The Audio Engineer

A vital part in the making of any professionally made album is the production and post-production process. These processes are the responsibility of audio engineers employed by record labels. The engineers are responsible for the recording, mixing, and mastering of audio tracks. To do this, engineers are trained with various technologies in the fields of multi track recording, outboard gear and digital/analog workstations.With their knowledge and tools, engineers help the artists convey their art as best as possible not only to themselves but also to the demographic they wish to express their art to. The job of the engineer can be best described as a presenter in a techno artistic field. The job requires the technical capabilities and instinct to translate the artist’s ideas into a working production. In order to do this, the engineer must be educated in the Audio Industry with a Bachelors Degree in at least one of many Audio Production courses. Associated essay: Advantage Energy Technology Data Center MigrationThe individuals training for this degree must know the fundamentals of proper signal flow, how to work a mixing board, set up microphones, and manipulate outboard equipment that includes time based and dynamic processors. Once the engineer has taken the proper courses for the specific field and has received their commemorative degrees, they can learn more about audio engineering by taking in an internship at a recording studio, music venue, or radio station.A suggestion made by the Audio Engineering Society states that, â€Å"students should complete and internship or apprenticeship to gain hands-on experience, which will make them more marketable to potential employers† (www. aes. org). After receiving the hands on experience from internships, the climb to the top of their field starts and soon they begin to take on more important tasks in the studio, which can include becoming a second engineer or even becomi ng the lead engineer.As an engineer, the skills learned through out the course of ones career can build a high reputation in the industry, which in turn opens a wide range of opportunities to experience. The first phase in the production process of any project is recording. In this phase, the engineer captures one or more sound sources through the use of a wide range microphones and record it directly to one or more of the isolated tracks of a recording system.Through the process of multi track recording however, technologies have added a degree of flexibility by allowing multiple sound sources to be captured onto and played back from isolated tracks. Some of the many types of technology and supplies engineers use in the recording process include microphones, dynamics and time based processors, equalizers, and personal address systems. Personal address systems are made up of three different components that include speakers, amps, and mixers along with a wide variety of backline equi pment.Time Based Processors include effects such as echo which is recognizable, repeat of direct sound and reverb which consists of multiple, blended, random echoes. Dynamic based processors deal with compressors that reduce the dynamic range of a signal by making the loud signals softer and the soft signals louder or vice versa; a gate, which utilizes a threshold knob, that tells the processor when to start the process by cutting out certain frequency ratios. The microphones for each instrument are selected by experience or by experimentation and are then connected to the desired console.They then place the microphone in the desired position in order to get the best possible sound without distortion. Once that is processed, the microphone and track selection should be noted onto a track sheet for easy input and track assignment in the studio. After all the assignments and labeling have been applied, the engineer can begin the process of setting levels for each instrument and mic in put by communicating with each musician to play in solo mode or by asking for a complete run through of the song and listening to one input at a time.With the new age of pro studios, project studios, and digital audio workstations, engineers have a wide variety of tools and options for different types of productions, causing the approach to the projects to vary in many different ways. According to an interview of noted audio engineer Simon Kasprowicz â€Å"what makes a good engineer from a bad is totally subjective and depends upon individual desire because what may sound fantastic to someone, others will find fault in† (Kasprowicz, about. com).When all of the tracks of a project have been recorded, assembled, and edited onto the digital audio workstation or tape deck, the next step would be to individually mix the elements of their work in their final edited forms. The mix down process occurs by routing the various tracks of a digital audio workstation or tape based recorder through a hardware virtual mixing console to alter the overall session’s program, all which include getting relative level, spatial positioning, using equalizers, and effects. Once these measures are taken care of, the engineer can then set up a rough mix of the song by adjusting evels and the spatial pan positions. The producer who is mostly provides feedback to the artist and the engineer during the session, listens to the mix and may ask the engineer to make specific changes such as amplitude adjustments. Instruments in their isolated tracks are often soloed for equalized changes to be made. The usual compression and limiting can be used in the mixing process to make individual tracks sound fuller and more consistent in level or to prevent them from overloading the mix when searching for a desired level.Finally, the team consisting of the artists, producers and engineers in the session can now begin the cooperative process of building the mix in its final form. When the m ix begins to take its form, signal processors, such as effects like reverb and echo, can be added to shape the ambience of the recording in order to help blend with instruments and give a more live feeling to the mix. It’s very important for levels to be as consistent as possible between the various takes. Very often, good judgment is needed to monitor compatible listening levels on speakers or headphones.The reasoning behind this technique is due to the variations in human ear frequency response at different sound pressure level will result in inconsistencies between song balances. Once the final mix is made, the engineer will listen to the mix over different speaker systems for flaws that may have been missed. Making copies of the final mix and sending them out to the producer and artists to listen to is also an ideal way to discover any changes that may be necessary before sending out the final mix to the mastering engineer.Mastering is the process that uses specialized hi gh quality audio gear together with one or more sets of critical ears to help artists and producers attain the desired sound. This has to be done before the recording is made into a finished product. Bob Katz, author of Mastering Audio states that, â€Å"Mastering is the last creative step in the audio production process, the bridge between mixing and distribution† (Katz, 13). It is the last opportunity to enhance sound or repair problems within a studio under an audio microscopic spectrum.Once the final mix is completed, the edited mix down project is sent to the mastering engineers who then fine-tune the overall project. These engineers lend their well-trained ears to help determine what can go wrong technically or aesthetically. With this in mind, mastering too can be considered a techno-artistic field; when applying the rules that one mastering engineer can have a different approach to the sound and overall feel of the project than a different engineer. Mastering can have an important impact on the final project and the assignment of finding the right engineer should never be taken lightly.At times, the mastering engineer may not need to adjust the final mix at all and just give the track the seal of approvable for press. Most of the time, however, the engineer still aids the producer in the track they could not get right during the mix down process by adding their final touch to it. With the audio industry’s constant evolution due to new artists, technologies and recording techniques, labels and production companies are constantly seeking the services of professionally trained engineers.The importance of audio engineers in the hypercompetitive world of entertainment will only increase as new media become more prevalent. Whether its recording tracks at the beginning of the project, assembling and implementing sound effects during the mixing process, or finalizing the project to a desired standard, the audio engineer will continue to be an int egral member in the creation of mass distributed records.

