Applied Construction Management Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Applied Construction Management - Coursework Example The car park will have the entrance the exit gates which will all face the main road. The entrance to the car parking will be from the side of Ragian Road with the exit being placed on the side of Rampart Road. The parking for the disabled people will be on the ground floor and to the left side of the entrance. The parking for other people will be on towards the right of the entrance and they will be able to park from the second to the third floor. Additionally, the car park will have surveillance cameras that will be placed on both the entrance towards Ragian and at the exit towards the Rampart road. Other surveillance cameras will be place at each parking section with the control room located at the third floor of the building (Oyedele, Ajayi and Kadiri, 2014). The building will have four floors. The last floor will act as offices for executives and other people. The car park apartment will be painted blue green which are the company colours. Barriers will also be placed at the entrance and the exit to control traffic as well as acting as security control. The barriers will be manned by the personnel at the control room as well as the personnel located at both the entrance and the exit. The painting will be done by the Solai painters with the lighting system being conducted by the Harold lights. The lighting system will be fixed to all floors as well as the parking sections. The lighting system will be raised to ensure that all the area in the park is well lit. The other issue that the contractor will take care of is the signage that will be located on the various sections of the park with an aim of giving direction to the people who will be visiting the park (Bennett and Ormerod, 2011). The park will have signs that will show directions a s well as the points of services. The contactor will ensure that the work

Latin American Civilization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Latin American Civilization - Essay Example Indeed, the female workers were never allowed to get established. Since Peron was elected in a constitution manner, he wanted to make himself popular by giving some rights to the workers and other social groups in the country.1 During Peron’s presidency, he wanted to deal with the issue of giving hope to the lower class people by giving them a better understanding and pacifying them by offering them some rights that could calm their demand. Therefore, this was in line in making sure that there were no controversies between his government and the workers. Analysts argue that the authoritarian was the best action that the president could have taken as a means of taking care of the needs of the lower class, but the president had some better ideas than that.2 Before his election to the presidency, the laws and democratic rights that were well outlined in the constitution were not practiced in the ground. When he took the presidency, he ensured that he improved the peoples’ standards of living by ignoring the constitution and offering the workers some better schemes that benefited them. He is said to use coercion and repression to achieve his goals. It was affected in such a way that every social service that was given to the society by the government to the people had a string attached to it. Therefore, every service that was given to the society could give back some benefit to the government. For example, the Peron’s foundation FEP that the government established was purposely aimed at abolishing the social charities that had been established by individuals. In their place, social aid was given to the society through the FEP. The major purpose was to create a wider social base that could come to the support of the presiden t.3 Peron also wanted to support from both genders in the population. Before his release and election to the presidency, women were never allowed to participate in the

Introduction To The Impact Of Violence In Video Games Media Essay

Introduction To The Impact Of Violence In Video Games Media Essay Just like movies and other forms of media, video games have always been criticized as an influence to violent and aggressive behavior by news print media and public opinion. There has always been an argument about video games imparting graphic violence, partial or full nudity, portrayal of immoral behavior or other provoking and offensive material to a childs mind. Studies indicate that video games are one of the prime factors contributing to addiction and aggression. Yet numerous studies have found that video games dont contribute to these problems. Moreover, several groups have claimed that there are few if any methodically proven studies to support these reports, and that the video game industry has become an easy target for the media to be accountable for many contemporary problems. Also, many researchers have proposed possible positive effects of video games on parts of communal and mental development and psychological well-being. It has been presented that action video game players have far better hand and eye coordination and visual and motor skills, such as their resistance to distraction and their sensitivity to information in the outlying vision and also their ability to count briefly presented objects than non-players. Purpose of violence in video games I believe that today our media reflects us as a culture. Besides that it also helps form that culture in turn. Humanity embraces violence, as shown by thousands and thousands of years of history. We desire peace while formulating war. Its a very human contrast. Why, then, wouldnt our most popular pastime involve the same clash? We want innovation; nevertheless we still seek out the experiential violence that we hanker as a species. I also believe that its far better to allow ourselves to shoot each other online in simulated virtual worlds than do so in real life. As I have explored video gaming as a cultural occurrence, Ive found that every players experience of games is completely different. My own non-violent trends color my responsiveness of games that are explicit in their subjects of war and violence and cruelty. I am not stating that i dont see the significance in such games, particularly when taking  into account the existing modern culture. What has been an excellent instrument to exhibit how societies view and express themselves are written media, films and novels which expresses war, death , life and what it worth to be a human. I feel Video games are no different. They are reaching to a certain critical mass, in terms of technological ability and thematic scope that, I believe, will compete with the range and impact of film and books in a very short span of time. Hopefully, videogames mature into their full potential as a media and they begin to take on other themes and topics such as Love, and family, and working together in soc iety as much a part of being a human as war and violence. Problem Statement Purpose of Dissertation I am writing this dissertation to display how video games have matured, switching from the days of gentle  Pac-Man  clones to the gritty, sleazy underworlds of  Grand Theft Auto. Through this transformation, they have found critics and supporters. Though this may all seem recent, its a debate that has been boiling for years. Research Questions: What is the role of video games in the media world? With what can we evaluate the violence exposure and aggression? How is the attitude of viewers and players changing their values and behavior? What ways can help the field of gaming to be free of negative impact? Is there a significant evidence that exposure to media violence is a risk factor for aggressive and violent behavior? What is the conclusion of the issue of violence in relation to videogames? What effect does the violence in video games have on the users? What percentage of violence is accredited to video games? Methodology Contents About On Existing Information Practical Approach About This dissertations main object is to show the impact of violence in video games on todays culture and consumer preferences. The document will show both the negative and positive effects of violence in video games. On Existing Information It is made sure that all the information gathered through various electronic and traditional media are as current as possible. For this dissertation Ive used Google as my prime source material, while supplementing this thesis are various news websites like CNN.com, NYtimes.com and various relevant print media. Further more I would be researching books on video game violence and collect data from the already existing surveys and studies. Practical Approach My approach would be to show how violence in videogames shape the psychological behavior of the consumer and show what are the positive and negative effects of too much violence and graphic themes in modern day video games. I would be conducting various surveys and research on ground level, and based on most current controversial events that have occurred in the world of video games. Based on the demography of the recipient I would be taking some surveys that would have ask them their preferences and inclination towards graphic violence, nudity, gore etc.

Philippine History :: Asian Asia History

Philippine History Spanish Colony 1565 - 1898 Ferdinand Magellan set out from Spain in 1519 on the first voyage to circumnavigate the globe with five ships and a complement of 264 crew. Three years later in 1522, only the one ship, the Victoria, returned to Spain with 18 men. The Philippines were the death of Magellan. The expedition sighted the island of Samar on March 16, 1521. Magellan was welcomed by two Rajas, Kolambu and Siagu. He named the islands the Archipelago of San Lazaro, erected a cross and claimed the lands for Spain. The friendly Rajas took Magellan to Cebu to meet Raja Humabon. Humabon and 800 Cebuanos were baptized as Christians. Magellan agreed to help Raja Humabon put down Lapu-Lapu, a rebellious datu on the nearby island of Mactan. In a battle between Spanish soldiers and Lapu-Lapu's warriors, Magellan was killed on April 27, 1521. Disputes over women caused relations between Raja Humabon and the remaining Spaniards to deteriorate. The Cebuanos killed 27 Spaniards in a skirmish and the Spaniards, deciding to resume their explorations, departed Cebu. For all its losses, the voyage was a huge financial success. The Victoria's 26 ton cargo of cloves sold for 41,000 ducats. This returned the 20,000 ducats the venture had cost plus a 105 percent profit. Four more expeditions followed between 1525 and 1542. The commander of the fourth expedition, Ruy Lopez de Villalobos, named the islands after Philip, heir to the Spanish throne (r. Philip II 1556-1598). The Philippines was not formally organized as a Spanish colony until 1565 when Philip II appointed Miguel Lopez de Legazpi the first Governor-General. Legazpi selected Manila for the capital of the colony in 1571 because of its fine natural harbour and the rich lands surrounding the city that could supply it with produce. The Spanish did not develop the trade potential of the Philippine's agricultural or mineral resources. The colony was administered from Mexico and its commerce centered on the galleon trade between Canton and Acapulco in which Manila functioned secondarily as an entrepot. Smaller Chinese junks brought silk and porcelain from Canton to Manila where the cargoes were re-loaded on galleons bound for Acapulco and the Spanish colonies in the Americas. The Chinese goods were paid for in Mexican silver. Spanish rule had two lasting effects on Philippine society; the near universal conversion of the population to Roman Catholicism and the creation of a landed elite.

