Antivirus Programs

Today, people rely on computers to create, store, and manage critical information, many times via a home computer network. Information transmitted over networks has a higher degree of security risk than information kept in user’s home or company premises. Thus, it is crucial that they take measures to protect their computer and data from loss, damage, and misuse resulting from computer security risks. Antivirus programs are an effective way to protect a computer against viruses. An antivirus program protects a computer against viruses by identifying and removing any computer viruses found in memory, on storage media, or on incoming files.[1] When u purchases a new computer, it often includes antivirus software. Antivirus programs work by scanning for programs that normally are read from but not modified. In addition, many antivirus programs automatically scan files downloaded from the Web, e-mail attachments, opened files, and all types of removable media inserted in the computer (Karanos 201-205). One technique that antivirus programs use to identify a virus is to look for virus signatures, or virus definitions, which are known specific patterns of virus code. According to Shelly and Cashman (Antivirus Programs), many vendors of antivirus programs allow registered users to update virus signature files automatically from the Web at no cost for a specified time. Updating the antivirus program’s signature files regularly is important, because it will download any new virus definitions that have been added since the last update. Methods that guarantee a computer or network is safe from computer viruses simply do not exist. Installing, updating, and using an antivirus program, though, is an effective technique to safeguard your computer from loss.

Traditional Leadership

Traditional Leadership And E-Leadership A Study of Organizational Effectiveness In Today’s Scenario. CONTENTS TOPIC PAGE NO. 1). INTRODUCTION 3-7 2). NEED FOR THE STUDY 8 3). OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY 9 4). SCOPE OF THE STUDY 10-11 ). RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 12 6). LITERATURE REVIEW 13 7). EXPECTED CONTRIBUTION OF 14 THE RESEARCH WORK INTRODUCTION It has been accepted as a truism that good leadership is essential to every concern whether its business government or countless groups of organizations. Leadership shapes the world we work, play and live. If Leadership is such a crucial factor then, the critical issue is: What makes a great leader? It’s tempting to answer: Great followers! Although there lies some truth in this response the issue is much more complex. Leadership has been described as the â€Å"process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task†. A definition more inclusive of followers comes from Alan Keith of Genentech who said â€Å"Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen. The source of such influence can be formal, such as one provided by the possession of managerial ranks in organizations. But not all the leaders are managers and the vice-versa also holds equally true. Non-sanctioned leadership-that is, the ability to influence that arises outside the formal organization- is as important as or more important than formal influence. In other words, leader s can emerge from within a group or can be formally appointed. It comes clearly that leadership is a process of influencing others towards achievement of a goal. It is this influence part that makes this concept so crucial. As a practice, leadership is as old as mankind or even more, but as a concept of study it is of a recent origin. In the past few years numerous literatures has been developed to lay emphasis on the topic. Numerous studies have been done and theories have been developed. All these theories have one thing in common, and that is the influencing others factor. Over the year’s world has never remained stagnant and same is the case with leadership also. With time new concepts and paradigms have been added while the old ones generally remains after accommodating certain new phenomenon. Since the time the concept has been formally studied, numerous theories have been developed to explain its dynamics. Some of the well read and accepted theories of leadership are the Trait theories, Behavioral theories (Ohio State Studies, University of Michigan Studies and The Managerial Grid) and Contingency Theories. The above said three theories are considered as the traditional theories of leadership . It is with these studies that leadership has achieved its present status of a formal topic of study, if not a separate discipline. The latest paradigm in the study of leadership is the concept of E-Leadership. The concept has emerged as an answer to the question of bringing together, the skills and talents across national, geographic, cultural and other boundaries, using communications technologies tools to achieve results. E-Leadership stands for balancing many roles and carrying them out via communications technologies. E-leadership has emerged as solutions to the issues emerging at the back drop of the development of virtual organizations and global village. Organizations today are found using the concept of E-leadership in order to integrate their human and material resources, which may lie across national boundaries, to achieve organizational goals and to increase their organizational worth. Under such organizational structure, where it is not possible to arrange frequent meetings or any such face to face interactions between personnel, and the orders and permissions has to travel thousands of miles within seconds, E-leadership can be the solution to such critical issues. E-leadership is a term used when a leader must preside over a geographically dispersed or virtual team. Not being physically close to your subordinates poses many problems for a leader. An e-leader thus must be particularly effective at team building and communication in non-traditional modes. Since face-to-face communication is absent, e-leaders must encourage frequent communication and use multiple modes of communication where appropriate. In order to facilitate group cohesion, it may behoove the leader to gather the team together initially to have a face-to-face meeting so team members can get to know each other personally. If this is not possible, frequent group discussions should be directed by the leader online to ensure communication between group members. E-leaders must also impose structure and routine on the group by setting goals for team members and tracking their progress. This will help team members make sure they are making progress and will help them feel like they are a valuable part of the team. Proponents of E-leadership are promoting the concept in order to increase the organizational worth and in the process the concepts of traditional theories of leaderships are been found undermined. Although e-leadership has its drawbacks, it also has some advantages and in some cases is simply required. Below are some of its advantages: †¢ It allows for the fastest responses and best ways to keep up with the competition (e. g. , benchmarking). †¢ It allows for employees to work at home (i. e. , telework), which in some studies has been shown to reduce work-family conflict. †¢ This allows for complementarities of skills – that is, a leader can create a really effective team by choosing the best candidates from a wide variety of locations. Since team members come from many different places, they may be able to provide unique perspectives, enhancing the team’s creativity and innovation, which may lead to an increase in productivity Through case studies of organizations, this research paper is an attempt to bring out the contribution of traditional theories in the determining organizational effectiveness and the contribution of E-leadership in the same. Through this research work it would be seen as to how E-leadership would assure true motivation of group members in a virtual organization when members are physically not visible to one another. NEED FOR THE STUDY The changing requirements of organizations in the context of cross border, cross culture functioning which calls for higher leadership effectiveness is the first and foremost need for doing research on this field. Also the increasing literary emphasis on changes in addition to the existing patterns of traditional leadership styles also arises the need to study this phenomenon. The new evolving concept of E-leadership is also redefining the traditional practices of leadership in today’s context in various organizations. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY 1. Research would aim to provide a new insight into the practice of leadership, its basic concepts, theories, and advantages leadership. 2. The research would aim to analyze the importance of leadership in the current business scenario. 3. Through certain organizational case studies, the research would bring out clearly the changing trend in styles of leadership being adopted in the organization. 4. To make a detailed comparison between traditional leadership and E-leadership styles in the context of current business environment and to indicate as to how they are complementary to each other. SCOPE OF THE STUDY The practice of leadership is found to be ages old. Over the period of time as the requirements changed, new styles and practices came in use to aid the old ones. Sometimes such new practices comes as an addition to the existing patterns while sometimes they come as a replacement of the old and redundant styles. E-leadership is a new and upcoming concept in the field of leadership studies and practices, which is an addition to the existing styles. Though much has been talked about the concept, there is still scope for studies left. There is a lack of scholarly writings and research in the sense that how organizations can aid their leadership styles with that of E-leadership practices in order to make it much effective in today’s context. There exists volumes of management literature dealing with the topic of leadership but only a partial fraction of it is found dealing with E-leadership. This makes the scope of study wider. There exists wide opportunity for research work in the field so that the concept is introduced in regular management literature. Owing to the changing dynamics of business and other concerns, E-leadership is the pattern of the future. In times to come it would be the buzz for organizational effectiveness. Thus research-backed studies are essential for the topic to get its due importance. Such scholarly works would help introduce the topic in regular management studies. Such requirements make the scope of study amply wide. The study would cover the traditional leadership styles, its origin, features, its usage, and advantages. My research would also show how each of the traditional theory emerged as an answer to the shortcomings of the earlier ones thus making a chain. It would then study the recent practice of E-leadership, its origin, and usage and benefits. After analyzing the two, my research would aim to indicate as to how E-leadership is a practice for enhancing the leadership effectiveness and not a concept that aims to replace the studies of traditional leadership. This would be done through case studies of numerous organizations. Such scope makes the scope amply wide for an in-depth research work. LITERATURE REVIEW Owing to the wide scope of my study I aim to undergo wide survey of literature. My literary survey would include all the management literature dealing in the topic of leadership. Various journals, articles, magazines and other available research works of similar nature and scope would aid the study. Internet and the articles available on various websites would act as indispensable tool for the purpose. I aim to undertake personal interview of certain managers in organizations who are in into the application of E-leadership practices. This would enable me to take the first hand experience of those who are using the concept. The responses of the respondents would act as a primary data. Reports of various organizations on its work culture and recent trends and practices would also be referred. This would help in determining the changing work culture in organization. Other articles related to the matter, if any, which would be needed in the course of study, would also be referred to. For the purpose libraries of certain institutes and universities would be relied upon. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Having defined the need for the study and setting out research objectives it is necessary to make a research design. Research design specifies the method and procedures for collection of requisite analysis to arrive at certain meaningful conclusion at the end of the proposed study. In the initial stages up to the final designing of the research work, I intend to use both descriptive as well as exploratory research designs It will include detailed study of related literatures and in-depth interviews with managers of some of the organizations. In the later stage of the research work I intend to use Conclusive Research Design. For this descriptive methodology will be used by me. All this will help to find a definite solution for the research problem and for drawing specific conclusion regarding the problem under study. SAMPLE DATA In this research I intend to keep the sample data as 200, which will include entrepreneurs and managers of few organizations as well as employees, so as to be able to have a better understanding of the changing scenario of leadership styles in today’s organization. EXPECTED CONTRIBUTION OF THE RESEARCH WORK . Will be able to understand the concept of leadership and its various theories. 2. Will be able to have a better insight about the traditional leadership being used in various organizations. 3. Understand the evolving concept of E-leadership and its application in the organizations. 1. Will be able to do a detailed comparative study of the two kinds of leaderships and their impact on th e organizations in the current market scenario. 2. Will be able to recommend to the organization the various advantage and disadvantages of adapting a particular kind of leadership.

