Fall of Labor Unions

What do you think of when you hear the phrase â€Å"labor unions?† Most people associate a negative connotation with labor unions. They think that labor unions are the only cause of strikes and work stoppages. Most think that people in unions are greedy and will do anything to get more money. Others swear by their unions, saying that their employers would take advantage of them if they didn†t organize their unions. However as we prepare to enter the new millennium, labor unions are decreasing in size. Let†s look at some of reasons. First, the numbers are unmistakable. At the end of 1997, when the most recent count was made, only 14.1% of workers belonged to unions, the lowest percentage since 1936 (Gross 23). This is a dramatic decrease from when unions were at their height at the end of World War II when 35.3% of Americans were in unions (Galenson 13). One cause of this fall of union membership is the decline of manufacturing in America and the transfer of much manufacturing work over seas (Gross 24). Because of advances in technology and labor saving innovations, fewer people are required to make steel and assembler automobiles. As a result, only 16.1% of U.S. workers now work in factories, down from 22.8% twenty years ago (Aronwitz 2). There has also been a decrease in size of the large corporations, which in the past usually signed industry-wide contracts to produce a particular item. The latest figures show that the 800 largest firms employed 17% of the total workforce, down from 25.7% twenty years ago (Aronwitz 3). Many of these companies have their work done abroad. Nike does not make a single shoe in the United States and many insurance companies are having paperwork processed over seas (Hacker 45). At home corporate jobs are frequently assigned to temporary workers, who are often classified as â€Å"independent contractors† and are not very likely to join unions. Indeed, there are fewer long-term jobs, something union seniority could once guarantee. Last year, among men aged forty to forty-five, only 39.1% had worked ten or more years at their current job, compared with 51.1 percent in 1983 (Galenson 27). So, one might ask, what caused this to happen? At some point in the 1980s, the balance of power shifted against labor unions. Some say the defining moment was in 1981, when then-U.S. president Ronald Reagan forced an end to the bitter air traffic controllers' strike. Others point to the 1985 victory of then-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher over striking coal miners (Gross 239). Whatever the reason, unions are trying to make a comeback. There are several strategies that unions have devised to return to their former glory. Unions have adopted a more lenient attitude towards management, reducing the number of strikes to record lows in the 1980s and early 90s, and attempting to negotiate contracts providing job security for members (Gross 278). Unions have also placed greater emphasis on organizing drives for new members. Although unions have been very successful in organizing government employees, they have been less successful with recruiting office workers in the rapidly expanding services sector. However, during the last two decades, the wage advantage for unionized workers with private jobs has fallen by 44.1 percent, although the public sector has increased by 9.5 percent (Maguire 20). Currently, 41.9% of union members are from the public sector. Among the most strongly unionized occupations are firefighters (71.6%), flight attendants (69.4%), and high school teachers (56.1%). Only 28.6 percent of coal miners belong to unions and only 19.5% of truck drivers (Hacker 47). Despite all of the downsides of unions they do have their benefits. Here are a few examples of salaries secured through collective bargaining by highly trained professionals: Pilots with only fifteen years of service at Northwest, American, United, and US Airways now earn on average over $175,000 a year. Professors at New York City University can now get as much as $101,655 for twenty-eight weeks of teaching. Under the current National Basketball Association contract, first year players-some of them right out of high school-will start at $300,000 (Hacker 48). The recent NBA lockout has shaped many peoples† opinions on labor unions. Most people, myself included, thought that it was ridiculous for these people to be having a labor dispute. The players are already making an insane amount of money and the owners are millionaires themselves looking to add to their pocketbooks also. The real losers in this battle are the fans who love the game. They cannot see their favorite players in action because of this dispute. This just goes to show you that labor markets affect us in our everyday lives. Another way labor unions can affect our lives is when they decide to strike. This can effect hundreds, even thousands of workers in the General Motors strike in 1998. In the case with the automobile industry, many factories are involved in the production of their cars. If even one of these factories strikes then the other factories must also shut down. This chain reaction can render thousands of workers jobless in just a few weeks. The union members know that there is always a potential risk of striking as accept as part of their job. What role will unions play in the future? Will they ever return to former glory? Nobody knows for sure. Economists have mixed feeling on this matter. Some say that the workers of the twenty-first century will demand a return to the unions and organize in record numbers. Others say that the current trend will prevail and almost wipeout unions completely until there are only a handful of them remaining. My opinion is that unions will stick around for as long as people are working. They will be there to protect the rights of the individual worker and make sure that he or she is treated fairly.

Should music file servers on the Internet should be shut down?

This assignment is all about persuasive writing, putting a controversial subject in matter and weighing up all the different viewpoints so I can make a final conclusion on the matter. I am going to write about the controversial matter of Napster and any other file sharing programs used over the Internet to swap music between computers. People send songs over the Internet to other people who can hear them for free once downloaded whenever they like with the recording artist and every other benefactor of record sales losing out. Should music file servers on the Internet should be shut down? Introduction Within the last decade computers have become very important to our lives and home computers, PC's, have become commonplace in most households. The internet has also been going from strength to strength, millions upon millions of people all round the world log on everyday to search for information, send e-mails, talk to people in different countries and a whole lot more. But within the last 3 or 4 years, file servers such as Napster, WinMX and Morpheus to name a few have sprung up allowing people to download their favourite songs straight to their computer without having to pay a penny. Record companies have been unhappy with this and are seeking legal action at the moment, while many people are rejoicing at the concept of free music. What I'm trying to do in this assignment is consider all the views and arguments of both sides and write down my viewpoints on the matter. The downfall of the record industry?! Record companies and artists have been in legal battles recently with file sharing servers such as Napster over the past year or two. They feel that these file sharing servers are illegal and should be shut down, firstly because these are copies of their albums and singles which are being spread about all over the Internet, which is piracy therefore illegal. Secondly people downloading these files aren't paying for these songs, so they are not supporting the music business which is having to manufacture and spend millions on making these records. Thirdly they feel that the increasing number of people using these servers will result in the downfall of the music industry altogether. The record companies just want to make sure that they will have a future, the same with artists but by the looks of it even artists losing their recording contracts wont hurt their futures much as the trend of singers and musicians moving into other celebrity occupations is on the rise such as tv presenter and so on. The record business sees this as a major threat to them, even more than radio, which could be taped off but never had such an impact such as the Internet. They are trying their hardest legally to shut down the music file servers. I don't really believe why the record companies are taking it so far, I don't see them losing out so much anyway because it is a billion dollar business after all. Maybe they should just hope it fades away after a while which I think it will do. Money, Money, Money Many people disagree with the record companies when they say its ‘the downfall of the music industry' because they feel that

Answering questions from the article Questions number 5 and 6 only

Answering questions from the Questions number 5 and 6 only - Article Example Therefore, every worker entered the details of his or her completed order, making them responsible for their actions. Mark distributed a detailed activity sheet specifying how tasks should be structured throughout the day. In addition, he indicated and how much time each task should task. He felt that this would provide more control over the workers and improve their productivity as well as efficiency. In addition, he announced that all future calls from the customers were to be forwarded directly. Specifically, this is because he felt it was inappropriate for employees to take up this role. In turn, this would increase his control over the workers. Mark posted a goal sheet on the break room door listing each employees name and the goal mark for each day to motivate them. He would then display the number of orders completed and compare it to the pre-set goal to gauge their performance against their co-workers. He felt that this would improve their efficiency through competition and predictability of their performance. He ensured the orders were provided, on time, to improve reliability as he often arrives late. He gave new directions that he would enter the shipping data and, therefore, ordered all workers to place their completed shipping orders in the bin provided outside his office. The lack of adequate information about the workers influenced his decision. Therefore, he felt that the employee would take advantage of the situation and use the computer for â€Å"inappropriate† things. Notably, this would reduce their efficiency and company

The Law of Torts for Protection the Interests of the Other People Essay

The Law of Torts for Protection the Interests of the Other People - Essay Example The issue in this research is that Mark dug a certain portion of his yard to build a wall around his front garden. During the process, heavy rain disturbed him and he did not bother to cover the exposed area and a heap of rubble falls into the street. Dick is hit by some stones and is injured on his leg. On the other hand, Laura, Dick’s mother suffers a nervous breakdown after seeing Dick’s injuries. Tony who was riding his scooter down the street fell and broke his arm when hit by some rubble from the open pit. Jacque who was on the other side of the road assisted Tony after the accident and she was later infected with a rare form of blood poisoning which is caused by bacteria found in the soil. From the above scenario, it can be observed Dick, Laura, Tony, and Jacque have rights to file a lawsuit against Mark who is liable for the tort of negligence. In order for the plaintiffs in the above-mentioned scenarios to win their cases, they must prove to the courts that Mar k owed them a duty care and that duty of care has been breached. In order to prove the existence of daycare duty, some conditions should prevail as illustrated by the case of Capiro Industries vs. Dickman. These conditions include foreseeability, proximity as well as reasonability. The occupiers also owe a duty care to ensure that all people who enter their premises are not injured even the trespassers. However, duty care does not always exist hence these factors need to be taken into account. Broadly speaking, some situations are foreseeable to any reasonable person before they embark on a particular action. Â  From the above case scenario, it can be noted that Mark was not reason enough to leave the excavated area unprotected. As illustrated in the case of Hackshaw v. Shaw, occupiers have a duty care to all who pass through their places even trespassers. It can also be seen that it was foreseeable that a storm was building and Mark was not likely to complete his job on time. The element of proximity also exists where Mark excavated an area that was close to the road. As such, it is advisable that Dick, Laura, Tony, and Jacque take legal action against Mark since they can prove to the court that Mark’s actions have been negligent and have led to their injuries. Reasonable people usually do not behave the way Mark acted. Â  

