Final exam Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Final exam - Assignment Example The license fee for the facility proposed is $200 plus $50 for each bed up to a maximum of $1,500 upon application for one year and $100 plus $50 for each bed for renewal each year to a maximum of $750 (Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (n.d.). Therefore, a total of $1,500 would be paid in the first year and $750 each year thereafter until an adjustment is made. The revenue per unit/person is in keeping with rates obtained from Genworth Cost of Care Survey for 2013 which suggest that the minimum, median, and maximum monthly rates are $933, $3,710 and $8,445 respectively for a one bedroom single occupancy assisted living facility in California (Genworth 2013). The information in Table 1 in the Appendix indicates that these rates would result in minimum, median and maximum income per person per annum of $$11,196, $44520 and $101,340 respectively. Table 1 also indicates that 53 single occupancy units would be available for assisted living over the ten year period. If all units were occupied during the year the total annual revenue from this would be $593,388 at its lowest, $2,359,560 at the median level and $5,371,020 – the maximum per annum. An occupancy level of 93% is assumed for year 2 to year 10 for assisted living. ... This could lead to less than expected occupancy levels for the company and thus lead to a significant reduction in projected revenues (See Table 2 in the Appendix for income at various occupancy levels). In terms of wages, the employees of the facility should not be paid lower than Federal of State minimum wage which is $7.25 and $8 respectively (Minimum-Wage.org 2013). The lowest wage rate to be paid by Blueberry Acres LLC is $7.25. Both the Federal and State Minimum wage are expected to increase to $9 by 2014 (Hicken 2013) – a 24% increase in the Federal minimum wage rate projected. In 2016 the State minimum wage is expected to increase to $10 and it is also hoped that the Federal rate will be tied to the inflation rate (Hicken 2013). The interest rate on the construction loan appears to be too high at 7.5%. The prime lending rate is currently 3.25 and is projected to be the same at the end of March 2014 (Financial Forecast Center 2013). The 7.5% projected is more than twice the prime lending rate. Additionally, the projected length of time for the loan may not be allowed to exceed 20 years. This would change the annual payments to $488,746 representing interest payments of $410,787 and principal repayments of $78,051 in the first 12 months. With the exception of vehicle costs and expenses which are assumed to remain constant, the depreciation rate and other expenses appear reasonable. Vehicle costs should increase by at least 3% - the level of inflation anticipated each year. The budget needs to be adjusted for this error. Assessing the reasonability of the construction contract The assisted care facility is a profit making venture and should be

Critical thinking process Essay Example for Free

Critical thinking process Essay Critical thinking often involves the creation of alternative plans, solutions, approaches, etc. , then comparing original with the alternatives. Creative thinking requires some critical evaluation during and after the creative phase. Critical thinking depends upon that little known and seldom discussed characteristic of the human nervous system—self-reflexiveness. Usually it also depends upon that remarkable human creation and tool—self reflexive language. Humans not only know about their environment, they know that they know; they can think about how they think, evaluate their evaluations. Languages, too, have this self-reflexive characteristic. They enable us to talk about talk, to make statements about statements, to write books about writing books. The self-reflexiveness of language and the human nervous system provide us with an open minded system: we can make statements about statements, indefinitely; we can react to our reactions to our reactions indefinitely. At no point can we say, â€Å"That’s the last word on the subject† or, â€Å"No further reaction is possible† (since, in doing so, we have said more, reacted further). However, believing that we have said the last word may cut of the self-reflexive process. This open ended, self reflexive system makes it possible for us to conduct scientific research, write poetry, plan enterprises, spin out complex tales of fiction—or spread rumours, spin webs of delusion and talk ourselves into insanity or war. Which we will do depends in part upon our motivation, but also upon our understanding of the thinking process and some aspects of the working of the nervous system. General semantics provides a meta-linguistic or ‘second order’ approach to critical thinking. It enables us to use self-reflexiveness systematically to monitor on-going evaluations. The principles and devices it provides call attention to either-or and ‘allness’ statements, to inferences treated as facts, to overgeneralizations, to statements unrestricted in time, to overly-simple statements of causality, etc. The tools work, whatever the order of abstraction, whatever the source of the statement (Johnson, 1991). How language empowers or limits the expression of our thoughts. Along with most of his contemporaries, Blair defines language in terms of a relationship between signs and thoughts: â€Å"Language signifies the expression of our ideas by certain articulate sounds, which are used as the signs of those ideas† (cited 1:98). Elaborating on this interdependence, he asserts that â€Å"when we are employed in the study of composition, we are cultivating reason itself. True rhetoric and sound logic are very nearly allied. The study of arranging and expressing our thoughts with propriety, teaches to think, as well as to speak, accurately so close is the connection between thought and the words in which they are clothed† (Ulman, 1994). Language can empowers and limit the expression of our thoughts. Talking about something that reinforces it, therefore say what you want to be true. Language has power, and by knowing this, you can select words that allow others to hear and understand you. Certain words provide a way of maintaining the focus of what you want. They can assist you to be in the state of mind that you desire. Looking for positive language patterns, gives your brain the opportunity to find alternative ways expressing your experiences to yourself and others. These tools get you off automatic pilot and in control. Having choice means you can regulate how an experience will affect you. You can choose to use your old patterns of expression which produces certain results, or use empowering language to give you different results. Now it can be you who decides. Labels limit is another concept that we’re dealing with here. When we label something or someone, we put a meaning on it that can limit our awareness, experience, and understanding. Labels are a form of beliefs, and like all beliefs, they filter our perceptions. Our beliefs only allow us to be conscious of things that are in agreement with them, and we unconsciously filter everything else. It can be tremendous evidence of the opposite to penetrate the belief filters. But with negative labels, the effects can be very destructive (Kaufman, 1998). The role of critical thinking in persuasion. What is the value of critical thinking? When someone else writes or speaks a peace of reasoning, they are trying to persuade us of something. Persuasion is an attempt to get us to believe something. People want us to believe things so that we will act in certain ways. Action requires some effort. There are choices involved. We could be doing something else. Because of this, it is very useful to be able to evaluate reasoning, for some pieces of reasoning should be accepted while others should not be accepted. If persuasion occurs in advertising, we could be doing many other things with our money. Take buying a car, for example. A lot of money can be involved, so what kind of car to buy can be a pretty big decision. Whether to marry a certain person or which of a couple of job offers to take are still bigger decisions. Almost every reader will eventually get some serious illness. There may be several different treatments available. One’s comfort, health, even ones life may depend on the decision as to which treatment to undertake. To make these decisions well, we will need to gather our own reasons to support various alternative conclusions. At that time, we could make an irrational decision, or a sheep like decision to follow some other person’s advice. The values of critical thinking, specifically how to recognize and evaluate reasoning, are the following: †¢ It help us arrive at true conclusions and therefore †¢ it increases our knowledge. †¢ It should help us make better decisions. †¢ It should help us persuade others and †¢ explain truth to them. †¢ Contribute to a happier life (Cogan, 1998). References Johnson, K. G. (1991). Thinking creatically: a systematic, interdisciplinary approach to creative-critical thinking. Englewood: Institute of General Semantics. Kaufman, R. A. (1998). Anatomy of Success. New York: Ronald A Kaufman. Robert Cogan. (1998). Critical thinking: step by step. Boston: University Press of America. Ulman, H. L. (1994). Things, thoughts, words, and actions: the problem of language in late eighteenth-century British rhetorical theory. New York: SIU Press.

The Self Reflection Paper English Language Essay

The Self Reflection Paper English Language Essay Since a young boy, I have always listened to my mothers advice or orders. She is the one who taught me at home, commanded me to do things, and especially punished me when I did something wrong, or forgot doing what she had told me to do. When punishing me, she always said, Next time, listen to me carefully. Therefore, to avoid the punishment, I always tried to listen to her attentively and to do what she asked me to do, and that affects my learning style today, in particular one in learning English. As I have recognized, I learn most by carefully listening to the lectures before I start doing things. But that is not the only learning style of mine. Trying to think hard to find the logical reasons is also another way that makes me learn most. In other words, my learning styles are Abstract Conceptualization and Reflective Observation, the combination of which is called Assimilator (Kolb, 1985). However, it depends on subject matters. For some particular learning activities, the most e ffective way to get the knowledge for me is to do and practice them, which Kolb (1985) refers to Active Experimentation. In terms of learning English, I will talk about my experience at Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL). Since the first year, when learning the content-based subjects, such as Introduction to Environment, Introduction to Sociology, Global Studies, and Literature studies, I have always tried to carefully listen to the lectures, and take some notes since they are always been the most effective for me to understand the lessons. In addition, when reading the textbooks, for the exam in particular, I usually do not try to memorize things, but to think critically to figure out the logical reasons or ways to explain them although they are the key terms. Trying to reason something or find ways to explain it always makes me understand the lesson more deeply and remember it longer. Memorization usually does not work with me. Some students may learn most by actually doing or experimenting thing right away, but I am not that kind. I like to study the whole thing, or observe people doing things first before I start doing myself. In learning grammar in Core English, for instance, I like deductive method by starting to study the rules and the usages of the grammar points before doing the exercises. At the same time, I also use inductive method whenever possible to create my own theories to understand or memorize the grammar points. For example, when learning the adjectives order, opinion + size + quality/character + age + shape + color + participles + origin + material + type + purpose (Foley Hall, 2003, p. 219), I try to create my own ways to memorize the order, by taking the initial(s) of each word, and cluster them. It becomes OS QASh CPOM TY. These clusters are those that are familiar with me, and therefore make me remember them easily (though the others may find them even more complicated than the origi nals). However, not all the skills do I learn these ways. For instance, learning to improve the four macro skills listening, reading, speaking, and writing, I have only one key word, practice. The more I practice these skills, the more I learn. To practice the skills, I also try to relate them to my hobby. For example, I like watching cartoons, so I always take this hobby to improve my listening skill. I watch mostly hilarious cartoons dubbed in English, which helps me not only relax but also improve the listening skill subconsciously. I also like reading novels, and short stories in English, especially the detective ones, and that helps me improve my reading skill. For speaking skill, I always try to practice speaking whenever possible. I always take opportunity to speak English to my friends, in particular Luy Vannda (Joe), who always reminds me to use English instead of Khmer when making a conversation. To improve writing skills, I just simply try hard to finish assignment or journals a ssigned by the lecturers. I do not seem to care much about finding other activities to improve this skill, but I always put much effort on writing each pieces. To me, trying to get things done like this helps me improve my writing skill a lot. In short, I called myself assimilator, for I learn most by observing, thinking critically, and forming my own ways of understanding things. I like to synthesize various ideas and observation into an integrated whole before I actually start doing things myself. I try to find logical and precise ways or theories to understand things. If I cannot find one, I am more unlikely to understand the lesson. Nevertheless, I do not apply this learning style to all types of learning skills. For some skills, like the four macro skills, I simply try to practice them as much as possible.