Quiz 8

Cognitive dissonance theory is most helpful for understanding the impact of: (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. frustration on aggression. b. groupthink on social conflict. c. deindividuation on the bystander effect. d. team membership on social loafing. e. role-playing on attitude change. | 2. Bonnie pedals an exercise bike at her health club much faster when other patrons happen to be working out on nearby equipment. This best illustrates: (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. the bystander effect. b. the mere exposure effect. c. the foot-in-the-door phenomenon. d. social facilitation. e. group polarization. 3. Although Natalie receives somewhat greater rewards from her marriage than does her husband, both are satisfied with the relationship because they each benefit in proportion to what they put into it. This best illustrates the significance of: (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. equity. b. deindividuation. c. the bystander effect. d. social facilitation. e. the mere exposure effect. | 4. The hostilities between two racial subgroups of a riverfront community were dramatically reduced when the threat of their river flooding its banks required that they work together to save their town.This best illustrates the impact of: (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. the mere exposure effect. b. groupthink. c. superordinate goals. d. deindividuation. e. the bystander effect. | 5. Research participants who worked alongside someone who rubbed his or her face or shook his or her foot were observed to do the same thing themselves. This best illustrated: (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. the mere exposure effect. b. the chameleon effect. c. social loafing. d. deindividuation. e. the bystander effect. | 6. When buying groceries, many shoppers prefer certain products simply because they have a familiar brand name.This preference best illustrates the importance of: (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. social traps. b. the mere exposure effect. c. mirr or-image perceptions. d. the reciprocity norm. e. deindividuation. | 7. Following Germany's defeat in World War I and the economic chaos that followed, many Germans experienced increasing levels of prejudice toward Jews. This surge of hostility can best be explained in terms of the (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. mere exposure effect. b. reciprocity norm. c. just-world phenomenon. d. scapegoat theory. e. bystander effect. | 8.Professor Stewart wrote a very positive letter of recommendation for a student despite his having doubts about her competence. Which theory best explains why he subsequently began to develop more favorable attitudes about the student's abilities? (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. cognitive dissonance theory b. social exchange theory c. two-factor theory d. scapegoat theory e. equity theory| 9. Mr. Hughes heard what sounded like cries for help from a swimmer located 30 yards from the ocean shoreline. He continued walking along the beach, however, b ecause he figured that one of the many swimmers in the vicinity would provide help if it was needed.His reaction best illustrates the dynamics involved in: (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. the fundamental attribution error. b. group polarization. c. the bystander effect. d. the foot-in-the-door phenomenon. e. the mere exposure effect. | 10. In a study of social loafing, blindfolded students were asked to pull on a rope as hard as they could. The students tugged hardest when they thought: (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. three others were pulling with them. b. three others were pulling against them. c. no others were pulling with them. d. no one was monitoring how hard they pulled. | 11.Bart complied with his friends' request to join them in smashing decorative pumpkins early one Halloween evening. Later that night he was surprised by his own failure to resist their pressures to throw eggs at passing police cars. Bart's experience best illustrates the: (Points : 1)      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. bystander effect. b. foot-in-the-door phenomenon. c. fundamental attribution error. d. frustration-aggression principle. e. just-world phenomenon. | 12. Although Frieda is typically very reserved, as part of a huge rock concert crowd she lost her inhibitions and behaved in a very sexually provocative way.Frieda's unusual behavior is best understood in terms of: (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. the bystander effect. b. social facilitation. c. deindividuation. d. the mere exposure effect. e. the fundamental attribution error. | 13. Marilyn judges her professor's strict class attendance policy to be an indication of his overcontrolling personality rather than a necessity dictated by the limited number of class sessions in a course that meets only once a week. Her judgment best illustrates: (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. the mere exposure effect. b. group polarization. c. deindividuation. d. he foot-in-the-door phenomenon. e. the fundamental attrib ution error. |14. Compared to their female classmates, college-age men are ________ likely to engage in unsafe sexual practices and ________ likely to die in auto crashes. (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. more; more b. more; less c. equally; more d. more; equally e. equally; equally| 15. At a social gathering, Latin Americans may behave in a manner that North Americans consider intrusive and overly expressive. This best illustrates the importance of being sensitive to differing: (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. norms. b. gene complexes. c. gender identities. . heritability estimates. | 16. In emphasizing that the behavioral effects of heredity depend on the specific environment in which one is raised, psychologists are highlighting the importance of: (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. the double helix. b. gene complexes. c. natural selection. d. nature-nurture interactions. | 17. Compared to women, men are ________ likely to feel comfortable about having casual se x with different partners and ________ likely to feel jealous rage over a mate's having sex with someone else. (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. less; more b. more; less c. less; less d. more; more| 18.Concepts of maleness and femaleness that influence our perceptions are called gender: (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. types. b. schemas. c. roles. d. complexes. | 19. Identifying some of the specific genes that contribute to alcoholism would be of most direct interest to: (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. evolutionary psychologists. b. molecular geneticists. c. gender schema theorists. d. Freudian psychologists. | 20. Adoptive parents are least likely to influence the ________ of their adopted children. (Points : 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a. personality traits b. religious beliefs c. political attitudes d. moral values|

Individual learning portfoli Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Individual learning portfoli - Essay Example I might not have thought of value judgments so seriously before. PUL has been designed to provide a holistic learning experience to the student at the university. It presupposes the all too important participation on the part of the student in this once-in-lifetime experience. However, it still reminds the student of the endless opportunities available to students for learning. Thus learning is a full lifetime experience. Individual students’ perception of university learning is determined by a number of factors such as cultural influences, socio-economic influences and personal attitudes. My own attitudinal perspectives on PUL are coloured by such factors as my own perception of individual liberty and economic status. The whole process of education at the university has been exceedingly rewarding and primarily reorienting. PUL has afforded me a vantage point in understanding the process of education. I might have deliberately avoided examining my inner feelings towards university education at the outset for the fear of exposing myself to prejudices of fellow students. PUL plays a pivotal role in awakening in students a desire for self-learning that promises a paradigmatic shift in attitude and individual experience. Despite a host of much hyped liberties in non-institutional environments of learning, the experience of such learning has little or no rewards. Thus, PUL as a subject provides the student with a much wider scope to embark on a pursuit of self-interest. There are some implications of such a program of study though. For instance, at times I happen to entertain qualms about the so called futuristic dimension of a subject that has more to do with university culture and environment. Personal predilections and positive or/and negative marginal propensities all play a major role in this sensitive issue. My own senses and sensibilities very rarely find a medium for expression. But PUL has provided me with that

A Reflective Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

A Reflective Report - Essay Example The presentation work submitted by our group will also be studied for understanding our overall learning as well as gap between our expectations at beginning of the unit and extent of our success in completing and meeting objectives. The self-reflective report has been divided into three major parts. The first part introduces the objective and provides a clear understanding of the flow of self-reflective report. The next section is a reflective commentary where different techniques and tools for critical foresight have been evaluated. Their impact on my own thinking process will also be discussed. This section will also compare opinions and ideas from the literature. The last section will be a conclusion of key points discussed in the reflective commentary. The coursework was presented on the topic of Bio-fuels. The report was an exhaustive study including analysis of trends on bio-fuels, their usage and current availability as well as future scenario development (Slaughter, 1996). Deeper insight on the future of transportation and role of bio-fuels was presented with the help of PESTEL analysis. Based on PESTEL analysis, various recommendations for sourcing bio-fuels as well as enhancing its usage was discussed. The feedback provided after final submission helped in understanding areas that needed improvement. According to the feedback, initially the report was well-written till the introduction section. However, after the introduction, the report started to look like an essay containing majorly descriptive studies as well as lacking any aim or objective. While referencing was appropriate, the report was said to be weak in areas such as, trends, interactions, scenario development as well as proper explanations. The feedback also sugge sted that the report lacked focused justification or any identified opportunity. While the style of writing was clear and

British Settler English Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

British Settler English - Essay Example There is that brief period when every physical thing that represented 'home' is packed and sealed into cartons, leaving one feeling disoriented. Even after one has set up one's new home, the feeling of disorientation does not cease. It is followed by the process of adjusting to one's new neighbors. There are new values and new ways of behaving to be understood and internalized. We become the stranger in this landscape, and our neighbors may treat us with disdain. Perhaps it is because of the harshness of the new environment, perhaps it is because they cannot see us as part of themselves that they trouble us. Then, consider the concept of ownership and the practice of borrowing. We may have been used to thinking in terms of 'mine' and 'yours'. But the distinction gets blurred. And what is mine becomes yours. Perhaps after a while, we realize that the reverse doesn't happen. Finally, we have to resort to slightly manipulative ways to rid ourselves of 'good neighbors.' We eventually realize that we may have to do some borrowing ourselves, and neighbor has to come to neighbor's help. In the situations described by Moodie, a dose of humor is what helps one retain a sense of proportion and even sanity. Change-even for the better-involves discomfort.

The US Importation Benefits for World Development Term Paper

The US Importation Benefits for World Development - Term Paper Example Countries trade with each other because of the concept of comparative advantage and specialization.   Using the concept of Adams Smith as the basis of the theory it would not able to remember the foundation of having to import or to buy when it would cost more to make. If a foreign country can supply the United States with a commodity which would be cheaper than it can make, then there is a reason to buy from said foreign while at the same time allowing some of the produce of the US industry to be sold. In other words, the US would produce where it has some advantage. The need to specialize and trade for the same reason should govern the behavior of individuals at it meant to result in greater out and income.   A lawyer who is also a skilled painter can benefit to just hire a painter to paint his house. It is assumed that the lawyer can earn $50 dollars per hour and that the painter earns $20 an hour. Although the lawyer is a good painter, he would do best to just specialize in his work as a lawyer by hiring a painted, as he could be saving $20 per hour. That the world economy is benefited by US importation cannot be denied.   Ã‚  One cannot talk about the economy without going back to things about demand and supply of good and services. The demanders are the households, individuals, and entities and the suppliers are the firms. This interaction could result in economic activities that will the cause the continuous production of needs and wants as sustained by the continuing demand.   From the macroeconomic model, the economy of every country is then measured by GDP growth with the necessary components of consumption, investment, government spending, and net export or the result of exports after deducting imports. Imports by the US may result therefore to trade deficit whether the US could actually be consuming more than it produces or exports. It may there have a negative effect on its GDP. However, in business, one’s loss is another’s gain.

