Berger’s Portrayal of Men vs Women

John Berger’s Portrayal of Male versus Female Nudity and it’s relation to Modern Society In the book Ways of Seeing, chapter 3 by John Berger, Berger outlines his portrayal of the differences between men and women and the manner in which they are culturally represented by analyzing nude depictions of woman in the European artistic tradition through paintings. The paintings overtime have demonstrated that men have more power over women as they are the main spectators of the paintings, and the women are the object of the paintings.These standards described in his article are still significant in today’s society, as seen by the reaction of the public to the advertisement displays of male nudity for the Leopold Museum in Vienna. According to Berger, the male’s presence is all about potency, power, strength and his abilities. He is viewed as the dominant being over the woman whereas the women’s presence is about only her and what can or cannot be done to her. Women are more concerned with surveying themselves the way they think others will see them so that they can act in a way that is appealing toward the men.This suggests that the way she views herself is the way society will see her. This theory is displayed in the styles of the European paintings. The paintings are geared toward the male viewer which gives him a legitimate excuse for looking at the nude women in order to flatter himself. The paintings clearly demonstrate through the expression of the woman that the woman is aware that she is being viewed thus objectifying herself as a subject of a gaze. Berger simplifies this by saying â€Å"Men look at women. Women watch themselves being looked at. † (Berger, 47).The overall point the chapter makes is that men have more power over women, and because of this, women are property of the men. Berger’s chapter gives many examples that support his portrayal that men are the more dominant gender. For example, when refle cting on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, it is Eve who gets punished, and Adam that becomes the agent of God. In another painting, The Judgement of Paris, Paris awards an apple to the women he believes to be the most beautiful thus turning beauty into a competition. The woman who is the most beautiful is to be owned by the judge, thus objectifying the woman to the man.Berger also mentions that some paintings also include a male lover however the attention on the women is rarely toward him, but is geared toward the viewer of the painting thus allowing the spectator the belief that he is the owner of the woman. Although Berger mainly talks about the cultural perspective of men and women, it is clear that his belief that men have more power over women are still occurring in recent society as seen in an article from The New York Times, and an article from BBC news on the public reactions to the nude male advertisements for the Leopold Museum in Vienna.Society today even creates this image that men have more power over women, and when the roles are reversed, as displayed in the male nude advertisements, it causes public outrage. In the BBC article, according to Tobias Natter, the director of the Leopold Museum, when it comes to male nudity, â€Å"Somehow it is taboo. † (Bell). It is true that male nudity is getting a new presence in modern society and is becoming increasingly more normal, however one can still assume a few reasons as to why there was an opposition to the display of the naked men on the posters.Going along with Berger’s view of women being the objects of the photos, the first reason is that having the men become the objects of the photos is extremely unusual and not something society is accustomed to. This is because the male is generally the power figure, and to see a man so vulnerable is such an unnatural thing. Another reason why these photos are deemed inappropriate is that because the male is now the object, the r ole of the spectator is now more difficult to define. Men do not want to be put in a position where they survey themselves. According to Berger, that role belongs to the women.Men also do not want to be seen as having less power and more vulnerability. Female nudity is associated with beauty and erotics. It is meant to be unthreatening. Male nudity however is much more challenging. Society in general is uncomfortable with seeing male genitalia in the public. Erich Kocina from the BBC news article states â€Å"We are not used to seeing a penis – I think that is the main problem for people. † (Bell). This opposition was reportedly greater among women because some women felt as though the images were pornographic and inappropriate for children to see.In the New York Times article, Klaus Pokorny, the museums spokesmen, stated that women had to shield their children’s eyes from the pictures of the naked men. (Cottrell). Also, because women are slightly more modest th an men, they might be more prone to embarrassment. Even though society has advanced in so many ways, it is still a little slow in adjusting to the views of men and women. Many people these days say that men and women are equal. More women are working â€Å"manly† jobs, and more men are becoming stay at home fathers. However, male versus female nudity still appears to be an issue.This should not be the way society thinks but unfortunately, nudity is still not totally accepted. The advertisements of the nude men should be a good way to open the eyes of the public to see the direction in which society is advancing and have awareness that men and women should not be portrayed so differently. Works Cited Berger, John. Ways of Seeing. London: Penguin, 1972. 45-64. Print. Bell, Bethany. â€Å"The shock of the (male) nude. †Ã‚  BBC News Magazine  [Vienna] 18 Nov 2012, Web. 19 Jan. 2013 Cottrell, Chris. â€Å"Viennese Museum to Cover Nude Ads. † The New York Times 17 O ct 2012, U. S Edition, Web. 17 Jan. 2013.

Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo Essay

Alexander Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo is founded upon historical events and political intrigue. He not only uses historical facts to help the reader understand, he also weaves such details into the story to make it possible for his reader to have an understanding of the current events that were taking place in France, during that time (from approx. 1815 through 1838). Dumas would want his readers to be familiar with French history, and to have it in their mind as they read his beloved tale. In the 1800’s Marseilles was one of the largest ports in the south of France with a â€Å"population between 93,000 and 110,000†, thus trade flourished and it was home to many merchants, and businesses (Marseilles). This is where our story of revenge begins. Marseilles was the hometown of Edmond who we meet as a naà ¯ve sailor who is later to become imprisoned as a political criminal, and altered for life. Marseilles was also the home to both Edmond’s father who dies of hunger soon after his son was imprisoned, and Edmonds beautiful, and noble fiancà © Mercedes who was a poor, Catalan. After Dantes’ imprisonment Mercedes cared for his father until he passed. She lost faith of Dantes ever being released from prison and back by her side, there for she felt she had no choice but to marry Fernand Mondego when he asked for her hand in marriage. Fernand Mondego was the jealous fisherman who also betrayed Dantes because he too was in love with Mercedes. Mondego saw, and seized the opportunity to thwart their love for one another. Military success brought Mondego a fortune, which allowed him to change his name to Count de Morcef, making Mercedes the Countess. The Morrel family (the owners of the ship, Pharaon), were also residents of Marseilles. Mr. Morrel felt a great deal of compassion for Dantes’ family which compelled him to not only invest with great effort, his time and money in an attempt to keep Dantes from an un-warranted life in prison but, he also paid for Dantes’ father’s burial. The cards were stacked against Dantes, and even with the assistance of M. Morrel, his future was written. Once Edmond escaped from prison he visited M. Morrel who was in the depths of despair, and contemplating thoughts of suicide because he could no longer support him self financially. Dantes seeing him as a righteous man who had once gone to great lengths, and knowing the efforts taken by Morrel in attempt to save him from prison, Dantes felt compelled, and anonymously made a financial contribution to Morrel, which, saved him from ruin. While Dantes never revealed himself as the contributor Morrel suspected that it was he, and on his deathbed Morrel explains to his family that he believes that their finical savior was indeed Edmond Dantes. The prosecutor of Marseilles, who was ultimately responsible for Dantes’ incarceration, was Monsieur de Vellefort. Vellefort’s father was a known Bonapartist. Vellefort who disagreed with his father’s stance, and as the prosecutor decidedly took an extremely harsh stance on his policy in dealing with Bonapartist conspirators. Vellefort sought to protect his own name by placing Edmond in prison as a political conspirator because he knew, and feared the letter Dantes carried could be traced back to his (Vellef ort’s) father so, he used his power in a misguided manor to which he would later suffer at the hands of Dantes. Danglars was a man driven by non-other than jealousy who also lived in Marseilles at the time. He despised that Dantes had been advanced to Captain of the Pharaon instead of him, and sought out a plot in which Dantes could be caught with the letter to tarnish his name, leaving Danglar’s the only choice to fill his role as captain. After Edmond’s imprisonment Danglars indeed became the captain and eventually graduated his position to a banker. As a banker he was able to acquire an incredible fortune where he then became a Baron. In the end Monte Cristo destroyed Danglars by destroying his fortune. Dumas purposely created each of these characters to have beginning in a position of poverty, showing us how they were either villainous in their rise to fortune, and would ultimately be ruined by Dantes’revenge. Or, Dumas showed the character to be virtuous with their fortune, and power eventually to be saved, or spared by our protagonist. He also showed us these characters progression from the bottom of the socioeconomic structure, eventually prospering into wealth, their bye showing us, [the reader] there were no misgivings of old money or new during these times in France. Each of these characters rose in the echelons, and were afforded the ability to acquire a title and were able re-create themselves within society in a manner to which they deemed worthy of their amassed fortunes. This ability for one to somewhat procure a title gives us a great sense of the changes that were taking place during that time, it was no longer about being of royal blood that gave you credibility, or worthiness, but about how hard one worked to further themselves and gain their fortune. In the opening scenes of the story Danglars, who is the ships â€Å"supercargo† reports to the ships owner once they docked in Marseilles, that Edmond, acting on what was the last dying wish of his captain, had stopped at the island of Elba to retrieve a letter that was addressed to Noirtier (Dumas 5). In fulfilling his captains last dyeing wish, Edmond’s unknowingly retrieved a letter from Napoleon personally, making it appear as though he was conspiring with the then exiled Napolean, and that he himself was a Bonapartist. Napoleon had been a soldier and then went on to become Emperor of France in the early 1800’s. It was after the French Revolution that Napoleon was elected First consul of France. Napoleon made many great changes for his country. He brought much needed structure back to France. He began by implementing better education, paying off France’s debt, and changing the structure of his army. He allowed not only the affluent to rise within the ranks, but affording the impoverished the same opportunity of growth within the ranks as they proved their worth, and showcased their talents. Napolean’s army was no longer based upon economic stature, but one that afforded an equal playing field to every man (as long as they were anglo). Napoleon also applied this same thought process into the civilian realm of France as well. In an attempt to expand France’s territory he invaded Russia. This invasion turned out to be one of Napoleon’s greatest defeats. During this great siege Napoleon was out maneuvered by Russia’s Alexander I, this resulted in a defeat, and a loss of almost 500,000 French troops. Soon after he stepped down as consul and was banished to the island of Elba. During this time, there were citizens who still loved and supported what he had done for France; these people were considered to be Bonapartist’s. There were also members of the French nobility (and much of Europe’s) who despised Napoleon, they wanted nothing more than to see him removed; they called themselves royalists. Dumas wanted this clearly defined so the reader would feel the internal power struggle between Bonapartist and Royalists. One of these royalists was a man named Villefort. He happened to be the prosecutor Edmonds faced in Marseilles. Villefort knew full well that Edmond was an innocent man, and not a Bonapartist, but made a calculated decision to protect his own ambitions, because it was his (Villefort’s) fathers name that was mentioned in the letter that Edmonds had carried back from Napoleon. His father was a known Bonapartist, so in an effort to show support to the royalists, and put a damper on the Bonapartist efforts, Villefort secretly sentenced Edmond to the political prison of Chateau d’if. Dantes was thrown into Chateau d’ if, and forgotten for fourteen years. During the first few years of his imprisonment Dantes’ father died of starvation, and Mercedes married Fernand; both of which he is completely unaware of. As time passed he became more and more delusional, and even began to contemplate suicide. All the while, his former employer Morrel made efforts to locate Dontes in an attempt to try to have him released, but was unable to find his location. The Chateau d’if, where our fictional character Dantes was imprisoned, was in fact an actual prison fortress. It was â€Å"built by the French King Francis I in 1524† on an island in the bay approximately one mile off the coast of Marseille (Chateau d’if). It’s was originally designed and was intended to be a defense mechanism against would be attackers of Marseille, but soon became the home to, â€Å"3,500 Huguenots (French Protestants) who earned their keep as galley slaves†(Marseille-Provence). This rocky, beach front setting is where Edmond Dantes was doomed to carry out his unwarranted sentence, and spent fourteen long years of his life; just a stone throw away from Marseille, yet no one could locate him. Many of the chateau’s actual guests seem to have had the common theme of being unwarranted prisoners. It was not unusual during the time for individuals to be â€Å"imprisoned without trial under so-called lettres de cachet, supposedly signed by the King, for minor misdemeanors (a popular ploy used by moneyed families to get rid of unruly offspring without causing a public scandal)†(Marseille-Provence). Funnily enough, one of Napoleons Civil Codes warranted it legal for a father to imprison a child for up to 1 month. Many of the Chateau’s inhabitants were lost in the shuffle, and locked up for as long as the family desired. This island for misfits, and unwanted relatives is also the location where Dantes befriends Abbe Faria, who was also a political prisoner. The two prisoners meet when the Abbe was attempting to tunnel his way to freedom; however, a miscalculation brought him directly into Dantes’ cell, instead of out to the freedom he had desired. The two newly found friends spent the next few years passing their time. Abbe dedicated himself to the task of educating Dantes in science, literature languages. He also helps Dantes figure out whom it was that played key parts, and were ultimate responsibility lie for his incarceration. At some point Abbe began to think of Dantes as the son he never had, and confided in Dantes the location to the hidden fortune. Together the two began planning their daring escape, knowing all the while that any escape plan would be difficult, if not impossible due to the fact that the prison is completely surrounded by water, and much of the island had vertical cliff walls that would raise the likelihood of injury if not death, while escaping. Fortunately for the pair, they had nothing but time. During this era in France, prisoners with wealth and title (like the Abbe) could request certain items to make their stay a bit more comfortable. The Abbe used this to their advantage, and was able to order some tools and trinkets for his cell. The same reason Abbe was able to order trinkets is the reason Edmond had none; he was penniless, and unable to purchase items. This was also quite indicative of the times; if you were higher up in society, you were able to purchase more benefits in prison, as well as in life. The Abbe died before the two were able to act out their escape plan. Thinking quickly on his feet, Dantes was able to replace his own body in the Abbe’s body bag, solidifying his own escape. The hopes Dantes held onto, and that drove him to be victorious in his escape were gone. When he did finally gain his freedom he was faced with the fact that his loved ones were either dead, or had moved on, and it was no longer a possibility to be a part of their life, or the one that he had left behind. He was a man who must decide what it was he was going to become, and do with the life that he regained. During this time it is made clear that Dantes was struggling with his purpose in life, and felt lost. It was said that he felt, â€Å"that he belongs to no country, no land, even to the point where he feels more at ease while on the ocean† (D’Ammassa). While contemplating what he was to become and what to do with his life, now that he was a free man Dantes spent some time onboard a ship as a smuggler in the Mediterranean. Where he could confront his feelings, and decide what is was he wanted to do. During one such smuggling trip Dantes had the opportunity to go to the Island of Monte Cristo where he resigned his position a smuggler and proceeded to find the treasure Abbe entrusted him with. The Island of Monte Cristo is indeed an actual island. It is located in the â€Å"Archipelago Toscano National Park† but, is not accessible to people and is now an animal refuge (Montercristo Island). It is presumed that Dumas had visited this remote island in 1842 and thought it perfect for the use as the setting in one of his novels; however, the actual island bears little resemblance to the one portrayed in his tale. In the story Edmond finds the treasure that Abbe Faria entrusted to him, on this island. The resources from the treasure will eventually allow him the opportunity to manifest himself into a count, and begin his ascent into righting the wrongs done unto him. Once his visit to the island of Monte Cristo has ended he proceeds to Rome where he stays for a while rejuvenating himself in upscale hotels, and taking beautiful women to the opera. During his stay there Dantes met Valentine, Villefort’s daughter; this act strikes a chord deep within Dantes and spurs his retribution into action. Dantes also meets Albert de Morcerf in Rome, where he aides in Alberts release from kidnappers. To return this life saving favor Dantes asks Albert to familiarize him with the Parisian aristocrats. For those of us with an appetite for a great revenge novel, this is where you can feel the plot begin to thicken, and Dumas has you flipping through the pages. With Albert as his guide, Dantes makes his way to Paris where the intrigue intensifies as Dantes began to pick off his prey one by one. During the time when Dumas’ tail was released, Paris was the metropolitan center of France, 600,000 people lived there. It was the mecca for European culture, and sciences, and also where many of Dumas’ readers would have been located making Paris an obvious choice to set such a tale; the sale of his writings to readers in the city were booming. Paris was left in shambles until Napoleon became first consul. At which time he began to re-model the city, giving it qualities you might have seen in a more up to date Rome. He added sewers, sidewalks bridges, and wharves. These additions not only brought about a better economy, but better living conditions for many. This city full of Parisian culture was also where the Villefort, the Morcerf, and the Danglars families had all settled. These families migrated to Paris, and with their newly acquired wealth began lavishing them selves in a life of luxury. Once in Paris, and with help the Count finds his way into the midst of each of the families, becoming a most welcome guest. It is from this calculated position that Dantes is able to initiate his plan and ultimately unravel the successes, and happiness of each of the men who had at one time or another plotted against him. Dumas, was able to give his reader an understanding of the setting in The Count of Monte Cristo with ease, he simply embellished upon of the historical occasions that were taking place before his eyes. Dumas expertly tied together the political struggle between Napoleon and the Royalists. By expounding upon well-known, and heavily populated cities such as Marseille, he was able to bestow a bit of history, and expand his reader’s minds, while also adventuring with them to isolated, dangerous places like the Chateau d’if or even Monte Cristo Island. He solidifies the intrigue, danger, and of course revenge in his literary work of art, which is sure to continue to captivate readers for many generations to come. Works Cited â€Å"Chateau d’If†. Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica. Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica Inc., 2012. Web. 21 Nov. 2012 This article describes Chateau d’if the small Mediterranean island off the port of Marseille. I hope to be able to give a more accurate development of the scene where Dumas’ main character spent a great portion time. This article came from the Encyclopedia Britannica online. D’Ammassa, Don. â€Å"The Count of Monte Cristo.† Encyclopedia of Adventure Fiction. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2008. Bloom’s Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. 15

Fetal Pig Dissection Essay

-Three pairs of exocrine glands in the mouth that secrete saliva; the parotid, submandibular (sub maxillary), and sublingual glands The parotid is the largest and most easily visible of all the salivary glands. The sunbmaxillary is bean shaped and located under the bigger parotid gland. The submandibular gland lies near the jaw line. Glottis -The opening between the vocal cords at the upper part of the larynx. The epiglottis is what covers the glottis during swallowing, to block food/water form getting in the trachea. Epiglottis -The function of the epiglottis in a pig is to prevent food from going into the trachea. Epiglottis is attached to the entrance of the larynx and is made of elastic cartilage. The epiglottis projects up through the soft palate into a region called the nasopharynx Thymus Gland -Gland located near the heart; produces several hormones which stimulate development of cells important in immmunity Thyroid Gland -Endocrine gland located below the voice box; it produces hormones which control metabolism. The thyroid gland is darker and lies between the posterior ends of the two lobes of the thymus gland. Esophagus -Muscular tube that moves food from the pharynx to the stomach. The esophagus is dorsal to the trachea. Vocal Chords Lungs -To breathe, oxygenize blood Bronchi – At end of trachea, branches for air to enter lungs. Stomach – Digests food, breaks it down Small Intestine – Finishes digestion, absorbs nutrients, moves food to large intestine Large Intestine – Larger tubular structure that receives the liquid waste products of digestion, reabsorbs water and minerals, and forms and stores feces for defecation Rectum – A short tube at the end of the large intestine where waste material is compressed into a solid form before being eliminated; straight, posterior part of large intestine Cecum – The cecum houses a large number of bacteria that help in digestion of plant materials, mostly cellulose, that remains undigested in the stomach and small intestine. Appendix – Evolutionary remains of a larger cecum Anus – It allows the pig to release waste Liver – Organ that makes bile to break down fats; also filters poisons and drugs out of the blood Pancreas – Gland that produces hormones that regulate blood sugar; produces enzymes that break down carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids; and produces sodium bicarbonate, a base that neutralizes stomach acid Spleen – Organ near the stomach that produces, stores, and eliminates blood cells

