Coffee Shop Business Plan Essay - 1704 Words

Integrative Case, HannaH page 1 Integrative Case, HannaH By; Kimberly King-Mahaffey Professor Toiya Evans Finance 100 May 30, 2010 Integrative Case, HannaH page 2 Hannah Eisenstat had a business plan to own and operate a small business to sell coffee to patrons. The business started out with one owner Hannah being sole proprietorship venture. The business started out a bit weak while Hannah found once it was up and operating that the coffee did not produce the flavor she had anticipated and envisioned. A regular customer made an offer to become an investor offering an idea that would eliminate the small business into a larger company that would offer a better quality of coffee, but by doing this the owner would have†¦show more content†¦(www.go4funding.com, 2010) When investing into a business that needs more than a million dollars if the owner needs an investor then a Venture Investor Capital would be an option. Hannah found Dixie Partners, a local venture capital firm. The firm agreed to invest $3 million needed to finance the construction of the facility large enough needed to roast the coffee beans for production. The firm i n exchange would receive 50% share from the business. HannaH’s operations were strong enough in production that in eight years the company grew and had employed around 200 more people. Expansion was again needed, so Dixie again invested $4 million for $1,200,000 shares in 2003, and again $8 million for $1,500,000 shares in 2006. Having to make this decision also caused to have a loan term for renewal of five years, which was due in 2004, then again in 2007, additional shares of $400,000 were issued to the employees. What started as a small business vision turned into a large corporate type business having board of directors to Integrative Case, HannaH page 5 What started as a small business vision turned into a large corporate type business having board of directors to expand the distribution of the coffee through out the U.S. the financing would come through on IPO. The plan was to raise $20 million in new capital atShow MoreRelatedCoffee Shop Business Plan8541 Words   |  35 PagesTable of Contents 1. Executive Summary 2. General Company Description 3. Products and services 4. Marketing Plan 1. Market Research 2. Economics 3. Product 4. Customers 5. Competition 6. Table 1: Competitive Analysis 7. Niche 8. Strategy 9. Promotion 10. Pricing 11. Proposed Location 12. Distribution Channels 5. Operational Plan 1. Production 2. Location 3. Legal Environment 4. Personnel 5. Inventory 6. Suppliers 7. Credit PoliciesRead MoreBusiness Plan On Coffee Shops1425 Words   |  6 PagesBusiness Plan On Coffee Shops Business Name : Rio Coffee Comapany Name: Well Food Name of the founder: Abdus Salam Problems The coffee shop isn’t truly a restaurant and it isn’t strictly a retail establishment. There are also several real business issues that are somewhat unique to the coffee shop industry as a whole.   †¢ Rising supply cost: Profit margins in the coffee industry are relatively hefty ( about 85%, give or take), but the overall profit per cup is small. And making margins is evenRead MoreCoffee Shop Business Plan8552 Words   |  35 PagesContents 1. Executive Summary 2. General Company Description 3. Products and services 4. Marketing Plan 1. Market Research 2. Economics 3. Product 4. Customers 5. Competition 6. Table 1: Competitive Analysis 7. Niche 8. Strategy 9. Promotion 10. Pricing 11. Proposed Location 12. Distribution Channels 5. Operational Plan 1. Production 2. Location 3. Legal Environment 4. Personnel 5. Inventory 6. Suppliers 7Read MoreMarketing Plan For Coffee Shop Business Essay1228 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Coffee is one of the most popular world’s most popular beverages. Almost every person loves coffee. Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee per day, equivalent to 146 billion cups of coffee per year, making the United States the leading consumer of coffee in the world according to Huffington post. If you are a coffee addicts or coffee lover, most likely you will begin every day with a cup of coffee. It’s not a doubtful guess, given that 68 percent of coffee drinkers have a cupRead MoreMarketing Plan For Coffee Shop Business Essay2015 Words   |  9 Pages Coffee is one of the most popular world’s most popular beverages. Almost every person loves coffee. Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee per day, equivalent to 146 billion cups of coffee per year, making the United States the leading consumer of coffee in the world according to Huffington post. If you are a coffee addicts or coffee lover, most likely you will begin eve ry day with a cup of coffee. It’s not a doubtful guess, given that 68 percent of coffee drinkers have a cupRead MoreSample Business Plan of Coffee Shop13076 Words   |  53 PagesSource: www.bplans.com Following is a sample business plan of a coffee retail chain. Although Mekong Capital is not demanding a similar standard, qualified business plans are expected to cover most aspects of the sample. More samples and information are available on Bplans website (www.bplans.com). Page 1 of 34. Source: www.bplans.com TABLE OF CONTENT 1.0 Executive Summary ......................................................................................................... 3 1.1Read MoreBusiness Plan for Opening a Coffee Shop1600 Words   |  7 PagesOpening a coffee shop In today’s China, the development of coffee market growth rapidly. Many people try to take part in this business market. However, it had a successful coffee shop is not an easy task. There are few points we must focus on when we decided to open a coffee shop. First of all, the most important thing is choosing a good location. We cannot make the decision recklessly. Owners should analysis to the different situation with surrounding areas, including: surrounding people’sRead MoreBusiness Plan For Vanilla Bean Coffee Shop1091 Words   |  5 PagesBusiness Plan Vanilla Bean Coffee Shop Executive Summary Recognition to major coffee chains, in the last two decades the coffeehouse has become a familiar portion of American life. Every day, millions of Americans stop for a specialty coffee. These consumers who would not have dreamed of spending more than fifty cents for a cup of coffee a few years ago now joyfully pay three to five dollars for their specialty flavored hot and ice blended javas. The specialty coffee business is growing at a robustRead MoreMarketing Plan For A Successful Coffee Shop1105 Words   |  5 Pagesthemselves if someone wants to start a business they have to be prepared. They can not just start a business without a good strategy; they have to have preparations in place in order for the business to become very successful. For example, the Starbucks Company started with one store in Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington in 1971. Starbucks now has over 21,000 stores in 65 different countries. To achieve this level of success, one must have a good business plan, excellent marketing materials, andRead MoreCoffee Shop1526 Words   |  7 PagesSample coffee shop business plan A sample business plan for a coffee shop which can be used to create your own business plan or help you assess the risks and benefits of opening a coffee shop or similar business. Sponsored Links [pic][pic]    |If you are planning to open a coffee shop, the very first thing you need to do is write a business plan. This is useful in many | |ways: it will allow you time to consider all your options before committing as well as put down on paper your goals

