Communication Is Important For Communication - 2066 Words

Communication is very important. Communication is defined as the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs. All of this is also classified as language. Language is a complex communication system that humans developed to interact with one another. Everyday people use a certain form of language to communicate with people they come in contact with. From nonverbal to verbal every culture displays unique styles of applied linguistics. Occasionally people may change their style of communication depending on the type of people they are dealing with. For instance, people may not talk the same at their work place than they do when at home. There are formal and informal ways of communicating. Also when trying to achieve something desirable one s whole style of speaking and mannerisms will change depending on the circumstance, rather than using the same language that they use on a day to day basis. Many successful business owners and leaders exh ibit several similar communication qualities from their nonverbal communication to their manner of speaking to realize their goals. The world’s most successful business owners and leaders use nonverbal language to captivate who they interact with to make an important deal. Nonverbal communication is very important and is sometimes more powerful than actual talking. People often say things to hide what they really feel. However, human behaviour is much more predictable than is generallyShow MoreRelatedCommunication Is An Important Element Of Communication1342 Words   |  6 PagesCommunication is the process of collecting all relevant information, interpret them and effectively transmitting the information to the person who might need it. Communication is an important parameter involved in project. Project team member has to collaborate, share and integrate information and knowledge to realize project objectives. It is mandatory to understand the communication process. Commun ication has three components, i.e. sender, transmitter and receiver. And there is also another componentRead MoreImportant Components of Communication1720 Words   |  7 PagesEssay Questions Communication is an important process of transferring information. The most important components of communication are: the sender, the receiver, a message and the feedback. First the sender who is the person or entity that is sending a message with information. The receiver gets the message from the sender. After receiving the message, he tries to encode the message and prepares a proper answer which is called, the feedback. Communication is an essential part of this modern world;Read MoreCommunication As A Important Tool1026 Words   |  5 PagesCommunication is a very crucial element in the society and should be treated with the weight it deserves. Everybody should be able to pass his or her information clearly, accurately and also appropriately so as to avoid cases of misunderstanding or ambiguity. Increasing grammatical accuracy can only enhance fluency in communication. Of all the different skills, it is arguably correct that speaking ability is one of the hardest ones and we s hould hence come up with ways of sharpening this skill. ManyRead MoreImportant Components of Communication1710 Words   |  7 PagesEssay Questions Communication is an important process of transferring information. The most important components of communication are: the sender, the receiver, a message and the feedback. First the sender who is the person or entity that is sending a message with information. The receiver gets the message from the sender. After receiving the message, he tries to encode the message and prepares a proper answer which is called, the feedback. Communication is an essential part of this modern world;Read MoreIs Nonverbal Communication Important? Essay1056 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Nonverbal communication plays a central role in every conversation. Eye contact, posture, and proximity determine how verbal communication is interpreted. Every culture has its own form of nonverbal communication that impacts the way a person is understood outside their homeland. Erin Meyer, an American writer, misinterpreted her audience in Japan because they were using a form of nonverbal communication she did not understand. Egypt’s nonverbal communication differs from Australia’sRead MoreCommunication Skills That Are Important877 Words   |  4 PagesThere are many communication skills that are required to work in health and social care, both personal and professional. The concept of communication is important and requires the use of interpersonal skills. Although these skills are productive they can become counterproductive in different health care situations, this is in relation to individual diversity, environmental and technological situations. Communication is defined as the â€Å"act of transferring information from one place/person to another†Read MoreCommunication : A Important Factor1549 Words   |  7 PagesCommunication Communication is another important factor that needs to consider for building relationship with customer and make them loyal. Communication needs to be two way between customer and company. Social media platform has enriched communications among people. Therefore, it has open up new opportunity for companies to interact with customer more. Companies can open up their page to increase interaction with the customer on social media platform. On the other, customers also interested to interactRead MoreWhy Communication Is Important.1938 Words   |  8 PagesCommunication is an important management skill in organization. Introduction When a day starts, managers will start their work of attending meetings making phone calls, checking emails, supervising staff’s work etc. most of these activities involve communication. To be a good manager, people must have effective communication skills. This communication is that the process of transiting information from one person to another. Good communication skills can facilitate managers to communicate effectivelyRead MoreNon Verbal Communication : An Important Aspect Of Communication947 Words   |  4 Pagesobserved between these two women are examples of non-verbal communication. According to Adler, Rosenfeld, and Proctor (2013), non-verbal communication entails â€Å"messages expressed by nonlinguistic means† and is an important aspect of communication because â€Å"what we do often conveys more meaning than what we say. (p. 177). Non-verbal Functions Non-Verbal communication serves several purposes in our interactions with others and has an important role in how we make and maintain connections with those weRead MoreCommunication Is An Important Part Of A Business1470 Words   |  6 PagesCommunication is an important part of a business to work. For a working environment to succeed, a company’s ideas, knowledge, or opinions are useless unless there is effective workplace communication. Upward communication is the flow of information from frontline employees to managers, supervisors, and directors. This process differs from the more commonly used method of downward communication. Both communication processes require individuals to exchange information with one another with the mindset

