Language and Literary Techniques in Othello Essay -- GCSE Coursework S

Language and Literary Techniques in Othello  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The language and literary techniques used in William Shakespeare's Othello enrich the settings, plot, characters, and themes. Othello is a complex tragedy about good versus evil, loyalty, love, sexual jealousy, appearance versus reality, and intrigue, told in a first person point of view. The play takes place during the Renaissance in Venice, Italy and in Cyprus over three days. It is written in blank verse, usually unrhymed iambic pentameter. The protagonist, Othello, is a Moor well respected by senators for his valiant service in war and married to Desdemona, a Venetian woman. The play is entitled Othello and the plot and action encompass him, thus supporting his position of protagonist. The antagonist, Iago, is an unscrupulous individualist who bitterly despises Othello. Iago's villainous and intricate scheme for revenge results in the deaths of Othello, Desdemona, Iago's wife, and Roderigo, a suitor of Desdemona.    The play begins in Venice where Othello and Desdemona are eloping. Othello is needed to lead the Venetian forces in Cyprus and must leave immediately. Othello is joined at Cyprus by Desdemona, Iago, Emilia (Iago's wife), Roderigo, and Cassio (Othello's lieutenant). Iago falsely informs Roderigo that if Cassio were to die, Desdemona could be Roderigo's wife. Iago then guilefully encourages Cassio to drink an excess of wine and in a drunken fight, instigated by Roderigo, Cassio wounds Montano, the governor of Cyprus, and Othello reprimands him.    Meanwhile, Iago continually plants thoughts of sexual jealousy and suspicion in Othello's mind. He tries to convince Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful to him and she is having an affair with Cassio. In t... ...oston: Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd., 1981. Bevington, David, ed. William Shakespeare: Four Tragedies. New York: Bantam Books, 1980. Bradley, A. C.. Shakespearean Tragedy. New York: Penguin, 1991. Campbell, Lily B. Shakespeare’s Tragic Heroes. New York: Barnes and Noble, Inc., 1970. Di Yanni, Robert. â€Å"Character Revealed Through Dialogue.† Readings on The Tragedies. Ed. Clarice Swisher. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1996. Reprint from Literature. N. p.: Random House, 1986. Mack, Maynard. Everybody’s Shakespeare: Reflections Chiefly on the Tragedies. Lincoln, NB: University of Nebraska Press, 1993. Muir, Kenneth. Introduction. William Shakespeare: Othello. New York: Penguin Books, 1968. Shakespeare, William. Othello. In The Electric Shakespeare. Princeton University. 1996. http://www.eiu.edu/~multilit/studyabroad/othello/othello_all.html No line nos.

Homosexuals are Not Born Gay Essay -- Gay Lesbian Homosexual Papers

If a young boy has a feminine throw he may be homosexual. Also if he has a soft or high voice this would be another detection that one would be homosexual. There have been many conclusions and statements as to what causes homosexuality. These are the traits that normally are classed with someone who is homosexual. The popular argument in today’s society is that homosexuality is something that is inborn, genetically linked to an enlarged gland in the brain or due to a particular chromosome. This would prove that it is natural, and that it is luck of the draw whether one is homosexual. There have been many studies done to prove this theory, but due to a lack of evidence it has remained just that, a theory. Homosexuality, contrary to popular beliefs, is not inborn and has yet to be proven. Dr. Simon LeVay, a neuroscientist at the Salk institute of Biological Studies in San Diego, conducted a series of autopsies in order to seek out the reason for sexual orientation. In 1991, he conducted autopsies on forty-one people in search of an answer (Winslow 2). Among these cadavers, nineteen were allegedly homosexual men, sixteen allegedly heterosexual and six allegedly heterosexual women. His study was primarily centered towards a group of neurons in the hypothalamus structure. This structure is called the interstitial nuclei of the anterior hypothalamus, or otherwise known as the INAH3 (Dallas 111). His reports showed that he found a portion of the brain that he believed regulated to sexual behavior in men. The gland he discovered was â€Å"twice as large in men assumed to be homosexuals as it was in those who were homosexual†(Winslow 2). In the same year that Dr. LeVay performed his research, there was a pair of researchers out for the ... ... even goes into what is going to happen if your are homosexual. In 1 Corinthians 6:9 it states, â€Å"Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders will inherit the kingdom of God†(Bible 2069) Clearly God does not look upon homosexual lightly. In actuality, God does not take any sin lightly. Not just homosexual sin but all sin is detestable to God. The verse that is normally ignored in 1 Corinthians when referring to homosexuality is that â€Å"you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ†(Bible 2069). There are too many holes in the idea that homosexuality is something that one is born with. If someday science proves that homosexuality is something that one is born with, than I believe that that person can be born again.