Comparing Bennetts Hamlet with Branaghs Hamlet Essay -- comparison c

Comparing Bennett's Hamlet with Branagh's Hamlet      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Many of Shakespeare's works have been transposed from stage to screen, none so more than Hamlet. Two of the most unique film appropriations of the play are to be found in Rodney Bennett's 1980 film and Kenneth Branagh's 1996 blockbuster. The two films share many parallels between them in both interpretation and method, however they also have marked differences in their respective approaches to the text.    Perhaps the most obvious difference between these two versions is that Branagh uses the full unabridged text whereas Bennett cuts the play down by an hour or so; Kenneth Branagh justifies his use of the full text on the BBC's website stating: "When you cut the play ... what often happens is that you compress a lot of very intense set pieces and it becomes unbearable to watch. You simply fail to take some things in because you need a breath."    Another marked difference in the two versions lies in the focus of the two films. Bennett's Hamlet focuses almost entirely on the character of Hamlet himself and the domestic tragedy that occurs around him. An example of this in the film how Derek Jacobi as Hamlet speaks directly to the camera while in soliloquy. This establishes a certain rapport between Hamlet and the viewer, as if he is speaking directly to them, this also makes the film seem more theatrical in a sense. Branagh de-centres the story from around Hamlet and focuses on the wider situation, particularly with regards to Denmark's political situation. In this appropriation Hamlet is merely one player among many. This interpretative decision is reflected in the casting of the film; Kenneth Branagh takes the title role among severa... ...rbook vol.8: Hamlet on Screen, Ed.H. Klein & D. Daphinoff, Edwin Mellen Press, 1997 Sauer, David Kennedy. `Suiting the Word to the Action: Kenneth Branagh's interpolations in Hamlet', Shakespeare Yearbook vol.8: Hamlet on Screen, Ed.H. Klein & D. Daphinoff, Edwin Mellen Press, 1997 Wilmeth, Thomas L. `Fortinbras on Film: Safe Passage for the Prince', Shakespeare Yearbook vol.8: Hamlet on Screen, Ed.H. Klein & D. Daphinoff, Edwin Mellen Press, 1997 Audio Visual Bennett, Rodney. Hamlet, Shakespeare W., BBC Education, 1980 Branagh, Kenneth. Hamlet, Shakespeare W., Castle Rock Entertainment, 1996 Internet Resources `The Filming of Hamlet - Text Interpretation'. BBC Education, 15/03/02 http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/hamlet.html `Cineaste Branagh Interview', Cineaste Film Review, 15/03/02 http://www.cineaste.com   

Rational Theory

This paper introduces Rational System Perspectives in relations to four promin ent schools of organization theory; which are Taylor’s scientific management, Fayol’s general principles of management, Weber’s theory of bureaucracy and Simon’s discussion on administrative behavior. Rational System Perspectives There are two key elements characterizing rational systems: 1) Goal Specificity Specific goals support rational behavior in organizations by providing guideli nes on structural design, which leads to specify what tasks are to be performe d and how resources are to be allocated. ) Formalization Formalization is an attempt to make behavior more predictable by standardizing and regulating. Formalization provides stable expectation, which is a precond ition to rationality. Selected schools The author related rational system perspectives to four schools of organizatio nal theories. Taylor’s Scientific Management (1911) Taylor Scientifically analyzed t asks performed by individual workers and disco vered the best procedure that would produce the maximum output with the minimu m input of resources.His attempts (to rationalize labor at level of the indiv idual worker )led to changes in the entire structure of work arrangement. Ther efore, efficiency improved. His four principles includes: 1) Develop a science for each element of an individual’s work. 2) Scientifically select and train workers. 3) Heartily cooperate with workers to ensure that each work is done as plan. 4) Divide work and responsibilities between management and workers. Taylor also proposed the use of incentive system based on performance as a mot ivation tool.Arguments: 1) Workers resisted time-study procedures that attempt to standardize every as pect of their performance. 2) Workers rejected incentive system requiring them to perform continuously at a peak level of efficiency. Fayol’s Administrative Theory (1916) Fayol emphasized management functions by proposing broad administrative principles as guidelines to achieve rationalization of organizational activiti es. Fayol’s and other supporters believed in two main types of management activi ties. ) Coordination includes any elements related to collaborations of individuals such as scalar chain, unity of command, span of control and exception princip le. 2) Specialization involves various activities distributed among positions abou t how such positions can most effectively be grouped into work units. For exam ple, departmentalization, line-staff principle. Arguments: Herbert Simon was one of the main opponents of this theory. He commenced that so-called principles are truthful, but not realistic. Thus, they are inapplica ble (details will be discussed).Weber’s Theory of Bureaucracy (1922) Weber developed a theory of authority structures and describes organizational activity on the basis of authority relations. By building the structure, task responsibilities and de cision-making authorities would be clearly defined. He proposed that rational-legal authority (the authority a person possesses be cause of his/her position in an organization, not because of wealth, social st atus or individual’s admirable character) provides the value to develop the u niversal authority structure called â€Å"bureaucracy†.Weber’s ideal bureaucracy principles includes: 1) Division of labor. Jobs are broken down into simple, routine, and well-defi ned tasks. 2) Authority hierarchy. Positions are organized in a hierarchy, each lower one being controlled and supervised by a higher one. 3) Formal selection. Members are selected on the basis of technical qualificat ions (training, education of formal examination). 4) Formal rules and regulations. Managers must depend on formal rules to ensur e uniformity. 5) Impersonality. There is no personal preference of employees. ) Career orientation. Managers do not own the units they manage. They work fo r sa lary and pursue their careers. Arguments There are self-contradictions in Weber’s principles. 1) Management based on discipline: individuals obey the rules and orders becau se they regard the rules and orders as methods to fulfill organizational goals . Therefore, obedience is a mean to an end. 2) Management based on bureaucracy: individuals obey the rules because rules a re considered as commands, setting aside their judgements. Thus, obedience is an end itself.Simon’s Theory of Administrative Behavior (1958) Simon proposed a more realistic view related to rational system perspectives b y pointing out the boundaries (limits and constraints) on how rational manager s can be in making decisions. He introduced the term â€Å"bounded rationality†. Rather than pursuing all alternatives to identify the best solution that would maximize returns, managers will choose the solution that appears to solve the problem, even though they realized the chosen solution is not th e best one, d ue to time/cost constraints and other limitations.Furthermore, Simon clarified the process by which goal specificity and formali zation contribute to rational behavior in organization. Goal specificity: He introduced â€Å"means-ends chains† which establish a hierar chy of goals. According to organizational level, each level of activity is con sidered as an end relative to the levels below it and as a mean relative to th e level above it. Formalization: Simon believed formalized structure supports rational decision making in the sense that formalization simplifies a border of responsibilities among participants and provides participants with guidelines to handle them.Conceptual Framework (means) (ends) Formalization Goal Specificity Input Output Rational System Conclusion 1. Rationality in this paper can be viewed in two senses as follows: 1. 1) Technical or Functional rationality which can be attained through a serie s of actions (means) which lead to predeterm ined goals (ends) with maximum eff iciency. In short, Technical or Functional rationality emphasizes instrumental means-ends efficiency. Taylor’s and Fayol’s theories are related to rationa lity in this sense. 1. ) Formal rationality which can be derived through imposing rules an regulations to organization. Weber defined bureaucracy as rational in this sen se. 2. Level of Analysis 1. 1) Social psychological level. Taylor and Simon focus on individual participants as they perform tasks or make decision. 1. 2) Structural level. Fayol and Weber attempt to analyze the characteristics of organizational structures. Direction for my further research According to the paper above, I would like to examine which ideas of the above theories are still applicable to current information technology era.Furtherm ore, adding to my personal interest in strategic management, I would like to a nalyze how classical theories influence managers on strategic decision-making. Please see the su mmarized table in the next page. Table: Summarize and compare four organization theories. Taylor Fayol Weber Simon Year introduced 1911 1916 1922 1958 Means l Scientifically analyzed tasks performed by individual workers. l Concer ned with management at the shop levels l Generated broad administration princi ples. l Focused on activities of all managers l Described organizational activi ty on the basis of authority relations. Proposed rational-legal authority as a value to develop bureaucracy. l Proposed â€Å"bounded rationality† individuals have limits (boundaries) on how rational they can be. l Introduced means-ends chains. Ends Max. efficiency by using one best way. Max. efficiencyby using management expertise Max. efficiency by using bureaucratic structure Choose a fairly goo d solution, not optimal one. Assumptions Technical & Functional Rationality Technical & Functional Rational ity Formal Rationality Bounded rationalityLevel of Analysis Social Psychological Structura l Structural SocialPsychologic al Arguments 1) Workers resistedTime-study procedures, attempting to standardize every aspect of performance. 2) Workers rejected incentive system, requiring th em to perform continuously at a peak of efficiency. 1) So-called principles ar e truthful, but not realistic. 2) Simon: Due to limitations & constraints, the se principles are not thoroughly applicable. Self-contradictions 1) Based on d iscipline: Obedience is a mean to an end. 2) Based on bureaucracy: Obedience is an end itself.

