Free Essays on Shamanism

Within Native American groups, shamans are considered to be ritual specialists. The word shaman literally means, â€Å"one who is excited, moved or raised.† Shamans are intermediaries between the spirit and ordinary world. When Native Americans were first moved off of their lands and put into reservations, Europeans did not really want anything to do with their religious practices. Many were even banned by the Europeans. Now, however, with the rise in popularity of new age religions, many Americans are taking an interest in Native American religious practices without fully understanding their implications. The only real similarities between traditional Native American shamanism and the newfound plastic medicine man practices are the actions performed. The vision quests performed by both may be very similar, involving the same actions. This is the same with the sweat lodge ceremonies. The problem is that the new age interpretations of shamanism do not fully address all of the implications of the ceremonies. For example, at www.shamanicvisions.com, there is a page devoted to the songs used during ceremonies. The songs themselves should not be the focus of the ceremonies. As found with Native American shamanism, the ceremonies had less to do with the songs themselves, but more to do with their context and meaning. This website seems to focus more on the songs and instruments used, rather than their spiritual meaning when used during a ceremony. Another ridiculous section at www.shamanicvisions.com is the recognition of Winnie the Pooh having â€Å"shamanic undertones.† One example the author of the webpage uses to explain this was that Winnie the Pooh had a boat called â€Å"The Floating Bear.† I can easily see why this would offend Native Americans. Shamanism should not be treated so lightheartedly. I found www.shamanschool.com equally as offensive as the previous site. The first page contains a banner stating, â€Å"Need help with angry b... Free Essays on Shamanism Free Essays on Shamanism Within Native American groups, shamans are considered to be ritual specialists. The word shaman literally means, â€Å"one who is excited, moved or raised.† Shamans are intermediaries between the spirit and ordinary world. When Native Americans were first moved off of their lands and put into reservations, Europeans did not really want anything to do with their religious practices. Many were even banned by the Europeans. Now, however, with the rise in popularity of new age religions, many Americans are taking an interest in Native American religious practices without fully understanding their implications. The only real similarities between traditional Native American shamanism and the newfound plastic medicine man practices are the actions performed. The vision quests performed by both may be very similar, involving the same actions. This is the same with the sweat lodge ceremonies. The problem is that the new age interpretations of shamanism do not fully address all of the implications of the ceremonies. For example, at www.shamanicvisions.com, there is a page devoted to the songs used during ceremonies. The songs themselves should not be the focus of the ceremonies. As found with Native American shamanism, the ceremonies had less to do with the songs themselves, but more to do with their context and meaning. This website seems to focus more on the songs and instruments used, rather than their spiritual meaning when used during a ceremony. Another ridiculous section at www.shamanicvisions.com is the recognition of Winnie the Pooh having â€Å"shamanic undertones.† One example the author of the webpage uses to explain this was that Winnie the Pooh had a boat called â€Å"The Floating Bear.† I can easily see why this would offend Native Americans. Shamanism should not be treated so lightheartedly. I found www.shamanschool.com equally as offensive as the previous site. The first page contains a banner stating, â€Å"Need help with angry b...