Lab report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Lab report - Essay Example The ration of the extension in length to the original length is referred to as tensile strain. Consequently, modulus of elasticity of the material is obtained by finding the ration between tensile stress and strain. The measurement of extension of a material before it snaps enables the classification of the material or specimen as ductile or brittle. The yield strength of a ductile material is obtained when the expansion is 0.2 percent. In order to understand the behavior of materials under high stress or loading rates, impact test is done. Impact tests are usually done using Izod or Charpy procedures. Impact test on steel and plastic aims at establishing their toughness. Impact test determines the behavior of a material under high stress levels that include tension/torsion and bending of the material. A specimen in impact test is broken by a single blow is a specially designed device. The energy spent in breaking the specimen in a single blow is the quality of the material or specimen. The property of a material varies with variation in temperature, thus conducting the experiment at different temperatures allows for the determination of change in properties of the material as temperature changes. Steel has a yield value of 43 ksi, which is approximately the same as the expected value. Also, the tensile strength and strain as well as ultimate strength before the material snaps are approximately the same as measured value. The modulus of elasticity of aluminum measured value tends towards 11 Msi as it approaches power six, which is perceived as equal value. The measured value for Plexiglas is very close to expected value as seen in Table 1. The temperature of the specimen affects impact test on the specimen. Consequently, in order to determine the effect of temperature on impact test, a similar specimen is tested under two different temperatures. The measured value or behavior of the specimen at two

Prayer in Islam Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Prayer in Islam - Research Paper Example Prayer is that spiritual communication to God or an object that is being worshiped, it is making a petition to God, an object of worship or a god. Prayer has different meanings and practices around the world where there is the use of postures like kneeling, walking and bowing the head which is seen as a way of showing devotion. In some places prayer involves asking for forgiveness, praise and worship and thanks giving. Some religions have a certain or standard way of praying, for example, the Lord’s Prayer which is often said by a group of worshipers. Islam is based on the five pillars which are the foundation of the Islamic life. The first pillar is the I-man or faith where Muslims believe in the oneness of Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger. This declaration or Shahada is the believe that serving and obeying Allah is the only purpose one has in their life and this is normally achieved through the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad. Prayer is the second pillar which involves declaring a testimony of faith. Prayer in Muslim is seen to be important since it is a way of worshiping and establishing a close relationship with Allah who is the creator. It is seen as way of acknowledgement ones weakness and need to ask for Devine grace, forgiveness, mercy and abundance which is believed to be of interest to every Muslim. Prayer in Islam is referred to as Salat and is believed to have been made a mandatory obligation by Allah for every Muslim to follow it as per the Hadith where Prophet Muhammad was asked, â€Å"which of the actions is best?† ... ayer is also believed to be able to prevent one from all immoral or sinful deeds and strengthens the relationship and bond between Muslims, that bond of unity and love. Prayer breaks all differences that exist among Muslims because every individual prays at the same time, facing the same direction and this can also be seen when all Muslims gather together in Mosques to pray and listen to sermons. Prayer involves certain body movement while reciting passages of the Quran and consists of defined movements and recitations of passages of the Quran. For the Muslim community prayers can be done in any place that is considered to be clean; however, it is believed that prayers done from a mosque will bring 27 times more blessings. Muslims believe that when one begins a prayer session, they should not stop until they are through but there is an exception, for example, in a situation where a woman sees her child in danger, she can save her child while reciting the prayer as per the teachings o f the Quran [2:239] "Under unusual circumstances, one may pray while walking or even riding. Once one is safe, one shall commemorate God as He taught them what they never knew."    There are several pre-requisites to make a prayer valid which include; the prayer time where prayers have to be during the specific times of the day. Mosques normally help the congregation note the prayer time through the Adan or call to prayer which translates to; God is the greatest (x 3) I confirm that there is no one worthy of worship except God (x2) I testify that Prophet Muhammad is the messenger of God (x2) Come for prayer (x2) Come for success (x2) God is the greatest (x2) there is no one worthy of worship except God. Pre-requisites in making a prayer valid also include the purification rituals or Taharah

An evaluation of the planning and delivery of nursing care. Acute Essay

An evaluation of the planning and delivery of nursing care. Acute management of patient with NSTEMI - Essay Example In the United States, every year, approximately 5.3 million patients present to the ED with chest discomfort and related symptoms and nearly about 1.4 individuals are hospitalized for unstable angina and Non ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) (Cannon & O’Gara 2006). On the same context, in 2000 it was estimated that 1.4 million people in England suffer from angina. 300,000 of which have heart attacks, and it is estimated that more than 110,000 die every year. Although much has improved in terms of treatment and modalities when it comes to cardiac problems and the mortality from cardiovascular causes has declined still the numbers that hit the scale will always remain as a basis for improving programs against coronary artery disease and myocardial infarctions (The National Clinical Guideline Centre 2010). However, the number of people admitted with NSTEMI ACS has shown less of a decline and the management of these conditions remains a high priority (The National Clinical Guideline Centre 2010). The healthcare delivery system is designed to address the growing health problems of the population is a systematic procedure and nurses play an important role on the lead in the promotion, prevention and rehabilitation of health of people. In the concept of this paper the role of the nurse will be given much focus as an evaluative tool in the planning and the delivery of nursing care to NSTEMI patients from the perceived onset, the course of the disease and the rehabilitative phase. With this Nurses’ play an important role as health guide that improve the totality of patient outcome for better prognosis and continuous recovery. NSTEMI: Overview and Understanding the disease According to Anderson et al. (2007), NSTEMI constitute a clinical syndrome subset of Acute Coronary Syndrome that is usually caused by Cardiovascular Atherosclerotic Disease and is associated with increased risk of cardiac death and subsequent myocardial infarction. It is defined by the electrocardiograph ic ST segment depression or prominent T wave inversion and positive biomarkers of necrosis in the absence of ST-segment elevation and in an appropriate clinical setting such as chest discomfort (Anderson et al. 2007; Kalra et al. 2008). Acute coronary syndrome starts when platelet aggregates clump together and forms a thrombi from a ruptured arteriosclerotic plaque. Once the clot occludes the vessels for more than 20 minutes, the myocardial tissue becomes necrotic due to the occlusion (Smeltzer et al. 2009; White et al. 2012). Due to this the heart will not be able to pump enough blood to vital organs and tissues leading to shock and eventually death. Chest pain in NSTEMI lasts longer and is more severe than the pain of unstable angina and can lasts for 15 minutes if not treated with rest or nitro-glycerine. The pain may or may not radiate to the arm, neck, back or epigastric area and may also experience dyspnoea, diaphoresis, nausea, and dizziness (Jevon et al. 2008). Women experie ncing ACS may experience misleading symptoms of indigestion, palpitations, nausea, numbness in the hands, and fatigue rather than chest pain (Overbaugh 2009) The US Department of Health & Human Services (2010)

Comorbidity and Treatment of Mental Illnesses Research Paper

Comorbidity and Treatment of Mental Illnesses - Research Paper Example Changes in these levels can lead to abnormalities. In addition, during the interview with the parents, it was acknowledged that they tolerated this abnormal behavior such as moodiness. He was also having problems at school due to the particular cohort of students he was associating with. The increase in weight could also be attributed to either genetic factors or simply the parents feeding him an unhealthy diet. On a side note, he seemed to have some abnormally shaped facial features which could possibly be the result of trisomy-21 or another genetically linked disorder which could be used to help explain the genetic link behind the psychiatric illnesses. The suicide which followed due to bullying could have also been prompted by a couple factors. The students were making fun of him and over time this wears down a person’s defenses making them vulnerable. People who are suffering from depression and suicide also have low amounts of dopamine, which is an important neurotransmit ter in the regulation of mood. It is hard to place Alex’s problems at a specific root such as ADHD because there are so many biopsychosocial problems which could be effecting and causing many of the problems in which he is experiencing. First, in order to gather information regarding the roots of the problem, I would focus on the biology and family history as well as the parent’s lifestyle and parenting style. 1. Is there a family history of obesity and any other conditions associated with obesity such as heart disease, cancers, etc.? 2. Is there a history of ADHD or any other diagnosable psychiatric illnesses in the family? 3. Has this behavior always been displayed, or has this been something that has evolved in the past few years? 4. How would you describe your parenting style when dealing with Alex? 5. How would you describe his home life in relation to his social life at school? The questions that I would like to ask Alex would be more related to his ideas of suic ide and depression and looking his global index as far as mental health. 1. When and how many times have you considered committing suicide? 2. How does it make you feel when the kid’s bully you†¦ how do you deal with that? 3. How do you feel when you cannot concentrate in class and do your work? 4. What do you want out of life? 5. Is there anything else you want to share as far as how your family, friends, teachers, etc. treat you? Interview 1. When and how many times have you considered committing suicide? There has been a few times in which I have felt like what’s the point in living. Like its hard when you can’t find anything you’re good at, and you see kids doing good in some aspect and I’m just not good at anything. I also am fat and the kids like to make fun of me for that. I feel like what’s the point in living if I can’t be successful or do anything. I have only tried once to go through with my suicide, but I think about it as a way of me escaping from everything. 2. How does it make you feel when the kid’s bully you†¦ how do you deal with that? It makes me feel sad and angry. I feel like they are attacking me and it hurts me on the inside. Sometimes I will get angry and fight back, but then I get into trouble. I feel like I can’t talk to anyone about it because I don’t want to come off as weak to my parents or at school. Most of the time I just want to play video games and be by myself when I go home