Hotel Concept Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Hotel Concept - Essay Example A brand represents the core of the customers awareness of the hotel, its services and products. Keller (1997) explained that the positive or negative perceptions that are created and persuade a customer to avail or not to avail services at a certain hotel stand for the brand equity. A customers excellent experience with a certain hotel brand creates a strong representation of that hotel brand, whereas an awful experience wears away that strong brand. A prospective customer does not require first-hand experience with a certain hotel brand to create an impression of that hotel brand. Brand equity makes use of the media or other marketing techniques to strengthen mass exposure of their hotel brands. This means that people are aware of which among the hotels are classified excellent and poor even if they haven’t experienced being guests in those hotels. So, a strong need for hotel management is formed into creating the best and strong brand of hotel for business longevity as well as increase in profit. Creating strong hotel brands is believed to be one of the key factors in considering the success of the business. Hotel managers therefore need to study what composes brand equity in the hotel industry and exhibit a technique for how do they effectively measure hotel brands offering a decision-making tool for them in order to take full advantage of the value of their brands. The main rationale for building brand equity as the keystone for the success of the business is that it aids counterbalance competition by distinguishing their product, permitting hotel owners of a premium charge, and promoting customer loyalty. Aaker (1991) argued that defining precisely what composes a brand, nonetheless, is not as easy a job as stating what a brand should bring about. At some point, the concept of a brand is that a brand comprises a name, a symbol, a logo, and a trademark. However, pointing out brand

Response to the environmental impacts of tourism on Brecon Beacons Research Paper

Response to the environmental impacts of tourism on Brecon Beacons National Park - Research Paper Example The environment of the national parks have been providing great benefits to the government since it can help in developing business opportunities as well. Though national parks are considered a tourist places in most of the countries, it has its own problems. Places where tourism is given more importance have been prone to problems like pollution. The studies, researches and surveys reveal that tourism has a great impact on these national parks. Due to poor maintenance and business like activities, the parks have been affected by the environmental changes. Planning, management and maintenance of tourism will yield monetary benefits and will also lead to a better environment and protect them from harmful impacts. (Cohen & Amnion, 1994). The government must incorporate certain techniques which will control the problems related to environment and this in turn will reduce the impacts. The available resources can be utilized to maintain the national park in a much better way there by strengthening the resources. The research that was carried out earlier aimed at finding out the problems in Beacon national park as a result of the tourism impact. The impact of tourism on the environment and the study also concentrated on how the management maintains and manages the effects of the impacts. The research also included certain objectives which analyzed the effects of tourism and its related activities on places like national parks. The negative effects of tourism were also examined and the suitable methods were suggested. This was accomplished by conducting several researches and studies. These studies helped in investigating the problems that resulted due to tourism. The survey conducted among the residents of national park exhibited various results. Though certain results were contradictory, the outcome of the survey indicated that tourism will definitely have an impact on the Brecon Beacons national park. The best way to handle the tourism problem

Public Policies Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Public Policies - Term Paper Example These people feel threatened by the public interest groups that jockey for room and influence. However, there are others who believe that these groups prove that America is a vibrant democracy. This latter opinion makes much more sense and will be explored in the course of this essay. America has a truly brilliant political system. Each person has one vote. But by organizing together, groups of people can have a larger impact on the system. For example, people who enjoy owning guns for recreational purposes such as hunting can join together to be members of the NRA. There are millions of people who have done so. This is an issue that is important to them. When a politician suggests that the law should be changed to make possessing guns more dangerous, these millions of NRA members have an effective way of championing their position. Likewise, those who want more gun control are free to organize to present the opposite point of view. The debate will presumably happen in public. The representatives can choose a position and can allow the voters to ratify his or her decision at the next election. That is how democracy works. There is nothing broken about lobbying. As Anderson explains in his book, there are a number of different types of interest groups. Some are professional, some are ad hoc. Some are interested in a single issue, others have multiple interests. Some think tanks provide constant pressure on political issues (Anderson, 64). Others groups are collections of professional activists (Anderson, 72). In all of these forms, these groups contribute to our democracy. One of the transformative decisions of the Supreme Court in recent years regarding interest groups is the Citizens United decision which overturned the campaign financing laws. In the past groups could not spend very much money promoting a candidate during an election period. The Court felt that this was an assault on freedom of expression and overturned the law. In

Johannes Brahms - Sextet No. 1 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18 Essay

Johannes Brahms - Sextet No. 1 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18 - Essay Example The unconventional feature of the sextets written by Brahms was the number of instruments in the ensemble; Brahms chose to complement and expand the traditional quartet with additional cello and viola, for it enabled intensification of the sound and made all instruments equal in strength. Two additional instruments are used to embellish composition instead of directly contributing to full harmonies, moreover, they make music louder and thicker and also give additional volume while sounding either simultaneously or parallellously. Brahms’ sextets are a kind of challenge and the attempt to stand out and supersede Beethoven in his mastery. Involvement of two cellos brings fresh air to the composing pattern, as the second cello is predominantly a means of embellishment and melodics, while the first cello is responsible for nourishing the compositing with substantial bass support. The sextet No. 1 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18 is a string sextet composed in 1860 by the young Brahms and published about two years later. The sextet is a very beautiful romantic piece – and a rather long one, which is typical for young Brahms - consisting of four movements, three of them being more than ten minutes in length. The first movement is called Allegro, ma non troppo and is a brilliant calm â€Å"intro† to the composition, which reminds of sonata form and serves as a lyrical or even â€Å"pastoral† (Dean Hansen) ingredient of the sextet. The second movement is considered the most famous and powerful: it is called Andante, ma moderato and is presented by variations on lurid themes with a rather interesting ending. However, as Brahms followed the rules of structure, variations are rather strict in this respect, yet they demonstrated influence of Baroque traditions. The figures of the movement are rather diverse, and the tempo of their change leaves a listene r with the thrilling sensation, until the light-hearted and good-humored scherzo

Why I want to be a police after I graduate Lincoln College Essay

Why I want to be a police after I graduate Lincoln College - Essay Example helping the community that the officers belong to. Of course a person can also help their community by becoming a social worker or a scientist but I feel that the input made by these individuals is more evident on the bigger picture. Individuals and groups on a smaller scale have to be in direct government functionaries and the front line for maintaining law and order in a society has always been the civil police of the country. This ability to have direct contact with people and having a broad level of authority to help those in need makes a police officer much more useful than a scientist since a scientist may never get to see the eventual effect of his/her invention or discovery in their lifetime. A police officer who stops a crime in progress or catches a criminal can immediately see the effect on society even if it is one person at a time. Since police work and the police force are controlled by the government, most of the information regarding a career in the police comes from government sources and related websites. Perhaps the best source of information about working in the police comes from the U.S. Department of Labor (2006) which has extensive information about the earnings, nature of the work, working conditions, required training and job outlook for this profession. It would appear that the nature of police work is similar across the globe since consistent topics and information was found on London’s Metropolitan Police website (2002) regarding the work performed by the police and the outlook of the chosen career. The research also shows that police work is not limited to the cities since state and federal police have their own jurisdictions and spheres of operations. The U.S. marshal’s website (2006) for example, lists the broad focus that marshals have had as the oldest law enforcement agency for protecting the law in America. Similarly, the U.S. Secret Service website (2002) and the U.S.

Naming the Three Anonumous Photographs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Naming the Three Anonumous Photographs - Essay Example The child being La Shawndrea and the mother being Tiny. Although not immediately eminent in the photograph that Tiny was crying then, her mood was depicted in the clarity of the shot. Wanting to find out more about Tiny, a quick search on Streetwise revealed that in the Spring of 1983 â€Å"Tiny is a fourteen-year-old girl, malnourished, an accomplished prostitute with a lengthy record of occupational diseases; her alcoholic mother says that Tinys prostitution is "just a phase." Tiny’s real name is Erin Charles and as of 2006, she already bore nine children. I think in the photograph, Tiny was lost in her thoughts or seriously reflecting on the events of her life. There was not much details on attached on the photograph except that it was taken by Mary Ellen Mark in Seattle, Washington, in 1999. So I surmise, the reflective details of my â€Å"before readings† were basically true. The only statement definitely incorrect was the identity of the photographer, who was originally though of to be â€Å"possibly be a member of the family – the father, or brother, or even a sister†. As it turned out, Mary Ellen who had been in close contact with Tiny since taking her photographs in 1983, continue to make Tiny the subject of her contemporary photos . The â€Å"before readings† essay was totally out of context. Who would have known that those guys were indicted for violation of civil rights of three murdered civil-rights volunteers? They do not appear any more remorse for what is forthcoming or what has been done. The photograph does not clearly show that these men are in court, attending their trial. I believe this photograph is a clear example of possibly deceiving the viewers without the appropriate content. If I had made appropriate reflection on what these guys were doing â€Å"before readings† – I could have reflected more that I knew what this photograph was all about. It seems to be totally strange that these guys were basically sneering and all in happy