Plastic Surgery And Its Effects On Society - 844 Words

Real-Life Photoshop Plastic Surgery is defined as the process of reconstructing or repairing parts of the body, either in the treatment for injury or cosmetic reason. Just like any other topic, plastic surgery has both negative and positive attributes. Depending on the opinion, there may be more of one than that of the other, but in the case of this paper there are more negative. Plastic surgery has been deemed acceptable by countless celebrities and television shows, and has left a huge not so positive impact on tons of people, especially those who are genuinely self-conscious. The risks of all types of plastic surgery are very rarely discussed or made known by these celebrities or TV shows and more times than not, are swept under the rug. The lesser famous, more acceptable type of plastic surgery is reconstructive surgery. Although it may be easier to focus on all the bad things involved with plastic surgery, there is still some good to be said. It is extremely challenging these da ys to find a celebrity that has not had some type of plastic surgery done. It is even harder to find a teenager that doesn’t watch television. Although teens may not be engrossed in shows focused on plastic surgery, they will encounter them eventually. Whether their mother or older sister watches them, or they stumble upon it on their own, they will discover at last how their favorite movie star looks oh so perfect. Celebrities obviously receive plastic surgery for their own reasons but theyShow MoreRelatedPlastic Surgery And Its Effects On Society1363 Words   |  6 PagesAs of recent plastic surgery has become extremely popular, so popular to the point that it has gotten out of control. Although it has been around for many years, the high standards of beauty in today’s society has recently led both women and men to resolve their so-called imperfections with plastic surgery, making plastic surgery the new norm. Sadly, in this day and age all you see when turning on t he TV, flipping through a magazine, or simply going on social media, is models creating an ideal imageRead MorePlastic Surgery And The Effects On Society1897 Words   |  8 PagesPlastic Surgery and the Effects on Society Have you ever wondered how plastic surgery really works? What are the added benefits to having this surgery, and what are the dangers? How many people actually partake in these procedures every year? These are questions that many have and I would love to answer. What is plastic surgery you might ask? Plastic surgery is a surgery that improves or repairs parts of the body. Plenty of people think that this is the way to go, but I feel otherwise. There is moreRead MorePlastic Surgery And Its Effects On Society956 Words   |  4 PagesAs time progresses, plastic surgery becomes a lot popular. Plastic surgery isn’t just what’s seen on TV and on social media; plastic surgery is much more than facelifts, rhinoplasty, and breast enhancements. In fact, â€Å"plastic surgery is anything that undergoes the process of reconstructing or repairing parts of the body.† (Reconstructive Surgery) The facelift Kris Jenner recently just had done is equally considered plastic surgery as an ordinary person removing an extra finger they were born withRead MoreEffects Of Plastic Surgery On Today Society1483 Words   |  6 PagesPlastic surgery has been around for decade, but now it making a real impact on today society. Many experts believe that it’s the influence of the media or the influence of people around us, which portrays the idea of self-image. There are many views of where plastic surgery makes a big impact like adolescent to middle age years and the media. Self-esteem is major factor of why many women and men receive surgery, however some experts say that this procedure doesn’t boosts confidence, while othersRead MorePlastic Surgery And Its Effects On Society959 Words   |  4 PagesOver time, plastic surgery has become a lot more popular. Plastic surgery isn’t just what’s seen on TV and on social media; plastic surgery is much more than facelifts, rhinoplasty, and breast enhancements. In fact, â€Å"plastic surgery is anyt hing that undergoes the process of reconstructing or repairing parts of the body.† (Reconstructive Surgery) The facelift Kris Jenner recently had done is equally considered plastic surgery as an everyday person removing an extra finger they were born with. TheseRead MorePlastic Surgery And Its Effect On Society1169 Words   |  5 PagesIn today’s society has paint a picture in which beauty is curvaceous goddess with fare complex and sex appeal. This portrayal of the standard of beauty has convinced and blind society to believe that on must achieve such look to be happy or feel good about them. These standards of beauty are projected through the media, magazines, advertisements and the ideal beautiful portray. Many people feel that the only way to achieve such looks is through the process of plastic surgery, women especially. Read MorePlastic Surgery And Its Effect On Society1995 Words   |  8 Pagesdoing plastic surgery. With the strong development of medical equipm ent and technology, there is no doubt that a person could easily get access to information about plastic surgery and eventually go under the knife in the future. But the most important question for this controversial issue is â€Å"Will plastic surgery promote or destroy beauty?† which could be a challenge to answer for many people. However, by discussing two aspects of the problem, the benefits and drawbacks of plastic surgery, thisRead MoreHow Plastic Surgery Affects Society1551 Words   |  7 Pagescontroversial; plastic surgery has the capability to change lives of various individuals from diverse socioeconomic levels. Plastic surgery covers a broad spectrum of services which are included in reconstructive surgery, as well as, the popular aesthetic appeal of cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgery affects society both physically, psychologically, and emotionally. From Operation Smile to botox, accident victims to breast augmentation, and Little Baby Face Foundation to facelift s; plastic surgery can giveRead MoreSocial Media On Teen Plastic Surgery1177 Words   |  5 PagesI) Introduction a. Understanding plastic surgery. b. Knowing the reason why people would most likely operate plastic surgery. c. Knowing whether plastic surgery is a way to promote beauty or destroy it. II) The Main Conflict a. Knowing how plastic surgery destroys beauty rather than promote it. b. Many people go overboard with surgery to look MORE beautiful. c. Lack of self-confidence guides people into fakeness. III) Plastic surgery in a developing teenager a. The influenceRead MoreTaking a Look at Plastic Surgery1016 Words   |  4 PagesLiving in a judgmental society and a demanding workplace, people are prompted to do whatever it takes for them to maintain their inner pride. Low self esteem and lack of confidence are great factors which push people to change themselves into what they think is better. They are willing to put themselves under the knife just to accomplish their dream of extraordinary beauty. Plastic surgery is an easy road to the illusion of what people refer to as perfection. This subject is more closely related

