African American Athletes Essay

American student athletes have always faced stereotypes in and out of the classroom, being seen as self-segregating or â€Å"dumb jocks† that really wouldn’t be at school if it weren’t for their athletic ability. Although these stereotypes are applied to both white and black athletes, African American students, especially men, feel it more than their white counterparts. African Americans are already, for the most part, seen as intellectually inferior, so when they are seen in an academic environment they are automatically judged. If they didn’t get into school just for being black, they got into school for being a black athlete. Excuses are made as to why African American student athletes and pro athletes dominate in the world of sports in general. From the time the black athlete stepped into the sports arena and began to compete with whites, white people have been looking for an explanation. In his article Sailes looks into the myths and stereotypes surrounding African American athletes, most of which have been created by whites. In loosely replicated the experiment that Sailes conducted with his students and in doing so I found that the stereotypes he discusses do exist and many people strongly believe in some of the myths. I interviewed both male and female athletes and non-athletes alike and surprisingly most of their answers to my questions were the same. I asked them all the same five questions; 1. Do you think African Americans dominate in sports? 2. Which Sports? 3. Are there certain positions they are better at? 4. Why? 5. Is their demeanor on the field or court different than that of a white athlete? and 6. Have you heard any myths about why black athletes are better? Interviewee #1, A white female on the basketball team at Gettysburg College felt that black athletes were better at all sports and in all positions, but particularly in basketball and football. She has learned from experience that black athletes are more loud and aggressive. It was her belief that African Americans are better at sports because of genetics. She also said that it could be because historically they have done hard labor and had menial jobs, so their physical condition has evolved. The one myth she has heard is that African Americans have an extra bone in their leg which makes them capable of jumping higher and running faster. Interviewee # 2, an African American football player stated that blacks are better at all sports, but especially football, in such positions as cornerback, running back, and wide receiver. When asked why he felt that this is true his answer was â€Å"because we’re just nasty like that. † In regards to myths he recalled one of his high school classmates expressing to him that the reason blacks were better was because they still had some monkey left in them. Interviewee # 3, a white college graduate, non-athlete articulated that blacks are better at any sport they try but not in any positions that require brain power or thought. He said that they are not usually good quarterbacks because they aren’t smart enough. When I asked him why, his response was, â€Å"because they are dumb N’s†. He believes that they become athletes because they have no other options to get a job or get rich, unless they can rap. He also stated that the reason they can run so fast is because they are used to running from the cops. Interviewee # 4, A white male who is a former athlete said that he believes that African Americans are superior in all sports except for lacrosse and hockey, and that the reason for this is because they are much more expensive to start up and maintain- as opposed to soccer/football/basketball where all you need is a ball really. He thinks black people on the whole start out life economically feeble compared to whites and believes in the myth that they have been evolved into more muscular and stronger people because of the process of natural selection during slavery where the slave owners bought the biggest and strongest, and they’re offspring are the ones that created the people that are dominating in sports now. My last interviewee was a female African American basketball player who felt that African Americans dominate in football and basketball because it is the only sport they want to play so they strive for it. She also said that blacks are more aggressive because it means more to them. In the majority of my interviews the participants mentioned what Sailes referred to as the Mandingo Theory, in which the physical superiority of African Americans is attributed to the selection and so called breeding process along with the manual labor performed during the days of slavery. The psychological and dumb jock theories were also articulated in the answers I received from the white students for they all said at some point or another during the interview that African Americans are intellectually inferior and all they have going for them is sports, and even in the world of sports there are positions that they are mentally incapable of occupying. The one thing that I believe all the participants agreed on both black and white is that African Americans are somehow genetically different. I was really taken aback by my findings. Even though I have learned throughout this semester that people are more racist than I ever thought they were, I didn’t realize that this racism is existent in literally everything. I’m not really into sports and do not pay attention to them, so I had no idea that people felt this way about African American athletes. So, it seems as though African Americans are battling this war on racism on yet another front.

Behn conveys both comedy and cruelty through the character of blunt Essay

â€Å"Behn conveys both comedy and cruelty through the character of blunt† explore bens presentation of the â€Å"Essex calf† in the light of this comment. You should base your answer on a detailed examination of two or more appropriate sequences of your choice. Blunt is a peripheral character, thus if you should take him out of the play there wouldn’t be too much of a loss. Nevertheless he is a humorous character and therefore brings comedy into the play. His humour is displayed by his actions, he can be perceived as a not very bright character as he falls for Lucetta and believes that she feels the same, despite warnings from his friends. He is not a cavalier like the others as he is a country squire form Essex who hasn’t gotten involved with the civil wars. Which is why he gets labelled an ‘Essex calf’ as he hasn’t any experience unlike the others and is also to some degree nai ve because he cant see he is getting exploited by Lucetta. Even though he is a peripheral character he still has the whole of act three in which he is the main character. This scene shows the cruelty and comedy, which Aphra Bhen tries to display. Blunts stupidity is used to Lucetta or rather her pimps advantage, as they know that they can steal his possessions and money. This is the cruelty of the scene, as he believes he is going to be with this woman who he is completely besotted with but ends up robbed and cast away into a sewer in his underwear. This however is also the humour of the play because it a rather situation to see but is quite the contrary for him, due to the fact that he is lost in a sewer, he’s dirty and in his underwear. Because of the incident in act three he is left in a foul mood and in total humiliation and his view of women is now a very narrow minded one where he sees all women as whores whether they are whores or virgins ‘as much as one as the other’ (4:5-36). Unfortunately Florinda Stumbles on him when his perception is women is of that, and he therefore decides to take his revenge in the heat of the moment and anger. This defiantly shows how the cruelty has affected him, for him to resort to this. But this is part of his character as he is not very bright think and therefore is not expected to take reasonable action. However he is interrupted and he decides not as he learns who she is. All the cruelty that is set upon him is easily done to him, as he isn’t very clever and therefore easy to exploit rather than any of the other characters. His personality may have caused some cruelty but this is because of his character, which also delivers the comedy to the play. Right from the start he is seen as an idiot. This is show by his actions and obviously highlighted but the Lucetta episode, and also his comments, foe example he tries to compliment Lucetta but is a pathetic attempt. So his whole character might bring on the comedy but because of it also brings on the cruelty by which Aphra Bhen refers to.

