Professional Certification and Your Career

Professional certification is a process by which a person develops the knowledge, experience, and skills to perform a specific job. Once the individual completes a course of study, he or she receives a certificate earned by passing an exam that is accredited by an organization or association that monitors and upholds prescribed standards for the particular industry involved. The National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA) is a leader in setting quality standards for credentialing organizations. A wide variety of industries and careers offer professional certification, from highly technical jobs and human services of all kinds to jobs in the arts, including ballroom dancing. In each case, the certificate assures employers, customers, students, and the public that the certificate holder is competent and professional. In some professions, certification is a requirement for employment or practice. Doctors, teachers, Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), and pilots are examples. What’s in It for You? Professional certification shows employers and clients that you are committed to your profession and are well-trained. It gives them confidence in your abilities  because it proves that your skills have been evaluated and approved by a well-regarded professional organization. Certification makes you more valuable to employers and so you can expect to: Enjoy better employment and advancement opportunitiesHave a competitive advantage over candidates without certificatesEarn higher wagesReceive tuition reimbursement for continuing education A Sampling of Careers Requiring Certification Many of the careers that require certification are represented here at About.com. Below is a list of articles on various types of certifications. In the end, there is also a link to the list of NOCA member organizations that require certificates. It offers an interesting glance at the various types of industries from which to choose if you’re uncertain about which certificate you want. Certified Meeting ProfessionalCoast Guard Captain’s LicenseCulinary Arts CertificatesDatabase CertificationsDesktop Publishing CertificationESL CertificationGraphic DesignInterior DecoratingLandscaping Certificate ProgramsLogistics and Supply Chain ManagementParalegal certificatesProfessional CounselingProfessional Massage TherapyProfessional Studies Certificate in OperaReal estateRetail CertificationSpecialist Certificate for Sign Language InterpretersTechnology Certification GlossaryHighest paying jobs in the technology industry NOCA’s list of member organizations State Certification Requirements Many of the professions that require or offer certification are governed by the state in which the certificate holder practices. Your school or association will help you understand these requirements, but you can also find them at each state’s government website. Search for: http://www.state.your two-letter state code here.us/. Example: http://www.state.ny.us/. On the home page for your state, search for certifications. Choosing the Best School There are almost as many requirements for earning a certificate as there are fields requiring them, so how you go about becoming certified has everything to do with what kind of certificate you want and what you want to do with it. First, know the differences between all the different types of schools so you can choose the right school for you. Begin your search by visiting the websites of the associations and organizations that govern or accredit the schools in the field you have chosen. On the Internet, search for the name of your field and associations, organizations, and schools: Search: nursing associations results in the American Nurses AssociationSearch: pilot associations results in the Aircraft Owners and Pilots AssociationSearch: CPA organizations results in the American Institute of Certified Public AccountantsSearch: project management schools results in both directories like the Trade Schools Directory and specific schools such as the Project Management Institute at Capella University Online Schools If you think an online school would work best for you because of the flexibility it provides, read up on online certificates before you choose a school. Financial Aid Paying for school is a concern for many students. Loans, grants, and scholarships are available. Do your homework before going to school: Paying for Business SchoolFAFSASallie Maes Scholarship Search Continuing Education Most professional certifications require that certificate holders complete a certain number of hours of continuing education annually or bi-annually in order to remain current. The number of hours varies by state and field. Notices are generally sent out by the governing state and/or association, as is literature advertising continuing education opportunities, conferences, and conventions. Make the Most of Continuing Education Conferences Many professional associations gather their members yearly in the form of conferences, conventions, and/or trade shows to provide continuing education seminars, to discuss the state of the profession and new best practices, and to showcase the latest products and services. Networking at these gatherings can be extremely valuable to professionals.

Hospitality Organisation Marketing Case of Crowne Plaza Study

Essays on Hospitality Organisation Marketing: Case of Crowne Plaza Case Study The paper "Hospitality Organisation Marketing: Case of Crowne Plaza" is an excellent example of a case study on marketing. The Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) is a multinational hotel company from Britain whose headquarters is in Denham in the UK (Hephaestus Books 2011). IHG happens to be the largest company on the globe with 646,000 as found in January 2010. It has more than 4,500 hotels spread out in 100 countries. Some of its brands are Crowne Plaza, Stay bridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, Holiday Inn, Intercontinental, Even, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn Express, and Hualuxe. Bout 3,900 hotels under its umbrella are operated on the basis of franchise agreements. 52 of them are under company management although they have separate ownership while 10 are owned directly by the company. InterContinental Hotels as a company is primarily listed on the London Stock Exchange. It is part of the FTSE 100 Index. Secondarily it is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (Hotel Club, 2013).The In terContinental Hotels Group started in 1777 with the establishment of the Bass Brewery by William Bass in Burton upon Trent. The red triangle trademark was the very first to be registered within the UK in 1876. The UK government’s move of limiting the number of pubs brewers could have direct ownership over caused Bass to make investments in small hotel lines. In the year 1990, the group purchased the Holiday Inn International which was owned by Kemmons Wilson and spread to North America. The founder of Pan American Airways Juan Troupe set up the InterContinental brand as a part of Pan Am and he launched the first hotel in Brazil, specifically in Belem in 1946. In 1981, InterContinental Hotels Corporation as the holding company was sold to Grand Metropolitan based in the United Kingdom. As the Grand Metropolitan concentrated on its fundamental business and invested more into fast food by purchasing Burger King, it disposed of off the InterContinental Hotels Group in 1988 to Sa ison Group which was based in Japan. In 1988, Saison Group also sold the IHG to Bass which was a brewery from Britain. The brewery started in 1977 with William Bass (Hotel Club, 2013).In the year 2000 Bass disposed of its assets formerly used for brewing as well as the Bass name rights for  £2.3  billion to Interbrew, a brewer from Belgium. Upon this sale, its name was changed to Six Continents. In 2003, there was a split in the Six Continents which resulted in the formation of the InterContinental Hotels Group which concentrated on soft drinks and hotels while Mitchells Butlers took up the restaurant assets. InterContinental Hotels Group maintained Britvic which dealt in soft drinks up to December 2005. Through an Initial Public Offer, the IHG sold off its share in the company (Hotel Club, 2013).IHG does the work of management of those hotels that are under the ownership of other parties as well as franchising hotel brands. The group sells expertise in the management of hotels, marketing, and systems.

Robert cobb essy Free Essays

Since 1937, more than 4 million Cobb salads have been sold at Brown Derby restaurants, according to the Brown Derby Restaurant Group, which, now that the two original Hollywood restaurants have losed, is what the company calls itself. It licenses the restaurant name for merchandise (Including bottled Cobb salad dressing), as well as to Disney, which opened a reproduction of the original Brown Derby in Orlando, Florida, in 1989 and, In 1990. Signed a 20-year agreement for Brown Derby restaurants In Tokyo, Paris and Anaheim, California. We will write a custom essay sample on Robert cobb essy or any similar topic only for you Order Now As a culinary art student it’s Important that you know about your chef because If you’re making one of their recipes you have a little background information on the person. I chose to write about this chef for my essay because I was CUri0US If estaurants still make Cobb salads exactly the same way that chef cobb did. Something that surprised me the most would have to be that he made this salad on accident and it was a big hit. The most important thing that’s memorable about my chef is that he sold over 4 million of his salads since 1937. robert cobb essay By tethridgel 4 My famous chef was Robert Cobb. He was born February 8, 1899 in Moberly, MO. age 16. He later got into real estate and opened the famous Brown Derby restaurant Street, Just south of Hollywood Boulevard, that was the most famous. It opened on Cobb, who was the combination food checker, steward, buyer, cashier, and occasional cook when the first Derby opened. After the deaths of Mizner and Somborn, it was Cobb who took over the restaurants in 1934. prowled hungrily in his restaurant’s kitchen for a snack. Opening the huge merchandise (including bottled Cobb salad dressing), as well as to Disney, which in 1990. Signed a 20-year agreement for Brown Derby restaurants in Tokyo, Paris and As a culinary art student it’s important that you know about your chef because if person. I chose to write about this chef for my essay because I was curious if How to cite Robert cobb essy, Papers

