Temperature Definition in Science

Temperature Definition in Science Temperature is a target estimation of how hot or cold an article is. It very well may be estimated with a thermometer or a calorimeter. It is a methods for deciding the inward vitality contained inside a given framework. Since people effectively see the measure of warmth and cold inside a territory, it is justifiable that temperature is an element of reality that we have a genuinely instinctive handle on. Consider that huge numbers of us have our first association with a thermometer with regards to medication, when a specialist (or our parent) utilizes one to observe our temperature, as a major aspect of diagnosing an ailment. Undoubtedly, temperature is a basic idea in a wide assortment of logical controls, not simply medication. Warmth Versus Temperature Temperature is not the same as warmth, in spite of the fact that the two ideas are connected. Temperature is a proportion of the inside vitality of a framework, while heat is a proportion of how vitality is moved from one framework (or body) to another, or, how temperatures in a single framework are raised or brought down by connection with another. This is generally depicted by the active hypothesis, at any rate for gases and liquids. The active hypothesis clarifies that the more noteworthy the measure of warmth is ingested into a material, the more quickly the molecules inside that material start to move, and, the quicker iotas move, the more the temperature increments. As atoms hinder their development, the material gets cooler. Things get somewhat more entangled for solids, obviously, yet that is the fundamental thought. Temperature Scales A few temperature scales exist. In the United States, the Fahrenheit temperature is most regularly utilized, however the International System of Units (SI unit) Centigrade (or Celsius) is utilized in the vast majority of the remainder of the world. The Kelvin scale is utilized frequently in material science and is balanced with the goal that 0 degrees Kelvin is equivalent to supreme zero, which is, in principle, the coldest conceivable temperature and so, all in all motor movement stops. Estimating Temperature A customary thermometer estimates temperature by containing a liquid that extends at a referred to rate as it gets more sizzling and agreements as it gets cooler. As the temperature changes, the fluid inside a contained cylinder moves along a scale on the gadget. Likewise with quite a bit of present day science, we can think back to the people of old for the birthplaces of the thoughts regarding how to gauge temperature back to the people of yore. In the primary century CE, the Greek scholar and mathematician Hero (or Heron) of Alexandria (10â€70 CE) wrote in his work Pneumatics about the connection among temperature and the development of air. After the Gutenberg Press was concocted, Heros book was distributed in Europe in 1575, its more extensive accessibility motivating the making of the soonest thermometers all through the next century. Concocting the Thermometer The Italian space expert Galileoâ (1564â€1642) was one of the main researchers recorded to have really utilized a gadget that deliberate temperature, however it is muddled whether he really constructed it himself or obtained the thought from another person. He utilized a gadget called a thermoscope to gauge the measure of warmth and cold, at any rate as ahead of schedule as 1603. All through the 1600s, different researchers attempted to make thermometers that deliberate temperature by a difference in pressure inside a contained estimation gadget. English doctor Robert Fludd (1574â€1637) assembled a thermoscope in 1638 that had a temperature scale incorporated with the physical structure of the gadget, bringing about the principal thermometer. With no concentrated arrangement of estimation, every one of these researchers built up their own estimation scales, and none of them truly got on until Dutch-German-Polish physicist and inventor Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit (1686â€1736) manufactured his in the mid 1700s. He fabricated a thermometer with liquor in 1709, however it was actually his mercury-based thermometer of 1714 that turned into the best quality level of temperature estimation. Altered by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Epicurus His Philosophy of Pleasure

Epicurus His Philosophy of Pleasure Knowledge hasnt come above and beyond since Epicurus yet has frequently gone a large number of steps backwards.​Friedrich Nietzsche About Epicurus Epicurus (341-270 B.C.) was conceived in Samos and kicked the bucket in Athens. He learned at Platos Academy when it was controlled by Xenocrates. Afterward, when he joined his family on Colophon, Epicurus concentrated under Nausiphanes, who acquainted him with the way of thinking of Democritus. In 306/7 Epicurus purchased a house in Athens. It was in its nursery that he showed his way of thinking. Epicurus and his adherents, who included slaves and ladies, separated themselves from the life of the city. The Virtue of Pleasure Epicurus and his way of thinking of joy have been questionable for more than 2000 years. One explanation is our inclination to dismiss delight as an ethical decent. We typically consider noble cause, empathy, lowliness, insight, respect, equity, and different ideals as ethically great, while joy is, best case scenario, ethically unbiased, yet for Epicurus, conduct in quest for delight guaranteed an upstanding life. It is difficult to carry on with a lovely existence without living carefully and respectably and legitimately, and it is difficult to live admirably and decently and evenhandedly without living wonderfully. At whatever point any of these is inadequate with regards to, when, for example, the man can't live astutely, however he lives decently and legitimately, it is inconceivable for him to live a wonderful life.Epicurus, from Principal Doctrines Indulgence and Ataraxia Indulgence (an actual existence dedicated to joy) is the thing that huge numbers of us consider when we hear Epicurus name, yet ataraxia, the experience of ideal, suffering joy, is the thing that we should connect with the atomist logician. Epicurus says we ought do whatever it takes not to build our pleasure past the purpose of most extreme force. Consider it as far as eating. On the off chance that youre hungry, theres torment. On the off chance that you eat to fill the craving, you feel better and are acting as per Epicureanism. Interestingly, on the off chance that you gorge yourself, you experience torment, once more. The size of delight arrives at its breaking point in the expulsion of all torment. At the point when such delight is available, inasmuch as it is continuous, there is no agony both of body or of brain or of both together. Satiation As indicated by Dr. J. Chander*, in his course notes on Stoicism and Epicureanism, for Epicurus, lavishness prompts torment, not joy. In this manner we ought to stay away from lavishness. Erotic joys move us towards ataraxia, which is satisfying in itself. We ought not seek after interminable incitement, but instead search out suffering satiation. All wants that don't prompt torment when they stay unsatisfied are superfluous, however the craving is handily disposed of, when the thing wanted is hard to acquire or the wants appear to probably create hurt. The Spread of Epicureanism As per The Intellectual Development and Spread of Epicureanism, Epicurus ensured the endurance of his school (The Garden) in his will. Difficulties from seeking Hellenistic methods of reasoning, strikingly, Stoicism and Skepticism, prodded Epicureans to build up a portion of their precepts in a lot more noteworthy detail, outstandingly their epistemology and a portion of their moral speculations, particularly their hypotheses concerning companionship and ethicalness. More bizarre, here you will do well to delay; here our most noteworthy great is delight. The overseer of that habitation, a benevolently have, will be prepared for you; he will invite you with bread, and serve you water additionally in bounty, with these words: Have you not been all around engaged? This nursery doesn't spark your interest; however extinguishes it. Hostile to Epicurean Cato In 155 B.C., Athens sent out a portion of its driving savants to Rome, where Epicureanism, specifically, irritated moderates like Marcus Porcius Cato. In the long run, be that as it may, Epicureanism flourished in Rome and can be found in the writers, Vergil (Virgil), Horace, and Lucretius. Expert Epicurean Thomas Jefferson All the more as of late, Thomas Jefferson was an Epicurean. In his 1819 Letter to William Short, Jefferson face up the inadequacies of different methods of reasoning and the ethics of Epicureanism. The letter likewise contains a short Syllabus of the principles of Epicurus. Antiquated Writers on the Topic of Epicureanism EpicurusDiogenes LaertiusLucretiusCiceroHoraceLucianCornelius NeposPlutarchSenecaLactantiusOrigen Sources David John Furley Epicurus Whos Who in the Classical World. Ed. Simon Hornblower and Tony Spawforth. Oxford University Press, 2000. Indulgence and the Happy Life: The Epicurean Theory of Pleasure, www.epicureans.org/intro.html Aloofness and Epicureanism, moon.pepperdine.edu/gsep/class/morals/emotionlessness/default.html