BMW vs Mercedes Essay

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG Bayerische Motoren Werke AG ( English: Bavarian Motor Works), commonly known asBMW or BMW AG, is a German automobile, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company founded in 1916. BMW is headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It also owns and produces Mini cars, and is the parent company ofRolls-Royce Motor Cars. BMW produces motorcycles under BMW Motorrad. In 2012, the BMW Group produced 1,845,186 automobiles and 117,109 motorcycles across all of its brands. BMW is part of the â€Å"German Big 3† luxury automakers, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz, which are the three best-selling luxury automakers in the world. History BMW was established as a business entity following a restructuring of the Rapp Motorenwerke aircraft manufacturing firm in 1917. After the end of World War I in 1918, BMW was forced to cease aircraft-engine production by the terms of theVersailles Armistice Treaty.[5] The company consequently shifted to motorcycle production in 1923, once the restrictions of the treaty started to be lifted,[6] followed by automobiles in 1928–29.[7][8][9] The first car which BMW successfully produced and the car which launched BMW on the road to automobile production was the Dixi, it was based on the Austin 7 and licensed from the Austin Motor Company in Birmingham, England. BMW’s first significant aircraft engine was the BMW IIIa inline-six liquid-cooled engine of 1918, much preferred for its high-altitude performance.[10] With German rearmament in the 1930s, the company again began producing aircraft engines for theLuftwaffe. Among its successful World War II engine designs were the BM W 132 and BMW 801 air-cooled radial engines, and the pioneering BMW 003 axial-flow turbojet, which powered the tiny, 1944–1945–era jet-powered â€Å"emergency fighter†, theHeinkel He 162 Spatz. The BMW 003 jet engine was tested in the A-1b version of the world’s first jet fighter, theMesserschmitt Me 262, but BMW engines failed on takeoff, a major setback for the Emergency Fighter Program until successful testing with Junkers engines.[11][12] Towards the end of the Third Reich BMW developed some military aircraft projects for the Luftwaffe, the BMW Strahlbomber, the BMW Schnellbomber and the BMW Strahljà ¤ger, but none of them were built.[13][14] By the year 1959, the automotive division of BMW  was in financial difficulties and a shareholders meeting was held to decide whether to go into liquidation or find a way of carrying on. It was decided to carry on and to try to cash in on the current economy car boom enjoyed so successfully by some of Germanyà ¢â‚¬â„¢s ex-aircraft manufacturers such as Messerschmitt andHeinkel. The rights to manufacture the Italian Iso Isetta were bought; the tiny cars themselves were to be powered by a modified form of BMW’s own motorcycle engine. This was moderately successful and helped the company get back on its feet. The controlling majority shareholder of the BMW Aktiengesellschaft since 1959 is the Quandt family, which owns about 46% of the stock. The rest is in public float. Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz (German pronunciation: [mÉ›Ê Ã‹Ë†tÍ ¡seË dÉ™s ˈbÉ›ntÍ ¡s]) is a German automobile manufacturer, a multinational division of the German manufacturer Daimler AG. The brand is used for luxury automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks. Mercedes-Benz is headquartered in Stuttgart, Baden-Wà ¼rttemberg, Germany. The name first appeared in 1926 under Daimler-Benz but traces its origins to Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft’s 1901Mercedes and to Karl Benz’s 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen, which is widely regarded as the first automobile. Mercedes-Benz’s slogan is â€Å"Das Beste oder nichts† (English: â€Å"The best or nothing†). Mercedes-Benz is part of the â€Å"German Big 3† luxury automakers, along with Audi and BMW, which are the best selling luxury automakers in the world. Karl Benz in Mannheim, Germany  made the 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen, which is widely regarded as the first automobile Mercedes-Benz traces its origins to Karl Benz’s creation of the first petrol-powered car, the Benz Patent Motorwagen, financed byBertha Benz[3] and patented in January 1886,[4] and Gottlieb Daimler and engineer Wilhelm Maybach’s conversion of a stagecoach by the addition of a petrol engine later that year. The Mercedes automobile was first marketed in 1901 by Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. The first Mercedes-Benz brand name vehicles were produced in 1926, following the merger of Karl Benz’s and Gottlieb Daimler’s companies into the Daimler-Benz company.[1][4] Throughout the 1930s, Mercedes-Benz produced the 770 model, a car that was popular during Germany’s Nazi period. Adolf Hitler was known to have driven these cars  during his time in power, with bulletproofwindshields. Most of the surviving models have been sold at auctions t o private buyers. One of them is currently on display at the War Museum in Ottawa, Ontario. Mercedes-Benz has introduced many technological and safety innovations that later became common in other vehicles.[5] Mercedes-Benz is one of the best known and established automotive brands in the world, and is also one of the world’s oldest automotive brand still in existence today in 2014, having produced the first petrol-powered car.[6] For information relating to the famous three-pointed star, see under the title Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft including the merger into Daimler-Benz. PRODUCT MIX OF BMW BMW is one of the preeminent luxury car manufacturers in Europe, North America, and the world today. BMW produces several lines of cars, including the 3 series, the 5 series, the 7 series, the Z line (driven by Pierce Brosnan as James Bond in Goldeneye), and the new X line, BMW’s â€Å"sport activity† vehicle line. In addition, BMW is now selling Rovers, a British car line anchored by the internationally popular Land Rover sport utility vehicle, and will begin selling Rolls Royce vehicles in 2003. Sales of all the BMW, Rover, and Land Rover vehicles have been on the rise globally. High-profile image campaigns (such as the James Bond promotion) and the award-winning BMW website (where users can design their own car) continue to increase the popularity of BMW’s products. PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE BMW cars typically have a product life cycle of seven years. Motorcycles BMW began production of motorcycle engines and then motorcycles after World War I.[23] Its motorcycle brand is now known as BMW Motorrad. Their first successful motorcycle, after the failed Helios and Flink, was the â€Å"R32† in 1923. This had a â€Å"boxer† twin engine, in which a cylinder projects into the air-flow from each side of the machine. Apart from their single-cylinder models (basically to the same pattern), all their motorcycles used this distinctive layout until the early 1980s. Many BMWs are still produced in this layout, which is designated the R Series. During the Second World War, BMW produced the BMW R75 motorcycle with a sidecar attached. Having a unique design copied from the Zà ¼ndapp KS750, its sidecar wheel was also motor-driven. Combined with a lockable differential, this made the vehicle  very capable off-road, an equivalent in many ways to the Jeep. In 1982, came the K Series, shaft drive but water-cooled and with either three or four cylin ders mounted in a straight line from front to back. Shortly after, BMW also started making the chain-driven F and G series with single and parallel twin Rotaxengines. In the early 1990s, BMW updated the airhead Boxer engine which became known as the oilhead. In 2002, the oilhead engine had two spark plugs per cylinder. In 2004 it added a built-in balance shaft, an increased capacity to 1,170 cc and enhanced performance to 100 hp (75 kW) for the R1200GS, compared to 85 hp (63 kW) of the previous R1150GS. More powerful variants of the oilhead engines are available in the R1100S and R1200S, producing 98 hp (73 kW) and 122 hp (91 kW), respectively. BMW introduced anti-lock brakes on production motorcycles starting in the late 1980s. The generation of anti-lock brakes available on the 2006 and later BMW motorcycles pave the way for the introduction of electronic stability control, or anti-skid technology later in the 2007 model year. Automobiles The New Class (German: Neue Klasse) was a line of compact sedans and coupes starting with the 1962 1500 and continuing through the last 2002s in 1977. Powered by BMW’s celebrated four-cylinder M10 engine, the New Class models had a fully independent suspension, MacPherson struts in front, and front disc brakes. Initially a family of four-door sedans and two-door coupes, the New Class line was broadened to two-door sports sedans with the addition of the 02 Series1600 and 2002 in 1966. Sharing little in common with the rest of the line beyond power train, the sporty siblings caught auto enthusiasts’ attention and established BMW as an international brand. Precursors to the famed BMW 3 Series, the two-doors’ success cemented the firm’s future as an upper tier performance car maker. New Class four-doors with numbers ending in â€Å"0† were replaced by the larger BMW 5 Series in 1972. The upscale 2000C and 2000CS coupes were replaced by the six-cylinder BMW E9, introduced in 1969 with the 2800CS. The 1600 two-door was discontinued in 1975, and the 2002 was replaced by the 320i in 1975. The 1 Series, originally launched in 2004, is BMW’s smallest car. Currently available are the second generation hatchback (F20) and first generation coupe/convertible (E82/E88). The 3 Series, a compact executive car manufactured since model year 1975, is currently in its sixth generation (F30); models include the sport sedan  (F30), and fourth generation station wagon (F30), and convertible (E93), and the Gran Turismo. In 2014, the 4 Series will be released and replace the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible. The 5 Series is a mid-size executive car, available in sedan (F10) and station wagon (F11) forms. The 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07), which debuted in 2010, created a segment between station wagons and crossover SUV.[24] BMW’s full-size flagship executive sedan is the 7 Series. Typically, BMW introduces many of their innovations first in the 7 Series, such as the iDrive system. The 7 Series Hydrogen, having one of the world’s first hydrogen fueled internal combustion engines, is fueled by liquid hydrogen and emits only clean water vapor. The latest generation (F01) debuted in 2009. Based on the 5 Series’ platform, the 6 Series is BMW’s grand touring luxury sport coupe/convertible (F12/F13). A 2-seater roadsterand coupe which succeeded the Z3, the Z4 has been sold since 2002. Motorsport BMW has been engaged in motorsport activities since the dawn of the first BMW motorcycle in 1923. BMW has a history of success in Formula One. BMW powered cars have won 20 races. In 2006 BMW took over the Sauberteam and became Formula One constructors. In 2007 and 2008 the team enjoyed some success. The most recent win is a lone constructor team’s victory by BMW Sauber F1 Team, on 8 June 2008, at the Canadian Grand Prix with Robert Kubicadriving. BMW was an engine supplier to Williams, Benetton, Brabham, and Arrows. Notable drivers who have started their Formula One careers with BMW include Jenson Button, Juan Pablo Montoya, Robert Kubica and Sebastian Vettel. In July 2009, BMW announced that it would withdraw from Formula One at the end of the 2009 season.[27] The team was sold back to the previous owner, Peter Sauber, who kept the BMW part of the name for the 2010 season due to issues with theConcorde Agreement. The team has since dropped BMW from their name starting in 2011 . Public Relations Effective public relations need to play an integral part in BMW marketing strategy. It is important for BMW to maintain regular contact with all organisational stakeholders with the use of various marketing communication channels. Specifically, communication channels used in public relations include, but not limited to online press releases, annual reports, speeches,  and seminars. As part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives BMW management is also recommended to increase the level of its association with local charities in the UK such as Oxfam, NSPCC, or Cancer Research UK. Moreover, BMW management can initiate the development of identity magazine of the BMW Group which can cover the latest trends and news in local and global automobile industry and at the same time serve as an effective channel to communicate the marketing message to the target customer segment. Advertising Advertising can be defined as â€Å"the activity or profession of producing information for promoting the sale of commercial products or services† (Business Dictionary, 2013, online). BMW is recommended to be communicating its marketing message to target customer segment on the basis of using a set of advertising channels. Specifically, engagement in print and broadcast advertisement through channels popular amongst BMW target customer segment needs to be adopted as one of the cores of the marketing strategy. Advertising banners need to be displayed in locations in London frequently attended by BMW target customer segment such as Canary Wharf and City. Moreover, BMW marketing team is recommended to be improving the quality of point-of-sales advertising through supplying audio, video and image materials that motivate salon visitors to commit to the purchase. Sales Promotion Sales promotion involves offering short-term incentives for potential customers to commit to the purchase of products and services. BMW Group is recommended to use sales promotion in the UK market in an occasional manner in order to increase the levels of revenues for short-term perspectives. For example, 100th anniversary of BMW on March 7, 2013 can be specified as an appropriate occasion to announce 10% sales promotion for all BMW models. However, it is important to note that BMW needs to engage in sales promotions in the UK market only in an occasional manner, no more than once a year, because using sales promotion more frequently may cause depreciation of BMW premium brand value. PRICING STRATEGY The prices of BMW Group are based on a differentiated strategy. This means  that they charge extra for premium quality. This difference in prices is due to each cars different engine size, gear levels, fuel consumption, sports version. The pricing strategy that the BMW Group adopts is based on several key trends. One most important trend of BMW is labeled as â€Å"premium-tization†. Premium-tization trend of BMW causes polarization of markets. This trend triggers the consumers to demand and pay much higher prices for the perceived quality. SWOT ANALYSIS OF BMW GROUP A SWOT analysis will be used to see the various Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of the BMW Group. Strengths: Strong marketing strategy. Customers recognize the strong brand name of BMW Group Company. Strong brand image i.e. BMW, MINI Cooper and Rolls Royce. Every 2 to 3 years BMW introduces its new version of cars i.e. constant innovation and technology. Weaknesses: There is an increasing number of duplicate spare parts of BMW and MINI Cooper. The manufacturing costs of BMW cars are very high as compared to its competitors. This is also a reason for high pricing of BMW cars. Not a mass market company like Toyota and their volumes are small. Opportunities There is an opportunity for BMW Group to increase further innovation and technology in their cars due to increasing competition in car industry. BMW Group should also look to make new collaboration with other car manufacturers i.e. introducing new brands. BMW Group should also look to produce cheaper cars by new innovation and technology. Expansion of the BMW Group in Asia Pacific, Asia, Africa and Australia. Threats Recession which has affected businesses in every part of the world. To maintain the same level of innovation and performance.  The growing competition in the automobile industry i.e. competitors of BMW Group include Mercedes, Audi, Jaguar, Ford, Lexus. The earnings of the BMW Group are Dollar dominated, so the increasing strength of Euro is another  threat for the company. DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL BMW Welt focuses on strengthening the dialogue with customers and visitors by showing a wide range of BMW cars and motorcycles, and providing vehicle distribution, particularly the creation of a special experience with regards to customer collection of an ordered vehicle. BMW Welt also offers shops with BMW auxiliary products, as well as a fully serviced gastronomic restaurant. In the meeting forum, BMW Welt offers conference rooms and the opportunity to stage media events. The building often houses exhibitions related to new BMW models and, since 2012, other BMW Group brands such as Mini and Rolls-Royce BMW plans a new distribution system for the 5-series sedan that will keep some of the vehicles allocated to dealerships in one of three locations around the country. The distribution system would give dealers pools of cars in three locations, said Miles. Rather than ship each dealership’s total monthly allocation to the store, some of the cars will be kept at BMW processing fa cilities on both coasts and in the South. â€Å"The basic principle is to make more of the inventory that exists available to sell and to reduce the dealers’ floorplan cost,† MERCEDES PRODUCT RANGE  VANS Mercedes-Benz Vans sets standards through perfection and meticulous attention to detail. Ground-breaking innovations and excellent value retention are decisive for the brand’s success. With its broad spectrum of offers the brand can really score points with the customer.The Mercedes-Benz Vans product spectrum includes vans, MPVs and camper vans for private and commercial use. Mercedes-Benz Vans stands for sustainable technologies. In particular the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, introduced in the spring of 2013, was equipped with technologies that make it even more frugal and environmentally compatible. Whether for a private or commercial customer – Mercedes-Benz Vans is focused on customisation according to the customer’s needs. Although each customer is different, one thing applies to all in the same measure: Mercedes-Benz Vans delivers the best possible solution. TRUCKS As part of the Daimler Trucks division, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has been a hallmark of premium quality for over 100 years now. It stands not only for reliability and economic efficiency, but also for first-class product and service quality and comprehensive expertise in the area of customer-oriented transport solutions. The high standard of quality applies equally to our Actros, Arocs, Axor, Antos and Atego truck series and to special-purpose vehicles from Mercedes-Benz Trucks. The latter include the Mercedes-Benz Econic and the legendary Unimog, for example. Our comprehensive range is rounded off by the Mercedes-Benz Zetros, which has been designed as an off-road truck for deployment in extremely rough terrain. BUSES The world’s first motorised bus was built in Germany by Karl Benz in 1895, some years before Gottlieb Daimler also started to build and sell buses in Germany as well. By 1898 both Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, then rivals, were exporting their buses to Wales and England. Soon Daimler products were sold in the British Empire in a partnership with the British company Milnes. Milnes-Daimler developed a double-decker in 1902 and provided a bus for the first motorised bus service in the United Kingdom the following year. Though the company met success in selling buses throughout the British Empire, the partnership between Daimler and Milnes had to be undone due to the First World War. CARS Mercedes-Benz carries a full range of passenger, light commercial and heavy commercial equipment. Vehicles are manufactured in multiple countries worldwide. The Smart marque of city cars and Maybach luxury cars are also produced by Daimler AG. Between 2003 and 2009, Mercedes-Benz produced a limited-production sports car with McLaren Cars. The resulting Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was an extension of the collaboration by which Mercedes engines are used by the Team McLaren-Mercedes Formula One racing team, which was then part owned by Mercedes. SWOT ANALYSIS OF MERCEDES Strength: 1. Mercedes Benz has a strong brand value and global leader in premium cars 2. Lack of capital constraints 3. Leader in innovation i.e. 1st to introduce diesel engines, fuel injection and anti locking brakes 4. More than $12bn allocated for R&D 5. Strong presence in motor sport under McLaren Mercedes 6. Manufactured and assembled in over 20 countries across the world 7. Mercedes holds patents on the majority of safety features Weakness 8. High maintenance cost of Mercedes Benz cars Opportunity: 1. Developing hybrid cars and fuel efficient cars for the future 2. Tapping emerging markets across the world and building a global brand 3. Fast growing luxury automobile market & increased income Threats: 1. Government policies for the automobile sector across the world 2. Ever increasing fuel prices 3. Intense competition from global automobile brands

