Compare and contrast the two worlds of Venice and Belmont depicted in Shakespears The Merchant of Venice Essay Example

Compare and contrast the two worlds of Venice and Belmont depicted in Shakespears The Merchant of Venice Paper The Merchant of Venice is a play written by Shakespeare. It corresponds two very contrasting stories and settings. One of these stories takes place in 16th century Venice and the other from Shakespeares imagination, Belmont. Both the stories have such different settings in them, which Shakespeare deliberately does. Theres The Bond Story, which takes place in Venice and then theres The Casket Story which takes place in Belmont. Both have totally different atmospheres and conflicting stories. Each setting forms the backdrop to two very different stories. The two settings have very dissimilar natures. Venice is a trading city with a thriving community. Venice is the centre of International trade making it a wealthy city. Shakespeare makes passing references to the citys features; Signor Antonio, many a time and oft In the Rialto you have rated me We will write a custom essay sample on Compare and contrast the two worlds of Venice and Belmont depicted in Shakespears The Merchant of Venice specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Compare and contrast the two worlds of Venice and Belmont depicted in Shakespears The Merchant of Venice specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Compare and contrast the two worlds of Venice and Belmont depicted in Shakespears The Merchant of Venice specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer About my monies and my usances He continues; Since that the trade and profit of the city Consisteth of all nations. Therefore go. Belmont on the other hand comes from Shakespears imagination. Belmont is very femininely dominated. Its a wealthy city like Venice. Belmont is a fairy tale world of love and romance, which Shakespeare imagines it to be. It is a harmonious and tranquil city. Although we are not told if it is an island or not, we get passing references that give us a hint it is an island as it is described as a beautiful, opulent mansion; The watery kingdom, whose ambitious head Spits in the face of heaven, is no bar To stop the foreign spirits, but they come This shows the reader that the house must be a luxurious mansion. The phrase the watery kingdom shows it is Neptunes realm. Portia also shows the reader that her house is great; when Bassanio picks the right casket describes her house as this fair mansion. Belmont is the home of the rich Portia. Portia lives in a beautiful great mansion; But now I was the lord Of this fair mansion, master of my servants This shows that Belmont is magnificent, peaceful and tension free. The complete opposite to Venice. There are two main stories The Bond Story and The Casket Story. The bond story takes place in Venice and the casket story takes place in Belmont. Venice is a wealthy, trading city where much business man live. It consists of dramatic, tense events and is a place full of unhappy and unkind people, however it could be said that it also has a vibrant street life. The scenes in Venice mostly take place on the streets. It is very masculine. It is a mercantile risk-taking city. This is where the serious side of the play takes place. On the other hand Belmont is a city, which reflects tranquil, harmonious comedy. The main character of the bond story is the rich Jew, Shylock. He is the moneylender. The other characters in the casket story are Bassanio, an Italian lord who is a suitor to Portia, Antonio, a merchant of Venice. The main plot of the story is, that Bassanio wants to go to Belmont to marry Portia, however doesnt have enough money, so his good friend Antonio wishes to borrow money from Shylock to give to Bassanio to go to Belmont. Yet Shylock and Antonio hate one another; You call me misbeliever, cut throat dog, And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine This shows that Antonio has such hatred of Shylock. However Shylock lends Antonio three thousand ducats, but for a very harsh price; let the forfeit Be nominated for an equal pound Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken In what part of your body pleaseth me As you can see Shylock is asking for exactly a pound of fair flesh from Antonio, from whatever part of the body he chooses. This makes the bond a murderous one especially between Shylock and Antonio. Shylock wants revenge for the many times he as a Jew has been hurt. This side of the play is dominated by hate. The main themes that take place in Venice are hatred, religious intolerance, revenge, greed and prejudice. This reflects upon the city as being murderous, dramatic and tense. Whereas Belmont on the other hand is a city of Love, marriage, romance and comedy. Belmont is an aspect of the play, which brings the comedy, fairytale romance into perspective. It changes the play from tense and murderous to fun and comedic. It breaks up the dark, horrid features of Shylock and adds gentle, beautiful features of Portia and Bassanio and Lorenzo and Jessica; an equal pound of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken to How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank! This also shows that Belmont is a peaceful, moonlit and calm place to be whereas Venice is masculine and tense. The casket story is set in Belmont; it mainly captures Portia, and her great beauty; In Belmont is a lady richly left, And she is fair, and fairer than that word- Of wondrous virtues. Sometimes from her eyes I did receive fair speechless messages The prince of Morocco repeatedly calls Portia as fair Portia. This shows her beauty. He also says all the world desires her. The comedic features take place in Belmont, when the suitors arrive. Before Portias father died he wanted to make sure she would marry the perfect man so he planed a test. He made three caskets; one gold, one silver and one lead. First came the prince of Morocco, he choose the Gold casket which was incorrect, then came the prince of Aragon, he choose the Silver casket which too was incorrect then finally came Bassanio he choose the casket that was made from lead and that was correct. Bassanio and Portia rejoice, Gratiano marries Nerissa and Lorenzo marries Jessica. The main themes here are love, marriage, romance and comedy. The societies represented in the two settings are very different. The Venetian society is energetic, opulent, full of wealthy confident young men for example; Bassanio, Lorenzo, Gratiano, Salarino and Salanio. They enjoy good fellowship and help each other through life for example when Gratiano and Salarino help Lorenzo elope with Jessica. Another example is when Antonio helps Bassanio court Portia. However they make life intolerable for those outside their group; Fair say, you spat on me on Wednesday last, You spurnd me such a day, another time You calld me dog: and for these courtesies Ill lend you thus much monies This shows that Antonio makes life intolerable for Shylock. This shows that Antonio has been so cruel to him simply because hes a Jew. Venice is a city full of dramatic tensions, especially racial tension; between the Christians and Jews. Shylock says; I hate him for he is a Christian This shows his hatred towards Christians, especially Antonio. They both hate each other simply for the fact that they are different religions; Antonio being Christian and Shylock being Jewish. Belmont is very different to the Venetian society. Belmont is a place of wealth and luxury. Portia lives in a mansion and when the prince of Morocco arrives there, he enters to a flourish of cornets. This shows Belmont is a place of harmony and ease free from the commercial bustle of Venice, and the racial tension. Both Belmont and Venice have different atmospheres, Venice being energetic and exciting. A city full of dramatic tensions for example racial tension, mercantile risk taking, when Antonio borrows money from Shylock in the hope that several ambitious business ventures will produce large profits; Why, fear not, man, I will not forfeit it. Within these two months, thats a month before This bond expires, I do expect return Of thrice three times the value of this bond This shows there is a lot of competition and rivalry, especially between two of the plays central figures Antonio and Shylock. Belmonts atmosphere on the other hand is calm, peaceful, and free from the tensions of Venice; How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank! Here will we sit, and let the sounds of music Creep in our ears; soft stillness and the night Become the touches of sweet harmony Shakespeare has chosen to set The Merchant of Venice in two very different settings because the play has two very different stories in it. One reason could be to provide a sharp and dramatically effective contrast. Another reason maybe The Venetian setting provides us with the serious side of tension. Conversely Belmont gives us the Casket story, which lightens the mood throughout the whole play, because Shakespeare has chosen to go back and forth from Belmont to Venice. For example the great drama of the court scene just before the plays end is immediately followed by the romance and gentle comedy of the plays final scene, the coming together of the three lovers, Bassanio and Portia, Gratiano and Nerissa and Lorenzo and Jessica. The play finishes in Belmont on a note of love and harmony rather than in Venice on a note of hatred, vengeance and betrayal.

