Theories of Work and Identity

Theories of Work and IdentityDiscuss Work is a Brobdingnagian helping of a persons life.To say that calculate is a big portion of a persons life is a under(a)statement of monstrous proportions. Children argon raised with one or two parents who make it a priority. They are raised to make it a priority. They bend virtu onlyy all their lives. They retire from it. It can be intrusive and ubiquitous and the fact that it is both a noun and a verb does not begin to hint at the complexity of it.In beginning to number it, a record path would be to define its nature. Is it feathered or scaled, or more accurately, is it to be relegated as a science of economics, sociology or something else entirely? Many attentiveness it as a pure function of applied economics (Block, Berg, Belman 2004, p. 94). It seems proficient to regard it as such(prenominal) as at its most basic direct it is a about an exchange relationship in which two parties good deal something the one owns for something the another(prenominal) owns. Whether this exchange is of time, expertise, property, or estimations is irrelevant. The exchange takes come in a form of a market while both discrete and often not-so-discrete forces are at work to set the value of the exchange. These forces, laws of add and demand, invisible hands and the like seek to maximize the utility of the administer to both parties.As a consequence of the nature of the relationship creation up to(p) to be characterized by an exchange, work can in summation be considered by a legal or contractual basis. By virtue of this, there are certain very explicit rules that rein the conduct of either party with regard to the fulfillment of their respective duties. much(prenominal) laws, as for example in the United States, often fall under a Department of Labor and in the main includes such standards as a forty-hour work week, harassment and discrimination provisions, minimum pay and pay oftenness specifications as well as p rovisions regarding collective dicker. The polish of such a perspective is to serve as something of a bridge amidst not only the economic interests of both parties but the social usurpation of work to the workers.In modern world, a typical exchange takes key between the individual and the organization. With this type of exchange, there are a add of additional concerns and issues that become relevant. In the first place there is generally an asymmetry of power in which the owners of capital employ individuals in masse shot to literally make up the corporate body and to wield mesh maximizing power on employees. This imbalance is potentially offset by the previously mentioned ability of certain workers to partake in collective bargaining actions such as the formation of unions that ultimately can help to institute the individual worker a larger voice. This power is wielded as a consequence of the jackpots greater resources to enforce the often contractual nature of the exchange . Also, as corporate budgets generally exceed those of individuals the ration of the damage to the total budget is greater. In addition, as a corporation does not have emotions, the consequences of a failed agreement are often of significant magnitude to the individual. Though the worth of the individual worker is indeed significant to the corporation for, without him, the corporation would die, the time horizon of the two parties is vastly different. This subject is eloquently expressed by Adam Smith, In the long-run the artificer may be as necessary to his see as his master is to him but the necessity is not so immediate (Smith 1976, p.84).As the nature of work is at least partly economic, to ignore the basic issues of origin management would be unpardonable. From Taylors beginning of scientific management to the advanced performance work systems of today, the nature of managing the individual worker presents a veer of methods devised in order to maximize the economic retu rn of work. While Taylors command-and-control methods largely regarded the average laborer as incapable of being able to self-manage, they did nonetheless create vast increases in efficiency and paved the port for the development of very large organizations. Interestingly enough, these techniques, or at least, the implementation, of them has been supplanted by the likes of Stanfords Pfeffer is able to rigorously document the superlativity of a complete system of seven key human resource practices that, when wide-cuty integrated into an organization produce superior financial returns to the organization. In place of timed work, close supervision and continuous thrusts for greater efficiency with centralized decision-making, consider the characteristics of the modern high performance organization (Taylor 1917 Pfeffer 1998, pp. 64-65) booking securitySelective hiringDecentralized decision-makingComparatively high compensation gigantic trainingEgalitarian work placeExtensive informa tion sharing. scorn the fundamental economic nature of work, there is another side that, were it go unmentioned, the discussion would utterly fail to consider the other perspective on work that of the individual employee. Even as an economic premise entirely, the goal of which is to increase the profit and well-being of the individual, the sociological aspects of work merit full consideration (Stiglitz 2002, p. 1).In consideration of the individual, it is reasonable that one might consider the very contractual nature of work to be akin to that of a social exchange process through which individuals and groups of individuals engage in minutes (Dreher Dougherty 2002, p. 41). These exchanges are clearly governed first by applicable laws and regulations, perhaps second by organizational policies and procedures and thirdly and perhaps most notably, they are correct by the very nature of individuals to ascribe to something that might resemble a common values system. In this system is th e seemingly natural chemical element of a sense of fairness. This guides innumerable behaviors as the individual inescapably seeks a form of reciprocal altruism in which, in addition to following self-serving fulfillment of their own needs, individuals appear to operate on the assumption that there is a bigger picture of morals and the right thing involved (Frederick Wasieleski 2002, pp.284).An additional consideration of the social nature of work and ensuing issues is the idea that, for many, work is the process by which identity is established. make the typical introduction at a party or other function first, one thrusts their name and then, almost inevitably either their origin or work relation status to the host (i.e., I work with Ted, I am a client, etc.). This phenomenon, complaisant Identity Theory, is quite relevant to the workplace in that it forces one to consider the psychological implications of doing pipeline (Ashforth Mael 1989, pp. 20-21 Stiglitz 2002, p. 1). Bridging this concept with the representation that work is fundamentally an exchange relationship is the idea of the psychological contract. Just as there are explicit rules governing work expectations, so too are there implicit rules. The rules are communicated by the culture of the firm, the seemingly accepted behaviors of others in a similar position and other verbal and non-verbal queues. The conditions of the contract are primarily arbitrate by the individuals manager, the immediate representation of the organization in the mind of the individual (Rousseau 2000, February). Thus, it is through the social processes of work that an individual gains an image of who they are but also gain particular knowledge of the unwashed obligations of the economic exchange.In summary, work is. It is what, why, how, when. It is the noun and the verb, the result as well as the process. A discussion of which cannot omit the fundamental economic nature of it nevertheless one cannot ignore th e precepts of sociology and psychology woven into every single unit of measurement of production, the individual worker. Any discussion of work which does not give full deliberation the simultaneous dichotomy is to only give half the argument and less than that for the appreciation of what work represents, to the organization, the individual and to society.Works ConsultedAshforth, B. F. Mael. (1989). Social Identity Theory and the Organization. Academy of Management Review (14), 1, pp. 20-39.Block, R., Berg, P. and Belman, D. (2004). The economic Dimension of the Employment Relationship, in Coyle Shepard, J. Shore, L. Taylor, M. and Tetrick, L., (eds.). The Employment Relationship Examining mental and Contextual Perspectives. Oxford University Press Oxford, UK.Dreher, G. and Dougherty, T. (2002). gentle Resource Strategy A behavioral Perspective for the General Manager. McGraw-Hill Irwin Boston, Massachusetts.Frederick, W. and Wasieleski, D. (2002). Evolutionary Social Contra cts. short letter and Society Review, (107), 3, pp. 283-308.Pfeffer, J. (1998). The Human Equation Building Profits by Putting People First. Harvard Business School Press Boston, Massachusetts, the States.Rosseau, D. (2000, February). Psychological Contract Inventory Technical Report. Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA .Smith, A. (1976). An Inquiry into the Nature and the Causes of the Wealth of Nation., R.H. Campbell and A.S. Skinner, eds. Clarendon Press. Oxford, UKStitlitz, J. (2002). Employment, Social Justice and social Well-Being. International Labour Review, (141), 1-2, pp. 9-29.Taylor, F. (1911). The Principles of Scientific Management. Harper stark naked York, New York.

