Tuesday, December 24, 2019

OConnor Character Traits Essays - 1033 Words

OConnor Character Traits In Flannery OConnors short stories, A Good Man is Hard to Find, Revelation, and Greenleaf, the main character in each share similar traits. Though the grandmother, Mrs. Turpin, and Mrs. May differ from each other in many aspects, there are three notable traits that each clearly possesses. Each of these individuals is highly conscious of their own social status, is socially prejudiced, and is extremely racist. Each of the women is revealed as being highly conscious of their own social status. Not only are they aware of where they exist socially, they are quite proud of their ranking. A perfect example of this occurs in A Good Man is Hard to Find when the grandmother dresses herself in such a†¦show more content†¦In Greenleaf Mrs. May puts all her energy into the farm because, in her mind, success can only derive from hard work. However, no matter how much she does, things never seem to go well. On the other hand, the Greenleafs, who are socially far beneath Mrs. May, manage their life just fine. This frustrates Mrs. May because Mr. Greenleaf is merely her hired hand who is barely helpful at all. From Mrs. Mays point of view, the Greenleafs had no worries, no responsibilities. They lived like the lilies of the field, off the fat that she struggled to put into the land. OConnor portrays the characters as socially prejudiced. Near the end of A Good Man is Hard to Find the grandmother tells the Misfit, You dont look a bit like you have common blood. She says this as though so-called common people fit the profile of a serial killer and the Misfit does not. This ridiculous assumption proves that the grandmother has no idea what a person of a lower class is like. She obviously assumes only the lower class consists of heartless, ruthless criminals. Mrs. Turpin in Revelation is extremely judgmental about poor people. When describing the poor woman in the doctors office she notes, There was nothing you could tell her about people like them that she didnt already know. Mrs. Turpin is convinced that she has everyone figured out. Every time the poor woman speaks aloud, Mrs. Turpin responds with aShow MoreRelatedModernism And Its Impact On Society917 Words   |  4 Pagesmany writers during that era flourished from that clash of ideals (albeit long af ter their works were published); yet one, in particular, stands out: Flannery O’Connor. Specifically, O’Connor is a notable postmodernist American writer out of her own take of the movement: a witty deconstruction of conventional regionalist tropes. Flannery O’Connor, to briefly summarize her life, was born in Savannah, Georgia in 1925 and spent the majority of her short life (she died before her 40th birthday) with herRead MoreCharacters Of A Good Man1276 Words   |  6 PagesCharacters of A Good Man id Hard to Find A famous example of American literature is the short story known as â€Å"A Good Man Is Hard to Find†. The story was written by Flannery O’Connor in 1955. Flannery O’Connor was born Mary Flannery O’Connor in 1925. She was considered an important person in American literature, with credits for writing two novels, over 30 short stories and various reviews and commentaries on other written works. O’Connor was raised in the south in the Bible belt and these traitsRead MorePoint of View in Everything that Rises Must Converge1274 Words   |  3 Pagesimportant role in this story and how readers interpret it. A point of view is the vantage point of which the story s told. O’Connor uses point of view to help illustrate the central idea of the story. The central idea communicated by point of view in this story is that if one is resistant to adapting to the changing times then they’ll become ignorant. The point of view O’Connor uses to convey this central idea is the third person limited point of view. Within this point of view, there are two aspectsRead MoreThe Characters Of Flannery O Connor s A Good Man Is Hard1677 Words   |  7 PagesThe Characters of Flannery O’Connor’s â€Å"A Good Man Is Hard to Find† The Grandmother and the Misfit are O’Connor’s major characters in â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find†. Even though there are other characters a part of this story, the unnamed grandmother and the Misfit are the round characters as well as the main focus of the story. We are introduced to both characters early on because it’s coming from the grandmother’s point of view and we also discover that The Misfit is an escaped murderer but, we doRead MoreFlannery OConnor 1111 Words   |  5 PagesFlannery O’Connor When writing a piece of literature the content is often influenced from the background of the person who is writing. The author, whether consciously or subconsciously, adds in personal experiences or beliefs into their pieces. Flannery O’Connor is a good example of this trend. Her short stories illustrate the hardships, beliefs, and society at the time she lived and was writing. It is most blatantly demonstrated in her collection of short stories entitled, A Good Man Is HardRead MoreO’Connor’s Use of Dynamic Grace979 Words   |  4 Pagesof struggles between her story’s main characters and their sacrilegious faults; these characters are typically depicted with the fatal-flaw of a superiority complex. This is of course, ironic due to the fact that many of these characters believe themselves to be pious Christians and though this entails that they should not retain a judgmental nature, they do so anyways believing themselves to be superior. Many times, Oâ €™Connor will introduce a dynamic character, seemingly out of nowhere, in order toRead MoreA Good Man By Flannery O Connor874 Words   |  4 Pagesothers. The plainspoken, comic- cartoon-ish, blunt, and obvious short story writer, Flannery O’Connor, in her short story â€Å"A Good Man Is Hard to Find,† bring about the perfect example of Gothic fiction. The story is about an escaped mentally-ill criminal dubbed The Misfit- who crossed path with a fatal family. The main characters, The Grandmother, June Star, The Misfit and even Bailey among others show traits of odd and implacable demeanor. Coincidently, they crossed paths with The Misfit, and The GrandmothersRead More Good And Evil Are Bedfellows in Flannery O’Connor A Good Man is Hard to Find1072 Words   |  5 PagesFlannery O’Connor story â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† illustrates a parallel between the Misfit and the grandmother, showing that good and evil are not mutually exclusive i n an individual. The grandmother and the Misfit display a flowing, changing state of character, representative of this shift. Flannery O’Connor develops these two characters on the surface as simply being a good person and a bad person. However, there is more to each character than the surface level, as they exhibit traits that wouldn’tRead MoreReview Of Flannery O Connor1228 Words   |  5 Pagestwo novels and multiple classic short stories, Flannery O’Connor is widely regarded as one of the greatest fiction writers in American literature. However, as a Southern and devoutly Christian author in the 1950s, O’Connor was often criticized for the religious content and â€Å"grotesque† characters often incorporated into her works. They were considered too â€Å"brutal†, too â€Å"sarcastic.† (The Habit of Being: Letters of Flannery O Connor). O’Connor begged to differ. Through her essay, â€Å"Some Aspects of theRead MoreA Good Man Is Hard For Find By Flannery O Connor1234 Words   |  5 Pagesstory written by Flannery O’Connor in 1953. O’Connor is a known writer for specializing in southern gothic and relied heavily on regional settings and distorted characters. Flannery discusses a topic in the short story, Good Vs Evil and how a confrontation between a grandmother with a superficial sense of goodness vs a criminal who embodies real evil. In A Good Man is Hard to Find, the author utilizes irony as a literary element to create multiple sides of her characters in the story such as those

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Essay About Multitasking Free Essays

Multitasking – â€Å"the ability to do several different things at once† Nowadays, people prefer to divide people in two groups; people who masters to multitask, and those who can’t. Almost everyone place themselves in the former group, thereafter they put the rest of the people in the latter. But of course most people are lying. We will write a custom essay sample on Essay About Multitasking or any similar topic only for you Order Now I personally take advantage of multitasking daily to a certain extent, yes, practically all the time – in a certain level. And my perception of multitasking is the same as http://www. google. no/ ‘s perception on what multitasking is; it’s simply to have the ability to do several different things at once. But something that should be mentioned here is that no one can really multitask. It’s when we think we’re multitasking; we’re only jumping from one thing to another. This way of doing things is addictive and can of course eventually cause us difficulties among our ability to concentrate. With other word; it is physically impossible for a human to do two things at the same time. Then, I don’t mean that it is completely impossible to do two things at the same time; such as talking while walking, or smiling while dancing. No, I mean that it is impossible to multitask – to do two things at the same time – as long as the two things that should be done at the same time, requires a lot of concentration and attention to be done correct. I guess you yourself are able to distinguish between which tasks that requires a lot of concentration, and which requires less. Whether you’re driving a car while talking on the phone, or if you write e-mails during meetings, it is not true that you do both at once – it’s impossible. Unlike the other examples I’ve already mentioned. What you actually do when you’re doing the concentration demanding-tasks is to focus on the first one and then the other, a so-called â€Å"switch-tasking†. Because if you’re doing two concentration demanding things at once , of course your concentration is divided between to tasks at the same time – therefore the result of your actions won’t be as good as they could’ve been – if the tasks were done separately and thoroughly. It’s been proven time after time over the last years: multitasking is something only computers can do. What we humans do, when we think that we’re â€Å"multitasking†, is to jump from doing one thing to another, as mentioned earlier. But let us not forget that there’s one more group; those who need to multitask. I’d most probably put myself in that group – the group of people who can’t concentrate and focus on one specific thing unless she or he is doing at least one more thing at the exact same time. Now, you may call it ADHD, while I would rather call it being efficient. Of course there’s possible to listen to music while you’re doing your homework – to exclude the other actions around you, and to increase your concentration, like I personally do. But also here, the perceptions are different. Some people find hearing music while doing homework as disturbing. I think that the perception and the results of multitasking are different from person to person, depending on whom the person concerned is and what tasks there is to be done. A day should absolutely have more hours so all tasks on the to-do-list could’ve been done! But that isn’t something we can change†¦ so I think that the only thing we can do is to make the best out of it and remember to relax now and then. Sources: http://m. theglobeandmail. com/report-on-business/careers/careers-leadership/the-lunch/eileen-mercier-its-all-about-multitasking/article2021801/? service=mobile http://www. klikk. no/kvinneguiden/helse/article761396. ece http://www. universityessays. com/example-essays/business/the-ethics-of-multitasking. php http://www. webopedia. com/TERM/M/multitasking. html http://www. tinbergen. nl/discussionpapers/11044. pdf How to cite Essay About Multitasking, Essay examples

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Finance Security Analysis and Portfolio Ginnie Mae and Freddie Mac

