate of the Buddha, because some people live in places and conditions where it would be extremely difficult to abstain from meat, and if they had to be vegetarian in order to be Buddhist, they probably would not be able to do it. Also, some people are unable to be strictly vegetarian because of their physical make-up or their health. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is an example of this. He tried to be vegetarian, but his health suffered and his doctors advised him to eat meat. But I am sure he eats as little as possible, because in his teachings he often encourages people (especially the Tibetans, who are quite fond of meat) to either give up or at least cut down on the consumption of meat. His advice seems to be working, because I have noticed in the last few years an increase in the number of Tibetans who have given up meat, as well as Tibetan-run organisations promoting vegetarianism. I even heard that Sera Monastery in South India is a meat- free zone! Is abortion a form of killing? Isnt it better to end a pregnancy if the couple is not ready? Abortion is medically defined as the expulsion of a not yet viable foetus in humans as well as animals before the end of pregnancy, during which the foetus is not capable of maintaining an independent existence. Is abortion a form of killing? To answer this question, we need to understand when life begins. According to Buddhist teachings, the existence of a human being begins from the minds first arising, that is, from the first moment of the existence of consciousness in a foetus. In other words, life begins from the moment of conception, when an egg is fertilised by a sperm. Hence, abortion is indeed a form of killing. However, according to Buddhism, abortion is allowed only in situations where it is the most humane alternative; for example, in order to save the life of the mother. But let us be honest, most abortions are performed simply because the pregnancy is inconvenient, or an embarrassment (pre-marital pregnancy or the result of adultery). These are very poor reasons for the destruction of a life. Abortion is never a good solution to unwanted pregnancies. Prevention is better than cure. Education is the long term solution. Educating couples on sexual responsibility is a better option than destroying a life. Couples entering into sexual activity should think carefully beforehand. Are they ready to bring a new life into this world? Are they financially ready to bring up the child? Sexual activity should not be carried out without long term commitment; that is, if pregnancy occurs, the couple must be responsible for their act of bringing a new life into the world. What if a woman is raped? A child conceived as a result of rape is entitled to live and be loved just as any other child. The baby (foetus) is innocent. He or she should not be killed simply because their biological father committed a crime. In dealing with unwanted pregnancy, the child could be given away or adopted by others. How should I deal with an infestation of ants or cockroaches? Our intention is not to kill. We try our best to bring the least harm to all living creatures. We can avoid using harmful pesticides by using organic/natural ones that do not kill the creatures. For example, fresh pandan (pandanus) leaves are good for keeping cockroaches away without killing them. We also need to be aware of actions that may invite pests into our house. Some people have the habit of leaving dishes and cutlery in the basin after meals. Some wash the dishes only when there are no more clean plates and spoons in the cupboard. This will certainly invite ants and cockroaches into their homes. When their house is infected with ants and cockroaches, they start spraying pesticides. We need to be mindful and responsible for our actions. If we make an effort to keep our environment clean and dry, and keeping food out of reach, it will certainly reduce the incidence of pests. At other times when it is unavoidable, we just need to be patient and tolerant. With mindfulness and pe rseverance, we can do our best to minimise harm to living creatures. Refer to Appendix 1 (p87) for tips on how to keep insects away without killing them. Some detractors say, You Buddhists are too concerned about ants and bugs. (Taken from Ven. S. Dhammika, Good Question Good Answer, p25) Buddhists try to develop a compassion that is undiscriminating and all-embracing. We see the world as a unified whole where each thing and creature has its place and function. We believe that before we destroy or upset natures delicate balance, we should be very careful. Where emphasis has been on exploiting nature to the full, squeezing every last drop out of it without putting anything back, conquering and subduing it, nature has revolted. The air is becoming poisoned, the rivers polluted and dead, so many animals and plants are heading for extinction, the slopes of the mountains are barren and eroded. Even the climate is changing. If people were a little less anxious to crush, destroy and kill, this terrible situation might not have arisen. We should strive to develop a little more respect for all life. And this is what the First Precept is about. What if we are practicing non-violence and someone breaks into our house and threatens us? What should we do? It all depends on your level of cultivation. If you are an experienced practitioner who practises non-violence in your daily life, the chances are you will be more likely to react calmly and intelligently without harming anyone. The compassion one generates could influence the intruder to be less violent. But in order to be able to react in an intelligent and non-violent way, our day-to-day training is important. It may take years to develop. If you wait till a crisis happens, it will be too late. And at that crucial moment, even if you know all the teachings to embrace compassion, to be non- violent, it is only intellectual knowledge. Since it is not an intrinsic part of your being, you may not be able to act in a non-violent manner. The self-centred cherishing attitude, the fear and anger in you will likely obstruct you from acting that way. Hence, it is important to transform our knowledge into practice and to embrace loving kindness and compassion in our daily life. Here is the story of a practising Buddhist reacting in a non-violent way