10 Fun Facts about the University of Pittsburgh

Are you a big Steelers fan? It’s hard not to be if you live in Pittsburgh, but I bet you’re equally excited about the Pitt Panthers. Learn more about the University of Pittsburgh with these 10 fun facts: 1. Ever wondered what that tall castle-like tower in Pittsburgh was? It’s not a church, but it is a Cathedral of Learning at UPitt! 2. Huge Shark Tank fan? There’s no need for me to introduce you to Mark Cuban then. He skipped his senior year of high school and went straight to UPitt, where he studied for a year before transferring out. 3. Just like how the Empire State Building in NYC changes its lights for special occasions, the upper section of the Cathedral of Learningilluminates gold with victory lights after a football team victory. 4. University of Pittsburgh used to be called the Western University of Pennsylvania before they obtained an alteration to its charter in 1908 to change its name. 5. Ever wondered why UPitt’s mascot is Roc the Panther? It wasn’t just chosen because it’s a fierce animal, but Panthers were once indigenous to the Pittsburgh region. 6. The Cathedral of Learning is the second tallest university building in the world. 7. Famous actor dancer, Gene Kelly, enrolled in UPitt to study economics in 1931. He was heavily involved with the university’s Cap Gown Club, which focuses on stage performances, during this time there. 8. UPitt’s Cathedral of Learning is such a landmark that it has been in many films including Sorority Row, Wonder Boys, and the Mothman Prophecies. 9. There’s a legend that says if couples kiss on the steps of Heinz Memorial Chapel, they are destined to be married there. 10. In 1952, Jonas Salk invented the worlds first polio vaccine at the University of Pittsburgh. Are you looking to apply to University of Pittsburghor just starting to build outyour college list? Make sure to search through profiles of students accepted to see essays, stats, and advice. See how they got in, and how you can too!

Clytaemnestra and penelope - a

Clytaemnestra and penelope - a In both The Odyssey and Agamemnon the role of women is presented from a patriarchal and misogynist perspective. This is shown in the two main female characters of Penelope and Clytaemnestra. Their situations offer examples of the rewards of fulfilling society's female gender role in the case of Penelope; the consequences of leaving that role are demonstrated by Clytaemnestra. In both stories women are shown as chattel, possessions for distribution to cement political moves, bind families and produce children. Clytaemnestra and Penelope are diametrically opposed representations of women in ancient Greece and as such allow an understanding of the roles of women and how women were viewed by their society.The Greek ideal of womanhood is seen in those behaviors admired in women. This may be observed through how they are described. It is not possible to give an accurate definition of women's roles in Greek society from two fictional stories written by men.Mnà ªstà ªrophonà ­a: slaughter of the suitors by Ody...These will be skewed by the views held by their authors, rather than representative of society's views. However they do offer at least two viewpoints from which to analyze the roles of women in ancient Greece.Skills play an important role in determining value among women. This is seen when Athena presents herself to Odysseus (Homer, page 239, lines 368-370) '...she seemed a woman,/ tall and beautiful and no doubt skilled/ at weaving splendid things'. Clytaemnestra states how skilled she is at dyeing bronze. Penelope is constantly praised for her weaving, which is used to illustrate her cleverness in one story. Domestic skills are presented as desirable as demonstrated by the reactions of the other characters with whom the women interact.That women were considered mere possessions is expressed clearly when one of Penelope's suitors suggests what he thinks should happen with her and...

Week One Individual Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Week One Individual Assignment - Essay Example An ADR is considered a pragmatic approach to dispute resolution that can save money and time and help find the best solution for everyone (Inta, 2010). Our ADR consist of several simple mechanisms that must be used to solve conflicts. If a member of the team is not happy about what is going on in the team setting the person must file a complaint in new post title ADR implementation. The post goes up and each team member must read the issue. After everyone reads on the matter, then a meeting must be setup within 36 hours of the post. In the meeting the each team member must provide a reply to the original post in the team player must provide constructive feedback about the issue. The feedback constitutes an alternative solution. Everyone including the person that filed the complaint must provide an alternative solution. After all solutions are posted in the learning team forum the member of the team must vote on their preferred alternative. The alternative that is going to be implemented is the one with the majority of the votes. If there is a tie then the team leader must chose the solution to solve the conflict among the most popu lar alternatives. ADR have become more frequently used in the 21st century due to time and money savings that are associated with the use of alternative dispute resolution