Why you should interview for a job you don’t want

Why you should interview for a job you don’t want Job hunting is a lot of work, whether you’re unemployed or looking while working. You put so much effort into revamping your resume, networking in person and online, and writing cover letters with the hopes of landing something truly great. And then, after weeks or months of the hunt, there’s a bite- you’re offered an interview. But, you’re not excited. At all. Maybe you’re waiting to hear back from your dream company. Maybe you’re just hesitant to accept anything less than awesome before you’ve really gotten yourself out there. You might think the best use of your time is to decline politely and wait for something better to come along. But sometimes it’s smart to take the interview, even when you already know you don’t want the job. Here are some reasons why.You might find you do want the job.You never know when the job you don’t think you want turns out to be a perfect fit. Part of the interview process, we often forget, is for the company to sell you on the position (not just for you to sell yourself to them). Go in, see the workplace, and let them woo you. Find out about the company culture and meet the people with whom you’ll be working. On paper, it’s hard to get a sense of what the day-to-day of a job will be like. In person, your perspective might shift. Don’t cut out options before you know everything about them.Practice makes perfect.The more you get used to putting on your most professional clothes, signing in at an unfamiliar front desk, and sitting in front of strangers while they ask you about your professional expertise, the better you will get at the entire process. If you’re at the start of your career or haven’t been on the market for a while, every interview is excellent practice for the next interview you get. You’ll get your anecdotes down pat and start to get a sense of the questions managers in your chosen field ask people at yo ur level. You’ll want to be as sharp as possible for the interview you’ll get for your dream job. Get all the kinks out when the stakes are low and you’re not buzzing with nerves.You might meet someone to connect with down the line.It’s also always possible that you will meet someone in the course of interviewing who can lead you to your dream job. First, if you get an appointment with a recruiter, they often interview for multiple positions- and sometimes at different companies. Comport yourself professionally and you never know what networking wins you might rack up- he or she will keep you in mind for gigs in the future. Second, if you make a great impression but ultimately turn down the position, you now know a face and name at the company. Maybe for your next move you’ll want to touch base to see what’s open. You can absolutely do so if you rock your interview- even if you don’t take the job.You can use an offer for leverage.Say you really want job X, but they’re dragging their feet in making decisions or final offers. Maybe you’re even on a third or fourth round of interviews. But you’ve also interviewed for jobs Y and Z- and both have made offers. Now you can go back to job X and tell them other companies are vying for you. Don’t be too forceful or demanding; just be truthful. You can politely tell them you have other offers on the table and ask about their decision timeline. Being in demand is always a desirable trait.Bottom line: be careful not to waste your time, especially if you’re still working full time and have to steal away for interviews. If you know there’s no possible way you want to work at a certain company or in a specific position, don’t take the interview. Use your judgment and feel free to pass up duds. Just don’t stay away if you’re not totally certain a job isn’t for you.

Why South African Constitution is better than the United State's Essay

Why South African Constitution is better than the United State's constitution - Essay Example The constitution also provides for the bills of right, how it enshrines bills of right is one of the most important issues that are being looked for in the constitution to demonstrate its efficacy. One can make a conclusion whether the constitution is meant to suppress its citizen or for their prosperity. How it recognizes the freedom and the rights of the citizen for economic growth is also a factor to consider in assessing the accommodative nature of the constitution.1 Difference in the US and SA Constitution Mark Kende in his writing has compared the constitution of the US and that of South Africa with assertion that the South African constitution in this regard remains detailed and inclusive than that of the US. Kende posits that the US constitution provides more for the negative values as compared with the South African constitution, this he summarizes in his theory that liberty should presume subsistence.2 Kende also urges that the human right experts have caste the fundamental human rights in to three generations; the political and civil rights, socio-economic rights, and green right. In this reference of human rights classification, Cass Sustein also resonates with Kende that in the consideration of the three classifications, the South African constitution remains admirable compared with that of the US.3

Computers and Science Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Computers and Science - Assignment Example For this topic we will base our discussion on a computer program that is used for Chemistry solve a data collection. 7E Learning Model Based Computer-Assisted Teaching Materials on Precipitation Titrations use the quasi experimental design was used (Gay as cited by Kunduz 2013 787). The scenarios based on the 7E as based on real life chemical problems written by authors (786). The aim was to develop a computer assisted device which involved animations and laboratory academically computer software†¦ used in unit ‘precipitationtitration’ (789). This is very helpful for students who find it difficult during titrations this study can help with the analysis of data, instrument and procedures and findings. Didactic Analysis of the web acid-base titration simulations applied in pre-graduate chemistry. The acid base titrations accessible via the internet covered three part topics algorithm of titration course, course of titration curve and concentration calculation (Machkova 2013 837). This simulation was used for learning practice (837). The didactic analysis is used by teach about the curves for titration and the presentation of titration. This is helpful for people doing research on acid base titrations. Computer study has proved to be useful in doing difficult technical work not as compared to traditional work whereby man was the problem solver. Since titrations prove to be difficult to students the 7E learning model may be useful to teachers who would rather explain using a research already done and in abstract view of the whole process of the research. Thus the students may know the expected results for the research also the 7E learning model contains questions before the result. The Didactic Analysis is also a good research model as it gives learners choice on which specific research they want The program should also be able to get results from the individual growth rate so as to be able to calculate the average growth rate of the total