What Did the Habsburg Empire Do in Central Europe During the 16th Century Essay Example for Free

What Did the Habsburg Empire Do in Central Europe During the 16th Century Essay The Habsburg Empire during the 16th century in central Europe was a very important and influential act throughout Europe because they have mainly ruled many territories and had made a great success towards it. During the 16th century, the Habsburg Empire in central Europe was a ruler family of Austria, for many centuries they have ruled several lands of Europe, and had a numerous amount of superb leaders throughout the Empire. The Empire provided the dukes and archdukes of Austria and was ruled by the Austrian branch of the House of Habsburg from 1278 to 1780. While the Habsburgs were ruling other parts of Europe, the Holy Roman Empire, which took place in this act, was under the control of the Habsburgs. In the 16th century, there were many great and powerful leaders throughout the Empire such as Charles V. The Habsburg Empire was a family who ruled Austria during the 16th century. It was amazingly ruled by the Austrian branch of the Habsburg and also included the dukes and archdukes of Austria. The Habsburgs were founded by Albert, Count Of Habsburg, in 1153. Not only were the emperors of the Habsburgs Austrian, but also were emperors of the Holy Roman Empire from 1438 to 1806. The imperial capital of the Empire was Vienna, except from 1583 to 1691; when it was moved to Prague. The â€Å"Habsburg Empire† also might refer to the extended Habsburg family possessions that were once ruled by the magnificent Charles V, who he was the Holy Roman Emperor. â€Å"By the sixteenth century, the imperial title was hereditary†, which was allowing the Habsburg dominion to expand over Europe, but not only through military conquest but through marriage. The Habsburg Empire had lots of things to do with marriage. Austria was a whole monarchy, which meant that the Habsburg dynasty included the Spanish branch. The dynasty first gained its power in the year, 1278 when Rudolf of Habsburg seized the Alpine dukes of Austria and Styria. The Habsburgs still held the title of the Holy Roman Emperor between 1438 and 1740. The Empire ruled variety parts of Europe as in the kingdoms during the 16th century. The territories that were controlled by the branch changed over centuries. The Habsburgs ruled the south as in inner Austria, which included the nearby duchies of Styria, Carinthia, and Carniola. Gorizia, Istria, and Trieste extended the realm to the Adriatic Sea. The Country of Tyrol, the Vorarlberg, and the Vorlande were often grouped together as† Further Austria†. The Hapsburgs ruled each of these territories individually. â€Å"The five Bohemian crown lands had existed of Habsburg rule for close to five hundred years. † Many kingdoms were ruled as the kingdoms of Croatia, Slovenia, and Transylvania. The Ottoman Empire and the Princes of vassal Ottoman Transylvania conquered two thirds of the former territory that was administered by the medieval Kingdom of Hungary, while the Habsburg administration was restricted to the western and northern territories of the former kingdom. The Spanish line of the Habsburgs took control over Habsburg Spain and many other territories from the 15 hundreds and so on. During this century, there were many powerful and splendid leaders throughout the Empire. Some of the leaders who were present during the century were Rudolf II, Matthias, Ferdinand II, Ferdinand III, Leopold I, Charles V, and Maxmillian I. Charles V was known for his brilliance and an outstanding emperor. He owned great family estates in Austria. â€Å"Emperor Charles V was one of the most important ruling personalities in European History. † He was the Duke of Burgundy who ruled the Netherlands and Franche- Comte. He was also the King of Spain, which he was included in the Master of Aragon, Castile, Balearic Islands, Sardinia, Sicily and Southern Italy. For the first time in history, Europe became the center of a world empire. Maxmillian I had expanded the influence of the House of Habsburg through war and established the Habsburg dynasty as a European power. He was an archduke of Austria and an addition to that; he was a German king and a Holy Roman Emperor. Maxmillian I made his family and the Habsburgs dominant in the 16th century. He also added many lands to Austria, securing the Netherland by his own marriage, Hungry and Bohemia by treaty and military pressure, and Spain and the Spanish Empire by the marriage of his son. The Habsburg Empire during the 16th century in central Europe was a ruler family of Austria, they ruled many parts of Europe, and had many great leaders of the Empire. The astonishing Empire was a princely family that included dukes and archdukes of Austria, which also was founded by Albert, the Count Of Habsburg. The Habsburgs were Holy Roman Emperors from 1438 to 1806 and they also provided rulers of Austria, Hungary, Spain, Bohemia, modern Belgium, and the Netherlands, as well as several other areas. They have ruled inner Austria and â€Å"Further Austria† which was a group for the Country of Tyrol, the Vorarlberg, and the Vorlande. There were magnificent leaders throughout the centuries as well as Charles V and Maxmillian I. Some questions that come to mind would be that; did the Hapsburg family ever take part outside of Europe? Were the Spanish Hapsburgs and the Austrian Hapsburg ever part of a United State or were they just allied? The Habsburg Empire was a very important act throughout history as they expanded their power through shrewd marriages, acquiring ruler ship over possessions in the late 15th century, and Spain in the early 16th century this way and also by having great leaders who ruled the Empire intensely.