Holistic Care Nurse Essay

The name and other identifying information about the patient included within this piece of work have been changed to protect confidentiality, as required by The Code of Professional Conduct (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2008). For this reason, the patient included in this case study will be given the pseudonym of Sam Jones.The purpose of this assignment is to identify one client problem and provide an evidence-based plan of care for the individual. The purpose of care planning is to show a logical and systematic flow of ideas through from the initial assessment to the final evaluation (Mooney and O’Brien, 2006).The nursing model that will be incorporated in this care plan will be the Roper, Logan and Tierney’s model (2000). This model was chosen because is it extremely prevalent in the United Kingdom and is the most widely used model familiar to nurses. The model of nursing specifies 12 activities of daily living which are related to basic human needs and incorporates five dimensions of holistic care, physiological, psychological, sociocultural, politicoeconomical and environmental (Roper, Logan and Tierney’s model, 2000).Care plans are based on evidence-based practice, allowing the nurse to determine the best possible care and rationale for the chosen nursing interventions (Roper, Logan and Tierney, 2000). They take into account the psychological, biological and sociological needs of the person and therefore provide a holistic approach to care (Roper, Logan and Tierney, 2000). The main activity of living that will be affected within this care plan will be maintaining a safe environment as Mr. Jones may have a potential problem of death, due to hypovolemic and/or metabolic shock caused by ketoacidosis.Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) usually occurs in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus, but diabetic ketoacidosis can develop in any person with diabetes (Diabetes UK, 2013). DKA results from dehydration during a state of relative insulin defici ency, associated with high blood levels of sugar level and ketones (Diabetes UK, 2013). This happens because there is not enough insulin to allow glucose to enter the cells where it can be used as energy so the body begins to use stores of fat as an alternative source of energy, and this in turn produces an acidic by-product known as ketones (Diabetes UK, 2013). It is evident that DKA is associated with significant disturbances of the body's chemistry, which should resolve with appropriate  therapy (Diabetes UK, 2013).Severe metabolic acidosis can lead to shock or death (Dugdale, 2011). The specific problem was chosen because there are measures that can significantly reduce the risk of metabolic and hypovolemic shock which can be caused by severe metabolic acidosis (Dugdale, 2011). Within the care plan relevant care interventions will be identified to prevent the possible development of shock for Mr. Jones. In practice the interventions would happen contemporaneously.The intervent ions involve identifying the potential risk factors for the development of shock by using specific assessments. This will be done by following an assessment which includes planning, assessing, implementing and evaluating the care that will be provided to Mr Jones and to evaluate its effectiveness (Mooney & O’Brien, 2006).Once the diagnosis was made, specific, achievable, measurable, realistic and time limited goals of care for Mr. Jones were made. The NHS foundation trust specific guidelines for adult diabetic ketoacidosis suggest a series of immediate actions and assessments for suspected DKA which will allow for appropriate interventions to be made and will provide a baseline which will provide a measure of the effectiveness of the treatment (The Joint British Diabetes Societies Inpatient Care Group, [JBDS], 2012).Mr Jones will need fluid and electrolyte management to clear ketones and correct electrolyte imbalance (Nazario, 2011). He will also require pharmacological invol vement which will include administrating medication that is needed to reverse the acidosis, raised blood glucose and pH levels (Nazario, 2011).Psychological intervention is also necessary to reduce his anxiety and therefore reduce potential shock (Nazario, 2011). The goal of treatment for Mr Jones is to lower his high blood sugar level with insulin an hour after the insulin infusion is administrated with the expected outcome of maintaining a blood glucose level in the range of 8.3mmol/l – 10.0mmol/l within 72 hours (JBDS, 2012). Due to this it is vital that Mr Jones’s blood sugar is monitored and regulated frequently (JBDS, 2012).Another goal is to replace his lost body fluids; intravenous fluids will be given to treat dehydration and dehydration status will be assessed every hour by monitoring intake and output, skin turgor and vital signs (JBDS, 2012). Mr. Jones will be able to understand the care that is being given and why it is being given within 30 minutes of dia gnosis and he will also be able to express his fears and discuss his needs with nursing staff, which  combined with improvements in his blood sugar levels will reduce his anxiety.Intervention one: Fluid and Electrolyte ManagementAccording to The Joint British Diabetes Society (2012) the usual cause of shock in DKA is severe fluid depletion secondary to osmotic diuresis leading to intravascular volume depletion. Diabetes Daily (2013) justify this by stating that dehydration can become severe enough to cause shock. So once a diagnosis of DKA has been established, fluid replacement should be commenced immediately (Park, 2006).According to Oaks and Cole (2007) the development of total body dehydration and sodium depletion is the result of increased urinary output and electrolyte losses. They state that insulin deficiency can also contribute to renal losses of water and electrolytes (Oaks and Cole, 2007). The Joint British Diabetes Society (2012) suggests that the most important initia l therapeutic intervention when treating a patient with DKA is fluid replacement followed by insulin initiation. They also state an adult weighing 70kg or above presenting with DKA may be up to 7 litres in fluid deficit with associated electrolyte disturbances (JBDS, 2012).Rhoda, Porter and Quintini (2011) propose that a fluid and electrolyte management plan developed by a multidisciplinary team is advantageous in promoting continuity of care and producing safe outcomes. The development of a plan for managing fluid and electrolyte abnormalities should start with correcting the underlying condition (Rhoda, Porter and Quintini, 2011).In most cases, this is followed by an assessment of fluid balance with the goal of achieving euvolemia (state of normal body fluid volume) (Rhoda, Porter and Quintini, 2011). The Joint British Diabetes Society (2012) propose the main aims for the first few litres of fluid replacement are to clear ketones and correct electrolyte imbalance.The Joint British Diabetes Society (2012) has issued guidelines on the management of adults with DKA to each NHS foundation trust. The guidelines state that intravenous fluids should be commenced via an intravenous cannula (JBDS, 2012). It is recommended that 9% Sodium chloride 1000mls should be infused initially over one hour (JBDS, 2012).Park (2006) clarifies this by stating that slower rates have been associated with a more rapid correction of plasma bicarbonate and it is recommended that 1000mls is to be infused in the first hour. Rhoda, Porter and Quintini (2011) propose that after fluid status is corrected,  electrolyte imbalances are simplified.To correct dehydration and achieve the goal of rehydrating Mr Jones, several assessments will need to be completed. Rhoda, Porter and Quintini (2011) suggest that after a plan is developed, frequent monitoring is vital to regain homeostasis. Mr Jones’s urine output, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and pulse oximetry will be monito red hourly to ensure the treatment being given is working effectively (JBDS, 2012).Also, to assess the degree of dehydration a variety of specific observations will need to be carried out including observing neck veins, skin turgor, mucous membranes, tachycardia, hypotension, capillary refill and urine output (JBDS, 2012). A strict fluid balance chart will need to be in place to monitor input and output (Mooney, 2007).To continue with gradual rehydration and restoration of depleted electrolytes after the first 1000ml bag of 0.9% sodium chloride has been administered to Mr Jones over one hour a second 1000ml bag of 0.9% sodium chloride will be commenced over two hours and a third bag will then follow over another two hours (JBDS, 2012) . Following these two hourly bags of fluid another two bags of sodium chloride will follow at a rate of four hours and then another two bags will be commenced over six hours consecutively to ensure complete rehydration (JBDS, 2012).Pharmacology Interve ntionThe medication that was needed to resolve Mr. Jones’s acidosis and to prevent metabolic shock will be discussed in this intervention. A fixed rate intravenous insulin infusion is recommended by The Joint British Diabetes Society (2012) and stated on the NHS foundation trust DKA guidelines to reverse DKA.An intravenous insulin infusion via a pump should contain 50 units of actrapid insulin in 50mls 0.9% sodium chloride at a continuous fixed rate of 0.1 units/kg/hour (JBDS, 2012). If you are unable to weigh the patient an estimated weight will need to be made to calculate the units per kg per hour (JBDS, 2012).Whilst the infusion is running ketones and capillary blood glucose will be monitored hourly to screen for improvement (JBDS, 2012). Preedy (2010) and guidelines to DKA both state that if the patient normally takes long acting insulin (e.g. Lantus, Levemir) this should be continued at their usual dose and time. According to The Joint British Diabetes Society (2012) it is no longer advised to administer a  bolus dose of insulin at the time of diagnosis of DKA to allow rapid correction of blood sugar. Intravenous fluid resuscitation alone will reduce plasma glucose levels by two methods: it will dilute the blood glucose and also the levels of counter-regulatory hormones (JBDS, 2012).If the blood glucose falls too slowly, the insulin rate should be doubled every hour until the target decrease is met (JBDS, 2012). If the blood glucose falls too quickly, the insulin rate can be halved to 0.05unit/kg/hour, but for a short time only, as a rate of 0.1 units/kg/hour is needed to switch off ketone production (JBDS, 2012).If hypoglycaemia occurs prior to complete resolution of DKA, the insulin infusion should not be stopped, but extra glucose should be added to the IV fluids instead (JBDS, 2012). Diabetes Daily (2013) explain that if necessary, potassium should be administered to correct for hypokalemia (low blood potassium concentration), and sodium bic arbonate to correct for metabolic acidosis, if the pH is less than 7.0.For Mr. Jones neither of these was needed to correct his acidosis. JBDS (2012) can justify this as they clarify that intravenous bicarbonate is very rarely necessary. Similarly, Diabetes Care (2004) proposes the use of bicarbonate in DKA remains controversial. At a pH >7.0, insulin activity blocks lipolysis and resolves ketoacidosis without any added bicarbonate. Potassium is often high on admission but falls precipitously upon treatment with insulin (JBDS, 2012).Potassium levels can fluctuate severely during the treatment of DKA, because insulin decreases potassium levels in the blood by redistributing it into cells (JBDS, 2012). A large part of the shifted extracellular potassium would have been lost in Mr. Jones’s urine because of osmotic diuresis (Dugdale, 2012). Hypokalemia increases the risk of dangerous irregularities in the heart rate (Dugdale, 2012).Therefore, continuous observation of the heart r ate is recommended as well as repeated measurement of Mr. Jones’s potassium levels and addition of potassium to the intravenous fluids once levels fall below 5.3 mmol/l (JBDS, 2012). By 24 hours Mr. Jones had improved and was able to eat and drink. The guidelines state that by 24 hours the ketonaemia and acidosis should have resolved but you should continue intravenous fluids if the patient is not yet drinking as per clinical judgement (JBDS, 2012).The guidelines also suggest if blood glucose becomes lower than 14 mmol/L then 10% glucose should be prescribed to run alongside the sodium chloride (JBDS, 2012). Also, if Mr Jones’s  potassium had of dropped below 3.5mmol/L in the first 24 hours of treatment then additional potassium would have needed to be given (JBDS, 2012).Psychological InterventionA third intervention would be communication needs to reduce patient anxiety and keep the patient feeling secure. Communication plays an important part in the holistic care p lan and biopsychosocial approach to care. Anxiety can be a barrier to communication; therefore, it is important to communicate with Mr. Jones clearly and supportively in order to make him feel free to discuss his fears and to allow him to participate in the decisions made in his care. According to Sarafino (2008) anxiety appears to be caused by an interaction of biopsychosocial factors, including vulnerability, which interact with situations, stress, or trauma to produce added anxieties for the patient.The nurse should take a step by step approach to build a plan of care and voice the plan of care to Mr. Jones so he does not become overwhelmed by the extensiveness of the treatment (Sarafino, 2008). Communication is identified as one of the essential skills that health care professionals must acquire (NMC, 2010). The Nursing and Midwifery Council (2010) stipulate that, within the domain for communication and interpersonal skills, all nurses must do the following: communicate safely a nd effectively, build therapeutic relationships and take individual differences, capabilities, and needs into account, be able to engage in, maintain, and disengage from therapeutic relationships, use a range of communication skills and technologies, use verbal, non-verbal, and written communication, address communication in diversity, promote well-being and personal safety, and identify ways to communicate.Communicating with Mr. Jones relatives is also important so that they develop an understanding of his condition and the care he is receiving (Webb, 2011) According to Webb (2011) health professionals who can communicate at an emotional level are seen as warm, caring, and empathetic, and engender trust in their patients, which encourages disclosure of worries and concerns that patients might otherwise not reveal. Additionally, informative and useful communication between the practitioner and the patient is shown to encourage patients to take more interest in their condition, ask q uestions, and develop greater understanding and self-care (Webb, 2011).Webb (2011) explains that this is  particularly so when the patient is given time and encouragement to ask questions and be involved in their treatment decisions. By using the Roper, Logan and Tierney’s nursing model (2000) a holistic approach to care was able to be implemented for Mr. Jones by taking into account his biological, psychological and social needs. By establishing a holistic care plan three interventions were identified that were equally vital in treating Mr. Jones’s DKA to prevent hypovolemic and metabolic shock caused by his acidosis.The first intervention was the management of fluid and electrolytes put in place to achieve the goal of rehydrating Mr. Jones in aim to correct his electrolyte imbalance and clear ketones to prevent hypovolemic and metabolic shock caused by his DKA. The second intervention included pharmacological input which included the administration of relevant medi cation to achieve the goal of reversing Mr. Jones’s raised blood glucose and acidosis. Lastly the third intervention within the holistic care plan addressed Mr. Jones psychological needs by resolving his anxiety by utilising effective communication and interpersonal skills.It can be concluded that the care plan and treatment for Mr. Jones was successful therefore he did not require escalation to the high dependency unit and additional treatment was not necessary. Therefore it is evident from the success of Mr Jones care; care planning provides a structured and holistic method which in turn addresses all elements of an individual’s health and well being.AppendixThe individual chosen for this care plan is Mr. Sam Jones (a pseudonym, as explained in the confidentiality statement). This gentleman was chosen for the care plan as caring for diabetic individuals is becoming a more common activity within health care today. Mr. Jones is a 58-year-old builder who was admitted af ter being found collapsed at his home by his brother.He is 5ft 9† tall and weighs 88 kilogram’s. Mr. Jones lives alone in a centrally heated two bedroom semi detached house; he sleeps on the upper floor and is very independent and does not require a package of care. He has a daughter aged 22 who has two small children and also has a brother aged 64 who lives nearby with his wife.Mr. Jones has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes since the age of 18 and has struggled with the management of his condition  resulting in numerous hospital admissions. Mr Jones stated he did not smoke but admitted to having an increased intake of alcohol. On arrival blood monitoring was performed which revealed un-recordable blood sugar levels which gave the clerking impression of diabetic ketoacidosis.The health care team then had the problem of potential death due to hypovolemic and metabolic shock caused by ketoacidosis. On admission to the medical assessment unit (MAU) numerous assessment s needed to be completed to discover the extensiveness of the condition and to provide baseline levels.Firstly, rapid ABC was performed with measurement of pulse, blood pressure, Glasgow coma scale, respiratory rate and pulse oximetry. Urinalysis was performed which indicated the presence of ketones, and glucose and samples were sent for microscopy, culture and sensitivity. The patients’ full blood count was taken as part of the ‘septic screen'.The patients’ capillary blood glucose was taken and venous blood samples were be sent to the lab for U&Es which is essential in order to assess the baseline potassium as well as giving a biochemical indication of dehydration and renal function. Laboratory glucose is also an essential baseline investigation to identify glucose and evaluate blood sugar concentrations (Association for Clinical Chemistry, 2011).A baseline ECG is a mandatory investigation for a patient with DKA (Turner 2012). Blood gas measurements were used to evaluate Mr. Jones’s oxygenation and acid/base status and from the blood gas a pH result was obtained as well as a bicarbonate levels and PC02 (the amount of carbon dioxide released into the blood) levels (ACC, 2011).The results of the numerous tests confirmed the diagnosis of metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis is characterised by a lower pH and decreased bicarbonate, the blood is too acidic on a metabolic/kidney level. A pH less than 7.4, low bicarbonate and low PC02 will indicate metabolic shock and DKA (ACC, 2011). The assessments that were undertaken on Mr Jones revealed that he fitted the criteria for diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis.According to The Joint British Diabetes Society (2012) to diagnose DKA the three of the following must be present: blood glucose over 11mmol/l or known diabetic, blood ketones above 3mmol/l or urine ketone ++ or more and venous pH less than 7.3 and/or bicarbonate below 15mmol/l. Once the diagnosis was made, specific, achievable, measu rable, realistic and time limited goals of care for Mr. Jones were made.