Scenario planning †Industry scenarios Free Essays

Before embarking on the discussion, there is one question or so we need to ask ourselves. What is a scenario? What is scenario planning all about? What constitutes industry scenario planning? Straight away, a scenario is a story or a descriptive narrative about the future which aims at sketching the boundaries of the probable and it is assembled on a methodical scrutiny of various factors bearing in mind those alternatives which are credible and somewhat measurable. These factors are: – social, political, economic, environmental and technological. We will write a custom essay sample on Scenario planning – Industry scenarios or any similar topic only for you Order Now Future environment of a given business, region or policy area could be shaped by these very factors. According to the World Economic Forum, the scenarios explore three or four dissimilar eventualities of how the world might look if the most uncertain and important drivers unfold in different ways. The same source elaborates further that good scenarios are not just dry, analytical descriptions of possible future outcomes. No matter how meticulous they are constructed, they should also be well inspired and highly compelling enough to engage the imagination. They challenge postulations wile at the same time raising awareness of fundamental factors and inspire participants into fresh thinking about what could happen and what it would mean for them. They offer both a new perspective on events and a scaffold for positive deliberations. Scenario planning on the other hand can be used by distributors as a tool of management to predict and benefit from change. In this article, we shall briefly introduce scenario planning, its relevance in connection to distributors and we shall also look at its application as a valuable tool in the industrial sense. As we have said above, that when we think of scenario planning, one great point that has to cross our minds is that a range of alternative futures has to be put into consideration, each of which is considerably diverse and varied from the present operating atmosphere. It would be better to compare and contrast alternative views on how the industry may evolve rather than pinning ourselves on a single forecast which we have assumed to be most probable. Scenario planning is externally oriented and therefore very effective at identifying growth strategies for the company as well as impending threats to its market positions. Scenarios can also help us identify the specific external industry changes that might be causing the company to lose market share or margins. In his article, Scenario Planning Basics for Distributors, Fein Adam presents ways in which distributors are using scenario planning to the betterment of the company. Distributors, he says, should make sure that the management of their company does not erroneously presuppose that changes will not place in the future. In other words, they should explore all the possibilities the company can face and, not only that but, come up with viable alternatives. In connection to this point, they should also assist the management to identify and understand possible threats comprehensively. They should point out growth strategies for the company and test the success of its current strategy in various possible futures. Lastly, they should understand and appropriately react to new customer buying behavior since the customer is the basic unit of the industry and the satisfaction of the customer should be the prime objective of any decision made by the company. Facing the Forces of Change has suggestions of four possible scenarios for distributors to consider. The first scenario is that which stretches into the future and here distributors have entirely incorporated technology into their companies. Given the high level of information development, customers expect distributors to work with them impeccably across numerous communication interfaces. Distributors have effectively achieved this due to rapid rates of developments. These distributors still remain the prime route to market for manufacturers. Coordinated Channels is another scenario where customers seek more information directly from manufacturers. Here, manufacturer Web sites give existing product specifications, comprehensive technical data and also appropriate product feature are selected by the customers who want such information. This information can be accessed by the customers both directly and indirectly. Directly they get connected to the manufacturer Web site and indirectly through an allied distributor’s Web site. Product collaboration between manufacturers and distributors is undertaken on the internet with marketing and inventory management also being done in the channel. However, it still remains the role of the distributors to provide information back to the manufacturer and ensure new performance qualifications are met The third scenario is the one