Learning Story Example in Child Care

Learning Story Example in Child Care Di Zheng Introduction Children have their own learning story as they explore their social and natural environment. They have their own ways of solving problems and dealing with the issues they face. This makes them unique from one person to another. Furthermore, it helps adult understand the importance of seeing things lightly-no matter how difficult life may seem. Sometimes, it is better to learn from children because their innocence enlightens the adults-through the way they see ideas and things from their perspectives. In early childhood education, teachers are considering even the most basic aspect of childs learning. They identify and strengthen the flourishing skills and abilities of children based on each childs behaviour, actions, and words. Teachers are taking the opportunity to expand the ideas, thoughts, feelings, and abilities of each child when they see interesting events or behaviour. To further understand these ideas, several authors on childhood education provide learning stories. These le arning stories illustrate the journey of toddlers in solving problems and accomplishing tasks. The purpose of this report is to discuss Rubys shopping. This paper aims to explore Rubys demonstrated skills and abilities in her imaginary world. Understanding Rubys capabilities, skills, and personality enable teachers to use different strategies to nurture Rubys experience and understanding. Learning Story Ruby is playing the sandpit making puddings, but she wants to have other ingredients to finish her tasks. She wants apples, bananas, chocolate, and ice cream, but she cannot have it all in the centre so she needs to go shopping. Her teacher assist her in finding the toy fruits and other things, which she enjoys doing. After getting all the things she needed, Ruby talks to her teacher about the experience and she says that she loves buying things. The next day, another teacher joins her to go to a real supermarket to buy things they need. To add more to their shopping list, Ruby asks other teachers what they want her to buy. It gives her more responsibilities than her typical needs. When they reach the supermarket, the teacher, Ruby, and another child, Miller, start to buy everything. They return to the centre after completing their errands and talk about what they learn. The teacher asks Ruby about what she learns and feels while shopping. Ruby says that she loves shopping. During th e first and second activity, the teacher identifies the skills and abilities of Ruby when it comes to money and shopping sequencing. She also knows what to consider and she is firm with her shopping list. Though she tends to forget some things in her list, she shows determination in completing everything. She is also patient in exploring her social environment. Furthermore, she is open to assistance and help when needed. She accepts suggestion and works with it to complete her tasks successfully. The teachers working with her perceive these opportunities and skills in nurturing the mind and wellbeing of the child. Learning Assessment Ruby shows significant interest in her social environment-and she does not simply create things according to rules. She demonstrates her creativity by looking for more resources within her reach. It is true that Rubys make-believe play provides an information exchange within a responsive social context. Rubys use of language in her play as she responds, imagines, questions, describes, creates, and decides shows her independence, confidence, and sense of responsibility for her own learning (p.8). This statement justifies Rubys desire to learn and to explore the resources available for her. As she explores, she learns new things. This can be a form of scientific inquiry wherein she conducts observation, classification, experimentation, prediction, drawing conclusions, and communication of ideas (Neil, 2009). With her teachers help, Ruby is able to accomplish her tasks the scientific way. In this manner, Ruby demonstrates different feelings and emotions that justify her disposition. It is correct to say that her discussion with her teacher going on a trip to the supermarket enabled Ruby to take responsibility for her learning and to express her ideas and feelings, two very significant learning dispositions (p.9). This statement is true because Ruby does not stress herself in finding solution to her problems. She takes one step at a time and completes them successfully. Another important to consider is Rubys mathematical abilities. In the first activity, Ruby knows how to pay for the things she buys to the supermarket. She is aware that everything taken from the supermarket should be paid immediately. This practice is also shown in her journey to the real supermarket. This mathematic ability may not be unique, but interesting to see from a young child. Ruby can have a significant advantage in mathematical concepts and learning because she is aware of numbers and mathematical ideas. It is true that to be good or proficient at mathematics, children must know more than the content. They must be able to communicate the knowledge, connect that knowledge to other mathematical ideas and to other subject areas, represent their understanding, use that knowledge as they solve problems and reason (Copley, 2010, p.29). From this sense, it can be said that mathematics should not only be practiced inside the classroom, but also in everyday life (Peters Rameka, 2 010). In Rubys case, these ideas are perceived because she uses her mathematical knowledge in the real world. She uses math to buy things in the supermarket-not only in money, but also sequencing. It is also important to note that children need to demonstrate a disposition that think flexibility and with persistence about mathematic to solve problems (Copley, 2010, p.29). This thought occurs in Ruby in the first activity. She demonstrates the ability to solve problems by finding more resources. She does not simply complete the pudding; instead, she finds other things to make the pudding better in taste, smell, and appearance. These thoughts show how Ruby is able to apply mathematics in everyday life. Linking to Te Whaariki The Te Whariki is the Ministry of Education in New Zealand providing early childhood curriculum policy statement. This ministry plays an important role in shaping and nurturing early childhood curriculum to help early learners and educators in expanding knowledge, abilities, skills, personality, and identity. The goals of the early childhood curriculum under the Te Whariki include empowerment, holistic development, family and community, and relationships (Ministry of Education, 1996). Empowerment aims to see how children empower their skills and abilities to grow and learn. Holistic development aims to show childrens holistic growth and learning. Family and community aims to expand the knowledge and emotional stability of children with their family and community. Relationships encourage children to establish and learn the different kinds of relationships that they can use in their social connection and interaction. The Te Whariki curriculum aims to establish connection with people an d understand childrens personality, identity, and skills at an early age. Using different teaching strategies and methods, teachers are able to unleash the innate skills of children. After unleashing these skills, the teachers are able to nurturing and mould them according to the desires and personalities of children. In Rubys case, it shows that the teachers are responding to the goals and principles of Te Whariki in empowering, holistically developing, establishing community, and encouraging relationships. Rubys simple journey to the supermarket with Miller and her teacher creates a significant impact to her being because it demonstrates her skills and help her identify the different things available around her. These understandings correspond to Te Whariki. Linking to New Zealand Curriculum In the case of the New Zealand curriculum, Rubys learning story demonstrates her abilities and skills at a young age. In early childhood curriculum, this is an important development because not all children are able to progress as fast as Ruby. This is the reason why numerous childhood education programs and services are available throughout New Zealand-to help and encourage young children to unleash their skills, talents, and knowledge innate to them. It is important to note that early childhood care and education in New Zealand cover the years from birth to school entry age. Although participation is voluntary, attendance levels within early childhood education services continue to increase for all ages (Ministry of Education, 1996, p.17). This statement justifies that early childhood education programs and services reveal that early childhood learners are increasing in population over the years. The probable reason behind this is due to the increasing desire of parents to expose t heir children to the real world (Ministry of Education, 2007). Aside from the fact that some parents do not have sufficient time for their children, encouraging toddlers to communicate and explore their social environment will shape their personality, identity, and way of life (Ministry of Education, 2007). This is the reason why the New Zealand curriculum is imposing strict policies in nurturing and educating young learners. According to the Ministry of Education (1996), Early childhood education services are committed to ensuring that learning opportunities are not restricted by gender, locality, or economic constraints (p.17). This statement argues that the New Zealand curriculum is devoted to provide learning opportunities to any toddle from all walks of life. They do not disregard children according to gender, locality, or economic constraints because they want to provide education for all. This principle of the curriculum is shown in the second activity of Rubys journey to the supermarket wherein the teacher includes Miller into the activity. Two children, a boy and a girl, enjoy the activity as they both want to learn about things. Evaluation Considering Rubys learning story, it can be said that early childhood education is both fun and complicated. Children nowadays need real situations, occurrences, and events to clearly shape their knowledge and abilities (Dunn Stinson, 2012). Due to this, numerous early childhood programs and services are moving beyond the four corners of the classroom and explore the real world with these young learners. However, the prgrams and services provided to these children are related, connected, and in accordance to the standard academic curriculum of early childhood education. The Ministry of Education (1996) emphasizes that many early childhood education services exist as part of a national organisation which provides their philosophical rationale and direction. The particular approach of each organisation to curriculum is an essential part of its identity, and some organisations run specialised training programmes to assist in developing a curriculum appropriate for their particular phil osophy (p.17). From this sense, it can be said that early childhood education should not only be fun, enjoyable, and light. It should also provide extensive learning and exploration according to the goals of early childhood curriculum. The Te Whariki is doing its best to shape the curriculum based on the needs and demands of the children for their innocence is wide and great (Alvestad, Duncan, Berge, 2009). Therefore, they want to explore the world differently-using real experiences, things, and environment. This judgment supports the Ministry of Educations (1996) claim saying that the early childhood curriculum recognises that there can be wide variations in the rate and timing of childrens growth and development and in their capacity to learn new things in new places (p.20). The early childhood curriculum is more complicated than any curriculums because it does not only consider the age and condition of the students, but also their learning abilities, mood, and desires for them t o successfully grow and develop (Blaiklock, 2011). In Rubys case, it is shown that the teachers in the centre are doing their best to provide children the best environment. They show children the real world with great guidance and assistance. Through these things, children would be able to explore their social environment without being vulnerable or hesitant because they know that someone is there to support them. Conclusion Rubys learning story is interesting because she demonstrates strong abilities and skills at an early age. However, not only her abilities and personalities should be considered, but the role and competency of the educators as well. The learning story reveals that the teachers are aware of the importance of the real world-and they go extra mile to provide children their needs in holistic development. As they physically, mentally, and emotionally develop through experiences, children are also able to establish communication and relationships with their community. All these things are shown in Rubys learning story-and they all correspond to the principles and goals of Te Whariki and New Zealand early childhood education curriculum. Reference List [Example] Alvestad, M., Duncan, J., Berge, A. (2009). New Zealand teachers talk about Te WhÄ riki.New Zealand Journal of Teachers Work, 6(1), 3 19. Blaiklock, K. (2011). Te WhÄ riki, the New Zealand early childhood curriculum: Is it effective? International Journal of Early Years Education, 18 (3), 201à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ 212. Copley, J. (2010). The young child and mathematics (2nd ed., pp. 29à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ 44). Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children. Dietze, B., Kashin, D. (2012). Playing and learning in early childhood education (pp. 320à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ 329). Ontario, Canada: Pearson Canada. Dunn, J. Stinson, M. (2012). Dramatic play and drama in the early years: Re-imagining the approach. In Wright, S. (Ed.), Children, Meaning Making and the Arts (2nd ed, pp. 115-134). Frenchs Forest, Australia: Pearson. Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whariki. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media Limited. Ministry of Education. (2007). The New Zealand Curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media Limited. Peters, S. Rameka, L. (2010). Te kakano (the seed): Growing rich mathematics in ECE settings. Early Childhood Folio, 16(2), 8-14.

