Car Industry Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Car Industry - Assignment Example Financing is another new dimension to the whole situation as car companies are trying to make a profit on financing by offering lower financial rates than financial institutions. Most giant automobile companies have expanded into providing financial services to car buyers. Leasing has benefited both consumer and manufacturer. With leasing option consumers find cars more affordable and thus they increase the overall demand for cars. However, if leasing is not done at the right value of the vehicles at the end of the lease then it could eventually be a loss for the company. Technological & Environmental Concerns: Technological changes and advances have also become a key factor in the industry. Advances in aerodynamics, brake assistance, adaptive speed control and global navigation and satellite tracking system etc require a proactive approach by the industry with regard to technology. Increasing awareness of environmental issues has also forced the industry to look into cars with alternative fuel options. Fuel Efficiency has also become a key selling element in the industry. Hybrid cars can be considered a step in this direction with the use of smaller, more-powerful and easily recharged lithium ion batteries for hybrid cars. Such batteries would be able to help in reducing the oil consumption and thus helping in reducing the oil demand. Ethanol, Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Power cars are therefore coming to the limelight putting a lot of emphasis on environment. Ecommerce: Internet like every business has also affected the car business as consumers can make informed decisions before making an automobile purchase. There sites available that support deliver competing bids for cars, insurance and financing in a way that lowers costs and improves satisfaction among consumers. Not only Internet revolution has helped customers but e-commerce has helped manufacturers in managing their supply chains and controlling their inventories. Capacity Issues: The industry has also been facing problems of capacity. Plant capacity throughout the world has resulted in an industry that is capable of making more cars for fewer customers meaning that supply exceeds the demand for cars. This sustenance of capacity by creating parallel demand for cars is a challenge for the industry. Dealerships: Dealership of cars is another area which has seen major changes over the years. Now, nationwide holding companies have got their hands on the best dealers in major markets. Even national chains have acquired the used car business. These changes now affect the way car manufacturers see the delivery of their end products. Situation of Car Parts Firms: Suppliers have of car parts have an important role to play in the industry. Dash boards, seats, tires, etc. are provided by Original Equipment Manufacturers. Many car parts manufacturing firms in UK are losing ground to cheaper rivals in Eastern Europe and the Far East. Some firms could even get closed, without the upgrade in their setup. There are companies in the region which are investing in their future by getting new equipment to help keep going in the face of growing foreign competition for example, some firms got ability to mould larger plastic car parts with its new machinery. The competition from Eastern Europe and the Far East is very disturbing for the manufacturing industry. A new

The book Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Essay Example for Free

The book Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Essay John Steinbeck wrote the book Of Mice and Men in 1936 after Wall Street crashed in 1929 and overnight the great depression set in, in America. Everyone lost all their money after investing in the stock market and no one had any money and jobs because company collapsed due to the knock on affect of the crash. As a result, people forgot about trying to settle down with a family and just thought about trying to stay alive. But still in the back of their minds the American Dream still lived on and at some point would all like to have their own plot of land living a carefree life. To stay alive though to do this they had to get any money they could. They travel around the country as migrant workers just looking after themselves going for any job that came up. They had to keep going, from job to job, people had no time to make friends. There were two special characters though, two men who traveled around together and were both very close friends. Although you could call them the odd-couple, due to the fact that they were both very different. But they looked and cared after each other, were together for a long time and learned they were so close they had to keep travelling together and try to go at it wit each other. These two guys didnt really have much before the Wall Street crash and didnt need to care about making it all back. The story is about two people who dont just care about themselves but want to look after each other. These two people were Lennie and George. In the book George says Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world, they got no family. They dont belong no placebut us! An why? Because I got you to look after me and you got me to look after you John Steinbecks style carries a lot of symbolism. Even the town Soledad where its set means loneliness. All this shows that the lifestyle after the Wall Street crash forced people to go at it alone and the American Dream was getting further and further away. Steinbeck wrote this book because he saw the USA as a lonely place at the time. Even though Lennie and George have each other and arent as lonely as everyone else, there are still times wee they are lonely. When Lennie was younger all he had was his Aunt Clara who was the only one who looked after him and then she died. Until George came to live all the time with Lennie, all he had was his soft mice that he liked to pet. He had nothing else and was very lonely. Then when George came Lennie must have seen him as a savior and would do anything for him and listens to everything he does. But because he is mentally challenged he cant sometimes go through with his promises. When saying all this, John Steinbeck is expressing that Lennie and George are no two ordinary migrant workers doing it alone moving from place to place. Lennie and George are different because they stay together. But when Lennie acts like he does, George gets very annoyed and says God a mighty, if I was alone I could live so easy. I could go get a job an work, an no trouble. No mess at all, and when the end of the month came, I could take my fifty bucks and go into town ant get whatever I want. This makes Lennie sad, but really George wouldnt do this because he cares too much about Lennie. Lennie gets upset when people talk about leaving as he has had a lot of that happen to him in his life, with not knowing his parents and his Aunt Clara dying he has become sensitive to that happening and apologizes for whatever has made George say this very quickly. In the Book Candy is another very lonely character he is also symbolized through his dog who just goes through life then he gets quite old without making much significance and just kill him or send him off without say when hes worthless and dont care about his feelings. He is extra worthless as he got his hand lopped off in one of the farm machines and makes him not as useful as he was. This will happen to Candy, hell get fired and he knows this because he starts to get left out of everything. He knows time is not on his side and hell get canned before too long. This is why when he hears George and Lennie have a plan to get a farm and he had money to make this plan happen for all of them, (from compensation when he got his hand chopped off) he wants to be in on it so he cant be fired and would just do the easy jobs. Then he could stay with shelter and not get chucked out to die. I also think that he wants something to show for his life and the farm would be something good as the money he has wouldnt be a good indication for a successful life as he has no one to pass it on to. I think Steinbeck has put Candy into the book so there was another extreme of loneliness. The character shows that in America in the 30s no one had any respect or sympathy for old folk and when they get too old they are just sent out for the vultures not caring about feelings. This shows in Candy and when they are speaking to the stable buck and he says Nobody listen to you, Candy then says No he agreed Knowbody listen to us. This shows that Candy knows whats going on and his time is approaching fast. Crooks is also another extreme of loneliness just because he is black. He isnt even allowed to sleep in the same bunkhouse. They say I stink, but I say they stink. He says this, not because they smell but because he thinks the way they treat him stinks. Even on special occasions, for fun they beat him up. They dont treat him like a fellow human at times and dont like speaking to him. He gets lonely because he doesnt get to talk to anyone all day. This shows the racism of the time and how in America they still had the ideals of the slave trades and the black were nailed to the bottom of the social pile. Then in the book he wants to join in with the ranch plan as he thinks its his way out of hatred and the stereotypes. But eventually he rejected the ranch because he knew that he was also useless because he had a crooked back and he would be not respected, and he told Lennie that because he was mentally retarded that George might leave him. He says this because he is thinking about the thoughts of the times, but doesnt know that George would never leave Lennie. Another character is Curleys wife. She is very lonely and seeks for attention. This is because she is a woman and they just think she is someone who is just there to cure Curleys needs. But also she is a person. She said, Im stuck in the house all day and no one to talk to. People see her as a Tart because she seeks attention and flirts with all the workers on the ranch behind Curleys back, but Curly knows it is going on and gets very jealous and protective. She says when she was younger she met a man who could have put her in the movies, but when he sent her a letter saying she was in, her mum hid the letters because she was too young to leave. But maybe she had thought up these ideas that the man was actually interested in putting her in the movies or just trying to chat her up and then Curleys wife when she didnt hear anything might have blamed it on her mum and wanted to believe she was good enough to be in the movies. Then she left home to try and make her dream come true but never really had a plan. Then she met Curly and thought maybe this was the key to getting to the top, but now she is stuck on the ranch. She knows she will never fulfill her dreams. Steinbeck always refers to her as Curleys Wife and she never has a name all through the book. This is because no one needs or thinks it is necessary to get to know her because she is a woman. This character shows hatred of women at this time and how they meant nothing. All of the Characters, Crooks, Lennie, Candy and Curlys wife, have personalities that are lonely and in America at this time these personalities were outcasts. In the book they were excluded from everything because they were different. I also see Carlson as someone who thinks as a community and not for peoples feelings. For example at the end of the book when George has killed Lennie, then Slim is comforting him, he says Now what ya suppose is eatin them two guys? Not considering that George has just killed his old best friend who has traveled with for a long time. He cant understand why they feel this way, as he thinks as the community thinks at the time in how everyone has to try to do it for themselves and you cant have friends in this time but Lennie and George did. In the Book Slim and George get to know each other a bit. George likes to get to people and he thinks everybody is stupid not making any friends and being cautious of Everyone: -Maybe everbody in the whole damn world is scared of each other? He thinks everyone thinks they cant get to know anyone but he doesnt see this in George. John Steinbeck wrote this book in the 1030s when all these prejudiced feelings to people who are different were going on. He recognized this, what people were doing and how they were making everyone else lonely, but at the same time making themselves lonely too. When he wrote this he had a different character for all different aspects of loneliness and prejudice he could see in America at the time. He described it through migrant workers due to how on the farms it was capitalist with the boss looking down on his workers and by doing this, also people wanted to be the boss and not have to look up to people. To do it, they couldnt really do it with everyone else because than he couldnt have anyone else to look down on, so they had to go alone. Owning a farm somewhere and being your own boss was back than the American Dream. But by going alone they would never have enough money, so as their dream fails, along with it, so does their spirit. These 3 points show hoe different aspects of life all culminated to kill their spirit and make them lonely. It all spirited from themselves.