International Finance & Financial Management Essay

International Finance & Financial Management - Essay Example Part 1 Shareholders’ and stakeholders’ value: Freeman, Harrison, Wicks, Parmar, & Colle (2010) observe that the primary objective for any business is to maximize its shareholders’ value as well as stakeholders’ value. The increase in shareholders’ value primarily results from the growth in the business with growth in top-line (sales revenue) and also increase in the bottom-line (profit). The shareholders of the organization contribute equity capital to the organization, which is required by the organization to grow and develop its business. So it is highly important that the organization provides maximum possible return to its equity shareholders. A company takes part in growth strategy by taking the path of acquisition, by venturing into completely new areas and also in new business basically to help the business grow thereby contributing to the growth in its profit. This helps in generating effective returns for its shareholders who are considered the owner of the organization. The company should basically look at value maximization of its shareholders and provide for the risk being taken by the shareholders’ in proving capital to the organization. The stakeholders of a company comprise all the participants who take effective part in the operation of the company. The stakeholders primarily include the customers who are the most important part of any organization, the suppliers of raw materials, the creditors, the employees, the community, the Government, the environment and even the shareholders’ who are directly affected by the business activities. (Freeman, Harrison, Wicks, Parmar, Colle, 2010, pp.128-131) Potential value of Synergies due to Acquisition: In recent times there has been a rapid increase in Mergers and acquisition activities. Companies are taking part in these activities effectively to enhance the business growing opportunities contributing to increase in shareholders’ wealth. Bosecke (20 09) and Hunt (2009) observe that there is a set of complex reasons, which drive a firm to promote M&A activities. The Efficiency Theory clearly elucidates the main goal of M&A activities is to exploit synergies where synergy is basically the increased operational performance as a result of combined entity than that of single isolated firms. There may be positive synergies when the net combined effect of synergy produces more value than individual firms and if the synergy is not effective it causes negative synergy. There may be other synergies like Financial, operational and managerial synergies. The financial synergy basically results from lower cost, which calls for investment in unrelated business, which effectively reduces the systematic risk for the organization. Moreover capital costs can be reduced when the company grows in size and have access to cheaper capital. Sometimes larger companies basically venture outside to raise cheaper capital, as the cost of raising capital in countries like USA, Japan etc is very low. The companies, which are involved in mergers and acquisition internationally, can access the stock markets of those countries and in that case they have to comply with the specifications and regulations binding the process of accessing the international markets. This promotes international acquisition. The managerial synergy basically results when one less technically and functionally developed company derive benefit after getting merged with one technically and f

Assesment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Assesment - Essay Example build relationships based on mutual trust and confidence so that problems are identified and solved efficiently and workplace conflicts, if any, are amicably resolved. The work responsibilities are shared and follow structured techniques that give each team members gets equal opportunity to exploit his potential. (134) I am well versed in using information technology to enhance the performance and keep up with the advancing technology to provide competitive edge. Use of various computer programs like spreadsheet, database and word processing packages have greatly facilitated in creating database of information for effective analysis. Indeed, raising development fund and creating investment concept that have been an integral part of my work, had become easy because of the computer technology. The financial strategy and plans have involved conducting of efficient, accurate and meaningful analysis, including Capex and Opex analysis, benchmark analysis, financial analysis and investment plans to meet the demands for the various projects and assignments. I have been involved in creating effective and innovative financial planning to manage the organization’s long term and short term financial perspectives. (129) The leadership traits have been important part of my work curricula where changing roles of leadership have become intrinsic to the organizational goals and objectives. I have had to deliver the results within the tight schedules and therefore setting priorities had become important ingredients of the work model. Realizing that the role of leaders, managers and the administrators of the organizations become more challenging when new strategy and policy decisions are introduced in the organizations, the onus had often fallen on my shoulders to ensure effective feedback through participatory approach and helps solve the problems and workplace conflicts amicably. This was a key factor for promoting better understanding among the employees for easy adaptability

Conflict management in organizations Research Paper

Conflict management in organizations - Research Paper Example Attorneys attempt to reach an agreement on a lawsuit. An association of gasoline stations may attempt to reach an agreement on the price of gasoline. Negotiation is part of life (Fisher, 2011). A. Statement of Issue There are a variety of conflict management strategies which may be applied. One may try to force an individual or a group. This entails the application of authority or power to unilaterally satisfy the concerns of one of the parties involved. Accommodation is another option, completely satisfying the other party involved without fulfilling the needs of the opposing party. Avoidance tactics which are not acknowledging the conflict or the other parties involved. Compromising which entails finding a solution which is pleasing to both parties. Collaborating which is agreeing with the other party and trying to find a way for both parties to win (Wright.edu). Conflicts are usually the result of the following elements: Deficiency in communication. The direction or the quantity o f resources is not considered satisfactory. Personality clashes. Administrative problems (managementhelp.org). Conflicts may result in negative perceptions of the other party (mindtools.com). Frictions between groups or teams is natural and part of industrial relationships (Murray, 1974). In applying the Five factor Matrix of personality and the demand control matrix of the work environment as a reference point, those with more demanding employment positions were more prone to conflicts with those with less demanding employment positions (Sutin & Costa, 2010). Conflicts may occur in modern day work environments due to chronic fatigue syndrome. There is a relationship with regards... This research will begin with the statement that conflicts may be described as a disagreement or test of will between two individuals or groups with differing desires, concepts, perceptions, values, and objectives. The conflict may increase and lead to a non desired outcome or it may be peacefully resolved and lead to the desired outcome. Learning to administrate conflicts is of tantamount significance to a team or group which produces a high output. No one really looks for conflict; conflict may be an outcome of lack of communication or faulty communication between individuals or groups. With regards to desires, concepts, perceptions, values, and objectives. Conflict management is the concept which all conflicts may not come to a resolution without mediation. Administration of the conflict and the desires, concepts, and perceptions of those involved may maximize the risk of an undesired outcome. Whether we like it or not, negotiation is an everyday occurrence. One may plead with man agers for improved conditions in the workplace. One may attempt to bargain with an individual or group, for anything from a newspaper to a newspaper advertisement selling a vehicle or a home. Attorneys attempt to reach an agreement on a lawsuit. An association of gasoline stations may attempt to reach an agreement on the price of gasoline. Negotiation is part of life.  Conflicts are natural and inevitable. When teams are composed, the variations in individual power, values, perceptions, desires, and attitudes will increase the possibility of conflict.  