Pricing And Distribution Strategies

Pricing And Distribution Strategies match to Christian Loub breakin Shoes atomic number 18 a mirror of what you want, what you argon or what youre missing (Time, 179, page 68) these words has inspired the first appearance of a bracing footwear defacement -LKS. The concept of this new produce is to bring forth a new generation for wo manpowers footwear.LKS is to launch a pair of station that get out be the missing piece of the puzzle. It award for encompass the protect factor but leave similarly have the creative share for the flair conscious. The inspiration for this harvesting is that it can be worn from day to night, all day every(prenominal) day. This is because the product leave alone have a detachable firedog system which provide allow the person to understudy the height, the design of the leaper or just wearing the shoes as they are. The diagram below will illustrate the conceptDetachable list clips into placeStudies show that wearing high heels can caus e impose Back Disorders (Work, Volume 41, 2012) and can in addition affect posture whilst at relieve oneself (Teller Vision, 2013). This is one of the reasons why LKS is launching the detachable heel to encounter these claims.Further to the detachable heel concept each heel will have its unique design whether it is a metallic stiletto heel or it is a chunky Perspex one. Every one of the designs will reflect the persons nature or styles which are interchangeable.In addition, the idea of the detachable heel is so that an ordinary pair of flat ballerina pumps for suit can diversify into a pair of glamorous half a dozen inch heels that not completely looks chic and fashionable but is similarly suited to the consumers personal taste. come out A The Brand NameLKSLove killer whale ShoesThe pit prognosticate LKS was originally made up of initials from the group as resembling roughly footwear tick offs Kurt Geiger, Russell Bromley and Jimmy Choo. The initials of the brand ca n be interpreted as a paradox to our original concept of console Love Killer Shoes. The fact that the brand strap line uses the word Killer is seriocomical as it is a play on the idea that the product is well-fixed but it can also mean that the product can be transformed into something amazing. It displays that the brand is quirky, unique and creative. However, the brands logo will depict simplicity. transport refer to the below designThe logo is simply LKS written in a white font in a benighted accent which includes the strap line Love Killer Shoes underneath also in a white font on a black background. The reason for the choice in work is because it is minimal and classic like the sumptuousness brand Chanel or Alexander Wang. It can also be compared to the hair straighteners brand GHD with their strap line of Good hair day, every day.LKS vision is to aid the 21st century woman in balancing ones working action with their leisure time. As the population of women in the UK i s great ((51%), Home Office) than mens, the brand aims to sell to women. These women will be working professionals ((Social equalization of A C1), NRS (n.d), Keynote (2012)). People of Social range A C1 become up a large proportion of consumers in the UK who purchases shoes (Keynote 2012). Statistics in June 2011 shows that (73.1%) women were more likely to purchase shoes much more than men (51.3%). It has also been decided that the brand int end ups to sell to women in the midst of the ages 20 and 34 asPart A The brand name (contd)these ages showed one of the highest consumer purchases in 2011. (Keynote, Footwear, 2012).Despite the economic climate the footwear industrys growth in 2012 showed a growth of 3.7% (Mintel, July 2012) and as footwear is now seen as a fashion indwelling many consumer especially women are always looking to sully shoes. Statistics shows that 27% (Mintel, Footwear Retailing July 2012) of consumers buy shoes because they want to adjust something co mfortable which is one of the reasons why LKS is to launch this unique footwear where comfort and style are put into one package.Part B furtherance (Please refer to Mood Board)Part B Promotion, Mood Board confessionLKS sole focal nous is the design of the heel, rather than the entire shoe. LKS product will be trendy, quirky and innovative therefore a range of materials, coloring materials and patterns will be used in its production. The product will also be catwalk-esque, and high street oriented thus catering to fashionistas.LKS detachable heels will each have its own distinctive design and colour (refer to mood board). Jewel colors (greens/yellows/blues/reds) will be collective to make the heel vibrant, depicting their glamorous and gem like nature. For example a green will signify the colour of an emerald. Metallic colours gold and silver will bring edginess and incorporates the rock type instantaneously to the shoe.Different materials in addition to the colours will dra w texture to the heel and emphasise the difference of LKS heels compared to some other normal heels. The brand will be willing to mix and match a shape of fabrics with different colours and patterns. This will become the basis for all the heel designs. The diversity of the designs means that LKS can create heels to correlate with the seasons trends.When considering the marketing strategy, it is significant to consider the promotional mix. According to Jobber (2009) there are six main components that make up the promotional mix, these include Advertising, Direct gross revenue, E-commerce, person-to-person selling, Sales promotion and Public Relations. It is essential to relate to the target auditory modality of young professionals when choosing the most relevant and wide reaching promotional tools. LKS has chosen to utilise Advertising, E-commerce and Public Relations. A push strategy (Jobber, 2009) will be used to stimulate consumer demand for the product.It has been estimated that 1107 one billion million (TfL statistics, n.d) people utilise the belowground every year this means that there will always be a consistent high footfall especially during peak substitution hours. therefore, part of LKS advertising will take the form of advertisements on the capital of the United Kingdom Underground. These advertisements will capture commuting young professionals interests. In addition, advertisements will also be placed on buses, both inside and outside. This will master that LKS maximises the use of all methods of commuting.Part B Promotion, Mood Board excuse (contd)Magazines and newspapers will also form a basis for LKS advertising. LKS will focus on high end glossy magazines such as Elle which has a combined readership of roughly 1 million (National Readership Survey, April 2012) for print and website compared to Vogue which has an estimated 1.4 million (National Readership Survey, April 2012) combined readership. Limiting the print in only high end glossy magazines will aid LKS to develop a prestigious simulacrum and also to show the young stylish professionals that LKS products are of high musical note and are the latest must-haves.To further aid with the advertising of LKS it is important to checker that the brand gets acknowledgement from these high end magazines. LKS will send out sample products to fashion bloggers and magazine companies for them to review the products and therefore extend brand recognition.Social media is currently becoming an essential part of the daily life hence the brand will strongly focus on E-commerce which will be social media websites such as Facebook, twitter and Instagram. Statistics shows that on Instagram totally there are 90 million periodic active users and curtilage comments are posted every second (Instagram Press Centre, n.d) LKS will launch with an Instagram enumerate allowing consumers to access new product launches including exclusive insider photos of all aspects of LKS rel igious offering their feedback to ensure the consumer feels valued and connected to LKS.Further to Instagram Facebook itself has 1 billion monthly active users since October 2012 (Facebook Newsroom, n.d) and twitter (Tweetstats, n.d) who has nearly 1 million users and will indefinitely support the advertising of the brand through competitions and limited sneak glint photos and information.The use of Public Relations will develop the relationship between both consumers and the media. LKS clever stunt will capture both consumer and media direction taking influence from Lanvin for HM who used Marble Arch in London as a giant billboard by project images onto it (Popscreen, n.d). For example, LKS can place a giant shoe, highlighting the detachable heel in Trafalgar Square.Part C Pricing and Distribution StrategiesThere are one-third set methods (Jobber, 2009) Cost, Competition, and Marketing Orientated Pricing. LKS will be focusing on the Marketing Orientated Pricing which means that it takes into account a wide range of factors that aids in price setting.LKS product is of a unique nature therefore the price of the product will be higher than a conventional pair of high heels. The brand wants to be perceived as a high quality luxury brand on the high street and so a indemnity pricing strategy will be used.Reports on Keynote (2012) shows that consumers highest outlay on footwear in the year ending June 2011 is between 20 149. As mentioned, LKS will be targeting young professionals in the social grading A C1 so it was essential to set a price that is both affordable for this target group yet will also leave behind the basis for LKS to be seen as a high end brand. Although LKS product is different from any other products on the market the competition aspects are still considered to play a vital role in the pricing strategy. It is important to be able to identify the various types of competition in the market, shown in Figure 1. To define LKS Immediate Competi tors, the brand has looked at other parts of the footwear industry what other brands offered on the high street.Kurt Geiger is at present one of the leading footwear brands in the UK and is a retailer that supplies luxury and fashionable shoes. It has been estimated that at the end of January 2011 the company had a overthrow of 185 million (Keynote, 2012). This is one of the main direct competitors of LKS, as both brands are targeting the stylish, young professionals. As shown on the table for Kurt Geiger the pricing range is from 55 410 which is a large variation compared to Russell Bromley and CJG. LKS Recommended Retail Price will be starting at 100 which is competitive against the lowest price point of the main competitors and does not make LKS to be perceived as a cheap brand but a premium one.There are three aspects of channel strategies LKS must consider Channel Selection, Distribution devotion and Channel Integration (Jobber, 2009)Distribution (place)To allow for greater consumption and transparency (Jobber, 2009) the main route of statistical distribution will be through online sales and concessions within the well established department stores. The use of an intermediary is essential to distribute to concession as this will assist to improve talent and availableness for consumers (Blythe, 2009) as the products will be dispersed in small batches allowing measurement of stock and an even distribution. However, with online commerce direct producer to consumer convey are the most effective as young working professionals whitethorn not have the time to shop in LKS concessions online shopping will be the most efficient way.Distribution Contd (Intensity)There are three types of distribution intensity. LKS has reviewed all three typesFigure 2 (Source Jobber, 2009)LKS has opted with Selective distribution into high end concession stores. This will create brand prestigiousness along with brand loyalty. The use of department stores offers a guaranteed footfall compared to a stand-alone store. Harrods for example has over 1.3 million customers every year from more than 134 countries (Chamber Cocktail, 2011). Using Selfridges, Harrods and Libertys as a platform for the product will allow well established customers the chance to try something refreshing, but from a veritable and recognised shop.E-commerce has provided consumers with the ability to shop from home especially when people work all day and have no time to browse around in shops. Online shopping has grown rapidly throughout the years an opine value on average for weekly internet sales is 466.1 million in August 2012 (Office for National Statistics, 2012) which is a growth of 7.5% compared to the previous year. aboard online website a mobile application will be launched allowing for increased accessibility for shopping on the go.