Writing a Blockbuster Novel

Writing a Blockbuster Novel With all of the options to self-publish, many new authors are learning the joys of writing the blockbuster novel theyve always wanted to write. However, especially if you self-publish, the extent of your success as an author is largely determined by the quality of the content and how well you market your work. In self-publishing, you dont have a marketing team and editorial staff advising on what works and what doesnt, so doing your research from the beginning is the best way to avoid wasting time on a novel that doesnt have what it takes to keep your readers interested in reading further.So how to you write the blockbuster novel? Well, it requires a lot of time, a lot of research and a lot of patience, but beyond that, here are some necessary steps you should take.Step 1 – Write what you knowThis step seems to be the most obvious but isnt always so. It can be difficult to narrow down the subject matter, genre, and core content of the novel you want to write, but the best way to get started is to ask yourself two important questions:What topic(s) do I know a lot about? (Remember, the more unique, the better)What genre do I read the most?Your answers to these two questions will determine the absolute best approach you can take to writing a novel. When you write what you know, there is a certain natural element of authenticity that shows up in your writing that is hard to replicate by someone who doesnt have your unique knowledge and/or experience. Writing within a genre that is comfortable for you is another big plus to make it through the process as painlessly as possible- you know what works (e.g., what has been published already) and you know what that genres typical audience wants to read.Step 2 – Use multiple points of viewSome of the best novels ever written used multiple points of view. It creates a more intricate storyline than having an omniscient narrator and it removes the threat of the novelists voice becoming too overpowering. In readi ng a story from multiple points of view, we are able to see locations through the eyes of the character rather than having them impersonally described by a narrator. We are also able to see how the characters view each other without obligatory narrator description.Using multiple points of view also allows the story to move forward easier and at a better pace. You can switch points of view from chapter to chapter (or even within chapters, although this is unusual) and keep the pace strong, while also giving your reader another reason to keep reading. If weve left character A in a precarious situation in chapter 4, then use another point of view for chapter 5, it is likely that the reader will want to keep reading to chapter 6 or chapter 7- whichever chapter brings us back to character A and her predicament.Step 3 – Outline completelyWhile its tempting to jump right in and start writing, its almost impossible to write a great novel without outlining first. Ask any novelist abou t the outlining process and he or she will likely tell you that they spent weeks (even months) working on an outline before they ever put pen to paper (or more appropriately in the digital age, finger to keyboard).Youll find that in the process of outlining, your story might completely change from what you originally intended. Thats because when you outline correctly, youll be able to see all the moving parts with a birds eye view- and this view often shows you were there are holes in your story or plot turns that wont work. Outlining gives you an idea of how the plot will build and what it will build toward, so that you can leave hints along the way through character development or foreshadowing.Step 4 – End each chapter with a question in your readers mindThe end of a chapter is arguably the most important part of it- primarily because the way you end it will either discourage or encourage your audience to keep reading. One way to ensure your readers keep turning the page i s to end the chapter with a burning question or curiosity that your reader needs to answer.This part can be done in the outlining process and will also be beneficial for helping you divide up chapters in the most effective way. As you are outlining what will happen, write the question that should be on the readers mind at the end of each chapter.Will [insert character name here] be shot by the man who just entered the room with a gun?Will the girl accept the ring that was just handed to her in a marriage proposal?Will that ticking bomb go off?You get the idea†¦Step 5 – Dont marry the first few draftsSpeaking of marriage, heres a good rule of thumb for writing your blockbuster novel: dont marry the first few drafts. Youll find that throughout the process of outlining and writing a first draft, the story you originally planned for takes on a life of its own and often goes in entirely different directions than originally planned.If you get attached to your first draft, you wont give your story the opportunity to take on its own life. When youre absolutely convinced you should keep a plot element or character trait that somehow changes over the course of writing the first draft (or first few drafts), you are limiting your novel. Let the characters develop themselves as you go and be willing to part with them if they arent working out.