BP Angola Supplier Relationship Management

BP Angola Supplier Relationship Management Introduction The results of this study are based on a qualitative research conducted in BP Angola with Procurement and Supply Chain Management professionals, Suppliers Performance Leaders (SPL) from Operations Department and Suppliers. The selection of the interviewees was based primarily on their involvement in supplier management and their availability at the time when the researcher was gathering data. The researcher intended to interview at least nine people, three from each group (Procurement professionals, Suppliers Performance Leaders and Suppliers), since three people from each group had been deemed as an appropriate sample size. A period of two weeks was set for the completion of the interviews. Therefore, at the end of the two weeks period, only seven interviews, not nine, were completed. Three from Procurement department, two suppliers and two from BP Angola Operations Departments (end users of supplier services or Supplier Performance Leaders). The Researcher attempted to obtain confirmation for the interview with the third supplier, but for reasons unknown until today, this supplier never confirmed or rejected the invitation, although the constant follow up with telephone calls. The third interviewee from the End User group had to leave the country due to unplanned compassionate leave. Although the reduced number of interviewees, the Researcher decided to keep the sample size at seven, as the key stakeholders involved in supplier management in BP Angola were included in the interviewed population. As may be inferred from above, this chapter presents the results of the interviews conducted and also the internal BP Angola document reviewed. There are several purposes to doing so. The first is to examine the current methods and systems in place in BP Angola (Exploration and Production) for Supplier Relationship Management, second identify whether the current Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) process is adding value. Third is to determine whether or not, as earlier hypothesized, these methods and systems for supplier relationship management post contract award were effective and compare them with best known practice models. The fourth and final purpose is to evaluate the validity of the earlier stated hypothesis pertaining to the implementation of Supplier Management strategy. The main themes that emerged through the research are vastly consistent with the reviewed in the literature. These themes are definition, business drivers leading to supplier relationship management, value that can be derived from proper supplier relationship management, types of relationships, forms of implementation, benefits, challenges and improvements. However, the research shows that there are some differences between the literature and the case under study especially around the understanding of what supplier relationship management really is, modes of implementation, as well as the challenges. The key themes that emerged from the research and the identified differences will be discussed throughout this chapter. Supplier Relationship Management is a very broad topic and it was not possible to cover all aspects of this topic in this research, however, the Researcher tried to cover as much as possible the key elements pertaining BP Angola SRM, challenges and benefits that can be obtained through SRM. Supplier Relationship Management in BP Context The main objective of this research was to investigate and explore the effects of various dimensions of supplier relationship management (SRM) through effective contract management at BP Angola (Exploration and Production) in order to improve added value. More specifically, this study aimed at analyzing the perception of various internal stakeholders in BP Angola about the concept of Supplier Relationship Management, who should own it, interface between internal stakeholder in BP Angola with suppliers, type of relationships that BP Angola maintain with its suppliers and to examine the issues associated with the implementation of Supplier Relationship Management initiatives from Supply Chain Management perspective. Furthermore, the purpose was to increase the understanding of Supplier Relationship Management approach and its benefits. As may be inferred from above, this Chapter explores and explains the relationship between the contracting strategy used to establish the relationship between BP Angola and its Suppliers and what value can be derived from this approach. Before addressing this connection through the analysis of primary data, it is worth explaining the Supplier Relationship Management in BP context. Over the past several years, there has been a growing interest in BP to develop a strategy that helps to optimise the relationship with its key suppliers. In todays highly competitive environment, there is intense pressure to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of procurement activities. BP is implementing globally a segment defined practice for procurement, to drive effective management of suppliers and segmented spend across major categories of goods and services called Category Management. This approach is supported by key four pillars. The first pillar is Category Management Planning, which defines spend categories the business needs to focus on, defines an integrated plan to address the prioritised categories; the second pillar is Market Sector Strategy, which identify strategic levers to be pulled to maximize value from the supply markets and provides overall direction for a market sector. The third pillar and one of the most used by the Local Business Units is Strategic S ourcing, the same as the previous pillar identify the strategic levers to be pulled to maximize value from the supply markets, define approach to the supply market, negotiate and deliver contracts in line with the strategy. The last but not least is the Supplier Management, which rigorously manage supplier performance with realistic key performance indicators (KPIs), determines the appropriate management approach and structure so that supplier performance meets or exceeds BPs stated expectations and goals. This last pillar of the Category Management strategy was the focus of our primary data analysis, as it is where the Supplier Relationship Management takes place. However, BP Category Management approach seems to contradict with OBrien (2009). The four pillars that OBrien (2009) referred to support the Category Management strategy are: breakthrough thinking, customer focus, cross-functional teams, facts and data supported by three foundations like: strategic sourcing, managing the market and driving change. OBrien, 2009, argues that Supplier Relationship Management is big enough to be a concept entirely separate from Category Management. However, although these foundations and the pillars are different; the principles of Category Management are the same. According to OBrien, 2009 in his book Category Management in Purchasing, Category Management can deliver dramatic results to organizations in different economic and market conditions and can help to respond positively to a variety of different business needs and drivers. The former CEO of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing Supply, Ken James, stated that: Category Management when deployed effectively delivers many benefits to the organization through optimizing the value that can be derived from the supply chain. It gives a clear structured framework that can be applied across the organizations purchasing requirements. (OBrien, 2009) Although the academics and practitioners tend to agree on the benefits of Category Management, however the secret of the success reside in the implementation of that strategy. IntOpsR1 supports the view: We pick a strategy and we drive everyone towards execution of that strategy and then something will happen and adjust our strategy and make an intervention. Another strategy appears instead of developing existing strategy, we tend to go to one size fit all, we tend not to take into account the unique circumstances of the locations. The success of a strategy is not the type of strategy you choose, but it is mainly linked to how you implement it. BP Group in the interest of determining how to develop more effective relationship with its key suppliers has enlarged the focus from formal contracts to more behavioural and relational approach in the current Category Management approach. The Supplier Relationship Management approach and its implementation is discussed in greater in the section below. Supplier Relationship Management Approach and Implementation Most respondents declared that they are not familiar, even though aware, of an entirely separate Supplier Relationship Management initiatives being undertaken in other business units other than the Supplier Management approach under Category Management initiative which is being implemented globally in BP, and therefore did not provide insight into similarities or differences between the different business units. However, the review of answers to other questions, other documents, company data from global Category Management initiative implementation revealed that the initiatives are broadly similar in strategic intent in the sense that they respond to the strategic objectives of BP to establish an appropriate supplier relationship management approach and structure to ensure that the performance of the suppliers are meeting or exceeding BPs stated expectation and goals. However, the data also revealed that there is not a cohesive view of the baseline activities undertaken to achieve th is BP strategic objective stated in the Supplier Management. Before discussing this difference, we will look at the general approach adopted to implement Category Management and the principle that underlines the Supplier Relationship Management under supplier management in the Category Management. The primary data revealed that Supplier Management is implemented through four steps. The first step is validation of the appropriate type of relationship with the supplier. The aim is to ensure delivery of the value objectives identified in the Sourcing Strategy and to focus the resources on suppliers who have the greatest impact on BPs performance. Suppliers are prioritised based on spend and their criticality to the business. Suppliers are categorised into four levels of relationship types, which require increasing levels of BP effort and rigour to manage: Transactional, Managed, Core and Strategic. Transactional are those suppliers where performance has limited impact on day-to-day ope rations, low expenditure and minimal opportunities for Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). However, this is similar to what Kraljic, 1983 called in the Product Purchasing Matrix as Non-Critical Items (low profit, low supply risk). Managed are those suppliers with commodity services/materials, with moderate volume spend and with some opportunities to address TCO through improved supplier performance. In the Kraljic Model, this is similar to Leverage Items (high profit, low supply risk). Core are those suppliers with major impact on core processes, high spend, high risk, can provide competitive advantage and opportunities for TCO reduction, value creation and risk mitigation may exist. In Kraljic model this is similar to Bottleneck Items. Strategic suppliers are those which are critical to BPs core processes; can stop operations if issues arise, highest volume/highest expenditure or highest risk, can provide competitive advantage, significant Total Cost of Ownership reduction/value creatio n/risk mitigation opportunities may exist. In Kraljic model this is similar to Strategic Items (high profit impact, high supply risk). This, therefore, brings clarity on what suppliers BP needs to focus on. IntSCMR2 claims: if we keep using Category Management as a base, also helps to determine the strategic, core and managed suppliers and helps to determine what type of relationship are you going to have with them Dyer (1998) supports the view that with limited resources that firms has to focus on supplier relationship management, it is important that companies segments their suppliers based on criticality of the services or goods provided and impact on bottom line revenue. Gordon (2008) added, with so many suppliers companies cannot possibly manage performance plans for every single supplier of their supply base. Firms should concentrate on strategic suppliers who are integrated business partners as well as core suppliers, who require integration and development plus other suppliers that may supply a high-cost or high risk services, (Gordon, 2008). Gordon (2008) concluded that supplier segmentation process is a starting point for discussion among Procurement and other stakeholders about which suppliers may have the greatest impacts on the companys own performance, which suppliers harbour the greatest potential risks, and which suppliers need to be measured, monitored, or improved. Supplier segmentation also helps identify supplier relationships that should be targeted for termination (Gordon, 2008). The second step is establishment of Supplier Relationship Management governance structure. The aim of this step is to define the roles, responsibilities, accountabilities and decisions rights so that they are known and understood by all participants from PSCM, the End User and other Functions. This step reinforces the company standards defined under companys code of conduct and how each individual must behave individually or collectively. According to BP process and procedures for Category Management, the supplier management governance structure exists to ensure that suppliers comply with the contracted service levels and to provide assurance of the suppliers performance. The governance structure also ensures that appropriate management resources are being allocated in accordance with the importance of the supplier to BPs business. This also helps to establish an accepted structure for the management of risk and escalation of issues within BP and supplier organisation. IntSCMR3 claims: I think Category Management model is the way forward. It defines what everybody should be doing and what the relationship with supplier should be, which is fantastic. OBrien, 2009 supported this view when argues that Category Management helps to provide structure to supplier management and define roles and responsibilities for the supplier relationship management. The third step consists of developing and agreeing performance metrics based on value objectives. The targets for performance are reviewed annually to promote year-on-year improvement. Qualitative and quantitative data is collected, collated and reported through the communication channels established by governance structure. However, the legal contract between BP and supplier does not state BPs intent to implement Supplier Management through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on the scorecard in order to improve supplier performance year on year through improving safety, reliability and efficiency and thereby reducing Total Cost of Ownership. However, respondent IntSCMR2 contended that BP treats its suppliers equally regardless the distinction that BP Category Management process says. IntSCMR2 claims: We actually treat our strategic, core and managed suppliers pretty much the same, the only change we do is the number of meetings we have with them per year and actually the discussions are the same. However, IntSCMR2 argues that even the process of setting up the key performance indicators is not consistent with what is promised in the Category Management process. IntSCMR2 claims: I think even more fundamental than that, on my previous role, I have seen examples where a billion dollar contract we defined the KPIs and Metrics before the contract was agreed and actually the business did not understand the KPIs and the Metrics, you do not understand why they are there in the first place and do not understand how to measure them, the contractor does not understand them and does not know how to measure those KPIs Respondent IntSCMR2 arguments are in line with Cai et al. (2009), when he argues about supplier performance management scorecard. Cai et al. (2009), states that many companies pursue supplier performance management as the quest for the perfect supplier scorecard. Companies believe that if they get the right metrics on the scorecard, then supplier performance will improve. Cai, et al. (2009), added that supplier performance management involves more than supplier scorecards, which are only one element of the process. The success on supplier performance improvement through supplier management depends upon putting an effective business process in place (Cai, et al., 2009). The last step is to ensure consistent and rigorous management of performance to assure delivery against targets. The performance of supplier and the relationship is reviewed and tracked at set intervals against the stated objectives and goals. This step is intended to make interventions as required and performance is monitored against improvement plans and the lessons learned are fed back into the strategic sourcing process for the next contracting cycle. This step also defines the frequency of meetings depending on the relationship type defined at the first step. Strategic suppliers quarterly performance review meetings are required at business unit level, of which two performance review meetings have an additional strategic focus with executive level management in attendance (or can be separate executive relationship management meetings if required by specific business unit). For Core suppliers BP process aims for quarterly or semi-annual meetings and annual or ad hoc meetings. How ever, IntOpsR2 contended: .looking at Key Performance Indicators during the Performance Review Meetings is retrospective. The constructive way of doing this will be to look of what we need to do to get things better. It is looking forward and not backward Good supplier performance is a key driver in enabling companies to achieve performance excellence. But for the author, the question still remains, how BP Angola can effectively influence a good performance of its suppliers? Type of Supplier Relationships Wagner, 2002, argues that numerous internal and external factors have an impact on the type of relationship company maintains with its suppliers in the supply chain. The external factors are the environmental factors and characteristics of the industry. The internal factors that affect supplier relationships include interpersonal factors, disposition of the company, other company-internal factors and, in particular the type of service to be contracted (Wagner, 2002) Oil and Gas industry is a capital intensive with very high cost contracts, high risk and high technology where only few suppliers are specialized in certain strategic services. Most of these suppliers tend to dictate the rule in the relationship. This view has been evidenced during the research interview. IntSCMR3 argues that relationship with the larger suppliers who have very high technical services like Drilling Rig service providers, BP struggle to maintain a collaborative relationship, as those suppliers tend to govern the relationship and dictate the rule. IntSCMR3 claims: for example with tendering for Drilling Service for a new exploration block in 2010, we developed a scope of work which was very shiny, gold where only two suppliers could provide it. The supplier we selected to negotiate with had several barriers for negotiation and we were forced to pay these vast billions of dollars, which is a lot of money. We went through a number of negotiations with this supplier and we felt we were going to a point where we were achieving some degree of value and they turned around and said that is it. If you want this service, this is what will cost you. It was three or four times higher than our estimate. I think we tried to be collaborative with our suppliers, but I think because of the characteristic of the industry high technology, high risk, we could not develop a good type of relationship. Although all the seven interviewees knew what supplier relationship management was in term of concept and are all involved in active supplier/customer relationship management, however, the viewpoints are different around the type of relationship that BP Angola maintains with its key suppliers (strategic suppliers). While IntSCMR3 believes that BP Angola maintains collaborative relationship with its key suppliers and arms-length relationship with non-strategic suppliers, the two PSCM respondents do not agree with this view. IntSCMR2: I think it is difficult to generalise across the board, but in overall it is arms-length/transactional relationship BP Angola maintains with the strategic suppliers. Based on my experience and in what I have seen, particularly on project side it is definitely an arms-length/transactional relationship IntSCMR1 supports this view: The focus should be on strategic and collaborative approach but the reality shows otherwise. Key suppliers perception and behaviour is to look at BP as exploit. Because of the criticality of the service/ material they provide and high switch cost, BP will need to invest to change or equilibrate the power in the relationship. It is clear from the primary data collected from the review of the internal literature within the company and the data obtained through the interviews that BP Angola sees suppliers as a critical resource and as a source for competitive advantage. BP as global company seeks to structure its supplier portfolio and collaborate with its key suppliers in such way that they can take full advantage of the potential that these suppliers can offer (BP PSCMcp Handbook; Category Management 2010). While BP Leadership believes that the current Category Management approach can create more flexible, responsive relationships thereby improving BPs performance, however, the Supplier Management under the Category Management approach does not describe the model of relationship to have with different service providers. Apart from the numbers of meetings per year to have with strategic, managed and transactional suppliers, there is no difference in the approach in relationship with these suppliers. The type of relationship adopted for strategic or non-strategic suppliers is a subconscious approach rather than a defined strategy under BP relationship management approach. Interestingly one of the two suppliers interviewed argued that BP Angola maintain fantastic working relationship with his company, while the other believes that BP Angola relationship with his company vary from arms-length to collaborative. This view is supported by IntOpsR2: It ranges from Arms-length to collaborative. When we started the contract we were in position of conflict and moved to cooperation, where we build the trust in the relationship and we are now moving to more collaborative way of working. The important observation made at this stage was that when all factors and their weightings are taken into consideration, the supplier/customer relationship that results can be plotted along a continuum ranging from adversarial/arms-length relationship to long-term strategic partnerships (Dyer et al., 1998; Wagner and Boutellier, 2002.) Drivers and Benefits of Supplier Relationship Management All the respondents violently agreed on reasons and benefits for developing a good supplier relationship management with key suppliers. The reasons and benefits fall into two main categories. The first is commercial element. Most of the respondents believe that adopting the right approach for the right supplier, a good supplier relationship management leads, in long-term, to commercial benefits, of lower costs, quicker lead times, better quality, safer and reliable operations. IntSCMR2 claims: if you are actually leveraging your scale and providing a substantial volume of your work to those suppliers, you will be expecting to get lower rates while they will have a certain flow of demand Respondent IntSCMR3 agrees with above view and added that good supplier relationship in supply chains lead to reduced cost and safer operations and claims: . the only way you can understand the cost base of your suppliers is having a good relationship with them. We know that supplier will always build on some extra cost, because they want to make as much money as they can, to which with good relationship this extra cost can be minimized or reduced Respondent IntSCMR1 does not only believe on cost reduction at short run, but also argues that good supplier relationship gives a long term sustainable cost savings enabling tighter process integration. One of the supplier interviewed, strongly agrees that good supplier relationship can bring benefits to both supplier and customers. IntSupplierR2 claims: Working closer to resolve issues, shared risks and in turn benefits, transparency of activity where possible solutions can be made to cut costs to both client and supplier and in turn payments collected on time, and developments onto new contracts/facilities and areas. This in turn would reduce added costs and streamline the BP contracts globally However, respondent IntOpsR1 casts some doubt on the claim that supplier management delivers commercial benefits. This respondent state: I think it gives you a quicker response, you get a better chance to pull in the right people at the right time and they get comfortable and familiar with your expectations and your standards so we are not always reinventing the wheel because your changing your suppliers.. I guess to me is more operations efficiency than cost reduction Ambrose, et al., (2010) stated that as companies pursue a supplier relationship management approach, they do so in a sequential manner. Beginning internally, with efforts aimed at reducing costs, particularly through better sourcing strategies and then externally through Supplier Management. It can be argued that when a supplier relationship management reaches a level of maturity, the overall relationship focus expand beyond a specific contract and focus on the overall relationship with a supplier as whole (Ambrose, et al., 2010). The second category is the enhanced performance or operations efficiency through continuous improvement. Again some of the respondents believe that Supplier relationship management leads to enhanced performance or operations efficiency in long-term. Once the suppliers are selected the challenge quickly becomes ensuring that the promised value coming out of their selection actually finds its way into company. For the two suppliers interviewed, they believe that performance management is an important element in the supplier relationship management and contract management, when well implemented, make a huge difference but require discipline and rigour to implement. Respondent IntSupplierR2 claims: We believe supplier relationship management is one of the main strengths that collaborate to deliver successful contract outcomes and performance. Respondent IntSupplierR1 agrees with the above view and stated that good supplier relationship delivers enhanced value for both client and supplier and claims: working with same suppliers in a long term relationship provides stability, continuity of service, and enhanced value as the supplier has a better understanding of BPs values, goals and methods of doing business. From the suppliers perspective, the relationship provides opportunities for increased business, and an ability to deliver better results to the customer as the relationship progresses and the customers values, goals and methods are better established and understood However, respondent IntOpsR2 argues that supplier relationship management also includes working the people interface because it is the people that make decisions to support (or not) and execute the initiatives that supplier offer for a better performance. InOpsR2 claims: In term of Performance Review Meeting during supplier relationship management, it works well; there is a process and people. It allows flexibility to raise things that are important to us. The value in that is having constructive conversations. The constructive way of doing this will be look of what we need to do to get things better. All this is dependent to people behaviour BP Head of Procurement claims: The Supplier Management process helps to drive performance improvement year on year, through increased safety, reliability and efficiency, thereby reducing total cost of ownership of goods and services. This expectation is defined in the contract. However, Ambrose, et al., (2010), argues that some companies implement Supplier Relationship Management process because they have been told that it is the right thing to do. They are convinced that supplier performance will improve and the results will speak for themselves. Emiliani (2010), states that while supplier performance improvement is a distinctly possible outcome, a specific cost reduction based on that improvement cannot be guaranteed because different companies implement supplier relationship management with varying degree of proficiency. Emiliani (2010) argues that success will have a much higher probability when senior management understands the business drivers for Supplier Relationship Management and therefore truly gives it support. One of the biggest challenges, however, is that the business drivers for Supplier Relationship Management is not cut and dried. That is, it is hard to guarantee a precise return on investment for Supplier Relationship Management. Accountability for Developing and Maintaining Supplier Relationship Management It is recognised that supplier relationship management requires both top management and people at operational level commitment. Which the author believes mean that accountability for delivery of supplier relationship management needs to be established and roles defined. The respondents were asked if they knew who the Single Point of Accountability (SPA) was for Supplier Relationship Management in the Angola Business Unit. The answers vary, depending on the respondent background (Technical or PSCM). In general, for the technical respondents, the SPA for Supplier Relationship Management is definitely the End User (Technical), for PSCM is the combined role between PSCM, supplier and the Technical team. IntOpsR1 claims: To me I think [Supplier Relationship Management] still belongs to the Line, because the relationships with a supplier is owned and administrated and driven forward in terms of learning by the technical side of the equation. So if we want to manage a vendor at higher level across locations and assets, then I still think it should be owned by technical group that have ownership on it. If we try to drive all it from PSCM perspective, from a setting up contract perspective, then we kind of missing the trick. What we may get is a little bit more a cost effective solution, but you are not necessarily getting to a point of having good technical discussions. They are technical companies and they will run circles around you This view is supported by IntOpsR2: I think that the relationship should be owned by the Line (Technical), because we understand it, and we are also dealing with people who are in the technical team in supplier side. I think PSCM role is to support and to enable and help with that relationship The above answers seem to suggest that the driver for supplier relationship management is, in one hand, improving the supplier technical performance, and in the other, that relationship with supplier is limited to the serv