What is Recruitment Definition, Recruitment Process, Best Practices

What is Recruitment Definition, Recruitment Process, Best Practices © Shutterstock.com | Rawpixel.comAdvertising vacancies. Hiring. Conducting job interviews. Performing background checks. Reviewing application documents and credentials. Screening.These are simply several of the many words and phrases that we hear, all of them relating to choosing a person to do a job in an organization. All of the terms apply, and that is because they are part of one all-encompassing process in human resources management, and that is Recruitment.In this guide, we explore 1) what is recruitment, 2) the factors incluencing recruitment, 3) the recruitment process, and 4) best practices in recruiting.WHAT IS  RECRUITMENTIn human resource management, “recruitment” is the process of finding and hiring the best and most qualified candidate for a job opening, in a timely and cost-effective manner. It can also be  defined as the “process of searching for prospective employees and stimulating and encouraging them to apply for jobs in an organization”.It is one whole process, with a full life cycle, that begins with identification of the needs of the company with respect to the job, and ends with the introduction of the employee to the organization.When we speak of the recruitment process, we immediately think of activities such as the analysis of the requirements of a specific job, attracting candidates to apply for that job, screening the applicants and selecting among them, hiring the chosen candidates to become new employees of the organization, and integrating them into the structure.Obviously, the main reason why the recruitment process is implemented is to find the persons who are best qualified for the positions within the company, and who will help them towards attaining organizational goals. But there are other reasons why a recruitment process is important.To ensure proper alignment of skill sets to organizational goals.Through recruitment, organizations make sure  that the skill sets of the staff or manpower of the company remains al igned to its initiatives and goals.In the event that they notice some positions do not really contribute to the advancement of the organization towards its goals, then it can take the proper action to correct this, probably through job redesign, restructuring of the workforce, or conduct of job enrichment programs.To ensure effective and efficient recruiting.Effective recruiting means that the person employed for the job is the best possible candidate for it, with all the required skills, talents and qualifications of the job. Efficient recruiting, on the other hand, means that the process has been carried out without incurring a lot of costs on the part of the organization. By following the process, there is a greater chance that the human resources department can get the best possible person for the job.Organizations may carry out their hiring processes their own way, but without a system or set guidelines in place for its conduct and implementation, there is a risk that the compa ny may incur more expenses than necessary.The company will also end up wasting its resources if the wrong or unqualified person was actually hired. Not only will this create problems for the company in the long run, particularly in the attainment of its goals, but it would mean that the organization would also have wasted its resources in training an employee that is not right for the job after all.To ensure compliance with policies and laws.There are various rules, laws and regulations that organizations must adhere to when it comes to its human resources management. Equal opportunity employment and non-discrimination in hiring are two of them. By following a recruitment process, the chances of the organization violating these policies will be low.This is how you can create your employer value proposition and convince talent to join your company. FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE RECRUITMENTRecruitment is affected by several factors. These factors play a big part on whether the recruitment pr ocess will be successful or not.Size of the organizationA large organization is bound to have a higher demand for new employees. It is bound to look for more people, since the structure will require more manpower. On the other end of the spectrum, a small enterprise, like a new company just starting its operations, will require only a lean staff.Comparing the two, it is clear that the smaller enterprise will have a simpler, more straightforward and shorter recruitment process, conducted by only one or two people. The larger organization, however, will have a lengthier and more complex recruitment process, one where several members of the organization will take part in.Current employment conditions in the economyTry comparing employment opportunities in a country with a developed economy with that of an underdeveloped one. An organization operating in an underdeveloped economy may have difficulty finding the candidates with the talents and skills it requires.The availability of prosp ective talents is one huge issue with respect to the economy that an enterprise belongs to. The company will have to design and implement its recruitment process in a way that will address this issue.Salary structure of the organizationSay one company is known to provide higher salaries and wages to its employees. Once it advertises its open position, candidates are likely to line up submitting their resumes. However, a company known to be quite stingy with its wages will have more difficulty recruiting top talents.In addition, it may even have problems keeping or retaining its employees, since no employee would want to stay for a long time in a company that will not pay him enough for his services.Working conditions within the organizationMaintaining employees’ job satisfaction is one way for organizations to keep its employees, and attract new ones.Prospective candidates will first look for work in companies or organizations that are known to provide good working conditions and looks out for the health and well-being of their employees.Growth rate of the organizationThere are organizations that grow at a fast rate, which means that they will require new employees from time to time. However, there are also organizations that do not grow as much, or even at all. The only time that these organizations with low growth rates are likely to recruit new employees would be when the old ones retire or resign.Before we fully launch into the recruitment process, let us address one question first: who conducts the recruitment process?The answer is largely dependent on the size of the organization, as well as its culture and practices. Large companies have their own human resource departments, where they have in-house hiring managers. They may also acquire the services of third-party and independent human resource professionals and recruitment agencies.Follow this recruiting tips for startups and SMEs.[slideshare id=51208092doc=hellotalentcomicpdf-150803073440-lva1-app6 891w=710h=400]THE RECRUITMENT PROCESSOrganizations, depending on their structure and specific needs, may have special procedures that they integrate into their recruitment process. For purposes of discussion, however, we will take a look at the general approach of a recruitment process, one that is used by most organizations or companies across various industries.Many say that recruitment begins when the job description is already in place and the hiring managers begin the process of actually looking for candidates. However, if we are looking at it more holistically, the process begins way earlier than that.Prior to the recruitment process, the organization must first identify the vacancy and evaluate the need for that position. Will the organization suffer if that vacancy is not filled up? Is there really a need for that open position to be occupied by someone? If the answer is affirmative, then you can proceed to the recruitment.Step 1: Conduct of a job analysisBasically, this ste p will allow the human resources manager, hiring manager, and other members of management on what the new employee will be required to do in the position that is currently open for filling up. This has to be done in a systematic manner, which is what the job analysis is for.According to human resource managers, the position or job description is the “core of a successful recruitment process”. After all, it is the main tool used in developing assessment tests and interview questions for the applicants.What does this stage entail?a. Build a job description.Before anything else, the organization must first know exactly what it needs. Or who it needs. It could be that the organization deemed a need for a job that is not included in the current roster of jobs. Hence, the need to create a new one.Job analysis involves identification of the activities of the job, and the attributes that are needed for it. These are the main parts that will make up the job description. This part has to be done right, since the job description will also be used in the job advertisement when it is time to source out talents.The job description generally includes the following:Title and other general information about the positionPurpose of the position in the unit, department, and organization as wholeEssential functions of the job or positionMinimum requirements or basic qualificationsb. Review the job description.Once the job description has been created, it is a good idea to review it for accuracy, and to assess whether it is current or not. Also, in cases where job descriptions are already in place, there is a need to revisit them and check their accuracy and applicability with respect to the status quo. What if the job description is already outdated? A review will reveal the need to update the job description, for current applicability.There are three positive outcomes from conducting a review of the job description:To ensure continuous improvement of the organizational struct ure. This can be an efficient way of conducting organizational audit, to determine which jobs are redundant and thus no longer needed, and which ones are needed.To evaluate competencies for each position. Jobs evolve. In as much as circumstances and work conditions change, so will the requirements for the job. It is possible that a job may require a new competency from the worker that it did not need before. By evaluating the competencies, the impact of the job within the organizational structure is ensured.To evaluate the wages or compensation for each position. Without management knowing it, the worker or employee performing a specific job may be undercompensated, leading to dissatisfaction. By reviewing the job description, management can assess whether the job is getting paid an amount that is commensurate to the skills and competencies required.Finally, you should then have an effective job description ready for attracting talent.[slideshare id=40302867doc=writeeffectivejobdesc riptions-141015091444-conversion-gate02w=710h=400]c. Set minimum qualifications for the employee who will do the job.These are the basic requirements that applicants are required to have in order to be considered for the position. These are required for the employee to be able to accomplish the essential functions of the job. Therefore, they should be relevant and directly relate to the identified duties and responsibilities of the position.The organization may also opt to include other preferred qualifications that they are looking for, on top of the minimum or basic qualifications.d. Define a salary range.The job must belong to a salary range that is deemed commensurate to the duties and responsibilities that come with the position. Aside from complying with legislation (such as laws on minimum wages and other compensation required by law), the organization should also base this on prevailing industry rates.For example, if the position is that of a computer programmer, then the sa lary range should be within the same range that other companies within the same industry offer.Step 2: Sourcing of talentThis is the stage where the organization will let it be known to everyone that there is an open position, and that they are looking for someone to fill it up.Before advertising, however, the organization must first know where to look for potential candidates. They should search out the sources where the persons that can potentially fill the job are going to be available for recruitment. That way, they will know where to direct their advertising efforts.Various methods are employed by organizations in order to advertise the open position.Networking. Word-of-mouth is the best form of advertising, and when it takes the form of networking, it becomes more effective. In recruitment, this is often done through representatives of the company attending college and career fairs, letting them know about the opening in their organization. This is a tactic employed by large s oftware and tech companies that want to hire fresh, young and brilliant minds into their organization. They personally visit colleges, targeting the top students. They also use their connections within the industry to attract the attention of talents with the highest potential.Posting. Recruitment often involves the application of candidates both from within and outside the company. Thus, in order to attract the best possible talents, it is recommended that the posting of the open positions be made internally and externally. Internal posting usually takes the form of the vacancy announcement being displayed in bulletin boards and other areas within the business premises where the employees and visitors to the company are likely to see it. Posting externally may be in the form of flyers being distributed, or vacancy notices being displayed in other areas outside of the business premises. Companies with websites often post open positions on their company site, while some also use  job boards.Print and media advertising. One classic example of this would be the Classifieds section of the local daily or weekly newspaper. Companies looking for people to fill up open positions make the announcement in the newspapers, providing the qualifications and the contact details where prospective applicants may submit their application documents. When trying to attract the attention of suitable candidates, the organization makes use of various tools and techniques. If it wants to get the best candidates, then it should not be haphazard about things.Developing and using proper techniques. The company may include various offerings in order to attract the best candidates. Examples are attractive salaries, bonus and incentive packages, additional perks and opportunities that come with the job, proper facilities at work, and various programs for development.Using the reputation of the company. Perhaps the best publicity that the company can use to attract candidates is its own rep utation in the market. If the company is known for being a good employer â€" one that aids in its employees’ personal and professional growth and development â€" then it is a good point for the company to capitalize on in advertising its open positions.Step 3: Screening of applicantsThis is most probably the part of the recruitment process that requires the most amount of work. This is where the applicants’ skills and personalities are going to be tested and evaluated, to ascertain whether they are a good fit for the job and its description.Preliminary screening. It is often the case, especially in large organizations, where one open position will receive hundreds to thousands of applications from candidates. In an ideal world, it would be good for the hiring managers to be able to interview each and every single one of them. However, that is also impractical, and very tedious. Not really advisable, especially if the organization is in need of manpower in the soonest possible ti me. Thus, there is a need to shorten the list of candidates, and that is done through a preliminary screening. Usually, this is conducted by going through the submitted resumes and choosing only those that are able to meet the minimum qualifications. It is possible that this would shorten the list of applicants, leaving a more manageable number.Initial interview. The candidates who were able to pass the preliminary screening will now undergo the initial interview. In most cases, the initial interview is done through phone. There are those who also conduct interviews through videos using their internet connection. Often a basic interview, this may involve the candidates being asked questions to evaluate or assess their basic skills and various personal characteristics that are relevant to the open position.Conduct of various tests for recruitment. The hiring managers may conduct tests on the skills of the candidates and how they use these skills and talents. Other tests that are ofte n employed are behavioral tests and personality assessment tests.Final interview. Usually depending on the number of candidates for the job, and the preference of the hiring managers and senior management, a series of interviews may be conducted, gradually narrowing down the list of candidates. This may go on until the company has finally come up with a shortlist of candidates that will undergo a final interview. Often, the final interview requires a face-to-face meeting between the candidate and the hiring managers, as well as other members of the organization. Top management may even be involved during the final interview, depending on the job or position that will be filled up.Selection. In this stage, the hiring managers, human resources representatives, and other members of the organization who participated in the process meet together to finally make a selection among the candidates who underwent the final interview. During the discussion, the matters considered are:Qualificat ions of the candidates who were able to reach the last stage of the screening processResults of the assessments and interviews that the final pool of candidates were subjected toThere will be no problem if they have a unanimous decision on the candidate that the job will be offered to. In case of varying opinions, the majority will prevail.If they do not arrive at a decision, there may be a need to restart the recruiting process, until such time that they are able to reach a decision that everyone will be satisfied with. Step 4: Finalization of the job offerThe last step of the previous phase involves the selection of the best candidate out of the pool of applicants. It is now time for the organization to offer the job to the selected applicant.Making the offer: To make things more formal, a representative of the company or of the human resources department will contact the candidate and inform him that he has been selected for the job. In this stage, complete details of the compens ation package will also be made known to the applicant.Acceptance of the offer by the applicant: The applicant should also communicate his acceptance of the offer for it to be final. Take note that, if the selected applicant does not accept the job offer and declines it, the recruitment process will have to start all over again.Step 5: Introduction and induction of the new employeeThe moment that the applicant accepted the job offer, he has officially gone from being an applicant to an employee of the organization. The induction process will now begin.Usually, the beginning of the induction process is marked by the signing of the employment contract, along with a welcome package given to the new employee. The date for the first day that the employee will have to report for work and start working in the company will be determined and communicated to the newly hired employee.However, it doesn’t end there. The employee will still have to undergo pre-employment screening, which often includes background and reference checks. When all these pre-employment information have been verified, the employee will now be introduced to the organization.BEST PRACTICES IN RECRUITMENTEstablish a well-planned recruitment process…and follow itA process, no matter how well-planned and well-documented, will only be successful if it is actually followed. After all, it is just like any other business process. In fact, the Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association (RPOA) compared the recruitment function to a “sales function”, saying that the two are similar, except for the fact that what is being sold is not a product or a service, but the idea of a position or a job.Invest in highly-skilled recruiters and keep training them: If the organization has its own human resources team put in charge of the recruitment process, then it is important that the best people are chosen to carry out the tasks and functions. Make sure that the recruiters made as part of the team possess the skills and talents required. The organization should also ensure the continuous development of these recruiters by training them and providing opportunities to grow and hone their skills.Establish a strong relationship with hiring managers and recruitment specialists: If you acquire the services of hiring managers and recruitment specialists and consultants in your recruitment, then make sure that you build and maintain a solid and positive relationship with them. This will motivate them to carry out your recruitment process effectively and efficiently, ensuring the quality of hire. Set up a Careers WebsiteThese days, most business transactions are conducted using the Internet. Thus, it will be to the organization’s advantage to have its own careers website, where all recruiting processes will be conducted from. For starters, it is a good place to post vacancies or job openings. It is also an excellent platform for the company to establish its reputation as a potentially good orga nization to work for.Oracle named five benefits to having a careers website:Savings on the conduct of staffing processes, particularly on labor and timeSavings on sourcing since the candidates will be the ones to approach the companyEnhancement of company brand and reputationImproved candidate quality, thereby improving the quality of hired employeesSavings on opportunity costs, thanks to the streamlining of the recruiting processUse smart sourcing tools and technologiesCompanies spend a lot of money on talent acquisition, particularly on sourcing and attracting top candidates. By using smart sourcing technologies and other tools, the costs can be cut down, and small businesses can be competitive in its recruitment process, even with the threat of larger companies looming over them.The general perception is that the larger companies have greater chances of attracting the best talents, precisely because they have more resources at their disposal, and have access to more (and better) tools. However, the introduction of smart sourcing technologies leveled the playing field a bit, so that small businesses may also have the same opportunities.Examples of smart sourcing is the automation of job board and recruitment processes, building of a talent pool instead of relying on the databases of third-party recruitment agencies and specialists, and using social media and social networks in the recruitment process. The third one is of particular note, considering how many people now look for jobs using social media. In fact, in a study published by Meisha Rouser, it appears that, in 2012, more than 36.6 million workers or employees found their jobs through various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.Implement good candidate relationship managementOnce the organization makes its intention to hire employees known, and applicants express their interest in the position, a relationship has been developed between them. As all relationships in business go, it must be managed properly.The short-term objective here is to ensure that the candidates will have a good experience with the company, even if, in the end, they are not selected for the job. The long-term goal, on the other hand, is to sustain enduring relationships with the candidates so that, in the future, they will still be interested in applying for a position in your company. This will also put your organization in a favorable light for other, future, applicants.Establish a communications process where the candidates, the employees and the organization may interact freely and directly.Allow the candidates to be the one to create and manage their own profiles in your database or manpower pool.Provide status updates regularly to the candidates about the hiring process.Practice compliance managementNot only does the company have to automate and streamline its recruitment process, it should also see to it that everything is documented and archived properly. This is because t he organization will still be required to comply with certain rules and regulations set forth by different government and regulatory agencies regarding recruitment and human resource management.Automation of reporting procedures. To easily comply with reporting requirements about the activities involved in the recruitment processes, it would be a good idea to automate how the information is recorded, maintained, and distributed.Practice increased transparency. Organizations may be required to properly notify about and advertise its open positions.Ensure proper certifications and qualifications. There are positions where the basic qualifications involve the possession of specific certifications, accreditations or licenses. By conducting thorough background checks, compliance with these requirements will be facilitated.Involve employees and other members of the organizationThe organization should encourage involvement of employees in the recruitment process, and one way to do that is to establish and maintain a strong employee referral program. Instead of focusing solely on external.