Questions: 1. Financial Innovations leads to financial crisis?2. Adverse selection and moral hazards contribution in crisis?3. Unprecedent level of Government interventions?4. Long term impact of the Government interventions? Answers: 1. Financial Innovations leads to financial crisis Financial innovation has brought very complex structure and obfuscation within the mortgages selling that leads to housing bubble burst in US. Financial innovation in terms of the mortgagees includes the mortgages back securities which is one of the most popular and are back by the US government agencies like Ginnie Mae and Freddie Mac are another major financial agencies who are known for their overvaluation of bonds (Abowd and Vilhuber, 2012). Financial innovations in MBS is was one of the most safest way of investing in the money as the rate of interest risk is also lower in term of equity. Financial engineering has help the banks and investment bankers to misrepresent the structured way of exploiting the investors by selling them poor MBS products (Barakova et al. 2014). With decrease the in default in payments of loan banks does not able to cope with decreasing value of mortgagee which led to subprime financial crisis. Most of banking and the securities broking companies are using obfuscation to show the value of mortgage higher that leads to innovation vulnerability (Christopoulos et al. 2008). Financial securities like mutual funds, future and forwards constructs are also been part of the losing the market base. Overvaluation of MBS bonds has been initial pillar of subprime crisis as the most of the mortgage sold by the companies are being overvalued bonds which is US government was not been able to return the investors principal amount along with interest amount (Downing et al. 2008). Innovation in the MBS products of the CDO s (collateral debt obligations) and CDs (credit defaults swaps) are used as the medium of the line of credit expansions which ultimately led to financial turmoil in 2008. The mortgage market construction was very much poor because of the lack of transparency and complex structure of the MBS. 2. Adverse selection and moral hazards contribution in crisis In the early 80s , the rising purchasing of the swaps rate that created credit in 2001 has been one of reason for the adverse selection of recession (Fabozzi and Vink, 2012). During the 2001 and to 2008 there was period of great depression because of the rise in the default in the corporate bonds which most likely faced by the mortgagee back securities in 2008. Adverse selection started from the financial or rather capital markets initially. One of the major information known as the asymmetric inflations are very much important hostility in the capital market. Adverse selection in mortgage market has been one of the major foundations of recent financial catastrophe (Insler and Swope, 2014). With rise in the uncertainty of the asset values reach to systematic risk in the US market because of which entire market collapsed in 2008. Another major reason for the adverse selection is because of the complexity within the instruments which is because of the lack of transparency has made it m ore difficult for investors. Since, the investors selection of the products because of the AAA credit ratings on the MBS is been another reason for poor selections (Sendi, 2010). The default in the payment of the mortgages backed securities because of bankruptcy of the borrower lead to reason for financial crisis at the end. Moral hazards here are about the lack of information enough information about MBS by over-valuation of the asset that leads to rise in the housing bubble. Moral hazards here explain that, one investor takes the risk because of which someone is held for the burden of those risks. Moral hazard here has been taken place where the information irregularity is more of risk taking party knows about the intentions in compare to the payer who has been bearing the risk. Here moral hazard is been occurred because the investors who know more can be behave improperly which is why moral hazard occurs (Barnes and Young, 2010). The information about the mortgagee and MBS knowledge is higher for banks in compare to party who is involves in paying the consequences. For instance, subprime credit because most of the investors felts that, borrowers will not be bal to pay the payments in the longer period of time which is why it reaches to subprime crisis. 3. Unprecedent level of Government interventions Government interventions in is very much one of the reason for the bringing the instability within the private economy. Since, the US government has taken various policy like term action facility (TAF) whose major objective is to reduce the loan interest rates in the money market in order to increase the increase in smooth flow of credit in the market. This ultimate results show that, TAF was not enough as because rise in the counter party risk was higher. Another major policy was Economic Stimulus act of 2008. This act is made with aim of spending more than $100 million to the investors and the families in order to spend more which ultimately kick up the economy (Barnes and Young, 2010). However, it went in reverse investors and families spent little that started the situation more of worse. Lastly, the third major policy results the US government to lose Federal Reserve by more than 5.2% because of sharp reduction in the CRR. This has tended to decrease the rate of dollar in return the price of oil has been increased. After these all mistakes the US government has made worsen the economy in September 2008 (Downing et al. 2008). This led the US economy and world economy to increase in the credit crunch. Most of the researcher has even has suggest that, the US government to save the Lehman brothers from the bankruptcy was made the government to poor choices or decision making (Das, 2012). This led to increase the interest rates rise in the payment defaults from 1% to 5% since 2001 to 2008. The GDP of the US has become almost negative in that year which why the value of dollar is been under scrutiny (Barnes and Young, 2010). 4. Long term impact of the Government interventions These policies have created long term effect within the US economy. The GDP of the US has been decline to negative and the Inflation rate has been rise by the more than 6.7% in 2008. This has led to housing bubble bursts. Most these impacted more on the capital market rather than the homeowners (Downing et al. 2008). The US government national debt in 2008 to 2014 was almost 17.82 trillion. This federal deficit has ballooned to higher debt because of the decreases in MBS valued. Government has not been able to lift up its GDP strength because of the poor transparency in the policies of the mortgage instruments. The budget and policy made by the U.S. government is very much cynical and has made the economy more worsen (Christopoulos et al. 2008). The US debt is ballooning since 2008 as because of the rise in recessions and ratio of debt to GDP has been decreased by the government surplus or due to growth GDP. With rise in the debt every year because of the accounting rules followed by the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is very much simple and situation more permanent. US government is been not able to match its balance of receipt and balance payments because of the rise in the public debt. Guaranteed obligations for mandatory payments leads the building the debt which again risen the long term debt is higher (Mitchell, 2008). Apart from that, government is also being getting the negative real interest rates within the US treasury shows that inflation are of the US was higher than the interest paid on the given debt. Reference List Journals Abowd, J. and Vilhuber, L. (2012). Did the Housing Price Bubble Clobber Local Labor Market Job and Worker Flows When It Burst?. American Economic Review, 102(3), pp.589-593. Barakova, I., Calem, P. and Wachter, S. (2014). Borrowing constraints during the housing bubble. Journal of Housing Economics, 24, pp.4-20. Christopoulos, A., Jarrow, R. and Yildirim, Y. (2008). Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS) and Market Efficiency with Respect to Costly Information. Real Estate Economics, 36(3), pp.441-498. Downing, C., Jaffee, D. and Wallace, N. (2008). Is the Market for Mortgage-Backed Securities a Market for Lemons?. Review of Financial Studies, 22(7), pp.2457-2494. Fabozzi, F. and Vink, D. (2012). Determinants of Primary Market Spreads on U.K. Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities and the Implications for Investor Reliance on Credit Ratings. The Journal of Fixed Income, 21(3), pp.7-14. Insler, M. and Swope, K. (2014). School Quality, Residential Choice, and the U.S. Housing Bubble. Housing Policy Debate, pp.1-27. Sendi, R. (2010). Housing bubble burst or credit crunch effect? Slovenias housing market. Urbani izziv, 21(2), pp.96-105. Barnes, S. and Young, G. (2010). The Rise in US Household Debt: Assessing its Causes and Sustainability. SSRN Journal. Das, S. (2012). The Great Sovereign Debt Express Derailment: The US Remains the Problem!. Wilmott, 2012(58), pp.8-15. Mitchell, P. (2008). US credit crunch impacts biotech across the globe. Nat Biotechnol, 26(4), pp.359-360.

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Two Kinds And Teenage Wasteland Essays - English-language Films

Two Kinds And Teenage Wasteland The stories ?Two Kinds? by Amy Tan and ?Teenage Wasteland? by Anne Tyler have many similarities, yet are different in many ways. Both of these stories contain a conflict between parental figures and their children. The conflict in ?Teenage Wasteland? involves Donny and his two parents, Daisy and Matt. They want Donny to succeed in school, both gradewise and socially. Donny, on the other hand, has a hard time in school whether it be because he doesn't fit in or because he doesn't apply himself. Donny's parents want him to be the average ?all American? kid and they try their best to get Donny to fit into this groove. Donny's parents even go as far as hiring a tutor for him three times a week to help Donny get back on track. Nikan has a similar situation in ?Two Kinds? where a mother expects her daughter to fit a certain type a person that she doesn't want to be. Nikan mother wants her to have some special talent that sets her apart from other kids her age. Nikan on the other hand just wants to be herself and nothing more. Trying to act like a child prodigy or a pianist just didn't appeal to Nikan. Her mom was persistent though in trying to conform her daughter into both of these things. These two stories are also similar in that they both contain disappointments. This disappointment in ?Teenage Wasteland? by Donny is when he runs away at the end of the story. His parents tried and tried to help Donny and provide as much as they could for him only to find out that he ran away and most likely will not come back. Donny's mom and dad are involved in Donny's life as much as they can, only to have their son fail in the end. With Donny seeing Cal regularly, his parents though he was improving, but in reality, he wasn't getting much help from Cal. He was basically just having a good time three times a week with no parental supervision. Cal was, for the most part, just a good friend to Donny and was someone whom with Donny have fun with. This ultimately led to both parents being disappointed in Donny after he leaves home. The same kind of disappointment was experienced by Nikan's mom by her daughter. Nikan's mom spent a lot of time and work trying to get her to learn how to play the piano. Her mom though that Nikan was doing great with the piano. She was practicing everyday and soon she was to be in a talent show. Her mom was looking forward to the show so she would have something to brag about to her friends. Unfortunately, Nikan really blew the talent show. For some reason she though she was magically going to perform flawlessly when called on at the show but she did just the opposite. Nikan's mom was extremely disappointed. Like Donny's parents, she had put a lot of time and effort into something that she thought would help her child, only to be let down by her daughter. Another similarity between ?Two Kinds? and ?Teenage Wasteland? are the two kids, Nikan and Donny, respect towards their parents. The both show very little respect to them. The situation at the end of ?Two Kinds? where Nikan says that she wished that her wasn't her mother's daughter and furthermore wishes that she was never born like her other sisters was extremely disrespectful. A child should never talk in that manner to their parents no matter how upset. This was a turning point in both of their lives. The mother, being astounded at what her daughter said looks at her as a different person from then on, and it seemed harder for Nikan to talk face to face with her mother from then on. Donny, in ?Teenage Wasteland? shows complete disrespect for his parents throughout the story. His parents are doing all they can to try and help Donny, but he never puts forth the effort to help himself. He was getting into trouble as school, barely getting passing grades, and skipping school. When his parents asked him about where he was going, Donny got an attitude. Even after Donny's parents paid for a tutor, Donny still would not tell them what was going on in his life or even how we was doing in school. This information was always given to them by the school faculty. His parents had to

