Perceptions, participation, and change

The Importance of Political Participation It is widely claimed that the United States of America presents itself as a supporter of the democratic principles on the world arena. Although the USA has a long history of the development of the institutions of democracy, the maintenance of their effectiveness requires careful attention to the social and demographic issues. The United States is often called as the ‘country of immigrants’.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Perceptions, Participation, and Change specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is not surprising as the US population is represented by numerous diasporas of different countries. The scholars argue that the active citizenry is one of the most important features of democracy (Dalton, 2000). The active citizenry supports functioning of democracy because it assumes popular interest, involvement in politics, and discussions, which contribute to the realization of the social goals. It is claimed that the legitimacy and the functioning of democracy are achieved only through public involvement in the process (Dalton, 2000). Rosenstone and Hansen (1993) indicate the direct relationship between the turnout decline and the changes in the elite behavior. The authors stress that the mobilization becomes a way of active participation in the American politics. They emphasize the role of choice in the expansion of the pool of political participants (Rosenstone Hansen, 1993). The politicians, parties, and interest groups play a crucial role in this process. A number of studies focus on the participation of the representatives of the foreign diasporas in the American politics. The attitude of the Muslim Americans to democracy and political process in the United States is touched upon in the works of Leonard, Choi, Gasim, Patterson, Aydin, Hammer, and other scholars. The urgency of the problem is obvious due to the cautious and twofold att itude of the Americans to the immigrants from the Islam countries. Such attitude complicates their integration into the American society: â€Å"The April 18, 2008 Chronicle Review †¦ featured on its front page a picture of a young Palestinian man wearing a black headband and holding up a Qur’an and a rifle. The picture was intended to attract attention to an article contained in the issue titled â€Å"How Just is Islam’s Just-War Tradition?† by Evan R. Goldstein† (Aydin Hammer, 2010, p. 1-2).Advertising Looking for essay on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The article mentioned above is not unique as the problem is widely discussed in the media. The situation is sharpened by the last military conflicts in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iraq, and other Muslim countries: â€Å"Not all Muslim-Americans have diasporic ties to these countries, but each instance serves as an example of why some Mu slim-Americans experience frustration or apathy† (Fatima, 2013, p. 346). The rise in the anti-Muslim crimes makes the American Muslims become more assertive of their American identities (Leonard, 2003). They become more mobilized in order to fight for the preservation of their civil rights and liberties. The social connections play an important role in this context. It is argued that the networks should be viewed not only as the set of contacts among people but rather as the mutual obligations among them (Putnam, 2000). The scholars argued that the 2004 presidential campaign showed that the members of the Muslim communities took an active participation in the political process, especially, when they had to express their attitude to the salient issues and when they had the strong opinions on them (Choi et al., 2011). In this regard, â€Å"Muslim American political claims that are not aligned with existing foreign policy and that may speak the language of affective response are often disregarded as epistematically untrustworthy (that is, disloyal and suspect)† (Fatima, 2013, p. 346). Fatima (2013) claims that the Muslim Americans should actively participate in the development of the American foreign policy as well as inform the public about their participation with the purpose of striving for their loyalties and values. The majority of the studies have been focused on the explanation of cross-national differences in the political engagement with a particular emphasis on voting. It is not surprising that the voting takes an important place as it represents not only the vital element of the democratic political process but also the vast range of the turnout data (Dalton, 2000).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Perceptions, Participation, and Change specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It has been found that the complex set of institutional factors determines the national turnout rates. In particular, such factors as â€Å"voter registration systems, electoral procedures, and the degree of political competition in the society and the party system† play a crucial role in the voting process (Dalton 2000, p. 928). Dalton (2000) claims that the patterns in the participation in the political process change. He also stresses that the participation ratio in the political campaigns and voting decreases in many of the industrialized countries with the developed democracies. However, the frequency of engagement in other activities rises (Dalton, 2000). In addition, the political institutions respond to the changes and new tendencies in accordance with the political moods in the society. The scholars outline the individualization of the modern political process. This tendency reflects the fact that although the citizens become more interested in the political and social activities, they try to engage in these activities in order to obtain some personal gains. Moreover , the citizens tend to make their own political decision regardless of the views of the political and social organizations. In this respect, they try to avoid the structured and institutionalized methods of political participation and to use the methods of direct democracy including the membership in the community groups and social movements. The citizen action becomes a crucial factor in the American politics. Such kind of individualization of the political process leads to the heterogeneity of the public interests (Dalton, 2000). Religion Institutions and political mobilization Some scholars focus their attention on the role of religious institutions in the political mobilization. It has been found that the church embodying the religious tradition takes an important place in the political mobilization (Smidt, 1999). In addition, the attendance of the church may influence people’s attitude to the political process and make its visitors the active participants of the civic so ciety.Advertising Looking for essay on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The findings of Jones-Correa and Leal (2001) confirm recent studies. In particular, they prove the important role of the associational membership for civic behavior. The authors claim that the associational membership and the political engagement are two closely connected concepts. In this respect, the membership in churches represents an important civic association engaging its members into the political and social processes (Jones-Correa Leal, 2001). The number of mosques and their participants are experiencing significant increase. Statistics shows that, on average, each mosque involves over 1,625 Muslims actively participating in the religious life (Bagby et al., 2001). Dodds (2002) claims that the mosque itself is more than an architectural construction because it represents an Islamic community with its functions and specific nature supporting the religious life. The majority of mosques are involved in the activities other than the religious support of the prayers. In particu lar, they visit a school or church to present Islam, work with the media, contact a political leader, and participate in an interfaith dialogue (Bagby et al., 2001). The mosques often provide the cash assistance. Interestingly, many of them participate in the counseling and help the imprisoned. They also assist the poor by providing the food and clothing. The statistics shows that more than half of the American mosques are affiliated with other Muslim organizations (Bagby et al., 2001). It should be stated that â€Å"Mosque participants are therefore situated in a unique and multifunctional locale that serves their inspirational, communal, and social needs† (Jamal, 2005, p. 537). The author distinguishes between peculiarities of different Muslim diasporas. For example, the mosques of the Arab Muslims are actively involved into the political activity. They use the opportunities, which the membership in the civic society provides to them. Furthermore, their activity is characte rized by the strong group consciousness: â€Å"For African and Arab Americans, the mosque serves as a collectivizing forum that highlights Muslim common struggles in mainstream American society† (Jamal, 2005, p. 537). In contrast, â€Å"though the mosques of the South Asian nations contribute to the participation of their members in the political process, they do not strive to increase the levels of political engagement as well as the levels of group consciousness† (Jamal, 2005, p. 537). Additional information needed In order to prove the first hypothesis stating that the majority of the American Muslims participate in the affairs of political parties and special interest groups because they believe in democracy and its values, additional information is needed. In particular, the materials reviewed do not provide a clear insight into the political views of the majority of the American Muslims. Besides, it is important to find out to which political parties the most of them adhere or to determine whether a clear stratification of the American Muslim community on the principle of the political preferences exists. It should be determined to which political ideology the most of the American Muslims adhere. Although it is stated that the American Muslims become more active participants of the political process in the United States, their attitude to the democracy is not clear. In this respect, it is vital to understand their interpretation of the term of the democratic society. Furthermore, it is interesting to compare the political views of the American Muslims from the different states. The information presented in the reviewed materials does not address the question of the gender discrimination in the Muslim communities. It is crucial to know whether it exists among the American Muslims. Besides, it will be logical to analyze the differences in the views of the American Muslims on democracy depending on their social and economic status, and educati on. The information presented in the reviewed materials also does not touch upon the opinions of the American Muslims on the most urgent problems of the American politics. It should be stated that the literature reviewed is relevant for the purpose of the research but additional information is necessary to test the stated hypothesis. References Aydin, C. , Hammer, J. (2010). Muslims and media: Perceptions, participation, and change. Contemporary Islam, 4(1), 1-9. Bagby, I., Perl, P., Froehle, B. (2001). The mosque in America a national portrait: A report from the mosque study project. Washington, DC: Council of American Islamic Relations Choi, J. ,Gasim, G. , Patterson, D. (2011). Identity, issues, and religious commitment and participation: Explaining turnout among mosque†attending muslim americans. Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism, 11(3), 343-364. Dalton, R. (2000). Citizen attitudes and political behavior.Comparative Political Studies, 33(6/7), 912-940. Dodds, J. (200 2). The mosques of New York City. New York, NY: Power House Books. Fatima, S. (2013). Muslim†american scripts. Hypatia, 28(2), 341-359. Jamal, A. (2005). The political participation and engagement of muslim americans: Mosque involvement and group consciousness. American Politics Research, 33(4), 521-544. Jones-Correa, M., Leal, D. (2001). Political participation: Does religion matter? Political Research Quarterly, 4, 751-770. Leonard, K. (2003). Muslims in the United States: The state of research. New York, NY: Russell Sage. Putnam, R. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. New York, NY: Touchstone. Rosenstone, S., Hansen, J. M. (1993). Mobilization, participation and democracy in America. New York, NY: Macmillan. Smidt, C. (1999). Religion and civic engagement: A comparative analysis. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 565, 176-192. This essay on Perceptions, Participation, and Change was written and submitted by user Ayla Brown to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