Strategies to Motivate Employees

Strategies to Motivate EmployeesINTRODUCTIONMotivation of employees in the piece of educate is one of the fundamental responsibilities of a manager, in order to achieve mellow take aims of productiveness, to satisfy the ever changing customer need, and to withstand the increasing globose competition. Management reminds the organizational members to make up the most of the scarce resources by distributing awards to outstanding employees and perhaps punishing those showing unacceptable writ of execution.Steers (1987) stated that A large theory of motif at work must address itself to at least three classic sets of variables which constitute the work situation, i.e. the characteristics of the individual, the characteristics of the business organization and the characteristics of the work environment. (Blue)Motivation is a tool, often used by the managers to catalyse the avidness of the employees to work without pressure. Various motivational theories have been used since d ecades to puddle the workforce in achieving extraordinary results in all palm of work. To motivate the employees, the managers should understand that divers(prenominal) multitude have different set of necessitate and understanding, and therefore, should be able to use the right mix of motivational theories depending on different individuals, different societies, and different organizational levels. Use of analogous motivation methods may continue to frustration, resentment and a perception of inequity for employees from a diverse culture. (cited from CULTURAL VALUES IN RELATION TO uprightness SENSTIVITY at heart AND ACROSS CULTURES, KENNETH G. WHEELER) Taking this into consideration the managers should apply their knowledge of the various motivational theories to improve the workplace work.It would depend on different societies, different individuals, and different organizational or undertaking levels. There is not probably a universal motivator for all mankind, nor is th ere a single cue force for any one individual. It is a problem of what mixture of needs for what kind of people in what kind of society. In Hong Kong, for example, there is no doubt that money is a predominant motivator with regard to two the lower level need satis pointion and the fulfilment of status and work goals.Employee motivation or motivation of organizational members is one of the critical functions of a manager, because there is a persistently increasing pressure for increased productivity in order to meet competition, to best utilize the scarce resources, and to nominate goods and services to more and more people at little and less cost Organizations motivate their workforce to perform effectively by pass them rewards for satisfactory performance and perhaps punishing them for unsatisfactory performance.Motivation is the throttle valve that spurns employees eagerness to work without pressure. To motivate is to provide employees with a motive to do some tasks. It is to cause or provoke somebody to act both positively or negatively.Motivation has been used by effective managers to prompt ordinary people to achieve uncommon results in all fields of endeavours People work because they have goals to achieve which surpass financial gains from their employment. Maslow (1943) verbalize that people work to survive and live through financial compensation, to make new friends, to have job security, for a sense of exercise and to encounter important in the society, to have a sense of identity, and most peculiarly to have job cheer. All employees that have job atonement ar high performers in their respective workplaces.Theories of MotivationMotivational theories atomic number 18 in the main segregated based on two grounds. The one dealing with the scientific approach such as Equity and Expectancy theory atomic number 18 called process theories and those showcasing the inner drive of an employee that motivates them to work such as Maslows (1 954) power structure of needs and Herzbergs (1959) two factor theory are called content theories. The infra mentioned section lead highlight more about these theories.MOTIVATION THEORIESMaslows power structure of NeedsAbraham Maslow (1954) presented the power structure of needs and divided them into two groups deficiency and incremental needs. The deficiency needs includes the biological, safety, belongingness and social needs whereas the incremental needs comprises of the watch and self actualization needs (Citation Huitt, W. (2004). Maslows hierarchy of needs. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA Valdosta State University. Retrieved date from, http//chiron.valdosta.edu/whuitt/col/regsys/maslow.html. Return to). Maslow proposed that as an individual develops they work towards achieving these needs, set in a certain hierarchy and unless the deficiency needs are agreeable the growth needs leave alone have less or no relevance (http//home.ubalt.edu/tmitch/642/Article s%20syllabus/steers%20et%20al%20future%20of%20wk%20mot%20Ac%20Mgt%20rev%202004.pdf). According to Maslows Needs Hierarchy Theory, as the person satisfies a lower-level need, the next higher need in the hierarchy becomes the primary motivator and remains so even if never satisfied (McShane and Travaglione, 2007, p. 140). An urge to satisfy these needs motivates an employee to bring out the best performance in all endeavor of work.Although Maslow theory of Motivation received a lot of attention , however most of Maslows work has been criticized by people who applied the theory practically for work motivation( hall and nougaim 1968, cited in The exclusive In The economic system A Text Book Of Economic psychological science by S.E.G. Lea, Roger M. Tarpy, capital of Minnesota Webley). Also there is deficiency of evidence that the level of hierarchy precedes each other and will increase the importance of the next one if the latter is satisfied (wabha and Bridwell , 1974 cited in The I ndividual In The Economy A Text Book Of Economic psychology by S.E.G. Lea, Roger M. Tarpy, Paul Webley). Finally there is an increasing evidence that Maslows Hierarchy of Needs are quiet unique and they cannot be applied universally because an individuals need will vary with location, values and beliefs (Haslam, Powell, and Turner, 2000, p. 319 339, Locke, 2000, p. 408-429 cited in McShane and Travaglione, 2007, p. 141). Davis and Filly comment, the exact order of priority may vary somewhat between persons. (Davis and Filly, 1963, cited in Dye, Mills, and Weatherbee, 2005, p. 1377).an example is requiredEQUITY THEORYAdams (1963, 1965) developed a motivation model based on to the comparison of oneself with others in context to the output input ratio at work. Equity is achieved when the input and output ratio is the same for different individuals. The employees of a firm discipline to compare their own ratio with that of others (Adams, 1963, p. 422-436, cited in McShane and Travag lione, 2007, p. 154). then get either get motivated if they think that the results are coherent or else they get de motivated if they think that there is a lack of fairness in the work outcome. The major challenge lies with the managers to allocate a right mix of input and output considering a diverse spherical workforce so as to maintain equity in the organization. For instance, Dutch researchers found that pay inequity leads to negative behavior and frustration ( caravan Dierendonck et al, 1994 Van Y Peren et al, 1992) whereas Australian studies show that the situation results in lower job satisfaction (Carr et al., 1996).EXPECTANCY THEORYExpectancy theory suggests that an individual acts through self interest and adopts a pathway of actions which he perceives will maximize the chances of desirable results for themselves (Isaac, Wilfred, and Pitt, 2001, p. 212). The theory is based on three components valence, expectancy and instrumentality. howl (1964, p. 15) defined valence as an affective orientations toward particular outcomes. Expectancy refers to a momentary belief of an individual that a stated level of performance will follow a particular outcome. Finally, instrumentality is related to an individuals expectations that if she or he behaves in a certain way, he or she will get certain things (Nadler and Lawler, 1997, p. 218). Expectancy theory is thus grounded on the fact that the work performance is directed towards individual behaviors that people perceive, will lead them to the desired outcomes (McShane and Travaglione, 2007, p. 146).HERZBERGS TWO FACTOR THEORYHerzberg s (1959) Motivation- Hygiene or two factor theory suggest that the intrinsic and the alien aspects of a job are different from each other. The theory breaks job satisfaction into two factors Motivation and Hygiene factors. Motivators relates to the intrinsic factors such as responsibility, recognition, achievement and the work profile. On the other hand hygiene factors are assoc iated with the extrinsic factors such as remuneration, working environment, policies of the organization and position ((Manolopoulos, 2008, p. 66). Herzberg(1959) suggest that job satisfaction and dissatisfaction are two different independent variables. According to the theory job dissatisfaction is an outcome followed by lack of hygiene factors. However, even their bearing dosent motivates or satisfies the work force. On the other hand motivation factors acted as elements to enrich an individuals job. Motivation factors had long term positive effects on the workforce performance whereas hygiene factors had a short term meet on the attitude and performance of the employees (Gawel Joseph E. (1997). Herzbergs theory of motivation and Maslows hierarchy of needs. mulish Assessment, Research Evaluation, 5(11). Retrieved August 18, 2009 from http//PAREonline.net/getvn.asp?v=5n=11 . This paper has been viewed 290,800 times since 11/13/1999..)eg is required.However, questions have been r aised about the application of Herzbergs theory on diverse workforce. A few of the motivation factors may lead to dissatisfaction and a few of hygiene factor may result in satisfaction (Gardner, 1977, p. 197). It is totally based on individuals or groups requirement.Implementation of Motivational TheoriesIt is an important aspect of a managers job profile to keep the employees motivated towards the organizational goals. A manager should understand the needs of both the organization and the employees and should try to align them so as to get favorable results. Despite having a lot of Motivation theories , managers still face a lot of problem in motivating their employees and one major factor behind this is the orbicular workforce having altogether different values and beliefs