Read the article then write essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Read the article then write - Essay Example rk, headquartered in Melno Park, California, US., had over 8,350 employees in the same time with Mark Zuckerberg serving as chairman and CEO while Sheryl Sandberg stands in as the COO. The company is traded as NASDAQ:FB in the stock exchange market (Harvell, 24-30). Facebook was founded in February 4th 2004 and served only small regions in the United States in the next one year. However, in the following years, that is, from 2005 to date, the site has been operational worldwide (as it is now used by various individuals, organizations and governments) with its global presence ever increasing. The founders at the beginning had restricted membership only to students of Harvard but later allowed membership in neighboring colleges in Boston such as Stanford University and the Ivy League. Currently, through its webpage, www.facebook.com, the site permits persons over age 13 to register as members then create for themselves user profiles, add other users as friends, like other brands/ persons/ groups, post photos and status updates, receive numerous relevant notifications, share videos and exchange messages (Harvell, 65-81). I recently engaged and observed a few people in my quest to find out just how much the social network has changed people’s lives and dramatically revolutionized their ways of doing and seeing things. The results and views are quite frankly overwhelming with most persons able to cite with utmost confidence the numerous advantages and disadvantages of engaging the site. Mrs. Gordon, for instance, appreciates the fact that through Facebook, she has been able to successfully reconnect with long lost friends especially from her college years simply by typing their names, searching for them then sending them messages/ adding them as friends. She quips, â€Å"I have reacquired friends whose contacts I had lost long ago and dear people who I thought I would never see or talk to again through Facebook.† Moreover, Mrs. Gordon argues that Facebook is the most

Super Size Me Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Super Size Me - Essay Example Reality started checking in on the day my father read that article. The facts were astounding, the report detailed that 35.7 percent of adults and 16.9 percent of children aged 2-19 were obese. Further, the report talked of obesity risk factors, the condition’s link to diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gallbladder disease and cancer. The information presented awakened my interest in obesity and I have learnt to appreciate every form of knowledge that would help in addressing the growing epidemic. Therefore, when I looked at the assignment â€Å"Super Size Me† the whole experience replayed in my mind and I felt grateful for another opportunity to learn something extra on obesity. Super Sizes Me is an American documentary film produced and starred by Morgan Spurlock. Morgan Spurlock is an American, independent film maker whose prominence came from this film. The film documentary which was released in 2004 runs for 98 minutes, it details a drastic lifestyle change to depict the eating habits adopted by most Americans. The star, Morgan Spurlock, takes the viewer through a 30 day period, from February 1 to March 2, 2003, a period in which he engages in unhealthy eating habits at a famous fast food outlet, the McDonalds. McDonalds epitomizes Americans culture of fast foods, it has for long been associated with food that has high fat content. Habitual eaters from the chain and others offering similar menus report higher weights and are most likely to suffer from obesity. This is a general thought, in the film Spurlock undertakes to experiment by taking three meals from the outlet and test the truth behind such an observation. Throughout the thirty days, Spurlock turned up for breakfast, lunch and dinner and consumed every item on the chain’s menu. Prior to the experiment, Spurlock maintains an absolutely healthy life and his diet is closely monitored by Alexandra, a vegan chef. Besides the diet, Spurlock keeps to his trainer’s

Economic Statcraft Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Economic Statcraft - Essay Example Relations between our countries became soured by the hostage-taking, military confrontation and harsh allegations after the Islamic revolution. Until recently, the strained relations are further emphasized by the sanctions that are in place that has seriously dampened the economic growth of the country. Both Iran and ours. The number of sanctions in the past two decades has also been instrumental in shaping its trade policy and its partnerships in the immediate region. In reacting to the terrorist attacks and their various networks terrorizing other countries as well, the choice to place an economic sanction on Iran is in retaliation to their attacks. This is to control the persistence of such acts and present a down ward trend if applied immediately. This sanction should be considered by Iran as an act of good faith to prove that diplomatic relations that deteriorated will have no further subsequent effects on trade relations in the even they accept. The hostage-taking in the embassy in Tehran hurting and killing Americans strained the relations between the two countries although it was downplayed by the international media might change if Iran is sanctioned economically. Possibly, strategies that can be applied are trade restrictions covering the economy as it will be extremely difficult to focus on local productions while recovering lost â€Å"allies† during the hostage-taking incident. Secondly, a political sanction may work best in curbing Iran’s influence and clout in the world trade market. Persuading other countries, like Europe and Japan and other U.S. sympathetic countries to limit their involvement with Iran through diplomatic connections could greatly affect Iran’s GNP. This could be done but is r isky and costly because in the process Iran may react at the first sanction through creativity. Meaning, Iran will place its emphasis on diversifying its international trade routes in order to maximize its trade grounds

When and why does credibility become an issue in criminal cases Essay

When and why does credibility become an issue in criminal cases - Essay Example Different people have different credibility and therefore the experts involved in the case will determine extend or the trustworthiness of a witness. The witness to be approved for credibility can be approached from different ways. One is that the person may be approached by an individual expert who will determine the trustworthiness of the person. The other one and the most effective one is whereby a group of experts approach a witness to determine the trustworthiness of his evidence. When the source of information is credible it becomes easy and firmer to make decisions. Some general characteristics of a credible person are unselfish, caring, fair, experienced, qualified and trustworthy. People who are charismatic become more than credible since they are extroverted, composed and also sociable. It is not always guaranteed that an expert will be competent with witness. If he becomes competent depending on the context then it will be quick and accurate to make fair decisions. There a re different aspects of life which require credibility. These vary from marketing to other things like criminal cases. In criminal cases credibility has become one such aspect which sees to it that there is fair judgment in all what happens in the process of the cases. One aspect which is very important to get from the witness is credibility. There are many things which may influence a person’s credibility and they vary from one person to another. Things that influence a person’s credibility Social influence This occurs when external factors intervene and change or control you. This may be in effect to your thoughts, feelings or actions which will be affected extrinsically by people. Social influence takes into consideration many forms like socialization, peer pressure, obedience, persuasion and even leadership. This is technically and widely discussed in social psychology. A person may be influenced socially due to the minority influence. This happens when the majorit y is influenced to accept the beliefs of the person in the case or the group. This mostly happens through informational social influence. When many people take a certain direction then it is psychological that you will be confronted to take the same direction. Many will always feel that the majority group is the right one and they will therefore act in favor of the majority leading to poor credibility (Garvev, 2003). Also when the group acting is perprating and consistent, then this may influence your credibility. The stronger the social influence then the more it will affect your personal credibility. Despite this you can take your own personal stand and believe by what you know, saw or were involved in rather than relying on what you hear from other people. You can also use your own understanding of a situation or a given scenario to extent your credibility. Therefore credibility should be effective when it is internalized rather than externalized (Foot, 1973). Personal stand Your personal stand plays a key role in determining your trustworthiness in a given scenario. You should have your own personal stand rather than the group or majority stand. This may be achieved by believing in what you know and doing thorough research. You ought to follow some rules like I know because I know. A personal stand if publicized may have a lot of impact on your credibility (Brain, 2011). Behavior One of the things that may make control of your credibility is behavior. Your behavior will be determined more by obedience. Human beings will always behave differently in

Media related report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Media related report - Essay Example In the music industry generally, music companies offer various pertinent details about the music album to the media in an effort to create curiosity as well as anticipation. The artist gives interviews to the media regarding the music album and releases previews on  the websites  so that the fans can listen to them and wait eagerly for the album’s release on the due date. The producers used various sources of media for generating interest  among  the fans by making announcements on their websites.  For Diving Board, avenues such as concert venues regarding the status of continued postponement of the release date and its reasons was posted. The producers of the album initially announced that the artist was not happy with the songs and  tracks,  so he was writing new tracks  of  the music album.  In this way, they succeeded to keep the music album in constant limelight for  one  year before its release and created  a lot of  speculation everywhere.   Finally, Sir Elton Johan gave an interview to Robert Copsey on Digitalspy.com and  also  gave them  a preview  of the new album, The Diving Board on Jul 16, 2013 (Copsey, 2013). He  also  talked about the passion  throughout  his life - music.  The premier single of this album was released on June 24,  2013,  and the music album was available  at  the market for pre-order.   When  the music  album was released in the market, various websites wrote reviews regarding this music album on their sites.   Before the release, most of them wrote reviews regarding the Elton John returning to his musical roots in 1970s and several reviewers were sceptical due to many postponements. After release of the album, the reviewer at Rollingstone.co.uk wrote on Sept 13, 2013 that this was a completely different musical style of the artist from the last album. He (Elton John) evoked the spirit of 1970s and reclaimed his legacy with which he made his name. Rolling Stones added that the work reminded  the

Strategic Business Plan for Bellway plc Assignment

Strategic Business Plan for Bellway plc - Assignment Example (Preece, 2003) A major part of Bellway Plc's plan of action must include following a strategy based on gaining competitive advantage as well as achieving sustainable entrepreneurial growth. Let us first examine competitive advantage to see how and where it will fit in with the overall growth and expansion of the Bellway Plc in securing buyers from the global market like Asia, US and other countries. This brings us to a discussion on the technicalities of the model proposed by Porter. Porter's Five Forces model provides suggested points under each main heading. When taken into consideration individually, each of these gives rise to the development of a broad and sophisticated analysis of competitive position. This may further be used during the creation of a strategy, plans, or even where making investment decisions about a business or organization is concerned. These five competitive forces determine industry profitability and attractiveness apart from being responsible for shaping the prices that firms can charge, the costs they have to bear, and the required investments to engage in industry level competition. We are concerned with the fact that Porter's essentially ahistorical approach cannot provide a full account of either a nation's competitive advantage and corporate strategies or the growth and development of industrial clusters. For this, let us first understand compet itive advantage. This has special relevance for the Bellway Plc, owing to the following reasons: The company needs to launch a full fledged expansion policy in international markets as well as the public sector in UK. It needs to zero in on out station resources which can be procured on easy and regular terms. There needs to a study of the marketing options in order to gain competitive advantage as there are many players involved here. Its competitors include Barrat Development, Taylor Wimpey and Berkley Group Holdings. Competitive advantage is the response of afirm to the pressing need to organize and perform discrete activities. While these needs may not be perpetually spelt out, it is the responsibility of the planners and executers of policies to foresee such situations when catering for growth and development of the firm n various levels. So this implies that the Bellway Plc needs to employ an individual

