Battle of the Books Ethan Frome vs. Of Mice and Men...

Battle of the Books: Ethan Frome vs. Of Mice and MenMany novels are meant to be enjoyed by the reader as they are read. Some novels may relate to everyday relationships, while others may relate to society in general. Two authors that deal with these topics are Edith Wharton and John Steinbeck. Edith Wharton born Edith Newbold Jones to a wealthy family in New York combined her insiders view of Americas privileged classes with a brilliant, natural wit to write humorous and incisive novels and short stories. On the other hand, John Steinbeck, born on February 27, 1902, in Salinas, California spent his summers working on nearby ranches. His inspiration came from everyday life as a worker. Ethan Frome, the title character of Edith Whartons†¦show more content†¦The climax of this novel is when Ethan and Mattie confess their love for each other and decide to commit suicide by sledding into a large tree. The falling action was that Ethan and Mattie regain consciousness after crashin g into the tree; Ethan takes both of them in and cares for them into old age. His struggles are exacerbated by his surroundings such as Zeena his wife, the bleak Starkfield landscape, and his home which often takes on an oppressive quality. Mattie was Zeenas cousin and Ethans lover. This novel shows how even though Ethan and Zeena are married; Ethan loves Mattie more than he could possibly love Zeena. Its bad enough to see the two women sitting there - but his face, when he looks around that bare place, just kills me (Chapter 10). On the other hand, Of Mice and Men, a tragic fictional novel about two migrant workers in California during the Great Depression who were George Milton, intelligent and evil, but caring; and Lennie Small, an ironically named man of large stature and immense strength, but limited mental abilities come to a ranch near Soledad south-east of Salinas, California to. George may seem like a mean guy for example in this quote: Whatever we aint got, thats what you want. God amighty, if I was alone I could live so easy. I could go get a job an work, an no trouble. No mess at all, and when the end of the month come I could take my fifty bucks and go into town and get

Corporate Governance & Social Responsibility Wesfarmers Limited

Question: Describe about the Report for Corporate Governance Social Responsibility of Wesfarmers Limited. Answer: Part A In this paper we prepare the internal report of Wesfarmers limited. In this report we compare the sustainability report of 2014 with the sustainability report of 2015. Wesfarmers limited was one the biggest listed companies in Australia, and its headquarter was established in Western Australia (Wesfarmers, n.d.). Wesfarmers have diversified portfolio of business operations which includes, supermarkets, liquor, hotels, convenience stores, items related to home improvement, products related to office supplies, department stores, and business related to chemicals, energy and fertilizers, coal (Wesfarmers, n.d.). This internal report was prepared by following the G4 GRI guidelines. These guidelines provide principles, standards and manual in which sustainable report is prepared by the organizations of every size. These guidelines also provide standards at international level for all those organizations which want to disclose the matter related to governance approach. In this report consider the three areas provided by G4 GRI guidelines that are environment, economic and social (GRI, n.d.). Wesfarmers Comparison: ASPECT 2014 2015 CONCLUSION Economic In 2014, Company supports community partnerships. In direct way company contributes almost 44.6 million dollars in community partnerships, and through indirect way company contributes almost 50.8 million dollars. Company also supports arts companies in Australia at higher level. In 2015 company, paid $43045 million to its suppliers, $7,830 million to its employees, $1578 million as taxes, and $ 2246 million to its shareholders as dividend. Company also supports community partnerships. Company usually supports contribution in four major areas such as health program, indigenous programs, education programs, and also Wesfarmers arts programs. In 2015 company directly contributes almost $ 50 million to the community partnerships. Company also facilitated direct donations of $52.7 million (Wesfarmers, 2015). The Wesfarmers art programs support the other art companies in Australia. Wesfarmers Arts programs $2.2 million to the arts program in this year (Wesfarmers, 2015). After comparing the economic aspects of both the years it was clearly shown in the table that in 2015 company supports community partnership more than the support provided in 2015. Directly company support at excess of 5.4 million dollar and indirectly this support was increased by 2.9 million dollars. It was also shown that in 2015 companies employees exclusively participate in the art activity. Environment Company tries to emit green house gas at both direct and indirect level. Directly they emit gas through their industrial business, use of natural gases and many more. Company emit gas indirectly also and their main way of gas emission through indirect way was electricity. In 2014 Greenhouse gas emission was almost 4047 tones. After assessing the risk on climate, company focus on two approaches. First they manage their own green house gas emissions and also focus on reducing that gas. Second they assess those risks which were created due to change in the climate try to manage those risks (Wesfarmers, 2015). On 17th September 2015 number of companies like Wesfarmers, AGL, BHP Billiton, GE, Mirvac, Santos, etc. signs a statement in which they are supporting Australian government practices for climate change (Wesfarmers, 2015). In 2015, greenhouse gas emission was 4012 tones. In 2014 company emit 4047 tones gas through direct and indirect source, whereas in 2015 company emits only 4012 tones only. It was clearly shown that in 2014 company emits more gas than in 2015. In 2015 company emerge more gas in comparison of 2014. Social Labor Practices and Decent Work: company specially focus on the development of indigenous groups and provide equal opportunity to them. In 2014 company employed almost 1711 employees (Wesfarmers, 2015). Lets talk about the safety environment at workplace. In 2014, injury rates are 42.7% in all over the year. Human Rights: company always