What are the main problems in China that can derail its economic Essay - 1

What are the main problems in China that can derail its economic growth - Essay Example The exports of China have reduced significantly in the recent years. In March 2012, the Chinese government declared that the Chinese economy and its gross domestic product (GDP) are expected to grow at a slower rate of around 7.5% during the year 2012. The slowdown in the rate of economic growth in China had an adverse impact on the overall condition of the global economy. This is so because China is responsible for around 20 percent of the total economic output of the world. Besides, many Asian countries are also highly dependent on the Chinese economy and its market conditions (Hart, 2012). It would be a daunting task for most of the multinational corporations engaged in the manufacturing industrial sector to register significant profits if the Chinese economic growth rate slows down. The Central Bank of China has already started taking steps through reduction in the interest rates to help the economic recovery process of China and boost the lending process in the country. This ste p was taken up by the Chinese Central Bank to protect the country’s economy from the adverse effect of ongoing financial crisis situation in the European nations. The eminent economists worldwide suggest that capital infusion would not be able to solve these growth issues of the Chinese economy in an effective manner. It is so because with the increase in funds being pumped into the economy by the Chinese government would ultimately lead to increased consumer costs and inflation. Previously it was projected that China would experience a robust economic growth in the future but there are many barriers in the path of the economic development of the country. Some of those barriers include bureaucracy, shortage in energy, reducing levels of export because of decreasing demand of Chinese manufactured products in some of the major markets like UK and USA, social unrest in the country, increase in aging Chinese population, and so on. According to a report published by BBC News in th e month of July 2012, China experienced a slowdown in its economic growth rate to around 7.6 percent. This study entails about discussing and analysing the various negative effects that certain economic factors are having on the Chinese economic growth at present and in the foreseeable future. China contributes significantly towards the overall growth of the world economy. Hence, unstable and unsustainable Chinese economy is having a significant impact in deterring the global economic condition. This study would try to shed light on some of the major problems faced by China which can be responsible for slowing down the economic growth rate of the nation in the forthcoming years. Five such major factors have been discussed in details in this study. They are : a) International trade and exports by China, b) Problems related to Chinese currency and the foreign exchange regulations prevalent in the country, c) Problems associated with the increasing aging population of the country, d) T he rising levels of income inequality within the country, and e) The present bad conditions of the Chinese banking industry. All these five reasons can hinder the path of economic development of China in a significant manner. The central idea of this study is

Change the world A message for a high school graduating class from a Essay

Change the world A message for a high school graduating class from a teacher of yours - Essay Example My own experiences have taught me to engage in my passion for change; to equip and prepare others so they can be best they can. As you graduate, pursue you dreams and passions relentlessly. All you have been taught is a foundation on which to build your own outlooks and ideals. World-renowned Educational theorist and Youth expert Henry Giroux advices that you should "never separate theory from practice..." Be as independent and interdependent in your thinking as well as your actions and stay connected to your core beliefs. I see in you all, the very people who will teach, guide and shape the future of this country and by extension the world. It is a most important and sacred duty. Believe me when I say this; every single one of you is a key part of the future, a future that will simply not work without you. There will surely be times, when you will doubt all you have been taught and wonder how it all connects. There will be occasion when you ponder what your place in the world is. Your place is in helping people be their best. Remember, no one person is most knowledgeable on every issue, so be open-minded and embrace the changes in society. I implore you to be the change you seek. When you make mistakes, do not dwell on it or on the past, except for lessons learned.