Aristotle and Piety Essay Example for Free

Aristotle and Piety Essay The Euthyphro is a much studied text of Plato’s, which unfortunately has left many people with some very serious questions. Primarily, why does the Euthyphro end in failure? Socrates was the wisest man alive, and for some reason his quest for understanding falls short. Yet somehow, I doubt that this has anything to do with a fault in the argument, but rather, the reason for the failure lies with Socrates main line of questioning. The problem is introduced with the idea of an â€Å"essence. † As Euthyphro comes to understand, it is a nigh indefinable idea. At the end of hours of looping questions, the only thing anyone has accomplished is a kind of hazy confusion about things you once thought you, understood. To be frank and realistic, I question whether anyone can define an â€Å"essence. † I personally tried to define the essence of something simple, anything would do. Unfortunately, now I’m no longer quite sure what a biscuit is. To try and define the â€Å"essence† of anything, especially something as complex as piety confuses the issue. Socrates is presented with Euthyphro’s idea of piety. That, in and of itself would not be enough, in my mind to define piety. Yet I’ll assume that Socrates, being the curious individual that he was, asked others about piety, and that should be enough to find a definition. Ethical relativism, an idea that Socrates uses to make several arguments, is in a sense, the â€Å"essence† of piety. Piety is different from person to person, so much so that there cannot be a standard to measure it by. The only universal standard of piety is that it is relative to each individual. Yet Socrates refuses to accept this conclusion, no matter which argument is presented to him, or no matter how clearly the answer is laid before him. Take for example, the argument that piety is defined as ‘that, which is dear to the gods’. Euthyphro believed he had identified the â€Å"essence† of piety by bringing up the fact that the actions and things loved by the gods. Socrates refuted this argument quite skillfully by saying that the gods disagree, thus leaving one with a dilemna. Yet people picked which gods to worship above the others (for example, Socrates worshiped Apollo above all other gods), and thus people also picked what was pious. For Euthyphro, to a degree, that was in fact piety, as defined by his religious convictions. Yet as was proved in other arguments by Euthyphro, it was not all that comprised his ideals. Another prime example of the varied ways which piety can be defined by an individual, is when Socrates and Euthyphro discuss the trial of Euthyphro’s father. To Euthyphro, phillial piety is not an issue. In this example, loyalty to law and order is a direct reflection of Euthyprho’s ideals of piety. It is again relative, and Socrates can illustrate quite artfully, how it doesn’t reflect the â€Å"essence† of piety. However, I can see no better example of piety, or at least of ethical relativism. For in this instance Euthyphro is following his own personal ideal of piety, with no regard for anything beside that. The basis of Socrates questioning is why the whole argument falls apart. If you persist in a line of questioning that cannot have an answer, you’ll never reach a conclusion. Even more to the point, if you constantly dispute the answer which recurs in every angle of your arguments, you’ll be hard pressed to find an answer which makes sense. What Socrates did in the Euthyphro would be like a mathematician refusing to accept pi as a number, while still using it in calculations. There is however a chance that Socrates understood all of this, ultimately wanted people to figure it out for themselves.