Pre 1914 Poetry William Blake Essay Example for Free

Pre 1914 Poetry William Blake Essay These poems Holy Thursday (experience) and Holy Thursday (innocence) are set on Ascension Day in a service in St. Pauls church. This was a special occasion for the orphans who came from London Charity Schools. The Holy Thursday (innocence) poem can be interpreted in two different ways. The impression we get at first is that the orphans are treated well and they lead happy lives but after reading Holy Thursday (experience) you start to realise that there is a negative way of understanding the same poem. This view shows the orphans to be mistreated and very unhappy. The phrase their innocent faces clean suggests children that are being well looked after rather than being abandoned and roaming the streets of London. There is a suggestion that the children have companions, are well behaved and have a sense of order by the line the children walking two by two This is further added to by the phrase In red, blue and green which implies that they were dressed in bright, smart uniforms rather than rags. The children have angelic guardians to nurture and protect them, as implied by the lines Grey-headed beadles walked before who have wands are described as white as snow which makes us feel that these are enchanted guardians who are pure and magical. Another phrase that adds to this is the sentence Wise guardians to the poor. There is further reference to the good work that the guardians are doing when William Blake uses the term Multitudes of lambs implying the guardians are shepherding and guiding innocent creatures. The idea of lambs conjures up the image of animals all grouped together making sure that they are all safe. The orphans are referred to as flowers in the second paragraph, implying delicate, natural and beautiful. Flowers signify peace implying that the children are good-natured. Seated in companies they sit like good well-behaved pupils in a school, to say their nature is calm and peaceful rather than loud and rowdy. Their god-fearing nature is implied by the words raising their innocent hands probably referring to prayer as they are hopeful and eager. In the last paragraph William Blake is saying the children enjoy going to church, praying and singing hymns as like a mighty wind they raise to heaven the voice of song.Overall the poem has a lively rhythm with pace to give it a beat and fluidity. Now I am going to analyse Holy Thursday (experience) poem. In the first stanza Blake describes England as a country which is rich and fruitful. This would appear to be his own experience of life in England but this statement can be interpreted in different ways. Blake could have meant that England is rich in that there is fruit and food but it is poor because of the amount of orphans. He uses holy to infer that England is a Christian Country and asks why babies should be reduced to misery and fed and looked after by people who dont care for them Cold and usurious hand?. In the second stanza he asks three rhetorical questions. We know the trembling cry isnt a song and that whatever is crying is probably alone and maybe crying out for help. Can it be a song of joy? Perhaps it could be a song of joy for the favoured few who live in the rich and fruitful land but for the many poor children roaming the streets of London it isnt. It is a land of poverty. In the previous poem Holy Thursday (innocence) he says that the children raise to heaven the voice of song. He obviously believes that songs can lift a spirit and in Holy Thursday (experience) it hurts him, that there are no songs of joy going heavenwards form children who are so pure. Normally to see how rich a country a country is you measure the amount of wealth the country but here Blake is measuring the happiness by asking if their singing which is usually a sign of happiness from children. The third stanza describes their happiness in terms of the climate. Their lives are like a place where the; sun does never shine. And their fields are bleak and bare. In the third line he contrasts their journey through life with that of Christs crown of thorns. The image that this reflects is of a painful way through life. And the next line is echoed in a later work by C.S Lewis who uses the term eternal winter to mean a place, like Siberia, that is unbearably sad and where happiness does not exist. This metaphor makes us aware that there is never any joy of warmth in their lives and that emotionally they are completely bereft and emotionally starved of love. In the last paragraph he again refers to the environment and the weather to describe a situation where everything would be all right and Babe cam never hunger there. This completely fails to show the real reason why those children are poor. Rain and sunshine wont get them out of the grinding poverty that they are in. It is simply used as a metaphor to change the childrens situation from eternal winter to dry warm summer in which they would appear to be happy. Throughout the poem there is a lack of colour and description so it is difficult to conjure up any image other than of a grey bleak landscape, where grey people and grey children exist in a society that doesnt value them. In Holy Thursday (innocence) he uses descriptive words such as clean, two by two, red, blue, green and as white as snow to conjure up a picture of London that is quite different. Blake also appears to be attacking the church in other poems for its splendour and wealth but also its lack of humanity and awareness of the multitudes of lambs which could be led to the slaughter and misery of poverty. Reading the Holy Thursday (experience) makes you reconsider the poem Holy Thursday (innocence) and its approach. In a negative this is my interpretation.In the first stanza it is implied that the thousands of orphans are being made to scrub their faces clean so much that it hurts. This cleanliness of the children is only a faà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ade to give a good impression when the phrase their innocent faces clean appears. This implies that the children are disciplined and regimented. This makes a good impression on the carers. This is also show in red and blue and green because it shows that they are being made to wear a uniform. Being forced to wear uniforms means that the orphans also lose their individuality. Grey-headed beadles walked before could show that these carers are bad people who order the children around and make them walk two and two like in the military. This also implies that these bad people are egotistical because they only look after themselves and they might only be looking after the children for extra money. These military officers have canes to beat the children with as it says with wands as white as snow. This idea of the children being part of a military force is backed up by the quote seated in companies they sit. Because the army is sectioned off into companies, they stand in a certain order and they are very obedient. These flowers of London town implies that the children are innocent and pure but like flowers they will eventually die. Flowers are also vulnerable and easily ruined. The comparison between the groups of children and the multitudes of lambs implies that the orphans like the lamps, group together like pure innocent creatures. The image of the lamb also stands for the idea of vulnerability and sacrifice. Like the lambs the orphans are forced to do what the carers tell them to do, and may face an early death as victims of a cruel world. Thousands of little boys and girls suggests that there are any poor orphans who are homeless. This shows that there is a large scale of poverty. The orphans plead for help by raising their innocent hands. Like a mighty windvoice of song implies that the wind is like a destructive hurricane ready to sweep their lives away. Ironically the wise guardians of the poor are there to look after the orphans for the money and are not concerned about the orphans at all. The rhythm of the poem in this negative view is a like a strict military march.