Traditional Chinese Values Or Norms Religion Essay

Traditional Chinese Values Or Norms Religion Essay Chinese traditional values influence not only the Chinese but also the world. China has been civilized for five thousands years ago. It regards to be one of the earliest counties in the world who become civilization. It has the great contribution to the world. In this long term development of China, there are numerous Chinese thought appeared. One of the most famous and longitude philosophy is Confucianism. It shapes the Chinese traditional value and also affected the Chinese deeply. The three Confucian who are Kongzi, Mengzi, and Xunzi, so called Ru, construct the mainstream of the Chinese thought. Confucianism is the principle of the Chinese morality. It is begins with Confucius, whose Chinese name was Kong Qiu and who lived from 551 to 479 B.C.E. Confucian referred to Confucianism, the mainstream consciousness in ancient China, Since the Han period of history, Confucian becomes the vast majority of Chinas official ideology. It is also the general mainstream of the Chinese ideological foundation. Confucianism in China, East Asia, and Southeast Asia and around the world has far-reaching impact. Such of this idea is founded by Confucius; Confucius was born in 551 B. C. in Changping Country of the Lu State. His name was Qiu and styled Zhongni. Confucius, the main points and comments, were compiled by revenue by his disciples of The Analects of Confucius. According to the Confucius, its ethical teachings include the following values: Jen, Li, Hsiao, Yi, Xin, Chung where Jen is the central idea, Li, Hsiao, Yi, Xin, Chung , etc. for practice purposes. Confucian values covered different aspects. There are ethics, political thought, Heaven Thought, Educational Thought. All this values become the dominant religious in the feudal society. And today some of them still affected humans thought. Here will list several of them showing the thought that taught by Confucius. Lets talk about the ethics part of Confucianism. Jen refers to the highest ideal of unifying the various ethical. It is also the highest standards of personal accomplishment. The definitions of Jen are multiple. Jen means people who are benevolent, Compassion among people. The connotations of benevolent are anti-aggression patriotism, filial piety, fraternal duty, loyalty, with respect and righteousness. Confucius emphasis on Jen and this value influence Chinese peoples morality. Historically speaking, our ancestors placed great emphasis on filial piety. According to Xue Er: The philosopher Zeng said, Let there be a careful attention to perform the funeral rites to parents, and let them be followed when long gone with the ceremonies of sacrifice then the virtue of the people will resume its proper excellence. [1] This means does not disgrace the name of the ancestors and always remember the teachings of their ancestors, carry forward the traditional virtues to the new generation. More than 2000 years ago, Zeng this remark, not only emphasis filial piety in the importance of propriety, but also tells of their ancestors to show filial piety that the right behavior. Confucius attached great importance to etiquette. According to Wei Ling Gong: The Master said, The superior man in everything considers righteousness to be essential. He performs it according to the rules of propriety. [2] Which means everything should be courtesy. Because Chinese are seriously affected by the Confucius that everything should need to be having etiquette. Li means pay tribute to the known. It is the scope of morality and permeates peoples daily life which embodies the peoples moral values, determine the criteria of peoples contacts and guide peoples actions. Li is the essence of monarch and officials, hierarchy, high and low levels of equal status level is its core. Beside, the other of the traditional Chinese value is that having new generation is the way to show filial piety. It is a very serious that if you did not have a children in the past. It will be perceived as the non filial piety .And today such of this thought still exist in the society. Last but not the least, Traditional Chinese society is still patriarchal society, Confucianism has been the central idea of living in socio-cultural, women were not only shun the political level, the six kinds of human relations also showing the position of women is the lowest next-lun. Under the thought of the Confucius, Male are dominant the society. Male is superiority, Female seldom going to school. They should fallow the males words and respect them. The rule of them are when they are before marriage, they should obey their father. After their marriage, they should obey their hundred. When they are old, they should obey their son. In the way, it can see that as a wife depend on men and always with a man as the central purpose of life. A womans only virtue can be ignore. The values listed above are only part of the Chinese traditional values. Chinese traditional cultures have enduring value. Lin YuTang says that the Chinese people in real life, [3] Confucianism played a leading role and dominate the daily life of Chinese people. However, along with the influence of the western culture, now see that the crisis of Chinese culture, Chinas traditional idea has been replaced by the concept of the West. Also the traditional moral value has been replaced by a modern market value. Materialist has achieved in a market economy then some of our values have been less important than before. The most obvious changes are Chinese people towards nature. In ancient times, little is known about human nature, whenever lightning storm, people panic, overwhelmed, and only pray for God. They know that nature could do without human beings. Humanity has entered the scientific era, they willing to transformation and conquest of nature.[4] Initially, human view god is the biggest. Confucius fears that too much equipment and personnel caused by excessive division of labor will destroy the natural. However, such of this concept is less important now. In order to break through a scarcity of resources, modern scientific technological transformation of nature also undermined the ecological. Humans create a more convenient and more prosperous life in expensive of the nature. Such of this thought is showed that Human does not respect nature as before. Nowadays, they think that human is the biggest in the world. It is due to the rapid technology development. In the perspective of the structural functionalism, It considered that society need o perform certain functions to maintain their existence. [5] Functional theorist perceived society as an organism and each part of the society should be functioned well in order to make the process of the society healthy. In this case as people no longer regard nature to be importance but the human is. They destroy nature, because to meet human needs. The population for food and daily needs are growing and upgrading. If you do not meet their needs, it will only bring out the malfunction of the society. Therefore, at the expense of human nature, the use of technology is to make the worlds smooth operation. So, the natural thought is no longer important than before. The second value, which now declining, is the status value because of the concept of equality. In the former Patriarchal society, womens status decline, resulting in male superiority. Also it formed a men outside the home, women inside the home idea. Confucianism advocates women should have the three from the four virtues However, such of this value have been declined. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, there were many Chinese reformers reform movement, which many put forward the concept of equality between the sexes. Position as it is to be an unprecedented increase. In the perspective of the social conflict theorists, they perceived the material is the root of the conflict. People who own the majority of the material will have the power to change the value. The development of the feminist movement in modern China can be seen initial courage to challenge traditional female or more due to father and brother or husbands encouragement and support. After a hundred years time, women in political, social participation, whether in China or other countries have significantly improved and achievement, Because of the female has own the power in these aspect so the value of Male-dominated can be changed . In social conflict theory considered that the value change because of the gender conflict and the male get lose in this conflict. The third one I would like to talk about which is the less significant of the etiquette. LI is ever-present in a traditional society. Book of Rites, recorded in the ancient family rituals. For example, children should give greetings to their parents every morning. As we stress on the titles to our parents in order to show our respect to them. Today this trend has been change. Children even called the full name of their parents. Such of this change are affected by the western culture. The foreigner will call their parents name directly. From this aspect, we can see that the Traditional etiquette is no longer important Regard of the symbolic interaction perspective, it focus on the interaction of the people. It focuses of the communication of each of the people. [6] In the view of this aspect the declining of the emphasis on etiquette is the result of the people interaction. Due to the influx of Western culture, Chinese people and the West have frequent contacts. Though the contact with them to learn Western manners. The Western people are less obsessed with etiquette. For example: Westerners like to address him by the name of their parents. As time goes by, such of this value become less emphasis due to the interaction of the western culture. In conclusion, as it can be seen from the above examples, even if some of the values remained the hearts of Chinese people. For example: We will still obey our parents, to obey the teachings of elders. However, some values are no longer re-before-like influences our decision-making. Like mentioned above, we adapt the concept of destiny has been since the development of society, from a passive to an active. As before, we adapt to nature to survive, now we change it. Also, because the Wests culture shock, we do not re-used to the pursuit of etiquette. Moreover, because the concept of equality and womens rights movement began. The male-dominated Confucian concept has been greatly lowered. Ancient Confucianism far-reaching effects of traditional Chinese culture, since the Han Dynasty exclusive emphasis on Confucianism, the Confucian is convenient developed in China. It continued to affect the Chinese people. In Kuhnians words, nature science will change when the time pass. [7] It is the normal evolution of the society. Society is always progressing. If it continues using the old ideas, it will only impede economic and social development.