when confronted with a robber. Home Intrusion and the Protection by the Triple Gems (The following article is extracted from the Buddhist Society of Western Australia Newsletter, Feb/Mar issue, 2010) On that fateful night of 19 January 2010, a masked intruder armed with a knife, garden fork and a hammer walked into my house through an unlocked door around 9 p.m. I was cooking in my kitchen and happened to turn around to be confronted by this strange looking masked man standing about 4 feet away holding up his weapons. Extreme terror came over me. I let out two blood curdling screams in quick succession. In a split second, I went into denial as I stared into his face to see if it was my husband, Sunny dressed up like that to frighten me. Hearing the screams, Sunny came flying into the kitchen to investigate. The intruder ordered both of us to lie down on the kitchen floor and not to look at him. He told us to just look at his feet to know where he was. As we went down on the floor, Sunny started chanting om mani padme hum, the Buddha of Compassions mantra, and I joined him in chanting quietly under our breaths. At that point I was shaking with fear. Thoughts of being robbed, bashed senseless, raped or even killed ran amok in my mind. Minutes later a calmness came over me. I even questioned myself then as to why I was feeling so calm. The first thing I said to the intruder was We are peaceful people. Just tell us what you want and we will give it to you but please do not harm us. His reply to that was, I am also a peaceful person. If you do as I tell you, I will not harm you. That was cold comfort to us as he was the one holding the weapons and looked quite agitated and menacing. He added, I want money. My wife is pregnant and I am homeless. To that Sunny said, I have $50 in my wallet. When he opened the wallet, he only found a $20 note. So then I gave him my purse which contained $30. At that point I thought he would ask us to drive him to the nearest ATM to get more cash and then will probably finish us off, but surprisingly there were no demands from him for more cash or anything else. He was quite happy with the $50 cash, mobile phone and our car. He said he would return the car keys another day and leave them in our letter box. He later changed his mind, saying he would drive to Warwick Station and leave the keys under the car seat. During our half hour ordeal, he apologised numerous times and asked for forgiveness. Twice he sounded as though he was about to cry for putting us throug

Evaluation of a Psychodynamic Theory of Personality Development Essay

Evaluation of a Psychodynamic Theory of Personality Development The basis of Freud's psychoanalytic theory was that the mind contained three parts: The Id, Ego, and Superego. He argued that the Id controlled the primal instincts such as aggression and sexual desire ('libido'), and was found in the unconscious mind. Its purpose is to gain immediate gratification, according to the 'pleasure principle'. The Id, he said, was in competition with the ego. This is because the ego, working on the reality principle, is the more rational, and conscious mind. The superego oversees the Id and ego, and creates the sense of what is right and wrong. Freud believed that the Id was innate, that the Ego developed by the age of 2, and the superego by the age of 5. This aspect of Freud's theory is supported by research carried out by Dr. Solms. In his study, PET scans illustrated that during REM sleep (where the participant was dreaming), brain activity in the limbic system (the part of the brain that controls emotions, senses and long-term m...

Essay --

The Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844, critique the effects of private property, division of labor, and capitalism. With the industrial revolution in full swing, Marx argues history is a progressive process of â€Å"the struggle of men to realize their full human potentialities† (Berlin 118). The transformation from feudal to capitalist societies is the beginning of â€Å"the story of man’s alienation in his life as a producer† (Reader, 66). In the Manuscripts, Marx discusses human nature and four types of alienation with which he uses as a platform to argue that estrangement from labour, estranges species from man and makes man individualistic. First and foremost, human nature, as described by Marx in the form of species being, is the understanding that the self is social and lives for the purpose of the species. It is human nature to realize full human potential. Hence, unlike animals, humans have a will and consciousness, which allows for freedom of physical need and ability to produce. Marx defines nature as man’s â€Å"direct means of life [as well as] the material, the object, and the instrument of his life activity† (Reader, 75). Nature is thus the means of both survival and invention. In this respect, humans are capable of shaping nature and therefore creating new wants and desires along with new outlooks and relationships towards nature and the people around them. Though, because needs are beyond survival, the immediate need of nature is lost and alien. Moreover, this human capacity to invent and produce creates division of labor. Berlin declares that the division of labor increases productivity and thus creates wealth beyond immediate needs. Therefore, the manifestation of excess accumulation is withheld from the laborers ... ...are alienated from the product that is given to the species. In other words, â€Å"Capitalism, under which the labour power of human beings is bought and sold, and the workers are treated merely as sources of labour, is plainly a system which distorts the truth about what men are and can be, and seeks to subordinate history to a class interest†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Berlin, 133). In conclusion, the Manuscripts of 1844 connect Marx’s earlier philosophical work to his future as a political economist. He describes how capitalism, a necessary stepping-stone, is a system that creates large disparities between two classes: the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. The division of labor during the industrial revolution produces various forms of alienation for the workers of the proletariat. The result of this estrangement is the deviation of man from his human essence, or in other words species being.

Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher Essay examples -- Negotiation Getting Y

Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher Whether or not we are aware of it, each of us is faced with an abundance of conflict each and every day. From the division of chores within a household, to asking one’s boss for a raise, we’ve all learned the basic skills of negotiation. A national bestseller, Getting to Yes, introduces the method of principled negotiation, a form of alternative dispute resolutions as opposed to the common method of positional bargaining. Within the book, four basic elements of principled negotiation are stressed; separate the people from the problem, focus on interests instead of positions, invest options for mutual gain, and insist on using objective criteria. Following this section of the book are suggestions for problems that may occur and finally a conclusion. In this journal entry I will be taking a closer look at each of the elements, and critically analyse the content; ultimately, I aim to briefly bring forth the pros and cons of Getting to Yes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Principled negotiation allows disputants to obtain what they are entitled to, while enabling them to be fair, at the same time protecting against those who would take advantage of their fairness . Although the points made are logical and indeed a great approach to certain types of conflict, I found that in some cases the method did not completely come together. More than anything, I found the method altogether was simplistic and for an ideal situation. While going through the four elements, I shall illustrate these points.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first method of principled negotiation is to separate the people from the problem. Although it seems to be quite a simple process, I found a major question came to mind: â€Å"What if the people are the problem?†. Being a teenager, I know that sometimes the only reason for conflict is emotions and feelings. A person feels they have been wronged, the other disagrees, and separating the people from the problem becomes virtually impossible. Getting to Yes briefly proposes some solutions to emotion, such as recognizing both side’s emotions, making emotions explicit and acknowledging them as legitimate, allowing the other side to let off steam, not reacting to emotional outbursts, and using symbolic gestures . Again, I found these guidelines to be oversimplified and completely void of the fact that human’s are inapt to simply putting their feelings aside. Also... ...Although this theory is very rational and scholarly it again asks for a very ideal situation of fairness where the chances of both disputants coming to these terms seems unattainable. Also, it is quite obvious that what one sees as fair, another may not. All the same, the theory by itself provides great principles for negotiation that if followed honestly by both parties would most likely lead to a satisfactory agreement.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In conclusion, the theory of principled negotiation is very impressive, although it at times seems to be simplistic and meant for an ideal world. Nevertheless, it allows all sides of the conflict to be examined through the broadening of options. It allows disputants to maintain any relationship that they had before the conflict and negotiation. Overall, principled negotiation is meant to lead to satisfactory results for both sides, creating a win-win situation for all. Works Cited Colti, Laurie S. Conflict Diagnosis and Alternative Dispute Resolution. New Jersey,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  USA.: Pearson Education, 2004. Fisher, Roger, William Ury, and Bruce Patton. Getting to Yes: Negotiation Agreement   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Without Giving In. New York, USA.: Penguin Books, 1991.

Individual assignment

This assignment is to be done individually. This means that you are required to answer the questions in the assignment on your own. The purpose of the assignment is to help you become more familiar with pricing options, using a specifically designed piece of software. The pricing of options is a very technical area, and most of us do not have the technical expertise to price options from first principals. Therefore in your working lives, if you do need to price options, then it will most likely be done for you via software.The software we will be using is called ‘Derivable', which has been specifically developed for the Hull et al (2014) textbook. You can download the software from the Model unit site under the ‘Additional Resources' section. Software Installation Installation instructions for the Derivable software are quite straight forward. Please follow these simple steps. Step 1 . Go to the BIFF 5 Model site, under ‘Additional Resources' Section, click on the D erivable software and download the file ‘Derivable. Zip'. Step 2. Double-click on the Derivable. IP file to bring up the Winzip utility program. Step 3. In the Winzip utility program, on the ‘Home' tab, there should be a button labeled ‘I-click Unzip'. Press on the ‘I-click Unzip' button. The compressed files directories and folders should then be extract. Once Winzip has completed the extraction, then close the Winzip program. Step 4. There should now be a folder in your directory named ‘Derivable'. Drill down through the Derivable folder until you come to the list of files; The only file you need to be concerned with for the Assignment is ‘JUDGE . XSL'. Step 5.Double-click on file ‘JUDGE . XSL'. This should bring up your Excel application aerogram with the JUDGE . XSL spreadsheet. If you look in the ‘readmes. Txt' file that is located in the same directory as the JUDGE . XSL file, it will tell you the versions of the Excel program th at Derivable will work with. If you are not using any of these versions of Excel then you will need to get access to one of them in order to do the assignment. Step 6. Once you have opened the ‘JUDGE . XSL' program in Excel, that final step you need to perform is to ensure that Excel has ‘Enabled Macros'.This will allow the Excel program to use the Visual Basic for Applications (ABA) code on which Derivable is eased. If you are