Examining the Saytam scandal Free Essays

string(147) " dirt really distressing and the clip is the worst possible clip to go on while the markets were merely started to look like they were retrieving\." 1.1 Justification I chose this dirt because it was a recent and a really large one. It is besides really international as it is an outsourcing house, the effects of the dirt affected many other states. We will write a custom essay sample on Examining the Saytam scandal or any similar topic only for you Order Now Many people lost their investings and India has lost the other states ‘ trust deeply. It is really suited to explicate with assorted ethical elements. 1.2 What is the Scandal about, who are the histrions in it? On 7 January 2009 by the confess of B. Ramalinga Raju, who is the laminitis and besides the president of the Satyam Computer, the universe has learnt and shocked about the fradulent fiscal activities that the Satyam interfered. Ramalinga Raju founded Satyam in 1987 with merely 20 employees which was India ‘s 4th largest outsourcing company with $ 1 billion one-year grosss Satyam Computer Services Ltd was incorporated in 1989 and it went public in 1992. With each go throughing twelvemonth, Satyam strengthened its place and extended its operations to assorted locations. . However when it is discovered the cheatings of Satyam, inquiries arose about how Satyam came to this place. For replying these inquiries we must travel back to the ninetiess. The 2nd half of the 1990s was the liberalisation period in which the importance of the corporations increased extremely in India. Increased competition forced corporations to seek unethical ways to drive their concerns. As coming into being subsequently, Ramalinga Raju besides engaged in such actions to demo its company ‘s public presentation better off. In 2008, although the board of managers hesitated, Satyam acquired Maytas Infrastructure and Maytas Properties that were founded by the laminitis Ramalinga Raju ‘s household for $ 1.6 billion. These both companies belonged to Raju ‘s boies and in the terminal the authorities had to reexamine the trade and the frailty president of India criticized it. When the authorities and the clients of the Satyam became leery about this behavior of Satyam and the investors panically and all of a sudden sold a immense sum of the stocks, Satyam called of its determination. Satyam investors lost 3,400 Indian Rupee in the related terror merchandising. The acquisition created a incredulity in New York Stock Exchange and the Satyam portions fell 55 % . Because of that, the board of managers had to vacate at the terminal of the twelvemonth Then on 29th December, 3 members of board of managers quit their occupations, it is the twenty-four hours when board of managers announced that they will purchase back for deriving the trust of their investors once more. However the things kept traveling worse off. On December 23, The World Bank announced that it banned the Satyam from making concern with it due to data larceny and graft. Market guesss about that the Satyam making fraud counterfeit and breach of contract increased tremendously. It is when the value of the booster interest of Satyam decreased to 5 % , which is an index that the Satyam was stranded, On 7 January 2009, company Chairman Ramalinga Raju resigned after advising board members and the Securities and Exchange Board of India ( SEBI ) that Satyam ‘s histories had been falsified ( Arakali,2009 ) .Raju confessed that Satyam ‘s balance sheet of 30 September 2008 contained: hyperbolic figures for hard currency and bank balances, an accumulated involvemen t of Rs. 376 crore which was non-existent, an unostentatious liability of Rs. 1,230 crore and an exaggerated debitors ‘ place of Rs. 490 crore ( as against Rs. 2,651 crore in the books ) .After probes are deepened, it was found that he had picked the lesser of two offenses when he decided to squeal the offense and he siphoned off financess by blow uping employee Numberss, made many â€Å" benami † land trades, opened â€Å" benami † bank histories, through relations and friends and used them to merchandise in Satyam ‘s portions ( Aneja,2009 ) . Benami history means that when you purchase something in the name of person else by using your ain financess, you use that individual as a name-lender and this is called a ‘ benami dealing ‘ and this is illegal, it can be made legal by reassigning the land in your name but this will affect stomp responsibility and enrollment charges. As a consequence, merely a little use in the company ‘s balance sheet consequence in difference of INR 71,36 one million millions between the existent operating net income As Mr. Raju besides stated in his missive, this difference continued to turn in many old ages and there had been taken many actions to make full this spread and the attemp to purchase Maytas was the last attemp to cover the fictitous assets with existent 1s. He besides claimed that neither he nor the pull offing managers benefited financially from the hyperbolic grosss and none of the board members had any cognition of the state of affairs in which the company was placed. It is really hard to change over everything back to an ethical and right manner after a point and Satyam had already passed this point which means it was inevitable for Satyam to be revelation. After the confession, the board of managers was banned from working and 10 nominal managers are appointed. Ramalinga Raju had arrested on charges of breach of trust, disproof of records, cheating, counterfeit and go againsting insider trading norm. A figure of employees including a top executive and CFO who laid the basis for the fraud and involved in the distorting the bank statements. The CFO of Satyam besides arrested. PWC as being the audit house of Satyam had lost assurance by its clients and 2 of its top functionaries were arrested. This dirt called by the media as Indian ‘s Enron and it has brought into inquiry the degrees of corporate administration in the state after this dirt. Satyam ‘s portions decreased by % 75 and it caused the Indian ‘s stock market to fall by % 7.[ 1 ] Rajiv Gupta, one of the investors of Satyam, told in an interview with BBC that he found the state of affairss occurred after the dirt really distressing and the clip is the worst possible clip to go on while the markets were merely started to look like they were retrieving. You read "Examining the Saytam scandal" in category "Essay examples"[ 2 ] However, it is non the market merely affected from this dirt ; investors, employees, providers, clients all injured from the incorrect making. It is obvious that there are some people who violated some moral issues and act unethically. Now I will seek to integrate moralss into existent life instance and evaluate in the visible radiations of different ethical rules to be able to do judgement whether it is in conformity with or in misdemeanor of moral criterions. 1.3 Who has the moral duty? Who are to fault? The term moral duty sometimes means to fault a individual for something. A individual is morally responsible for the hurts or a incorrect if: caused or helped to do it, or failed to forestall it when he could hold and should hold, did so cognizing what he was making did so of his ain free will. In modern corporations duty is distributed among a figure of collaborating parties. The parties produce the corporate act together. The system arises a inquiry about who is responsible for jointly produced act. The traditional position is who is wittingly and freely lend the corporate act is responsible for the incorrect. In Satyam instance fraud and misrepresentation at Satyam Computer Services in India consist of several immoral Acts of the Apostless. Double accounting books, 1000s of bad bills, 1000s of unneeded employees and tonss of bogus bank statements, harmonizing to tribunal records ( Diaz,2009 ) . So a figure of fraud Acts of the Apostless was seen. Harmonizing to corporate duty theo ry who is responsible for? Whole company employees, employees, directors, board of managers, stockholders even hearers? In immoral Acts of the Apostless an person merely be responsible for an fraud if the individual is wittingly and freely do the unlawful act or non to take part the act but cognizant of it so non the brand an action to Under these conditions, we have to see both Mr. Raju, the audit house PricewaterhouseCoopers and board of managers and happen out if they were morally responsible for the fraud or non. Mr. Raju ; we can evidently see that he caused the fraud, since he wrote a confession missive to the imperativeness and told all the fraud. Furthermore we know that Mr. Raju acted of his ain free will by moving intentionally and purposefully and his actions were non the consequence of some unmanageable mental urge or external force. PwC ; the audit house claimed that they did non cognize about the fraud and the company gave them the incorrect fiscal statements, so they did non acknowledge the fraud. Hearers are responsible to analyze the fiscal statements of the company. Satyam committed an erroneous entering assets which did no exist. PwC is the audit company and should hold recognized the fraud so PwC failed to forestall it when it could hold prevented due to their profession ( Pettet,2009 ) . Through their profession, the audit house is in a place to observe any incompatibility or fraud in the statements. The house could hold raised inquiries about the immense non-existing money. They should hold paid necessary professional attending to their work ( Sekhar,2009 ) This demand is an duty for the hearers. In Satyam the hearers who are S. Gopala Krishnan and Srinivas Talluri, who have been suspended from PricewaterhouseCoopers instances the hearers are besides confronting charges ( Diaz,2009 ) Board of Directors ; when we think about the responsibilities of the board such as regulating the organisation, O.K.ing one-year budgets and oversee the activities of the company, it is clearly seen that the board did non make its responsibilities. They likely did non analyze the operations of the company carefully and did non cognize what was go oning in the company. Therefore, we can state that the board failed to forestall it when it could hold and should hold prevented it.In Satyam instances harmonizing to Ram Mynampati he and other board of directos had no cognition of the fiscal fraud. So they are non responsible for the immoral act because they have no cognition so ignorance of the act ( Vaswani,2009 ) One can state that PwC and the Board are nescient about the issue, nevertheless, they might be intentionally nescient, and if they recognize that something was traveling incorrect and did non state anything. For illustration Mr. Raju wanted to purchase the Maytas Infrastructure Company ‘s portions and the board knows that their concern has no relationship with substructure but they did non seek about the grounds why Mr.Raju wants to purchase the portions. The other exclusion of ignorance is being negligent. Both PwC and the Board failed to take necessary actions and they may pretermit the discernible hints of the fraud, it is non an alibi but it may cut down their duty. Section 2 Philosophers oppugning the Scandal combined with ethical rules in Business 2.1 Kohlberg ‘s Moral Development Ramalinga Raju can be the victim of his ego involvements. He may believe that its effects would be profitable and positive to his ego involvements. He may gain more money if he did non squeal the fraud and resign. Even if inflating figures and demoing a non-existent accumulated involvement are non ethical, but these actions would ensue in net income to him, hence, he sacrifice from being ethical. So, we can state that Mr. Raju is at the first degree â€Å" preconventional phases † and at â€Å" Instrumental and Relative Orientation Stage † .