Health Care and Strong Organizational Image Essay Example For Students

Health Care and Strong Organizational Image Essay Health Care and Strong Organizational Image BY ntk018 Homework Chapter 12 Open-Ended Questions 1 . Describe how MinuteClinic puts the following promotion strategies to work for them: stressing tangible cues, using personal information sources, creating a strong organizational image, and engaging in post-purchase communication. What else could they try? MinuteClinic has managed to implement a variety of promotional strategies along time. Within the tangible cues we can find the physical evidence of the service such as the team of experts who are the nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Also they created a childrens area during the flu crisis of Minnesota and implemented to their facilities televisions, coloring books, and videos. The personal information source in this case can be seen in the individualized attention the team of experts is providing to patients. Minuteclinic has successfully created a strong organizational image by performing the best quality service as they differentiate for working long hours, and providing a quick service. Finally, by engaging in a post purchase communication MinuteClinic is able to keep track of their patients through their lectronic records. They could try to build long term relationships with their customers by following up with them and keeping in touch through calls and e- mails. 2. Are MinuteClinics services customized or standardized for patients? Do they incorporate any elements of mass customization? -MinuteClinic is a health care center which is in charge of solving minor ailments; however this does not mean all patients come for the same reasons. This is why MinuteClinics services are considered to be customized for patients with different needs. At the same time, MinuteClinic also provides a standardized service as they deliver a same service, and have a standard price. Yes, MinuteClinic does incorporate elements of mass customization as they keep electronic records of each patient. 3. In what way did MinuteClinic demonstrate reliability and responsiveness during the flu outbreak in Minnesota? How did it impress customers with tangible physical evidence that the clinics cared about them? MinuteClinic demonstrated reliability and responsiveness very quickly as the outbreak in Minnesota rapidly created a huge demand for flu shots. MinuteClinic quickly put a plan in place to address the crisis. Instead of boosting staff at all facilities in the Minneapolis area, the company chose a hub-and-spoke approach for better inventory control, offering the shots in only eight MinuteClinic locations. This effectively shows their ability to respond immediately to unexpected events and ultimately reflect their willingness to help by creating an image of reliability. They also impressed patients by creating childrens areas to make the wait easier for families, adding televisions, videos, and coloring books to keep ellness of their community. . How important has MinuteClinics place (distribution) strategy been to the companys success? Which elements does MinuteClinic focus on with its marketing mix? Why? -The distribution strategy they decided to implement played very well in their advantage. As a 2006 Harris Interactive poll reported that 92 percent of the people who visited a retail clinic were satisfied with its convenienc e. MinuteClinic focuses on all elements: Price: they offer low prices services, compared to how much a patient will pay by visiting their usual doctor. Place: They have opened over 600 locations. They have successfully located themselves in one of the most biggest and famous pharmacy, CVS, in the US, assuring their long run success. Product: They have found a need and came up with a solution. By offering medical care services with standardized prices and quick assistance, MinuteClinic has accomplished success. Promotion: they have promoted the efficiency of their workers to create a reliable and credible environment. True or False questions 1. A key factor influencing the selection ofa retail-based health clinic is convenience. The demand for health services in the United States is expected to drop off sharply within the next ten years as Baby Boomers age. 3. Health services such as those provided by MinuteClinic tend to exhibit more experience and credence qualities than goods sold in the drugstore. 4. MinuteClinics services are sold, produced, and consumed at the same time, which is an example of the heterogeneity of its services versus goods. 5. When nurse practitioners follow up with patients with postcard surveys, telephone calls, or brochures, they are engaging in postpurchase communication. MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c , .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c .postImageUrl , .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c , .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c:hover , .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c:visited , .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c:active { border:0!important; } .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c:active , .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ua5c709b5f27bfdc2767f005889168a2c:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Grace And Sin EssayThe basic difference between selling a healthcare service at MinuteClinic and selling a Band-Aid at the drugstore is that healthcare services are performances. a. tangible b. intangible responsive standardized operations oriented 2. MinuteClinics services belong in which of the following categories? a. people processing possession processing mental stimulus processing d. information processing All of the above 3. Evaluating the quality of medical services at MinuteClinic may be difficult for a patient before or after being treated because services tend to exhibit fewer ualities. . search experience credence 4. A nurse practitioner that addresses a patien t by name and offers caring, individualized attention during his visit is practicing the service quality known as a. reliability. responsiveness. assurance. empathy. tangibles. 5. If MinuteClinic hired Patrick Dempsey, who plays a doctor on Greys Anatomy, to appear in commercials for them, they would be engaging in which type of promotion strategy? a. stressing tangible cues using personal information sources creating a strong organizational image engaging in post-purchase communications