The different types of budgeting systems

The different types of budgeting systems Budgeting systems of different types, usually customised to the needs of individual organisational managements, are in use in various types of organisations, business, governmental and not for profit, across the world. The use of traditional budgeting has in recent years come under intensive critique by different academic and experts for its detrimental impact on different organisational areas and especially upon the overall performance of organisational employees and consequently of organisations. Such developments present a difficult conundrum to organisational managers of the actual utility of budgets in performance management and control. This dissertation takes up the investigation of the role of budgeting in organisational performance, especially so in planning and control of organisational activity, both in theory and in practice. The information obtained from intense study of literature is augmentation by the investigation of budgeting practices at two leading fast food and restaurant chains, Pizza Hut and Burger King. The research reveals that whilst traditional budgeting practices dominate organisational policies for planning and control, modern budgeting concepts are slowly being adopted by organisations with some success. 1. Introduction 1.1. Overview Budgeting systems of different types, usually customised to the needs of individual organisational managements, are in use in various types of organisations, business, governmental and not for profit, across the world (Andrews Hill, 2003, p 135-158). Traditional budgeting methods emerged as important management tools in the pre Second World War era, when Fordist and Taylorist management principles directed the working of most business organisations (Grizzle Pettijohn, 2002, p 51-58). Traditional budgeting techniques involve the comparison of actual organisational performance in different areas of work with budgeted targets, the computation of variances between budgeted targets and actual performance, and the analysis of both favourable and unfavourable variances in order to determine the reasons for such differences (Pilkington Crowther, 2007, p 29-30). The chart provided hereunder explains the sequence of budgeting activities and the relationship of the process to internal and external factors (Tales, 1998, p1). Variance analysis helps in corrective action during the currency of an operating period and helps organisations to achieve various objectives. Analysis of variances and comparison of actual achievement with budgeted targets help in the measurement of performance of responsibility heads, managers, groups of employees, and individual employees (Pilkington Crowther, 2007, p 29-30). Budgetary control has over the years been found to be very useful for planning and controlling of organisational performance (Chapman et al, 2007, p 7-51). Budgets have also been found to be useful in the monitoring and achievement of group objectives and in the facilitation of team work (Chapman et al, 2007, p 7-51). Budgeting, despite its inherent utility in the planning and control of organisational performance, has come under increasing criticism from modern day management accounting experts like Kaplan, Argyris, Hofstede, and Hopwood, who argue that lack of thought and rigidity in the use of budgeting essentially results in the development of Theory X type management control tools that can cause various organisational problems like increased stress upon employees, organisational disagreement and dissention with inappropriately set budgets, and organisational de-motivation (Chapman et al, 2007, p 7-51). Recent years have seen the development of modern budgeting techniques like the balanced score card, rolling budgets and beyond budgeting techniques (Chapman et al, 2007, p 7-51). Whilst such new concepts in the area of budgeting are undoubtedly being taken up for discussion, study and implementation by some progressive firms, the overwhelming majority of business organisations continue to use traditional budgeting techniques suitably customised to the circumstances and needs of individual organisations (Chapman et al, 2007, p 7-51). 1.2. Purpose of Study The use of traditional budgeting has in recent years come under intensive critique by different academic and experts for its detrimental impact on different organisational areas and especially upon the overall performance of organisational employees and consequently of organisations. Such developments present a difficult conundrum to organisational managers of the actual utility of budgets in performance management and control. This dissertation takes up the investigation of the role of budgeting in organisational performance, especially so in planning and control of organisational activity, both in theory and in practice. The information obtained from intense study of literature is augmented by the investigation of budgeting practices at two leading fast food and restaurant chains, Pizza Hut and Burger King. This dissertation should hopefully help students, managers and academics through the generation of new perspectives in the area and help in improving the process of planning and control of organisational activities through the use of appropriate budgeting techniques. 1.3. Aims and Objectives The aims and objectives of this dissertation are now elaborated as under: To examine the elements of budgetary control and its application in actual practice. To examine the various actions involved in the preparation and planning of budgets, with special reference to the role and importance of accurate information inputs. To examine the key resources required by firms for gathering of information for the preparation and planning of budgets. To examine the limitations of budgeting. To examine recent developments in budgeting and recommend the adoption of the most appropriate system of budgetary control by organisations. 1.4. Structure This study has been sequentially structured. This introductory section is followed by a literature review and thereafter by the formulation of appropriate research questions. Subsequent sections take up the description and explanation of the adopted research methodology, the data obtained from such research, the analysis of data, and finally conclusions and recommendations. An extensive alphabetical list of references at the end of the study provides details on all source material used for the dissertation. 2. Literature Review This review of existing literature attempts to examine the published material available in the public domain on the issue of budgeting and its role in performance management of organisations, departments and employees. Budgeting emerged as an important management accounting and management control tool in the early years of the 20th century and forms a staple item of all text books on financial management and management accounting (Davila Foster, 2005, p 1039-1068). The budgeting process came under severe criticism in the 1980s with the publication of critiques budgeting by experts like Kaplan, Argyris, Hofstede and Hopwood. Recent years have seen the emergence of newer budgeting techniques like flexible budgeting, rolling budgets, the balanced score card approach, and beyond budgeting techniques (Davila Foster, 2005, p 1039-1068). 2.1. Role of Budgeting in Planning and Control Activities Planning and control are agreed to be among the most important of organisational managerial activities (Bhatnagar, et al, 2004, p 92). Budgets play a central and key role in the planning and control processes of business firms. The importance of budgets in planning and controlling functions makes management accounting and the provisioning of management information a critical organisational function. Surveys of UK business and industry reveal that most business organisations use budgeting techniques of some form, even as larger organisations have institutionalised and developed budgeting mechanisms (Bhatnagar, et al, 2004, p 92). The role of budgeting is best examined by locating its place within the wider framework of organisational planning and control (Carruth Digregorio, 2003 p 13-26). The chart provided hereunder explains the relationship of budgeting in the larger control framework of a firm. Management and operational control form very important components of the broader framework of planning and control. Management control represents the process through which managements ensure the execution of pre-determined strategies by their organisations (Carruth Digregorio, 2003 p 13-26). The process is essentially short term in nature, implemented through middle rung managers, and forms an important routine management activity. Operational control on the other hand represents the process of ensuring the efficient and effective conduct of specific tasks. The time spheres for such controls are short term, consist of periods that can extend from a day to a month, and are executed through junior managers (Pilking ton Crowther, 2007, p 29-30). With regard to planning, the use of budgets calls upon and directs managers to think ahead about the utilisation of resources for achievement of company policies and objectives in their area of work (Grizzle Pettijohn, 2002, p 51-58). Such planning involves the obtaining of relevant, accurate and valid information, (either from reliable historical sources or by logical estimation), the analysis and appropriate extrapolation of such information, and its use for projection of future operational figures in different areas like sales, production, income and expenditure (Grizzle Pettijohn, 2002, p 51-58). The relevance and effectiveness of budgets is to a large extent dependent upon the accuracy of information on which it is based (Hassel Cunningham, 1996, p 245). The overwhelming majority of budgeting exercises make use of historical information that is available within organisations. Important environmental information is also however often used by management accountants for projecting future developments and their impact on performance (Hassel Cunningham, 1996, p 245). Inaccurate or unreliable information can, it will be obvious, erode the reliability and credibility of the assumptions on which budget preparation is based, and therefore invalidates budgets (Craig, 2002, p 57). Modern day organisations, especially if they are large, adopt elaborate and complex methods for retrieval, study, investigation and analysis of the data needed for budgets. Manual accounting inputs for preparation of budgets have largely been discarded by most organisations (Craig, 2002, p 57). Complex acco unting and information retrieval systems that span departments, functions and geographies are used by most large organisations. Modern day Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) plays an important role in the provisioning of management information in the preparation of budgets (Hassel Cunningham, 1996, p 245). The control function of budgets is executed through the allocation of responsibility to specific individuals for the achievement of specific budgeted targets and by the comparison of actual performance with budgeted targets (Craig, 2002, p 57). Such comparisons result in the establishment of positive or negative variances and reveal the extent to which people with responsibilities have been able to achieve their specified tasks. The extent of variance denotes the margin of success or failure (Pollitt, 2006, p 25). The reasons for such variances can be examined to ascertain the causes of success or failure of employees with accountability. Budgets have traditionally proved to be effective in performance control because they (a) establish specific, pre determined, and logically computed targets, (b) allocate responsibilities to specific organisational employees for achievement of targets, (c) establish widely known and uniform performance yardsticks and benchmarks, (d) provide a basis for assessment of actual performance and (e) pinpoint the people who can be held to be responsible for organisational failure, and (f) allow for analysis and determination of causes of failure (Pollitt, 2006, p 25). Budgets help in controlling performance by establishing benchmarks for performance and consequently for rewards against such performance (Andrews Hill, 2003, p 135-158). Organisational employees are often promised and provided rewards on the basis of their success in achieving targets in different areas of work (Andrews Hill, 2003, p 135-158). 2.2. Limitations of Budgeting Budgeting undoubtedly constitutes a critical and essential component of management control techniques that are employed by business firms for planning their future actions and thereafter controlling them. Whilst the importance and role of budgeting in achievement of organisational objectives and competitive advantage is widely accepted and also illustrated by the fact that the overwhelming majority of business firms across the world engage in some type of budgeting activity, the process has come under severe criticism in recent decades (Chapman et al, 2007, p 7-51). Experts like Kaplan have argued that traditional budgeting techniques have essentially not changed over the last 70 years and have become increasingly inappropriate for the modern day economy and the changed internal and external environments in which business firms operate (Chapman et al, 2007, p 7-51). Whilst traditional budgeting operates both on top down and bottom up approaches and are based both upon historic information and current information that is available in the public domain, budgets are in the overwhelming majority of cases finally decided by top management and imposed upon different levels of organisational managers (Chapman et al, 2007, p 7-51). Such imposition of budgets and their association with performance measurement, rewards, remuneration, and career progression of organisational employees leads to the development of various complexities, some of which are elaborated as under. Budgets are very infrequently felt to be fair and right. Budgeted targets are by and large felt to be either too soft or too hard, depending upon the perspectives of different persons (Hassel Cunningham, 1996, p 245). Such perceptions often lead to organisational dissention and ill will between subordinates and superiors and broad resentment of employees against organisational authority (Chapman et al, 2007, p 7-51). Soft budgets are felt to be contradictory to organisational well being and build environments of complacency and slackness. Difficult budgets on the other hand often prove to be unattainable and lead to de-motivation, resentment, criticism, dissension, and ill will. It is thus not an easy task to formulate a budget that furthers organisational objectives, stretches organisational employees to improve their performance, and acts as a good motivator and fair tool for judgement of performance (Hassel Cunningham, 1996, p 245). Argyris and others have pointed out that group attitudes towards budgets significantly affect performance and ultimate achievement of budget targets (Smith, 2001p 1). Geertz Hofstede elaborates that appropriate setting of targets is also very important for achievement of budgets. Hofstede states that whilst group participation was important, the attitudes of senior managers, especially the game spirit with which they play the budget game form a key ingredient of the budget process. (Hofstede, 2003, p 12-18) Hopwood (1972) identified different styles of budgeting, the budget constrained style, the profit conscious style and the non-accounting style. Whilst all three styles exerted pressure on workers, it was only the profit conscious style that drew involvement without eliciting defensive approaches (Hopwood, 1972, p 156-182) Hope and Bunce assert (2003) that autocratic and rigid budgeting approaches lead to the development of organisational bureaucracies that focus on finding fault with employee performance, rather than motivation and encouragement (Hope Bunce, 2003, p 1). Undue emphasis on achievements of budgets can divert management attention from other important organisational aspects like the importance of quality and staff morale with detrimental impact upon organisational wellbeing (Hassel Cunningham, 1996, p 245). The association of monetary and career rewards with the achievement of budgets can lead to a range of unethical activities like fudging of figures, window dressing of performance, and skirting with the law. The wrong decisions taken by managers of banks and financial institutions, (which greatly contributed to the development of the financial crisis of 2008) are closely related to the greed of managers to access the performance bonuses that were linked to achievement of ever-increasing performance targets (Chapman et al, 2007, p 7-51). 2.3. New Developments in Budgets Dissatisfaction with important aspects and outcomes of traditional budgeting principles has led to extensive research in alternative methods of optimisation of organisational and individual control and performance (Hearn, et al, 2006, p 286). Such efforts, both in areas of theory and practice, have resulted in a number of alternative approaches and modifications to traditional budgeting theory and practice. Some of the more important of these developments are represented by flexible budgeting, rolling budgets, the balanced score card approach and beyond budgeting principles (Hearn, et al, 2006, p 286). Rolling budgets are prepared for 6-9 months in detail, (unlike traditional financial budgets that are made for complete financial years), followed by broader and less detailed budgets that extend to 1  ½ to 2 years (Subramaniam Ashkanasy, 2001, p35). Flexible budgets on the other hand deal with operations and contain different estimates for various products and services (Subramaniam Ashkanasy, 2001, p35). Such methods allow for changes in costs or volumes and allow organisations to respond swiftly to changing situations and thereby maintain profitability and competitive advantage (Subramaniam Ashkanasy, 2001, p35). The balanced score card approach aims to translate strategy into practice from four dimensions, namely customer, financial, learning and growth, and business processes (Bhatnagar, et al, 2004, p 92). Its use helps organisations to pay attention to different aspects of organisational performance over the length of business cycles, which are longer than traditional budget periods and thus essentially more volatile. The use of this approach, along with Key Performance Indicators, (KPIs), enables organisations to built holistic targets and track performance in different dimensions (Bhatnagar, et al, 2004, p 92). Beyond Budgeting is a comprehensive and elaborate holistic approach that incorporates modern concepts like rolling budgets and the balanced score card approach and focuses on two groups of principles related with performance management. The first group of principles is process oriented, whilst the second set is leadership oriented. Taken together Beyond Budgeting principles enabl e organisations to motivate their employees, improve performance and enhance organisational creativity (Bhatnagar, et al, 2004, p 92). 2.4. Framing of Research Questions The research questions for this dissertation, framed in line with the aims and objectives of the dissertation and the results of the literature review are detailed as under: How does budgetary control help in planning and controlling of performance of employees? How are budgets used by successful organisations (Pizza Hut and Burger King) to plan and control performance? How do organisations ensure accuracy of information for preparation of budgets? What types of resources are used by organisations to gather information and prepare budgets? What sort of constraints and limitations do modern day organisations face in using traditional budgeting techniques? What measures can be adopted by organisations to make budgeting exercises more effective in planning and controlling performance? 3. Research Methodology 3.1. Important Research Factors Research in areas of finance, management, and business come under the broad ambit of economic research (Bryman Bell, 2007, p 12-28). The research methodology for such assignments is by and large determined in accordance with the tenets of social research and is of course shaped by the nature of the subject under investigation and the infrastructural and other resources available with the researcher. The determination of appropriate research methods and techniques involve the choice of specific research methods and the most suitable sources of information (Bryman Bell, 2007, p 12-28). 3.2. Quantitative and Qualitative methods of Research Social research methods are shaped by two broad and quiet different research approaches, namely the quantitative approach and the qualitative approach. These approaches are shaped by different epistemologies and involve the utilisation of different research techniques, both for obtaining and for analysis of data (Darlington Scott, 2002, p 33-47). The quantitative approach is guided by positivist epistemology and is closely related to scientific research methods (Darlington Scott, 2002, p 33-47). Quantitative approaches involve the application of scientific theory and aim to measure the responses of research subjects in easily quantifiable and numerical terms. Such methods are used in the majority of economic and business research efforts and are particularly useful in the gauging of broad trends of thoughts or opinions of chosen populations (Darlington Scott, 2002, p 33-47). Qualitative methods of analysis are essentially different and are used when the issue under study is subjective in nature and open to different ways of interpretation (Neuman, 2005, p 18-36). Qualitative research methods are shaped by interpretivist epistemology and involve detailed investigation of complex subjects that are often multilayered and incapable of being answered with yes or no responses. Such research is most appropriate for issues that involve questions that are what, why and how in nature and are best conducted by expert and involved researchers (Neuman, 2005, p 18-36). Qualitative research is far more time consuming and detailed than quantitative research and is mostly conducted with the help of direct one-to-one interviews and focus group discussions, in which researchers participate with the subjects under study and observe their reactions and responses in minute detail (Neuman, 2005, p 18-36). Whilst most research assignments call for the use of either quantitative or qualitative methods, some complex and multidimensional issues require the use of both techniques (Neuman, 2005, p 18-36). 3.3. Choice of Information Sources Information sources are broadly categorised into primary and secondary sources. Secondary information sources consists of all the information on the subject that is available to the public at large in the form of published material, more specifically books, articles, both journal and magazine, and other publications (Bryman Bell, 2007, p 12-28). Primary information is however obtained from sources that are part of or are integral to the subject under study (Bryman Bell, 2007, p 12-28). Whilst primary information is most commonly obtained from interviews and focus group discussions, such information is also available from specific public domain sources like organisational or departmental publications, publications authored by the subjects under study, interviews given by them to reliable media publications, and otherwise from information disseminated through personal or organisational websites. (Bryman Bell, 2007, p 12-28). 3.4. Adoption of Research Methodology The subject issue, as detailed by the aims and objectives, the literature review and the research questions of this study, is essentially complex, multilayered and open to interpretation in different ways (May, 2001, p 41-59). The use of budgeting techniques for planning and controlling performance in business organisations is an intensely debated topic and has multiple aspects. The interests of research on this issue will certainly not be appropriately served with the use of yes/ no/ multiple choice surveys administered to sample population groups (May, 2001, p 41-59). The elimination of quantitative methods of research for the assignment by extension also removes the relevance of mixed models and leaves only qualitative methods for use (Neuman, 2005, p 18-36). This research study therefore uses only qualitative methods for researching information. The research approach has been formulated on the basis of the aims and objectives of the dissertation and the information unearthed during the literature review (Neuman, 2005, p 18-36). This research effort attempts to obtain answers to the research questions through a detailed investigation of the budgeting practices of two well known and successful organisations in the fast food and restaurant industry, namely Pizza Hut and Burger King UK. Information for research has been obtained from a host of secondary and primary sources (Neuman, 2005, p 18-36). Study of information available in the public domain on the use of budgets for planning and control of performance in these organisations will provide a balanced multi-prospective view of their organisational policies and practices (Neuman, 2005, p 18-36). Primary information is sourced from an examination of organisational websites, observation of their work processes onsite and informal open ended discussions with members of their staff. The information obtained from secondary and primary sources has been carefully collated and thereafter subjected to appropriate analysis (Neuman, 2005, p 18-36). 3.5. Ethics Appropriate care has been taken to ensure the adoption of ethical rules and norms that are pertinent to business research (Bryman Bell, 2007, p 12-28). All information sources used for the purpose of study have been acknowledged carefully and comprehensively. All participants have been informed of the nature of the assignment and its purposes. Respondents have been informed of their right to confidentiality and of refusing to answer all or any of the questions asked of them. All respondents have also agreed in writing of their unilateral and unforced willingness to participate in this study (Bryman Bell, 2007, p 12-28). 3.6. Limitations The results of this study are limited by the actual reading carried out by the researcher. Whilst efforts have been made to ensure extensive examination of available literature, it is always possible that some important information may have been missed out (Darlington Scott, 2002, p 33-47). The actual investigation of businesses for ascertainment of budgetary control in practice is also restricted to two organisations, which may well be unrepresentative of the entire business fraternity. The result of this research study is subject to these limitations (Darlington Scott, 2002, p 33-47). 4. Data and Findings Information for research has been obtained from a range of secondary and primary sources. Secondary information on budgeting at Pizza Hut and Burger king has been obtained from information available on the subject from a range of sites in the public domain, even as primary information has been obtained by study of their organisational web sites. The information sources used for secondary information on budgetary control for Pizza Hut and Burger King have not been cited here but have been placed together at the end of the list of references for easy access. Primary information has also been obtained by visits to retail outlets of Pizza Hut and Burger King in London, observation of the work processes at these outlets and open ended conversations with their employees. It has been difficult to obtain relevant information on budgeting because information about budgeting practices belongs to the private information domain of the companies and is not openly discussed at public forums. The employees at such outlets are also more involved in servicing customers and their knowledge of budgetary control methods is restricted. Relevant information has however been accessed from discussions with middle managers at Pizza Hut stores and franchise representatives at Burger King. The information obtained from study of public domain information, onsite observations and interviews with middle managers of Pizza Hut and Burger King are provided below: Information from Study of Public Domain Information of Pizza Hut Pizza Hut is a US headquartered multinational chain of restaurants that offers different types of pizzaà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s and associated foods. The chain which belongs to Yum brands operates in more than 100 countries, contains approximately 34,000 outlets of different types and employees more than 30,000 people. The company is headquartered at Addison Texas and has grown enormously since its founding in 1958. The company operates its own stores in the majority of its locations in the US. It does however have some franchised units in countries outside the United States. The company is well known for its high quality and standard food and has faced very few quality complaints. The HR section on its website and information obtained from the public domain state that the company pays great attention to the selection, recruitment, training and performance of its employees. Pizza Hut operates a complex and detailed management information system with the help of extensive computer systems that connect all its global units with regional headquarters and to organisational headquarters at Texas. The computer systems used for the management information function are modern and constantly updated. Budgetary control forms an integral element of Pizza Huts overall management information system. The budgetary control system is extremely detailed and is prepared for every quarter of a calendar year. Budgets are multi dimensional and monitor both operational and financial aspects of the organisation. Budgets are prepared for all departments, all functions and for each restaurant operated by the chain. Much of the purchasing functions are done through annual regional contracts and employee of local retail outlets are not involved in these functions. Employees of retail outlets are however expected to add to organisational sales and competitive advantage through constant improvement of customer relationship and customer satisfaction. The chain has recently introduced the balance score card method for improving the performance of employees at retail outlets. Employees at Pizza Hut outlets are now assessed on a variety of counts that concern the provisioning of customer service, the achievement of customer satisfaction, the improvement of customer relationships and finally of the quantum of repeat customers. The company proposes to extent the balance score card method of budgetary and performance control to other areas of work. Information from Study of Public domain Information of Burger King Burger king is also a US headquartered international chain of fast food restaurants. Headquartered in Florida. Burger King is the second largest seller of hamburgers in the world. It has approximately 12,000 outlets, operates in 73 coun