How Bat Echolocation Works

How Bat Echolocation Works Echolocation is the combined use of morphology (physical features) and sonar (SOund NAvigation and Ranging) that allows  bats  to see using sound. A bat uses its larynx to produce ultrasonic waves that are emitted through its mouth or nose. Some bats also produce clicks using their tongues. The bat hears the echoes that are returned and compares the time between when the signal was sent and returned and the shift in the frequency of the sound to form a map of its surroundings. While no bat is completely blind, the animal can use sound to see in absolute darkness. The sensitive nature of a bats ears enables it to find prey by passive listening, too. Bat ear ridges act as an acoustic Fresnel lens, allowing a bat to hear the movement of ground-dwelling insects and the flutter of insect wings. How Bat Morphology Aids Echolocation Some of a bats physical adaptations are visible. A wrinkled fleshy nose acts as a megaphone to project sound. The complex shape, folds, and wrinkles of a bats outer ear help it receive and funnel incoming sounds. Some key adaptations are internal. The ears contain numerous receptors that allow bats to detect tiny frequency changes. A bats brain maps the signals and even accounts for the Doppler effect flying has on echolocation. Just before a bat emits a sound, the tiny bones of the inner ear separate to reduce the animals hearing sensitivity, so it doesnt deafen itself. Once the larynx muscles contract, the middle ear relaxes and the ears can receive the echo. Types of Echolocation There are two main types of echolocation: Low-duty-cycle echolocation allows bats to estimate their distance from an object based on the difference between the time a sound is emitted and when the echo returns. The call a bat makes for this form of echolocation is among the loudest airborne sounds produced by any animal. The signal intensity ranges from 60 to 140 decibels, which the equivalent to the sound emitted by a smoke detector 10 centimeters away. These calls are ultrasonic and generally outside the range of human hearing. Humans hear within the frequency range of 20 to 20,000 Hz, while microbats emit calls from 14,000 to over 100,000 Hz.High-duty cycle echolocation gives bats information about the motion and three-dimensional location of prey. For this type of echolocation, a bat emits a continuous call while listening to the change in the frequency of the returned echo. Bats avoid deafening themselves by emitting a call outside their frequency range. The echo is lower in frequency, falling within the optimal range f or their ears. Tiny changes in frequency may be detected. For example, the horseshoe bat can detect frequency differences as small as 0.1 Hz. While most bat calls are ultrasonic, some species emit audible echolocation clicks. The spotted bat (Euderma maculatum) makes a sound that resembles two rocks striking each other. The bat listens for the delay of the echo. Bat calls are complicated, generally consisting of a mixture of constant frequency (CF) and frequency modulated (FM) calls. High-frequency calls are used more often because they offer detailed information about the speed, direction, size, and distance of prey. Low-frequency calls travel further and are mainly used to map immobile objects. How Moths Beat Bats Moths are popular prey for bats, so some species have developed methods to beat echolocation. The tiger moth  (Bertholdia trigona)  jams the ultrasonic sounds. Another species advertises its presence by generating its own ultrasonic signals. This allows bats to identify and avoid poisonous or distasteful prey. Other moth species have an organ called a tympanum that reacts to incoming ultrasound by causing the moths flight muscles to twitch. The moth flies erratically, so its harder for a bat to catch. Other Incredible Bat Senses In addition to echolocation, bats use other senses unavailable to humans. Microbats can see in low light levels. Unlike humans, some see ultraviolet light. The saying blind as a bat doesnt apply to megabats at all, as these species see as well as, or better than, humans. Like birds, bats can sense magnetic fields. While birds use this ability to sense their latitude, bats use it to tell north from south. References Corcoran, Aaron J.; Barber, J. R.; Conner, W. E. (2009). Tiger moth jams bat sonar. Science. 325 (5938): 325–327.Fullard, J. H. (1998). Moth Ears and Bat Calls: Coevolution or Coincidence?. In Hoy, R. R.; Fay, R. R.; Popper, A. N. Comparative Hearing: Insects. Springer Handbook of Auditory Research. Springer.Nowak, R. M., editor (1999).  Walkers Mammals of the World.  Vol. 1. 6th edition. Pp.  264–271.Surlykke, A.; Ghose, K.; Moss, C. F. (April 2009). Acoustic scanning of natural scenes by echolocation in the big brown bat, Eptesicus fuscus. Journal of Experimental Biology. 212 (Pt 7): 1011–20.

Corporate culturism facilitates excellent business performance Essay

Corporate culturism facilitates excellent business performance. Critically discuss this statement - Essay Example This report critically investigates the role of business Culturism in strengthening the presentation of the business natural environment. The theory will address the evaluation with preceding administration ideas. It will talk about the topic of functional autonomy as the cornerstone of achieving large business performance. The report will talk about the relevant aspects of corporate Culturism in increasing the conclusion of organizations. Background The corporate culturism rose as a focal topic in an association throughout 1980's. The ventures of reinforcing the corporate society were completed around then, accepting that it might have positive effect on the execution of the organization (Brochet, 2012; Brown 2006). Some other mainstream societies all hands on deck associations are Total Quality Management (TQM) and Human Resource Management (HRM). Numerous hypothetical effects were distributed that supported these methodologies also. The development of corporate culturism has been credited to the advancement of instruction in the segment if business and enterprise. Typical extents have been investigated in organizational life that sprung the idea of corporate assemblies and images (Bushee, 2001; Champoux, 2011; Cheng, 2011). Solid corporate society pushes the better execution of representatives of the association (Choi, 2009; Zingales, 2000). It is credited to the change in quality and profit that twists from corporate societies. It compensates distinct laborers in association typically and in addition really for legitimate recognizable proof of their part in the association. The principle objective behind favoring corporate culturism is, comprehending the part of people in association. It is about taking in the "hearts and brains" of distinctive laborers in the organization to fittingly turn their exertions in the right course (Jenter, 2011; Jensen, 2001). In the event that the corporate society is string then even the feeble exhibitions of the customary spe cialists will be used in the support of the organization (Bhattacharya, 2007; Willmoit, 1993; Eccles, 2010). Corporate culturism promotes the coherent efforts, shared culture and uplifting efforts from all workers for proper adaptations to the tasks assigned. This culture extracts the meaningful effort from a huge set of employees for the benefit of the company. The purpose for quality work emanates usually from dedicated and collaborative efforts from all employees (Watson, 2006; Eccles, 2011). Whenever a new idea in business environment is initiated, it is critically analyzed whether it is combination of old gadgets or it is entirely a new one. The new theory must have significant impact of the outcome of the organization and political influence of the company. When the idea of â€Å"Corporate Culturism† was introduced, it was found that it is a revolutionary idea. It definitely has significant impact of the politics of the working culture in companies. The authors in (Eccl es, 2011) argue that the spreading of corporate culturism has been quite successful in business society. This culture helps in determining the rules of excellence. Some researchers argue that the applications of the corporate culturism may be vague or impractical (Edmans, 2011; Simnett, 2009). They emphasize the point that this culture is hard to implement in the business environment. The cost of implementation of the culture may not be returned that would result in failure of the company. However, the core ideas of corporate cult

