The Economics of Women Men and Work Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

The Economics of Women Men and Work - Assignment Example Men labored in the fields, traded, or worked at other jobs in order to bring his earnings home to his wife. The wife then made what was given last. Whether it was gold, bread, or other goods, the wife had to manage it. The wife also made clothes, soap, and other daily essentials. Children were expected to do chores. Cows produced milk, eggs were laid by hens, and other essentials chores were expected from the children. Everyone contributed to the economics of this household. Feminism and Marxism revolutionized the economics of the family. Whereas in the neoclassical family the man held all the power, women started gaining power in the 21st century. Today two working parents are common. What has become even more commonplace is a single family home. Mothers that get child support, or most of the time do not receive child support, are raising children. Divorce has given women a bargaining chip but has created a hardship on the single mothers. Domestic violence has decreased due to divorce, but the divorce rate has risen to nearly a 50/50 percent ratio. Another economic concern is childcare and housework. When women work out, or both parents work out, childcare must be considered. School-aged children must have a care before and after school if a parent has a 9 to 5 job. A nanny might be required for parents working unusual hours like the graveyard shift. Parents might choose to work opposite shifts in order to watch the children. Housework might have to be paid for as well. If two parents, or a single parent, is working too many hours a housekeeper might be necessary. It all plays into the economics of the family. Chapter Four discusses the balance between home and the labor force. The number of hours to work in order to make a living to the women’s attachment to the workforce was looked at. Economically the labor force must balance both work and home.

Effectiveness of Teaching Program on QoL of Elderly Patients

Effectiveness of Teaching Program on QoL of Elderly Patients CHAPTER – 1 INTRODUCTION â€Å"It’s not how old you are, it’s how you are old Live your life and forget your age† Older adults recognize that they have less time in which to continue achieving their goals, so they face their challenges with resilience and determination. Gerontologists are increasingly recognizing that older adults who are aging successfully possess wisdom, which includes factual knowledge, problem- solving strategies, and the ability to manage uncertainty. Because many of the challenges of older adulthood involve health and functioning, older adults need accurate information, not only about aging, but also about interventions to promote wellness. Nurses are ideally positioned to teach older adults about health and aging and empower them to implement problem-solving strategies directed towards wellness, improved functioning, and quality of life (Blazer, Brugman, 2006). With increases in life expectancy, delayed onset of morbidity, and higher expectations for old age, interest in well-being in later life and how to achieve it has intensified. ‘Successful ageing’ has come to the fore as a goal for the ageing population. While an agreed definition of successful ageing remains elusive, there is broad agreement that core constituents include physical health and functioning, psychological wellbeing, and social functioning and participation. As the older population surges both in absolute and relative numbers, well-being in old age has also become a focus for policy-makers as a key indicator of the physical and psychological health, social integration and economic security of the older community (Bowling A, Dieppe P Dec 24). Despite the adverse changes that occur with increasing age, older people typically report high levels of well-being. Most feel younger than their actual age and maintain a sense of confidence and purpose. In the HeSSOP (Health and Social Services for Older People) surveys of older people in Ireland, conducted in 2000 and 2004, over three-quarters of community-dwelling older people scored high on morale (Garavan R, Winder R, McGee H. ; 2001, O’Hanlon A, McGee M, Barker M 2005). In fact, older people are more likely to report satisfaction with their lives than younger people (Strine TW, Chapman DP 2008). Old age, it appears, brings with it an ability to adapt to age- related changes and stresses. One study found, for example, that physical decline did not have an impact on older people’s satisfaction with life, suggesting that they regard it as a normal and relatively acceptable part of ageing (Steverink N, Westerhof GJ .2001). Moreover, older people recognize benefits in old age, such as increased wisdom and maturity, with opportunities for growth and lessening of demands upon them. Research has come to emphasize that ageing is highly specific to each individual, which implies that the pathway of old age is not predetermined. While growing older unavoidably entails losses, some individuals cope better with these losses than others. With this in mind, it aims to shed some light on the personal, material and social circumstances that influence how well people cope. â€Å"Successful ageing† refers to those cases where ageing people are free of (acute and chronic) diseases, do not suà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â€š ¬er from disability, are intellectually capable, possess high physical à ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ tness and actively use these capacities to become engaged with others and with the society they live in. Concepts which have been used in gerntological research and which emphasize dià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â€š ¬erent aspects of the ageing process are healthy ageing (Ryà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â€š ¬, 2009) Gerontology has seen many dià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â€š ¬erent conceptions of active ageing. A classic deà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ nition of active ageing was presented by Rowe and Kahn (1997) who used the term successful ageing: â€Å"We deà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ne successful ageing as including three main components: low probability of disease and disease-related disability, high cognitive and physical functional capacity, and active engagement with life† (Rowe Kahn, 1997, p. 433; Rowe Kahn, 1987). â€Å"Successful ageing† refers to those who are free of (acute and chronic) diseases and do not suffer from any disability, aged who are intellectually capable and those who possess high physical fitness and actively use these capacities and engage with others and the society they live in. Concepts which have been used in gerontological research and which emphasize different aspects of the ageing process are healthy ageing (Ryff, 2009), productive ageing (Morrow-Howell, Hinterlong, Sherraden, 2001), ageing well (Carmel, Morse, Torres-Gil, 2007). There is a strong normative element in the definition of successful ageing. Successful, healthy and productive ageing are evaluated as the more desirable as â€Å"normal† or even â€Å"pathological† ageing processes. Most people want to grow old without being affected by chronic illnesses and functional disabilities. Despite the efforts are to increase the proportion of healthy life expectancy, a substantial part of the old, and the very old population will have to face dependency and frailty. Hence, attention have to be paid to the fact that normative definitions of â€Å"active ageing† should not lead to the degradation and a discrimination against individuals and groups who do not reach the positive goal of â€Å"active ageing†. (Fernà ¡ndez-Ballesteros, 2008). The WHO deà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ nition of active ageing was more inclusive in respect to dià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â€š ¬erent ageing trajectories and the diverse groups of older people: â€Å"Active ageing is the process of optimizing opportunities for health and participation and security in order to enhance quality of life of aged people† (WHO, 2002) The Regional Implementation Strategy for the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, the UNECE members express their commitment to enhance the social, economic, political and cultural participation of the older people and also to promote the integration of older people by encouraging their active involvement in the community and by fostering intergenerational relations (UNECE, 2002). Old age often bring decreasing functional capacity and health problems which may affect the individual’s sense of wellbeing.The goal of health for the elderly in the society may not be free from diseases but the possibility of having a good life despite of illness are in decreasing capacities (Lawton, 1991; Nordenfelt, 1991b; Sarvimaki and Stenbock-Hult, 2000). The Quality of life of the people in a developed country with chronic health condition will have a lower impact rather than the patients with the same disease in a low income country where the resources to ameliorate the disability may be scarce. The subjective and the contextual nature of Quality of life inform the World Health Organization’s definition as: â€Å"an individual’s perception of his/her position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which he/she lives, and in relation to his/her goals, expectations, standards and concerns† (The WHO QUALITY OF LIFE Group, 1995). Thus Quality of life reflects a extended view of subjective wellbeing and life’s satisfaction that encompasses physical and mental health, material wellbeing, interpersonal relationship within and without the family, personal development, work and activities within the communities, and fulfillment and active recreation (Niemi et al., 1988). There is an important consideration in studying the factors associated with the Quality of life of the elder persons is the multi-dimensional nature of the construct and the possibility that determines from one dimension may be different from those of the other dimension. (Patel et al., 2007). NEED OF THE STUDY Little is known about factors that determine the Quality of Life of the elderly persons living in the developing societies and who are undergoing rapid social changes. Quality of life has become increasingly important as an outcome in medical research. The influence of health status is often emphasized, but other dimensions are important. In order to improve quality of life, there is a need to know what people themselves consider important to their perception of quality of life. The studies that are conducted among the groups of elderly persons have shown that Quality of life and the subjective evaluation of the life satisfaction are determined by several factors (Jakobson et al., 2007). Other than the demographic features such as age and financially status, the health, including social support functional disability and networks are often found to be important in the elderly person’s assessment of their Quality of life. (Bowling, 1994;Low and Molzahn, 2007;Richard et al., 2005 ). Other than functional impairments and the health problems to which most of the elderly persons are vulnerable (Clark and Siebens, 1993), old age may also predispose to some social and economic problems. The ccess to health care is severely limited both by manpower and paucity of health facilities and by out-of-pocket payment arrangement. Traditional family support is decreasing and social network is dwindling as migration and urbanization take the young members of the family away. Social changes are also affecting the position of the elderly in the society and leading to a reduction in their social status and influence in the community (Gureje and Oyewole, 2006). All of these factors affect the Quality of life of elderly. (Hickey et al., 2005) Quality of life is the central concepts in the ageing research. Two different traditions can be distinguished in this respect: Concepts which define quality of life in terms of objective living conditions, and concepts which define quality of life in terms of subjective evaluation (Noll, 2010). Similar distinctions have been made in the context of social gerontology. Objective quality of life can be measured by the extent to which the elderly has access and command over the relevant resources like income, health, social networks, and competencies that serve the individuals to pursue their goals and direct their living conditions. Hence, objective quality of life is high in those cases where the health is good, income is high, social networks are reliable and large and the competencies as achieved by the educational status are high. Objective quality of life can be measured by the external observers (Erikson, 1974). Subjective quality of life, in contrast, emphasizes an individual’s perceptions and evaluations. Individuals compare their (objective) living situation according to different internal standards and values. That means the elderly people with different aspiration levels may evaluate the same objective situation differently. Subjective quality of life depends upon the individual person – and lies in the â€Å"eye of the beholder† (Campbell, Converse Rodgers, 1976). Hence, high subjective quality of life can be defined as subjective well-being (high life satisfaction on, strong positive emotions like happiness, and low negative emotions like sadness). Quality of life has become increasingly important as an outcome in medical research. The influence of health status is often emphasized, but other dimensions are important. In order to improve quality of life, there is a need to know what people themselves consider important to their perception of quality of life. The study was of 141 randomly selected people aged from 67 to 99 years that formed a control sample for a study of suicide among older people. They were interviewed in person about their health, socio-demographic background and, using an open-ended question, what they considered to constitute quality of life. Their answers were grouped into eight categories. In addition, they were asked to choose from a ‘show card’ three items that they regarded as important to quality of life. Functional ability was the most frequently selected domain, followed by physical health, social relations and being able to continue to live in ones present home. It was found that socia l relations, functional ability and activities influence the quality of life of elderly people as much as health status. ( Katarina Wilhelmson ,Christina Andersson, et al., 2004) Since 1970s cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of deaths worldwide, cardiovascular mortality rates have been declined in many high-income countries Age is an important risk factor in developing cardiovascular diseases, though it usually affects the older adults. It is estimated that 87 percent of people who die of coronary heart disease are 60 and older. â€Å"It’s important that this vulnerable group of people doesn’t get overlooked so that they are properly assessed and they receive the best treatments to improve their quality of life.† Newcastle University,British Heart Foundation, (Professor Bernard Keavney, July 25, 2012) A study wasrecently carried out376heart scans calledechocardiogramson 87- 89 year olds in their homes. The results revealed that around a quarter hadundiagnosed heart problemsand are missing out on treatments, which could improve their symptoms and theirquality of life. (Newcastle University,British Heart Foundation, Professor Bernard Keavney, July 25, 2012) The purpose of the present study is to identify the effectiveness of structured teaching program on awareness of quality of life among elderly patients with cardiac disorders, at GKNM Hospital, Coimbatore. The researcher strongly believes that, the result of the proposed study can be used to enhance nursing initiatives, and to establish a teaching strategy for elderly patients attending cardiac and cardio thoracic opd’s at GKNM Hospital and thereby improve their quality of life. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Program on the Awareness of Quality Of Life among Elderly Cardiac Patients at G.K.N.M Hospital, Coimbatore. OBJECTIVES To assess the quality of life of elderly cardiac patients To assess the effectiveness of structured teaching program To find the association between the pre- test level of scores and selected demographic variables OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS Effectiveness: It refers to the outcome of the planned teaching program in terms of awareness gained Structured Teaching Program: It refers to the systematic information provided to the elderly cardiac patients regarding quality of life. Awareness: It is the state or ability to perceive, to feel, and sense data confirmed by an observer. Quality of life: It is the personal satisfaction with the cultural or intellectual conditions under which a person lives. Elderly cardiac patients: Patients above 60 years of age and having cardiac disorders. HYPOTHESIS H0: There will be no significant difference between the pre-test and the post-test awareness scores of elderly cardiac patients regarding quality of life. H1: There will be significant association between the demographic variables and the pre-test awareness scores of elderly cardiac patients regarding quality of life. ASSUMPTIONS The elderly patients will not have adequate awareness regarding Quality Of Life. The structured teaching program will enhance the quality of life of elderly cardiac patients.