[ 3 ] 2.2 Ethical Principles In Business 2.2.1 Utilitarianism: Harmonizing to Utilitarian attack, it is indispensable to see both the immediate and foreseeable hereafter costs and benefits that each option will bring forth for each and every person. The costs of the dirt are terrible. For illustration, 6 million guiltless stockholders some of them have lost their full life nest eggs because Satyam lost its value by 78 % ( Vaswani, 2009 ) . Employees suffered from the falsified histories and lose their occupation in long term. He besides diverted big amounts of money belong to stockholders by feigning to do salary payments to non-existent employees mean that lessening the grosss of stockholders. Harmonizing to utilitarians, there is nil unethical to distort the informations in the records. Utilitarians think that the actions which produce the greatest benefit and the lowest cost for the society. Before the revelation of the fraud, the investors were puting their money into Satyam and so the company could go on to run. If the company had showed the existent state of affairs to the society, no investors would take Satyam that the company would likely hold had to be near down. In short all of its 53000 employees would go out of employ which is a large cost to the society. So there is a benefit of protecting to occupations of employees and moreover Mr. Raju and some other managers besides might be benefited from the fraud and there were no one acquiring hurting before the revelation. So harmonizing to useful attack, it is right to rip off on study in this state of affairs. However there are jobs with rights and justness, because this behavior is n’t a right moral regulation, it is non right to rip off on report.The legal system of India, petmits disproof of informations which means Mr. Raju and other people played function in fraud do non hold a legal right to make that. However is it besides incorrect harmonizing to moral rights? Moral rights are correlated with responsibilities. When a indivi dual have a moral right, the other have a responsibility non to interfere him or to supply him his right. Here in the instance, investors have right to cognize the existent place of the company which they are puting. However by rip offing on records is violated their rights. Satyam dirt has damaged the remainder of the Indian tech services industry because foreign companies were discouraged for outsourcing owing to the dirt. It is obvious that many U.S. and European clients including General Electric, General Motor, Nestle, and besides United States Government will rethink their trust on non merely the company but besides Indian outsourcing and the credibleness in western clients will endure in the long tally ( Gorkey, 2009 ) . As a effect of the instance, the full corporate administration system in India has been unfaithful for most companies. On the other manus, dirt created an chance for India ‘s challengers in the outsourcing game and smaller IT companies in foreign states can get down concern with Satyam ‘s clients. However some clients are encouraged to maintain occupations at place state in order to avoid any hazards of fraud. It can fresh place market of the clients who may prefer to make concern in their ain sector which will derive more net income itself. There are some Raju ‘s parts to society that can be calculated on benefits side like constructing an exigency health care supplier called EMRI and puting up an exigency medical service ( EMS ) . At the terminal of cost-benefit analysis, net public-service corporation that produced by the dirt is negative intending more costs over benefits so it is non a right action. 2.2.2 Kantian Rights Ramalinga Raju in his missive noted that, Satyam had really made 3 % border, nevertheless many economic experts and bookmans find it laughably low in IT industry ( Shirsat, 2009 ) .This claim supports the claim that Raju pick the lesser of two offenses when he decided to squeal the offense. Besides he inflated the head count of employees to syphon off financess from company ( Vaswani, 2009 ) .Therefore we can reason that more money was coming into company but it was being siphoned out. He used his aged female parent ‘s name to do about 400 â€Å" benami † land trades, invest in other concerns such as existent estate with the many. First of wholly, he diverted big amounts of money belong to stockholders by feigning to do salary payments to non-existent employees. The state of affairs can non go through both the universalizability and reversibility standards of Kantian rights. ( Velasquez,2006 ) He besides violated the 2nd preparation of Kant because he used these non-existent employees and his aged female parent as a agency for his ain will and profaned human self-respect norm. Besides misdemeanor of the belongings rights of stockholders by utilizing belongings belongs to company without permission can be seen as an unethical pattern. Corporate jurisprudence practicians said Raju violated officers ‘ right to cognize by abetting them to perpetrate fiscal fraud. Another issue is Raju is known for his philanthropic gift and committedness to assisting India ‘s rural hapless. He reportedly donated more than $ 50 million of his ain money to make the plan. With the wealth generated by money of others doing such a committedness to society is unethical. This violates the stockholders ‘ right to take because they have a right to take how to utilize their ain money for assisting hapless or non. Furthermore harmonizing to Kant ‘s first preparation, â€Å" the individual ‘s grounds for moving must be grounds that he or she would be willing to hold all others use, even as a footing o how they treat him or her. † Mr. Raju likely would n’t desire to put in a company that looks being in a good state of affairs but is really in a bad state of affairs. So besides harmonizing to Kant ‘s Categorical Imperative it is non right. Satyam dirt involves inquiries of justness and equity. From the â€Å" Distributive Justice † point of position which is the justness class based on the thought that benefits and loads should be distributed every bit, instance involves many unfair patterns. Here Ramalinga Raju and his household diverted money from Satyam to their ain will. Besides with the transportation of portions to the household members, they gave immense loss to the little investors. All benefits went to the Ramalinga Raju and his household. Employees, investors and creditors who had nil to make with the fraud all suffer awful effects and bear all loads. Besides IT industry in India has spent 20 old ages constructing up credibleness with Western clients, but this dirt is foreseen to do many U.S. and European clients rethink their trust on Indian outsourcing. From the retaliatory justness position, Mr. , Raju can be blamed and punished for making incorrect wittingly and in his ain free will. What is upseting is that for over seven old ages the man of affairs who consistently committed fraud was supported by politicians in power in the Andhra Pradesh Government. His association with the top leaders meant that Raju got immense balls of premier land at throw-away monetary values for Technology Park and other intents and many other installations which enabled Satyam to spread out and turn quickly ( Balachandran, 2009 ) . Banks and fiscal establishments allowed Raju to open 1000s of histories without oppugning. They provided statements about the company ‘s finance as Raju requested. Raju was allowed inside cognition of authorities policies, development programs and undertakings even before the blue-prints were prepared. This enabled him and his pool, Maytas Infra, to offer for undertakings on favourable footings. The whole authorities system was harnessed to stand in function Raju ‘s involvements. Harmonizing to Rawls ‘ just equality of chance rule, everyone should be given an equal chance to measure up for the more privileged places. It can be seen that Raju had greater chances than other people and got discriminatory intervention by Bankss, establishments and authorities. The dirt ends with heavy load on society and causes inefficiency in the system so is deemed to go against the difference rule which is the claim that a productive society will integrate inequalities. The difference rule implies that it is incorrect to victimize stockholders and investors because action creates inefficiency. 2.2.3 Virtue Ethical motives: Raju has an MBA Ohio University and is an alumna of Harvard Business School, in other words he is a knowing individual. Harmonizing to the Corruption Perception Index 2004 ( CPI ) which ranks the states in their order of corruptness, out of the 146 states listed, India where he grew ranks a hapless 91. In Satyam instance, Raju ‘s incorrect act might be related to the undermentioned three state of affairss: foremost, it might be related to his single sense of values, so wholly he has done come from his personal moral values. Second, it might come from is the value cherished by society where he turn. Harmonizing to the thought, Raju might be affected by the Indian society and civilization. Finally, the system of administration might hold an influence on Raju ‘s behaviours. I would personally hold with this point, each civilization and state has different tolerances and different ways to carry through concern. In India it might hold been easier to make it, than in any other state or the life conditions and society values may promote him to make such a thing. 2.3 The Persons in The Organization 2.3.1 Conflict of Interest The policies and processs under codification of struggle of involvement requires that the managers and associates of the company shall avoid any activity or association that creates or appears to make a struggle between the personal involvements of the managers and associates and the company ‘s concern involvements. In the instance of Satyam, the hearers of Satyam might hold faced with struggles of involvement while attesting the fiscal record of Satyam. They have softened their criterion while scrutinizing the company fiscal statement. It is clear that the trueness or duty to the client, here it is Satyam, is divided or in struggle with opportunism of Hearers and the involvement of Satyam ‘s direction. In add-on, the company corporate administration does non demo any struggle of involvement between direction and proprietors, the job was caused by the struggle of involvement between the dominant stockholders ( boosters ) and the minority stockholders. The boosters that involve Mr. Raju, together with their friends and relations were the dominant stockholders. The company proposed to put $ 1.6 billion to purchase existent estate and substructure houses, Maytas Properties and Maytas Infrastructure, run by the boies of its founder-chairman Raju. Investors and analysts questioned the move by the Hyderabad-based package exporters to pay such a immense amount to get companies linked to Raju and raised concerns about corporate administration at Satyam and its credibleness in the eyes of planetary clients and stockholders. Ramalinga Raju, nevertheless, justified the determination, stating it was portion of a â€Å" good variegation scheme † . Representatives of investors such as Templeton and Motilal Oswal complained that Satyam had no concern purchasing existent estate or substructure companies and that their investing in Satyam was because it was engaged in supplying package services ( www.tahindian.com ) . There is an existent s truggle of involvement under this investing determination and besides supported the claim that â€Å" all money invested in Maytas belongs to Satyam † . Then Raju stated that the aborted Maytas trade was really last effort to make full the fabricated assets with existent 1s. Though the fiscal establishments owned bulk of interest, but historically they used to play a inactive function in the company. This was leting the boosters, Mr. Raju and his relations to play the corruptness game. The boosters were seeking to re-structure the concern and were besides deviating assets between group companies. So, this shows the struggle of involvement between these parties. 