The Leadership Secrets of Santa Claus Essay examples -- essays researc

The following is a book report about: The Leadership Secrets of Santa Claus, and was written by, (Cottrell, et al., 2003). This is an eighty-page leadership skill-building book, published by the Performance Systems Corporation in 2003. There are eight main points (Santa Secrets) discussed by the authors in this book and I agree with them all. However, I will attempt to reveal why I agree that to â€Å"Build A Wonderful Workshop† is important, discuss one secret (â€Å"Listen To The Elves†) I see being practiced in my unit, and express how I will spearhead effecting to â€Å"Share The Milk And Cookies†. I agree with the authors’ idea of â€Å"Building a wonderful workshop†. This chapter speaks on making our mission our main idea while remembering our core values to help us stay focused on our teammates and purpose. Our mission, values, and team are the foundation, cornerstone, and core of what we do, how well we do it, why we do it, and how we see each other in our given roles. If we as a team earnestly keep this statement and all it incorporates as our focus, then I believe the other eight â€Å"secrets† cannot be far off. One of the â€Å"secrets† I see being practiced in my unit is: â€Å"Listen to the Elves†. In this chapter the author discusses the importance of inviting participation from the team. The author also encourages the reader to notice how others perceive them and to spend some time walking in their teammates shoes. I believe this motto involves the entire team, is a constant work in progress...