Dad :: Personal Narrative Profile

Personal Narrative- Dad My brother and I were standing in a white room where people were franticly running around. I looked at this man being wheeled by lying on a blood soaked bed. His eyes were swelled shut and he was moaning in excruciating pain. I took a closer look and realized his skull was exposed. His scalp was completely off the side of his head. Tears started coming when I thought about this poor man's family. How were the doctors going to tell his wife and kids what he looked like; or even worse, he had died. I looked at my brother in horror and disbelief. He said in a dismayed voice, "Jess, that's Dad!" I was running around the gym and warming up for a game of "capture the ball." A loud beeping noise sounded through the gym and I heard a sweet voice say, "Please excuse Jessie Jones." My heart pumped as I jumped for joy. No P.E. today! I got my bag and waited at the door for my mom. I was messing around with my friend, when Mrs. Ledger told me that my mom sounded very upset. I thought nothing of it and kept joking around. I walked outside and a woman from my Mom's work was waiting to pick me up. I gave her a perplexed look as she said, "Your Dad got in a wreck." At this point, the significance of the whole event still had not hit me. I met my Mom at City Market and she was hysterical. Seeing my Mother in her hysteria didn't affect me because, getting worked up easily was her routine. She told me that they had to "Flight for Life" my Dad to St. Mary's Hospital. At that point, I knew the accident was serious. I tried to swallow the apple-sized lump in my throat. We waited, for what seemed like an eternity, in the waiting room. I was anxious to see my Dad so I kept going in and asking when we could see him. They said when he was cleaned up they would come and get us. They brought out his clothes and his shoes were covered with a crimson color. My chest got heavy and I fought to breathe. My heart skipped a beat and my throat started to hurt. I was sucking back my tears.

Lego in China

3. ECONOMIC China has several factors that contribute in strengthening their economic position. One of the contributors is their government policy. ‘Chinese government has stressed the importance of develop IT sector to the whole economic development of the country, with considerable commitments to massive investments in infrastructure positive effects of IT on its economic development’ stated by (Li, n. d. ). With more advanced IT departments, China is able to attract more investments from foreigners.Not only that, China also created flexible investors policies. With developed IT structure and a supporting policy, Lego will have no trouble penetrating China’s market. China was known as the most populated place on Earth, hence creating a high demand for products available in market. This will keep the market activity going, given that there is enough supply for everyone. Hoshiko (2011) demonstrated that ‘Cheap labor rates are the keystone to the Chinese econ omic boom’. With a population above 1. 2 billion, labor isn’t one of their main concerns.With low cost of labor, production cost will also drop, this enable them to produce inexpensive goods. If Lego decided to enter China’s market, they will also gain this advantage; they’ll be able to produce their products at a lower cost. Bradsher (2012) has written that ‘China’s exports to all countries rose 9. 9 percent in September from a year earlier, led by especially strong exports to Southeast Asia’. All of these factors in the end helps China’s economic activity, and making it more appealing for investors to come in and plant their money inside of China. The government said Tuesday that it planned to nurture as many as 50 state-owned enterprises to become globally competitive companies while maintaining control of companies engaged in key industries’ (Anon. , 2006). We can see what the government is doing here, they are trying to nurture their companies to complete globally, and giving less concern in internal competition. But global companies have started coming in and practiced the same thing too. Lego may do the same as well; it will give them a new experience curve to see how they should run their business in China.Even though the specific strategy might not be the same in any other country, but Lego will be able to realize what are the steps and actions needed to succeed in foreign areas. Knudstorp (2012) as cited in Hansegard (2012) ‘We're seeing growth in most Asian markets ‘. Recent findings have found that Lego’s sales have been increasing in Asian countries, why? ‘Disposable incomes in China have been growing faster than GDP growth, making toys more affordable for parents and children. ’ (Anon. , 2012). Take as an example China; the people have more disposable income to be spent on their children.Moreover due to the baby-boomer the generation of China, there are a lot of parents now, and now with China’s one child Policy parents are more willing to spend for their loved ones. 4. CULTURE Chinese culture is not as interchangeable, the people held on to it and still respects it as we speaking, and they respect relationship, ranking and protocols. Saying ‘no’ isn’t as easy as it looks like in the Chinese culture, because they believe to deny someone would cause both parties to be embarrassed causing a loss of face. Kjerulf (2010) ‘The Culture in Denmark tends towards the individualistic rather than collective and is very feminine’.We can see there is a difference between Lego and the Chinese culture. We can directly tell, Chinese people are higher in power distance; they call others by their title and last name. Also the Chinese are very more likely to be collectivist, actions that they decided are for the greater good of their people. Lego is very flexible in case of their products itself by having a lot of product lines. With a lot of movie based product lines, such as Indiana Jones, Lego is able to market and alternate their products according to other cultural preference.We found a difference in between China’s Lego official website with the other such as US, Lego in China had excluded the Monster Fighters edition. This can be understood, judging that Chinese people are not that keen on all these western monster theme and Halloween. So Lego figured they would rather not produce this product line, and focus on the others. If Lego had made an investment in Xiamen China, there should not be any problem. To begin with the Chinese people are more uptight towards ranking, and collectivist. While the employer has more of a flexible style, which gives the employees a new working experience and probably a better one.Reference: Home Www1. american. edu (2002) Home. [online] Available at: http://www1. american. edu/initeb/fl9577a/IT%20S;W. htm [Accessed: 5 Nov 2012]. China’s Strengths and Weaknesses 101 | Center for American Progress Americanprogress. org (2011) China’s Strengths and Weaknesses 101 | Center for American Progress. [online] Available at: http://www. americanprogress. org/issues/china/report/2011/02/08/9074/chinas-strengths-and-weaknesses-101/ [Accessed: 5 Nov 2012]. China Exports Rise, Hinting at a Glimmer of a Revival – NYTimes. com BRADSHER, K. 2012) China Exports Rise, Hinting at a Glimmer of a Revival – NYTimes. com. [online] Available at: http://www. nytimes. com/2012/10/14/business/global/china-exports-rise-hinting-at-a-glimmer-of-revival. html? _r=0 [Accessed: 7 Nov 2012]. China to nurture companies for global competition – Business – International Herald Tribune – The New York Times Nytimes. com (2006) China to nurture companies for global competition – Business – International Herald Tribune – The New York Times. [online] Available at: http://www. nytimes. com/2006/12 /19/business/worldbusiness/19iht-nurture. 3951635. tml [Accessed: 7 Nov 2012]. Lego Chief Sees Weak – WSJ. com Online. wsj. com (2012) Lego Chief Sees Weak – WSJ. com. [online] Available at: http://online. wsj. com/article/SB10000872396390444914904577622962273573438. html [Accessed: 7 Nov 2012]. Toys and Games Market Research, Analysis, and Commentary Blog. euromonitor. com (2012) Toys and Games Market Research, Analysis, and Commentary. [online] Available at: http://blog. euromonitor. com/toys-and-games/ [Accessed: 7 Nov 2012]. Business Communication Styles in China and Successful Communication with Chinese Businesses and Colleagues :: World Business Culture