2.3.2 Insider Trading Satyam boosters and top functionaries may hold charged in insider trading. Research workers are coming across grounds of insider trading by the boosters even before the dirt broke. The probe is besides concentrating on the allegations of insider trading in the period before the failed December 16. There are adequate arrows to insider trading by the Satyam boosters and the companies floated by them and their relations. The insider trading in Satyam is formed by the top direction of Satyam – the managers and senior functionaries – with selling portions in front with that books have been overstated, taking to an hyperbolic stock monetary value that helped the top direction do money. The top direction offloaded the company ‘s 6.01 lakh portions this fiscal twelvemonth merely before the confessions of Raju. It reminded the possibility that there may be people who must be cognizant of things to come and might hold offloaded their retention merely earlier fiasco ( Agarwal, 2009 ) . Srinivas Vadlamani, the main fiscal officer of Satyam Computer Service, has been the most active in offloading the portions. Srinivas offloaded 92,358 portions in two episodes in September. Ram Mynampati, president of Satyam and a member of the board, besides offloaded 80,000 portions in three installments in May and June. Interestingly, during the past nine months, none of the top direction squad of Satyam has purchased its portions. The heavy merchandising of portions by the Satyam big-wigs in September was ab initio attributed to the developing uncertainness in the economic scenario. However, put in the larger strategy of things, the sale could be a instance of insider trading. The tendency has asserted in December when 28,500 portions of the company were sold by its senior functionaries. The most recent sellout was done by AS Murthy, main information officer, who sold 21,000 portions between December 12 and 15 ( Agarwal, 2009 ) .Mr. Raju inflated the history for increasing the mo netary value of portions so that he and his confederates get maximal net incomes, in which he succeeded besides. The twenty-four hours this intelligence broke, the Satyam ‘s portion was surging. Here, the SEBI and Ministry of Company Affairs excessively have failed in their assigned occupations. SEBI is the highest regulator and keeps eagle oculus on the activities of the capital markets. When the net incomes of this company were registering unnatural growing, thereby the monetary values of the portions were surging, they do non hold any effort, there has been a batch of chromaticity and call with regard to insider trading ; a ululation SEBI failed to listen to and it inflicted to a great extent on Satyam. Although insider trading per se is non illegal but it is unethical, furthermore when Company ‘s high functionary who were on portion selling fling must had the thought of what was traveling in the company. Raju had besides opened multiple benami ( silent person ) accounts through relations and friends and used them to merchandise in Satyam ‘s portions, go againsting the insider trading norm. He used the company ‘s proprietary information to reassign securities to his brother Suryanarayana Raju and to his female parent Appalanarsama Raju. Crime Investigation Department ( CID ) of the Andhra Pradesh constabularies and Central bureaus has confirmed that the boosters indulged in insider trading of the company ‘s portions. ( NDTV Correspondent,2009 ) 2.4 Rationalization It may look easy to apologize this at first. Managers ever trust in themselves and in their accomplishments a batch, and believe that their company is basically sound. They believe that they will do it up in the hereafter without anybody detecting it when there is a job and. They do everything to apologize their moves, their determinations in order to look guiltless. When the company faces the spread and unable to do it up, a larger deformation is needed to cover up, as Raju added in his missive. He bet that neither him nor the pull offing manager has benefitted in the fiscal footings on history of the hyperbolic consequences, even 1 rupee/dollar. Put otherwise, he claims that he did distort histories in order to maintain operating traveling at Satyam and to be able to supply prompt payments of salary. He besides gave an account to Maytas acquisition and rationalized it by claiming that he merely tried to make full the fabricated assets of Satyam with existent 1s. What is more, he said ‘Significant dividend payments, acquisitions and capital outgos to supply for growing did non assist affairs. ‘ He asserted these claims to happen an alibi for his fraud. 2.5 Stakeholder Analysis Harmonizing to new stakeholder theory, direction bears no extra fiducial relationships to 3rd parties but have morally important nonfudiciary duties to 3rd parties. It means direction may ne’er hold promised clients, employees a â€Å" return on investing † but obliged to take earnestly its extra-legal duties non to wound, lie to or rip off these stakeholders ( Goodpaster, 1991 ) . Until the fraud, the secret of Raju ‘s outstanding success is thought to lie in his simple, yet extended direction theoretical account that creates value, promotes entrepreneurship, focuses unrelentingly on the client and purposes at changeless chase of excellence for all stakeholders. The fraud showed that he is far off from this first-class image. He failed to exert his duties which are non to wound, lie or rip off the stakeholders. All stakeholders are lied and cheated with the falsified Numberss and studies for many old ages. In May, Satyam has merely over 40,000 employees, about each of them on the ‘bench ‘ are in danger of losing employment at Satyam. Equally good as, clients of Satyam including Nestle, Nissan, in a large scraping because they do n’t desire to work with Satyam any longer but passage is besides hard for them. Furthermore IT industry participants, rivals and providers were lied, cheated and injured by Satyam Section 3 The Ironies in the Scandal A ; The Awards of the Ceo 3.1 Sarcasms This dirt includes many sarcasms in it, from the name of the company to present the house and the Ceo received: Satyam means â€Å" truth † in Sanskrit, Satyam earned a United Kingdom Trade and Investment India Business Award for Corporate Social Responsibility, Satyam got Global Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance for 2008, In 2007 Ramalinga Raju was chosen as the best enterpriser of the twelvemonth by Ernst A ; Young, Satyam was selected for the formal IT patron of the World Cup 2010-2014 by FIFA. 3.2 Corporate Administration Golden Peacock award was given to Satyam for its corporate administration criterions. This is the sarcasm of the state of affairs that a company which was considered the best in IT industry has such low corporate administration criterions. On top it the Board of Directors was non even apprised of even anything. Corporate Administration as defined is â€Å" Corporate administration refers to the legal and factual model of the direction and monitoring of companies. Corporate administration ordinances are geared towards transparence and therefore beef up the trust in direction and control concentrating on value creative activity † . There are few importance elements of corporate administration viz. Auditing, Independent Directors, Regulators and Finally the Board including CEO itself. If we examine these components one by one, it would be crystal clear that all the components either failed or did non move as was required. The function of Price Waterhouse Coopers, the Auditing house of Satyam has been dealt. So, the Satyam fraud is unfolding and so are the built-in failings of Corporate Governance in India. The fraud has brought to illume the fact that in India the differentiation between proprietors and direction is still non really clear. Where the proprietors are besides the directors, such frauds are ever a possibility. Section 4 Conclusion and Suggestions 4.1 What should hold been done, where did Raju make incorrectly? Satyam Computer company is a global company. The company has many clients all around the universe and the foreign investors come to India to put in the company. As being a large company, it requires a good corporate administration system and correlativity among parties of company. All of the parties should follow their responsibilities harmonizing to the contract with the company. So that the company will last, spread out its market portion and function their clients in a confidential mode. The Chief executive officer of the Satyam Computers and other people involved in the procedure was blamed for the immoral Acts of the Apostless which was blow uping hard currency and bank balances, accruing involvement that are non-existing, exaggerating debitors ‘ place in the books, graft, insider trading and etc. A company director is responsible to transport the company in the chase of net income and while seeking ways to increase net income the company should obey the legal issues and Torahs. Mr. Raju did non follow these rules that the company lost it ‘s clients, repute and damaged economically both in the place and foreign market. Mr. Raju used his authorization and power in an inappropriate ways. In this study, Satyam dirt and related ethical quandary ar e evaluated in the visible radiations of different ethical rules. The major purpose was to integrate moralss into this existent life to be able to do judgement whether it is in conformity with or in misdemeanor of moral criterions. Moral duty and incrimination analysis showed that Mr. Raju is morally responsible for the incorrect with no extenuating factor even he tried to apologize his incorrect making in his missive. PwC and board of managers stay negligent about the issue by neglecting to take necessary actions, their carelessness may decrease their duty but can non wholly take. At the terminal of cost-benefit analysis, net public-service corporation that produced by the dirt is found to be negative significance more costs over benefits so it is non a right action. Harmonizing to rights and justness. Raju ‘s actions are unfair and contradict to Rawl ‘s rules and besides violate Kant ‘s first and 2nd preparation and rights of others. As a president of the company, Raju failed to populate up the responsibility to prosecute the ends of the house by moving on a â€Å" struggle of involvement † and merchandising company ‘s stock on the footing of â€Å" inside † information. Besides new stakeholder analysis proved that Satyam direction failed to exert their duties toward the stakeholders which are non to wound, lie to or rip off the stakeholders. Raju ‘s actions are immoral and he sacrificed being ethical purposefully for his ego involvement which lead us to set him into the â€Å" Instrumental egoism † phase of Kohlberg ‘s moral development phases. 4.2 Introduction of a Company Ethics Program Although Raju has an MBA Ohio University and is an alumna of Harvard Business School, he made the fraud, it shows the importance of holding common sense, the instruction does non count all the clip. â€Å" Company Ethics Program † should be formulated and each and every person should perpetrate this, Exercise of this plan should be followed and monitored persistently and systematically. Peoples should be trained, retrained until the rules are internalized, It besides showed us the importance of whistle blowing, The harm would be less if person blew the whistling earlier. Audited account houses should be more careful while analyzing the fiscal statements of the companies. In the terminal they besides have a large portion in this game and they are to fault Whistle blowing: Whistleblower is a individual who raises a concern about wrongdoing happening in an organisation or organic structure of people. Normally this individual would be from that same organisation. This misconduct can be classified in many ways such as a misdemeanor of a jurisprudence, regulation, ordinance and/or a direct menace to public involvement, such as fraud, health/safety misdemeanors, and corruptness. Whistle blowers may do their allegations internally ( for illustration, to other people within the accused organisation ) or externally ( to regulators, jurisprudence enforcement bureaus, to the media or to groups concerned with the issues ) .[ 4 ] How to cite Examining the Saytam scandal, Essay examples