Principles of the Constitution

Principles of the Constitution & the Branches of the Federal Government Grand Canyon University: POS 301 10. 30. 12 co.uk/is-the-constitution-a-living-document/">Principles of the Constitution: A Chart The Effectiveness of Checks and Balances The founding fathers could see issues with giving too much power to any one part of the government. They had witnessed what ha happened in Pennsylvania when their legislature, uncheched by a judiciary or executive, ignored essential liberties which lead to the deprivation of rights to Quakers based on their religious beliefs. The fathers knew we had out not to make this mistake again. Patterson, 2011) Thus, a system where each branch shared in a bit of the others' power was created to ensure there would exist no monopoly on political power. To analyze the effectiveness of this system, the motivations behind the system must be revisited. Checks and balances were a means for political moderation. This ensures that all change is well considered by all, and executed in a just manner. Considering issues in the nation's history such as womens' suffrage and other civil rights, the rate at which our nation has shifted policy has sometimes dragged its feet.Policy was well thought out, however at a slow rate. Specifically, there was nearly a century between the freeing of the slaves and the culmination of the Civil Rights movement. While it was a huge decision to be considered, the rights guaranteed to American citizens were being withheld or violated. If we are to consider the system in an international forum, we see that it comes down to the unique execution of the checks and balances. Again, considering the goal is political moderation, consider Mexico.Mexico has a similar institutional system of checks and balances, yet has an international reputation for being politically extreme. Considering Britain, a nation with unicameral legislature fused with the executive and no mechanism for judicial review, they still maintain a po litically moderate reputation. (Patterson, 2011) There is no universal best system, at least thus far. Where there have been issues with the timeliness of our own system, change does eventually occur even while maintaining that moderation which was a goal of the framers. The Three Branches of Government Legislative |Executive |Judicial | |Consists of Senate and House of |Consists of President and the Cabinet. |Consists of the federal court system, highest | |Representatives |Commander of the armed forces. |of which is the Supreme Court of the United | |Draft and approve laws for proposal to the |Essentially the leader of the nation. |States (SCOtUS) | |executive. Can sign proposed legislation into law. |Responsible for hearing cases of suit for | |Requires passing through both houses: the |Power to veto proposed legislation. |federal cases and cases where | |Senate and House of Representatives. |Appoints Supreme Court Judges and other |constitutionality may be in question. | |Have t he power to overturn executive veto with|federal officials. |Review constitutionality of policy when | |2/3 majority vote. |The cabinet carries out and enforces laws. |brought in suit. |Have the power to amend the Constitution |Cabinet members: agriculture, commerce, |Nine justices ensures a decision. Each | |Power to coin monies. |defense, education, energy, health, homeland |decision will have Court's Opinion, a | |Power to establish and maintain armed forces. |security, housing, interior, justice, labor, |commentary of the decision. | |Have the power to declare war. |state, transportation, treasury and veterans |Below the SCOtUS is the appellate court | | |affairs. system. Cases work up through the lower courts| | | |to the SCOtUS. | | | |Appellate court charged with hearing regional | | | |cases. | Branch Interaction The two bodies of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives, work together (sometimes with input from the President) to draft and discuss new policy.If after policy is written, voted upon and approved by both legislative bodies, that policy is given to the President (executive) to approve and write into law, or veto. After this the Supreme Court (judicial) has the power to review policy and weigh in on its constitutional legitimacy. A Bill Becoming a Law Following the skeleton of interaction between the branches of government previously discussed, the Bill starts as proposal from a legislative member. The bill is categorized and sent to the appropriate committee to be discussed, argued and tweaked.If the bill survives without being tabled, it is presented to both houses of Congress for debate and vote. If the bill passes these votes, it is presented to the President to either sign and enact the policy into law or to veto (deny) it. Effectiveness of the Process of Government There is a desire to have present a democracy, where the will of the majority will be driving force behind politics and policy change. To keep the majority in c heck, however, a republic is also in place. This puts into place the system of representation which will be accepting of the will of the majority (or its constituency) but not held captive by it. Patterson, 2011) The methods of selection also put varying degrees of separation between the masses and those governing, for example Representatives being elected by the people, the President being selected by the Electoral College, and Justices of the Supreme Court being nominated by the President & confirmed by Congress. What must be considered is whether or not the will and needs of the people are being represented in the making of policy. To be put in a position of representing people takes election from a particular geographic area. Those ho will be elected will, logically, be those individuals who hold and support the values of the majority of voting members of that constituency. That their job depends upon being elected initially, and then re-elected, it is in the politician's be st interest to hold his constituency’s interests at heart. Loosely, it is job security. Whether or not the agendas of the constituency or the politician's personal agenda are more represented depends on the individual representative. The framers believed it would take a representing body that was virtuous for the republic to work well in execution.But it is the whim of the people who is elected to represent them, at least in terms of Congress. It takes individual citizens being learned of actions being levied by their representatives and the individuals' duty to contact that representative or change voting habits. There is a tremendous amount of accountability on all sides to ensure the process represents the people as accurately as possible. References: Patterson, T. E. (2011). The american democracy (10th ed. ). New York, NY: McGraw Hill. ———————– Goals of the Framers -Establish a government which could be strong enough to me et the needs of the nation. –Maintain integrity of states' rights –Maximize liberty and citizen influence Political Mechanics Installed –Specific granting and denial of power –Bill of Rights for personal liberties –Elections –Separation of Power and Checks and Balances Between Them: Legislative – Executive – Judicial To Accomplish This Executive (President and Cabinet) Legislative: Congress (Senate and House of Reps) Judicial (Supreme Court) Executive over Legislative -Power of veto -Recommendation of policy -Execution of policy Can call special sessions of Congress Legislative over Judicial -Dictates size and jurisdiction of courts -May rewrite judicially interpreted policy Judicial over Legislative -May interpret Constitutional legitimacy of policy -May declare policy unconstitutional Legislative over Executive -May overturn veto or impeach -Approves treaties and appointments -Enacts budget Judicial over Executive -May declar e executive action unlawful, against policy or unconstitutional – Executive over Judicial -Nominates those to serve as judges. -Can pardon anyone tried within the system (Patterson, 2011) ———————– 8