Marketing Plan 750 1000 words Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marketing Plan 750 1000 words - Essay Example The business, therefore, takes the advantage of the opportunities in the online business environment to create a product that will meet demands and expectations of the customers. By definition, a digital wallet is an application or software where users can store their crucial information thus it serves as the electronic version of the traditional physical wallet (Sneider, 2014). The product has the potential of storing up to fine details of the users, and they come available for use upon signing up to the website. In this case, developing the product will involve creating a website where users can login and secure their wallets identifiably through their usernames. The product will depend on internet connectivity and offers the users more chance to store more information than the physical wallets. The target market are the learners whose studying mode have changed to e-learning where managing their portfolio is also crucial for their success. Therefore, the product primary aims at providing students with a quick method of keeping their learning documents while at the same time maintaining privacy and security of the stored information. The product is on the introduction phase of the product cycle because digital wallet is a new business model yet to be fully accepted by users worldwide. The stage of the product implies there will be more intensive advertisement as well as promotional activities to create more awareness. Therefore, prices will be initially a bit high to cater for the expenditure on promotional activities but later reduced to make it affordable to the customers. There are myriad of opportunities for developing new products. For instance, the business can refocus on offering financial digital wallets to help people manage their finances. On the other hand, there is the opportunity to venture into a more affordable e-banking services as it has been success with pioneers in the industry like PayPal, Skrill, and Payoneer though the

Write an action plan for wellness that is custom designed for your Essay

Write an action plan for wellness that is custom designed for your use. Include recommendations offered in the textbook. Remember to cite any sources used, including the textbook - Essay Example Thus, creating one for my own would have to start with identifying my goal for getting into wellness which is to manage stress at work and stay fit at the same time. With this in mind, it would be best to factor into the plan my health needs that are affected by the kind of work I am in, the amount of time that I get sleep, and also the time I can sacrifice for working out. With this, setting specific and manageable work out goals is key. A great way to do so is to plan a 20 minute exercise, three times a week which would not demand so much that would add to my stress which leads to a lot of work out loopholes such as stress eating and lack of motivation to continue a program while still giving myself time to enjoy nourishing myself with more greens and have a spare time for rest. Also, it is important to make the most of the time committed for work out such as targeting different kinds of exercise from cardio, strength, and flexibility drills (How to Start an Exercise Program, n.d.). Shaping a mindset that does not only associated work out with the gym but pretty much in everything such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Lastly, avoiding the work out stumbling block by setting up a non-food reward system as I tend to feast on unhealthy food pleasures is best to do. Instead of food, a treat to a massage would do great! How to Create a Wellness Plan: Steps to Writing Your Own Health Routine | Suite101.com. (n.d.). Amy Kreydin Writing Profile | Suite101.com. Retrieved May 18, 2012, from

Setting and Theme of these stories Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Setting and Theme of these stories - Essay Example The plot type is tragedy, and the novel is about depressed, hopeless and saddened characters, which endure hardships and loss. The novel focuses over the wanted success of different characters, and it describes their dreams. The needed relationships in life, friendship and loneliness of characters are the elements contained in this novel that makes it worth reading. The themes of the novel include pain of loneliness and tragedy of mental retardation. Locations discussed in this novel are the California farm, Salinas River and villages. Author is sympathetic to the characters, yet he does not give them a happy ending. Even till now, it is argued that the novel is emphasizing over hope, happiness and joys of life or it takes its reader into depression. The style of this novel is naturalist, which relates to the depressing literary style. The tone of the author throughout the novel is gloomy and dismal. Steinbeck is a naturalist writer and for the naturalist writers the human characters are more like a human-beast as they seem to be the victim of others around them. In the novel, the author has referred Lennie as a â€Å"bear† and â€Å"horse†. The author does not describe his characters as evil or good as he believes that they are controlled by their environment, chances or heredity. The author does not represent its characters by enforced judgment about their actions; he just presents the characters as they are. He mirrors his characters through the writing style. The language used is simple but compelling. Author keeps the language simple, straightforward and descriptive. A famous novel A Tale of Two Cities is written by Charles Dickens, the novel portrays the scene and circumstances in London and Paris during French Revolution. This novel consists on three books named Recalled to Life, the Golden Thread and the Track of a Storm. The

Fashion in 20th century Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Fashion in 20th century - Essay Example The government controlled the amount of fabric that a manufacturer could buy and put to use on a garment. The high limitations and rationing of raw materials meant there were no visible class indicators on the clothing styles especially for women. Dressing style for all women during the war was similar, drawing another relational aspect with women who served during the war. Women in war service had to adopt the trousers as an extreme and practical necessity, which also found its way into the streets. Nevertheless, the largest driving factor of the fashion changes that were evident during and after the war came from the government’s stance on rationing. Rationing by the government did not target the fashion industry alone but was meant to increase the raw materials for manufacturing of military regalia. This meant that metals used in corsets, zippers, fasteners were no longer available and would be allocated for military purposes (Mason, 2011). The rationing of materials by the government opened doors for innovation in the areas concerning garment industry. The first real change in the fashion world during World War II came about after the restriction on the fiber fabric to be used in single clothing. Stanly Marcus, who was the head of textiles at the war production board, instituted this mandate. The silhouette was much affected by these changes, as it required quite a large amount of fabric to manufacture (Green, 2012). This meant that the silhouette production would come to a close so as to preserve the fabric for the war purposes. The rules instituted by Marcus came with a limitation order on each garment for which breaking the order meant a jail time or a fine of a particular amount. Army clothing manufacturers used green and brown dye on the clothing, which left civilian manufacturers the option of using red dye. The streets would then be covered in red clothing apart for the army

Group Pressure Essay Example for Free

Group Pressure Essay Groups influence the behavior of their members, often promoting conformity. The tendency to match one’s behavior to that of others is called conformity. Some amount of group conformity provides a secure feeling of belonging; group pressure, however, can be considerable and sometimes unpleasant. Even groups of strangers can foster conformity, as a classic experiment by Solomon Asch (1952) showed. This empirical study is a classic investigation that revealed the power of group conformity. It’s always been known that our social world not only involves making attributions, it also involves our tendency to conform to or not to conform to the attitudes and behaviors of others. The story of Okiki is one of the reasons why further study is needed in this field. She’s a thirteen-year-old honors student at a Lorain, Ohio, middle school. She sat in class, her arms and legs shaking nervously. In her book bag she had a twelve-inch kitchen knife. Her plan was to wait for the bell to ring and then rush to the front of the classroom and, with the help of another student, stab her teacher to death. Why?  To settle a grudge against the teacher and to show her classmates (at least a dozen of whom placed bets as to whether or not she would â€Å"chicken out†) that she was worthy of their respect. Hearing about the plot, an assistant principal broke up the plan only minutes before it was to be carried out (Gregory, 1993). The fact that young teens are anxious about fitting in surprise no one, although many people might be amazed at the lengths some will go to gain acceptance. Sociologists have confirmed the power of group pressure to shape human behavior and found that it remains strong in adulthood as well as in adolescence. Hence further study regarding this problem is needed. Another reason is that, more people nowadays, conform by adopting the social norms or customs of the larger group. Changing fashions in dress and hair style illustrate conformity. I t would have been extremely unusual in the 1950s, for example, for a young man to wear an earring, but it is commonplace today. Most people feel pressure to go along with the fashion trend that is operative at the time for their group. Hypotheses Solomon Ach conducted this classic study with the hypothesis that: There would be little yielding to group pressure. Hence the hypothesis being tested is that group pressure affects perceptual judgments. Specifically, the study seeks to answer the following questions: 1. Could anything persuade a person to choose others` choice other than what the person have selected is the correct choice? 2. Do opinions of the majority have an extremely powerful influence on an individual? Type of research A controlled experiment was conducted by Asch in his famous study. The controlled experiment allows the researcher to manipulate an independent. The experimenter forms an experimental group, which will experience a change in the independent variable (the â€Å"treatment†), and a control group, which will not experience the treatment but whose behavior will be compared with that of the experimental group. It is important to take note that the control group is similar to the experimental group in every other way. ) This type of experiment is especially characteristic of studies at the micro level of sociological research. Participants The participants are college students recruited by the researcher. Asch`s control participants/group consisted of subjects who looked at the lines in a room where they were seated together but were allowed to make their judgments independently. In this group the subjects invariably matched the correct lines, just as you no doubt have. But in the experimental group a different result was produced by the introduction of an independent variable: group pressure. Procedure Solomon Asch (1952) conducted a classic investigation that revealed the power of group conformity. He formed groups of six to eight people, allegedly to study visual perception. His technique required the use of confederates, all of whom stated an obviously incorrect judgment prior to the turn of the individual whose behavior was being investigated. He arranged with all but one member of the group to create a situation in which the remaining subject would be pressured to accept conclusions that were quite unreasonable. Asch asked group members, one at a time, to match a â€Å"standard† line on â€Å"Card 1,† to one of three lines on â€Å"Card. † Anyone with normal vision could see that the line marked â€Å"A† on â€Å"Card 2† was the correct choice. Initially, everyone gave correct answers. Then, Asch`s secret accomplices began responding incorrectly, making the naive subject bewildered and uncomfortable. Results and Conclusions So what happened? Asch found that more than one-third of subjects placed in this awkward situation chose to conform to the others by answering incorrectly or they went along with the incorrect group judgment. His study suggests that many of us are apparently willing to compromise our own judgment to avoid the discomfort of being different from others, even from people we do not know. The independent variable in the study was group pressure. Asch varied the degree of group pressure experienced by the subject. The independent variable (group pressure) thus produced more â€Å"errors,† or choices (dependent variable) of the wrong line (Asch, 1966). Methodological or ethical flaws Yes, an ethical flaw in the study is evident. In Asch experiment, the subject is duped and may feel embarrassed. Since this is a sociological research, it deals with the personal lives and inner thoughts of real human beings. Although this research seems relatively innocent, there are many times when the question asked or the behaviors witnessed may be embarrassing or even more damaging. Moreover, the study did not mention informed consent. So, the researcher did not take precautions to protect the fundamental rights of human subjects. More or less, the study has good internal validity as it clearly measures what it intends to measure. Moreover, external events and contamination may cause causal conclusions of the study to be invalid. For example, when the experimental group was interviewed, something might happen which is unrelated to the result or something in their surrounding might influence the subjects in answering the questions and thus might affect the result of the survey. On the other hand, external validity is not measured in the study. Alternative Explanation An alternative explanation for the results found in this research, not related to the effects of an independent variable is the foot-in-the-door technique (Dillard, 2001). This technique can produce extraordinary degrees of compliance. Here, the experimental group will conform to the confederates not by group pressure but by voluntarily conforming to the incorrect response. This is best explained by self-perception theory, which assumes that we infer our attitudes from observing our own behavior, and provides an answer. Here, if someone freely comply with a small, worthwhile requests, the person will somehow his self as someone who has positive attitude toward worthwhile requests. As one wish to be consistent with his self-perception, he may be more likely to comply with other requests. But supporters of this alternative explanation have been mixed (Dillard, 2001). One variations of the Asch experiment suggest that the social impact of the group varies as a function of its size, the degree of unanimity in the group, and the degree to which one’s nonconforming behavior can be hidden from scrutiny. People evaluate their opinions and behavior against the standards of a reference group. If they find major differences, they feel pressure to conform – or to change reference groups.