Character changes in Macbeth

Character changes in Macbeth Essay In Shakespeares play Macbeth we see the main character, Macbeth changes from a well-regarded and loyal soldier of the Scottish king to a murderous tyrant. At the start of the play Macbeth is courageous, ambitious, superstitious and devoted to his wife. These characteristics are shown through the victory against the rebels, Macbeths trust in the witches and his letter to his wife. In the second half of the play Macbeth becomes cruel and treacherous, insecure and distant from Lady Macbeth. The events that show this change are the murders Macbeth commits, his voluntary return to the witches and his reaction to his wifes death. One of the first events of the play occurs when King Duncans army, led by Macbeth and Banquo defeat the rebels. Macbeth fought ferociously, risking his own life to save his country. King Duncan praises noble Macbeth. Macbeth is seen as a strong soldier who is loyal and courageous, a truly heroic figure. To Duncan he was the worthiest cousin; to the wounded sergea nt Valours minion; to Banquo, My noble partner. King Duncan cannot reward him enough for all he has done. More is thy due than more than all can pay. Macbeth is made Thane of Cawdor, but begins to be tempted by his own vaulting ambition to become king. Another characteristic of Macbeth is his striving ambition and curious nature, which leads him and his partner Banquo to the witches who give him a prophecy. Banquo realises that there must be a trick hidden in the witches prophecies but Macbeth refuses to accept that. Macbeth chooses to let the witches influence him, but Banquo does not. This event showed Macbeth was superstitious because he trusted the witches. The witches prophecies stroked the fires of his ambition to be king.Macbeth was also devoted to his wife. He told his wife everything and confided in her via a secret letter. Macbeth even called his wife my dearest partner of greatness. This proves the affection and trust he had in Lady Macbeth. Together they plot to murder D uncan. Lady Macbeth and Macbeths own ambition are influences of evil that Macbeth chooses to accept. Macbeth also accepts advice from his wife. Lady Macbeth gets him to act by appealing to his manhood and courage, When you durst do it more the man., showing Macbeth is morally weak. He is very hesitant about killing the king though, showing he has a conscience. However, Macbeth begins to act alone, and Lady Macbeth loses her control over him. He follows his murder of Duncan with the quick murder of the two sleepy grooms. Macbeth becomes cruel and treacherous; the voice of conscience within him is gone; he no longer hesitates to follow courses of evil: The very firstlings of my heart shall be The firstlings of my hand. He does not need to be urged to the deed in planning the murder of Banquo and of Fleance. Macbeth fears Banquo because he recognises in him a moral courage, which he lacked Banquo kept his bosom franchised and allegiance clear. Macbeth also believed the prophecy that Banquos descendants would become king. He had become obsessed with his own safety. Macbeths imagination and insecurity is shown when the ghost of Banquo appeared at the banquet. His degradation carries him to the level where he vents his savage frenzy upon the innocent heads of His Macduffs wife, his babes for no reason, but his savage determination to maintain t he throne. These murders show the insecurity that was present in Macbeth. READ: The Moment Of Truth: Happy Ending EssayMacbeth voluntarily and deliberately returns to the witches alone. This time he is more assertive towards them. He is not over awed and he demands to know if Banquos descendants will become kings. The witches deliberately mislead Macbeth but he believes them, showing his overconfidence. Later, Macbeth becomes distant and cold towards Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth can no longer control Macbeth, and after killing Duncan he begins to act alone. Macbeth even tells the doctor to cure her of her mental illness, and makes no effort himself to help cure her. When Lady Macbeth dies, Macbeth states She should have died hereafter. There would have been time for such a word. He hears the news of his wifes death and reacts nonchalant and unemotionally. But Macbeth is still a tragic hero because he reveals to us that he is suffering a living hell, without the blessing of sleep that knits up the ravelld sleave of care. His punishment is as great as his crimes. At the end Macbeth does not run away or kill himself. Although Macbeth knows that he is doomed, he fights Macduff to the end, showing he is still courageous and physically brave. Once the saviour of his country, a valiant cousin! a worthy gentleman, Macbeth became the dead butcher, allowing ambition to overcome the natural order of life. Bibliography:

International Finance - currency Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

International Finance - currency - Essay Example Same method is applied for obtaining the values mentioned at other places and tables elsewhere also in this paper. FOREX experts thought that the pound would begin the year 2003 on an optimistic note but unfortunately for the pound, that year also began with a downward trend against the Euro and continued till the year end. The first quarter saw the pound value against euro drip by 5.8% from 1.539429 to 1.449098. It further continued the downward journey to 1.438329 by the end of second quarter reaching its lowest of the year at 1.397857 on May 30. The decline in the second quarter was 0 .7 % and negligible when compared to the first quarter decline. On the whole, the pound dripped by 6.56 % during the first half of the year which had seen the euro rise against the pound from 0.649591to 0.695251. The following table and the subsequent graph show the decline of the pound against the Euro as explained earlier in the first half of the year 2003. The European Central Bank (ECB) has continued with a policy of consistency in bank rates boosting up the morale of the Euro in FOREX markets. In January and February, 2003, the Governing Council of ECB decided to continue with existing rates of 3.75% and 1.75 % for marginal lending and deposit facilities respectively. The minimum bid rate on main refinancing operations also continued to be at 3.75% putting at rest all the rumours. This was followed by a report, released on February 24, 2003, that claimed that the solvency levels of EU banks also continued to be even stronger. The regulatory capital ratio for EU banking system stood at 12% as against the minimum requirement of 8% in the preceding two years of 2001 and 2002, according to this report (Press release, 24 February 2003-EU Banking sector stability, The banking sector has remained stable). While these decisions helped the Euro maintain its stability and uptrend against the pound, some unfavourable trends persisted on the home ground for the latter currency adding fuel to the fire. No doubt, the British economy had recorded maximum growth rate in the third quarter of 2002 due to buoyancy in consumer spending and rising of prices while the GDP rose by 0.94 % in comparison with the previous quarter. But the inflation rate had crossed the Bank of England's (BOE) expected target of 2.5% reaching almost 2.8% in the last quarter (Released on 1/9/03 For 4 Jan 2003 ). The BOE defended the inflation rate arguing that the tendency was temporary and had its sources in the rising prices of oil and housing. With a view to reverse the inflation trend, the BOE had reduced the interest rate to 3.75 percent from 4%. This was the lowest level borrowing rate in the country since 1955 (Released on 2/6/03 For Feb 2003) and it naturally made the public and FOREX traders lose interest on the pound leading to its continuous downtrend against the Euro. The following table shows how it went down further in the second half of the year 2003. Date / Month