Altruists attract and origins of mating behavior Essay Example for Free

Altruists attract and origins of mating behavior Essay In the experiment study altruists attract researchers concluded that people tend to corporate with the more attractive members of the opposite sex. Besides, as more one member of opposite sex is showing corporation, the more attractive it may seem to other member of the opposite sex. No doubt, altruistic behavior is beneficial in both genders which are in the long-term relationships because they share the same resources or care about their children. Research shows that people who are corporative are viewed by others as more attractive and kind and these are the values which people count for when are looking for mating partners. For example, males tend to give more money to women beggars than to the same sex beggars-males. Second article talked about origins of mating and how people choose partners when it comes to mating. Charles Darwin was the first who proposed the theory of sexual selection, emphasizing that mating behavior can be explained by evolutionary change; preferences for a mate and competition for a mate. Humans never choose mating partners just by coincidence; they tend to use strategies in order to find the most appropriate mate. Also, our ancestors used strategies for mating, they chose to mate with the opposite sex members who were reproductive in order to pass on genes to the next generations. For instance, females choose their mates who are economically independent, who will take care of them and their children, and who would devote their time to family. These both strategies can be both referred to our ancestors and our time scale. Author of this article compare women with weaverbirds which also prefer man with rich and fruitful nests. However, the most difficult decisions for humans in selecting a mate is to distinguish and indentify what kind of relationship are they looking for; short term or long term relationship. Even when it comes to animal mating, the stronger and larger ones are the more chances in finding an appropriate mate. Therefore, the weaker ones ten to fail in finding a mate and they become extinct. No doubt, keeping a mate is another important thing for the people who are seeking a long term relationship. Some people tend to be by nature more jealous than others. Therefore, sexual jealously can elicit either vigilance or cause violence between couples. Finally, it is not in human nature to date just with one person for an entire lifetime. Humans often brake up or split with other member of sex, due to the conflicts such as one may feel unsatisfy being in a particular relationship, cheating or other reasons. All over the world humans are failing for the divorce. It is not only seen in Western world. When people brake up or split they tend to enter again the mating market. But reentering again and starting everything from new can cause other problems. For example, women having children from previous relationship may have difficulty to finding a new mate. Besides, ages plays a big role in finding a mate.