Lost in Translation Essay Example for Free

Lost in Translation Essay Eva Hoffman tells an outstanding story of her familys move from Poland to America in the late 1950s when Eva was a young 13 years old. Lost in Translation portrays Evas maturity through the growing pains of identity through her immigration experience. Language, culture, and perception are considered in Evas memoir of the immigrant experience. These are issues that most interpreters have encountered. When learning a new language we experienced a degree of the dislocation so eloquently described. Many aspects of Evas life change when she moves to Canada. Evas first day of school in Canada immedately protrays the new lifestyle in which she encounters. The teacher is unable to properly pronounce her name, Ewa, and is quick to Americanize the name to Eva. Many immigrants, presumably, go through the same occurance. Words do not sound the same or are not easily pronounced in a different language so they are changed to something easier in the language. Not only is Evas language lost, at this point her entire identity is stripped from her. Passion for the piano soon is lost with Evas new life in America. Culturally, the piano is not as prestigious of an occupation in Canada as it was in Poland. Writing becomes Evas new passion. Being able to completely grasp, understand, and articulate herself is what Eva wanted to express in life. Instead of expressing herself through music as she once had, she expressed herself through words. Each section can be seen as a period of growth. Paradise is fantacy, childish, and naà ¯ve. Exile describes adolescences, where finding oneself and an understanding of the world is through growth. And finally, the New World portrays Evas maturity of life experiences. She is finally able to truly comprehend her past and present world. Concluding the story Eva says, The way to jump over my Great Divide is to crawl back over it in English. Its only when I retell my whole story, back to the beginning, and from the beginning onward, in one language, that I can reconcile the voices within me with each other. Lost in Translation gives an analogy of Eva being lost, referring to life  as she immigrates into America. Eva also struggles with losing herself in the process of translation from Polish to English. As Eva matures and gains an understanding of the English language, culture, and life as a whole, she is able to go back in time to analyze and connect what really occurred throughout her life. Translation may be just as problematic as it pertains to the self introduced into a new language and culture as to linguistically understanding the language itself.

Employee Relations In Human Resources Management Commerce Essay

Employee Relations In Human Resources Management Commerce Essay In general, employee relation is very important part of human resource management and employees is the heart of any organization. Mainly, employee relation known as from Employees are the resource of the organization and they are act as the companys creator to make successful in the competitive business world. On the other hand demotivated people become the tragedy for the company. According to Banfield and Kay (2008), Demotivated employees have an impact on the organization, but in different and more negative ways, This can include individual and less visible expressions of dissatisfaction, such as high absenteeism, poor timekeeping and low productivity, as well as collective action such as strikes and working to rule, all of which undermine the organizations ability to ensure its financial health and long-term competitiveness. In the words of Armstrong (2006), the components of employee relations as follow: Formal and informal policies and practices of the organisation. The development, negotiation and application of formal systems, rules and procedures for collective bargaining, handling disputes and regulating employment. Policies and practices for employee communications. Informal and formal process regulating the interactions between managers and employees. Policies of the government, management and trade unions. A number of parties including state, management, organisations, trade unions, employees, etc. The legal framework. Institutions (e.g. ACAS) and the employment tribunals. The bargaining structures, recognition and procedural agreements enabling the formal system to operate. Setting an employment relations policy requires work under a number of headings as suggested by From the above component, it is clear that principle of management, employer-employee relation, terms and condition, companys recruitment, training, performance appraisal and procedures are main factors for an organization to make sure the employee relations. In the employee relation, collective bargaining is very important in modern business world. The following figure shows the exact procedure of employee- employer relation through collective bargaining. Figure Reconciliation of interests between employers and employees Source: Resource Development International Ltd. (RDI), 2009 Originally, the employee relation known as an industrial relation. According to Armstrong (1994), industrial relations are conducted within the external context of the national Political environment, the international context and the internal context of the organisation. On the other hand, Collective bargaining is defined as the process of turning disagreements into agreements in an orderly fashion. Collective bargaining is the process followed to establish a mutually agreed set of rules and decisions between unions and employers for matters relating to employment. This is a regulating process dealing with the regulation of management and conditions of employment. Collective bargaining is used as the negotiation process between employees and employers with unions acting as the representatives of employees. Task b: What may McDonalds have considered in order to establish their approaches to collective bargaining in both Germany and the UK? According to Allan, C and et al (2006), Fast food is an important area of employment particularly for young people. McDonalds, the largest restaurant chain, has more than 30,000 restaurants around the world. A large proportion of its employees are young people. There is an international debate about the quality of jobs in fast food. McDonalds is the top brand name in the world and in the research work of Royle, T (1999), discuss about the fast food industries labour relation by referencing the McDonalds. McDonalds not only the world largest MNC but also the leading the sales system and growing up the employee relation. McDonalds follows the limited menus and highly standardized product and proper utilization of low skilled labour by proper training and guideline. UK is always following the US developing system from Second World War. They tried to develop the economic system like US, though as a part of Europe. At the beginning of 1980s, in UK there was rapidly de-industrializing because of rapid growing up of service sector like United State and becoming the real life British features. On the basis of that development they tried to follow American HRM system. According to Royle, T (2002), Until the 1980, the regulation of UK union activities had been minimal and they enjoyed reasonable statutory immunity from the strictures of common law, a system applies described as collective laissez fire. He also discuss about employee relation in Germany compare to UK employee relation. Compared with the UK industrial relations systems, the German system is more organized. German system is totally different from UK and the German system is highly justified and represents a clear structure of rights and responsibilities for both management and employees. Collective bargaining is normally carried out at advanced level of management and link between employers federation and trade union. McDonalds is not interested operating any trade union in their company. They are trying to mutual through their management. The main reason behind this is, the employees are part-time, temporary, low skilled. The company giving the facility and training-up as they need. If they got any problem, they solve by in-store management. There was problem with that employees are staying longer and majority of the employees are under 21. So, it is so quite impossible to involve with union and carryout the union fees. According to collecting bargaining approaches there are two forms of collective bargaining, conjunctive bargaining and cooperative bargaining. Conjunctive bargaining: This form of bargaining requires an agreement so operations to which both parties are dependent can continue. The agreement defines certain responsibilities for each party. Cooperative bargaining: This form of bargaining recognises that both parties are dependent on each other and it is in their best interest to obtain the support of each other. There are also two views on the relationship of management with trade unions, the unitary view and the pluralist view. Unitary view: According to this view, management regards its function as directing and controlling the workforce in order to achieve growth. Pluralist view: This view sees the organisation and its workforce as two forces in balance with mutual trust for their respected relationship supporting their efforts towards different objectives. In general, on basis of those above forms, McDonalds is mainly is not operating proper trade union relation. Both UK and Germany, they are operating their business by franchisee and more profit is coming from them. If their employees feel any problem, they negotiate with the employee by the management. They are not interested to involve with the trade union. But, the franchisee company, for their safety they are keeping small room for the union. Task b: How may McDonalds have considered individual bargaining as an alternative or additional approach in both Germany and the UK? What benefits and/or problems may this have brought in both countries? In employee relation collective bargaining is very important. According to Armstrong, for managing collective bargaining it should be consider the following factors Collective arrangements which may be practical (the framework) or basic (the outcome) of collective bargaining. The level at which bargaining should take place these days multi-employer bargaining is not common. Single-table bargaining where a number of unions are recognised in one workplace seems the most favourable option for organisations. Dispute resolution typically involving third parties as mediators. To follow the collective bargaining, there should be some mutual agreement and if there any problem with the agreement, they can make solution by procedure. Procedural agreements In these agreements the responsibilities of managers and employees are defined as well as the Procedure followed to make decisions. Definition of the agreement objectives Recognition of the unions negotiation rights General principles Statement of facilities granted to unions Provision for joint negotiation committees Negotiating procedure Provision for terminating the agreement Substantive agreements: These are not legally enforceable and focus on agreed terms regarding pay, working hours, holidays, overtime, regulations, etc. Partnership agreements: In partnership agreement both parties agree to work together for their mutual advantage. Reilly defines the common features of partnership as: a. Mutuality parties recognise common interest. b. Plurality areas of differences and common interest are recognised. c. Trust and respect for the intention d. Agreement without coercion solving problems through consensus. e. Involvement and voice opportunities for employees to shape their environment and express their views. f. Individualist and collectivist dimensions of the other side. Individual bargaining: It refers to the participation of single bargaining units. Organisations prefer these, due to: Inefficiency of multi-unit bargaining. Desire to achieve major changes. Necessity to introduce single status conditions. In individual collective bargaining some critical issues include: Commitment of management to the concept. Maintain negotiation levels. Ensure that managers will have flexibility when responding to employee demands. Willingness of management to discuss with representatives. The need to overcome previous rivalries. The need to guarantee representation rights to unions. Third party dispute resolution: There are three such processes: Conciliation third party facilitates the process to reach a decision. Arbitration issue is determined by the third party. Mediation providing formal but non-binding proposals. By seeing the all kind of collective bargaining, the individual collective bargaining looks very appropriate for the McDonalds in both Germany and UK and it is very helpful for considering as an alternative approach. Because of economic changes, deindustrialization and political factors are led to union to decline industrial relation. Also the both country, McDonalds is leading company and important for the economy. In the time individual bargaining become very popular for the small business and for McDonalds, especially when its coming under franchisee. There are so many benefits and problems are by following the individual bargaining in UK and Germany. The benefits are as follows: To meet the employees requirements Its giving the individual solution of the employee It contains the low administrative cost It giving the flexibility of employer-employee relation There are some problems with the individual bargaining. It increase the high dismissal rates, accidents and high labour turn-over and so on.This approach sometimes cannot fulfil the requirement of the employee. In time of negotiation it can be problem. The employee cannot individually bargain with all times with the employers for their wages and other facilities. Task c: How may the approach to collective bargaining in Germany and the UK influence employee relations for McDonalds internationally? At present global business world, McDonalds is dominating the fast food industry. The company in both UK and Germany dont prefer to the trade union. They are making the employee relation by their internal management system. Actually this is individual bargaining system. To recover this system is the best approaches for a company. In UK and Germany, the fast food industry are expanding rapidly and making good example for employment in the competitive business world. The unique feature of the chained fast-food sector is a combination of generally low skilled work and high labour turnover, combined with what we have termed elsewhere an acquiescent workforce. (Royle, 2000) In general in McDonalds corporation is not interested in unionization and there is no great success of trade union. In UK and Germany, there is some problem with non-union activity. The management company fast food company remain strongly grounded in anti-unionism. But to what extent are these assumptions transmitted and internalized by senior-level and restaurant management at McDonalds? (Royle, 2000) The employee relation is influence by the collective bargaining but this maintaining with the trade union not only in UK and Germany but also all over the world. From above the discussion for the following reason the approach like collective bargaining in Germany and the UK influence employee relations for McDonalds internationally: Employee relations are regarded as better. Strikes are rare. Labour turnover is high. Payment levels are set by management. Higher dispersion of pay. No alternative representation methods exist. Employee relations are handled informally. Managers feel free. More flexibility to use labour. Higher dismissal probability Though there is some problem in the approach collective bargaining, but the in all over the world make a history for employee relation. Their employees are almost 90 per cent are student, under 21 and unskilled but they are doing good business by their proper strategic plan and create great employee relation. So, in this way collective bargaining is very influencing for employee relation. Task d: What additional or alternative methods could support good employee relations for McDonalds? Consider the role an HR function could take. For a good employee relations in McDonalds, there are some methods are very useful. In general, McDonalds is practicing the individual bargaining. In the research work of Dau-Schmidt (1993) stated that among the three primary means of addressing the needs of workersindividual bargaining, collective bargaining and protective legislationeach have its own advantages and disadvantages. Individual bargaining can provide the most individualized solution of meeting the needs of the parties. It also enjoys relatively low administrative costs. Unfortunately, market failures and lack of bargaining power mean that individual bargaining often results in an impoverished solution for many workers that fails to address many of their basic needs. Before making the decision of right choice of additional methods, it is better to know about the HR function properly. The HR function contains the advice and services that enable organisations to get things done through people there are some listed a number of typical HR management tasks. Human resource planning. Talent management Knowledge management Recruitment and selection Learning and development Reward management Employee relation Health and safety Diversity issues On the basis of HR function and as a part of HR practice of employee relation in McDonalds collective bargaining doing the solution which is created by the individual solution. Collective bargaining is solving the problem created by the individualization and creating employee need, which is addressing the employee relation and there are some problem with this approach. In this time, protective legislation provide the at least one employee needs which is very helpful for employee relation. In overall McDonalds trying to practice of mixed culture of individual bargaining, collective bargaining and protective legislation. By considering overall discussion, the changes in HR function can be developing the good employee relations which are as follows: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Employees see the reason for change for a good employee relation. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Employees understand why change is important for employee relation and see how it will help them and the business in the long and short term. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The people who need to be committed to the change to make it happen are recognised. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A coalition of support is built for change and creates a good employee relation. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The support of key individuals in the organisation is enlisted that is a good example of employee relation. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The link between the change and other HR systems such as staffing, training, appraisal, rewards, structure and communication is understood. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The systems implications of the change are recognised. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A means of measuring the success of change is identified for the successful employee relation. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Plans are made to monitor progress of employee relation in the implementation of change. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The first steps in getting change started are recognised. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Plans are made to keep attention focused on the change. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The likely need to adapt the change over time is recognised and plans can readily be made and implemented for such adaptations. Task e: Conclude by taking the key elements of your observations in steps a-d regarding McDonalds approach to employee relations in order to make a short recommendation for similar countries or organisations with regard to developing and/or improving their employee relations. From the above discussion, it is clear that McDonalds can operate most of the area independently in employee relation. After long time, McDonalds started the collective bargaining with the union in Germany. But, in UK, they dont like to operate the collective bargaining with union. Because, the change in the method was improving their corporate image. In that time McDonalds follows the pluralist principles though they are resisting of union at restaurants level. McDonalds leading the MNCs in the world and they are successfully handled the corporate level work council and they established it in a small number of restaurants. After that, by this system the unemployment increased and they are confused with their system. However, the adaptability of the system may be a double-edged sword for workers. On the hand it provides workers with rights to representation, but on the other hand its flexibility may in part be dependent on undermining workers terms and condition. (Royale and Tower, 2002) Royle (2000) said that, on the basis of German collective bargaining system which is represent the other countries in the Europe as well. As a MNC company McDonalds is likely to adopt the non-union strategies. As for McDonalds, looks like to continue to dominate and set the agenda for the fast-food sector in the short and medium term. In the meantime, they drive for more efficiencies and more standardized procedures looks set to continue, placing pay and conditions under increasing pressure. In this time they tried to utilize a new approach like individual bargaining and tried improve employee relation between employee and management. They also tried to try some changes in the HR function to improvise the employee relation strategies. By taking the different step for developing the employee relation like UK and Germany, other countries McDonalds corporate body and similar organization can follow their strategies. The other fact is that, which procedure a company following, there should be good negotiation with the employee and then the employee relation will be good. For any bargaining there should be the some steps like- Setting the objectives, define the strategic plan and assembling data Opening Bargaining Closing Like UK and Germany, other country follows the above procedure that will be good for making a good employee relation. Besides that they should keep in mind the following things for developing their employee relation. The bargaining process is used in the hope of coming to a settlement. Legitimate tactics during negotiations should not shake the basic belief in each others integrity. Off the record discussions are mutually beneficial. Both sides should be prepared to move from their original positions. A series of offers and counter offers should be expected. Concessions cannot be withdrawn. Conditional offers, unlike firm offers can be withdrawn. Third parties should not be involved while there is still chance for agreement. The final agreement should be clear and accurate Besides the above factors to build up a good employee relation there should be skilled negotiation and bargaining management. Bargaining skills: Bargaining skills are as follows: Sense what the opposition wants to achieve. Being able to withhold own objectives. Flexible realism seeking a reasonable settlement. Respect for the opposition views. Sensitivity for mood changes. Negotiating skills: Negotiating skills are as follows: Analytical ability assessing factors affecting the negotiation process. Empathy being able to view the situation from the oppositions perspective. Planning ability developing and implementing a strategy. Interactive skills relating with other people. Communicating skills convey information and arguments. From all of the discussion, it can be said that for good employee relation the management strategies and all the development should go through in a right way.