Foreign Exchange Risk Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Foreign Exchange Risk Analysis - Essay Example The policies in china resulted in a successful market economy and indigenous private sector. This resulted increase of foreign trade and inward investments. The high growth recorded in China regarding economic activity and manufacturing, prompted many companies to export to establish manufacturing units in China.1 The exchange rate in the international market is dominated by US dollar. The imbalance in the system can be considered as a reason for instability. The foreign exchange policy by any state should have a long term agenda to appreciate it along with the increasing exports, which is a difficult thing. As per now the USD is international currency and Euro and Yen are trying to replace it. For this purpose the currency should fulfill the classical money functions. This makes the countries like china to have US currency up to some extent and this leads to appreciation of that currency resulting in increasing the import costs. If any country wants to appreciate its currency, it must be accepted by lot of people and countries in the world. This increases demand for that particular currency and can be appreciated. 2 The reason for the change in the foreign economic relations and exchange of Yuan with other currencies is due to opening of its economy to the outer world. The private foreign capital was used to increase the economic development. As China absorbed the new capitals, the currency was being appreciated. The increase of manufacturing sector simultaneously provided the foreign exchange to china to import the requirements. As it followed the self reliance the imports are kept at a limitation and this resulted in appreciation of its currency over the international currencies. As a result 1USD can fetch only 7 Yuan and this is due to the acceptance of the Yuan by different countries like the members of ASEAN and other countries. The self reliance and control of imports also made Chinese currency appreciate gradually over USD in the course of time. As per Nike company is considered it can export its goods into china. One reason is that there are very less currencies like Yuan that are very close to the value of US. This makes the company to make more profit in China than the countries like India, which have 1USD = more than 40 Indian rupees. So, instead of exporting the products to the countries like in India, it is better to export to country like China for Nike. Though it results in decrease of foreign investment, this resulted in healthy competition and growth of economy. 3 From the hardened stand in 1949-50 the US policy has been liberalized from then on China. UK along with US favored China and both of them relied heavily on china. The policies of US and UK made china to implement the economic reforms. 4 After the end of China's Civil war both other parts of the world and China recognized the importance of China and the openness of the economies. After Europe, Britain considered the China to be important according to American influence. Out of its large investments in the world, the British and Americans have substantial investments in China. China, which was ranked below Hong Kong and Malays by US in the preferential treatment emerged as the front runner in the economic refo

Authentic Leadership Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Authentic Leadership - Dissertation Example The second article deals with increased performance due to trust given by subordinates to their leaders. Individuals with disability are excluded from social participation. Authentic leaders require strategies that involve these individuals in social contributions. This is discussed in the third article. The last article deals with strategic orientations for coping with organizational change. Different leaders have different goal oriented inclinations, which affect sustainability of change in an organization. From Avolio Bruce (2009) Most researchers concentrate on what a leader does, what they have done in the past, and how they have performed as a measure of quality leadership. Constituents of genuine leadership require a frontier of both the practice and science of leadership. In the current world, organizations are competing for leadership talent. Governments and businesses are concerned with developing leadership that will promote a sustainable world. The world is faced with fin ite resources, which calls for more attention for management and leadership qualities. The current leadership interventions aim at enhancing the self awareness of leaders. In the previous regimes of leadership, charismatic leaders could use symbols, images, and rhetoric to perform above ordinary levels (Avolio and Gibbons, 1988). These leaders sacrificed everything to show their followers their commitment to achieving their vision. According to Burns (1978) such leaders were inspiring, morally uplifting, and focused on converting followers into leaders. They transformed several of their followers into leaders. However, not all charismatic leaders are morally uplifting. Some leaders like Joseph Stalin advantaged on group by destroying others. They eliminated other people inclined towards leadership. Transformational leadership is characteristic on the leader throughout their life span (Avolio and Luthans, 2006). These leaders are inspiring and visionary. Positive outcomes in the orga nization and within an individual emanate from transformational leadership (Judge and Piccolo, 2004). According to Kegan (1994) leaders guided by self interest make it difficult to invest time to develop their followers into leaders. Their moral perspective is typically stuck at determining their personal gaining from transforming others into leaders. They dislike changes in the leadership positions and cannot judge the overall best course to pursue in transforming others. An authentic leader is self-aware, moral centered, transparent, and fair in decision making (George, 2003). As individuals advance in experience and wisdom, they shift from individual performers to morally uplifting and focus on transforming followers. Some of these leaders display transformational qualities but lack the moral basis to become transformational. Such leaders are seen to be very successful but leave their organizations in ruins. This is as a result of lack of transformational nature in these leaders and self motivated gains. Leadership is more made than born. In an incremental perspective, development is more elastic and modifiable within the life course. However, those who believe that leaders are born have an entity view. They consider personality and leadership as fixed entities at certain points in the life stream. Developing leadership is therefore difficult in people who think certain things are fixed. Transformational leadership should exist in strategic levels in an organization. Cascading effects are witnessed

Work Experience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Work Experience - Essay Example (Source http://www.hcareers.com/us/seeker/tophiring/hotel) There are almost as many different types of hotel jobs as there are hotels and properties, offering job seekers interesting and enjoyable opportunities to try something new, advance in the industry and find rewarding careers. Job seekers looking for hotel/casino jobs may find themselves working as front desk clerks, housekeeping managers, concierges, food and beverage managers, catering and convention directors, general manager, executive chef, sous-chef, banquet manager, casino dealer, and casino slot attendant. And for job seekers coming from other industries who are interested in hotel jobs or casino jobs, many state, provincial and local government tourism boards offer hospitality training courses to help them make the transition. Until recently, hands-on training was the only way to learn the ropes in the hospitality industry. As the industry has grown and matured, so has the need for more professional employees. The approach today is multi-faceted, involving a combination of university or community college hospitality courses, professional programs offered by industry-specific institutes, online courses, job shadowing and mentoring, as well as the old standard, on-the-job training. Many universities now offer a Bachelor in Hospitality or Ba... Many universities now offer a Bachelor in Hospitality or Bachelor in Hotel & Resort Management, while colleges offer diploma courses in hospitality management, hotel & restaurant management, hospitality & tourism.Brighton Beach Hotel Enter and savour the air of elegance and tranquility where a friendly smile greets you and where service is of the utmost importance. A warm and welcoming reception awaits you when you arrive at the famous Beach Hotel. With over 30 rooms tastefully furnished in a traditional Regency style, all with en-suite facilities and the necessities for modern day living, the Beach Hotel offers the ideal stopover for business or leisure. The Beach Hotel is superbly situated on Brighton seafront overlooking The West Pier and English Channel. The Brighton Conference Centre and major tourist attractions including Brighton Pier, the main shopping center, Churchill Square, the world famous Lanes, the Theatre Royal, and the Royal Pavilion once holiday home to The Prince Regent just a few minutes walk away. For more than a Century and a half this architectural landmark on Brighton seafront has become a symbol of hospitality. The Beach Hotel together with the Regency Restaurant is an original Grade II listed building of historical importance which in 1988 was given a Best Building Design award by Brighton Council for an original period building. "Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at something worth doing" Source :( humanresources.about.com/od/inspirationalquotations/a/quotes_work.htm -) Work Experience In HR Department: In any organization, HR

The Political Environment for Coca-Cola and Pepsi in India Essay

The Political Environment for Coca-Cola and Pepsi in India - Essay Example 3. The Indian market is enormous in terms of population and geography. How have the two companies responded to the sheer scale of operations in India in terms of product policies, promotional activities, pricing policies, and distribution arrangements? India is the second most populated country in the world. The country has a population of 1.19 billion people (CultureGrams). Both Pepsi and Coca Cola have done a poor job of expanding the size of the market. One of the reasons that the companies have been ineffective in this foreign market is because the firms failed to realize that the marketing strategy that worked in Western nations will not be effective in an Asian marketplace. An inherent problem of the Indian marketplace is that income per capita of the consumers is very low. The yearly gross domestic product per capita of India is $3,500 (CultureGrams). The firms have not taken advantage of the fact that their products are food items that have the attribute of being a physiologi cal necessity for customers. 4. â€Å"Global localization† (glocalization) is a policy that both companies have implemented successfully. Give examples for each company from the case. The use of globalization was utilized in the marketing strategies of the companies. For instance Pepsi realized that the Indian people have the same passion for sports that many Americans have even though the sports each market likes is different. The Pepsi ad campaigns focused on sports that Indians like such as soccer. Globalization implies that companies can implement certain business strategies in different markets with similar results. The use of acquisition was a strategy that helped Pepsi increased its overall market share. Coca Cola utilized globalization in its... This essay describes and analyzes the political environment in India, that has been very challenging to both Coca-Cola and Pepsi due to the fact that the government is very protective of the local industries. It is stated that Coca Cola entered the Indian market first in 1958, but it withdrew India in 1977 due to a controversy over the copyrights of its formula. Intellectual property is often not protected in foreign marketplaces. In order for Coca-Cola and Pepsi to penetrate the marketplace in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s these firms had to negotiate joint ventures with local firms. The researcher mentiones that political environment of India could have been studied more closely prior to these two companies entering the India marketplace. One of the reasons that the companies have been ineffective in this foreign market is because the firms failed to realize that the marketing strategy that worked in Western nations will not be effective in an Asian marketplace. Th e researcher also describes an inherent problem of the Indian marketplace, that is that income per capita of the consumers is very low. The researcher also discusses what lessons can each company draw from its Indian experience as it contemplates entry into other Big Emerging Markets and comments on the decision of both Pepsi and Coke to enter the bottled water market instead of continuing to focus on their core products — carbonated beverages and cola based drinks in particular, because a lot of consumers prefer to drink a bottle of water over a soda.