AIDS :: Free AIDS Essays

AIDS Is the message getting through? We already know enough about AIDS to prevent its spread, but ignorance, complacency, fear and bigotry continue to stop many from taking adequate precautions. We know enough about how the infection is transmitted to protect ourselves from it without resorting to such extremes as mandatory testing, enforced quarantine or total celibacy. But too few people are heeding the AIDS message. Perhaps many simply don't like or want to believe what they hear, preferring to think that AIDS "can't happen to them." Experts repeatedly remind us that infective agents do not discriminate, but can infect any and everyone. Like other communicable diseases, AIDS can strike anyone. It is not necessarily confined to a few high-risk groups. We must all protect ourselves from this infection and teach our children about it in time to take effective precautions. Given the right measures, no one need get AIDS. The pandemic continues: Many of us have forgotten about the virulence of widespread epidemics, such as the 1917/18 influenza pandemic which killed over 21 million people, including 50,000 Canadians. Having been lulled into false security by modern antibiotics and vaccines about our ability to conquer infections, the Western world was ill prepared to cope with the advent of AIDS in 1981. (Retro- spective studies now put the first reported U.S. case of AIDS as far back as 1968.) The arrival of a new and lethal virus caught us off guard. Research suggests that the agent responsible for AIDS probably dates from the 1950s, with a chance infection of humans by a modified Simian virus found in African green monkeys. Whatever its origins, scientists surmise that the disease spread from Africa to the Caribbean and Europe, then to the U.S. Current estimates are that 1.5 to 2 million Americans are now probably HIV carriers, with higher numbers in Central Africa and parts of the Caribbean. Recapping AIDS - the facts: --------------------------- AIDS is an insidious, often fatal but less contagious disease than measles, chicken pox or hepatitis B. AIDS is thought to be caused primarily by a virus that invades white blood cells (lymphocytes) - especially T4-lymphocytes or T-helper cells - and certain other body cells, including the brain. In 1983 and 1984, French and U.S. researchers independently identified the virus believed to cause AIDS as an unusual type of slow-acting retrovirus now called "human immunodeficiency virus" or HIV. Like other viruses, HIV is basically a tiny package of genes. But being a retrovirus, it has the rare capacity to copy and insert its genes right into a human cell's own chromosomes (DNA). AIDS :: Free AIDS Essays AIDS Is the message getting through? We already know enough about AIDS to prevent its spread, but ignorance, complacency, fear and bigotry continue to stop many from taking adequate precautions. We know enough about how the infection is transmitted to protect ourselves from it without resorting to such extremes as mandatory testing, enforced quarantine or total celibacy. But too few people are heeding the AIDS message. Perhaps many simply don't like or want to believe what they hear, preferring to think that AIDS "can't happen to them." Experts repeatedly remind us that infective agents do not discriminate, but can infect any and everyone. Like other communicable diseases, AIDS can strike anyone. It is not necessarily confined to a few high-risk groups. We must all protect ourselves from this infection and teach our children about it in time to take effective precautions. Given the right measures, no one need get AIDS. The pandemic continues: Many of us have forgotten about the virulence of widespread epidemics, such as the 1917/18 influenza pandemic which killed over 21 million people, including 50,000 Canadians. Having been lulled into false security by modern antibiotics and vaccines about our ability to conquer infections, the Western world was ill prepared to cope with the advent of AIDS in 1981. (Retro- spective studies now put the first reported U.S. case of AIDS as far back as 1968.) The arrival of a new and lethal virus caught us off guard. Research suggests that the agent responsible for AIDS probably dates from the 1950s, with a chance infection of humans by a modified Simian virus found in African green monkeys. Whatever its origins, scientists surmise that the disease spread from Africa to the Caribbean and Europe, then to the U.S. Current estimates are that 1.5 to 2 million Americans are now probably HIV carriers, with higher numbers in Central Africa and parts of the Caribbean. Recapping AIDS - the facts: --------------------------- AIDS is an insidious, often fatal but less contagious disease than measles, chicken pox or hepatitis B. AIDS is thought to be caused primarily by a virus that invades white blood cells (lymphocytes) - especially T4-lymphocytes or T-helper cells - and certain other body cells, including the brain. In 1983 and 1984, French and U.S. researchers independently identified the virus believed to cause AIDS as an unusual type of slow-acting retrovirus now called "human immunodeficiency virus" or HIV. Like other viruses, HIV is basically a tiny package of genes. But being a retrovirus, it has the rare capacity to copy and insert its genes right into a human cell's own chromosomes (DNA).

Perceptions of Use of Force Essay

Introduction Law enforcement officers face extenuating circumstances on a daily basis. Their job is to isolate and de-escalate circumstances that pose a threat and are beyond the control of citizens in their community. There are times officers may need to resort to force if necessary to gain control of an escalating situation. Basic law enforcement training introduces officers to the force options available. Use of force is the amount of effort required by police to compel compliance by an unwilling subject (United States Department of Justice, 2004). The methods used to gain compliance range from verbal commands to the use of deadly force. The use of force can have extensive consequences, both good and bad, for the public, department, and officers involved. Few events in law enforcement attract the attention of the media, political establishment, and police administration more than a use of force incident, specifically an officer-involved shooting. Media coverage molds the perception of the surrounding communities. This also influences the perception of officers and department staff, before and after incidents. Officer Perception Interviews conducted with officers who have been involved in shootings have revealed that while many were well trained for the event, they often were not prepared for the investigation afterward (Pinizzotto, Davis, & Miller, 2006). Some believed investigations centered on finding something the officers did wrong so they could be charged with a crime or a violation of departmental policy. Others felt that the investigations were for the protection of the agency and not necessarily the officers involved (Bohrer & Chaney, 2010). Officers’ actions can be influenced by their experience with use of force incidents and knowledge of what has happened to fellow officers in similar situations. The Public’s Perception Perceptions by the public of officer use of force incidents usually are as wide and diverse as the population, often driven by media coverage, and sometimes influenced by a long-standing bias and mistrust of government (U.S. Department of Justice; Community Relations Services, 1999). Though an officer feels they have the right to shoot, and the evidence supports the officer’s actions, this may not guarantee a positive, or even a neutral, reception from the public. In addition, who the police shoot seems to mold some perceptions. For example, a bank robber armed with a shotgun presents a different connotation than a 14-year-old thief wielding a knife (Bohrer, Kern, & Davis, 2008). Sometimes, it is who the police use the force against that can set the tone surrounding the incident. Communities where residents have perceived a police use of force incident as unjustified have a history of acting out with acts of civil disobedience. There are members of some communities that automatically assume the officer did something wrong in a use of force incident before the circumstances surrounding the incident are revealed. This may be a result of the media’s premature coverage surrounding the incident. A department’s lack of cooperation with the media can develop poor communication between the public and the police, resulting in distrust between all parties. By failing to interact with the media in interviews or providing press releases, the department contributes to the negative perception formed by the media and public. The standard â€Å"no comment† statement given from departments, leaves the media and public with the impression that the police are trying to hide an incident involving excessive use of force. Conclusion Establishing an open and positive working relationship with the media can improve relations between the department and public. The department should take proactive steps to demonstrate their cooperation with the media by having a department representative contact the media before media representatives approach the department. By taking the proactive approach the department demonstrates a desire to release information as it becomes available. Agencies should form a working relationship with the media and encourage them to print and air stories on the responsibilities of officers and the training conducted to enhance their abilities. General information on past shootings, simulator experiences, and the perspective of the reasonable objective officer can help develop a cooperative association (Masters, 2000). Such a collaborative effort between the police and the media is not a magic pill and will not alleviate all of the public misperceptions and problems. However, it may reduce or prevent false perceptions, especially with officer-involved shootings (Pinizzotto, Davis, Bohrer, & Chaney 2009). Working together with the media forms the foundation of public understanding. Joining together and sharing information can help both the police and the media deal with officer use of force incidents in a fair and sensible way, as well as influence the perception of the public in a more positive manner. References Bohrer, S., & Chaney, R. (2010). Police investigations of the use of deadly force can influence perceptions and putcomes. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin , 21-24. Bohrer, S., Kern, H., & Davis, E. (2008). The deadly dilemma: Shoot or don’t shoot. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin , 7-12. Masters, B. A. (2000, February 13). Under the gun: I died, I killed, and I saw the nature of deadly force. Washington Post . Pinizzotto, A. J., Davis, E. F., & Miller III, C. E. (2006). Violent encounters: A study of felonious assaults on our nation’s law enforcement officers. Washington, DC. Pinizzotto, A. J., Davis, E., Bohrer, S., & Chaney, R. (2009). Law enforcement perspective on the use of force: hands-on, experimental training for prosecuting attorneys. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin , 16-21. U.S. Department of Justice; Community Relations Services. (1999). Police use of excessive force: A conciliation handbook for the police and the community. Washington, DC. United States Department of Justice. (2004, June). United States Department of Justice. Retrieved September 12, 2010, from COPS: Community Oriented Policing Services: http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/default.asp/Item=1374