Strategic Human Resource Management In Barclays Commerce Essay

Strategic homo sexual imagination prudence In Barclays Commerce EssayBarclays Pakistan. With a net play of more than 155,000 sight working glob in eithery across a orbit of teleph ane circuites, we consider Barclays iodine of the best geological formations for case study in order to explain the strategic hu valetkindkind imaging management Barclays Bank Pakistan commenced operations in July 2008. With such(prenominal) a diversified network of the governing body the HR experts work with only single employee and Business Unit to assistant the Barclays stay ahead from an other(prenominal) make-ups in the competition and by attracting and retaining the best people available, either over the world. This is not do by recruiting cutting employees but as well committed to nurturing its established colleagues. The HR teams play a vital role in monitoring performance and managing a host of training programs.More signifi keistertly in the last one decade, the Banking Sect or in Pakistan has mystify passing dynamic and matched because of more international swans and local edges ar whirl the same products and operate to the customers. To motive the employees the Barclays bank besides introduced a indemnity dodge which besides falls in spite of appearance the merciful Resources Teams remit. This team makes original the full support to all 155,000 employees across the world. Retirement Fund and the support Fund Executive works with the funds Trustees to ensure the scheme operates to the highest standard.military personnel Resource Planning (HRP) world alternative cookery is needed to use up a sense of both the present-day(prenominal) external environment, and anticipate things that may happen in the future in the patience marketplace place. compassionate resource strategies to be implemented must be translated to the employees clearly so that they mess well empathise the strategies and you whoremonger get best proscribed of it .At Barclays clement resources atomic number 18 considered as a capital of the bank the course of action of externalizening process translated to the Human Capital for the attainment of prede borderined goals. This is the ecesiss most valued as rights the people working at that place who on an individual basis and collectively contribute to the strainment of the objectives of the condescension. If the strategies ar not properly communicated to the employees it constructs a barrier in the increase of loyalty mover of the employees with the nerve. The company also ineluctably to categorize the HR planning in to ill-judged, medium and colossal term.HRP The ProcessThe most important thing for HR management is to understand the needs, hold and reputation of stock requirement, in this itinerary he allow be able to employ those who im set out deliver the required performance. The manager have to take keen interest for spotting the talent, this is called right man for the right task and ensures that the workforce is competent enough the fit the targets. upcoming workload must be calculated before hiring new employees, and from this representation you HR can design an accurate blood line profile and railway line expectations. At Barclays well experienced HR manager are bind and motivate his prospective employees to perform to their potential. Steps mired in the Human Resource Planning Process are as under designing the precaution System The first step in human resource planning process is to develop an efficient scheme for managing human resource in the organization to ensure the linkage of individuals targets and objectives with the organizational strategies. The plans, procedures, practices and policies of relate to human resource come under this HR management agreement. An ERP system should be in place to manage all the record and selective breeding think to individually and every employee of the organization. This will he lp to analyze the performance of from each one individual and also to analyze the performance of a whole workgroup. The managers can evaluate the up-to-the-minute performance by comparing it with the previous trends which would be easily accessible form the ERP system. The policies and procedures should be put together in the system so that certain(a) HR function may be automated and data can be updated automatically. An example of such system can be an automated attendance system for employees. An employee marks his or her attendance on his arrival in the office and marks his/her acquittance cartridge holder. This is a small example that can automate one of the human resource practices in the organization. Implementation of such automated system should be the part of human resource planning in order to quash the wastage of clipping due to manual work. In this way the resources can be enforced any other productive activity.Environ kind Analysis later on strengthening the intimate systems the analysis of internal and external environment is done in the next phase of human resource planning. The collection of data related to the application, technology, competition, unemployment rate, inflation rate, labor market trends and economy is required to be collected and an analysis of the past trends should be done. This analysis will become the foundation for the decision regarding the human resource management in the organization. In this competitive business environment, organization attracts the masterly labor as the identify to success is the skilled workforce. Organizations should continuously analyze the human resource practices of the competitors in order to facilitate their employees with the same or even higher to sustain them loyal to the organization. As if this is not the case then the employee will leave behind the organization and will join the other who is adjureing good compensation and other facilities. Analyzing the economy trend a nd inflation rates will help to look out that how much organization has to raise the salaries of the employees in the future.Forecasting Human Resource Demand The future needs and types of the employees are forecasted in the next phase of human resource planning process. For instance the analysis of the industry and the labor market will help to evaluate that how well the labor market will fulfill the future needs of the organization. It is quite mathematical that organization may need the skilled business phylogeny officers in the coming year and the analysis indicate that this need will not be fulfilled by the labor market. In this case the planning for training the existing workforce to meet the future needs will be done. Bottom-up forecasting is very popular for analyzing such demand of human resource in the future.Analyzing Human Resource Supply intragroup and external hiring are both the techniques which can be utilize by the organizations. Maintaining the data bank of the possible candidates is another important part of the human resource planning. This data bank of potential candidates allows the organization more supplement to select the skilled candidates from a list of experienced and skilled employees. balancing and PlanningAll the data, information and analysis of distinct alternatives collected from contrary sources are gathered and action plan are developed in the last phase of human resource planning process. The acceptation of plan is the key issue for top management and employees and barriers to success of plan should be identified to the key players. Many of these plans include training and management ontogeny plan, estimate plan, employee work plan and human resource supply plan.Human Resource outlineHR Strategy is aligning the goals of HR to the goals or system of your organization, enlisting, retention and termination are a small part of it. PEOPLE designed and structured a variable compensation scheme for Barclays Bank I nvestment Banking Group. The new scheme was reinforced upon an equitable and fit approach which took into account individual performance factors as well as market movements. The idea of Human Resource strategy and its alignment with the business strategy came in to practice by most of the organization in 1960s. There are different strategies and patterns related to HR systems which are involved in the formulation of HR strategy.Preparation of project Description Documents / argumentation ProfilingEvaluation and bench markingGrading structure developmentCompensation mechanism and quantum evaluation learning of a comp set of policies in the form of a HR ManualEvaluation of all organizational and operational needs of the BankRe-structuring the business divisions of Barclays Bank tally to change management agendaCompilation of a comprehensive Job Description Manual for all curious target in Barclays in light of the newly restructured organizationPerformance management system and r elated trainingCompensation policy design and realignmentBarclays Human Resource strategy componentsEmployee Training Barclays is very keen in employees training whether the employee is newly engage or existing one. Training is mandatory for newly engage mental faculty and after the training they are tested if they failed in the test they are not eligible for the job. For the old employees the company conduct on-job and off-job training programs to levy the skills and knowledge of the employees. Barclays conducts the employees training for these benefitsImproved job satisfaction and morale among employees call forth employee motivationIncreased efficiencies in processes, resulting in financial gainDevelopment of capacity to adopt new technologies and methodsIncreased innovation in strategies and products reduce employee turnoverEnhanced company image,luck management, e.g., training about sexual harassment, diversity trainingLearning Management System Barclays offers Learning M anagement System that is an online tool designed to help individuals to manage their training.Mentor programs Barclays encourages mentoring within the organization. Colleagues will be rewarded through this mentoring program.Recruitment and Selection The process of recruitment and selection at Barclays is initiated by the concerned discussion sections and for this purpose candidates are interviewed by different persons of the concerned departments at different levels. From this process of identified that what is organization need and who is the suitable candidate to fill this post.Performance Appraisal distributively employee at Barclays know his/her key performance indicators. A performance appraisal is a part of guiding and managing career development. It is the process of obtaining, analyzing, and recording information about the relative worth of an employee to the organization.Job specification A job specification goes beyond a mere description in add upition, it highligh ts the mental and physical attributes required of the job holder. Barclays clearly highlights the job specification to the hired employees. Job analysis, description, and specification can provide useful information to the job holder and he clearly knows his responsibilities.Career Development Through this way employees manage their careers within organization. The way of career development clearly indicated to the employees.Rewards and Benefits Barclays employees all over the world enjoy a range of benefits including financial bonuses, sequestered health care and negotiable working, which vary depending on the region in which they are based.Remuneration Barclays pays competitive salaries and bonus and benefits according to the industry benchmark. Bonus and benefits depends on the individual performance and a company pension scheme is also available.Discounts Employees in certain parts of the world benefit from YOUniquely Barclays a range of Barclays products and services off ered to employees on preferential terms. Including Buy-A-Car scheme, banking products, insurance and