The Key Aspects of the Industrial Revolution in the United States of America Free Essay Example, 1750 words

One of the major disadvantages of the revolution was that because it was so fast paced, many industries and people were not yet ready to cope with it. Farmers, for example, after having always been the focal point of the country s economy, were almost suddenly forced to relinquish the reigns of the economy to manufacturers and factory workers. This led to resentment between the different types of workers and, more importantly, unemployment. The resentment led to many angry farmers moving towards the bigger cities, staging riots, and wreaking chaos by burning factories and protesting in front of them. Many rioters were consequently arrested and put away, but the resentment could not be ignored. One major reality of the revolution was that although in theory, it did provide jobs and work opportunities for a large segment of the population, most of these jobs provided the workers humiliating conditions, such as long work hours, unsafe working environment, and very low pay. Therefore, i n this way, many people argued that although the revolution did give the economy a positive push, this increase in activity did little for the working class except make them work harder for what they earned. We will write a custom essay sample on The Key Aspects of the Industrial Revolution in the United States of America or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page This expansion of the social classes also meant that the poor children never really could rise up on the social ladder because of the compromise that was made on their education in return for earnings.

Case Study Supply Chain Management Essay - 1088 Words

Summary The globalization of organizations and more competitive forces have compelled more manufacturing businesses to improve an efficient supply chain planning for reducing the cost of supply chain. Planning of supply chain is being the critical component of business’ management. Supply chains have conventionally been split, being unsuccessful to assimilate the business utilities in the chain of logistics process. Such difficulties, as extended order lead times, high inventory costs, and struggle in answering proactive to real time variations, having lower profits and weak client goodwill that can be determined by putting together supply chain management schemes for transportation and warehousing. Supply chain can be explained as a combined practice where actually numerous different organizations individuals such as manufactures, retailers, distributors, and suppliers perform together in order to obtain raw materials, transform these raw materials into wanted ultimate products and s upply these ultimate products to the vendors. The key methods in this combined procedure are the distribution, logistics, production planning and control. The production and planning steps are two of the most crucial parts to obtain worldwide optimization in supply chain management. And, this should be explained inside the integrated planning infrastructure. Interactive parts of supply chain included key parts such as purchase, production, logistics planning, sale, production and manufacturingShow MoreRelatedSupply Chain Management : Case Study869 Words   |  4 PagesMicroeconomics 25 March 2015 Supply Chain Management Tom Greening once said, All management begins with planning† (Tom Greening). Those who study and research supply chain management will agree that the aforementioned quote holds true in their field. Companies looking to reduce their costs and better their customer service often look to implement supply chain management. In order to effectively execute successful supply chain management one must acknowledge the importance of demand management, communicationRead MoreCase Study : Supply Chain Management1182 Words   |  5 PagesSupply chain management is currently an important aspect in Management Information System. So much technology and brainpower have been used to improve the performance. In this decade electronic data interchange has made the process flexible, automatic warehousing and rapid logistics. Every organizations are trying to make their supply chain management more accurate using quick response, efficient customer response, mass customization, lean and agile manufa cturing. (Fisher, 1997) Value and rate ofRead MoreCase Study : Supply Chain Management1028 Words   |  5 PagesSUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN RETIAL INDUSTRY: CONCEPTS, STRATEGIES AND WALMART CASE STUDY Mian Wang CID: 01090728 Imperial College Business School, MSc Management ABSTRACT With the rapid increase of operation cost and fast development of E-commence in today’s retail industry, traditional operation management models are antiquated. Companies attempt to enhance competitive capacity through management innovation, and an increasing amount of attention is paid to their supply chain management forRead MoreCase Study : Supply Chain Management1925 Words   |  8 Pagesimportant role in the Supply Chain Management sector of business, and majority of the companies involved in Supply Chain Management have adopted new and improve technologies to gain a competitive edge, and become leaders within their industry. Supply Chain Management has become one of the leading industries in business. Companies recognized that in order to get their products to retailers and consumers on a timely manner they have to implement successful Supply Chain Management strategies. CompaniesRead MoreCase Study : Supply Chain Management3682 Words   |  15 Pages Strategic Supply Chain Management Mini Project Report Study of Supply Chain Management in Jewellery Industry of India Submitted by: Bhawana Saraf (2014PGP104) Prakhar Nagori (2014PGP121) Raghav Bhatnagar (2014PGP124) Vinay Jain (2014PGP142) Yashvardhan Kabra (2014PGP143) Title: A study of contemporary trends in supply chain management in Jewellery industry in India. Introduction: Jewellery Market of India India s gems and jewellery industry had a market size of Rs 251,000 crore (US$ 40Read MoreCase Study : Supply Chain Management3763 Words   |  16 PagesAND SUPPLY CHAIN TERM PAPER: DELL– SUPPLY CHAIN STUDY SRUJANA SACHIDANANDA KHOT RedID: 818471037 DATE: 4/27/2015 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Dell is well known for its uniqueness and the innovativeness in its supply chain. They were the pioneers for selling the PC at the cheaper rates. They ranked 2nd in the computer distributors. The benchmark of their successful company was because of their unique Supply Chain Management which used the ‘Built – to – order’ and ‘Direct Sale Strategies’. Supply chainRead MoreCase Study : Supply Chain Management1151 Words   |  5 Pages Supply chain management The three major phases of the production network, acquisition, generation and circulation, have been overseen freely, cushioned by extensive inventories. Expanding focused weights, and business globalization are constraining firms to create supply chains that can rapidly react to client needs. To stay focused, these organizations must decrease working expenses while persistently enhancing client administration. With late advances in correspondences and data innovation, andRead MoreCase Study : Supply Chain Management1344 Words   |  6 PagesTo succeed in today’s competitive markets companies must learn to align their supply chains with the demand of the markets they serve. Supply chain performance is now a distinct competitive advantage for companies who excel in this area. Supply Chain Management(SCM) is defined as a set of approached utilized to efficiently integrate suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses and stores, so that merchandise is produced and distributed at the right quantities to the right locations and at the time in orderRead MoreCase Study : Supply Chain Management1040 Words   |  5 PagesSupply Chain Management covers a broad spectrum of jobs and responsibilities. It deals with the production, transportation, and distributions of goods. (National Career Service) The purpose of a supply chain manager is to make sure that these processes are done and documented correctly in an efficient manner. (Rutgers) An interview with a Distribution Manager at Kelloggs provided some insight on how their company does things. They have everything well organized in a way to streamline production processesRead MoreCase Study : Supply Chain Management943 Words   |  4 PagesWhen supply chain managers are brought together it is the common goal to focus on the process of getting the consumers product though the forward supply chain as quick and efficiently as possible. However, there is a need to focus on the scope of the returns process too. â€Å"Companies can no longer afford to treat reverse logistics management as an afterthought. It needs to be a core capability within the supply chain organization. For years, most shippers paid little attention to returns† (Dowlatshahi