Haitian poverty crisis and the state of their economy now and then Essay

Haitian poverty crisis and the state of their economy now and then - Essay Example Along with the poverty has come all of the problems associated with the disadvantage of being relegated near the bottom of the world's socio-economic class. Rampant crime, health problems, high infant mortality, and limited life span all further burden a society already faced with the struggle of trying to provide the basics of life. The political system has been wracked by upheaval and instability for two centuries as dictators and the military have vied for power with no thought of elevating the standard of living for the people. The failure of leadership in Haiti, and racist policies in Washington DC, have allowed two hundred years of exploitation and kept Haiti locked in a cycle of poverty. By almost every measure, Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere and one of the poorest in the world. The situation is getting even worse as the last 50 years have seen a stagnation in the Haitian economy and a real decline in the gross national product (Sletten and Egset 5). The gap between the wealthy and the poor is extreme in Haiti and average incomes or median incomes do not tell the whole story. The top 10 percent consume almost 50 percent of the country's resources (CIA). No meaningful official unemployment data exists, but two-thirds of the population have no formal jobs and 80 percent of the people live below the poverty line (CIA). Almost 60 percent of the people are classed as extremely poor and live on less than $1 per day (Sletten and Egset 9). This is almost double the rate of El Salvador and four times the rate of Guatemala and Bolivia. According to Sletten and Egset, "Haiti is not only the poorest country in Latin America, but also the most unequal in a region that is already the most unequal in the world" (9). These are the statistics that form the backdrop of Haiti's poverty. While the statistics on Haiti's poverty are bleak, the location of the poverty imparts an even more disparate picture. Most Haitians live in rural areas and almost 4 out of 5 extremely poor people live in a rural area (Sletten and Egset 10). When poverty is measured in terms of access to public services, this segment of the population suffers further. Access to services such as electricity, education, roads, clean water, and health care is dependent on where a person lives in Haiti (Sletten and Egset 15). In addition, the policy of privatization has placed almost all public services in the hands of the ruling class. According to Gros, "Nearly two-hundred years of informal privatization of the state have left Haiti lacking the capacity to deliver even the most basic of public services; security and justice" (223). The better neighborhoods are better served by these services and the denial in the rural areas of access to basic services further impoverishes this portion of the populatio n. The extremely poor in the rural areas are left with a subsistence wage and no access to the public services, such as education, that might hold some hope for breaking out of the cycle of poverty. The reasons that Haiti continues to be locked in poverty in today's world of globalization can be better understood by examining their history. Haiti claimed independence in 1804 when there was a slave rebellion. This freed the slaves and gave them independence from France. However, through the lens of the US and European powers, "independent Haiti would be viewed continually as a threat to hemispheric and

Global Warming Based from Scientific Studies Research Paper - 1

Global Warming Based from Scientific Studies - Research Paper Example Al Gore is better known as a politician than a scientist or environmentalist and this perhaps led him to introduce himself by giving a little background of his education and work experiences, linking him to experts on global warming. Having established himself as a person in authority to discuss the subject matter, Gore proceeds to give the traditional explanation about global warming. He mentions that the atmosphere has a thin layer that traps some infrared radiation which helps regulate the earth’s temperature, making it a livable place. However, with the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere caused by air pollution, that layer is thickened, causing more infrared radiation trapped in the atmosphere which in turn causes higher temperature worldwide (Gore, 2006). (The second paragraph has to be reconstructed and broken down because it seemed that the former paragraph was quite long and had different ideas. Moreover, there were corrections with sentence constructions.) T o add more drama and to hold his viewer’s attention as well as make his argument stronger, Gore presents valid discourses of other people which he further discusses. For instance, he mentions that there is the supposition that the earth is so big and therefore, the fears for global warming are far from possible. He acknowledges this debate but goes on to prove that global warming is as real as the air we breathe. Gore presents facts about the conditions of glaciers a few decades ago in contrast to how they are now by showing old and new pictures of well-known places such as Kilimanjaro, the Italian Alps and Rhone Glacier.

Biblical World View Essay Essay Example for Free

Biblical World View Essay Essay In The Essence of the New Testament: A Survey, Towns and Gutierrez, the authors concur with other Biblical scholars understanding that â€Å"the teaching of Romans is not only crucial for Christian theology, but the greatest revivals and reformations throughout the history of Christianity have resulted from an increased understanding and application of the teaching of this epistle† This essay will attempt to summarize how the first 8 chapters of this amazingly written Book of Romans shapes my own personal Biblical worldview. I will first look at 4 areas in which Paul specifically presents clear evidence to his readers of the truth of the Gospel Message. The first area He presents is in regard to the natural world that surrounds all mankind. In Romans 1: 19,20 Paul writes â€Å"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. † I remember as a child in Sunday school that I was often taught about God by looking at natural world that surrounded me. The sunrise, the rainbow, the oceans and many more wonders that pointed me to a God who was not only very powerful but very loving, too. He gives us rain so the soil can produce food and sunlight to give warmth and water to provide life to every living thing He created. Paul presented this basic truth about God because all mankind can easily relate to the amazing natural world that affects his of her everyday life. God has created an amazing order to His World so man must know that the world they live in is a divine creation. Seeing God in nature is not only evidence for me that He is real, but also I see this natural world as another of the beautiful gifts that He gives us to enjoy. And for me, it is a strong reminder each day that God loves me. The second area Paul focuses on is our own human identity. Mans identity is built on what he has clearly seen in nature. So, Paul quickly moves to point out that once humans have experienced Gods creation and they choose not to  honor Him â€Å"They are without excuse; for though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God of give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened. † Romans1 :20-21. Paul goes on to list the many sinful ways of the darkened minds that chose not to honor God. The inspired list of sins that Paul declares leaves no room for any man to truly believe that he is without sin. It is in that list of sins that Paul shows the separation of all mankind from God. It is only in that place of acknowledgment of sin that man can begin to understand his or her human identity. My own human identity is shaped more and more each day as I choose to stand before God acknowledging that I am a sinner. I have a world view that is changing to become more understanding of the need to spread the Gospel message because of my increased awareness of my own sin nature. The third and forth areas of Pauls writing in Romans builds on the first two. Now that mankind has had the obvious evidence of the existence of God in Nature, and now that mankind has seen that he fits somewhere on the list of behaviors that do not honor God, Paul moves on to point out the affects of ungodly living. Mankind began to worship idols, and humans turned against each other as the result of turning their hearts and minds against God. Because of mans choice to turn from God, the sinful nature of man was as plain to see in the culture of the day as was the nature of God was plain to see in the natural world He had created. Any man whose heart was not completely heartened could begin to see that Paul†s message about God was full of truth. When I look back at the times in my life when I have lived without God. Or when I live knowing Him without really realizing that He is in control, not me; I begin to feel the emptiness that living without Him brings to me and those around me. Not only emptiness, but sometimes total chaos due to lack of purpose. As I realize my own personal struggles with faith, I can see how this world needs a savior, too! Paul presents evidence of a people and of a culture that has turned from God. As the Jews put themselves above Greeks and dissension grew among so many different cultures, the will of God had become lost. Pauls writing in Romans made clear what Gods will is for mankind. To summarize, Paul presented a biblical world view in Romans that no man could truthfully reject. God can be seen in nature. Just as God can be seen in nature so can the sinful nature of man be seen in culture we live in. All mankind knows this truth in their heart yet all men refuse to totally honor God. â€Å"Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;† Romans 3:23 Paul sets the stage for mankind to accept the Gospel message of forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. Thank God for the inspired writing that is the Book of Romans. It can inspire all its reader to take a trip on the Roman Road to Salvation.

Trends in Business Communication Essay Example for Free

Trends in Business Communication Essay Over the past two decades technology has advanced rapidly, bringing substantial change in how people communicate in business. While traditional methods of communications such as formal letters and business meetings still take place, even these types of communications have changes dramatically. With the rise of personal computers and the internet in the early 1990’s, nearly every form of communication in business today would be largely unrecognizable to businesspersons from previous decades. The development of these business communication methods are one of the biggest reasons for movement toward an increasingly global economy today. In today’s business environment, typed letters are seldom used. In the times when they are used, they are used as more of a formality than as an everyday form of communication. From personal business experience, they are mainly used to personalize a relationship with clients and most often times are reinforced with electronic communications. Even the way letters are written in today’s business environment is drastically different from years past. Electronic methods for producing and personalizing the letters have been greatly enhanced by the software available today. As for non-formal written communications such as memos, from personal experience they are almost never received in hardcopy. They are all disseminated via e-mail. E-mail is the communications forum that has most affected business communications. Whether formal or informal, it provides for immediate transmittal and reply. A common issue with e-mail communications is that they may become too burdensome, however. The ease of mass dissemination and the prevalence of its use can often lead to large volume of relatively unimportant e-mails. There have been methods developed to lessen this burden, however, including the ability to identify relatively important e-mails such as flagging them. While e-mail has provided a much more fluent and easier method of communication among co-workers and clients, there have been advances that allow businesspersons to accomplish many tasks with less communication with people than was necessary in the past. In today’s business environment, almost all successful companies have interactive websites for customers to research information or to directly communicate with customer support. Data research is constantly required for customer inquiries or for data mining in almost every position within a company. The development of networked databases and cloud computing has allowed employees to conduct almost all necessary research without even speaking to a customer or another employee. The advancement of cloud computing in recent years allows businesses to store and access data remotely, rather than maintaining their own infrastructure. It allows you to access data using any device with a network connection as well as to work on documents with other businesspeople in multiple locations. Cloud computing also allows unlimited storage space and through subscription to the software, allowing businesses to only use what they need. Telecommunications has also been developed into something drastically different than from just a few years ago. While almost all conferences and meetings took place in person not too long ago. More frequent meetings that include all personnel are now increasingly possible with advances in teleconferencing and on-line meetings. In my current position, meetings are held several times a week from offices all around the country on-line. Training is also being conducted in this manner with live training sessions on-line where you can interact with the instructor through instant messaging and telephone. Because of these methods, business can be conducted from almost anywhere a networked computer is available. Another trend that is being allowed by business communication is that employees are increasingly working from remote locations. Devices such as wikis, PDAs, and much more powerful networks and transportable computers have made many of these advances in business communication much easier. In a previous position, our director often worked from remote locations while away on either vacation or business trips almost seamlessly. In my current position, I frequently interact with employees who work from home. The continually advancing technology of recent years has brought about dramatic changes in business communication. In the years to come, it will allow companies to become increasingly paperless will likely provide even greater changes to the way that businesses communicate. Rapidly advances in mobile devices and the software available for them will make what today is viewed as extraordinary the norm. In all, the developments of the last few years have greatly enhanced business communication, improving productivity and generally lowering costs while enabling a company to increase revenues. Effective communications play a critical role in all relationships within a business from management to employee to client. slide 1 of 10 The efficiency and overall profitability of businesses who have quickly adapted to the new communication methods has greatly improved, leaving all other companies no choice but to try and keep up. Communication is probably the most critical factor in the business world of today and companies who can more quickly to develop more effective communication will almost certainly have a substantial advantage on their competition.

