Transgenic Organisms Essays - Genetic Engineering, Biocides

Transgenic Organisms Releasing a Transgenic Organism into Nature In the midst of our society's ever advancing biological technology, scientists have created a plant that is herbicide and pesticide resistant. The question of whether the public should have access to this controversial plant raised many bioethical questions. Farmers encouraged the sale of the plant because it would assist them financially and spare them unnecessary additional labor. They wouldn't have to worry about spraying their crops with herbicides and pesticides because the crops would already be equip to fight away bothersome weeds and pests. Environmentalists are split on the topic. Many strongly believe that the use of the transgenic plant in crops would greatly decrease the pollution that is typical of crops with normal plants. Whereas others feel that the plant should not be released into nature because it is believed that mother nature should be the only hand that regulates and advances the pace of nature. They are also nervous that possible cross-pollination between normal crops and transgenic crops could result in the production of super weeds that could rapidly spread. Leading to an ugly, very unwanted mess! Everything considered, I agree with most of the arguments both for and against the release of transgenic plants into nature. I believe that without taking a risk with our biological discoveries, our world will not evolve into something better; however, I also believe that before we expose the world to new technology, many tests and research should be performed to ensure that the product is safe for the environment, people, and animals. In a word, the only true solution to settle the dispute between the differing views on transgenic plants release into nature is compromise. Science

The Medicated Child Example

The Medicated Child Example The Medicated Child – Book Report/Review Example MEDICATED This is a documentary that aired on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) program, Frontline. I described difficulties diagnosing and treating childhood behavioral disorders. In my view it illustrates a tendency in The West, especially in America, to treat many perceived disorders, including behavioral, as medically based, that is caused by some kind of brain defect rather than by a deficiency in socialization. This is not to deny that a brain problem can cause behavioral issues. Rather I would argue such disorders may be caused by brain defects or problems in the social environment or a combination of both. The documentary pointed out that at least until the time President Clinton gave a 6 month patent extension to pharmaceutical companies on new drugs in exchange for their commitment to do clinical trials on their effects on children as well as adults, there was little research on their effectiveness in treating children and whether there would be any negative and dangero us side effects on kids. The program documented by individual case studies, that especially prior to Clinton’s policy change, little was known about the effectiveness and dangers of drugs on children compared to adults and the risk that while a drug may prove effective in treating one disorder it may cause another. It also highlighted the tendency to faulty diagnosis because some symptoms are similar in different disorders. For example, an increasing number of children have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder previously thought to be an adult only problem. In conclusion, I think the program has done an excellent job documenting the extension of America’s medical culture to children with its’ assumption that most medical issues can be treated with proscribed pills. However, I think it falls short in its failure to examine more holistic solutions. For example, what effect does a child’s parenting and/or extended social environment have on a child’s behavior? Also, if a child’s body is not developed sufficiently to react favorably to pharmaceuticals could techniques from Oriental medicine such as acupuncture and aromatherapy prove more effective and less dangerous? I think an investigation into alternatives to pharmaceutical based treatment regimes could prove enlightening and offer better options.

Advantages & Disadvantages of JavaScript Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Advantages & Disadvantages of JavaScript - Essay Example In order to enhance the aspect of functions performed by any website, JavaScript is hugely adopted because of its ease. For instance, creating dynamic effects on visual grounds, calculation of data that are available on web pages with the ability to access the data offered by external party are among the diversified features of JavaScript.If advantages on the client side by JavaScript is taken into account, the personalization of coding and its execution from the processor of user rather than from the server of the web pages is quite beneficial. The ultimate outcome as a result of the code being executed in such a manner is related to usage of minimum bandwidth. The bandwidth gets saved up to maximum level yet the code is executed at a fast rate on the processor of user. During web searches, the code gets executed directly from the client and the task is done at almost instant rate rather than transfer of the codes from servers of web to the computer of user which would have been tim e consuming (Fraley, 2004, p. 6).There are disadvantages of JavaScript too. .One of the main disadvantages of JavaScript on client side is the issue of privacy of one’s data. There are various malicious codes that are executed along with the normal codes when any task is performed by the user on web that results in the exposure and exploitation of one’s personal data. Many people do not prefer JavaScript due to security reasons. Personal pictures, personal videos and personal data are at stake.