Is Globalisation a Myth or a Fact? Essay -- essays research papers fc

The term globalisation describes the process of becoming worldwide in scope or application, and the increasing interdependency of nation-sates. At least - that gives us one loose definition for globalisation, but as Scholte (2000) realises, globalisation is a thoroughly contested subject, with arguments extend across the issue of definition as well as measurement, chronology, explanation and normative judgement. In fact, Scholte identifies five contrasting definitions for the word 'globalisation' as used by a number of the subject's commentators and critics - internationalisation, liberalisation, universalisation, western/modernisation and deterrioralisation are (2000: 13). In choosing a definition of globalisation, one is also selecting how they wish to interpret it, and what points they wish to convey. For example, the choice of western/modernisation leads to a view that globlisation sees the economically and politically powerful west globalising the rest of the world, whilst universalisation leads to a more neutral stance, taking it's root from the dictionary definition of the word 'gloalise', meaning to universalise. To judge whether or not globalisation is a myth or fact therefore requires the full understanding of what the term means to it's critics and advocates, and in which ways they belive it to be myth of fact. Giddens simplifies the debate into two main schools - the sceptics and the radicals. A radical himself, he writes that "According to the sceptics, all the talk about globalisation is only that - just talk" whilst "The radicals argue that not only is globalisation very real, but that its consequences can be seen everywhere" . Sceptics are seen by Giddens to hold a politicially left view, with their argument that globlaisation is "put about by free-marketeers who wish to dismantle welfare systems and cut back on state expenditure" (1999: 7-8). Key to his own argument, Giddens realises that globlisation is not just economic, but also political, technological and cultural. It appears that some sceptics of globalisation take their definition of the word not as a verb but as the resulting noun, 'globalised'. The argument is that globalisation does not exist because we're not living in a fully globalised world. For example, economists may argue that we are not living in a total global economy and use this as pro... ...hat globalisation doesn't exist. In fact, they do quite the opposite - they illustrate various ways in which the economy has become more global over the years. Through the literal meaning of globalisation (an act or process), suggesting that globalisation is a myth is ludicrous. Globalisation is the process of becoming worldwide in scope or applicaing and the increasing interdependency of nation-states. It is a commonly accepted definition of globalisation that is required to put an end to some rather pointless debate. With such a definition in place it is then possible to start truly analysing globlisation - looking at why it's happening, what it's leading to and in which ways its acting. A current fully globalised world is a myth, globalisation is not. Bibliography =============== Cohen & Kennedy (2000) Global Sociology, MacMillan: Basingstoke Germain, R (2000) Globalisation and its Critics, MacMillan: Basingstoke Giddens (1999) Runaway World, Profile Books: London Helt et al (1999) Global Transformations, Polity Press: Cambridge Rosenberg (2000) The Follies of Globalisation Theory, Verso: London Schulte (2000) Globalisation: a Critical Introduction, MacMillan: Basingstoke