Beach Sediments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Beach Sediments - Essay Example Some beaches are built to great widths by sediments washed to the sea by episodic floods, gradually eroding until the next major flood replenishes the sand ("Beach Formation and Types of Beaches and Sand"). Beach sediments are delivered per year in million cubic yards through longshore transport. Different beaches have different colors and textures because of the various sediments that make them up. There are beaches made up of eroded shale cliffs, multicolored agates ground and polished by the surf, feldspar minerals, ground quartz, and even iron minerals. The various make up of the sediments determine the origin of these sand beaches which help researchers know more information about a particular coast. Mechanical sediments, also known as clastic sediments, came from the erosion of oceanic rocks formed during the earlier times. These sediments are carried by streams or waves to the place where they are deposited. Ocean sediments, especially in the form of turbidites, are usually carried over and deposited at the bottom of continental slopes ("The Columbia Encyclopedia" 42907). Chemical reactions in seawater form chemical sediments which results in the precipitation of small mineral crystals that settle to the floor of the sea and finally form a chemically pure layer of sediment somehow. Organic sediments are formed from plant or animal actions. ... There are also some traces of windblown volcanic and continental dusts found in organic sediments. Properties of Sediments Sediments have different properties which are being studied by researchers for different purposes such as coastal engineering. One property of sediments is its physical form. Sediments can be loose, fluid, hard or firm. Examples of loose sediments are sand and silt; mud is a form of fluid sediment. There are also sand forms that are firm and stiff as clay. Hard sediments are those rocks and coral pieces that can be found in some beaches. Sediments can also be classified in terms of their cohesiveness. Sediments can be cohesive, non-cohesive or mitigated. Sediments such as clay and firm sand are highly cohesive as each particle stick closely together. Mud and loose sands, as well as rocks and other loose particles, are non-cohesive. Mitigated sediments are mainly non-cohesive sediments with a little mix of clay. Non-cohesive sediment behavior in water is mainly controlled by mechanical forces. The hydrodynamics of a particle refer to its ability to remain still or become entrained if on the bed surface, or to remain in suspension or to cease movement if in motion ("Sedimentation Investigations of Rivers and Reservoirs" 7-1). The properties that crucially affect the non-cohesive particle's hydrodynamics are its size, shape and specific gravity. The behavior of cohesive sediments, on the other hand, is controlled by electrochemical forces and dependent on the particle size, sediment mineralogy, and water chemistry. Particle size is considered to be the most important property of non-cohesive sediments. The size of the particle can be defined by any of the four methods: a) Nominal diameter - with this

Compare the role of France and the United States in the Rwandan Essay

Compare the role of France and the United States in the Rwandan genocide and account for the differences you find - Essay Example In the year 1990, the Tutsi decided to strike back and the Rwandese Patriotic Front was formed, comprised of Tutsi refugees who launched attacks from Uganda. A cease fire was arranged through the intervention of the United Nations Observer Mission Uganda-Rwanda, and the terms agreed to were intended to improve ethnic participation and power sharing, allow refugees to return to their homes and create a multi party state (Gourevitch, 1999). However, the Hutus did not want to share power and commenced a media campaign via the radio station RTML, to mobilize ordinary Hutus against Tutsis, resulting in the eruption of genocidal activity. The Presidents of both Rwanda and Burundi were killed on April 6, 1994, and that night a series of mass murders resulted, with the Belgian peacekeeping forces helpless to intervene in the crisis due to their role as peace keepers.(Gourevitch, 1999). Ten Belgian soldiers who were assigned to protect the Hutu Prime Minister were murdered, and one week after the conflict erupted, Belgium withdrew all its troops. On 6th April, the large scale killing of Tutsis commenced and resulted in almost 800,000 people being killed over the short span of a few days, while the world looked on and did nothing. In summing up the reasons for the Rwandan genocide, Eltringham states that some view it as the result of â€Å"ethnic hatred†, others as a result of â€Å"bad politics and power struggle†, while yet others view it as the â€Å"direct outcome of colonial and neo imperialist manipulations†, and â€Å"economic frustrations†, but the truth may be that all these elements combined to play a role in the crisis. (Eltringham, 2004:xv). The occurrence of the genocide is a horrific event in recent human history, where thousands of innocent people died while the world stood by and did nothing. The United States is implicated for its role in the Rwanda genocide mostly through its