Controversy in Television Advertisement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Controversy in Television Advertisement - Essay Example Cigarette manufacturers were one of the first industries to advertise widely on television ("Lighten Up & Light Up," 2006). Tobacco advertising is the promotion of tobacco use (typically cigarette smoking) by the tobacco industry through a variety of media ("Tobacco advertising," 2007). Usually, this is more attractive to the younger population because of their overexposure to tobacco commercials shown on television. Considered as "one of the most-highly-regulated forms of marketing," it is banned by many countries around the world. According to ASH (2006), tobacco advertising is increasing the consumption by encouraging children or young adults to experiment with tobacco and thereby slip into regular use, by encouraging smokers to increase consumption, by reducing smokers' motivation to quit, by encouraging former smokers to resume, by discouraging full and open discussion of the hazards of smoking as a result of media dependence on advertising revenues, by muting opposition to cont rols on tobacco as a result of the dependence of organizations receiving sponsorship from tobacco companies, and by creating through the ubiquity of advertising, sponsorship, etc. an environment in which tobacco use is seen as familiar and acceptable and the warnings about its health are undermined. These are the reasons why the tobacco industry never ceases to spend billions worldwide trying to promote their harmful products thereby risking the health of more and more tobacco users. There are many methods of tobacco advertising in order to attract cigarette patrons especially younger people. These include sports sponsorship, promotional items, brand stretching, samples, and entertainment which are all shown on television. In sports sponsorship, "the companies try to connect tobacco with health and athletic prowess to reach out to a large audience by sponsoring sports events and teams" (Vu, Long, Talapa, & Jong, n.d.). In promoting various items, "the companies put their logos on ha ts, t-shirts, and other popular items children use" (Vu, Long, Talapa, & Jong, n.d.). Through brand stretching, "the companies market other products with a shared brand name such as Marlboro Classics clothing" (Vu, Long, Talapa, & Jong, n.d.). By giving free samples of cigarette products in malls, concerts, and mass events, the companies relays a "hidden" message why they should support the product. Lastly, through entertainment or the sponsorship of popular events such as concerts, competitions, and movies, it attracts the youth by displaying the positive aspect of smoking. An additional marketing tactic for TV ads is by depicting cigarette users as relaxed, stress-free and having fun thereby discouraging the news media from reporting on the health effects of smoking. In the United Kingdom, "the tobacco advertising and sponsorship ban were implemented under the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002. The Act banned most forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, s pecifies a few practical examples (e.g. specialist tobacconists, intra-trade advertising), details offenses and defenses and establishes enforcement responsibilities" (ASH, 2006).  Ã‚  

MSc Practical UNIX Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

MSc Practical UNIX Security - Essay Example Furthermore, in the UNIX system's early periods, security feature was almost absent. Then, the UNIX system became the first operating system to undergo attacks raised over the promising Internet. With the passage of time, the security arrangement moved from centralized to distributed verification and permission systems (UNIX Systems Cooperative Promotion Group, 1997) and (The Open Group, 2010). This paper discusses various security aspects of UNIX operating system along with some types of attack that can be applied to UNIX operating system. The basic aim of this paper is to describe in a systematic manner the significance of systems configuration and management and how to undertake systems configuration and management for a UNIX system. Security Considerations With the advancements in the technology the chances of security attacks and their intensity is also increasing. In the past, a lot of security and privacy attacks have greatly influenced a large number of organizations and busi nesses. Some well known examples of these attacks include, security develops Nimda, Code Red, RPC buffer overflows, SQL Slammer Worm, SSH vulnerabilities. Thus, to deal with such new types of security attacks a good security management patch as well as effective security strategy is very important, which can help secure organization’s systems and networks. Seeing that the businesses having a high-quality patch security strategy (which implemented all the recognized patches to the target systems) were not influenced or were least influenced as compared to those businesses which neglected patch security strategies and faced harsh issues like business downtime of numerous days and failure of business effort (code as well as data). In this scenario, all the practical systems have their own techniques for implementing security patches. Additionally, HP-UX, Solaris and AIX program and patch installation techniques allow the elimination of an application or a patch by restoring some overwritten operating system files as the â€Å"save† alternative is employed (that is the default option). In addition, the capability to get rid of a (reminded) security patch makes simpler patch administration on these systems liberating the manager from planning routine techniques for patch management and permitting the administrator to focus on improving system security. For this purpose, HP, Sun and IBM offered standard security patch packages for download a number of times every year, in addition to individual patch downloads as well as patch announcement services which can be received via electronic mail (without paying registration fee). Moreover, specific patch downloads are always available at retailer’s websites and a few mirrors for Red Hat Linux. However, the accessibility of alternatives is significant, for the reason that standard patch packages make simpler the normal application of patches as well as get rid of the need for numerous reboots and/or sy stem configuration changes, as individual patch downloads permit the system application of a security patch at the instant as it is accessible (Tsitsivas et al., 2003), (Zheng & Zhang, 2009), (Curphey & Araujo, 2006) and (Ray, 2004). UNIX Security Overview Normally, all UNIX-based or other systems encompass particular log on procedures. However, these procedures depend on

Causes & Symptons of Stress Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Causes & Symptons of Stress - Research Paper Example How people react to stress will depend a great deal on their own personal experiences and life conditions. Often, these experiences and conditions are the result of factors beyond their control, such as their age, race or gender. In addition, stress experienced will be different depending upon the factors causing it, whether they are economic/financial, regular life events or periods of great transition. In â€Å"Age and Gender as Determinants of Stress Exposure,† it was discovered that there are some significant differences between the way girls and boys experience stress. Researchers Takeuchi, Williams and Adair investigate â€Å"Economic Stress in the Family and Children’s Emotional and Behavioral Problems† to determine whether children’s behavior is adversely affected by the economic stress levels of the household and whether this effect is increased with persistent as opposed to one-time dependence on social services. Dual-income households have their own set of stressors to face, however, which are explored in Windle and Dumenci’s â€Å"Parental and Occupational Stress as Predictors of Depressive Symptoms among Dual-Income Couples† (1997). ... in helping these older adults deal with stresses caused by life events, but indicated a consistent steady rate of recovery for these individuals in studies such as â€Å"Transitory Impact of Life-Event Stress on Psychological Symptoms in Older Adults† (Norris & Murrell, 1987). Karen Rudolph and Constance Hammen (1999) concluded in their study on how experience and consequences of life stress varied depending upon age and gender differences that there are significant differences between the types of stress experienced between pre-adolescent and adolescent boys and girls. Of the 88 children who participated in their study, it was determined that while adolescent girls experienced the highest levels of interpersonal stress, adolescent boys experienced the highest levels of non-interpersonal stress. Preadolescent girls experienced the highest levels of independent stress and conflict in the family unit. In addition, it was determined that a great deal of this stress was generated by the children themselves. The study was designed to â€Å"examine bidirectional paths between children and stressful events in their environments. In particular, we examined whether a transactional perspective would shed additional light on observed age and gender differences in life stress† (Rudolph & Hammen, 1999, p. 660). The research also had a secondary goal of identifying â€Å"age and gender differences across multiple domains of stress† (Rudolph & Hammen, 1999, p. 660). Relevant areas of life stress research were discussed in the areas of stress exposure versus stress generation, the role of social context and stress reactions vulnerability to depressive outcomes. In discussing stress exposure versus stress generation, the authors stressed the importance of distinguishing between