travel services, and the scheme offers comprehensive cost preservations.Health Barclays offers a health and wellbeing benefit to its employees and more of them qualify for medical expenses scheme, offering the comfort of access to private healthcare treatment. It also provides discounts at study health care clubs.Flexibility Barclays offers flexible working hours to the employees through flexible working practices.Resource Based StrategyA strategic human resource tool known as resource based strategy is used to analyze and evaluate the current position of the human resources available to the organization. Resource based strategy allows the organization to identify those resources which are able to give a competitive value to the organization over the other firms. After the identification of these resources the efficient utilization of them is planned through multiple strategie s. Every organization possess certain resources which can give them a principal edge over the others in the market, the need is to recognize those resources. At times the organizations having so many resources which can give competitive wages fail to succeed in the market. The major reason behind that is that organization do not identify or recognize or give importance to these resources and they use such resources inefficiently which causes the failure of those organizations. At Barclays Pakistan, this strategy is used to identify the resources which brings a short term competitive gain in to a long term and sustainable competitive advance which is not imitated or copied by the other organizations. Superior value is created by efficiently using the resources and a pencil lead edge is taken over the competitors that are the reason that in 3 years Barclays has been in a very good financial position and is among the principal banks operating in Pakistan.Sustainable Competitive A dvantage The major focus of the resource based strategy of Barclays Pakistan should be to attain a sustainable competitive advantage. This will allow the newly established bank in Pakistani market to gain more experience and a market attractorship position in the future. At the moment there are other Pakistani local banks which are having a leading position and a huge customer as well as deposit base. For Barclays to achieve that position is not an impossible task as with an international banking experience and by identification of resources responsible for sustainable competitive advantage, the leading position in the market can be attained.classifiable Capabilities According to the new resource based view, the changing market conditions and their responses from the organizations determine the effectiveness of sustainable competitive advantage. For Barclays Pakistan, responding to the changes in the market condition would be very necessary in order to maintain the effectiveness of sustainable completive advantage. The bank has to build the distinctive capabilities which will maintain a sustainable competitive advantage in the market.Leadership There is a leaving between a attracter and a manager. A leader is not just a manager, but is a role model for the others in the organization. It was said that leaders are not made rather they are born, but the studies proven this wrong as innovation and research in human resource management revealed that leaders can be built by effective human resource practices. Barclays need to build the leader from their employees as everyone has the capability of being a good leader. The bank should engage their employees in to different training and development programs which enable them to work in a competitive environment with a team spirit. Having such lead qualities in the workforce will definitely lead them to gain a huge competitive advantage over the other banks in the country. general and radical Innovation To get continuous success in the advanced(a) business world innovation is very important. The firm who do not innovate their products and services do not sustain in the market for long. This is because the customers needs and demands are changing very rapidly and to meet those demands the organizations had to offer new products. Barclays has been catering their customers in other countries very efficiently and in Pakistani market the bank needs innovation in the products and services according to the local needs and demands. The saving trend in Pakistan is not at the higher side as most of the people are hand to mouth and they spent whatever they earn, so the products and service offerings should be designed by keeping in mind this major factor of Pakistani market. Innovation should be in a systematic way, as Pakistans banking sector has seen a tremendous growth in the past one decade and now the need is to invent the essential features of the banking business. Barclays Pakistan can becom e the pioneer of this radical innovation and gain the huge customers attention and can increase its profits.Resource and Competence-based StrategyToday, customer is considered as the king, meeting their needs and demands is the primary objectives of all the organizations. Resource based strategy leads the organization to achieve such competencies which assures the fulfillment of needs and demands of the customers. Analyzing the half SWOT, i.e. strengths and weaknesses of the organization helps to overcome the internal weaknesses and capitalizing the strengths to serve the customers in a best possible way. Identifying the valuable resources and gaining the victorious competencies combination allows the organization to innovate and design such offering for the customers which meet their needs and demands. The available valuable resources are utilized by the organization in an efficient and productive manner and can be used for innovating products and services. This will enable the or ganization to maintain a competitive and leading position in the market.By analyzing the weaknesses an organization can gain the completive advantage by following cost leadership strategies and overcoming those weaknesses which are responsible for the wastage of the time and valuable resources of the organization. By saving the valuable resources an organization is able to utilize them in serving the customers in a better way. This makes the organization unique from the others and helps to increase the market share. Resource and competence-based approaches are particularly valuable when the boundaries of the business can be changed through, for exampleConsidering Make versus Buy alternativesEntering new markets around the globeInstallment of new technologiesAdversity is at hand.Achieving sustainable competitive advantage.You need innovation to remedy your business.Best utilization of your resources in plans to achieve your objectives.Linking business and HR strategyBusinesses today demand a strong relationship between the human resource and organizational strategies. The business whose personnel policies and procedures lead towards the achievement of organization strategies and objectives are successful. This relationship is the major contributor in creating the value of the organization. The policies and procedures of the human resource department of an organization should focus towards the employee training and development and introduction and innovation of career paths which corresponds to the bodied objectives of the organization. In the past the purpose of human resource department was only to manage and maintain the data of the employees in the organization, but with the passage of time the major purpose of the human resource became to develop a skilled and strong workforce that can give a competitive advantage to the organization. Skilled workforce one of those factors which cannot be imitated by the other organization and thus the competitive advanta ge become sustainable for a nightlong period of time.Another major purpose of human resource department in the organization is to introduce and maintain the corporate culture in the organization. This should be done by motivating the employees and developing programs which encourages the employees to develop their skills and befool them on the job which can be beneficial for the organization.Organizational soma/Structure of Barclays PakistanOrganizational structure shows the Hierarchy of organization management system along with flow of duties and responsibilities. Organization structures are different in different organizations it depends on number of factors like organization size, geographical locations, organization type, nature of product etc. A hierarchy exemplifies an arrangement with a leader who leads leaders. This arrangement is often associated with bureaucracy. Hierarchies were satirized in The Peter Principle (1969), a account book that introduced hierarchy and the saying that in a hierarchy every employee tends to stand to his level of incompetence.At Barclays organization structure is divided into different work groups and work units based on their skills, expertise, resources, and knowledge, as shown in the figure each department has individual head that is called HOD (head of department). All HODs are reported to the region precede, and each manager is reported to the Head of his/her department.Description of Worker groups at Barclays PakistanEvery worker group/division of Barclays has separate role and functions, which are stated as underHead pay Head Finance is responsible for bringing important financial controls to a company and all the financial activities in the organization. These controls includes management of all the cash flows, expenses, establishing accredit policies for customers and also responsible for conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis in order to get along at an understanding of the options that are av ailable.Head Risk The core responsibilities include managing a team of credit specialists covering performance management, Set up and then manage robust monitoring control systems procedures, Ensure that Risk Control Credit procedures, training developing. Shaping the team and improving processes. playing as an escalation point for complex credit cases as well as dealing with internal and external clients.Head bodily Banking This segment involves in sales to the corporate segment of the particular region, devising credit line, credit proposals and making sure of effective utilization of bank credit line. Corporate sales and planning is an integral function of this business division.Head of immanent Audit Barclays audit department is an independent authority and helps the organization pass on its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. It is designed in way t o add value and improve operational and governance process.Head Investment Banking At Barclays Investment Banking Unit is developed for the investment actives of the bank.Head Human Resource Barclays this division is responsible to manage the human resource and is responsible for all the HR functions which are mentioned earlier.Head Marketing This segment is responsible for market campaigns for all the new and existing product and services of the organization. Getting feedback from consumers and making the new strategies to achieve the required targets. Business planning that involves the future market forecasting market segmentation is also a function of this department.Head Liability Sales This is the core unit of Barclays and responsible for bring in the new customers and finally deposits for the bank. They get the deposits in different kinds like current account, saving account and term deposits.Head Retail commercialised Banking Commercial banking is also known as busin ess banking. Bank provides current account, saving account and accept time deposits. Commercial Banking is different from investment banking and retail banking, bank accept deposit from individual customers and corporations and gives loans to large businesses.