Recognizing the Fireside Poets

Poetry characterized by its metrical form is one of the most well-liked forms of literature. It served as a creative expression of one’s thoughts and emotions. There are poems that became famous and had been preserved and past down through generations. The American poetry had established its own identity from British poetry by varying the rhythms, forms, diction and tone. During the 1600 the history of American poetry formally began. During that time poems were mostly written and based on the British language standard. First there are the Puritan and Satirical poets that dominated earlier the American literature.Later they were replaced by Revolutionary Era Poets and even African American poets. When the 19th century arrived there was optimism for major achievement in poetry. During this time the Fireside poet’s goals and works emerged and made significant impact in the world of American poetry. The Fireside poets later were recognized as the first group of American poe ts that had successfully competed British poets in terms of popularity. Fireside Poets: Goals and Works Who were these so called â€Å"Fireside poets† and why are they called in that name?The Fireside Poets are composed of five persons namely Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878), James Russell Lowell (1819-1891), Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894) and lastly John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892). They are given this title of Fireside Poets because most of them have used the image of the hearth or the fireplace where the family gathered together to read stories and learn their poems. The goal of the Fireside Poets is to create poems that were based on traditions but can also be of equal level in terms of quality, breadth and creativity of content to that of the British poetry.Their poems are highly notable for wisdom and flexibility in lines and themes. They preferred conventional forms over experimentation in poetic styles and had often used American legends, scenes of American life and even politics as themes in their poems. The careful attention given to rhymes or the strict metrical rhythm made their works popular for memorization and recitation activities in schools and even at homes. Among the five Fireside Poets the most popular then was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. One of his well known compositions is the Song of Hiawatha. Aside from these he was also a well known translator in several languages.He became the first American to be honored with a bust at Westminster Abbey’s Poet Corner. Second to him was William Cullen Bryant who became famous for his work entitled Thanatopis, a poem that recognized death as the great equalizer of life. He worked as a lawyer and editor of New York Evening Post. Third is James Russell Lowell known for Biglow Papers, included among the American tradition of long satirical poems. Next one was Oliver Wendell Holmes a medical doctor that composed the poems Old Ironsides and The C hambered Nautilus. Lastly was John Greenleaf Whittier known for his poems Snow Bound and Legends of New England. ConclusionThe Fireside Poet’s greatest ambition was to be able to carve out their names, established their identity and be of equal to their British counterparts. Their poems have been a lasting legacy among the collections of American poetry. Although they are traditionalist they had been the first to made significant contributions in the area of American poetry. They have been able to use their poems to fight for a cause, portray the way of life or cultures, and share their imaginations and experiences to their readers. The Fireside Poets no longer exist but their compositions continue to live and inspire the new generation of poets.