Night World : Daughters of Darkness Chapter 7

Finding Todd and Vic turned out not to be easy. It was late afternoon by the time Mary-Lynnettewalked into the Briar Creek general store, which sold everything from nails to nylons to canned peas. â€Å"Hi, Bunny. I don't suppose you've seen Todd orVic around?† Bunny Marten looked up from behind the counter. She was pretty, with soft blond hair, a round, dimpled face, and a timid expression. She was in MaryLynnette's class at school. â€Å"Did you check over at theGold Creek Bar?† Mary-Lynnette nodded. â€Å"And at their houses, andat the other store, and at the sheriff's office.† The sheriff's office was also city hall and the public library. â€Å"Well, if they'renot playing pool, they're usuallyplinking.† Plinkingwas shooting atcans for practice. â€Å"Yeah, but where?† Mary-Lynnette said. Bunny shook her head, earrings glinting. â€Å"Yourguess is as good as mine.† She hesitated, staring down at her cuticles, which she was pushing back with a little blunt-pointed wooden stick. â€Å"But, you know, I've heard they go down to Mad Dog Creeksometimes.† Her wide blue eyes lifted to Mary Lynnette's meaningfully. Mad Dog Creek. . . Oh, great. Mary-Lynnette grimaced. â€Å"I know.† Bunny raised her shoulders in a shiver.†I wouldn't go down there. I'd be thinking about that body the whole time.† â€Å"Yeah, me, too. Well, thanks, Bun. See you.† Bunny examined her cuticles critically. â€Å"Good hunting,† she said absently. Mary-Lynnette went out of the store, squinting in the hot, hazy August sunlight. Main Street wasn'tbig. It had a handful of brick and stone buildingsfrom the days when Briar Creek had been a gold rush supply town, and a few modem frame buildings with peeling paint. Todd and Vic weren't in any of them. Well, what now? Mary-Lynnette sighed. There was no road to Mad Dog Creek, only a trail that was constantly blocked by new growth and deadfall. And everyone knew more than plinking went on there. If they're out there, they're probably hunting, she thought. Not to mention drinking, maybe using drugs. Guns and beer. And then there's that body. The body had been found last year around thistime. A man; a hiker, from his backpack. Nobody knew who he was or how he'd died-the corpse wastoo desiccated and chewed by animals to tell. But people talked about ghosts floating around the creek last winter. Mary-Lynnette sighed again and got into her station wagon. The car was ancient, it was rusty, it made alarming sounds when forced to accelerate, but it was hers, andMary-Lynnette did her best to keep it alive. She loved it because there was plenty of room in back to store her telescope. At Briar Creek's only gas station she fished a scrolled fruit knife from under the seat and went to work, prying at the rusty gas cap cover. A little higher up . . . almost, almost . . . now twist †¦ The cover flew open. â€Å"Ever think of going into the safecracking business?† a voice behind her said. â€Å"You've got the touch.† Mary-Lynnette turned. â€Å"Hi, Jeremy.† He smiled-a smile that showed mostly in his eyes,which were dear brown with outrageously darklashes. If I were going to fall for a guy-and I'm not-itwould be for somebody like him.Not for a big blond cat who thinks he can pick his sisters' friends. It was a moot point, anyway-Jeremy didn't goout with girls. He was a loner. â€Å"Want me to look under the hood?† He wiped his hands on a rag. â€Å"No, thanks. I just checked everything last week.† Mary-Lynnette started to pump gas. He picked up a squeegee and a spray bottle and began to wash the windshield. His movements were deft and gentle and his face was utterly solemn. Mary-Lynnette had to swallow a giggle herself, butshe appreciated him not laughing at the pitted glass and corroded windshield wipers. She'd always had an odd feeling of kinship with Jeremy. He was the only person in Briar Creek who seemed even slightlyinterested in astronomy-he'd helped her build a model of the solar system in eighth grade, and ofcourse he'd watched last year's lunar eclipse with her. His parents had died in Medford when he was justa baby, and his uncle brought him to Briar Creek in a Fleetwood trailer. The uncle was strange-alwayswandering off to dowse for gold in the Klamath wil derness. One day he didn't come back. After that, Jeremy lived alone in the . trailer in the woods. He did odd jobs and worked at the gas station to make money. And if his clothes weren't as nice assome of the other kids', he didn't care-or he didn't let it show. The handle of the gas hose clicked in MaryLynnette's hand. She realized she had been daydreaming. â€Å"Anything else?† Jeremy said. The windshieldwas dean. â€Å"No †¦ well, actually, yes. You haven't, um, seenTodd Akers or Vic Kimble today, have you?† Jeremy paused in the middle of taking her twentydollar bill. â€Å"Why?† â€Å"I just wanted to talk to them,† Mary-Lynnettesaid. She could feel heat in her cheeks. Oh, God, hethinks I want to see Todd and Vic socially-and he thinks I'm crazy for askinghim. She hurried to explain. â€Å"It's just that Bunny saidthey might be down by Mad Dog Creek, so I thoughtyou might have seen them, maybe sometime this morning, since you live down around there†¦.† Jeremy shook his head. â€Å"I left at noon, but I didn'thear any gunshots from the creek this morning. Ac tually, I don't think they've been there all summerI keep telling them to stay away.† He said it quietly, without emphasis, but Mary-Lynnette had the sudden feeling that maybe evenTodd and Vic might listen to him. She'd never knownJeremy to get in a fight. But sometimes a look came into his level brown eyes that was ..: almost frightening. As if there was something underneath thatquiet-guy exterior-something primitive and pure and deadly that could do a lot of damage if roused. â€Å"Mary-Lynnette-I know you probably think thisis none of my business, but †¦ well, I think you should stay away from those guys. If you really wantto go find them, let me go with you.† Oh. Mary-Lynnette felt a warm flush of gratitude. She wouldn't take him up on the offer †¦ but it was nice of him to make it. â€Å"Thanks,† she said. â€Å"I'll be fine, but †¦ thanks .† She watched as he went to get her change insidethe station. What must it feel like to be on your own since you were twelve years old? Maybe he neededhelp. Maybe she should ask her dad to offer him some odd jobs around the house. He did them for everyone else. She just had to be careful-she knew Jeremy hated anything that smacked of charity. He brought back the change. â€Å"Here you go. And, Mary-Lynnette †¦Ã¢â‚¬  She looked up. â€Å"If you do find Todd and Vic, be careful.† â€Å"I know.† â€Å"I mean it.† â€Å"I know,† Mary-Lynnette said. She had reached for the change, but he hadn't let go of it. Instead hedid something odd: He opened her curled fingers with one hand while giving her the bills and coins with the other. Then he curled her fingers back over it. In effect, he was holding her hand. The moment of physical contact surprised herand touched her. She found herself looking at his thin brown fingers, at their strong but delicate grip on her hand, at the gold seal ring with the black design that he wore. She was even more surprised when she glanced up at his face again. There was open concern in his eyes-and something like respect. For an instant she had a wild and completely inexplicable impulse to tell him everything. But she could just imagine what he would think. Jeremy was very practical. â€Å"Thanks, Jeremy,† she said, conjuring up a weak smile. â€Å"Take care.† â€Å"Youtake care. There are people who'd miss you if anything happened.† He smiled, but she could feel his worried gaze on her even as she drove away. All right,now what? Well, she'd wasted most of the day looking for Todd and Vic. And now, with the image of Jeremy's level brown eyes in her mind, she wondered if it had been a stupid idea from the beginning. Brown eyes †¦ and what color eyes did the bigblond cat have? Strange, it was hard to remember.She thought that they had looked brown at one point when he was talking about his old-fashioned family. But when he'd said he liked a girl with spirit, she remembered them being a sort of insipid blue. And when that odd knife-glint had flashed in them, hadn't they been icy gray? Oh,who cares?Maybe they were orange. Let's just go home now. Get ready for tonight. How come Nancy Drew always found the people she wanted to interrogate? Why? Why? Why me? Ash was staring at a yellow cedar weeping into a creek. A squirrel too stupid to get out of the sun was staring back at him. On a rock beside him a lizard lifted first one foot, then another. It wasn't fair. It wasn't right. He didn't even believe it. He'd always been lucky. Or at least he'd alwaysmanaged to escape a hairsbreadth away from disaster. But this time the disaster had hit and it was a total annihilation. Everything he was, everything he believed abouthimself †¦ could he lose that in five minutes? For a girl who was probably deranged and certainly more dangerous than all three of his sisters put together? No, he concluded grimly. Absolutely not. Not in five minutes. It only took five seconds. He knew so many girls-nice girls. Witches withmysterious smiles, vampires with delicious curves, shapeshifters with cute furry tails. Even human girls with fancy sports cars who never seemed to mind when he nibbled their necks. Why couldn't it have been one of them? Well, it wasn't. And there was no point in wondering about the injustice of it. The question was, what was he going todo about it? Just sit back and let fate ride over him like an eighteen-wheeler? I'm sorryfor your family, Quinn had said to him. And maybe that was the problem. Ash was a victim of his Redfern genes. Redfern never could stay out of trouble; they seemed to tangle with humans at every turn. So was he going to wait for Quinn to come backand then offer that as an excuse? I'm sorry; I can't handle things here after all; I can't even finishthe investigation. If he did that, Quinn would call in the Elders and they would investigate for themselves. Ash felt his expression harden. He narrowed his eyes at the squirrel, which suddenly darted for thetree in a flash of red fur. Beside him, the lizard stopped moving. No, he wasn't just going to wait for fate to finish him off. He'd do what he could to salvage the situa tion-and the family honor. He'd do it tonight. â€Å"We'll do it tonight,† Rowan said. â€Å"After it's fully dark, before the moon rises. We'll move her to the forest.† Kestrel smiled magnanimously. She'd wonthe argument. â€Å"We'll have to be careful,† Jade said. â€Å"That thingI heard outside last night-it wasn't an animal. I think it was one of us.† â€Å"There aren't any other Night People aroundhere,† Rowan said gently. â€Å"That was the whole pointof coming here in the first place.† â€Å"Maybe it was a vampire hunter,† Kestrel said.†Maybe the one that killed Aunt Opal.† â€Å"If avampire hunter killed Aunt Opal,† Rowansaid. â€Å"We don't know that. Tomorrow we should look around town, see if we can at least get an ideawho mighthave done it.† â€Å"And when we find them, we'll take care ofthem,† Jade said fiercely. â€Å"And if the thing you heard in the garden turnsup, we'll take care of it, too,† Kestrel said. She smiled, a hungry smile. Twilight, and Mary-Lynnette was watching thedock. The rest of her family was comfortably, settledin for the night; her father reading a book about World War II, Claudine working conscientiously on a needlepoint project, Mark trying to tune up his oldguitar that had been sitting in the basement for years. He was undoubtedly trying to think of words to rhyme with Jade. Mary-Lynnette's father looked up from his book. â€Å"Going starwatching?† â€Å"Yup. It should be a good night-no moon till aftermidnight. It's the last chance to see some Perseids.† She wasn't exactly lying. It would be a good night, and she could keep an eye out for stragglers from the Perseid meteor storm as she walked to Burdock Farm. â€Å"Okay; just be careful,† her father said. Mary-Lynnette was surprised. He hadn't said anything like that for years. She glanced at Claudine, who jabbed with her needle, lips pursed. â€Å"Maybe Mark should go with you,† Claudine said, without looking up. Oh, God, she thinks I'm unstable, Mary-Lynnette thought. I don't really blame her. â€Å"No, no. I'll be fine. I'll be careful.† She said it too quickly. Mark's eyes narrowed. â€Å"Don't you need any help with your stuff?† â€Å"No, I'll take the car. I'll be. fine. Really.†Mary Lynnette fled to the garage before her family could come up with anything else. She didn't pack her telescope. Instead, she put a shovel in the backseat. She looped the strap of her camera around her neck and stuck a pen flashlight in her pocket. She parked at the foot of her hill. Before she gotthe shovel out, she paused a moment to look dutifully northeast, toward the constellation Perseus. No meteors right this second. All right. Keys inhand, she turned to open the back of the station wagon-and jumped violently. â€Å"Oh, God!† She'd nearly walked into Ash. Mary-Lynnette's pulse was racing and her knees felt weak. From fear, she told herself. And that's all. â€Å"You nearly gave me a heart attack!† she said. â€Å"Doyou always creep up behind people like that?† She expected some smart-ass answer of either the joking-menacing or the hey-baby variety. But Ashjust frowned at her moodily. â€Å"No. What are you doing out here?† Mary-Lynnette's heart skipped several beats. But she heard her own voice answering flatly, â€Å"I'm starwatching. I do it every night. You might want to make a note of that for the thought police.† He looked at her, then at the station wagon. â€Å"Starwatching?† â€Å"Of course. From that hill.† She gestured. Now he was looking at the camera looped around her neck. â€Å"No telescope,† he commented skeptically. â€Å"Or is that what's in the car?† Mary-Lynnette realized she was still holding the keys, ready to open the back of the wagon. â€Å"I didn't bring a telescope tonight.† She went around to the passenger side of the car, unlocked the door, reached in to pull out her binoculars. â€Å"You don't need a telescope to starwatch. You can see plenty with these.† â€Å"Oh, really?† â€Å"Yes,really.†Now, that was a mistake, Mary -Lynnette thought, suddenly grimly amused. Acting as if you don't believe me †¦ just you wait. â€Å"You want to see light from four million yearsago?† she said. Then, without waiting for him to answer: â€Å"Okay. Face east.† She rotated a finger at him. â€Å"Here, take the binoculars. Look at that line of fir trees on the horizon. Now pan up †¦Ã¢â‚¬ She gavehim directions, rapping them out like a drill sergeant. â€Å"Now do you see a bright disk with a kind of smudgeall around it?† â€Å"Um. Yeah.† â€Å"That's Andromeda. Another galaxy.But if you tried to look at it through a telescope, you couldn't seeit all at once. Looking through a telescope is like looking at the sky through a soda straw. That's all the field of view you get.† †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†All right. Okay. Point taken.† He started to lower the binoculars. â€Å"Look, could we suspend the starwatching for just a minute? I wanted to talk toyou â€Å"Want tosee the center of ourgalaxy?† Mary -Lynnette interrupted. â€Å"Turn south.† She did everything but physically make him turn.She didn't dare touch him. There was so much adrenaline racing through her system already-if shemade contact she might go supercritical and explode. â€Å"Turn,† she said. He shut his eyes briefly, then turned, bringing the binoculars up again. â€Å"You have to look in the constellation Sagittarius.† She rattled off instructions. â€Å"See that? That's where the center of the Milky Way is. Where all the star clouds are.† â€Å"How nice.† â€Å"Yes, it is nice. Okay, now go up and eastyou should be able to find a little dim sort of glow†¦.† â€Å"The pink one?† She gavehim a quick look. â€Å"Yeah, the pink one.Most people don't see that. That's the Trifid Nebula.† â€Å"What are those dark lines in it?† Mary-Lynnette stopped dead. She forgot her drill sergeant manner. She stepped back. She stared at him. She could feel her breath coming quicker. He lowered the binoculars and looked at her. â€Å"Something wrong?† â€Å"They're dark nebulae. Lanes of dust in front of the hot gas. But †¦ you can't see them.† â€Å"I just did.† â€Å"No. No. You can't see those. It's not possible, notwith binoculars. Even if you had nine millimeter pupils †¦Ã¢â‚¬  She pulled the flashlight out of her pocket and trained it full in his face. â€Å"Hey!† He jerked back, eyes squeezing shut, hand over them. â€Å"That hurt!† But Mary-Lynnette had already seen. She couldn't tell what color his eyes were right now, because the colored parts, the irises, were reduced to almost invis ible rings. His eye was all pupil.Like a cat's at maxi mum dilation. Oh, my God †¦the things he must be able tosee. Eighth-magnitude stars, maybe ninth-magnitude stars. Imagine that, seeing a Mag 9 star with yournaked eye. To see colors in the star clouds-hot hy drogen glowing pink, oxygen shining green-blue. To see thousands more stars cluttering the sky .. . â€Å"Quick,† she said urgently. â€Å"How many stars doyouseein the sky right now?† â€Å"I can't seeanything,†he said in a muffled voice, hand still over his eyes. â€Å"I'mblind.† â€Å"No, I meanseriously,†Mary-Lynnette said. And she caught his arm. It was a stupid thing to do. She wasn't thinking. But when she touched his skin, it was like completing a current. Shock swept over her. Ash dropped hishand and looked at her. For just a second they were face-to-face, gazes locked. Something like lightning trembled betweenthem. Then Mary-Lynnette pulled away. I can'ttakeany more of this. Oh, God, why am Ieven standing here talking to him? I've got enough ahead of me tonight. I've got abody to find. â€Å"That's it for the astronomy lesson,† she said, holding out a hand for the binoculars. Her voice was justslightly unsteady. â€Å"I'm going up the hill now.† -240She didn't ask wherehe was going. She didn't care, as long as it was away. He hesitated an instant before giving her the binoculars, and when he did he made sure not to touchher. Fine, Mary-Lynnette thought. We both feel the same. â€Å"Goodbye.† â€Å"Bye,† he said limply. He started to walk away. Stopped, his head lowered. â€Å"What I wanted to say †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Well?† Without turning, he said in a flat and perfectly composed voice, â€Å"Stay away from my sisters, okay?† Mary-Lynnette was thunderstruck. So outragedand full of disbelief that she couldn't find words. Then she thought: Wait, maybe he knows they're killers and he's trying to protect me. Like Jeremy. Around the sudden constriction in her throat she managed to say, â€Å"Why?† He shook his drooping head. â€Å"I just don't thinkyou'd be a very good influence on them. They'rekind of impressionable, and I don't want them getting any ideas.† Mary-Lynnette deflated. I should have known, shethought. She said, sweetly and evenly, â€Å"Ash? Get bent and die.†

