Human Resource Management Proposal

Best Fit Best Practice Factor in HRM strategy Human resource management strategies are the plans that organizations put in place to help in managing people, organizational structure, development and training. The plans help in ascertaining how people’s skill fit into an organization’s mission, vision and objectives.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Human Resource Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The HRM of an organization is focused on recruiting and retaining the best talent there is to ensure the organization achieves its goals as defined by the overall business strategy (Purcell, 2008, p.45). Perhaps one of the most critical elements in HRM is the â€Å"best fit† and â€Å"best practice† factor. This factor is used to capture the important relationship that there is between HRM strategy and overall corporate strategy. Through the â€Å"best fit† and â€Å"best practice† approach, HRM strategy on recruitment and selection, reward and recognition, learning, training and development will be geared towards achieving overall corporate objectives. The paper will focus on the different views and debates that analyze the workings of the best-fit best practices strategy in HRM management. Different debates and viewpoints exist on the adoption and effectiveness of the â€Å"best fit† and â€Å"best practice† approach in HRM strategy management (Marchington, M et al, 2002, p. 67). The argument is that firms are likely to experience an improvement in performance if best HRM management practices are implemented. The most likely method to achieve the above is to identify a practice that best suits an organization. Its importance is then highlighted by HR department who in turn will sell it to the employees while seeking high-level commitment. Once adopted, the effectiveness will measured and the HR may reward the champions of the p ractice. The main advantage of best practice approach is that they are mostly straight forward (Armstrong, 2006, p. 109). There are established rules governing HR functions and little polishing is needed. It simply follows tradition. The main disadvantage however is that HR may experience difficulties when if need arises to go beyond the straightforward practices. As far as uniformity is concerned, â€Å"best practice† exhibits great diversity. There is always a danger of the practice becoming an end it itself effectively putting company goals and interest at stake.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The characteristics of the best practice model can be summed as flexibility in working in teams, two-way information regarding communication, recruitment, fair appraisal and reward, all-inclusive decision making and emphasis is in individual learning and development. Pr oponents of the best-fit model argue that the strategy is more effective when in matched with the business environment where it’s applied. The approach entails two elements; external fit and internal elements element. The external fit deals with the operations and marketing strategy. The two strategies highlight linking of the competitive strategy to the overall business (Shields, 2007, p. 123). In other words the competitive strategy is linked with the HR [practices and employee behaviors. The only demerit associated with this external fit element is the possibility of overlooking the interest of the employees Internal fit on the other hand focuses on coherency of HR policies and practices. Proportionality of the practices to the organization is important in every development stage. Best-fit practices emphasizes on consistency on practices, employees and time. Literature review According to Armstrong (2006, p. 139), best fit practices ensure HR strategies suit different circ umstances of an organization. Additionally they ensure the above is in tandem with the culture, processes of operation and the external environment of the organization. On the other hand best practice approach is based on the speculation of the existence of an exact set of human resources that are applicable in any context of an organization for performance improvement and delivery on the set objectives (Shields 2007, p. 89). According to (Armstrong Baron, 2002, p. 23), best practice over relies on the existence of a set of HRM practices that will be applied to an organization to increase performance. Many scholars are however of the opinion that best fit approach is better able to help an organization deliver on it objectives compared to best practice approach. Its therefpo0re better suited to go along with the guest model of HRM management where recruitment and hiring is focused on retaining employees that can cope up with the organization’s dynamics.Advertising We wi ll write a custom assessment sample on Human Resource Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More References Armstrong, M. (2006). A handbook of Human Resource Management Practice. New York: Kogan Page Publishers. Armstrong, M Baron, A. (2002).Strategic HRM: The key to improved business performance. London: Developing Practice. Marchington, M et al. (2002). People Management and Development: Human Resource Management at Work. London: Chattered Institute of Personnel and Development Publishing. Purcell, J. (2008). People Management and Performance. New York: Routledge. Shields, J. (2007). Managing Employee Performance and Reward: Concepts, Practices, Strategies. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. This assessment on Human Resource Management was written and submitted by user Sasha Carroll to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Great Gatsby Essay Example