Graduation Speech -- Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

I want to say CONGRATULATIONS to the class of 2012. I greatly appreciate sharing my journey with you. I believe the greater the difficulty, the greater the glory and the glory is what we celebrate tonight. When I was first asked to speak in front of the graduation committee, I said to myself, "I can't do this", "what do I have to say anyway", "I don't have time", "I'm in the middle of midterms" and "it's just something else I have to prepare for." After pondering over all these "excuses," I'm here and I have an answer to my own questions. The reason I'm here is because my achievements are much greater than me. I owe most of my success to the faculty, staff, and students of Shelton Community College. I need to show my gratitude and appreciation to those who helped me get on this stage tonight, something I never thought was possible. Let me explain why. I was born and raised in Southern California in a difficult area, where going to school was not a priority. My high school was composed of gang violence and drive-by shootings. In addition, I was living in an environment where people abused themselves, as well as others. People around me were selling drugs, using drugs, involved in gangs, and dropping out of school. Most of my high school girlfriends were getting pregnant and working the welfare system to make a living. That was what my life was like, then. I first visited Washington state in the summer of '93, at the age of 15. I didn't realize it then, but that visit opened my eyes to what was possible and gave me hope for the future. I settled in Shelton for the summer and joined the STAR program through Shelton High School. I was to go to summer school from 8 a.m. to noon and do a work assignment from 1-4 p.m. Can... ... possible for us to have a dream and has impacted us in many ways. I know we will always remember SCC as a home, a life, and a future, all in one campus. You provided us a quality education in an atmosphere that has encouraged all of us to achieve our educational goals. We are now life-long learners, responsible members of our communities, and are proud citizens of a rapidly changing world. You have provided us an equal access to educational opportunities, maintained high standards of excellence, and promoted a sense of campus community. Therefore, I APPLAUD Shelton Community College for successfully fulfilling its mission with the class of 2006. Go celebrate tonight! Spend time with your families and show them your appreciation. Please remember that yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, and that's why it's called the present. Dream big!