Ghost In The Nursery And Compulsion To Repeat Psychology Essay

Ghost In The Nursery And Compulsion To Repeat Psychology Essay In this essay I will be referring to Sigmund Freud, Anna Freud and Selma Fraiberg to explain how psychoanalytic theory views the ghost in the nursery and the compulsion to repeat, and John Bowlby, Mary Ainsworth and Peter Fonagy to account for these concepts on behalf of the attachment theory. This essay is organized as follows. First, I define the main concepts in question and relate these to Fraiberg. Then I discuss to what extent affect regulation and mentalization (Fonagy and Ainsworth) can explain these concepts. Secondly, I turn my attention to classical psychoanalysis and how transference helps us understand the compulsion to repeat. From internal conflict I move on to the external environment and how Bowlby views its importance to repetition and ghosts. Finally, I discuss Anna Freuds defence mechanism of identification with the aggressor. Whilst going through these different explanations I identify how much each theorist is accounting for these concepts and show that neither the attachment theory on its own nor the psychoanalytic theory singly explain the compulsion to repeat and the ghost in the nursery. Moreover, attachment theories also have a psychoanalytic background,  [1]  so one cannot exclude the psychoanalytic influence from attachment theory. So as we will see studies in attachment theory quantify, backup and build up from the psychoanalytic theory. In the paper Ghosts in the nursery, Fraiberg, Adelson and Shapiro (1975) use the term ghosts to represent negative experiences parents had as children which they repressed and excluded all feelings from, in order to deal with the situation. Fraiberg et al. argue that if parents do not allow themselves to feel this pain, they will be pushing the affect associated with these memories into the unconscious (i.e. repression). Consequently, unresolved issues will manifest themselves in dreams and in behaviours with their own infants. Like ghosts, unresolved issues are invisible (unconscious), and like ghosts, they come back to haunt us. Such parents are likely to unconsciously repeat their parents behaviour with their own children since they would not be able to empathise with them and understand their feelings. Fraiberg et al.s (1975) explanation gives importance to affect regulation of parents to be able to identify with the distressed child in them. Their hypothesis is substantiated by observations in their clinical experience but this methodology is subjective as no measuring tools are identified for this intergenerational link. Moreover, this account may be deterministic and reductionist: no feeling of childhood pains will result in compulsion to repeat pains caused to them on their children. It appears that development does not teach us anything and later experiences are not able to dispel the ghost. As we will see, whereas for Fraiberg et al. there is something extra in the nursery the ghosts, for Fonagy there is something missing the mothers ability to mentalize. Fonagy, Steele, M., Moran, Steele, H., and Higgitt (1991) use the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI)  [2]  and Ainsworths Strange Situation  [3]  (SS) (Ainsworth, Waters Wall, 1978) to prove the link between the adults type of attachment to their own parent/s to the attachment they build with their own children. They explain that the attachment we build with our parents acts as an internal working model which compels parents to repeat this attachment with their children. Fonagy et al. argue that parents need to be able to attune to the feelings expressed by their infants since they do not yet have the mental capacity to understand their feelings (psychic containment). However if a parent is not able to observe her own mental function, it is highly unlikely that she  [4]  is able to reflect the infants feelings.  [5]  This will hinder the child from developing a reflective self, leading to the use of defensive thinking processes which are likely à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ to distort, disorganize, or limit access to memories, feelings, interactions and recognition of options (Main, 1991, p. 146). This lack of meta-cognitive monitoring  [6]  may lead to a vicious circle as the infant will not be able to provide an appropriate psychic development to his own infant, leading to the compulsion to repeat and to the ghosts to reappear in the nursery. So Fonagy et al. (1991) in their study are proving the intergenerational link in attachment behaviour hypothesised by Fraiberg et al. (1979). For Fonagy et al. what needs to be present in the nursery is the mothers ability to mentalize and the presence of ghosts is not acknowledged. Fonagys theory postulates that the mother should be able to contain the child, but does not account what the mother does with her understanding of her childs mental state. If the mother understands that the child is frustrated, will she always know what to do to regulate her childs emotions? Fonagy and Target (1994) also relate the trauma experienced in early childhood with how feelings are evoked in the people in their adult life to confirm childhood identifications. Since the therapeutic situation is likely to recreate the nursery, I will be giving Fonagy and Targets example to explain how ghosts may be dispelled from the nursery. Fonagy (in Fonagy and Target, 1994) relates how, as an analyst his patient (Mr. T) had blocked painful feelings in childhood so that he was not in touch with his mental state. According to Fonagy and Target (1994, p. 53-54) what frees us from this state is being mentally involved with someone (e.g. in therapy) that clarifies our sense of identity through their (the therapists) mental state. In this way, Fonagy is explaining the role of thinking processes about ourselves (mentalizing) in the compulsion to repeat and reappearance of ghosts. Thus, if the therapeutic situation is reflecting real life, the mother needs to be in able to reflect abo ut why she is doing things so that she is aware not the repeat and invoke the ghosts of her childhood into her childs nursery. Freud and Breuer (1893) first refer to people forgetting certain moments in life in their paper on Hysteria. They argue that due to trauma, experiences in a persons life are not available to conscious thought, and so properly abreacted. This occurred either because these experiences were so painful that their bearer decided to forget them or because they occurred when the person was in an abnormal psychical state (p. 11). They argue that during such situations splitting of consciousness occurs, making it difficult for the person to connect to his memories, and so the feeling related to the experience is transformed into a physical symptom. At this time Freud dealt with these forgetful memories by inducing a hypnotic state in his patients whereby they could associate memories to their feelings and release cathartic energy. However, soon Freud realised that through hypnosis he was forcing people to talk about their memories and was not allowing resistance to occur. It was when Freud (1905) was analysing Dora that he discovered a form of repetition in relationship which he called transference. In the nursery, transference occurs when the mother acts out unconscious wishes with her child. Freud (1909) surmises that these repressed experiences are like ghosts who reappear in our life and will not go away until we face them: like an unlaid ghost, it cannot rest until the mystery has been solved and the spell broken (Freud 1909, p. 122). Freuds first reference to the compulsion to repeat was in 1914 when he postulated that in obsessional neurosis, forgetting is characterized by dissolving thought-connections (Freud 1914, p. 149). Although the person does not remember the trauma, he unconsciously re-enacts this event in his life thus inviting ghosts in the nursery. The more resistance there is to repress the memories, the more the person will replace remembering by acting out. The resolution of this resistance lies in how the therapist handles transf erence. Transference acting as a playground (Freud 1914, p. 154) allows repressed material to show the secret of its game in the persons mind and for the analyst to work through what the resistance consists of. According to Freuds theory, the compulsion to repeat can only be resolved through transference or the acting out of the compulsion and overcoming resistance a concept which Fraiberg does not recognise. While Freud gives importance to childhood trauma, he does not dedicate equal importance to how current experiences effect a persons life. Nor does Freud give any importance to the affects which as we have seen Fraiberg and Fonagy give so much importance to. Freuds main explanation for the compulsion to repeat is that it is a result internal conflict. He (1920) postulates that the compulsion to repeat is ingrained in our human nature. Freud (1920) states that the function of the pleasure principle is to reduce unpleasure. Material enacted in the compulsion to repeat was once repressed because it was not pleasurable to one of the systems, so the mental apparatus will struggle to keep these instincts away from consciousness. These instincts are persistently trying to push their way into consciousness, and this is felt as unsatisfying by the ego. Impulses can nonetheless breach the protective shield in traumatic dreams, forms of play and as already explained, in transference. Freud (1920) attempts to interpret reasons why children in the nursery are compelled to repeat some actions. He recalls boy re-enacting his mothers disappearance and appearance in games. This repetition of the distressing experience (p. 15) causes pleasure to the child. This could be because the mothers departure is followed by the pleasure of her arrival or during repetition, the child changed from being passive in the real event to playing an active role in the game by throwing away toys he is revenging against his mother for leaving him, something that he cannot do in real life. This part gives him pleasure and causes him to repeat the act. By repeating what has impressed him during the day, the boy can abreact his feelings. In doing so, his game is also reflecting a wish to be grown-up (p. 17) and taking control like adults do. Children can also repeat distressing experiences with peers, causing distress to them and revenging on their playmate who might be representing the real distressing object. Thus, Freud is explaining that a person may use this defence of repeating because it satisfies the pleasure principle but this could also reflect the daemonic aspect inside us. Bowlby criticises Freud for only looking at the persons internal conflict and for not giving enough attention to the persons external environment (1979, p. 21), suggesting that ghosts can be dispelled by environmental change. Bowlby (1969) refers to experiments on rhesus monkeys (Griffin and Harlow, 1966) and on puppies (Scott, 1963) to point out to a sensitive period in which attachment can be formed or be forever doomed. In these studies, animals that were kept away from contact for the first six months of their life did not show recovery of social interactions. He postulates that attachment, or the loss of it (deprivation), acts in similar way in infants. Thus, if a baby is not shown sensitivity, it is unlikely that once a grown-up he would be able to do so with his own children, and so the ghosts of his past will reappear giving him no choice other than to repeat. Bowlby emphasises that attachment is an evolutionary process that helps the infant to survive (the survival of our sp ecies). Conversely, Fonagy (2001) argues that Bowlby gives too much importance to the biological role of attachment. What is important is the infants own survival to distress which could, for instance cause neurodevelopmental abnormalities if he is neglected (Perry, 1997). So what kind of survival would an infant have if attachment is disrupted or inadequate? Bowlbys (1944) own research on juvenile thieves sheds light on the link between hostile and neurotic mothers leading to delinquent children and at times even affectionless characters. This view that the relationship with the mother is important is corroborated by Emde (1999) who suggests that social rules are internalised in early infancy. When an infant has repetitive experiences of stressful episodes he will become hyper-vigilant to his environment leading to persistent physiological hyper-arousal if the mother cannot regulate his emotions. In this case, the infant cannot use the mother to regulate himself and reach homeostasis. This often happens in infants whose attachment is classified as disorganised  [7]  (Lyons-Ruth Block, 1999). According to Hesse and Main (2000) this occurs when the attachment figure frightens or maltreats the toddler. In their study, adults who had a disorganised a ttachment with their children were classified as unresolved/disorganised adult attachment in the AAI. These observations show the likelihood of perpetuating the attachment style from generation to generation. These studies show that Bowlbys theory is backed up by an array of research whereas Freuds theory is only supported by people he came in contact with during their analysis. Bowbly saw it important to ground his work on science rather than Freuds psychic energy. Bowlby (1979) suggests that the infant forms an inner working model which acts as a cognitive map for future relationships from the cradle to the grave (p. 129). This has been supported by studies such as that of Hazan and Shaver (1987) where attachment styles (Ainsworth et al., 1978) in infancy are applied to love relationships in adulthood. Bowlby explains that when one becomes a parent powerful emotions are evoked related to how one felt as a child towards his parents and siblings (p. 17). A parent might not be able to regulate these old feelings because she has not resolved the ambivalent conflict concerning these feelings. When the parent was young, she might have defended herself against these feelings by repressing, displacing or projecting them. With all the changes parenthood brings with it, these conflicts are renewed and come back to haunt us. Such a parent will find herself tormented by these forces and has no option other then resorting to the primitive defences used in childhood to deal with feelings regarding her own child, using her own children as her scapegoats. Unfortunately parents are not aware of these processes or the intentions behind their actions. For Bowlby in order to abolish the ghost, the most important thing is to commit to change in the environment change in the caregivers behaviour and in the defences used. Although different terminology is being used in this explanation, the reasoning behind it is very similar to that postulated by Failberg, mainly that childhood defense hinder the caregiver to feel through her childhood trauma. Anna Freud suggests that another defence mechanism is at play in the compulsion to repeat. For Anna Freud (1936, p. 117-131) parents undergo the compulsion to repeat because of an ego defense experienced in their childhood which she labels identification with the aggressor. If a child endures a trauma, he feels helpless and is likely to identify with the aggressor as a normal part of the growth of the superego. This will enable the child to feel stronger and fearless. He will either imitate the actions of the aggressor, take on this features (e.g. wearing high heels to feel tall), or pretend to be the aggressor (1936, p. 121). In this way he does not feel a victim of the aggressor but this leads him to repeat the actions of his aggressor with his toys, peers and later with his own children. Fraiberg et al. (1975) also links the appearance of ghosts in the nursery and the compulsion to repeat with this defense mechanism but affirms that it is not clear why a person chooses this defens e (p. 419). For instance, why didnt the child use the denial in this traumatic situation instead of identification with the aggressor? In this essay, I argued that both psychoanalysts and attachment theorists give importance to the first years of life by linking personality development to attachment. For the two schools of thought, the compulsion to repeat and ghosts in the nursery are due to problems in the infants early environment. Maternal sensitivity is also important to both of them although they interpret the concept in different ways. In attachment theory maternal sensitivity is seen as the behaviour and personality of the caregiver, whilst psychoanalysis is concerned with how the child organises his self development as a result of maternal sensitivity use of unconscious processes (Fonagy, 2001). Thus, we would need a combination of both theories to understand the importance of the caregiver-infant relationship to the compulsion to repeat and ghosts in the nursery. For whilst psychoanalytic theory analyses internal processes in the infant and the mother, attachment theory try to classify and quantify attach ment patterns through an array of research. They explain that repression of the associated affective experience (p. 419) is involved in this defence. So through remembering they are able to identify again with the distressed child in them and the alliance to the aggressor is broken.