Increasing the Minimum Wage in America

Increasing the Minimum Wage in America Raising the lowest wages in America has always been a controversial topic. The Federal Government establishes the minimum hourly wages that a worker can be paid and as such, these standards of income impact the entire nation.   These standards of income or minimum wages were written into law to control the unfair practices of sweatshops and other capitalistic, manufacturing firms. However, minimum wage laws of today ensure that the employee being paid is provided with enough money to afford necessities (Edward and Gilman, 1999).   Nevertheless, with rising energy costs, no real affordable heath-care system in place and rising fuel and food costs the minimum minimally covers the average Americans necessities. The controversy and or problems associated with standard wages stem from both the positive and negative impacts that it imparts upon society. For example, as minimum wages increase companies are less likely to hire new employees, to train or retool current employees or to off er incentives and or job advancements.   In reverse, as wages decrease firms began to experience higher levels of employee turnover rates, incidents of accidents and often are left with less qualified applicants (Doyle, 2017). Seeing that much of this countries workforce is made up of hourly employees these minimum wage imbalances typically disrupt the main source of income for many households in America.   Ã‚   Technology and various factors of life have changed over the years and has greatly advanced. However, what has remained stagnant; is the increases to minimum wages. As such, many people in America are unable to properly provide for their families. Poverty rates have increased as well as the number of the homeless, yet the Federal Government reports that our economy is improving. Nevertheless, many of this great, Nation’s citizens are unable to provide good and nutritional food for themselves and their families. Because of this we are now facing a rising epidemic of poor health and illness in this country. Due in part to the; depression, obesity, poor nutritional lifestyles brought on by poverty (T.H.G,2014). Throughout the years there has been research that has proven that workers who make more than minimum wage tend to be well and in good health. However, the Federal Government feels that by increased minimum wages create heightened levels of unemployment and that if minimum wages were increased above ten dollars per hour that these rates would elevate drastically. Truth be told, if minimum wages could increase as much as $25 an hour and firms and organizations would continue to grow and prosper because their inputs would always be higher than their outputs. Thriving companies like Amazon wouldn’t stop hiring and neither would they have to raise the prices on their goods to compensate for increased wages. Ideally, if wages were raised it would essentially grow the middle-class and low-income worker would be less reliance upon government assistance programs. As a result, hard working Americas are speaking out and protesting for a substantial increase to the minimum wages. This in essence is warranted because over the last few year’s inflation has increased however income has not. According to different reports given by the Labor Board, â€Å"2007 amendments increased the minimum wage to $5.85 per hour which took effect on July 24, 2007; $6.55 per hour effective July 24, 2008; and $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009.† Throughout much of this time America was fighting 3 wars, losing several companies to foreign barters, dealing with a real estate crisis as well as an extreme recession. So, these relatively menial increases were not in alignment with gas prices, inflation nor overall citizen expenses. Statics show at the beginning 2017, twenty-nine states have a higher minimum wage than the standard federal rate. Implementing a minimum wage increase would promote equality among the nation, while also paying workers a living wage which will aid in one being able to live a decent and healthy life. Despite the hesitation from employers, many American households live off minimum wage, for this reason lawmakers should increase it; which will aid American families with the ability to afford the cost of living. Problem The bare minimum of anything is less than average and as such is subpar! Minimum wage in supposedly ‘Greatest and Strongest Nation’ in the world falls closer to the wages extended to citizens in less developed countries. America is ranked number 9 and has a greater military and infrastructure than at least two of the countries that out pay their citizens. Australia which is ranked number one as it relates to highest minimum wages paid to it’s workers and citizens yet this country founded in 1901 and America was founded in 1776, a whooping 275 years earlier (Papworth, 2012). America’s Minimum wage institution was established in 1933, and upon its inception citizens were paid twenty-five cents an hour. Eventually the wages were raised regularly in the years after, with the time between increases generally ranging between a year, and up to five and six years.   On Jan 1, 1981, the minimum wage increased to three dollars and thirty-five cents and it remains at the level until 1990. The current federal minimum wage has remained the same for the same amount of time. It was last increased on Sept. 1, 2010 at seven dollars and twenty-five cents. (Pollin, Robert; Wicks-Lim, Jeannette,2016).   Currently there are eighteen other states including the District of Columbia who have a higher minimum wage than what is typically required by federal law. However, there are still six states that don’t even   participate in minimum wage.   The reason why this is a global societal problem is because approximately half of the people earning the minimum wage or less are younger workers who are under the age of twenty-five.   Many of these worked still live with their parents.   Statistic show that forty-one percent stay with their patents while fifteen percent are adults, who are raising a family and twenty-three percent are adults who are barely able to take care of themselves. Although, poverty has been a huge problem for many decades (for all types of families), government officials feel that raising wages would have little effect on these group of people. Researchers have proven that various states across America have a minimum wage that is higher than what is required at the government level.   However, the federal government gives each state an opportunity to manage their minimum wage by law, but the worker will get the higher pay of the two. â€Å"Many economists do not like minimum wage for the simple fact it puts a stop to low-income workers who essentially cannot produce enough monetary worth in their work to cover the minimum wage. Often during various years such as 2008-2012, a worker in these situations has to consider the government, by looking at one’s neighborhood, education level, race, and age (24-65)† (Greory,2014).   Another factor that could be essential to help increase minimum wage is the coast of living.   Although each state has the authority to have its own minimum wage, some states are less cost efficient than others which require more than the standard minimum. â€Å"Most of the global labor force, in any case, is the developing markets.   In addition, for some of these nations, initiating a minimum wage or raising it is unequivocally on the policy agenda. Yet, little is thought about the effects of minimum wages on labor and expectations for living standards in developing markets† (Gregory, 2014).   Ã¢â‚¬Å"The cost of living takes in to account the prices of different goods and services; whereas, housing affordability considers how expensive home prices are in relation to the median family income† (Cooper,2015). However, everyone feels that things are expensive and cost a fortune. After doing research, the states that have major metro areas (such as New York and San Francisco), often gain attraction for tourist and other perks which can make it least affordable.   If the cost of living is higher than minimum wage, it increases the ability to get another job or ask for government assistance. Statics also show that 30-50% of one’s income is spent on rent and utilities, which in some cases it is 90% of their household income.   â€Å"Although some people are rent-burdened, and cannot afford basics necessities, such as fresh fruits and vegetables; so alternatively, they consume un healthy food that eventual causes health problems†. (Tsao et al 2016). Most minimum wage worker due to the lack of income cannot afford the health benefits that they need to stay healthy. Nevertheless, their ailments worsen and often time an individual may start to have feelings of depression or feeling down about their situation, this type of mindset is also unhealthy for low income Americans. Solution A probable solution to increasing minimum wages is to guarantee basic income programs like Housing Urban Development also known as HUD.   Ã¢â‚¬Å"HUD is a public housing program for all sizes and types of families, which provides housing from houses to apartments, even for the elderly. This program was developed to provide housing and community development assistance and to make sure everyone has access to â€Å"fair and equal housing† (Reich,2015).     Another opportunity for low-income families is the government assistance program that helps provide food for low income families also known as the SNAP program. This program aids with food purchases for low-income or no income families; living in the United States. SNAP benefits cost about seventy billion dollars a year and provide for about forty-four billion people.   This number represents about fourteen percent of the population, which adds up to be $125.51 per month for each person. SNAP is one of the largest nutrition programs in American; for low income families.   After reviewing the article The Effects of Minimum Wage on Food Stamps, many government officials feel that one should not have it both ways, they should not be able to collect on both benefits. Their rationale is that if minimum wages increases, that the Snap benefits decrease.   This would have an adverse effect on one’s health or possible affect the children in that household.   Government officials have spent numerus of time on discussing the issue for the welfare plan. However; since 2014, there has been an estimated increase on minimum wages and a decrease in SNAP participation, by 3.95 percent.   These results indicate that the government is going in the right direction in saving taxpayer money (Reich,2015). Although these individuals receive SNAP benefits some households still are facing the greatest hardship and most likely face a decrease in food security, rather than people who are not receiving SNAP benefits. However, SNAP enrollment seems to increase in periods of prosperity. Another solution to increasing minimum wages could be raising the child tax credit.   Families with children could really use the extra money that is provided form the benefit from child tax credit program. Many government officials are in favor of increasing the child tax credit, they say it is highly unlikely that it would be and increase in minimum wage. However, this strategy would help struggling families with children with the benefits and necessities that they need. Although most federal governments oppose of the minimum wage law they feel that there better solution for helping workers that only make minimum wage such as the earned income tax credit.   This tax credit is set up for a person who is poor and has earn a certain about due to his or her wages throughout the year.  Ã‚   The earn income tax credit has several advantages for the poor and it favors those who make minimum wage. â€Å"One argument often made by minimum wage advocates is that higher minimum wage is necessary to prevent or mitigate the reduction in market wages associated with the labor supply response to a more generous EITC† (Neumark&Washcher, 2011, p. 714).   The standard minimum wage does not cost the tax payer any money because of the higher income tax credit. This is one of the programs that was created so the government would not have to raise minimum wages, by only creating it for low income workers, who are eligible to receive it.   