Working Across Boundaries Analysis

Introduction Companies often encounter boundaries when it comes to creating efficient business processes whether in the form of distance or differences in business culture, however, by overcoming such boundaries better business operations can be attained.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Working Across Boundaries Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As indicated by Piercy (2006) in order for any company to continue to be competitive within the present day global market place it is necessary for it to be highly responsive to changes, receptive to new developments within its market, highly creative as well as espouses actions of innovation and continued increases in efficiency (ex: Six Sigma) (Piercy, 2006: 3). Such aspects though are dependent on the employees of a company wherein through the use of proper management practices a company is able to create stable internal procedures to ensure proper operations a nd product development which would inevitably result in a successful company. The purpose of this project is to explain the advantages and disadvantages to working across boundaries, in this case distance and a diversified workforce. Through such a method of examination, it is expected that a greater understanding of today’s globalized business environment will be developed resulting in the promotion of the appropriate management practices to overcome such boundaries. This paper is divided into 2 primary sections; the first section discusses the boundary of distance as exemplified by the outsourcing industry. The second section deals primarily with the diversified workforces that have come about as a direct result of the present day orientation of multinational companies to expand into different markets. Through both sections, a clear idea can be developed regarding both the advantages and disadvantages of working across boundaries. It is the assumption of the researcher that , proper management practices can help to overcome boundaries such as distance and a diverse workforce thereby creating effective business operations. What is Outsourcing? As explained by Marchington et al. (2005), corporate executives are under pressure to improve the competitiveness of their companies through cost reduction, increased efficiency as well as the improvement of various services. It is due to this that they have been turning towards outsourcing as of late in order to resolve such issues (Marchington et al., 2005: 4).Advertising Looking for essay on public administration? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The term â€Å"outsourcing† actually refers to the practice wherein a company contracts another company to perform a particular business function for them at a reduced cost as compared to the main company doing it themselves (Young Bong Gurbaxani, 2012: 1043). Outsourcing can take the form of manufacturing , accounting, customer services and a variety of other practices that can be done in another location. The main purpose of outsourcing is to reduce the inherent cost of operations by leveraging aspects related to cheaper workforce costs or reduced utilities expenses found in other location. (Young Bong Gurbaxani, 2012: 1043) Through globalization, the internet and the process of outsourcing and off shoring, technology/manufacturing teams are no longer isolated to merely being within the same building, state or country, rather, they are scattered across a wide breadth of countries, cultures and business environments which management practices of contemporary technology intensive enterprises need to take into consideration (Allen et al., 2005: 301). For example, as indicated by Dey, Houseman Polivka (2012) when it comes to doing business within the U.S., the costs encountered by mosts businesses are often taxes, employee salaries and benefits as well as utilities (Dey, Houseman Pol ivka, 2012: 533). The problem with such factors is that they in effect increase the cost of doing business within a particular country. It is due to this that outsourcing various aspects of a company’s operations becomes more attractive since locations such as China, India and the Philippines enable a company to gain significant cost savings (i.e. lower tax rates, salaries, benefits expenses etc. (Whitaker, Mithas and Krishnan, 2010: 11). For example, within China alone the sheer cost of doing business is so low that companies have been outsourcing their manufacturing departments to the country since the late 1990s (Whitaker, Mithas and Krishnan, 2010: 11). This can also be seen in the case of India and the Philippines wherein outsourcing has become a $100 billion a year industry (Magtibay-Ramos et al., 2008: 41). Cost Savings The main reason behind working across the boundary of distance are the cost savings involved in hiring a local within the Philippines, China or India f or example as compared to hiring someone from the U.S., U.K. or Canada to do the exact same type of job (Marion Friar, 2012: 44).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Working Across Boundaries Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Minimum wage requirements, taxation and other costs related to doing business are simply far lower in various places in Asia as compared to countries in the â€Å"West† and, with the integration of global financial markets and supply chains due to globalization, it has now become more practical to simply have certain aspects of a company’s operations (usually manufacturing and customer service) to be located in other countries with lower business costs (Yang, Wacker Sheu, 2012: 4462). Companies do not even need to manufacture their own products. This can be seen in the case of Apple, Sony and Microsoft wherein the Apple iPad, the Sony Playstation 3 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 have all been manufactured by the same outsourcing company, namely Foxconn (Ngai Chan, 2012: 383). Problems with Distance It should be noted that Marchington et al. (2005) also explains that outsourcing should not be considered the â€Å"go to† solution when it comes to reducing corporate expenses. Utilizing the example of Railtrack and the faulty maintenance procedures that resulted from outsourcing aspects of the company’s operations, it can be seen that by not keeping things â€Å"in-house† this actually exposes the company to a multitude of possible problems related to mismanagement and improper operational practices that would not have occurred if they had been done by the main company instead of an outsourced firm (Marchington et al., 2005: 6). This shows how problems can occur in numerous areas of a company’s operations as a direct result of outsourcing which can have dire consequences for consumers and businesses alike.  Working acros s boundaries such as distance and business culture is advantageous for any company due to access to a greater talent pool and product markets, however, the fact remains that along with such advantages comes distinct disadvantages in the form of ill-suited management practices in dealing with a diversified global workforce and the potential for problems in a company’s supply chain due to lax standards on the part of their international partners (Wee Wee, 2010: 2081). Management practices in some of today’s technology oriented organizations need to facilitate better collaboration and communication between global teams despite the distances and diverse cultural differences involved.  There are distinct problems related to this particular model of doing business in the form of lax product quality standards, unethical worker treatment as well as issues related to proper communication in between various outsourced departments (Tambe Hitt, 2010:62). For example Microsoft, which is one of the world’s largest software manufacturers, has development teams scattered around the world working on different aspects of the operating systems that it produces. The inherent problem with this situation is that different methods of coding procedure combined with a variety of problems related to time difference, business culture and the sheer distance involved invites problems in all stages of OS (Operating System) development (Ulanoff, 2007: 74). The software â€Å"Windows Vista† for instance (which was largely considered one of Microsoft’s worst operating systems) had problems not only during its development but also during its sale and promotion. Such problems were attributed to ineffective management practices in helping to consolidate efforts across different borders and cultures (i.e. between different technology teams within the company’s software development divisions in the U.S. and India) (Ulanoff, 2007: 74).Advertising Looking for essay on public administration? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This situation is not limited to the development of software but rather also includes the production processes of certain electronic goods. For example, lax management practices in the form of insufficient quality control procedures as well as improper sales and repair procedures were blamed for one of Dell corporations recent fiascos (occurred in 2006) wherein faulty components within several of its laptops that were sourced from foreign partners were seen actually leaking some sort of fluid during normal operational processes and had the potential to burst into flames (Mullins Weiss, 2006: 6). Another issue in this case was that Dell knowingly resold such units despite the identification of the inherent flaws which is indicative of a failure of management practices from not only a production point of view but from an ethical sales perspective. Other companies such as Apple and IBM have been highly criticized due to falling product standards as a result of lax quality control chec ks with their overseas factories. Apple, Microsoft and Sony have also been criticized for contributing towards the continued unethical treatment of workers within the factories of Foxconn which has severely damaged the image of these companies in the eyes of the general public (Ngai Chan, 2012: 383). Studies such as Holweg Pil (2012) that issues related to proper communication (i.e. English and non English speaking) between various overseas operational departments have resulted in problems related to shipping delays, erroneous inventory requests and an assortment of related problems that have resulted in increased costs for companies (Holweg Pil, 2012:98). Such a situation necessitates the implementation of new methods of cooperation through team exchanges (members of one team visiting the other), implementing methods of open communication and conceptualization between teams located within the U.S. and those within off-shored development/manufacturing facilities and facilitating better cooperative practices through the development of cultural understanding regarding how particular business cultures work over diverse locations (Young Bong Gurbaxani, 2012: 1043). Utilizing such a strategy, effective practices can be implemented which result in the characteristics mentioned earlier that are deemed necessary for a technology oriented company to survive and to thrive. A Diversified Workforce As explained by Marchington et al. (2005), organizations within the past few years have become increasing stratified an diversified as a direct result of not only the need to expand into new markets but the changing face of how people are employed within various companies today (i.e. in-house, contracted, part time etc.) ((Marchington et al., 2005: 11). This also due to the fact that companies have become more â€Å"networked† in that exchanges have become more horizontal rather than vertical due to the way in which the boundaries between companies/ organizations hav e become weakened as a direct result of new collaborative arrangements in the form of strategic partnerships, industrial networks etc. ((Marchington et al., 2005: 13). Since globalization and multiculturalism have become synonymous aspects of the global market place, companies tend to respond to the diverse consumer and cultural demographics to which they sell their products and services to stay relevant by also diversifying their methods of operation to match the needs of such markets (Jones, 2012:207). A company that limits itself in terms of diverse employee demographics runs the risk of being unable to understand the quirks and cultural norms in certain ethnic and racial markets resulting in the creation of an ill-equipped marketing and sales strategy which very likely will result in adverse consequences for the company in terms of the number of products sold and the degree of market penetration. Most modern day companies attempt a certain degree of racial, gender and cultural d iversity in the employees they hire, especially when it comes to attempts to access new markets in foreign locations. This enables the creation of unique product concepts, sales strategies and marketing mixes based on the views and backgrounds of this diversified workforce within that particular country resulting in a greater likelihood of a successful market penetration (Jones, 2012: 207). Other benefits derived from workforce diversity come in the form of greater employee retention due to a company culture that supports equality and racial acceptance rather than discrimination and divisiveness. Multiethnic and multi-gender companies tended to have higher rates of productivity due to greater employee satisfaction over the company’s policies which results in better overall profits for the company due to increased productivity (Grey, 2009: 44). It cannot be stated though that the implementation of a racial, cultural and gender diverse workforce will automatically result in bet ter company performance. Grey (2009) states â€Å"there must be a distinct benefit derived from the implementation of a diverse workforce otherwise it doesn’t make sense for a company to implement a hiring strategy that focuses on it† (Grey, 2009: 44). Disadvantages of Workforce Diversity One of the inherent challenges involving workplace diversity is in creating sufficient channels of communication within an organization. Channels of communication are one of the cornerstones of any successful business when it comes to having a diverse workplace environment since it entails the use of added practices so as to sufficiently relay messages across different ethnicities and cultures (Pardo and Martinez, 2003:148). People from different cultures and ethnicities tend to perceive messages in many different ways due to the unique quirks of their method of understanding. Some messages are at times interpreted as insulting and vice-versa and, as such, it is important to implement methods of communication that take this into consideration so as to reduce possible misinterpretations (Joslin, Waters and Dudgeon, 2010: 22). Another challenge to take into consideration are factors related to cultural bias and prejudice that affect the ability of workers to work harmoniously at their respective jobs. Companies that have various branches and teams spread across several international markets have noted that there are instances that occur involving cultural bias or even prejudice resulting in work related conflict as well as instances of intentional discrimination resulting in not only substantial reductions in performance but the loss of certain operational capacities (Wu et al., 2012: 178). Companies that want to be able to take advantage of a diversified workforce need to implement measures to reduce cultural bias and prejudice. This comes in the form of team building exercises, company sponsored behavioral training or even joint vacations all of which should hel p necessitate proper communication and collaboration between members of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The final challenge that companies should take into consideration is the concept of corporate assimilation and how this affect an individual’s productivity. As noted byDam (2008) assimilation is a way in which a worker is negatively affected by an organization’s business and corporate culture wherein they are unable to sufficiently express themselves utilizing their ethnic and cultural backgrounds due to constraining rules and regulations at their work environment (Dam, 2008: 313). As a result, this impacts not only the effectiveness of management decisions (in the case of managers) but productivity and responsiveness (in the case of employees. An example of this is seen in the case of a manager from the U.S. being placed in charge of a new outsourced branch of the company (i.e. in China, India, or the Philippines) or in instances where a local company is taken over by a foreign multinational corporation. It is based on this that companies need to take into consideration implementing new business culture practices that enable people to express themselves based on their cultural and ethnic background so as to encourage positive employee productivity rather than negative employee performance due constraining factors on their ability to express themselves (Hilton and Whiteford, 2010: 435). Benefits of Workforce Diversity With the global financial downturn affecting not only the U.S. economy but the global economy, this necessitates the need for creativity and innovation in being able to access new markets in order to sell particular products and services. Workforce diversity through international expansion actually enables a company to utilize a pool of individuals that come from different backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities. This enables a company to relate with and understand the needs of consumers within markets the company is atte mpting to penetrate (Allen et al., 2005: 301).  The original marketing and sale strategies that had been implemented by a company within its original market should not be considered as effective when applied to new markets and, as such, calls for views and opinions of people that either belong to that particular consumer segment or understand it to an extent in order to implement sufficient strategies for sales and market penetration (Allen et al., 2005: 301). For example, when Coca Cola tried to enter the Chinese market their marketing campaign consisted of merely translating their slogan of â€Å"We bring you to life† into Chinese and using that in their marketing and print ads (McDonald, 1996: 5). Unfortunately, its translation wound up as â€Å"we bring your dead relatives to life† and, as such, wound up costing the company millions in changes to its original slogan (McDonald, 1996: 5). Another example of failures in marketing and sales came when Gerber expanded into Africa and did not take into account the predilections of local companies to place a picture of what was inside a product on a product label due to many Africans not knowing how to read (McDonald, 1996: 6). This of course resulted in a rather embarrassing recall by Gerber due to Africans perceiving each product by Gerber as containing babies. These examples show how having a diversified workforce with multiple viewpoints and different levels of understanding is important for any company. A diverse workforce enables better methods of problem solving, allows the company to successfully market itself to different international consumer groups, helps to promote innovation and furthermore creates a good corporate image due to its practice of creating a multicultural and multiethnic workforce (Vithessonthi Schwaninger, 2008: 141). Conclusion As seen in the paper, there are numerous advantages and disadvantages when it comes to working across boundaries. In the case of distance and w orkforce diversity this can often entail problems related to communication, proper cooperation, the implementation of effective management practices and culture shock. Working across boundaries can result in cost reductions for a company, the ability to access new markets as well as the creation of a diversified workforce that would expand a company’s knowledge base. Reference List Allen, R. K., Becerik, B., Pollalis, S. N., Schwegler, B. R. (2005). Promise and Barriers to  Technology Enabled and Open Project Team Collaboration. Journal Of Professional  Issues In Engineering Education Practice, 131(4), 301-311. Dam, K., Oreg, S., Schyns, B. (2008). Daily Work Contexts and Resistance to  Organizational Change: The Role of Leader–Member Exchange, Development  Climate, and Change Process Characteristics. Applied Psychology: An International  Review, 57(2), 313-334 Dey, M., Houseman, S., Polivka, A. (2012). Manufacturers’ outsourcing to staffing  ser vices. Industrial Labor Relations Review, 65(3), 533-559. Grey, C. (2009). Human relations theory and people management. 2nded, Sage Publications  Ltd,London, pp. 44-64 Hilton, M. F., Whiteford, H. A. (2010). Interacting with the public as a risk factor for employee psychological distress. BMC Public Health, 10435-441. Holweg, M., Pil, F. K. (2012). Outsourcing Complex Business Processes: Lessons from an  enterprise partnership. California Management Review, 54(3), 98-115. Jones, R. (2012). Organizational design and strategy in a changing global environment.  6thed. Upper Saddle, New Jersey. pp.207-239 Joslin, F., Waters, L., and Dudgeon, P. (2010). Perceived acceptance and work standards as  predictors of work attitudes and behaviour and employee psychological distress  following an internal business merger. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 25 (1), 22-43 Magtibay-Ramos, N., Estrada, G., Felipe, J. (2008). An Input–Output Analysis of the  Philippine BPO Indus try. Asian-Pacific Economic Literature, 22(1), 41-56. Marchington, M. (2005). Fragmenting work: Blurring organizational boundaries and  disordering hierarchies. (1 ed., pp. 1-33). Oxford: Oxford University Press. Marion, T. H. (2012). Managing Global Outsourcing to Enhance Lean Innovation. Research Technology   anagement, 55(5), 44. McDonald, M. (1996). Strategic Marketing Planning: Theory, Practice and Research  Agendas. Journal Of Marketing Management, 12(1-3), 5-27. Mullins, R., Weiss, T. R. (2006). Dell, Users Scramble to Cope With Battery Recall.  Computerworld, 40(35), 6. Ngai, P., Chan, J. (2012). Global Capital, the State, and Chinese Workers: The Foxconn  Experience. Modern China, 38(4), 383-410. Pardo, D, and Martinez, C. (2003). Resistance to change: a literature review and empirical  study. Management Decision, 41(2), 148 Piercy, N. F. (2006). The Strategic Sales Organization. Marketing Review, 6(1), 3-28.  Tambe, P., Hitt, L. (2010). How Offshoring Affe cts IT Workers. Communications Of The  ACM, 53(10), 62-70. Ulanoff, L. (2007). The Vista Conspiracy. PC Magazine, 26(13), 74. Vithessonthi, C., Schwaninger, M. (2008). Job motivation and self-confidence for learning  and development as predictors of support for change. Journal Of Organizational  Transformation Social Change, 5(2), 141-157. Wee, H., Peng, S., Wee, P. P. (2010). Modelling of outsourcing decisions in global supply  chains. An empirical study on supplier management performance with different  outsourcing strategies. International Journal Of Production Research, 48(7), 2081-2094. Whitaker, J., Mithas, S., Krishnan, M. S. (2010). Organizational Learning and Capabilities  for Onshore and Offshore Business Process Outsourcing. Journal Of Management  Information Systems, 27(3), 11-42. Wu, L., Yim, F., Kwan, H., Zhang, X. (2012). Coping with Workplace Ostracism: The Roles  of Ingratiation and Political Skill in Employee Psychological Distress. Journal Ofà ‚  Management Studies, 49(1), 178-199. Yang, C., Wacker, J. G., Sheu, C. (2012). What makes outsourcing effective? A  transaction-cost economics analysis. International Journal Of Production Research,  50(16), 4462-4476 Young Bong, C., Gurbaxani, V. (2012). Information technology outsourcing, knowledge  transfer, and firm productivity: an empirical analysis. MIS Quarterly, 36(4), 1043-1063. This essay on Working Across Boundaries Analysis was written and submitted by user Jaylyn B. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on Abraham Maslow