Grapes Of Wrath Essay -- essays research papers

John Steinbeck’s novel, The Grapes of Wrath is one of the most influential books in American History, and is considered to be his best work by many. It tells the story of one family’s hardship during the Depression and the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s. The Joads were a hard-working family with a strong sense of togetherness and morals; they farmed their land and went about their business without bothering anyone. When the big drought came it forced them to sell the land they had lived on since before anyone can remember. Their oldest son, Tom, has been in jail the past four years and returns to find his childhood home abandoned. He learns his family has moved in with his uncle John and decides to travel a short distance to see them. He arrives only to learn they are packing up their belongings and moving to California, someplace where there is a promise of work and food. This sets the Joad family off on a long and arduous journey with one goal: to survive.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In this novel Steinbeck set forth with the intention of raising awareness to the general public of the difficulties and injustices these migrants faced during this period in time. It exposed the methods of the California farmer to use the migrants in order to lower their costs and make their profit margin higher. How they starved and cheated the poor, working man, in order to keep him desperate for food and too weak to protest. Above all, it showed everyone that these â€Å"damn Okies† were all simply men, women and children, no different from anyone else, just poorer. They were human beings with feelings and not the uncivilized beasts they were portrayed as at the time. Steinbeck portrays the â€Å"Okies† in a way no one before him had, and also managed to keep their story true to life. He did this by mainly using dialect, and wrote the â€Å"Okie† dialect just as it was spoken, breaking the lines of proper grammar and spelling. If he was con cerned with such things it would have ruined the personality of the characters. His unique writing style to capture the atmosphere of these people and the era is evident in this excerpt from his book:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  &nbs... ...nbsp;  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Barror-6 any sort of symbolism to mask the meanings behind his words. He comes right out and states the events that have led up to this point and says there will be a revolt eventually, the question is simply when. They were hungry, and they were fierce. And they had hoped to find a home, and they found only hatred. Okies—the owners hated them because the owners knew they were soft and the Okies strong, that they were fed and the Okies hungry; and perhaps they had heard from their grandfathers how easy it is to steal land from a soft man if you are fierce and hungry and armed. The owners hated them. And in the towns, the storekeepers hated them because they had no money to spend. There is no shorter path to a storekeeper’s contempt, and all his admirations are exactly opposite. The town men, little bankers, hated the Okies because there was nothing to gain from them. They had nothing. And the laboring people hated the Okies because a hungry man must work, if he has to work, the wage payer automatically gives him less for his work; and then no one can get more. (318)

Contrasting Cultures: Spain and Pakistan

Contrasting Cultures: Spain and Pakistan This paper goes through the cultural differences of two countries, Spain and Pakistan based on four â€Å"culture-driving† factors: food, Religion, Clothing and Language. Culture may differ from country to country, family to family or even individual to individual. Mostly a country has its culture ,according to which the citizens of that country behave respectively. â€Å"A nation’s culture resides in the heart and in the soul of its people† (Mahatma Gandhi) Pakistan, which is officially known as Islamic Republic of Pakistan, follows the Islamic law or Shari’aa.It’s obvious that the main religion of Pakistan is Islam. About 96% of the population are Muslims ,out of which 80% are Sunnis and 20% Shia’’s, 2% are Hindus, less than 1% are Christians and the others are Jews, Sikhs, Ismailis etc (Worldtradepress, 2010). As the majority of Pakistanis are Muslims, and is a huge factor in driving the cult ure of Pakistan, all the citizens engage in the Islamic holidays and festivals for example Eid-ul-Adha, Eid-ul-Fitr and respect the Muslims who are fasting in the Holy Month of Ramadan by not drinking or eating in public.Where Pakistan has a dominant religion as Islam, Spain’s dominant religion is Roman Catholicism which comprises of 94% of the population and the remaining 6% are Muslims, Hindus and Jews (kiwiessential. co. uk, n. d. ) The Catholic Church in Toledo implements instructions on the society, but as the rest of the Europe, Spain has now become a secular country so it literally does not have an official religion. Islam and Arab roots of Spain have been present for about 400 years, however in the modern Spain there are only Muslims which are either converts or immigrants from Morocco.Religion does not have great influence on culture in Spain when compared to Pakistan, even though there are dominant religions and minor religions in both countries. The factor which ma kes a person known is the language they speak. Both countries have different languages, Urdu being the national language of Pakistan and Castilian Spanish being the dominant language of Spain. However the similarity of languages in both countries is that the other languages spoken in the country are based on the region.For example, In Pakistan, Punjabi is spoken in Punjab province, Sindhi in the Sindh province and the other languages like Balochi, Siraiki, Pashtu and others adding upto 12 different languages (Saarctourism. org,n. d) Same is in the case of Spain where Castilian (national language) is spoken in Castile, Galician in Galicia, Basque in Euskardi, Calan and Valencia in Catalonia and Valencian region respectively (kiwiessential. co. uk, n. d). All the languages spoken in Spain are not known to Pakistanis and vice versa. Hence language differentiates the two cultures, and basically defines them.Apart from language, dressing of a person makes the other judge from which count ry he or she belongs to. Spanish people wear semi-conservative but fashionable clothes and the way they dress mostly depends on the weather (Hagerty,J 2012) Women mostly wear modest clothes which do not reveal a lot of skin, They prefer not to wear revealing clothes or sleeveless in public and mostly wear skirts, long pants or loose fitting shirts (Worldtradepress, 2010). However in Pakistan, the clothing is mostly conservative, except for the upper class.Shalwar Kameez is the the national dress of Pakistan which is basically a long shirt and loose pants. As the times now in Pakistan have changed, people over there wear both western and traditional clothes, but wearing sleeveless or short dresses are looked down upon. The trend of Jeans-Kameez is very common in the women now ( Korener S. & Rusell, I. , 2010) However, not wearing Shalwar Kameez by women is still not accepted in many parts of Pakistan and moreover women or girls are expected to wear the most modest clothes and sta y â€Å"covered† as it is a very conservative society as well as a Muslim country.Pakistani clothes are mostly rich in embroidery and full of colours (mapsofworld. com) whereas the people in Spain wear clothes which are mainly made of wool, cotton or leather because of the geographical situation of the country (Hagerty J. , 2012) The clothes worn in the two countries differentiate each other a lot and mostly the Pakistani clothing especially to women is driven by the religion factor. The next culture-driving-factor is food. Food is always different â€Å"regionally† throughout the globe.Pakistani food uses a lot of spices and herbs making it an exquisite cuisine. Lentils are eaten a lot as well as wheat and flour products such as Chapatti, which are like the Mexican Tortillas, are eaten almost daily. The use of clarified butter known as Ghee is widely used in the middle-class and low-class of Pakistanis, however now the people are more health conscious which has reduce d its use in the upper class. Pakistanis are big lovers of pickles and sour pastes called as chutneys which make their food even tastier. Saarctourism. org,n. d) On the other hand, Spain’s food is nothing like that of Pakistan’s. They ate very mild food and mostly have Continental breakfast, a Heavy lunch and a light dinner (Harkins A, 2011). Wine is a must for them during lunch and so are the desserts mainly Black Pudding The lunch is mostly a four course meal with a soup, a fish or egg dish, a meat dish served with vegetables and a dessert mainly a pastry or custard (Porter D, & Prince D, 2004). However the famous dishes vary from city to city in Spain.Due to the Islamic law any kind of alcoholic beverage is not included in Pakistani meals unlike Spain. Rabbit, Chicken and Pork are the main meats eaten in Spain (expatfocus. com, n. d. ) whereas in Pakistan ,due to Islamic law Pork is not allowed, hence chicken, lamb and beef are mostly eaten (saarctourism. org). In conclusion, after reading this paper the clear conclusion which comes is that both the cultures are extremely different. They rarely have any similarity. The main point is that Pakistan’s culture is driven by Religion whereas Spain’s culture is driven by Region!References * Expat Focus, n. d, Spain- Food and Drink, accessed on 5/11/2012, available URL http://www. expatfocus. com/expatriate-spain-food-drink? gclid=CMzKzYuVurMCFSHHtAodmjMA2Q * Hagerty, J 2012, 10 Facts about Clothing in Spain, accessed on 6/11/2012, available URL http://www. travels. com/travel-tips/advice/facts-clothing-spain/ * Harkins, A 2010, Espana, accessed on 6/11/2012, available URL http://dreamweaver. reinhardt. edu/harkins91109/spain-cultures. html * Kiwi essential, n. , Spain Culture Guide: Religion in Spain, accessed 5/11/2012, available URL http://www. kwintessential. co. uk/articles/spain/Spain-culture-guide-Religion-in-Spain/21 * Kiwi essential, n. d, Spain-Language, culture, Customs An d Etiquette, accessed 5/11/2012, available URL http://www. kwintessential. co. uk/resources/global-etiquette/spain-country-profile. html * Koerner, S & Russell, I 2010, Unquiet Pasts,p382-385, Ashgate Publishing Ltd. , accessed on 6/11/2012, URL http://books. google. ae/books? id=7li2jpQgYvAC&pg=PA382&dq=nati