Compensation and Benefits Strategies Recommendations Essay

In this scenario, Team A has agreed to work with a small business, Landslide Limousine. Bradley Stonefield is our client whom we must develop some compensation and benefit recommendations. Landslide Limousine is a small business with approximately 25 employees that is located in Austin, Texas. First, Team A will conduct a market evaluation by researching what companies in the relevant market are providing to employees from a total compensation perspective. Second, recommend a compensation structure. Third, recommend the position in the market. Fourth, create a total compensation and benefits strategy. Fifth, consider the use of performance incentives and merit pay to recognize and engage employees. Lastly, identify laws related to the benefits and pay program. Market Evaluation On account of the tight competition in Austin Texas, it will be challenging as a small business owner starting out to be competing with the larger companies in the market. Luckily, Austin’s average pay for a limousine driver is 6% lower in this city than the national average which will be a benefit to Landslide Limousines. Austin has over 400 different competing companies in the area so having an upper hand on the total compensation of its employees will be highly beneficial. When looking at the area of competitors many do not offer health insurance or offer very little coverage to its employees. Between these companies very few allow the drivers to take all of their tips or compensation for these services. Along with these lacks of benefits, problems that could also occur in this market is the high turnover rate due to low wages. By offering these additional benefits that other competitors are not, it allows Landslide Limousines the ability to find the best drivers and retain them. Over time, retaining drivers will  save the company a significant amount of money not having to train new employees from constant turnover. In addition, being able to retain those that are experts in their fields, the customer satisfaction for the company will continually bring in new business allow the company to expand to 25 employees in the near future. Recommendation for Compensation Structure Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for a limousine driver in Texas is $10.95 a year or $22,770 based on a full time. This standard includes tenured and new drivers. The minimum wage is for Texas is $7.25 or $15,080. After looking at these statistics, it is recommended that you come up with a hiring structure based on experience and duties for the role. Also consider offering a premium pay for peak or late night hours. Keep in mind if it is decided to provide health insurance it is recommended to keep the wage slightly lower than if it were not to be offered. A business needs to keep a financial balance and by offering both a higher wage along with health benefits it could put Landslide Limousines in more than the fifty thousand in debt than expected. Since the company decided to allow drivers to keep ninety percent of their tips, it is recommended that the starting pay for the driver with 5 years’ experience be slightly below the Texas average given all the additional benefits the driver will receive. By giving drivers the ability to have ninety percent of their compensation pay, it gives them a high incentive to work at their best. It also allows the company the ability to track their best/most profitable drivers. Using this data will be significant when offering annual reviews and raises. Recommendation for Position in Market When looking at compensation and benefits one must look at their main competitors. Knowing one’s competition gives a view of whom in their market might sway or temp employees to the said organization. Landslide’s main competition is Big as Texas Limousine service and Austin Black service. These companies are currently operating in the Austin, Texas marketplace and are a large competitor. In addition, the market can easily offer skilled workers and great benefits. Landslide must offer a benefits package to keep up with their competitor, and if they wish to stay in business, keeping their employees satisfied amongst competition is a must. Team A recommends  that Landslide must offer similar or improved benefits to their employees. Further, Landslide should offer a training program to entry level employees so that the service is exceptional and customers will continue to utilize their business. Compensation and Benefits Strategy When running an organization, managers and other members of leaders needs to take a look at the compensation and benefit strategy. A strategic plan for employee compensation determines how much you want to pay employees and what type of employees you want to attract. Your compensation plan entails a variety of aspects including pay scales, reward programs, benefits packages and company perks. A successful strategic compensation plan allows your business to compete in the market for the best employees in your industry (â€Å"Strategic Plan for Employee Compensation and Benefits†, 2014). Here are a few recommendation I would make to help with the creation of a compensation and benefit strategy plan. Attracting Quality Employees Your strategic plan for compensation plays a large role in attracting competent employees. Paying wages at or above the prevailing wage in the market for your company’s industry allows you to demand workers with more experience and positive work histories. Employing more qualified workers leads to better results, including higher productivity and customer service interactions. This can increase your company’s revenue and help your business establish its identity with consumers (â€Å"Strategic Plan for Employee Compensation and Benefits†, 2014). Rewards for Performance A compensation strategy may also include rewards for employees based on workplace performance. This may include a commission-based system that rewards employees for total amount of sales or for consistent positive feedback from customers. A reward system should be easy for employees to understand and attainable enough at its lower levels to encourage employees to work harder to reach higher goals. A reward system with performance levels too high for employees to reach early on in the process won’t encourage harder work because employees will simply ignore it (â€Å"Strategic Plan for Employee Compensation and Benefits†, 2014). Perks and Benefits Perks and benefits can make or break your company’s ability to attract the best and brightest in your industry. Offering health insurance benefits to full-time workers should be a goal of your strategic compensation plan. You can combine health insurance with other company perks, including paid holidays and guaranteed paid vacation time, to attract more qualified workers to your business. Your decision to offer these benefits is also contingent on the success of your company. You may choose to add health care coverage and paid time off to your benefits package only after your company is showing profitability or makes it past the first year (â€Å"Strategic Plan for Employee