Compensation System For Multinational Corporations Economics Essay

Compensation System For Multinational Corporations Economics Essay Global compensation managers that is, everyone involved at any level in pay-related decisions increasingly deal with two areas of focus. They must manage highly complex and turbulent local details while concurrently building and maintaining a unified, strategic pattern of compensation policies, practices and values. For multinationals successfully to manage compensation and benefits requires knowledge of employment and taxation law, customs, environment and employment practices of many foreign countries, familiarity with currency fluctuations and the effect of inflation on compensation and an understanding of why and when special allowances must be supplied and which allowances are necessary in what countries all within the context of shifting political, economic and social conditions. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MULTI NATIONAL CORPORATION (MNC) AND TRANS NATIONAL CORPORATION (TNC) The both multinationals corporations and transnational corporations operate internationally and their compensation or reward system is also similar, but some differences exist between two, which are: MNCs operate in several different countries while transnational implies just across the border as in the US and Canada. Obviously, both operate internationally A MNC has a centralized headquarters is a corporation with extensive ties international operations in more than one foreign country. Examples are Coke, Pepsi, General Electric, Exxon, Wal-Mart, and Mitsubishi. A transnational company has no head office and moves whatever base of operations it has fluidly between its national offices. It is a MNC that operates worldwide without being identified with a national home base i.e. it is said to operate on a borderless basis. Examples are Daewoo, Saint Gobain, Sony, Samsung Group, Shell Oil etc. OBJECTIVES OF INTERNATIONAL COMPENSATION When developing international compensation policies, a firm seeks to satisfy several objectives. The policy should be consistent with the overall strategy, structure and business needs of the multinational. The policy must work to attract and retain staff in the areas where the multinational has the greatest needs and opportunities. Hence the policy must be competitive and recognize factors such as incentive for Foreign Service, tax equalization and reimbursement for reasonable costs. The policy should facilitate the transfer of international employees in the most cost-effective manner for the firm. The policy must give due consideration to equity and ease of administration. The international employee will also have a number of objectives that need to be achieved from the firms compensation policy. First, the employee will expect the policy to offer financial protection in terms of benefits, social security and living costs in the foreign location. Second, the employee will expect a foreign assignment to offer opportunities for financial advancement through income and/or savings. Third, the employee will expect issues such as housing, education of children and recreation to be addressed in the policy. If we contrast the objectives of the multinational and the employee, we see, of course, the potential for many complexities and possible problems, as some of these objectives cannot be maximized on both sides. Firms must rethink the traditional view that local conditions dominate international compensation strategy. COMPENSATION MANAGEMENT OR SYSTEM The type and amount of compensation necessary to attract technically and culturally qualified international managers and technical professionals to the three nationals or country categories involved international human resource management activities from which employees are selected whether the people are: PCNs (parent country nationals) TCNs (third country nationals) HCNs (host country nationals) An expatriate is an employee working in a country other than their country of origin. PCNs (Parent Country Nationals) Those personnel who are of the same nationality as the contracting government or personnel from headquarters They come from the home country of the operation. The policy of using PCNs is usually employed when one or more of the following situations exist: (1) the host country cannot readily supply desired managerial personnel, (2) efficient communication with headquarters is required, and (3) the company adopts a centralized approach to globalization. TCNs (Third Country Nationals) Those personnel of a separate nationality to both the contracting government and the area of operations i.e. whose nation of residence is neither the host country nor the home country. Such an employee normally is recruited from outside the host country and relocated from the point of recruitment to the host country. HCNs (Host Country Nationals) These are Indigs (Indigenous Personnel) / Nationals / Locals those personnel who are indigenous to the area of operations Whose basic residence or home is the host nation. Local colleagues of the expatriate, they are valuable socializing agents, sources of social support, assistance, and friendship to expatriates. Expatriates are more likely to adjust when HCNs engage in this behavior. HR managers focus on their strategic objectives to develop a comprehensive compensation plan, in terms of considering base pay, short and long-term incentives, benefits and growth opportunities. The objective of this kind of strategy is to ensure that both TNC/MNCs long and short-term objectives coexist in the compensation system without overlap, which would duplicate a single pay plan for the same objectives. The purpose of the planning is also designed to ensure that the compensation system attracts and retains the desired employees and that it motivates them to do those things that support the business plan. KEY COMPONENTS OF AN INTERNATIONAL COMPENSATION PROGRAM The area of international compensation is complex primarily because multinationals must cater to three categories of employees: PCNs, TCNs and HCNs. Key components of international compensation are as follows: COMPONENTS OF MNCS COMPENSATION BASIC SALARY ALLOWANCES OTHER BENEFITS 1. Base Salary In a domestic context, base salary denotes the amount of cash compensation serving as a benchmark for other compensation elements (such as bonuses and benefits). For expatriates, it is the primary component of a package of allowances, many of which are directly related to base salary (e.g. Foreign Service premium, cost-of-living allowance, housing allowance) and also the basis for in-service benefits and pension contributions. It may be paid in home or local-country currency. The base salary is the foundation block for international compensation whether the employee is a PCN or TCN. Major differences can occur in the employees package depending on whether the base salary is linked to the home country of the PCN or TCN, or whether an international rate is paid. Foreign Service inducement/hardship premium Parent-country nationals often receive a salary premium as an inducement to accept a foreign assignment or as compensation for any hardship caused by the transfer. The definition of hardship, eligibility for the premium and amount and timing of payment must be addressed. In cases in which hardship is determined, US firms often refer to the US Department of States Hardship Post Differentials Guidelines to determine an appropriate level of payment. Making international comparisons of the cost of living is problematic. These payments are more commonly paid to PCNs than TCNs. Foreign service inducements, if used, are usually made in the form of a percentage of salary, usually 5-40 per cent of base pay. Such payments vary, depending upon the assignment, actual hardship, tax consequences and length of assignment. 2. Allowances Issues concerning allowances can be very challenging to a firm establishing an overall compensation policy, partly because of the various forms of allowances that exist. (a)The cost-of-living allowance (COLA), which typically receives the most attention, involves a payment to compensate for differences in expenditures between the home country and the foreign country (to account for inflation differentials, for example). The COLA may also include payments for housing and utilities, personal income tax or discretionary items. (b)The provision of a housing allowance implies that employees should be entitled to maintain their home-country living standards (or, in some cases, receive accommodation that is equivalent to that provided for similar foreign employees and peers). Other alternatives include company-provided housing, either mandatory or optional, a fixed housing allowance or assessment of a portion of income, out of which actual housing costs are paid. As a firm internationalizes, formal policies become more necessary and efficient. (c)There is also a provision for home leave allowances. Many employers cover the expense of one or more trips back to the home country each year. Firms allowing use of home leave allowances for foreign travel need to be aware that expatriate employees with limited international experience who opt for foreign travel rather than returning home may become more homesick than other expatriates who return home for a reality check with fellow employees and friends. (d)Education allowances for expatriates children are also an integral part of any international compensation policy. Allowances for education can cover items such as tuition, language class tuition, enrolment fees, books and supplies, transportation, room and board and uniforms. PCNs and TCNs usually receive the same treatment concerning educational expenses. (e)Relocation allowances usually cover moving, shipping and storage charges, temporary living expenses, subsidies regarding appliance or car purchases (or sales) and down payments or lease-related charges. Allowances regarding perquisites (cars, club memberships, servants10 and so on) may also need to be considered (usually for more senior positions, but this varies according to location). These allowances are often contingent upon tax-equalization policies and practices in both the home and the host countries. (f)Spouse assistance to help guard against or offset income lost by an expatriates spouse as a result of relocating abroad. Although some firms may pay an allowance to make up for a spouses lost income, US firms are beginning to focus on providing spouses with employment opportunities abroad, either by offering job-search assistance or employment in the firms foreign office (subject to a work visa being available). (g)Multinationals generally pay allowances in order to encourage employees to take international assignments and to keep employees whole relative to home standards. In terms of housing, companies usually pay a tax-equalized housing allowance in order to discourage the purchase of housing and/or to compensate for higher housing costs. This allowance is adjusted periodically based on estimates of both local and foreign housing costs. 