Abraham Maslow Abraham Harold Maslow was born April 1, 1907 in Brooklyn, New York. He was the eldest of seven children born to his immigrant parents. While growing up, Abraham’s parents pushed their children hard toward academic success. He was very lonely as a boy, and sought refuge in his schoolwork. To please his parents, He went to study at the City College of New York. His father hoped he would study law, but he went to graduate school at the University of Wisconsin to study psychology. While in attendance there, he met and married his cousin Bertha Goodman, and met his cheif mentor Harry Harlow. At Wisconsin, he began a study of primate dominance behavior and sexuality. He went on to further research at Columbia University, continuing similar studies. There he found a new mentor Alfred Adler, who was one of Sigmund Freud’s early followers. From 1937 to 1951, Maslow was an instructor at Brooklyn College. Here he met Ruth Benedict and Max Wertheimer, whom he admired gre atly. These two were so accomplished, and such wonderful human beings in his opinion, that he began taking notes on them and their behavior. This was the beginning of his lifelong research on mental health and human potential. He wrote a great deal about the subject, borrowing from other theorist but adding significantly to them, especially the concepts of a hierarchy of needs, met needs, self-actualizing person’s, and peak experiences. Maslow became the leader of humanistic school o0f psychology that emerged in the 1950’s and 1960’s. He spent his final years in semi-retirement California, until June 8, 1970, he died of a hear attack after years of bad health. During and after his death, Maslow has been very inspirational figure in personality theories. In 1960’s, people were tired of the reductionistic, mechanistic messages of the behaviorists and physiological psychologists. They were looking for meaning and purpose in their lives... Free Essays on Abraham Maslow Free Essays on Abraham Maslow Abraham Maslow Abraham Harold Maslow was born April 1, 1907 in Brooklyn, New York. He was the eldest of seven children born to his immigrant parents. While growing up, Abraham’s parents pushed their children hard toward academic success. He was very lonely as a boy, and sought refuge in his schoolwork. To please his parents, He went to study at the City College of New York. His father hoped he would study law, but he went to graduate school at the University of Wisconsin to study psychology. While in attendance there, he met and married his cousin Bertha Goodman, and met his cheif mentor Harry Harlow. At Wisconsin, he began a study of primate dominance behavior and sexuality. He went on to further research at Columbia University, continuing similar studies. There he found a new mentor Alfred Adler, who was one of Sigmund Freud’s early followers. From 1937 to 1951, Maslow was an instructor at Brooklyn College. Here he met Ruth Benedict and Max Wertheimer, whom he admired g reatly. These two were so accomplished, and such wonderful human beings in his opinion, that he began taking notes on them and their behavior. This was the beginning of his lifelong research on mental health and human potential. He wrote a great deal about the subject, borrowing from other theorist but adding significantly to them, especially the concepts of a hierarchy of needs, met needs, self-actualizing person’s, and peak experiences. Maslow became the leader of humanistic school o0f psychology that emerged in the 1950’s and 1960’s. He spent his final years in semi-retirement California, until June 8, 1970, he died of a hear attack after years of bad health. During and after his death, Maslow has been very inspirational figure in personality theories. In 1960’s, people were tired of the reductionistic, mechanistic messages of the behaviorists and physiological psychologists. They were looking for meaning and purpose in their lives...

Sift cupcake and dessert bar Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Sift cupcake and dessert bar - Essay Example Since its inception, a few members of staff have been on board and they include Corey Fanfa who joined the Sift team after quitting her career. She spent most of her childhood with Andrea, the baking business was not new to her either, and she quite enjoyed it. Sift has been enlisted on several Food networks including the cupcake wars where Andrea and Corey entered. This gave Sift the much edge that they needed and helped improve the skills of the business and learn what they needed to do to make the better cup cakes. For Sift, the business is just not a business but a passion for them as they are engaged in an activity that they love and are a passionate about. Sift has a wide market being in a college town and ensuring that the customer is satisfied with the product has seen the business grow in leaps and bounds to where it is today. Evaluation and Strategy Andrea, Her Husband, Jeff and Corey are the managers of the business and the key decision makers and they feel that is about t ime that the business expanded and became the premier cupcake business of choice in the Bay area of San Francisco. Cupcakes are an extremely popular product in the United States base on the fact that they are cheap and also very sweet and yummy. They are also easily accessible and when well made, they give the client a satisfying feel. The product was made popular by the movie Sex and the City and has since then grown to the extent of having a food channel Cup Cake Wars, which Sift occasionally, display their product offerings. The main problem facing the goal that Sift wants to achieve is their line of Credit. They needed to hire more staff that will help the business to rapidly expand and become the premier cup cake shop. The current line of credit that they have in the bank cannot be used as it will hamper the efforts that they have of seeking the small business loans which they badly need to ensure that they become the premier cupcake shop in san Francisco. To be able to achieve these goals, Sift needs to clearly map its goals and objectives as well as know what it wants to achieve as of now. What is important to them as of now is to acquire the capital through the loan and hence expand to become the premier cup cake shop. However, their efforts can be hampered by the lack of expertise as the three of them cannot quite manage to handle the bigger business and they will require more skills and competencies to be able to meander through it. The business has several factors working for them against those working against them. Firstly, there is a huge demand for cupcakes in the market. This means that in spite of the harsh times, there will always be demand for the cakes. The cost is relatively cheap which means the consumers can afford the product. The size of the cupcakes is small and hence not a big indulgence especially with everyone being weary of their health. The product is viewed as a snack for getting the much needed sugar fix as people watch what the y are eating. The other success factor for the business is a market niche, which is already established. The business has a huge customer base in women who are high-income earners and are sure of what product they are looking for and what product they want. There is also a presence of a huge market online for the business. Sift has been able to grow to a large business since its