Literature Review on Roles Played Essay

Dalton (2002) had focused on what managers do, which are behavioural roles, rather than the reason or method used by these managers. He recognized that variations in cultural beliefs, values and norms as well as variations in managerial style challenged the performance of global managers. On the other hand, Rifkin (2006) said that soft skills may be more important for global managers to be effective. He suggested three steps companies and managers can take to better prepare for the challenges of managing globally, which are:†¢ To develop a clearer understanding of the challenges of managing people across borders;†¢ To instill in new global managers an awareness of and an appreciation for the vast differences among cultures in which they do business; and†¢ To give global managers the tools and support they need to succeed. Writing on international management and cross-cultural perspectives, Adekola (2007) stated that like the domestic managers, international managers must also adhere to the four major roles of planning, organizing, directing and controlling. He said that planning assures that the business organization has some idea of its purpose, where it is heading and how it will achieve its objectives. International managers must consider not only local conditions but also overall international operations in their short or long-range preparations to achieve their goals. They must be aware of the extent to which employees, local customers, government officials and suppliers are likely to accept or resist changes. Adekola (2007) also stated that control for an international manager includes ensuring that what is happening is what was intended to happen. Control is used in different ways by the organization depending on the level and scope of its application. He quoted Miller (1987) who said that for an international manager, â€Å"control should provide managers with the information necessary to monitor the operations of the firm to help achieve its global strategy†. According to Adekola (2007), â€Å"international direction and leadership style is the way in which a manager chooses to fulfill leadership, delegation, communication and supervision responsibilities. These choices reflect both personal and cultural differences. †He believed that international managers’ roles can be very effective when a manager can learn and develop leadership functions such as completing organizational work through employee motivation, getting commitment, energizing employees’ behaviour and by creating personal interests and excitement in the organization’s goals.

The Old Man and the Sea Essay

The Old Man and the Sea Essay Free Online Research Papers The Old Man and the Sea is a very complex novel; there are symbolic meanings behind everything. This novel was written by Ernest Hemingway, the tale of this old man in Cuba was based on himself his life. The old man named Santiago and the boy named Manolin would fish all of the time together. The boy and the man once went eighty-five days without catching a single fish but they never gave up hope. The boy’s parents made him work for a different boat but the old man knew the boy still had faith in him. The old man would encounter many troublesome conflicts with himself and his surroundings, but one of which could be the battle for his life. The old man has fought through a lot of things, but the cramp in his left hand was painful. It could not have come at a worse time, he had just caught the marlin and now would have to fight it and try to kill it with one hand. The old man’s left had failed him before, like when he was arm wrestling in Casablanca. â€Å"He had tried a few practice matches with his left hand. But his left hand had always been a traitor and would not do what he called on it to do and he did not trust it† (Hemingway 71). The old man’s hand was stiff and he could not get it to stop cramping, and if he needed it to get the marlin he would have to open it forcibly. The marlin was very unique about how he handled being on the line. The marlin would not thrash around or jump out of the water. The old man battled the marlin for three days living without sleep or much food: Then he began to pity the great fish that he had hooked. He is wonderful and strange and who knows how old he is, he thought. Never have I had such a strong fish nor one who acted so strangely. Perhaps he is too wise to jump. He could ruin me by jumping or by a wild rush. But perhaps he has been hooked many times before and he knows that this is how he should make his fight (Hemingway 48, 49). The old man was starting to get confused. â€Å"I do not care who kills who† (Hemingway 92). He starts to give up, but he knows he has nothing else; to live for so he keeps a hold of the marlin and does not cut the line. The marlin finally swims up close to the boat and with everything the old man had he drove the harpoon through the marlin. Santiago had finally accomplished his dream of catching this tremendously large marlin, but what he did not know was the battle had just begun. As the old man sailed towards home the marlin’s blood left a trail of deep red in the ocean behind him. It would not be long until the first shark of the frenzy came to chow down on the old man’s trophy. â€Å"He was a very big mako shark built to swim as fast as the fastest fish in the sea and everything about him was beautiful except his jaws† (Hemingway 100). As the shark came closer his hope started to diminish. Many sharks followed and finished off whatever was left of the marlin and what was left of the old man’s pride, he was truly defeated. The old man is not much a religious man, but he stills turns to God to help him. The old man asks God to help him rid of his cramps and to help him catch the marlin. â€Å"I am not religious, he said. But I will say ten Our Fathers and ten Hail Marys that I should catch this fish† (Hemingway 65). God and the old man’s prayers have helped him through the fish and his cramp, but will it help him when the sharks come to feed? The marlin and the old man develop a relationship while they are battling each other. The old man refers to the marlin as his brother, but the old man realizes that this is also his rival. He says that the marlin is strong and wise but so is the old man. As they fight through the three days he gains more and more respect for his adversary. Except for the birds and the fish he is completely alone away from any sort of civilization. The old man has been on a struggle with the sea for three days trying to keep him sane and to get this marlin. He starts talking to the birds and wishes he was like them to be free. After the battles the sharks off he finally reaches ashore it was a whole other fight to get himself back to his shack, he was extremely weak and tired. The old man left with a broken heart and no pride, all he could do was sleep. The tragic and eventful novel of The Old Man and the Sea had symbolic or biblical meanings behind it in which some refer to the author’s life. The old man’s dream of catching the marlin had come true but was shortly ended by the treacherous sharks. The old man wanted to show the town that he still had something left and that he was not just a helpless old man and did not want people to pity him. The boy still looked up to the old man and still kept faith in him. Research Papers on The Old Man and the Sea EssayLife After Death Personal EssayEmmett Till BiographyQuebec and CanadaMRSA Staph BacteriaThe Damnable Life of FaustTartaros A Place of Ultimate PunishmentExempt vs Non-Exempt EmployeesProbation OfficersThe Story of Beatrix PotterThe Colour Purple

Essay about Case Communication and Group

Essay about Case Communication and Group Essay about Case: Communication and Group Video Case Paper Nicole Young Psy/430 October 25, 2013 Robin Goins Video Case Paper Video Case One: Sociology Group Members Communication and Diversity Styles While viewing this video we watch a local college’s sociology department attempting to come up with which classes they should for the upcoming term. The group or team is made up of 2 females and 3 males. This group is in the middle of a discussion with each individual sharing their ideas and points of view. In watching this group we can see that it has vast mixture of ideas and individuals we can also see how their connections, allow them to communicate easily with one another. The group leader makes sure that each individual’s point is acknowledged by others in the group so that they can succeed in communicating with one another. Throughout the video we also saw that the leader helped keep each member on their set path or point of view helping to stop each member from losing track of their objective when other members are speaking off the subject. With the entire member’s efforts and skills, such as how well they know their team member, their knowledge of the discussion topic, the make up of the entire team, and unspoken norms helped the entire group the ability to correspond successfully from inside. Since both male and females were represented in the group there was diversity in view points which did not develop into an obstacle when the group attempted to speak as one. A group that is

Quotes for Saying Goodbye

Quotes for Saying Goodbye Moving on sometimes becomes inevitable. Whether it is to pursue a new job opportunity, go to school, or care for a loved one, people often relocate. When you move away, it can be challenging to leave your old life behind and say goodbye to friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues. Finding the words to express how you feel can be even harder. Saying goodbye becomes a little easier with the help of quotes from famous writers, artists, and entertainers. You can borrow some of their tender words and use them in your saying goodbye messages, cards, and presents. The words will reverberate in the hearts of your loved ones. J.M. Barrie Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting. Alfred Tennyson Gone- flitted away,Taken the stars from the night and the sunFrom the day!Gone, and a cloud in my heart. Ernie Harwell Its time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and Id much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure. Trey Parker Saying goodbye doesnt mean anything. Its the time we spent together that matters, not how we left it. Tom Petty You and I will meet again, When were least expecting it, One day in some far-off place, I will recognize your face, I wont say goodbye my friend, For you and I will meet again. Genevieve Gorder And the relationships that happen become so intense, deep, involved, and complex and really hard to say goodbye to. The hardest part of the show is saying goodbye when its all done. It really breaks you. William Shakespeare Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say goodnight till it be morrow. Ann M. Martin I wonder how you say goodbye to someone forever? Angela Ruggiero It feels right. But its emotional. Saying goodbye to anything youve done that long is hard. Robert Southey No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each others worth. Richard Bach Can miles truly separate you from friends? If you want to be with someone you love, arent you already there? Victor Hugo Promise to give me a kiss on my brow when I am dead. I shall feel it. George Eliot Only in the agony of parting do we look into the depths of love. Kay Knudsen Love is missing someone whenever youre apart, but somehow feeling warm inside because youre close in heart. Nicholas Sparks The reason it hurts so much to separate is because our souls are connected. Dr. Seuss Remember me and smile, for its better to forget than to remember me and cry. Helen Rowland A man never knows how to say goodbye; a woman never knows when to say it. Henry David Thoreau Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes. Meredith Willson Where is the good in goodbye? R.M. Grenon Goodbye, goodbye, I hate the word. Solitude has long since turned brown and withered, sitting bitter in my mouth and heavy in my veins. Jarod Kintz Goodbyes, they often come in waves. Cassandra Clare You endure what is unbearable, and you bear it. That is all. A.A. Milne How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. Charles Dickens The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again. Paulo Coelho If you are brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello. Charlie Brown Goodbye always makes my throat hurt. William Cowper Absence from whom we love is worse than death, and frustrates hope severer than despair. Khalil Gibran Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation. Yann Martel It’s important in life to conclude things properly. Only then can you let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have said but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse. Alan Alda The best things said come last. People will talk for hours saying nothing much and then linger at the door with words that come with a rush from the heart. John Gay We only part to meet again. Mahatma Gandhi There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart. Helen Keller So long as the memory of certain beloved friends lives in my heart, I shall say that life is good. Rumi Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation. Irish Blessing May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand. Claudia Adrienne Grandi If I had a single flower for every time I think of you, I could walk forever in my garden.