Climate Change And Creating Climate Refugees Environmental Sciences Essay

Climate Change And Creating Climate Refugees environmental Sciences EssayIntroduction1.1 BackgroundThe world is undergoing a broad organize of global veers, like changes in universe of discourse density, humour, resource use, land use, biodiversity, and urbanisation and globalization processes. Climate change is one of the drivers of global change, which has over the days been received strong concenter by scientists, policy-makers and leaders of the world (Vitousek, 1994). At gratuity humour change is considered as emerging global terror that not only induces physical environmental impacts precisely overly affects the t annihilateer structures, stinting doers and the overall development process (Birkmann, 2010). This emerging threat has introduced a new mixer community named Climate Refugee especially for the abnormal evolution nations. The UN currently states that more(prenominal)(prenominal) refugees ar displaced by environmental catastrophes than wars, and the number of the temper refugee is more than 25 meg which is plausibly to become 50 meg in coming decades (Meyers, 2002). Out of those 25 million people rough 10 million be from Africa who be directly affect by the climate change via droughts. The second largest group is from soaringal beas of Asian countries, who are affected by natural disasters like cyclones, pressure surges, floods, salinity and droughts (Anon, 2010).The accumulative do of climate change exacerbate food and water insecurity, liberation of biodiversity and ecosystem, environmental degradation and human insecurity through social conflict, political conflict and violence in the affected developing countries (Adger and Kelly, 1999). Hence, the socioeconomic structures are undermined in these countries whither the affected people are compelled to switch over occupations for sustentation. These are the people who bum no longer ensure a secured livelihood in their origin of dwelling (Mayers, 2002). Toge ther with climate change do, population pressure problem and hardcore poverty arrive at induced a notable change in the whole economic structure of these countries. As a result, these countries are contracted from chronic socio-economic inequality and social instability (Barnett, 2007).Bangladesh a lot makes top news all over the world. However, unlike al al nearly new(prenominal) countries, it is not because of politics but for devastating natural catastrophes causing commodious death tolls and massive destruction. This South Asian LDC, since her independence in 1971, has been seek with a number of socioeconomic and socio-political problems such as- rapid population growth, poverty, illiteracy, grammatical gender disparity, slow economic growth, institutional inertia, political instability, violence and so on. exclusively from come through twain decades she started struggling with a new problem- the adverse effects of climate change in the form of natural disasters (Mili band, 2009). Over the last two decades these disasters have become regular phenomena contributed miserable suffering to millions of inhabitants who are vulnerable to the climatic shocks (GoB, 2005). In former(a) words, climate risk for Bangladesh is comparatively higher than most other countries of the world. The Global Climate Risk mightiness prepared by Germanwatch shows that Bangladesh is at top of the ranking of most affected countries by climatic extreme events over the last two decades. plank 1.1 shows the overall ranking made by Germanwatch.Table 1.1 Long call Climate Risk Index (CRI) for most affected countries for period 1990-2008CRI1990-2008 unpolishedCRI ScoreDeath toll*Deaths/thousand*Total looses in million US$ PPP*Losses per GDP in %*1Bangladesh8.008,2416.272,1891.812Myanmar8.254,5229.607072.553Honduras12.003405.566603.374Vietnam18.834660.641,5251.315Nicaragua21.001643.372112.036Haiti22.833354.58951.087India25.833,2550.336,1320.388Dominican Republic27.582222.931910. 459Philippines27.677991.115440.3010China28.582,0230.1725,9610.78* Annual artificial lake Germanwatch, 2010that the most common disasters are flood and cyclone. Recent IPCC valuatement reports (TAR, 2001 and AR4, 2007) likewise reveal that over the last two decades both of the above- raiseed disaster-events have become more frequent and devastating for Bangladesh. It is learnt from IPCC reports that 5-10% increase in repeal speed is very likOn prat of above- parented table, it is easy to apprehend why Bangladesh was cited numerous occasions in COP15 held in Copenhagen in 2009. At present this country is more likely to exposed towards climatic extreme events than most of the countries in the world (UNFCCC, 2009). These events, in form of natural disasters range from ravage cyclones to devastating floods (Muhammad, 2007). Following Table 1.2 provides an overall idea on most devastating disasters occurred in Bangladesh since early twentieth century. This table showsTable 1.2 Disast er-log in Bangladesh since early 1900sDisastersTimeDisastersTimeEpidemic1918Cyclone24-5-1985Drought1943 waterspout22-7-1987CycloneOctober 1942FloodAugust 1987Cyclone28-5-1963FloodJune 1988CycloneMay 1965Cyclone29-4-1991CycloneJune 1965Cyclone15-5-1995FloodJuly 1968Flood5-7-1998Cyclone12-11-1970Flood family line 2000FloodJuly 1974Flood20-6-2004DroughtJuly 1983Cyclone15-11-2007FloodMay 1984Cyclone27-05-2009Source EMDATlikely during the cyclone- season in Bangladesh that would eventually enhance storm surge and coastal flooding, charm 10-20% increases of wind ecstasy can cause floods both in coast and inlands as the cyclone makes land fall (Agarwala, 2003). It has been assessed that an increase of 2 C temperature and a 0.3 m sea take aim rise would cause a cyclone in the costal belt of Bangladesh as strong as cyclone of 1991 furthermore, such a cyclone is likely to result in a 1.5 m higher storm surge that may inundate 20% more land than 1991 cyclone (Ali, 1996). The most recent ex ample of costal cyclone as workable effect of climate change is SIDR which battered the coastal belt in Bangladesh on fifteenth November 2007. The wind speed was astir(predicate) 220 to 240 km/hour and at to the lowest degree 3,113 people were known dead and more than 10,000 were missing the damage collectible to this disaster had been around US$ 2.3 million (EMDAT, 2009). The intensity of SIDR was not slight than the 1991 cyclone in some wear out of the coastal res publicas and the impact was even more than that. Furthermore, on 27th May 2009, another devastating cyclone named AILA hit the South-western part of Bangladesh and West Bengal of India, which exacerbated the suffering for the affected people in Bangladesh although an early model system enabled the evacuation of an estimated 2.7 million people to higher ground and cyclone shelter-houses (BBC, 2009). It is predicted that a single meter rise of sea level would inundate more than 18% of the coastal belt and will affec t 11% of the primitive countrys population. Two-third of the whole country is only 10 m above the sea level therefore, astir(predicate) 13 million of the total population may likely to be homeless and become environmental refugees as the victim of climate changing process (Huq et al, 1999). Khulna and Barisal, the costal divisions of Bangladesh are relatively disaster-prone, where about 3.2 million people are at risk and about eighth of the countrys agricultural lands and more than 8,000 communication networks are likely to be affected imputable to climate change effects (Parvin, 2010).1.2 Statement of the problem rough one third of the territory of Bangladesh is de check as coastal areas which are combined of distinctive opportunities, diversified threats and vulnerabilities (HarunOrRashid, 2009). It is because coastal areas possess different geo-physical and environmental characteristics that distinguish the coastal district from rest of the country. These distinctive charact eristics are interplay of tidal regime, salinity in soil and water, cyclone and storm surge with economic and social implications on the population (PDO-ICZMP, 2003). Hence, such identical geo-physical radiation pattern has introduced a on the whole different livelihood pattern, where people are involved with selected coastal economic activities like fishing, salt production, fry compendium from the sea and resource collection from the adjacent mangrove forest (Ahmed, 2003, Islam, 2004).Although the coastal areas are much more fertile land for agricultural production, these areas are relatively income-poor compared to the rest of the country. come per capita GDP (at current market price) in the coastal zone was US$ 402 in 2008, compared to US$ 621 for the whole country on average (GoB, 2009 CDP, 2009). thither are ten different ethnic communities living in the coastal zones and they have complete different cultures and livelihood patterns. Along with the nontribal people, those ethnic communities all depend on the coastal natural resources for their livelihood (Kamal, 2001). Their despair and dream, pursue and struggle, exposure and resilience are uniquely revolved round in an intricate eco limpid and social setting which make their livelihoods distinctive from other parts of the country to a considerable design.The Government of Bangladesh has already accepted coastal zone as areas of enormous potentials. In contrast, these areas are dawdle behind in socio-economic development and vulnerable to different natural disasters and environmental degradation (Sevaraju, 2006). For a LDC like Bangladesh where the climate change takes a formula of natural disaster not only affects the socio-economic condition of coastal communities but also hinders obtaining an optimal GDP growth (ADPC, 2007). Climate change poses a significant threat for Bangladesh, particularly the projected climate change effects include sea level rise, higher temperature, enhanced monsoo n precipitation and run-off, potentially reduced dry season precipitation and increase in cyclone intensity in this region (Agrawala, 2003). Those threats would induce serious impediments to the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh including coastal areas. A subjective ranking of key climate change effects for coastal Bangladesh identifies cyclone and sea level rise as being of the highest precedency in wrong of severity, certainty and urgency of impact (Parvin, 2009).National allowance Program of Action (NAPA) and other scholars have identified the coastal areas of Bangladesh as one of the most affected areas in the world due to the threats of climate change effects (GoB 2005). In the southwestern part of Bangladesh the physical isolation of coastal communities makes them highly resource-dependent available around the coast and adjacent mangrove forest (the Sundarbans), which reduces their opportunities to access code to alternative livelihoods indeed. These hindrances make the coastal communities vulnerable to every(prenominal) disruption, especially to natural catestrophes. As a result, househ one-time(a)s in coastal communities suffer from imbalance of social and economic powers, lack of participation in decision-making, limited or zero asset ownership, and laws and regulations influencing peoples ability to use assets or access to resources (Pomeroy et al., 2006).1.3 Justification of the battlefieldThere are only a hardly a(prenominal) number of studies have been conducted on coastal Bangladesh. These studies are of importly conducted on hazard warning and evacuation system (Paul and Dutt, 2010), health security due to disaster (Ray-Bennet et al., 2010), physical injuries during cyclones (Paul, 2009), and coastal hazards and community-coping method (Parvin, 2009). So, most of these studies localizeed on the coping and reading mechanisms in coastal areas. However, we hardly find any break down that addressed the socioeconomic photograph in local anesthetic level of coastal zone, especially in the southwestern part of Bangladesh. Hence, without identifying local-level picture pattern the suggested coping or adaptation mechanism is likely to be least effective in reality. In this aim we attempt to fill up the knowledge gap by identifying quantitative local-level vulnerability at offset then we try to look for optimal adaptation options based on trial-and-error relationship between vulnerability and important socioeconomic parameters. We selected Koyra upazila1as our rent area, which one of the most disaster-prone areas in southwestern coastal zone of Bangladesh.1.4 Research questions and objectives of the studyConsidering all the above-mentioned facts, we proceed with the discovery of logical answers of following research questionsWhat is the symptom of climate change in the study area?Which major climatic factors constitute for climate change here?Which factors exacerbate such vulnerability? Is there any single fa ctor or multiple factors?What is the nature and magnitude of relationship between this vulnerability and socioeconomic factors in the study area?What are the possible adaptation options in terms of capacity for the vulnerable households in study area?The above-mentioned research questions are addressed by the study objectives. Hence, the main study objectives areTo understand and figure out the manifestation of climate change in the study area,To quantify socioeconomic vulnerability and assess the nature and magnitude of the relationship between vulnerability and major socioeconomic parameters of the study area, andTo identify and recommend the optimal adaptation options in terms of capacity of households in the study area while addressing socioeconomic vulnerability.1.5 delimitate of this studyThis study consists of nine chapters. Let us have a glimpse at the legal brief contents of all the chapters chronologically.Chapter one is introduction. It provides an overall scenario on Ba ngladeshs status in relations with climate change effects. We curtly discuss about the problem statement and then we identify the possible knowledge gap of socioeconomic vulnerability in the study area. We shut down this chapter by mentioning a number of research questions, which are addressed by three main objectives of this study.In Chapter two we focus on the a priori background and theoretical framework for this study. Under theoretical background we mention and briefly discuss relevant literatures in accordance with our study objectives. and so we depict the theoretical framework for this study, which is used for quantifying socioeconomic vulnerability of the study area.We mention about the methodology of this study in Chapter three. In this chapter we focus on types of research that we have adopted in this study. Then in accordance with study objectives we mention associated data type, collection techniques and data sources. We also mention the sampling method and sampling size. The construction of vulnerability office is discussed in this chapter. Finally we conclude by mentioning the impediments those we faced while accomplishing this study.Chapter iv deals with the description of study area Koyra. We mention important information about geographical location, administration, topographic, physiographic and socioeconomic condition. We include a Disaster Calendar for our study area that we made by collecting information from households.Chapter five deals with identification of climate change effects and quantification of socioeconomic vulnerability at local level of study area. In this we show possible climate change effects in the study area based on empirical data and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) findings. Later we quantify vulnerability for each union2by applying the Vulnerability Index. We show union-wise vulnerability with the stand by of maps.Once we have quantified vulnerability, we conduct a number of econometric analyses in Chapter six in order to show relationship between vulnerability and important socioeconomic parameters of study area. We mention the major findings from analyses in two different tables. We also put brief explanation of models and variables used in this study.In Chapter septet we discuss the major findings obtained from model analyses in clarify way. Here we also mention the possible reasons behind the nature and extent of relationship between vulnerability and socioeconomic parameters of study area. At the end of this chapter we check the consistency of vulnerability index by applying an alternative approach. sequent regression coefficients of alternative approach are also tested and compared with the old model results.Based on the results of relationship mentioned in chapter six and seven we recommend the optimal adaptation options for the affected people through brief description in Chapter eight. We also draw few of our recommendations on basis of correlation between different variables. T he existing adaptation options in study area are also mentioned in Chapter eight.We conclude this study in Chapter nine. We summarize major findings from this study in a nut shell. Besides, we focus on shortcomings of the approach we used to quantify vulnerability. In fine we mention the issues that we did not address in this study where further research can be conducted.

Echelon: Considerations with International Communications Monitoring :: Technology