The Ab Factor

The Ab Factor Free Online Research Papers This article may be one of the most informative passages to what many may refer to as the fitness â€Å"bible†. It is the clearest, most concise version I have ever seen. For many followers and non believers, this may very well be a sure trip to the six pack promise land. Being that I am a part-time health concise individual (notice I said part-time), I have tried to explain to people that no matter how hard you work those stomach muscles, they won’t see the light of day until you loose the excess body fat. Theoretically speaking the mid section is and always will be the first body fat on last body fat off. The first subject this article brings to light is genetics. Genetics may not be the GCF (Greatest Common Factor) of hidden abs, but it is definitely a major one so let’s do the math. The shape of the abdominals is decided at birth and can not be changed by merely exercise alone. One must maintain a healthy diet in addition to exercise to help maintain the balance of this equation. Another factor the article takes into consideration is body fat. This is considered the most important but often ignored factor of them all. The percent of body fat must be lowered in order for your abs to show up. This could be anywhere from eleven to a super lean look of six percent. Simple mathematics but a not so simple process. Speaking of a not so simple process comes the nutrition factor. The article speaks about â€Å"eating clean† and eliminating bad foods from your diet. Can’t get a â€Å"six pack† eating a chocolate bar or a cheese burger. A good nutrition plan starts in the kitchen and in my opinion, should stay there. Keeping yourself fully hydrated is also essential by dinking plenty of water. This is definitely a plus because it aids in maintaining a healthy diet by satisfying food cravings. After all the genetics, the body fat, and the nutrition comes the most dreaded of them all, exercise. The article states that primary training is the biggest mistake people make when going for the wash board look. The main focus needs to be on resistance training that includes the entire body and not just the mid section alone. This can be achieved by using compound lifts, body weights and sprint training to focus on what they call the bodies metabolic hot spots. These areas include the back, lower body and chest. Cardio would be a good kick start for the metabolism as well as a full body work out. In summary, the best way to achieve the ultimate set of abs is not to focus on that area alone but the entire body. If you are trying to burn fat and build muscle at the same time, you need to understand what makes you gain and lose weight (or stay them same). Everyone has a Basic Metabolic Rate (BMR), which is the basic rate at which you burn calories. If you eat more calories than your BMR on a daily basis, you will gain weight. If you eat less, you lose weight and if you eat right at your BMR, you stay the same. Taking this into consideration, its not about the 500 crunches, its about the 500 extra calories. Cutting back on certain food, exercising regularly and being consistent is the only way you can get to the square root of the problem, the ab factor! Research Papers on The Ab FactorMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceThe Spring and AutumnIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalArguments for Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS)Genetic EngineeringEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenMind TravelPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married Males