How to Negotiate Your Salary in an Interview

How to Negotiate Your Salary in an Interview In negotiations, the first person to blink usually loses. The same goes for salary negotiations. If you name a number first, you’ll never know how high the hiring manager might have gone to win you. Here are five sneaky ways an interviewer will get you to answer the money question, and how to avoid them.Q: â€Å"What is the salary range you’re expecting?†Your ideal answer: â€Å"I’d like to get a better sense of the requirements before I commit to a number. Just so I can make sure I have a sense of what you need.†Q: â€Å"How much did you make at your last job?†Your ideal answer:  Don’t answer it. Say instead: â€Å"First I want to make sure I understand the ways in which this position’s responsibilities will differ from those of my former position. Let’s discuss the details before we agree on a fair amount.†Q: â€Å"What are you hoping for in terms of salary?†Your ideal answer:  This is basically the sa me as the first question. If they’ve already asked some version of this, try this answer, and keep deflecting: â€Å"I’m sure whatever you’re offering will be commensurate with the going market rate for this position.† This puts the burden of fairness on them.Q: â€Å"In order to make you an offer, I’ll need to know your requirements.†Your ideal answer:  False! Resist! Deflect again! How about: â€Å"Let’s start with what you have budgeted for this position and then we can discuss from there.†Q: â€Å"Why don’t you want to disclose your salary requirements?†Your ideal answer:  This is quite the bold one, and not all that common. At this point, it’s okay to fight fire with fire. Try: â€Å"I’d really like to get a sense of what this position is worth to your company before I make any commitments.†As tough as it is to be tough, it will pay out in the long run. You may feel awkward about taki ng such a hard line, but your interviewer will respect you as someone not to be trifled with. You might even win yourself the offer with your negotiating prowess.

Japanese language patterns differ from American English patterns

Japanese language patterns differ from American English patterns Free Online Research Papers Title: Japanese language patterns differ from American English patterns The Japanese language has a different word order from English. English, as we know, is a subject-verb-object language. While there are some exceptions to this structure (One swallow does not a summer make; Great oaks from little acorns grow.), most spoken and written utterances follow this pattern. Japanese, however, has a different word order: subject-object-verb. If I were to ask someone how they were, I would say, â€Å"Kenki, desska?† Literally translated, this utterance would be rendered as â€Å"(You) well are?† This difference in word order makes Japanese for Americans a more challenging language to learn than, say, Spanish which hews to virtually the same underlying structure as English. Japanese has a few other differences worth mentioning here. Japanese is basically a syllable-timed language. In other words, syllables in Japanese generally get the same amount of stress. English is a stress-timed language. Syllables get unequal stress within words and certain words get less stress than others. Function words (articles, prepositions) in English get less stress generally. The Japanese language lacks articles and prepositions get the same amount of stress as other words within an utterance. Research Papers on Japanese language patterns differ from American English patterns19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraHip-Hop is ArtQuebec and CanadaAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropeThree Concepts of PsychodynamicStandardized TestingPETSTEL analysis of IndiaMind Travel

New Mexico Recollection #6 Example

New Mexico Recollection #6 Example New Mexico Recollection #6 – Essay Example Task New Mexico Recollection by Marsden Hartley Marsden Hartley can be described as the most enduring painters of early Americanmodernity. He created some of the most intriguing works during his sojourns in Mexico (1932) and New Mexico. As a restless New Englander roaming the globe in search of styles and subjects, he located the desert landscapes, bright light, vast vistas and unusual topography of Mexico and the Southwest frustrating and challenging. Therefore, he applied avant-garde concepts to localized subjects (Alexandre 1). The significance of his works and his diverse role in the field is evident in his Mexico and New Mexico collection. Hartley thought he had located his superlative subject theme in regions in the Southwest. However, Mexico appeared to present answers for a short period. His collection shows a search for aesthetic inspiration. For instance, he incorporates elements of Cezanne-like still life, which he experienced in Paris. He also dabbled in mystical writings and arts and gained inspiration from Gertrude Stein, an expatriate patron. He also uses elements of cleanliness, modernity and orderliness, which he learnt while in Berlin. His collection also shows paintings reliant on American-Indian designs and objects drawn from his experience and knowledge gained from visits to Indian Museums in Berlin and New York (Alexandre 1). He intertwined Native American symbols and artifacts into primitive and flat patterns and employed triangles and large curves reminiscent of the Berlin pictures. His New Mexico collection appears as a direct response to the austere and vast mountainous landscapes. His work is characterized by muscular and bold marks besides deep emotional, spiritual connections and brilliant raw colors (Alexandre 1). This collaborates to outline the surroundings, and the notions on the American landscape. These New Mexico Recollections present an extended involvement and attraction with the American landscape after he showed assimilat ion with European abstraction and modernity. Alexandre Gallery. Marsden Hartley, New Mexico 1918-1920. An American Discovering America. Alexandre Gallery. 2003. Web. 11th March 2012 http://alexandregallery.com/exhibitions/pressRelease/56

Reflection on Major Paper #1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Reflection on Major Paper #1 - Essay Example I was also able to develop a thesis statement on the first paragraph. The thesis statement was on analysis of the factors that influence oral participation in a foreign language class and its relations with English language development. Additionally, i was able to come up with a topic sentence in each paragraph. This helped in giving direction the rest part of the paragraph would take. Further, the topic sentence at the beginning of the paragraph helped in ensuring that the rest of the paragraph covered the same issue. Hence, there was no mixing of ideas in one paragraph. The other easy part was in coming up with a conclusion. The conclusion helped me demonstrate ability to analyse the issue. As a result, i was able to bring all the issues discussed in the body together. However, the most challenging thing was in finding sources. I had no idea of where to get the correct information that was credible on the topic. I had to roam from one search engine to another. This made it difficult to collect and analyse information that was credible. In conclusion, this first writing exposed me to many things. I believe it laid the foundation for me conducting more research on several issues. Moreover, I believe I will be able to work on few challenges such as searching for information and some punctuation errors that emerged in this

History-wk 6 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

History-wk 6 - Essay Example In other words, like a computer, the individual assumes "garbage in, garbage out" (DeMar, 1989, p. 1). The final assumption is that Behaviorism is manipulative in that it seeks to control and predict human behavior instead of understanding it (DeMar, 1989). Skinner felt that behavior could be shaped through controlling a system of rewards and punishments. Done correctly, an individual could control patients, professors could control students, and an individual could control entire nations (DeMar, 1989). He believed that this would lead to the ability to shape behavior in any way that was necessary. Skinner did not seem to care what others thought about his work because he was confident about his experiments and his writing. He made "confident assertions" about "economic, social, political and religious issues (Reeve, 2009, p. 343). He made many people angry but they still used his methods to dispute his claims. As an example, the Brelands experiments found the concept of "instinctive drift" (Reeve, p. 342). Their experiments included pigs and other animals that were able to use their instincts instead of reinforced behaviors whether they used food to reinforce behavior or they used other types of reinforcement. Skinner contributed many things to psychology. Between the 1950s and 1980s he shaped American Psychology more directly than other psychologists. He received several prestigious medals and recognitions for his work because he was most interested in improving human lives and society as a whole. His only regret was that people did not adopt his methods as easily or quickly as he thought they would do. Malone (2003) gives many ways in which Skinners work influenced contemporary psychology. One influence was that behavior is a choice rather than conditioned. In order to understand consequences or behaviors, researchers (and others) had to take into consideration what the behavior was

Multinational Cost of Capital Literature review

Multinational Cost of Capital - Literature review Example The paper argues that existing financial paradigms are inadequate to the phenomenon of multinational companies. Additionally, the paper discusses the influence of different features of internationalized markets on the cost of capital of multinational companies. According to Adler, in its simplest form, a multinational company is a parent company that has at least one subsidiary abroad (Adler 1973). Conversely, when debating the financial challenges of multinational companies, most scholars normally assume that there are at least two affiliates abroad and the parent company at home forming the multinational company (Etienne 1977).  From a legal perspective, most multinational subsidiaries are independent companies (Kuemmerle 2005). On the other hand, from an ownership viewpoint multinational subsidiaries link directly or through an intermediate subsidiary to the parent company (Choi 1981). Therefore, multinational companies are an amalgamation of companies led by the parent company and connected by shareholdings between the companies.  A firm’s capital structure consists of debt and equity (Buttler 2012). The cost of retained earnings mirrors an opportunity cost, which is what shareholders would have earned if they received dividends and invested themselves. Firms’ cost of issuing new stock also mirrors an opportunity cost, which are the foregone earnings that shareholders would have earned by investing elsewhere other than in the stock (Berk 2007). The cost of issuing new stock exceeds the cost of retained