The Great Gatsby Essay Example The Great Gatsby Essay The Great Gatsby Essay Essay Topic: The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby Is the story of Jay Gatsby narrated by Nick Caraway, the neighbor. The story shows deferent themes throughout the movie Like greed, power betrayal and Justice. It also shows a vivid peek of the American life In the sass. The lives of the characters revolve around the mysterious Gatsby which give the story an unexpected outcome. The only thing known at the beginner of the film about the mysterious Gatsby was that he had an extraordinary gift for hope. The hope being related to love, Just like a lot of other films it was intriguing to see how it involved the rest of the characters. Gatsby believed that if he was able to obtain what he wanted so badly, he would live happily ever after. Having the power would help him achieve such thing, with the surprisingly help of guy named Nick Caraway. He happened to be Gatsby neighbor and just like many people in the city of New York he was curious to see the great and famous Gatsby. Nick had moved to New York City to learn the bond business. Honest, reserve and willing to listen to whoever needed It. Having his house next to the enormous mansion of Gatsby made him wonder, what he was like, what he did and why so much extravagant parties. Surprisingly he received an Invitation to a Gatsby party where their friendship started and he happened to be the best helper to keep that gift of hope in order to reach his goal. The goal had a name Daisy Buchanan who was Nicks cousin. The work contains innumerous references to the fast-paced immoral lifestyles that the population were leading during the period the novel was set, the roaring 20s. The book also shows us a view on the American Society of the time. It shows us the failure of the American dream. The idea that American political idealisms strove to allow equality between everyone is crushed, the truth was actually a lot different. Social and ethnic discrimination was widespread and divisions between the classes were evident. Fitzgerald comments on the morality of the period in the characters within the story. He shows us characters from both sides of the social divide. In Myrtle, he portrays a woman, trapped in the valley of the ashes (Pg 29), which is socially nowhere. Although she is married to George, a hard-working man who desperately wants to be closer to his wife, she completely forgets her moral obligation to her him and enters into an affair with Tom Buchanan, in an attempt to break free from her social class. In this futile attempt to better herself socially, she only ends up becoming vulgar and corrupt, inheriting the immoral traits of Tom. As a result, she starts to shun members of her own society and belittles them, in doing so she loses all sense of self-respect. This is evident at the party in chapter two. The living room was crowded to the doors with a set of tapestried furniture entirely too large for it, so that to move about was to stumble continually over scenes of ladies swinging in the garden of Versailles. (Pg 35) Here we are shown that although Myrtles apartment is clearly small her choice of furniture to occupy it is opulent and clearly over done. At the party Myrtle changes her attire, and as a result her character changes, with the influence of the dress, her personality had also undergone a change. (Pg 36) When Mrs. McKee compliments her on the dress, her response is disdainful and belittling. She says Its just a crazy old thing (Pg 37), I just slip it on when I dont care what I look like (Pg 37),. Here we can see how Myrtle is offhanded with Mrs. McKee. Myrtle also makes clear her greed when she announces a fanciful shopping list, she is apparently incapable of having real feelings of her own, so she relies on things to express emotion. It is clear that Myrtles attempts to climb the social ladder and become a member of the Buchanans class will never be accepted, they will evidently will never let her in, but she is too blinkered by her ambitions to live a glamorous glitzy lifestyle to realise. Another reflection on the immoralities of the period is how Gatsby makes his money. We discover that, through his dealings with Dan Cody, he has made his fortune by illegal sale of alcohol. As Gatsbys wealth grew he moved to New York. His house is located in West Egg. The house is described as a rather artificial place, it was a factual imitation of some Hotel De Ville in Normandy, with a tower on one side, spanking new under a thin beard of raw ivy, and a marble swimming pool Pg 11. Here we see how wealth is used to provide an artificial fai ade to Gatsbys life.

The Market Today Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Market Today - Essay Example Shopping today is characterised by binge shopping where marketers entice the modern consumer to shop their products in frenzy (Brown, 1993). As such, the current market is characterised by increased urge to consume not to satisfy a need by but for pleasure and in seeking identity as a postmodern consumer. Some of the characterized changes that have occurred in the market over the time could be grouped into modernism, critical and postmodernism eras, which have put different demands on than e-marketing function, as a response to evolving marketing needs and business operating environments. This paper outlines the three eras with the various changes that reshaped the marketing function and the respective environmental demands from the market that precipitated such changes. Critical thinking represented a significant step in business operations where scholars and researchers studied the contemporary organisation in finer details to understand how productivity could be improved. Winslow Fredrick Taylor, a management consultant, mainly concerned with the ways in which the output of any firm would be enhanced significantly, first developed the theory (Simmons, 2008). The central idea behind Taylors theory was to increase efficiency in the production functions within organisations. As Sedtke (2009) further explains, the theory demanded that work be divided into smaller movements that were highly regularised, resulting in a disciplined approach to functions at work. The result was breaking jobs into smaller sections leading to the separation of workers from each other and specialization of tasks (Tsukamoto, 2007).  

Proficiency tests Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Proficiency tests - Essay Example The test consists of 4 sections: reading (36-70 questions), listening (34-51 questions), speaking (6 tasks), and writing (2 tasks). TOEIC is a test designed to measure English language skills for business. There are two types of TOEIC tests: Speaking and Wring Test, Listening and Reading Test. Employers from all over the world use TOEIC tests to evaluate the proficiency of a potential employee to communicate in English. Listening and Reading test consists of 2 sections, and students are given 2,5 hours to complete it. Speaking tests consists of 11 questions to be answered in 20 minutes. Writing test has 8 tasks to be completed in an hour. IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. The test is to measure person’s reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The test has an Academic version for those who take it for studying purposes, and a General Training version, which evaluates the person’s ability to live and work in an English-speaking environment. In general the test is designed to be taken for studying, immigration, and employment. At first a test taker has to take reading (1 hour) and writing (1 hour) tests. Then is the turn of the listening (30 min) and speaking (11-14 min)