Ethics and Good Prostitution Essays

Ethics and Good Prostitution Essays Ethics and Good Prostitution Paper Ethics and Good Prostitution Paper Prostitution: In the End, There’s Nothing Wrong with It. Prostitution is defined by Florida State Statute 796. 07 in 1994 as â€Å"the giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire but excludes sexual activity between spouses† (â€Å"Legal Definition of Prostitution†). Though it has been illegalized, an age old discrepancy dealing with the morality and ethical concepts of prostitution is still a controversial topic being discussed today. The main ethical problem being debated about the profession of prostitution is if the selling of sex, something that is meant to be private and personal, should be allowed and morally accepted within society if used for monetary gain in order to pay for the necessities of life. Some question whether prostitution should remain outlawed if it just a means of profit and a way to continue to support oneself in everyday life, while others fully condemn the selling of the human body to others for pleasure. After evaluating the normative theories discussed in Noel Stewart’s Ethics, one could bring about four noticeably differing views towards prostitution, two of which will be discussed in the following essay. While the theory of utilitarianism would initially state prostitution to be moral and acceptable as long as it brings happiness and utility to oneself and greater numbers of people, Kant’s moral theory would first condemn the moral duty disturbed by selling sex, but then consequentially develop an allowance for prostitution after classifying it as a mutually respected act and not a means to an end for one person of the relationship. The general principle and three concepts outlined within the normative theory of utilitarianism with reference to John Stuart Mill’s rule utilitarianism specifically, as well as Kantian beliefs dealing with the categorical imperative however, reach the same conclusion in the view of prostitution, deeming it morally ethical through slightly different thought and ideological processes. â€Å"Utilitarianism gets its name from the word ‘utility’, which means happiness rather than usefulness† (Stewart 13). When viewed from a utilitarian point of view, prostitution can been seen as an act to bring about money and in turn, happiness, from the ability to support oneself without the heavy reliance on outside influences. Good prostitution would require a certain skill level to create a good living through it; this skill would instill self-worth for prostitutes and a sense of satisfaction with themselves and their abilities. All three concepts of utilitarianism an be applied to the act of prostitution to provide evidence as to why a utilitarian would view prostitution as acceptable. Utilitarianism states â€Å"that it’s the results or consequences of the action that count in deciding whether it’s right† (Stewart 13). The results of prostitution can be summed into two things: monetary benefits for the prostitution and satisfaction for the client, both of which are needed within life. Humans have always traded whatever they had in exchange for something they needed,† proving that prostitution has never truly created an immoral or unjustifiable situation which needed to be illegalized (â€Å"Sexual Autonomy amp; Prostitution†). Utilitarianism also â€Å"holds that happiness/utility is good in itself . . . . So things such as money, power, friendship and so on are only instrumental goods,† meaning that using prostitution as an â€Å"instrumental good† is morally viable so long as it brings about happiness and utility (Stewart 13). Sydney Biddle Barrows, perhaps better known to millions as the ‘Mayflower Madam,’ found herself moonlighting as a phone girl at an escort service . . . less than a year later she opened up her own agency,† proving that prostitutes do find utility and happiness from their professions (â€Å"Is It Wrong†). The third and final concept of utilitarianism states that â€Å"the principle of utility is the most fundamental moral principle†; this principle says â€Å"You sho uld always try to bring about ‘the greatest happiness of the greatest number’† (Stewart 13). Prostitution would follow right along this principle if legalized for the pure fact that prostitutes would bring happiness to themselves as well as the several clients who currently hide their acts and desires for this profession. All three noted types of utilitarian theories find prostitution to be morally just. With a specification to Mill’s utilitarianism, most realize that there are certain health issues that would need to be addressed and limited by rules, as outlined by Mill’s â€Å"rule utilitarianism† (Stewart 23-33). Prostitution would have to be regulated,† in ways such as â€Å"’closely monitoring a prostitute’s health, rigorously training the prostitute, imposing strict standards for conduct while at work, and monitoring client contact to assure quality and efficiency of service,† which would in turn be viewed by people as a base for which rule utilitarianism could be applied as another factor of proving prostitution as acce ptable and moral (â€Å"Sexual Autonomy amp; Prostitution†). Jeremy Bentham, the mind behind act tilitarianism states that, â€Å"Pleasure is therefore always good, and happiness consists of having pleasurable experiences† (Stewart 15). Prostitution brings pleasure to both the prostitute and their client: monetary and mental pleasure for the prostitute and sexual pleasure for the client. It has even been found that â€Å"97% of house-prostitutes like themselves more after than before becoming prostitutes,† proving the happiness gained by prostitutes in their profession (â€Å"Prostitution Should Be Legal†). Finally, there are the concepts of preference utilitarianism, which also finds prostitution to be morally just. In this form of utilitarianism you act so as to satisfy the greatest number of preferences in the greatest number of people† (Stewart 33). Polls conclude that a promising 83% of people want prostitution to be legalized and 3% have no pr eference, leaving less than 15% of people who want prostitution to remain outlawed (â€Å"Prostitution Should Be Legal†). There is more than enough evidence that can be found to not only parallel utilitarianism in finding prostitution morally just, but also show popular desire for the profession. Though Immanuel Kant â€Å"argue[s] against the stern laws of duty and their validity, or at least [thinks] to place their purity . . . in doubt,† everything within his deontological theory finds prostitution completely permissible and moral (Kant 21). Kant’s moral theory focuses on the categorical imperative; the categorical imperative â€Å"distinguishes between right and wrong actions by universalizing the action’s maxim and seeing if this can be done consistently† (Stewart 36). This test of whether things are right or wrong is broken into two formulations, through both of which prostitution can be found as moral and acceptable. The first is the â€Å"formula of universal law, which states ‘Act only on those maxims which you can will to be universal laws’† (Stewart 37). This being stated, prostitution has the ability to be conducted in a manner willed to be universal law because of its nature as a relationship as opposed to an uneven take but do not give balance. When prostitution is compared to other professions, â€Å"it is arguable that there are many possible jobs which no one should have to do merely to survive,† as well as that of prostitution (â€Å"Sexual Autonomy amp; Prostitution†). All jobs are needed in an individual’s life in order to survive: to buy food, to pay for a place to live, to provide and support families, etc. Just as teachers are paid for teaching, bank tellers are paid for banking, and car services are paid for transportation, prostitutes are paid for sex. These relationships are all equal in their give-take balance, yet only prostitution is found illegal for some unjust reason. These relationships tie into the second formulation of the categorical imperative; â€Å"the formula of ends, which states, â€Å"Always treat other persons as ends in themselves and never only as means’† (Stewart 37). When it comes to the selling of sex, â€Å"both sides [of] the relationship [are] merely a means to a private end,† where the relationship is a means to a private end, and not the prostitute or client themselves (Primoratz 161). These relationships are respectful and mutual, allowing them to be found moral and accept by Kant’s moral theory. Professor of Economics Tyler Cowen has written numerous books which emphasize the necessary ties between these fields in order for society to strive (â€Å"Is It Wrong†). So although prostitution is interpreted to be a distasteful and unsanitary profession, it is not much different in its relations and purposes from many other necessary jobs, therefore it is not morally wrong. Contrary to the assumptions that prostitution is a crime-related field dealing with just drugs, sex and money, prostitutes use the monetary gain of selling sex by means of prostitution to â€Å"encompass such an incredibly broad range of ideas,† making it impossible to say that most if not all prostitution is acted about for a certain reason involving one’s needs in life (â€Å"Is It Wrong†). The motivations for prostitution can range from helping a medical student pay for graduate school to supplementing the income of a mother just getting by on supporting and feeding her children; the situations that this profession could serve to help are impossible to estimate on a grand scale. Most of the negative views towards the profession of prostitution developed only when feminists began to look at it as an abuse to women and sex. When this evolved, prostitution became crime-associated and soon after, outlawed in almost every state. Media and the general crowd alike associated â€Å"verbs‘fuck’, ‘screw’, ‘have’ . . . metaphorically to indicate deceiving, taking advantage of, [and/or] harming someone† (Primoratz 180). If it was not for such a farfetched interpretation of an act that was meant to be a profession for monetary gain, prostitution would still be a prospering field today. Prostitution was not as frowned upon until it had a onnotation of being crime-based by media and laws that do not fully grasp the potential and purpose of moral prostitution. After reviewing the normative theories of utilitarianism and Kantian Ethics, it is seen that prostitution should be legalized with regulation because it is moral and acceptable under these theories. Prostitution is the world’s oldest profession, meaning it has been desired and acted upon as a means of surviva l since the human race learned how to use trade for their benefit. Of all arguments against prostitution, â€Å"None effectively counters the notion that if peoples are allowed to see their bodies in so many other ways in order to earn money, then they should be allowed to sell their bodies sexually in order to earn money† (â€Å"Sexual Autonomy amp; Prostitution†). Utilitarianism emphasizes this statement by explaining prostitution as a way of achieving what one needs, providing a service, and finding a deeper sense of happiness and self worth. Furthermore, Kantian ethics states that if there is a mutually respectful relationship and if people themselves are not being used as a means to an end without adequate compensation, prostitution is moral and acceptable within society. Philosopher Igor Primoratz argues, â€Å"It has been pointed out time and again that there is no morally significant difference between the common prostitute and the spouse in what used to be called a marriage of convenience,† which, if being paralleled to prostitution, should be illegal as well (160). This is not the case; marriages of convenience are not illegal, nor should prostitution be. Edward Tabash writes in Freedom USA, â€Å"If we, as a society, really care about women, we will not only provide them with equal rights and opportunity, but we will stop turning some of them into criminals merely because they have chosen to exchange sex for money† (â€Å"Legalizing Prostitution†). Prostitution is an act which is used specifically for the bettering of a person’s life; after looking over two normative theories and finding evidence that this profession is moral and acceptable, there is no reason why it should be seen as a moral problem with the right regulations and health precautions. â€Å"Is It Wrong To Pay For Sex? † NPR. Chip Walters All Things Human. PBS, 29 Apr. 2009. Web. 30 Oct. 2009. Kant, Immanuel. Fundamental Principles Of The Metaphysic Of Morals. Kessinger, 2004. Print. â€Å"Legal Definition of Prostitution. †Ã‚  The Lectric Law Librarys Lexicon. Lectric Law Library. Web. 27 Oct. 2009. â€Å"Legalizing Prostitution. † About. com. The New York Times Company, 24 Jan. 2004. Web. 27 Oct. 2009. Primoratz, Igor. â€Å"Whats Wrong with Prostitution? Philosophy. Vol. 68. Cambridge UP, 1993. 159-82. Ser. 264. JSTOR. Web. 27 Oct. 2009.   jstor. org/stable/3751160  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Prostitution Should Be Legal: The Statistics Prove It. † Kuro5hin. Web. 18 Nov. 2009. â€Å"Sexual Autonomy amp; Prostitution: Sex Sells, But Should Sex Be Sold? † About. com. The New York Times Company. Web. 30 Oct. 2009. Stewart, Noel. Ethics: An Introduction to Moral Philosophy. Malden, MA: Polity, 2009. Print.