Literacy Programs for all Grade Levels Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Literacy Programs for all Grade Levels - Essay Example each individual learning has his or her own learning curve that is followed by the mind of each person. In this case, it should be recognized that each individual has his or her own pace of learning that must be carefully carried through in considering the different procedures that would help one get the grip of the most important lessons he need to know as he tries to be literate with his own language. 3 This is the reason why there is a continuous search for the best kind of literacy program that is general enough to serve all the needs of students from all grade levels. The generality of this program makes it much applicable both on the part of the teachers or the educators handling the students at school and also that of the parents handling the learning needs of their children at home. As noted earlier, children of different a... It could be noted how the mind of each child responds differently to the learning presentations provided by their instructors. For this reason, each child needs to reserve personal attention so as to assure that the subjects ought to be understood are to be given the right attention that they deserve. How could this be practically done The cooperation of the parents with regards the learning program set for their children is a very important factor to consider. This is perhaps the reason why many governments around the world settle for programs that directly involve the parents' participation that would likely increase the level of learning expertise of their children towards the understanding they need to have in connection with literacy and knowledgeable use of language.4 Presented below is a likely general program that could be used as a literacy enhancement procedure among different schools that handle different grade levels. DURATION ACTIVITIES SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL DIRECTIONS REMARKS AND EXPECTATIONS 1 YEAR PROGRAM FOR ALL GRADES IN AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION 1st Quarter Parent-Teacher Acquaintance Meeting Here, the teachers and parents would have either a group session meeting or an individual interview [whichever is much preferred by both parties]; this would provide both teachers and parents to have a better understanding on the level of learning that their children have. Likely, the connection they would be able to establish could help both parties in assessing the problems and possible issues that may occur during the one year learning schedule of the children. Through this particular step, it is expected that the teachers

Engineering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Engineering - Essay Example I have always had interest in construction. Since my childhood, I used to draw pictures of structures like homes and buildings in MS-Paint. Later, I learnt how to draw them on Auto-CAD. I have all the interest and the sense of creativity it takes to come up with unique designs and styles of construction, but that is not sufficient unless my structures are structurally safe to live in. This is what I primarily want to gain the knowledge of Civil Engineering for. Once I have gained my degree, I intend to establish my own construction firm through which, I shall take projects and execute them using my knowledge of design and analysis of structures as well as project management. I believe that Civil Engineering can never run out of scope because the demolishing and reconstruction has always been an essential part of development nearly all over the world. So I would have plentiful opportunities of work wherever I

Commodification & Globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Commodification & Globalization - Essay Example Technology has transformed our world in such a way that words like national identity, local news, local economy, local culture and isolated catastrophe or calamity are fast becoming meaningless. Though Globalization has been defined by many in their own perspectives for political, traditional and intellectual motives, we will only consider the popular understanding of globalization. Packaging, pricing, marketing and ultimately selling something that was never a sellable commodity is generally known as a process of commodification. Commodification has its roots in the far spread capitalism around the world. Capitalism according to a popular belief (Gamble, 2001), is one of the ramifications of globalization. The phenomenon of commodification mines the commonly found objects, ideas, resources, culture and experiences in our daily lives and creates a monetary value for the previously un-commoditized entity. Such a process triggers a hunt for entities that can be commoditized since it en tails profits. In a capitalist world where the accumulation of wealth is prevalent, such a hunt can mean exhaustion of minable entities for commodification. Exhaustion of commoditize able resources is succinctly outlined by Jeremy Rifkin (2001), If the capitalist system continues to absorb large parts of the cultural realm into its sphere in the form of commodified cultural products, productions, and experiences, the risk is very real that the culture will atrophy to the point where it can no longer produce enough social capital and thus support an economy (p. 245). Online Multiplayer Gaming over the internet is fast becoming a commodity of a globalized world. Though internet experience in itself is a commodity but socializing over the internet via chat rooms, voice chat, social networks and emails has not been a commodity for some years now. The online multiplayer gaming today is charged from pay per hour to pay per year payment models. There exist more clever ways of commodifying the gaming experience that we will look into detail in the coming paragraphs. The commodity harvesters of the internet economy are quickly realizing the money making potential of Social Gaming, the internet games that involve players from around the globe. The very core of internet gaming experience involves real human interaction where the players may know each other; this adds a social dimension to the mix. The growing trend in size of internet gaming, amount of time people spend playing such games and lastly the viable business model that backs any internet application, are major factors that has helped commodification grow in online multiplayer gaming world. Advertisement is an essential step in commodifying something. One such example can be land commodification in over populated countries like China (Xu et. al, 2009), where masses are implanted with a dream of owning a lavish house at attractive locations thus creating a hyped value for irrigable or unused land which otherwise has a lesser value. Such a concept when applied to online multiplayer games, yields astounding value for otherwise a very cost technology. A comprehensive example that has stretched the concept of commodification and globalization to its maximum is called â€Å"Second Life†. The game has its own economy that runs through a currency known as â€Å"

Literacy Programs for all Grade Levels Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Literacy Programs for all Grade Levels - Essay Example each individual learning has his or her own learning curve that is followed by the mind of each person. In this case, it should be recognized that each individual has his or her own pace of learning that must be carefully carried through in considering the different procedures that would help one get the grip of the most important lessons he need to know as he tries to be literate with his own language. 3 This is the reason why there is a continuous search for the best kind of literacy program that is general enough to serve all the needs of students from all grade levels. The generality of this program makes it much applicable both on the part of the teachers or the educators handling the students at school and also that of the parents handling the learning needs of their children at home. As noted earlier, children of different a... It could be noted how the mind of each child responds differently to the learning presentations provided by their instructors. For this reason, each child needs to reserve personal attention so as to assure that the subjects ought to be understood are to be given the right attention that they deserve. How could this be practically done The cooperation of the parents with regards the learning program set for their children is a very important factor to consider. This is perhaps the reason why many governments around the world settle for programs that directly involve the parents' participation that would likely increase the level of learning expertise of their children towards the understanding they need to have in connection with literacy and knowledgeable use of language.4 Presented below is a likely general program that could be used as a literacy enhancement procedure among different schools that handle different grade levels. DURATION ACTIVITIES SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL DIRECTIONS REMARKS AND EXPECTATIONS 1 YEAR PROGRAM FOR ALL GRADES IN AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION 1st Quarter Parent-Teacher Acquaintance Meeting Here, the teachers and parents would have either a group session meeting or an individual interview [whichever is much preferred by both parties]; this would provide both teachers and parents to have a better understanding on the level of learning that their children have. Likely, the connection they would be able to establish could help both parties in assessing the problems and possible issues that may occur during the one year learning schedule of the children. Through this particular step, it is expected that the teachers

Commodification & Globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Commodification & Globalization - Essay Example Technology has transformed our world in such a way that words like national identity, local news, local economy, local culture and isolated catastrophe or calamity are fast becoming meaningless. Though Globalization has been defined by many in their own perspectives for political, traditional and intellectual motives, we will only consider the popular understanding of globalization. Packaging, pricing, marketing and ultimately selling something that was never a sellable commodity is generally known as a process of commodification. Commodification has its roots in the far spread capitalism around the world. Capitalism according to a popular belief (Gamble, 2001), is one of the ramifications of globalization. The phenomenon of commodification mines the commonly found objects, ideas, resources, culture and experiences in our daily lives and creates a monetary value for the previously un-commoditized entity. Such a process triggers a hunt for entities that can be commoditized since it en tails profits. In a capitalist world where the accumulation of wealth is prevalent, such a hunt can mean exhaustion of minable entities for commodification. Exhaustion of commoditize able resources is succinctly outlined by Jeremy Rifkin (2001), If the capitalist system continues to absorb large parts of the cultural realm into its sphere in the form of commodified cultural products, productions, and experiences, the risk is very real that the culture will atrophy to the point where it can no longer produce enough social capital and thus support an economy (p. 245). Online Multiplayer Gaming over the internet is fast becoming a commodity of a globalized world. Though internet experience in itself is a commodity but socializing over the internet via chat rooms, voice chat, social networks and emails has not been a commodity for some years now. The online multiplayer gaming today is charged from pay per hour to pay per year payment models. There exist more clever ways of commodifying the gaming experience that we will look into detail in the coming paragraphs. The commodity harvesters of the internet economy are quickly realizing the money making potential of Social Gaming, the internet games that involve players from around the globe. The very core of internet gaming experience involves real human interaction where the players may know each other; this adds a social dimension to the mix. The growing trend in size of internet gaming, amount of time people spend playing such games and lastly the viable business model that backs any internet application, are major factors that has helped commodification grow in online multiplayer gaming world. Advertisement is an essential step in commodifying something. One such example can be land commodification in over populated countries like China (Xu et. al, 2009), where masses are implanted with a dream of owning a lavish house at attractive locations thus creating a hyped value for irrigable or unused land which otherwise has a lesser value. Such a concept when applied to online multiplayer games, yields astounding value for otherwise a very cost technology. A comprehensive example that has stretched the concept of commodification and globalization to its maximum is called â€Å"Second Life†. The game has its own economy that runs through a currency known as â€Å"