Management Concepts Temasek Holdings Essay

1.0 Introduction Temasek Holdings is a large investment company based in Singapore. It is an active participator in the investment game, holding shares and investments in a broad range of industries all over the world. As with many companies all over the world, Temasek Holdings was affected strongly by the Global Financial Crisis, losing more than 30 per cent of the value of their portfolio (Schmermerhorn, J. Davidson, P. Poole, D. Simon, A. Woods, P & Chau, S.L. 2011). Temasek’s CEO Ho Ching has been criticised for the investment losses that occurred during the economic crisis, and must now lead the company through the increased turbulence that has been presented to them. In doing so, a potential issue that Temasek Holdings is currently facing is one of leadership. If correct management processes regarding leadership are not applied, the company could face even worse consequences. To ensure that leadership does not become an issue, Ho Ching must apply effective leadership techniques to Temasek Holdings. This report will investigate various leadership options, determining an adequate approach to leadership that will assist this company in being successful in the future. Two leadership models will be assessed in-depth. It is expected that both will assist the company in continuing in the long-term, however one option will be more suitable and beneficial to Temasek Holdings. 2.0 Literature Themes or Arguments As Temasek’s CEO has recently come under fire for her stability in leadership, it is apparent that a change must be made in the way the company is managed if they are to successfully remain with the same CEO. Leadership is fundamental in regular circumstances, but it is even more essential to the business through periods of instability, making it vitally important to the livelihood of the company to apply appropriate management procedures. It is impossible for a set of specific characteristics to define whether or not someone is a good leader, however some certain personal traits have been identified as being common among successful leaders: drive, self-confidence, creativity, cognitive ability, business knowledge, motivation, flexibility, honesty and integrity. (Schmermerhorn, J. Et al. 2011). Vision and power are also vital to good leadership; however all of these things are not achieved in the same way. Many different behavioural theories have been produced in an attempt to define good leadership styles. A widely used model of management is Fred Fiedler’s contingency model. Fiedler’s theory looks at matching various types of people to various situations, somewhat of an either/or concept. It is based on the fact that someone’s style of leadership is personality-based, thus making it difficult to change. Rather, the Fiedler model suggests putting people of specific leadership styles with situations that match that style, rather than trying to change their personal leadership style, to achieve success (Wang, Victor C X; Berger, Jim 2010, pg. 6). Fiedler classifies people into two leadership styles: relations-orientated and task-orientated. Relations-orientated people are defined as â€Å"a person who is motivated to seek prominence in interpersonal relations, who is concerned with good relations with others, who is considerate in his interaction with group members, and who tends to reduce anxiety and increase the personal adjustment of his co-workers,† (Hill, Walter. 1969, pg. 34) whereas a task-orientated person is characterised to be someone who â€Å"rejects those with whom he cannot work, and obtains need gratification and self-esteem from performance of the task. He is, therefore, concerned with performing the task and he is willing to relegate interpersonal relations to a secondary position† (Hill, Walter. 1969, pg. 35) Exhibit I (Hill, Walter. 1969, pg. 36) above shows how relations-oriented and task-oriented people are determined, through leader-member relationships, leader position power and task structure. It does this by determining how well a person interacts with people (relations) and how dedicated they are to tasks. According to Hill (1969), this model is effective and further tests done corroborate with Fiedler’s findings, making it an accurate model. Hill noted that there are so many variables that sometimes it is difficult to calculate the exact leadership style that is appropriate for someone; however it is useful as it helps to assign leaders to specific tasks and delegate how efficient leadership should be achieved. In regards to Temasek, it should be established what â€Å"type† of leader Ching is, and the company would need to work with that before any leadership goals should be established. Another common model is the Hersey-Blanchard Situational Leadership Theory (SLT). It is widely used in the business sector and was developed by Paul Hersey and Kenneth H. Blanchard. This model is based upon leaders adjusting their styles based on the maturity of their followers, which is indicated by the â€Å"readiness† (how able and willing or confident) of followers (Schmermerhorn, J. Et al. 2011). When maturity (psychologically and performance-wise) is reached, it means a reduction in support and guidance can occur, instilling a positive indication of trust and confidence. A manager must look at employees and evaluate how best to perform a certain task in a certain situation, and when the situation changes, the leadership style previously used may not be as successful in the new situation (Hambleton, Ronald K; Gumpert, Ray. 1982, pg 227). Again, leadership styles are defined as relationship-orientated and task-orientated, however in this model leadership styles are classified into four groups: delegating, participating, selling and telling. This model is beneficial to companies as it has various different types of stages based on top of the classification of relations-orientated and task-orientated leadership (Figure 1). It breaks down the two types further, into the four types above, thus making it easier to classify. Again, however, variables come into play, and it can be seen from various research that the SLT model does have its limitations. Goodson (1989) states that when further studies have been conducted on this model, the main classifier of groups (â€Å"maturity† or competence) makes almost no difference to the leadership style of a person (Goodson, Jane R; McGee, Gail W; Cashman, James F. 1989, pg. 446). Also, Goodson established that in these tests no actual measure of maturity and/or readiness was really possible when conducting research on the SLT model, making it difficult to say for certain whether the model can be effective. Furthermore, Blank (1990) makes further reference to the fact that there is little to no research supporting this model in his studies, saying that both basing the research on the main factor (maturity) as well as more complex methods, little support was found to corroborate with the main theorems of the model (Blank, Warren; Weitzel, John R; Green, Stephen G. 1990, pg. 579). false 3.0 Recommendations In the case of Temasek Holdings, it can be said that adopting a new leadership approach will be entirely beneficial for the company. No information is given as to what current leadership styles are used, but the amount of criticism being received currently illustrates that a change is needed. Of the two leadership theories discussed, it can be said that both have negative and positive points, as with any business directive. Fiedler’s model uses three determining factors: leader-member relationships, leader position power and task structure, to determine how a leadership style will work effectively. This is essentially beneficial to a business as it allows more than one factor to determine a leadership style, giving a more accurate description of what leadership style will fit a situation. This model was also corroborated with research conducted by Hill (1969) who conducted a study that demonstrated that Fiedler’s was almost always effective in the workplace. However, there were limitations in regards to variables. As every person is so different personality-wise there is a large number of variables, not all of which can be categorised. Because of this, some variables may be missed or excluded, but overall the final result does not change, making the model very effective. The second theory, Hersey-Blanchard’s SLT, uses maturity as the basis of calculating how a leadership style will be effective. This could be effective to some extent, however both Goodson (1989) and Blank (1990) argue that just one determining factor is not enough to warrant an effective model. The model is beneficial as it breaks down leadership styles into four obvious categories; the problem is determining which personality fits into these categories. No clear measure of maturity is possible, making it difficult to categorise leadership styles. Goodson (1989) also states that maturity and competence has no real effect on leadership styles. Looking at these results, it can be recommended that for Temasek Holdings to continue operating at a high level, the Fiedler model of contingency should be used as a model for assigning leadership tasks. Giving every leader in a business tasks based on their personality is advantageous as it means instead of the person working with something they are not specifically styled for, they are able to be fit with tasks that suit them. Overall, this will make a significant change both in employee satisfaction (workers are doing jobs that suit their personality style, thus making them more content) as well as production, as the leadership style they are assigned will work well for them. Models by Hill (1969) are further evidence that this model does indeed work, and that it can bring positive effects to Temasek in the future. If Temasek Holdings chooses to operate within this leadership model, criticism for the way the business is run will be lessened. Both in the short and long term this form of leadership will be beneficial to the company, affecting both large positions (for example, the CEO Ho Ching) as well as smaller managers within the company. The research shows that this is the best model for Temasek to use to bring it the most success in the future.

More Than Just an Argument Essay

Argumentative essay assignments are useful learning tools for helping students to both understand key concepts and in helping students to think critically. † Module 3 Case Assignment Nassal R. Braimbridge Trident University If you have ever attended college at some point you have had to write an argumentative essay. It is used to convey your thoughts, insights, and point of view to an audience in an attempt to persuade them. Extensive research is required to provide the facts and evidence required to support your argument and diminish your opposition’s argument. Argumentative essay assignments are useful tools for helping students to both understand key concepts and in helping students to think critically. This is due to the fact that creating an argumentative essay requires a lot of thinking and analysis. When most people think of an argument, it is thought of as a being something negative but according to David H. Jonassen and Bosung Kim (2010) â€Å"Meaningful learning requires deep engagement with ideas. Deep Engagement is supported by the critical thinking skills of argumentation. ’ They also stated that â€Å"Learning to argue represents an important way of thinking that facilitates conceptual change and is essential for problem solving. † This is impart to the fact that you are using the art of persuasion, rhetoric to sell your point of view to the reader, which requires a substantial amount of facts and evidence to validate your claims and enhance the level of trust that the reader has for both you and your opinion. A well written argumentative essay will present a strong claim and can appeal to the most resistant audience. This is achieved with the application of logic, reasoning and strategic analysis. In depth research coupled with a little creativity and some confidence are also necessary. In doing this you develop critical thinking skills which is defined by Michael Scriven and Richard Paul (1987) as â€Å"the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. They also stated that â€Å"In its exemplary form, it is based on universal intellectual values that transcend subject matter divisions: clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance, sound evidence, good reasons, depth, breadth, and fairness. † One of the functions of higher education is to teach students how to think and a god way to do this is through argumentation. Debate as a teaching tool, has a place in pedagogical methods because it allows students to enhance critical thinking through investigating arguments, engaging in research, gathering information, performing analysis, assessing arguments, questioning assumptions, and demonstrating interpersonal skills. Initially, the researcher used debate in a Science, Technology, and Society course as a tool to introduce an experimental learning opportunity. The main objective of the course was to use a selection of modern topics in science and technology to increase communication and critical thinking. Debate was a natural fit for the course because the topic were tied to current events, and students were allowed to critically analyze a controversial topic while practicing other competencies like writing, presenting information and higher level thinking (Scott, S. 2009). Writing an argumentative essay also helps to improve conceptual understanding, as you have to put yourself in not only the shoes of your opponent but the shoes of your audience as well. This means anticipating any questions or concerns they might express and addressing them, it also gives you the opportunity to refute any arguments your opponent may have. In doing this you will be analyzing your supporting statements, determining the reason why someone would disagree with each point and what part of the issue concerns them the most. At the same time is also developing your solving skills as you trouble shoot problem before they occur and prepare for them. Argumentative essay assignments are useful learning useful learning tools. They foster the development of students’ critical thinking skills their conceptual understanding and problem solving abilities. It promotes creativity and confidence while improving students’ writing skills. A student’s rhetorical skills are also developed along with their presentation skills when they complete argumentative essay assignments. Work Cited Jonassen, D. , Kim, B. , (2010). Arguing to learn and learning to argue: design justifications and guidelines. Educational Technology Research ; Development. 58(4). 39-458. Scott, S. (2009). Perceptions of students’ learning critical thinking through debate in a technology classroom: A case study. Journal of Technology Studies. 34(1): 39-45. Michael Scriven, Richard Paul (1987). Critical Thinking as Defined by the National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking. Retrieved from: http://www. criticalthinking. org/pages/defining-critical-thinking/766 Purdue Online Writing Lab (2011). Argumentative Essay. Retrieved from: http://owl. english. purdue. edu/owl/resource/685/05/