â€Å"Economist around the globe, feel that training programs are criticism of raising the minimum wage it is the pay rate of low-skilled people and entry level jobs†(Neumar&Wascher,2002).   The government could install training programs that could potentially improve employee outcomes and help them to be more successful in getting a high paying job. Evaluation of the Evidence The evidence used here is all justifiable and dependable and without bias. The various of sources used here are scholarly, peer-reviewed articles which make the information justifiable. There are a few sources used here that would be considered popular sources.   After reading the article, American Journal of Public Health, the authors (Tsao et al 2016) worked with the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, they referenced their work and without bias. This article helped shed light on the health of low-income families. It also helped to explain how beneficial it would be if there was and increase in minimum wage and the effects it would have on and families.   The Effects of Minimum Wage on Food Stamps, is a credible scholarly source to show how the government reasons for not raising minimum wages but should create more programs to help individuals who are suffering with low-income or no income at all.   As a result, the article proved that the government is going in the right direction in saving taxpayer money.   This article is essential to research because it sheds light on the way minimum wages affect people who are less fortunate.   It also takes a closer look at those who have to use government assistance programs in order to support their families.     Statistical data provided gives rationale for raising the minimum wage and to utilize the table of data. Once again, this source is reliable, valid and unbiased. Several of the sources provide statistical data that need to be illustrated. â€Å"The statistic from this graph clearly shows the percentages of families’ income and of those who would be affected by a minimum-wage increase on a generally low to moderate level.   Nearly, 70.7 percent of affected families have a total family income of less than $60,000, and nearly a quarter (23.6 percent) have total family income of less than $20,000. Among all U.S. families, the median family income in 2010 was $60,395† (Current Population Survey, 2010) . Some of the surveys results are incorrect due to lack of education and inaccurate information being provided at the time the survey was given. The source Neumak and Wascher, shows support on finding a solution to help low-income workers.   They were able to shed light on how poverty has affected workers which have low-incomes.   Cooper explains, the percentages of youth and adults that are targeted by the fast food industries and that have no education (2015). This source explains why the government will not increase minimum wage because of the targeted age group. Ethical outcomes of Solution Some journalists have stated negative impacts, such as turnover rates and untrained workers for small businesses if wages are increased, the positive aspect of raising wages would have, overall.   After reviewing the statistical data, it shows that mostly teenagers are targeted when mentioning minimum wage, this is because they are one of the largest group that is affected by the minimum wage, which makes it effects more discernable.   After reading the article Pay Equity and the National minimum wage, the author points out that reservation wages of younger workers, which is lower than adult workers. Citizen throughout the country have had many concerns about the status of minimums wage getting abused form primary earners in poor families, more than for the wages of teenagers and other secondary earners form higher-income families. It also raises arguments on why young workers are receiving such low pay and sheds light on the national minimum wage.   The theories of wage control vary, but details pay levels and pay dispersion; thus, proving that pay differs around the world.   These differences are based on job requirements.   Younger adults are also targeted by the fast food industries because of no job experience and lack of education.   Most young adults are just trying to earn extra money rather than trying to take care of a family.   â€Å"The average age of affected workers is 36 years old. A larger share of affected workers is age 55 and older (15.3 percent) than are teens (10.7 percent). About two-thirds of affected workers are 25 years old or older† (Cooper, 2015).   There have been numerous of research obtain to show that most teenagers will not be affected by the increase because most teenagers only work part-time because they attend school. Teenagers could also learn these lessons from many other activities or discussions.   Young adults should not just rely on minimum wage; but continue their education, which would lead to an opportunity of getting a better job, when they become an adult.   They will not only have job experience but know the value of money and how it can help provide for their families.   Ã‚  There is various reason on why minimum wage should be increase because society feels like worker are less likely to quit on higher-paid jobs. Sheposh explains how minimum wage has the lowest rate of pay that was set out for mostly the fast food industry.   The government or union negotiated and calculated hourly, weekly and monthly incentives to come up with the first national minimum-wage law.   He presents the establishment and timeline of minimum wage and how it affects certain parts of the country. States like Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee do not implement the minimum wage law.   According to this article each state and municipality can set its own wage.   â€Å"Minimum wage has always been a controversial issue and will continue to be an issue as the cost of living is always rising† (Sheposh, 2016).   However, minimum wage was not meant for workers to rely on as a permanent career, but to only use as temporary financial support.   There are many reasons that minimum wages should be increase for a worker. The standard minimum wage pay for participating states varies between $7.25 and 9.00; which in today’s society typical family of three people, would barely be able thrive.   However; from a business perspective, the employer gains profit by paying the workers less, but still has the exception for that worker to work hard and come to work every day.   In the article Santa Monica’s Minimum Wage: Assessing the Living Wage Movement’s New Frontier,it mentions that Santa Monica proposed a plan that would raise the minimum wage to $12.25 per hour (2005). After reviewing the statistical data of this source, it shows that many businesses would close due to the increase.   Studies also show that some business relocate, this is done so they will not have to pay the workers more money. It is unfair that some businesses cheat their employees out of money, so they can make more profit.   It continues to be controversial topic around the globe that the less fortunate or low-income community would be better if the government officials would come together and increase the minimum wage.   This would be beneficial, instead of developing various programs such as SNAP, earned income tax credit, and federal housing. It gives them a chance at a better life and helps them take care of their families, especially those who have unaffordable health issues.   It is immoral and unjustifiable to make someone work forty hours a week and still not be able to live.   Everyone’s situation is different but giving them the opportunity to take care of their families is morally right and ethical. If the government will increase minimum wages and keep certain government programs, then add the installation of training programs to benefit low-income and uneducated workers, they will have the opportunity to get a higher paying job.   In turn, they would no longer need the aid of federal programs; thus, this will be a great solution for the worker, as well as, the government. Minimum wages were set to only help the younger workers while in school, and other adults with no job experience. Many economists argue that by increasing minimum wage does not only help low-income worker, but all workers.   Conclusion While increasing minimum wage will always continue to be a controversial topic around the world, the wealthy have argued that the poor would be better off if the government officials would not waste their time trying to increase minimum wage.   They should instead, create more programs that will be beneficial to workers to help them get better paying jobs.   Some feel that minimum wage will reduce employment, but not by as much as there are so many people who want to work, but can not due to health issue, education, and various other issues. Increasing minimum wages has benefits for all workers, not just the one that the government targets like young workers, single adults, and worker who are 55 and older.   President Barack Obama has stated on many occasion that increasing the minimum wage is very essential to addressing the income gap in America. Raising minimum wage does not just help families financially, but it helps them feel better about themselves.   Morale would increase because they would be able to take care of their families and develop good morals and standards. However, it can help take care of health issues and not use federal programs, because they will obtain a higher paying job, which will carry health insurance and that they can afford. Making more money with just a simple increase can give a household an opportunity to be successful and take care of one’s family.   Poverty in America is at an all-time high and the lower-class has been affected by the increase in the cost of living. We have to find a way for government officials to make the decision to increase minimum wages. References Brosnan,  P. (n.d.). The Minimum Wage in a Global Context.  The Handbook of Globalization, Second Edition. doi:10.4337/9780857931443.00020 Cooper, D. (2015). Raising the Minimum Wage to $12 by 2020 Would Lift Wages for 35 Million American Workers | Economic Policy Institute. Retrieved from http://www.epi.org/publication/raising-the-minimum-wage-to-12-by-2020-would-lift-wages-for-35-million-american-workers/ Doyle, A. 14 Dec 2017. Pros and Cons of Raising Minimum Wage. Web. https://www.thebalance.com/pros-and-cons-of-raising-the-minimum-wage-2062521 Edwards, P., & Gilman, M. (1999). Pay equity and the national minimum wage: What can theories tell us? Human Resource Management Journal, 9(1), 20-38. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/199448047?accountid=32521 Gregory,  T. (2014). When the Minimum Wage Bites Back: Quantile Treatment Effects of a Sectoral Minimum Wage in Germany.  SSRN Electronic Journal.  doi:10.2139/ssrn.2567167 Meer, J., & West, J. (2016). Effects of the Minimum Wage on Employment Dynamics. Journal Of Human Resources, 51(2), 500-522. Neumark, D., & Wascher, W. (2002). Do Minimum Wages Fight Poverty. Economic Inquiry, 40(3), 315. Papworth, J. 26 Oct. 2012. How Good is Great Britian’s Minimum Wage? Web.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   https://www.theguardian.com/money/2012/oct/26/how-good-britain-minimum-wage Pollin, Robert; Wicks-Lim, Jeannette.   A $15 U.S. minimum wage: How fast-food industry could adjust without shedding jobs.   Journal of Economic Issues (M.E. Sharpe Inc.).  Sep2016, Vol. 50 Issue 3, p716-744. 29p. 10 Charts. DOI: 10.1080/00213624.2016.1210382 Reich, Michael.  Industrial Relations. â€Å"The Effects of Minimum Wage on Food Stamps†.  Oct2015, Vol. 54 Issue 4, p668-694. 27p. 8 Charts, 1 Map DOI: 10.1111/irel.12105. Sanders, R. H., & Williams, E. D. (2005, February). Assessing the Living Wage Movement’s  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   New Frontier. Santa Monica’s Minimum Wage:, 19(1). doi:10.1177/0891242404268705 Sheposh, R. January,2016 2p. â€Å"Minimum Wages around the World† Salem Press. Web. 26 Jan. 2016. http://www.wageindicator.org/main/salary/minimum-wageontier. Santa Monica’s Minimum Wage:, 19(1). doi:10.1177/0891242404268705 Tsao et al. (June 2016). Estimating potential reductions in premature mortality in New York City from raising the minimum wage to $15. American Journal of Public Health, 106(6): 1036-1041