Racial Diversity in Society Worksheet Essay

Part I Complete the following using the MySocLab Social Explorer Map: Income Inequality by Race (located on the student website) as a reference: Select 1 racial group from the list below: African American o Asian American o Arab American o Hispanic American/Latino White/Caucasian Write a 150- to 300-word summary of the economic, social, and political standings of that group. Use additional resources if necessary, from the University Library or your textbooks. Provide citations for all the sources you use. The economic standings of African Americans are anything but fruitful. In 2007 the net worth for black families was 20%, and the estimated wealth for blacks in the year of 2042 will drop to 19%. Black median households income sits at $33,374, which is about 60%(State of Black America 2013). Wealth is valuable in a society were your economic situation determines the group of people you associate yourself with. The social standings we face are considerably better than what they were decades back. In society today, there are social constraints to how a person of a different race acts. The â€Å"Acting white, acting black† social form has taken on a lot in the recent years. The fear of â€Å"acting† outside of your own race can be detrimental to what needs to be accomplished. For minorities to take school seriously they have to overcome two obstacles, their white classmates and also the idea of acting like someone else. Part II Answer the following in 50 to 150 words each. Provide citations for all the sources you use. What is racism? In what ways does racism affect diversity? Racism is the belief that all race is the primary determination of all human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. I believe this has a huge impact on diversity. We seen diversity as being one in the same or learning how to live around people of different cultural and race. When racism plays such a crucial role in how we live. How do racial groups interact in contemporary America? Are interactions positive, negative, or neutral? Support your response using proper citations. In chapter 8 of the textbook, it points out that the difference between acting white, acting black and neither. It states that the reason African Americans do not succeed in school is because they don’t want to be caught â€Å"acting white†. The interaction to me is a negative as any. Contemporary America is made up of white people, and acting white is deemed undesirable in some black neighborhoods. Along with getting the proper education or â€Å"acting white,† you also associate with speaking proper english or having a different cultural preference such as, listening to rock instead of hip-hop(Ferguson 2007). â€Å"Acting black† in contemporary American can be seen as positive but also neutral. Are there existing social inequities based on race? Why or why not? There are many social inequalities based on race. Racial disparities are the main reason to the situation some race find themselves in. From income, wealth, health and educational background. In the last decade median white families are making almost double the amount as any other race in America. Black and Mexican median households make up about 67  cents compared to every dollar white median households make. Are these inequalities based off the lack of education that minorities receive? What do you believe to be the causes of racial prejudice and discrimination in today’s society? I believe the cause of racial prejudice in America is the way that it is perceived. The causes to racial discrimination are the idea the media and other outlets make us believe. I also feel like as a minority in this society the activity that my people perform doesn’t help strengthen the case at all. Blacks are perceived as intolerable and it is because it is how the media depicts us. Based on social and economic standards I don’t believe it will change until we all are seen as equal.