Echelon Considerations with planetary Communications Monitoring Introduction Since the invention of radio, news-gathering organizations have been developing and victimization eavesdropping techniques to intercept and check up on radio set communications. Initially, these capabilities were solely used to denounce on hostile nations, and particularly for military purposes. Human operators had to manually review apiece transmission, and cryptanalysts pored over military ciphers in an attempt to decode outstanding messages. As wireless communication has become an integral part of commercial message and person existence, and potential threats to security are increasingly found in peacetime and on home ground, the scope of this intelligence gathering has likewise broadened. unmatchable of the most(prenominal) controversial eavesdropping musical arrangements in existence is a classified propose cognise as Echelon. Its use of computer hardware and software to get through commu nications from all over the world brings up many honest issues connect to the impact of computers on privacy. Overview of Echelon Most of the evidence for Echelon is circumstantial, though a fewer facts have been established. The participating organizations (notably the US Central Intelligence part and content credential spot) have neither confirmed nor denied its existence. In military position of a discussion of the ethical issues, a brief summary of the menstruum acquaintance follows.How it WorksEchelon is the product of Cold War efforts to monitor wireless communications in the USSR. It traces its roots back to the clandestine UKUSA alliance, a communications intelligence agreement that dates back from around 1947. Member nations embroil the US, big(p) Britain, Canada, Australia, and saucily Zealand. It is now known that the system has been in existence for at to the lowest degree 20 years.1 In the past, high frequency radio auditory sense posts were excessively used to listen to radio communications. Currently, the system is composed of a series of eavesdropping planets, ground listening stations, and supercomputers that intercept and sift through telecommunications satellite broadcasts. These broadcasts include faxes, anticipate calls, and web traffic- especially those dispatched over long distances.2 The name Echelon has neer actually been mentioned by officials, but is believed to represent the computer system that manages the entropy gathered by the network.3 The computers are used to store and take apart textbook data for key words, and to review telephone conversations for unique voiceprints or the phone numbers of persons under surveillance.4 This makes it possible to filter an enormous kernel of traffic, since humanity analysts review only relevant messages. The US National Security Agency (NSA) is widely considered to be both the originator and head of the project, and in all likelihood owns and operates the major(ip) co mputer facilities for Echelon.Echelon Considerations with International Communications Monitoring TechnologyEchelon Considerations with International Communications Monitoring Introduction Since the invention of radio, intelligence-gathering organizations have been developing and using eavesdropping techniques to intercept and review wireless communications. Initially, these capabilities were solely used to spy on hostile nations, and particularly for military purposes. Human operators had to manually review each transmission, and cryptanalysts pored over military ciphers in an attempt to decode important messages. As wireless communication has become an integral part of commercial and individual existence, and potential threats to security are increasingly found in peacetime and on home ground, the scope of this intelligence gathering has likewise broadened. One of the most controversial eavesdropping systems in existence is a classified project known as Echelon. Its use of comp uter hardware and software to filter communications from all over the world brings up many ethical issues related to the impact of computers on privacy. Overview of Echelon Most of the evidence for Echelon is circumstantial, though a few facts have been established. The participating organizations (notably the US Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency) have neither confirmed nor denied its existence. In lieu of a discussion of the ethical issues, a brief summary of the current knowledge follows.How it WorksEchelon is the product of Cold War efforts to monitor wireless communications in the USSR. It traces its roots back to the clandestine UKUSA alliance, a communications intelligence agreement that dates back from around 1947. Member nations include the US, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is now known that the system has been in existence for at least 20 years.1 In the past, high frequency radio listening posts were also used to listen to radi o communications. Currently, the system is composed of a series of eavesdropping satellites, ground listening stations, and supercomputers that intercept and sift through telecommunications satellite broadcasts. These broadcasts include faxes, phone calls, and web traffic- especially those dispatched over long distances.2 The term Echelon has never actually been mentioned by officials, but is believed to represent the computer system that manages the data gathered by the network.3 The computers are used to store and analyze text data for key words, and to review telephone conversations for unique voiceprints or the phone numbers of persons under surveillance.4 This makes it possible to filter an enormous amount of traffic, since human analysts review only relevant messages. The US National Security Agency (NSA) is widely considered to be both the originator and head of the project, and likely owns and operates the major computer facilities for Echelon.

Dating on the Internet Essay -- Research Cyberdating Internet Essays

Dating on the InternetIt has become to sidereal days method of communication, the wave of the future. The necessity to leave the base of operations to do such things as shop for clothes or to go to the bank is diminishing. Business is being conducted more frequently from the home. Students will curtly be able to interact with their teachers and fellow students while sitting in their bedrooms. The Internet will overtake all forms of personal interaction, and it stands to reason that this includes dating. From foreign pen-pals to heated Cybersex, the number of people who log on each day is growing rapidly. Those who used to race home from school to run outdoor(a) and play, now race home to meet their best friend in a chat room somewhere theyve never met and yet theyre reason mates. There ar people who take these relationships so seriously, they will pop off almost anywhere to meet the person of their dreams. Cyberdating is here to stay. According to Betty in California, it is th e nineties way for busy professional people to connect. She emphasizes, Bars are out computers are in (Womens telegram News). A survey conducted through Womens Wire News of 375 people revealed that 61% of those responding would consider turning a Cyber-affair into a real-life one. (Womens Wire News). This being the case, what does this mean for society? Is personal enculturation and face-to-face communication a thing of the past? Increasing credit on computers certainly draws society in that mission. But possibly this isnt as new as people might like to think. Perhaps this is the direction in which society has been moving since the invention of the telephone. Fran in New island of Jersey supports this I wonder if people got this worked up about the telephone? Because tha... ...ditha in Florida, Womens Wire News). Work Cited Do Boys Just Wanna Have Fun? priapic Gender-Switching in Cyberspace (and how to detect it), http//www1.rider.edu/suler/ psycyber/ genderswap.html (May 1996, 4/7/97)Sara Pitman. From Keyboards to Human Contact sock Relationships Through Computer-Mediated Communications, http//edie. cprost.sfu.ca/chiklink/ sarticle.html (undated, 3/24/97)John Suler, Ph.D.Communicative Subtlety in Multimedia Chat How Many Ways Can You Say Hi at the Palace? http//ww1.rider.edu/ suler/psycyber/hilucy.html (March1997, 4/7/97)John Suler, Ph.D. The Psychology of Avatars and vivid Space in Visual Chat Environments, http//www1.rider.edu/suler/psycyber/ psyav.html (May 1996, 3/24/97)Womens Wire News, Cyberdating The Dirt, http//women.com/wwire/archives/html/backtalk/ 960221.ba.html (1997, 3/24/97)

Is Government Dominated By Business :: essays research papers fc

Is Government Dominated by commercial enterpriseSpecial busy groups have dominated presidential term since the advent ofAmericas policy-making system. Special interest groups or lobbies be collectionsof individuals who join together to postdate common interests and to influencethe decisions on public policies. Many people understand special interest groups asan integral part of the political process, legitimized by the first amendmentof the Constitution. In that way, special interest groups argon good. The pointthat disgusts many an(prenominal) people is that more often then not money overpowers the proper decision that is why Big Business is a problem. The richer thecompanies and organizations, the better prospect they have to convey thegovernment officials.In the United States alone thither are thousands of special interestgroups fielding for their ingest cause. whatever of the causes they are working forare business, banking, labor, environment, women, seniors, the e conomy, andfarming just to name a few. Some groups or businesses which partake inlobbying are N.O.W., Green Peace, AFL-CIO, Teamsters, Sierra Club, N.R.A.,tobacco industry and the ACLU. These groups often work at the national, state,and local levels attempting to influence government policy. Many groups havepermanent offices in Washington DC. The primary goals of these groups are the difference, blocking, or amending legislation to achieve a favorable ruling fortheir own benefit. In Washington the groups primary targets are the House andSenate sub-committees which are the account places where legislation is considered.The groups often speak in front of Committee hearings to rig their views on therecord.One of the most well known special interest group is the National leadAssociation. This group has done tireless work in Washington trying to stop GunControl bills from passing in Congress. The worst blow that happened to theNRA was the passing of the Brady Bill and the Assault Rifl e Ban. The NRAbelieves this is an infringement on the constitutional rights of all Americans.Recently after a huge lobby in Washington, the NRA forced the Senate to haveanother voter turnout on the Assault Rifle ban. The way the NRA forces the senate is asfollowed the NRA gets together with roughly senators that they know want torepeal the ban. The NRA gives money to the senators for their campaigns, etc.The senators then persuade other senators and the NRA has them on their side aswell. When the NRA captures enough senators, it forces Congress to lease it tothe floor and debate about the issue. In this case, the NRA failed. However,the NRA will continue to reassert the senators that are a help to the cause and

Shrinking Middle class Essay -- essays papers

Shrinking centre(a) buildThe Incredibly Shrinking Middle Class I never thought I would find so much information on the incredibly shrinking middle class until I searched around for it on the Internet. In the United States, the middle class is put into a funny socioeconomic category. Although it is not easily defined e actuallyone believes they belong in that class. I guess what you can do is look at it in devil different ways. First ask the question What per centum of all income is distributed to the middle class at any time, wherefore think about How many an(prenominal) families obtain enough income to achieve a middle class amount of living at any point of time. Basically these argon devil ways of get oning the middle class called either the percentile approach or the class division approach.What comes into my mind when thinking on how to categorise those people that belong in the middle class, I look at such things as education, race, family, income, gender and how many people are in your household. I look at it as those people who are fashioning between $40,000 and about $85,000 to be in the middle class bandage the next step would be the upper middle class and then to the upper class. Maybe I am wrong here, but bid I said before, everyone wants to concur that I am middle class attitude. The most recent count Bureau survey data shows that the share of households with incomes of $75,000 or more has doubled in the past 24 years. early(a) studies, however, discover that more people who depart the middle class course down than up, at least temporarily.The most often cited cause of the chastise of the middle class in the United States is stagnant wages. Between 1955 and 1970, square wages adjusted and inflation rose by an average of 2.5 percent per year. Between 1971 and 1994, the average growth of real wages was 0.3 percent a year. The stagnation of wages has been especially noticeable to middle-class people, who rely very muc h on the money they make at their jobs. Recessions seem to finish off higher income households much harder, which sends them down to the middle class. Middle-income households whitethorn or may not be more likely than higher-income households to qualify for unemployment compensation when jobs are scarce. But those who do are more likely than high-income households to receive benefits that flip a greater share of their regular wages, which helps them maintai... ...ocess. Data generated by the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Federal Reserve and other nonpartisan sources fight down claims commonly made. For example, data from such agencies show that differences in family income largely resound differences in how many members of a family actually work and how hard they work. Americans in all income groups have prospered, or have failed to prosper, together. Gains by upper-income Americans have not come at the expense of middle or lower-income Americans. Nor has anyone else gained in those periods when higher-income families have lost ground. The best era in recent history for middle-income and lower-income American families was the Reagan era, which lasted from 1982 to 1989. During that period, middle-class families saw their real incomes grow by an average of 12.6 percent, plot of ground lower income families saw an average increase in real meshwork of 12.9 percent. The wealth inequality debate should focus on what public policies leave aid the accumulation of wealth by more, not fewer, American families. The source step Americans need to make toward transforming our consumer culture is to interpret it better.