3. Benefits The complexity inherent in international benefits often brings more difficulties than when dealing with compensation. Pension plans are very difficult to deal with country-to-country, as national practices vary considerably. Transportability of pension plans, medical coverage and social security benefits are very difficult to normalize. Firms need to address many issues when considering benefits, including: Whether or not to maintain expatriates in home-country programs, particularly if the firm does not receive a tax deduction for it. Whether firms have the option of enrolling expatriates in host-country benefit programs and/or making up any difference in coverage. Whether expatriates should receive home-country or host-country social security benefits. In some countries, expatriates cannot opt out of local social security programs. In such circumstances, the firm normally pays for these additional costs. Laws governing private benefit practices differ from country to country, and firm practices also vary. Multinationals have generally done a good job of planning for the retirement needs of their PCN employees, but this is generally less the case for TCNs. TCNs may have little or no home-country social security coverage; They may have spent many years in countries that do not permit currency transfers of accrued benefit payments; Or they may spend their final year or two of employment in a country where final average salary is in a currency that relates unfavourably to their home-country currency. In addition to the already discussed benefits, multinationals also provide vacations and special leave. Included as part of the employees regular vacation, annual home leave usually provides airfares for families to return to their home countries. Rest and rehabilitation leave, based on the conditions of the host country, also provides the employees family with free airfares to a more comfortable location near the host country. Emergency provisions are available in case of a death or illness in the family. Employees in hardship locations often receive additional leave expense payments and rest and rehabilitation periods. ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS AND SERVICES Lifestyle enhancement services à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Provision for employee family to learn the local language à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Education training of employee family on local culture, customs and social expectations à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Counseling services for employee family à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Assistance in finding a home at the foreign work site / school suitable education programmes for children dependents à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Company car, driver, domestic staff, and child care à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Use of Fitness facilities / subsidized health care services à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Assistance in joining local civic, social, professional organizations Allowances Premiums à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Foreign Service premium tax equalization allowance à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Temporary living allowance à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Currency protection à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Mobility premium à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Stopover allowance à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Completion of assignment bonus à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Assignment extension bonus à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Emergency loan à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Extended work-week payment APPROACHES TO INTERNATIONAL COMPENSATION There are two main approaches in the area of international compensation The Going Rate Approach (also referred to as the Market Rate Approach) The Balance Sheet Approach (also known as the Build-up Approach). (a)The Going Rate Approach With this approach, the base salary for international transfer is linked to the salary structure in the host country. The multinational usually obtains information from local compensation surveys and must decide whether local nationals (HCNs), expatriates of the same nationality or expatriates of all nationalities will be the reference point in terms of benchmarking. For example, a Japanese bank operating in New York would need to decide whether its reference point would be local US salaries, other Japanese competitors in New York or all foreign banks operating in New York. With the Going Rate Approach, if the location is in a low-pay county, the multinational usually supplements base pay with additional benefits and payments. The Balance Sheet Approach The basic objective is to keep the expatriate whole (that is, maintaining relativity to PCN colleagues and compensating for the costs of an international assignment) through maintenance of home-country living standard plus a financial inducement to make the package attractive. The approach links the base salary for PCNs and TCNs to the salary structure of the relevant home country. For example, a US executive taking up an international position would have his or her compensation package built upon the US base-salary level rather than that applicable to the host country. The key assumption of this approach is that foreign assignees should not suffer a material loss due to their transfer, and this is accomplished through the utilization of what is generally referred to as the Balance-sheet Approach. COMPENSATION ISSUES IN INTERNATIONAL SCENARIO Incentives provided to stimulate movement or expatriation to a foreign location/ host country Allowances for repatriation to home country Additional tax burdens placed on employees working in a foreign location Labour regulations in home and host country Cost-of-living allowances in the host country Home country and host country currency fluctuation Formal and informal compensation practices unique to the host country Determining home country for setting base pay of TCNs MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES CONCERNING INTERNATIONAL BENEFITS COMPENSATION Compensation is one of the most complex areas of international human resource management Pay systems must conform to local laws and customs for employee compensation while also fitting into global MNC policies Managers face diverse political systems, laws regulations; confront different economic climates, economic development, tax policies, diverse culture, customs, the role of labor unions, standard of living It is also important for MNCs to consider carefully the motivational use of incentives and rewards among the employees drawn from three national or country categories The traditional function of pay to attract, retain and motivate employees has not changed The emphasis has shifted from the attraction and retention functions to the motivation function. TNC/MNCs must ensure that those skilled employees are compensated for achieving goals that make the international business operations succeed HR managers focus on their strategic objectives to develop a comprehensive compensation plan, in terms of considering base pay, short and long-term incentives, benefits and growth opportunities The objective of this kind of strategy is to ensure that both TNC/MNCs long and short-term objectives coexist in the compensation system without overlap, which would duplicate a single pay plan for the same objectives. The purpose of the planning is also designed to ensure that the compensation system attracts and retains the desired employees and that it motivates them to do those things that support the business plan The compensation costs of a family with children are shifted to hardship allowance for schooling, childcare, increased residence cost and all fringe benefits associated with supporting a family life cycle It may be that international compensation administration is more complex than its domestic counterpart, but not radically different in pattern or form. QUESTIONS:- Q1. What is international compensation system? Explain its objectives. Q2. Explain the parties involved in international compensation system? Q3. List the components of an international compensation program. Q4. Explain the approaches to international compensation system. Q5. What are different challenges faced by the management concerned to various benefits in international compensation program.