Strategic Development Within National Australian Bank (Nab)

Question: Discuss about theStrategic Development Within National Australian Bank (Nab). Answer: Introduction National Australian Bank (NAB) has been referred to as one of the leading financial institution with its operations in New Zealand (NZ), Asia Australia. NAB has been referred to as one of the leading financial institution in terms of number of customers and market capitalization. NAB has more than 110 branches and more than 4, 000 ATMS/ service centers all over NZ, Asia Australia. Leadership style refers to the way in which the leaders communicate within the organization. Using an appropriate leadership style is referred to as one of the key aspects for smooth functioning within the organization. There are two main leadership styles which are followed at NAB i.e. transformational transactional leadership. NAB has the following eight divisions under its head i.e. personal banking, Private Wealth, business banking, wholesale banking, specialized functions corporate functions. Mission, Vision Competitive Advantages Mission: The mission of National Australian Bank (NAB) is to provide apt solutions to its customers keeping in mind the requirements of the same. They also believe in recognizing the profitability for long term success. NAB also helps to create a working environment which is built with confidence helps to boost the morale of the employees in the long run. NAB also helps in providing a positive contribution towards the development of the society as well as strength the quality of service (Foss, 2007). Vision: The vision of National Australian Bank (NAB) is to become one of the most respectable banks of Australia. Our vision is to become the best in the banking sector. We management team at National Australian Bank (NAB) believes in success (Special Issue of Strategic Organization, 2015). Competitive advantage: Competitive advantage refers to outrun the competitor by using different strategies. Competitive advantage helps any organization to maintain a favorable position amongst its competitors and help to boost the image of the company in the long run. Competitive advantage helps the organization to have a better identification understanding of the customers in the best possible manner. Some of the ways in which NAB has attained competitive advantage as compared to its rivals have been discussed as follows: The primary role of NAB is to facilitate smooth flow of money capital in the market so as to meet the needs of the customers. NAB provides transactional banking which helps the customers to earn hefty amount of income. NAB also invests high amounts in attracting as well as developing people so that they can create a diverse workforce which enables to execute the strategies (Papanastassiou Pearce, 2009). NABs business operations helps to attain high levels of dividend taxes to the government officials. NAB has been known for improving the reliability as well as the speed of the process. NAB aims to improve as well as manage the way a business operates. NAB has made efforts to become a profitable business in the long run. It has been known as a performance driven organization (Dellaportas, Cooper Braica, 2007). A strong organizational culture has helped NAB to successfully execute the vision strategy at Australia New Zealands (NZ) most respectable banks. The customer experience at NAB has been referred to as one of the best i.e. in which it operates. NAB helps in providing one of the best experiences for its customers attain critical success within the premium portfolio segments (Sethurama Suresh, 2014). Strategies Used in Past Some of the strategies used in past by National Australia Bank (NAB) to promote its product has been discussed as follows: Free items: Free items helped customers to get attracted at a bank. It was seen that, majority customers used to get ready to switch their bank in eagerness of attaining a small gift as a sweet gesture. Banks used to analyze their target customers in order to witness what shall be provided as a gift (Skowron-Mielnik, 2011). Word of mouth: Word of mouth was referred to as one of the most common and powerful marketing tool. People used to encourage their friends or colleagues to open a savings or current account in a particular bank. This helped the people working in a bank to attain referral. Strategies Used Currently Strategies which are used currently by National Australia Bank (NAB) in order to market their products have been discussed as under: NAB focuses on advertising their three main range of products such as home loans, business loans credit cards. Brand awareness has helped the financial institution to grow and attain first mover advantage so as to remain competitive in the long run (Hansen, 2007). NAB has used certain strategies to attract its customers which will help to retain competitive advantage. Use of technology: Technology plays a vital role in deciding the success of a particular organization. With the use of smartphones, internet majority customers have started practicing banking online. Description of all the products by the bank will be displayed on the portal which will help the users to manage their account in the best possible manner (Skowron-Mielnik, 2011). Providing credit cards to college students, independent working women, will help the customers to get attracted towards NAB. Offer cards with low rate of interests will appeal the customers to procure the same. Business Controversies/ Criticism: The subsidiary of NAB in Irish was under inquiry for more than 6 years which was carried out by the police inspectors in the Irish High Court. The main reason for the same was engaging in overcharging of customers tax evasion scheme applicable before 1998 (Hansen, 2007). Controversy 2: In the year 2004, NAB had resulted in unauthorized foreign currency options by losing more than $400 million. The reason for the same was, failed speculative position wherein the traders falsified the profits in order to generate more revenues. The speculation was made on US dollars as compared to other currencies (Hansen, 2007). Environmental Analysis PESTLE analysis: The PESTLE analysis for National Australian Bank (NAB) has been described as follows: Political analysis: Political analysis in terms of financial institution refers to deregulation and privatization. With the entry of financial deregulation, the National Australian Bank (NAB) were asked to emboss high fees cut down the services whenever possible. Economic analysis: The capital position at NBA is measured by the standard ratio. Hence, NBA strengthens the capital levels with stronger impact on neutralizing the capital framework (Kirkman Shapiro, 2001). Social analysis: It has been stated that, banks play an important role in supporting communities by offering various literacy programs. This bank also provides advantages to youth in terms of educational facilities such as education loan, etc. Technological analysis: National Australian Bank (NAB) has been referred to as the first Australian Bank which offers customer satisfaction settlement. This bank also provides 24 hours access with the help of ATM and telephone banking. It has been referred to as an online broker which provides facilities such as Net Banking Securities (Kirkman Shapiro, 2001). Legal analysis: National Australian Bank (NAB) has started a program by the name open advice review (OAR). This review takes into consideration the following aspects such as negotiating with independent parties, preparation focusing upon the documentation. The OAR program has certain challenges like financial services to the customers, scope and timings of the financial assets, determine the scope estimation of customers with the bank (Kirkman Shapiro, 2001). Environmental analysis: NAB has been referred to as one of the largest financial institutions in Australia New Zealand (NZ). In the year 2012, NAB also won the sustainability awards and also has major impact in attaining the position with best leadership indices. Swot Analysis Strengths National Australian Bank (NAB) has been referred to as one of the most respectable banks all over the globe. NAB has established itself as a strong brand in the banking sector with good financial position as well (Gabriel, n.d.). It is one of the leading financial institution with diverse range of products services. NAB is the largest bank in terms of assets. Weakness National Australian Bank (NAB) has no global acclaim. National Australian Bank (NAB) has seen decline in the revenue level along with less growth and development in the same (Zhang, 2008) Opportunities The first opportunity with National Australian Banks (NAB) is to expand itself as a brand in other countries as well (Cherian Farouq, 2013). The bank shall offer diversified products services with varied portfolio for its customers (Gabriel, n.d.). National Australian Bank (NAB) shall explore options such as acquisitions Joint venture so as to expand its name in other regions as well. The bank shall also focus upon new sectors such as asset management. Threats Change in the government regulations financial crises pose high levels of threats at National Australian Banks (NAB). National Australian Bank (NAB) faces stiff competition from its rivals in the Australian NZ market (Dellaporta, Cooper Braica, 2007). Some of the immediate rivals of NAB are Bank of America, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, PNB Paribas, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) Hong Kong Scotland Bank Corporation (HSBC). Leadership Style Organizational Culture within National Australian Banks (NAB) Leadership style refers to the way in which the leaders communicate within the organization. Using an appropriate leadership style is referred to as one of the key aspects for smooth functioning within the organization. Some of the leadership styles used at National Australian Banks (NAB) have been discussed as follows: Transactional Leadership: Transactional Leadership has been referred to as a type of leadership practice which is mainly practiced at NAB. The main focus in transactional leadership is to know the needs of the consumers. This will help to attain the organizational goals in the best possible manner (Anon, 2015). Transformational leadership style: The second type of leadership style which is used at NAB is transformational leadership. In this type of leadership style, the leader has moral qualities it sacrifices its own interest as compared to the groups interest (Charteris-Black, 2007). Conclusion Hence, it can be concluded that National Australia Bank has been referred to as one of the leading banks with major presence in Australia New Zealand (NZ). NAB has been referred to as one of the leading financial institution in terms of number of customers and market capitalization. NAB has more than 110 branches and more than 4, 000 ATM/ service centers all over NZ, Asia Australia. This assignment takes into consideration, mission vision and competitive advantage of the same. The report is then followed by the strategies used by NAB and strategies that are currently in use by NAB. Environmental analysis has been performed for National Australia Bank (NAB) using to main marketing tools i.e. PESTLE analysis SWOT analysis. Lastly, the use of two main leadership styles i.e. transformational transactional leadership shall be practiced at National Australia Bank (NAB) has been discussed. References Anon, (2015).Annual Review 2015. [online] Available at: https://www.nab.com.au/content/dam/nabrwd/About-Us/shareholder%20centre/documents/annual-review-interactive.pdf [Accessed 30 Sep. 2016]. Charteris-Black, J. (2007).The communication of leadership. London: Routledge. Cherian, J. and Farouq, S. (2013). Does Effective Leadership Style Drive Financial Performance of Banks? Analysis in the Context of UAE Banking Sector.International Journal of Economics and Finance, 5(7). Dellaportas, S., Cooper, B. and Braica, P. (2007). Leadership, Culture and Employee Deceit: the case of the National Australia Bank.Corporate Governance: An International Review, 15(6), pp.1442-1452. Foss, N. (2007). Strategic belief management.Strategic Organization, 5(3), pp.249-258. Gabriel, K. (n.d.). Organizational Development, Organizational Culture and Organizational Change.SSRN Electronic Journal. Hansen, P. (2007). Organizational Culture and Organizational Change: The Transformation of Savings Banks in Denmark, 1965-1990.Enterprise and Society, 8(4), pp.920-953. Kirkman, B. and Shapiro, D. (2001). The Impact Of Cultural Values On Job Satisfaction And Organizational Commitment In Self-Managing Work Teams: The Mediating Role Of Employee Resistance.Academy of Management Journal, 44(3), pp.557-569. Papanastassiou, M. and Pearce, R. (2009).The strategic development of multinationals. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. Sethuraman, K. and Suresh, J. (2014). Effective Leadership Styles.IBR, 7(9). Skowron-Mielnik, B. (2011). Strategic Factors Affecting Flexible Work Model Development.Organization and Management, 2011(5 (148). Special Issue of Strategic Organization: "Strategic Management Theory and Universities". (2015).Strategic Organization, 13(4), pp.365-367. Zhang, Y. (2008).Large Chinese state-owned enterprises. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire, [UK]: Palgrave Macmillan.

Study Case Marketing About Harmonix free essay sample

Harmonix is a company originally founded by Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, they were the original developer of guitar hero series, the idea was originally create some demo software with the vision of providing a different way for people without music training or talent to experience the joy of playing and creating music. One of the most successful product that was produced by hamonix were guitar hero series, which subsequently became the fastest videogame in history to top 1 billion dollars just in north America. . )What marketing philosophy did harmonix use at first and how did their philosophy change? * The Marketing management philosophy used Harmonix, at first, was production oriented. The company focused on some demo software they had created in 1995, and the company focused on the internal capabilities rather than the wants or needs of customers. Then they tried the make a product by persons who wants know that will feel   be a rock star and decide to engage with their custom ers, changing their philosophy to the market orientation. We will write a custom essay sample on Study Case Marketing About Harmonix or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Since 2004 the company searched for the wants and likes of the customers creating products such as the microphone in karaoke Revolution, and in 2005 Guitar hero. This means that the company took actions by creating products to deliver and provide value to customers. The company seeks to satisfy needs , wants and likes of the customers with their products. S. W. O. T. STRENGHT * Innovation in the sector of video games * Strong brand image * Quality of the product (reality, sound, image) * Their games offer another experience that the consumers wants WEAKNESS * High prices Focus only in people with middle and higher incomes * Focus only in the music and entertainment market OPPORTUNITIES * New markets (games experiences) * New ways of advertising using internet THREAD * Increasing competitors * Indirect competition from other substitutes (other experiences with motion games) * Changing market experiences * Illegal downloading and piracy * Global economic conditions MARKETING MIX PRODUC T : like any other products have a life cycle, which begins at the time of its release, continues its growth and maturity, and finally goes into decline. They must understand each of the phases for the design, or strategies aiming at the attraction of video games to boost sales, it is for this reason that was listed as the fastest and most sales in history. PRICE: their units were sold at a higher price than other products on the market. By having so much market acceptance, Harmonix knew that despite the increase in their cost, their game was going to be one of the most competitive; the problem was that these prices keep out the people with low incomes, which is a big part of the market. DISTRIBUTION: still retains its operational autonomy, good budget for product development and licensing of music for their games. With its software can provide basic kinds of musical composition as an attribute to the participants of the game, so funding invest for their internal costs and seek adjustments in the bid as and distribution consumer needs. PROMOTION: this company provides advertising that discloses a new way to experience the joy of playing and creating music through video games. Sales staff often plays an important role in word of public relations, Also they used a different way of advertising, using demos, tournaments with huge rewards that motivated the gamester to buy the game. Conclusion: * In conclusion this company show their evolution , through the time since that Harmonix beginning when was had created in grad school in 1995. Even now when this company developement fun and extraordinary videogames and one philosophy that will could satisfy   the needs , wants and likes of their customers.