Existence of God Essay

Descartes applies the ‘Cogito ergo sum’ (‘I think therefore I am’) argument from the second meditation to prove another foundational truth, which is the existence of God. He uses his personal Christian belief and definition of God to build upon this proposition and tries to prove that something besides him exists by contemplating his idea of God. This essay will explain and assess Descartes’ aetiological and cause of existence arguments for the existence of God by identifying the meaning of existence in this context and the clear and distinct rule, as well as examining each premise and conclusion of the proofs. Finally, this essay shall attempt to evaluate Descartes’ arguments. The Third Meditation begins with Descartes’ affirmation of his own existence. He is a thinking thing which exists by clear and distinct perception, and it is therefore impossible to be doubtful of knowledge that he completely understands. Certainty and truth are equated. In order to establish the clear and distinct rule, Descartes must prove the existence of a perfect and undeceiving God: â€Å"Since I am a thinking thing, and have in me an idea of God, whatever finally the cause may be to which my nature is attributed, it must necessarily be admitted that the cause must equally be a thinking thing, and possess within it the idea of all the perfections that I attribute to the divine nature.† Descartes has an idea of God and perceives that God would not deceive him since deception would mean imperfection, and God is infinite and perfect. Descartes also presents the idea that with God’s perfection comes His existence. This can be summarised as: |(P1) |Descartes exists because he thinks. | |(P2) |He exists by clear and distinct perception of things. | |(C1) |Descartes exists as a thinking thing. | |(P3) |As a thinking thing, he has an idea of an infinite and perfect God (which is clear and distinct). | |(C2) |God is infinite and perfect in his idea. | |(P4) |Existence is perfection. | |(C3) |An infinite and perfect God exists in his idea. | This is an argument considering the idea of God alone and does not rely on experience to prove his point. This relies on the ‘Casual Adequacy Principle’[1]. Descartes argues: â€Å"There must be at least as much reality in the efficient and total cause as in its effect.† He claims that his idea of a perfect God must itself be caused by something perfect. Descartes also defends this argument by insisting that: â€Å"†¦.certainly not nothing, and so it cannot come from nothing.† For example, the existence of a stone (which previously did not exist) must be produced by something which contains the components of a stone. The cause must have more reality than its effect. The flaw here is that there is no definite connection between the cause of an object (something perfect) and its effect (idea of a perfect God). If there were, then it would follow that perfection created God, and that perfection must have been caused and created by something else, and so o n and so forth, which would lead to an infinite regress. This idea therefore, does not have a straightforward cause and is false. Hume argues that we can conceive of something perfect without any bearing on its actual and immediate existence. It is logically possible that some ideas have no cause. If the idea of God has no cause, Descartes’ proposition is false and the argument fails. Another variation of this argument is that the idea that God cannot exist in Descartes’ mind unless God Himself put that idea there, and that God must have brought about Descartes’ existence; not himself, his parents or something else less than God, which does not have a power and perfection to cause this, neither could an infinite series of events, each causing the other but not able to cause the idea of God: â€Å"Altogether then, it must be concluded that the mere fact that I exist and I have within me the idea of the most perfect being, that is, God, provides a very clear proof that God indeed exists.† This can be summarised as: |(P5) |If the cause of Descartes’ idea of God must not come from himself, his parents, something else or infinite series of | | |events. | |(C4) |Then the cause of Descartes’ idea of God is God. | |(C3) |An infinite and perfect God exists in his idea. | |(P6) |Neither himself, his parents, something else, nor an infinite series of events causes Descartes’ existence. | |(C5) |Descartes’ existence is caused by God. | |(P7) |If God created Descartes. | |(C6) |Then God exists. | This argument depends more on assertion than logical progression, but Descartes goes on to try and prove through the ‘aetiological’ or ‘trademark argument’ that the presence of the idea of God in our mind means that God has stamped it there. It is innate and cannot be explained by experience. Descartes’ idea of God is clear and distinct, and by God he means infinity and perfection. This can be summarised as: |(P3) |Descartes has a clear and distinct idea of God. | |(P8) |Only something infinite and perfect can create something infinite and perfect. | |(P9) |The only infinite and perfect being is God. | |(C7) |The idea of God must be created by God (the same as C4 but reworded) | |(P3) |Descartes has a clear and distinct idea of God. | |(C8) |God exists clearly and distinctly in his idea (the same as C3 but reworded) | If both P3 and C8 are true, Descartes is guilty of circular reasoning (begging the question fallacy). This argument relies upon its conclusion. It also follows God exists only as an idea. However, Descartes claims that there are different kinds of clear and distinct perceptions; one that could be subjected to doubt, for instance: 1 + 1 = 2 is a judgement (which corresponds to things that exist independently of him) and can be doubted unless God confirms it, and, therefore, potentially doubtful. The other is that his clear and distinct perception that God exists is an idea with no judgement attached and somehow immune from doubt (he cannot be wrong about the contents of his own thoughts/ideas). This makes me think that Descartes awards himself the prerogative of distinguishing ideas that can be clearly and distinctly perceived from those which cannot. In this essay, and in Descartes’ meditation, the word ‘idea’ has come up numerous times. This leads me to conclude that the only proof that Descartes manages to establish is that God exists as an idea. He does not have to build the reality of God’s empirical existence into an idea that is already clear and distinct. However, it does not follow that anything represented by such an idea actually exists, except, of course, in the case of God (again, probably one of Descartes’ prerogatives). For example, within my reasoning, I possess the concept of God but do not have to believe that He exists; but as a believer, I may argue that God exists for reasons which our intellect cannot grasp. This requires a ‘leap of faith’ rather than hard evidence. Similarly, someone may argue that they can conceive of there being dragons. We all understand what dragons are, but do not necessarily believe they exist. It is probably therefore necessary to build empirical, actual existence into the argument to prove that anything exists in a concrete and meaningful way. Apart from the flaws identified in Descartes’ arguments, much of his reasoning seems sound and valid. He has established two fundamental truths: ‘I exist’ and ‘God exists’ to be logically necessary, clear and distinct ideas. So, as a matter of logic, it does not make sense to doubt the existence of the idea of God. However, Descartes’ argument does little to endorse my residual belief in God, which results from a convent education. The idea of God made in man’s image is comprehensible to most people. Indeed, â€Å"The idea of God is central to religion, and without it, religion would not exist.† (Mary Warnock). This is a perfectly valid argument but no proof of God’s existence outside the mind. Bibliography Burns, E. and Law, S. 2004. Philosophy for AS and A2. Oxon: Routledge Cottingham, C. 1996. Descartes Meditations of First Philosophy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press Thornes, N. 2008. AQA Philosophy. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes Ltd Vardy, P. 1999. The Puzzle of God. London: HarperCollins Publisher Warnock, M. 2010. Dishonest to God. London: Continuum International Publishing Group Online Textbook Pecorino, A (MD). 2001. Philosophy of Religion. Queensborough Community College, CUNY Website http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/descartes-meditations http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Causal_adequacy_principle Word Count 1,346 ———————– [1] CAP is a philosophical claim made by Descartes that the cause of an object must contain at least as much reality as the object itself, whether formally or eminently.