Boot Camps and Juvenile Crime Essay -- Juvenile Crime Boot Camps Incar

Boot Camps and Juvenile Crime Five years ago, responding to an increase in serious juvenile crime, the state of Maryland initiated one of the nation's largest boot camp programs for teenage criminals. The program, called the Leadership Challenge, quickly became the model for other states. But last week, after reviewing a task force report that documented instances of physical abuse at their camps, Maryland officials appeared on the verge of conceding that the current initiative was a failure. Military-style discipline may work as punishment at juvenile boot camps, but it has not been effective as rehabilitation. The Maryland experience, together with problems in other states, has already led some states to close their boot camps and even to rethink how their penal laws treat young offenders. All in all, it is a remarkable turn of events for an idea that was once greeted as a breakthrough in the fight against juvenile crime There is increasing evidence that boot camps never worked. A national study last year by the Koch Crime Institute, a public policy group in Topeka, Kan., showed that recidivism among boot camp attendees ranged from 64 percent to 75 percent, slightly higher than for youths sentenced to adult prisons. Gerald Wells, a senior research associate at the Koch Institute, said of the report, "The shocking parts are the allegations of abuse, but the more alarming parts are the failures." Research has also shown, according to Mr. Wells and other penal justice experts, that these camps were grounded in a false and unexamined assumption. "People thought boot camps shaped up a lot of servicemen during three wars," Mr. Wells added. "But just because you place someone in a highly structured environment with discipline, does not mean once they get home, and are out of that, they will be model citizens." Boot camps have their roots in the 1970's, with the advent of large, well-organized and extremely violent street gangs. In response to these groups, many states began to imprison more young people. By the 1990's, as the number of repeat juvenile offenders rose to record levels, it became clear that prison sentences were not working. In 1994, nearly 10,000 juveniles were charged with criminal offenses, an all-time high. More than 2,300 of them were charged with murder, compared with fewer than 1,000 in 1980, according to th... ...and they also need to learn respect, self-respect, discipline and a new way of conducting themselves in society," Ms. Townsend said. "Facilities that provide structure and discipline can be run effectively and have a role in our fight after juvenile crime." Many experts disagree, citing the expense of running such programs properly. "It's a budget issue," said Doris Mackenzie, a University of Maryland criminology professor. "They are popular in the public, people feel we should treat these kids tough, and everyone can get onto the bandwagon," she said. "But when it comes to this extra expense of doing the follow-up, we find, the money is not there." In any case, juvenile crime has been falling since 1994, after an overall drop in the nation's juvenile population. This will make it highly unlikely, say political observers, that voters will agree to pay for individualized rehabilitation. Much more likely, they say, is that the 27,000 young people who once went to boot camp each year will instead be sent to prison. As bad as boot camps have proved to be, Mr. Wells added, "once you start incarcerating kids, you have lost. But unfortunately, that is where we seem headed."