The Potential Change Implementation Program Research Paper

The Potential Change Implementation Program - Research Paper Example Since the inception of academic activities of XYZ University, the examination department of the university has been maintaining a system of examination in which students like most of the other university students, follow the paper-pen-pencil strategy while attempting the examination as per the university policy. As the university has shown tremendous growth in the number of students enrolled and admitted in the university, for examination department within a short span of time, it has become very challenging to complete the process of examination which mainly includes the printing of question papers, collection of question papers and answer scripts, dispatching them to respective faculty members and then recollecting them to compile and announce the results. This whole process has many loopholes that examination department has to face, most of them are a loss of answer scripts while dispatching and recollection from the faculty members, unnecessary delays from the faculty members, lo ads of burden on examination personnel when result deadline approaches etc. All the above-mentioned issues cause harms to the quality of assessment which actually becomes the reflection of the performance of the students. As a result, some deserving students become unfortunate as their results are not the true pictures of their hard work and some careless students love their fortune to end up with flying colours courtesy the poor quality performance of the examination department. The examination committee along with the dean and registrar of the university are put forward the following reasons to bring in the change in the examination process.

Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 5

Human Resource Management - Essay Example It is also needed that the expectations of employees be taken into consideration before adjusting psychological contracts in order to create an optimum working environment. Introduction Problems arising in workplaces are common issues and can be of varying degrees. Therefore, a single type of approach may not always be the solution. An unpleasant working environment can cause stress among employees thus leading to low overall performance which can hinder the fulfillment of the organization’s goals. The need is to understand the common issues in workplace so that the atmosphere can be improved. Proper application of strategies and basic intelligence can solve the problems or can be avoided all together. In this paper, I will share the problems that I face in my workplace and how it affects me and my team members. Problem in workplace It is a proven fact that encouragement from the seniors like managers or other executives reduces the level of stress amongst employees. My experi ence in office has so far been pleasant regarding my relation with my colleagues and team members. However, the management team fails to establish positive communication bond with the employees. This is a major reason of de-motivation among all employees. The manager to whom my team is answerable has opened forums for employees to voice their concerns, but he hardly ever takes any kind of remedial steps. He is always changing strategies and plans without informing us or taking our opinions into consideration. Although my team members are hard working and often stays overtime to complete their assigned tasks, our manager offers little or no recognition for our hard work. Violation of psychological contract The overall environment in my office is de-motivating since our manager fails to establish a healthy psychological contract with his employees. Lack of a healthy psychological contract between an employee and employer is extremely important to get positive results like integrity fr om employees, positive relationship between employer and employee, motivation and job satisfaction. All of these elements encourage an employee to give his best performance which can benefit the organization in realizing its goals and objectives. A psychological contract between an employer and employee is not established in a written contract, and is concerned with â€Å"implicit expectations, obligations and promises that both parties believe have been made with regard to what each owes and expects to receive from the other† (Preston, 2012, p.17). Expectation of monetary rewards and promotions after hard work is a common feature of psychological contract. However, my team manager overlooks the extra effort put in by any individual team member. This gives rise to the feeling that we are not being treated fairly. This reduces our feeling of commitment and deflates our motivation. There is also a fair number of absenteeism amongst my team members. This is a direct measure of h ow employees are demotivated at work. The current situation is quite grave, and it is needed that the management should take immediate steps to replace our current manager who has so far proved to be inefficient. This is because the level of absence is high among my team members and this means they need temporary leave from work or are suffering from stress-induced illness (Preston, 2012, p.18). Need of proper management policies Since, in this

Differences Between Intergovernmentalism And Constructivism Regarding The Eu Politics Essay