Case Study: Hunter Douglas Group

Case Study: Hunter Douglas Group This is a case study report to analyse how Hunter Douglas Group manages its human resource planning and how the activities involved in the human resource planning process contributes to the success, as well as to ensure future success, of this large multi-national organisation in line with its corporate vision, mission, core values, strategic planning and objectives. Human resource planning provides the means to accomplish the desired outcomes of the organisation and achieving objectives by ensuring that the organisation has the right number of quality people available to achieve objectives through strategy implementation. This is based on a close working relationship between the human resource practitioners and line managers in each company (business unit) of its decentralised organisational structure. The human resource practitioners serve as consultants to line managers concerning the people management implications of business objectives and strategies. Line managers, in turn, have the responsibility to respond to the business implication of human resource objectives and strategies. We also see that the environmental and contextual changes present a number of competitive challenges to this organization which requires its human resource management to be involved in helping to create and build new capabilities. The challenges include: Globalisation: the challenge is to move peoples ideas, products and information around the world to meet local needs. Technology: the challenge is to make technology a viable, productive part of the work setting Competition: in order to remain competitive and remain as a market leader, Hunter Douglas is aware of the importance of continuous training of its people. Economics: economic growth or lower interest rates cause the increase in spending and often increase in business opportunities. Changes in the labour market has an impact on the organisations ability to find and keep employees Workforce changes and ability to cope with change: these include resignations, terminations, leave of absences, death, change in employment status and retirement The success of a business is directly linked to the performance of those who work for that business and Hunter Douglas Group is fully aware of this as it believes in the power of learning and providing its employees growth opportunities to develop their skills. Hunter Douglas Group acknowledges that its employees commitment is the key ingredient to the Groups continued growth and success. Hunter Douglas Group prides on the diversity and strength of its corporate culture that empowers its employees to build and run the business like their own businesses. The Hunter Douglas Group acts like a federation of entrepreneurial companies who think globally but act locally. The character and creativity of its 21,000 employees in 169 countries worldwide have built the dynamic and entrepreneurial company that the Group is today. With numerous benefits encouraging wellness and a work-life balance, Hunter Douglas Group regards its employees as its most valuable resource which is the key to the Groups success. Background Corporate Mission and Core Values Corporate Mission: Hunter Douglas is the worlds market leader in manufacturing a wide range of innovative and quality architectural and window covering products. Hunter Douglas provides on-time delivery, reliable and friendly service at a competitive price. Its aim is to offer fulfillment to its staff and to secure a reasonable return to its shareholders. Core Values: Customer Oriented Putting customers first Providing reliable and friendly service. Achieving on-time delivery Innovation Seeking continuous improvement and new ideas to create value to our customers Striving for creative ways of doing our work better Teamwork Working together harmoniously to achieve common goals and objectives Integrity Honouring commitments to customers, staff and organisation Being sincere and truthful Communication Showing respect and understanding for each other Being frank, open and receptive Staff Well-Being Providing continuous training and development Recognising good performance Corporate Structure Board of Directors Hunter Douglas Group has a one-tier corporate structure. Under its Charter, the Board of Directors is responsible for the overall management and control of the Company. The Board is appointed by the shareholders at the annual General Meeting. The Board has four regular meetings per year and additional meetings as required. Board members may not be members of more than five boards of public companies. Independence The Board has six Members, of whom four are independent. It acts collectively by majority resolution. Functions The Board reviews the overall strategy, financial objectives, budgets, acquisi ­tions, divestments, capital expenditures, currency and aluminium hedging, port ­folio composition and returns, results and risks in the Companys business. Audit and Compensation Committees The Board has an Audit and a Compensation Committee, whose members are independent. The Audit Committee reviews the Companys accounts, internal controls and meets with the Companys external Auditors twice a year. The Compensation Committee reviews the Directors and Officers compensation and stock options. Chairman, President CEO Mr. Ralph Sonnenberg is Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer. Officers The Board annually appoints the Officers of the Company: the President, the Co-Presidents, four regionally responsible Vice Presidents, two Staff Vice Presidents and a Corporate Secretary. The Vice Presidents and Corporate Secretary report to the President. Financial Reporting In accordance with the applicable reporting principles, the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group. The annual report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group, together with a description of the principal opportunities and risks associated with the expected develop ­ment of the Group. Major Business Processes A business process is a collection of structured, related tasks or activities which produce a specific product or service which serves a particular goal for customers. The main types of business processes observed in this case study report are Management Processes, Operational Processes and Supporting Processes. Management processes: processes which govern the operation of a system in an organisation. Typical management processes include Corporate Governance and Strategic Management. Corporate Governance The Hunter Douglas Group is incorporated in The Netherlands Antilles and has its statutory seat in Curaà §ao. Hunter Douglas is therefore not subject to The Netherlands Corporate Governance Code. However, Hunter Douglas adheres to good Corporate Governance. The Group has the following key internal controls: Conflicts of Interest Policy The Conflicts of Interest Policy is applicable to all key employees covering relations with customers, suppliers and other third parties. Insider Trading Policy The Insider Trading Policy, as prescribed by the Authority Financial Markets (AFM), restricts trading in the Companys shares by Directors, Officers, key employees and related persons. Internal Audit Function Hunter Douglas principal Operating Companies have an Internal Audit Program. Authority Limits Every Manager, including the Regional Vice Presidents, has clearly defined Authority Limits. Whistleblower Policy Hunter Douglas has a Whistleblower Policy in each and every Company within the Group. Compensation Compensation is reviewed by the Compensation Committee of the Board. The Company also follows the best practices: Stock options Stock options are granted for five years with vesting starting after two years. Stock It is not the Companys Policy to provide stock at no cost. Loans Loans to Directors, Officers or other employees bear market interest. There is no forgiveness of principal or interest. Investor Relations Hunter Douglas has an Investor Relations Website, regularly issues press releases and holds analysts and investor meetings. Strategic Management Strategic management is a process through which organizations analyse and learn from their internal and external environments, establish strategic direction, create strategies which are intended to move the organisation in that direction and implement those strategies, all in an effort to satisfy stakeholders, as illustrated in the diagram below: External Analysis (External Environment) Strategic Controls Direction Setting: Generate, Allocate Build Develop Vision Evaluate, and relationships Control Mission and Manage Systems Values Select, Resources Design Strategies Structures Measure and Evaluate performance Internal Analysis (Internal Environment) Strategy Formulation Strategy Implementation and Evaluation Hunter Douglas Group has been successful over the long term because the Group has effectively acquired, develop and manage resources and capabilities that provide competitive advantage. The Group has, over the years, achieved strong brand recognition such as the HunterDouglas ® in North America and Asia as well as for Architectural Products worldwide. Luxaflex ® for residential window coverings in the rest of the world. The Hunter Douglas Group, with its 21,000 employees in 169 countries worldwide, takes advantage of its organisational strengths and environmental opportunities. It continues to neutralise or overcome organisational weaknesses and environmental threats by managing its business processes well and applies best practices. Operational processes: processes which constitute the organisations core business and create the primary value stream. Typical operational processes include Purchasing, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Sales. As a highly decentralised organisation, each company in each region within the Hunter Douglas Group manages autonomous operations with minimum interference and maximum accountability, growing their businesses within the groups entrepreneurial environment following the corporate governance, vision, mission and values. Supporting processes: processes that support the organisations core processes. Examples in this category include Accounting, Recruitment, Technical support. Although highly decentralised, each company in each region within the Hunter Douglas Group has to follow an Internal Audit Program when it comes to financial and accounting matters. Recruitment and Human Resource matters are set in line with the business plan and strategies of each company in each region as well as in line with the directions and corporate governance, vision, mission and values of the Group. Business Strategy Porters Generic Strategies Target Scope Advantage Low Cost Product Uniqueness Broad Cost Leadership Differentiation (Industry Wide) Strategy Strategy Narrow Focus Strategy Focus Strategy (Market Segment) (Low Cost) (Differentiation) Hunter Douglas Groups strategy is to grow the market and the Groups market share by continuing to introduce innovative and proprietary new products and by expanding its presence in key geographic markets. It was observed that Hunter Douglas Group has been successful in using the Differentiation Strategy by having the following internal strengths: Access to leading research and development Highly skilled and creative product development team Strong sales teams with the ability to successfully communicate the perceived strengths and benefits of the product. Corporate reputation for quality and innovation Differentiation Strategy A differentiation strategy calls for the development of a product or service that offers unique attributes that are valued by customers and that customers perceive to be better than or different from the products of the competition. The value added by the uniqueness of the product may allow the firm to charge a premium price for it. The firm hopes that the higher price will more than cover the extra costs incurred in offering the unique product. Because of the products unique attributes, if suppliers increase their prices the firm may be able to pass along the costs to its customers who cannot find substitute products easily. The risks associated with a differentiation strategy include imitation by competitors and changes in customers tastes. Generic Strategies and Industry Forces Industry Generic Strategies Force Cost Leadership Differentiation Strategy Focus Strategy Strategy Entry Ability to cut price in Customer loyalty can Focusing develops core Barriers retaliation deters discourage potential competencies that can act potential entrants entrants as an entry barrier Buyer Ability to offer lower Large buyers have less Large buyers have less power Power price to powerful power to negotiate to negotiate because of few buyers because of few close alternatives alternatives Supplier Better insulated from Better able to pass on Suppliers have power Power powerful suppliers supplier price increases because of low volumes, to customers but a differentiation-focused firm is better able to pass on supplier price increases to customers Threats of Can use low price to Customers become Specialised products core Substitutes defend against attached to differentiating competency protect substitutes attributes, reducing against substitutes threats of substitutes Rivalry Better able to Brand loyalty to keep Rivals cannot meet compete on price customers from rivals differentiation-focused customer needs Relationship With External Entities In order to remain successful and continue to expand its market share, Hunter Douglas Group has learned to develop and manage relationships with wide range of organisations, groups and people that have a stake in their business. The emergence of a fiercely competitive global economy means that the companies within the Hunter Douglas Group have to expand their networks of relationships in their region and cooperate with each other to remain competitive. Education Hunter Douglas Singapore team up with the National University of Singapores Department of Architecture to organise the NUS-Hunter Douglas Award for the innovative use of technology in Architecture. Hunter Douglas Group has developed multi-level training and education programs for its fabricators, retail dealers, professional designers and installers. It holds consumer seminars to help prospective buyers under ­stand the importance of window coverings for home fashions and for light control and energy efficiency. It provides training seminars and hands-on workshops for retailers, designers and installers, which includes CD-Roms, videotapes and web-based instructions, through ­out the world. It has created the industrys first and only formal Retail Alliance Program, offering its very best dealers a choice of tiered partnership options that reward their brand loyalty with lucrative business-building benefits, including financial incentives and exclusive products and programs. Through Hunter Douglas Group exclusive partnership with Archiprix International, it builds relationships with the next generation of architects as they begin their careers after college. With Hunter Douglas Groups support, Archiprix organises a biennial international com ­petition for the best graduation projects in architecture. Finalists travel to a host city with hundreds of architects from around the world where an independent jury evaluates the student entries and recognizes the most outstanding work with the Hunter Douglas award. Hunter Douglas Singapore was conferred the Singapore Institute of Architects Friend of Architecture Award in recognition of the companys contribution to Architecture in Singapore and its continuous support for the Singapore Institute of Architects. Its Windows of Opportunity seminar on the use of window fashions in interior design reaches more than 2,500 design school students and designers in major United States markets each year. At the Fashions Institute of Technology in New York and other leading design schools, Hunter Douglas provides design students with industry overviews and a business perspective through teaching opportunities. At the renowned Pratt School of Architecture, Hunter Douglas has sponsored design studio projects that challenge students to envision new and novel ways to integrate its products and materials into architectural structures. Corporate Citizenship Hunter Douglas Group actively supports the com ­munities in which they live, work and do business. Decisions about which causes to support and the form that support takes are made locally by the management in each country. It provides window coverings to hospitals, research centres and healthcare facilities around the world. It supports educational opportu ­nities for the families of its staff and less privileged members of our communities. In the United States and Canada, Hunter Douglas sponsors Habitat for Humanity, donating custom window cover ­ings for the homes Hunter Douglas has built for low-income families since 1993. Hunter Douglas employees have also contributed thousands of hours in sweat equity assisting with the building of these homes at the local level. Hunter Douglas stimulates students awareness of its products and encourage their creativity through competi ­tions in which they are judged upon the innovative application of its products in their design projects. Hunter Greenà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ and Keen on Green are important new company-wide environmental initiatives being undertaken by the Hunter Douglas branded compa ­nies to reduce energy consump ­tion, water usage and its overall carbon-footprint. It also includes an ongoing consumer marketing effort creating increased aware ­ness of Hunter Douglas corporate commit ­ment to the cause as well as the superior energy-saving benefits of its products. The Process of Human Resource Planning in the Organisation Manpower Planning Manpower planning is a process of getting the right number of qualified people into the right job at the right time. It is a system of matching the supply of people internally, who are the existing employees, and externally, potential talents to be hired or searched for, with job openings which the Group expects to have over a given time frame. This planning requires the human resource departments in the Group to prepare an inventory of skills and talents already available as well as coordinating and controlling various activities in the Hunter Douglas Group. Manpower planning involves reviewing current manpower resources, forecasting future requirements and availability as well as taking steps to ensure that the supply of people and skills meets demand. It utilises the concept of planning to visualise how the Hunter Douglas Group can go through the allocation and control of its manpower resources in a better manner. It is also a tool for higher management to equip themselves with the necessary data on its human resources available immediately within the Group and from outside, when the need arises to meet markets demand. Manpower Planning Model Forecast Demand Forecast Supply Considerations: Internally Product/ Service demand Staffing tables Economics Balance Supply and Demand Markov analysis Technology Skills inventories Financial resources/ limitations Recruitment (Shortage) Management inventories Absenteeism/ turnover Full-time Replacement charts Organisational growth Part-time Succession planning Management philosophy Recalls/ transfers Overtime Externally Techniques: Outsourcing Demographic changes Trend analysis Reductions (Surplus) Education of workforce Managerial estimate Terminations Labour mobility Delphi technique Layoffs Government policies Leave without pay Unemployment rate Outplacement Demotions Retirement Factors Economic Competition Government action Organisational Divisional Skills and Historical Data Objectives Department abilities Nature of company Objectives required Skills Inventory Net human resource Types, numbers, requirements Human Resources Negative: Layoff, terminations, resignations, retirement Manpower planning, as observed in the Hunter Douglas Group, consists of the following steps: Identify the Groups objectives and strategies which are stipulated in the business plan and from the strategic planning processes of the companies within the Group. Determine the impact of the organisations objectives on specific organisational units. For this purpose the cascade approach can be used, whereby the organisations long term strategies are translated into the shorter term performance objectives and time schedules per division and department. Define the skills, expertise and total number of employees (demand for human resources) required to achieve the organisation and department objectives by using the different statistical methods and managerial estimates. Perform an analysis of the Groups current human resources. By doing a skills inventory will shed light on the number of current employees in terms of their different competencies, skills, training levels, qualifications, work experience, etc. Determine the additional (net) human resource requirements in light of the Groups current human resources. Develop action plans to meet the anticipated human resource needs which may include a comprehensive succession plan for each department, resultant recruitment strategies, the design and implementation of managerial development and other training programs, making available bursary schemes for current participants who may eventually fill scarce positions, designing compensation packages to attract and retain quality staff. The key activities of Human Resource Management carried out by both line managers and the Human Resource practitioners in the Hunter Douglas Group are: Organisation Organisation structuring: developing an organisation which caters for all the activities required, groups them together in a way which encourages integration and cooperation. Job design and role specification: deciding on the contents of the jobs which involve the employees duties and responsibilities and the relationships that exist between job holders and other employees within the Hunter Douglas Group. Organisational development: stimulating, planning and implementing programmes designed to improve the effectiveness with which the organisation functions and adapts to change. The employment relationship Improving the quality of the employment relationship Creating a climate of trust and self propulsion Developing a more positive psychological contract Achieving a highly committed organisation Resourcing Human resource planning: assessing future people requirements in terms of both numbers and all levels of skill and competence. Formulating and implementing plans to meet those requirements through recruitment, training, development, etc. Recruitment and selection: obtaining the number and type of people the organisation needs Performance management Getting better results from the companies, teams and individuals by measuring and managing performance within agreed frameworks of objectives and competence requirements; assessing and improving performance. Human resource development Organisational and individual learning Skill improvement through systematic approach to training Reward management Job evaluation: assessing the relative size of jobs as a basis of determining internal relativities Pay: developing and administering pay structures and systems Non-financial rewards: providing employees with non-financial rewards e.g. recognition, increased responsibility and opportunity to achieve and grow. Employee benefits: providing benefits in addition to pay which cater for personnel security and personal needs Employee relations Employee relations involving managing and maintaining formal and informal relationships with trade unions and their members Employee involvement and participation which means sharing information with employee and consulting them on matters of mutual interest Communication: creating and transmitting information of interest to employees. Health, safe