A View on Censorship and the Government essays

A View on Censorship and the Government essays The censorship of music and other forms of entertainment by the government have long been the topic of discussion among social and political circles. Some forms of censorship such as warning labels for parents can be helpful. However the censorship of music is just not right, and the government has no right to do so. All too often the government gets on a self righteous feeling and thinks that it is its right to control what goes in or out of this so called free nations minds. Censorship in music falls into one of those categories in which the American people and the American government, which is supposed to be a representation of the people, have extremely conflicting ideas on the subject. Some say that the government should regulate the music industry. They say that the American people dont know what is best for them as a whole. Their proof is in the increase in violence, crime, Unadulterated sex and other taboos that have been on the rise in recent years. There are those that say that the government should only slightly be involved. These are the proponents of warning labels and the like, and that is about the extent of what they want the government to interfere with. The remainder generally says that the government has no right infringing on entertainment at all. They say that the government does not have the right to decide what the people can or cannot see, read, or listen to. Most of those who are of the opinion to let government help regulate the entertainment industries take the all too familiar tragic occurrence at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado as proof of their position. On April 20, 1999, two students interred the school and killed twelve other students, a teacher, and then themselves, and set the media and the entertainment worlds ablaze. The two killers were said by their peers to be avid fans of Marilyn Manson, and were even said to almost ...

Balanced Budget essays

Balanced Budget essays Thomas Jefferson stated, "I place economy among the first and most important virtues, and public debt as the greatest of dangers. To preserve our independence, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt" (Grinsburg 1). This quote illustrates the importance of maintaining a balanced budget; therefore, it is necessary to stand firmly resolved that the government should balance its budget. Three main arguments uphold this premise. They are as follows: 1. It is feasible for the government to balance the budget, 2. A budget deficit harms the United States through creating a trade deficit and increasing the national debt, 3. A balanced budget would benefit the United States by providing extra funds for social programs, tax cuts, and Argument 1: It is feasible for the government to balance its On of January 7, 1998, the U.S. Congressional Budget Office released a budget forecast that "shows the federal budget to be in effective balance, with a projected deficit of just $5 billion this year-a trivial percentage of an estimated $8.5 trillion gross domestic product" (Bartlett 8). The government was able to balance the budget without causing negative complications. This balance came absent of any significant tax increases and/or government cuts in spending. Because the United State's economy has been relatively productive in the past few years, the government was able to balance the budget through an increase in tax revenues. During this time the government was actually able to increase its spending somewhat, while the American people were free from additional tax burdens. In fact, according to the U.S. Treasury Department, "federal revenues are up 10.5% over the same period a year earlier, while spending is up only 3.8%" (Bartlett 6). Essentially, this shows that it is not only possible for the government to balance its budg...

Review of David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Review of 'David Copperfield' by Charles Dickens David Copperfield is probably the most autobiographical novel by Charles Dickens. He uses many incidents of his childhood and early life to create a considerable fictional achievement. David Copperfield is also the novel that stands as a mid-point in Dickens oeuvresomewhat indicative of Dickens work. This novel contains complicated plot structures, a concentration on the moral and social worlds, and some of Dickens most wonderful comic creations. David Copperfield is a broad canvas on which the great master of Victorian fiction uses his entire palette. Unlike many of Dickens other novels, however, David Copperfield is written from the point of view of its titular character, seemingly looking back on the ups and downs of his long life. Overview of David Copperfield The story begins with Davids childhood, which is an unhappy one. His father dies before he was born and his mother re-marries the frightful Mr. Murdstone, whose sister moves into their house soon after. David is soon sent away to boarding school because he bit Murdstone when he was undergoing a beating. There, at the boarding school, he meets a couple of boys who become friends: James Steerforth and Tommy Traddles. David doesnt complete his education because his mother dies and hes sent to a factory. There, Copperfield meets Mr. Micawber, who is later sent to debtors prison. At the factory, he experiences the hardship of the industrial-urban pooruntil he escapes and walks to Dover to meet his aunt. She adopts him and brings him up (renaming him Trot). After finishing his schooling, he goes to London to seek a career and meets James Steerforth and introduces him to his adoptive family. At around this time, he also falls in love with a young girl, the daughter of a well-renowned solicitor. He also meets Tommy Traddles who is boarding with the Micawbers, bringing the delightful but economically useless character back into the story. In time, Doras father dies and she and David can be married. However, money is very short and David takes up various other jobs in order to make ends meet includinglike Dickens himselffiction writing. Things are not well with a friend from home – Mr. Wickfield. His business has been taken over by his evil clerk, Uriah Heep, who now has Micawber working for him as well. However, Micawber (along with his friend Tommy Traddles) determines to expose the bad dealings with which Heep has been taking part and finally, has him thrown out,  returning the business to its rightful owner. However, this triumph cannot be truly savored because Dora has become incredibly ill after losing a child. After a long illness, she finally dies, and David travels to Switzerland for a number of months. While hes traveling, he realizes that he is in love with his old friend, AgnesMr. Wickfields daughter. David returns home to marry her. A Coming of Age Story David Copperfield is a long, sprawling novel. In keeping with its autobiographical genesis, the book has a certain feel for the ungainliness and largeness of everyday life. In the earlier parts of David Copperfield, the novel has all of the power and resonance of Dickens social critique of a Victorian society that had very few safeguards against the mistreatment of the poor and, particularly in its industrial heartlands. In the later parts, we get Dickens most realistic and touching portrait of a young man growing up, coming to terms with the world and finding his literary gift. Although it certainly portrays Dickens comic touch to the full, it also has a  seriousness that is not always apparent in some of Dickens other books. The difficulty of being an adult, of marrying, of finding love and of getting on feel very real and shine from every page of this delightful book. Full of lively wit and Dickens characteristically finely tuned prose, David Copperfield is an excellent example of the Victorian novel at its height and Dickens master of it. Popular (like so many of Dickens works), it has deserved its sustained reputation through the twentieth and into the twenty-first century.

EasyJet A No Frills Airline Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

EasyJet A No Frills Airline - Assignment Example The disadvantages of the cost leadership strategy, as employed by EasyJet, include negative perceptions of quality, poor customer service, and unsustainable discounting systems. It is recommended that EasyJet adopt highly flexible strategic decisions, develop a more aggressive and direct strategy, and reevaluate its wage structure. Finally, it will provide a comprehensive conclusion, and make the necessary recommendations regarding the subject. This paper provides a comprehensive perspective of EasyJet as a company, including the cost leadership approach, which is the generic strategy favoured by the company. EasyJet is a leading budget airline that operates mainly in Britain and Southern Europe. The company’s headquarters are in Luton, Britain. According to Anderson (2014:41), as at December 2014, EasyJet employed almost 9,000 people and flew to over 600 destinations in 30 countries. In the financial year ended September 2014, the company posted revenues of  £4,527 million (Anderson, 2014:41). This represents a 6.3% growth in the 2013 financial year. Pre-tax profit, on the other hand, was  £581 million, representing a 21.5% increase in 2013. EasyJet’s 2014 financial results were positive to say the least, and reflected the strategic decisions made by the company to maximise efficiency and expand its services to more countries (Chen, 2013:34). The strategic plan implemented in 2013 was necessitated by changes in the global and European airline industries that complicated operating conditions for most airlines. EasyJet, however, has been able to not only adapt but also t o perform in spite of the conditions. As of December 2014, the company’s founder, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, is the largest shareholder (Doganis, 2013:38). Apart from basic travel, EasyJet offers a range of auxiliary services. For example, it collaborates with Gate Gourmet for its in-flight products and services, Europcar, for car hire services, and booking.com that

Project Planning, Execution and Closure - final project Essay

Project Planning, Execution and Closure - final project - Essay Example The company believes that the new system will be of immense help to the customers of the company, who will be able to access and perform many of those functions through the web, which were so far only available physically. The company is planning to outsource the development work to a vendor who will perform the required upgrades collaboratively. The company is planning to employ some of its man hours during the course of the development and is planning to keep its direct involvement in the project to the minimum. On its part, IRTC is planning to play a more supervisory role all through the project life cycle. Since the vendor has already worked on the project in question, it would be ideal to outsource the work rather than use company resources to execute the project because of the learning curve involved. 1. Provide a web interface for the existing system so that it would be beneficial to customers as well as internal staff. Customers can benefit from the web interface to perform their routine requirements, while the staff can benefit from reduced work load and increased ease of delivery of services 3. The system has been envisaged to create more interaction between the customer service department and the billing department so that more professional exchanges can happen between the departments. This would also allow the company to enhance the performance of the two departments. 4. The new system will not directly enhance the internal processes of the system and will not undertake a business process reengineering effort. The software will merely be deployed according to the direction of the managers who are managing the change. 6. The system will be delivered in modules that will cater to the immediate needs of the billing and customer service departments. The third module will integrate the two departments. The fourth and final module will integrate the back office functionality with a user interface that will be provided to the customer. 7. The