Smartphone Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Smartphone - Lab Report Example one owners (or potential owners) are aimed at tracing the constantly varying preferences of the audience, and make corresponding changes in the construction, electronic stuffing, as well as applications. While leaders of the smartphone market set the tendency, the others have to trim the sales to the wind; nevertheless, everyone has to study the needs and preferences of the potential customers. Marketing Details. Problem Definition In accordance with the research by Bojei and Hoo (2012), the smartphone audience has increased essentially for the recent several years. The 2012 surveys show that almost half of the mobile consumers in the USA, Western Europe, and Australia own smartphones, and this amount is expected to reach 70% level in 2014. From the viewpoint of the profit share, the smartphone segment is essentially more profitable. Therefore, Apple Inc. holds up to 52% of the smartphone segment operating income. Samsung is featured with 29%. The key questions that the research is f ocused on are as follows: 1. What are the smartphone segment leaders 2. What are the key factors of the gadget popularity 3. What parameters are used for evaluating gadgets The key problem of the research is mainly based on defining the image of the audience. Since the growth of the smartphone segment is quite exceptional, it should be stated that the overall marketing study should not touch upon the communication aspect. This can be explained by the fact that smartphones are also used for shopping, leisure, navigation, sport activities, etc. For at least 20% of smartphone users, this gadget has become the primary way of internet access. In fact, the mobile phone segment study is not a novelty in marketing, since the surveys are arranged from the moment smartphones have become a mass... It is stated that the global phone market growth has decreased over the last two years. This is explained by the fact that the markets are highly penetrated, and the growth for the account of new customers can not compensate the growth decrease. Nevertheless, the smartphone segment of mobile gadgets tends to grow, and the aim of the current research is to evaluate and analyze the customers’ demands and needs in smartphones. Therefore, the current research is focused on the matters of studying the smartphone segment, and the key research effort is associated with studying the preferences of the audience. The data collection process involved filling out the questionnaire only, while data analysis required using additional sources for the proper interpretation of the primary data analysis. Proper analysis required marketing, economic, and industry data as a basis of the questionnaire analysis. Hence, the research was based on the actual researches, theories and patterns, and the outcomes of the qualitative research analysis will not be randomized as in case of pure studies. Considering the necessity to analyze the mass of statistical data, the research involved quantitative approaches as well. These are based on the SSPS data analysis, however, the number of respondents is not sufficient for proper statistic evaluation. This paper approves that the individuality of the customers is not considered in the research, however, some information was collected through personal communication.

Homeless Services Coalition in Kansas City Essay

Homeless Services Coalition in Kansas City - Essay Example I have had a past experience with my place of study whereby I was one of the homeless people at the place who benefited from the programs offered by the coalition agencies. This happened during the internal wars that happened in our country and we ran to Kansas for refuge. Literature Review Homeless Services Coalition strives to get rid of homelessness in the city. Homeless Services Coalition was formed to address the concerns and interests of the homeless community, service providers, their consumers and supporters (Rich Wiatt, Rich Thomas and Mullins 93). It works with local leaders to improve and sustain homeless community action plan. It was not easy to refuge community’s homeless population and it was very difficult to build the ability to prevent homelessness. This problem continued to spread each day and it became the growing need of the City. The organization had representatives from across the metropolitan area and continued to grow, in most cases it was made up of religious and commercial community. People came together to discuss the issue of homeless and the problems they face. The growing problem of homeless had negative impacts on the neighborhoods, business corridors and community at large. The size and characteristics of homeless population was of importance when dealing with the issue (Wright and Donley 18). This enabled in the roper planning by the organization. Several factors leading to homeless were stated and many programs and services were made available to the struggling population.

Pesticide Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Pesticide - Research Paper Example â€Å"Pesticides kill millions of fish each and the damage to other aquatic life is enormous† (Carlile, 2006). Usage of pesticides also harms the ozone layers and is one of the chief causes of global warming as well. Pesticides contain certain types of chemicals, which has the tendency to break over a period of time and this damage the layer causing a long-term effect. Pesticides also have indirect effects. Use of pesticide in one area kills the insects but it also harms plants and animals in that area. â€Å"Pesticides also adversely affect humans† (Carlile, 2006). When the contaminated water is drained into rivers, livings things, if not killed, also confront impact of contamination. When a human consume these contaminated living creatures, the harmful pesticides reach the inner system of human which cause a major health risk issue. According to pesticide selectivity, health and the environment, various studies have been undertaken to show the impact of pesticides on the ecosystem as a whole. Increasing attention has been paid to analyze the effect of pesticides on the environment and the indirect impact in â€Å"food webs and chains† (Carlile,

Psychology (Systems and Theories) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Psychology (Systems and Theories) - Essay Example The science acquires knowledge through systematic study of observation, experimentation of an event or a phenomenon of interest. The hypothesis developed which is based on observation is investigated thoroughly by designing and carrying out series of experiments. Then, the experimental results are analyzed and explained in a systematized manner. The conclusions of the result verify the theory proposed related to observed event. Thus, in a scientific research, hypothesis is verified and a theory or the principle of the phenomenon is established. Every psychological research is evaluated as science. The scientific methods are applied to study human behavior to get accurate understanding of past, present and future behavior. The psychology scientifically studies emotional processes related to perception, cognition, personality, behavior and interpersonal relationships. The psychologist scientifically intervenes a particular behavior by playing with the parameters and tries to get expect ed results through predicted behavior. The problems faced are structured according to a particular theory or scientifically acceptable principle. The experiments are designed by manipulating a situation. In the experimental procedures, the individual’s response to a particular condition is observed. The individual’s reaction is a data in scientific terms and is a measure of effect when subjected to a particular cause. The dependable parameters are varied to get set of data which is further analyzed. Likewise, the sample is also exposed to different circumstances to create a databank of situation and responses. Standards and controls as used in scientific research are also used to compare the results in psychological research. The control groups are exposed to neutral condition and sample groups are exposed to manipulated condition. Sometimes double blind studies

How to improve the integration of a poka yoke solution from the user Literature review

How to improve the integration of a poka yoke solution from the user perspective - Literature review Example Sissonen’s research based on the fact that large-scale production systems usually employ mass customization processes and activities with large configurability, requiring highly sophisticated approach2. They argue that lack of mistake-proofing or low level of mistake-proofing can result in too many or severe quality issues in mass production systems. However, Da Silveira, Borenstein and Fogliatto argued that it should also be noted that mass customization cannot be adopted for all types of products, processes or consumers3. The ability to identify reasons for mass customization is important from managerial perspective in order to reinforce predictability of demand, which will eventually spell the success of the product/business. Kaplan, Schoder and Haenlein built their research on Frank and Piller’s proposition that mass customization from a consumer’s perspective has critical implications for managers and the business because this decision usually depends on two factors: the value customers gain by using a mass customized product relative to their needs, and secondly, the returns of a process design that gives optimum results4. Squire et al.’s point that highlights price, quality and technical attributes as the most probable value-creating criteria that determine the need and demand for mass-customized products and processes is indicative of the need for mistake-proofing. Mistake-proofing therefore adds great value to the effectiveness of mass-customization in terms of profits, quality, and business growth5. Examples of mistake-proofing in mass-customization6: a) Machinery with warning lights to highlight improper positioning or usage of parts; b) A device to count the number of holes drilled in a work piece to indicate correct/incorrect number of holes drilled; c) Double verification of passwords in IT systems; d) Signals to indicate open or improperly closed doors in cars etc. e) Automated checking and saving Microsoft Office docu ments. These examples indicate the application of mistake-proofing in mass-customization from product, process, and consumer perspectives. Evans highlights Chase and Stewart’s point that mistake-proofing in mass-customization for services sector should account for both customers’ and service providers’ activities7. Mistake-proofing methods must be set up for various activities involved in providing a particular service, which is characteristic of service industry. For instance, a banking service might provide various facilities to their customers for the same product, like withdrawal of money from ATM, direction transaction with bank, phone, cheque book etc; each of these multiple service options will require efficient mistake-proofing techniques to prevent errors, frauds and losses. Although the error-free activity is the responsibility of the bank, its liaison with manufacturing units is inevitable and the mistake-proofing techniques provided in some of these services are usually fixed by the manufacturers. For instance, for ATM machines to indicate error/fraud, mistake-proofing tools, such as warning lights/signals, need to be incorporated during its manufacturing process. According to Swaminathan, factors in general that necessitate or support mass customization obviously include large scale production and predictable demand, similar products, similar processes, and cost-reduction8.