describing a world where consumers and producers pay for the specific conduit activities they may be in need of. This Unbundled Supply Chain has distributors competing directly with supply chain organizations and intermediaries in this scenario are rewarded according to their rate of activity performance. That is, what they have done on behalf of their customers and producers. In the fourth scenario, there is a world with a cluster of consumers forming open and non-profit online exchanges. These common platforms handle the data among supply chain partners. Scenario planning requires a few guidelines to be followed. One must establish a core planning team because analysis of the strategic implications is best in groups. Secondly, a cross section of expertise should be availed, and this includes the heads of the all functional areas of the company. Bringing the ideas of the thinkers the company is endowed with is such a feat worth the take. It is worthwhile to include the outside people by incorporating information gathered from them into the whole system. The focus here should be on infusing appealing and challenging perspectives into the discussion. Outsiders include customers, suppliers, consultants and competitors who hold a vital position in the success of the company. There should be great care in selecting the person to facilitate the scenario planning strategy. An employee of the company should not be part of the choice, neither the senior executive officers. This is because the facilitator should be someone who is focused on planning processes and the two do not appear in this category. Implications scenario planning, just as other forms of business planning, needs an extensive spending of resources from all the individuals of the company. Therefore, the support of top management is a very important determinant of success the company’s planning capability. What this implies is that there should be readiness from every corner of the company in order for this planning strategy to work in the success and goodwill of the company. An honest assessment must be carried out to ascertain as to whether the senior decision makers in the company are not only involved but also dedicated to the scenario planning process. Should the company be unready to work with the process, then even the most sophisticated techniques of a manual or outside consultant are destined to fail. In addition, if the company is faced with a threat of financial insolvency, then it must suspend the identification of long-term threats and other prospects until business stabilizes because this kind of planning is not suited with survival planning. Disruptive innovation is one of the revolutionary theories of technological change used to describe the impact of new technologies on firm’s existence. (Nauosa Hirotta). Combining scenario planning with disruptive innovation is unavoidable in this era of high level of technological embrace. It is sure and straight that a company which does not embrace technology in its strategic plan is left behind. Disruptive technology which initiates the advent of disruptive innovations for example e-marketing is a vital tool but has to be fused with industry scenario so that the company does not lose its clients for the companies. Summary There must be clear repercussions for the company and its strategy if at all scenarios planning is intended to be meaningful. Each scenario can be viewed as a playing ground in which the company finds itself competing in the future and this allows us to apply all of the apparatus of competitive analysis within a given industry setting. The same tools can then be applied in a totally different future. For us to have the best out of scenario planning, a scrutiny of the company’s position must be known. The company may be one which can manipulate how the future evolves by virtue of actions and investments of its members. On the other hand, if it is too small or insufficiently influential, it becomes a scenario taker and in this case its must carefully examine its line of trade and customers so that it is prepared to react and adjust quickly to changes. Such scenario takers will find it wise to rapidly imitate and adopt to survive; they must do what good companies do. Bibliography: http://www.12manage.com/methods_christensen_disruptive_innovation.html Olaisen J, A Johannessen, B Olsen, – International Journal of Information Management, 1999 – Elsevier Page 15 Fein Adam. â€Å"Scenario Planning Basics for Distributors† Accessed last on February 27, 2008 from URL: Accessed last on February 27, 2008 from URL: http://www.mdm.com/stories/fein3206.html International Journal of Information Management, Volume 19, Issue 4, August 1999, Pages 263-275 Jon-arild Johannessen, Johan Olaisen and Bjà ¸rn Olsen Disruptive Technology May 3, 2007, Accessed on February 28, 2008 from URL: http://www.changemakers.net/competition/disruptive/definition How to cite Scenario planning – Industry scenarios, Papers