Identify and describe EA’s value chain and value chain costs

* Discuss whether EA has evolved any of its activities into competencies that give the company a competitive advantage. Value Chain Value Chain describes the activities within and around an organization which together create a product or service. Primary activities are directly concerned with the creation or delivery of a product or service. Support activities help to improve the effectiveness of efficiency of primary activities. (Johnson, Scholes & Whittington, 2005) Value Chain in EA for Creating Value Primary Activities In-bounds * EA is able to negotiate volume discounts with console makers (Sony & Nintendo) that supplied the CDs and DVDs. Operations * EA has a virtuous strategy for the game creation and evaluation. * State-of-the-art tools use to allow for more cost-effective product development and to efficiently convert games designed on one game platform to other platforms. (Compatibility of games) * Have a strong relationship with console manufacturers. * Has an edge on its competitors that no other game software company has EA's ability to localize games or to launch games on multiple platforms in multiple countries in multiple languages. * Strong alliance with Cinema, Sports & other entertainment companies. * EA invested heavily in the development of tools and technologies that would facilitate the creation of new games for the existing (and future) game-playing Out-bounds * â€Å"Proud of† games, i.e. family entertainment games for video game consoles, PCs, mobiles, hand held and online. Marketing & Sales * Boost its budgets for marketing and advertising, particularly TV advertising. * Electronic Arts marketing its products worldwide under four brand logos: EA Sports, EA Sports Big, EA Games, and Pogo. (Diversification of games) * Has a good relation with mass market retailers (like Wal-Mart, Toys â€Å"R† Us, Best Buy etc.), getting more shelf space for its games. * EA's games available in approximately 80,000 retail locations worldwide. Services * Manufacturer's guarantee * Launching game patches for extending games including new missions and characters. Support Activities Procurement * License agreements to create software games with the console manufacturers. (Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo etc.) * Agreement with the America Online (AOL), to be exclusive provider of a broad aggregation of online games. Human Resource Management * Focused strategy is in place for human resource management and development. EA invests time and money in training people, and retaining and developing them. * Offer healthy working environment, providing Gym, Sports Pitch, Coffee Bar etc. * Present and former staff has praised Larry Probst's leadership for his ability to motivate and energize people. Infrastructure We can categorize EA's infrastructure in three ways; * Product Structure – Making products for Video consoles, Hand held, Mobile games, and Software games. * Geographical Structure – Two major design studios in Vancouver and Los Angeles and smaller design studios in San Francisco, Orlando, London, and Tokyo. * Functional Structure – Employees tend to be specialist in the business functions important to EA, such as manufacturing, marketing, finance, and human resources. Technology Development * State-of-the-art tools use to allow for more cost-effective product development and to efficiently convert games designed on one game platform to other platforms. * Electronic Arts has a reputation for new product development and creativity. Linkages * License with the console makers for creation of software games and also getting discounted supply of CDs, DVDs or optical disks. * Geographical infrastructure allows EA to localize its games. * Rewording people creates more productivity from the employees From the value chain in EA, it points out that how the value creates and how these activities relate to the cost reduction. EA must keep maintaining and improving these values-create activities. Unique Resources Unique Resources are those resources that critically underpin competitive advantage and that others can not easily imitate or obtain. (Johnson, Scholes & Whittington, 2005) The Unique Resources OF EA * Acquisition of design studios world wide, to localize its games. * Heavily invested in R & D, facilitate the creation of new games for the existing and future game-playing * The commonality fleet * EA website – Pogo.com * The motivations among EA staff Core Competence Core competences are the activities and processes through which resources are deployed in such a way as to achieve competitive advantage in ways that others can not imitate or obtain. (Johnson, Scholes & Whittington, 2005) Core Competence of Ryanair * The good and long-term relationship with; o Console Manufacturers – Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo o Mass Market Retailers – Wal-Mart, Toys â€Å"R† Us, Best Buy o Cinema, Sports and other entertainment industries o AOL – To operate the games channel online on AOL * Diversification of games * Boost its budgets for marketing and advertising, particularly TV advertising. Dynamic Capabilities Dynamic capabilities are an organization's abilities to develop and change competences to meet the needs of rapidly changing environment Dynamic capabilities of EA * Invested in the development of tools and technologies for creation of games for the â€Å"new class of beast† consoles. * Strategic acquisition of ‘Jamadat' for the rapidly growing business of providing games on mobile phones The Value Network In most industries, it is rather unusual that a single company performs all activities from product design, production of components, and final assembly to delivery to the final user by itself. Most often, organizations are elements of a value system or supply chain. The value network is the set of inter-organizational links are relationships that are necessary to create a product or service. (Source: M.E. Porter) So the production of games not only depends on the EA's Value Chain but also on the suppliers, channels and customer value chains. That when console makers are launching their new consoles; when the retailers have more buying capacity and shelf space and when the product is floating into the customers value chain.