Green Houseeffect and Global Warming Free Essays

Brian John ENG 102 Vicki Besaw 15 April 2013 The green house effect is happening right now at this very moment! According to our text book in physical geography; human induced burning fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal, oil and gasoline raises the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and carbon dioxide is a major contributor to the green house effect and global warming. (McKnight’s, Physical Geography, P. 75, 2011)What will happen to the Earth and its people, animals, plants, lands and oceans if we fail to successfully address the environmental issues we face today? Our global population, air quality, human health, our food supply drinking water, wild life and habitats will all be effected with global warming. We will write a custom essay sample on Green Houseeffect and Global Warming or any similar topic only for you Order Now What can you do to preserve and protect the environment? There are many things we can do to help our mother earth. Opposition may be the large oil, auto, and coal companies and any explanation they may give from their studies will be bias. WHAT IS GLOBAL WARMING? Global Warming is defined as the increase of the average temperature on Earth. As the Earth is getting hotter, disasters like hurricanes, droughts and floods are getting more frequent. â€Å"Global Warming and Green House Effect† StudyMode. com. 09 2010. 09 2010 http://www. studymode. com/essays/Global-Warming-And-Green-House-Effect-416843. html. What causes the greenhouse effect one might ask? According to the movie â€Å"An Inconvenient Truth†, Life on earth depends on energy from the sun. About 30 percent of the sunlight that beams toward Earth is deflected by the outer atmosphere and scattered back into space. The rest reaches the planet’s surface and is reflected upward again as a type of slow-moving energy called infrared radiation. (movie; An Inconvenient Truth,2006) The heat caused by infrared radiation is absorbed by â€Å"greenhouse gases† such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone and methane, which slows its escape from the atmosphere. Although greenhouse gases make up only about 1 percent of the Earth’s atmosphere, they regulate our climate by trapping heat and holding it in a kind of warm-air blanket that surrounds the planet. This phenomenon is what scientists call the â€Å"greenhouse effect. Without it, scientists estimate that the average temperature on Earth would be colder by approximately 30 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit), far too cold to sustain our current ecosystem. How do humans contribute to the greenhouse effect? In our textbook â€Å"While the greenhouse effect is an essential environmental prerequisite for life on Earth, there really can be too much of a good thing. The problems begin when human activities distort and accelerate the natural process by creating more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere than are necessary to warm the planet to an ideal temperature. Burning natural gas, coal and oil -including gasoline for automobile engines-raises the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. * Some farming practices and land-use changes increase the levels of methane and nitrous oxide. * Many factories produce long-lasting industrial gases that do not occur naturally, yet contribute significantly to the enhanced greenhouse effect and â€Å"global warming† that is currently under way. * Deforestation also contributes to global warming. Trees use carbon dioxide and give off oxygen in its place, which helps to create the optimal balance of gases in the atmosphere. As more forests are logged for timber or cut down to make way for farming, however, there are fewer trees to perform this critical function. * Population growth is another factor in global warming, because as more people use fossil fuels for heat, transportation and manufacturing the level of greenhouse gases continues to increase. As more farming occurs to feed millions of new people, more greenhouse gases enter the atmosphere. American Geophysical Union, Human Impacts on Climate, adopted by AGU Council, December 2003. ) Ultimately, more greenhouse gases means more infrared radiation trapped and held which gradually increases the temperature of the Earth’s surface and the air in the lower atmosphere. According to the movie â€Å"The Eleventh Hour†, the average global temperature is increasing quickly. Today, the increase in the Earth’s temperature is increasing with unprecedented speed. To understand just how quickly global arming is accelerating, consider this: During the entire 20th century, the average global temperature increased by about 0. 6 degrees Celsius (slightly more than 1 degree Fahrenheit). Using computer climate models, scientists estimate that by the year 2100 the average global temperature will increase by 1. 4 degrees to 5. 8 degrees Celsius (approximately 2. 5 degrees to 10. 5 degrees Fahrenheit). Not all scientists agree. While the majority of mainstream scientists agree that global warming is a serious problem that is growing steadily worse, there are some who disagree. John Christy, a professor and director of the Earth System Science Center at the University of Alabama in Huntsville is a respected climatologist who argues that global warming isn’t worth worrying about. Christy reached that opinion after analyzing millions of measurements from weather satellites in an effort to find a global temperature trend. He found no sign of global warming in the satellite data, and now believes that predictions of global warming by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the 21st century are incorrect. In the course stainable development I took here at the College Of Menominee Nation we watched a short 20 minute called â€Å"The Story of Stuff†. Some ways to help the environment; Live green, reduce global warming, conserve energy. (short movie â€Å"The Story Of Stuff†) Want to put more â€Å"green† in your life by saving money and reducing waste? Here is practical information about environmentally friendly food, drink, fashions, cars and cleaning products, to name a few. Make eco-friendly lifestyle choices and buying decisions that will help sustain the environment rather than deplete it. Reducing global warming may seem like a daunting task, but if each of us makes a commitment to taking steps now, we can make a difference. For example, if every family in the United States replaced one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent, 90 billion pounds of greenhouse gases would be eliminated. Look here for more steps, big and small, that will help to reduce global warming One way to do your part to protect the environment is to make choices every day that enable you to use less energy. Here are some of the things I learned in the sustainable development class at the College of Menominee Nation. Reduce, reuse, recycle, do your part to reduce waste by choosing reusable products instead of disposables. Buying products with minimal packaging (including the economy size when that makes sense for you) will help to reduce waste. And whenever you can, recycle paper, plastic, newspaper, glass and aluminum cans. If there isn’t a recycling program at your workplace, school, or in your community, ask about starting one. By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. Use less heat and air conditioning. Adding insulation to your walls and attic, and installing weather stripping or caulking around doors and windows can lower your heating costs more than 25 percent, by reducing the amount of energy you need to heat and cool your home. Turn down the heat while you’re sleeping at night or away during the day, and keep temperatures moderate at all times. Setting your thermostat just 2 degrees lower in winter and higher in summer could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year. Change a light bulb. Wherever practical, replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Replacing just one 60-watt incandescent light bulb with a CFL will save you $30 over the life of the bulb. CFLs also last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, use two-thirds less energy, and give off 70 percent less heat. If every U. S. family replaced one regular light bulb with a CFL, it would eliminate 90 billion pounds of greenhouse gases, the same as taking 7. 5 million cars off the road. Drive less and drive smart. Less driving means fewer emissions. Besides saving gasoline, walking and biking are great forms of exercise. Explore your community mass transit system, and check out options for carpooling to work or school. When you do drive, make sure your car is running efficiently. For example, keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your gas mileage by more than 3 percent. Every gallon of gas you save not only helps your budget; it also keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. Buy energy-efficient products. When it’s time to buy a new car, choose one that offers good gas mileage. Home appliances now come in a range of energy-efficient models, and compact florescent bulbs are designed to provide more natural-looking light while using far less energy than standard light bulbs. Avoid products that come with excess packaging, especially molded plastic and other packaging that can’t be recycled. If you reduce your household garbage by 10 percent, you can save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. Use less hot water. Set your water heater at 120 degrees to save energy, and wrap it in an insulating blanket if it is more than 5 years old. Buy low-flow showerheads to save hot water and about 350 pounds of carbon dioxide yearly. Wash your clothes in warm or cold water to reduce your use of hot water and the energy required to produce it. That change alone can save at least 500 pounds of carbon dioxide annually in most households. Use the energy-saving settings on your dishwasher and let the dishes air-dry. Use the off switch. Save electricity and reduce global warming by turning off lights when you leave a room, and using only as much light as you need. And remember to turn off your television, video player, stereo and computer when you’re not using them. It’s also a good idea to turn off the water when you’re not using it. While brushing your teeth, shampooing the dog or washing your car, turn off the water until you actually need it for rinsing. You’ll reduce your water bill and help to conserve a vital resource. Plant a tree. If you have the means to plant a tree, start digging. During photosynthesis, trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. They are an integral part of the natural atmospheric exchange cycle here on Earth, but there are too few of them to fully counter the increases in carbon dioxide caused by automobile traffic, manufacturing and other human activities. A single tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime. Get a report card from your utility company. Many utility companies provide free home energy audits to help consumers identify areas in their homes that may not be energy efficient. In addition, many utility companies offer rebate programs to help pay for the cost of energy-efficient upgrades. Encourage others to conserve. Share information about recycling and energy conservation with your friends, neighbors and co-workers, and take opportunities to encourage public officials to establish programs and policies that are good for the environment. ( Reducing Carbon-Based Energy Consumption through Changes in Household Behavior Thomas Dietz, Paul C. Stern, and Elke U. Weber Daedalus, Winter 2013, Vol. 142, No. 1 , Pages 78-89) These steps will take you a long way toward reducing your energy use and your monthly budget. And less energy use means less dependence on the fossil fuels that create greenhouse gases and contribute to global warming. Works Cited (McKnight’s, Physical Geography, P. 75, 2011) â€Å"Global Warming and Green House Effect† StudyMode. com. 09 2010. 09 2010 ;http://www. studymode. com/essays/Global-Warming-And-Green-House-Effect-416843. html;. (American Geophysical Union, Human Impacts on Climate, adopted by AGU Council, December 2003. ) (short movie â€Å"The Story Of Stuff†) .( Reducing Carbon-Based Energy Consumption through Changes in Household Behavior Thomas Dietz, Paul C. Stern, and Elke U. Weber Daedalus, Winter 2013, Vol. 142, No. 1 , Pages 78-89) How to cite Green Houseeffect and Global Warming, Papers