Climate Change Impact On The Caribbean Environmental Sciences Essay

Climate Change Impact On The Caribbean Environmental Sciences Essay The purpose of this brief is to provide accurate information on how climate change will impact Caribbean trade, business and the environment. Realistic mitigation and cost-effective adaptation measures for dealing with this phenomenon are needed. On one hand, climate change presents challenging potential environmental problems and threatens the very foundation of sustainable development and economic stability in the region (Nicholas, 2007 and Bueno, Herzfeld, Stanton, and Ackerman, 2008). Most globally acclaimed scientists predict a rise in sea level and temperature and occurrences of increased and intensified extreme weather events (Niles, 2010). Businesses will generally be impacted by increased cost of production due to heightened energy costs, reduction of raw materials and lower amounts of fresh water. On the other hand, climate change delivers unprecedented opportunities for the islands to benefit from much needed international funding and the liberalization of environmental te chnologies, goods and services that will ultimately lessen vulnerability and strengthen resilience. Climate change undeniably impacts trade. Its impacts are already being felt and will continue to be felt as a result of trade liberalization, trade agreements, environmental regulations and standards, and food security. Although the islands partake in several trade agreements and environmental regulations, these come with strings attached, issues like green protectionism and reduced preferential trade regimes exist. The region is facing tremendous increased competition from food imports, particularly genetically modified foods. While these foods have the potential to strengthen the level of food security globally, it has disadvantageous trade implications for the region. Additionally, climate change can produce inconsistencies and reduction in the regions supply of goods for consumption and export. How will Climate Change impact Caribbean Business and the Environment? Caribbean businesses, especially those that are agriculture and tourism related are highly susceptible to the potential positive and negative impacts of climate change. The climate is a key factor in determining the productivity level of agricultural produce. A few predicted positive impacts of climate change on agricultural production in the Caribbean are increases in the productivity of tropical crops, diversity of crops produced, and accelerated maturity growth (Peter Carte, 2009). As climate change occurs, its impact on business operations becomes less predictable. Any reduction in the agriculture yield directly affects the businesses bottom line and breadwinners ability to provide adequately for their family needs. (Joseluise, 2009). Likely negative impacts are increased infestation, crop damage, soil erosion, increased moisture problems and unreliable forecasting (Carter, 2009). Hence, the method of production and harvesting techniques used may have to be discontinued or upgrad ed as the case may be. The tourism industry cannot sustain itself without a healthy environment. As a region, it is imperative that priority be given to the maintenance and preservation of the environment. This initiative can also serve to boost eco-tourism in the Caribbean. The negative potential change in the climate carries significant implications for tourism businesses and increases the cost of doing business. For example, rising temperatures will amplify the need for cooling appliances. If the snow cap decreases and flights to the region continue to become expensive, then visitors may seek cheaper destination closer to their homes. The unfortunate spin-off effect of this situation is decreased profits for businesses, high unemployment rates and reduced gross domestic product rates for countries. Scientists suggest that climate change is linked to increased coral bleaching, oceanic acidification, coastal erosion, saline intrusion, loss of biodiversity, and extinction of species (AOSIS, 2009 and Sookram, 2005). This has far reaching effects on the environment, since coral reefs are the breeding ground and food source for many different types of species. Many locals depend on fish as their main source of protein and fishermen in the Caribbean depend on the coral reefs for the provision of their livelihoods in the form of fishing. Recommendations for Trade, Business and the Environment Thoroughly analyze regulatory measures and economic incentives targeted at addressing climate change issues, since they have long term implications for the region. In relation to trade, more research on emissions trading and alternative sources of energy is needed along with the incorporation of climate change mitigation initiatives in all future development policies. Business as usual cannot be the mantra, climate change calls for decisive and wise decision making. The education system and local media can be used to share information on the positive and negative impacts of climate change. In order to mitigate future impacts on business and the environment, there is a dire need for enforcing stricter building codes, purchasing comprehensive insurance and constructing sea walls where necessary (Mc Donald, 2010 and Economics of Climate Adaptation, 2010). Possible means of adaptation for the agriculture industry are strengthening of the water supply system, changes in production technology and introduction of new crop varieties (Vega, 2008). Tourism industry businesses need to implement and execute a decisive strategy for the way forward in dealing with climate change issues. Additionally, a more environmentally friendly tourism model is needed. For instance, they can use alternative sources of energy (solar and wind) in facilities, utilize energy conservation technologies, cease further coastal tourism development and acquire environmental certification (Sookram, 2005). Intensive carbon producing businesses should immediately begin lessening their carbon footprint in order to prevent further environmental damage. Conclusion Every individual, household, business, community, and government in the Caribbean region needs to adhere to the urgent appeal to mitigate the potential impacts of climate change. A joint regional collaborative effort is immediately needed; the success of future generations depends on how the region responds to the issue of climate change impact on trade, business and the environment. In light of the thorough analysis of the facts presented here, one can definitely conclude that climate change challenges can be overcome if adaptation and mitigation measures are immediately put into place. The time for action is now!