Letters From The Samantha :: essays research papers

An interesting short story is "Letters from The Samantha" by Mark Helpin. This story tells the fascinating tale, in the form of never sent letters, of an ape brought aboard an iron-hulled sailing ship in 1909 by Samson Low, the ship’s captain. Although the author makes a point to tell the reader, through Samson Low, that the animal does not symbolize anything or mean anything, in fact, "He stands for nothing" (280), several arguments can be made to contradict this. One could argue that the ape symbolized the untamed and rarely used wild side of Samson Low through a comparison of their personalities, appearances, and the way they are treated by others. Samson Low was a captain of a ship owned by the Green Star Line. He is a stickler for rules and the proper code of conduct. When writing to his company, he reminds them of "the complete absence of disciplinary action against me" (271). This serves to highlight that he has never been in trouble or bro ken the rules. He is comfortable and comforted by his pattern of obedience and thinks others must be as well: "Though my subordinates sometimes complain, they are grateful no doubt, for my firm rule and tidiness" (271). His ship is always on time or even ahead of schedule. The picture painted is of a steady, reliable, conservative man who always does the appropriate thing in a situation. However, a typhoon the ship sails through reveals a different, less predictable side. When describing the typhoon, Samson thinks, "I confess that I have wished to be completely taken up by such a thing, to be lifted into the clouds†¦" (272). This is hardly the thought of a truly buttoned-down man. He also imagines surrendering to the seas, "But I have not, and will not." (272). While he seems content with his life, Samson Low’s secret yearnings sometimes show through. It is because of this Samson seems jealous of the ape and the things it has experienced. Sa mson has only dreamed while the ape has actually lived. The ape, when first aboard, climbs the rigging to the highest point from there he has a total view of the ship below and all that goes on much like a "pharaonic" captain would do. While in the rigging the ape shrieks and hollers frightening the crew until the captain climbs up to it.

Shamanism: The Siberian Paradigm in the Analysis of Shamans Essay

Shamanism: The Siberian Paradigm in the Analysis of Shamans THE ANALYS OF THE SHAMAN: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION King Louis IX of France, a devout Roman Catholic who is venerated as saint and exemplary Christian monarch, received a harrowing report from a Franciscan monk in 1255. The Monk Wilhelm av Ruysbroek, who had been sent to the court of Mongolia on behalf of France, retold the account of an oracle that invoked spirits with sorcery and fed an evil darkness with drum music and boiled meat. Scholars now realize that this account describes the first encounter a Westerner experienced with shamanistic rituals (Siikala, A.L. & Hoppà ¡l, M. 1998). More importantly, despite his subjective portrayal, the French Monk introduced the concept of the shaman to the West. Through many subsequent eye-witness reports, it would be seen that the role of the shaman has remained relatively unchanged from century to century. The shaman, as a spiritual-religious specialist, is now the focus of much Western scholarship with research analyzing the role of this individual within the shamanistic systems of belief. Yet, it is within this study that the scholar of shamanism must become acquainted with the characteristics of the shaman through the collection and scrutiny of primary data in order to properly interpose established conclusions to the discipline. These conclusions should introduce original claims within the field such as shaman identification criteria, detailed research methodologies, and deconstructions of clan-specific shamanic history. More importantly, the data being analyzed must originate from first-hand accounts of shamans and their otherworldly journeys, ceremonial rituals, and specialized paraphernalia. The aim of this research piece is... ...ifferent worlds and interaction with unearthly beings is juxtaposed with a dependency to a participatory community. In the end scholarship is given an understanding of the shaman that is accord with the reality of the cultural circumstances. References Eliade, M. (2005). In L. Jones (Ed.), Encyclopedia of religion (2nd ed. ed., pp. 8269-8274). Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA. Pharo, L. K. (2011). A methodology for a deconstruction and reconstruction of the concepts â€Å"Shaman† and â€Å"Shamanism†. Numen: International Review for the History of Religions, 58 Sidky, H. (2010). Ethnographic perspectives on differentiating shamans from other ritual intercessors. Asian Ethnology, 69(2), (pp. 213-240). Siikala, A.L. & Hoppà ¡l, M. (1998). Studies on shamanism. Helsinki: Finish Anthropological Society. Stutley, M. (2003). Shamanism: An introduction. London: Routledge.