using Excel 2010, the enable macros should appear as a ‘strip' across the top of your spreadsheet when you first enter the JUDGE . XSL program. You just need to press the enable button. If you a later version of Excel you will need to go to the macro security settings and enable the macros. Once you have enabled the macros, Derivable will be available for use. Step 7: Click on the Excel spreadsheet tab ‘Equity_FIX_landed_Futures_Options'.This is the only spreadsheet you will need to complete the assignment. Format of Assignment and sub mission requirements: The assignment consists of seven questions. You should attempt all questions. Responses to the questions should be presented according to the Q Manual. The Q Manual provides guidelines on the presentation of submitted materials. Submission of the assignment will require both an electronic submission AND a hard copy submission: The submission of an electronic copy can be done via Model (further technical details will be provided prior to the submission date. The submission of a physical hard copy will be done via a designated assignment box located in the 3rd Floor Foyer of Building H. Further details to be provided closer to the submission date. ) ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS Please note: Most, but not all of the material needed to answer these questions will be covered in lectures. You are postgraduate students so it is expected that you will be able to seek out the material necessary to complete the questions using your own initiative. All information is available wi thin the textbook, even though it may not all be covered in lectures.IQ . Use Derivable to calculate the value of an American put option on a non- dividend-paying stock when the stock price is USED 30, the strike price is USED 32, the sis-free rate is 5%, the volatility is 30% and the time to maturity is 1. 5 years. (Choose ‘Binomial American' for the option type and 50 time steps. ) (See Chapter 9 for supporting theory and materials) a) What is the option's intrinsic value? B) What is the option's time value? C) What would a time value of zero indicate? What is the value of an option with zero time value? ) Using a trial and error approach, calculate how low the stock price would have to be for the time value of the option to be zero. (use 50 and 500 time steps) Q. Consider an option on a stock when the stock price is $41, the strike price is $40, he risk-free rate is 6%, the volatility is 35% and the time to maturity is one year. Assume that a dividend of $0. 50 is expected after six months. (See Chapter 10 for a) Use Derivable to value the option assuming it is a European call. B) Use Derivable to value the option assuming it is a European put. ) Verify that put-call parity holds. D) Explore, using Derivable, what happens to the price of the options as the time to maturity becomes very large. For this purpose, assume there are no dividends. Explain the results you get. Q. Suppose that the price of a non-dividend-paying stock is $32, its volatility is 30% ND the risk-free rate for all maturities is 5% per annum. Use Derivable to calculate the cost of setting up the following positions. In each case provide a table showing the relationship between profit and final stock price. Ignore the impact of discounting.Each table should have two columns, ‘Stock Price Range' and ‘Profit' (See Chapter 11 for supporting theory and materials) a) a bull spread using European call options with strike prices of $25 and $30 and a maturity of six months b) a b ear spread using European put options with strike prices of $25 and $30 and a ) a butterfly spread using European call options with strike prices of $25, $30 and $35 and a maturity of one year d) a butterfly spread using European put options with strike prices of $25, $30 and e) a straddle using options with a strike price of $30 and a six-month maturity f) a strangle using options with strike prices of $25 and $35 and a six-month maturity. Q. Consider a European call option on a non-dividend-paying stock where the stock price is ADD 40, the strike price is ADD 40, the risk-free rate is 4% per annum, the volatility is 30% per annum and the time to maturity is six months. See Chapter 12 for supporting theory and materials) a) Calculate , and for a two-step tree b) Value the option using a two-step tree. C) Verify that Derivable gives the same answer. D) Use Derivable to value the option with 5, 50, 100 and 500 time steps. Q.Consider an American call option when the stock price is $18 , the exercise price is $20, the time to maturity is six months, the volatility is 30% per annum and the risk- free interest rate is 10% per annum. Two equal dividends of 40 cents are expected during the life of the option, with ex-dividend dates at the end of two months and five months. Individual Assignment As stated earlier IM has been a significant tool in trading and commerce since the beginning of time. However what sets an organization apart is its ability to hangs data into information as efficiently and cost effectively as possible. Before we tackle this issue, defining data and information is important for the sake of understanding the context they will be used. Data is defined by O'Brien (2003) as raw material resources that are processed into finished information products. Information is data that has been converted into meaningful and useful context for specific end users (O'Brien, 2003).Hence, it is safe to say that data becomes information when value is added to it either through organizing, analysis and evaluation and placed in the correct context or the end user. If this statement is true then we can deduce that the better the organization is at completing the above process, then the more effective it is, and if it can streamline this process enough to provide the end use r with a service or product that they are willing to pay for, it will have increased its competitiveness (Gabon, 2008).For instance, a car manufacturer that assembles luxury cars wants to increase the effectiveness of their organizational system. They would start by looking at each component of the organization highlighting areas in which they can improve on quality, control and cost. In manufacturing they might want to introduce an Operating Support System (ASS) which