Bertrand Russell is one of the greatest masters of English Prose. :: essays research papers

Bertrand Russell is one of the greatest masters of English Prose. Bertrand Russell is one of the greatest masters of English Prose. He revolutionized not only the subject matter but also the mode of expression. He has in him a happy blend of greatest philosopher and a great writer. He was awarded Nobel Prize for literature in 1950. The subject matter of his essays may be very difficult but his manner of expression is so lucid and simple that even a layman can understand him without any special difficulty. It is a rare privilege which only few prose masters enjoy. The precision and clarity which Russell’s prose style possesses are very rare in the bulk of English prose. Russell has justly been regarded as one of the great prose stylists of the 20th century. Although he is not a literary writer yet his work devoted mainly to problems of philosophy, ethics, morality, political, social life and economics, etc. impresses us greatly by its literary qualities. Of course, Russell's style sometimes becomes difficult for the average reader who comes across sentences which he has read for more than once in order to get the meaning. Russell’s style appeals mainly to our intellects and very little to our feelings or emotions. He uses words simply as tools, to convey his meaning plain and effective and not to produce any special effects. It is not a coloured or gorgeous style. Nor is there any passion in it. It is somewhat cold. There are no â€Å"jeweled phrases† in his writings nor sentences over which we would like to linger with the aesthetic pleasure. Russell’s style is intellectually brilliant. He can condense an idea or a thought in a few words if he so desires. Russell is always direct, simple and lucid. He knows that the complexity of expression leads to ambiguity. Nothing can be more lucid than such opening lines: â€Å"Happiness depends partly upon external circumstances and partly upon oneself.† â€Å"Of all the institutions that have come down to us from the past, none is so disorganized and derailed as the family.† Russell’s sentences clearly show Bacon’s terseness. They are replete with so deep thoughts like those of Bacon that we may elaborate them in countless pages. Many sentences are like proverbs, replete with deep meanings like: â€Å"Extreme hopes are born of extreme misery.† â€Å"One of the most powerful sources of false belief is envy.† â€Å"Pride of a race is even more harmful than national pride.

Common Sense Justice Essay -- Law

Commonsense justice and jury instructions are placed together to exemplify the informative and the response between the two; like the â€Å"analytic and beneficial†. Conjoining these two objectives, gives them â€Å"instructive potential for the law;† with the verdicts of not guilty, or hung juries, and jury nullification. These two objectives are â€Å"more likely the failure of jury instructions,† [slightly] than the â€Å"failings of jurors.†Ã¢â‚¬  (Norman J. Finkel, 2000). Both of the objectives have a teaching method that gives jurors no time management and no chance to comprehend the differences. In the court system they have two laws; one is black-letter law, and commonsense justice. Black-letter law is a generally known law plus the most common, and it is what the legislators have endorsed, and it was intertwined through the â€Å"common-law cases and appeals decisions.† Black-letter law takes the instructions away from second guesses, and disagreements, and makes a set of clear and precise rules. (Norman J. Finkel, 2000). Commonsense justice represents the citizens and what they think what is right and wrong; just and fair. The bias that jurors have inside themselves, they are taking those emotions to the jury box as they are about to judge the â€Å"defendant and the law.† What the citizens feel the law should be is what they think. (Norman J. Finkel, 2000). Instructions for jurors were â€Å"rewritten using psycholinguistic principles† which [illustrated] that their comprehension improved.† â€Å"Commonsense justice and jury instructions,† adjacent on an â€Å"instructive and reciprocating connection,† continued to demonstrate the studies of how citizens interpreted the instructions. (Norman J. Finkel, 2000) If the instructions are not understandable ... ...tz et. al. 1997). â€Å"The standard of proof in a trial is one such fundamental tenet of criminal law.† (Horowitz et. al. 1997). Works Cited Haney, Craig (1997). Commonsense Justice and Capital Punishment. Problematizing the â€Å"Will of the People† Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 3(2/3), 303-337. Horowitz, Irwin A. (1997). Reasonable Doubt. Instructions commonsense justice and standard of proof. Psychology Public Policy, and Law, 3(2/3), 285-302 Norman, Finkel J. (2000). Commonsense Justice and Jury Instructions. Instructive and Reciprocating Connections. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 6(3), 591-628 Norman, Finkel J. and Groscup, Jennifer L.. (1997). When Mistakes Happen. Commonsense Ruels of Culpability. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 3(1), 65-125.