Task 5 – Bic

Business in context (Chapter 6) ~ Discussion questions. How are goals formed and what are the major difficulties encountered in goal formulation and implementation? Goals are formed to give direction to the activities of its members. The formation of goals can be a highly political process; this can cause conflict, but the goals of most businesses are generally accepted as being these of the senior management team. Goals are developed much through the work of Cyert and March (1963). They see organizations in terms of individuals and groups who combine to pursue mutual interests; this is the most effective way of achieving their goals.Goals are more specific statements of intent than a mission statement, but are still broad and generalised. What are the major causes of goal conflict and how might they be resolved? The main causes of goal conflict are that they can be highly political. Conflict is mainly through four main factors which are: 1. Goals formulated by senior management as a means of achieving their own goals; this is a result of bargaining and negotiating process between interest groups. 2. Organization members would appear to accept the goals from top management with little question; this may seem to be an implied element of the employment contract. . The dominant coalition is normally put in place to achieve their goals; such controls have been alluded to earlier and include selection procedures, to ensure all rules are followed. In addition technology can replace job allocation, and financial controls in the form of budgets and reward systems, managers ensure a minimum level of compliance with their chosen goals. 4. Management have different goals to many of the groups; they have to acknowledge this. Assess the relative importance of the various strategic, organizational and environmental factors, which influence organizational structure.An organizational structure is a grouping of activities and people to achieve the goals of the organization. The re are a number of factors that influence a structure. First the relationship between both structure and strategy is examined, then in the work of A. Chandler which then identified other factors such as: (1)Technology (2)Size (3)Changes in the environment (4)Culture and (5)Interest groups. Why did firms adopt multi? divisional structures? What advantages do they have over functional structures? A multi – divisional company compromises a number of business units, which may pursue markedly different types of business activity.The business units operate as a profit centres and are culturally co-ordinated by a corporate headquarters, which may also control certain central services, some of which are as research and development and finance. This kind of structure was developed in the USA in response to a business growth and complexity. Stopford and Wills (1972) noted that a strong influence of strategy on structure and that the shift from functional to multi – divisional st ructures with expansion internationally. Assess the advantages and the disadvantages to both management and employees of flexile forms of organization.Flexibility within a firm / organization can occur in a number of ways; these include the employment of part time workers, those on short term contracts and the use of outsourced contract work. Advantages – management. 1. Employees are able to do a range of jobs, so they do not have to hire as many people. 2. Important recognition of the difficulties that many employees have in balancing their family obligations and their work duties, and they note that such programs can make a company more attractive to prospective employees Disadvantages – management. 1.If used by employees who are unwilling or unable to put in a full day of work amid the non-work temptations (television, pleasure reading, housecleaning, etc. ) of a home setting. Other companies, meanwhile, find that employees â€Å"flex† in and out of the busin ess at such different hours that overhead costs increase, customer service suffers (i. e. , no one comes in until 9:30 a. m. , a state of affairs that forces customers and vendors to cool their heels until then), and manufacturing output suffers. This latter factor makes flex time a difficult fit for many manufacturing facilities. 2.Flex programs often leave managers in exceedingly difficult situations. â€Å"Far too often, flex is embraced †¦ for its ‘family-friendly' aspects long before the corporate support needed to manage it takes root,† flex policies are outlined in the employee manual but implementation is left up to individual managers. Then, when managers try to implement these programs, they discover that to be fair, flex requires them to treat different employees differently. † Advantages – Employees. 1. Flexible work programs are work arrangements wherein employees are given greater scheduling freedom in how they fulfil the obligations of t heir positions.The most commonplace of these programs is flexitime, which gives workers far greater leeway in terms of the time when they begin and end work, provided they put in the total number of hours required by the employer. Other common flexible working arrangements involve telecommuting, job-sharing, and compressed work weeks. 2. Many employees have in balancing their family obligations and their work duties, and they note that such programs can make a company more attractive to prospective employees. Disadvantages – Employees. 