Notre Dame Cathedral Essays - Joan Of Arc, Notre Dame De Paris

Notre Dame Cathedral Notre Dame, french expression for "Our Lady, the Virgin Mary", is the most famous catholic cathedral and a very well-known landmark in Paris. It is otherwise known as the Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris by the French. It stands on the Ile de la cite, a larger of two islands in the Seine River. It is considered a masterpiece of gothic architecture in France. Maurice de Sully was the bishop of Paris at the time, and started the cathedral's construction in 1163. The construcion and design were done by the best artists around and was completed around 1345. Jean de Chelles and Pierre de Montreuil oversaw and directed the construction. It was not finished until the beginning of the 13th century. During the Revolution (the 1700's), it was heavily destroyed by mobs, however, it was restored beginning in 1841 by Viollet le Duc. He added chimeras and gargoyles to the tower walls. The chimeras were being built as decoration, and the gargoyles as rain gutters. The facade of the cathedral is composed of several levels crowning three great portals: the Portal of the Last Judgement, the Portal to the Virgin, and the Portal to Saint Anne. Above this is the Gallery of Kings, which consists of 28 statues of kings of Judah and Israel. Every year about 500,000 visitors make the climb of the 380-stepped stairway that leads to the peak of the cathedral. Their reward for making the long climb is a great view of Paris and a look at "Emmanuel", the 13 ton bell. The bell was operated by pedals that required the energy of 8 men, but today, "Emmanuel" is rung electronically. The Rose Window is one of the only original stained-glass windows left in the cathedral. Most of the windows were removed and rebuilt after World War 2. These are a wonderful and beautiful part of the cathedral. Notre Dame is the setting for the famous film "The Hunchback of Notre Dame". The cathedral itself is 130 meters long, 48 meters wide, and 35 meters tall. Although many other cathedrals have been designed to recreate the structure of Notre Dame, the cathedral in Paris is still considered the original materpiece of Gothic Art.

Assessment and Learning Essays

Assessment and Learning Essays Assessment and Learning Essay Assessment and Learning Essay Assessment and learning Assignment 1 Student results are used to review the quality and standards of teaching within the college. My students do a Btec level 2 which is graded from a pass to distinction based on the level of criteria the student achieve during each assignment. The students also do an NVQ in sport excellence. This is also graded from a pass to distinction depending on the quality of work provided through the year. The students Btec work is marked by me using the criteria which has been set by Btec. Each assignment is marked and then an overall grade is give to each unit which has been studied. The students work is also marked by an internal verifier who ensures I am marking the work correctly and giving the grades in accordance to the standards which are set by Btec. This verification also ensures that all teachers are marking consistently at the same level in the same course in different lessons. The college use these pass grades and course completion rates to assess the quality of teaching in th e college so if the grades start to slip the college can give assistance to the teachers where necessary. The college also use these grades and pass rates to market the college and maintain the profile of the courses within the college. The course work is also externally verified by Btec to ensure the college marks work to the same standard as other colleges in the country this means that anyone who passes the course will be consistent with others in the country. The college runs a SAR which the teacher can use to review the students progress through the year. The success rates of each student is important to the college as it shows that the standards are consistent and the pass rates will be achieved at the end of the year. If a teacher feels that students are not going to achieve the necessary standards the heads of department will have to look at the scheme of work and how the lessons are being implemented. The college will assist with any changes that may be required as the course could ultimately be dropped if standards are not achieved. The college has an OFSTED inspection which reviews the colleges overall performance. OFSTED report on all aspects of the college from the teaching to the administration of all departments. This inspection is done in every college across the country and OFSTED report on the necessary improvements which need to be made in each college. This is done in order to maintain the national standards of all subjects that are available at college. If the college drops below the national average then OFSTED have to assist the college in increasing the teaching standards within the college to improve the standards. Fair The purpose of the assignment was to determine the progress of learners and to provide adequate feedback that will motivate and assist their development. It was a formative assessment to gain an idea of the current abilities of learners and therefore did not contribute to their final grade. Also it was not constrained by time therefore making it less stressful as opposed to undertaking a summative assessment. iii. The assignment was appropriate for the learners to undertake as it was based on lessons and work that had been carried out previously during the academic year therefore students already had the necessary knowledge and skills to complete assignment. Careful consideration was taken when creating assignment to ensure that what was being assessed matched with what learners had previously learnt. It was vital to make the assignment a practical exercise that accurately measures the competence of learners as this approach was a requirement by the awarding body Edexcel. Using the competence approach of assessment gave learners an insight to the conditions and skills closely related to that of the IT industry. (Get a quote Reference: Anne Cox and Harriet Harper (2000), Planning Teaching and Assessing Learning, London, Greenwich University Press p73) Adjustments were made on the diverse needs of learners to ensure that all learners had equal access and opportunity to complete the assignment. Learners with a disability were given extended time to complete the assignment and had the option of getting assistance from a learning support worker. According to Keeley browne 2007 all educational institutions have had a responsibility to make reasonable adjustments for learners who have a diagnosed learning difficulty or disability and where approrpraite make adjustments to the way they are assessed. Assignment was done within lessons that took place within the IT labs therefore all learners had access to the resources necessary to complete assignment such as Computer, software, internet access etc. Task 3 In education feedback is a very useful tool that is used to assist in the development of learners. The general aims of providing feedback are to encourage learners, correct errors improve performance and reward or penalise certain behaviours (Haines 2004). The manner feedback is communicated to learners can have a positive or negative effect on the students moral, confidence and ultimately their learning experience. Any criticisms of learners work must be constructive in an attempt to encourage, motivate, and highlight areas for concern whilst focus on positives to improve the learning experience. Giving feedback to learners on their work can be done either in a written or verbal format; however the approach used is dependent on the assessment method, and the outcome/results of the assessment. For example if there is a common problem that majority of students have expressed then a verbal group feedback session could be adopted. In this approach to giving feedback, the teacher gives feedback to the whole class. Browne 2007 states that this type of feedback requires thoughtful planning and should be done prior to returning marked assessment in the form of a short introductory part of a teaching lesson. A feedback mechanism that encourages constructive feedback is the feedback sandwich. Docheff (1990) cited in F Butler describes the feedback sandwich as an effective model that comprises of reinforcing informational and motivational phrases. This approach is very useful as it gives learners an indication that they are heading in the right direction, provides critical information on performance; highlighting both strengths and weaknesses and finally encourages learners. Another approach of issuing feedback to learners is the use of feedback sheets with handwritten comments on learners assessed work. According to (Rece) this is an example of a type of written feedback. The use of comments in giving feedback is widely used within education and can be applied to essays, reports, dissertations etc. This is a very effective way of giving feedback as the comments are linked directly to the assessment criteria giving the students a clear understanding on the outcome of their work and any problems in a particular area of the assignment. An example of a comment could be You have carried out an extensive review however wider reading is required on the subject area. The feedback is therefore personalised and tailored to each individual learner. This approach of giving feedback is beneficial for learners as it can be repeatedly reviewed and learners can use it as a point of reference as opposed to verbal feedback. The disadvantage to handwritten comments is that it can be an exhaustive process for teachers to personalise comments to each individual learner. In the process of target setting learners should have an active role as it demonstrates a level of responsibility and accountability for their learning. Targets set should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely (SMART), and agreed on by both the teacher and student. Within learning institutions a typical example of target setting occurs at the beginning of the academic year in the form of Individual learning plans (ILPs). According to Browne 2007 it is a planned route that takes into consideration the needs and abilities of learners to achieve success. The use of ILPs is beneficial as it serves as a guide to what work needs to be completed, and a way of tracking and logging learners progress i.e. outcomes and action plans. Meeting targets can improve the confidence levels and morale of learners; however those who are unsuccessful should be given appropriate support in the form of feedback to acknowledge their errors and ways of improving. Task 4 Continuing to develop ones teaching practice is an integral part of a teachersâ„ ¢ profession. It is important to maintain and acquire new skills to ensure that learners receive a high standard or quality of education. There are a wide range of resources available to teachers that can assist in improving knowledge and skills on assessment issues. A teacher may wish to improve on giving constructive feedback or learn how to create valid, relevant, fair assessments. A very useful approach is to update your skills and knowledge of assessment by researching using books or material available on the World Wide Web. There is a vast amount of books and online material dedicated to providing information on assessment topics e.g. Training to teach in the learning and skills sector by Liz Keeley Browne or tda.gov.uk website. Training to teach in the learning and skills sector provides detailed information on the various types of assessment, designing assessment tasks, using feedback to help learners improve and record keeping. This book is very helpful as it provides templates of assessment tasks, and tests your understanding by using short tasks/exercises. The use of books and online material to enhance your teaching practice is beneficial as it is cost effective, can learn at own pace, provides theory that can be experimented within lessons; however a disadvantage is that it is not practical based and you may find difficulties transferring theory into practice. Learning by observing an experienced teacher such as your mentor is another way of improving your teaching practice. This can be done though observing a teacher issuing coursework or giving feedback to learners, view samples of assessments he/she has issued and seeking advice through discussions. This approach to developing as a teacher is hugely significant as you are able to receive suggestions and advice from an experienced professional and it also improves communication amongst colleagues. Further study or undertaking a course that solely focuses on assessment is a good way of developing. The University of Cambridge offers a course called the certificate of education in the principles and practice of assessment. This is a good way of improving as you obtain knowledge of assessment from specialists whilst receiving a recognised qualification; however it can be an expensive option as the course fee is ?760 per course or ?2210 for three courses. Source (https://cpdsearch.tda.gov.uk/ProvisionDetail.aspxe=fQCguFY5tkyDmYHsxSnw6PN1ukni+elx) Another route available to improve professionally with regards to assessment is to become a marker/examiner for examinations boards such as OCR. A key advantage to this approach is that you do not have to be a qualified teacher to become a marker; however good communication skills and a level 4 qualification, such as a degree is a requirement. Moderation is done frequently throughout the year typically January, June and March (put in Source OCR website and is a good source of earning an extra income whilst providing practical experience of marking learners work. References Armitage. A; Renwick M. (2008) Assessment in FE : a practical guide for lecturers, The Essential FE Toolkit Series, London, Continuum: pp70-80