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

What makes you shudder And what are your commitments

What makes you shudder And what are your commitments Grammar Geeks I belong to a LinkedIn group called Grammar Geeks, where one of the most popular discussions right now, with 269 comments, is â€Å"What Makes You Shudder?†Ã‚   Each of these 269 entries contains someone’s comment (or more often complaint) about a grammar gaffe. At first I was interested in some of the conversations†¦Ã‚   but quickly, the conversation itself was the thing making me shudder.   In fact, I began to shudder each time another member of the group posted a complaint.   Even the word â€Å"shudder† began to make me shudder! from toonpool.com My shuddering at the shuddering forced me to look at my own way of being around grammatical errors.   Do people shudder when I let them know I am shuddering? A Turning Point for The Essay Expert At Unleash the Power Within, the Tony Robbins seminar I attended recently, I discovered multiple errors in the handouts we were given.   Believing I could make a contribution, I brought some of these errors to the attention of one of the staff.   This man pointed out, quite correctly, that the errors certainly did not prevent people from signing up for programs – in particular the ones that cost $10,000. â€Å"Why do you care so much about this?† he asked.   â€Å"Why is your focus on finding things that are wrong?† And â€Å"What would like be like if you started finding things right?† I took his comment seriously, and perhaps it was the corresponding self-reflection that had me shuddering at the relentless list of grammar complaints populating the Grammar Geeks conversation. A Shudder-Free Life?   Finding my Commitment Have I stopped shuddering at the things that have traditionally made me shudder?   Well, no.   But I am putting more attention on my commitment to effective expression in the world. I am also considering that there are bigger problems in the world to shudder about if I want to shudder – like the way we treat our environment, and the failures of our mental health system, and the hunger that still exists in the world side by side with opulence. And I still care deeply about clarity in writing and other verbal expression.   My job is to help people and companies say what they want to say, powerfully and precisely.   When I write, or when I edit someone else’s writing, I care that the final result is moving, compelling, and result-producing. Often grammatical correctness is required to produce an intended result.   An error in a resume, cover letter, or college application can be the difference between acceptance or rejection, an interview or no interview.   It can change someone’s life – maybe someone who is destined to find a cure for cancer, or discover new treatments for mental illness, or advocate for environmental issues (I have worked with people doing all of these things). As for the shudderers, I believe there is something to be gained from acceptance.   Not everyone will write or speak perfectly all the time, and I can accept them for who they are rather than putting distance between us with a shudder.   I think I’ll listen for the meaning of their words instead.   Because even with a grammatical error or two, I can hear what people are saying loud and clear. 🙂 I often adjust my grammar to match the situation Im in. On the streets of Brooklyn, I ask for directions by saying, Wheres the post office at? and on a dentists intake form recently changed Whom should we thank? to Who should we thank? because it just sounds more normal to the general public. Log in to Reply Judy Cullins says: September 2, 2011 at 5:35 pm I say focus on meaning and did the information enlighten you? I get a few gripes on my editiing when the meaning is clear. why do these kinds subscribe to my 170 blog posts and books when the only thing they say to me is This is a grammatical error. They miss my humor and the picture. Certainly, if they read my body of work, they would think amazing, not grammar minutia. Log in to Reply Judy Cullins says: September 2, 2011 at 5:36 pm I meant to say the BIG picture. I love blogs with humor! Log in to Reply Penelope J. says: September 6, 2011 at 3:39 pm Im afraid that I find it hard to compromise. Writers should learn, among other things, to use correct grammar and punctuation. Its a sign of respect for their readers. If there are grammatical errors, as someone above pointed out, there may be other more important mistakes in the content. Some popular bloggers maintain that its their creativity and content that count, and not their grammar. Why focus on whats wrong? is the usual retort when you point out, for example, that the possessive its does not have an apostrophe. Little do they realize how many of their so-called readers are turned off by or not reading their posts anymore for this very reason. However, spoken English is another matter. People can speak it the way they like. Anyway, the language/lingo is changing so much that almost anything is acceptable. Log in to Reply The Essay Expert says: September 6, 2011 at 4:41 pm Thanks Penelope. I admit that while I hold high standards for myself and for other writers, I also know that there are fewer and fewer great writers out there. Hey, not everyone can have The Essay Expert edit their writing, as much as I would like to take that on! My intention is to be forgiving while not relaxing my standards. Quite a trick! Log in to Reply

Friday, November 22, 2019

A Brief History of Hieroglyphics

The word hieroglyph has been applied to the scripts of the Indus civilization and of the Hittites, who also possessed other scripts, in addition to the Mayan, the Incan, and Easter Island writing forms, and also the signs on the Phaistos Disk on Crete, but the strict meaning of the word is used only to describe the carvings on Egyptian monuments. The most ancient hieroglyphs can be dated back to the end of the 4th millennium BC. They describe scenes and are cut in relief, or into the stone, mostly in chapels or tombs. Although it is impossible to know, but these early signs are probably based on the same system that the later set of hieroglyphics, known as classical hieroglyphics is based. Hieroglyphic signs were representations of living beings or inanimate objects by simplistic drawings. Over the years, some of the representations fell out of meaning, such as clubs, which at one time were used as weapons, and other weapons took their place. But they glyph stayed. Sometimes the object described by the glyph completely fell out of daily use and the meaning eventually became lost or it was distorted beyond recognition. Always only a few people in a limited circle understood the script. Only those who needed the knowledge in their professions were able to acquire the task of writing and reading the glyphs. These people were, for example, officials, doctors, and priests. Since the glyphs were too complex for everyday use, hieratic script was developed. Easier abbreviated script was developed for writing by brush stroke on a medium such as papyrus. Classical hieroglyphics evolved through the need to identify a pictorial representation of an event, such as a hunt or a particular battle. Hieroglyphs were added to scenes to signify that the work of art was not just an unknown war or such, but a specific one. This also one of the first times that we see people interested in preserving their history for others to learn about in later times. It was this new attitude toward time and toward history as unique events in time led to the invention of hieroglyphic writing. Hieroglyphics dominated monumental and sacred writings and was accepted in the Greece until the situation was altered with the conversion of the area to Christianity in the nd and 3rd centuries AD. The new religion fought against the Egyptian polytheism and traditions, and with its victory, the Greek script triumphed. The ability to understand the script was lost for many hundreds of years until the failure of Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt turned up the Rosetta Stone on which was written the same statement in three languages, Classical hieroglyphics, Hieratic script, and Greek. With the discovery of thi s asphalt tablet, archeologists were finally able to begin to unlock the key to understanding the long dead written language of hieroglyphics.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

The cylindrospermopsin alkaloids Literature review

The cylindrospermopsin alkaloids - Literature review Example CYN is a natural toxin which is usually produced by certain cyanobacteria species majorly Cylindrospermopsin raciborskii and Umezakia natans among others (Masten 2000). The presence of CYN in drinking or recreational water poses a serious environmental and health risk. CYN was initially isolated in 1992 following a suspected outbreak in Palm Island; Australia. Since its isolation and classification, various techniques have been used to isolate, detect, analyze and purify Cylindrospermopsin (Moore, Ohtani and Runnegar 1992). Some of the common techniques include; High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Photodiode Array Detector (HPLC-PDA), Enzyme Linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (ELISA), NMR/Mass Spectrometry (MS), filtration and adsorption techniques among others Masten 2000). This paper shall describe how to grow CYN using bioreactor, analysis using ELISA and HPLC, purification of CYN and analysis using NMR/MS. Detection of Cylindrospermopsin in surface water is important sin ce it acts as the major source of drinking and recreational water for a large percentage of people throughout the world. The Cylindrospermopsins should be constantly removed from water to prevent contamination from toxins which are known to cause hepatotoxicity among other toxic effects (Fastner et al. 2003).Cylindrospermopsin is produced by various cyanobacteria species commonly known as blue-green-algae which are mostly found in fresh water. Some variants of Cylindrospermopsin raciborskii commonly found in U.S., Australia and Hungary, Umezakia natans isolated in Japan and Aphanizomenon ovalisporum found in Israel and Australia produce Cylindrospermopsin (Fastner et al. 2003). Human poisoning which occurs through ingestion of water or food contaminated with Cylindrospermopsin producing strains is the most common problem associated with the toxins. It has been suggested that toxicity by Cylindrospermopsins is majorly mediated through inhibition of protein synthesis which causes loss of liver functioning leading to death of cells. Use of a bioreactor in growing CYN Bioreactors can be used in the growth and isolation of CYN due to their ability to allow controlled growth of the organism under specific conditions. A bioreactor can be used to characterize CYN in terms of its relative biological and chemical components while allowing reproducible generation of the target compound. Bioreactors enable the proliferation of the CYN cells by controlling the environment under which the cells are cultured. Typically, a bioreactor for CYN should alloy control of certain environmental conditions that favor the growth of the organism. Using a bioreactor, conditions like oxygen concentration, temperature, stress and PH as well as sterility are maintained during the procedure (McMahon et al. 2008). The proliferation of CYN cells is also facilitated by the availability of essential nutrients alongside the removal of harmful toxins that can inhibit the growth of the cells. Biore actors enable different operations to be undertaken including fed-batch, batch and continuous cultivation (Choo et al. 2007). Continuous perfusion allows the growth of CYN cells under stable and controlled environmental situations. Isolation of CYN using charcoal filtration method Studies have demonstrated that CYN can be isolated successfully through adsorption techniques utilizing various sediments. Powdered Activated Charcoal (PAC) has been found effective in removing CYN from

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Globalization Debate Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Globalization Debate - Article Example This article, therefore, attempts to present a non-technical evaluation and explanation of the very terms that are being used to debate whether the globalization has yielded positive or negative results. Issues like poverty and inequality carry different explanations and assumptions and as such the tools used for measurement of these two statistics are used differently under different circumstances. What is also, however, critical to note that these measures often provide conflicting indications of the relative measure of all such statistics? What significantly more important is the fact that the author has been able to clearly distinguish between the relative and absolute concepts of the inequality and poverty and set the stage for declaring that most of the debate against globalization is directed towards the absolute measures of concepts rather than relative measures. A report published by World Bank during 2001 indicated that the globalization has indeed decreased the poverty levels in countries however, there is still further room for the improvement as more marginalized countries need more support in further improving the lives of their citizens. This report accounted for the growth results of two dozen countries measured over the period of 20 years since their integration into world economy. The results suggested that there has been a continuous improvement in the economic growth of these countries. This report to some extent indicates the claims made in the article that the globalization has actually led to the reduction of the poverty and inequality within the world and the overall debate, therefore, may not well directed at discrediting the role of globalization in reducing the poverty.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Soft Drink and Market Share Essay Example for Free