is specific about the requirements at the plant to complete assembly of a car. The data inputted into the system requires that the inputted be specific about supplies, number of hours worked, number of people required to work on a particular car or day etc.The system will process and store the data for the next user, in a form that they will understand. Here the organization may look at the improvement of its networking system as access of the information is made easier and faster with the use of the intranet (O'Brien , 2003). Other elements that will add value to this process, thereby giving context to the next user is the compilation of relatable data such as energy usage, space required, reputable suppliers, financing and human resources.These might be inputted by other systems within the organization such as the Supply Chain Management Systems (SCM), with the use of the extranet (O'Brien, 2003). The data is then stored in the relevant database until it is required by the next user. A combination of the data can be transformed into information that is used in marketing of the cars manufactured, or can be used in the ordering and distribution of sources such as parts (doors, seats, trees) and land allocation or money for infrastructure development.This process of transformation can also be used as a control measure, when targets of the different organizational components are reviewed, or the quality or accuracy of the initial data may require verification and correction. Once the data has been transformed the information/ product can then be disseminated to the end user, in this example the car is sold to the customer. A Customer Relationship Management System (CRAMS) can collect data for feedback purposes or for customization of the car, depending on when the data is used.In essence a cycle is created and smooth flow of information from one component to the next increases the effectiveness and the competitiveness. These processes and systems aid in reduction in time wastage, an expensive commodity, where traditionally the organization might have had to compile the data physically, taken days to analyses it to find trends and pass it on to the different departments or components. In the process things might be delayed or incorrect, compilation could also involve travel costs in cases of the manufacturer having more than one assembly plant.The information from appliers would require making multiple phone calls for quotations or back and forts as prices are negotiated. All these are examples of costs that would be transferred to the customer. Quality of the information could be compromised depending on the control of data collection and transformation, leading to substandard parts being used resulting in a hazardous product that might not meet specifications, hence resulting in the product being described as a right-off or loss.The wrong customer information could lead to the wrong car being delivered to the wrong person, which could lead to customer dissatisfaction and inconveniences. Or storage of the information could lead to losses in customers, suppliers and credibility in the industry. As the organization implements the use of IS for information management it starts to optimize all its processes, thereby meeting Porters analysis of the value chain (Gabon, 2008) where streamlining input, processing and output leads to larger profit margins. Whilst at the same time satisfying Shih's measure of organizational effectiveness.In conclusion, if an orga nization successfully integrates the use of information systems as a means of information management, the benefits are multiple and extensive if done correctly. Obviously, if the organization introduces information systems but does not train staff on how to use it, or does not implement control measures in the input of the data the information gathered will not only be inaccurate but will lead to misinformation leading to lack of optimization, therefore reducing effectiveness and competitiveness(Gigs).Hence, the organization has to be fully committed to the implementation of the information systems as a means of improving its methods of information management, otherwise it will fall short. Interaction between the different components of the organization (through intranet), as ell as with outside entities, such as suppliers (extranet) and customers/ end users (internet) needs to be as smooth as possible. Of course, there will be instances of downtime, however how these are dealt with also improves the overall effectiveness of the organization and can translate into an increase in competitiveness.References 1) O'Brien, J. A. (2003) Introduction to Information Systems: Essentials of the E- business Enterprise. 1 lath Edition. International edition: McGraw-Hill Irwin. Boston 2) Gigs, W. (†¦ ) Demand median effectiveness versus organizational efficiency. Http://smelliness's. Churn. Com/organizatioorganizational Effectiveness Vs.. Organizational Efficiency 3) Gabon, M. (2008) Measuring company level competitiveness in Porter's Diamond model framework. HTTPS://ideas. Repel. Org/h/peak/suffer/149-1 58. HTML b) Discuss various e-business strategies that can be implemented for competitive advantage. (25) Over the years due to stiffer competition, growing global markets and a rise in more tech savvy consumers, the e- business has had to restructure the way they conduct business. With more and more people having access to the internet, it has become advantageous for e-businesses to conduct business online, hence, the growth in numbers of -businesses. E-business has been described as conducting business via the internet.It is not limited to just buying and selling but also the servicing of customers and the collaboration with suppliers (O'Brien, 2003). The demand for instant or efficient services, which are also affordable and custom-made, in some instances, has driven e-businesses to implement strategies that counter forces such as competition, customer bargaining supplier bargaining, threat of substitutes and the threat of new entrants (O'Brien, 2003). It is through the implementation of effective strategies to curb or reduce these actors that the e-business can increase its competitive advantage.This assignment will debate various e-business strategies and will