Most serious hindrance to international cooperation regarding human Essay

Most serious hindrance to international cooperation regarding human development, climate change, and resource depletion - Essay Example At one end China is becoming the manufacturing hub of world’s big industries and at the other end, the role of China regarding climate change has become more important on international screen. In fact the process of internationalization and globalization has made the international cooperation through suitable channels a necessity for the economies. However, international cooperation which deals with the development in different fields of life has itself become a global issue. There are various concerns and problems which hinder the progress of international cooperation especially regarding human development, climate change and resource depletion. Much has been achieved through international cooperation however, many economies remain off track. It is very significant to learn the factors which have been contributing to hinder the progress of international cooperation especially in the area of human development, climate change and resource depletion. The world economy is a build ing block of various social classes which differ based on their income levels, races, religions etc. To reduce the conflicts and to ensure the sovereignty of every nation, the nation-state system has been introduced however; the increasing globalization is contributing to the unification of world. The major reason which is generally considered to be the major source of hindrance in international cooperation is the self-interest of every nation. When these interests conflict, the issues of inequalities and sovereignty become dominant. The developing countries in the pursuit of expanding their economic activities give very low priority to climate change and environment conservation. Therefore, the approaches which are being used by developed states cannot be used in the developing states and the collaboration gap expands. Dvorsky (2010) has identified the five reasons because of which the Copenhagen Climate Conference failed. He has identified that nation states do not like to be told what to do. Therefore, the economies who consider â€Å"maintaining trade balance† as their top priority and â€Å"climate change† as their last priority cannot change their priorities after an international conference on climate change. The cultural conflicts between the developed and developing states largely hinders the international cooperation especially regarding human development. Japan is actively involved in international cooperation regarding human development through technical cooperation and educational cooperation. From Japan’s perspective international cooperation in education is important because education shapes the foundation of an individual and at large foundation of a nation thereby, contributes to economic and social development. On the other hand, Kenya society identifies the various differences between modern education introduced by colonial government and traditional education formed by tribal societies. These differences are related to objectives, methods, contents and attitudes between two educational systems. The government of Kenya took this matter very seriously as it was increasing cultural conflict in the society. Like Kenya, the other countries which have been forced to adapt the modern education system have faced such cultural conflicts