conduct audits to ensure that company is not violating any human rights in its supply chains, and company always take measures to identify the risk related to violation of human rights. Society: From 2013 Australian Food and Grocery Council develop a standard named as Cole. Company does not adopt this standard till now. Board and management think on the adoption of this standard. Product Responsibility: In 2014 company stopped selling a video game named as Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA5) after receiving number of customer concerns. Customer found this game inappropriate for society because in this game there was violence against women. It was assumed that customer find it oppressive. Labor Practices and Decent Work: company hires almost 1 Australian in 59 working Australian. Wesfarmers distribute 59% of its revenue among their employees through wages, salaries. Wesfarmers hire people without discrimination. They provide employment chances to people of every age, cast, color, and sex (Wesfarmers, 2015). Wesfarmers employees relations are controlled by collective agreements. These agreements cover almost 85% employees in Wesfarmers. In these agreements company recognize the rights of their employees at both individual and collective level, without the interference of third parties. Wesfarmers always put safety at workplace on highest priorities. Company always takes initiatives to reduce the injuries. In 2015 injuries rates 39.5% which are low compared to previous years. In 2015 lost time injury rates are 7.3% only. (Wesfarmers, 2015). In case of indigenous groups the primary focus of the company was employment distribution. At 30th June 2015 Company employed almost 2762 indigenous team members. These members almost represent 1.4% workforce of company. This was 61% increase from the last year. Human Rights: Wesfarmers knows well that violation of human rights affect their supply chains, and they also identify such risk. They also take measure steps to address these risks. In 2015 company approved almost 2139 factories in their ethical audit program, and 150 factories are approved for re audit. This year company finds almost 39 issues of human rights violations (Wesfarmers, 2015). Society: ASX sets out many corporate governance principles and recommendations which were adopted by the board and management of the company. Board also ensures that the company follows the governance standards mention in third edition of the ASX principles (Wesfarmers, 2015). From 2013 Australian Food and Grocery Council develop a standard named as Cole. In July 2015 company adopts this standard (Wesfarmers, 2015). Product Responsibility: Company must ensure that the products they are supplying are safe and secure as per the guidelines provided under Australian Consumer Law. In April 2015, Target withdraws branded items related to Anzac from its Camp Gallipoli, when government announced them inappropriate for public (Wesfarmers, 2015). Labor Practices and Decent Work: in this area it is clearly mention that company hires 61% more indigenous employees in comparison to 2014. In 2014 company hire only 1711 employees and in 2015 it hire almost 2726 employees which was more than year 2014. Human Rights: In 2015, company approved 2139 factories which are following ethic standards carefully and 1500 factories are targeted for re-audit. Society: In 2015 company adopts the standard developed by the Australian Food and Grocery Council, named as Cole. This standard was developed in 2013. It was a major step taken by the company in the favor of the society. Product Responsibility: In 2014 company stopped selling a video game named as Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA5) after receiving number of customer concerns, and in 2015 company withdraws all the items related to this game from market. This was encouraging action of company in ensuring the product quality produced by company. In last, we conclude that company follow all the G4 GRI guidelines and make sure that they meet all the standards provided by GRI guidelines. After assessing the sustainability report of the Wesfarmers, it was found that company prepares the report in very good manner and it is easy to understand the report. Yes, report was verified and it is verified by the management and board of directors of the company. In this report company cover all the aspects of the GRI guidelines. It must be advised that the points related to social aspect needs more detailing in the sustainability report. Part B Fuji Xerox Australia Pty Limited is a leading company at global level, and engaged in the business and document management services. Company also provides back office support, so that customers can focus on their business. Company also focus on sustainability, and ensures that their customers fulfill their business objectives. Fuji Xerox Australia Pty Limited is affiliated with Fuji Xerox Co Ltd, which is established in Japan (Fuji Xerox, n.d.). In part B we prepare the internal report of Fuji Xerox Australia Pty Limited on the basis of sustainability report of the company. Fuji Xerox comparison: In sustainability report of 2014 company used G4 GRI guidelines for prepare their sustainability report, but in 2015 company prepare report not only on the basis of G4 GRI guidelines but also take reference from guidelines of the Ministry of Environment and UN Global Compact (Fuji Xerox, 2014, n.d.) . In both the reports different approaches are used by the company, in 2014 company issue sustainability report in which company follow G4 GRI guidelines to prepare the report. In 2014 company disclose both General standards Specific standards. In General Standards Disclosure Company describe strategy and analysis, profile of the company, material aspects, engagement of stakeholder in company and practices related to ethics and governance. In specific standard company cover all the areas such as economic, environment and social. In 2015 company prepare report by taking reference from three types of guidelines, which are described below: GRI Guidelines: in this company follow both General Standards Disclosures and Specific Standards Disclosure. Guidelines of the Ministry of Environment: in this company follow the various principles such as Environmental policies, business strategies, corporate governance matters, environmental initiatives in the value chain, and how company resolve the issues