Good sameritan essay Essay Example for Free

Good sameritan essay Essay Should being a Good Samaritan be a law? This is a question that many people do not think about everyday. In my opinion, I believe that there should not be a law on being a Good Samaritan. I believe this because; there should not be a law that causes human beings to put their lives at risk, only to save another’s. This may sound selfish but it is also the truth. Do you think its right for human beings to put their livea at risk to save anothers? The Good Samaritans USA are afraid to Act article states â€Å"They are imposing on us a duty to assist, provided we don’t put ourselves at risk. † (Sjoerdsma Paragraph 4) This means that if we have to be Good Samaritans then there is a chance that we are putting ourselves at risk. There is a chance that we could die. Therefore, there is a chance that there would be many deaths at a cause of this law. If you have a special relationship between the victims, then of course it would only be logical for you to help the person in need. For example, â€Å"certain people have a duty to take care of others†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Sjoerdsma Paragraph 9) This would be like between a doctor and a patient. Then it would be the doctor’s duty to make sure that the patient is taken care of. Also the article states â€Å"instead of compelling reluctant incompetent people to intervene, we should concentrate in protecting Good Samaritans who act now without force of law.† (Sjoerdsma Paragraph 6) Here we can clearly see that humans can be good people without law forcing them to do so. It would be better for all of the US to feel like they are doing a good deed by being a Good Samaritan rather than a requirement. Therefore, it shouldn’t be a requirement for US citizens to always be a hero and do an act of kindness. This law would put not only one life at risk but the lives of many others at risk.