Room Division Management Sample Case Study

Rooms Division Management Case Study#3: 10% Total /40 MarksThe Safe Deposit Box That Wasn’t Amanda stood beh†¦ Rooms Division Management Case Study#3: 10% Total /40 Marks â€Å"The Safe Deposit Box That Wasn’t Amanda stood behind the front desk of the Metropolitan, a 376-room upscale hotel, and tried to ignore the butterflies in her stomach. It was just her second day on the job, and there was so much to remember! She glanced over at Ron, standing at the other end of the counter.It was comforting to have him working the shift with her—he had worked for the Metropolitan for two years and had been a big help yesterday whenever she got flustered or confused. Her first day was extremely busy because everybody was checking in for the annual Aluminum Siding Trade Show and Convention that started today. In a way, it was good that her first day was so busy, because she hadn't had time to be nervous. But today, most of the hotel's guests were off attending the show at the convention center downtown and the Metropolitan was relatively quiet. Amanda gazed across the opulent lobby at the bank of house phones.A middle-aged woman in a tight, leopard-print jumpsuit was speaking angrily into one of the telephones, her free arm, festooned with gold and black bracelets, waving in the air as she pounded home her points to the unfortunate soul on the other end of the line. At this distance Amanda could faintly hear the clicking of the bracelets but could not make out what the woman was saying. Finally the woman slammed the receiver down in its cradle and started looking frantically around the lobby. When her eyes settled on Amanda, the woman grabbed the gold vinyl suitcase at her feet and strode purposefully toward the front desk. Oh, please,† thought Amanda, â€Å"don't come over here, go talk to Ron! † But the woman stayed on course, and Amanda had plenty of time to take in the big hair, the heavy makeup, and the wounded, self-righteous ex pression before the woman stopped in front of her and said: â€Å"There's something wrong with your phones! † â€Å"Ma'am? † â€Å"I can't get through to my husband's room. I kept dialing ‘326,' but I couldn't get through. † Ron stepped in smoothly. â€Å"Our house phones no longer connect directly to the guestrooms. † â€Å"Yeah, yeah, that's what the operator said. That's not very convenient, you know,† the woman responded. We changed our system in order to provide more privacy and security for our guests,† Ron continued. â€Å"Did the operator reach your husband for you? † â€Å"No, she started explaining why dialing ‘326' wasn't working and I told her what I thought of her new system before I hung up on her. † From her training, Amanda remembered that you were never to put callers through to guestrooms if they only asked to be put through to a certain room number. You always had to ask whom the person was calling , so you could confirm that the person knew the guest and was not simply calling rooms at random.Thieves, for example, had been known to call room after room until they found one that was empty, then go ransack the room. â€Å"What's your husband's name? † Amanda asked. â€Å"We can try to connect you here at the front desk. † â€Å"Virgil Jones,† the woman responded. Amanda moved to the computer and called up Virgil's reservations record. Yes, a Virgil H. Jones was registered in Room 326. â€Å"Mr. Jones checked in to Room 326 yesterday—let me try and reach him for you. † Amanda picked up the front desk telephone, dialed, and listened to the phone ring ten times. Sorry, there's no answer. † â€Å"That's okay—just give me a key to the room then,† ordered the woman. Immediately a red flag went up for Amanda. New as she was, she was well aware that key control was an extremely important issue at the Metropolitan. â€Å"I'm sorry, ma'am, but it's against our policy to give out keys to guests who are not registered. Mr. Jones is the only person registered for that room. † â€Å"But I'm his wife! Look,† the woman rummaged through her handbag and came up with her driver's license, â€Å"here's my I. D. I'm Sheila Jones.See? That's me there. † â€Å"I'm sorry, Ms. Jones,† Amanda said. â€Å"Had your husband told us you were coming, we would have noted it in the reservations record and there'd be no problem. But we're not allowed to let unregistered guests into rooms. † She glanced at Ron. â€Å"That's right, Ms. Jones,† Ron said. â€Å"We'd do the same thing for you. It's actually against the law to admit an unregistered guest to a room. † â€Å"My husband doesn't know I'm coming. I didn't think I would get off work, but my boss finally gave in. † Sheila Jones put on an ingratiating smile. â€Å"Can't you break the rules just this once?I really want to surp rise Virgil. † â€Å"I'm sorry,† Amanda said, â€Å"we really can't. † She looked at Ron again for support, and he nodded in agreement. â€Å"Is your husband here for the big convention? † Amanda asked. Sheila nodded sulkily. â€Å"Then he's probably at the Grandthorpe right now—that's the big convention hotel downtown. That's where the trade show is. † â€Å"I'll never find him there,† Sheila fumed. â€Å"You're welcome to look around in our restaurant and lounge to make sure he's not still here. † â€Å"It would be a lot easier if you'd just let me in the room,† Sheila grumbled. â€Å"I'm tired—it was a long drive. Amanda tried to give Sheila her best empathetic smile. â€Å"I'm sorry. I'll tell you what—if you can't find him, let us know and we'll put you in another guestroom temporarily so you can freshen up. † â€Å"I suppose that'll have to do,† Sheila said wearily. â€Å"I'm not gonna bother looking for him. I'm tired, and if he's not in his room he's probably at the convention like you said. Just give me a room. † After Sheila collected a key to Room 287 and left in a huff, Ron congratulated Amanda for a job well done. â€Å"You did the right thing. Her I. D. proves she's Sheila Jones, but it doesn't prove she's Virgil's wife.She probably really is his wife, and ninety-nine times out of a hundred probably nothing bad would happen if we let a wife or a husband or a brother or somebody into a room. But it's not worth taking a chance on violating the privacy or compromising the safety of our guests. It's that one time in a hundred that can lead to serious trouble. † Thankfully, Sheila did not make another appearance and the rest of the morning passed uneventfully. Just after Amanda returned to the front desk after lunch, a short, balding fellow in a shiny blue suit approached the desk and gave her a big smile. â€Å"Hi, I'm Virgil Jones, Room 326.Any messages or mail for me? † â€Å"No, Mr. Jones, but someone was asking about you. A Ms. Sheila Jones was here. She said she was your wife and wanted to wait for you in your room, but we had to turn her down. † Virgil looked startled rather than pleased. â€Å"Where is she now? † â€Å"We put her in another room so she could freshen up. Let me call her and let her know you're here. † Amanda called Room 287 and in a few minutes Sheila appeared in the lobby. â€Å"Hi, baby! † Virgil called out when he saw her, rushing up and giving her a bear hug. Sheila looked at Amanda over Virgil's shoulder and tried to pull away. That's enough, honey. † She extracted herself and approached the front desk. â€Å"Thanks for the room,† she said to Amanda. â€Å"I feel so much better after my shower. † â€Å"You're welcome. † â€Å"I forgot to bring my room key down with me. Can I return it later, or do you want it right away? I'll be moving over to Virgil's room now. † â€Å"Just leave it in the room, that's fine,† Amanda said. â€Å"Do you need any help with moving your luggage? I can send a bellperson up. † Virgil shook his head. â€Å"We can handle it. Thanks. † __________________ The next day Amanda experienced her first time alone at the front desk.Ron had an early dental appointment and wouldn't be in until 11:00. Even though the front desk manager assured Amanda that he would be available in case things got busy, Amanda crossed her fingers and hoped for an uneventful morning. It was just before nine o'clock when Sheila appeared in the lobby again, dressed slightly more conservatively in a tight purple jumpsuit. She smiled at Amanda and held up a safe deposit box key. â€Å"Good morning. I'd like to get into our safe deposit box, please. † Thank goodness I don't have to say ‘no' to her again, Amanda thought gratefully. â€Å"Yes, Ms. Jones, right this way, please. Quickly , Amanda mentally reviewed her training in how to handle safe deposit box requests as she led Sheila into the small safe deposit box room just to the right of the front desk. One side wall contained the bank of safe deposit boxes; the master key to all the boxes hung by a chain secured to the wall. Pushed against the opposite wall was a narrow table with a file box on it. Let's see, Amanda mused, I'm supposed to ask for identification, pull the card, get the card signed, initial the card—okay, I can do this. â€Å"Can I see some identification, please? † Sheila groaned. â€Å"Not this again,† she grumbled.She opened her handbag and came up with her driver's license again. â€Å"Thank you,† Amanda said, and looked under the â€Å"J's† in the file box for the right card. There it was: Box 116, signed out by Mr. Virgil H. Jones. â€Å"Will you sign the card, please? And I'll initial your signature. † Amanda gave Sheila the card and a pen and in dicated the narrow table. Sheila signed the card and gave the pen to Amanda; Amanda initialed the card and recorded the date and time. â€Å"Thank you. † Amanda put the card back in the file box. â€Å"Now I'll put my key in the box and turn it. † Amanda found Box 116 and turned the master key in the appropriate lock. And now your key. † Sheila stepped forward and turned her key in the second lock. Amanda swung the box door open, pulled the long, narrow drawer from the box, and handed the drawer to Sheila. â€Å"I'll be right outside—just let me know when you're finished. † â€Å"That won't be necessary,† Sheila said—somewhat grimly, Amanda thought. â€Å"This will only take a second. † Amanda turned her back discreetly while Sheila placed the drawer on the table. Amanda heard the metallic creak of the lid lifting, then a sharp intake of breath from Sheila, and then something like a sob. Amanda resisted the impulse to turn aroun d.It's none of our business, it's rude, and it might get us into trouble, she remembered Ron telling her, so never watch guests get into their safe deposit boxes. Amanda was thinking of quietly leaving the room when she heard the lid close and Sheila said, â€Å"Okay, I'm done, thank you. † Amanda turned around and took the box from Sheila. The lighting in the room made it hard to tell, but Amanda thought Sheila's eyes were redder and puffier than before. Amanda returned the drawer to its box, swung the box door shut, and turned both keys in their locks. She let the master key hang by its chain and handed the guest key back to Sheila. Is there anything else I can do for you? † â€Å"No, thanks,† Sheila sniffed with a sad smile. â€Å"You've done quite enough. † __________________ The next day was Amanda's day off. Ron was at the front desk with another guest service representative named Dennis when Virgil Jones approached just after 8 a. m. , looking puzzl ed. â€Å"This is going to sound like a strange question,† he said, â€Å"but—have you seen my wife? † â€Å"No, sir, not this morning,† Ron replied. â€Å"I didn't hear her get up, and her suitcase is gone. † Virgil rubbed his chin for a moment, then shrugged. â€Å"I'm sure she'll turn up,† he turned to go. Like a bad penny,† he said under his breath as he walked away. About 20 minutes later, Virgil was back at the front desk, looking considerably more anxious than before. â€Å"I can't find my safe deposit box key,† he said to Ron. â€Å"Do you have a spare? I need to check on something right away. † Ron shook his head. â€Å"I'm sorry, sir, but, for security reasons, we don't have spare keys to any of our boxes. † â€Å"What do we do now? I've got to get into that box! † â€Å"Well, you have two options,† Ron said. â€Å"One, we can call a locksmith. The firm we use is good about coming out right away.They're usually here between a half hour and an hour after we call—and I believe the last time they came out for this they charged around $80. Whatever the charge is, we will add it to your room bill. Or, two, I can call our maintenance department and have one of the staff ‘punch' the lock for us. He can probably be up here in just a few minutes, but if you choose this option there's a $100 charge because we'll have to replace the lock. † â€Å"Call the maintenance guy,† Virgil said grimly. â€Å"I'm not waiting no hour. † â€Å"Very well. † Ron moved to the front desk phone and spoke a few words into it before returning to Virgil. â€Å"He'll be up right away.Do you remember your safe deposit box number? † Virgil was churning his fingers through his hair, a worried expression on his face. â€Å"No,† he said. â€Å"Maybe 110, 218? I don't know. † â€Å"Well, we can look it up in our files. Excuse me for a moment. â €  Dennis was busy with another guest, so Ron answered the front desk telephone. When Ron hung up, he smiled and waved to a young man just getting off one of the lobby elevators. â€Å"Ah, here's Ted already. † Ted was in a gray maintenance uniform and carrying a box of tools. â€Å"Come with me, please,† Ron said to Ted, and then, â€Å"Mr. Jones, right this way. † The three men entered the safe deposit box room.Ron opened the file box and turned to Virgil. â€Å"Can I see some I. D. , please? † Virgil pulled out a fat wallet and gave Ron his driver's license. â€Å"Thank you. † Ron put the license on the table and flipped quickly to the â€Å"J's† in the file box. There was the card: Box 116, signed out by Virgil H. Jones. Ron compared the signature on the license to the signature on the card, nodded, and gave the license back to Virgil. Ron noticed that Virgil had not gotten into the box since he had first opened it up, but that Sheila Jones had signed for it yesterday. Ron looked at the initials alongside the signature: â€Å"A. M. —Amanda Muldinado—and shook his head. Rookies, he thought. â€Å"It looks like you reserved box 116, Mr. Jones,† Ron said. â€Å"Sign here, please, and we'll get it open for you right away. † Ron pushed the card over to Virgil before turning to put the master key in the master-key lock for box 116 and turning it. Virgil started to sign the card but stopped. â€Å"I see my wife's signature here. She got into the box yesterday? † â€Å"Looks like it,† Ron said. Behind them Ted set down his box of tools. After a couple of sharp blows, Ted said, â€Å"All set. † Ron pulled the long drawer out of box 116 and handed it to Virgil. â€Å"We'll leave you alone now, Mr.Jones,† Ron said quickly, and motioned for Ted to exit. Ron was hardly back at the front desk before Virgil reappeared. â€Å"Is everything all right, Mr. Jones? † à ¢â‚¬Å"No, everything is not all right,† Virgil said in measured tones. â€Å"Something's missing. † Ron's heart started to pound. â€Å"Oh, no! What's missing? Can you describe it? † â€Å"There was a solid gold I. D. bracelet in there with the name ‘Mitzy' engraved on it,† Virgil said grimly. â€Å"Now it's gone. † â€Å"Oh, no,† Ron said again. â€Å"And now my wife is gone,† Virgil continued. â€Å"I hope this hotel makes a lot of money,† he said with quiet fury, â€Å"because the Metropolitan's going to pay for my divorce. Discussion Questions Several issues are raised in this Case Study relating to class discussion on Security, Innkeeper’s Act and the Privacy Act. Why does Virgil Jones think that he might have grounds to compel the Metropolitan to â€Å"pay for his divorce†? Or, to put it another way, did Amanda, Ron, or any other hotel staff member make any serious mistakes in dealing with Virgil or Sh eila? If so, what were those mistakes? Point out in your discussion the things the hotel staff did right in relation to guest security. Explain in