Differences Between Intergovernmentalism And Constructivism Regarding The Eu Politics Essay When considering these two theories in defining approaches to describe the European Union, we face the debate of agents versus structures. A constructivist approach means that it considering individual actors inside the structures in which they operate to have a significant impact on shaping their identity and behavior. Moreover, constructivism conceives of structures not only as material, but also social. Furthermore, these structures are not only constraints on behavior. Actors environment has a constitutive effect on actors identities on the basis of which they conceive their interests (Sedelmeier, 2005). Clearly, constructivism then takes into account the social factor, the one ignored by rational theory of maximum utility. For the EU, this means that it is not only an economic environment, one based on a materialistic approach. In fact, it is a cultural and social environment which shapes actors identities and interests (Sedelmeier, 2005). For constructivists the claim is that t hey study the integration of the European Union as a process (Cini, 2007). For constructivists then the focus becomes the formation, origins and evolution of identities, behavior related to languages and its role in political discourse, the role of social institutions etc. When we talk about constructivists we should see how the behavior regarding evolution of economic units, political institutions etc. emerges not because of material differences emerging in the economy but because of the process of emerging European identities (Cini, 2007) and the role social factors such as language , ideas and societal norms in these emerging identities. The liberal intergovernmentalist (LI) approach is based on political bargaining of states between governments, as in the case of treaties and reforms. In this approach, the power does not rest in social behavior or agents; in fact it is the political elite which has the power to improve interstate relations. The interaction then is between two forces; the member states and the EU Councils. In other words, This generally involves a two-stage process of negotiation. First, governments must resolve the policy problems that confront them; taking decisions to that effect; and only after that do they try to reach agreement on institutional mechanisms which would allow them to implement those decisions (Cini, 2007). As mentioned before, the political elite, meaning the governments of the member states are the main actors and the EU remains a forum for bargaining (Akiba, Fukuda, 2003). This theory holds that only the member state governments have the autonomy and can design the institutional system of the EU (Akiba, Fukuda, 2003). The limitations that this approach faces, especially when compared to constructivism is the fact that both theories slightly undermine the pace and the extent of the integration process and the autonomy that the EU has gained over the years in the sense that it has been increasingly ratifying treaties which have given more power to the Union. References: Cini, M. (2007). European Union Politics. Oxford University Press. Fukuda, K., Akiba, H. (2003). European Governance After Nice. Routledge. Sedelmeier, U. (2005). Constructing the Path to Eastern Enlargement. Manchester University Press. How do Multi-Level Governance understandings of the EU describe, and explain the advent of, the present EU political system? When discussing the integration of the EU as an institution, the arguments between intergovernmentalists and constructivist, as well as supranationalist, federalist and confederalist approaches are somewhat diminished by the theory surrounding multi level governance of the EU; indeed, it has given way to the fact that the EU operates more as a single European Regime or European polity (Akiba, Fukuda, 2003). Multi level governance considers the role of the State in decision making as important, but not entire. In fact, decision making competencies are shared by actors at different levels rather than monopolized by national governments (Hooghe, Marks, 2001). This of course means that the decision making rests with the supranational institutions- the European Parliament, European Commission and the European Court. These institutions have independent influence in policy making (Hooghe, Marks, 2001). The two other important factors which are taken into account by multi level governance ar e the collective decision making process; i.e. policies enforced across the EU without wholehearted from all the national states and the sharing of control and autonomy relating to domestic politics between national governments and supranational institutions. This obviously refers to the fact that politics at the international and domestic level are greatly interconnected, a theory on which the multi level governance model is based. One of the examples of multi level governance and the perceived limited autonomy of the nation state in the EU is displayed by the majority voting system in the EU Council of Ministers. This voting can be on issues relating to internal trade, the environment, research policy (Hooghe, Marks, 2001). So in relation to the definitions discussed above, how would a multi level governance system explain the EU of today, and secondly, why would such a system be supported considering that it is taking power away from national actors and placing it with bodies at a supranational level? The answer is to consider the other actors present in nation states who might on one hand affect policy making, actors such as pressure groups and interest groups. The Council of Ministers is only represented by governments, not other actors. This might be looked on as an advantage by national governments in policy enforcement. Secondly, the EU itself has huge arenas of policy making and regulation under its umbrella, a most important one being trade. The trade benefits that member states receive are a result of greater integration of the European market. The concept of multi level governance is parallel to that of integration but analyzed differently because it focuses more on the various territorial lev els policy making has stretched over and how authority has shifted. There has been a drift of authority from the national to the European level which forces us to think of it as a political system across multiple levels including national and subnational arenas of action as well as the institutional environment of Brussels (Cini, 2007). Parallel to integration, we can see that the governance itself rests with multiple bodies of policy making and legislation, in the form of the evolution of the EU from a mere economic body to that of an organization consisting of its own Parliament, a Court (ECJ) and a Council of Ministers, all far reaching institutions that a single treaty establishing a European Coal and Steel Community. The idea behind this argument rests in the framework with which Europeanization scholars define the process of integration and the institutional changes taking place in the EU. The focus has shifted from thesis defining the framework to closely analyze the causal relationship surrounding the procedural changes, for instance, that of EUs domestic impact. It might be termed as a second generation of European studies (Gualini, 2004). The stress however, has recently shifted from policy at the international level to the way in which integration has affected national governments (Archer, 2008). The rationale behind this shift is the question that how European integration has affected domestic administrative practices and structures (Archer, 2008). This is more of a top-down approach toward Europeanization (Borzel, Risse, 2003). It is necessary to see the way Europeanization has affected domestic policies and institutions because it helps in understanding the integration process better bec ause according to one theory, policies enacted by the European Union must create some misfit in the administrative policies on a domestic level and this I one reason why change or adaotaion takes place on the domestic level (Borzel, Risse, 2003). This opinion is supported by rational choice institutionalism, simple that the process of change is initiated by greater distribution of power among the domestic administrative powers because interest groups might find opportunities in EU policies which could provide them with ways to pursue their own interests, if only they recognize such opportunities. Secondly, it also suggests that Europeanization leads to domestic change through a differential empowerment of actors resulting from a redistribution of resources at the domestic level (Borzel, Risse, 2003). The distribution of power is one reason why theorists have shifted from analyzing Europeanization in theory only, but in fact, have concentrated in recent times to see what extent chang e at the domestic level has been brought around by the process of Europeanization. The second way in which domestic change has been analyzed is through the lens of the constructivist perspective or logic of appropriateness. In this case, European policies and norms affect domestic processes by exerting adaptational pressures (Borzel, Risse, 2003) through change agents and other informal actors in the political processes. This is also supported by the collective learning process and connects more with the opinion of how new identities are formed through collective learning and social change. Essentially it is important to note that Europeanization as a policy offers new standards of policy to be implemented on the domestic level through political processes of implementation which in turn affects polity which affects domestic-level institutions, e.g. judiciary, public institutions, economic institutes etc. As one analyst puts it, The issue is no longer whether Europe matters but how it matters, to what degree, in what direction, at what pace, and at what point of tim e (Borzel, Risse, 2003). This is the reason through which the European Union, less as a policy and more as an institute of political change at the domestic level, is studied to understand the causal mechanisms of change. References: Archer, C. (2008). The European Union. Taylor Francis. Borzel, T., Risse, T. (2003). The Politics of Europeanization. Oxford University Press. Gualini, E. (2004). Multi-level Governance Political Change. Ashgate Publishing. Why has the EU relied so much on economic integration to deepen the integration process as a whole? In 1951 the Treaty of Paris established the European Coal and Steel Community, one of the first formal steps taken toward European integration. Robert Schuman, the French Foreign Minister at that time was of the opinion that a united Europe was essential for peace in the region. The reason why EU has relied so much on economic integration depends mostly on the objectives of integration. After a war torn Europe, the idea was to rebuild Europe and also to defend against a future war which would serve as a destabilizing and destructing force for all of Europe. Economic integration was, and is, a rationale to serve a higher purpose, which is both economic and political (Molle, 2006). The economic integration would mean that the states would rather serve as a collective economic entity than an individual one. The benefits of this are increasing chances of peace and security in the reason because economies are interdependent. Greater dependence on each other economically means that chances of armed conflict between them would be minimal (Molle, 2006). The framework for the European Union can be said to have laid down when the Marshall Plan was introduced with the objective of the reconstruction of Western Europe. The introduction of the though of a unified European Steel production body thus was seen by both Schuman and Monnet as a realistic way in which conflict could be avoided. In Schumans word, the solidarity in the production thus established will make it plain that any war between France and Germany becomes not merely unthinkable but materially impossible (Jovanovic, 2005). In other words, the objective of peace is much more easily obtained when economies are linked together. Another important factor which proved once again the success of economic integration, relatively to integration progress in other areas, was the abolishment of all internal tariffs. This took place approximately a year and half before the Treaty of Rome was ratifies (Jovanovic, 2005). The result was economic benefits which ranged over a variety of industries, exports and imports and was the main attractive feature which cause Britain to apply for membership to the EC. Economy, it was seen, was a core feature which resulted in expansion of the EU and caused potential member states to right their situations, to improve their economic performance to be eligible to be apart of the EU. The arguments which have been used by pro-integration forces have therefore been focusing on the benefits obtained from economic integration, namely, increase in welfare by an increase in GDP per capita. A common economic ground formed on the basis of integration gives way to common policy ideals or support of policies which would strengthen, not weaken, the economic integration and vice versa. The Treat of Lisbon came into effect as a result of the global financial crisis and what it meant for the economy of the EU as a whole. The purpose was to control the situation financially inside the EU markets to promote financial stability and to offer security against unstable financial markets in whatever way possible. Since the monetary and financial markets of the EU are connected through means of a common currency, i.e. the Euro, financial crisis has the power to economically destabilize the entire region and there should be safeguards to minimize this threat. As a result, a European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) and a European Stability Mechanism (ESM) has been set up to provide financial aid packages to countries severely affected by the financial crisis. For changes introduced in the European political sphere, the Lisbon Treaty takes into account the difference between delegated and executive acts, a distinction which was not considered by previous Treaties (Ponzano, 2008). Overall, this change means that the European Parliament has been granted a much stronger role than before whereby the Commission takes responsibility for delegated acts under the direct control of the European Parliament and the Council, giving each of the possibility of opposing the measure or revoking the delegation (Griller, Ziller, 2008). The second important political change the Treaty brings about is the double majority voting in the Qualified Majority Voting System in the European Council. The European Council also gains the status of a full European Union institution. The result of course, shows that the Lisbon Treaty granted more powers to the European Parliament, followed by the European Council. The Treaty of Lisbon has its roots in the failed ratification of the Constitutional Treaty. Establishing a Constitution for Europe has been a long-term shadow over European integration, a step that not many of the member states have been willing to take. Some questions put forth by Piris show considerable insight into the Lisbon Treaty and the circumstances surrounding it. For instance, is the Lisbon a mere repackaging of the Constitution of Europe (Piris, 2010)? Indeed the Lisbon Treaty has granted powers to the Parliament, the Court of Justice and the Commission to ensure greater balance of power in the EU. Secondly, the European Parliament, along with the national Parliaments of member states have been given the possibility of intervening directly in the EU legislative process (Piris, 2010). It definitely provides national Parliaments enough power to affect legislative process in the EU. A major difference however, between the Lisbon Treaty and the Constitutional treaty is the aba ndonment of transforming the EU into a federal body. That objective, according to Piris, has been fully deserted to be replaced by Euro-sceptic elements which to some extent limit the power of the EU.

External Influences Affect All Firms Essay example -- Papers

External Influences Affect All Firms Many businesses are quite capable of organising themselves internally, however this does not guarantee complete business success. Businesses have many outside pressures to face, which can become quite complicated to manage. These are called external influences. There are many factors that can affect a business, of which the market is just one. Businesses are tremendously influenced by the markets in which they trade. The size of a business does this: whether it is local, national or even international will affect the nature of the product that they supply and also the quantity. Competition is also a factor that can influence the rise or fall of a business. Communications and methods of transportation such as the delivery of products by air have made the competition in the market place more intense. Many businesses in the United Kingdom now face competition from other continents from around the world. A good example of this is the UK grocery market where the competition had become fiercer following the coming of foreign supermarket chains such as Aldi. Also new products, price changes and take-overs of other businesses can be a big influence. Economical influences are a factor too. Interest rates are the priced paid for borrowed money, this can affect businesses because every month the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) assembles each month and decides on whether to alter the base rate of interest. So if the MPC decide to alter the base rate of interest this could have sufficient implications for businesses. A rise will result in greater overheads for most businesses,... ...he long run as they buy the product. In conclusion to the title of this essay, 'External Influences Affect All Firms, To What Extent Do You Agree With This Statement?' I believe that this statement is very honest. From the evidence I have given in this essay it is clear that there are a lot of factors that influence and affect businesses. Take the climate, may seem small compared to the other factors, but it has a significant affect if it takes the wrong path. Also the obvious factor - the market itself, its size can cause many problems. Basically every business if it's a large company set in the heart of London, or a small corner shop down the road has to take each factor into consideration to maintain their business stays afoot. Although its hard and definitely impossible to grasp to a full one hundred percent.