Definition Essay on Success

Definition Essay on Success Definition Essay on Success The definition of success differs from one person to another. Most people work hard throughout their lives to achieve success. That might mean acquiring an education, being able to take care of one’s family, achieving a life’s ambition, or making money. One interesting view about success is that it means something different to each person. Also, perceptions of success can be faulty. A person may seem to be successful, but scandal and ruin can easily follow if a person has made poor choices to achieve his ideal of success. It is not uncommon to hear people confess that the people whom they thought were very successful in life turned out to be rather miserable. Some of the individual who are successful especially when measured in terms of material wealth are often afraid of other people trying to take advantage of them. Basically one common observation in life is that it is difficult if not close to impossible to be successful in every aspect of life. In most cases, o ne can be successful in one part of life and be a total failure in another. When one is looking for success, one should concentrate on one’s strengths rather than pursuing goals in those areas where they are likely not to enjoy a certain degree of achievement. There are many areas in one’s life that are generally considered important. These include the self, business, family, environment, material things, community, work, spiritually, business, and friends. In order to be truly successful, one needs to balance each of these areas. It is rather obvious that these areas cannot be of equal importance to everyone, and this is why people tend to work towards being successful in some areas in their lives while neglecting the other areas. It is, however, not a good idea to ignore any of these parts even though it is important to set priorities. Even when capitalizing on one’s strengths, an individual should strive to improve in other areas, as well. It is important to strive for a well-balanced life. For instance, if one works hard towards being successful and ends up becoming a workaholic, one may lose friends and family and in the long run, one may end up damaging his health or overall well-being. One should always try to keep each of the components of his life in harmony with each other. Some definition essay writing tips: When writing this kind of an essay, one should always begin by defining what success is. However, one cannot describe what one does not know. One should, therefore, demonstrate to the reader that he knows the meaning of success. He can offer the reader a definition and examples. After defining success one should write what success means in different areas of life. One should also note the importance of balancing priorities and offer an example or two. Are you looking for a high-quality custom essay written from scratch? Do you need writing assistance? Visit and we will help you!