An issue affecting two or more countries Article

An issue affecting two or more countries - Article Example While CIA provided information from the satellites about abandoned soviet trucks and weapon depots for the Taliban, ISI transferred the information to the men on ground (Coll p. 291) making it possible for the Taliban to conquer Afghanistan with astonishing speed uniting the country for the benefit of Pakistan, United States and Saudi Arabia (Reeve p. 191). After the September 11 attacks, US invaded the Taliban controlled Afghanistan asking all countries to cut off Taliban support. Pakistan ordered the Taliban embassy to be closed in 2001, allied with the US and supported the invasion by providing its forward military bases. The hard war in Afghanistan followed up by a bloody insurgency caused US to lose unprecedented amount of war founds trying to control Afghan territory. Adding to the troubles were lack of understanding of terrain and psyche of the local people. The overwhelming force and technology, while allowed the US to have complete air superiority and highly reinforced milit ary bases in the region, could still not help them achieve actual victory and control over the territory outside their bases. The insurgency caused alot of contention between USA and Pakistan as allies and the US still ended up blaming Pakistan for supporting Afghan Taliban after calling it their top non-NATO ally. This paper compares and contrasts BBC reports and The Washington Post with respect to the US allegations and Pakistani denials. BBC reports Pakistan being accused of playing a double game by the US (Collyns). After interviewing a few prisoners, according to BBC, the US officials concluded that Pakistan was actively supporting Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan for a hidden agenda. This can be seen as a fallacy of composition created from a single point of view being viewed as the resulting aim of country’s net actions. Pakistani ISI has been a powerful element both in the country and in its defense against the enemy powers when it came to proxy wars. The BBC uses th e circumstantial prisoner witnesses to support the accusation by the US officials. While attributing repeated denials to Pakistan in two instances, the report suggests the US accusations overly weighed and further states them as a fact by presenting a BBC documentary to back up the accusations as facts. This strains the neutral point of view of the report which should be there in an international news article fully attributing views to their actual sources and not stating contentions opinions or conflicting truths as facts. Furthermore, in addition to the US accusations, the BBC report itself alleges that Pakistan has helped and harboured Afghan Taliban in its territory stating it as a ‘plain to see’ fact (Collyns). The Washington Post, on the other hand, also attributes accusations to the US and denials to Pakistan but keeps it to that (Leiby). The report can be contrasted with that of BBC’s in a clear cut way. As a clear contrast to the BBC report, this report presents quotations of US accusations in text with conflicting quotations of Pakistani denials making it more balanced and neutral in its point of view. The Washington Post report also uses the BBC report as a reference but puts it in a more neutral way without any presumptions. The BBC excerpts are quoted to tell the US side of the story while the Pakistani foreign minister is clearly attributed to have categorically put

Critically discuss the developments in banking regulation that have Essay

Critically discuss the developments in banking regulation that have been, and continue to be, put in place as a result of the ec - Essay Example A wide spread unemployment, inflation, poverty, layoffs, financial stress were the words normally echoed on all types of media during the entire period beginning from 2007 to the end of 2009. In the same period, the rates of foreclosure were inversely attached to the housing price inflation (Taylor, 2009). Many investment banks were struggling to survive, mergers, bankruptcies, acquisitions and nationalization became common (The WTO Doha Round and Regionalism, 2009). Many causes contributed towards the development of the financial crisis. Sub-prime loans, low interest rates, financial innovations, a lack of proper supervisory and regulatory measures from the side of regulatory and supervisory authorities, and the total collapse of integrity of credit rating agencies added fuel to the fire of the global financial crisis. Additionally, many authors believe that Basel Committee on Banking Supervision was ill-equipped and confused over some of its basic definitions towards the risk manag ement, and as a result, this also contributed its share in the global financial crisis. Soon after its impacts, the world financial and political leaders gathered to discuss and devise corrective actions in response to the financial situations. In EU, at micro and macro levels, different regulatory and supervisory sound regulations were recommended; European Systemic Risk Council (ESRC) was recommended to play it’s for the risk management. At the same time, European System Financial Supervision (ESFS) was devised to monitor the financial affairs at the micro level, while in the United States of America, Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA), strong regulatory and supervisory measures for financial firms and financial markets were proposed. As the financial crisis has affected the global economy, undoubtedly, it requires the international financial institutions to coordinate their efforts, ensure transparency. And, the international regulatory convergence has become nece ssary to avoid such financial crisis in future. In the subsequent parts of this paper, causes of financial crisis, different interpretations over the issues are discussed after the section critically highlighting causes. Subsequent to that, in U.S. and the EU, the corrective measures are explained followed by some recommendations and proposals are provided. Then, international context and effectives of these banking regulatory measures are mentioned. Causes of the global financial crisis Many causes contributed towards the financial crisis. First, sub-prime loans and the real estate bubble were among the main causes (Lannuzzi & Berardi, 2010). Udell (2009) explains that the sub-prime loans were easily available to the ordinary Americans before the financial crisis emerged. This type of loan was given to those individuals and institutions that did not have positive credit worthiness. They were those whose loan applications were declined by many credit lending financial institutions. Furthermore, many under-developed states were transferring their savings into American banks and other financial institutions ((Shomali & Giblin, 2010). In the late 1990s and early 2000s, a considerable amount of savings were attracted by many American banks and other financial institutions. Since many of these countries were enjoying economic growth

Bodies, Sexualities and Identities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Bodies, Sexualities and Identities - Essay Example Keywords: body, child masturbation, mind, sexuality Introduction I would like to use varying theories regarding Bodies, Sexualities and Identities. How have these theories transformed my understanding of some aspect of gender, sexualities, or identities from experience or the world around us is the main focus of this paper. There are varying theories presented by Locke, Freud, Rousseau and other theorists regarding bodies, genders, sexualities, and identities. Regarding this, it is important to integrate personal experience and other’s encounter with these aspects in order to somehow prove or justify the importance and relevance of the theorists’ ideas on the subject matter involving bodies, sexualities and identities. It is the intention of the proponent to justify that these theories are not hopelessly outmoded in today’s modern society, but in fact, would actually help the people understand the complexity and richness of ideas within the intricate subjects emb odied within bodies, sexualities and identities. Regarding this, the issue about child masturbation is discussed in detail. ... This is the first time that the very act of masturbation is illustrated in the scripture. This literature remarkably gave birth to a coined word â€Å"onanism† which in the modern times is strongly associated with the very act of masturbation or self-sex pleasure. This is of no surprise that masturbation was mentioned to be initiated by an adult. Onan was of the right and advanced age when he initiated masturbation by withdrawing his semen from the womb of his brother’s wife. Even in the times of Locke, Freud and Rousseau, masturbation was considered prevalent among adults as integral issue about sex. In fact, the idea about masturbation was strongly opposed within the classical period as it would strongly contradict with the ultimate view within religious principle. Even until today, religious individuals would most likely view at it as an act of immorality before God. Surprisingly, masturbation and even addiction with it in the 18th century was also associated with ch ildren (Egan & Hawkes, 2011). Today, masturbation is reportedly initiated by some children even at the age below 12 years old. Even then, this paved the way for taking into account child sexuality as an important area of concern among theorists like Locke, Freud, and Rousseau. It was of great interest to understand child sexuality in the first place as things in line with sexual matters would concern most about adults who are considered to be mature in this area. However, there are many things that need to be learned more about child sexuality as they are also humans who could be potentially sexually aroused at some specific point in time. This is the very point

The topic can be proposed by the writer Movie Review - 1

The topic can be proposed by the writer - Movie Review Example Told from the stories and recollections of the people who experienced the revolution, the film depicts the tragic turn of events from an initial noble intention to create an equal society, to the creation of a starving and perishing society, through the introduction of the Cultural Revolution and the Great Leap Forward initiatives (Williams, n.p.). These reforms caused the starvation of the majority of the Chinese rural population at the time, resulting to the death of approximately 30 million people. The brutality with which the processes of collective agriculture and rural industrialization were introduced, further served to disorient the already capitalist tendencies of the traditional Chinese population, while resulting in the dispossession of lands and property for the initial landowners. In this respect, the Chinese revolution in the periods spanning 1949-1962 served to create more poverty for the country and its people. This necessitated a change of strategy towards partial acceptance of some concepts of capitalism, which saw the Chinese economy start recovering from the initial depression brought about by the revolution (Williams, n.p.). Nevertheless, the most notable transformation of the period 1949-1976 in China is the transformed gender role for women. It is during this period that the undermined rights of women both domestically and politically started being recognized, with women gaining full political democratic rights. Additionally, the foreign policy of China, especially regarding its relations with the USA and the rest of the capitalist western world was shaped (Williams, n.p.). Thus, the Chinese involvement in the Korean War was as a result of forging its new identity as a communist nation that was opposed to the capitalist intrusion of its neighbors. Thus, the negative implications of the Mao Years revolution have been effectively demonstrated in the film. The film has