Influence of Visual Media

Decades have gone by and in that time culture and visual entertainment media has change tremendously. The interrelationship between culture and visual entertainment media has had an impact on both film and television. Television and film have more violence and more inappropriate words but also captures examples of everyday concerns and provides positive feedback. Since the 1950s the primary source of entertainment has been television ,and has developed an impact on books. Most author’s books have been made into movies providing a more entertaining and visual view of the plot in our most favorite stories.Millions of families gather in front of the television daily and weekly to view their favorite television shows. Shows such as The Brady Bunch and The Cosby show began models of what the perfect family should be like. These shows not only brought us laughs but they also taught us lessons of parenting and the challenges that children face growing up. Visual entertainment has als o shaped American culture by creating improvements to television and film. Impacts like high definition television provides us with a better quality when watching the biggest sports events on television.For an example the Super bowl which is one of the largest sports events and those that not able to attention the game usually tune in from home or have Super bowl parties. These parties are usually thrown by those that have the newest and biggest television model. Visual entertainment has allowed us to be able to actually see the news and sports instead of only having the option of listening on a radio. Before television was invented the radio was one of the only sources of entertainment.Although there has been some positive forms that visual entertainment media has shaped visual entertainment media over the years there have been some negative changes to its value. Years ago the content allowed on television was appropriate for all ages but now it is very risky to even allow children to watch their favorite cartoons. Due to the amount of violence and profanity on television American culture now has concerns with bad influences. Children are being exposed to words and behavior that parents of try every day to teach theirs kids what is right and what is wrong but visual entertainment is showing them things that are negative.When you are teaching your children to not use inappropriate language and are being sure that they are not being exposed to specific words and behavior then some they watch on television is shows kids using inappropriate language or behavior it confused children and influence them to try it. The social influences of visual entertainment media are mostly negative. Social media is now a type of visual entertainment media and creates a negative impact to society because on social networks such as Facebook and Instagram where there are constant post of videos and status.The videos posted on these sights contain violence people fighting one another and their friends or family member recording the fights urging them on. They are also videos posted men and women degrading themselves in sexual ways as well as inappropriate dance videos. All of these things are providing negative influences for youth and adults it seems that American culture is being worsen by these things. Social media should ban those that post inappropriate post of status and videos automatically without it having to be reported. Truth is some of it won’t be reported because this is a form of entertainment for so many.The interrelationship between culture and visual entertainment media has many impacts to television and film. Some of these impacts are positive and some are negative either way they have shaped American culture into what it is today. The positive and negative impacts all us to be visually entertained. Visual entertainment media provides the ability to TV and movies based on your favorite books and sports. It also provides negativity throu gh social influences. However, these are all changes that have impact visual entertainment whether good or bad it is still considered visual entertainment.

How to Cite a Website in Harvard Referencing

How to Cite a Website in Harvard Referencing How to Cite a Website in Harvard Referencing With so much information now available online, you may need to cite a website in a piece of academic writing at some point. But since most referencing systems focus on books and journals, knowing how this works can be tricky. Thus, to help out, we’ve prepared this quick guide to citing a website using Harvard referencing. In-Text Citations (Named Author) To cite a website in Harvard referencing, you will need to give the author’s surname and a year of publication. For instance: Rousseau converted to Catholicism in 1728 (Bertram, 2010). If you have already named the author in the main text, though, you don’t need to duplicate this information in the citation. Instead, you can just give a year of publication in brackets after the author’s name. In addition, since websites don’t have page numbers, you will not usually need to give a pinpoint citation when quoting an online source. However, for long or complicated texts, you could include a paragraph or section number (use â€Å"para.† to signal a paragraph number or the â€Å" §Ã¢â‚¬ Ã‚  symbol to denote a section). So to cite a website like this, we would write: According to Bertram (2010,  § 2.1), Rousseau thought morality had been displaced by â€Å"the impulse to dominate, oppress and exploit.† Make sure to check your style guide for information on citing sources with no page numbers, though, as different places will have different rules. In-Text Citations (No Named Author/Date of Publication) To cite a website that does not name its author, the best approach is usually to reference an organizational author instead. This will be the company or organization that runs the website: Tax avoidance often involves using contrived transactions that serve no purpose other than exploiting legal loopholes (HMRC, 2016). If no date of publication is available, you can use â€Å"n.d.† in its place: Moths are â€Å"an essential part of food chains† (RSPB, n.d.). It can be hard to spot the author and publication date for websites, though, so make sure to check carefully before omitting this information from citations. How to Cite a Website in the Reference List As with any source in your work, you should add all cited websites to a reference list at the end of your document. The information you need here is: Author Surname, Initial(s). (Year or Publication/Last Update) Title of Web Page [Online]. Available at: URL [Accessed date]. In practice, then, the reference list entry for a website would look like this: Bertram, C. (2010) Jean Jacques Rousseau [Online]. Available at: plato.stanford.edu/entries/rousseau/ [Accessed 24 October 2016]. Of course, if a webpage is missing a named author or date of publication, this should also be indicated in the reference list: RSPB (n.d.) Grow Food for Moths [Online]. Available at: https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/makeahomeforwildlife/givenatureahomeinyourgarden/gardenactivities/growfoodformoths/ [Accessed 19 September 2016]. A Quick Note on Harvard Referencing Although Harvard referencing is a common citation style, it is not a single unified system. As such, the rules your school uses may differ, so you should always check your style guide if you are not sure how to cite sources.

Research Paper Prohibition

Research Paper Prohibition Research Paper Prohibition Mary Louise Cecilia Guinan otherwise known as "Texas," by the state she was from was an actress and singer in the late 19th and early 20th Century. This gal was the operator of many ritzy speakeasies, though it could never be proven. She became a model for the others, as she was the best female in the business, no matter how many times the coppers shut down the drums, more would be established. Prohibition was a law that the U.S. should have never put into place because the younger generation became very rebellious, moral values dissipated, and society took a turn for the worst. Leading up to the Prohibition Era, World War I had recently ended. The economy was terrible at the conclusion of the war, however, it improved a little bit as people no longer had to be afraid of something happening, and their family members were now home. As the economy was improving, women also won the vote. Many women during this time wanted equality and to be able to vote just as the men, and t hey finally won after all they had been fighting for. Soon, there were not only restrictions on alcohol, but the selling of "intoxicating liquors" became illegal. Alcohol otherwise known as liquor is a drug, which affects how a person feels and behaves, and can be dangerous when too much is consumed. The Eighteenth Amendment prohibited the making or selling of these intoxicating liquors, and as of January 16, 1920, alcohol was prohibited in the United States. The old ­line conservative Americans were fine with the alcohol regulations after the war, however, the young people were more comfortable with alcohol. The prohibition of alcohol is one of the reasons that the young people became rebellious. This rebelliousness was more geared toward the females, rather than the males. The females created the "flapper," a name that is associated with a certain look. A flapper is a girl with short skirts or dresses, and even shorter hair. The hair was cut into the bob hairstyle. This was not something that was traditional for a female during this time as usually they had shoulder ­length or longer hair that was pinned up. The clothing was also an act of rebellion geared toward the females in America. The dresses were made to be showy, straight, and hanging just below the knee. The everyday young woman became like a

Core Professional Competencies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Core Professional Competencies - Essay Example The artifact shows that the teacher has not only engaged in classroom activity, but he has also used it to teach them about their responsibilities while in the classroom. The artifact also fulfills another requirement of CPC 6, which is to teach the students regarding appropriate school and overall social behavior. By making the children right rules, the teacher teaches them what the rules are, their importance while making them understand them well. It also serves as an effective strategy for reducing misbehaviors in the classroom as the artifact shows that the teacher also makes all the children sign on the rules, which means that the children would remember that they have promised to abide by the rules. Moreover, it would also make them feel that they were themselves responsible for bringing them in the first place, hence, the would not resent rules. By involving all of the children, the teacher also involves the naughty kids in the activity, which makes them feel responsible. All in all, the artifact not only involves all children in a healthy discussion and activity, it also teaches them about their responsibilities and rights while in the classroom. A good teacher not only provides centralized attention to his classroom, he also provides individual attention to students who are in need of it. CPC 7 requires the teacher to develop individualized education plans for his students. Moreover, he also helps in closing the gap between the students with learning problems and behavioral issues. The artifact is an wonderful implementation of CPC 7, it is a touch math exercise program. This program has been used for a student of grade 2 who has dyspraxia. The child has problems in holding and gripping her pencil and writing her letter on line. She problems in basic computations and is not able to recall basic math functions such as addition and subtraction. The artifact shows that the teacher is fully aware of the weakness of her students and

The Physics Of Pool Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Physics Of Pool - Essay Example In order to control the energy of the ball by how low or how hard the stroke should be, then kinetic energy is very important. To get more velocity one has to make the stroke harder thus giving it more kinetic energy (Marlow, 1995). The kinetic energy then takes the ball through a longer distance to overcome the forces of friction and come to a stop. In a pool game collusions are always present. In many instances when hitting a ball head-on, the ball with which the collision was made will travel in the same direction and in case of an angular collision, the balls in most instances would not collide in the same manner. Most collusion always results to the balls deflecting in various angles (Marlow, 1995). In most case the players always strikes in such manner that the same ball also strikes another ball at an angle this also involves the principles of collusions such that one has to give it the right amount of energy so that when the energy is transfer to the other balls, the intended ball is hit with the right amount of energy (Tait, 1899).Again the net force that is applied to the balls always causes the ball to rotate around its center of mass (Davies, 1979). For the rotational speed to change there has to be a change in the net external interaction on the object. When the cue ball is rotating, and since rotational momentum must be conserved the cue ball will spin at the same angular velocity as it was before the collision and the ball then starts to roll (Davies, 1979).