of stakeholders. UN Global Compact: In this company mainly focus on four categories that are Human Rights, Anti-Corruption, Environment and Labor (Fuji Xerox, n.d.). Comparison between sustainability report of 2014 and 2015: ASPECT 2014 2015 CONCLUSION G4 GRI guidelines In this company follow both general and specific standards. General standards- these standards are described by the company from G4-1 to G4-56. In these standards company disclose the general information about the management and operations of the company. Specific Standards- In this company cover all the three areas: Economic- in 2013-14 company processed it last stage of transforming their resources related to business which includes regional Oracle systems environment. In 2014-15 company integrate the oracle module with support system. Environment- company seeks their suppliers so that they can follow sustainability policies for conducting their business operations. In 2013-14 company reports that almost 57.3% of procurement expenditure that is almost equal to AU$ 580 million was incurred on equipment supplies and consumable equipments (Fuji Xerox, 2014). Social- According to company every individual has right to work in the healthy and safe environment. In 2013-14 company formed a strategy in which they develop roles of women in middle management, and company also employ new talent in womens. other actions taken by company in 2013-14 are: Company introduced parental leave for 12 weeks which are paid to the employees. Also frame new work policies for the 2014-15. Company follows both general and specific standards. General standards- These standards are described by the company from G4-1 to G4-58. In this company cover all the general aspects which relate to management, ethics, corporate governance and many more. Specific Standards- In this company describe these four areas: Economic- Company supports the education system at high level and this can be show from the various efforts made by Fuji Xerox, and support provided by the company in the education sector. Company engaged with the local communities to increase the quality of education sector. In 2014-15 company established Tono Mirai Zukuri College (Fuji Xerox, 2015). Environment- Fuji Xerox strictly follows the environment principles in their product life cycle. Company start many policies over the year in which they greatly emphasis on environment protection. In 2014-15 company framed chemical substance management system (Fuji Xerox, 2015). Social- in this company mainly focuses on labor policies and relationship with employees. In this company also cares for the safety of employees. This can be shown from the injury rates and working hours of the company (Fuji Xerox, 2015; Fuji Xerox, 2015). In 2014 company follow all the aspects of social standards defined in specific disclosure, but in 2015 sustainability report they do not provide all the aspects of social standards. Company only focuses on the labor and employee relations. In 2014, company not deeply describes the economic sector, and in 2015 company deeply describes the various sectors and aspects of economy well in its report. Guidelines of the Ministry of Environment - In this company address the following principles (Fuji Xerox, 2015): 1. Environmental policies, visions, and business strategies- in this company and its affiliates work and believe on the two concepts that is green policy and shared values (Fuji Xerox, 2015). 2. Status of organizational systems and governance- in this company give great emphasis on risk management policy (Fuji Xerox, 2015). 3. Responsiveness of stakeholder issues- company develops many policies to resolve the queries of shareholders (Fuji Xerox, 2015). 4. Environmental initiatives in the value chain- company not only develop business related terms with suppliers but they are also developing CSR with their suppliers. In this company use the ministry of environment guidelines in 2015 only. In 2014 company not follow these guidelines. In 2014 sustainability report company does not describe any matter related to green policy and shared values which was co-concept of Fuji Xerox and its affiliated. UN Global Compact - In this company follow the various principles which relates with human rights, environment, anti-corruption and labor (Fuji Xerox, 2015). In this company use the UN Global Compact guidelines in 2015 only. In 2014 company not follow these guidelines. Part C In this we conclude the internal reports of both the companies that are Wesfarmers Limited and Fuji Xerox Australia Pty Ltd: Wesfarmers Limited: in this company follow the G4 GRI guidelines to prepare the sustainability report of both the years that is 2014 and 2015. In this we conclude that company follows all the standards of the GRI guidelines and company also improve its performance in every sector whether it is economic, environment and social. We can understand this with the help of the example, such as injury rates are declining every year which shows company focus on safety at workplace. In 2014 injury rate was 5.0 and in 2015 injury rate was declining and reach to 4.2. It was also shown that in 2014 rates of workmen compensation claims are 13 and in 2015 it was reduced by 2 and reach at the level of 13. In the economic area company was improving such as community partnership was more in 2015 as compared to 2014. Company always tries to support its local communities for development. We can also see the improvement in the social aspect. If we look at the green house gas emission, it was shown in the report that in 2014 gas emission was 627 kilotons, and in 2015 it was 869 kilotons. We can also take the example of energy used by the company. In 2014 company use 4.59 PETAJOULS and in 2015 this was increased up to 5.11 PETAJOULS. It is clearly shown that company done its best efforts to improve the environment and work in the right direction. In this we conclude that company was put it efforts in the right direction but there are some aspects in which it is necessary that company works (Wesfarmers resources, 2015). In the internal report of Wesfarmers limited every aspect related to guidelines are clearly mention and company provide every detail which was supported by the facts and figures. It was also shown that company starts many new policies which are in the direction of sustainability development. Fuji Xerox Australia Pty Ltd: in this companies use different