Soft Drink and Market Share Essay Using the appropriate tools and processes taught in class, the group is required to develop business strategies for the organization. Guidelines below might help the group to prepare the written report. 1. Identify the firm’s existing vision and mission. Vision Statement 1. â€Å"To be the world’s best beverage company†. Being the best means providing outstanding quality, service, cleanliness and value, so that their every customer is contented and happy with their products†. 2. â€Å"To increase the value of their shareholder’s investment through sales growth, cost control and wise investment of resources†. Mision Statement 3. â€Å"To be the world’s premier consumer Products Company focused on convenient food and beverages. We seek to produce healthy financial rewards to our employees, our business partners and the communities in which we operate. And in everything we do, we strive for honesty, fairness and integrity†. 2. Develop vision and mission statement for the organization (if needed). 3. Identify the organization’s external opportunities and threats. External Opportunities and Threats a) Demographic Factors : †¢ Age †¢ Pepsi should target that age group that consumes it the most and make promotional strategies according to their behavior. So their main target is the young generation. †¢ Education †¢ A company has to make promotional strategies keeping in view the customer level. If the percentage of education is high in a country then through advertisements people can be made well aware of their product and can convey their message easily. Promotional and education has a direct relationship. b) Economic Factors : †¢ Economic Policies †¢ Some of the economic policies which can affect the market of Pepsico, it is a: 1. Fiscal Policy ? It is the policy of taxes. If heavy tax is levied on pepsi then its price will rise having negative affect on its consumption. 2. Monetary Policy ? Is made to restrict or increase the supply of money in the market. If the policies are made to restrict the flow of money in the market, inflation can be controlled hence increasing the real income of the people which will ultimately affect the consumtion of pepsi. 3. Price Policy ? If price of Pepsi is increased its demand will decrease and vice versa. 4. Income Policy ? If income of the people will increase their purchasing power will increase and hence increasing the market share of pepsi. c) Physical Factors : †¢ Region †¢ Marketing and sales of Pepsi is different in different geographical regions. In hot areas its demand is more. †¢ City size †¢ The cities which are densely populated the consumption of Pepsi is more. †¢ Climate †¢ Pepsi is more suitable for hot weathered countries. It is a source of refreshment when a person is thirty due to the hot weather. †¢ Infrastructure †¢ Roads are the basic need for transportation of Pepsi from one place to another. d) Technological Factors : †¢ Research and Development †¢ Through research and development quality of the product can be improved or better techniques or machinery can be developed which can increase the production. When technology experiences growth in their business. e) Political and Legal Factors : †¢ Laws Formulation †¢ Government has given copy right to Pepsico so that another company cannot sell their product by the name Pepsi. The countries where laws are formulated, the strategies and activities of the company are different. †¢ Social Responsibility †¢ Is to provide its customers with clean and hygienic products so to do this they have increased the use of disposable bottles. f) Social and Cultural Factors : †¢ Social Status †¢ Pepsi is a well renowned brand. People who are brand conscious will not drink beverages of lesser known brands. They will try to show their status by drinking Pepsi which is known to all as a quality drink. †¢ Media †¢ It is a very important factor for marketing. Media these days is a very effective can boast up sales to a great extent. g) Competitors †¢ Each of PepsiCo’s division has its close competitors. It has been observed that most of their competitors are single-product line companies, giving them a more direct handle of the industry. †¢ PepsiCo will have to compete with these strong competitors head on in order to maintain its market share. If PepsiCo is not careful enough, its competitors may eat its market share. h) Emerging health / environment †¢ More Consumers are starting to eat and live healthy, but as we can see majority of PepsiCo’s products are not healthy (junk food and soft drinks). 4. Construct an External Factor Evaluation (EFE) Matrix. |EXTERNAL FACTOR ANALYSIS (EFE) MATRIX | |KEY EXTERNAL FACTORS |WEIGHT |RATING |WEIGHTED SCORE | |Opportunities | |Pepsico new products can easily penctrate in the market. |0. 10 |4 |0. 40 | |Noncarbonated drinks are the fastest-growing industry. |0. 12 |3 |0. 36 | |Demand of Pepsi is more than Competitor |0. 07 |3 |0. 21 | |Changing social trends (Fast Foods) |0. 09 |3 |0. 27 | |Internet promotion and ordering processes |0. 05 |1 |0. 05 | |May tie up or liaison with major showrooms, computer centre restaurant |0. 06 |2 |0. 22 | |Threats | |Non-Carbonated substitutes (The Mango Season) |0. 15 |3 |0. 45 | |Baverage industry is mature |0. 11 |4 |0. 44 | |Fake products (Imitators) |0. 09 |2 |0. 18 | |Competitor’s schemes |0. 04 |2 |0. 08 | |Strong competition with Coca-Cola company |0. 12 |2 |0. 24 | |TOTAL |1. 00 | |2. 90 | Assign rating between 1 to 4 for each key external factors : †¢ Poor Response 1 †¢ Average  Response 2 †¢ Above  Average  Response 3 †¢ Superior Respons – 4. 5. Identify the organization’s internal strengths and weaknesses. Internal Factors : Organizational Structure 1. Frito-Lay North America (FLNA) †¢ Frito-Lay North America manufactures, markets, sells and distributes salty and sweet snacks. Products manufactured and sold in North America include Lay’s and Ruffles brand potato chips, Doritos and Tostitos brand tortilla chips, Cheetos brand cheese-flavored snacks, Fritos brand corn chips, a variety of branded dips and salsas and Rold Gold brand pretzels. Low-fat and no-fat versions of several brands are also manufactured and sold in North America. 2. PepsiCo Beverages North America †¢ In recent years sales of non-carbonated beverages have grown steadily. 3. PepsiCo International †¢ Snack food businesses are growing fastest in the Asia pacific region si PI should give attention to these market to avail growth opportunity. †¢ Overall carbonated soft drink market has shown less than 1% growth over the past few years and all that growth is came from diet soft drinks and energy drinks. †¢ Consumer has shown an increasing interest in healthy alternatives to carbonated soft drinks, such as ready-to-drink teas, bottled water, sports drinks and juices. †¢ In 2004 more than one-third of PepsiCo’s sales came from spot (no trans fats) products. Internal Strengths †¢ Company Image : †¢ It also is a reputable and is well known all over world. Perception of producing a high quality product. †¢ Quality Conscious : †¢ They maintain a high quality as Pepsi Cola International collect sample from its different production facilities and send them for lab test in Tokyo. †¢ Good Relation with Franchise : †¢ Throughout its history it has a good relation with franchisers working in different areas of the world where they have the production facilities. †¢ Production Capacity : †¢ It has the highest production capacity in South Asia. †¢ Market Share : †¢ It has a highest market share †¢ Large no. of Diversity Business : †¢ This is also its main strength as it ahs diversity in many businesses such as : i. Pepsi beverages ii. Pepsi foods iii. Pepsi Restaurants. High Tech culture : †¢ The whole culture and business operating environment at Pepsi-Cola-West Asia has quick access to a centralized database an they use computers as business tools for analysis and quick decision making. Internal Weaknesses †¢ Decline in Taste : †¢ During the last years, it was published in Financial post that there has been big complaints from the customers with regard to the bad taste that they experienced during the span of six months. †¢ Political Franchises : †¢ Such as in Pakistan, Hamayun Ahkhtar is its franchisee who has a strong political support from a political party which is in opposition. In their era in government less taxes are imposed on them but relation increases as they come in opposition. So the selection is not appropriate as this thing is harmful to their image as well as the strategies. †¢ Short Term Approach : †¢ They have a lack of emphasis on this in their advertising such as currently when they losses the bid for official drink in the 96 cricket world cup. They started a campaign in which they highlight the factor such as â€Å"nothing official about it†. †¢ Weak Distribution : †¢ They lack behind in catering the rural areas and just concentrating in the urban areas. †¢ Low Consumer Knowledge : †¢ Unable to maximize local consumer knowledge. †¢ Lack of Soft Drink : †¢ Lack of soft drink â€Å"know-how† as a result of diversified business units and generalist managers. 6. Construct Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix. |INTERNAL FACTOR ANALYSIS (IFE) MATRIX | |KEY INTERNAL FACTORS |WEIGHT |RATING |WEIGHTED SCORE | |Strengths | |Strong multinational (Brand Equity) |0. 11 |3 |0. 33 | |Strong vast distribution Channels |0. 10 |4 |0. 40 | |Lack of capital constraints |0. 07 |3 |0. 21 | |Record market share |0. 10 |4 |0. 40 | |Strong brand portfolio |0. 05 |3 |0. 15 | |Aggressiveness in the market (market leader) |0. 06 |3 |0. 18 | |Brand promotion |0. 13 |4 |0. 52 | |Weakness | |Targeting only young customers |0. 10 |2 |0. 20 | |Political franchises |0. 07 |2 |0. 14 | |Centralized decision making |0. 05 |2 |0. 10 | |Decline in taste |0. 08 |1 |0. 08 | |Motivational factor |0. 05 |1 |0. 05 | |Not all products bear the company name |0. 03 |2 |0. 06 | |TOTAL |1. 00 | |2. 82 | Assign rating rate from 1 to 4 for each key internal factors : o Major weakness 1 o Minor weakness 2 o Minor strength 3 o Major strength 4 7. Prepare a Strenght-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) Matrix, Strategic Position and Action Evaluation (SPACE) Matrix, Internal-External (IE) Matrix, Grand Strategy Matrix, and Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) as appropriate. †¢ Strenght-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) Matrix | |STRENGTHS |WEAKNESSES | | |Brand promotion |1. Decline in taste | | |Strong multinational (Brand Equity) |2. Targeting only young customers | | |Record market share |3. Not all products bear the | | |Strong vast distribution Channels |company name | | |Lack of capital constraints |4. Motivational factor | | |Aggressiveness in the market (Market Leader) |5. Political Franchises | | |Strong brand portfolio |6. Centralized decision making | |OPPORTUNITIES |S – O STRATEGIES |W – O STRATEGIES | |1. PepsiCo new products can easily |S1, S2, S3, O2, O3, O4 |W2, O2 | |penetrate in the market |Company can introduce new product or non- |By introducing non-carbonated drinks Pepsi| |2. Noncarbonated drinks are the fastest- |carbonated drinks because it have good brand |can capture different age groups. | |growing industry |equity, large resources | | |3. Changing social trends (Fast Food) |S4, O5, O3 | | |4. Demand of Pepsi is more than of |By having good distribution channel co. Can | | |Competitor |focus easily fast food restaurants, clubs. | | |5. May tie up or liaison with major |. | | |showrooms, computer centers restaurant | | | |6. Internet promotion ordering | | | |processes | | | |THREATS |S – T STRATEGIES |W – T STRATEGIES | |1. Non-carbonated substitutes (The |S4, S5, T1, T3 |W1, T3 | |Mango Season) |Because company has financial recourses and |By improving the taste quality company | |2. Fake products (Imitators) |distribution channel therefore it can produce|can reposition its products can take long | |3. Beverage industry is mature |non-carbonated drinks. |term position on maturity stage. | |4. Strong competition with Coca- | | | |Cola company | | |. †¢ Strategic Position and Action Evaluation (SPACE) Matrix o Competitive Advantage ? Brand recognition- 3. 00 ? Large market share- 2. 00 -11. 00 = 2. 75 ? Wide distribution channel- 1. 00 4 ? Customer loyalty- 5. 00 11. 00 o Financial Strength ? Inventory turnover+ 7. 00 ? Return on asset+ 2. 00 + 12. 00 = + 4. 00 ? Net income+ 3. 00 3 + 12. 00 o Industrial Strength ? High industry growth rate+ 6. 00 ? Profit potential+ 4. 00 +15. 00= +3. 75 ? Financial stability+ 3. 00 4 ? Resource utilization+ 2. 00 + 15. 00 o Environmental Stability ? Economic stability- 2. 00 ? Barrier to entry- 1. 00- 7. 00 = 2. 33? Competitive pressure- 4. 00 3 7. 00 Coordinate –x ( CA + IS )= 2. 75 + ( + 3. 75) = + 1. 00 Coordinate – y ( FS + ES ) = 2. 33 + ( + 4. 00) = + 1. 67 |   | | | |Strong |Average |Weak | | |4. 0 |3. 0 |2. 0 |1. 0 | |The EFE Total Weighted | | | | | |Score | | | | | | |High |i |ii |iii | | |3. 0 | | | | | |Medium |iv |v |vi | | |2. 0 | | | | | |Low |vii |viii |ix | | |1. 0 | | | | IFE Score = 2. 82 EFE Score = 2. 90 ** At the v place = Hold Maintain †¢ Grand Strategy Matrix |RAPID MARKET GROWTH | |WEAK COMPETITIVE |Quadrant II |Quadrant I |STRONG COMPETITIVE. |POSITION | |market development |POSITION | | ||market penetration | | | | |product development | | | | |backward integration | | | | |forward integration | | | | |horizontal integration | | | | |related diversification | | | |Quadrant III |Quadrant IV | | |SLOW MARKET GROWTH | †¢ Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) as appropriate | |STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES | |KEY FACTORS |WEIGHT |Non Carbonated product |Tie up with Resturants, | | | | |Clubs, Showrooms | |STRENGTHS | |AS |TAS |AS |TAS | |Strong multinational (brand equity) |0. 11 |3 |0. 33 |2 |0. 22 | |Strong vast distribution channels |0. 10 |2 |0. 20 |3 |0. 30 | |Lack of capital constraints |0.07 |4 |0. 28 |1 |0. 07. Record market share |0. 10 |1 |0. 10 |3 |0. 30 | |Strong brand portfolio |0. 05 |2 |0. 10 |3 |0. 15 | |Aggressiveness in the market (market leader) |0. 06 |3 |0. 18 |4 |0. 24 | |Brand promotion |0. 13 |2 |0. 26 |4 |0. 52 | |WEAKNESS | | | | | | |Targeting only young customers |0. 10 |3 |0. 30 |2 |0. 20 | |Political franchises |0. 07 |- |- |- |- | |Centralized decision making |0. 05 |- |- |- |- | |Decline in taste |0. 08 |3 |0. 64 |2 |0. 16 | |Motivational factor |0. 05 |1 |0. 05 |2 |0. 10 | |Not all products bear the company name |0. 03 |1 |0. 03 |3 |0. 09 | | |1. 00 | | | |. | | | | | | | | |OPPORTUNITY | | | | | | |New products can easily penetrate in the market |0. 10 |4 |0. 40 |1 |0. 10 | |Noncarbonated drinks are the fastest-growing industry |0. 12 |4 |0. 48 |3 |0. 36 | |Demand of pepsi is more than of competitor |0. 07 |2 |0. 14 |4 |0. 28 | |Changing social trends (fast foods) |0. 09 |2 |0. 18 |4 |0. 36 | |Internet promotion and ordering processes |0. 05 |2 |0. 10 |3 |0. 15 | |Tie up or liaison with major showrooms restaurant |0. 06 |1 |0. 06 |3 |0. 18 | |THREATS | | | | | | |Non-carbonated substitutes (the mango season) |0. 15 |4 |0. 60 |2 |0. 30 | |Baverage industry is mature |0. 11 |3 |0. 33 |2 |0. 22 | |Fake products (imitators) |0. 09 |1 |0. 09 |2 |0. 18 | |Competitor’s schemes |0. 04 |1 |0. 16 |3 |0. 12 | |Strong competition with Coca-Cola company |0. 12 |2 |0. 24 |3 |0. 36 | | |1. 00 | |5. 25 | |4. 96 | 8. Provide two recommendations for the organization i. e. , strategies. Support your recommendations. †¢ Out of the many strategic alternatives that PepsiCo could choose to follow, we have chosen to endorse one that fosters continued growth and diversification. Although their over-diversified portfolio has hindered their International Growth, these strategies strengthen their overall corporate worth and market presence domestically. †¢ As consultants for PepsiCo, we are making the following recommendations: 1. Pepsi should focus on increasing sales globally to compete effectively with Coke. They have been beaten badly in some markets, and need to focus more on un-tapped areas. 2. Continue to diversify their beverage selection through acquisitions. This will enable PepsiCo to combat the decreased interest in cola. Going along with this, PepsiCo needs to ensure that they can properly manage all of these acquired companies and should divest those that show limited potential.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Essay --