1.Most employees of a flexible organization are only hired part time, to do a variety of jobs, and are not offered permanent contracts. How significant is the separation of ownership and control to the way the businesses operate? Is the agency problem an issue today? The separation of ownership and control is associated with publicly held business corporations in which the shareholders possess little or no direct control over management decisio ns. This separation is generally attributed to collective action problems associated with dispersed share ownership.The separation of ownership and control permits hierarchical decision making which, for some types of decisions, is superior to the market. The separation of ownership and control creates costs due to adverse selection and moral hazard. These costs are potentially mitigated by a number of mechanisms including business failure, the market for corporate control, and the enforcement of fiduciary duties, corporate governance oversight, managerial financial incentives and institutional shareholder activism. Examine the advantages and the prime beneficiaries of privatization.To what extent does privatization solve the problems of managing public sector organizations? Privatization refers to the government policy of selling off public assets to private ownership control, usually by share issue. The policy was prevalent in the UK in the 1980’s, driven largely by an ideo logical belief in the workings of the free market. The advantages of privatization are as follows: 1. It creates increased competition, which leads to increased efficiency, higher productivity, quality improvement and ultimately, growth and profit. . Shareholders have a financial interest in the effective management of the enterprise. Manager’s performance is therefore closely monitored and controlled. 3. Since customers have a choice, there will be a focus on customers care and service levels will improve. 4. Costs will be reduced as a result of competition. In particular there will be a reduction in labour costs as organizations seek greater efficiencies. 5. There will be improved awareness of and adaption changes to in local, national and global environments. 6.There will be greater incentives for staff through more flexible pay arrangements and profit – sharing schemes. Managers will be encouraged through incentives to be more innovative and proactive. 7. For the n ewly privatized organizations there would be greatly increased opportunity for raising revenue which could be reinvested in the operation. It was assumed this would stimulate innovation to the benefit of all. 8. For the state there will be a reduced public sector deficit and borrowing requirement. Privatized businesses will attract more inward investment. . Society will change as more people are given the opportunity to own shares. To what extent and in what ways are small firms economically relevant today? The value of a small business may be viewed in terms of benefits to the owners, economic growth, the number of jobs they provide, and their service to the consumer. Many governments see the small firm as an essential part of a healthy economy. The most obvious role for a small business firm in this respect is to act as a seedbed for future big businesses and in doing so secure the future of the economy.A small business is also seen as a potential to fill gaps in the market by off ering specialist products that would be uneconomic for a large firm to offer. More significantly, the small firm is seen as a force for change by being inherently more flexible and innovative than the larger businesses. In particular the small firm is seen as a useful vehicle in a recession; small firms are seen as price takers and therefore offer no threat to inflation rates, and they are able to plug the gaps left after larger firms have rationalized their operations.Overall a small business represents the individual economic efforts of our global citizens. They are the foundation of the global economic growth: virtually all of the new jobs, 53% of employment, 51% of private sector output, and a disproportionate share of innovations come from small firms. Small businesses are avenues of opportunity for women and minorities, first employers and trainers of the young, important employers of elderly workers, and those formerly on public assistance. What influences the type of culture found in an organization?Organizational culture  is the collective behaviour of humans who are part of an organization and the meanings that the people attach to their actions. Culture includes the organization values, visions, norms, working language, systems, symbols, beliefs and habits. It is also the pattern of such collective behaviours and assumptions that are taught to new organizational members as a way of perceiving, and even thinking and feeling. Organizational culture affects the way people and groups interact with each other, with clients, and with stakeholders.What is the relationship between the type of corporate culture envisaged by Deal & Kennedy and by Peters & Waterman and company performance in terms of profitability and job satisfaction? Can the internal culture of an organization act as a buffer against environmental influences? Corporate culture focuses on the use of culture as control device to enhance performance through the development of greater commitme nt and the integration of all employees at all levels in the organization.It is the perspective on culture at the level of the firm that attracts the greatest critical attention. Some writers notably Peters and Waterman (1982) believe that such strong cultures are a central feature of the so called excellent company. Case 6. 2 – questions. (Dow Corning) 1. What were the key factors involved in Dow Corning changing from a functional to a divisional and then a matrix structure? How were these influences relate to the six influences (on structure) identified earlier in this section? 2. What problems did Dow Corning encounter with the matrix organization?How might such problems have been minimized? 3. What structure would be most appropriate for the company to aid its recovery post Chapter 11 bankruptcy? Case 6. 3 – questions. (Network Rail) 1. What rationale can you give for the privatization of British Rail? 2. What, in your view, were the key factors that created the pr oblems in Rail track? 3. In what ways will Network Rail differ from Rail track? What similar problems will it face? 4. What does the case tell us about the privatization of industries such as the railways?