guidelines to prepare the sustainability report of 2015 that is G4 GRI guidelines, guidelines of the Ministry of Environment and UN Global Compact. In 2014, company use only G4 GRI guidelines to prepare the sustainability report. It was clearly shown that in both years company use very different approaches to prepare the reports. In 2014 company use only single guideline but in 2015 company use almost three types of guidelines to prepare the report. It was shown that in 2015 company describe every aspect of the report very deeply. In both the years company use different approaches to prepare the report, some factors used by the company are: In 2014 company disclose both General standards Specific standards. In General Standards Disclosure Company describe strategy and analysis, profile of the company, material aspects, engagement of stakeholder in company and practices related to ethics and governance. In specific standard company cover all the areas such as economic, environment and social. In 2015 company prepare report by taking reference from three types of guidelines that is GRI Guidelines: in this company follow both General Standards Disclosures and Specific Standards Disclosure. Second, Guidelines of the Ministry of Environment: in this company follow the various principles such as Environmental policies, business strategies, corporate governance matters, environmental initiatives in the value chain, and how company resolve the issues of stakeholders. UN Global Compact: In this company mainly focus on four categories that are Human Rights, Anti-Corruption, Environment and Labor. In this report, we conclude that company does not properly define all its policies and initiatives in sustainability report. In 2015, report company only focus on the labor and employees relationship, and does not mention any facts which relate with the other aspects of social category. Therefore, we can say that there are some flaws in the report of the company. Part D Reflective journal of personal development: after completing the two assessment task, I have considered the importance of ethics, corporate governance, and sustainability development of an organization. There are various benefits of sustainability development such as it increases the reputation of an organization and profitability of an organization in the long run. Through the assessment of these principles we can easily meet the expectations of employees and provide them better place for working. This is not yet organizations can easily access the capital because, investors can trust the organization which provides such transparency to them. Sustainability reporting is important for environment also which reduce the waste and help in developing the environment. it helps the company in increasing their efforts for waste reduction, and also help to companies to adopt such policies and procedures which effect the environment at low level. Sustainability reporting requires companies to gather information about processes and impacts that they may not have measured before. This new data, in addition to creating greater transparency about firm performance, can provide firms with knowledge necessary to reduce their use of natural resources, increase efficiency and improve their operational performance (Sustainability Development Charter, n.d.). In this it is easy to understand and apply the concept of corporate governance. Corporate governance was very important aspect of sustainability reporting. In modern era it is necessary for companies to survive in long run for that it is necessary, they follow the principles of corporate governance. Following are the principles of corporate governance which are described by the ASX, and these principles apply on all the entities which are listed on ASX: Principle 1: Lay solid foundations for management and oversight Principle 2: Structure the board to add value Principle 3: Act ethically and responsibly Principle 4: Safeguard integrity in corporate reporting Principle 5: Make timely and balanced disclosure Principle 6: Respect the rights of security holders Principle 7: Recognize and manage risk Principle 8: Remunerate fairly and responsibly (ASX, n.d.) These principles ensure that companies follow the good governance, and meet the expectations of the investors. These principles not only help the management in managing their business operations but, also safeguard the investors of the company. These principles mainly focus on the disclosure of information by the companies, and also enhance the transparency between the government, company and investors, in last we can say that sustainability reporting and corporate governance plays an important role in the business operations of the company. After completing this assignment it was clear in my mind the importance of sustainability reporting, ethics, employee relations and corporate governance. It was clearly shown that company cannot work for long time after ignoring these important terms. Conclusion: In this assignment, we compare the sustainability report of Wesfarmers Limited and Fuji Xerox Australia Pty Ltd. First we compare the sustainability report of last two years of each company, and then we compare the reports of abovementioned companies with each other. In Wesfarmers Limited, company follows the G4 GRI guidelines to prepare the sustainability report of both the years that is 2014 and 2015. In this we recommend that company must improve its performance in the sector of social aspect, because in last company earn from society and it must return to the society. In Fuji Xerox Australia Pty Ltd, company use different guidelines to prepare the sustainability report of 2015 that is G4 GRI guidelines, guidelines of the Ministry of Environment and UN Global Compact. In this company is lacking in following all the guidelines, and company does not properly define all its policies and initiatives in sustainability report. There are many flaws in the report of the company. In this w e recommend that company must focus on other aspects of social policy also, because in 2015 company only focus on the labor and employees relationship, and does not mention any facts which relate with the other aspects of social category. References: Wesfarmers. Who We Are. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://www.wesfarmers.com.au/who-we-are/who-we-are. Wesfarmers. Our Businesses. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://www.wesfarmers.com.au/our-businesses/our-businesses. GRI. G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://www.globalreporting.org/resourcelibrary/GRIG4-Part1-Reporting-Principles-and-Standard-Disclosures.pdf. Wesfarmers. Wesfarmers Arts: Connecting our people with the arts. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://sustainability.wesfarmers.com.au/case-studies/community/wesfarmers-arts-connecting-our-people-with-the-arts/. Wesfarmers. Community. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://sustainability.wesfarmers.com.au/our-principles/community/community-contributions/. Wesfarmers. Environment. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://sustainability.wesfarmers.com.au/our-principles/environment/climate-change-resilience/. Wesfarmers. (2015). Wesfarmers Signs Business Coalition on Climate Change. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://sustainability.wesfarmers.com.au/our-principles/environment/climate-change-resilience/. Wesfarmers. (2015). people. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://sustainability.wesfarmers.com.au/our-principles/people/people-development/. Wesfarmers. (2015). Safety. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://sustainability.wesfarmers.com.au/our-principles/people/safety/. Wesfarmers. (2015). Sourcing. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://sustainability.wesfarmers.com.au/our-principles/sourcing/ethical-sourcing/. Wesfarmers. (2015). Sourcing. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://sustainability.wesfarmers.com.au/our-principles/sourcing/suppliers/. Wesfarmers. (2015). GRI G4 Content Index. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://sustainability.wesfarmers.com.au/our-data/gri-g4-content-index/. Wesfarmers. (2015). Governance. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://sustainability.wesfarmers.com.au/our-principles/governance/robust-governance/. Wesfarmers. (2015). Diversities. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://sustainability.wesfarmers.com.au/our-principles/people/diversity/. Fuji Xerox. Company. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://www.fujixerox.com.au/company/. Fuji Xerox. GRI G4 content index in accordance - Core. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://www.fxasustainability.com.au/2014/gri_g4_content_index_in_accordance-core.pdf. Fuji Xerox. Referenced Guidelines. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://www.fujixerox.com/eng/company/sr/2015/booklet.html. Fuji Xerox. (2014). Fuji Xerox Australia Sustainability Report 2014. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://www.fxasustainability.com.au/2014/report.php. Fuji Xerox. (2015). Highlights 2 Creating a Future for Local Communities. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://www.fujixerox.com/eng/company/sr/2015/highlight/02.html. Fuji Xerox. (2015). Working Conditions and Workplace Safety and Health. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://www.fujixerox.com/eng/company/sr/2015/stakeholder/employee/condition.html. Fuji Xerox. (2015). Engagement with Global Environment. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://www.fujixerox.com/eng/company/sr/2015/global_environment.html#saving. Fuji Xerox. (2015). Sustainability Report 2015. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://www.fujixerox.com/eng/company/sr/booklet/2015e.pdf. Fuji Xerox. (2015). Guidelines of the Ministry of the Environment. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://www.fujixerox.com/eng/company/sr/2015/environment.html. Fuji Xerox. (2015). Environment Policy. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://www.fujixerox.com/eng/company/sr/2015/stakeholder/environment/policy.html. Fuji Xerox. (2015). Risk Management. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from:https://www.fujixerox.com/eng/company/sr/2015/corporation/organization/management.html. Fuji Xerox. (2015). At Customers' Offices. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://www.fujixerox.com/eng/company/ecology/office/. Fuji Xerox. (2015). Engagement with Suppliers. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://www.fujixerox.com/eng/company/sr/2015/partner.html. Fuji Xerox. (2015). UN Global Compact. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://www.fujixerox.com/eng/company/sr/2015/global_compact.html. Wesfarmers. Our Data. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://www.wesresources.com.au/sustainability_report_2015/our-data/. ASX. Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from: https://www.asx.com.au/documents/asx-compliance/cgc-principles-and-recommendations-3rd-edn.pdf. Sustainability Development Charter. Benefits of Sustainability. Retrieved on 8th October 2016 from:https://www.sd-charter.net/about/benefits/.

the Necklace By guy de maupassant Essays - Emotions, The Necklace

Jealousy and envy are among the greatest of sins and have been the down fall of many. Maupassant's "The Necklace" is the story of a woman who is overcome with jealousy and envy. Mathilde Loisel feels she has been cheated by life from all of the wonderful things it has to offer. The reader learns how these qualities in Mme. Loisel come back to haunt her for many years as the story unfolds with an ironic ending. Mathilde Loisel, as the main character of the story, is truly believable. She is described as "one of those pretty and charming girls who are sometimes, born into a family of clerks"(900). The author describes how she suffers from her lifestyle of being middle-class. There is a stereotypical "rich man, poor man" quality as Mme. Loisel longs for the material things that her old schoolmate Mme. Forester has. The physical appearance of the characters as well as their actions, thought, and emotions are very detailed throughout the story. The main character's life, as well as her husband's, takes a dramatic turn and the author describes the physical and emotional changes in great detail. The story's title does not signify the theme however, the theme of the story is reiterated throughout the story. "She had no dresses, no jewels, nothing. And she loved nothing but that; she felt made for that. She would so have liked to please, to be envied, to be charming, to be sought after"(900). Mme. Loisel was envious of her friend and anyone else who had more than what she had. She felt that she deserved these things.