The German American Bund, American Nazis of the 1930s

The German American Bund, American Nazis of the 1930s The German American Bund was a Nazi organization in the United States in the late 1930s that recruited members and openly supported Hitlers policies. Though the organization was never massive, it was shocking to mainstream Americans and drew considerable attention from the authorities. Fast Facts: The German American Bund The German American Bund was a Nazi organization which operated openly in the United States in the late 1930s, attracting press attention and generating controversy.The organization was led by Fritz Kuhn, an immigrant from Germany who was a naturalized American citizen.Nearly all of its members were American citizens, though mostly of German descent.The German American Bund was active between 1936 and 1939. The Nazi leadership in Berlin had tried to create a support organization and propaganda operation in the United States but failed until an ambitious and belligerent German immigrant, Fritz Kuhn, emerged as a leader. A naturalized American citizen, Kuhn rose to prominence before his 1939 imprisonment for embezzlement abruptly ended his career as the topmost American Nazi. The German American Bund was separate from the America First Committee, which emerged later and expressed more mild support for Hitler while advocating that the United States stay out of World War II. Origins The German American Bund evolved from an earlier organization, the Friends of New Germany. During World War I, some German-Americans had been subject to discrimination and ostracism, and the Friends of New Germany cited continued resentment of some German-Americans as it recruited in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The Friends of New Germany leadership was affiliated with Hitlers Nazi movement in Germany. American members of the Friends of New Germany took an oath pledging loyalty to Hitler, and also swore that they were of pure Aryan blood and had no Jewish ancestry. The organization was being guided from afar by one of Hitlers close associates, Rudolf Hess, but it was marked by inept leadership in America and demonstrated no clear sense of how to carry the Nazi message to mainstream Americans. That changed when the leader of the Detroit chapter of the Friends of New Germany emerged as a fanatical leader. Fritz Kuhn After serving in the German army during World War I, Fritz Kuhn attended school and became a chemist. In the early 1920s, while living in Munich, he became fascinated with the small but rising Nazi movement, and subscribed to its racial and anti-Semitic fixations. Kuhn got into legal trouble in Germany by stealing from an employer. His family, assuming a fresh start would be helpful, aided him in moving to Mexico. After staying in Mexico City for a short time he moved on to the United States, arriving in 1928. On the advice of a friend in Mexico, Kuhn traveled to Detroit, where jobs were said to be plentiful in the factories run by Henry Ford. Kuhn admired Ford, as the great American industrialist was widely known as one of the worlds foremost anti-Semites. Ford had published newspaper columns titled The International Jew which advanced his theories about Jewish manipulation of financial markets and the banking industry. Kuhn found a job working in a Ford plant, was laid off, and eventually obtained a job working as a chemist for Ford, a job he held until 1937. In Detroit, Kuhn joined the Friends of New Germany and his fanatical devotion to Hitler helped him advance to the leadership of the local chapter. At about the same time, the Nazi regime in Berlin began to view the fractured and faltering national leadership of the Friends of New Germany as a liability. Hess withdrew support for the group. Kuhn, sensing an opportunity, moved to replace the organization with something new and, he promised, more efficient. Kuhn called for a convention of the local leaders of the Friends of New Germany, and they met in Buffalo, New York, in March 1936. A new organization, called Der Amerikadeutscher Volksbund, or the German-American Bund, was formed. Fritz Kuhn was its leader. He had become an American citizen, and he decreed that members of the German-American Bund would also have to be citizens. It was to be an organization of American Nazis, not German Nazis operating in exile in America. Gaining Attention Basing his actions on those of Hitler and the Nazi hierarchy, Kuhn began his rule of the Bund by stressing loyalty and discipline. Members were required to wear uniforms of black pants, grey shirts, and a black military-style Sam Browne belt. They did not carry firearms, but many carried a truncheon (said to be for defensive purposes). Fritz Kuhn saluting marching Bund members at Camp Nordland in New Jersey. Getty Images Under Kuhns direction, the Bund gained members and began building a public presence. Two camps, Camp Siegfried in Long Island and Camp Nordland in New Jersey, began operating. In 1937 an article in the New York Times noted that 10,000 German Americans attended a Camp Nordland picnic at which American flags were displayed beside flags of the Nazi swastika. Nazis at Madison Square Garden The most memorable event staged by the German American Bund was a huge rally at Madison Square Garden, one of New Yorks major venues. On February 20, 1939, about 20,000 Bund supporters packed the huge arena as thousands of protesters gathered outside. The rally, which was promoted as a celebration of the birthday of George Washington- who was depicted on a huge banner hung between swastika banners- featured Kuhn giving an anti-Semitic speech. Banners hanging from the balconies proclaimed Stop Jewish Domination of Christian America. The mayor of New York, Fiorello La Guardia, had seen enough. He understood Kuhn and the Bund had a right to free speech, but he wondered about their finances. He held a meeting with Thomas Dewey, the district attorney (and future presidential candidate), and suggested an investigation of the groups taxes. Legal Problems and Decline When investigators began to look at the finances of Kuhns organization they realized that the self-styled American Fuhrer had been embezzling money from the organization. He was prosecuted, convicted in late 1939, and sent to prison. Without Kuhns leadership, the German American Bund essentially disintegrated. Kuhn remained in prison until the end of World War II, when he was deported to Germany. He died in 1951, but he had faded so far into obscurity that his death was not reported in the American press until early 1953. Sources: Bernstein, Arnie.  Swastika Nation: Fritz Kuhn and the Rise and Fall of the German-American Bund. New York City, St. Martins Press, 2014.American Fascism in Embryo. American Decades Primary Sources, edited by Cynthia Rose, vol. 4: 1930-1939, Gale, 2004, pp. 279-285. Gale Virtual Reference Library.

Defining blackness in America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Defining blackness in America - Essay Example in order to differentiate blacks from white. The racial line has always put blacks at a distance and hindered them from participating in American culture and politics. It is what has kept African Americans from being given equal opportunities in the U.S., being seen as citizens in the U.S., and being seen as humans in the U.S. Blackness is the best way to explain this complicated relationship African Americans share with America and the whites that they live alongside in this country. There used to be a strong argument in America that being black could affect one’s access to power. There, was an argument that being black was a disadvantage, and that an individual you would be limited in what you could accomplish simply based on the color of your skin. These perceptions would hold true in the past America, but in the modern day America, power is more accessible to people of all races, including African Americans. The argument that African Americans cannot get ahead because of t heir color is more of a crutch than something is which is factual. Like Toure stated in his book, â€Å"Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness†, we are going an era where there are so many different ways to be black that nobody has to keep up some pre-conceived black image because, honestly, there is not one (Toure 48). One common perception prevalent among man is that, generally, other people view them based on their physical appearance. This type of perception falls into the psychological concept that Toure refers to as the looking glass self in his book â€Å"Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness†. This states that people perceive themselves based on the way that their peers perceive them, which leads people to reinforce other people's perspectives of them (Toure 47). Naturally, people want to portray a certain type of image. When you think of individuals who are in power, you typically think of someone who is white and who is male. This is why some believe that blac ks who have skin light tones are more likely to be in power than dark skinned African Americans. This color complex has not only shaped the way white Americans view African Americans, but also the way African Americans view other African Americans. A lot of emphasis has been placed on skin color to the extent that, individuals opt for doing anything, to get an appearance that has the impression of taking them to the threshold of becoming successful. The further one strays away from this image the more challenging it becomes for them to have the illusion of power. This outdated view of politics is not a part of how it works anymore. Money, class and contacts fuel the realm of politics and have the say over who gets to be in power and who does not. Being light or dark does not really control how you fit in this modern day political atmosphere (Toure 47). Being light-skinned or dark-skinned does not really control how you fit in this modern day political atmosphere. We are entering an age where people at the top come in all races and nationalities. The journey to this position, however, has not been without its struggles and perils. Black people in America have had to deal with classism and sexism from within, on top of racism from without. African American women have borne the brunt of this in particular with mental and physical oppression from both white and African American males (Bharati 37). Blackness for the African American