Case Study You Are Your Own Worst Enemy Essay

Gen Y are shown to be a substantial security risk to organizations because Gen Y’s download and use non-sanctioned IT Tools while at work or using company technology and often compromising software like instant messaging software and open-source technologies. What’s happening is quite simple, but very dangerous. Having/using them on company technology opens a door for hackers and data thieves to enter unnoticed into your organization’s information assets. But Gen Y are not even aware that they are causing potential compromises. Question and Answer( Legend:Q=Question,A=Answer) Q1. Think of yourself as a business manager. You have employees you supervise and you are responsible for ensuring that they meet daily work quotas. But, you find they are spending a couple of hours per day shopping online, chatting with friends through instant messaging, and so on. How do you motivate your employees to perform their work? How do you restrict them from non-work-related activities without creating a stifling, boring, and dull workplace? A1. As a manager, I am responsible and takes charge of all the activities that involve in my company and it is very necessary for me to have an employee which has a knowledge to perform and listen to their task properly and willing to abide the rules and regulation of my company. Discipline is a must. They should focus to their job assignment and use their time properly especially during working hours. And as a Manager I must know what the different types of Managerial functions . And one of it is directing that refers to motivation, communication and leadership. I am the Manager so I will be the one to motivate my employees by communicating them with the power of leadership. To motivate them to perform their work I will give them incentives or rewards to make them productive. I may increase their wages to encourage them to perform their task well. By restricting them I think will not work because their life are attach to the technology – that most of the time of their work they are in front of the computer that maybe will tempt to open a social networking site or shopping site that is not related to their work. I will not totally restrict them but instead I will allow them to do their non-work-related activities during breaktime. They deserve a little break that will make them calm and not so stressful. I will take a survey from them that deals with knowing what they would suggest in order to have a pleasant workplace that will affect them in a good way. In that, my employees will be encourage to work well. Q2. The case study mentioned the need for employee education. What elements would you include in an education program for helping employees better understand the dangers in which they place the organization’s IT infrastructure by using technology the wrong way while at work? A2. It is better to conduct an orientation the moment that they are employed in the company. This will help them to have a better understanding regarding to their task such as the general rules and regulations and the proper using of the IT infrastructure of the company. Using technology in the wrong way while at work will cause a great damage and failure to do their task in the company. Sometimes it will be lost of the company and their reputation will destroy. And also I can include short cases of organizations that have been compromised because of unsafe software, having a fellow Gen Y person make the presentation, showing safe computing habits.I will alsoinclude the things that can happen in the organization if the employees are continuous in doing things online that are not related in their work, also the harmful effects on it not just on organization but on them also that they will no longer focused on their work responsibilities and they taking their work at risk that they can be fired and out of the company.. Q3.Beyond the compromises caused to IT infrastructure, what do you see wrong with shopping online while at work? Is this illegal or unethical, perhaps both, or neither? A3.Nothing is wrong about the shopping online because it’s your money that you spending with but during your work it is both illegal and at the same time unethical.It is said to be illegal because before working at the company, there is a certain contract that they should sign stated that they should abide the rules and regulations of the company, including: the proper used of their time for their work and do their task without doing unnecessary actions such as chatting with the others. Also, it is unethical because it could be unfair to the others who were doing their task properly while the others are just wasting their time, having their salary doing wrong things. You employed in the organization to work, you are subjected to work with all of your knowledge, skill and focused because your being paid by the company and doing something not related to your work is not good. It’s definitely grounds for dismissal from employment.But then, people may or may not see it as u nethical, because so many people do it. Q4.Read the acceptable use policy (AUP) for your school. Are you doing anything with your school’s technology that violates the AUP? If so, what is it? How prevalent among other students is the violation? Does widespread violation somehow or another make it okay? A4.(Since our school have no AUP, answers are based on computer laboratory ordinance,rules and regulations).Yes, sometimes I play games installed in the computer which is strictly prohibited based on the ordinance issued by th President.It is very common since students have saved games on their flash drives and through this they can install and play games they want anytime but they make sure that they do this in the absence of their teachers.No, because even violation is widespreaded after the next day they will do it again and again. Q5.Why do you think Gen Y is being singled out? Wouldn’t it make sense that people in other age groups also put a company at risk by misusing technology? What is so different and unique about Gen Y? A5.Generation Y grew up with technology and rely on it to perform their jobs better. Gen Y is the digital generation, and thus uses technology more, especially those types of tools that can compromise security. Yes, other age groups misuse technology but not to the extent of Gen Y. As law firms compete for available talent, employers cannot ignore the needs, desires and attitudes of this vast generation. Millennials grew up with easy access to computers, constant connection to the internet, and smart phones in-hand. They’re accustomed to using technology in every part of their lives and fully believe in its power to make their lives easier. This generation dreams without limits. They’re in search of two things – money and happiness. Q6.Would you consider working for a company that prohibited access to social networking sites, gaming, blogs, and online shopping while at work? Why or why not? How about in the defense industry? In certain places within defense organizations, you’re not allowed to carry cell phones and the like because you can take photos and videos with them. Do you want to work there? Why or why not? A6.Yes. Working in the company that prohibited access to social networking sites, gaming, and online shopping is something gives discipline to the employee regarding doing something not related to their work and also these things must be done not in your workplace but in your own place like in your house and in your own computer. In the company that cell phones and other similar to it that can take pictures and videos are not allowed, why or why not work in this kind if organization? For me it’s alright ,we all know that cell phone is convenience way to communicate to others most of the time in emergency, so not carrying cell phone is hard for me to follow but if the company is great and there’s a lot of benefits or good salary for their employees I will, they just do it for their own safety.

Autistic Savantism essays

Autistic Savantism essays Autism spectrum disorder is a disorder marked by developmental delays, or abnormal functioning, resulting in impaired reciprocal social interaction, impaired communication and language, and a restricted, repetitive pattern of behaviors, interests, and activities. However, 10% of the autistic population can be diagnosed with autistic savantism meaning they have a remarkable ability in some area of life. Many autistic savants hold a spectacular memory of which non-autistic individuals could only dream. Two such individuals are Temple Grandin, an animal scientist, and Steven Wiltshire, a visual artist. Though there is no definitive research proving how an individuals memory works, four areas are being researched regarding the memory of autistic individuals, and subsequently many theories exist. The areas being researched are the thought process style used by autistic individuals, the role emotion plays in these individuals, as well as the role of meaning, and their comprehension of exp ressive language. This research may help determine how and why their memory ability differs from the norm, giving insight into the memory capacity of normal individuals. A small girl sits quietly in front of a piano, fingers poised over the bright white keys. Her teacher, seated beside her on the bench, played a complicated series of chords, filling the air with melody. After a single hearing, the little girl begins to play, perfectly reproducing the song she has just heard for the first time. As the last note fades away, the girl sits still for a moment, and then gently begins to rock back and forth, stopping only when the music begins again.... One might label this child a genius or prodigy after witnessing this, were it not for the little nuances of the situation: the rocking, the unemotional expression on the childs face, and the lack of response to voices around her. Instead, this girl has been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disor...