The Federal Republic of Central America (1823-1840)

The Federal Republic of Central America (1823-1840) The United Provinces of Central America (also known as the Federal Republic of Central America, or Repà ºblica Federal de Centroamà ©rica) was a short-lived nation comprised of the present-day countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The nation, which was founded in 1823, was led by Honduran liberal Francisco Morazn. The republic was doomed from the start, as infighting between liberals and conservatives was constant and proved insurmountable. In 1840, Morazn was defeated and the Republic broke into the nations that form Central America today. Central America in the Spanish Colonial Era In Spain’s mighty New World Empire, Central America was but a remote outpost, largely ignored by the colonial authorities. It was part of the Kingdom of New Spain (Mexico) and later controlled by the Captaincy-General of Guatemala. It did not have mineral wealth like Peru or Mexico, and the natives (mostly descendants of the Maya) proved to be fierce warriors, difficult to conquer, enslave and control. When the independence movement broke out all through the Americas, Central America only had a population of about one million, mostly in Guatemala. Independence In the years between 1810 and 1825, different sections of the Spanish Empire in the Americas declared their independence, and leaders like Simà ³n Bolà ­var and Josà © de San Martà ­n fought many battles against Spanish loyalist and royal forces. Spain, struggling at home, could not afford to send armies to put down every rebellion and focused on Peru and Mexico, the most valuable colonies. Thus, when Central America declared itself independent on September 15, 1821, Spain did not send troops and loyalist leaders in the colony simply made the best deals they could with the revolutionaries. Mexico 1821-1823 Mexico’s War of Independence had begun in 1810 and by 1821 the rebels had signed a treaty with Spain which ended hostilities and forced Spain to recognize it as a sovereign nation. Agustà ­n de Iturbide, a Spanish military leader who had switched sides to fight for the creoles, set himself up in Mexico City as Emperor. Central America declared independence shortly after the end of the Mexican War of Independence and accepted an offer to join Mexico. Many Central Americans chafed at Mexican rule, and there were several battles between Mexican forces and Central American patriots. In 1823, Iturbide’s Empire dissolved and he left for exile in Italy and England. The chaotic situation that followed in Mexico led Central America to strike out on its own. Establishment of the Republic In July 1823, a Congress was called in Guatemala City which formally declared the establishment of the United Provinces of Central America. The founders were idealistic creoles, who believed that Central America had a great future because it was an important trade route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. A federal president would govern from Guatemala City (the largest in the new republic) and local governors would rule in each of the five states. Voting rights were extended to rich European creoles; the Catholic Church was established in a position of power. Slaves were emancipated and slavery outlawed, although in reality little changed for the millions of impoverished Indians who still lived lives of virtual slavery. Liberals Versus Conservatives From the beginning, the Republic was plagued by bitter fighting between liberals and conservatives. Conservatives wanted limited voting rights, a prominent role for the Catholic Church and a powerful central government. The liberals wanted church and state separate and a weaker central government with more freedom for the states. The conflict repeatedly led to violence as whichever faction not in power tried to seize control. The new republic was ruled for two years by a series of triumvirates, with various military and political leaders taking turns in an ever-changing game of executive musical chairs. Reign of Josà © Manuel Arce In 1825, Josà © Manuel Arce, a young military leader born in El Salvador, was elected President. He had come to fame during the brief time that Central America had been ruled by the Iturbide’s Mexico, leading an ill-fated rebellion against the Mexican ruler. His patriotism thus established beyond a doubt, he was a logical choice as the first president. Nominally a liberal, he nevertheless managed to offend both factions and Civil War broke out in 1826. Francisco Morazn Rival bands were fighting each other in the highlands and jungles during the years 1826 to 1829 while the ever-weakening Arce tried to re-establish control. In 1829 the liberals (who had by then disowned Arce) were victorious and occupied Guatemala City. Arce fled to Mexico. The liberals elected Francisco Morazn, a dignified Honduran General still in his thirties. He had led the liberal armies against Arce and had a wide base of support. Liberals were optimistic about their new leader. Liberal Rule in Central