Bodies, Sexualities and Identities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Bodies, Sexualities and Identities - Essay Example Keywords: body, child masturbation, mind, sexuality Introduction I would like to use varying theories regarding Bodies, Sexualities and Identities. How have these theories transformed my understanding of some aspect of gender, sexualities, or identities from experience or the world around us is the main focus of this paper. There are varying theories presented by Locke, Freud, Rousseau and other theorists regarding bodies, genders, sexualities, and identities. Regarding this, it is important to integrate personal experience and other’s encounter with these aspects in order to somehow prove or justify the importance and relevance of the theorists’ ideas on the subject matter involving bodies, sexualities and identities. It is the intention of the proponent to justify that these theories are not hopelessly outmoded in today’s modern society, but in fact, would actually help the people understand the complexity and richness of ideas within the intricate subjects emb odied within bodies, sexualities and identities. Regarding this, the issue about child masturbation is discussed in detail. ... This is the first time that the very act of masturbation is illustrated in the scripture. This literature remarkably gave birth to a coined word â€Å"onanism† which in the modern times is strongly associated with the very act of masturbation or self-sex pleasure. This is of no surprise that masturbation was mentioned to be initiated by an adult. Onan was of the right and advanced age when he initiated masturbation by withdrawing his semen from the womb of his brother’s wife. Even in the times of Locke, Freud and Rousseau, masturbation was considered prevalent among adults as integral issue about sex. In fact, the idea about masturbation was strongly opposed within the classical period as it would strongly contradict with the ultimate view within religious principle. Even until today, religious individuals would most likely view at it as an act of immorality before God. Surprisingly, masturbation and even addiction with it in the 18th century was also associated with ch ildren (Egan & Hawkes, 2011). Today, masturbation is reportedly initiated by some children even at the age below 12 years old. Even then, this paved the way for taking into account child sexuality as an important area of concern among theorists like Locke, Freud, and Rousseau. It was of great interest to understand child sexuality in the first place as things in line with sexual matters would concern most about adults who are considered to be mature in this area. However, there are many things that need to be learned more about child sexuality as they are also humans who could be potentially sexually aroused at some specific point in time. This is the very point

How people survive the work place political jungle Essay Example for Free

How people survive the work place political jungle Essay Distinguish between positive and negative corporate politics and explain how these can influence employment engagement. The essay will seek to distinguish between positive and negative corporate politics. The writer will start by defining corporate politics in trying to have an understanding of corporate politics and how it influence employee engagement Kakabadse (1983) cited by Armstrong defines politics as ‘a process, that of influencing individuals and groups of people to your point of view, where you cannot rely on authority’. Organizations consist of individuals who, while they are ostensibly there to achieve a common purpose, are, at the same time, driven by their own needs to achieve their own goals (Armstrong, 2009). There is significant difference between corporate politics and negative corporate politics. This can seen from the effect the two have on employee engagement and the purpose of the individual that is to say positive corporate politics is done as tool mainly by management and supervisors to try and influence other staff so as to meet organisational goals. Positive corporate politics is normal done to the benefit of the organisation as a whole. On the other hand negative corporate politics is self fulfilling it is aimed achieving self interests and in most cases it is against organisational goals Positive corporate politics include the process of influencing individual endeavour and ambition to the common good. Some individuals genuinely believe that using political means to achieve their goals will benefit the organization as well as themselves. Positive corporate politics can thus illustrated in the following case; Mrs Takuta is the Personnel at ZTRD Development Bank and is deputised by Taurai who she went to the same University and the two were in the same class. Taurai was more intelligent than his supervisor and because of the relation between the two, Mrs Takuta always find it difficult to give Taurai orders and in extreme situations taurai will challenge his boss. In the quest to have work done through her junior, Mrs Takuta wi ll use the following statement â€Å"the HR Manager wants the report done by the end of the day†. Mrs Takuta would use the HR Manager’s authority to influence Taurai to perform his duties. To the same effect, Positive corporate politics can increase efficiency, form interpersonal relationships, expedite change, and profit the organization and its members simultaneously. This can be achieved if those in power are able to use their power to influence members of staff to this effect. Thus  positive corporate politics would also include the different powers vested in them to influence positive employee engagement and increase in productivity. Management can give their employees the power to make decisions about their jobs – flexible autonomy, reward for good performance among others. Positive corporate politics involves action by individuals or groups to acquire develop and use power and other resources in order to obtain preferred outcomes (Hellriegel, Slocum and Woodman, 1995) Armstrong (2009) defines power as the capacity to secure the dominance of one’s goa ls or value over others. Individuals and managers can thus influence directly and indirectly using the various types of powers. French and Raven (1959) cited by Armstrong identified the four different types of powers that can be used to influence other employees and the power are; reward power, coercive power, expert power and legitimate power. Reward power is when individuals and managers use the reward power to influence or obtain compliance from subordinates by promising or granting rewards that includes salary increase, bonuses or even promotions. It is the management who normal use this power positively to achieve company goals. Coercive power is used to obtain compliance through threats of punishment and actual punishment. For example promising to fire an employee if they use company vehicles for personal use. The ability to influence others with the power anchored in one’s formal position of authority thus the legitimate power. Individuals can use their legitimate positions of authority to get things done through others. Legitimate power focuses constructively on job performance. Expert power is when individuals have influence because of the valueable information or knowledge they posses. The supervisor’s power is enhanced because they know about work schedules and assignments before their subordinates. Corporate politics involves struggles between social entities for resources, personal conflict and a variety of influence tactics executed by individuals and groups to obtain benefits and goals in different ways (Molm 1997) cited by Vigoda, (2000). Molm’s view of corporate politics would to a greater extent reflect negative corporate politics. Ferris, Russ, and Fundt, (1989) cited by Vigoda (2000) defines negative corporate politics as behaviour strategically designed to maximise self interests. Corporate politics can contradict the collective organisational goals or the interests of other people. Medison etal 1980) cited by Vigoda, (2000) observed that when  individuals were asked to describe work place politics they would list self serving and manipulative activities. It can then be understood that negative corporate benefits individuals at the expense of the entire organisation or a work unit. The behaviour is thus associated with manipulation, defamation, subversiveness and illegitimate use of power to attain one’s objectives. Corporate politics can then lead to job anxiety, decrease job satisfaction, and withdrawal from the organisation. Dorory (1993) cited by Vigoda, (2000) found that corporate politics has a potential demaging effect especially on lower status employees. He speculated that employees who lacked a stable power base and effective means of influencing perceived organisational politics as a source of frastiration and react by showing negative attitude towards the organisation. Employees can feel isolated and unhappy if they are not part of a cohesive team or if they are bedevilled by disruptive power politics. In conclusion, one can therefore generalise that positive corporate politics reinforces employee engagement. Employees tend to put more effort either because they expect a reward or have been promised reward for such performance. That is to say employees can be influenced by the reward power. Employees work hard or do not do unwanted behaviours to avoid punishment. in most cases, employees will also give respect to those in authority thus the legitimate power. However, on the other hand, employee will not perform as expected thats negative engagement which can be caused by negative corporate politics. Using case studies, discuss how people within an organisation can use political tactics to survive the corporate political jungle? Individuals within an organisation which can be likened to a political jungle act out roles in efforts to establish identities they wish to convey, and which can result in personal gain. It should also be noted that people alter the image they choose to present, and the strategy used to present this image, based on the situation they are in and the outcomes they hope to achieve that is how they intend to survive (Chad etal 2003). To this effect, it is important to note that individuals do not necessarily use the same tactic in every situation. Likewise, different individuals may choose different tactics when faced with similar situations. For example, whereas one individual may use self-promotion to obtain a job offer, that same individual may use  ingratiation or rationality in an attempt to obtain a promotion or pay raise. On the other hand, another individual, when faced with the same situation, may use ingratiation to obtain a job offer and assertiveness or self-promotion to win a pay raise. Different individuals may use a number of contextual factors which influence tactics an individual chooses to use, under what circumstances he or she chooses to use them, and how effective the tactic of choice will be. Such factors include the relative power of the parties, the direction of the influence attempt, the objective of the influence attempt, and the political skill of the influencer (Falbe Yukl, 1992; Ferris, Perrewe, Anthony, Gilmore, 2000) cited by Chad etal (2003). Buelens etal (2011) also subscribe to the same tactics as identified by Appelbaum and Brent (1998). He pointed out that individuals would use different tactics to get influence within an organisation or rather to get favours and promotions from their bosses. It is however believed that political behaviour is far less common and less intense among employees in lower-level positions than among employees in higher-level positions. There are a variety of political tactics used by employees at almost every organizational level that include forming coalitions and networks, impression management, information management, pursue line responsibility , ingratiation , rational persuasion, consultation and exchange Appelbaum and Brent (1998) . Forming coalitions and networks best known as networking, is a political tactic which consists of befriending important people. These people may not be in positions of any obvious political value but their jobs may provide them with information that could be useful to have. Some people ï ¬ nd that forming friendships with people in upper-level management can help them gain access to important information (Appelbaum and Brent (1998). The above can be illustrated in the following case: Zikanda was a messenger a t RIT Energy. Despite the fact that Zikanda was just a messenger, other senior employees would always give him respect and at most times conform to his needs and favours. For many years in the same organisation, I never realised why even middle level managers would actually conform to unreasonable demands of a mere messenger. Zikanda would take the pool car home as and when he feel like and no one would question that and worse of other senior employee would commute or even ask for transport from him. I later realised that his power or influence was because of his relationship with the General  Manager. Zikanda was no relative with the boss but has managed to form a network with the General Manager they were friends. Zikanda every lunch time would go to the General Manager’s office ask him what he want for lunch. It was Zikanda’s job to be sent to buy him lunch however it was the way the whole thing was done, he would at times buy him lunch with his own monies. The General Manager and Zikanda were just friends they were just too close. Other employees were not comfortable with this relation there were not sure what information the two buddies share. Zikanda has managed to make a network with the General Manager. Impression management is a simple tactic that most people uses from time to time is the management of their outward appearance and style in the quest of trying to impress those in authority. Generally, most organizations prefer a particular image that consists of being loyal, attentive, honest, neatly groomed and sociable. By deliberately trying to exhibit this preferred image, an individual can make a positive impression on inï ¬â€šuential members of the organization. As illustrated in the case of Transport officer who has turned himself to driver. Nhetuka is a transport officer at ZBM Company. Mr Nhetuka has turned himself into a driver in trying to impress management. Nhetuka is always driving managers when he is supposed to delegate drivers to drive managers around. Not only that he takes the Area Manager’s son to and from school a job which is supposed to be done by company driver. Information management is a tactic consisting of managing the information that is shared with others. The nature, as well as the timing, of information given out can have strong effects on others’ conduct (Appelbaum and Brent (1998). People who play the information management game are not likely to lie or spread misinformation, but they rely on the carefully planned release of valid information to obtain their ends (Vecchio and Appelbaum, 1995, p. 323) cited by Appelbaum and Brent (1998). An example can be given of a personnel Clerk who by virtue of his job has access to very important information to include how people can get access to loans among others. The person having such a position can sort respect and influence to the extent that he is able to make people lower themselves to get that information. In a political jungle despite the fact that this information should be given to all employees, one can choose to with hold the information for his own benefit. Pursuing core business within an organization, some positions are more closely tied to the primary  mission of the organization thus the line positions. They are at the very heart of the organization. While staff people may come to wield great power within their own territories, it is the people who do core business who usually â€Å"call the shots† on major issues. Core staff not only makes the more important decisions within the organization, they are also more likely to be promoted to top-level exe cutive positions. In many organizations, there is a preferred department of origin and career path for top- level managers. Therefore, one way to gain inï ¬â€šuence within an organization is to be assigned to a core position. It will often provide more visibility, inï ¬â€šuence, and upward mobility. A case to support the effect of core position for influence in the in an organisation; Takunda was an administration clerk ZETDC an organisation whose core business is to transmit and distribute electricity. He worked very hard for ten years furthering his qualification hoping that one day he will be promoted and be given a higher grade but nothing cane his way. ZETDC would on get people with 5 ‘O’ Level train them as electricians and give them good grades despite that they only posses a Certificate in Electrical power engineering. Takunda then decided to change the career and started a programme at the Polytechnic were he attained a Certificate in Electrical Power Engineering. And it was only then Takunda was recognised and promoted. ‘Ingratiation tactic involves giving compliments or doing favours for superiors or co-workers. Most people have a difficult time rejecting the positive advances of others. Ingratiation usually works as a tactic insofar as the target often feels positive toward the source even if the ingratiation attempt is fairly blatant and transparent. In the behavioural sciences, the notion of â€Å"social reciprocity† has been offered to help explain the process of ingratiation. In social reciprocity, there is a feeling of a social obligation to repay the positive actions of others with similar actions’ Appelbaum and Brent (1998). Appelbaum and Brent, (1998) defines ingratiation as an attempt by individuals to increase their attractiveness in the eyes of others. Ingratiation tends to be used more as an upward inï ¬â€šuence process than as a downward inï ¬â€šuence process. This tactic can best be observed when especial when one has a female boss how often do we pass complements to our female bosses, â€Å"nice hair style†, â€Å"nice dress† even if we don’t mean it. It is a political game most of us play to survive hash judgement from our bosses. In case of a Human resources clerk who  was left acting as Human Resources Officer. During the absence of his boss, Sipiwe was supposed to employ a Customer Care Clerk on a contract basis. Sipiwe knew that his boss’s daughter was unemployed and Sipiwe took this opportunity to employee the boss’s daughter without even consulting the boss. It was later discovered that Sipiwe did this because she had a boyfriend who was out of employment. Sipiwe calculated and realised that it would be easy for her to convince the boss to employ her boyfriend since she has employed the boss’s daughter. In a game of politics one has to be clever and calculative and be able to use politic al tactics to your best advantage. The case above illustrates a tactic called exchange. REFERENCE LIST Appelbaum, S..H. and Hughes, B. (1998) Ingratiation as a political tactic: Effects within the organisation; Journal of Management Decision Vol 36/2 Armstrong, M. (2009) Armstrong’s handbook of human resources management Practice; London, Kogan Pages. Buelens, M. etal (2011) Organisational Behaviour; Berkshire,McGrall- Hill Chad, A. etal (2003) Influence tactics and work outcomes; Journal of Organisational Behaviour Vol 24 No 1. Hellriegal, D. , Slocum, W. J. Jr. and Woodman, R. W. (1995), Organisational Behaviour;New York, West Publishing Company. Vigoda, E. (2000), Organisational Politics, Job attitudes and work outcomes: Exploration and implications for the Public Sector, Journal of Vocational Behaviour Vol 57. MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY FACULT OF SOCIAL SCIENCES BSC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT HONOURS DEGRE ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR [HRM 202] Assignment Cover Page Surname : NcubeName: Innocent Taurai Reg. Number: R135973GMode of Entry: VISITING Level 2.1 Lecturer: Mrs. Masitara Topic/Question: Distinguish between positive and negative corporate politics and explain how these can influence employment engagement. Using case studies, discuss how people within an organisation can use political tactics to survive the corporate political jungle?