Stress Corrosion Cracking of Brass in Ammonia

Stress Corrosion Cracking of Brass in Ammonia Six samples of brass were taken, stamped to induce residual stress, were then exposed ammonia and ammoniacal copper sulphate solutions of different concentrations and composition for a period of 4 days to study the corrosion characteristics of brass in ammonia. Five samples were immersed in the solution and one of the samples was suspended above solution. On visual examination of the samples revealed some corrosion products with stress corrosion cracking on the surface of brass. Microscopy analysis showed that the non-suspended sample which was exposed to ammonia vapour in presence of moisture and oxygen produced high susceptibility to SCC than immersion samples in aqueous ammonia. The cupric ion present in the solution appears as an oxidant that provides a cathodic reaction and induces stress corrosion cracking of brass in ammonia and ammoniacal solutions. INTRODUCTION: There are three factors under which stress corrosion cracking is possible a) corrosive medium/environment b) material and c) tensile stress. The corrosive medium to induce stress corrosion cracking depends on the potential, pH and temperature. The stress can be applied stress or residual stress. Stress corrosion cracking can occur in lower stress also hence it is the environment which plays a major role. Many studies carried out revealed that failures of brass occur mainly in moist conditions where ammonia, water and oxygen are present. Time of cracking depends on the pH of the solution. Dezincification of copper alloy is possible when the zinc content present is sufficient enough. The aim of this experimental work was to investigate the corrosion behaviour of brass in ammonia. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: Six brass samples and five test solutions were used in the experiment to study the stress-corrosion cracking of brass. The brass samples were labelled A, B, C, D, E, and F following the residual stress given to them by stamping these letters into their surfaces using drill bits. The stamp was done at one end of the samples while the unstressed part served as the control for the experiment. The solutions serving as the test environments were also labelled using the letters 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F and their compositions are shown below. Compositions and colours of test solution observed before immersion Solution Label Composition Colour observed before sample immersion A Ammonium Sulphate with copper (II): 0.5M (NH4)SO4 + 0.05M CuSO4 Pale blue B Ammonia solution with copper (II): 2.5M NH4OH + 0.05M CuSO4 Dark blue C Mattsons solution at pH of 7.2 Medium blue D Modified Mattsons solution containing 5% by volume of 0.1M NaCl Medium blue E 1M Ammonia solution Colourless The labelled samples were placed in the glass jar provided and five of the test samples were filled with enough test solution (10mm) to ensure complete immersion of the sample. Excessive alteration of the concentration of the NH3 solution was avoided by covering the top of the containers. The sixth sample was suspended above solution E (1M NH3 solution) in a glass jar (4F) by means of a surgical nylon string. After sufficient exposure of the samples to the solutions for a period of four days, the samples were removed. The samples were visually examined first upon removal from the test solutions. The colours of the test solutions and corrosion products were recorded before the test samples were cleaned. The test samples were cleaned and rinsed in the pickling solution of 1M sulphuric acid solution in order to remove corrosion products formed on the surface of brass followed by rinsing with deionised water. Finally the samples were dried with tissues before being examined under an optical microscope for stress-corrosion cracking. RESULT AND DISCUSSION: Sample observation after exposure of 4 days to test solutions: Test Label Test Observation from visual examination and optical microscopy Reason 1 Brass sample immersed in solution A Solution remained pale blue. No cracks were seen.corrrosion products found. Localized Corrosion damage at the stressed area observed back of the sample Stress-corrosion cracking may occur with further exposure to the solution. 2 Brass sample immersed in solution B for 4 days Solution was darker compared to the original solution. Brass sample in tarnish condition (dark brown colouration). Crack at the stressed end. Stress-corrosion cracking of the sample. 3 Brass sample immersed in solution C No significant change in solution colour. No cracks were seen.corrrosion products found. Sample shows low possibilities to SCC 4 Brass sample immersed in solution D Dark brown corrosion products. Localized corrosion damage at the stressed end. No cracks seen. Stress-corrosion cracking may occur with further exposure to the solution. 5 Brass sample immersed in solution E Solution changed from colourless to light pale blue. Cracks seen. Colour change is likely due to formation of cupric ion, Cu2+. Stress-corrosion cracking at the stressed end. 6 Brass sample suspended above solution E Solution remained colourless. Tarnish film covering almost the entire surface. Cracks seen at stressed region Stress-corrosion cracking of the sample at the stressed end. Tarnish film likely to be cuprous oxide, Cu2O. Sample A:- A-1 A-2 Fig 1: Sample A immersed for 4 days in solution Ammonium Sulphate with copper (II): 0.5M (NH4)SO4 + 0.05M CuSO4 OBSERVATION: No stress corrosion cracking observed at the stressed end of the sample Fig A-1.some corrosion product was noticed on the back side of the sample Fig A-2. Sample B:- B-1 B-2 Fig 2: Sample B immersed for 4 days in solution Ammonia solution with copper (II): 2.5M NH4OH + 0.05M CuSO4 OBSERVATION: Stress corrosion cracking observed at the stress end and near the unstressed region just near to the stressed end Fig B-1.Dark corrosion product observed on the backside of the sample Fig B-2. Nature of cracks: Intergranular Sample C:- C-1 C-2 Fig 3: Sample C immersed for 4 days in Mattsons solution at pH of 7.2 OBSERVATION: No cracking or any other significant changes observed in this sample after even 4 days of exposure. Only dark corrosion products were observed on the sample. Sample D:- D-1 Fig 4: Sample D immersed for 4 days in Modified Mattsons solution containing 5% by volume of 0.1M NaCl OBSERVATION: No cracking or any other significant changes observed in this sample after even 4 days of exposure. Only dark corrosion products were observed on the sample. Sample E:- Fig: E-1 Fig: E-2 Fig 5: Sample D immersed for 4 days in 1M ammonia solution. OBSERVATION: Stress corrosion cracking observed at the stress end extending to the edges and Dark corrosion product observed on the backside of the sample Fig E-1 and E-2. Nature of cracks: Intergranular Sample F:- Fig: F-1 Fig: F-2 Fig 5: Sample D suspended above in 1M ammonia solution for 4 days. OBSERVATION: Stress corrosion cracking observed at the stress end extending to the edges and Dark corrosion product observed on the backside of the sample Fig F-1 and F-2. Nature of cracks: Intergranular. From Optical microscopy analysis it is evident that sample B (Fig 2 B1B2) immersed in a test solution containing Ammonia solution with copper (II):2.5M NH4OH + 0.05M CuSO4 , Sample E (Fig5-E1E2) suspended above the test solution of 1M Ammonia solution and Sample F (Fig6 F1F2) suspended above the test solution of 1M Ammonia solution had under gone stress corrosion cracking and shows that only in some particular environment SCC occurs. Apart from stress corrosion cracking dark tarnish corrosion product was observed which could possibly be oxide layer of copper. Rest of the three samples A (Fig1 A1 A2) immersed in a test solution containing Ammonium Sulphate with copper (II): 0.5M (NH4)SO4 + 0.05M CuSO4 , C (Fig 3 C1C2) immersed in a test solution of Mattssons solution at pH 7.2 and D (Fig 4 D) immersed in a test solution of Modified Mattsons solution containing 5% by Volume of 0.1M NaCl did not show any cracking but had tarnish corrosion product. These samples suffered localized corrosion at the stressed edges which can be seen in back side of the above 3 samples (Fig A2 C2). The electrochemical reactions of brass in ammonia environment are as follows: Copper free aqueous ammonia is oxygen reduction and primary oxidation reaction is oxidation of copper to form cuprous complex ions. Cu + 2NH3 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Cu (NH3)2+ + e- The cuprous complex ions formed further reacts with oxygen forming cupric complex ions 2Cu (NH3)2+ + 1/2 O2 + H2O + 4NH3 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ 2Cu (NH3)42+ + 2OHà ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Cuprous complex ion cupric complex ion The formation of cupric complex ions leads to stress corrosion cracking of brass in ammonia solutions. The process does not proceeds indefinitely since the attack of cupric complex ion (oxide layer) occurs at critical copper ion content which leads to decrease in corrosion rate but the cracking continues with the copper ion concentration. It is also evident from the black dark coloured product formed (Tarnish colour) on the surface that the cracks are intergranular in nature.The pores on the surface of the corrosion product were the sites for localized attack, likely to survive at the grain boundaries. In general the stress corrosion cracking in ÃŽÂ ± brass has considered being intergranular. On absence of the black coloured corrosion product it is believed that the cracks to be transgranular nature of crack. CONCLUSION: It is evident from the discussion carried out above that brass is susceptible to stress corrosion cracking in ammonia. Stress corrosion cracking was observed in the regions where residual stresses were generated leaving behind the rest of the areas which were not induced to stress. Formation of cupric complex ions leads to stress corrosion cracking of brass in ammonia solutions. The cracks formed on the brass surface can be further studied under SEM to provide detailed information on the nature of the crack formed. In order to overcome the above problem of stress corrosion cracking the following options can be opted Eliminating any one of the primary factor (Environment, material and stress) will mitigate stress corrosion cracking. Use of more cracking resistance alloys such as Cu-10Ni instead of Cu-Zn