The New Economics of the Music Industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

The New Economics of the Music Industry - Essay Example The technological boom has ushered countless innovations in almost all the sectors in the global economy. These advances have facilitated the spillover of positive and negative externalities in various industries facilitating the emergence of new trends that disrupt and refine the current economic equilibrium. Along with other sectors, the global music industry had been significantly altered by this technological boom notably, the internet and associated technologies. These innovations have revolutionized the market structure and value chain of the music industry through the alteration of the intermediation processes. These new technologies allowed the faster mobility of goods from the artist to the costumers as other processes in the value chain are eradicated. Aside from these obvious developments, technological changes have many other considerable implications for the music industry. ... Having a strong foothold on the entire music industry, these companies command high level of bargaining power among other important players as they have are involved in all the processes in the value chain. Figure 1. Market Share of the Big Five (2001) Source: Hannaford, 2005 However, the dominance of these companies is largely felt in America and Europe while the Asia Pacific market is mainly controlled by independents [3]. In this region independent record labels hold almost 40% of the entire market share. In this case, we can see a duopolistic competition where the Big Five abound together with a local competitive fringe. III. Traditional Market Structure Record label plays various roles in the operation of the music industry. It can be noted that these companies are almost always present in the entire traditional value chain. The value chain of the music industry begins with the acquisition of content which typically involves the contract signing between artists and the company to formalize the production of an album. The record label will then start the production of the album by allocating fund in order to cover the costs of providing a producer and engineers or subcontracting with an artist's own team. After the record is produced, discs are manufactured which is typically simultaneous with the launching of aggressive marketing efforts to promote the album [4]. Distribution of the album is usually done by the marketing arm of the record label. Artists heavily rely in the name and reputation of the label for their releases to succeed. The strong marketing muscle of the company has a large influence for different media in the promotion of an artist's music. Record label and music

Summer Intern Report. Nizing Electronic Company Essay

Summer Intern Report. Nizing Electronic Company - Essay Example Each of the showrooms runs under a manager or assistant manager. Usually, there are two employees in the showroom working under the manager. During peak business hours, there are up to five people in sales. The usual working hours of the employees are 8 hours and the employees enjoy one day off. The company hires employees throughout the year, and unskilled, fresh-graduates too get a job here. However, employees except the management staff get unsatisfied with the salary and they often leave the work in one or two years. Admittedly the company does not have an admirable hiring and training program. The company does not monitor people for good personal traits and skills while selecting, nor does it offer a good training and orientation program. The one who is absorbed is on full-fledged duty from the day-first and training often takes place while on duty. Another way of making the employees aware about the company policies is the infrequent CSR classes that often turn ineffective. The company has its advertisement in all media raging from television, major newspapers, and all important magazines. The advertisement is handled by an advertising agency. In addition, the company offers special discounts on festive seasons. Another feature is the free service guarantee the company gives on all purchases of electronic and computer appliances. As the company has its most of the clientele in urban areas, it does not cause a heavy burden on the company coffers. The company has its specific pricing strategy that takes into consideration its local competitors and global retailers such as Amazon. As it aims at urban young clientele that looks for quality, the company does not price its products too low. Its products are comparatively high-priced, but the company makes sure that quality of the products and the services provided is of excellent standard. Though there is rising threat from global competitors like Amazon, the company manages to make an annual growth of 8%. Pa rt –II A look into the company performance proves that there are three things that are in need of improvement taking the future of Nizing Electronic Company into consideration. They are; i) employee hiring, training, remuneration and retention ii) use of technology for sales and services, including a website iii) use of electronic tools to observe consumer trends The first and foremost issue associated with the company is its high employee turnover. The reasons behind this increasing turnover are poor hiring practices, poor training facilities, and poor remuneration. Presently, the company hires almost everyone who applies without a monitoring of personal traits, willingness to work and readiness to abide by the company rules. So, the company witnesses considerable amount of employee turnover. By improving its hiring process, that can be done by engaging a professional recruitment agency, the company can ensure that only the ones who possess specific skills and motivation are entering the jobs. The second thing the company has to take care of is its training policies. As is seen, the company gives very few CSR classes, which miserably fail to keep the employees motivated though they help in keeping the employees informed of the company policies. So, it is necessary for the company to adopt a new training strategy and motivating policy. The third thing is remuneration. Undoubtedly, ‘poor salary results in poor employee retention, and thus, in more recruiting expenses and training