highlight how their implementation leads to competitive advantage. Before we look at the strategies that can be implemented and how, it is important to clarify what a strategy is. Stra tegy is an integrated and coordinated set of commitments and actions designed to exploit core competencies and gain competitive advantage (Belabored et al, 2011 Therefore e-business strategy would then be strategy as it applies to the e-business model.Another term that needs unpacking is competitive advantage as this will illuminate to what end the strategy is adopted. When the e-business implements a strategy that competitors are unable to duplicate or find too costly to imitate then it is said to have a competitive advantage (Belabored et al, 201 1). Hence, we can deduce that when online businesses adopt systems that streamline and enhance their operations and knowledge base with the result of creating a seen. ‘ice or product that is unique, in some way, gives that business an advantage.An effective way of e-business strategy implementation is through the adoption f a more strategic information management, in other words, information systems that allow the provision of a ser vice or product that industry competitors cannot provide. When it comes to implementation of the strategic information management system in e-businesses, there are several points within the value chain where the strategy can be adopted so as to improve the end product/ seen,'ice namely at Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Supply Chain Management (SCM), Enterprise Resource Management (ERM) (O'Brien, 2003).Therefore, the focus is on the strategic adoption of cost leadership, alliances, innovations and differentiation of the ND product or service (O'Brien, 2003) using information management systems. It is important to note that e-businesses are likely to use a combination of the strategies to gain competitive advantage; however, the examples below will try and place their implementation in isolation, in an attempt to illustrate how they work to increase competitive advantage.E- businesses are using strategic information systems at different organizational levels to improve the ma rgins in their value chain (O'Brien, 2003) as this enables them to deal with the ever changing markets, keeping them relevant ND competitive. For instance, Symbolizing, a locally based e-business that facilitates the purchase of groceries online and offers delivery to your doorstep, or nearest postal outlet in remote areas, has adopted an alliance strategy that enables the organization to service a niche market.The cost of delivering the groceries themselves would have been too high and would have resulted in an increase in the cost of service for the customer. However, through the strategic alliance with Compost, Symbolizing is able to offer the service to a wider range of clients as they can promise to deliver to almost nowhere countrywide as long as there is a post office. Through this alliance Zoning is able to continue doing business at a sign efficiently lower price, whilst at the same time offering a unique service to the Diaspora market that competitors are unable to duplica te.Another strategy an e-business could adopt to improve its strategic information system through innovation is by introducing a support system that plugs into the Customer Relationship Management system already in place. For example, if an e-business that offers security and tracking services for vehicles, also introduces a call centre agility, which the customer can access through the navigation system in the vehicle to ask for clearer navigation instructions or other services such as remote unlocking of the vehicle in the event that the owner has locked the keys in the car.This would give the business a competitive advantage as they have created a service that adds value to an existing one but is unique to them alone. In the same example if the navigation system or tracking system could inform the customer that it requires an update and when the customer makes a payment the system updates using hotshot access. The convenience f this ensures that the customer is locked-in, and wil l not look elsewhere for the same services.Strategic flexibility, which is capabilities used to respond to various demands and opportunities existing in a dynamic and uncertain competitive environment (Belabored et alarm 2011), improves e-business agility, which is its ability to post above average returns in an ever changing dynamic environment, due to quick responses to changes in the environment (O'Brien, 2003), as shown by an e-business that ensures that continued research, learning and training improves its service offering such as hospital in India hat specializes in the performance Of hip and knee replacements and diagnoses and recruits their patients online through a series of consultations, which are free, resulted in their opening up their client base to include people from all over the world.They have a support system that follows up on patient care which assists in referrals, as patients share their experiences with others with similar ailments. The hospital no longer wa its to patients to come to India, it has brought Indian state of the art healthcare to the global market online. Omen Inc. As illustrated by Cyprian (2003) adopted the growth strategy wrought the introduction of an online design room, which both designers and customers use to design, order and purchase customized faucets. The information system integrated the CRM and the SCM systems to produce a new product offering. They not only expanded their customer and supplier base they expanded their product lines. Individual Assignment Also, we had reviewed the different data flow that would function and Improve the proper handling between Ordain and their plants, and which would ensure the best relationship between each department. It would Improve the communication In Ordain Manufacturing and, thus. Save time and money after it is finally implemented. Security Controls Security and secure ways of doing business should always be an most level of concern in any project.Security Is primarily handled and managed by the operations group, which is the same staff that is responsible for operating in installing security intros and functions such