Research paper on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

On Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice - Research Paper Example In fact, a girl who was wed when her father died would not inherit his fortune; instead, the husband was in line for the inheritance. This is what would have happened in the Bennet house hold, and this is one of the reasons that Mrs. Bennet wanted to make sure that her girls were wed. Keeping these thoughts in mind, Jane Austen, in her novel, Pride and Prejudice, reinforces the conservative values of the society in which her characters live. The period that the novel takes place was called the Regency Period. This period was called this because King George IV was in rule between 1810 and 1820 and the story takes place midway between these two years in 1813 (Austen, â€Å"Study† 10). During this period, the industrial revolution created wealthy men from the middle class who were business owners and professionals. They were able to purchase large homes, landscape the grounds, wear elaborate clothes and be driven around in fine carriages (Austen, â€Å"Study† 10). Although many had become wealthy, others were struggling and many were hungry. When people have these challenges, they often turn to social unrest, which happened at this time, and there were bread riots and worker protests (Austen, â€Å"Study† 11). Social customs were very important to this era and men and women had specific places within society. Austen shows this throughout her novel. This historical back ground was never included in Austen’s novels. Instead, she wanted readers to understand what she saw during this time because she was constantly observing the middle class that she lived within. Her novels depicted the â€Å"manners and morals of the middle class† (Austen â€Å"Study† 11). This historical back ground is important to understand how Austen’s novel reinforced the conservative values of the time. â€Å"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife†

Swot Of Virgin Atlantic And The Airline Industry

Swot Of Virgin Atlantic And The Airline Industry For its service company is well recognized and has been getting rewards which are providing them with a strong brand image. Zagat, 2009 ranked them as leading players for international inflight services like entertainment and flyer program. Also by travel weeklys 2009 virgin Atlantic was ranked as the best international airline. http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2009/01/28/30064/globe-travel-awards-2009-all-the-winners-by-category.html Also in Western Europe, company has been ranked on first place in comparison to British Airways, Air France and Lufthansa. Also in January 2010, company has received award of Best Scheduled Airline and Favourite Airline. A good brand is a competitive advantage for the company to make position in global market and also to compete with its competitors. http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/32852/globe-travel-awards-2010-the-winners-in-full.html Comprehensive Services Company provides a good service to its customers. Services like check in facilities, baggage handling, meal catering, and in-flight entertainment. It is one of the largest British companies which provide long haul international airlines. Sometimes they also provide passengers with special treatment i.e. providing them with the special meals, mobility aids and also with the health camps at the time of departure and arrival. Virgin Atlantic also offers flying clubs on which they can earns miles and after having a specific number of miles they can have a free ticket. It is one of the largest airlines that provide long haul tours all over the world. Strong financial performance Company is enjoying a strong financial performance even during the financial crisis and economy crisis. 2007 2008 2009 Turnover 1,816,200 2,010,900 2,238,800 Profit Before Tax 31,400 6,000 49,800 Profit Margin 1.73 0.30 2.22 In 2009 the company turnover has increased by 10.17% as compared to 2008. Also the profit before tax increased by 87.95% to reach  £49,800 in fiscal year 2009 compared to  £6000 in 2008. Also profit margin increased from 0.30 to 1.73 in 2009. From the financial analysis we can see that company is enjoying the strong financial performance that has allowed the company to expand its operating activities in both markets i.e. domestic and international. WEAKNESSES Private Ownership Its really difficult for the company to raise capital as it is private owned, which gives unfavourable position to a company in comparison to publically owned company. Publically owned company have healthier access to capital market, and also superior financial flexibility in funding initiatives. Virgin Atlantic airways needs extensive capital to grows its business market for that they have to be under public ownership rather than private ownership as private ownership provide limited amount of financing option for the company. Lack of Scale Virgin Atlantic airways in its operation is lacking behind with large players in the market i.e. large players like British Airways and Air France- KLM operates in 300 and 249 destinations whereas Virgin Atlantic is only functioning in 30 worldwide destinations only. Also British airways and Air France- KLM got fleet base of 245 and 635 aircrafts whereas Virgin Atlantic got fleet base of 38 aircraft only. So we can conclude that its competitors are large in size which gives them a competitive disadvantage. OPPORTUNITIES Growth of Global Airlines Industry With the help of research it has been found that airlines industry has got a tremendous growth in past few years and is expected to grow more in future. Researchers found that airlines industry worldwide had total revenue of $467.4 billion in year 2008. By 2013, the airlines industry globally will get the revenue of $609.3 billion i.e. increase of 23.30%. In 2008, 2.1 billion passengers travelled with the source of airways. Researchers forecasted that by 2013 the volume of passengers will increase to 2.6billion i.e. by 19.23% since 2008. Right now Virgin Atlantic is only operating in 30 destinations globally. In future as the global airlines industry is growing, it will provide an opportunity to company to increase their operating destinations which help them to increase their revenue and market. Global travel and tourism industry is growing Air travel industry is well-known within the transport and tourism industry, as it is the only source of transport for international travellers. With the help of research it has been found that in 2009 over half of the UK population had travel by the source of air travel, which tells that the demand for the air travel is very strong. Even at the time recession, the outlook for the air industry remains stronger for the long term prospective. With the help of World Travel Tourism Councils Tourism Satellite Account research we are able to discovery that the revenue passenger-Km has grown to 11.9% in June 2010. This has helped air industry to recover from the volcanic eruption in April. Also it has been found that the Real GDP for the Travel Tourism Economy was -4.8% in 2009 and now in 2010 is expected to be 0.5%. Also they have predicted that the world travel and tourism will produce over $13trillion for the period of 2008-2017, i.e. is the average growth of 4.3% per annum. We can conclude that in future increasing of global travel and tourism industry will generate additional revenue for the virgin Atlantic airways. (http://www.wttc.org/eng/Tourism_Research/Economic_Research/Monthly_Update_of_Tourism_Indicators/) THREAT Intense competition and price discounting Intense competition and price discounting The airline industry is characterized by substantial price competition, especially in domestic markets. Carriers use discount fares to stimulate traffic during periods of slack demand.Virgin Atlantic competes on the basis of price, customer service, costs, frequency and convenience of scheduling, frequent flier benefits, efficiency and productivity. Some of its major competitors include, AMR, Air France-KLM, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines System, Lufthansa and UAL. In recent years, the domestic market share held by low-cost carriers has increased significantly and is expected to continue to increase, which is dramatically changing the airline industry.The increased market presence of low-cost carriers, which engage in substantial price discounting, has diminished the ability of the network carriers to maintain sufficient pricing structures in domestic markets to achieve profitability. In addition to price competition, airlines also compete for market share by increasing the size of their route system and the number of markets they serve. The increased competition in these markets, particularly to the extent the companys competitors engage in price discounting, may have a material adverse effect on the companys results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. EU regulations The European Union has passed legislation that came into effect beginning early 2005, for compensating airline passengers who have been denied boarding on a flight for which they hold a valid ticket. The legislation also imposes fixed levels of compensation to passengers for cancelled flights, except where the airline can prove that such cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as weather, air-traffic control delays or safety issues. Passengers subject to long delays (in excess of two hours for short haul flights) would also be entitled to assistance including meals, drinks and telephone calls, as well as hotel accommodation if the delay extends overnight. In addition for delays, over five hours, the airline would be required to reimburse the cost of the ticket or provide rerouting to the passengers final destination. The imposition of the regulation would significantly increase the expenses incurred by Virgin Atlantic and may affect its profitability. Rising aviation fuel prices Due to the rising oil prices globally, the prices of aviation fuel have gone up substantially in the past few years. The average cost of a gallon of commercial jet fuel in the US has increased since 2000, from $0.7 per-gallon in 2000 to $1.9 per-gallon in 2006. According to the Air Transport Association (ATA), at a usage rate of 19.5 billion gallons of fuel a year, each penny increase in price per gallon adds $195 million in annual costs for the airline industry. Aviation fuel, which comprises the largest cost component for a transporter, is responsible for the declining margins of most air transportation companies. As a result, some logistics companies incurred huge overheads while operating in many low-volume destinations. This trend could impact Virgin Atlantics margins too as it is mostly reliant on air freight business. Slowdown of global economy According to the IMF world economy outlook, the world economy will slow sharply in 2008 and in 2009, with the US likely to slide into recession triggered by the current financial turmoil. The IMF forecasts, that the global economy, which grew by 5% in 2007, will lose considerable speed slowing to 3.9% in 2008 and 3% in 2009, marking the lowest growth rate since 2002. In the past, the IMF has called global growth of 3% or less the equivalent to a global recession. Virgin Atlantic operates through 30 countries globally. A weak global economic outlook is likely to impact demand for air travel and the company cannot offer any assurances in regards to the performance of its business model under changed economic conditions. Therefore, Virgin Atlantics business is likely to be adversely affected