Role Of The Line Manager

Role Of The Line Manager Introduction The essay topic I have chosen is â€Å"the role of the line manager as a facilitator of HRD†. The reasons behind my choice are as a result of my experience of working with Citigroup on my INTRA placement. I gained first hand experience of the efforts made by, and at times the shortfalls of my line manager when she was interacting with my fellow employees and I. I discovered that the line manager can have a profound influence on the attitudes towards work held by their subordinates, and this can affect the level and degree of learning which takes place within the work environment. I found that poor management of the facilitation of HRD training was detrimental to both my fellow employees development, general level of contentment and satisfaction within the workplace and their overall productivity within their roles. My essay will first deal with the responsibilties of the line manager in facilitating HRD. Subsequently, it will deal with the methods by which HRD can be implemented by line managers. It will also address the implications of greater line manager involvement in HRD. My aim is to provide a deeper understanding of the managerial processes that managers can employ to facilitate knowledge integration and transfer to their co-workers. Main Body A line manager can be defined as a ‘management figure who is authorized to direct the work of subordinates and is responsible for accomplishing organizational goals. (Dessler, G, 2000). A line manager is traditionally held accountable for ensuring that results are satisfactory and enabling the achievement of goals through the employees who report to them. In recent years, the expectations of the line managers role have changed. Line managers are increasingly entrusted with human resource development, and in some instances are held accountable for any shortfalls in adheering to this new responsibility. It can prove difficult for line managers to take on the additional responsibility due to existing workloads, lack of skills and inexperience of fulfilling such a role. Line managers, rather than HRD specialists, are very familiar with the business context of both organizational and individual learning needs. They are closer to the daily operations and customers. This gives line managers a unique knowledge advantage concerning organisational realities and needs, which can aid their understanding of issues arising in the daily context of work, and knowledge gaps among the workforce. There has been a move towards line managers assuming roles with a developmental focus and undertaking positions as facilitators of learning and skill expansion. This move is a part of the recent trend of empowering employees at all levels in an organisation to expand their knowledge base and responsibilities to ensure that a variety of multiskilled employees are on hand to tackle any situation that the business may be able to direct them at. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx In order to be equipped to tackle a role in HRD, substantial investments in capacity and skill development of line managers is necessary to ensure that they are equipped to carry out their new responsibilities. Ultimately, the development and performance of a business workforce is substantially influenced by the management they operate under. Investing the necessary time, money and effort into this area is critical for the effective operation and development of an organisations processes and the employees who are charged with carrying these out. This is important as, ‘one of the principle reasons for members of the workforce leaving an organisation is due to perceived poor handling of the manner in which their talents and skills base are managed (Hay, 2002, p52-55). According to Gennard and Kelly, encouraging line managers to participate in a more centralised and involved role in HRD provides opportunities for them to experience personal growth and greater competencies as a by product of this new responsibility. The stand to gain greater competencies in managing and maintaining relationships with the people they work with on a day-to-day basis. This would be possible because of their familiarity with both the needs and expectations of employees on a business wide as well as a personal level (1997, p27-42). It is paramount that line managers recognise their role in facilitating and providing for a working environment which both promotes and supports learning. They must be aware of how critical this step is to securing the best learning environment possible for their subordinates. This entails implementing a programme of continuous learning. This would encompass on-the-job training, which from personal experience I can confidently state that I found to be far more beneficial than my time spend in classroom based training sessions in the workplace. Incorporating an effective system of both formal and informal learning and feedback on a continuous basis should be recognised not just as a benefit, but as a necessity of the everyday working environment. This should be done from the very beginning of an employees tenure in a business organisation. Individual employees should be given encouragement to seek and take control of their learning process, and attempts at looking to better themselves should be recognised and where appropriate, rewarded. Opportunities should be provided by the line manager to utilise ‘cross training to enhance their skills base, meetings to provide and receive feedback on job performance and shortfalls and mentoring programs to help employees to adapt to life in their working environment as seamlessly and comfortably as possible (Cunningham, and Hyman, 1997, p9-27). According to the study by Jurgita Ã…Â  iugÃ…Â ¾dinien, five main roles were identified which demonstrate what is expected by line managers in the context of HRD. These were that: Line managers are expected to discuss the performance and professional development of their subordinates with them on a regular basis. They are expected to liase with HRD training specialists on a wide variety of HRD and HRM issues to ensure advancement of development programs and constant feedback. They should show an active interest in conveying their interest in and support for the learning of their subordinates as part of their day-to-day responsibilities in their