Effective Virtual Leadership Josh Henson Shorter Universityâ€Æ' EFFECTIVE VIRTUAL LEADERSHIP Twenty first century technological advances in communication have broken down almost all of the physical barriers to communication in the world today. Today a person can communicate with almost anyone in the world at any time. Leaders in today’s workplace face new advantages and new challenges when it comes to advances in communication. The traditional workplace is changing as the virtual workplace expands. Research indicates that one of the biggest challenges to companies today is finding leaders with the skills to thrive in a complex and changing world (Dennis, Meola, Hall, 2013). Leaders of today need to be able to reach across differing cultures, many time zones, and they need to collaborate and build alliances across geographic distances (Dennis et al., 2013). Leaders today need to have a global mindset which includes operating from multiple sites, directing workers at multiple locations and working with clients in different geographic areas (Dennis et al., 2013) . In a recent study by ASTD.org entitled Virtual Leadership: Going the distance to manage your team, a survey of five hundred and five managers found that ninety-nine percent responds affirmatively when asked if their employer provides some employees to opportunity to work virtually (Mandzuk, 2014). A virtual workforce is described as any team whose members are not all physically under the same roof, as long as the participants have complementary skills and knowledge that produce greater value when they work together than if they worked separately. A virtual team can be local, national, or global, with members from one firm or many. Teams can be made up of full-time... ...dgment. According to the article qualitative judgment is the ability to formulate and select the right options (You can’t be a wimp, 2013). Qualitative judgment involves moving from the big picture down to the concrete, developing a diverse and trustworthy social network, and thinking through second and third order consequences ( You can’t be a wimp, 2013). Qualitative judgment is the second quality of a great leader. The third quality of a great leader is credibility. The lack of credibility will keep your ideas from ever being accepted in the company (You can be a wimp, 2013). Credibility according the article is gain by listening to diverse and contradictory views, building support from the board, employees and outside constituents, and having the courage to make the best decision for the company despite its popularity (You can’t be a wimp, 2013).