Dr. Heideggers Experiment: Reality Or Illusion Essay -- essays resear

Dr. Heidegger's Experiment: Reality or Illusion In Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story Dr. Heidegger's Experiment, one of the central ideas of the story revolves around the idea of reality versus illusion. Of course the overriding theme of the story dealt with the ethical dilemma of changing old age into youth, still a major part of how the story was interpreted involved a personal decision on how you took the story; as literal or figurative. The perception that appealed to me the most was reading the text as literal, and concluding the experiment as reality rather then a figment of imagination caused by the intoxicating brew. A couple of points that Hawthorne made led me to believe that the story was indeed a true testament of the powers of the magical water. The first is rather evident and straight forward because it happens before a single person even raises glass close to their lips. I am of course referring to the fifty- five year old rose that was given to Dr. Heidegger on the eve of his wedding by his bride to be. Heidegger places the rose in the water so there could be proof of the mysterious water's power, but in the same act of proving its power to his guests Hawthorne proves to us the power of the water because when the rose regains life nobody was drunk or had even attempted to drink the water. "The crushed and dried petals stirred, and assumed a deepening tinge of crimson, as if the flower were r...

Organization and Leadership Analysis Essay

The Company chosen for this analysis is Cummins Inc. and I am confident the description that follows will give a better understanding of the organization for any third party considering a career with this organization. Clessie Lyle Cummins built his first steam engine in rural Indiana with the backing of banker William G. Irwin in the year 1919. These men together built the first company that would take advantage of the technology developed by the German Engineer Rudolf Diesel in the late 1880’s. From that early beginning thru today Cummins Inc. has been a world leader in Diesel power engines and service products with sales and service locations in 197 countries and gross sales of over nineteen billion dollars  in 2015 (Cruikshank, 1997). I have Chosen Ericka Rodriguez Eastern Distribution Center Site Material’s Leader for this analysis. I chose both the company and one of its leaders as they have carved a niche for themselves in the field of diesel technologies and s ervice products. It has been an inspiration to learn from the leader ship style portrayed by Ms. Rodriguez. Organization Description The Company chosen for this analysis is Cummins Inc. and I am confident the description that follows will give a better understanding of the organization for any third party considering a career with this organization. Clessie Lyle Cummins built his first steam engine in rural Indiana with the backing of banker William G. Irwin in the year 1919. These men together built the first company that would take advantage of the technology developed by the German Engineer Rudolf Diesel in the late 1880’s. From that early beginning thru today Cummins Inc. has been a world leader in Diesel power engines and service products with sales and service locations in 197 countries and gross sales of over nineteen billion dollars in 2015 (Cruikshank, 1997). I have Chosen Ericka Rodriguez Eastern Distribution Center Site Material’s Leader for this analysis. I chose both the company and one of its leaders as they have carved a niche for themselves in the field of diesel technologies and serv ice products. It has been an inspiration to learn from the leader ship style portrayed by Ms. Rodriguez. Organization Description Cummins Inc. was founded over ninety years ago with a vision of revolutionizing the concept of how diesel power was produced and serviced. This organization has been the global leader in diesel technologies and services for over 75 years and its products have been emulated by several other global companies. These advances were only achieved by the whole hearted dedication of its workforce. The customers and stakeholders show immense support of Cummins Inc. and it is because of their belief that Cummins Inc. is the leading enterprise in the diesel technology and service ecosystem. Customer are now able to obtain the power needed in the quantities needed over a variety of business fields. They have facilitated the process of selling and servicing there markets ensuring the success of  the company for years to come. Cummins Inc. has three overarching business objectives: 1.) Achieve Financial target over the quarters. To succeed and grow into the future, we must demonstrate performance by consistently meeting or succeeding our financial targets. 2.) Be the first choice of customers. Cummins success depends solely on our customers. As we succeed in our ability to help them, they will view Cummins as a partner in their success and we will then become their first choice in our competitive market place. 3.) Be a great place to work. The ability of Cummins Inc. to achieve these objectives is based on our workforce. Cummins Inc. must be able to attract, develop and retain the skills need to pursue the first two objectives (Hanafee, 2011). Aspiring to fulfill their objectives helped Cummins Inc. maintain its position in the diesel power and service market and over time ensuring its success. The commitment to customers, communities, and partners they serve, and the employees with diverse employment cult ure has positioned Cummins Inc. to maintain that global first choice power leader status. Leadership Practices I interpret Ms. Rodriguez leadership style as situational, she is skilled at mentoring individuals, sharing her vision, and motivating her employees. She has portrayed situational leadership style and this can be rationalized from the following three examples: 1.) Coaching – Ms. Rodriguez has portrayed this attribute, and has successfully been able to lead her group in achieving the strategic objectives of the organization. She coaches her employees by providing detailed instructions while encouraging her subordinates, requesting feedback and explaining the decision making process to them. She gives specific feedback to all individuals on their metrics and how there metrics can be achieved to meet overall organizational objectives and goals. Situational leaders reduce their involvement in daily activities as the dynamics of her group changes and matures. Ms. Rodriquez gives her people the freedom to do their work. The most productive work can be accomplished by people given th e space needed and are entrusted by the organization to be of the highest quality. Ms. Rodriquez is a leader of the highest integrity, though she is portrays a situational leader she does not change her approach to take advantage of the situation. She is seen to adapt to the is most appropriate practice after considering factors such as level  of maturity, organizational structure and culture, and the business metrics. She works with integrity and is not motivated by a desire to capitalize on a weakness of her team or organization 2.) Flexibility- The fundamental nature of a situational leader is to move their style in the business environment of an organization and encourage the thoughts of innovative employees. Ms. Rodriguez is more adaptable to the various changes that occur and welcomes innovation in her group. Rather than abiding by the typical views of a leader and not adapting to change. She is a risk taker and seems to enjoy the freshest concepts brought to her attention. She faces many challenges but still enjoys her work and the people who work for her. The people who work for her are likely influenced by her nature and work ethic and will mirror this behavior and expectations in their own work. 3.) Courage- Ms. Rodriguez as a situational leader is never afraid to take on new challenges because of the fear of incurring losses. She portrays a clear vision and takes complete charge of where and how the team is moving forward. She takes it upon herself to mentor, lead, delegate responsibilities to employees on a personal level and have each person accountable for their metric within the organization. This leadership style allows her to determine and embrace most behaviors and strategies to get the goal achieved. Her projects humility at various levels and as a key leader does not claim to have all the answers. She encourages participation of all level of employees and makes sure that her group has ample scope of engagement and remains close with them. The above mentioned attributes lead me to conclude that she is a true leader, and because of this leadership many employees at different sites across Cummins Inc. would like to work here. Ms. Rodriguez treats her employees as family. Cummins Inc. offers diverse career opportunities for people to enhance their skills and ensure growth not only for the company but employees as well. She recognizes that investing in vast amount of resources for overall development for her work force will only enhance the employee experience as a whole. This spirt of family acknowledges that she has the full support of her team which ensures good will amongst her them Relationship Between Leadership and Organizational Culture A leader’s beliefs and values shape the culture of any organization. Talented people from around the world come to work at Cummins Inc. because of the diversity it represents. The opportunity to eclipse other companies in an atmosphere that has numerous opportunities, a fast pace, and leaders that motivate, inspire and invent new technologies. Cummins Inc. offers uncommon career advancement opportunities regardless of the ethics, gender, and race. Employees chosen to work from Cummins Inc. are results oriented, entrepreneurial and independent. . People do not join a company simple on the brand name it offers, it is the culture and atmosphere that binds the work place together. People thrive under the growth, guidance and opportunities that an organization provides. Each employee wants to connect with an organization that facilitates, engages, and cares for its employees and their families. It is impossible to invest employee time and energy to the best interests of the organization without proper support to their families. Cummins rewards exceptional performance are direct results of exemplary employees and customer success. Ms. Rodriguez is always encouraging first class performance from her group and helps them understand the value of the hard work. She redirects her groups work when necessary to make sure the work is aligned with the company culture and strategy for long the term health of Cummins Inc. SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool used to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats revolving around a corporation. This analysis involves determining the objective of the corporation and identifying the internal and external environmental factors expected to benefit or burden the achievement of company objectives. After the business identifies that objective a SWOT analysis is performed to examine the strengths and weaknesses(Internal factors) and then considers the opportunities posed by business conditions(external factors) By identifying the company strengths, a company will be better able to think of strategies that will take advantage of new opportunities. Identifying current weaknesses and the threats, a company will be able to identify changes needed to improve and protect its current operations. Organizational Strengths The strengths identified for Cummins are summarized in that they are a market leader for diesel technologies and products? One of the most important strength is that the company has a strong and loyal customer base across the globe. Its ability to reach around the globe with its master and regional distribution centers is clearly an advantage against their competitors. A second important strength is the yearly improvements made in the research in new diesel technologies. I emphasize yearly because competitors can take multiple years to produce results that Cummins Inc. routinely makes year over year. Lastly Cummins Inc. financial stability and security is a major strength. The company consistently maintains market position, financial disciplines and operational strengths to contend with cyclical nature of its business. The Financial Stability of Cummins Inc. is a key strength of this organization