Elazars political subcultures

Elazars political subcultures Elizar’s (1966) stated that there is a theory used to classify American political culture that depicted boundaries of the historical government’s action. He suggested moralistic, individualism and traditionalistic culture as the combination of political sub-cultures that were depicted in various states in the United States (McKethan, 2007).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Elazars political subcultures specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Each of these subcultures embodied different perspectives on the political process, citizen’s roles in government and the role of the government in general (McKethan, 2007). This paper compares and contrasts the three kinds of political subcultures in reference to the Health policy. In moralistic subculture, political activities were viewed as a way to improve the society’s lifestyle (McKethan, 2007). If the same view is applied in public health policy, the su bculture gives a platform for the policy makers the privilege to make policies that will improve living conditions in the society. Policymakers in moralistic states champion, invent and embrace broad public programs that help in improvement of the society (Brian Miller, 2002). They generate ideas and carry researches that are meant to bring change to the society. In this subculture the politicians and public, conceive politics as matters of public with the notation of public good. During policymaking, the policy makers ensure that the health policies are of great help to the society (McKethan, 2007). In individualistic subculture, the policy makers support innovation in health public but they limit relying on the government on the basic services (Brian Miller, 2002). Their concern to the public is limited as compared to moralistic subculture. In addition, individualistic subculture encouraged people to have objectives that are for their own good or a group of people (Brian Miller , 2002). The subculture thus encourages nepotism. On other hand, traditionalistic subculture notion is that the government should maintain its status quo. The subculture does not give room for innovations in the public services and thus limits the government to what it already has. However, the subculture allows innovation but limits the powers to just a relatively small and self-perpetuating groups (Brian Miller, 2002). These groups are â€Å"drawn from established elite who govern through family ties or social status† (Brian Miller, 2002).Advertising Looking for essay on public administration? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Moralistic and individualism states spend more capital in social programs than the traditionalistic states. However, their rates differ in that the moralistic states spend more than the individualistic states (McKethan, 2007). The moralistic policies were more innovative followed by th e individualistic policies and finally the traditionalistic. Traditionalistic policies are more conservative and they incorporate so many ancient policies. Moralistic states have good economic equality among the people throughout the whole state than the other states. In individualistic political culture states, there is economic inequality, which makes the gap between poor and the rich big. The gap is also reflected in access to health services where the rich enjoy better compared to the poor. On the other hand, states with traditionalistic culture economic growth depend with the family and social hierarchies where families with strong background are wealthier than those with weak background are. Conclusion It is evident that states with moralistic political culture have good governance than states with other political cultures. This gives the people from these states an advantage to better health policies and welfare services. The contrary is to the states that hold and accommodat e the traditionalistic subculture. On the other hand, states with individualistic subcultures welfare of the society depend on what they have in government. References Brian, F. Miller, G. (2002). Political culture and voting systems in the United. Westport, USA: Praeger publishers. McKethan, A. (2007). Moving or mimicking the market? The opportunities and constraints of state public employee health plans. United States: Chapel Hill.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Elazars political subcultures specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More

A Comprehensive Cheat Sheet for Fractions

A Comprehensive Cheat Sheet for Fractions Fractions Cheat Sheet This cheat sheet provides a basic outline of what you need to know about fractions when you are required to perform computations that involve fractions. Computations refer to addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. You should have an understanding of simplifying fractions and calculating common denominators prior to adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions. Multiplying Fractions Once you remember that the numerator refers to the top number and the denominator refers to the bottom number of a fraction, you are on your way to being able to multiply fractions. You will multiply the numerators, then multiply the denominators and will be left with an answer that may require one additional step: simplifying. Lets try one: 1/2 x 3/41 x 3 32 x 4 8Therefore the answer is 3/8 Dividing Fractions Again, you need to know that the numerator refers to the top number and the denominator refers to the bottom number. In the case of division of fractions, you will invert the divisor and then multiply. Put simply, turn the second fraction upside down (this is called the reciprocal) and then multiply. Lets try one: 1/2 x 1/31/2 x 3/1 (we just flipped 1/3 to 3/1)3/3 which we can simplify to 1 Notice that I began with Multiplication and Division? If you remember the above, you wont have much difficulty with those two operations as they dont involve calculating the like denominators. However, when subtracting and adding fractions, were are often required to calculate the like or common denominators. Adding Fractions When  adding fractions with the same denominator, you leave the denominator as it is and add the numerators. Lets try one:3/4 9/413/4 Of course, now the numerator is larger than the denominator so you would simplify and have a mixed number:3 1/4 However, when adding fractions with unlike denominators, a common denominator needs to be found prior to adding the fraction. Lets try one:2/3 1/4 (the lowest common denominator is 12)8/12 3/12 11/12 Subtracting Fractions When subtracting fractions with the same denominator, leave the denominator as it is and subtract the numerators. Lets try one:9/4 - 8/4 1/4However, when subtracting fractions without the same denominator, a common denominator needs to be found prior to subtracting the fraction. Lets try one:1/2 - 1/6 (the lowest common denominator is 6) 3/6 - 1/6 2/6 which can be reduced to 1/3 There are times when youll simplify the fractions when it makes sense.

Business proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Business proposal - Essay Example Category 1 to category 4 represent some of the different periods that the business may experience during its operations and assists in developing an individual expense report since high category of 4,will mean high periods of the business and necessary adjustments to the expense report made. Therefore, expenses entail on the type of category experienced. During high categories such as category 4, expenses reduce since the category expects high expenditure affecting savings of the business. Series 1 and 2 shows some of the downs and falls of the business. It enables an individual to determine the periods of savings and expenditures of the business and hence reducing costs and maximizing on profits. Saving from wages enables an individual to have plans for future development of the business. Some of anticipated problems in developing the business plan include lack of enough financial resources and inadequate time for the individual business expense report to take effect. The use of SMART (specific, measurable, applicable, reliable and time range aspects) analysis helps in solving some of the major problems experienced in development of the business proposal. The use of SMART analysis enables the problems of development in the business proposal solved and enable for the progress of the proposal. The use of SMART analysis enables one to compare current household expenditure with future developments of the same expenditure. Specific Problems of the business are handled easily and using realistic approaches of SMART analysis, solutions of the future are managed using an individual expenditure report. Therefore, the development of a business proposal has many varied benefits to the business, which enables prosperity and developments of the company in many varied and effective ways. Period of SMART analysis enables for the existence of an average annual pay of sixty thousand, which enables business individuals and

Forecasting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Forecasting - Essay Example Forecasting is therefore a complex business in the company, which effectively has more than one personality. Seasonal forecasting is less significant and used at Daimler Chrysler than for example in the energy industry, in which the seasons make for dramatic and cyclical shifts in demand. It is not as though automobile sales do not peak at certain times of the year, but our regression models are able to take care of these models. We can also use moving annual totals for monthly future projections, rather than a calendar method, to ensure that we account for relatively minor seasonal fluctuations in demand. Seasonal forecasting has some applications for our finance business. Customers of the Daimler Chrysler Bank may have seasonal fluctuations in demand for their products and services. The financial services wing of the company has to evaluate the validity of revenue forecasts in applications for loans in such cases. There are also some key materials that we use in production, which experience seasonal fluctuations in pricing and availability. Energy is an example for plants in the northern hemisphere. Leather, though relatively small in total cost, is another example, the purchase and production support services functions of the company have to keep seasonal forecasting methods in mind, when planning for supplies at optimal prices and in time. Delphi Delphi is a key component of forecasting methodology in the automobile business. Product demand is significantly affected by cultural and geo-political matters, which lie outside the domain of expertise of a car and truck maker. The company has long gestation periods for developing new products. Hence, there is an important and frequent need to use third-party consultant from diverse fields to understand future automobile needs in various parts of the world. Daimler Chrysler has also to use Delphi as it spreads its wings to new territories. Russia, China and India are amongst the new markets with high growth potential for automobile sales, but which have driving, traffic and customer needs very different from the traditional strong holds of Western Europe and the United States. Relevant trend data are lacking for these key opportunities, and Delphi provides important learning inputs for entry and consolidation strategies for such markets. The Delphi technique has a number of drawbacks (Evans, 2002, p 366). The kind of experts selected for the study affect the outcome, and there is inevitable subjectivity in their forecasts. Most of them are highly biased and may take extreme positions to suit their private agendas. The questionnaires we deploy during the interviews are a bit vague, and the responses are therefore not universally comparable. There is no valid measure of error as with regression models. Nevertheless, this method is the best when we need ideas about the distant future and how customer choices and competitive technologies are likely to change. Daimler Chrysler cannot do without Delphi, its weaknesses notwithstanding, because innovation lies at the heart of our competitive position (Daimler-Chrysler Creates New Management Model, 2006). We need expert inputs on matters such as future consumer needs and energy security. The jatropha project in India and the driver assist system are examples of