Monday, November 11, 2019

The Lateral Ligament Complex Health And Social Care Essay

Ankle hurts are a common and perennial job around the universe. International that figures report that mortise joint sprains which are fundamentally weight-bearing hurts represent 15-20 % of all featuring hurts, and about 10 % presentations to accident and exigency departments1. Harmonizing to Brookes et Al ( 1981 ) , the incidence of sidelong mortise joint sprains is about 1 per 10,000 people per twenty-four hours. It is commonly occurs in the athleticss participants due to have oning inappropriate places and walking or running on uneven surface. The major contributes to stableness of the mortise joint articulations are the congruousness of the articular surfaces when the articulations are loaded, the inactive ligaments restraints and the musculotendinous unit, which allow for dynamic stabilisation of the joint. The sidelong ligament composite of the mortise joint, described as the organic structure ‘s †most often injured individual construction † ( Garrick, 1977 ) , is automatically vulnerable to twist hurt. At extremes of plantarflexion and inversion, influenced by the shorter median facet of the mortise joint mortice, the comparatively weak anterior talofibular ligament ( ATFL ) and calcaneofibular ligament ( CFL ) are prone to changing classs of rupture, frequently via minimum force ( Hockenbury and Sammarco, 2001 ) . Ankle sprains can be classified harmonizing to the badness, the degree of hurt, the ligaments involved and clip continuance since the incidence of the injury3. As per the badness they are classified into class 1 ( ligaments non really torn ) , grade 2 ( Partially torn ) and grade 3 ( to the full torn ) . As per the degree of hurt, there are two types of mortise joint sprains ; the high and the low degree sprains4. Depending upon the ligaments involved Type 1 sprain involves partly torn anterior talofibular ligament ( ATFL ) , type 2 involves lacerate calcaneofibular ligament ( CFL ) and in type 3 there is rupturing of the anterior talofibular ligament ( ATFL ) and calcaneofibular ligament ( CFL ) . Harmonizing to the clip continuance there are three phases of mortise joint sprains. First or acute phase involves traumatic reaction instantly following the injury ; the first 24-48 hours. Second or stand in acute phase is from the 2nd twenty-four hours to 6 hebdomads and is the period of fix.third or chronic phase stopping points after 6 hebdomads to 2 months in which there is adherent cicatrix tissue. Immediate inflammatory processes produce acute antero sidelong hurting and hydrops, with turning away of motion and weight bearing ( Wolfe et al. , 2001 ) . Subsequent losingss of joint scope, peculiarly dorsiflexion, and musculus strength consequences in important gait disfunction. Limited dorsiflexion is common after sidelong mortise joint sprain and unequal rehabilitation of dorsiflexion scope of gesture is proposed to take to long term hurting and ankle instability. Acute mortise joint sprains holding marked decrease in dorsiflexion scope of gesture are often pain in full weight bearing and weight bearing techniques are non clinically indicated. The sub ague mortise joint sprain is characterized by important residuary shortages in dorsiflexion ( yong and vicenzino,2002 ) and the capacity to to the full weight bear. Early physical therapy intercession consists of remainder, ice, compaction, lift ( RICE ) and electrotherapy modes to command redness, every bit good as manipulative therapy and curative exercising techniques to turn to damages of motion and strength ( Wolfeet al. , 2001 ; Hockenbury and Sammarco, 2001 ) . Manipulative therapy intervention techniques studied have exhibited non- opiod hypoalgesia to mechanical but non thermic hurting stimulations ( vicenzino et Al.. , 1998 ) . Manual therapy therapy suggested that full physiological Range of gesture. For illustration, the full posterior saggital rotary motion of the talus necessary for dorsiflexion Range of gesture may non be possible when there is a restriction of posterior semivowel of the scree with regard to the ankle mortise. Treatment aimed to bettering posterior glide of the scree are hence thought the aid reconstruct dorsiflexion scope in the presence of limitation. Physiotherapist often use manipulative therapy techniques to mend disfunction and hurting ensuing from mortise joint sprains. Mulligan ‘s mobilisation with motion ( MWM ) intervention improve scope of gesture and allivate hurting. The Mulligan ‘s mobilisation with motion ( MWM ) intervention attack for dorsiflexion post-ankle sprain combines a comparative posteroanterior semivowel of the shinbone on scree with active dorsiflexion motions preferentially in weight bearing ( Mulligan, 1999 ) .Chance of rapid Restoration of unpainful motion are associated with Mulligan ‘s mobilisation with motion ( MWM ) techniques ( Mulligan,1993, 1999 ; Exelby, 1996 ) . Mulligan ‘s mobilisation with motion in weight bearing patients is more effectual than in non- weight bearing patients in intervention of mortise joint sprains. ( Natalie Collins, Pamela Teys, Bill Vicenzino 2002. )REVIEW OF LITERATUREANKLE SPRAIN:The sidelong ligament composite of the mortise joint, described as the organic structure ‘s †most often injured individual construction † ( Garrick, 1977 ) , is automatically vulnerable to twist hurt. At extremes of plantarflexion and inversion, influenced by the shorter median facet of the mortise joint mortice, the comparatively weak anterior talofibular Ligament ( ATFL ) and calcaneofibular ligament ( CFL ) are prone to changing classs of rupture, frequently via minimum force ( Hockenbury and Sammarco, 2001 ) . Ankle hurts are a common and perennial job around the universe. Ankle sprains can be classified harmonizing to the badness, the degree of hurt, the ligaments involved and clip continuance since the incidence of the hurt. As per the badness they are classified into class 1 ( ligaments non really torn ) , grade 2 ( partly torn ) and grade 3 ( to the full torn ) . As per the degree of hurt, there are two types of mortise joint sprains ; the high and the low degree sprains4. Depending upon the ligaments involved Type 1 sprain involves partly lacerate ATFL, type 2 involves lacerate ATFL and integral CFL and in type 3 there is rupturing of the ATFL and CFL. Immediate inflammatory processes produce acute anterolateral hurting and hydrops, with turning away of motion and weight bearing ( Wolfe et al. , 2001 ) . Subsequent losingss of joint scope, peculiarly dorsiflexion, and musculus strength consequences in important gait disfunction. Recent informations from research lab high spots the presence of a dorsiflexion shortage non merely in the ague phase, but besides in the subacute phase ( Yang and Vicenzino, 2002 ) . Limited dorsiflexion scope of gesture ( ROM ) is common after sidelong mortise joint sprain and should be addressed during rehabilitation ( Denegar CR et Al 2002 ) . Inadquate rehabilitation of dorsiflexion scope of gesture is proposed to take to long – term hurting and mortise joint instability ( Hertel J et Al 2000 ) . An inordinate anterior supplanting of the scree is believed to happen during plantarflexioninversion hurt and persist with residuary laxness of the anterior talofibular ligament ( ATFL ) ( mulligan,1999 ) . Early physical therapy intercession consists of remainder, ice, compaction, lift ( RICE ) and electrotherapy modes to command redness, every bit good as manipulative therapy and curative exercising techniques to turn to damages of motion and strength. Brad gilden: Ezine et Al ( 1998 ) stated that most common mechanism of hurt in mortise joint sprain is an inversion hurting that occurs when ankle turn inward and the organic structure ‘s weights compressers the mortise joint conveying the sidelong malleolus near to the floor. Brantingham et Al ( 2001 ) stated that terrible sprain ligaments tear wholly doing swelling and sometimes shed blooding under tegument. As a consequence, the mortise joint is unable to bear weight. Green denegar et Al ( 2001 ) suggested that limitation of the ankle scope of gesture may be following sidelong mortise joints sprain ensuing in the restriction of dorsiflexion scope of gesture. Jey Hertal, Denegar et Al. , ( 2002 ) stated that sidelong mortise joint instability occurs that refers to the being of an unstable mortise joint due to sidelong ligamentous harm caused by inordinate supination or inversion of the rear pes. Gillman DC, Orteza et Al ( 2006 ) stated that ‘ when the pes is distorted outwards, the sprained mortise joint is called an eversion hurt, when this occur, the interior ligament called the deltoid ligament, is stretched excessively far ‘ . Jane kavanagh et Al ( 2006 ) stated that Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion positional mistakes and hurting alleviation in betterment of inferior tibio fibular articulation in mortise joint sprain.MULLIGAN ‘S MOBILISATION WITH MOVEMENT:Techniques known as Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion ( MWM ) have been proposed as fresh manual therapy techniques to better joint scope of gesture ( ROM ) by uniting physiological and accessary articulation motions. Although Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion techniques are a comparatively new intervention approach their usage in rehabilitation of patients after sidelong mortise joint sprain in going progressively common. Manual therapy theory suggests that full physiological scope of gesture ( ROM ) can non happen when restriction in accessary joint gestures exist ( Maitland GD et Al 1983 ) . For illustration, the full posterior sagittal rotary motion of the talus necessary for dorsiflexion scope of gesture ( ROM ) may non be possible when there is a restriction to posterior semivowel of the scree with regard to the ankle mortice. Treatments aimed at bettering posterior glide of the scree are hence thought to assist reconstruct dorsiflexion scope in the presence of limitation. An inordinate anterior supplanting of the scree is believed to happen during plantarflexioninversion hurt and persist with residuary laxness of the anterior talofibular ligament ( ATFL ) ( mulligan,1999 ) . Denegar et Al, ( 2002 ) reported increased ATFL laxness and restricted posterior talar semivowel in 12 athelets who had sustained an mortise joint sprain 6 months earlier and had since returned to feature. The clinical principle given for the anteroposteiror glide constituent of the weight bearing dorsiflexion Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion technique is to cut down any residuary anterior supplanting of the scree ( mulligan,1999 ) , mulligan ( 1993-1999 ) proposed that rectification of the restricted posterior semivowel, via repeats of dorsiflexion with a sustained anteroposteior talar mobilisation ( automatically similar to posteroanterior tibial semivowel on scree ) , restores the normal articulation kinematics even after release of the semivowel. Acute mortise joint sprain showed pronounced decrease in dorsiflexion scope of gesture and are often painful in full weight bearing. Therefore weightbearing techniques are non clinically indicated. The sub ague mortise joint sprain is characterized by important residuary shortages in dorsiflexion ( yang and vicenzino, 2002 ) and the capacity to to the full weight bear, doing it a good theoretical account on which to analyze the initial effects of weight bearing Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion on dorsiflexion. The dorsiflexion Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion mechanism of action hence appears to be mechanical, and non straight via alterations in the hurting system. Mulligan ‘s et Al ( 1991 ) stated that Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion technique, aimed to cut down restricted painful motion and reconstruct hurting free and full scope of gesture. Mulligan ; s B.R et Al ( 1993 ) stated that the purpose of motion with mobilisation is to reconstruct normal scope of gesture and decreased hurting by rectifying positional mistakes. Eiff Mp, Smith AT, Smith GE, et al 1994 ) suggested that in first clip sidelong mortise joint sprains, although the both immobilisation and early mobilisation prevent late residuary symptoms and ankle instability, early mobilisation allows earlier return to work and may be more comfy for patients. Hertling and Kessler et Al ( 1996 ; 1997 ) stated that Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation is used to reconstruct restricted the scope of gesture in chronic mortise joint sprain. Brad Gilden ; Ezine et Al ( 1997 ) stated that manual therapy technique will be used to normal joint mechanics and to keep the proper musculus firing pattern necessary for stableness. Green et Al ( 1997 ) reported that more rapid Restoration of dorsiflexion scope of gesture and standardization of the pace in patients treated with posterior talar mobilisation following sidelong ankle sprain. Denegar and miller et Al ( 2002 ) stated that lading and emphasis to these ligaments with early return to full weight bearing may compromise the healing procedure and do the ligaments to ligaments to mend in a elongated province. Green T, Refshauge K, croshie J Adams R et Al ( 2001 ) stated that add-on of a talocrural mobilisation to the RICE protocol in the direction of ankle inversion hurts helps to accomplish hurting free dorsiflexion and better the pace velocity. Brian Irish burgoo ‘s et Al ( 2001 ) stated that construct of mobilisations with motion ( MWM ‘S ) in appendages and sustained natural apophyseal semivowels ( SNAGS ) rating with the coincident application of both therapist applied accoutrement and patient generalized active physiological motions. Denegar ( R ) , Hertel-J, Fonseca-J ; et Al ( 2002 ) stated that dorsiflexion scope of gesture was restored in the population of restricted posterior semivowel of the talocrural articulation. Craige R, Denegar PT, et Al, ( 2003 ) suggested that betterment of dorsiflexion scope of gesture and Restoration of the physiological scope of gesture and residuary articulation disfunction was noticed after joint mobilisation. Collins et Al ( 2004 ) stated that subsequent loss of joint scope of gesture peculiarly dorsiflexion and musculus strength consequences in important gait disfunction. Natalie Collins, Pamela teys, et Al ( 2004 ) conducted a survey to happen out the initial effects of Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion technique on dorsiflexion and hurting in subacute class II mortise joint sprains. During intervention status the dorsiflexion weight bearing mobilisation with motion technique was performed on diagnostic talocrural articulation. Weight bearing dorsiflexion was measured by articulatio genus to palisade rule. Pain was measured via force per unit area and thermic hurting threshold by utilizing force per unit area algometry and thermotest system. They concluded that mobilisation with motion intervention for ankle dorsiflexion has a mechanical instead than hypoalgesic consequence in subacute class II mortise joint sprains. Mulligan ‘s dorsiflexion mobilisation with motion technique significantly increases talocrural dorsiflexion ab initio after application in subacute mortise joint sprains. Whitman.JM, Child, Walker et Al, ( 2005 ) stated that accessary joint gesture were restored and were correlated with immediate betterments in scope of gesture, pace mechanism and decreased hurting after mobilisation and manipulative intercessions. Vicenzino.B. Branjerdporn.M. Teys et Al ( 2006 ) stated that due to the success of mobilisation with motion, it was recommended as portion of a through intervention program for ankle sprain. Vicenzino et Al ( 2006 ) stated that initial consequence of a Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion technique on scope of gesture and force per unit area hurting threshold in hurting limited mortise joint. Branjerdporn M, Teys P, Jordan k et Al ( 2006 ) suggested that mobilisation with motion technique should be considered in rehabilitation plans following sidelong ankle sprain. Andrea Reid, Trevor, Greg Alcock et Al ( 2007 ) stated that a talocrural mobilisation with motion in weight bearing place significantly increases weight bearing dorsiflexion instantly following intervention in patients with reduced dorsiflexion due to sidelong mortise joint sprain. Dorsiflexion was assessed weight bearing lurch trial. Paungamalis.A and Teys et Al ( 2007 ) stated that Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion helps to better scope of gesture and degrees of hurting are non to the full understood. But mobilisation with motion appears to rectify positional mistakes which have occurred as a consequence of hurt. Several surveies have shown mobilisation with motion has a positive consequence on scope of gesture ( peculiarly dorsiflexion ) Andrea Reid, Trevor B, Birminghan, and Greg Alcock et Al ( 2007 ) suggested that a talocrural mobilisation with motion improves ankle dorsiflexion instantly following intervention. R, Jones ; J Carter: P moorie and A, Wills et Al ( 2008 ) stated that acceptable inter perceiver and intra perceiver dependability for usage of weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion appraisal tool step weight bearing dorsiflexion lurch scope of gesture. Akre Ambarish A, Jeba Chitra, khatri subhash et Al ( 2008 ) compared the effectivity was of mobilisation with motion in weight bearing and non-weight bearing place in intervention of sidelong mortise joint sprain. 30 patients were indiscriminately allotted to 2 groups. Outcome steps such as hurting and scope of gesture and pes and ankle disablement index were used. Consequences showed that mobilisation with motion in weight bearing place was more effectual than non-weight bearing place in the intervention of mortise joint sprains. Willam G. Hamilton M D et Al ( 2008 ) Thus survey stated that terpsichoreans frequently have unusual troubles related to the altered kinesiology required by their single dance signifier peculiarly in the posing of overuse hurt. Venturini C, PENEDO MM, Peixoto GH, Ferriea ML, et Al, October ; ( 2007 ) Stated that applied force was able to increase dorsiflexion scope of gesture ( ROM ) after the Maitland class III antero posterior mobilisation of the scree. Hertting and Kessler ( 1996-97 ) stated that Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation technique be used to reconstruct restricted scope of gesture in mortise joint sprain. Jay Hertal, Denegar et Al ( 2002 ) stated that sidelong mortise joint instability occurs that refers to the existenseof an unstable mortise joint due to sidelong ligamentous harm caused by inordinate supination or inversion of the rear pes.The Mulligan ConceptPrinciples of Treatment: In the application of manual therapy techniques, Specific to the application of Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion ( MWM ) and SNAGS in clinical pattern, the undermentioned basic rules have been developed: 1 ) During appraisal the healer will place one or more comparable marks as described by Maitland. These marks may be a loss of joint motion, hurting associated with motion, or hurting associated with specific functional activities ( i.e. , sidelong cubitus hurting with resisted carpus extension, inauspicious nervous tenseness ) . 2 ) A inactive accoutrement joint mobilisation is applied following the rules of Kaltenborn ( i.e. , parallel or perpendicular to the joint plane ) . This accessary semivowel must itself be pain free. 3 ) The healer must continuously supervise the patient ‘s reaction to guarantee no hurting is recreated. The healer investigates assorted combinations of analogue or perpendicular semivowels to happen the right intervention plane and class of motion. 4 ) While prolonging the accoutrement semivowel, the patient is requested to execute the comparable mark. The comparable mark should now be significantly improved ( i.e. , increased scope of gesture, and a significantly decreased or better yet, absence of the original hurting ) . 5 ) Failure to better the comparable mark would bespeak that the healer has non found the right contact point, intervention plane, class or way of mobilisation, spinal section or that the technique is non indicated. 6 ) The antecedently restricted and/or painful gesture or activity is repeated by the patient while the healer continues to keep the appropriate accoutrement semivowel. Further additions are expected with repeat during a intervention session typically affecting three sets of 10 repeats. 7 ) Further additions may be realized through the application of inactive overpressure at the terminal of available scope. It is expected that this overpressure is once more, unpainful. Self-treatment is frequently possible utilizing Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion ( MWM ) principles with adhesive tape and/or the patient supplying the glide constituent of the Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion ( MWM ) and the patient ‘s ain attempts to bring forth the active motion. Pain is ever the usher. Successful Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion ( MWM ) and Snags techniques should render the comparable mark painless while significantly bettering map during the application of the technique. Sustained betterments are necessary to warrant on-going intercession. †DISCUSSTIONThis survey was conducted to happen out the consequence of Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion technique in bettering dorsiflexion patients with sub ague mortise joint sprain. Fiften patients with sub ague mortise joint sprains who fulfilled inclusive and sole standards were selected by purposive sampling and assigned into individual group. patients were treated with Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion ( MWM ) in weight bearing place for the continuance of 10 yearss. Statistical analysis was done by utilizing mated ‘t ‘ trial. Consequences showed that there was significance consequence of Mulligan ‘s mobilisation with motion technique in weight bearing place in bettering weight bearing dorsiflexion scope of gesture in sub ague mortise joint sprain. Application of the dorsiflexion Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion technique ( MWM ) to patients with subacute sidelong ligament mortise joint sprains produced a important immediate betterment in weight bearing dorsiflexion. Immediate inflammatory processes produce acute anterolateral hurting and hydrops, with turning away of motion and weight bearing ( Wolfe et al. , 2001 ) . Subsequent losingss of joint scope, peculiarly dorsiflexion, and musculus strength consequences in important gait disfunction. Recent informations from research lab high spots the presence of a dorsiflexion shortage non merely in the ague phase, but besides in the subacute phase ( Yang and Vicenzino, 2002 ) . Limited dorsifletion scope of gesture ( ROM ) is common after sidelong mortise joint sprain and should be addressed during rehabilitation ( Denegar CR et Al 2002 ) . Inadquate rehabilitation of dorsiflexion scope of gesture is proposed to take to long – term hurting and mortise joint instability ( Hertel J et Al 2000 ) . Early physical therapy intercession consists of remainder, ice, compaction, lift ( RICE ) and electrotherapy modes to command redness, every bit good as manipulative therapy and curative exercising techniques to turn to damages of motion and strength. Acute mortise joint sprain showed pronounced decrease in dorsiflexion scope of gesture and are often painful in full weight bearing. Therefore weightbearing techniques are non clinically indicated. The sub ague mortise joint sprain is characterized by important residuary shortages in dorsiflexion ( yang and vicenzino, 2002 ) and the capacity to to the full weight bear, doing it a good theoretical account on which to analyze the initial effects of weight bearing Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion on dorsiflexion Mulligan ( 1993-1999 ) proposed that rectification of the restricted posterior semivowel, via repeats of dorsiflexion with a sustained anteroposteior talar mobilisation ( automatically similar to posteroanterior tibial semivowel on scree ) , restores the normal articulation kinematics even after release of the semivowel. The dorsiflexion Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion mechanism of action hence appears to be mechanical, and non straight via alterations in the hurting system. Paired ‘t ‘ trial concluded that there was important betterment in weight bearing dorsiflexion in Mulligan ‘s mobilisation with motion technique in weight bearing place in patient ‘s with sub ague mortise joint sprains, which was supplied by surveies as follows, Akre Ambarish A, Jeba Chitra, khatri subhash et Al ( 2008 ) compared the effectivity was of mobilisation with motion in weight bearing and non-weight bearing place in intervention of sidelong mortise joint sprain. 30 patients were indiscriminately allotted to 2 groups. Outcome steps such as hurting and scope of gesture and pes and ankle disablement index were used. Consequences showed that mobilisation with motion in weight bearing place was more effectual than non-weight bearing place in the intervention of mortise joint sprains Natalie Collins, Pamela teys, et Al ( 2004 ) conducted a survey to happen out the initial effects of Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion technique on dorsiflexion and hurting in subacute class II mortise joint sprains. During intervention status the dorsiflexion weight bearing mobilisation with motion technique was performed on diagnostic talocrural articulation. Weight bearing dorsiflexion was measured by articulatio genus to palisade rule. Pain was measured via force per unit area and thermic hurting threshold by utilizing force per unit area algometry and thermotest system. They concluded that mobilisation with motion intervention for ankle dorsiflexion has a mechanical instead than hypoalgesic consequence in subacute class II mortise joint sprains. Mulligan ‘s dorsiflexion mobilisation with motion technique significantly increases talocrural dorsiflexion ab initio after application in subacute mortise joint sprains. Brian Irish burgoo ‘s et Al ( 2001 ) stated that construct of mobilisations with motion ( MWM ‘S ) in appendages and sustained natural apophyseal semivowels ( SNAGS ) rating with the coincident application of both therapist applied accoutrement and patient generalized active physiological motions. Green et Al ( 1997 ) reported that more rapid Restoration of dorsiflexion scope of gesture and standardization of the pace in patients treated with posterior talar mobilisation following sidelong ankle sprain. Following subacut mortise joint sprains, there was increased ATF ligament laxness and restricted posterior talar semivowel which consequences in lessening in dorsiflexion scope of gesture. Subacute mortise joint sprain has capacity to to the full weight bear so that it was advised to execute Irish burgoo ‘s mobilization with motion in weight bearing place. Dorsiflexion was improved by mechanical effects gained through accessary anterioposterior motion of scree along with physiological dorsiflexion motion of talocrural articulation in patients with subacute mortise joint sprains. Therefore the survey concluded that Irish burgoo ‘s mobilisation with motion technique was effectual in bettering dorsiflexion patients with sub ague mortise joint sprain.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