Choosing the Dreaded Day Job

Choosing the Dreaded Day Job Teachers-Teachers.com K-12jobs.com Higheredjobs.com Jobs.stc.org (Society for Technical Communications) Flexjobs.com/jobs/technical-writing PRSA.org/jobcenter (Public Relations Society of America) Journalism.columbia.edu/page/60-job-hunting-resources/60 Mediabistro.com sej.org/library/jobs/overview (Society of Environmental Journalists job links) ebizmba.com/articles/job-websites (list of top job websites)

Causes of delay in public sector construction projects in Saudi Arabia Research Proposal

Causes of delay in public sector construction projects in Saudi Arabia - Research Proposal Example ave been increasingly plagued by lengthy and frequent delays that seem to have become more prevalent after the regulatory reform and subsequent construction company-restructuring of the early and mid-1990s. To improve this situation, there has been increased research interest in identifying the different factors that could cause these delays. One of the main policies and goals of public sector construction is the upgrading of project performance; including completion of projects within time and budget constraints and reduction of costs (Alzeban & Sawan, 2013). In addition, execution and completion time is one of the most important performance measures in the public construction sector. However, the construction industry is subject to the influence of unpredictable factors and changing variables, which could potentially cause project completion delays (Pretorius, 2012). There is a need to understand these causes of delay in order to save public money by identifying potential mitigatin g actions. Delay in the proposed project refers to overrun time beyond the specified data of completion regardless of whether the government grants extension time. Chidambaram et al. (2012) state that there is an increase in public construction project delays and cost, noting the need to investigate the different categories of causes that are responsible for cost overruns and time delays in public-funded projects. The authors argue that this is necessary to ascertain whether current measures put in place to mitigate project delays are valid. Consequently, the researchers reviewed questionnaire survey responses from forty-one previous studies investigating the causes of construction delays. They find that respondents across the forty-one studies reported over 100 causes for project execution and completion delays, which they were able to group into 18 categories (Chidambaram et al., 2012). Nevertheless, they caution that researchers used widely different ranking systems, resulting in

Privatisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Privatisation - Essay Example However, it can be argued that since 1978, the country is experiencing gradual process of transition from centrally planned economy to an economy where the resources are allocated through market mechanism (Kikeri & Kolo, 2005). Nonetheless, the economic reform in China has had a profound impact on the economic system of the nation over the last two decades but the nature of the transition is still identified to be incomplete. It has been observed that prior to price reform in China, it acted as an instrument for state’s redistribution policies. Correspondingly, it has been ascertained that during the regime, central government controlled the process of all the major commodities. However, the price reform in China has led to the commencement of ‘freely-operating market signals’ almost in all the sectors of the economy. The price liberalisation facilitated in responsive supply towards the consumers demand as well as downstream producers which dramatically resulted i n greater allocative efficiency. The price deregulation reduced the state’s role in fixing and guiding prices to a substantial extent. Besides, prior to 1978, the policies of the Chinese government have been firmly based on the principle of self-efficiency while importing only those commodities that could not be produced and at the same time exporting goods only to pay for imports. Notably, trade constituted only a small proportion of the Chinese economy. In other words, trade was monopolised and predominately controlled by the central Government ministries. The trade liberalisation policy in China has dramatically led towards encouraging foreign investment and trade while it also resulted in determining the increasing imports and exports by market forces reducing the State’s control over the international trade. Correspondingly, this process led to the increased participation of private firms thus reducing the State dominance (Mina & Perkins, 1997). The

Service Quality in Higher Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Service Quality in Higher Education - Essay Example This paper illustrates that the three surveys conducted used various statistical measures such as QFD technique, and some multidimensional matrixes. Some of the research instrument included the QFD model, the QFD matrixes, and the data got analyzed by use of the statistical packages for social scientists (SPSS). Some of the processes that got included in these studies included delivery of teaching, the design of study programs, assessment of students, management of the administrative services and research activities. Others include career orientation services, student admission, and hiring, development and evaluation of the teaching personnel. The conclusive statement got made student’s study program, assessment of students and the teaching process are important aspects of improving education quality and the introduction of quality management in the higher education systems. Service quality in higher learning has emerged as one of the key most fundamental factors that drive ma ny academic institutions towards realizing their set objectives, goals, and educational aims. There are some processes and methodologies adopted by some learning institutions for the main purpose of upgrading the quality of their education services as well as academic provisions. By undertaking this procedure as well as the policies meant for improving their education quality and standards, these institutions have gotten in a position to meet nearly all requirements set by the ISO 9001:2008. There are some strategies taken to improve service quality in higher education, among them including the application of quality function deployment towards upgrading the standards in higher education. In this case, it entails the concerns from the employer’s perspective. It involves the use of the use of various paradigms and investigation procedures which gets implemented for the purpose of purpose of coming up with solutions for realizing high academic qualities.

Online social enterprise Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Online social enterprise - Essay Example This study is totally based on secondary research. Marketing strategy is a common phenomenon adopted by organizations. The major objective of this strategy is to communicate brand message to target audience. Every firm encompasses a specific brand message to be conveyed so as to drag attention of target group. There are different approaches which are effectively utilized by organizations as their marketing tools and techniques. In earlier years, focus was on traditional marketing practices but in recent years new digital concepts have been included in the system. Digital marketing approaches are inclined towards adopting advanced technologies in order to transmit required message to audience. Social media is an innovative platform incorporated by many firms. There are different aspects of social media like spreading awareness, involving target group in campaigning activities, generating funds, highlighting special elements of the brand, etc. In this study, more emphasis shall be given on analyzing the concept of social media. It is observed that social media concept differs in commercial firms in comparison to social firms. Social enterprises utilizes social media concept to generate funds and spread awareness amongst public. It is essential that charities are able to communicate its noble cause or social message to target audience. Lack of awareness at times deprives social enterprises from collecting funds. On the other hand, social media have been portrayed as a platform for conducting branding activities of commercial firms. These kinds of firms require extensive promotional activities so as to remain competitive in the industry. In this particular study, differences and similarities of using social media by charities and commercial firms shall be further elaborated. Social media in current scenario is becoming an important constituent for all organizations. Internet technology development has contributed magnificently towards accessing

Personal Values Development Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Personal Values Development Paper - Essay Example The importance of making the right decisions about association is tremendous. Many of us received childhood warnings from our parents about being careful to avoid getting mixed up with the wrong crowd. While we may have shrugged off these admonitions as typical parental over-protectiveness, they were really on to something. Our values have been shaped largely by these kinds of choices, and we are surprisingly dependent on the people and events in our lives for our moral compass. Like anything else, we learn right from wrong largely by observing how others behave and react within certain situations, and the repercussions of those reactions. That is not to discount the effect of trial and error. To be sure, the extent to which our personal ethical guidelines are relaxed or stringent, well-defined or vague, is also the result of the repercussions we have incurred due to the choices we have made in our lives. Our value systems are largely the product of a confluence of the countless times we have gotten burned or been rewarded, or seen others get burned or rewarded, based on our actions. However, learning by example is much easier and less risky than learning by trial and error. While this learning is likely to be revised over time as it adapted within one’s workplace and elsewhere based on certain criteria and decision making factors, it remains the single most important basis and foundation for my ethical standards. Among the people who have most heavily influenced my value system are my spouse, my siblings, my parents, and my friends.

The Life of Billy Sunday Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Life of Billy Sunday - Essay Example Rather than stand stoically behind a pulpit, he would leap, dance and slide across the stage, then pick up his chair and spin it over his head. And instead of inviting people to come forward to receive Christ, he told them to 'hit the sawdust trail.'"1 William Ellis agrees and he adds, "Beyond question he is the most vigorous speaker on the public platform today. One editor estimates that he travels a mile over his platform in every sermon he delivers."2 Yet there was no sign in his early childhood or in his growing up years that he will be a great revivalist. Again W. Ellis writes, "His life was normal; no different from that of tens of thousand of other American boys. He himself was in no wise a phenomenon. He was possessed of no special abilities or inclinations. He came to his preaching gift only after years of experience in Christian work." There was no early sign of greatness. He was born William Ashley Sunday on November 19, 1862. His father died shortly after he was born. Two years later, his mother Jeni, remarried an alcoholic who gave up on the family after a few years. So, Billy and older brother Ed was sent to a soldier's orphanage that made Billy independent and stubborn. Years after he was known for his acrobatic preaching some would began to make the connection between his playing days and present ministry. Ellis remarked, "A level head, a quick eye, and a body which is such a finely trained instrument that it can meet all drafts upon it, is part of Sunday's inheritance from his life on the baseball diamond."3 His life was moving on the fast lane until he was invited to join a church service. At the height of his career as a professional baseball player he gave his life to the Lord.4 In 1885 through the famous Pacific Garden Mission he became passionate for the Lord. Some would say that he joined because of the beautiful Helen "Nell" Thompson who would later become his wife. Others, would tell it differently, that Billy met Nell after his conversion but chose to become a member of the Presbyterian Church because of her. Ministry He chose to serve the Lord rather than to continue playing baseball. But he was not able to let go of his first love that easily. Soon after the announcement that he was released by his former club, many invitations came to join a new club with a lot of cash incentives. He finally turned them all down. Billy was no overnight success as a mass evangelist. He had to work hard on his craft and had his start teaching at the local YMCA. Yet his extensive training came at the hands of J. Wilbur Chapman, a traveling Presbyterian evangelist. Success When Chapman retired, Billy felt called to continue his mentor's work as an itinerant preacher. Not long after newspaper reporters began saying that he was attracting large groups of people. Elijah P. Brown recalls, "The religious interest is becoming deeper every day.5 People cannot stay away. As a result, the name of God is being