Speeding Up Windows 95 :: essays research papers

SPEEDING UP WINDOWS 95 Windows 95 with certain minor alterations and software upgrades can operate at a faster more efficient speed. With this Windows 95 tutorial, all the things you do now will be easier and faster, and what you always wanted to know is now here for you to learn. This tutorial will provide you with insightful instructional and informative tips about free programs such as TweakUI, and day to day maintenance OS needs. First, it is very important that you run Windows 95 with at least a high-end 486 (Pentium recommended), 8 megs of ram(adding more ram will increase overall performance), and at least 1 meg of video memory. Most of the following tips included here are for speedy application processes while others simply rewrites or bug fixes. One advantage Windows 95 has over its competitors is the user interface feature that comes built in with the operating system. User interface is a program within Windows 95 that allows customization of certain interface settings based on personal preference. About a year ago Microsoft released a small program called TweakUI that actually adds more flexibility and functionality to the already current user-friendly interface. TweakUI is actually a rewrite (bug fix) program that edits certain data files from the Windows 95 registry. With TweakUI running on your machine you can disable the following options which in turn will speed up your access time: windows animation, reboot start up, GUI interface, and last log on settings. TweakUI also adds a few nifty extras such as: smooth scroll, mouse enhancement, instant CD-ROM data load, and much more. Surprisingly enough TweakUI is offered free of charge to any WWW user and can be found at: http://www.microsoft.com or http://www.tucows.com. TweakUI is a definite must for any Windows 95 user looking to benefit the most from their home computer. No can argue that Windows 95 is the cleanest and most efficiently set up OS around. In fact, Windows 95 is by far the messiest OS to ever hit the market this decade. When compared to operating systems such as MacOS, OS2Warp, and Windows NT, Windows 95 finishes in dead last. This is due mainly to the fact that when installing or uninstalling a program in the Windows 95 environment, the program manager scatters files all over different parts of the file system (fixed disk directory). These scattered bits of files are often called leftovers (which is to be taken by definition of) which if left on your drive, cause extreme slow downs when you CPU is at work. Usually leftovers can be found in your c:/windows, c:/windows/system, or

Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda :: History of Osama Bin Laden

Osama Bin Laden who is better known as Al Qaeda's Emir-General was born on July 30, 1957 in Saudi Arabia to Muhammad bin Judah bin Laden and Humid. He was the seventeenth child out of fifty-two. Osama went to Kin Abdulaziz University where he began studies in economics and management but left college in his third year. While at the university he learned Islamic studies and became very intrigued with this religion. Osama's father always urged his children to refrain from politics and religion debate, but Osama seemed interested in government and international politics. In 1973 Osama focused his time and energy on resources and advancement of Islam and Islamism. He also gained higher knowledge in mujahid fighting with wealth and sake for Allah. Osama is well established among the Afghan people. He is one of the scholars of the Jihad as well as being the main commander of the mujahideen worldwide. Dr. Abjullah Azzam leading Islamist influenced Osama for the next 10 years. Together in 1984 the two set up the Afghan service Bureau. Osama's first cam, al-Ansar, in Jaji in Afghanistan's Pakita province was built. In 1982 Essam al-Ride, a flight instructor, joined al Qaeda where he served as procurement officer and Osama's personal pilot. During this time Osama's father died and he inherited a huge sum of money, which he invested. He began to build several training camps and quest houses for the Arab mujidian's. In the mid 1980's Osama began to import machinery, building roads, cave complexes, and supervising the blasting of massive tunnels. Osama then began to win over the Afghan people by becoming humble and starting to live a simplistic life. He seemed to have the ability to befriend and communicate with fighters and live with the Afghan peasants. During his stay on the Afghan-Pakistan border his religious convictions began to deepen. In 1987 what was known as the Lion's Den Operation occurred, exposing Osama to Soviet poison gas. He suffered minor injuries from this attack. This in turn upset him and his dislike of the soviets grew. Osama's wealth and influence made him a natural leader of the Arab Mujahidin people. Osama spent much of his time after this on the front line while Azzam was the one who conceptualized Al Qaeda.