Investment in Training

Investment in Training Training is a key component of the present and future of HRM. However, why in the case of the United Kingdom are there so many concerns with this issue regarding organisational commitment to it? Are those concerns valid? Britain seems to have a poor record concerning its investment in training which has resulted in todays skills gap problem. The British governments goal is to bridge this gap by raising the bar on the workforce development. More precisely it envisages that promotion of workforce learning will enhance its competitiveness and will help her create an economy that will make her world leader. It has resorted to initiatives and strategies aiming at solving the so-called â€Å"training problem but obtaining the high-added value route has proved to be challenging and difficult. This paper attempts to present several dimensions of this training problem in the UK. It also tries to assess the severity of the skills gap as well as its chances of being resolved. It shall start by presenting some facts that have triggered a change in Britains attitude concerning the promotion of learning and the investment in training. After that it shall present the initiatives and strategies launched by the British government in its effort to improve the Vocational Education and Training framework as a means of encouraging people to assume their own learning and development and as a means of attracting employers interest in the countrys effort to foster its economy through human resource development. After examining a certain number of training policies and institutions facilitating them, this essay shall endeavour to point out potential flaws and weaknesses of the system. Then we will study some other aspects of the so-called â€Å"training problem† in the UK. One of th ese aspects is employers attitudes which also seem to play their own negative part in Britains desire to become a high skills society. We will also have a look at the â€Å"training apartheid† phenomenon and the inequality of training provisions in the British workplaces. Finally this paper will discuss the emergence of informal training practices, the importance of soft skills and the difficulties in assessing both the former and the latter. Britain is deemed to be trapped in a low-skills equilibrium (Finegolf and Sosckice 1988), meaning that its firms have low-skilled labour force and they produce inexpensive products and services to the detriment of quality. This is the strategy of differentiation that UK firms have been pursuing in their efforts for competitive advantage. That is also the reason why they insist on refusing to invest in the training of their workforce and on employing low-qualified workers (Marchingoton and Wilkinson 2008). This under-investment on workforce learning on the part of employers as well as the governments failure to properly invest in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) throughout the years has resulted in the so-called â€Å"training problem† which is inextricably linked to the skill shortages Britain has been experiencing. The breath of the problem is mirrored in reports and surveys conducted by governmental bodies. What is particularly worrying are the international compa risons which testify that due to this problem, the UK economy has been left behind by its international competitors. (Marchington and Wilkinson 2008) That is the reason why Britain has decided to rely of Human Resource Development in order to solve its problems and obtain the competitive edge against its rivals. Stuart(2007) cited in Stuart and Cooney (2008) explains that nowadays systems of training and skills are considered to impact positively on firms performance and ultimately on national economies. Therefore countries utilise them as weapons to improve their competitive position and to face challenges posed by the globalisation, technological change and the rise of the so-called knowledge economy. Britain has realised that in order to bridge its skill gaps and to move towards the creation of a high skills economy it has to maximise the skills and knowledge of its people. This dimension of Human Resource Management, that is to say training, and more broadly, learning and development has therefore drawn Britains attention as it is said to be the key that will offer the country the competitive edge in the global economy. As a result the government has decided to undertake training initiatives aiming at fostering the learning and development of its workforce. Therefore the state has assumed a more interventionist role in order to improve the VET (Vocational Education and Training) framework. It has designed many strategies as well as established many institutions whose goal is to facilitate Britains trajectory towards the creation of a knowledge economy. The creation of this type of economy is not only desired by Britain but it is also a legal request stemming from the European Un ion for its members. The European Unions wish to transform into the most competitive, knowledge-based economy in the world by 2010 is reflected on the â€Å"Lisbon Goals†. In other words Britain will not only be struggling in order to tackle its national skills deficiencies but it will be doing so in order attain the conditions set by the â€Å" Lisbon Goals â€Å" and its mutual targets with the European Union (Beardwell and Claydon 2007). Beardwell and Claydon (2007) mention that there is a proliferation of government-driven initiatives and they attempt to itemise a few. It has introduced a number of vocational qualifications such as the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) which have several levels and which depict the skills and knowledge which are indispensable for an employee wishing to exercise a specific job. Moreover, there are Apprenticeships which provide work-based training and which permit to the trainee to pursue a qualification at the same time. It has set up the Learning and Skills Councils whose duty is the implementation and finance of educative and training programmes (with the exception of higher education) for sixteen year olds and above. It has also established the Sector Skills Development Councils whose primary role is to deal with skill shortages and to act as voice mechanisms which give employers the opportunity to express themselves and to address the skills and productivity problems of their own businesses (Beardwell and Claydon 2007). Additionally, it has launched the Investors in People Standard which according to Hoque (2008) provides a benchmark for training practices and which prompts organisations to design and put into place training practices addressing their skills gaps. If they manage to meet the Standards criteria they are granted the Investors in People award. However the significance of the whole process lies in the fact that it is meant to increase organisational effectiveness and to entail profits . Finally Britain has followed the example of the dual German VET system which involves many stakeholders in its national learning strategies, including the trades unions. The government has passed legislation leading to the formation of Union Learning Representatives whose main responsibilities is to analyse training needs of the union members, to provide information and to advice on training, to arrange training practices, to promote the value of training and to consult the employer concerning these activities (Hoque and Bacon 2008). Despite the efforts of the government to maximise the skills and knowledge of its people by reforming the VET system, the VET framework is characterised by many weaknesses. According to Keep (1999) the most important one is that the government continues relying on a voluntaristic approach which allows employers to choose not to engage in learning policies and investment on training if they do not want to. On the contrary other European countries utilise coercive measures backed by legislation. He considers the dearth of governmental mechanisms and of regulation able to enforce the provision of training as problematic because this means that each employer follows their own strategies dealing with their own needs and do not partake to the countrys aims for the creation of a knowledge workforce. Another flaw is that the VET is so complicated and inconsistent that employers tend to be unaware of the training programmes available (Harrison 2009). The initiatives launched by the government are also deemed to suffer from limitations. Grugulis (2003) makes a strong case against the National Vocational Qualifications and questions whether they are accurate certification depicting indeed the abilities of their holders to practice an occupation. She suggests that their level is lower than the level of the qualifications they replaced and that they do not offer financial returns to their holders. Marchington and Wilkinson (2008) explain that Apprenticeships have been also heavily criticised on the grounds of low completion rates, bureaucracy and lack of flexibility. Nonetheless, the main argument against them is that they do not respond to employers needs. As a solution, in 2007 the government took the decision to authorise the accreditation of in-house training schemes of major companies in order for the vocational qualification system to fit better employer needs and in order for employers to be able to run their own accredited training schemes (Harrison 2009). A case in point might be Tesco which has created its own internal training scheme that has been accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and that has become eligible for public funding (Marchington and Wilkinson 2008). Another example is McDonalds which became one the first employer s who had their in-house training schemes accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in January 2008 and whose target was to form loyal and committed staff able to provide high quality service. The course was equivalent to an A-levels (Brockett 2008). Governmental actions such as the accreditation of the firms in-house training raise two issues: The first problem is the possibility that the whole vocational qualification system will lose its credibility (Harrison 2009: 84). Moreover, the accreditation of in-house training demonstrates that the government endeavours to satisfy employers. Thereby the question raised is whether it is correct for the government to carry on financing training tailored to employer needs, such as in-house training (Marchington and Wilkinson 2008). The authors argue that these training schemes which are designed by companies themselves aim at developing skills relevant to their needs, thus excluding education and other skills emphasised by the government. In the end this runs counter to the governments aims. Finally, Britain being a liberal market economy, there is a bias against vocational qualifications in comparison to academic qualifications. Academic qualifications are deemed to be superior whereas vocational training systems as Bosch and Charest (2008) argue suffer from poor reputation and low social status in liberal market economies. Notwithstanding the existence of vocational routes the UK carries on overestimating tertiary education. Marchington and Wilkisnon(2008) claim that this has as subsequent repercussion the fact that many young people opt for the academic pathway but many of them drop out before qualifying and end up in low low-skill and poorly paid jobs. Other impediments to Britains struggle to bridge the skills gap come from the employer side. From the employers perspective there seems to be an unwillingness to cooperate with the government in their endeavour to upgrade the skills of the workforce (Harrison 2009). This reluctance to invest in training is due to several reasons. Harrison (2009:30-31) attempts to list a few such as the fear of poaching, the fear of the unpredictable market conditions as well as the fact that the benefits of the investment in training are difficult to be foreseen as they come in the long term. Loyds (2002) cited in Marchington and Wilkinson (2008) mentions other reasons such as the lack of time and the lack of information on the economic benefits of training. Finally, Beardwell (2007) explains that employers hold an unfavourable position towards employee learning and they seem reluctant to invest in the training of their workforce on other grounds: the likelihood that employees will stop being committ ed to their employer because their skills will be desired by other employers and the likelihood that employees will be poorly trained. A research study conducted by Matlay (1999) in 2000 businesses, among which the overwhelming majority were micro-, small- and medium sized companies demonstrated the â€Å" training paradox â€Å" in the small business sector. According to this paradox even though the vast majority of small businesses acknowledge the importance of and adopt a positive attitudes towards training practices, most of them had failed to provide them over a period of 12 months before the interviews. They respondent also recognised some direct reasons such as market positioning, prevailing economic conditions and availability of relevant firm-specific training as well as indirect reasons such as costs of training, time constraints, lack of in-house trainers, lack of motivation and interest. The owners/managers of these firms also claimed that some training initiatives in the UK lacked the necessary focus, coherence and clarity and suggested that the government should encourage the training industry, throu gh subsidies, to offer cost-effective training solutions tailored particularly for the need of SMEs. Hoque (2008) deals with another aspect of the training problem in Britain which is the inequality of training provisions in the British workplaces, a problem labelled â€Å"training apartheid† . According to this problem there are disadvantaged employee groups which suffer discrimination regarding access to training. Almeida-Santos and Mumford (2005) cited in Hoque (2008) argue that this discrimination takes place against women as well as members of ethnic minorities. Hoque (2008) also cites Arulampalam and Booth (1998) who dealt with reduced training provided to temporary/fixed-term and part-time employees and Addison and Belfield (2004) who included older employees to these disadvantaged groups. Furthermore Harrison (2007: 269) added disable people to this long list. Moreover, Westwood (2004) cited in Hoque(2008) claims that firms invest more in the training of their professionals and already qualified employees rather than the training of their low-skilled employees. The â€Å"training apartheid â€Å" is an issue which undermines Britains attempt to tackle its skills gap problem which remains unsolved despite the reform of the NVET institutions and the launch of strategic initiatives by the government aiming at the upskilling of the workforce. Hoque (2008) offers an example which might illustrate the failure of the Investors in People (IiP) Standard to tackle this phenomenon. After the launch of its revised version in 2000 the Standard was meant to guarantee equal access to training to all employee groups. Nevertheless his study which was based on the analysis of data collected from the 2004 Workplace Employment Relations Survey indicated that the Standard did not contribute to the resolution of the problem but to make matters worse it also demonstrated that inequality of training opportunities was more common in IiP workplaces than in non-Iip workplaces. There is also the issue of the assessment and evaluation of training provision in todays economies, which has become very difficult as firms tend to resort to informal training in order to cover their training needs. Beardwell (2007:289) explains that many companies might adopt learning strategies which are not systematic or planned. Nowadays firms have in their disposition several types of training which are usually informal. A case in point might be e-learning which enjoys wide popularity because it is flexible and easily accessible as it allows employees to learn with the help of technological tools. Moreover mentoring can also be informal and that takes place when an inexperienced employee is guided and advised on learning and development issues by an older and more experienced colleague. Informal learning is also linked to tacit knowledge. Myers and Davids (1992) define the notion of tacit skills as skills which are obtained through experience rather than training and which are embedded in the context where they are acquired. Both informal and tacit knowledge cannot be gauged which implies that they cannot be certified by qualifications. Apart from the technical and tacit skills there is also the need for the development of soft skills which is also of a great importance. Keep (2006) takes the service sector as an example where the development of generic and interpersonal skills and of some attitudes such as self-discipline, loyalty and punctuality are of vital importance. Nevertheless they cannot be measured which means they cannot be certified. However they continue to constitute skills even though they cannot be represented as qualifications. Thus, Marchington and Wilkinson(2008) argue that there is no appropriate proxy for measuring skills because they are not as qualifications. Most importantly Britains reliance on international comparisons in order to assess its skill shortages is highly debatable because if informal training cannot be measured and i f tacit and soft skills cannot be assessed either there is no way of reaching accurate conclusions concerning which country has the most skilled labour force and thereby the most competitive economy (Keep 2006). A case study is provided by Abbott (1994) whose study in small service sector firms demonstrated that people who work in the services are required to possess friendly and lively personalities and other personal attributes and generic skills which are indispensable for their work. His study also demonstrated that vast majority of small service sector firms provide informal training which is often considered to be of inferior level of training in comparison to formal training. Sometimes it is not classified as â€Å"training† even by employers themselves. According to him informal training is linked to tacit skills because they are usually learned informally and tacit skills are associated to some forms of soft skills such as inter-personal skills and cooperativeness. Soft skills and tacit skills cannot be measured but this does not underestimate their importance for people who work in the sector. This paper has reviewed the major aspects concerning the â€Å"training problem† in the UK. It has managed to study the setting where it takes place and to understand the factors that have prompted the UK to acknowledge the problem. International comparisons clearly indicate that the UK workforce is poorly educated and trained. This also accounts for the low skill equilibrium in which the UK has remained trapped. The solution for the economic strength of the nation is the creation of a learning society. Britain has embraced the strategic role of human resource development and its potential to offer the country the competitive advantage. The governments goal of upgrading the skills of its workforce depends on the VET framework which has gone through changes. Nevertheless it is still characterised by significant weaknesses. The most important mistake is that even though the government has assumed a more interventionist role than in the past it continues to make mistakes such as its insistence on relying on voluntarism which prevents it from coming into conflict with employers. The severity of this approach lies in the fact that the government has ended up conceding power to the hands of employers. With this sort of power employers will have the opportunity to seek strategies and aims covering their needs and therefore diverging from those adopted by the government. This and many other unsolved issues illustrate that the UK has still a long way to go before becoming a high skills society. REFERENCES Abbott, B. (1994). Training strategies in small service sector firms: employer and employee perspectives. Human Resource Management Journal, 4, 70-87. Beardwell, J. and Claydon, T. (2007). Human Resource Management: A contemporary approach. 5th ed. Pearson Education. Bosch, G. and Charest, J. (2008), Vocational training and the labour market in liberal and coordinated economies. Industrial Relations Journal, 39(5), 428-447. Brockett, J. (2008). HRs role in â€Å"McA-levels†. People Management, 14, 3, 7 February:9 Finegold, D. and Soskice, D. (1988). The failure of training in Britain: analysis and prescription. Oxford review of economic policy, 4(3), 21-53. Grugulis, I. (2003) The contribution of the National Vocational Qualifications to the growth of skills in the UK. British Journal of Industrial Relations, 41(3), 4557-475. Harrison, R. (2009). Learning Development. 5th ed. CIPD Hoque, K. (2008). The impact of Investors in People on employer -provided training, the equality of training provision and the â€Å"training apartheid† phenomenon. Industrial Relations Journal, 39(1), 43-62. Hoque, K. and Bacon, N. (2008). Trade Unions, Union Learning Representatives and Employer-Provided Training in Britain. British Journal of Industrial Relations, 46(4), 702-731. Keep, E. (2006). Live and Learn. People Management , 12(15), 27 July:7 Keep, E. (1999). UKs VET Policy and the â€Å"Third Way†: following a high skills trajectory or running up a deal end street? Journal of Education and Work, 12(3), 323-346. Marchington, M. and Wilkinson, A. (2008). Human Resource Management at Work. 4th ed. CIPD Matlay, H. (1999). Vocational education and training in Britain: a small business perspective. Education + Training, 41(1), 6-13. Myers, C., and Davids, K. (1992). Knowing and doing: tacit skills at work. Personnel management, February:45-47. Stuart, M. and Cooney, R. (2008). Editorial: training and the limits of supply-side skill development. Industrial Relations Journal, 39:5, 346-353.