Case Report Of Carlton Hotel Company Tourism Essay

Case Report Of Carlton Hotel Company Tourism Essay Introduction Executive Summary Ritz Carlton was founded by Mr. Cesar Ritz who initially worked in finest Hotels and restaurants in Paris. He owned grand Hotel Ritz and within one year he expanded wings in London and opened Hotel Carlton which became Ritz Carlton Hotel Company. He believed in excellent personalized services which satisfied the discerning guest. Ritz Carlton expanded to North America and ownership changed during 1983 to Johnson Company. During 1983 1987 Ritz Carlton expanded domestically and internationally under new ownership.  [i]   During 1997 Marriott International purchased Ritz Carlton and by 2000 it became primarily a management company operating 38 Hotels and resorts worldwide with minority stake in 10 properties and outright ownership of 3 hotels. The company used to obtain management contracts for new hotels and resorts around the world. Over the years hotel conglomerate won acclaimed for its services and had been awarded Best Hotel in Asia Pacific in the eight Business Traveler Asia / Pacific magazine Travel Awards Subscribe Survey and for two consecutive years Best Business Hotel in Malaysia. The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company for the first time now wants to open a hotel in historic Foggy Bottom district of Washington D C in Multi Use facility complex owned by Millennium Partners. The Hospitality Complex is 162 Luxury Condominiums, sports club, splash Spa, three restaurant, and 40,000 square feet of street -level restaurants and retail shops and 300-room hotel. Millennium partners founded in 1990 that set up high end luxury apartments and Lincoln square four building complex in New York was their first project and exhibited their future intensions. Millennium partners ended up in hotel business. In this case study Essence of Ritz-Carlton experience, the Ritz-Carlton selling, how the Ritz-Carlton creates Ladies and Gentlemen in only 7 days. Also McBride, Ritz-Carlton GM, to lengthen the amount of time spent on training hotel employees before hotel opening. McBride should consider a total overhaul of the hotel opening process. Products and Services Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company develops and Operates luxury hotels. Hotels are designed and identified to appeal to and suit the requirements of major customers including meeting event planners, Business travelers and leisure travelers. Ritz- Carlton set out to open any new hotel Ritz-Carlton including detailed analysis of site selection, new product and service development and feasibility study. The detailed analysis also includes target customers, their needs and expectations. The each hotel customized to meet local market demand. Innovation through make use of latest technology for enhancing customer satisfaction level Link restaurant services through internet KobaltExpress.com. It allows customers to decide menus ahead of time and also select the choice of table. Differential aesthetic look and best quality interior was few of the additional features. Core Values Business Model Following are the core values and Business model exist at Ritz Carlton: Core values: Trust, honesty, integrity and commitment. A great emphasizing on human resources, believes it important and biggest assets Foster work environment to fulfill individual aspirations Focus on Service but not sales Guest greets at Airport with mimosas and discount coupons on a silver tray Airport check in concierge Techno savvy to ensure customers needs satisfied Event Planners Ritz -Carlton managed properties for Millennium partners who were one of several hotel owners. Ritz Carlton charged management fees of 3% of total revenue besides wholly owned luxury hotels around the world. The customer segment was Independent travelers and Meeting Event planners. The key success indicators of hotel business were Average Daily Rate and Revenue per Available Room. Independent travelers were influenced through special services like providing discounting coupons at airports, created hotel room at airport and also introduced Technology Butler. The specialized services increased customer convenience and outpaced the competition. The nature of services is perishable and individual travelers are aiding in profitability. The event business / meeting business are growing and desirable for the sustainable profitability. The management contracts tend to meet needs of owners and operators. Quality at Ritz Carlton: Ritz Carlton has a great emphasizing on human resources. Robust HRM practices envisage right people for the right job and inducted to become perfect lady and gentleman. The total quality management philosophy began to permeate the organization. Company focused on new activities and measures including quality standards, continuous improvements for delivering better service quality. New programs designed to meet customer specific need and service quality indicators. The Quality policy believes in Exceeding Standards. Warm and sincere greeting, anticipation and compliances of guest needs and warm good bye are key service steps. HRM Practices at Ritz Carlton Human resources is critical element in the process for understanding of the service to be delivered and priorities in doing so, are aligned closely with customers expectations and marketing communications by the organization. For managers, the service climate needs to support and reward employees in their efforts to deliver the service product reliably at the promised standard. The value creation for customer If the customer perceives quality of the service to be higher than the cost incurred, the customer receives value. The greater the difference between the quality of service and the cost, greater will be the satisfaction or dissatisfaction. Ritz Carlton turnover rate was 20% compared to hotel industry average rate of 100%. This exhibits how Ritz Carlton cares about their employees and viewthem as one of the important and biggest asset and has passion for the people. Ritz Carlton nurtured and maximizes talent of each individual. Through the extensive formal and informal training employee were prepared to meet current obligations and also higher responsibilities in future. Employees were also trained to meet futuristic obligations and encouraged to cross train and learn about many different aspects. Performance was not only criteria but also managed by the employees themselves. Employees are monitoring their own performance and recognized for outstanding work, which ingrains a competitive advantage not seen not in the same industry but in many others too. Staffing To minimize failure in delivering services, key HRM practices like employee recruitment, selection and training focused and implemented. People having aptitude, talent and attitude to serve people, training schedule made sure to shape out staff for delivering exceptional services. The key of maintaining exceptional service standards was to keep high morale and motivation of each employee. Various tools were used to attract applicants for the various positions include visiting competitors restaurants, advertisement in news papers and visiting hospitality schools. Ritz Carlton job fair was organized for mass recruitment. Aspirants treated well including convenient reaching to destination of job fair, offering snacks and beverages, make them aware about organization. Value System and Service Oriented Approach of Ritz-Carlton The customer service oriented approach has three elements: For whom services and products created who will deliver and how will be delivered. Customer Value Customer relationships and customer loyalty Different communication and pricing strategies Assessment of customer satisfaction and complaints Making customer value more tangible People Role of employees in value creation Nature of competencies required to deliver services Empowerment of employees Reduction of stress Operations and Technology Designing processes to create value Design and location of facilities Role of technology Capacity management The Ritz Carlton having different value and philosophy in business which includes and they operate The Credo, The Motto, The Three Steps of Service, Service Values, the 6th Diamond the Employee Promise. The company is engage in the services oriented which have the unique characteristics for providing the services in order to meet the expectation of the customer. Some of the highlights have been captured depicted below:- Excellence in service not in Selling The Ritz-Carlton Philosophy states as they are not in the hotel business. The Ritz-Carlton is selling an experience, and experience that is based on excellence of service. As stated by Schulze, We are not in the hotel business. The hotel business is about selling rooms, selling food, selling the bar. We do those things incidentally, but our business is service. We charge for service. Our commitment to our customers is excellence in service. Their commitment to customers is excellence in service. Service is their profession. The total service oriented approach. The Credo The Ritz-Carlton Hotel is a place where the genuine care and comfort of guests is the highest mission. Pledge to provide the finest personal service and facilities for guests who will always enjoy a warm, relaxed, yet refined ambience. The Ritz-Carlton experience enlivens the senses, instills well-being, and fulfils even the unexpressed wishes and needs of guests. Motto At The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., We are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen. This motto exemplifies the anticipatory service provided by all staff members. Motto of the company, Employee commitment, The credo, employee promises and twenty basics are gold standards and success mantras. Gold standards reinforced on daily basis in order to build the habits of employees to deliver the highest level of services The three steps of service,- A warm and sincere greeting. Use the guests name. Anticipation and fulfillment of each guests needs Fond farewell give a warm good-bye and use the guests name. Service Values: Employees feel proud To Be Ritz-Carlton as they have opportunity to do following which gives them job satisfaction. The Ritz Carlton is known for service excellence and follow following principals to provide excellent service to their customers.= 1. Employee satisfaction. 2. Leadership involvement. 3. Determination, commitment, and accountability. 4. Attend to voice of the customers. 5. Two-way communication. 6. Freedom to act. 7. Employees as ambassadors. 8. Adapt service recovery model (L.A.S.T.: Listen, Apologize, Solve, and Thank You.) 9. Anticipate needs. 10. Scripting to convey the right message  [ii]   The 6th Diamond is Mystique, Emotional Engagement Functional , these all cared by Ritz- Carlton and known 6th Diamond. Employee Promises At The Ritz-Carlton Ladies and Gentlemen are the most important resource in service commitment to guests. By applying the principles of trust, honesty, respect, integrity and commitment, they nurture and maximize talent to the benefit of each individual and the company. The Ritz-Carlton fosters a work environment where diversity is valued, quality of life is enhanced, individual aspirations are fulfilled, and The Ritz-Carlton Mystique is strengthened.  [iii]   Creating Service Oriented culture through orientation Servitisation approach means bundling goods services and makes a integrated package. This approach more focus on associated services than product Four steps in creating servitisation approach:- Knowing your customers Organizing service delivery systems Making sure employees have appropriate skills Employing technology A services discipline is defined by the following main features: The benefits it offers to customers The need to integrate, manage and deliver processes The importance of establishing and maintaining relationships The Ritz-Carlton As a premium hotel whose utmost mission is to provide genuine care and comfort to guests, The Ritz-Carlton pledges to provide the finest personal service and facilities to the guests who will always enjoy a warm, relaxed yet refined ambience.And this objective can only be fulfilled by satisfied and engaged employees. The three goals of Ritz are financial results, customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction. These goals are not exclusive from each other. They are very closely interrelated. Without satisfied and engaged employees, there is no way to achieve excellent financial results and guest satisfaction. To ensure such high service standards, Management team look for people who will fit the existing culture and see the following qualities in the people. People who share the same values and purpose. People who care for and respect others. People who smile naturally. People who seek a long term relationship. People who have talent for the job Process of Ritz to create Ladies and Gentlemen in only 7 days The seven days countdown was formulated for hotel opening process which was refined during in the process of last several years , this was the new employees first encounter with hotel, which started exactly seven days before the grand opening of the hotel. The first two (2) days were devoted to orienting employees to the company culture and values. The next five days were devoted to more skills training and trial runs of service delivery. To ensure that employees are get aligned with organization mission and core values. Trainers from 23 nationalities The orientation process is slow and thorough, and ensures that the employees are aligned with the organizations mission and a great deal of focus is kept on the conveying the values of the organization. The trainers for the orientation program are gathered from 23 different countries, all considered the best of the best in their role within the organization. These trainers are responsible for ensuring that each employee is at the required level or standard in their specific job function at the hotel. Schulze addresses the new team by stating, You are not servants. We are not servants. Our profession is service. We are ladies and gentleman. We are ladies and gentleman and should be respected as such. He conveys a message of unity, a message of equality and team work during his address, and he again insists that We are ladies and gentleman serving ladies and gentleman, as per the Ritz Carlton motto. The Ritz-Carlton employed the Gold Standards to ensure this message was communicated effectively to all employees; the Gold Standard included The Credo, The Three Steps of Service, The Motto, The Employee Promise and the Twenty Basics to ensure employees were focused on the organizations values. Through continuous communication and brain storming session and directives from top to down level and intensive training, skill development and an aligned HRM strategy, within 7 days the Ritz-Carlton managed to create ladies and gentleman out of their employees. The steps for making Ladies and Gentleman Training and daily line-up: During the first two days employees were aware, trained and dipped into the culture and values of the organization and remaining five days devoted to specific skill training and trial runs of service delivery ensuring everything perfect and meeting service standards. The orientation process ensures aligns the worker with the mission of company and ensured service philosophy ingrained in all its employees, they ingrained the message that all employees are in the service business and not the hotel business. The executive team and Human Resources explain The Ritz-Carlton Credo, Employee Promise, and 12 Service Values. After that, they will receive 30 days of training from a certified trainer from the department. On Day 21, new employees are asked to give the management feedback on how they can improve their training program for future training and recertification. In addition, every employee gets a minimum of 130 hours of training every year, which spans training for his or her department, company culture, and language and computer skills. Day 365 is recognition of one year of loyal service and is an opportunity to reinforce the hotels culture. Every employee will also go through annual recertification after they pass written tests, role-play and interviews on culture and skill. Daily line-up is a daily briefing to reiterate the companys standard and convey important business messages. It takes place every morning in each department. While each department may conduct briefings differently, the message they convey is the same worldwide: they will talk about one of the 12 Service Values. Listening and communication: Communication is important and creates abundant opportunities to interact with employees beginning with the interview and continuing through monthly breakfast meetings and his daily rounds of the hotel: Human Resources also holds a monthly feedback session with randomly selected employees for 1 to 1.5 hours to discuss their concerns. Overall, every employee has one opportunity every year to speak with the General Manager or HR Director in private. In addition, the hotel conducts annual employee satisfaction surveys, and on an ongoing basis, collects opinions on employee issues and posts them in public areas identifying those responsible for solving them. The executive team then notes the number of issues solved and measures the satisfaction of the employees. Empowerment and continuous improvement: Employees are also encouraged to be innovative and creative when it comes to improving their jobs. Money is not the key motivator; employees are rewarded for improving the goals measured by guest satisfaction, financial performance and employee satisfaction at year-end. Employees are rewarded and recognized for their outstanding customer service.  [iv]   Information support: Through their numerous interactions with guests throughout their stay like check in, room service, and housekeeping, employees continuously record guest preferences and needs in Guest Preference Forms. Every night, such preferences and needs are entered into The Ritz-Carltons worldwide database Project Mystique, so whenever guests make a reservation at a Ritz-Carlton hotel, their needs and preferences are known and taken care of. Reward and recognition: At The Portman Ritz-Carlton, employees are recognized and rewarded both financially and non-financially. Mark DeCocinis believes if you want your people to be the best, you must pay them top market salaries. While money is not the key motivator, employees are rewarded for improving the goals measured by guest satisfaction, financial performance and employee satisfaction at year end. Employees are rewarded and recognized for their outstanding customer service. Every quarter, a Five-Star Employee Award is granted; with the winner receiving a five-night stay for two at a Ritz-Carlton anywhere in the world, along with round-trip tickets for two and US$500 allowance. At Ritz -Carlton human resources are very well planned they treat with hospitality. As per their President who says you are not servant. We are not servant. Our profession is service. We are ladies and gentleman, just as the guests are whom we respect as ladies and gentleman. If you impart such culture be sure you will create ladies and gentle to serve. Give the respect take the respect, which costs nothing only wins, the heart of the customer who is taking the service will have regards for the service provider. Employee orientation schedule Employee orientation is key part of the training and development process which introduces employees to the jobs, colleagues and organization. Researchers have found that formal orientation can achieve significant cost savings by reducing anxiety of new employees, fostering positive attitudes, job satisfaction and sense of commitment at the start of the employment relationship. The 7 day countdown was a Hallmark of Ritz Carltons well defined hotel opening process which synchronized all steps leading to the opening of a new hotel.  It was Ritz Carltons orientation process aimed at aligning the employee with the vision and mission of the organization. The 7 day orientation process was standardized and ensured that Ritz Carlton has the right employees to support its vision which was Excellent Personalized Service. The seven day countdown was a worldwide best practice for the organization but in our opinion McBride should lengthen the 7 day countdown because of the following reasons: Current difficulty faced in training new hires to meet the high expectation of Ritz Carltons standards in only 7 days. An increase in the training period would help employees understand their role in achieving the key success factors and creating the The Ritz Carlton Mystique. By lengthening the 7 day countdown the service could become flawless which in turn could help translate the 5% dissatisfied customers to satisfied customers. This would result in occupancy going up from 80% to 88% due to increase in satisfaction level translating to $300 million. Extending the 7 day countdown means investing in long standing excellence in areas such as employee orientation and customer oriented training resulting in increased customer engagement and satisfaction. Research on guest-spending patterns indicates that a four percent increase in customer engagement company-wide would generate an extra $40 million in incremental revenue. Employees morale is boosted as they are protected from feeling overwhelmed. A longer employee engagement would also mean further decrease in the annual turnover which stood at 18%. Adults by virtue of having lived longer accumulate greater volume, knowledge and mind-sets. It would help to have more time for the employees to o un-learn and learn new things. Continuous improvement was absolutely critical to keep the commitment to customer for excellence in service and extending the 7 day countdown would help the process. Would help thwart competition from The Four Seasons by offering flawless service which can be achieved by increasing the orientation period. Would help meet the expectations of the Millennium Partners about this hotel offering great great service which means it expected Service par excellence. Thus we believe that Ritz Carlton should therefore increase the length of the orientation to further ingrain service excellence in its new employees which will ensure higher productivity and foster competitiveness. An assessment of 7 days vs 14 days training program 50% occupancy revenue = $5,000,000 Cost of the 7 day training program = $10,00,000 (estimated) 80% occupancy revenue = $8,000,000 Cost of the 14 day training program = $20,00,000 (estimated) Benefit of the program = 3,000,000 Additional Cost = 1000,000 Return On Investment = 300% Every investment including investment for employee training associated with cost and benefit. The cost and benefit mean cost involved in training of employees, direct revenue benefit, intangible benefits. The increase / decrease training schedule also adversely / favorably impact. Ritz Carlton is well known name to the industry and known for service centric approach. Initial Occupancy may not affected by training period but message of customer care approach need to be ingrained. Local culture also affects the training schedule as behavior of individual employees need to framed up in line of the global approach. Change in hotel opening process Change is part of life. World scenario is becoming dynamic and industry is coming up with innovative products to lure customers. In order to stay ahead in competition, Ritz Carlton also need to think differently. The entire training module, customer expectancy needs overhaul of the hotel opening process. The defects need to eliminate within shortest time frame.. Additional training and development will increase the cost but it will build up confidence and set new industry bench mark. Ongoing operation is very different from the opening a new hotel. The opening hotel require two core competencies One is dealing with the development of the site. Human resource processes necessary to get the hotel up running. Ritz-Carlton regarded employees as the cornerstone of its exceptional service culture. The company understood that, as a service organization, the quality of its end product was only as good as the people providing it. Therefore it took care to see that it not only recruited the right kind of employees, but also provided them with the necessary inputs to enable them to provide exceptional service. Although Ritz-Carltons salaries were not significantly higher than those of other comparable organizations in the hospitality industry, the company was a preferred employer because of its organizational culture and the way it treated its employees. Ritz-Carltons organizational culture not only helped the company provide exemplary customer service, but also created an atmosphere where employees felt valued. It is difficult to train new hires to meet the high expectation of the Ritz Carlton service standards in only seven days, but it worked in Ritz Carlton. Training should not be longer which will not be cost effective in the short span of the time. The employees already working should be given chance to in the second opening millennium to avoid taking risk at the opening itself. Recruitment should be done for the Ritz Carlton not for the millennium because the employee can be transferred as per the requirement. The employees of the Millennium partners can be taken for the opening, as the partners employees will feel proud to work jointly as a team. This will give opportunity to the partners employee who knows the brand fame of the Ritz Carlton by giving the Ritz Carlton basics. Ritz-Carlton management takes the following four steps to ensure that employees maintain the companys high standards for quality and service Excellence, as articulated in the Gold Standards: (i) rigorous employee selection process, (ii) employee orientation, (iii) employee training certification, and (iv) continuous coaching. Conclusion The service industry is becoming more competitive. Global aspirations and technological innovations are challenges for the industry. Customers are loyal to the services rather than company. The services need to revisit and provide latest offers. Worlds best organizations believe in beating their own standards and developing innovating products to serve and win customer hearts. 100 % employee pride Joy, Zero customer difficulty and 100% customer loyalty are performance criteria of performance excellence set by Ritz Carlton Hotels. The road map created for performance excellence through strategic planning, leadership, Human resources, Processes Systems, customer focus, information analysis finally business results. Employees groomed and equipped to exceed (Not meet) customer requirements. Regular updating training needs, deliverance evaluation, PDCA (Plan, Do Check, Act) and Z- back approach; unlearning learning approach aided in meeting industry challenges.