with Moody’s assigning an A2 rating. Moody’s determined that Cummins will maintain its market status, operational durability, and the financial self-restraint necessary to deal with the substantial cyclical nature of its business. Cummins Inc. recognizes that the cyclicality in the market it serves and maintains a high degree of financial discipline that is characterized my low levels of debt and a healthy liquidity profile (Park, 2014). Organizational Weaknesses Weaknesses that have been identified at Cummins Inc. are the weak profit margins on Diesel engine filters. A low profit margin will leave little room for them to lower their selling prices. Which is sometimes necessary to gain a competitive edge against competitors. A low margin means little funds available for profits and expenses. Reducing your selling price without a corresponding and proportionate reduction in the cost of goods sold will further reduce the funds available for expenses and profits. The biggest disadvantage for Cummins Inc. is that of a low profit margin is poor operational efficiency. Profit margins are lower than the industry average are indicative of a need to improve performance. The lack of improvement results in a lower level lower than would normally be attainable. Heavy dependence on a few suppliers is also another weakness with the Cummins Inc., strategy. The supplier will have the opportunity to take advantage of the company. When they are at the opportune time they may drive up prices because they understand that they are the supplier of choice at Cummins Inc.  even though they are contracted to do otherwise. Cummins will also be vulnerable to losing company technologies and research because suppliers are part of that information flow during the development process. Lastly a significant disadvantage is the supplier capable of meeting the future capacity of the company. Suppliers may withhold this information until product launch and once the launch of the new product is complete there may become capacity constraints with their production lines. Organizational Opportunities With the Cummins product Market environment consistently changing due to continuous improved product offerings need to adapt and change to what the customer wants. To be able to maintain the growth and profits of the business it is of vital importance to safeguard and diversify its product range. Possible opportunities to explore are capitalizing on the growth and expansion of diesel technologies. Product growth in this area can be a key imitative. Cummins takes the lead with these technologies. Cummins should also be able to, because of significant capital reserves, undergo strategic acquisitions and synergies, for example overseas dealerships that are privately owned and also undertake strategic alliance with competitors like Parker-Racor Corp for an interdependency that will cater to a wider consumer base. Organizational Threats The outlook for Cummins still looks positive but there are also are threats to the business that need monitored and/or addressed. China has enjoyed rapid growth for the past few years but is has been noted that diesel trucks purchased in China are down ten percent. China is the second largest market behind the United States in sales and any prolonged sales weakness there would have a large impact on Cummins Yearly performance. Secondly, with the long term in mind, emerging technologies in artificial intelligence could pose another threat. Self driven vehicles may possess a significant long term danger to Cummins. While this seems far off, one has to consider the limitations of human driven trucks. Simply put is that automating a truck fleet would put less trucks on the road because you would not have down time as you do now with humans. Leadership Evaluation My choice for the Leadership Evaluation is situational leadership theory, it is representative of the leadership form characterized by Ericka Rodriguez for her organization. It is pertinent from this background characterization and can be attributed to its overall success of the leadership qualities she exhibits. Leadership Strengths The scholarly sources that I have chosen are listed below: 1. Blanchard, K. (2010). Leading At A Higher Level. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Blanchard Management Corporation. 2. Hanafee, S. (2011). Red, black and global: The transformation of Cummins, 1995-2010. Columbus, IN: Cummins. 3. Winkler, I. (2009). Contemporary Leadership Theories Enhancing the Understanding of the Complexity, Subjectivity and Dynamic of Leadership. Heidelberg: Physica-Verlag Heidelberg. Cummins Inc. is prospering by becoming the leading diesel engine builder and service provider in addition to maximizing its workforce and develop world class business leaders. Under Ms. Rodriguez the Eastern Distribution Center has grown from a regional parts Distribution center to a facility services the globe. She exhibits situational leadership style and are justified from the following instances; 1.) Coaching, participating, directing- Ms. Rodriguez has portrayed these attributes, and still successfully directs all her employees into achieving the strategic goals of Cummins Inc. She coaches, encourages, inputs solicitation, and explains why she has made certain decisions. She gives out specific instructions about what the objectives are and how the goals are achieved. As a situational leader Ms. Rodriquez gradually reduces her involvement in the day to day activities of her employees. She works with the highest integrity and never appears motivated by a desire to capitalize on the weaknesses of the team or Cummins Inc. She gives her employees the freedom to do their work to the best of their abilities. She does not change her approach to merely take advantage of the situation as she visualizes it but rather to take advantage by adapting to how the employees  visualizes and coaching accordingly(Winkler, 2009). 2.) Flexibility- A fundamental nature of a situational leader is to be able to flow with the changes in the environment of an organization and encourages thoughts from different people. These are the people who take risk. They enjoy new concepts, take challenges and enjoy their chosen profession. Employees enjoy working under Ms. Rodriguez. These employees are more than likely influenced by her working style (Blanchard, 2010). 3.) Ms. Rodriguez consistently encourages improvement of performance in her group and helps them to better understand the value of hard work and consistently motivates them to direct their work towards the strategies of the organization with humility and grace. Leadership Weaknesses Leadership: Situational leadership style exhibited by MS Rodriguez has certain perceived weaknesses. The Situational leadership style may be exhibited as a management technique instead of a leadership style. A vision of a manager maybe limited but a leader has a broad vision. This is a drawback that Ms. Rodriquez on occasion portrays a lack of long-term vision. The lack of vision has allowed competitors to capitalize in servicing our customers. Awareness: Ms. Rodriquez is a situational leader who can be manipulative. She fails to understand the perception of her employees. This perception may lead to the employees considering Ms. Rodriquez as a dictator. This form of leadership is unacceptable in the company culture of Cummins Inc. This will reduce the credibility and trust of the employees towards Ms. Rodriguez. It will be to her benefit if she is more transparent towards her employees (Hanafee, 2011). External factors: The decision making of Ms. Rodriguez may be affected by certain external factors. A situational leader is successful if they take into consideration external factors. There is a fair chance that there will change be in the situation with a change in leadership. It is the capability of the leader to adapt to this change and then adapt to these new circumstances. This capability is lacking in Ms. Rodriquez. Recommendations for Leadership Development I would suggest the use of situational leadership projected by Ericka Rodriquez, Eastern Distribution Center Site Materials Leader, on the fact that under her leadership productivity and employees moral has increased immensely since her hiring. I respect her strategies and completely take into account the knowledge that I have learned in the process of completing this assignment. The knowledge that I have attained can be summarized as follows- 1.) Delegation: Ms. Rodriquez is a considerate leader. Her decision making style is seasoned. She is a flexible leader but on occasion lacks the broad visions necessary to be a complete leader. A broad vision is essential to maintaining a business that is organized and efficient. Engaging with employees is also crucial for the essential for the continued success of Cummins Inc. This organization must work as a team. 2.) Ms. Rodriquez should adopt different styles of leadership according to the requirement. She must be able to provide confidence to the employees in times when Cummins Inc. is not attaining its organizational goals. Her employees will find confidence in these situations if she addresses these situations effectively. The will build and maintain a positive mental feeling (Northouse, 2013). 3.) Ms. Rodriquez leadership style must maintain an open commutatively rather than portrayed as a dictator. Situational leaders have a tendency to be manipulative. Ms. Rodriquez must reduce her dictatorship and take into consideration employees ideas. This will help keep her employees motivated (Brackett, 2011). These strategies of situational leadership are implemented will ensure the viability and sustainability of the Eastern Distribution Center for Cummins Inc. References Bass, B. M., Bass, R., & Bass, B. M. (2008). The Bass handbook of leadership: Theory, research, and managerial applications. Blanchard, K. (2010). Leading At A Higher Level. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Blanchard Management Corporation. Blanchard, K. H., Zigarmi, P., & Zigarmi, D. (1985). Leadership and the one minute manager: Increasing effectiveness through situational leadership. New York: Morrow. Brackett, M. A., Rivers, S. E., & Salovey, P. (2011). Emotional intelligence: Implications for personal, social, academic, and workplace success. Social & Personality Psychology Compass, 5(1), 88-103. Connolly, R., Pico, M., Henderson, K., Bodine, T., & Blankenship, S. (2012). Strategies for success. Training, 49(4), 48-52 Cruikshank, J. L., & Sicilia, D. B. (1997). The engine that could: Seventy-five years of values-driven change at Cummins Engine Company. Boston: Harvard Business School Press. Darling, J. L. (2011). The key for effective stress management: Importance of responsive leadership in organizational development. Organization Development Journal, 29(1), 9-26. Graeff, C. L. (1983, April 1). The Situational Leadership Theory: A Critical View. Retrieved March 9, 2015, from http://amr.aom.org/content/8/2/285.short GURUFOCUS. (2014, December 14th). Cummins Inc Financial Strength Rank. Retrieved March 8, 2015, from http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gurufocus.com%2Fterm%2Frank_balancesheet%2FCMI%2FFinancial%252BStrength%2FCummins%252Binc Hanafee, S. (2011). Red, black and global: The transformation of Cummins, 1995-2010. Columbus, IN: Cummins. Hargis, M. (2011). Developing leaders: Examining the role of transactional and transformational leadership across business contexts. Organization Development Journal, 29(3), 51-66. Lanz, K. (2013 ). The art of self-awareness. Training Journal, 65-69. Momeni, N. (2009). The relation between managers’ emotional intelligence and the organizational climate they create. Public Personnel Management, 38(2), 35-48. Northouse, P. G. (2013). Leadership: Theory and Practice Sixth Edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Nyman, M., & Thach, L. (2013). Coaching as a new leadership development option. Supervision, 74(2), 23-26. Park, J. B., & Jankowits, R. P. (2014, December 8). Moody’s raises Cummins’ rating to A2; outlook is stable. Retrieved March 8, 2015, from https%3A%2F%2Fwww.moodys.com%2Fresearch%2FMoodys-raises-Cummins-rating-to-A2-outlook-is-stable–PR_313739. Rooke, D. R. (2005). 7 Transformations of leadership. Harvard Business Review, 83(4), 66-76. Winkler, I. (2009). Contemporary Leadership Theories Enhancing the Understanding of the Complexity, Subjectivity and Dynamic of Leadership. Heidelberg: Physica-Verlag Heidelberg. Zenger, J. (2013). Developing lea ders. Leadership Excellence, 30(8), 24.