Interest Groups Essay

Are interest groups useful or harmful? Interest groups, also referred to as: special interests, pressure groups, organized interests, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), political groups, lobby groups and public interest groups, are organized collections of people or organizations whose goal is to influence public policy (511). ‘Interest groups’ is a term that encompasses a variety of organized groups including public interest groups, business and economic groups, governmental unites, and political action committees(512). Through lobbying, interest groups prove useful in increasing public awareness about important issues, helping to frame the public agenda, and monitor programs to guarantee effective implementation. Interest groups exist for nearly every type of person who is willing to work together with others who share their goals. Interest groups that define themselves as ‘public interest groups’ seek a collective good, the achievement of which will not selectively and materially benefit th e membership or activists of the organization(512). Today we see examples of this in civil liberties groups, environmental groups, and groups that speak for those who cannot (children, the mentally ill, or animals (512). ‘Economic interest groups’ have the goal of promoting the economic interest of their members, for example, trade and professional groups (513). ‘Governmental units’ are the state and local governments that lobby the federal government to make decisions in their favor. Mostly, these state and local governments are lobbying to attain ‘earmarks’ or funding from the federal budget that an appropriations bill designates for specific projects within a state or congressional district (513). In 1974, after amendments to the Federal Election Campaign Act, it became legal for these interest groups to form political action committees (PACs), or officially registered fund raising organization that represents interest groups in the politica l process. Unlike interest groups, PACs do not have formal members; they simply have contributors who seek to influence public policy by electing legislators sympathetic to their aims. By having so many different kinds of interest groups and PACs, we see that everyone’s opinion comes into consideration politically. Although members of interest groups do not run candidates for office, they become politically active when their members believe that a government policy threatens or affects the group’s goals. Lobbying is quintessential of interest groups. The term lobbying is used to  describe the activities of a group or organization that seek to persuade political leaders to support the group’s decision (521). When interest groups become active politically, they use the technique lobbying to make their interests heard and understood by those who are in a position to influence or cause change in governmental policies, usually by testifying at hearings or contacting legislators directly(521). Interest groups often lobby congress by making a congressional testimony on behalf of the group, writing letters from interested constitutes and making campaign contributions. It is no surprise that some of the most effective lobbyists are former members of Congress, staff aides, and other Washington insiders. Lobbying in Congress, as in all lobbying is successful when the lobbyist has a good reputation for fair play and provides the people they are trying to persuade with accurate information (522). Interest groups can lobby one or more levels of the executive branch of government to influence policy by, again, providing accurate information and a clear sense of where the public stands(522). Interest g roups also lobby the courts. When interest groups are lobbying the courts, they either use the form of ‘direct sponsorship’ or the filing of ‘amicus curiae’ briefs. Direct sponsorship is when the lobbyist provides resources to direct a case through the judicial system. If a case comes up that an interest group is interested in, but not sponsoring, they can file an ‘amicus’ brief to inform the justices of the group’s policy preferences (523). No matter who is being lobbied, most interest groups have found that they are most successful when ‘grassroots lobbying’ is put into play, where the masses are informed as to what the interest group’s goal is and there is high public awareness of the issue. In addition to lobbying, interest groups play a key role in the electoral process. Interest groups will recruit, endorse, and/ or provide financial or other support for political candidates to focus voter’s attention on candidates who advocate policies that will help achieve the interest group’s goals. Some ideological groups will go as far as to rate the candidates to provide a clear guide for their members and the general public as to how they feel about the candidate. In addition to simply endorsing the candidates of their choices, there have been many get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts. PACs are allowed to raise money to contribute directly to political candidates in national elections. Interest groups are essential during an  election because they do the research on candidates for people who would normally not do so(525). Like in any type of group, there have been some cases of corruption among interest groups. In 2006, Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty to corruption charges which led to the passing of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act in 2007. The act restricted and reformed a lot of the practices that had been going on. It banned gifts to members of Congress and their staffs, made extensive disclosure requirements, and increased the time limit on moving from the federal government to the private sector (529). Interest groups are essential to U.S. politics in that, through their influence, they enhance political participation by motivating like- minded individuals to work toward a common goal. When the right leaders, funding, and members interest groups can take pride when they know they have made a difference in election outcomes.