For Whom the Bell Tolls Essays

For Whom the Bell Tolls Essays For Whom the Bell Tolls Essay For Whom the Bell Tolls Essay Essay Topic: For Whom the Bell Tolls I choose Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls because I have been curious about what is behind any war and what can be gained from it. I know that nobody wins in a war and no one is righteous.   Recognizing the good or bad people in this situation depends which side you are in. I’m sure this book can give me detailed description of the cruelty of war. The epigraph, seen at the beginning of the story, starts with, â€Å"No man is an island†¦Ã¢â‚¬ I have an idea that it is about the camaraderie and the need for the others in order to survive. The rest of the epigraph is appropriate to the major theme of the story: death. Since it is a war novel, I am certain that death will plague its entirety. I am not yet sure, though, who will die and who will survive since I am able to read only chapters one to seven. In the first chapter, Robert Jordan, an American bomb expert, is sent to Spain to blow up the bridge in behalf of the anti-fascists guerillas. He is assisted by the local guerillas led by Pablo. Ironically, Pablo himself strongly opposes Jordan’s mission. He reasons that blowing up the bridge may put the guerillas’ lives in danger. In the succeeding chapters, Jordan spends his time scouting the bridge and sketching plans on how to destroy it. He becomes friends with the other members of the guerillas, including Pilar, the ugly but strong-willed wife of Pablo. Jordan falls in love with Maria, a single woman who has bitter experience from the fascists. Despite the effort of Jordan to befriend him, Pablo still refuses to cooperate. This causes Pilar to take over as the leader. Jordan and the rebels who support him see Pablo’s defiance as a threat that may jeopardize their mission; thus, Jordan considers of killing the former leader. In the end, though, he decides ag ainst it. Chapters six and seven exploit the growing love between Jordan and Maria. They discover that their ancestors are both Republicans. They become so intimate that Maria does not hesitate to reveal to Jordan that she is a rape victim. They make love afterward. : Work Cited: Hemingway, Ernest. For Whom the Bell Tolls. Simon Schuster Adult Publishing Group (January, 1968).

Alcoholism Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Alcoholism - Personal Statement Example Emotional distress and parental influence was the main reason to start off with the habit. In order to handle the increasing misery which was caused due to many problems (financial and family) I resorted to the drinking of alcohol. At first it provided me a sense of relief but a point came when the distress began to mount all over again. It started as fun, took over me and began killing me slowly. In other words it can be said that Alcohol is just like a slow poison. I realized all these negative features of Alcohol after a great demise of my father's life. I have lost my father because of this slow poison. He was suffering from Cancer but we couldn't realize it until his health got so severely damaged that he could not recover. Young individuals are more responsive to the positive effects of drinking, like feeling of being comfortable in social situations. They may have a relatively large amount of alcohol than adults because their maturing brain does not accept any reality unless they experience it. Their brain does not understand the possible devastating loss but consider the positive social experiences. Alcohol consumption does not only harm an individual but the society. Alcoholism is a great threat to the youth and must be stopped for a brighter future of the youth, their family and the whole country.

International Trade Operations group project Essay

International Trade Operations group project - Essay Example The United States (U.S) is one of the countries that invest mostly in large scale production of dairy products and is in top ten in the production of dairy milk worldwide. Most of the dairy products in U.S. are exported to other countries, one of them being Egypt. Indeed, Egypt’s relations with the U.S in terms of trade has been very good (Kotschwar & Schott, 2010), and this is evidenced by the fact that Egypt is one of the largest importers of agricultural products including milk and dairy products from the US. This memo will discuss the level of development and economic status of Egypt, fiscal and monetary conditions, imports market status and the general willingness of the country to import Content Cow's products from the US. Level of Egypt Economic Development In Egypt, the ministry of international cooperation and the ministry of economic development are the ones mandated to take control of economic development. In addition, because Egypt is situated around Nile Valley, i ts economic and gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate is always very high. The only problem in Egypt is that, although the economy is very good most of its citizen still live in poor conditions due to political instability. There has been reduction in government revenue in Egypt in the recent past due to slow growth of economy propagated by political problems. Because of this slow growth rate of economy in Egypt, a reform plan was made to stabilize the economy; this was to include free market economy (Knaus, 2009). To begin with, social policies and proper procedures were adopted and put into action to promote economic growth in Egypt. Again, checks and balances were made on demand for money and savings procedures, including developing ands regulating prices of products, and privatization policies of underperforming government institutions. Lastly, the Egyptian government made reforms monetary policies related to local and international trade in order to encourage investment. The introduction of these reforms in Egypt led to economic development, and this can be evidenced by the continued economic growth rate in the recent years. Indeed, the recovery and growth of the economy has made Egypt to enjoys significant international trade with many countries including U.S (Kotschwar & Schott, 2010). This also boosted Egypt’s competitive international energy prices and agricultural products prices. This market-oriented idea, reforms and policies strengthened Egypt economy, albeit under fragile political climate. However, like other African countries, a large population in Egypt is still living in poverty coupled with insecurity, unemployment, and underemployment. Again, there are always heightened protests in Egypt due to bad leadership, corruption cases, lack of political freedom, and poor living standards. This political unrest has been frequent in Egypt and cases of the youth forcing the president to step down was seen in 2011 where president Hosni Mubara k was overthrown from government due poor economic policies as well as lack of political stability and peace in Egypt (Aggour, 2013). In addition, it is important that the Egyptian government should be involved in more economic development and invest more in its citizens, thus enhancing stabilization of the government. Again, political unrest has scarred investors in Egypt; also, poor market and economic growth has placed the