Grapes Of Wrath: How It Relates To The Romance Archetype :: essays research papers

Grapes of Wrath By John Steinbeck A RETURN TO PARIDISE   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  How does California seem to modern America? Violent. Crowded. Filled with bad people. People who live in cities and have lost touch with the earth. These people are portrayed in John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath as Californians. Yet, people from the Midwest flocked to California seeking prosperity and opportunity. Their land had been taken by the banks and turned into cotton fields. They were left homeless and desperate. These people sought to work in the fields where they could eat a peach or sit under a tree to relax.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  But there wasn’t a California as they had imagined. In fact, the world they entered into when they arrived in California was a cold one. The locals excluded the newcomers and forced them to leave. The locals tormented the foreigners, calling them ‘Okies’ and telling them that they are unwanted. There was no work and when there was, the workers were underpaid and forced to work for low wages. California was hell.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  But John Steinbeck creates this novel to fit the â€Å"romance† archetype. In this archetype, the hero makes a journey, encounters problems in his path which he overcomes, and reaches his final destination. The hero of the novel must be larger than life, strong, and different from others. He must be a natural leader and greatly glorified. The earth resembles the Garden of Eden, or a ‘paradise.’ He must be in touch with the earth.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Grapes of Wrath has many obvious connections to the romance archetype, and many subtle connections. One of the more obvious connections is the journey. The main characters, the Joads, embark on a journey from Kansas to California. In the 1930’s Kansas was in the ‘Dust Bowl’, a part of the Midwest where the land dried up, causing fierce dust storms that could kill people. California, on the other hand, was the beautiful, fertile valley, where people could pick peaches, become prosperous, and eventually buy a house to settle down. The fact that the Joads traveled from a terrible place to a better place fits the romance archetype. This better place they search for is the connection to the earth that they once had in Kansas. They envision that they can find it in California as well.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The characters show an obvious connection to the archetype. The romantic hero in this novel is Tom Joad. Tom is larger than life.