Psychology (Systems and Theories) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Psychology (Systems and Theories) - Essay Example The science acquires knowledge through systematic study of observation, experimentation of an event or a phenomenon of interest. The hypothesis developed which is based on observation is investigated thoroughly by designing and carrying out series of experiments. Then, the experimental results are analyzed and explained in a systematized manner. The conclusions of the result verify the theory proposed related to observed event. Thus, in a scientific research, hypothesis is verified and a theory or the principle of the phenomenon is established. Every psychological research is evaluated as science. The scientific methods are applied to study human behavior to get accurate understanding of past, present and future behavior. The psychology scientifically studies emotional processes related to perception, cognition, personality, behavior and interpersonal relationships. The psychologist scientifically intervenes a particular behavior by playing with the parameters and tries to get expect ed results through predicted behavior. The problems faced are structured according to a particular theory or scientifically acceptable principle. The experiments are designed by manipulating a situation. In the experimental procedures, the individual’s response to a particular condition is observed. The individual’s reaction is a data in scientific terms and is a measure of effect when subjected to a particular cause. The dependable parameters are varied to get set of data which is further analyzed. Likewise, the sample is also exposed to different circumstances to create a databank of situation and responses. Standards and controls as used in scientific research are also used to compare the results in psychological research. The control groups are exposed to neutral condition and sample groups are exposed to manipulated condition. Sometimes double blind studies

The Structure of Interest Rates and Real Interest Rates Coursework

The Structure of Interest Rates and Real Interest Rates - Coursework Example The credit card firms are not usually bound towards any form of specific limits regarding their ultimate interest rates. They can thus charge any amount they may wish to as long as they have commendable competitive rates with other existing credit card firms. Finally, the rates are often higher on credit cards so as to encourage people to make payments on time. It is based on the reasoning that; the longer you delay your repayments, the higher the interest penalties. The corporate bond’s credit ratings are often higher than those offered by the government bonds to a greater extent. This is because the corporate bonds usually have low ratings, thereby giving out an implication of a higher credit risk possibility as compared to the investment-grade bonds (Schwartzman, 1992). Therefore, they tend to offer a little bit higher rates so as to curb with the increased risks. On the other hand, the government bond’s credit ratings are often lower because they are not ultimately secured by any form of assets. They are instead backed up by the credit and full faith of the issuer. This is hence what brings out this form of disparity. Recession generally refers to a situation when there is a temporary decline with regards to the economic stability, whereby the trade and the industrial operations are totally reduced. It is generally identified by the fall in the GDP over a given successive quarters. Based on this, the interest rates tend to be reduced since it impacts on all the businesses (Guttentag & Cagan, 1969). Both small and large ventures tend to fall typically during this period. Ultimately, at such a moment the business borrowers and consumers are the ones who tend to determine the level of interests they are opting to pay for the borrowed money. There is often a greater interaction between the tax systems and interaction. This is due to a major binding factor between them that touches on the aspect of the amount of

LVMH’s company Essay Example for Free

LVMH’s company Essay Strengths LVMH has a strong brand positioning meaning that the company strongly placed itself as a leader in the luxury sector. The company offers more than 60 brands of high value perception and identity to their customers. Due to high customer loyalty, image of their brands and value perception those brands are less affected by economic cycles. Most evidently, LVMH expressed resilience against the economic conditions specifically in 2009 and 2008. This is an indicator that the strength of their brands enables their revenues to sustain growth even through touch economic situations. This is due to their huge customer base across the globe accompanied by their loyalty; thus, making their penetration to new markets with quick. The associations of LVMH with celebrities and major events have enabled them to enhance their luxury positioning. For example, Charlize Theron represents the J’adore perfume by Dior, while Moet Chandon positioned their communications platform to events like the Oscars and the Golden Globe. Those marketing strategies were aimed in order to increase their brand visibility and recall. Moreover, their customers are targeted successfully through enhancing their brands images. All in all, those associations would eventually augment the luxury and its value that LVMH aims at building. Weaknesses A shortcoming in LVMH’s company is their limited presence in the retail division. This means that the company is highly dependant on sales to retailers. This in turn has caused the company’s luxury goods vulnerable to destocking by their retailers in order to avoid losses. Most evidently, the wines, jewelry, and watches departments were highly affected negatively by the retailers destocking. Therefore, this has made LVMH’s revenues in danger of destocking made by retailers. There is also a weakness evident in the conflict of interest within the company, where LVMH would be categorized into two major segments: fashion vs. liquor markets. However, the company’s broad acquisition of the art  auction market Pury Luxemborg has been questioned due to some criticism that it adds more burden to LVMH. This is yet another criteria to the conflict of interest believed to be internally dealt within the company. Opportunities The luxury market is believed to be a growing market in the emerging economies. The growing high net worth individuals (HNWI) in a lot of countries across the globe is an indicator that the sales of luxury products are estimated to increase. In effect, LVMH has been focusing in increasing their investment in emerging countries, such as the Middle East, in their hopes that higher growth rates will be evident. Moreover, LVMH was able to assess the trends in those markets specifically in Asia’s market in order to succesfully penetrate them. Hence, the growth of the HNWI’s wealth accompanied by the structure of investments to reach to a broader customer base would intensify and diversify LVMH’s revenue flow. LVMH owes a great deal of their market share to their products on women’s accessories. This would include their brands in handbags, jewelry, and watches amongst many others. Although the fashion accessories has seen a downfall during 2009; nevertheless, it is hinting that it is uprising to a recovery into growth since 2010. Most notably, women handbags were the most notable in the accessories market growth inversely reacting to the market’s decrease during the same time. Those leather goods have been a great indicator in both the men and women’s categories in the market share that there is a high growth of sales and revenue. Even if key markets have been experiencing low growth due to the economic collapse and recovery, the accessories market proves as an opportunity to LVMH for growth. Selective retailing provides an opportunity to LVMH in one of the most growing markets in the world: China. Even though selective retailing has seen a decline in growth due to restrictions in spending due to less amount of travelers; however, China tourism is predicted to show a robust expansion. The economic liberalization; as well as, the constant development and transformation in China boosted their tourism industry. Some indicators  have been predicting that China would be a leading tourism destination by 2020. Therefore, LVMH has been focused on launching its selective retailing in China in order to take an advantageous stance from this growing tourism in terms of revenue.