Edgar Allan Poe Essay -- essays research papers fc

Edgar Allen Poe Edgar Allan Poe Edgar Allen Poe’s contributions to American literature have become increasingly more prominent as the years have passed. As short fiction has become a more accepted genre in literary circles, Poe’s theories are studied with more passion. Although he lived a rather melancholy life, Poe did experience moments of joy, and desired to capture the beauty through poetic form. Indeed, what he left behind for the literary world was his gifted genus, revealed through his poetry, fiction, and criticism. The darkness that seems to surround Poe’s life began as an infant. Poe was born January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the second son of David and Eliza Poe, but soon after he was born, David abandoned the family. Then two years after that occurrence, Eliza died from tuberculosis. After her death, Edgar, his little sister, Rosalie, and his brother, William, were separated. While William was sent to live with his grandparents, and Rosalie was sent t o a family in Richmond, Virginia, Poe moved to live with John and Fannie Allan (Silverman 1-15). John Allan was a well-known businessman, and Poe was no longer surrounded in poverty. John made sure that Poe was given a good education, and when living in England with the Allan’s, he went to private academies. The then moved back to the states, and Edgar enrolled at the University of Virginia in 1826. When he was there, he spent much of his money, and soon found himself in debt. He asked Mr. Allan to pay for it, but he refused, because he assumed that the debt was due to Poe’s constant gambling and consumption of alcohol (Silverman 29-38). It can be assumed that the greatest contributor to Poe’s disturbance was his addiction to alcohol. His foster family’s status made this problem a shameful vise, and a source of conflict. Poe used drinking as an escape of sorts, and his life was greatly affected by the substance. It disrupted his writing, his first engagem ent, and his time with his foster family. After he left home, he tried to make a life for himself in Boston. He was reunited with his brother, but at the young age of 24 he died which upset Poe very much. His writing became more insistent after being rejecting constantly by newspapers. Soon afterwards, he married his own cousin, Virginia, who was his symbol as the perfect woman. In 1837, he moved to New York, where competed wit... ...erished possession. Finally, he asks once again, whether it is fantasy that is only a dream, or is it that reality itself is but a dream as well. Edgar Allan Poe always seemed to desire creating another world, an artificial creation, but in this process conveys the beauty he always craved for. Poe’s life was one full of despair and depression, which later lead him to create literary masterpieces. Perhaps it was this state of mind which made him appear fearless, allowing him to voice his opinion in spite of the criticism directed at him. In this day and age, his words are to be regarded with a newfound significance, for literature has become a genre in and of itself. His theories on writing will continue to be studied for generations to come. Though his place in literary circles was uncertain in his own time, his place in the literary cannon is undeniable today. Bibliography Hart, James David. The Oxford Composition to American Literature. New York: Oxford University Press, 1983. May, Charles E. Edgar Allan Poe: A Study of the Short Fiction. Boston: Twayne Publications, 1991. Silverman, Kenneth. Edgar Allan Poe: Mournful and Never-ending Remembrance. New York: Harper, 1992.

Essay --

Eddie Martinez 11/30/2013 History 380- History of Rock ‘n’ Roll Research Paper Rock and Roll was one of the biggest musical, cultural, and social. It was one of the biggest events that has changed the face of music. But this incredible change didn’t happen overnight. While the term was coined in the 1950’s, movements had already been rolling in those directions for a few decades. So many genres and styles contributed to the rise of Rock and Roll and to the different ranges of types that stemmed from it. While there are countless styles and artist that contributed to creating the sound and culture and Rock and Roll there are a few groups that particularly embodied the ideals of Rock and Roll and greatly added to its already rich style. Rock and Rolls origins have been highly debated. Because of its significant impact on society, people are very involved and interested on its development and its decline into its various subcategories. Music has always had direct links to the culture and people it emerges from. The styles that predominantly make up the roots of Rock and Roll begin earliest from jazz and most importantly swing in the 1930’s. the time leading up to Rock and Roll coincided with the time leading up to the civil rights movement in the 1960’s. both Rock and Roll as well as the Civil rights movement for African Americans erupted in the 1960’s after many decades of built up tension. The styles that contributed to Rock and Roll are a combination of White and Black styles of music that were fused and came together as early as the 1930’s. Of course when anyone thinks about Rock and Roll they think of the man with full slicked backed hair and a white rhinestone jumpsuit. Elvis Aaron Presley was a singer, musician, and ... ... most original and amazing songs out there. Originally the band felt that their first album was too much pop; there was no meaning in the words. But by the time they released Rubber Records, which they felt was one of their most cohesive and best records, they were at full Beatles swing. It was all them. The band went through quite a genre transition and crossed all kinds of musical styles in the ten years that they were together. They started out as being a skiffle group, they then embraced 50’s rock and roll, folk, country, psychedelic, and yet still popular and unique. It has been said that before this time there had never been a song that could blend so many different styles and components from so many diverse influences could be put together to make something new. At the end, when things were becoming strained in the group, individual tastes began to surface.

Unity day

The little short film on the site titled â€Å"Stile Post† or the telephone game made a little impact on how I view our world today. They start off the film with Miriam the little girl basically picking on Paul, the only colored kid In the class, by saying that Paul never washes, and passing it to the next person. That person then passes that little bit of information to the next kid, who passes It to the next kid, and so on. So this group of children could of Just kept the rumor that Paul never washes going around until It was whispered into Pall's ear.One kid In the circle changes the rumor from Paul never washes to Miriam Is In love with Paul. This film shows that plucking on other races and bullying can be stopped at a young age, one kid from that class stopped the ugly secret and made a funnier one to sort of get back at the little girl. Rumors can be spread so easily In our society and people can put a stop to It by changing the rumor to better the person the rumor Is ab out. The film â€Å"Crutch† was amazing, I loved every second of this film, how Bill Shannon or â€Å"Choirmaster† that has been dealt some bad cards in life has overcame his medical problems.He has a mode of transportation on a skateboard, break dances, and gets around super easily, all while having bilateral hip deformity. Just by listening to him speak in the film, I can tell he loves his life, and nothing really brings him down. It is just a great motivational story for everyone, no matter how bad you believe you think your life is, always remember there is someone out there that has it worst than you and is enjoying every second of their life. So never out yourself down do exactly as Bill said in the film â€Å"Take what is thrown at you in the best way that you can, and evolve your skills in that manner†.