Report on Employee Engagement at the Sydney Opera House

Question: Wrirteabout theReport on Employee Engagement at the Sydney Opera House. Answer: Introduction The success of a given organization is based on how the organization is able to realize that its strategies and the strategies of the talents of its employees are intimately connected as well as on a realization that leadership and the level of employee engagement among its employees are essential for the success of the organization. Best companies in the world put great emphasis in building and sustaining a culture of engagement among their employees (Rich, et al. 2010, pp. 617-635). Such companies are managed by CEOs who appreciate the fact that employee engagement is essential to the organization and helps in the achievement of set goals. Employee engagement in any organization boosts the morale of the employees and drives them to achieve the goals set by the organization. Through implementation of strategies and techniques geared towards increasing the level of employee engagement, the organization is able to improve the way the employees feel about their job, adapt a positive attitude towards the job and hence help the organization achieve its objectives. Employees who are adequately engaged by the organization are able to understand the goals of the organization while at the same time understand their personal roles within the organization and hence are a great a set to the organization in the achievement of the goals of the organization (Christensen Hughes, 2008, pp.743-757). Properly engaged employees appear happier, enthusiastic, motivated and hence more productive that those who are not properly engaged. An organization can promote employee engagement by developing surveys, implementing rewards programs as well as conducting outside activities aimed at making its employees to be more involved in the organizations activities. Through the use of employee engagement metrics, the organization is able to measure the percentage of its employees who are satisfied against those who are dissatisfied with their jobs (Bassi McMurrer, 2007, pp.115). Conducting this analysis helps the organization determine its employee engagement level. An organization is likely to encounter decreased productivity as well as low employee retention rates whenever it records low employee engagement levels. This is a report that focuses on people practices as well as employee engagement levels at Sydney Opera House. The report further recommends initiatives that should be put in place by the management of the Sydney Opera House to improve the level of engagement among employees of this organization. Sydney Opera House The Sydney Opera House is an iconic structure in Australia boasting a long history of innovation in information management. The building, opened in 1973 has houses multiple venues for performance. A part from acting as a performance arts centre, this building also acts as a tourist site receiving both local as well as foreign tourists. The house hosts over 1500 performances with an average attendance of 1.2 million people from across the world annually. Some of the performance venues in the Sydney Opera House include Concert Hall, Joan Southerland Theatre, Drama Theatre, Playhouse, Utzon Room, a recording studio as well as Outdoor Forecourt (Baumruk, 2006, pp.24-27). The house has in the past hosted some of the worlds major events such as the 2000 Summer Olympics where the venue hosted triathlon events. To enable the busy schedule of activities running, Sydney Opera House has employees in various departments ranging from the tourism department, management as well as administration department. Since, 2012, Sydney Opera House is managed by a female CEO, Louisa Herron. Under her reign, the house has seen an increase in revenue collection through the promotion of the Western Forecourt among other arts events. The Business Strategies used at the Sydney Opera House Since its official opening in 1973, the Sydney Opera House has grown to be recognized as the most successful performing arts and tourist centre in the world due to the concept of employee engagement that has over the years been at the heart of its business strategy. The top leadership of Sydney Opera House believe in the concept that employees who are happy and satisfied with their job is the most crucial starting point to the success of any business. The Sydney Opera House in its operations does not only focus on profit maximization but also on ensuring the attainment of various sustainability policies (Saks, 2006, pp.600-619). The key sustainability policies set by the house include, Child Protection Policy, environmental sustainability, Artworks management policy, Asset management Policy, Community Donations Policy, Event Support Policy, Risk Management Policy as well as Commitment to Customers Policy. The driving force behind the formulation of these policies was the need to ensure that the employees as well as the clients who visit the house were kept safe from any harm while at the same time the policies ensured that people at the house engaged in responsible activities that would see the environment protected from any harm. Due to the raft of activities at the house, employees have a lot to do in ensuring that the top objective of the house which is sustainability is achieved. In order to ensure that its employees are happy and motivated in performing their duties, the Sydney Opera House has put up strategies aimed at ensuring that there is an increase in the level with which the employees are engaged in a manner that can increase their enjoyment and hence increase the level of productivity (Hoon, et al, 2012, pp.65-101). It is the top priority of the Sydney Opera House to inculcate in its employees the culture of ensuring sustainability in all the activities at the house. To ensure that this is achieved, the top leadership at the house has embraced various employee engagement strategies. Evaluation of the People and the HR Policies that Exist at the Sydney Opera House Recognition To increase the level of enthusiasm among the employees and boost their performance rate, the Sydney Opera House recognizes employees who perform exceptionally well. Such employees are rewarded with gifts as well as job promotions. The recognition is done openly as a way to motivate others to also work hard with the aim of being rewarded too. Recognition makes employees feel appreciated while at the same time making them realize how their efforts have an impact on the organization (Attridge, 2009, pp.383-398). Sydney Opera House in its attempt to promote innovation among employees has taken its level of employee recognition a notch higher by setting up initiatives of rewarding employees who come up with suggestions for improving the operations at the house which saves the house resources and money. Motivation To ensure high performance among employees at the Sydney Opera House, the management has come up with strategies of motivating high performers whereby top performers are rewarded being recognized for their expertise. Some of the motivation strategies employed at the Sydney Opera House includes creation of opportunities for leadership roles for good performing employees. Relationship Building The top leadership at the Sydney Opera House pays attention to the fact that workplace relationships between the top management and the employees affect to a great extent the confidence of employees and thus impact on their overall performance. In an attempt to improve the level of employees engagement, the leadership at the house has invested great effort in rebuilding the employee trust and confidence in the top leadership of the company (Armstrong-Stassen Ursel, 2009, pp.201-220). The house leadership has built employer-employee relationship that is based on trust and confidence in an attempt to improve the level of interest that the employees have in the activities and the goals of the house. In