as, Intrusion Protection Systems, Intrusion Detection Systems, firewalls, and recovery and routine backup operations. Yet, this system developers also share responsibility when it comes to security, especially when it's inside the IT and information systems. The application architecture should be run on Linux/Null-based server or Windows 7 Server Edition.Any additional software o r programs that would later be needed could be programmed in-house as a development project. Interfaces: â€Å"Interface design is the process of defining how the system will interact with external entities, e. G. Customers, suppliers, other systems† (Dennis, Wisdom, ; Roth, 2009). System interfaces require a high level of security because they are well capable of exchanging different information with other information systems. Password requirements can achieve a high level of security by themselves, and are considered secure methods to manage employee files, private and confident documents, or company tax records.Password requirements also help prevent internal security threats, like employees trying to access another employee's computer. Network: one recommendation this consultant has is incorporating a database that is accompanied and would be accessible only via a PLAN (Virtual Local Area Network). This allows a trusted employee to update, view, and modify if necessary so me basic level information that would be subject to confirmation bias supervisor or other payroll clerk.Access such as this would definitely require the use of a password and surname for security methods. Also, methods of security that would be of a most level would be the three factor authentication method, which would be: surname with password and also a fingerprint scan. Also, the third-party organizations that handle Radian's employee's benefits, like their workers compensation and health infinite, should be audited every year for the purpose of com edited this and accuracy, and this would also ensure the most correct processes within Ordain.Physical Data Flow Diagrams Implementation designs and decisions describe how an information system will work, and one has to know this before designing application logic of the information system. The physical data flow diagrams of this information would show all the details including, but not limited to, the data stores that refer to the d atabase tables and the files, the human actions or programs that perform the processes, as well as he physical transfer media for those data flows. If one maintains a proper in clear implementation, it will always provide the services that you will expect with complete and accurate results.Ordain wants to resolve the additional issues regarding the implementation and processes of the final changes, as soon as possible. There will be a meeting next week to discuss this very issue, and this author will work as hard as possible to ensure that all this companies needs will be satisfied and met, and in secure and safe manner as well. Conclusion It has been shown, by the data flow diagrams as well as the basis of this report, that whatever issues had plagued the Human Resources Department, it can be fixed References Systems Analysis and Design, 4th Edition. Individual Assignment Individual Assignment Topic: Apply your understandings of financial statements, working capital management, financial planning to identify, analyze, and propose solutions to the problems presented in â€Å"Clarkson Lumber Company† case. Requirements: * Answer all the guideline questions. Support your answer with necessary calculations, forecasts, analysis†¦ * Summarize the problems and propose solutions for â€Å"Clarkson Lumber Company† based on your answers and analysis of the guideline questions.Assessments: * This is an individual assignment. Although you are encouraged to discuss the case with your lecturer and fellow students, you are required to write the report on your own. Any evidence of plagiarisms will result in a disqualification. * Your total score is 100 pts (answers to the guideline questions 60 pts, summary of the problems 10 pts, and proposed solution 30 pts) * Format: use Arial 11; 1. 15 line spacing. * Deadline: March 31st, 2013Guideline questio ns: 1. Why has Clarkson Lumber borrowed increasing amounts despite its consistent profitability? (5 pts) 2. How has Mr. Clarkson met the financing needs of the company during the period 1993 through 1995? Has the financial strength of Clarkson Lumber improved or deteriorated? (15 pts) 3. How attractive is it to take the trade discounts? (10 pts) 4. Do you agree with Mr. Clarkson’s estimate of the company’s loan requirements?How much will he need to finance the expected expansion in sales to $5. 5 million in 1996 and to take all trade discounts? (15 pts) 5. As Mr. Clarkson’s financial adviser, would you urge him to go ahead with, or to reconsider, his anticipated expansion and his plans for additional debt financing? As the banker, would you approve Mr. Clarkson’s loan request, and if so, what conditions would you put on the loan? (15 pts) Individual Assignment Also, we had reviewed the different data flow that would function and Improve the proper handling between Ordain and their plants, and which would ensure the best relationship between each department. It would Improve the communication In Ordain Manufacturing and, thus. Save time and money after it is finally implemented. Security Controls Security and secure ways of doing business should always be an most level of concern in any project.Security Is primarily handled and managed by the operations group, which is the same staff that is responsible for operating in installing security intros and functions such as, Intrusion Protection Systems, Intrusion Detection Systems, firewalls, and recovery and routine backup operations. Yet, this system developers also share responsibility when it comes to security, especially when it's inside the IT and information systems. The application architecture should be run on Linux/Null-based server or Windows 7 Server Edition.Any additional software o r programs that would later be needed could be programmed in-house as a development project. Interfaces: â€Å"Interface design is the process of defining how the system will interact with external entities, e. G. Customers, suppliers, other