IKEA Franchising Strategy

IKEA Franchising Strategy IKEA is an international home furniture company that selling the wide ranges of well-designed and functional products which packed in form of ready-to-assemble. According to IKEA (2012), its business is founded in 1943 by 17 years old Ingvar Kamprad in Sweden. The headquarter company of IKEA is placed in Delft, Netherlands. With the time turned, furniture retailer IKEA becomes one of successful companies around the world and has ability to take advantage of globalization. Therefore, now IKEA has 325 stores in 38 countries in which 287 stores in 26 countries is wholly owned INGKA Holding (non-for-profit corporation) and the remaining 38 stores are run by franchisees which under Dutch company (for-profit corporation) (n.a, 2012). INGKA Holding is parent company of Dutch company. The largest stores around the world are placed in China, German and Sweden (IKEA, 2012). The IKEA business is developed starting with home selling and then turn to become international nowadays. Originally, IKEA only sold small home accessories and trinkets products in its home, Sweden. Until 1948, IKEA began to design its own furniture products and sold in low price with high quality (Ellis, 2010). The process of business development is from home selling the products, open a retail store in Almhult town, Sweden (1958), then develop a larger retail outlet in Norway (1963). In 2012, IKEA committees plan to develop a wholly-own subsidiary corporate in India countries after did the market investigation. Currently, majority of IKEA stores are wholly owned and managed by INGKA Holding (also known as Stichting INGKA Foundation). The wholly owned subsidiary strategy explain that majority of stores operations, management, its furniture design and manufacture are overseen by INGKA Holding. For the case, IKEA has long eyed the retail market in India, now plan to invest  Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬900 million to create a wholly own subsidiary in India (Kinetz, 2012). On the other hand, IKEA also implements the franchising strategy in some countries to manage minority stores. The franchisees who allowed using IKEAs concept and trademark to run business have to pay 3% of revenue back. Since the culture and value is different in every country, IKEA committees evaluate the countrys local market and its future expansion opportunities before go in. For the future expansion, we suggest that IKEA should take joint venture strategy as business expansion strategy in India country. Joint venture is a good strategy to assist a company enters into a different cultural market. As an example, Wal-Mart knew nothing about Asian retail market, they choose entered into Hong Kong via joint venture with Thai conglomerate (Neelima Mahajan-Bansal, 2012). Second recommendation we suggest to IKEA is using wholly owned subsidiary to enter Brazil. The reason we choose Brazil as another target market because it has stability of political economy environment which can reduce various risk of business (n.a., 2011). IKEA also can take the advantage of Brazil since there has full of high quality woods as the resource for business (n.a., 2011). 2.0 Current Expansion Strategy Wholly owned Subsidiaries IKEA use wholly owned subsidiary as their main expansion. The IKEA corporate structure is divided in to two parts which are operating and franchising. Most of the IKEAs operations practices are overseen and managed by INGKA Holding B.V. INGKA Holding B.V is wholly owned by Stichting INGKA Foundation, a non-profit registered in Leiden in the Netherlands which is controlled by the Kamprad family (IKEAFANS, 2009). In year 2011, there are IKEA stores in 38 countries operating around the world such as United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Netherland, France, Russia, Saudi Arabia, China, Malaysia, Australia, and etc. There are 287 stores run by the INGKA Holding B.V and the remaining 38 stores are run by franchisees (Inter IKEA Group, n.d.). IKEA can either set up new operation in the country or can acquire an established firm in the host nation and use that firm to promote its promote its product as long as IKEA own 100 percent ownership of the stock. Habitat Retail Ltd. is a household furnishings retailer in the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Spain and in the year of 1992, IKEA acquired Habitats UK and French chain with about pound 55m to expand their business (Moore. J, 1992). IKEA own all of their buildings and land, and stores are custom built and designed for efficiency and sales potential. In order to do that, IKEA do not cut back investment in retail stores. (Deniz, Marco Art, 2012) The main purpose of the IKEA use this expansion strategies is to ensure operational control, standardization, and provide a smooth entry into to a new market. The attractive way to use wholly owned subsidiaries is where IKEA can reduces the risk of losing control over their core competence and its concept. This expansion strategies give IKEA have the full control over operation practices such as marketing, logistics and decision in different countries to meet their standard. In addition, all the profits will go to IKEA due to having full control on every operation. It is necessary for them engaging in global strategic coordination. Wholly owned subsidiaries also required IKEA to realize location and experience curve economies (Hill et. al., 2011). This which means, IKEA able to achieve economic of scale by manufacture more products and reduce the average cost of products (Hill et. al., 2011). Indirectly, this also fulfill the IKEA porter generic strategies which is cost leadership. However, wholly owned subsidiary strategy is highly expensive choice for company that would lead to severe financial risk if not successful. IKEA have to bear the full costs and high risk by themselves of setting up the factories, stores and retail shops operations in other nations (Hill, et. al., 2011). Japan was the first country in Asia that IKEA considered to enter in 1970s during their expansion to the international market. Their first entry to Japan market was in 1974 (n.a, 2008). Due to the differences between culture, lifestyle and behavior lead to IKEA face the failure and they had to withdraw their store out of Japan. However, IKEA decided to re-enter the market in 2002. This time IKEA conducted a thorough study of the markets and understand their requirement (Alexandra, 2009). At present, there are five IKEA stores in Japan, last of which was opened in year 2011(Inter IKEA Group, n.d.). Besides that, there are political risks of entering in to the market wholly in the form of nationalisation threats or corruption and bribery (Back et. al., 2010).   Recently in year 2009, there have been issues about corruption in the opening of retail store in Russia (n.a., 2011). It has been held by safely officials requests for payments and IKEA is refusing to so. Thus, IKEA has ended up by would not build more stores outside the Moscow region until Russian officials stop withholding permission and freeze expansions on Russia (n.a., 2011). Franchising Strategy The IKEA concept which bring IKEA franchise worldwide is belong to the Inter IKEA System B.V in Netherlands. Inter IKEA Systems B.V is the franchisor and it is the owner of the IKEA concept and trademark (IKEAFANS, 2009). The franchisees have the right to operate IKEA store under the franchise agreements in accordance with franchisors systems and methods to use IKEA trademarks establish by Inter IKEA Systems B.V(Inter IKEA Group, n.d.). Besides, IKEA franchisees able to access to the product range of IKEA and opportunity to continuously take part in IKEA concept development in their own stores. (Inter IKEA Group, n.d.). Then, IKEA franchisee has its own responsibilities to manage, develop and run their local market business with efforts after granting the rights of IKEA concept. The main concept of IKEA want to expand its market by implement franchising is due to the objective of Inter IKEA Systems B.V.. According to the objective of Inter IKEA Systems B.V., its objective is to increase the availability of IKEA products through world-wide franchising the IEKA concept (IKEAFANS, 2009). So, this encourages the IKEA wanted to create infinity for IKEA through franchising. Besides, the decisive factors for IKEA to franchise for long-term approach are due to its ownership structure and total independence in furniture market (Inter IKEA Group, n.d.). Thus, IKEA bring out the franchising method so that it can secure an infinite life for the IKEA concept when the different companies in different countries able to build the resources needed to expand global under IKEA concept (Inter IKEA Group, n.d.). Moreover, the franchisor, Inter IKEA Systems B.V. acts role to perform some important tasks such as expand IKEA business, improve and develop IKEA concepts, transfer know-how of IKEA to its retailers, monitor IKEA concept implementation and protect IKEA concept (Inter IKEA Group, n.d.). Currently, total of 38 IKEA franchisees are located over 11 countries. The countries with IKEA franchisee included 2 stores in United Arab Emirates, one stores in Kuwait, 3 stores in Saudi Arabia, 2 stores in Australia, 7 stores in China Taiwan, one stores in Cyprus, 5 stores in Greece, 3 stores in Malaysia and Singapore, 5 stores in Turkey, one stores in Iceland, 2 stores in Israel, 1 stores in Dominican Republic and 4 stores in Spain (Inter IKEA Group, n.d.). Franchises strategy not only provide the firm with high control of brand and strategy, but it is also a low financial investment risk and enabling the company to benefit from local knowledge (Back, Andrew Sparapani, 2010). Furthermore, some benefits can be able to gain through franchising by IKEA. For instance, it can earn extra source of income in term of loyalty and franchise fees since it franchises its retail stores located over 38 countries. The franchisees who allowed to use the concept and trademarks of IKEA is necessary to pay 3% of revenue earn to Inter IKEA Systems B.V annually (IKEAFANS, 2009). So, this intentionally provides other cash inflow for the IKEA. Although by using franchising strategy, IKEA can relief of many of the cost and risk of opening a foreign market (Hill Hernà ¡ndez-Requejo, 2011). However, this could make IKEA difficult to control the standards and quality where some franchisees may not concerned about these issues. This could be happened and hard to detect due to the geographic distance between franchisees and main franchisor. This might lead to affect consumer views of IKEAs product if the standards of products are not standardize in its own country compare with the IKEA main stores. 3.0 Future Expansion Strategy Joint Venture to Enter into India Market Joint venture is suitable for IKEA to enter into India Market. It refers to the set up of a new company that is jointly owned by two or more participants (Hill Hernà ¡ndez-Requejo 2011). Each partner must have something special and important such as knowledge, skill, and capital to offer the venture and simultaneously provide a source of gain to the other participants.  