Summer Vacation Essay Example for Free

Summer Vacation Essay The summer i had was amazing. I did so many different things. I went to camp, went to USA, and went to the beach. I had so much fun. I just hope next summer is as exciting as this one. First of all I went to my camp with tons of my friends. (name of camp) was so much fun! I spent money on ______ and me and my friends did so much different things. The only problem is that i had to wake up early. That was a bummer. Secondly i went to USA. I woke up early, and took a long bus ride. That wasnt that fun. But i went to really nice places. (list a couple places and explain part of it) Last, i went to the beach with my family. I got a great tan! I love just sitting in the sand and soaking up the sun. I relaxed and it was really fun spending it with my family. I went swimming too. Of course its not as fun if i didnt go swimming, the water was so refreshing. In conclusion, my summer was so amazing and im really excited for next summer. The infamous â€Å"What I did on my Summer Vacation Essay†, I’m not sure I was ever assigned that one. Suddenly I see myself in Junior English. I was 16, flat chested, boyfriendless, wanting desperately to have the whole fitting popular feeling behind me. And it almost was, but only almost because there I was sitting in my name brand jeans thought I probably spent all my birthday money on. I am also pretty sure that I woke up at least an hour before school started to get my hair just right. I am still clueless with what to do with makeup but that never stopped me then. I wish I had had enough sense to throw on those old comfy jeans. The ones with the holes in them ( not on purpose), a soft t-shirt and pulled my hair into a ponytail†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦but that wardrobe would have to wait until college. But back to my 16 year old self, English was just a class. Not one I particularly looked forward to either. If anyone had asked my favorite subject I never would have said English. I dreaded the essays and sentence diagramming. I did look forward to the reading lists, although , I tried not to appear too eager. I complained as much as the rest as the class, but at home I read them. Cover to cover. Usually well before the deadline. I hated homework of read chapters one and two. I read books, like I later learned to drink beer. Fast until I finished. I couldn’t stop at the end of chapter two. I needed to know what happened like I needed another drink. And I liked the excuse to read, at this stage I of felt like I needed one. Reading was kind of cool for a while. Me and Ramona Quimby were the best of friends in elementary school. I also went through a slightly embarrassing Babysitters Club phase, but am pleased to report that the Sweet Vally High Twins and I never clicked. Sometime in junior high those books seemed babyish, and replaced with talking on the phone, listening to music ( really bad music I might add) and learning how to French kiss. So when we got our reading lists every year I dug in. So, back to the first week of English III. You already have most of the background, but what you don’t know is that I was more than a bit guarded. I didn’t like letting people in. Really in. Being vulnerable wasn’t exactly safe in my family and well not that safe for anyone in high school period. That being said I would have killed for our first writing assignment to be â€Å"what I did on my summer vacation†. Surely I would have written something amusing or satirical. I doubt I would have truly written about our beach vacation where more than likely my parents screamed at each other, I got 3rd degree burns and most of my family got drunk and passed out. Possibly even me. I can’t remember that summer in particular but they were all pretty much the same. Not to say there weren’t any warm memories from those summer beach retreats. Surprisingly there are many, but at 16 you kind of gravitate towards the bad stuff. The melancholy teenager hanging on to anything to give her a thick wall to build around herself. Yes, I would have written something light and clever and given it a really zingy title. I was well known for my zingy titles. Instead Mrs. Lampo asked us to write not one silly essay but a collection of private personal ones. I believe it was called a â€Å"me book†. I cringed as she described the assignment. Now, as a teacher I can see what she was trying to do. She wanted to get to know us. Who we were, what we liked, how we wrote, how to reach us. The problem was, I was 16 and she was one of them. A grown up. A teacher. A mom of a kid in our class. She was not to be trusted. How could I write all these essays on who I was, my strongest influences, the things I was most proud of etc.. Maybe later in the year. Maybe by April or something when we had a chance to feel each other out. Not now. Not the first week. I can picture her clearly. She was about my mom’s age. Short, with short dark hair. She was always very smartly dressed, much more stylish than my mom and with her toes perfectly pedicured. She always seemed a bit shifty to me. She had this large mole on her face that I couldn’t help but stare at as she lectured. It was about the size of a dime and I swear it got bigger as the year went on. It has made me really self councious about my own mole. I keep thinking about having it removed all because of the time I spent making fun of hers in the 11th grade. She was probably a pretty good teacher, although she made me uneasy. Usually good teachers fall into one of two categories: cold, hard and feared, but eventually that fear turns into respect and the cold starts to warm. This would be Mrs. Holmes my 6th grades science teacher and first F I ever received on a test. Next would be the warm and encouraging type. You learned so much simply because you wanted to please them. This would be my 10th grade English teacher, Mrs. Prejean who introduced me to Anne Sexton on the first day ( no damn summer vacation essays from her either). I wouldn’t have memorized that ridiculously long Friends, Romans, Countrymen speech for anyone else. Mrs. Lampo didn’t quite fit into either category. I suppose she was hard, but not especially challenging. I didn’t warm to her, nor did I truly respect her. I did, however, like to argue with her. This was her fault of course. She introduced our poetry unit with this long flowery speech about how no opinion or interpretation of a poem could be wrong. There were no dumb questions or bad observations. Once again, as a fellow educator I can see what she was trying to do. She wanted to create a safe atmosphere for us to speak up and discuss. The only problem with that was she announced to my class that my observation was dead wrong only 15 minutes after her flowery speach. I didn’t burn with shame, instead I took it as a challenge. Maybe this challenge was just what I needed to motivate me to prove myself to her academically or maybe all it motivated me to do was toilet paper her house and leave an egg in her mailbox with a threatening note about Thoreau. Back to my first week assignment†¦These personal essays had a cold fearful grip on me. Usually my writing process involved mulling the topic over for a bit and then pouring it all out on paper the day or so ( or occasionally the period) before it was due. I didn’t proofread or spellcheck. I finished them in a flurry and handed them in. I think I was afraid if I gave them a proper reading I would be too embarrassed to even have them graded. My spelling was not something to be envied. I never quite got a great grasp on grammar either. To this day I couldn’t tell you what a gerrand is. I somehow managed to get As, although my papers were usually heavily marked with red.. These essays were different. I was supposed to reveal something about myself. To her. To someone who could be my mother†¦and that would be the last person I wanted to be unguarded around. Sometimes I still feel that way. I briefly just considered making it all up. Some fictional crap that would satisfy her little assignment and still get me a good grade. It might even be fun, making things the way I wanted them to be instead of how they were. I also considered doing what I usually ( yes still) do when I am a bit uncomfortable and guarded†¦being funny. Writing decent essays, but not digging in. Keeping them on the surface and full of satire. The struggle was I couldn’t do either. It felt like I would be cheapening it somehow. I didn’t trust this Mrs. Lampo or her mole. It was still too early to tell if she would earn my respect, but I realized the writing already had. That it didn’t just get to scratch the surface or be passed off as a joke. That it was bigger than my fear. So I did it. I wrote about my fears and my hopes and my proudest moments. I put it all on paper and fearfully turned it in. Who it was this 16 year old girl thought she was. I saved one of those essays. I think it is in my high school box up in my parent’s attic. I did get an A. I can’t remember if it was really any good or not. I didn’t sign up to be my high school newspaper editor or go on to pursue a degree in journalism. I didn’t spend all my free time writing short stories instead of watching 90210, but it did teach me that this writing stuff was real. It had to be vulnerable, and it was most certainly to be respected, big hairy mole and all.

Neurological Memory :: essays research papers

The Human Memory The reason people exist is because of two important things: memory and language, which have been vital in the evolution of humanity. (Our ancestors needed language to explain how to light a fire to keep them warm and a memory to remember how to do it). So we have a memory because if we did not we would never have evolved far enough for you to ask this question in this place. So how does it work? The process involve in the human memory are very complex†¦ I will present you the neuralgic and biologic part then Aurelie will talk about the characteristics of our human memory and then Sebastien will explain the troubles of the memory†¦ Despite big advances in recent years, memory is still a bit of mystery and there are disagreements among the experts about exactly what is going on. But now memory is seen as a function of the brain, and is not placed any more in the heart†¦ It’s defined as the ability to store and retrieve information. Codes of memory The new ways of communication taught us that information could be on different supports: Email, lettre, disc... The memory acts in the same way and info are supported by specific codes: sensorial codes, motor codes and symbolic codes. A special memory exists to each different info: tactual, visual, auditory and olfactory but these codes don’t have the same importance. Visual and auditory codes are the most important codes because they are the primary means of language in the memory. The auditory code is concerned with longer times than the visual one. (You remember longer a sequence of letters if you hear them than if you see them). Olfactory codes are very difficult to study and motor codes are not studied at all. These codes seem to be transitory and the info driven is encoded in the visual way or a linguistic way†¦ That’s why you probably heard about the visual memory and the auditory memory. In the long term memory the info learned becomes more and more abstract with time. The language arrived to a conceptual memory, the visual memory arrived to an analogic memory: visual- spatial but in fact an info is encoded with the two means: verbal and visual (a picture is named). These two codes are very complementary; visual codes are good for global spatial info but bad for a sequential order and verbal codes are good for the order of encode and analyze.