Reaction Time Essay

Summary This experiment aimed to determine the reaction time of the test participant and using the subtractive method identify the selection time and identification time of the participant. The experiments had one participant who participated in a total of 6 experiments; two experiments required a simple reaction with a single stimulus and 4 experiments that required a more complicated reaction. Keywords Subtractive method – the procedure of estimating the time it takes to perform various cognitive operations. Simple reaction – this reaction time task has a single stimulus and requires only a single reaction Choice reaction – In this reaction time task there are more than one stimulus and more than one response. Each stimulus has its own response. Donders A B and C reactions – In this reaction time task there is more than one stimulus but only one stimulus is linked with a response. Introduction Donders A B and C reactions have been used to determine the time it takes to perform cognitive operations for quite some time now. In these experiments we aimed to use light and sound stimuli in the react time tasks to determine individual base time, Identification time and selection time. Using one female college student (23 years) and one person recording the different reaction times. The experiments took place over a period of two days, with the first experiment taking place on one afternoon and the next 5 experiments a week later in the afternoon again. 2. Methods 2. 2 Apparatus and materials. One pen and paper to record reaction times, one Reaction task machine which came equipped with headphones for sound stimuli, a screen for visual stimuli and a panel of buttons colored red, yellow and green for responses. 2. 3 Procedure Pilot Test The participant stood on the reaction task side of the machine and put on the headphones after having been already instructed to press the red button when they heard both sound and visual stimulus. The observer then set the machine to pilot test, simple reaction test and selected the color red. The observer then gave a visual signal to the participant to let them know the experiment was about to begin. In this pilot test the participant was required to press the red button each time they saw the red light flash when it was accompanied with a voice that said red. At the end of a test a hand signal was given by the observer to the participant to let them know the task was over. The light and sound stimuli were given for a total of 20 times if the participant did not make any mistakes (that is pressed the red but only when both stimuli were given) then the pilot test was completed successfully, if not the machine would reset itself and would have to be set again and the test would be administered again. This stage was also a learning phase for both participants and observers as both were using this type of machine for the first time. Experiment 1. The participant stood on the test side of the machine and put on a pair of headphones after having been already instructed they were required to press the red button each time they saw a red light. The observer then set the machine to real test, selected simple reaction and selected the color red. . There was no signal given to the participant as to when exactly the experiment would begin by the observer but they were told to be ready as soon as they saw the light the experiment had begun. At the end of the experiment a hand signal was given by the observer to the participant to let them know the task was over. The stimulus that required a reaction in the experiment was given 19 times and the experiment was only complete if the participant made no mistakes. Each reaction time was noted by the observer. Experiment 2 The participant stood on the test side of the machine and put on a pair of headphones after having been already instructed they were required to press the red button only when they saw the red light flash across the light panel. The participant was instructed not to press a button for any other colour. The observer then set the machine to real test, selected selection reaction and pressed the clear colour button as well as the red. . There was no signal given to the participant as to when exactly the experiment would begin by the observer but they were told to be ready as soon as they saw the light the experiment had begun. The stimulus that required a reaction in the experiment was given 19 times and the experiment was only complete if the participant made no mistakes. At the end of the experiment a hand signal was given by the observer to the participant to let them know the task was over. Each reaction time was noted by the observer. Experiment 3 The participant stood on the test side of the machine and put on a pair of headphones after having been already instructed to press the button that corresponded with the colour they saw flash across the screen i. e. see green light, press green button. There was no signal given to the participant as to when exactly the experiment would begin by the observer but they were told to be ready as soon as they saw the light the experiment had begun. At the end of the experiment a hand signal was given by the observer to the participant to let them know the task was over. The stimulus that required a reaction in the experiment was given 19 times and the experiment was only complete if the participant made no mistakes. Each reaction time was noted by the observer. Experiment 4 The participant stood on the test side of the machine and put on a pair of headphones after having been already instructed to press only the red button when they heard the high frequency sound. The observer then set the machine to real test, simple reaction test and selected high frequency sound. There was no signal given to the participant as to when exactly the experiment would begin by the observer but they were told to be ready as soon as they heard the sound the experiment had begun. At the end of the experiment a hand signal was given by the observer to the participant to let them know the task was over. The stimulus that required a reaction in the experiment was given 19 times and the experiment was only complete if the participant made no mistakes. Each reaction time was noted by the observer. Experiment 5 The participant stood on the test side of the machine and put on a pair of headphones after having been already instructed to press the red button only when they heard the high frequency sound. The observer then set the machine to real test, choice reaction test and selected all the frequencies. There was no signal given to the participant as to when exactly the experiment would begin by the observer but they were told to be ready as soon as they heard the sound the experiment had begun. At the end of the experiment a hand signal was given by the observer to the participant to let them know the task was over. The stimulus that required a reaction in the experiment was given 19 times and the experiment was only complete if the participant made no mistakes. Each reaction time was noted by the observer. Experiment 6 The participant stood on the test side of the machine and put on a pir of headphones after having been already instructed to press the button that corresponded with the frequency of sound they heard, i. e. high frequency= red button, middle frequency=green button and low frequency=yellow button. The observer then set the machine to real test, choice reaction test and selected all the frequencies. This time there was no hand signal given to the participant by the observer but they were told to be ready as soon as they heard the sound the experiment had begun. At the end of the experiment a hand signal was given by the observer to the participant to let them know the task was over. The stimulus that required a reaction in the experiment was given 19 times and the experiment was only complete if the participant made no mistakes. Each reaction time was noted by the observer.