Transcendentalism :: Literary Analysis, Emerson, Thoreau, Dickinson

Transcendentalism blossomed during the 1800s with the help of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Emily Dickinson. They were Transcendentalists who expressed their beliefs through writings from poems to essays and they believed that â€Å"the individual was at the center of the universe† (Prentice Hall 384). The idea of Transcendentalism is complex and for this reason, only a number of people understood it. Emerson, Thoreau, and Dickinson, were one of the many people who were Transcendentalist; these writers went out of their way in society to represent their beliefs. Emerson’s beliefs were mainly on â€Å"the human mind [because it] was the most important force in the universe† (Prentice Hall 384). In â€Å"Nature†, Emerson viewed nature as â€Å"[the] plantations of God, a decorum and sanctity reign, [and] a perennial festival dressed† (Emerson 388). God made nature and some view it as just trees, leaves, grass, etc., but Emerson saw the true beauty in nature. He saw it as if lights, tinsel, ornaments, etc. already decorated it. In addition, Emerson compared himself to â€Å"a transparent eyeball† and â€Å"[he] see[‘s] all; the currents of the Universal Being† (Emerson 389). He can see everything and everyone around the world. In â€Å"Self-Reliance†, Emerson conveys that one must follow for what they believe in. They have to accept themselves â€Å"for better [or] for worse† (Emerson 391). Emerson states, â€Å"A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and done his best† (Emerson 391). He implies that one must love their job and loves to work hard because at the end they will be happy. In addition, Emerson viewed the human soul as part of an â€Å"‘Over-Soul,’ a universal spirit to which all beings returned after death† (Prentice Hall 384). The Over-Soul is similar to reincarnation, where after one person dies, that person will come back to life, but in a different form, like, an animal, an insect, or a human. Emerson’s works define being an American because they gave him the freedom to write what he wanted. Also, his works define being a Transcendentalist because they include descriptions of the deep sense of nature, human soul, and individualism. Thoreau, the protà ©gà © of Emerson, went through tough experiences to understand Transcendentalism and to be in â€Å"harmony with nature† (Prentice Hall 385). In Walden, Thoreau spends two years living in a cottage, which he made, next to Walden Pond in the woods.

Information about current influences on planning Essay

1. Every child matter influences planning and provision of learning opportunities The National Curriculum is the starting point for planning a school curriculum that meets the specific needs of individuals and groups of pupils. This statutory inclusion statement on providing effective learning opportunities for all pupils outlines how teachers can modify, as necessary, the National Curriculum programmes of study to provide all pupils with relevant and appropriately challenging work at each key stage. Child care act 2006 influences planning and provision of learning opportunities this act states that early years providers have a duty to implement the EYFS. We do this by meeting the learning and development requirements when doing our weekly planning and we also comply with the welfare requirements. Child care act does this to ensure that it is very important to follow rules and regulations to ensure that the children are at the right stages of development in life. SEN code of practice 2002 influences planning and provision of learning opportunities areas covered include the definition of special educational needs, parental responsibility and working partnership with parents. The code also looks at: involving pupils in assessment and decision-making; provision in the Early Years; primary and secondary education; statutory assessment of children under compulsory school age; and the role of the special educational needs coordinator. (2013) Special Educational Needs: Code of Practice. The SEN code do this to ensure that disability children do not miss out on key learning development and also to make sure that they do not feel left out or intimidated. Equality act 2010 influences planning and provision of learning opportunities this act makes sure that no one gets treated differently to anybody else this helps planning and provision because it makes sure that staff have to make sure that when they plan a activity or a lesson plan it’s got to be able to involve everyone and make sure that it suits all individual needs. ‘’ Objectives must be appropriate, focusing on the most pressing equality  gaps.’’ 2. Inspectors found that where assessment was underdeveloped it tended to focus more on children’s welfare or their interests, rather than their learning. Self-evaluation and action-planning was too often seen by childcare providers as something that had to be done for Ofsted rather than a means of improving outcome for children. However, outcomes for children were no better than satisfactory in any of the providers where self-evaluation was inadequate (2011) Press release: A good start for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Ofsted make sure that it is seen to be important to plan different types of learning opportunities for the children as this helps to develop the children’s skills in a variety of way. For example ofsted inspect schools by sitting in on different subjects and different teacher’s lessons, they do this to make sure that everyone is doing it as correctly as they aspect to see. 3. The curriculum frameworks like the EYFS influence planning and provision of learning opportunities. The term curriculum is used to describe everything children do, see, hear or feel in their setting, both planned and unplanned. The Early Years Foundation Stage is the statutory framework against which providers of early education are judged, and includes requirements for the provision of young children’s learning and development, and welfare. The report focuses particularly on two areas of learning: personal, social and emotional development; and communication, language and literacy skills. 4. Learning through landscapes supports families in the early years by showing children the outdoors and learning them new activities such as gardening and discovering nature with their own opinions and physically learning by touch and seeing things from their point of view. â€Å"I believe the work of Learning through Landscapes is needed even more than ever. I hope  you will share our passion for giving children opportunities for discovery and learning that will illuminate their entire lives.† Attenborough.D (2005) Learning through Landscapes.   EPPSE (3-14) supports families in the early years by making sure those children do get assessed at the age of 3 before they go to pre-school and then the child will be monitored until they do enter school. This helps by knowing what the child abilities are being noticed and noted. ‘’ More than 3,000 children were assessed at the start of pre-school around the age of 3 and their development was monitored until they en tered school around the age of 5.’’ Leading education and social research (Updated 2013) Effective Pre-School, Primary & Secondary Education (EPPSE).   Primary and Secondary Education 3-14 (EPPSE 3-14 project) a major longitudinal study investigating the influence of pre-school, primary and secondary school on children’s cognitive and social/behavioural development in England. The transitions sub-study of more than 500 children and families sheds light on current transition practices and highlights what helps and hinders a successful transition. Evangelou.M (2008) Effective Pre-school, Primary and Secondary Education 3-14 Project (EPPSE 3-14).   Neighbourhood nurseries support families in the early years by making sure that families can get to close nursery without struggling and panicking that they cannot reach a nursery which prevents the child even going into nursery. ‘’The Neighbourhood Nurseries Initiative (NNI) aims to expand childcare provision in the 20% most disadvantaged areas of Engla nd by creating 45,000 new day-care places for children aged nought to five.’’