Ethical case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ethical case study - Essay Example She took the initiative to consult Jeffrey Anderson and was well prepared with the accounting manual of the parent company and the plan for valuation of the assets that belong to the company. Since, Jeffrey Anderson was a respected individual in the company, having served for more than a decade Lisa expected that he would have advised her on the way to approach the issue professionally to find a solution and to maintain confidentiality and integrity. The acquired company and the parent company are the main stakeholders in the issue that Lisa is trying to get solutions for. Lisa finds herself unprepared for the cultures within the corporate, and she did not believe that the acquired firm had used the appropriate financial rules and regulations. She was tasked to make sure that the assets of the corporate she was working for were secure. Lisa noted that the employees were more concerned in securing their jobs. Workplace ethics are some causes that make employees sacked especially during such strategic transitions that Lisa is encountering (Lawrence & Weber, 2013). According to the IMA guidelines that are used for ethical conflict resolution, Lisa is supposed to maintain confidentiality and ensure that she discusses it in details with the Controller. The reason why ethical standards should be maintained in businesses is to ensure that there is smooth flow and function of the advanced market economy. In addition, if there were no ethical standards in business, so many aspects would suffer particularly the economy and the people who depend on it for goods, services and jobs (Lawrence & Weber, 2013). Lisa provides clear, accurate and concise evidence to support her discoveries regardless of being turned down three times by Mr. Anderson. Lisa is keen not to abandon the ethical standards in the company as the finance manager. In her line of work, Lisa focused on the acquired assets and noted

Epistemology - Sense Essay Example for Free

Epistemology Sense Essay The issue of knowledge is definitely an essential part in philosophy. It forces us to question whether we are certain of the things we think we know, and whether we can justify the things we know are actually true. This theory or study of knowledge can be referred to as epistemology. All these views on knowledge can vary depending on how we view the world itself. We are able to perceive the world through the application of our senses, however, our senses alone can be very deceiving. We can never really be definite of what we know just by looking at the world the way it is. We are able to make opinions and assumptions about what we see, smell, taste, and hear, but can never really be absolute. In order to claim knowledge, it requires certainty that something is true. If we were to claim knowledge without certainty, we would be disregarding Descartes’ conception of knowledge and certainty. Descartes clarifies doubt as the contrast to certainty. As certainty increases, doubt decreases; conversely, as doubt increases certainty decreases. The world would not be as challenging as it is if we could just accept anything as knowledge. We would be able to simply opinionate, assume, and estimate whatever we would like and claim that all is true. However, as good as it sounds, it is not practical. It is as what it sounds to be like a make believe world. Basically, if we based knowledge off of ideas we are not certain of and just accepted them as true, we would never be able to continue on to the next levels of knowledge. Somewhere along the lines of this uncertain knowledge, we would find that things do not correlate, or make sense. We would find ourselves questioning the reason for things and only finding out that our knowledge is inaccurate. All in all, fictitious knowledge is not beneficial in the long run without certainty.

Should gay marriages be legalized? Essay -- essays research papers fc

Should same sex marriages be legal?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Same-sex marriages have been very controversial since becoming an issue in Canada regarding the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Several people state that same-sex marriages should be legal, while others disagree, saying it should not be permitted. There have been many debates and inquiries about this issue for several years; the MP’s and Parliament will finally settle the problem within the next year or so. Many are in favour of legalizing same-sex marriages in all of Canada due to the violations and infringes upon the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Problems revolving around same-sex marriages have upset many religious groups. These groups believe that same-sex marriages should not be performed in a church – or at all. Although churches and other places of worship do not approve of same-sex marriages, legalizing same-sex marriages does not breach the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Same-sex marriages should be legalized everywhere in Canada because individuals should be able to express themselves freely without having to feel discriminated against, as stated in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Denying the fundamental liberties and other rights in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is unconstitutional and contravenes what the Charter is expected to maintain. The fundamental rights are what the Charter is based on – the freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication (Section 2b) will be infringed if same-sex marriages are disallowed. Addressing the issue of the fundamental freedoms on same-sex marriages, Prime Minister Paul Martin quoted: The Charter is a living document, the heartbeat of our constitution. It is also a proclamation. It declares that as Canadians, we live under a progressive and inclusive set of fundamental beliefs about the value of the individual. It declares that we all are lessened when any one of us is denied a fundamental right†¦If we do no step forward, then we step back. If we do not protect a right, then we deny it. Canada is governed based on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Certain parties of the government believe that the government can not and should not pick and choose whose rights they will defend and whose right... ...of another, their right has also been infringed. Then again, religious morals are not valued as they ought to be in society as a whole, its customs, and its laws will change forever from this issue. Change is needed for Canada to adapt to the evolving world, adjusting to changes is beneficial. Legalizing same-sex marriages will lead Canada to being a stronger and a more liberated country. BIBLIOGRAPHY Sullivan, Andrew. Same-sex marriage, pro and con. A Reader. New York: Vintage Books, 2004 Catholic Group says Cardinal Wrong to say Charter of Rights shouldn’t apply to Gays and Lesbians [Online] Available: http://www.equal-marriage.ca/resource.php?id=142 (19 Jan. 2005) Civil Marriage Act [Online] Available: http://canada.justice.gc.ca/en/news/nr/2005/doc_31376.html (1 Feb. 2005) Gay Marriages Timeline [Online] Available: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/print/CTVNews/110262810228_a8037308/?hub... GLBT and the equal marriage movement [Online] Available: http://www.psac.com/elections/ask_same_sex_marriage-e.htm Same-sex Marriages [Online] Available: http://www.canadawebpages.com/pc- editorial.asp?key=1415&editorPrimeKeyword=samesexmarriages...

The In-Between World of Vikram Lall Essay -- essays research papers

Divided in four parts – â€Å"The Year of Our Loves and Friendships†, â€Å"The Year of Her Passion†, â€Å"The Years of Betrayal†, and â€Å"Homecoming- The In-Between World of Vikram Lall is a bold attempt at telling the epic of Asian people in Africa. It is a novel concerning themes of love, passion, commitment and more importantly, identity. The narrator, Vikram Lall, is a Kenyan born Indian who grows up in an era where rebellion, confusion, and disruption were all prevalent. In this journal, you will learn about the characters, themes, and settings in the first half of this book. Part One: The Year of Our Loves and Friendships In the first section we are introduced to the Lall family, who are residents of Kenya. At once the reader is introduced to the idea of cross-racial and cross-cultural love. Vikram and his younger sister Deepa have befriended the son of their gardener, Njoroge. It is immediately apparent that Deepa and Njoroge have romantic feelings for one another. What makes this unusual is the fact that Njoroge is black. B y doing this it is apparent that Vassanji is illustrating that even in a time where inter-racial love was not socially acceptable, it still existed. He further emphasized this through the portrayal of Vic’s romantic relationship with Annie, a British girl whose brother was friends with Vikram. This alludes to the â€Å"in-between† portion of the title, for intertwining of several different races can be viewed as â€Å"in-between†. The fact Vassanji consistently refers to a time where racism was predominant it forces the reader to think back to the time where East Africa was very â€Å"confused†. Both of my parents are from East Africa and lived in here the precise time that Vassanji is referring to. They witnessed first hand the lack of identity that existed at that time. Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya were ruled by the British, run by the Indians and populated by the Africans. Because everyone played a different role they all felt like visitors on a foreign land. The Africans, whose land it was initially, were very angered by these circumstances and tribes like the Mau Mau went to great lengths to get back their land. Bloodshed was not an uncommon tactic for they resorted to it quite often. In fact, in the novel, Annie and Billy’s family are murdered by the Mau Mau for they were of British decent. Annie’s Death marked the moment where Vikram lost his love. He ... ...s eyes with a bayonet or something.† The idea of walking out of the street and witnessing such cruelty opens the readers’ eyes to a harsh reality. Style/Technique Vassanji adequately uses diction to enhance the story as well as using rhetoric questions. These rhetorical questions are very important to the story for they signal the readers response when necessary. Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although it took me a while to actually get into the book, as soon as I got in I found it really hard to put down. There is so much conflict both internal and external that upon reading the reader becomes fully submerged. The idea of co-racial relationships was at first hard to believe. I am not exactly sure what will happen in the last two parts of â€Å"The In-Between World of Vikram Lall†, but I think that something absolutely shocking will occur, such as Deepa and Dilip will not marry each other, even if their parents want them to. I think that this will cause a lot of anger and betrayal among the families. The more I read through this book, the more I wanted to read. I hope the ending is as good as the start, but I will have to wait until I have finished reading it to find out.