some cases, the management at the house engage in activities that put them in the shoe of the employee as a way of learning and appreciating the experiences and feelings of the employees. Valued Input Employees feedback is encouraged and appreciated at the Sydney Opera House. Employees are encouraged to talk openly especially on issues concerning their working conditions as well as concerning their relationship with the management. The house leadership regularly conducts surveys aimed at getting feedback from employees in an attempt to inculcate the opinions of employees in running the operations of the house. Two-Way Open Communication System The management at the Sydney Opera House has adapted a communication policy that allows employees to freely voice their opinion concerning the operations at the organization that have an impact on their lives as well as that impacts the employers and the organization itself. The two-way communication system ensures that the employees are informed on the issues of relevance to them (Konrad, 2006, pp.1-6). Initiatives that I believe will Increase Employee Engagement over time The management at the Sydney Opera House has put up several strategies aimed at raising the level of employee engagement. However, there are initiatives that the management can put in place to increase the level of its employee engagement over time. They include; Focus Group In order to increase employee engagement, it is of essence that the management get adequate information from the employees on how they feel about the existing leadership styles and engagement strategies as well as getting the opinion of employees concerning the operations of the organization and their overall jobs. One initiative of achieving this is the formation of a focused group. I have chosen a focused group because it will discuss what is working and what is not working within the organization from the perspective of the employees. This group consists of a round table made up of employees who discuss the various issues within the organization that affect both the employee as well as the employer (Cabrera, et al. 2006, pp.245-264). The use of this initiative is significant since it encourages employee engagement through various initiatives such as; an employer asking the employees within the focus group to give their ideas and opinion on how to fix a given issue within the organization as well as employers involving the employees in the focus group in discussing policies of the organization and coming up with recommendations that might affect the operations of the organization (Thau, et al. 2007, pp.840). Team Building The organization can raise employee morale by setting up team building activities in an open space where the employees will be free to engage both amongst them as well as with the management. This is a good initiative to engage in since it will improve the level of teamwork as well as the level of confidence and commitment among the employees of an organization (Robertson Cooper, 2010, pp.324-336). This initiative enable the building of a positive relationship between the employees and their managers while at the same time increase the level of commitment towards the achievement of the organizations goals. Training and Development The organization can raise the level of confidence amongst the employees by subjecting them to internal training programs. Training enables the employees to interact with ease and confidence amongst themselves as well as with their managers and clients. During training sessions, employees get a chance to give feedback on issues affecting them and the organization at large (Gruman Saks, 2011, pp.123-136). Through trust build during training as well as confidence garnered as a result of the training, the engagement level of the employees is raised and hence their productivity rate as well as retention capacity is raised. Conclusion and Recommendation The level of engagement among employees of a given organization can either make or break the business. It is human nature to want to be in an environment where they feel appreciated. An employee at the workplace is no exception. In order for them to perform effectively, employees want to be exposed to processes, strategies and initiatives that make them happy and motivated. It is the duty of every organization that wants to succeed to ensure that its employees are exposed to strategies that makes them happy as this will increase their productivity (Kehoe Wright, 2013, pp.366-391). Some of the recommended areas that are of significant importance to employee engagement in an organization include; good quality line management, open communication line that is two way, effective co-operation within the organization, initiatives focused at ensuring employee development, commitment to the well-being of employees, HR policies and practices that are clear and acceptable by employees, ensurin g that there if fairness in relation to the payment systems and benefits as well ensuring the existence of a working environment that is harmonious (Salanova Schaufeli, 2008, pp.116-131). Bibliography Armstrong?Stassen, M. and Ursel, N.D., 2009. Perceived organizational support, career satisfaction, and the retention of older workers. Journal of occupational and organizational psychology, 82(1), pp.201-220. Attridge, M., 2009. Measuring and managing employee work engagement: A review of the research and business literature. Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health, 24(4), pp.383-398. Bassi, L. and McMurrer, D., 2007. Maximizing your return on people. harvard business review, 85(3), p.115. Baumruk, R., 2006. Why managers are crucial to increasing engagement: Identifying steps managers can take to engage their workforce. Strategic HR Review, 5(2), pp.24-27. Cabrera, A., Collins, W.C. and Salgado, J.F., 2006. Determinants of individual engagement in knowledge sharing. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 17(2), pp.245-264. Christensen Hughes, J. and Rog, E., 2008. Talent management: A strategy for improving employee recruitment, retention and engagement within hospitality organizations. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 20(7), pp.743-757. Gruman, J.A. and Saks, A.M., 2011. Performance management and employee engagement. Human Resource Management Review, 21(2), pp.123-136. Hoon Song, J., Kolb, J.A., Hee Lee, U. and Kyoung Kim, H., 2012. Role of transformational leadership in effective organizational knowledge creation practices: Mediating effects of employees' work engagement. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 23(1), pp.65-101. Kehoe, R.R. and Wright, P.M., 2013. The impact of high-performance human resource practices on employees attitudes and behaviors. Journal of management, 39(2), pp.366-391. Konrad, A.M., 2006. Engaging employees through high-involvement work practices. Ivey Business Journal, 70(4), pp.1-6. Macey, W.H., Schneider, B., Barbera, K.M. and Young, S.A., 2011. Employee engagement: Tools for analysis, practice, and competitive advantage (Vol. 31). John Wiley Sons. Rich, B.L., Lepine, J.A. and Crawford, E.R., 2010. Job engagement: Antecedents and effects on job performance. Academy of management journal, 53(3), pp.617-635. Robertson, I.T. and Cooper, C.L., 2010. Full engagement: the integration of employee engagement and psychological well-being. Leadership Organization Development Journal, 31(4), pp.324-336. Saks, A.M., 2006. Antecedents and consequences of employee engagement. Journal of managerial psychology, 21(7), pp.600-619. Salanova, M. and Schaufeli, W.B., 2008. A cross-national study of work engagement as a mediator between job resources and proactive behaviour. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 19(1), pp.116-131. Thau, S., Aquino, K. and Poortvliet, P.M., 2007. Self-defeating behaviors in organizations: The relationship between thwarted belonging and interpersonal work behaviors. Journal of Applied Psychology, 92(3), p.840