Ethnocentric Approach To Human Resources Management Essay

Ethnocentric Approach To Human Resources Management Essay In this time of rapid globalisation and competitive business world, firms seek to gain competitive advantages by going global via entering foreign markets. According to Chew and Horwitz, (2004), over the years, this rise in global competitive pressure has led to the growth of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) that generated the need for developing global management strategies as well as to designing International Human Resource Management (IHRM) strategies in order to gain long term competitive advantages. Subsequently, Shen, (2005, p83-102) as cited in Plessis and Huntley, (2009, p414), reports that the notion of International Human Resource Management (IHRM) can be defined as a set of distinct activities, functions and processes that are directed at attracting, developing and maintaining the Human Resources (HR) of a Multinational Corporation (MNC). Thus, the above definition clearly implies that the various Human Resource Management (HRM) practices of a Multinational Corporation (MNC) are entirely focused upon the international management strategy that it adopts in order to maintain or manage its Human Resources (HR) within its foreign subsidiaries. Moreover, Sims, (2002, p364) states that Multinational Corporations (MNCs) usually adopt one of the four major strategic approaches to planning and managing their international Human Resources (HR). In addition, Hodgetts and Luthans (1999, p253) as cited in McNally and Parry (2000, p85) also state that Multinational Corporations (MNCs) usually adopt one of Heenan and Perlmutter (1979) classifications of international staffing which include either the ethnocentric approach, the polycentric approach, the regiocentric approach or the geocentric/transnational approach to planning and managing Human Resources (HR) globally within the foreign subsidiaries. Furthermore, according to Caligiuri and Stroh, (1995, p496), over the years, ethnocentric Multinational Corporations (MNCs) have been dominant in numbers, especially in the case of firms from developed countries like the UK and the US seeking to enter the lesser developed foreign markets within the region of Asian countries. This according to Sims, (2002, p365) is mainly due to the fact that such an approach to International Human Resource Management (IHRM) simply requires exporting the Multinational Corporations (MNCs) already established Human Resource Management (HRM) practices and policies to its foreign subsidiaries via the usage of expatriates. However, Weirich and Koontz, (2007, p277) over the recent decade, various literatures published by academicians and practitioners within the field of International Human Resource Management (IHRM) have illustrated that each of these strategic approaches to planning and managing Human resources (HR) internationally has its own merits and demerits for these Multinational Corporations (MNCs). Hence, this report seeks to critically evaluate the benefits and the drawbacks for adopting and ethnocentric approach to Human Resources (HR). In doing so, this report firstly outlines what constitutes adopting an ethnocentric approach to International Human Resource Management (IHRM) and then highlights its merits and demerits in addition to providing a brief overview of the benefits and the disadvantages of the other approaches to international staffing. This report discusses the merits and the demerits of adopting an ethnocentric approach to managing Human Resources (HR) globally within the context of a US owned Multinational Corporation (MNC) which is looking to reassessing its current ethnocentric approach to managing its Human Resource (HR). The given scenario of this report is that the Human Resource (HR) director of this US based Multinational Corporation (MNC) feels that its ethnocentric approach to managing its Human Resources (HR) globally is inhibiting the organisations a ttempt to become a global company. Thus, by evaluating the advantages and the disadvantages of adopting an ethnocentric approach to international Human Resources (HR) strategy, this report would provide critical analysis of various academic literatures and other relevant sources in order to come to a rounded conclusion and provide justifiable recommendations. These recommendations would be in relation to whether this US based Multinational Corporation (MNC) should continue to adhere to its ethnocentric approach to managing its staff globally or whether this US based Multinational Corporation (MNC) should seek to alter its current approach to managing its staff globally in order to truly become a global company and to gain further competitive advantages in the years to come. The evaluation of the merits and demerits of adopting the ethnocentric approach also constitutes providing a brief overview of the advantages of adopting the other approaches to managing staff globally which include the polycentric, the regiocentric or the geocentric approach. Hence, this report would not only provide valuable insights to the Human Resource (HR) director of the US based Multinational Corporation (MNC) but would also provide the general readers of the report with useful information in relation to comprehending the importance of adopting those International Human Resource Management (IHRM) practices and policies within its foreign subsidiaries which provide the Multinational Corporation (MNC) with sustainable competitive advantages over the long run. Overview of the Merits and Demerits of the Four Major Strategic Approaches to International Human Resource Management (IHRM) As mentioned earlier in this report, there are mainly four major approaches that most Multinational Corporations (MNCs) adopt in relation to managing their Human Resources (HR) globally. According to Caligiuri and Stroh, (1995, p496), these have been categorised by Heenan and Perlmutter (1979 as a Multinational Corporations (MNCs) global management strategies of being ethnocentric, polycentric, regiocentric or geocentric/transnational in its approach to managing its Human Resources (HR) within its foreign subsidiaries. Plessis and Huntley, (2009, p417) defines the ethnocentric approach as the approach where the cultural values and business practices of the home country are predominant as it is the Head Office (HO) of the Multinational Corporation (MNC) which develops a managing and staffing approach and applies it consistently around the world. According to Pattanayak, (2005, p416), Multinational Corporations usually adopt such a strategy in the early stages of internationalisation process in order to ensure that the corporate values of the parent company are instilled within its foreign subsidiaries so that the same corporate standard and reputation is maintained all over the globe. For example, McNally and Parry, (2000, p85) asserts that such an ethnocentric predisposition allows a global company to control the strategic direction of all its foreign subsidiaries and that it is a very nationalistic approach as it highly regards the parent companys Human Resource Management (HRM) practices and policies as the best-way for managing the Human Resources (HR) globally as well as to attaining the overall corporate goals of the Multinational Corporation (MNC). Furthermore, Sims, (2002, p365) states that Multinational Corporations (MNCs) usually adopt this strategy via sending expatriates to fill all the senior management posts within it foreign subsidiaries as a result of which these Multinational Corporations (MNCs) can withhold tight control over all their foreign counterparts. According to Ferner, etal, (2004, p364), the Head Quarters (HQs) of these Multinational Corporations (MNCs) not only send expatriates but also plays a crucial hand in outlining or highly dictating the policy on other aspects of Human Resource Management (HRM) which include factors like compensation and reward systems, collective bargaining, communications, union recognition, and welfare and training policies, etc. The benefits of adopting an ethnocentric approach is able to be seen when a firm needs to produce extremely standardised products or when the host-country lacks technological expertise in which cases employing staff from the Head Quarters (HQs) can guarantee consistency to a great extent (Francesco and Gold, 2003, p166). Thus, from these statements, it can be clearly deduced that those Multinational Corporations (MNCs) who seem to adopt such an ethnocentric approach or strategy to managing its staff globally mainly seek to centralise its Human Resource Management (HRM) practices and policies which are mainly designed and implemented at the Head Quarters (HQs) of such Multinational Corporations (MNCs) with the view to maintain total control over its foreign subsidiaries. However, adopting such an ethnocentric approach to managing Human Resources (HR) has its own drawbacks despite of the merits of being able to hold onto the cultural values of the Head Quarter (HQ) of a Multinational Corporation in addition to being able to yield the benefit of maintaining a tight control over its foreign subsidiaries (Decenzo and Robbins, 2009, p5). In addition, Francesco and Gold, (2003, p166), asserts that sending expatriates to foreign subsidiaries also limits the promotion opportunities of host-country staff which could lead to demoralisation of the staff at these foreign subsidiaries in addition to loosing advantages that could be gained from competencies of local members of senior management staff. Thus the above statements clearly imply that an ethnocentric approach to Human Resources (HR) can be highly rigid which can inhibit the flexibility that contemporary firms require in order to gain competitive advantages in this era of rapid globalisation of markets and growing competition. On the other hand, McNally and Parry, (2000, p85) reports that the polycentric approach to managing Human Resources (HR) are based on strategic decisions which are adapted to suit the cultural context of the countries within which these Multinational Corporations (MNCs) operate. This implies that within a polycentric approach, the Human Resource Management (HRM) policies and practices within the foreign subsidiaries are adapted to meet the cultural and other environmental circumstances of the countries in which these Multinational Corporations (MNCs) operate. In other words, Sims, (2002, p365), reports that such a strategy makes a subsidiary independent from its Head Quarter (HQ) as mainly local managers are given the responsibilities for managing their Human Resources (HR). Myloni, etal, (2004, p; 519) reports that such an approach to staffing and managing Human Resources (HR) is seen to be less expensive as Multinational Corporations (MNCs) do not need to send expatriates for managing its foreign subsidiaries as required in the case of adopting an ethnocentric approach. In addition, it also resolves the issues of adapting to cultural changes when expatriates are sent to foreign subsidiaries and also eliminates the costs that can be incurred from failed expatriate assignments (Monks, etal, 2000, p541). However, Pattanayak, (2005, p417) states that such an approach also presents the challenges for Multinational Corporations (MNCs) in relation to maintaining understanding between the corporate and the subsidiary management in addition to imbibing the original culture of the company. On the other hand, Hannon etal, (1995, p536) report that the regiocentric approach to Human Resources (HR) strategy highly focuses on grouping of subsidiaries based on specific regions instead of countries. Furthermore, according to Sims, (2002, p365), these subsidiaries are usually staffed by managers from any of the countries within the region which poses the drawback of limiting communication between the region with their Head Quarters (HQs). Subsequently, Edwards and Rees, (2006, p113) asserts that with the geocentric/transnational approach, Multinational Corporations (MNCs) seek to create a synergy of best practices. According to Kelly, (2001, p538) these best practices are adopted from both the Head Quarters (HQs) of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) and from their respective subsidiaries in order to develop consistent global Human Resource Management (HRM) practices and policies which can eventually yield long term organisational competitive advantages for both the Multinational Corporations (MNCs) as well as for their subsidiaries. For example, Buzzle, (2009) reports that within such an approach, suitable managers are hired centrally for taking key managerial positions within the foreign subsidiaries from a global pool of talent , chosen in accordance to their abilities to meet the global corporate objectives in addition to being responsive to local needs. Myloni etal, (2004, p521) claim that this approach to Human Resource (HR) strategy enables a Multinational Corporation (MNC) to develop core competencies in the form of competent managers which can be a crucial source of gaining competitive advantages for a global firm. However, according to Pattanayak, (2005, p417), such an approach also has its own demerits in the form of being expensive to recruit the best talents in addition to completing the paper formalities associated in relation to hiring these foreign nationals to work at different parts of the globe for specific subsidiaries of Multinational Corporations (MNCs). Despite of these drawbacks, by far, from the discussions made above, it can be clearly deduced that the geocentric or the transnational approach to Human Resource (HR) strategy would suit the global corporate goals of most Multinational Corporations (MNCs). Thus, from all the above discussions, it can be stated that even though each of these different strategic approaches to International Human Resource Management (IHRM) strategies have their own merits and demerits, the ethnocentric approach to Human Resource (HR) strategy seems incompatible towards attaining the flexibility that is needed in order to gain competitive advantages in this era of global competition. Subsequently, the geocentric or the transnational approach seems to be the most relevant and to be the most useful approach that a Multinational Corporation (MNC) should seek to adopt in this era of contemporary business world. However, for substantial evaluation of the appropriateness of these strategies the following other factors which highly influence International Human Resource Management (IHRM) also need to be taken into consideration. Other factors that influence the approach that is adopted to International Human Resource Management (IHRM) According to Muratbekova-Touron, (2008, p335), in this era of rapid globalisation and competitive business world, one of the major growing concerns facing such global companies or Multinational Corporations (MNCs) is that how such companies can attain the right balance between the local autonomy of their subsidiaries and the extent to which these are controlled by the corporate headquarters of these Multinational Corporations (MNCs). Furthermore, Reade, (2003, p208) illustrates that the statement that greater collaboration between all the subsidiaries of a Multinational Corporation (MNC) is not only highly desirable but is also completely essential in order to effectively cope with the global competitive pressures and towards becoming successful in attaining global competitive advantages. Moreover, Liu, (2005), also confirms the notion that Multinational Corporations (MNCs) face the dilemma of optimising the balance between standardisation and localisation of Human Resource Management (HRM) policies and practices. This according to Liu, (2005) is because of the desire of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) to develop global brands by thinking globally and acting locally and by developing the right balance between local responsiveness and global consistency and control. Subsequently, Markus and Harzing, (2007) state that contemporary Multinational Corporations (MNCs) should not opt for standardisation in terms of adopting the home country practices but should seek to adopt the strategies which underline the best practices in relation to Human Resource Management (HRM). Furthermore, Reade, (2003, p208) reports that the Head Quarters (HQs) of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) have the responsibility of identifying and transferring relevant skills and expertise from different parts of the corporation as well as of disseminating it to all its foreign subsidiaries in order to attain its global as well as local corporate objectives (Reade, 2003, p; 208). For example, Markus and Harzing, (2007) state that if the home country practices of a Multinational Corporation (MNC) are highly effective then all the subsidiaries of that company should be yielding competitive advantages provided those practices are applicable in different cultural and other environmental contexts. This is because, according to Francesco and Gold, (2003, p166), although the overall international corporate strategy of a firm determines which strategic approach to International Human Resource Management (IHRM) it adopts, other environmental factors should also be taken into consideration while determining which strategy a Multinational Corporation (MNC) should adopt in relation to managing its Human Resources (HR) globally. Such factors include the political and legal factors, level of development in foreign locations, technology and nature of the product, organisational life cycle as well as cultural differences (Francesco and Gold, 2003, p166). Moreover, Markus and Harzing, (2007) states that ethnocentric approaches to managing Human Resources (HR) globally are no longer valid in this era of competitive and globalised business world and that the geocentric or the transnational approach to managing Human Resources (HR) internationally is more contemporary towards attaining competitive advantages and towards becoming truly global by implementing the best Human Resource Management (HRM) practices within contemporary Multinational Corporations (MNCs) and in their respective foreign subsidiaries around the globe. 4.0 Conclusions From the critical analysis of various literature sources made above, it can be concluded that the US based Multinational Corporations (MNC) should change its approach from an ethnocentric one to a geocentric or a transnational approach to managing its Human Resources (HR) globally in order to gain more flexibility in terms of adapting Human Resource Management (HRM) practices according to subsidiaries cultural and environmental contexts. This is because contemporary firms can gain competitive advantages only by adopting Human Resource Management (HRM) strategies that find the right balance between standardisation versus localisation of such practices and policies. Recommendations The following recommendations have been drawn for the US based Multinational Corporation (MNC) based on the critical evaluation of the benefits and the drawbacks of adopting an ethnocentric approach to managing Human Resources (HR): The Multinational Corporation (MNC) should adopt a geocentric approach to Human Resource (HR) strategy rather than an ethnocentric one in order to gain competitive advantages as the ethnocentric approach pose certain limitations which inhibit companies from going truly global in terms of failing to adopt the best practices in relation to International Human Resource Management (IHRM). However, the firm should also take into consideration whether the environmental factors mentioned earlier in this report support it to alter its approach to International Human Resource Management (IHRM). For example, if this US based Multinational Corporation (MNC) produces highly technological or standardised products then it might need to continue with its ethnocentric approach. Nevertheless, the firm could still opt to adopt a geocentric approach to staffing and hire the best expertise from around the world in order to gain competitive advantages over the long run. Thus, it can be stated that the US based Multinational Corporation (MNC) should seek to alter its approach from an ethnocentric to a geocentric/ transnational one in order to manage its Human Resources (HR) more effectively globally. (Words: 3000)