systems† (Dennis, Wisdom, ; Roth, 2009). System interfaces require a high level of security because they are well capable of exchanging different information with other information systems. Password requirements can achieve a high level of security by themselves, and are considered secure methods to manage employee files, private and confident documents, or company tax records.Password requirements also help prevent internal security threats, like employees trying to access another employee's computer. Network: one recommendation this consultant has is incorporating a database that is accompanied and would be accessible only via a PLAN (Virtual Local Area Network). This allows a trusted employee to update, view, and modify if necessary so me basic level information that would be subject to confirmation bias supervisor or other payroll clerk.Access such as this would definitely require the use of a password and surname for security methods. Also, methods of security that would be of a most level would be the three factor authentication method, which would be: surname with password and also a fingerprint scan. Also, the third-party organizations that handle Radian's employee's benefits, like their workers compensation and health infinite, should be audited every year for the purpose of com edited this and accuracy, and this would also ensure the most correct processes within Ordain.Physical Data Flow Diagrams Implementation designs and decisions describe how an information system will work, and one has to know this before designing application logic of the information system. The physical data flow diagrams of this information would show all the details including, but not limited to, the data stores that refer to the d atabase tables and the files, the human actions or programs that perform the processes, as well as he physical transfer media for those data flows. If one maintains a proper in clear implementation, it will always provide the services that you will expect with complete and accurate results.Ordain wants to resolve the additional issues regarding the implementation and processes of the final changes, as soon as possible. There will be a meeting next week to discuss this very issue, and this author will work as hard as possible to ensure that all this companies needs will be satisfied and met, and in secure and safe manner as well. Conclusion It has been shown, by the data flow diagrams as well as the basis of this report, that whatever issues had plagued the Human Resources Department, it can be fixed References Systems Analysis and Design, 4th Edition. Individual Assignment Individual Assignment Topic: Apply your understandings of financial statements, working capital management, financial planning to identify, analyze, and propose solutions to the problems presented in â€Å"Clarkson Lumber Company† case. Requirements: * Answer all the guideline questions. Support your answer with necessary calculations, forecasts, analysis†¦ * Summarize the problems and propose solutions for â€Å"Clarkson Lumber Company† based on your answers and analysis of the guideline questions.Assessments: * This is an individual assignment. Although you are encouraged to discuss the case with your lecturer and fellow students, you are required to write the report on your own. Any evidence of plagiarisms will result in a disqualification. * Your total score is 100 pts (answers to the guideline questions 60 pts, summary of the problems 10 pts, and proposed solution 30 pts) * Format: use Arial 11; 1. 15 line spacing. * Deadline: March 31st, 2013Guideline questio ns: 1. Why has Clarkson Lumber borrowed increasing amounts despite its consistent profitability? (5 pts) 2. How has Mr. Clarkson met the financing needs of the company during the period 1993 through 1995? Has the financial strength of Clarkson Lumber improved or deteriorated? (15 pts) 3. How attractive is it to take the trade discounts? (10 pts) 4. Do you agree with Mr. Clarkson’s estimate of the company’s loan requirements?How much will he need to finance the expected expansion in sales to $5. 5 million in 1996 and to take all trade discounts? (15 pts) 5. As Mr. Clarkson’s financial adviser, would you urge him to go ahead with, or to reconsider, his anticipated expansion and his plans for additional debt financing? As the banker, would you approve Mr. Clarkson’s loan request, and if so, what conditions would you put on the loan? (15 pts) Individual Assignment Individual Assignment Topic: Apply your understandings of financial statements, working capital management, financial planning to identify, analyze, and propose solutions to the problems presented in â€Å"Clarkson Lumber Company† case. Requirements: * Answer all the guideline questions. Support your answer with necessary calculations, forecasts, analysis†¦ * Summarize the problems and propose solutions for â€Å"Clarkson Lumber Company† based on your answers and analysis of the guideline questions.Assessments: * This is an individual assignment. Although you are encouraged to discuss the case with your lecturer and fellow students, you are required to write the report on your own. Any evidence of plagiarisms will result in a disqualification. * Your total score is 100 pts (answers to the guideline questions 60 pts, summary of the problems 10 pts, and proposed solution 30 pts) * Format: use Arial 11; 1. 15 line spacing. * Deadline: March 31st, 2013Guideline questio ns: 1. Why has Clarkson Lumber borrowed increasing amounts despite its consistent profitability? (5 pts) 2. How has Mr. Clarkson met the financing needs of the company during the period 1993 through 1995? Has the financial strength of Clarkson Lumber improved or deteriorated? (15 pts) 3. How attractive is it to take the trade discounts? (10 pts) 4. Do you agree with Mr. Clarkson’s estimate of the company’s loan requirements?How much will he need to finance the expected expansion in sales to $5. 5 million in 1996 and to take all trade discounts? (15 pts) 5. As Mr. Clarkson’s financial adviser, would you urge him to go ahead with, or to reconsider, his anticipated expansion and his plans for additional debt financing? As the banker, would you approve Mr. Clarkson’s loan request, and if so, what conditions would you put on the loan? (15 pts)