Charles Franklin Kettering :: essays research papers

Charles Franklin Kettering Charles F. Kettering : Doing the right thing at the right time By Richard P. Scharchburg, Thompson Professor of Industrial History The Man... Charles Franklin Kettering was born on a farm near Loundonville, Ohio, August 29, 1876. After graduation from high school, he accepted a teaching position in a one-room rural school. Although highly successful as a teacher, his mind was set on going to college. In the summer of 1896, he entered the College of Wooster (Ohio). As a result of long and intense hours of study, his eyesight deteriorated to the point that he was forced to leave college and return to teaching. In 1898, he entered the engineering school at Ohio State, but again his poor eyesight forced him to drop out during his freshman year. For the next two years he worked on a telephone line crew, and then once again entered Ohio State, finally completing his electrical engineering degree in 1904. After graduation, Kettering took a job in the inventions department at the National Cash Register Company (NCR) in Dayton, Ohio. There he developed an electric motor for cash registers, the OK Charge Phone for department stores and several other contributions to a revolution then taking place in business machines. In 1909, Kettering and Edward A. Deeds, his associate at NCR, formed their own industrial research laboratory, the Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (later known as DELCO). Within three years, they had produced a new all-electric starting, ignition and lighting system for automobiles. The system first appeared as standard equipment on the 1912 Cadillac and as its use spread, women could conveniently become drivers without the assistance of a chauffeur. DELCO was eventually sold to General Motors and became the foundation for the General Motors Research Corporation of which Kettering became vice president in 1920. The list of innovations and inventions that are credited to Charles F. (nicknamed "Boss") Kettering is impressive. His book of patents contains more than 300 separate applications that range from a portable lighting system for farms to coolants for refrigerators and air conditioners. Other patents included a World War I "aerial torpedo," a device for the treatment of venereal disease, and an incubator for premature infants. Duco paint and Ethyl gasoline were also his ideas and he was instrumental in their development.

Sugar Sweet :: Papers

Sugar Sweet The sugar pulsed through her blood. She took another bite. The smooth, sweet chocolate fused into her body removing the pain. She could feel their stares. Burning through her as she ate. She seized the remainder of the chocolate and walked out. It was intolerable. Every time she ate she could feel those around her wishing to throw up. She could feel their whispers of disgust. As she was leaving the food court she felt a tap on her shoulder. She spun around, preparing herself for another snide remark about her size. "What?" she snapped. "You forgot this" the girl replied, her tight jeans accentuating her flawless figure. The girl handed the leaflet to her. "Looks like you might need it" With a snort of laughter she left and returned to her friends. She ran through the rest of the shopping centre. Past the countless shops, pictures of stick figure models stuck to their windows. Sitting under the stairs on the station she extracted the remnants of a family block of chocolate from her bag. She flicked through the leaflet "Lose weight now". She had never seen it before. She began sobbing. The train pulled out of the station. She remained sitting hidden under the steps. Consumed by distress the tall figure that slid up next to her went unnoticed. He lit a cigarette causing her to jump. "What's the problem, babe?" he said offering her a cigarette. "No thanks I don't smoke" she muttered, wiping away the tears. Suddenly conscious of her size she folder her arms across her stomach. "Hey I've seen you before" she sniffed, "You're Dads apprentice" "Yeah, that's me. Look, do you want a lift somewhere?" Face flushed, crying, she unlocked the front door and ran upstairs to her bedroom. She shouldn't have done it. His sweet charm had left her trapped in a car while he tried to come closer. "Give it ago, come on I promise it won't hurt". He had thrust two pills into her mouth.

A Soul Built Through Pain and Suffering Essay

Similar to imprints on sand or carvings in wood, character is moulded and developed by indents – through pain and suffrage. In the novel, The White Tiger, Aravind Adiga explores the dark realities of India’s caste system with a story of a man who broke through the division. The quote by Helen Keller, â€Å"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved,† is seen through Balram’s journey as he overcomes obstacles to achieve his success. Adiga illustrates that one cannot see true light of a strong soul, inspired ambition and success, without the struggles of being in true darkness and the disadvantages that come along with it. Balram Halwai is raised in the lower-social caste town of Laxmangarh, India, where he is forced to deal with indignities caused by his family’s poverty. Balram witness’s the death of both of his parents, from illnesses in both of which could have been cured had he been in a higher-caste system of society. His father, Vikram Halwai, died of mistreated tuberculosis. Balram exclaims the ignorance of the government as they failed to appropriately care for his father’s condition and death: The ward boys made us clean up our Father before we could remove the body. A goat came in and sniffed as we were mopping the blood off the floor. The ward boys petter her and fed her a plump carrot as we mopped our father’s infected blood off the floor. (Adiga 42) The lack of care exhibited by the hospital emphasizes the harsh reality of just how terrible life is for the impoverished in India. Balram spoke in high honor of his father and mentions that his father â€Å"never crouched,† like the servants were expected to on his job – that he â€Å"preferred to stand† (Adiga 20). A life of a man that Balram respected and loved, a life that protected him against his worst fear of lizards, and taught him how to have pride in everything he does – a life Balram held with the utmost importance and praise – was the same life that later had to be mopped off the floor by his very own son. The negligence of human life desensitized Balram at a young age and strengthened his soul by realizing the dog-eat-dog society he lives in. Following his father’s death, Balram soon realizes he doesn’t only live in a dog-eat-dog society, but a dog-eat-dog home, too. Balram reminisces on his encounter with his brother and notes: I couldn’t stop thinking of Kishan’s body. They were eating him alive in there! They would do the same thing to him that they did to father – scoop him out from the inside and leave him weak and helpless until he got tuberculosis and died on the floor of a government hospital†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Adiga 74) Balram recognizes that the women he used to live with before becoming a driver – especially his grandmother – use the men for hard labour to provide for the family, wearing them down to the bone. His grandmother’s further letters of blackmail demanding money from Balram are another clear example of selfishness within the family. This realization strengthens Balram’s soul even more by teaching him that he is truly alone and that no one – not even his own family – is willing or wanting to help guide him forward. If he is going to make it out of the darkness, Balram knows it will have to be on his own. Consequently, the pain and suffering triggered Balram’s ambition to veer the direction of his predetermined life of poverty into something more. Balram uses the rooster coop as his analogy of life for the low-caste system in India. He explains: Hundreds of pale hens and brightly coloured roosters stuffed tightly into wire-mesh cages, packed as tightly as worms in a belly, pecking each other and shitting on each other, jostling just for breathing space; the whole cage giving off a horrible stench†¦The roosters in the coop smell the blood from above. They see the organs of their brothers lying around them. (Adiga 147) He compares the chickens to the people in his country as neither of them are attempting to escape their cages, â€Å"The very same thing is done with human beings in this country† (Adiga 148). He details how the coop is self-trapping and comes to a conclusion that only through individual action can one break out of the coop. This realization gives Balram a will and determination to escape the rooster coop. As Mr. Ashok’s personal driver, Balram is forced to partake on more roles in the job such as giving the Stork foot massages, cooking, cleaning, and almost having to be framed for a murder he did not commit. When Balram finally starts cheating his master off his money, he expresses that, â€Å"Instead of guilt, what did I feel? Rage. The more I stole from him, the more I realized how much he had stolen from me.† (Adiga 196). This is a milestone in Balram’s life as he finally changes from the quiet, hard worker but begins to realize that he was facing numerous unnecessary humiliations, none of which were part of the job. He knows that the rich are treating him like an animal and that is a feeling that no amount of rupees can compensate for. Through the disloyalty towards his master, Balram demonstrates ambition by taking action in getting closer to his dream of escaping his servant status which is done by escaping the rooster coop. As a result of taking action to liberate himself from the rooster coop, he achieves success. Balram murders his master, Mr. Ashok, and steals his bag enclosed with thousands of rupees. He uses his reoccurring analogy of the rooster coop to validate the murder of his master by stating, â€Å"I think the Rooster Coop needs people like me to break out of it. It needs masters like Mr. Ashok – who, for all his numerous virtues, was not much of a master – to be weeded out, and exceptional servants like me to replace them† (Adiga 257). The murder of Mr. Ashok was the final action that all of his previous small acts of cheating and stealing led up to. The money Balram gained from the murder provided him a chance at a new life filled with endless opportunities. He chooses to start his own taxi business and explains, â€Å"Once I was a driver to a master, but now I am a master of drivers. I don’t treat them like servants – I don’t slap, or bully, or mock anyone. I don’t insult any of them by calling them â€Å"family,† either. They’re my employees; I’m their boss, that’s all.† (Adiga 259). This shows the contrast of his life and how far he has come. His life takes a complete turn, as he changes roles from servant to master. It also foils the characters of the rich and corrupted masters Balram encounters in his life, as it emphasizes his moral character. Balram achieves his success but still remains a fair, professional boss – nothing like the other masters in India. His struggles drove Balram to fight for a life of freedom and dignity. He re-evaluates the actions he had to take in order to achieve this success and questions, â€Å"Are you a man or a demon?† and quickly justifies it with, â€Å"Neither, I say. I have woken up, and the rest of you are still sleeping and that is the only difference between us† (Adiga 271). Balram realized the dog-eat-dog world he was faced with and knew from a young age that it was every man for himself. He had no advantages above any single other person living in the low-social caste. He was equally impoverished but woke up and broke free. Throughout the course of his life, there’s not a minute where Balram does not see suffering. Pushed by his dark life of having watched his parents die, and being stripped of his dignity by the rich, Balram becomes determined to raise himself up from the darkness and into the light. He takes the necessary action of murdering his master to carry out his plan of escaping the rooster coop. His hardships are finally rewarded by the honest taxi company he establishes. Had Balram never been encaged, he would not appreciate the beauty of his freedom as much as he does now. One who has never seen a sunset cannot fully appreciate the sunrise, and one who’s never felt the storm cannot fully appreciate the sun. Balram’s seen both dusk and dawn and rain and sun which allows him to appreciate the light a little more than ever.