How to Study for a College Midterm

How to Study for a College Midterm Midterms can be intimidating, whether youre a first-semester college student or getting ready to graduate. Because your grade might be heavily dependent on how you do on your midterm exams, being as prepared as possible is important for your success. But just what are the best ways to prepare? In essence: how do you study for a midterm in the best way possible? 1. Go to Class Regularly and Pay Attention If your midterm is over a month away, your class attendance might seem pretty disconnected from your study plan. But going to class every time, and paying attention while youre there, is one of the most effective steps you can take when preparing for a midterm or other important exam. After all, the time you spend in class involves you learning and interacting with the material. And its much better to do so in shorter snippets over the course of a semester than to try to learn, in just one night, all of the things that have been covered over the last month in class. 2. Stay Caught Up with Your Homework Staying on top of your reading is a simple but highly important step to take when preparing for midterms. Additionally, if you really focus on your reading the first time you complete it, you can do things like highlighting, taking notes, and making flashcards that can later be transformed into study aids. 3. Talk to Your Professor About the Exam It may seem obvious or even a little intimidating, but talking to your professor in advance of the exam can be a great way to prepare. He or she can help you understand concepts youre not totally clear on and can tell you where to best focus your efforts. After all, if your professor is both the writer of the exam and someone who can help you be efficient in your preparations, why wouldnt you use him or her as a resource? 4. Begin Studying at Least One Week in Advance If your exam is tomorrow and youre just starting to study, then youre not really studying youre cramming. Studying should take place over a period of time and should allow you to really understand the material, not just memorize it the night before an exam. Beginning to study at least one week in advance is a smart way to reduce your stress, prepare your mind, give yourself time to absorb and remember the material youre learning, and overall do well when exam day finally arrives. 5. Come Up With a Study Plan Planning to study and planning how to study are two very different things. Instead of staring blankly at your textbook or course reader during the time youre supposed to be preparing, come up with a plan. For example, on certain days, plan to review your notes from class and highlight key elements you need to remember. On another day, plan to review a particular chapter or lesson that you think is especially important. In essence, make a to-do list of what kind of studying youll do and when so that, when you do sit down for some quality study time, you can make the most of your efforts. 6. Prepare Any Materials Youll Need in Advance If, for example, your professor says its okay to bring a page of notes to the test, make that page well in advance. That way, youll be able to refer to what you need quickly. The last thing you want to be doing during a timed exam is learning how to use the materials you brought with you. Additionally, as you make any materials youll need for the exam, you can use them as study aids as well. 7. Be Physically Prepared Before the Exam This may not seem like a traditional way of studying, but being on top of your physical game is important. Eat a  good breakfast,  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹get some sleep,  have the materials youll need already in your backpack, and check your stress at the door. Studying involves preparing your brain for the exam, and your brain has physical needs, too. Treat it kindly the day before and the day of your midterm so that all of your other studying can be put to good use.

Alabama Department of Corrections Research Paper

Alabama Department of Corrections - Research Paper Example Introduction Alabama Department of Corrections is the agency responsible for the confinement of convicted inmates in the state of Alabama (Donal, 9). Throughout the history of the agency, it operated a farming system where the prisoners were deployed to the farms as laborers. This effectively ended in 1870, from when the prisoners were rendered idle. The agency seeks to confine, manage and rehabilitate the inmates, while providing them a suitable environment and eventually re-introducing them into the society (Donal, 11). Planning in this agency is made through the publication of monthly plans and statistical reports. Through planning, the department of planning and research produces an annual fiscal report, develops monthly management reports and prepares and analyses models for projections of the agency operations (Donal, 22). The agency evaluates the states and the national correctional standards and aligns their standards to these requirements. The agency has a research and plann ing division that oversees the planning functions of the agency. The accounting division is responsible for making the projections of the agency’s annual operational budget. These two divisions are the ones responsible for all the planning, publication and release of the reports prepared by the agency. All the reports have to be analyzed and approved by the higher departmental authority before they are released (Donal, 17). Discussion Problem solving and decision making in the agency follows a well pre-determined procedure. At the helm of decision making is the commissioner of the agency, who is responsible for most of the decisions affecting the agency, including the appointments to key positions of the agency (Donal, 34). It is the authority of the commissioner to determine the qualifications of the deputy commissioners, associate commissioners and other employees of the agency. Subject to the laws issued by the state and the federal government, the commissioner then appoin ts some individuals to fill in these positions. The commissioner is also bestowed with the decision making regarding the appropriate divisions that the agency should have (Donal, 45). Decisions regarding the operations of the divisions are made by the respective divisional directors. While the accounting division’s director determines the budget for the annual operations of the agency, the research and planning division determines the reports that should be published. However, all the decisions made by the divisions and their directors are subject to the approval of the higher office of the commissioner (Donal, 38). The agency follows well laid bureaucratic models of human relationships, where by one individual is answerable to the other depending on the position they hold in the agency. For example, an associate commissioner of the agency will serve in the positions as required by the commissioner of the agency (Donal, 50). Another example of such bureaucratic relationships is that of the deputy commissioners and the commissioner. The commissioner determines what role the deputy commissioners are to undertake in the agency. He also determines the roles that the employees of the agency should play (Donal, 52). Yet another demonstration of the bureaucratic nature of the relationships in the agency is the procedures that reports should follow before they are r