Famous Pirates in Books and Movies

Famous Pirates in Books and Movies The fictional pirates of todays books and movies dont have much to do with the real-life buccaneers who sailed the seas centuries ago! Here are some of the most famous pirates of fiction, with their historical accuracy thrown in for good measure. Long John Silver Where he appears: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, and subsequently countless books, movies, TV shows, video games, etc. Robert Newton played him several times in the 1950s: his language and dialect are responsible for the pirate speak so popular today (Arrrr, matey!). He is an important character in the TV show Black Sails as well.Description: Long John Silver was a charming rogue. Young Jim Hawkins and his friends set out to find a great treasure: they hire a ship and crew, including the one-legged Silver. Silver is at first a loyal ally, but soon his treachery is discovered as he attempts to steal the ship and the treasure. Silver is one of the great all-time literary characters and arguably the best-known fictional pirate ever. In Black Sails, Silver is clever and opportunistic.Accuracy: Long John Silver is surprisingly accurate. Like many pirates, he had lost a limb in battle somewhere: this would have entitled him to extra loot under most pirate articles. Also like ma ny crippled pirates, he became a ships cook. His treachery and ability to switch sides back and forth mark him as a true pirate. He was quartermaster under the notorious Captain Flint: it was said that Silver was the only man Flint feared. This is accurate as well, as the quartermaster was the second-most important post on a pirate ship and an important check on the captains power. Captain Jack Sparrow Where he appears: The Pirates of the Caribbean movies and all sorts of other Disney commercial tie-ins: video games, toys, books, etc.Description: Captain Jack Sparrow, as played by actor Johnny Depp, is a lovable rogue who can switch sides in a heartbeat but always seems to wind up on the side of the good guys. Sparrow is charming and slick and can talk himself into and out of trouble quite easily. He has a deep attachment to piracy and to being captain of a pirate ship.Accuracy: Captain Jack Sparrow is not very historically accurate. He is said to be a leading member of the Brethren Court, a confederation of pirates. While there was a loose organization in the late seventeenth century called the Brethren of the Coast, its members were buccaneers and privateers, not pirates. Pirates rarely worked together and even robbed one another at times. Captain Jacks preference for weapons such as pistols and sabers is accurate. His ability to use his wits instead of brute force was a hallmark of some, but not many pirates: Howell Davis and Bartholomew Roberts are two examples. Other aspects of his character, such as turning undead as part of an Aztec curse, are of course nonsense. Captain Hook Where he appears: Captain Hook is the main antagonist of Peter Pan. He made his first appearance in J.M. Barries 1904 play Peter Pan, or, the boy who wouldnt grow up. He has appeared in just about everything related to Peter Pan since including movies, books, cartoons, video games, etc.Description: Hook is a handsome pirate who dresses in fancy clothes. He has a hook in place of one hand since losing the hand to Peter in a sword fight. Peter fed the hand to a hungry crocodile, which now follows Hook around hoping to eat the rest of him. Lord of the pirate village in Neverland, Hook is clever, wicked and cruel.Accuracy: Hook is not terribly accurate, and in fact has spread certain myths about pirates. He is constantly looking to make Peter, the lost boys or any other enemy walk the plank. This myth is now commonly associated with pirates largely because of Hooks popularity, although very few pirate crews ever forced someone to walk the plank. Hooks for hands are also now a popular par t of pirate Halloween costumes, although there are no famous historical pirates who ever wore one. Dread Pirate Roberts Where he appears: Dread Pirate Roberts is a character in the 1973 novel The Princess Bride and the 1987 movie of the same name.Description: Roberts is a very fearsome pirate who terrorizes the seas. It is revealed, however, that Roberts (who wears a mask) is not one but several men who have handed the name down to a series of successors. Each Dread Pirate Roberts retires when wealthy after training his replacement. Westley, the hero of the book and movie, was Dread Pirate Roberts for a while before leaving to seek Princess Buttercup, his true love.Accuracy: Very little. There is no record of pirates franchising their name or doing anything for true love, unless their true love of gold and plunder counts. Just about the only thing historically accurate is the name, a nod to Bartholomew Roberts, the greatest pirate of the Golden Age of Piracy. Still, the book and movie are a lot of fun!