role. They should be proactive and heavily involved in the training and learning and development aspect of their subordinates learning within the workplace. They should be actively involved in the development of HRD strategy (2008, p33). An important influence on the attitudes of line managers towards HRD is their perception of the role they play in the development process, which ultimately affects their attitudes and motivations towards their part in the process. A study by Andrea D. Ellinger and Robert P. Bostrom, found that line managers differentiate between how they perceive their roles in facilitating the learning of employees in learning oriented organisations. Their study found that managers see a distinction between ‘managing and ‘coaching. They see them as being separate functions and in some cases, opposing influences on each other requiring a different skill set to effectively implement them. ‘Managers were perceived as being those in charge in positions of authority. Conversely, coaches were viewed as those in their positions who were entrusted with helping employees to succeed (2002, p147-179). On major barrier in the effective implementation of HRD duties by line managers is due to a lack of coaching skills and insufficient line management motivation. This outlook on the role in question is reinforced by findings that the least popular HRD delivery mechanisms include coaching and mentoring. According to Heraty, this may be due to the large commitment of time and resources needed, or that it varies considerably from the speciality skills that managers generally possess and are used to implementing in their own tried and tested fashion (2000. p21-33). By making the process more attractive to both those who administer and receive this form of HRD delivery, it is likely that organisations would see beneficial implications for the business, management and employees themselves. According to a study by McGovern and Gratton, some managers are of the opinion that they expect the HRD function to disappear over time, ‘as learning issues become ever more integrated with the responsibilities of general management. In other cases, some managers appear to see a different role for HRD professionals in the future as they transfer to the role of organizational change consultants. The study notes that the responsibility for HRD is not commonly included within the terms of a line managers performance objectives. ‘It may prove difficult for line managers to act in two opposing roles that of an assessor and that of a coach. Furthermore, line managers are not specialists in HRD. They may lack the necessary confidence, knowledge and organizational support to assume the required responsibility for HRD implementation (1997, p12-29). According to a study by Renwick, there are significant differences in the role of line managers based on the nature of business undertaken by their organisations. ‘Based on the ownership of the organisations; there are significant differences in line managers role in performance counselling, career planning, salary decisions, grievance handling, and employee termination† (2003, p262-280). This indicates that it is necessary to clarify what exactly is expected of line managers with regard to HRD, and what becomes of the role of HRD professionals should responsibility transfer to line management. Research by Ellinger and Bostrom indicated that managers were viewed as those who have to make the hard decisions, some of which would not be viewed as being consistent with those of being a coach. Managers were perceived to be involved in actions such as ‘ordering, judging and controlling the employees they worked with, whereas coaches had far more of a positive influence on their employees learning and morale, by empowering them to learn, helping them to more fully understand and removing as many obstacles that may inhibit their ability to learn. Conversely, coaches/HRD staff were seen to have far more of an influence in empowering employees to make decisions and in the process, to grow and develop into so that they can exert more influence as they increase their abilities and competencies. Managers and coaches in this study agreed that these roles were, in many cases, ‘distinct from each other and there were differing mental models and approaches that tied in with each role which influence how managers perceive different situations and how their approach will vary when addressing a situation depending on these models (2002, p147-179). All of the managers in the aforementioned study envisaged their role and responsibilities as entailing helping their employees to grow and develop to make sure that they understand how their role ties in to the rest of the organisation and how they can fulfil what is expected of them in this capacity. Managers in the study viewed the roles of being a manager and the concept of being a facilitator of learning as ‘dichotomous roles, but acknowledged that there were ‘eventualities which would involved moving between these roles in the nature of their work (Ellinger and Bostrom, 2002, p147-179). Since line managers usually are not specialists in HRD, they should be periodically screened and assessed with respect to their performance in fulfilling their roles, and their understanding of various learning needs. This should be done in both their area of their specialty, and in the area of Human Resource Development to ensure they are sufficiently confident and competent. It is important to increase their skill and knowledge in HRD, and it is advisable to consider incorporating HRD skills training in all varieties of training packages for managers. The capacity of line managers to provide advice and consultancy to all employees, be they managers or subordinates, should also be developed. Senior managers must be highly supportive in the HRD role of line managers, and an incentive system should be developed to motivate them to embrace it more fully through co-operation with HRD staff and additional training. This is essential, as ‘acting as a HRD facilitator demands a coaching management style, as opposed to a directive management style (Garavan, 1995, 11-16). The trend of increased line manager involvement is identified in the study by de Jong. He states that ‘there is a tendency toward decentralizing HRD responsibilities within organizations. He categorises the