French Words for Kisses

French Words for Kisses French has a number of different words for kiss, which, though not surprising for such a romantic language, can be confusing for French learners. The most common terms are bise and bisou, and while they are both informal with similar meanings and uses, theyre not exactly the same. Une bise is a kiss on the cheek, a gesture of friendship exchanged while saying hello and good-bye. Its not romantic, so it can be used between friends and acquaintances of any gender combination, particularly two women and a woman and man. Two men are likely to say/write it only if they are family or very close friends. Bise is most commonly found in the expression faire la bise. In the plural, bises is used when saying good-bye (e.g., Au revoir et bises tous) and at the end of a personal letter: Bises, Grosses bises, Bises ensoleillà ©es (from a friend in a sunny place), etc. Again, bises is platonic. It does not mean that the letter writer is trying to take your relationship to the next level; its basically shorthand for saying good-bye with the classic French cheek/air kiss: je te fais la bise. Familiar spelling variation: biz Un bisou is a warmer, more playful, and more familiar version of bise. It can refer to a kiss on the cheek or on the lips, so may be used when talking to lovers and platonic friends. Bisous can say good-bye to a good friend (A demain! Bisous toute la famille) as well at the end of a letter: Bisous, Gros bisous, Bisous aux enfants, etc. When saying good-bye on the phone, friends sometimes repeat it several times: Bisous, bisous, bisous! Bisous, tchao, bisous! Familiar abbreviation: bx More French Kisses Nouns un baiser - kissun bà ©cot (informal) - kiss, peckun patin (informal) - French kiss, kiss with tonguesune pelle (informal) - French kissun smack - noisy kiss Verbs bà ©coter (informal) - to kiss, smoochbiser - to kissdonner un baiser - to kissembrasser - to kissenvoyer un baiser - to blow a kissenvoyer un smack - to give a noisy kissfaire une bise/un bisou - to kiss (usually on the cheek)rouler un patin - to French kissrouler une pelle - to French kisssucer la poire/pomme - to kiss passionately, neck Warning: As a noun its perfectly acceptable, and its ok to say baiser la main, but otherwise, do not use baiser as a verb! Though it originally meant to kiss, it is now an informal way to say to have sex. Other Kisses le bouchebouche - kiss of lifele coup fatal - kiss of deathdivulguer des secrets dalcà ´ve - to kiss and tellfaire de la là ¨che (familiar) - to kiss upfaire la paix - to kiss and make upfaire un croix dessus (informal) - to kiss something good-byeplaquer - to give a boyfriend/girlfriend the kiss-offraconter ses secrets dalcà ´ve - to kiss and tellvirer - to give an employee the kiss-off

Women in Trucking By Women, For Women

Women in Trucking By Women, For Women It is never easy to be a woman in a male-dominated industry, particularly one that is also dangerous and isolated, like trucking. Over at the Roadmaster’s Driving School Blog, Ellen Voie is raising awareness for Women in Trucking (WIT), an organization formed in 2007 by women drivers seeking to support and aid one another. As minorities in the industry, women still face more safety concerns and logistics issues than male truckers. Women in Trucking provides self-defense presentations, secures association discounts with partners, and lobbies for loading docks and truck stops to provide more women-friendly amenities like bathrooms and personal hygiene products. Most importantly, WIT confronts the ingrained sexist attitudes that seek to deter women from entering the industry at all.To celebrate women in leadership roles, WIT also holds an annual â€Å"Influential Women in Trucking† event, sponsored by Navistar, and an annual â€Å"Salute to Women Behind the Wheel† e vent each March. They also feature guest bloggers monthly to share the personal stories of drivers across the country.Currently, 16% of WIT’s membership is comprised of men who want to show their support for female drivers, so whether you’re a man or a woman, consider joining Women in Trucking to demonstrate your commitment to leveling the playing field and welcoming new drivers with professional courtesy and respect.Check them out online at  womenintrucking.org.

How the Impact of the Internet has Affected the Music Industry Essay

How the Impact of the Internet has Affected the Music Industry - Essay Example The Internet has had a profound impact in many areas of life but one of the earliest and greatest of the cultural (and business) impacts has been on the music industry (DiMaggio et al, 2001) both positive and negative. This is an important issue because the growth of the Internet and faster Internet connections has been accompanied by an increase in downloading and filesharing. Once a file is in digital form and on the Internet, it can easily end up anywhere in the world. This is the negative impact, and one of the worst affected industries of this problem has been the music industry (Peitz & Waelbroeck, 2005). The Internet has been both a blessing as a great distribution channel, especially for budding artists, but at the same time, it has posed serious problems because money is not flowing into the music industry as it used to. The situation has therefore spawned efforts for greater digital rights management (Hilts, 2003). The major companies in the music industry are Universal, Wa rner, EMI, BMG, and Sony, and they are all concerned for their very existence.

SOCIALIZATION ASSIGNMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

SOCIALIZATION ASSIGNMENT - Essay Example Recent political upheavals have proved this point. Dictatorship has eventually failed – be it Germany or Libya, people rebelled against such oppression and domination and finally the new government form is a democracy. Freedom of the common man is of extreme importance. This is because society is governed by the culture, values, beliefs and traditions which are followed by persons residing in a particular area or region. Many art and art forms, religions, constitutional and civil rights and laws followed in a particular country are based depending on the culture and norms akin to a particular society. However, modernization in the twentieth century is widely regarded as a westernized system which has increasingly impacted the non – western society. The third world countries have started going for what the people regard as ethically better culture followed by the westerners. Take the case of English. The popularity of this language has spread so much that it is now among one of the official languages in most nations. To conclude, economic changes have spurred a change in the values, beliefs, traditions and rituals that people followed. There is a direct connection between economic development and systematic changes. People hailing from an economically advanced nation are more flexible to changes and their values reflect a change. These people are more tolerant, rational, participatory and trustworthy (Inglehart & Baker 19 –