Broadcasting in the UK Essay -- Television TV Antenna Digital Essays P

Broadcasting in the UK Introduction: Broadcasting, the transmission of information by radio or television, is a major factor affecting the television industry today. Broadcasting is currently achieved through analogue, a system that has existed since television began in the 1940’s and 50’s. "Analogue converts sound and pictures into waves, which are then transmitted through the air and picked up by our rooftops or indoor aerials." But, because of rapid technological advances in the modern era, analogue will soon be obsolete, and is presently in the process of being replaced by digital broadcasting, the new form of broadcasting that "turns pictures and sound into computer language, which changes one’s television into a form of computer, so that it can connect to the Internet, take interactive programs, and carry many more channels," all of which cannot be accomplished through analogue. As modern technology grows, the television industry is introduced to major issues, such as low consumer confidence, analogue switch-off difficulties, and the lack of technical skills. And unless these problems are resolved soon, they will lead to the collapse of the television industry. Lack of skills: Concerns associated with employee technical skills is becoming very common in the digital TV industry. The industry fears that its employees may lack the advanced technical knowledge required for the future. Its major concern right now is to find the right people with the right skills to effectively implement future strategies. Digital TV companies must become much more competent, innovative and creative, which means that its employees must be willing to develop themselves and their company in order to sustain the industry. As many are aware, IT skills will be very essential to the well-being of the industry. Because a number of shoppers today are already purchasing products online – and Internet access via digital TV exists, advanced IT skills are definitely required for the future health of the digital TV industry. However, since the demand for specialist IT skills is increasing and the human resources are limited, there exists a shortfall – one that appears to worsen . It has been reported by e-commerce consultancy, Spectrum Strategy, that over 850,000 e-business jobs could be created in Britain by 2003. But unfortunately, due to skills shortages, the digital TV indu... ...emove public confusion. However, ONDigital and SkyDigital have also pursued a common plan. Both companies have negotiated a plan with the UK Parliament to aid their shared issue. But unfortunately for both, Parliament has not yet conducted any of its promised public info campaigns. Conclusion: In conclusion, the future of digital television is unpredictable. Who knows where our high-tech society will end up next? Because technological advances are happening "right before our eyes," the TV industry is forced to "keep up with" modern technology. If this cannot be accomplished effectively, the industry will experience its gradual downfall. The UK government must help the industry "stay on track" and ensure that its products are agreeable to public interest. But in order to do so, Parliament must take a serious stand on the issue and motivate itself to promote public awareness of the benefits of converting to digital TV. If Parliament fails to play an "active" role, results for the television industry will be extremely negative. Not only will this give the industry a "bad" reputation, but it will also cause the Parliament itself to have a long-term negativereputation as well.