Free Essays on The Visitant

"The Visitant" In my opinion, Markheim’s visitant was a demon†¦ perhaps Satan himself. This was my first impression, and I plan to stick with it. Though the visitant may have seemed partially kind and caring, he was actually, in my opinion, telling partial truths to get Markheim hooked, then telling complete lies. He was also trying to get him to commit even more sins by doing this. If you ask me, this sound like the work of Satan, and if one wished to look deeply into this, he would see that the visitant carries many traits of Satan, as written about in the Bible. Many seem to believe that this visitant was an angel, had many traits of an angel, or was, perhaps, Markheim’s own conscience. Let us examine this situation more closely. If this visitant were, in fact, an angel, would an angel offer to help one steal? Would an angel tell someone to kill? I believe that the fact bringing others to believe that he was an angel lies in him telling Markheim how he had progressed so steadily in doing evil deeds. To others, this may have seemed to be a sort of conviction, but when I look at this situation, it appears to me that the visitant is telling him this, only to prove that he is doomed to it. Another thing making him appear to some as an angel would be that, when Markheim stated firmly that he would not commit to evil, it said, â€Å"The features of the visitor began to undergo a wonderful and lovely change; they brightened and softened with a tender triumph; and, even as they brightened, faded and dislimned.† (pg.46) This may seem as though the visitant’s goal was to turn him towards God, and in it, he was triumphant†¦ This, on the other hand, cannot be so. Let’s not forget his repeated offers to help Markheim steal the money, his constant reference to the return of the maid, or his recommendation to kill her in order to resist having a witness against him. I have even greater proof that this visitant was not sent by G... Free Essays on The Visitant Free Essays on The Visitant "The Visitant" In my opinion, Markheim’s visitant was a demon†¦ perhaps Satan himself. This was my first impression, and I plan to stick with it. Though the visitant may have seemed partially kind and caring, he was actually, in my opinion, telling partial truths to get Markheim hooked, then telling complete lies. He was also trying to get him to commit even more sins by doing this. If you ask me, this sound like the work of Satan, and if one wished to look deeply into this, he would see that the visitant carries many traits of Satan, as written about in the Bible. Many seem to believe that this visitant was an angel, had many traits of an angel, or was, perhaps, Markheim’s own conscience. Let us examine this situation more closely. If this visitant were, in fact, an angel, would an angel offer to help one steal? Would an angel tell someone to kill? I believe that the fact bringing others to believe that he was an angel lies in him telling Markheim how he had progressed so steadily in doing evil deeds. To others, this may have seemed to be a sort of conviction, but when I look at this situation, it appears to me that the visitant is telling him this, only to prove that he is doomed to it. Another thing making him appear to some as an angel would be that, when Markheim stated firmly that he would not commit to evil, it said, â€Å"The features of the visitor began to undergo a wonderful and lovely change; they brightened and softened with a tender triumph; and, even as they brightened, faded and dislimned.† (pg.46) This may seem as though the visitant’s goal was to turn him towards God, and in it, he was triumphant†¦ This, on the other hand, cannot be so. Let’s not forget his repeated offers to help Markheim steal the money, his constant reference to the return of the maid, or his recommendation to kill her in order to resist having a witness against him. I have even greater proof that this visitant was not sent by G...

Components of Qualitative Approach Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Components of Qualitative Approach - Assignment Example The three topics all involve the use of qualitative information. To investigate the political opinions of citizens of a country A, a researcher has to set interviews that will convert qualitative attributes to quantitative measures. For example, an interview can set a question like â€Å"Do the contestants you intend to vote for know your economic challenges†. The responses can be assigned numeric indices to measure their strengths for example: Interviews usually have challenges during data collection because it deals with personal opinions and often touches on sensitive issues which many respondents may not be willing to provide information on. There is always a risk of collecting inaccurate data due to confidentiality. Secondly, respondents do not realize the importance of the data being collected. They thus do not present exact information. They either exaggerate and fabricate information or conceal real truth. Thirdly, language barrier may prevent the interviewer and the respondents from communicating. Involving an interpreter may be irritating to the respondents and they may not take part in the exercise. There are ways of dealing with the challenges in order to improve the quality of data collected. For the sake of accuracy, it is ideal to express friendliness to the respondents in order to win their confidence. This will encourage them to be honest with their information. The issue of language barrier can only be solved using an interpreter. It means the researcher has the responsibility to acquire an interpreter. Qualitative interviews according to the perspectives of Singh (2007) are essential for research works first, because the information regarding social and political subjects is usually of qualitative nature. Secondly, it is easier to interpret qualitative information into measurable quantities that people can easily understand. Qualitative

Discussion Board Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Discussion Board - Assignment Example Even more, the issue of slavery was something that caused agitation, a stir and impasse within the corridors politics and the dynamic American society. Calhoun in his speech stresses that the palatable shakeup of the subject of slavery would, if not vetoed by some judicious and effectual measure, end in disagreement amongst the parties involved. Calhoun in his plausible speech believes that the anguish had reached certain levels that were potentially harmful to the survival of the Union. At this point, the kind of threat that faces the Union prompts Calhoun to opine the urgent need to preserve the Union. In contrast, Webster in his speech is in favor of compromising. In his speech, Webster believes strongly so that the Constitution should recognize property in slavery. Similarly, Seward like Calhoun in his pristine speech acknowledges that the Union was steeped in danger, and that the only way to save it was through compromise. In contrast, however, Seward in his speech appears to be objected towards the inclusion of slavery into the Constitution. He opines that the constitutional recognition of slavery is in contravention to the law of nature. Considerably, he goes further to express the fact we rely upon the laws of God, which outlaw slavery. And that all human enactments are re-enactments of God’s law. Despite it being florid and overwrought, I find Seward’s argument a lot more compelling as it puts the human interests first before anything. His argument is primed on the bicentenary of the elimination of