Newspaper vs Tv Essay

Print and television are two dominant media outlets for the news. Unlike radio, they are predominately visual, although television provides both visual and auditory information. Newspaper and television news organizations each have long-established traditions for reporting news in their respective media, which engenders distinct human behaviors that shape how people obtain news. For instance, television broadcasts present short video-based stories that are sequenced linearly and fit within a specified timeframe for on-air viewing. One’s access to and the sequence of such stories is controlled by the news organization. There are no archives of stories immediately available, unless the viewer records the broadcast. Conversely, newspapers primarily offer text content intended for in-depth reading whereby the reader selects a story of interest and reads it for however long he or she desires; thus, readers control the access to the information presented in the paper. Additionally, the printed paper can be archived for later reading. Increasingly, news organizations employ the Web as an outlet to accommodate a growing number of people who seek news online. More than fifty million Americans utilize the Internet daily to keep informed about local, national, and international events (Horrigan, 2006), a trend that will likely continue. Millions of people seek news through newspaper affiliated Websites (Jesdanun, 2009; Society for New Communications Research, 2007) and TV-oriented sites associated with television news stations, both of which pervade the Web. While the Web is another vehicle for disseminating news, it represents a highly dynamic interface characterized by a proliferation of motion and static media and interactivity that supersedes what is found in either traditional newsprint or on television. It is not yet clear how it shapes the way users attend to news information. In addition, newspaper and television news organizations often design sites to underscore their newsprint or television traditions and reporting methods, resulting in distinctive information and graphical layouts that will likely influence user behavior. For example, the homepage of The New York Times, a newspaper-oriented site, reflects a newsprint layout that engenders reading. It presents a minimalistic design with headlines and article summaries dispersed throughout the page, similar to a newspaper. CNN, a TV-oriented site, features minimal text and more concentrated listings of links, many with corresponding video camera icons indicating that video is available. Visitors spend between 25 and 35 seconds on a Website homepage before leaving (Nielsen & Loranger, 2006) and they typically read pages by scanning. Because The New York Times features headlines and story summaries distributed throughout the homepage, and high density text, one might expect a user’s visual attention to be more dispersed and browsing to be prolonged compared to a site like CNN, which presents limited text and a concentration of navigation links in the upper portion of the display. Moreover, people perceived newspaper and TV-oriented sites as different, with TV-oriented sites receiving more positive ratings in terms of screen layout, design, and overall rating (Gibbs, Bernas, & McKendrick, in press). In a survey that examined newspaper, newsweeklies, and TV-oriented sites in the Houston, Texas area, almost half of the sites that attracted 10% or more of the immediate market were TV-oriented (The Media Audit, 2005). The aforementioned factors are compounded by the fact that a convergence of newspaper and television media are occurring, dramatically increasing the complexity of the visual landscape. On American television, it is common for news programs to use visual treatments such as split-screens and animated text that are typically associated with the Web (Josephson & Holmes, 2008, p. 87). The Web has adopted elements of television. While a provider’s site may reflect its media origins, it will likely integrate characteristics not typically associated with that form of media. For instance, users can watch video on a newspaper site such as USA Today and The New York Times. In the United States, video is available on 92% of the major 100 newspaper Websites (Society for New Communications Research, 2007). Alternatively, users can read news articles on a TV-oriented site such as CNN, as well as participate in blogs about various topics (Gibbs, 2008). Better understanding of how people allocate visual attention on newspaper and TV-oriented sites is an important area of inquiry for several reasons. First, print and television media and associated reporting approaches pervade traditional media outlets and the Web. Millions of people use these sites daily. Second, major newspapers and TV providers each represent their traditional media origins online in unique ways and these representations are perceptual to users. The extent to which they support or distract user attention is not yet clear but should be examined given the pervasiveness of these sites. Third, the Web has emerged as a distribution channel for the news. Compared to newspapers and television, it affords distinct interaction modalities that shape how users access and attend to newsprint and television media. For instance, TV news broadcasts, prepared as video for the Web, can be made nonlinear and user controlled but they are often segmented to increase accessibility, which constitutes a dramatically different experience of obtaining the news compared to watching a continuous newscast on television. Text articles can be presented online without segmentation, as in a newspaper. However, users tend to scan text online so these articles may be read differently from those in newsprint. With greater understanding of where and how users allocate visual attention, developers and information architects can begin to design sites to augment information access and improve Web designs and services overall (Chi, Pirolli, Chen, & Pitkow, 2001; Heer & Chi, 2002). This is especially important for news sites where users actively seek content that changes continuously.

Out of This Furnace

Out of this Furnace, by Thomas Bell, tells the story of a multigenerational family of Slovakian immigrants. This family of five generations came to American in the late nineteenth century in search of a better life. One of the first to arrive, Djuro Kracha, arrived in the New World in the middle of the 1880s. The novel starts off telling of his voyage from the â€Å"old country† and the labor he performed to accumulate enough money for his walk to Pennsylvania. He ventured on his journey to Pennsylvania in the search for a job in the steel mills.The story also tells of his rejection by the mainstream community as a â€Å"hunkey,† and the lives of his daughter and grandson. Soon enough though, the family becomes somewhat acculturate and even â€Å"Americanized,† and they soon become to resent the treatments they suffer. Their slow rise to business ownership was quickly ended by a series of events; a summer of Djuro’s drinking habit, Djuro’s return to his work in the steel mills, Mary’s marriage to a worker in the mills, and Djuro’s grandson’s disagreements with unfair labor prices.These events eventually intertwine with America’s transformation of the 1880’s to the 1940’s. During the 1880’s to the 1940’s, a wave of Eastern European immigrants grew in America, triggered by growing industries and advancing technology. This soon led to the establishment of steel mills, other factories, and plants which reshaped the American labor force. The experiences of Djuro and Mike, Mary’s husband, reflect a level of hostility towards Europeans from â€Å"mainstream† Americans and earlier. Without a doubt, the Kracha’s were negatively affected by stereotypes and attributions.However, the men and women who desired citizenship in the New World, Bell suggested only desired it to improve their lives and the futures of their families. Bell does not portray any immigrants who fail to accept the necessity of hard work. Therefore, Djuro’s minor episode of drunkenness shouldn’t take away from the years of efficient and effective work he completed to achieve his â€Å"American dream. † Another point Bell seemed to make clear was that Mike’s idealism was a consequence of his own desire to participant in that dream.The novel is set at a time when most people believed that the diverse ethnic groups entering the United States actually had a damaging effect on culture. Dobie Dobrejcak wanted to improve working conditions, treatments, economic prospects, and the lives of working men. His beliefs of possible social transformation actually confirmed the American Dream and the willingness of people to chase their dreams, even against great odds. The majority of immigrant groups that traveled to America went in search of freedom and economic opportunity.These immigrants, in all actuality, made huge contributions to the growth of the cou ntry. Westward expansion was made possible for workers, even today; immigrants work jobs that might have otherwise gone begging. Thomas Bell even argues that the Jews, Catholics, the Irish and the Slavs were the ones that made America’s achievements and progresses possible. Bell uses Mike and Mary’s lives to reference the Americans’ want and demand for immigrants during expansion, and to express how out of favor immigrants were during America’s recessions.As the 1920s came around, recession and depression made immigrant workers unpopular and unnecessary. This novel tremendously expresses the lives of immigrants like the Kracha’s and Dobrejcak’s and explains their want to achieve parity and equality. In the book, however, the term â€Å"American† did not change. The thing that truly changed was the determination to work against forces trying to prevent the family from entering the mainstream society. To truly understand the â€Å"Amer ican Experience† an immigrant had to realize that it was not a classical experience.It is known that early colonists and new immigrants coming to the United States had the same dreams and values. To them, the New World represented land opportunity, freedom of religion, the ability to overcome an aristocratic Old World, and the freedom to develop one’s own wishes. The topic of immigration in America has always sparked massive controversy. Some people believed anyone had the right to move from country to country as they pleased. Others thought the immigrant population actually benefitted the country by facilitating economic growth, development, and prosperity.The Americans against immigration mainly focused on the differences of new cultural groups. Mostly though, the Native American party argued that the country was about to receive a threat due to the massive increase in the â€Å"body of residents of foreign birth, imbued with foreign feelings, and of ignorant and imm oral character who receive the elective franchise and the right of eligibility to political offices. † Others thought that new immigrants hurt American society because of their lack of education, their impoverishment, lack of skill and their Catholic and Jewish religions.Early opposition to specific immigrants was focused on any groups perceived as inferior to the Anglo-Saxon stock. Disagreements on immigration focused mainly on the immigrant’s lack of adaptability based on different ethnic groups. The views of non-immigrants were that; foreigners lower the intelligence, efficiency, and orderliness plane, they increased alcoholism, crime, and immorality, the barriers of speech, education, and religious faith cause divisions, and that immigrants add to the number of poor people, tend to be illiterate, and cause overpopulation.Early settlers of the United States were a mixture of whites, Anglo- Saxons, and immigrants. Every ethnic group that has come into the United State s has helped shape the American dream and shared that experience, rather happily or not. A major shaping of our economic system resulted from the influence of immigration that helped bring dramatic changes in our population census. The United States of America can mean a variety of different things to several different people.The core of the â€Å"American dream† is without a doubt, freedom and equality. However, this nation was founded on republican principles of justice for all, friendship with all nations, and alliances with none. Since then, these principles have undergone several changes. For example, today the United States has many â€Å"alliances† that influence its domestic and foreign policies. Nevertheless, â€Å"justice for all† remains intact and continuously attracts new immigrants each year, while trying to determine what really constitutes â€Å"justice and equality. †

Courtroom Observation essays

Courtroom Observation essays The courthouse itself was abuzz on a Monday morning. Just about every courtroom was filled, some with trials for petty traffic violations, some with murder trials. The courtroom I selected for observation had a small group of people milling about outside, most of them men and women in business suits. Obviously there to witness the trial, I also believed that a few of the people standing outside the room were slated to be witnesses in the case. Usinger -v- Bartholemew Roofing was a criminal negligence suit filed by a man who claimed that the roofing company he hired had deliberately used substandard materials and performed shoddy work. A section of the Usinger home had been destroyed because the roof suddenly caved in over the dining room. Luckily, no one was injured. This was the A few minutes before 9 o'clock, most of the people outside the courtroom meandered inside to take their seats. The courtroom seated about two hundred people in addition to the courtroom officials. I sat in the second-to-last row, next to a man who told me he had just enrolled in law school. After introducing myself as a fellow observer, I realized the trial was about to begin and took out my notebook. One of the first things I noticed was that the atmosphere was somewhat similar to television courtrooms but that setting seemed more relaxed somehow and quieter. I was surprised how many visitors and observers there were, and was equally taken aback by the relative informality of the interactions between judge and attorney. The judge spoke in a fairly subdued voice, and only one of the lawyers spoke loudly, directing his attention to the jury as if he were an actor. The jury I noticed consisted of a heterogeneous group of men and women, several of whom were minorities. The defendants, including a representative from Bartholemew Roofing and the two contractors who completed the bulk of the work at t...