The reason for enter into India market is India furniture retail market has been classified by CSIL Milano as one of the 14 largest furniture markets in the world with the worth of US$8 billion and is growing at 30% annually (n.a., 2012). The second reason is that the furniture industry in India is highly unorganized. Nearly 85% of the home furnishing industry is in the unorganized sector and remaining 15% is in the organized sector which included domestic players and also imports (n.a., 2009). The reason to use joint venture is due to the government policy in inviting foreign company to invest in India. According to past policy in India, foreign firms can only own up to 51 percent of joint venture (Sharma Hansegard, 2012). The policy has changed last year by allows some retailers to own 100% of their Indian units. After the change of policy, IKEA have applied for permission to invest into India. However, the result of permission still has not come out. IKEA should not realize on the permission of the wholly own subsidiary given by the local government. If government reject its application, is it IKEA will not enter into the one of the 14 largest furniture markets in the world? There are many successful example of joint venture or cooperative between foreign furniture companies with local company in India today. Arrital Cucine, an Italian furniture company sells its products in India through its Indian partner, Overseas Connexions while the Germany company, Wilhelm Bolt C o. has a technical agreement with Arvind furniture to produce furniture at India (Mukherjee Patel, 2005). There is no time for IKEA to waste as they should quickly enter into India market through joint venture with local company to set up its manufacturing plants and also sell its product around the India. Culture is an important aspect that multinational company should consider before take an action to enter into a specific country (Hill et. al, 2011). Indian culture and their home decoration style are different from western country. Consumers may not accept the western design furniture as they are used to purchase traditional design of furniture which suit to their culture. Thus, set up a joint venture with local firm is a better way to doing business in India and hence can reduce the risk of failure. The difference of culture can directly affect the way how a business operates in that country. The experience of IKEA in China should be take note. Although there is a rapid increase in the number of visitors and sales volume in China, IKEA had yet to make a profit in China. IKEA showed local consumers new home decoration concepts using its various products but Chinese consumers do not accept it (Li Xu, 2007). IKEA have 25 years of procurement experience in China but yet still cannot understand deeply about the Chinese culture and consumers living style, preferences and taste. Thus, before set up its own retail store in India, they should make a deeply study on the local market. Joint venture with local company can bring more valuable information and knowledge for IKEA. IKEA can build relationship with local suppliers, distributors, and media. They can get the data and information form the joint venture firm. Besides that, cooperation with local branded company can quickly promote its brand name into consumers mind. Who should IKEA select to cooperative is crucial. Durian, Furniturewala, Zuari, Renaissance, Furniture Concepts, Millenium Lifestyles, are some of the key players in Indian furniture industry. Local company who can provide marketing expertise, local knowledge, have strong relationship with government, suppliers and distributors should be consider as they can provide many benefit to IKEA for their future operating its own subsidiary in India (Hill et. al, 2011). Besides that, good reputation and image of the local company also is one of the aspects to be considered for cooperative. Company with good reputation can bring IKEA into local market and also consumers mind easily. In contrast, cooperative with company possess bad reputation will straightly harm IKEA brand name and thus being bookmark as poor image company in consumers mind. Thus, companies mentioned above are the best local company for cooperation. According to IKEA Company, the requirement of purchase at least 30% of goods from local small and medium size enterprise under the new policy will remain a challenge for the company (Sharma etc. 2012). Thus, direct investment may not be a best strategy as they are not familiar with local business and industry. Until now, they still cannot truly build the supply chain network in India, so how are they going to set up its own retail store and run the business by themselves. Thus, when should they enter into India? If they do seriously consider the joint venture strategy, they should enter into India 1 or 2 year ago. With joint venture with local firm, IKEA can quickly access to local suppliers through the network of the local company and operate its business smoothly. The growing of furniture industry in India is due to two reasons, Indias large size and Indian tastes have started changed and Indian people are looking for more western furniture style (n.a., 2010). The market attractiv eness is not a problem and it is a chance to take the advantage for establishes its own retail store in coming year. As conclusion, due to local government policy, cultural difference, and also local business network, IKEA should use joint venture as entry mode to enter into India. This action enables them to build up a strong base for future expansion. Wholly Owned Subsidiary to Enter into Brazil IKEA needs to expand the business by entering into new foreign markets in order to ensure the companys future growth. We recommend IKEA can enter into Brazil in South America by considering the wholly owned subsidiary strategy. IKEA have entered into Europe, Asia, North America, Middle East and Caribbean but have yet entered into South America (IKEA, 2012). Two of the mandatory requirements for IKEA to move into Brazil are that the host country must be a member of the World Trade Organisation and a signatory to the agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) (Back et.al., 2011). The reason we choose to enter into Brazilian market because of the stable political economy factors. Political factors, economic factors, demand factors are factors that will influenced the potential attractiveness of a foreign markets (Hill et al., 2011). The Brazilian economys entered into a stable growth stage after the recovery form financial crisis in 2008. Besides that, Brazil estimated to grow 4.0% in 2012 and the economy is expected will rises from the seventh worlds largest to the fifth within next few years (n.a., 2011). Comparing with other countries in South America, Brazil has the highest Market Potential Index (MPI) (n.a., 2011). As a result, Brazils economy is the best that all of other countries in South America (CIA, 2012). Since domestic savings are not sufficient to sustain long-term growth rates, Brazil is currently encourages foreign direct investment (FDI) and it is the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in South America (n.a., 2011). The entry of IK EA can increase the employment rate of Brazil and increase the revenue of government. Furthermore, IKEA may exploit the market of South America by grabbing this opportunity. Furthermore, the furniture and furnishings sales in Brazil has grown by 5% in 2009 to reach over R$18 billion (U$ 555,435,224.08) and expected continue to grow in the next few years (Ong, Ng and Wu, 2010). This indicated that the demands of consumers are increasing and providing the opportunity for business to grow. IKEA expand into the Brazil market would form early market entry because it enters first into South America markets before other foreign firms. According to Lieberman and Montgomery (1988), the advantages of first mover are the ability to pre-empt rivals, capture demand by building s strong brand name, rides the learning curve ahead of rivals and the ability to create switching costs that tied customers into their products and services. For example, Walmart entered into the China market as early mover, which gained the ability to pre-empt rivals and capture early demand and still dominating the market over the late over Tesco (Waldmeir, 2010). IKEA has experienced as an early mover into the markets in the past. The company has entry into Canada markets in 1976, USA in 1985 and China in 1998 (IKEA, 2012). Thus, IKEA have the advantages of pre-empt rivals and riding the learning curve ahead of its rivals. However, IKEA also suffered from the pioneering costs when they realised of the need for localisation of its American product range (Back et al., 2011). The reasons IKEA failed in the Japanese markets was because IKEA lack of readiness for the Japanese market and lack of readiness of Japanese consumers for IKEAs do-it-yourself concept  (Wijers-Hasegawa 2006). Consequently, IKEA need to beware that riding the learning curve can be a long ride if the market is not ready to adapt the products. We suggest IKEA use wholly owned subsidiary because there are around 16,000 furniture companies in Brazil and most are family owned companies. There are few key domestic players included Florense, Brazil Furniture Group, and others. The furniture market is keep growing and there is yet well known and large furniture company emerge in the market. (Evans, 2012). Thus, the furniture market in Brazil is still unexplored by multinational furniture company. Thus, a well known brand name is easily discover by the market and the consumer when large company entering into that industry. IKEA, a world famous furniture company, have the competency to entering into furniture industry in Brazil and create strong brand image to the entire furniture market easily. As there are many small furniture companies, it is easily for IKEA to enter and dominate the Brazils market. The worlds largest rainforest, The Amazon, is located in Brazil. Thus, Brazil has abundance of high quality woods as the raw material for IKEA produce high quality furniture to consumers. This is the main reason for IKEA to use the wholly owned subsidiary to entry into Brazil. Besides that, the labour cost in Brazil is cheap compared to Europe and America (n.a., 2011). In other words, Brazil has significant comparative advantages compared to others exporting countries because it has excellent quality of raw materials at low costs and flexible labor (n.a., 2004). Wholly owned subsidiary can enable IKEA gain full control over the businesss operations which will also lower the brand risk in the same time (Back et.al., 2011). By wholly owned subsidiary, IKEA can get 100 percent profits that generated in Brazil. Besides that, by adapting wholly owned subsidiary, IKEA can gain the ability to realize location and experience economics as the company is adopting transnational strategy (Hill et. at., 2011). Thus, IKEA can make full decisions to produce products that are customized to the local customer wants and needs. In the South America Context, Brazil is the most preferred country for investment. Entering into South America market is an imported step of the IKEAs globalization strategy. 4.0 Conclusion In conclusion, we knew that IKEA is a very successful worldwide home furniture company. But, they are also facing franchising control management problem due to geographic distance. If franchises do not operate well in the current market, this will affect IKEAs reputation. They tend to reduce this problem by using wholly owned subsidiaries for expansion. This strategy also not very well for IKEA because full control over their competence and its concepts but instead increasing the risks for entry the market due to cultural conflict. We can see that IKEA was failure to entry in Japan before due to diff culture, lifestyle and purchasing behavior. So, we recommended that joint venture is suitable for IKEA to further expand. This strategy can reduce risk for entry and for better handle the market culture and policy. The joint venture that enable IKEA cooperative with those company that fulfill marketing expertise, local knowledge and skill and the most important factor is have strong relationship with government. These benefits encourage IKEA enable to operating well in the specific country. A successful company should analyze all the variables that will lead to failure before enter into a specific market. Although this strategy has occurs some problem and risk but compare to previous strategies, this strategy is better for IKEA sustainable development. Furthermore, cooperative with well known company will also increase IKEA reputation and influence local consumer purchasing behavior. Finally, a very successful company will not stop growing their business and finding the ways that lead to further expansion. They must know well their limit and beat all the deadlines. IKEA has put a lot of efforts on developing their business that strengthen capacity for further expansion. Consequently, they should use joint venture strategy to expand in other countries. The more understanding other countries culture, lifestyle and behavior, the closer the gaps for success.