Personal Values Development Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Personal Values Development Paper - Essay Example The importance of making the right decisions about association is tremendous. Many of us received childhood warnings from our parents about being careful to avoid getting mixed up with the wrong crowd. While we may have shrugged off these admonitions as typical parental over-protectiveness, they were really on to something. Our values have been shaped largely by these kinds of choices, and we are surprisingly dependent on the people and events in our lives for our moral compass. Like anything else, we learn right from wrong largely by observing how others behave and react within certain situations, and the repercussions of those reactions. That is not to discount the effect of trial and error. To be sure, the extent to which our personal ethical guidelines are relaxed or stringent, well-defined or vague, is also the result of the repercussions we have incurred due to the choices we have made in our lives. Our value systems are largely the product of a confluence of the countless times we have gotten burned or been rewarded, or seen others get burned or rewarded, based on our actions. However, learning by example is much easier and less risky than learning by trial and error. While this learning is likely to be revised over time as it adapted within one’s workplace and elsewhere based on certain criteria and decision making factors, it remains the single most important basis and foundation for my ethical standards. Among the people who have most heavily influenced my value system are my spouse, my siblings, my parents, and my friends.

The Hill Project Management Company's Competitive Edge Term Paper

The Hill Project Management Company's Competitive Edge - Term Paper Example This research study highlights that technological changes and the problems in the economy commonly cause environmental threats to the businesses. Better and innovative ways need to be brought to fore in order to minimize these threats. Therefore, by making an environmental scan, the Hill project Management Company would be able to arrive at better solutions.As the paper stresses the environmental scanning shows that the business is competitive and currently commands a domineering position in its domain. It is seen from the fact that the business has proved itself to be efficient in several areas. The strengths connected with the business may be quality services, better support from the side of the government, good organizational climate and better conditions in the workplace. The strengths possessed by the business will assist the organization in arriving at best possible results. Eventually better market conditions will be created .Ultimately, all these factors will make the busines s well equipped and fortified. The aim of having proper understanding of the present conditions is to run the business in an active pace. Possessing proper control on the prevailing conditions is necessary to have a competitive advantage in the market.  The main competitors of the Hill Project Management Company are Acorn Energy, Inc. and Aecom Technology Corporation. It can be seen that the check is likely to be created upon one or the other particular regions.... Eventually better market conditions will be created .Ultimately, all these factors will make the business well equipped and fortified. The aim of having proper understanding of the present conditions is to run the business in an active pace. Possessing proper control on the prevailing conditions is necessary to have a competitive advantage in the market. 3. The main competitors of the Hill Project Management Company are Acorn Energy, Inc. and Aecom Technology Corporation. It can be seen that the check is likely to be created upon one or the other particular regions. These companies are quite active at the project and construction business. Moreover, the image so created by these two industries is quite attractive and appealing too. The business has to strive hard in order to face the challenges set by these two business giants. The business has to see to it that the situations require to be made efficient and knowledgeable in approach. â€Å"Profit maximization is a good thing for a company but can be a bad thing for  consumers  if the company  starts  to use cheaper  products  or decides to raise  prices† (Profit Maximization, 2013, par.1). One of the strategies that would prove fruitful is to increase profits and value for stakeholders at large. Basically, the industry should aim a higher target by making sure that the output requirements are met and remain productive throughout. For this, the check is likely to be worked upon on one or more of the respective regions. The Hill Project Management Company would implement strategic planning, which would be viewed as a precious extension to their production. Profits margin can be increased by employing best possible strategic moves followed by best