new line manager functions into three distinct areas: Analytic role: just as first-level managers are expected to discuss periodically the performance and the developmental needs of their subordinates, they should be periodically screened with respect to their performance and their developmental needs in respect of production and also in people management. Supportive role: just as they are expected to show interest in their subordinates developmental activities on a daily basis, line managers should experience continuous support from their superiors in their attempts to improve their skills. Trainer role: Just as they should provide training and coaching to their subordinates, they should receive instruction and guidance in order to develop in their management role (1999, pp176-183). Conclusion Greater management involvement in HRD reflects a significant transformation of line management responsibility in organisations. Before displacing traditional HRD roles, substantial investments in the capacity development of line managers is needed to ensure that they are capable of carrying out their new responsibilities. It can be concluded that line managers have not assumed responsibility for HRD across the board. It is difficult to fulfil this role, either because of their workload, lack of skill or lack of traditional management involvement in this area. Cooperation between line management and HRD specialists exists. However a lack of line managers involvement in HRD, as well as limited capacities of HRD specialists to support, liaise and consult with line managers can hinder this process. Future research into this area may reveal approaches by which managers can be trained in order to gain the required skill sets to be able to handle both levels of competency in which there is currently a grey area. Removing the rigid views of what it takes to be a ‘manager or ‘HRD professional and incorporating a new perspective of what the expectations of a line manager are in this process is an essential step in reconciling this process. Only after doing so can progressive steps be taken in implementing the line manager firmly in a position to facilitate an effective HRD function as part of their role. Line managers should be given more ownership of HRD strategies, allowing them to have more involvement in decision making at the policy formulation level. They should also be given the opportunity to provide input into developing a more strategic partnership with HRD specialists. In this way, they would develop a better understanding of the broader perspective of both roles and could address any weaknesses in the process. Taking an active role in supporting their employees in learning and development should become an integral part of a line managers performance objectives. References Cunningham I. and Hyman J. (1997) Devolving human resource responsibilities to the line: Beginning of the end or new beginning for personnel? Personnel Review, Vol.28, No.1/2, pp9-27. de Jong J.A., Leenders F.J. and Thijssen J.G.L.(1999) HRD tasks of first level managers. Journal of Workplace Learning, Vol.11, Issue 5, pp176-183. Dessler, G. (2000) Human Resource Management. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, Ellinger, A.D. and Bostrom, R.P. (2002) ‘An Examination of Managers Beliefs about their Roles as Facilitators of Learning, Management Learning, 33 (2): 147-79 Garavan, T. N. (1995) Stakeholders and Strategic Human Resource Development. Journal of European Industrial Training, 1995, Vol. 19, No 10, 11-16. Gennard J. and Kelly J. (1997) The unimportance of labels: the diffusion of the personnel/ HRM function Industrial Relations Journal, Vol.28, No.1, pp27-42. Gibb S. (2003) Line manager involvement in learning and development: Small beer or big deal? Employee Relations, Vol.25, No.3, pp281-293. Hay, M. Strategies for Survival in the War of Talent,.Career Development International, 2002, Vol. 7, No 1, 52-55. Heraty N. and Morley M. (1995) Line managers and human resource development. Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol.19, Issue 10, pp31-37. Hutchinson, S. and Purcell, J.(2003) Bringing Policies to Life: The vital role of front line managers in people management. CIPD, London. McGovern P., Gratton L. and Hope-Hailey V. (1997) Human resource management on the line? Human Resource Management Journal, Vol.7, No.4, pp12-29. Renwick D. (2003) Line manager involvement in HRM: an inside view? Employee Relations, Vol.25, No.3, pp262-280. Ã…Â  iugÃ…Â ¾dinien, Jurgita (2008) Line Manager Involvement in Human Resource Development, VIEÃ…Â  OJI POLITIKA IR ADMINISTRAVIMAS, p32-36 Thornhill A.and Saunders M.N.K. (1998), ‘What if line managers dont realize theyre responsible for HR? Lessons from an organisation experiencing rapid change, Personnel Review, Vol.27, No.6, pp460-476.

Ben Franklin Norris Essay -- essays research papers

Benjamin Franklin Norris, one of the leading figures in the naturalistic style of writing, was born in Chicago in 1970. During his teenage years he moved to 1822 Sacramento Street to live with his father in San Francisco. He traveled to Paris and studied Art and was first exposed to one of his influential writers Emile Zola. He returned to San Francisco and studied the philosophy of evolution at the University of California at Berkley. He transferred to Harvard and took writing classes under Lewis E Gates. Upon graduating he attempted to make a name for himself as a travel writer. He traveled to South Africa and wrote an article about the Boer war. His plans to stay there were cut short as he was captured by the Boer army and deported back to the United States. When he returned to San Francisco, Norris began writing for the magazine The Wave. It was at The Wave that he wrote his first published article that later turned into a novel. Norris continued to work as a journalist, coverin g the Spanish-American war and he published a few more novels. In 1900, he began work on his second trilogy and most influential set of writings called The Epic of Wheat. The first book of his trilogy, The Octopus, was published in 1901. The second novel, The Pitt, was just near finished when he suffered from appendicitis and had to go under the knife to have his appendix removed. Unfortunately he never recovered from his surgery, and the third book of his trilogy was never written. Norris was mar...