America The jubilant liberals, led by Morazn, quickly enacted their agenda. The Catholic Church was unceremoniously removed from any influence or role in government, including education and marriage, which became a secular contract. He also abolished government-aided tithing for the Church, forcing them to collect their own money. The conservatives, mostly wealthy landowners, were scandalized. The clergy incited revolts among the indigenous groups and the rural poor and mini-rebellions broke out all over Central America. Still, Morazn was firmly in control and proved himself repeatedly as a skilled general. A Battle of Attrition The conservatives began wearing the liberals down, however. Repeated flare-ups all over Central America forced Morazn to move the capital from Guatemala City to the more centrally located San Salvador in 1834. In 1837, there was a fierce outbreak of cholera: the clergy managed to convince many of the uneducated poor that it was divine retaliation against the liberals. Even the provinces were the scene of bitter rivalries: in Nicaragua, the two largest cities were liberal Leà ³n and conservative Granada, and the two occasionally took up arms against one another. Morazn saw his position weaken as the 1830’s wore on. Rafael Carrera In late 1837 there appeared a new player on the scene: Guatemalan Rafael Carrera. Although he was a brutish, illiterate pig farmer, he was nevertheless a charismatic leader, dedicated conservative and devout Catholic. He quickly rallied the Catholic peasants to his side and was one of the first to gain strong support among the indigenous population. He became a serious challenger to Morazn almost immediately as his horde of peasants, armed with flintlocks, machetes and clubs, advanced on Guatemala City. A Losing Battle Morazn was a skilled soldier, but his army was small and he had little long-term chance against Carrera’s peasant hordes, untrained and poorly armed as they were. Morazn’s conservative enemies seized the opportunity presented by Carrera’s uprising to start their own, and soon Morazn was fighting several outbreaks at once, the most serious of which was Carrera’s continued march to Guatemala City. Morazn skillfully defeated a larger force at the Battle of San Pedro Perulapn in 1839, but by then he only effectively ruled El Salvador, Costa Rica and isolated pockets of loyalists. End of the Republic Beset on all sides, the Republic of Central America fell apart. The first to officially secede was Nicaragua, on November 5, 1838. Honduras and Costa Rica followed shortly thereafter. In Guatemala, Carrera set himself up as dictator and ruled until his death in 1865. Morazn fled to exile in Colombia in 1840 and the collapse of the republic was complete. Attempts to Rebuild the Republic Morazn never gave up on his vision and returned to Costa Rica in 1842 to re-unify Central America. He was quickly captured and executed, however, effectively ending any realistic chance anyone had of bringing the nations together again. His final words, addressed to his friend General Villaseà ±or (who was also to be executed) were: â€Å"Dear friend, posterity will do us justice.† Morazn was right: posterity has been kind to him. Over the years, many have tried and failed to revive Morazn’s dream. Much like Simà ³n Bolà ­var, his name is invoked any time someone proposes a new union: it’s a little ironic, considering how poorly his fellow Central Americans treated him during his lifetime. No one has ever had any success in uniting the nations, however. Legacy of the Central American Republic It is unfortunate for the people of Central America that Morazn and his dream were so soundly defeated by smaller thinkers such as Carrera. Since the republic fractured, the five nations have been repeatedly victimized by foreign powers such as the United States and England who have used force to advance their own economic interests in the region. Weak and isolated, the nations of Central America have had little choice but to allow these larger, more powerful nations to bully them around: one example is Great Britain’s meddling in British Honduras (now Belize) and the Mosquito Coast of Nicaragua. Although much of the blame must rest with these imperialistic foreign powers, we must not forget that Central America has traditionally been its own worst enemy. The small nations have a long and bloody history of bickering, warring, skirmishing and interfering in one another’s business, occasionally even in the name of â€Å"reunification.† The history of the region has been marked by violence, repression, injustice, racism and terror. Granted, larger nations such as Colombia have also suffered from the same ills, but they have been particularly acute in Central America. Of the five, only Costa Rica has managed to distance itself somewhat from the â€Å"Banana Republic† image of a violent backwater. Sources: Herring, Hubert. A History of Latin America From the Beginnings to the Present. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1962. Foster, Lynn V. New York: Checkmark Books, 2007.