Theodore Roosevelt’s the Threat of Japan

Document: Theodore Roosevelt:  The Threat of Japan, 1909 [At Mt. Holyoke] Introduction: For my history assignment, I chose the document â€Å"Theodore Roosevelt’s The Threat of Japan†. After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, modernization took place, bringing Japan to the height of power equivalent to a western power after defeating both China and Russia. United States was maintaining its policy of isolationism but was slowly transitioning to self interest imperialism, keeping control over countries with economic benefit such as open door policy with China.A summary of this article would be Roosevelt’s changing ideas of how US should change their foreign policy with regard to the dynamic change in the balance of world powers in 1909. My essay shall first examine the supporting points of the documents including the credibility of the source, reasons why Japan is a threat and immigration problems. Opposing points to mention would be that the document may be affect b y the mentality of white’s men supremacy. All things considered, I largely agree with the source and President Roosevelt’s analysis of Japan as a threat.Paragraph 1: Credibility of source The document is a primary source, written by Theodore Roosevelt himself at the point of time to Senator Knox, giving original evidence in light to our argument. I have two considerations with regard to the source’s credibility, the credentials of the author and the timeliness of the events. Theodore Roosevelt as the 26th president of the United States, have he assumed positions at the city, state, and federal levels before elected as president and was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.As he has a reputation to uphold alongside his prestigious titles, there is less likeliness of him to be bias in his reports. The documented concerns give factual material in line with the events happening at that point of time. It is true that â€Å"Japan has formidable military power† an d â€Å"considered themselves to be on a full equality† after their victory in the Russo-Japanese war in 1904-1905. There was also an immigration problem of Japanese â€Å"flocking by the hundred thousand into the US† and California legislature threatens to pass 17 anti-Japanese measures in 1909. As the ource is based on much concrete evidence as cross referenced with the timeline of events, I can claim that this document is credible to a large extent. Paragraph 2: Japan as a threat At the start of the 20th century, Japan came to be pictured as a political menace against United States, and her immigrants had been seen as a threat to American institution and economic security. Her victory in the Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War forced Roosevelt to see Japan as an equal. Meiji restoration where Japan combined Western advances with their own traditional values subsequently adopting modernization and military conscription.They view themselves as being encroached by foreigners under the unequal treaty system of the United States thus justifying Japan’s expansionistic intents. Examples would be Japan forcing its way through the Northeast China through the ownership of South Manchurian railway and formal control of Manchuria inherited from Russia. In the event of Portsmouth Treaty and the renewal of the Anglo-Japanese alliance in 1905, Japan used this chance to claim interest in Korea. Roosevelt acknowledged Japan’s military capabilities and is cautious when dealing with them.His famous â€Å"Big Stick Diplomacy† can be seen as he uses the concept of speaking softly, engaging in peaceful negotiation while having a â€Å"big stick†, a strong military. This is evident in the statement â€Å"treat Japan courteously that she will not be offended more than necessary† and constantly emphasizing the need of â€Å"keeping the Navy at the highest point of efficiency. † Roosevelt stressed harshly upon the need tha t the Navy needs to be strong in order to firstly keep Japan at bay through deterrence theory and secondly able to win wars if the need ever arise to.This shows that Roosevelt took Japan as a menace very seriously, and has placed in effect, measures that prevent the threat from manifesting. Paragraph 3: Japan’s immigration problems Since the opening of Japan from its self imposed seclusion policy in 1854, scholars have studied aboard to acquire Western teachings. The immigration problem manifested once Japanese started immigrating to Hawaii, Canada and US motivated by economic gains and evasion of military services. In the year 1900 alone, 12000 Japanese entered United States and by 1910 the population trebled to a total of 72,517.Although this bought a solution to their demand of cheap labour, another set of problems arise in the form of economic, racial and anti-Japanese agitation. Examples included would be San Francisco School Board implemented segregation of education sc hool between Japanese and American children, and â€Å"California legislature passing offensive legislation aiming at Japanese†. This background knowledge is coherent in identifying the social problems such as a â€Å"race problem and contest† is forecasted if nothing is done to keep them out.He understands that his people will not permit the Japanese to come in â€Å"as citizens and will not tolerate their presences. † US experienced widespread anti-Japanese sentiments and this is supported from evidence that Roosevelt received insults such as â€Å"an unpatriotic President, who united with aliens to break down the civilization of his own countrymen† by San Francisco Chronicle when he decided to back Japan up against segregation measures by other nations.However Roosevelt’s reasons was that he did not wish to create tension and friction between the relations of two countries and hope to continue with their peaceful diplomatic attempts to prevent a ny possibility of war. In essence, despite the anti-Japanese agitation of the people with their measures in place, Roosevelt found it hard to openly support them as he hopes to continue their mutual corresponding efforts in diplomacy and restrain from any form of conflict. Paragraph 4: White Men’s SupremacyAn uncertainty would be that Roosevelt may be slightly bias due to the prevalent widespread ideology of â€Å"White men’s supremacy† at that point of time. In the height of imperialism, the poem of â€Å"The White Man’s Burden† by Rudyard Kipling bought about feelings of superiority and condescending view over the less developed countries mainly Asia. The Whites have the obligation to rule over the indigenous population through colonialization and civilizing mission to educate them. The relationship between US and Japan was marked with tensions with regard to economic and commercial interest over Asia.Roosevelt may view Japan in a negative light such as an aggressor because he felt that only US has a legitimate rule and control over China, unlike an inferior Asian country like Japan However in Roosevelt’s analysis, the rest of the US has a different impression of Japan. He claims that â€Å"the moment everything is smooth and pleasant, there will be a clamor for a stoppage in the building up of the navy. † It can be inferred from Roosevelt that US is easily conceited and once they are in their comfort zone, they will forgot how big a threat Japan possess. Conclusion:In context to what we have learnt so far, it is most relevant to our lecture 6 of â€Å"Culture of High Imperialism – Japan†. Through the evaluation of this document, we have seen that Western power, US, have acknowledged the might of an Asian country, Japan. There have been a change in the balance of global power at that point of time and â€Å"White Men Supremacy† ideology was tested as Japan defeat Russia and China. United S tate’s President Roosevelt was forced to recognize â€Å"the whole question of our dealings with the Orient is certain to grow in importance† and there was a drastic change of perception of the social construct of the world.He highlighted Japan as a threat of interest and territory in Asia as well as creation of an immigrant problem of racial contest in Hawaii and parts of US. Roosevelt gave solutions such as â€Å"Big Stick Diplomacy† of building up the Navy and keeping it strong to deter Japan from attacking them. He stressed that Senator Knox should not lower his guard during moments of peace and overlook the job of keeping the Navy in its highest point of efficiency as well as controlling the emigration rate of Japanese into US.I have tested the source’s credibility and found it to be largely reliable and largely agree that Japan was a threat to US in the early 1900s and Roosevelt was correct to identify them as one and implement solutions to counter their aggression. 1496 words Bibliography Chitoshi Yananga, Japan Since Perry (Achron Books; Hamden, Connecticut, 1966) David Cody, The growth of the British Empire, Associate Professor of English, (Hartwick College Paragraph 4) 1988 Hunt, Lynn, Thomas R. Martin, Barbara H. Rosenwein, R. Po-chia Hsia et al.. The Making of the West, Peoples and Cultures.Vol. C. 3rd ed. Boston: Bedford/ St. Martin's, 2009. Mark Canada; The Ready Reference Handbook (49b) Martin, Gary. â€Å"Speak Softly And Carry a Big Stick† ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Mark Canada; The Ready Reference Handbook (49b) http://www. uncp. edu/home/canada/work/markport/best/evaluate. htm (Janaury 2001) [ 2 ]. Chitoshi Yananga, Japan Since Perry (Achron Books; Hamden, Connecticut, 1966), 439 [ 3 ]. Hunt, Lynn, Thomas R. Martin, Barbara H. Rosenwein, R. Po-chia Hsia et al.. The Making of the West, Peoples and Cultures. V ol. C. 3rd ed.Boston: Bedford/ St. Martin's, 2009. 712-13. [ 4 ]. Chitoshi Yananga, Japan Since Perry (Achron Books; Hamden, Connecticut, 1966), 334 [ 5 ]. Chitoshi Yananga, Japan Since Perry (Achron Books; Hamden, Connecticut, 1966), 333 [ 6 ]. Martin, Gary. â€Å"Speak Softly And Carry a Big Stick† [ 8 ]. Chitoshi Yananga, Japan Since Perry (Achron Books; Hamden, Connecticut, 1966), 429 [ 9 ]. Chitoshi Yananga, Japan Since Perry (Achron Books; Hamden, Connecticut, 1966), 437 [ 10 ]. David Cody, The growth of the British Empire, Associate Professor of English, (Hartwick College Paragraph 4) 1988 Theodore Roosevelt’s the Threat of Japan Document: Theodore Roosevelt:  The Threat of Japan, 1909 [At Mt. Holyoke] Introduction: For my history assignment, I chose the document â€Å"Theodore Roosevelt’s The Threat of Japan†. After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, modernization took place, bringing Japan to the height of power equivalent to a western power after defeating both China and Russia. United States was maintaining its policy of isolationism but was slowly transitioning to self interest imperialism, keeping control over countries with economic benefit such as open door policy with China.A summary of this article would be Roosevelt’s changing ideas of how US should change their foreign policy with regard to the dynamic change in the balance of world powers in 1909. My essay shall first examine the supporting points of the documents including the credibility of the source, reasons why Japan is a threat and immigration problems. Opposing points to mention would be that the document may be affect b y the mentality of white’s men supremacy. All things considered, I largely agree with the source and President Roosevelt’s analysis of Japan as a threat.Paragraph 1: Credibility of source The document is a primary source, written by Theodore Roosevelt himself at the point of time to Senator Knox, giving original evidence in light to our argument. I have two considerations with regard to the source’s credibility, the credentials of the author and the timeliness of the events. Theodore Roosevelt as the 26th president of the United States, have he assumed positions at the city, state, and federal levels before elected as president and was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.As he has a reputation to uphold alongside his prestigious titles, there is less likeliness of him to be bias in his reports. The documented concerns give factual material in line with the events happening at that point of time. It is true that â€Å"Japan has formidable military power† an d â€Å"considered themselves to be on a full equality† after their victory in the Russo-Japanese war in 1904-1905. There was also an immigration problem of Japanese â€Å"flocking by the hundred thousand into the US† and California legislature threatens to pass 17 anti-Japanese measures in 1909. As the ource is based on much concrete evidence as cross referenced with the timeline of events, I can claim that this document is credible to a large extent. Paragraph 2: Japan as a threat At the start of the 20th century, Japan came to be pictured as a political menace against United States, and her immigrants had been seen as a threat to American institution and economic security. Her victory in the Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War forced Roosevelt to see Japan as an equal. Meiji restoration where Japan combined Western advances with their own traditional values subsequently adopting modernization and military conscription.They view themselves as being encroached by foreigners under the unequal treaty system of the United States thus justifying Japan’s expansionistic intents. Examples would be Japan forcing its way through the Northeast China through the ownership of South Manchurian railway and formal control of Manchuria inherited from Russia. In the event of Portsmouth Treaty and the renewal of the Anglo-Japanese alliance in 1905, Japan used this chance to claim interest in Korea. Roosevelt acknowledged Japan’s military capabilities and is cautious when dealing with them.His famous â€Å"Big Stick Diplomacy† can be seen as he uses the concept of speaking softly, engaging in peaceful negotiation while having a â€Å"big stick†, a strong military. This is evident in the statement â€Å"treat Japan courteously that she will not be offended more than necessary† and constantly emphasizing the need of â€Å"keeping the Navy at the highest point of efficiency. † Roosevelt stressed harshly upon the need tha t the Navy needs to be strong in order to firstly keep Japan at bay through deterrence theory and secondly able to win wars if the need ever arise to.This shows that Roosevelt took Japan as a menace very seriously, and has placed in effect, measures that prevent the threat from manifesting. Paragraph 3: Japan’s immigration problems Since the opening of Japan from its self imposed seclusion policy in 1854, scholars have studied aboard to acquire Western teachings. The immigration problem manifested once Japanese started immigrating to Hawaii, Canada and US motivated by economic gains and evasion of military services. In the year 1900 alone, 12000 Japanese entered United States and by 1910 the population trebled to a total of 72,517.Although this bought a solution to their demand of cheap labour, another set of problems arise in the form of economic, racial and anti-Japanese agitation. Examples included would be San Francisco School Board implemented segregation of education sc hool between Japanese and American children, and â€Å"California legislature passing offensive legislation aiming at Japanese†. This background knowledge is coherent in identifying the social problems such as a â€Å"race problem and contest† is forecasted if nothing is done to keep them out.He understands that his people will not permit the Japanese to come in â€Å"as citizens and will not tolerate their presences. † US experienced widespread anti-Japanese sentiments and this is supported from evidence that Roosevelt received insults such as â€Å"an unpatriotic President, who united with aliens to break down the civilization of his own countrymen† by San Francisco Chronicle when he decided to back Japan up against segregation measures by other nations.However Roosevelt’s reasons was that he did not wish to create tension and friction between the relations of two countries and hope to continue with their peaceful diplomatic attempts to prevent a ny possibility of war. In essence, despite the anti-Japanese agitation of the people with their measures in place, Roosevelt found it hard to openly support them as he hopes to continue their mutual corresponding efforts in diplomacy and restrain from any form of conflict. Paragraph 4: White Men’s SupremacyAn uncertainty would be that Roosevelt may be slightly bias due to the prevalent widespread ideology of â€Å"White men’s supremacy† at that point of time. In the height of imperialism, the poem of â€Å"The White Man’s Burden† by Rudyard Kipling bought about feelings of superiority and condescending view over the less developed countries mainly Asia. The Whites have the obligation to rule over the indigenous population through colonialization and civilizing mission to educate them. The relationship between US and Japan was marked with tensions with regard to economic and commercial interest over Asia.Roosevelt may view Japan in a negative light such as an aggressor because he felt that only US has a legitimate rule and control over China, unlike an inferior Asian country like Japan However in Roosevelt’s analysis, the rest of the US has a different impression of Japan. He claims that â€Å"the moment everything is smooth and pleasant, there will be a clamor for a stoppage in the building up of the navy. † It can be inferred from Roosevelt that US is easily conceited and once they are in their comfort zone, they will forgot how big a threat Japan possess. Conclusion:In context to what we have learnt so far, it is most relevant to our lecture 6 of â€Å"Culture of High Imperialism – Japan†. Through the evaluation of this document, we have seen that Western power, US, have acknowledged the might of an Asian country, Japan. There have been a change in the balance of global power at that point of time and â€Å"White Men Supremacy† ideology was tested as Japan defeat Russia and China. United S tate’s President Roosevelt was forced to recognize â€Å"the whole question of our dealings with the Orient is certain to grow in importance† and there was a drastic change of perception of the social construct of the world.He highlighted Japan as a threat of interest and territory in Asia as well as creation of an immigrant problem of racial contest in Hawaii and parts of US. Roosevelt gave solutions such as â€Å"Big Stick Diplomacy† of building up the Navy and keeping it strong to deter Japan from attacking them. He stressed that Senator Knox should not lower his guard during moments of peace and overlook the job of keeping the Navy in its highest point of efficiency as well as controlling the emigration rate of Japanese into US.I have tested the source’s credibility and found it to be largely reliable and largely agree that Japan was a threat to US in the early 1900s and Roosevelt was correct to identify them as one and implement solutions to counter their aggression. 1496 words Bibliography Chitoshi Yananga, Japan Since Perry (Achron Books; Hamden, Connecticut, 1966) David Cody, The growth of the British Empire, Associate Professor of English, (Hartwick College Paragraph 4) 1988 Hunt, Lynn, Thomas R. Martin, Barbara H. Rosenwein, R. Po-chia Hsia et al.. The Making of the West, Peoples and Cultures.Vol. C. 3rd ed. Boston: Bedford/ St. Martin's, 2009. Mark Canada; The Ready Reference Handbook (49b) Martin, Gary. â€Å"Speak Softly And Carry a Big Stick† ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Mark Canada; The Ready Reference Handbook (49b) http://www. uncp. edu/home/canada/work/markport/best/evaluate. htm (Janaury 2001) [ 2 ]. Chitoshi Yananga, Japan Since Perry (Achron Books; Hamden, Connecticut, 1966), 439 [ 3 ]. Hunt, Lynn, Thomas R. Martin, Barbara H. Rosenwein, R. Po-chia Hsia et al.. The Making of the West, Peoples and Cultures. V ol. C. 3rd ed.Boston: Bedford/ St. Martin's, 2009. 712-13. [ 4 ]. Chitoshi Yananga, Japan Since Perry (Achron Books; Hamden, Connecticut, 1966), 334 [ 5 ]. Chitoshi Yananga, Japan Since Perry (Achron Books; Hamden, Connecticut, 1966), 333 [ 6 ]. Martin, Gary. â€Å"Speak Softly And Carry a Big Stick† [ 8 ]. Chitoshi Yananga, Japan Since Perry (Achron Books; Hamden, Connecticut, 1966), 429 [ 9 ]. Chitoshi Yananga, Japan Since Perry (Achron Books; Hamden, Connecticut, 1966), 437 [ 10 ]. David Cody, The growth of the British Empire, Associate Professor of English, (Hartwick College Paragraph 4) 1988