Karl Marx and the Ideal Society Essay -- capital communism freedom wor

Karl Marx and the Ideal Society whizz of the greatest debates of all time has been regarding the issue of the freedom of creation. The one find out factor, for Marx, it that freedom is linked with score conflict. As a historian, Karl Marx traced the history of mankind by the ways in which the economy operated and the role of classes within the economy. For Marx, the biggest disbelief that needed to be answered was Who owns freedom? With this in mind, Marx gives us a event to both the issues of freedom and class conflict in his critique of capitalist economy and possible action of fabianism, which is the ideal conjunction for Marx. His theory of communism is based on the ultimate end of human history because there will be freedom for all humankind. Marx saw communism as the ideal partnership because it is the genuine settle handst of the conflict between man and man- the true resolution of the strife between existence and essence...between freedom and necessity that capita lism fosters. Marx was besides committed to the notion that theory and action go hand in hand. Marx dismissed earlier thinkers because they (philosophers) shake only interpreted the world in various ways the point, however, is to change it. He also stated Ideas cannot convey out anything at all. In order to carry out ideas men are needed who can exert practical force. However, Marx would give way been appalled by the way his theory of communism was misused. It can be said, though, that Marxs theory of communism was clearly open for interpretation because he failed to lead principles or guidelines of even the most general kind for how the system of communism was to be fully established. It was this opportunity for interpretation that made Marxs theory of communism doomed for failure when it was used in practice. Marxs theory stems from the genial conditions existing during his lifetime. This was when the industrial revolution was hitting its stride. Great technological advances were world made to the modes of production, especially in the areas of agriculture and textiles. This was the main factor that hatch peasants from the countryside to find work in the cities. In addition, capitalism had emerged as the dominating form of economics. Marx contended that class is based upon the economic conditions of society. He identified class through the history of the changing modes of production. In a capital... ...leads to change. Marx certainly believed and document this and based his theory of communism upon it. However, the gaps left in his theory pretend resulted in varying interpretation to what he originally envisioned. A society without class or state may very well have been achieved if his theory had given more direction as to the details for its establishment. Instead, Marxs theory has been twisted and rewritten to suit the interests of others. Perhaps the greatest problem with his theory is that no one has tried it.BibliographyBakunin The Philosoph y of Freedom, Brian Morris, Black Rose Books, 1993.Marxism and Class Theory, discourteous Parkin, Columbia University Press, 1979.Marx A Clear Guide, Edward Reiss, Pluto Press, 1997.Revolution and Counter-revolution in Germany, Frederick Engels, contradictory Languages Press, 1977.Capital, Karl Marx, Progress Publishers, 1971.German Ideology, Karl Marx and Frederick Engels, International Publishers, 1996.European Democracies, Jurg Steiner, Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., 1998.The Outlook Worker-Capitalists of the orb Unite, Jacob M. Schlesinger, The Wall Street Journal, Monday, November 15,1999.

Dead Poet’s Society :: Film Movies

Dead Poets SocietyThe film, Dead Poets Society, is a story of a English professor who instructs a group of longing boys in a highly accredited and traditional boys academy. Professor Keatings, vie by Robin Williams, introduces his students into the world of poetry. Throughout the school year, the professor inspires the students to conquer the day and make their lives extraordinary. A group of students gets swept away by their teachers enthusiastic sapidity, and they decide to reorganize The Dead Poets Society, a select club which used to meet in a cave when the professor attended school, to experience inspiration by dint of poetry. The inspirational impact he has on his students backfires when the schools notice of trustees finds out about the unorthodox pedagogy methods that go on in the classroom. One of his students commits suicide after the boys father, a very controlling man, rejects his son and his enthusiasm for acting and the stage. Professor Keatings doesnt do t extbooks or the curriculum, but teaches from his heart. Unlike his conservative colleagues, Keating employs decidedly unorthodox teaching methods and strives to teach more than just his subject matter, which is poetry. His goal is to inspire his students to run the bone of life to the marrow, to seize the day and to make their lives extraordinary. In Keatings class, you pick out passion, courage, romanticism, and, of course poetry. You pass if you avoid conformity and find your own voice, and you lead astray if you neglect to live life to the fullest. The impact that professor Keatings has on his students is eternal. His spirit will probably always live in his students hearts. Any teacher who is like Keatings is priceless. He wasnt just teacher of academics but a teacher of life. I have had some teachers similar to Professor Keatings, whom I will always remember.

The Tv Generation :: essays research papers

The TV times     Everyone has a mummyent in history which belongs particularly to him. Itis the moment when his emotions progress to their most powerful sway over him, andafterward when you presuppose to this mortal "the world today" or "life" or "reality"he will assume that you mean this moment, even if it is fifty years in the past.     My generation is greatly influenced by the media, specificallytelevision. Television becomes my reality by bringing into my life thehappenings of the outside world. Our generation is a great deal called the MTVgeneration. We are often stereotyped with the idea that all we do is sit aroundand hold back TV. Sure, we probably do watch more television than our parents didas teenagers moreover we consent to remember, TV was generally new to their generation.They only had a checkmate of channels to choose from while we sit in front of atelevision with 53 channels and a remote to co ntrol them with. We have theoption to decide upon everything from The Disney Channel to VH1, The FamilyChannel to Fox. That box in our sleeping room or family room is a very controlling yet socialize appliance. Teenagers have always been free-spirited in anygeneration. We are always doing and maxim childish things while trying to growup. If we only have a couple years of our childhood left consequently who cares if wespend it in front of a TV? Which is not to say that we do that anyhow. by chancewe character the TV as a way of relaxing to begin with we go off and hit the books for twohours. Or maybe we use it to spend time with our family. I mean, come on, howmany teenagers enjoy discharge on family outings with mom, dad, and kid brother?However, if the TV evict gather everyone in concert on a Sunday afternoon to watchthe "Packers" game then shouldnt mom and dad be happy? On the other hand, in that respect is such a thing as bad TV. Sex and craze is plastered all ov er ourbrains with a flick of a understudy and I tend to believe that this influencesteenagers, or for that matter, anyone who watches it. But then again, we cannot say all TV is evil. MTV has set up some(prenominal) programs to educate teens onsensitive subjects and has begun to censor certain videos and shows. Parentsoften say to their teens, "If you watch too much TV youll fry you brains out."Yeah, right mom As if were going to believe that.

Zoot Suit by Luis Valdez Essay -- essays research papers

Zoot Suit by Luis Valdez Based on the disreputable 1942 Sleepy Lagoon murder mystery and the resulting Zoot Suit Riots in Los Angeles , playwright Luis Valdez weaves fact and fiction to depict the fate of 22 young Mexican Americans brought to trial for a murder they did not commit. Zoot Suit brings together unforgettable characters such as the irreverent El Pachuco and the charismatic Henry Reyna, an unsuspicious gang leader who finds himself caught in the middle of the racially turbulent events that rocked Los Angeles during the former(a) 1940s. Valdez says this production exemplifies the evolution of American society. The essence about the American beget is about cultural fusion, Valdez says. Zoot Suit has influences that were brought on during the evolution of jazz, when you saw African American talent mixed with the American experience. The Hispanic influence is amplified by means of the story, style and attitude, which are really influences that every culture can cogitate with. Created by playwright Luis Valdez, Zoot Suit made its world premiere in 1978 at the Mark Taper Forum where it ran for an unprecedented twelve-weeks. Zoot Suit bust all attendance records at the Taper and subsequently moved to the large Aquarius Theatre in Hollywood to accommodate audience demand. Coinciding with the Hollywood run, this critically acclaimed production opened on Broadway in 1979. In 1981, Valdez suitable Zoot Suit for the screen and then directed the Golden Globe...

Looks and Love Essay -- Personal Narrative Writing

Looks and Love in front I left blank space for college, my group of friends and I sat dismantle for one last serious heart-to-heart. Sometime during our conversation, the question of college choice arose. Emotions escalated as we realized how far apart we would be in a unawares time. wherefore did you choose to go to MIT? they asked, Why couldnt you just stay home at a state university? Wanting to lighten the mood, I replied, laughing, Thats an tripping one...the guys, of course And after the initial uproar of laughter wear outd down and the comments active geeks and scrawny computer nerds subsided, I said, Im serious. I was. Where else would I find an heavy and genuine guy who would be mature enough for me? When I arrived in Massachusetts and classes finally started, so did my man mission. Most of the men I met blew the boys back home out of the water, and one lucky day, I peered one-time(prenominal) my twirling pink pen and found Him. The more I learned just a bout Him, the more enamored I became. Yet I, a usually shell and assertive young woman, felt uncomfortable approaching this wonderful somebody in that more-than-a-friend kind of way. The worst part about the situation was that I knew exactly where my uneasiness was coming from. Unlike the guys at home, where seventy percentage of the young male population had black hair and dark chocolate-brown eyes, this guy was blonde and fair-skinned, a stark contrast non exclusively to the male population back home, but to me. I am not a racist person, but the petty idea that this guy did not share like features with me, hindered me from appreciating what we did share and made me more aware of the differences mingled with us. So where then, did this silly idea of single race relationships come from? Why did He an... ...zines remind me that this relationship would not be the most socially accepted or ordinary thing to do. But it is ordinary. I hunch forward Ive fallen for this guy because of his humor and quirkiness, his intelligence, his kindness, and his character, things that I should be looking for. So now, I sit here in my baggy calf-length skater shorts and clever orange hooded sweatshirt and stare across the seats, focusing on his neatly press khakis and dark blue dress shirt, and think that our hypothetical relationship would die quickly. Im still that closed-lipped girl from the beginning of the story when it comes to my feelings because I dont want to be rejected, and for some reason I feel like we might not be right for each other, even though I live we are. And it depresses me that somehow, our ad-driven society is probably convincing him of that same exact thing.