Essay --

Introduction (110/600 words) The White Cube Gallery in London is known for its traditional approach to gallery space, as the name of the building implies, and is the approach most galleries around the world take for displaying work. The white walled, highly lit design is what many consider the optimum way to view art (insert quote) but since the rise of alternative exhibition spaces, the ‘white walled gallery’ has been greatly challenged by media and artists alike (insert quote). Most modern galleries offer a neutral, private, timeless place to display and experience art but also creates a natural barrier between the audience and the art. Alternative and makeshift galleries are becoming more popular. Christopher Green 142/600 Christopher Green is a young artist based in London, United Kingdom and after completing university; he and a group of artists he lived with created a gallery space inside their house and curated shows open to the public from 2006 to 2007. It is a unique venture as it is a gallery where the art is produced in the same space and it is being shown but it is not a studio space. Over 11 months they exhibited and curated approximately 55 artists’ works in 9 exhibition shows. Although most of the house was in a state of run down, the gallery area maintained a white walled, brightly lit area though some rooms of the old Georgian town house still contained white washed fireplaces that adds a certain character and human touch that is not necessarily seen in a usual gallery space. White Cubicle Gallery (221/600) The White Cubicle Gallery, located in the women’s toilets of The George and Dragon, London, and it describes itself as ‘an antidote to London’s sometimes extremely commercial art scene ‘. It... ...ything as it should be, the right pieces of art in the right places, making sure information is correct upon publication and of course the galleries main purpose, selling art and also making available to the public for viewing, all of this now being done online as well as on site. The appeal of the online gallery vs. the real life gallery is it is almost a simpler way to display work and project to audience because you are more than projecting to a small group of people, online it is the whole world, for everyone that cannot go to The Museum of Modern Art you can see its collection online. And it is open for anyone to use, the restrictions of getting the right space and art and cost is not feasible online, anyone can start a collection for an audience to view and it is the collecting and curating of what you find into a selection is what makes it an online gallery.

“In Praise of Cultural Imperialism” by David Rothkopf Essay

In the article, In Praise of Cultural Imperialism, David Rothkopf illustrates a progressive new world order where information is the new global currency and the United States, â€Å"the indispensable nation,† is the bank. In his article, Rothkopf contrasts the victimizing tendencies of ‘cultural barriers’, which are the unmistakably causing ethnic, religious, ideological, tribal or nationalistic conflicts, to the uniting tendencies of western globalization. Rothkopf predicts the inevitable merging of all the cultures under the common benefits originating from globalization once â€Å"they have realized that to compete in the global marketplace they must conform to the culture of that marketplace† The United States whose policies are evidently â€Å"the best model for the future† will lead this next step in civilization’s evolution, all the while making sure that â€Å"if common values are being developed, they be the values with which Americans are comfortable.† Rothkopf further states that it is in the US’s best interest â€Å"to encourage the development of a world in which the fault lines separating nations are bridged by shared interest† ultimately leading to a more peaceful and tolerant future: â€Å"Globalization is a vital step toward both a more stable world and better lives for the people in it.† Rothkopf, the former Deputy Undersecretary of the Commerce Department under the Clinton Administration and now the president of an international advisory firm, is also an adjunct professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University. Consequently, his views clearly demonstrate a pro-American capitalist’s stance on the issues pertaining to American economics, cultural imperialism and foreign policy. In his article, Rothkopf describes the power of culture and its influence over this new age global environment, with its power to â€Å"bind and to divide in a time when the tensions between integration and separation tug at every issue that is relevant to international relations.† Moreover, he claims that although critics of globalization may condemn the â€Å"homogenizing influences of globalization,† the effects of globalization are more consistently positive than negative. This is because globalization has an integrating dimension to it. Rothkopf believes that the â€Å"United States is in a position not only to lead in the 21st century as the dominant power of the Information Age, but to do so by breaking down the barriers that divide nations–and groups  within nations–and by building ties that create an ever greater reservoir of shared interests among an ever larger community if peoples† This â€Å"removal not only of cultural barriers but of many of the negative dimensions of culture† could only result in stability†¦right? Rothkopf views could be easily dismissed, as an arrogant fantasy-ridden interpretation of the future. However, although many cultures may not see the benefits of melting themselves into an existence that is in every aspect dominated by western values, the influence of American culture on the rest of the world is evident. Whether this influence will or has been completely positive has yet to be proven. Although Rothkopf believes that globalization is the key to a peaceful future whose culturally uniting fundamentals lie with the United States, he underestimates the complex nature of culture and its strength in relation to globalization. Culture is not something that can be simply defined as Webster’s Third New International Dictionary does, nor will it be easily moulded into a tool to be used for the expansion of American interests. Many cultures around the world, such as in the Muslim block, guard their culture and religion with their lives, for culture and religion are one in the same in Islam. As was illustrated on September 11th, many will even sacrifice their lives for causes they perceive threaten the existence of their culture/religion. Another aspect of globalization that Rothkopf does not develop is the apparent social stratification created by globalization. It is arguable that to sustain globalization, cheap labour must readily available. If undeveloped countries become developed and the poor majority become empowered, where will the cheap labour come from? Although Rothkopf may bring attention to the overbearing extension of American cultural values over the globe, he underestimates how the rest of the worlds’ varied and contrasting cultural values will effect the global environment. Consequently, his extremely biased perspectives undermine some of the more valid points of his article.