Political Communication in the Global Age - Does political advertising Essay

Political Communication in the Global Age - Does political advertising undermine or support democracy - Essay Example Most of their competitive campaigns include huge numbers of advertisements and negative appeal. Such campaigns can overwhelm voters. It makes them think these communications are manipulative and may turn them off. However, at the same time, such communications and campaigns are responsible for giving people access to information, keeping them up to date and engaged, it mobilizes them, gives them choice, gives them freedom, help those who are politically unsophisticated and bring many other advantages that positively impact democracy. Political advertising supports democracy by giving people choice and access to information as it is but to enable it to facilitate order and democracy even more, it should be driven by some regulations. More research needs to be carried out to identify gaps in political advertising versus democracy. When customers are in the process of making a decision about a commercial product – whether to buy it or not; they need to have information about that product. Better yet, they should be able to engage and interact with the product to get a better idea about it. In my opinion, having this information makes these customers powerful and facilitates decision-making. However, whether this decision is the â€Å"best† one or not is unclear until customers actually start using a product after purchase. Similarly, before voting, customers might need relevant information to be able to vote. At the same time however, well-equipped and even better funded candidates and political parties can devastate the voter with their political advertising campaigns that may include negative, competitive and attack ads. This paper will look at the arguments for and against political advertising and its relationship with democracy. It will then conclude whether political advertising undermines or supports democracy. To give readers a head start, the following section will explain what political advertising is and how, as a marketing tool,

HRM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 5

HRM - Essay Example According to the organization, the employees should be highly engaged within the system as this would increase their work efficiency. The employees of the airline are aware that the organization is not only concerned about the satisfaction of the customers, but also about the employee security. SouthWest Airlines provides high job security to the employees to ensure their long term interest in staying with the organization. The compensation policies of the organization include heavy usage of collective payment for the performance. This policy is highly attractive for motivating the employees. The organization aims at hiring the candidates with the highest potential in order to improve the overall efficiency. Providing them with the appropriate training and development programs help them in adapting to the organizational culture, understand the pattern of job and finally, perform better. American Express Train is the member of the international niche of forty air links that perform th e task of carrying the flying passengers from and to the airports. It is renowned in terms of human resource and maintenance of employee relations. The human resource policies of AET are similar to the policies adapted by South West airlines to some extent. Although both the organizations possess different set of business strategies, yet the human resource policies for meeting the goals and objectives of the organizations are similar. Thus, the alignment of the human resource policies and practices with the business strategies is very important for improving the performance of the organization. As the economic environment is evolving in a rapid manner, the change results in the shift of demands of customers and investors along with increase in the product and market competition. For competing successfully within the environment, the organizations require to improve their performances constantly by means of cost reduction, product innovation, process innovation and improvement in pro ductivity as well as product or service quality. Performance of an organization consists of a broad concept including efficiency, productivity, effectiveness and competitiveness. Most of the researches have been done on the impact of the human resource management on the performance of an organization. In the year 1997, there had been a research conducted by Paauwe and Richardson which had encompassed thirty various studies in order to establish a relationship between the range of HR practices and the human resource management outcomes like, motivation, employee satisfaction, absenteeism, commitment and turnover. It had also focused on the relationship between these human resource management outcomes and the performance outcomes in the organizational level like, research and development, productivity, quality, customer satisfaction, profit and many other factors. Research has also been done related to the theories of human resource management and performances and the ways in which th ey are linked with each other. Organizational performance is based upon the effectiveness with which the services or products are being offered to the customers. The human resources of the organizations are responsible for designing, producing and delivering these services. Thus, the organizational performance is highly dependent upon the human resource management policies of the system as these policies determine the individual performances of these employees (Thussu and Freedman 22; Ruppel

General Character Traits of a Successful Entrepreneur Essay Example for Free

General Character Traits of a Successful Entrepreneur Essay Taking moderate risks is another characteristic of successful entrepreneurs. They dont fear to take risks. FEAR to take risks discourages initiative, brings about uncertainty of purpose, destroys ambition, kills enthusiasm, destroys good reasoning and stops you from taking action. Besides, there is nothing you can engage yourself in without any risks involved. *She takes personal responsibility for her own actions. The more responsibility you take, the more in control you are. And the freer you are, especially in your own mind, to make decisions and to do the things you want to do. Things go wrong when you run your own business. Most entrepreneurs go through crises with their businesses — and more than a few wind up with outright failures on their hands. But when you’re responsible for a business, you have to be able to keep calm in any situation. Any other reaction — whether you lose your temper or get flustered — compounds the problem. Instead, a good entrepreneur must have the ability to keep his cool in an emergency or crisis. It may not make the problem easier to solve, but it certainly won’t make it harder. If an entrepreneur can handle failure without frustration or anger, he can move past it to find success. *She is self-confident Successful entrepreneurs dont depend on luck. They are able to visualize and they believe in the attainment of their desires at all cost. Ability to visualize and to have faith in the attainment of your desires is an important factor in building your self-confidence. *She likes to get concrete feedback on her own performance from others. Asking people around your business the feedback on your performance is one way you’ll know whether you need to improve your performance or stay the same. It is fine to have your critics to motivate yourself to improve your performance. *She is concerned with tasks and problems rather than with people. Successful entrepreneurs are problem solvers. They have the ability to identify specific problems of a given customer group, which require their products or services to be solved. As they solve their customers problems, they end up making money. Turning peoples problems into great opportunities is one of the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs. *She is very creative To succeed you have to be creative. All successful entrepreneurs think a lot differently from ordinary people. They see things other people have not yet mirrored and are able to introduce new things and new ways of doing things. *She is achievement- oriented All successful entrepreneurs are achievers. They do not give up when faced with a temporary defeat. They do not despair because they are highly motivated people. Whatever they put their hands and their minds on, they commit themselves to achieve it. Until they achieve it, they do not stop. Even after achieving it, they look forward to strengthen their achievements. Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies or (PECS) *Opportunity seeking Does things before asked or forced to by events Acts to extend the business into new areas, products or services Seizes unusual opportunities to start a new business, obtain financing, equipment, land work space or assistance *Persistence Takes action in the face of a significant obstacle Takes repeated actions or switches to an alternative strategy to meet a challenge or overcome an obstacle Takes personal responsibility for the performance necessary to achieve goals and objectives Commitment to work contact Makes a personal sacrifice or expends extraordinary effort to complete a job.