The Importance of Helping Friends in Leo Lionnis, Frederick and Swimmy :: Frederick Swimmy Essays

The Importance of Helping Friends in Leo Lionni's, Frederick and Swimmy In many of Leo Lionni's children's books, one of his characters is always helping a fellow friend out. For example, in Frederick and Swimmy, there are characters that help others to survive. These characters possess human attributes and carry across important messages to the reader. Frederick shows that just because he is not working with the other mice does not mean that he is not helping out. He is just doing it in another way. While the others are working to gather food for the winter, Frederick just sits there and takes in other things such as the "sunrays for the cold dark winter days", and "colors for the winter is gray", and finally words "for the winter days are long and many, and we'll run out of things to say"(3). The other mice may not believe what Frederick is saying, however in the end when they are cold and the sky is gray, and they are at a loss for words, they turn to Frederick who in turn shares with them everything that he had been saving up. By Leo Lionni writing this, he was able to show that people can help out others in many ways. Although Frederick was not doing the same things as the other mice, in the end he helped his friends to survive the long, cold, dark winter. What Frederick achieves by gathering his supplies, Swimmy achieves by being smart. In Leo Lionni's book, Swimmy, the odd fish is the one who in the end helps the other fish from being eaten by the big "tuna fish" who is "swift, fierce, and very hungry" (75). Swimmy does not want to have to constantly worry about being eaten by the big fish, so he comes up with an idea to help all of the other little fish survive the large fish. He has them all join together to become one big fish and he is the eye. By Swimmy coming up with this idea, he is able to protect all of his friends. Without his help who knows what would have come of all the other little fish. Although not all of Leo Lionni's books portray how friends can help other friends survive in different ways, Frederick and Swimmy are great examples of this.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare :: Character Analysis, Classics

<< In the play Hamlet by William Shakesphere, the main character, Hamlet, has a high level of intelligence. In Denmark, Hamlet is the son of the king who had recently passed away, and the queen who betrayed her husband to marry Hamlet's uncle soon after his death. Hamlet is hurt and uproared by his mother's betrayal and his uncle's rise to become king. He has an extraordinary understanding and comprehension of others and himself. Hamlet understands himself and uses this as a strength for his revenge. He feels very strongly about his father's murder and hopes to seek a confession from King Claudius. "i'll wipe away all trivial fond records, all saw books, all forms, all pressures past that youth and observation copied there" <act one, scene five> this is when hamlet becomes determined to carry out the revenge after he speaks to the ghost. He shows strong signs of a studious nature and plans to carry them out against claudius. which he does, but not by blantent confrontation. He's wise enough to know claudius would never admit his sin that "is rank, it smeels to heaven", so he divises the mousetrap play. This plan shows he thinks straight but will not act too quickly on this. He gives this plan great thought and makes careful decisions. Hamlet's understanding of others helps discover the murderer of his father. His quick instincts tell him that the childhood friends Claudius wante d him to reunite with were spies. By asking them simple questions, Hamlet found Rosencrantz and Guildenstein weren't who they said they were.