Compensation and Benefits†, 2014). Incentives and Merit Pay Subsequently as this is a new limousine service, primarily driven by customer satisfaction. We must consider how to engage staff, by introducing performance incentive plans that support the key business objectives of the Limousine Service; motivating staff into achieving the goals set by management and providing cost-effective rewards for performance. Helm and Holladay (2007) stated, â€Å"Effective performance management involves a complete system of goal setting, training, communication, and ongoing feedback from a practice† (p. 4). Considering the current performance management strategic plan for the business, we will have 25 employees to begin the infrastructure. So we can reasonably consider implementing annual, quarterly annual, and end of year special incentives in addition to merit pay for every employee based on the company’s performance rating. Where the individual performance appraisal is described as â€Å"an important means to achieve goals set by the comp any’s top management, not just a way to change wages,† (Robbins & Judges, 2013, p. 254). The company will outline the quarterly objectives on the 3rd day of the first month of each quarter based on categories such as, leading happy people and driving out risk. Notably each department will have concrete and measurable key performance indicators(KPI)that will align with the Limousine company’s goals; also some defined employee’s will be responsible for multiple areas, and will have specific KPI’s or management by objectives( MBO) unique to their position. The annual portion of the incentive plan will be based on the execution of targets in the following categories; profit before taxes, customer service (gallop score) and service level scores, also marketing our stuff which the  total percentage of all groups equaling 100%. Additionally, an individual incentive will be paid to individuals that exceeded expectations in the customer service. Plus all the regular full-time and part-time employees are eligible, and those working less than 40 hours will receive prorated payments for all plan types. But in order to remain eligible to participate in the incentive scheme, employees must be given a performance rating of ‘fully met expectations’ and nothing less on their annual appraisals under the corporate performance evaluation program. Considerably, the implementation of incentives plans in addition to the performance management plan will create success for the company, and bred a culture of happy people. Related Laws to Benefits/Pay Program Team A has put together a few laws that pertain to Landslide Limousines. These laws will assist in the protection of business assets, employees, and customers. Understanding the laws and what one needs to do to stay in compliance is extremely vital in the success of a business. Otherwise, it can become a detriment and soon it will become the ultimate downfall of one’s brand and company. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) of 1985 If an employee terminate employment or reduce their hours of employment, they will usually have the right to temporarily continue their health and dental coverage through their employer. This law requires that most employers sponsoring group health plans offer employees and their families the opportunity for a temporary extension of health and dental coverage (called â€Å"COBRA coverage†) at group rates in certain qualifying instances where coverage under the plan would otherwise end. If you are an employee of CWRU and are covered by one of the group health and dental plans, you have a right to choose COBRA coverage if you lose your group health coverage because of a reduction in your hours of employment or the termination of your employment (for reasons other than gross misconduct on your part) (â€Å"Laws Affecting Benefits†, 2011). HIPAA Privacy Rule The Office for Civil Rights enforces the HIPAA Privacy Rule, which protects the privacy of individually identifiable health information; the HIPAA Security Rule, which sets national standards for the security of electronic protected health information; the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule, which requires covered entities and business associates to provide notification following a breach of unsecured protected health information; and the confidentiality provisions of the Patient Safety Rule, which protect identifiable information being used to analyze patient safety events and improve patient safety (â€Å"Health Information Privacy†, n.d). Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 Also known as â€Å"Janet’s Law,† the WHCRA requires health care benefit plans to provide certain coverage following a mastectomy. The law also requires annual notification to all plan participants and their covered beneficiaries (â€Å"Laws Affecting Benefits†, 2011). Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) prescribes standards for wages and overtime pay, which affect most private and public employment. The act is administered by the Wage and Hour Division. It requires employers to pay covered employees who are not otherwise exempt at least the federal minimum wage and overtime pay of one-and-one-half-times the regular rate of pay. For nonagricultural operations, it restricts the hours that children under age 16 can work and forbids the employment of children under age 18 in certain jobs deemed too dangerous. For agricultural operations, it prohibits the employment of children under age 16 during school hours and in certain jobs deemed too dangerous (â€Å"Summary of the Major Laws of the Department of Labor†, n.d). Conclusion In closing, Team A’s recommendations for Landslide Limousines will assist in the success of the company as Bradley Stonefield strives to become the top competitor in the market. Team A has put together a market evaluation. In addition, Team A has provided recommendation for compensation structure and position in market. Further, an outline of compensation and benefits strategy and a merit pay structure for employees. Lastly, laws that pertain to Landslide Limousines that can ultimately protect small businesses, their employees, and customers. References Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2013, May). Retrieved from Occupational Employment Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533041.htm Cascio, W. F. (2013). Managing Human resources (9th ed.), New York, NY the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Experienced Limo Driver Salary in Austin, Tx. (2014, December 6). Retrieved from Indeed: http://www.indeed.com/salary/q-Experienced-Limo-Driver-l-Austin,-TX.html Health Information Privacy. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/ Laws Affecting Benefits. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.case.edu/finadmin/humres/benefits/laws.html#hippa Strategic Plan for Employee Compensation and Benefits. (2014). Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/strategic-plan-employee-compensation-benefits-15613.html Summary of the Major Laws of the Department of Labor. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/lawsprog.htm