Human Resource Planning On General Motors Commerce Essay

Human Resource Planning On General Motors Commerce Essay This report is based on Human Resource Planning of General Motors. This study includes the brief description regarding the importance of human resource planning that aligns itself with the business strategies to gain competitive advantage. Effects of Environment in General Motors on the staff, recruiting and selecting employees, dismissal and grievance processes and overall organizational culture works with the human resource planning. This planning makes sustainable goals. In short, without human resource planning an organization cannot survive. HUMAN RESOURCE PLANNING INTRODUCTION: About Human Resource Planning Human resource planning is a practice by which managers of the organizations ensure that they have right number of competent, proficient and skilled employees working at specific positions at the right time. Through this planning, the organizations can avoid losses and can deal with contingencies which will eventually result in profitability (Robbins and Coulter, 2006). In other words human resource planning helps organization to hire skilled and knowledgeable employees who can meet the needs of the organization in this competitive world. It helps in assessing the current needs of the organization as well as it meets the future needs of the organization (Beauregard and Fitzgerald, 1999). Global overview on Human Resource Planning Human resource planning has enabled human resource department to align with organizations strategic goals and to achieve operational excellence. Now the organizations can also evaluate the employee performance and can deal with the employee performance issues in this dynamic market environment (Winter, 1999). By amalgamation of human resource plan with organizational goals, the organization can have a flexible, customized and integrated approach to deal with its workforce planning needs (Robert, 1997). GENERAL MOTORS Human Resource Planning The organization that has been selected for this assignment is General Motors. It is the largest automaker company in the world. It is a multinational company. It does business in more than 120 countries. GM employs 209,000 people in every major region of the world because of strategic human resource planning. GM is well aware of the environmental negative impacts so it works with the environment and makes its future plans and projects accordingly (General Motors, 2011). Human resource planning in General Motors is a much emphasized area. They hire 209,000 people in every major region of the world. General Motors hire skilled, optimistic, engaged and competent employees who share innovative ideas and produce best vehicles. Due to human resource planning it keeps assessing and evaluating the employee performance and give growth opportunities to talented employees. General Motors gives extra benefits to its employees like medical plans and investment options because it knows how to decrease the turnover ratio and keep accelerating the employees for better performance in a competitive and dynamic environment. It knows that they have right number and kind of skilled and competent employees working at right positions at right time (General Motors, 2011). Structure This assignment is divided into five parts from A to F. Section A would discuss the brief introduction of human resource planning and its global overview, section B would discuss that how human resource plan of General Motors supports organization strategic objectives, section C would define the General Motors staffing process that what should be the legal frameworks for hiring the employees, section D is about the effects of General Motors organizational environment on staff, section E would define the General Motors grievance, dismissal and discipline process and lastly section F would discuss the conclusion and final impressions based on the analysis. HR PLANS OF GENERAL MOTORS SUPPORTS ITS STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES Because of new technology and strategies the environment is becoming more competitive so the General Motors have adopted different approach from traditional human resource practices to meet the strategic goals of the organization by selling human resource services to outside clients hence generating an additional income for the organization (Phillips, 1999). (B.1) STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE OF CURRENT, FUTURE AND EXPECTED HR REQUIREMENTS General Motors strategic capability General Motors is one of the growing and profitable organizations in the world; its main tool for achieving long term goals is reward system that is giving incentives or bonuses to the employees. It gives growth opportunities to all the talented employees. The main business strategy for long term profitability is the development of senior executive talent. General Motors does not offer jobs, they offer career. These all human resource strategies have a major effect on individual performance and on long term profitability of an organization (Tichy, Fombrun and Devanna, 1981). Its mission is to hire the competent, skilled and empowered employees who have a clear vision and ground-breaking ideas and who remain committed to work. Employees have a career in General Motors with valuable benefits (General Motors, 2011). Putting together an HR strategy General Motors collaborate with its competitors. Collaboration is a business strategy of GM to gain competitive advantage. This cooperation is a low cost method for new companies to gain knowledge about the market and technology. Because of collaboration the companies get win-win situation. General Motors make purchases of cars and components from Koreas Daewoo. For the success of collaboration both the companies should have some valuable asset to share like development skills, basic research and so on (Hamel, Doz and Prahalad, 1988). Fuel Efficiency is another business strategy of General Motors; General Motors is trying to enhance fuel efficiency capabilities through its flex fueled cars (Norton, 2010). Cost Cutting is another business strategy of General Motors, as they are reducing its brands so it will save cost which will close the dealership and will ultimately result in cost reduction (Norton, 2010). The collaboration business strategy is followed by human resource off shoring strategy. The occurrence of off shoring, supporting benefits and joint venture agreements are associated with how investors view a company in the profitability criteria. General Motors have turned to China and India as sources of employment to supplement their full time employees in the United States. Before going for competitive collaboration with other companies the organization must have an off shoring strategy (David, 2009). The fuel efficiency strategy is followed by High Performance Work System strategy of human resource department. The main focus of High Performance Work System is on the organizing work so that all the employees can participate effectively in decision making which affects on the daily operations of the organization (Azrul, 2011). The workers can make their own decisions to accomplish their goal, which is the basic par of High Performance Work System the use of technology is another component of High Performance Work System (Azrul, 2011). For cost cutting business strategy the human resource department following strategy is redundancy. If a manager of the company feels that cutback of an employee is necessary so he will straight away contact human resource department (Charles, 2001). General Motors used to have 22 layers of management but later on they learned to reduce the hierarchy levels of management and started promoting team work. Hiring and sourcing decisions are made by teams and the classification of jobs of GM has been reduced from 18 to 7 and workers are responsible for their own training (Swart, Mann and Price, 2005). Strategic importance of HR requirements Current HR requirements of General Motors are to reduce the dealerships because it has too large dealership network that is causing obstacles in its viability. In this way GM will be able to retain higher sales and service staff. GM present goals are as follows, To enable the automakers and subsidies to develop competitive business that can decrease the adverse effects on the environment. To increase the capability of the auto makers and subsidies to use efficient, aggressive and updated technology for producing vehicles. To reshape and resize the dealership network. To recruit the best talent. To staff employees who can participate in product development and in increasing market share by using their competent skill (Barofsky, 2010). Future HR requirements of General Motors are to stimulate sales by the use of diversified workers who can incorporate new technology, skills and ideas in this competitive world. General motors have always aligned its business strategies with the human resource strategies in order to be competent in this dynamic environment (Brockbank, 1999). In addition GM also focus on compensation strategy to motivate the workers and it will increase it sales by hiring competent workers (Muczyk, 1988). (B.2) HR PLANNING IMPACTS ON STRATEFIC PLANS General Motors business plan GM plan is to make innovation style vehicle with top quality and fuel efficiency features. They carry out environmental friendly practices. GM by reconstructing and strengthening wants to expand in order to share their new and better General Motors not only in U.S but throughout the world (Norton, 2010). General Motors HR planning process Demand forecasting in General Motors works for product diversity and design efficiency which leads it to hold a strong position in market. It works in cooperation according to the demand of the people (Norton, 1997). Supply forecasting is very important. General Motors may also hold back by its suppliers. In 1194 General Motors lost almost two months production of Buick Roadmaster because of late supply of doors and ashtrays (Cachon and Lariviere, 2001). For Internal movements the managers of General Motors must recruit, hire, train, motivate and organize employees, and in the same way they should acquire and organize material resources for the manufacture of its cars and trucks. General Motors must beat back its competitors by marketing its vehicles. GM increases productivity by giving rewards to the workers (Simons, 1981). General Motors components of HR plan Training plans are provided by General Motors to their employees to boost their career and make them able to meet international flexibility (General Motors, 2011). Growth plans at GM for talented, competent and skilled workers are as wide as the world.  It gives the career exposure to the employees and takes them to next gear (General Motors, 2011). Rewarding plans are on high scale in GM, along with the salary the employees will also get medical facilities as well as investment options (General Motors, 2011). Promotional plans at GM includes disability benefits, life insurance of employees, it offers paid holidays annually, GM employees and their direct family members can purchase GM vehicles at a significant discount (General Motors, 2011). Employee utilization plan at GM gives employees more responsibility and authority to make decisions and accomplish their goals accordingly and then hold them responsible (General Motors, 2011). Impact of HR plan on strategic plan High performance work system is a flexible and team based system, General Motors have work teams and performance based wages system (Rouse, 2000). By recruiting the talented and operative employees the General Motors can boost its productivity and profitability and can achieve its long term goals (Azrul, 2011). The compensation strategy that is giving rewards to the employees based on their job performance also helps organization to achieve long term goals (Muczyk, 1988). ORGANIZATIONAL AND LEGAL FRAMEWORKS FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF STAFF (C.1) CURRENT LEGAL REQUIREMENTS INFUENCING HR PLAN Fairness in recruitment and hiring General Motors recruits on the basis of an employees own self interest area. At GM they are interested in an individual abilities and skills. They assess in a fair and accurate way each and every quality of an applicant in relation with the demands of the post. General Motors follows a behavioral based interview process, they evaluate the personal and professional competencies that individual possess which can be the success factor the open position (General Motors, 2011). Fairness and protection during employment GM is committed to creating a diverse workplace. They have a policy on equal employment opportunity and harassment. Harassment based on age factor, cast, ethnicity, color, gender, disability, gender identity/expression is a violation of this policy. Harassment is an offensive act which is strictly prohibited (General Motors, 2011). Leaving the organization In 2009, General Motors needed to re size the organization therefore dismissed the employees and decided to eliminate 10,000 salaried employees. It employed 243,000 salaried and hourly workers at the end of 2008 but in 2009 it plans to cut about 47,000 salaried and hourly jobs worldwide (LaReau, 2009). (C.2) RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION OF NEW STAFF Legal and organizational requirements Organizations must hire right ones and reject wrong ones. As employees are the asset so you must choose asset rather than liability (Hacker, 1997). The organizations must have proper procedures for attracting the employees. Recruitment is about future predictions so while recruiting the company should hire a person whose interest and goals can be aligned with organization goals (Bach, 2005). Recruitment process Planning how to find and attract candidates- recruitment is the process of hiring those people who can contribute to the organizational goals. First review of a company is necessary then analyzes the requirements. It is necessary for choosing the assets and differentiating the right fit and wrong fit. Attract candidates by giving job requirements plus benefits (Bach, 2005). Defining requirements- it is necessary to define the requirements for job that what skills, knowledge, abilities, input, desired output and job context is needed (Bach, 2005). Job description, person specifications and competencies- the next stage is job description which defines what is the job, purpose of job, what tasks are to be done, standards, duties, responsibilities, reporting relationships. It is all about the job itself. Then next stage is to examine a person specification that is the worker psychological characteristics (Bach, 2005). Advertising the vacancy- the next step is to advertise the vacancy, this is a very creative task and needs lot of skills therefore many companies do outsourcing (give advertising work to advertise agencies). Newspaper, radio, television and e-advertising are the common sources (Bach, 2005). General Motors uses its own website for recruitment (General Motors, 2011). Reviewing the effectiveness of recruitment- at the end the HR department evaluates the effectiveness of recruitment method by the response of individuals (Bach, 2005). Selection process Sifting candidates- after recruitment the employer will filter the candidates who best matches with the job requirement (Bach, 2005). Short-listing candidates- in this step employer choose the candidates who are reliable and competent (Bach, 2005). Selection, interviewing and testing- many candidates are selected on the basis of their CVs, their past experiences and achievements (Wingrove et al., 1984). Interviewing is done which is not a reliable method because some time the interviewer and interviewee views regarding jobs may differ (Bach, 2005). Contract of employment- this contract is made between an organization and candidate. It includes job specifications, salary, benefits, time duration, working hours and other details (Bach, 2005). Inducting new employees- the final step is of introducing the new worker to the organization (Bach, 2005). GM ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT ON STAFF (D.1) GM CULTURAL EFFECTS ON RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF STAFF Organizational culture The concept of organization culture is becoming common everywhere and its gaining attention from the practitioners and intellectual bodies (Schein and H., 1990) Effect of organization culture on recruitment General Motors culture is innovative and while recruiting innovation attracts people. At GM employees are encouraged to experiment and rewarded for experimenting new products in the market place (Rao, 2010). Effect of organization culture on retention In 1950 general Motors was operating plant in Fremont, California where Chevrolet car was assembled. At that time General Motors declared to leave the United Auto Workers in the upper Middle West and it will not be dealing with them by moving to west. This statement caused the conflicts in the corporation, thus in 1982 the plant was running at disastrous low level, 5000 complaints were filled every year, 21 daily and more than 2000 complaints were unresolved. Due to poor productivity GM collaborated with Toyota and in 1985 they opened plant again and this time due to change in organizational culture only 2 complaints were filled and resolved. The plant was generating profits because of quality, efficiency, productivity, team work and employees decision making authority and none employee left the job (Cameron and Quinn, 1999). (D.2) ASSESSMENT OF WORK LIFE BALANCES ISSUES AND THE CHANGING PATERNS OF WORK BEHAVIOUR Work life balance issues Flexible workers report low levels of stress and thus increase productivity (Eaton, 2003). Workers who take family tension along with work do not perform well and in the case of downsizing they are demoralized (Vries and Balazs, 1997). Changing work practices Firms that are flexible and allow the employees working from home have good work life balance. The firms that are family friendly who allows employees to take time off for children are highly productive. The companies should be friendly practiced, should give time off for the children, job switching should not be an issue and should give time to relax (Bloom, Reenan and Kretschmer, 2009). GRIEVANCE, DISCIPLINE AND DISMISSAL PROCESS (E.1) PROCESS FOLLOWED IN GRIEVANCE SITUATION Employee informs grievance- complain is regarding work place problems and neglected staff. Informal discussion- the employees is called for the meeting with the manager and manager asks questions what went wrong, what is the matter. In case of harassment the form is filled and sent to the vice chancellor. Investigating the grievance- company investigates what went wrong and ask the employees. Making a decision-if the vice chancellor identifies that the objection is frolicsome or out of time so he will stop further process. Normally review is made before 2 months. Offering the right to appeal- the complainant may appeal. ( Thomas, 2001) (E.2) STAGES OF DISCIPLINE ISSUES RESULT IN DISMISSAL Dismissal- the employer dismisses the employees for bad conduct, improper work and inefficiency. Investigation- the investigation is carried out by HR department that what went wrong, ask questions from other employees. Meeting- a meeting is settled where employee has to answer. Decision- the decision is taken whether to fire or not. Right to appeal- the employee can appeal for the right decision (Thomas, 2001). (E.3) ROLE OF ACAS Role of ACAS in grievance, discipline and dismissal process ACAS provides practical guidance to employers, workers and their representatives on: requirements relating to disciplinary and grievance issues; what constitutes reasonable behavior when dealing with disciplinary and grievance issues; Producing and using disciplinary and grievance procedures; and A workers right to bring an attendant to grievance and disciplinary hearings (ACAS R, 2006). Role of employment tribunals in grievance, discipline and dismissal process In 2001, the government launched the consultation document Routes to Resolution its goal were a high skills and high productive economy, the fundamental principles of access to justice, fair and competent tribunals and a modern, user-friendly public service. It talks about the right of the individual and resolves dispute between employer and employee (ACAS, 2006). Role of other external agencies in grievance, discipline and dismissal process The Equality and Human Rights Commission works with organizations in the public, private and voluntary sectors to diminish discrimination and promote equal opportunities for all employees, customers and the users of services. Healthy and safety executive concerned with the employees safe conditions at work. CONCLUSION This research defines the human resource planning and the processes involved in it. General Motors is a multinational company which is ranked among 10 profitable countries. Human resource planning is essential because it deals with the business strategies and helps companies to attain long term goals. Through human resource planning General Motors can align its business strategies with human resource strategies. It gives complete structure of staffing and hiring and issues related to jobs.