Capital Punishment Essays (1806 words) - Penology, Prison, Death Row

Capital Punishment Crime and Punishment From the beginning of time, crime has been evident in human existence, and from the first crime there has always been a punishment. ?And it came to pass, when they were in a field, that Cain rose up against his brother, Able, and slew him? (Genesis 4:8). This for many people was seen as the first crime. This crime did not go unpunished. Cain was then ostracized from his colony and sent to wonder as a vagabond and a fugitive for his crime (Genesis 4:14). He was also branded with the mark of a murderer. Therefore, the presence of crime in human life is inevitable. Defined in Webster's Dictionary, crime is, an act of violation against society and its laws. Punishment is the consequence of the crime. Crimes like fraud, burglary, assault, etc., are usually punished by prison terms. Murder, manslaughter, and homicide maybe punished by prison terms or death. Ways to be executed Electrocution-the three legged oak chair was constructed in 1923 by inmates and is still used today. (ironic isn't it?) The electrocution cycle is two minutes or shorter in duration. Voltage and amperage levels peak on three occasions. Maximum current is 2000 volts and 14 amps. The executioner is an anonymous, private citizen who is paid $150 per execution. The position of executioner was advertised in several Florida newspapers in 1978. Lethal Injection-execution by lethal injection involves the continuous intravenous injection of a lethal quantity of a short-acting barbiturate in combination with a chemical paralytic agent. A number of doctors have pointed out that drugs may not work effectively on diabetics or former drug users, whose veins may be hard to reach. In some cases minor surgery may be required to cut in to a deeper vein, according to medical testimony. More states use this form of execution than all US states. Gas Chamber-prisoner is restrained in a hermetically sealed steel chamber below which is a pan. Upon a signal, the executioner opens a valve, flowing hydrochloric acid into the pan. On a second signal, about 8 ounces of potassium cyanide crystals or tablets are dropped mechanically into the acid, producing hydrocyanic gas, which destroys the ability of blood hemoglobin to perform. Unconsciousness occurs within a few seconds if the prisoner takes a deep breath, and longer if he or she holds their breath. After pronouncement of death, the chamber is evacuated through carbon and neutralizing filters. Gas-masked crews decontaminate the body with a bleach solution and outgassed prior to release. An unwary undertaker could be killed if this is not done. States using this method: Arizona, California, Maryland, Mississippi and North Carolina. Hanging-prisoner is weighing prior to execution. The ?drop? is based on the prisoner's weight, to deliver 1260 foot-pounds of force to the neck. Essentially, the prisoner's weight in pounds is divided into 1260 to arrive at a drop in feet. This is to assure almost instant death, a minimum of bruising, and neither strangulation nor beheading. Properly done, death is by dislocation of the third or fourth cervical vertebrae. The familiar noose coil is placed behind the prisoner's left ear, so as to snap the neck upon dropping. States using this method: Delaware, Montana and Washington. Firing Squad-there is reportedly no protocol for the procedure which according to information involves a five man team, one of who will use a blank bullet so that none of them knows who was the real executioner. Since the reinstatement of the death penalty two prisoners have been executed by this method. Gary Gilmore in 1977 and John Taylor in 1996. There are only two states who use this method. They include Utah and Idaho. Who's in Federal Prison? statistics found in 1991 5% of prisoners were women 65% of prisoners belonged to racial or ethnic minorities 68% of prisoners were under age 35 96% of prison inmates were US citizens 59% of prison inmates has high school diplomas or its equivalent less than half of the inmates were sentenced for a violent crime (assault, murder, rape), a fourth were sentenced for a property crime (burglary, vandalism), about a fifth were sentenced for a drug crime (self explanatory) Who's in State Prison? statistics found in 1996 10% of prisoners were women (statistics show that prisoners were sexually or physically abused before

Cinderellas Male Gaze Essays

Cinderellas Male Gaze Essays Cinderellas Male Gaze Paper Cinderellas Male Gaze Paper Almost everyone in the world grows up reading, listening to, or watching fairy tales as a child. These fairy tales started out as entertaining stories, but as they were handed down from one generation to the next, they slowly became more than that. They have grown to be of great importance because they teach children how to act and present oneself in the world. One such fairy tale is Cinderella. On the surface, it seems to be a simple story about a young woman whose wishes come true. However, the story lso reflects the cultural expectations of womens behaviors and goals. Fairy tales are full of negative stereotypes of girls. It is common in fairy tales that the men are strong, smart, and in power. Women are portrayed as pretty, passive, and powerless. The women depend solely on a man to save them. After Cinderellas father passes away, she is stuck living with her evil stepmother and stepsisters. Cinderella suffers from all kinds of abuse from them without ever making a complaint. She is forced to slave away from sun-up to sun-down. All of her nice clothes are taken away from her and all she is given to wear are plain dresses and plain shoes. Along with this, Cinderellas stepsisters make fun of her and call her names. She is too weak to stand up for herself and say no, and her family knows this. They are not poor, by any means. They have enough money to hire someone to do all the chores, but they make Cinderella do the work for their own pure enjoyment because they all know she will.

News Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

News Media - Essay Example $1.7 million this according to the writers was to help fight the proposed rules that would tighten the security requirements for the chemical facilities. Other donors mentioned, Chevron Texaco, Aegon and Goldman Sachs which gave in excess of $8 million which were critical of spending and federal regulation. These donors were not made public according to the report since the Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit making organization. The advertising money was spent to criticize the Obama administration and influence Congressional elections that were coming up that fall. The chamber of commerce according to fillings of corporate foundations indicates that the chamber has relied on small collections from big corporate donors to finance its legislative and political activities. The chamber is opposed to legislation that would require organizations like it to make public all those who contribute money to their campaigning adverts. The chamber received $10 million from health insurance anonymously for the purpose of opposing President Obama’s health care policy. The chamber has increasingly in recent time taken more aggressive role in elections supporting Republicans 90% of the time. Making affiliates local chambers to accuse it of being too partisan. The organization in 2003 according to the writers had a budget of $130 million and in that particular year (2010) a budget of $200 million to spend. In that particular year the chamber together with its affiliates allocated $144 million on lobbying. According to the writers this makes the chamber the biggest lobbyist group in the United States. The authors view as expressed in the article is that Republican Party is buying their way into political posts using the largest lobbyist group doing their bidding. It is important to note the article was the headline of the New York Times at a time the congressional elections were just about to take place. It is clear according to the authors that money from interest groups is