Changing a Five Day School Week to a Four Day School Week Essay

Changing a five day week to a five day week to a four day week (For schools) Why is our traditional five day week changing to a four day week? Any reason? A four day week would result in extra hours of work, interference with family schedules and much more. In any case what’s the problem with the five day school week? The customary five day school week should stay without any alterations. There are many reasons that support the understanding of having a five day school week instead of changing it into a four day school week. Firstly, people are already used to the five day week and might have to put some changes to their regular habits. Secondly, parents at work would have a very hard time to find a person to take care of their child (babysitter); this would be a big problem for families with no money. In the third reason I speak about the kids interest areas. It would be a loss of time of their practice of their extra-curricular activities that they really enjoy from their choice classes. There are many reasons that support the understanding of having a five day school week instead of changing it to a five day school week. People are already used to the five day school week since centuries and there have not been a lot of problems with the system, so why change it right now? The four day week would make a big difference (bad changes) in their sleeping and eating habits(Proved out by the Canadian center for occupational health). Parents at work would also have a hard time finding a babysitter. They would have a hard time leaving their children alone at home. This would be a big problem for children and families who are poor and cannot afford a person to take care of their children during work. Everyone knows that education for children has an impact on the future of this country. Our education/ learning system has been going on pretty good or let’s just say progressing every day and taking a brake would obviously low the percentage down of getting all these things we hope for. Lots of high schools, middle schools and elementary schools have game time/P.  E which makes children active at least for sixty min. a day. Less activity time can lead to unhealthy diseases such as obesity. Many activities such as orchestra, robotics and arts are chosen by the child with their own interest. If a parent cannot afford a class (outside school) it would be hard for them to enjoy the lost time of the choice class they chose. Now I would like to add on more to my first reason of having a five day week instead of changing it to a four day week. All of us have been using the ive day week for centuries then why change it now? The four day week might bring a sudden change in sleep habits which in turn may cause drowsiness, laziness and other factors during working hours. The four day week might also bring sudden changes in eating habits from more regular parties and unhealthy food.. When you have another weekend, many people oversleep. You might also develop certain health problems from oversleeping on an extra holiday such as diabetes, heart diseases, stress, anxiety, apnea and many more. Another day of a holiday means more partying, and mainly eating more unhealthy food. Problems that you might develop from eating unhealthy food are: Obesity, Diabetes, bulimia, binge eating and many more. There are people out there fighting for a four day week. Let see a few of the other side’s arguments. Some say that having a four day week might help save gas money for the district. However school buses are used on weekends as a public transportation even more which in turn might get the gas costs higher instead of saving a whole bunch of money. Parents also say that children would have extra free time if allowed an extra weekend. But guess what? 70% of all kids in America would prefer to have school instead of an extra weekend. School is a place where you could interact with old friends and make new friends! Fun activities compiled with learning. What would be a better option? In conclusion I would want the school board to consider the decision of having a five day school week because of multiple reasons I told during my essay. Such as people are already used to the five day school week, poor parents and normal parents might have a hard time at work worrying about their children at work and having a babysitter, less education for the future, less activity time, less extra-curricular time and having less face-to-face time with the teacher. Therefore as a call to action I would go to the school board/superintendent and reject all proposals of having a four day week because of these several reasons. I would also write a petition/proposal regarding to keep the 5 day school week the same. This petition would include other parents signatures who agree with me.