Hispanic Cultural Variations in Childrearing

Mexican American/Chicano/Latino/Hispanic Cultural Variations in Childrearing Mexican Americans form about 12.5% of the population in the United States. They are of Mexican descent and most of them trace their origin to the ancient colonial settlers. The Mexican Americans are descendants of Mexicans and Spaniards. The group is multiracial. The Mexican Americans are mostly concentrated in Southwest of the United States. Today many Mexican Americans are illegal immigrants as they come to look for employment.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Mexican American/Chicano/Latino/Hispanic Cultural Variations in Childrearing specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Mexican Americans migrated to the United States during the early colonial days. Most of the Mexican Americans lived in areas in the USA that once belonged to Mexico that is areas such as California, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and others and in the regions that they got employment as well as in steel producing areas in the United States. The i dentity of this group has changed rapidly throughout history as it fought for equal treatment in the USA. Today the group struggles to the definition and maintenance of their identity. The Mexican Americans form the largest part of employees in labor market. The rising numbers of illegal immigrants provide cheap labor to their white employers and most work as janitors, gardeners and other blue-collar jobs. In matters of education, due to their immigrant status most families had to choose between sending their children to or save the meager income for other needs (Englekirk and Marin 1). The Mexican Americans have strong family values and have strong family relationships. The bond goes beyond the nuclear family due to familism-family obligation and care. Mexican Americans has strong cultural practices that are passed on to children and this responsibility is mainly left to the women. Through socialization, the children are able to grow up and become integral members of the family. Th e parents often demand that the children comply with authority and those who fail are often punished physically. Through strict parenting, the children are given verbal commands and often-harsh threats when it comes to discipline. Through this strategy, parents want to teach their children the value of family or familismo and respect especially for the adults-respecto. This involves parental behavior that the children are supposed to copy to learn how to behave in the family or with the family norms. Next, let us focus on gender socialization among the Mexican Americans (Livas-Dlott, Alejandra et al 567-9). Gender socialization among the Mexican Americans is tailored along traditional roles. Just like in most societies in the world in which gender roles are determined by one’s sex so is the Mexican American gender socialization. It is also interesting to note that in spite of changes about gender roles in the country most Mexican Americans retain their traditional view about gender expectations (Raffaelli and Ontai 288).Advertising Looking for essay on cultural studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Traditionally the female gender roles are being submissive, dependent and chaste. On the other hand, male gender roles are independent, virile and dominant. The different ideals of gender roles thus have an impact on how boys and girls are socialized to fit in their expected gender roles. For example, the girls were expected to maintain their virginity and thus had to be careful during dating while the boys did not have to observe any rules during dating. This means that girls are restricted from interacting with romantic partners in case they lose their virginity. Girls are also restricted in their movements and cannot go wherever they wish as their brothers can as their parents tend to be very protective with them (Raffaelli and Ontai 287-288; Englekirk and Marin 1). The Mexican Americans parents have different child rearing habits from their African Americans and Anglo Americans. â€Å"The Mexican Americans place greater emphasis on the development of proper demeanor and a sense of dignity than on early achievement or attainment of developmental milestones† (Kolobe 440). The Mexican American families are nurturing, indulgent and egalitarian. This leads to different outcomes of their children’s behavior and that of children from other cultural backgrounds in the United States. It is also important to note that the among the Mexican Americans there are different child rearing practices depending on the origin of parents for example parents who are USA born and speak English tend to allow their daughters to play like boys and are less protective. On the contrary, parents who emphasized on traditional femininity roles have lower levels of education. In addition, fathers who encourage their sons to get involved with roles traditionally set out for girls an d restrict their sons movement have higher education levels(Raffaelli and Ontai 294-295). Mexican Americans even in the 21st century are still considered as foreigners by the other members of the society (Englekirk and Marin 1). Many of them have complained about discrimination and especially about police profiling. The Mexican American youths face problems concerning identity as they try to maintain their cultural identity as socialized and being acculturated into the Anglo American culture fully due to the benefits that come with it such as speaking English. The youths also face the challenge of a segregated educational, system and the schools they attend lack all the necessary facilities and many students drop up thus reducing their employability (Chavkin195). It is important for the problems that Mexican Americans face to be addressed well to reduce the feelings of anti-Americanism by the Mexican Americans, as America is their country too.Advertising We will write a cust om essay sample on Mexican American/Chicano/Latino/Hispanic Cultural Variations in Childrearing specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Chavkin, Nancy Feyl. Joining forces: Education for a changing population. Educational Horizons 68.4 (1990): 190-196 Englekirk and Marin. Mexican Americans. 2010. 12 May 2010. https://www.everyculture.com/multi/Le-Pa/Mexican-Americans.html Kolobe, Thubi. â€Å"Childrearing Practices and Developmental Expectations for Mexican-American Mothers and the Developmental Status of Their Infants.† Journal of the  American Physical Therapy Association 84. 5 (2004): 439-453. Livas-Dlott, Alejandra, Bruce Fuller, Gabriel Stein, Margaret Bridges, Araina Figuoera and Laurie Mireles. Commands, Competence, and Carion: Maternal Socialization Practices in Mexican American families. Developmental Psychology 46. 3(2010):566-578 Raffaelli, Marcela and Ontai, Lenna. â€Å"Gender Socialization in Latino/a families from two retr ospective studies.†Sex Roles: A journal of Research 50.5 (2004): 287-299.

Malampaya Project Essays

Malampaya Project Essays Malampaya Project Essay Malampaya Project Essay THE MALAMPAYA PROJECT The Malampaya project is a one of its kind project that the Philippines have developed. It is a big opportunity for the Philippines in gas development. The project aims to harvest Gas deep underwater and to use it as a source of power. It provides at least 40-45% of Luzon’s electricity since 2002. It is currently being conducted by Shell Philippines Exploration together with the joint partners Chevron Texaco Malampaya and PNOCEC. The gas was buried approximately 800 meters underwater deep in Northwest Palawan. According to Department of Energy Philippines (2002) that Malaya Gas field is to produce 146 billion cubic feet (BCF) a year. It was proven that they have at least 80 million barrels of condensate and 20-40 million barrels of oil reserves which totals 2. 5 to 3. 5 trillion cubic feet of Gas (TCF). Last December 2012 there has been a plan to expand the Malampaya Gas plant. The Keppel Subic Shipyard started â€Å"striking steel† or steel cutting as a signal for their $1 billion fabrication of an offshore rig in expansion of the Malampaya project. Keppel Subic will be a great help in developing the Malampaya project by building and installing substructure and topside modules in platforms to sustain its 2,700 megawatts production output and for the completion of the Malampaya 3. Also, it will generate at least 1,200 jobs according to Shell Philippines. It has been planned that in 2014, they will build additional two wells and in 2015, installing of new platform for additional equipment and facilities. According to the consortium, the Malampaya 3 aims to keep a steady supply to maintain their commitments in ensuring the power supply for Luzon. It has been proven that they have 3. 2 trillion cubic feet reserves and 1 trillion of it has already been consumed. Sources: http://malampaya. com/? page_id=2 doe. gov. ph/DNG/malampaya_history. pdf gmanetwork. com/news/story/284493/economy/companies/keppel-subic-to-build-fabrication-yard-for-malampaya-deep-well-platform http://manilastandardtoday. com/2012/12/08/work-starts-on-expansionary-malampaya-rig/