Aboriginal Canadians and European Settlers

Aboriginal Canadians and European settlers In the history of contact between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in Canada, there has been an imbalance in acculturative influences. Generally, Aboriginal peoples have been changed substantially, with serious erosion of their cultures and identities. However, this dominance by Euro Canadian peoples has also been met by resistance by Aboriginal peoples.Policy and programme changes to alter the relationship between these two sets of people are suggested, including a reduction in pressures toward assimilation and segregation which have historically resulted in the marginalization of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. When individuals experience intercultural contact, the issue of who they are comes to the fore. Prior to major contact, this question is hardly an issue; people routinely and naturally think of themselves as part of their cultural community, and usually value this attachment in positive terms.Of course, other life transitions (su ch as adolescence) can lead people to wonder, and even doubt, which they are. But it is only during intercultural contact that their cultural identity may become a matter of concern. The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples established a research project on Aboriginal cultural identity, and commissioned reports on the subject.This paper is based on one of those reports, and draws upon concepts, data and analyses that were carried out as a consultant to that project The main line of argument in this paper is that intercultural contact between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in Canada (both historically, and at the present time), has initiated a process of acculturation (at both the cultural and psychological levels), during which Aboriginal peoples have experienced cultural disruption, leading to reducedwell-being and to identity confusion and loss.It is further argued that sincethis process has resulted from interactions between Aboriginal and nonAboriginal peoples, the key to reestablishing a sense of well-being and secure cultural identity resides in restructuring the relationships between these two communities. This paper contains four sections: a discussion of the concept of cultural identity, as it derives from the social science literature; a brief review of the process and consequences of intercultural contact; a summary of the main findings; and a discussion of their implications for policy and programmed.May lead to more positive identities, and to cultural and psychological outcomes that are more fulfilling. Breton and Norman fishermen came into contact with the Algonquians of the northeast at the beginning of the 16th century, if not earlier, as they put into natural harbors and bays to seek shelter from storms and to replenish water and food supplies. There is some indication that these first contacts with Aboriginal inhabitants were not always friendly.A few individuals were kidnapped and taken to France to be paraded at the court and in p ublic on state and religious occasions. Also, precautions seem to have been taken to hide the women inland when parties landed from ships engaged in cod fishing or walrus hunting. On the other hand, there were mutually satisfactory encounters as trade took place. The Algonquian brought furs, hides and fish in exchange for beads, mirrors and other European goods of aesthetic and perhaps spiritual value. Both sides seemed content with this growing exchange.Soon the Algonquian exacted goods of more materialistic value, such as needles, knives, kettles or woven cloth, while the French displayed an insatiable desire for well-worn beaver cloaks. In the 16th century, the French, like their western European neighbors, proceeded to lay claim to lands â€Å"not possessed by any other Christian prince† based on the European legal theory of Terra Nullius. This theory argued that since these lands were uninhabited, or at least uncultivated, they needed to be brought under Christian domini on.The royal commission to ROBERVAL for the St Lawrence region, dated 15 January 1541, and La Roche's commission for SABLE ISLAND in 1598 enjoined acquisition either by voluntary cession or conquest. By the early 17th century, as the FUR TRADE expanded and Catholic missionary work was seriously contemplated, a policy of pacification emerged. The fact that the French chose to colonize along the Bay of Fundy marshlands and the St Lawrence Valley, from which the original Iroquoians had disappeared by 1580, meant that no Aboriginal peoples were displaced to make way for colonists.This peaceful cohabitation remained characteristic of Aboriginal-French relations up to the fall of ACADIA (1710) and of NEW FRANCE (1760). Beyond the Acadian farmlands and the Laurentian seigniorial tract, the Aboriginal peoples on their ancestral lands continued to be fully independent, following their traditional lifestyle and customs. Royal instructions to Governor Corellas in 1665 emphasized â€Å"the off icers, soldiers and all His Majesty's adult subjects treat the Indians with kindness, justice and equity, without ever causing them any hurt or violence. Furthermore, it was ordered that no one was to â€Å"take the lands on which they are living under pretext that it would be better and more suitable if they were French. † Royal instructions in 1716 not only required peaceful relations with the Aboriginal peoples in the interests of trade and missions but also forbade the French from clearing land and settling west of the Montreal region seigneurs. In the PAYS D'EN HAUT, care was taken to obtain permission from the Aboriginals before establishing a trading post, fort, mission station or small agricultural community such as Detroit or in the Illinois country.Following a conference with 80 Iroquois delegates at Quebec in the autumn of 1748, Governor La Galissoniere and Intendant Bigot reaffirmed that â€Å"these Indians claim to be and in effect are independent of all nations , and their lands incontestably belong to them. † Nevertheless, France continued to assert its sovereignty and to speak for the â€Å"allied nations† at the international level. This sovereignty was exercised against European rivals through the allied â€Å"nations,† not at their expense through the suppression of local customs and independence.The Aboriginal peoples accepted this protectorate because it offered them external support while permitting them to govern themselves and pursue their traditional ways. The MI'KMAQ, and later the Arenac, accepted the Catholic religion, even in the absence of large-scale sustained evangelization, as a confirmation of their alliance and brotherhood with the French and resistance to Anglo-American incursions. When the Milkman eventually signed a treaty of peace and friendship with the British authorities at Halifax in 1752, the ABENAKI who had taken refuge in Canada rebuffed the official delegate of the governor at Boston.Beg inning their apostolic labors in Acadia in 1611 and in Canada in 1615, Catholic MISSIONARIES dreamed of a rapid conversion of Aboriginal peoples and even wondered if they might not be descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. Traditional Milkman and Montagnais hospitality dictated that the itinerant missionaries be well received. Soon evangelization efforts were centered on the sedentary, horticultural and strategically located HURON confederacy (see STE MARIE AMONG THE HURONS).But factionalism arising out of favoritism shown to converts and the EPIDEMICS that decimated the population almost brought the mission to a close. On two occasions, the JESUITS were spared execution or exile on charges of witchcraft only by French threats to cut off the trade on which the Huron had become dependent. Following the dispersal of the Huron in 1648-49, the missionaries turned to other groups in the Great Lakes basin, including the IROQUOIS confederacy, but they never enjoyed great success. Ab original peoples assumed a tolerant dualism: â€Å"you can have your ways and we will have ours, for everyone values his own wares. More success was achieved on the reductions, or reserves (see INDIAN RESERVE) as they came to be known, established within the seigniorial tract of New France. In 1637 the seigneur of SILLERY near Quebec was designated a reduction for some Montagnais encamped nearby as well as for all the northern hunters who would take up agriculture under Jesuit tutelage. Although the Montagnais did not remain long, some Arenac refugees came to settle, and finally Huron who escaped from the Iroquois conquest of their country.Eventually there were reserves near each of the three French bridgeheads of settlement: Loretta near Quebec for the Huron; Betancourt and Saint-Francois near Trois-Rivieres for the Abenaki; Kahnawake near Montreal for the Iroquois and Lac-des-Deux-Montagnes for both ALGONQUINS and Iroquois. These reserves were relocated from time to time at ever greater distances from the principal towns not only because of soil exhaustion but also because of the desire of the missionaries to isolate the Aboriginal converts from the temptations of alcohol, prostitution and gambling.The Kahnawake reserve, with the connivance of certain Montreal merchants, became an important link in an illicit trade with Albany and New York. The French designated those Aboriginal peoples who settled on these reserves under the supervision of Missionaries as â€Å"Indiens domicilies† (resident Indians). Those who came to live on reserves were motivated by religious ideals and the need to escape persecution or encroachment on their lands, but in time the economic advantages became quite substantial. It was often on the reserves that canoemen, scouts and warriors were recruited for trade and war.The products of the field and the hunt, as well as the manufacture of canoes, snowshoes and moccasins found a good outlet on the Quebec market. At the time of th e British CONQUEST of New France in 1760, the â€Å"resident Indians' were united in a federation known as the SEVEN NATIONS of Canada. It is possible that this Aboriginal political organization, whose membership evolved over the years, dates back to the early days of the French regime at the time when the first Aboriginal â€Å"reductions† (reserves) were created in the St Lawrence valley.Official French objectives had been to christianize and francize the Aboriginal peoples in order to attain the utopian ideal of â€Å"one people. † The church tried to achieve this objective through itinerant missions, education of an Aboriginal elite in France, reserves and boarding schools, but in the end it was clear that the Aboriginal peoples would not abandon their culture, even when converted. It was the missionaries who, like the fur traders, learned the Aboriginal languages and adopted Aboriginal survival techniques.Racial intermarriage, or metissage, traced its origin to t he casual encounters, almost exclusively between Aboriginal women and Frenchmen deprived of European spouses, beginning with the fishermen and sailors along the Atlantic seaboard, and spreading into the hinterland as traders and interpreters, later unlicensed COUREURS DE BOIS, and finally garrison troops came into contact with the interior communities. VOYAGEURS and canoemen travelling to and from the upper country of Canada in the interests of the fur trade acquired the services of Aboriginal women to make and break camp, cook, carry baggage and serve as mistresses.Many of these unions became long-lasting and were recognized locally as legitimate a la facon du pays. Canon law forbade the marriage of Catholics with pagans, so missionaries often had to instruct and baptize adults and children and then regularize such unions. In 1735 Louis XV forbade most mixed marriages; nevertheless the rise of METIS communities in the Great Lakes basin, particularly along Lake Superior, indicated t he prevalence of the practice. Warfare was an aspect of Aboriginal life in which the French soon became involved.Most of the Aboriginal people remained steadfastly attached and loyal to France through to PONTIAC's rising in 1763, with the exception of the Iroquois, Fox and Sioux. Champlain, by supporting his Algonquian and Huron trading partners in 1609, earned the long-lasting enmity of the Iroquois. The French were unable to save the Huron from destruction at the hands of the Iroquois in 1648-49, nor were they able to stop Iroquois incursions into their own or their western allies' territories until the peace of Montreal in 1701 (see IROQUOIS WARS).The Fox became hostile in 1712 and were the objects of several military expeditions before their dispersal in 1730. The Sioux also often attacked France's trading partners and allies before agreeing to a general peace settlement in 1754. Canadian militiamen and Aboriginal auxiliaries distinguished themselves also in expeditions to aid L ouisiana against the Chickasaws and the Natchez. The escalation of tensions between the French and English over control of the fur trade in North America led to the signing of the TREATY OF UTRECHT in 1713.Under the terms of the treaty, France retained access to Cape Breton Island, the St Lawrence Islands and fishing rights off Newfoundland but ceded Acadia (Nova Scotia) to the British and recognized British jurisdiction over the northern territory of RUPERT'S LAND and the island of Newfoundland. The Mi'kmaq, MALISEET and Passamaquoddy of the area, considered themselves to be friends and allies and not subjects of the French Crown, as well as the rightful owners of the territory ceded to the British Crown.The lack of consultation regarding the terms of the treaty, and the lack of compensation provided to the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet and Passamaquoddy upset them greatly, significantly shifting the balance of power and Aboriginal-French relations in the area. France spent large sums of money for the annual distribution of the â€Å"King's presents† to the allied nations. In addition, the Crown issued clothing, weapons and ammunition to Aboriginal auxiliaries, paid for their services, and maintained their families when the men were on active duty. These Aboriginal warriors were judged invaluable for guiding, scouting and surprise raiding parties.Their war aims and practices, including scalping and platform torture, were not interfered with as they generally fought alongside the French as independent auxiliaries. In defeat, the French remembered them, obtaining in the terms of capitulation (1760) that they be treated as soldiers under arms, that they â€Å"be maintained in the Lands they inhabit,† and that they enjoy freedom of religion and keep their missionaries. These terms were further reiterated in the Treaty of Oswegatchie, negotiated by Sir William JOHNSON, at Fort Levis (near present-day Ogdensburg, New York), on 30 August 1760, and reaffirmed at Ka hnawake on 15-16 September 1760.These two treaties set out the terms for British protection of the interest of the Seven Nations and for the peaceful colonial occupation of their lands. As a result of this conquest, the French monarchy capitulated New France to Great Britain and on 10 February 1763, France and Great Britain signed the TREATY OF PARIS. The treaty outlined the conditions of the capitulation, which involved a series of land exchanges in which France handed over their control of New France to the English.Article 4 of the treaty provided for the transfer of French control of lands in North America east of the Mississippi River to Great Britain. Under the terms of the treaty, Great Britain also gained control of Florida from the Spanish, who took control of New Orleans and the Louisiana territory west of the Mississippi River from the French. In order to establish jurisdiction in the newly conquered Canadian colonies, on 7 October 1763, King George III and the British Imp erial Government issued a Royal Proclamation outlining the management of the colonies.Of particular importance, the proclamation reserved a large tract of unceded territory, not including the lands reserved for the Hudson's Bay Company, east of the Mississippi River as â€Å"hunting grounds† for Aboriginal peoples. As well, the proclamation established the requirements for the transfer of Aboriginal title to the Crown, indicating that the Crown could only purchase Aboriginal lands and that such purchases had to be unanimously approved by a council of Aboriginal people.The proclamation also provided the terms for the establishment of colonial governments in Quebec, West Florida, East Florida and Grenada. The colonies were granted the ability to elect general assemblies under a royally appointed governor and high council, with the power to create laws and ordinances, as well as establish civil and criminal courts specific to the area and in agreement with British and colonial l aws.References: 1994 Aboriginal Cultural Identity. Report submitted to the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Ottawa, Ontario Aboud, F. 1981 Ethnic Self-identity, in R. C. Gardner and R. Kalin (Editors): A Canadian Social Psychology of Ethnic Relations. Toronto: Methuen. Keefe, S. E. 1992 Ethnic Identity: The Domain of Perceptions of, and Attachment to Ethnic Groups and Cultures. Human Organization 51 :35-43.