General Electric Essay

General Electric is an American conglomerate currently ranked #9 on the Fortune 500 list. The firm operates in four primary business segments; Energy, Technology Infrastructure, Capital Finance and Consumer / Industrial. Headquartered in Fairfield, CT, General Electric has grown over the past 122 years into a financial behemoth realizing revenue in excess of $146 billion in 2013. Throughout its existence, General Electric has demonstrated an inconsistent record in terms of ethical governance and responsible business practices. Like many of its peers, the firm endured a number of scandals, particularly in the late 1990’s and into the 2000’s. In response to these issues and in accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act passed in 2002, General Electric has transformed its business practices and is now recognized as one of the more respected players in the world of corporate governance and honorable business practices. Contemporary business practices exercised by the firm have earned numerous accolades including: – #6 Best Global Brand (Interbrand) – #10 Most Admired Company (Fortune) – #180 Greenest Company (Newsweek) To understand how this corporate evolution occurred, we need to understand the organizational structure and managerial best practices utilized by General Electric and the nature of the legislation that necessitated this institutional change. What is Sarbanes-Oxley? The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) is a federal law that mandated new or enhanced standards for all U.S. public company boards, management and public accounting firms. Drafted in response to a number of high-profile corporate scandals that occurred in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s by U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes and U.S. Representative Michael Oxley; the legislation imposed several powerful mechanisms designed to curb corporate malfeasance and to protect investors. The most significant of these mechanisms included individual certification of corporate financial statements by top management, increased penalties for fraudulent activity and the separation of auditing and consulting functions in outside business agencies. (www.soxlaw.com) The overarching effect of this legislation was the increased scrutiny of financial statements submitted by publicly traded  companies and growing corporate auditing expenditures. (Sidime, 2007) Board Composition: structure and governa nce General Electric has been a progressive company in terms of Board composition and governance. (see composition matrix – attached)For decades, the company has demonstrated a desire to promote diversity in governance from three primary perspectives: gender, race and age. In addition, General Electric had historically satisfied many of the obligations outlined in the Sarbanes Oxley legislation well in advance of its passage including listing the definition of individual committees and the number of committee meetings. (General Electric Annual Report – 2000) One potential conflict that exists with the General Electric governance strategy is the combination of President / CEO and Chairman roles. This is a practice that the company has exercised since Ralph Cordiner combined these responsibilities in 1958 and continues today with Jeffrey Immelt serving in the role since 2001. An additional challenge that exists within the Board structure of General Electric is the lack of ter m limits. Nominated individuals are approved annually through a majority of votes present and may continue to serve indefinitely. This issue was debated recently when shareholders proposed a 15 year term limit of Board service along with separation of the CEO / Board Chair role. The measure was defeated in a lopsided vote held during the company’s April 2013 Board meeting. (Catts, 2013) Audit Committee Consisted of outside directors. Held 5 meetings in 2000. Reviewed the activities and independence of GE’s independent auditors as well as the firm’s financial reporting processes. Composed of independent directors. Held 11 meetings in 2003. â€Å"to review the activities and independence of GE’s external auditorsand the activities of GE’s internal audit staff†¦also reviewed GE’s system of disclosure controls and procedures.† Composed of independent directors. Held 12 meetings in 2013. Primary responsibilities include: selection of independent auditor, review the independent audit, oversee the firm’s financial reporting activities and accounting standards. Tenure Combination of cash & stock. $75,000 annual base plus $2,000 per meeting. Combination of cash & stock. $250,000 base, 10% premium for service on auditing or compensation committee. Removed contingent service reward of 5,000 shares. Combination of cash, stock & other. $250,000 base. Average compensation = $302,457 The moral of the story as it relates to Board structure and Governance within General Electric is that while the firm did work to shore up its regulatory and oversight positions post SOX; the company had exercised the basic principles outlined in the legislation for some time. Performance Metrics & Executive Compensation General Electric has functioned for decades under the philosophy of hiring, motivating, rewarding and retaining its executive leaders through compensation. The company has maintained an executive compensation model that includes salary, bonuses and stock options as the vehicle to achieve this goal for decades. While the total compensation packages at the highest levels of leadership are not as lucrative as they once were – General Electric has adapted its compensation policies in order to remain competitive and compliant in an evolving business environment. 2000 – Jack Welch In the year 2000, Jack Welch stood without peer in the world of American business. Recently named â€Å"Manager of the Century† by Fortune Magazine, (Colvin, 1999) General Electric increased revenues to nearly $130 billion. During this year Mr. Welch earned $16,700,000 in salary and bonus. In addition, Mr. Welch was granted 3,000,000 stock options which became exercisable upon retirement as well as 850,000 restricted stock options. The later options were granted by the board in appreciation of 20 years of service to GE. Furthermore, Mr. Welch was granted a split-dollar life insurance policy contingent upon execution of a personal consulting contract (up to 30 days annually) at the discretion of the acting CEO. Final terms of the consulting contract and retirement package are not listed, but the value is estimated to be north of $420 million. 2003 – Jeffrey Immelt Jeffrey Immelt emerged as the new CEO of General Electric following a highly publicized succession process in 2001. Perhaps due to his relatively short tenure to this point, but more likely due to the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; overall executive compensation was revised at General Electric in 2003. In addition to a more responsible base salary, executive bonuses and stock options were much more clearly outlined and defined in the 2003 proxy statement. While the Board Compensation Committee does state: â€Å"We  rely upon judgement and not rigid guidelines or formulas or short-term changes in our stock price in determining the amount and mix of compensation elements for each executive officer† official documents include an element of specificity not previously available to investors. Mr. Immelt was paid a $3,000,000 base salary and bonuses totaling $4,325,000 – a 10% increase from the previous year. In addition, Mr. Immelt was granted 250,000 performance share units in lieu of stock options. This is the most significant change related to executive compensation policies that occurred at General Electric post SOX. From the 2003 GE Proxy Statement: â€Å"These performance share units are intended to recognize the unique position of the GE CEO. The committee believes that the CEO of GE needs no retention compensation, and that his equity compensation should be focused entirely on performance and alignment with investors.† This change in policy effectively linked 50% of the CEO’s equity compensation directly to the company’s cash generation performance; the remaining 50% would only convert to shares if specific shareholder return metrics were met. In short; the better the performance of the firm – the better the compensation for Mr. Immelt. Finally, select executives at GE (including Mr. Immelt) were granted 3-year performance incentive awards. These award s would be paid only upon achievement of unlisted specified goals related to: earnings per share, revenue growth, return on total capital and cumulative cash generated. 2013 – Jeffrey Immelt Today, the evolution of executive compensation continues at General Electric. The 2013 Proxy Report provides a thorough and defined description of all elements and metrics used to determine final executive compensation. Following essentially the same compensation model initiated in 2003, Jeffrey Immelt realized total compensation (including projected pension value) of $20,592,769. Leadership, Ethics & Firm Values General Electric is a perfect case study in the evolution of an American business. Formed in 1892 primarily as an electric company, the firm has grown into a global dynamo. Today the company operates in several areas including finance, appliances and power systems. This type of evolution and growth does not happen by accident, it is the result of visionary leadership  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ a quality that has existed within GE for a century. Founded by one of this country’s greatest innovators, General Electric has embodied the vision of Thomas Edison since its inception. The company has dabbled, innovated and revolutionized a number of industries throughout its existence. This truth is a testament to the men that have lead the organization throughout the years. (see past leaders – attached) More recently, present-day General Electric has been molded primarily by two individuals who utilized their personal skill to direct the company through a challenging time. Jack Welch (1980 â⠂¬â€œ 2001) Jack Welch joined GE in 1960 as a junior chemical engineer. Early in his tenure, Welch considered leaving the organization citing a frustration with an overwhelming bureaucracy that existed within the firm. Welch was convinced to stay and worked his way up the ranks becoming Chairman and CEO in 1980. Welch became one of the most successful executives in the history of the United States during his tenure, growing the value of the company by 4000%. He accomplished this by imposing leadership efficiency practices throughout the company. Welch promoted strong businesses by limiting bureaucratic inefficiencies, trimming inventory and closing factories. His governing philosophy at GE was that a company should either be number 1 or number 2 in a particular industry or it should get out of that business. Welch adopted Motorola’s Six Sigma quality program in 1995 to further streamline operating efficiencies. In addition, Welch instituted a rigorous method of assessing organizational performance and leadership termed Session C. The goal of this program is to provide feedback and identify talent to managers within the organization. During Jack Welch’s tenure, General Electric became wildly profitable and became recognized as the preeminent organization in terms of operating efficiency and profitability. Mr. Welch’s methods, while successful were generally autocratic and focused on two specific issues: profitability and legal compliance. Jeffrey Immelt (2001 – present) Jeff Immelt was groomed to lead General Electric from a young age. Immelt’s father worked for GE in the Aircraft Engines Division. After receiving his A.B. in Applied Mathematics from Dartmouth College, Immelt earned an M.B.A.  from Harvard. Jeffrey Immelt formally joined General Electric in 1982 and began his professional ascent. Following a public and high-profile transition; Immelt was challenged with the difficult task of replacing legendary GE CEO Jack Welch in 2001. Immelt was immediately dealt two unparalleled challenges upon assuming the position – the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and to a lesser extent the public backlash attached to the prominent accounting scandals that occurred at the turn of the century. Immelt began to create an impact immediately, adopting a more people-oriented approach to management than the efficiency-minded approach that had governed GE for the preceding two decades. Immelt launched a series of effectiveness-oriented meas ures that encouraged innovation and risk-taking. Immelt also began to look to developing markets in search of opportunity. Finally, Jeffrey Immelt moved GE’s operational focus to areas not previously considered: concentration on long-term growth over short-term gains, infrastructure development with an emphasis on green energy and increased marketing efforts focused on social responsibility. The contrast between these two vastly different yet extremely effective leaders provides an interesting snapshot of the effects of the evolution in American business following the corporate scandals of the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. While General Electric was not directly attached to a major scandal during that era, the timing of GE’s leadership transition was fortuitous. While there is certainly room for a chicken vs. egg debate regarding the change in managerial philosophy at GE; the change in leadership at the top of the company definitely provided an opportunity to shift course in the post-SOX business world. Corporate Sustainability & Social Responsibility Similar to many traditional American manufacturing powers, General Electric did not exercise sustainable business practices for the bulk of its existence. This, of course, was not uncommon in American industry. However, at the turn of the century, the first mention of social responsibility appeared in a GE company document. â€Å"Integrity: the Spirit and the Letter of Our Commitment† was a comprehensive document outlining the company’s policies related to privacy, supplier relationships, working with governments, environment, health and safety. The initial draft of this document was essentially a rule book seeking to achieve legal compliance in  the various nations where General Electric conducted business. The following year, (2001) two share owner proposals sought to amend and bolster the â€Å"Integrity† statement – Share Owner Proposal No. 2; which attempted to â€Å"improve the quality of life for employees and their communities† by allowing collective bargaining, eliminating discrimination & intimidation and promoting free labor, as well as Share Owner Proposal No. 3 which called for the Board to discontinue and renounce a PR campaign initiated by the General Electric Company that downplayed the dangerous effects of PCB’s dumped in the Hudson river by the company. The GE Board of Directors voted against both proposals. The reality of the Board’s actions demonstrates that the early years of General Electric’s sustainability and social responsibility programs were based in superficial statements only. In 2003, General Electric launched an interactive, electronic version of its Annual Report. This new medium included a section devoted to the â€Å"Citizenship† initiatives active within the company. The two paragraph overview acknowledged the need for a modern corporation to practice environmental compliance, leadership in corporate governance and high ethical standards. The document lists various social programs supported by the organization and its employees including nebulous philanthropic and volunteer efforts. While a step in the right direction, an outside observer may still question the level of commitment GE expressed to its sustainable programming. The strategy did not contain the measurable, quantifiable objectives r equired to effectively execute a large-scale sustainability program. (Epstein, 2003) Today, General Electric has created and maintains a robust, independent website dedicated to corporate sustainability. www.gesustainability.com outlines GE’s commitment to long-term sustainable business practices including: internal processes, (people, governance, compliance and health & safety) sustainability initiatives (health, energy & climate, water and natural resources) and progress (public policy, grassroots activism, lobbying, human rights and research). Most importantly, the site lists and outlines performance metrics used to govern their processes including the GRI G3 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. The end result of the GE sustainability program has been a complete remake of the GE brand identity. Today; General Electric is recognized as a leader in corporate and social responsibility, receiving accolades from: The Human  Rights Campaign, (Corporate Equality) CR Magazine, (100 Best Corporate Citizens) Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Sustainable Business Prac tices) and the US President’s Volunteer Service Award amongst many others. In summary, General Electric is not a company without fault. Issues with comingling of responsibility at the top, lack of diversity in executives, and a series of accounting scandals in the early 2000’s are a few of the complications that the organization has witnessed. However; in terms of the ability of a large corporation to evolve in order to remain relevant throughout time, GE has fared better than most. Resources – Catts, T. (2013, April 24). GE investors reject 15-year term limits for board members. Bloomberg. Retrieved from www.bloomberg.com/news /2013-04-24/ge-investors-reject-15-year-term-limits-for-board-members.html – Colvin, G (1999, November 22). The ultimate manager in time of hidebound, formulaic thinking, General Electric’s Jack Welch gave power to the worker and the shareholder. He built one hell of a company in the process. Fortune. Retrieved from www.archive.fortune.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1999/11/22/269126/index.htm – Epstein, M. & Roy, M. (2003). Improving sustainability performance: specifying, implementing and measuring key principals. Journal of General Management. Vol.29, No. 1 2003. – Sidime, A. (2007, February 18). The good and bad of Sarbanes-oxley. San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/262392306?accountid=12381 – Rachel, E.S. (2002, October 29). GE adds 2 outside directors in move to boost governance. Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/398860308?accountid=12381 – Watson, I. (2002, June 30). GE caught up in US accounting scandal. Knight Ridder Tribune Business News. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/462671234?accountid=12381 – General Electric Corporation. Wikipedia. Retrieved from www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/general_electric – Jack Welch. Wikipedia. Retrieved from www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/jack_welch – Jeffrey Immelt. Wikipedia. Retrieved from www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/jeffrey_immelt – General Electric Proxy Statements. (2000,2003,2013). SEC. Retrieved from www.sec.gov/archives/edgar/data – The Spirit & The Letter (.pdf). GE.com. Retrieved from www.ge.com/files/usa/commitment – www.soxlaw.com