Escape of the Gymnasium

As I sat in a managerial meeting, nervously taking the wrath from demanding hierarchy management, my mind began to drift back to an incident in my early childhood†¦ â€Å"Nice shot Shrimps!† There I was shooting the basketball in gym class, all five foot four inches, 125 pounds of me. I am known as â€Å"Shrimps,† but my real name is Donald I am a small kid, with the heart of a kitten. Patiently waiting for the school bell to ring, to notify me and the rest of the school it was time to go home for the day and come back again in a week and half, I could hardly wait to get home and show my parents my straight A report card. It seemed like two life times had passed already, but I was still stuck there waiting to hear the ring of the damn bell. All of a sudden, I realized Lenord was headed into my vicinity. My pulse began to race, sweat dripping from my forehead; I continued to shoot the basketball. Soon I became scared, so scared I thought I was going to wet myself. The threat was real, very real, but this wasn't the first time I'd been in danger and sure seemed like it wouldn't be the last. I can still see him even now, with a crystal clear vivid image of him. How could anyone forget what he looked like? Everyone in the school knew him as J Dog, but behind the slang name J Dog, he was known to all too many as Lenord. Lenord was double the size of any average Joe his age, standing tall looking over the top of his peer's heads desperately awaiting someone to step in his way. J Dog, the big fat aggressive pain in everyone's bottom, the school bully. J Dog was always with four of his immediate peers. J Dog generally picked fights with weaker students. He would abuse them with his strength and powerful vocal cords, which built his ego on his victims. For nearly the past seven years I have watched him and his four man mafia pick on younger boys. I can not even count the times on my twenty fingers and toes that I was the onlooker, watching sadly from the â€Å"birds eye view,† waiting for their time to come and be put in their place. One incident I witnessed was when J Dog and his four man mafia picked a fight with a varsity football player. As I observed the attack through the bathroom stall the fight seemed too unfair. J Dog and his crew attacked the peer in the boys' bathroom. They all took their turns aggressively punching and kicking the peer. I sat in the stall curled up on the toilet, bracing myself nearly feeling every blow. Showing no remorse they continued on their brutal attack until they seemed too tired to go on. The fight ended with a vicious kick to the face by J Dog. Constantly and repetitively J Dog and his crew moved away from the school handbook and the countless school policies that it entailed. Yes indeed I knew what they were doing, as well as everyone else at the school including the school staff, but no one took the time to create a peaceful environment. It just seemed that no one would stand up to their mischievous behavior. I never understood why this was this way. Why do we all sit here back on our heels and watch this reckless' abandon go on with his terror? We were all equally guilty, guilty as J Dog and his fellow perpetrators. The longer we stood back and accepted their behavior and the longer they were able to rage throughout the school, the stronger they became. This was not a good thing for me, or for the entire school. J Dog and his four brotherhood boys came for me one spring morning. In fact it was the last day of school prior to a well anticipated eleven day Easter break. I'd been playing basketball with a few of my peers in the schools' gymnasium. Looking on the other side of the gym behind a set of bleachers, sat J Dog and his fellow four up to no good teasing and laughing at fellow students. The obnoxious jerk himself, Lenord, and his four manned mafia soon came to the side of the gym where I was playing basketball. Before I had the chance to warn my friends I heard abruptly, â€Å"Donald, you four-eyed worthless piece of shit,† the bully said. â€Å"It's your turn.† My heart hit rock bottom, feeling myself gasp for air, I asked myself â€Å"oh no here we go, I think it is my turn to be plum bulled, or isn't it?† Such simple words, so much unsaid. I didn't need any further explanations. I knew what they wanted and it was not their sanity back. As mentioned earlier I'd seen others after they'd had their turn. It was never a pretty sight. Too many times over the years I have witnessed the brutal attacks on my fellow classmates. In time they would have progressed beyond schoolyard aggression, sinking lower into the anti-social status of the criminal underworld. They'd never be leaders of any kind, just straight up thugs. They'd been well schooled in this art. I had never once in my life been in a fight. Well unless my sister counts? To say I was scared of the upcoming attack would have been an understatement. I was petrified. I knew if I was not careful in what I said or did I may end up dead. As I sat there overshadowed by five ruthless thugs, I knew that even in a fair fight I couldn't possibly win. Other students swirled around us, isolating our little group. It was well known everyone in the oval knew of the intended attack. Sweating profusely, I was nearly drowned in my own sweat, knowing what was waiting for me, wondering why he didn't just lash out and end this mockery, this teasing. I did not even realize then that he'd had to work himself into a frenzy so he could just hit, and hit, and hit. â€Å"What's up, Shrimps? Don't you want your pretty boy face all smashed up like everyone else in this school? Or will you be upset because you will need a face lift?† As I sat there I could only think of dumb things like this girl name Ashley sucking her thumb and my friend telling me to imagine my peers naked while giving a speech. Only the sight of these two things registered on my numbed, frightened brain. â€Å"Why don't you leave me alone? Go annoy someone else.† I took the basketball and dropped it at my feet. â€Å"Are you throwing the basketball at me, Shrimps?† He snorted, searching for any excuse to start a fight with me. I didn't want to give him an excuse. He stood there warlike; hands on hips, wearing his all blue attire. His stomach fat erupted through ragged holes in his once blue t-shirt. Supporting the color blue was what J Dog felt was the holiest color known to mankind. â€Å"Don't be silly, I just dropped it at my feet,† I whined, not at all mentally prepared for the brutal assault. â€Å"I know you didn't just call J Dog silly,† one of his collogues shouted. â€Å"Or I'll flatten you myself. Come on J Dog, give the idiot a reason to talk back and let's get the hell out of here. It is just too hot in here to have to put up with all of this shit,† he added as he grinded his teeth, showing the enormous gap in his bottom teeth, so enormous I could kick a field goal through it. â€Å"You call me silly, did you? You're nothing but a poor excuse for human life. You can run to the teachers all you like, see, I am not afraid of them.† Thoughts began to race inside me. I wondered why school authorities put up with him. Too many times Lenord and his four mates' behavior were over looked. School fights happened; sometimes students went home a little worse for wear. I could not help to notice that in a mere two minutes the bell would sound. Thinking to myself will that bell ever ring and let me out of this mess I got myself into? I responded to this coward known to too many as J Dog, â€Å"I didn't call you silly; I just said I did not throw the basketball at you.† I was answered by a heavy push in the chest, the first sign of physical violence. Staggering back, it was followed by another massive blow from the aggressive J Dog. He stepped back up to me, face to face, as J Dogs four amigos stood close beside him, crowding me like flies on dead carcass. â€Å"Won't you stay and fight?† He spit little specks of salvia at me but I dared not acknowledge them. â€Å"Bloody little coward.† He'd been right; I was a coward, so scared I couldn't run, even if I wanted to, even if there'd been somewhere to go and get away from the mess I was in. I silently choked back sobs, fighting to hold back tears of terror. The panic controlled me; I stood there looking like a buffoon right in front of Lenord, his four friends, my best friend, twenty other students, and one especially hot girl named Cindy. Again the palms of his massive hands stabbed at my chest and, again, I staggered back. I felt the impact of his hands long after they'd abruptly returned to his hips. The five men closed back up on me as we danced further away from the gymnasium bleachers or what I like to call protection from a fall and embarrassment. I felt my grip on reality slipping further and further away. Others were here to only see another beating set forth by J Dog and to witness my shame. Not that J Dog and his mates wouldn't let everyone know how well, or poorly, I took the abuse. There was a certain honor in taking your licking like a man. I hadn't felt like a man, and had been sure there was little honor in J Dog. However, I couldn't hide for the rest of my life. It had been time to stop the hopelessness and stand up for myself and for the rest of the school population. It had to be all or nothing. I preferred nothing, but in the back of my head I wanted nothing more than to set the example. Putting on a brave face, I firmed my voice and looked the outsized buffoon in the eye. â€Å"I know you can beat me like a red headed step daughter, I don't doubt it at all.† As the jittered mess in my voice came out I wanted to look and feel confident in what I said to this animal. â€Å"But Lenord,† I added, â€Å"Just remember one thing. When I hit the ground, so too will your front teeth, you worthless coward. I'll get one punch in, you know I will, and that punch will be directed right for your front teeth. When I am done with you, you will no longer look like the donkey you look and smell like now! Is beating me up worth losing your front teeth?† I was being optimistic, I doubted that I could even get in one punch; I doubted even if delivered I could have knocked out any of his teeth. The reaction from the overweight J Dog was almost priceless. Suddenly it was the bully who backed off, looked lost, looked everywhere but at his bewildered fellows or me. â€Å"Er†¦ er†¦Ã¢â‚¬  he stuttered, â€Å"you're not worth the effort, you are just a waste of my breath, you little crap headed pansy. I wouldn't waste my spit on you. You better get away from me before I change my mind and pound the crap out of you.† Now I was the one standing aggressively, hands on hips, watching the fast disappearing of the other bullies as they soon walked away in disbelief. Cocky in my arrogance, I spit out a final mouth of spit in their vicinity. It had been the most rewarding victory of my life, standing there on that field of honor, knowing that I had conquered the mighty, invincible J Dog. I wanted to shout it out to the rest of the school and let everyone in the school district know of J Dog's defeat. My mind switched off that near death episode, back to the present, to the here and now. Hierarchy management surrounded me, trying to pressure me and abide to their will. Tacky school clothes were replaced with tailored business suits, the overt threat of violence with an undercurrent of raw power. Things hadn't changed. As before, I was the underdog, the potential victim. These smiling men were planning on beating me far worse than the luckless J Dog could ever have imagined. Here I was fighting for my life, my work life, and for the future of my family and myself. I could lose everything. I felt too old to start everything all over again. These smiling piranhas had planned on chewing me up and spitting out the bones. I had to fight for myself and for what I knew was right, and it was time to either stand up and fight their smirking aggression, or lie down and die like a dog. I thought again of J Dog the bully, remembering how quickly he'd collapsed after I stood in his way of destruction. Clearing my throat, I looked straight in the owner's eyes. â€Å"This is what should happen,† I began, as an idea rushed into my mind. Fully knowing what I was going to say, I continued as I spilled out the beans.