Time Conflict Between Work and Family

The relationship between the individual and work and family has changed dramatically over the years. Jobs and families both demand enormous commitments of time and energy, especially during peak years of family formation and career growth. Today, jobs usually consume a third of a person†s day. Americans put more hours in at work to support their families, creating more stress at home, which results in a work/family conflict, pushing parents into actually seeking more time spent at work to escape these pressures and tensions in the home. Juggling work and family life, particularly undesirable domestic chores, childcare and the increasing uncertainties and pressures of home life, are a few reasons for this battle for time spent between work and family. More effort and time is also put into work to achieve greater autonomy and job satisfaction in the workplace. This upward mobility work ethic is the heart of the American Dream. This work/ family conflict and the need for job satisfaction/autonomy in America is consequently fueled by this fast and furious pace of attaining the American Dream. These are some of the issues that are clearly depicted in the books Rivethead by Ben Hamper and The Time Bind by Arlie Russell Hochschild. Less time spent at home and more time spent at work creates a vicious cycle that is eating away at our home lives. These tendencies have become trends of an entire generation that may be placing more value on work-related achievements than on the necessary nurturing experiences of family life. The issues of family/work conflict and autonomy/job satisfaction are important issues in the sociology of work today because of the continuous social and economic changes that occur in our society and effect the welfare of American workers and their families. The Time Bind: When Work Becomes Home & Home becomes Work by Arile Russell Hochschild investigates the work/family conflict. Hochschild spent three summers doing field research at a company identified only as a Fortune 500 firm that Hochschild renames Amerco, which had also been credited on several different surveys as being one of America†s 10 most â€Å"family-friendly† corporations. Hochschild research consists of interviewing all employees in the company from the top executives to factory workers by observed working parents and their children throughout their hectic days. She followed six families through a whole day and much of a night, and sat on the edge of Amerco†s parking lot to see when people started work and when they left. This study raises disturbing questions about the impact of time on contemporary lives. The excessive demands of work create stresses at home because there is insufficient time to do everything. This is especially hard on women who bear the brunt of housekeeping chores, and on children, whose emotional needs require time with parents. Except for some older men, the people Hochschild interviews are aware of and concerned about the implications of this ‘time bind†. What is surprising, consequently, is their failure to take on reduced workloads, flex time, and other components of the company†s effort to help employees balance the demands of work and home. While supporting the existence of these policies, only a few employees take advantage of them. Fears about job security and career advancements are present, of course, but many employees were uninterested in such options because they perceived work, not home, as the less stressful and more emotionally fulfilling environment. With the employees family†s on the brink of disaster and parents feeling perpetually out of control of their children†s lives and their own, the office or factory floor ends up providing a sense of accomplishment, fulfillment, camaraderie and overall job satisfaction to these workers. Unfortunately, after uncovering this surprising reversal of standard expectations, Hochschild buries it by simply assuming it is a passion. By escaping from the home by going to work reflects a dynamic with costs, but it also suggests a need to reconsider common conceptions of what constitutes a satisfying life. Hochschild†s solution is a â€Å"time movement,† and organized grassroots movement that would join feminists with labor activists, professionals with the factory workers, men with women. Hochschild proposes that the coalition begin by pushing companies to judge on merit rather then time spent at work, to move to a 35-hour work week and to give workers across the board greater job security would begin to create a better family and work balance for its employees. Rivethead, by Ben Hamper, is Hamper†s description of his career as a General Motors factory worker in Flint, Michigan. A fourth generation â€Å"shoprat†, Hamper explains how an irresponsible father, numerous siblings, and his own tendency for laziness, drugs, and drinking pointed directly to a future in the factory, despite his inclinations toward poetry and music. This book is a glimpse into the life on the General Motors car and truck assembly line, showing the lived experiences of people that have now become transparent voices in mainstream American society. In 1977 he reluctantly began working in the cab shop at GM. Ranging from his experience to his retirement ten years later, Hamper writes of the monotonous blue-collar work of factory labor in a very dark humor manner. Hamper describes his factory job as very monotonous, filled with repeated layoffs and call-backs. Hamper and co-workers participate in extensive daily on-the-job alcohol and drug consumption in attempts to pass the time of their mind-numbing, repetitive nature of work. Hamper is perceptively critical of American business management, practice, and values throughout the book, and nearsightedly finds little worth or integrity in his fellow workers as in himself. The lack of desire to climb the career ladder, even finding ways to avoid work altogether, is quite prevalent throughout the book as he seeks to please no one, not even himself, even though he succeeds beyond even his expectations. The major issues in Rivethead that are to blame for this type of worker behavior is the lack of job satisfaction along with work/family conflicts. Besides Hamper†s quest to go bowling with GM chairman Roger Smith, Hamper is constantly displaying a need for an easier and more rewarding job. Other issues not related to actual job duties affect worker job satisfaction as well, such as the desire to more comfortably combine work and life. The work/family conflict is seen through the time constraints that limit him and other factory workers from spending time with family. These time constraints create added stress at home on top of the existing problems that cause for a dysfunctional family. These stresses push parents/spouses into escaping these home ridden tensions by working longer hours in the factory. The less time spent at home and more time spent at work creates a vicious cycle that is eating away at all American families. The two major issues of work that I am going to analyze from a sociological standpoint are the work/family conflict and autonomy/job satisfaction. In The Time Bind and Rivethead, the issue of job satisfaction is seen through Hochschild†s and Hamper†s depiction of the priority levels of the employees† jobs and their families as seen in their lives. In The Time Bind, Hochschild†s sample was small and all her subjects worked for the same company, she found that both mothers and fathers were choosing work over home. The couples she observed regularly chose not to take advantage of the company†s policies regarding family or personal time, and they had come to find the workplace more comforting than the tensions of home and family. There is a terrible lack of support for families in the workplace in general, and work is perceived as more pleasant than home because at least at work parents are supported and know when they are doing the right thing or the wrong thing as opposed to home. Even though the job satisfaction factor varies between levels of responsibility, the accomplishments felt in the workplace versus the home is quite large. In Rivethead, the issue of job satisfaction as depicted by Hamper is seen through the effects if shiftwork on the factory workers families and social lives. Plagued by constant exhaustion and obsessed with not getting enough sleep, factory workers suffer from high levels of irritability, mood swings, and stress. All of these create complications in family relationships. Factory workers often work long hours and either conform to their family†s routine, or follow a routine of their own, otherwise they are forced to live to some extent, independent of their families as in Rivethead. The working conditions in factories play a large role in the lack of job satisfaction, â€Å"†¦ hen someone works hard all day in a smoky chamber full of sludge, noise, armpits, beer breath, cigar butts, psychos, manic depressives, grease pits, banana stickers, venom and gigantic stalking kitty cats†¦. â€Å", (Hamper:116). These work conditions are quite disturbing and inhumane to the welfare of the worker. The constant need for job satisfaction and feelings of accomplishment and autonomy is quite evident throughout the book. â€Å"There were so many of us shoprats that we were all just part of some faceless heard. â€Å", (Hamper:40). Because job satisfaction differs between levels of work and responsibility, other contributing factors, such as work and family conflict, can affect job satisfaction. Hocschild†s and Hamper†s books depict the work/family conflict as though the family is gradually being shoved out of the mainstream of American social life. Hocschild points out that the battle for time is definitely present. She raises questions like how we should be judged, either based on the hours of work we put in or our accomplishments while at work, â€Å"The time a worker works in and of itself, has to count as much as the results accomplished within that time. Time is a symbol of commitment†¦. whether time mattered more than results was a key point of contention. But it became buried in the company†s rhetoric. † (Hocschild: 69). The ultimate effects of long work hours on our lives have long term consequences on home life that become difficult to justify to our families. As in Rivethead, work seemed to function as a backup system to a destabilizing family, â€Å"My marriage to Joanie was quickly beginning to crumble. Between my nightly beer-bombing over at Glen†s and our continual teetering on the brink of poverty†¦. here was only one antidote to our marital woes; finding me gainful employment†¦. she was the breadwinner and I was the louse. The parallel between my behavior and my old man†s was something that didn†t escape me. â€Å", (Hamper:26-28). In the past decade, socio-economic conditions have contributed to the need for dual incomes for families. Dual incomes call for both parents to work, hence, no one is home with the children. In the past, it was the norm for women to stay home having a more expressive role in the family; taking care of children and providing emotional support for the family. Presently, women tend to feel that their traditional roles as child bearers and homemakers must be supplemented with a sense of achievement outside the home. This need for achievement through job satisfaction for men and women can have positive and negative effects on children. A child who observes the competent coping abilities of a working parent learns how to cope with life†s problems. The parent is then perceived as a positive role model. It can render a child to be more emotionally mature and competent in dealing with responsibility as needed for schoolwork and extra curricular activities. The negative connotations hard working parents and their children experience are much more drastic on the worker and the family. The aspects of parenting that are affected when faced with longer work hours are quality, quantity and content of time spent at home. The pressures and stresses may be created by ourselves in our home-life and only reinforced by the workplace. Different economic, social, and political surroundings foster our stress that set the stage for an overall reduced quality of life as seen in The Time Bind and Rivethead. Because society has changed, the family†s function within society has changed as well. Work/family conflict and the need for job satisfaction/autonomy have required parental and family roles to become modified to meet these changes. Jobs and families both demand enormous commitments of time and energy on the worker, especially during peak years of family formation and career growth. These controversial issues are clearly depicted in the books Rivethead by Ben Hamper and The Time Bind by Arlie Russell Hochschild. Less time spent at home which creates work/family conflict and more time spent at work in an attempt to develop more job satisfaction/autonomy creates a vicious cycle that is depleting family values and home lives. Sadly these trends are becoming more popular of an entire generation trying to compete in a global market where higher value is placed on work achievements, struggle for upward mobility and job satisfaction rather than on the satisfaction of family life and concerns. This work ethic has always been the heart of the American Dream, to work hard, move upward in your job, and be financially sound. Yet, the positive motives for success in our jobs is to blame for the negative consequences of the difficult task of creating an equal balance between work and very important satisfactions of family life. The demands and effects that society place on every American worker to keep up with the rate at which our society is competing in a fast paced global economy raises the question as to where our priorities lie, in the family or in the work? â€Å"Work may not ‘always be there† for the employee, but then again, home may not either. † (Hochschild:201).