When to Consider a Single-Instance Erp Strategy

Reproduction of this publication in any form without prior written permission is forbidden. The Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Garner disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. Although Garter's research may discuss legal issues related to the information technology business, Garner does not provide legal advice or services and its research should not be construed or used as such.Garner shall have no liability for errors, omissions or inadequacies in the information contained herein or for Interpretations thereof. The opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. WHAT you NEED TO KNOW Adopting a single-instance, single-vendor enterprise resource planning strategy can deliver benefits, but it does not make sense for every organization. It should only be undertaken If you have a good business case for the project and it matches most or all of Garter's single-instance success factors.If the challenges balance or outweigh the success factors, then you should address organizational issues before proceeding. If this Is not feasible, then consider Illimitableness consolidation or a tiered business application strategy. ANALYSIS Most large multinational organizations have a heterogeneous application portfolio hat has built up over time. The portfolio often is made more complex by tactical purchasing and merger and acquisition activity.Senior executives in such organizations are attracted to the idea of standardizing on applications from a single enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendor because of potential operational cost savings and reduced complexity of the IT landscape (see Note 1). Vendor consolidation is often a first step toward instance consolidation. ; A single instance of an application can run all operating companies on a common process template, a ingle release AT ten application Ana a giggle copy AT ten applications dataset, using a cons olidated technical infrastructure.A single-instance strategy can drive cost reductions in several areas, including integration, interfaces, training, support and hardware. In addition, potential benefits may be found in process improvements, better data consistency and improved visibility of information. However, adopting a single-instance, single-vendor ERP strategy is not a task to be undertaken lightly, because it can create disruption in enterprise operations and often involves replacing some systems that are favored by users.Even if the business case appears to support the deployment of a single-instance ERP solution, there still may be significant obstacles to overcome. Certain types of organizations will find it more difficult to realize the benefits of a single-instance ERP strategy because of their culture and infrastructure. See Table 1 to determine whether single-system ERP might work for your organization. Rank yourself against each of the categories. If you have mainly (or exclusively) success factors, then a single-instance ERP strategy is more likely to be successful. Table 1 .Single-Instance ERP Success Factors and Challenges Enterprise Profile Business Model Corporate Culture and Policy Definition Geographical Concentration Success Factors Single primary core business with similar business processes Centralized with strong corporate head office; policy dictated at corporate level and globally enforced Company aspires to operate as a single global company, and operations, sales and marketing are concentrated in a single geographical region Stable, unlikely to undergo dramatic growth or downsizing Challenges Diversified group with wide range of business processes Decentralized tit autonomous business units; policy decided at the business-unit level Company operates as a multinational company, and operations, sales and marketing are distributed globally Dynamic, growing rapidly or downsizing significantly Business Environment publication Date: 28 September 2005/AD Number: GO 30366 2005 Garner, Inc. And/or its Affiliates. All Rights Reserved.Page 2 of 6 Merger, Acquisition and Divestiture Status Established ERP Systems Technology Environment Acquiring smaller entities that are easily absorbed into the corporate culture Highly likely to be acquired or merge with a company of a similar size (or larger); vesting encore businesses Diverse, with an even spread from potential single- system suppliers Architecture and technology are decided at the business-unit level Elemental mummer, wilt majority AT systems Trot likely single-system vendor Enterprise-level architecture with similar technologies Source: Garner (September 2005) Note that the scope of this analysis is limited to the processes automated through traditional ERP systems, such as financial, HRS, procurement, inventory management, production planning and order management. Single-instance strategies are typically noninsured first in the ERP domain because these processes are more internally focused and homogeneous, and have less impact on competitive differentiation. Suitability of a single-instance strategy in other domains, such as customer relationship management (CRM), product life cycle management (PLUM) and supply chain management (SCM), should be assessed following a similar process. However, with CRM, PLUM and SCM, organizations are even less likely to meet the criteria in Table 1 and will typically discover that a single-instance strategy doesn't align with the business strategy.By implication, even if a single-instance ERP environment is successfully created, most organizations will have to support multiple instances of peripheral systems. Enterprise Profile Elements ; Business Model: Organizations in service industries such as software or financial services will find adoption of single- system ERP easier than those with a diversified business model, because the ERP adoption will primarily affect their back-office administrative functions. Process changes in these areas will have less impact on revenue-creating activities and, therefore, are lower risk than changes in operational areas such as manufacturing and logistics operations.Corporate Culture and Policy Definition: Organizations that operate in a decentralized manner with highly autonomous business units may find these operations unwilling to release control of local systems to a central IT function. If there is a culture of local decision making, then business-unit executives may not be willing to accept a decision that is mandated from the corporate head office. Geographical Concentration: Companies that aspire to operate as global companies (operate on a common set of business processes across the globe) are well- positioned to achieve a global single instance, because they align the IT strategy with he business strategy.Companies operating as multinationals (have a unique set of business processes for local markets, particularly sales and marketing, and SC M), will have difficulties running their international businesses on a common system. Also, organizations that are physically concentrated in a single geographical region will find it easier to achieve a single instance, because support and operations of the system take place in a narrow range of adjacent time zones. The need to support a single instance around the clock creates issues with available support windows for upgrades and maintenance, and possibly network-related performance and availability issues.Business Environment: A single-instance ERP strategy may not be appropriate for organizations that face significant change. Implementation of a single-instance system may be thrown into disarray if there is a significant change of direction in the business Page 3 of 6 (for example, a manufacturer decides to sell its manufacturing operations and focus instead on design and logistics services). ; Merger, Acquisition and Divestiture Status: This aspect of the general business situ ation can have a major impact on a single- instance strategy. Organizations that are likely to acquire or merge with entities of a similar size may find their investment in a significance strategy compromised if they merge with organizations that use different ERP systems.Established ERP Systems: If the ERP system from a potential single-instance vendor is already used in the majority of the organization, then there may be little resistance to a wider deployment. Many organizations have initially implemented multiple instances of a single ERP system are now considering instance consolidation. However, if there is no nominate provider, then a single-instance strategy will face resistance, because some users are likely to fight to retain their â€Å"much loved† locally implemented systems from â€Å"their† vendors. Technology Environment: Similar challenges may arise if there is no common technology environment and enterprise architecture in place.A single- instance stra tegy requires the adoption of a specific technology environment (operating system, database, middleware and other IT infrastructure), and organizations that already have an enterprise architecture in place will find it easier to implement a single-instance approach. When the technology environment is defined at the business-unit level, local IT functions may resist moving away from their architecture to that which is required to support the single-instance strategy. Determining Who Drives the Initiative Often, instance consolidation initiatives are driven by the IT organization on the basis of simplification of the application landscape, and the IT technical and support infrastructure. Table 1 shows that five out of the seven success factors are within the business domain and entirely outside the control of the IT organization.This underscores the point that instance installation projects should primarily be business-driven projects, with a business case solidly based on business be nefits. Without understanding, sponsorship and commitment at the senior business management level, the project is doomed to fail. The IT organization plays a critical role in educating the business units, and planning and executing the project; however, it does not own the project. What to Do If the generalness outlawed ten success Factors organizations considering giggle-alliance ERP that find the challenges outweigh the success factors have other options: 1 . Consider a limited ERP vendor and infrastructure consolidation strategy, without moving to a single-instance consolidation.This strategy will enable organizations to achieve some efficiency improvements in the IT organization by consolidating some of the operating and support infrastructure of the ERP systems. However, the strategy will not realize the full benefits of a single-instance system. This strategy may be suitable for organizations that are diversified and decentralized in nature, operate in a highly dynamic market environment and consider IT costs to be a significant factor. A common approach is to adopt vendor consolidation with some level of instance consolidation (for example, regional or divisional instances). 2. Adopt a tiered business application strategy (see â€Å"How to Approach Tiered Business Applications†), where specific applications are adopted to address the needs of decentralized business units.Page 4 of 6 3. Address the organizational issues that are creating the challenges prior to implementing the single-instance strategy. There are two main actions that need to be taken to address these organizational issues: ; Involve business-unit executives in alluding and reviewing the business case to create buy-in. Develop a feasibility study that shows how business-unit requirements can be accommodated in a single- instance implementation, and build an instance strategy to support this. Consider getting business-unit executives to develop a business case to Justify why their business unit should not be included in a single-instance solution.Get the executive management team to understand and accept how investing in a single-instance strategy can affect your merger and acquisition strategy. During their due diligence, organizations adopting a single-instance strategy must take account of how ERP systems are used by potential acquisition targets. Similarly, a single-instance strategy may limit downsizing options, because it will be difficult to divest parts of the business on an ongoing basis if they do not have their own business applications. If significant divestiture is likely, then a single-instance ERP project should be deferred until the business environment stabilizes. Key Issues How can more value be gained from an enterprise resource planning investment?Note 1 Definition of Single Instance A single instance of an ERP system is when a single installation of the application is linked to a single database. This significantly sleepless support Ana m alfeasance Decease tenure Is only one set AT application infrastructure to be maintained. This does not necessarily mean that all business units have to use the same business rules, because most ERP systems enable different entities within a single instance to have a degree of uniqueness. However, there will be constraints on the capability of the business units to define their own business rules (compared to separate instances for each business unit).