Assignemnt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Assignemnt - Essay Example Entrepreneurs face several problems and difficulties while planning to start a new business in a new country. Entrepreneurs need to proper research regarding start of a business in a foreign country in a proper way in order to be successful. â€Å"A typical analysis will cover the history of the industry, including discussions of key dates, historic growth patterns, and other matters† (Smith). In this paper, we will discuss ten most relevant problems and difficulties that an entrepreneur in the U.A.E, particularly in Dubai, can face while going on to start a new restaurant. Ten Most Influencing Difficulties for Entrepreneurs Some of the commonly observed difficulties which entrepreneurs are likely to face in the United Arab Emirates include finding relevant information, inadequacy of information, obtaining trade license, developing taste for local people, recruiting key workers, cultural problems, increase in the competition, reduced inflow of foreigners, less capital, and div erse customer base. Let us discuss all of these issues in some detail in order to get a better understanding of how these problems affect entrepreneurs. ... It is a common misperception that the financial recession has only impacted the financial markets. While there is no doubt that the impact has been very severe on the financial markets, but there has been a very severe impact on the consumer sector as well. The sectors such as construction, automobile, textile, and food have also suffered because of the financial crisis. â€Å"With the recent hit by the global economy crisis, many have lost their daily jobs during that period† (Goh). Therefore, we can say that the recent economic crisis has not only put an adverse impact on different sectors and industries but also it has affected the employment conditions of almost every country. Dubai and the Recent Economic Crisis Dubai is that part of the world, which was heavily affected by the current economic recession. The most affected sector in Dubai was real estate. â€Å"The real estate bubble that propelled the frenetic expansion of Dubai on the back of borrowed cash and speculat ive investment, has burst† (Lewis). Many companies had to stop their large-scale construction projects due to adverse impact of economic crisis on the economy of Dubai. A large part of the government’s spending was also in the real estate construction and development sector. With this decrease in the flow of capital, the economy of Dubai became relatively slow. Therefore, this is also an important factor why most of the entrepreneurs find it difficult to invest in Dubai now because investment in the restaurant business heavily relies on stable economic conditions. Restaurant Business The restaurant business has a great cultural significance when it comes to Dubai. This is because the city has always been marketed as

System thinking- Soft system model Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

System thinking- Soft system model - Essay Example The losses of misunderstanding between urgent & important very from situation to situation, if one has misjudged between two at leadership level in an organization the cost bear might be in total loss of customer and finally organization might be out of business in long term. The benefits accumulated at short term cannot be compared at benefits in the long term, its just like to differentiate between the two is URGENT & IMPORTANT. Sometime we follow urgency at managerial level in an organization ,the tasks like telephone ,mails, urgent inquiries, unexpected customer problems, some employees emerging issues compel even a wise manager towards urgency. Whereas the most important and long term tasks are neglected at the expense of urgent tasks. Keeping in view the all emerging situation and keeping an eye on future the wise leaders of five hundred top multinational companies not only spent an isolated time for planning, long term setting of goals, different roles, models, forecast time e stimation and calculating risk factors (Gomez, 2008, pp.20). Even top leading companies in business plan a certain period for their managers at recreational place where they come closer to leading work force and help them to understand the long-term and important goals and roles to achieve these goals. It has been observed that cost of this trip at organization and the result achieved due to this recreational trip was one of important factor for understanding the difference between urgent & important tasks, Major one- important, minor one - urgent In all the areas of business universe one has to clear cut make a difference between urgent and important, so he/she should set in his mind in such a wise way giving IMPORTANT as major one and URGENT as minor one. This coding in back of his mind will act as driving force in certain crucial situation, which normally appears as tough or hard situation for others .It has observed that world leading lot in the world of business or in the world of politics apply same coding in their mind that's why tough is not tough for this minor lot of leaders. Gardening is one of important example to understand between URGENT& IMPORTANT, ONE WHO SOW SEED,WATER THEM, REMOVE HERBS,USE PESTICIDE HAS GOOD PRODUCE WHEREAS ONE WHO NEGLECT THESE FACTOR HAS BAD PRODUCE. Similarly one who has been brought up in a principled way or harbored these traits in himself is one who will be in a capacity to make clear cut distinction between urgent and important tasks in life. One cannot focus these tasks at business l evel, we have to distinguish at all level what is urgent and what is important in decision making. Choice of metaphors and relevance of important and urgent : Both the situation are important but some are of urgent need, depending upon end result requirement of the organization. The managers and even supervisors have to deal all these important as well as urgent situations at daily basis level, keeping in view the long