Fortress Ltd Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Fortress Ltd - Coursework Example A promoter of a company is an individual who â€Å"undertakes to form a company with reference to a given project and to see it going, and who takes the necessary steps to accomplish that purpose (Twycross v Grant 1877, 469). On the facts, Adam undertook to form Fortress Ltd. for the express purpose of securing a security services project for the Olympic games. All indications are that Adam intends to supervise the project and to ensure that it is accomplished. The mere fact that he is securing the loan for the proposed company’s project substantiates his supervision of the project. Moreover, since the term promoter is essentially a business term, whether or not a person is a promoter is question of fact (Whaley Bridge Calico Printing Co. v Green 1880, 109). On the facts of the case for discussion and pursuant to common law, Adam is for all intents a purposes a promoter. In general a company cannot be held liable for the breach of a contract that was concluded prior to the co mpany’s incorporation (Kelner v Baxter1886 174). In cases where the contract was formed prior to the formation of the company, the person or promoters acting for the proposed company prior to its incorporation are generally liable in a personal capacity (Kelner v Baxter1886 174). ... This was particularly so when Section 36 (C) of the Companies Act 1985 overruled the decision in Kelner v Baxter and essentially codified the decision in Phonogram Ltd. v Lane (1982). Section 36(C) which was further amended by Section 51 of the Companies Act 2006 provided that pre-incorporation contracts would have effect provided there were no agreements otherwise. In the absence of an agreement excluding liability, both the company and the promoter acting as agent would be liable for breach of the contract in a personal capacity (Companies Act 1985, Section 36(C)(1)). Section 36(C) (1) however, did not clear up the confusion as there was some confusion as to whether or not it was necessary for the wronged party to know that the company had not yet been incorporated (Bourne 2011, p. 48). For instance it was decided in (Cotronic (UK) Ltd. v Dexonie 1991,721) that it must be shown that the defendant was purporting to act on behalf of a proposed company. In another case it held that li ability as mutually exclusive in that both the third party acting on behalf of the proposed company and the other contracting party were equally liable for breach of the contract (Braymist Ltd. v Wise Finance Co. Ltd. 2002, 273). In other words, there was no definitive rule of law determining when and if a promoter could be liable for a breach of a pre-incorporation contract. There were instances where a promoter could be liable only if it was clear that the other contracting party did not know that the company was incorporated at the time of entering an agreement. In other instances, liability was assigned to the promoter automatically (Savirimuthu 2003, 203). As the law currently stands, Section 51(1) of the Companies Act 2006 will apply to determine

The Birthright and the Human Storm (example of a title) Essay - 1

The Birthright and the Human Storm (example of a title) - Essay Example According to which a true woman must hold four cardinal virtues that are: domesticity, submissiveness, piety and purity. Women were not allowed to have sex with any other men except their husband, however, this restriction does not imply on men. It was considered as a sin if a woman gets involved with any other men. The sexual rights of women were also negligible in the 19th century. They can only have sex when their husbands wanted to have and were not allowed to show up their temptation. Followed by the Victorian age the gilded age was the era of growth and prosperity. In this era the women were not content with the cult of domesticity. Most women went to colleges to earn higher education and started to serve the society. Bobinot and his son Bibi were present at Friedheimers store when they sensed the emergence of a violent storm. Bobinot decided to stay at the store till the storm is gone. Calixta the wife of Bobinot, did not even notice the arrival of storm and thunder. When it turned much darker, Calixta went to close the door, there she found her ex-boyfriend Alcee and invited him in her home due to worsening weather condition. While staying at Calixta’s house Alcee made her recall all the sweet memories of their love and the passion they used to share. Flowing into the memories Calixta and Alcee forget about everything and get sexually involved reviving the old love and passion they had. In the meantime the author asserts that the storm gets also over. Bobinot and Bibi returned from the store after the weather gets settled. After coming back from Calixta’s place Alcee writes a letter to his wife suggesting her to stay in Biloxi as long as she wants. Clarisse felt good and free afte r receiving the letter. The author ends the story with a punch line, "So the storm passed and everyone was happy (Chopin 110)." The

Cathartic Effects of Aggression: Theories

Cathartic Effects of Aggression: Theories Tan Hui Min Psychology— the systematic study of mental and behavioural processes (Coon Mitterer, 2012)—stemmed from Wilhelm Wundt’s founding of the first laboratory in experimental psychology in 1979. Wundt presented his discoveries about the human mind and behaviour in public lectures and soon had halls of people learning about his theories and experiments (Abbott, 2012, para. 7). Some even started setting up their own experimental laboratories and taking up the new science (Abbott, 2012, para. 7). However, many people see psychology as common sense because psychological findings and research all seem self-evident (Dean, 2008). This essay will touch on three reasons as to why psychology is not just common sense based on a common sense topic that frustrated people tend to vent their anger on inanimate objects for mood repair. People who believe in the value of cathartic venting feel worse after aggression. Bushman, Baumeister, and Phillips (2001) conducted a study whereby a group of participants had their emotional states assessed immediately after manipulated provocations (p. 25). Provocations include receiving negative feedback of their essays and blasts of noises of high intensity from â€Å"another participant† during the competitive time reaction task (Bushman, Baumeister, and Phillips, 2001, p. 19-20). They found that participants were emotionally negatively affected by the stimuli and felt more hostile feelings towards the â€Å"provoker†. This is supported by Bohart’s (1980) study which found that after recalling about a recent incident that angered them, participants in the discharge group showed more anger and hostile attitudes compared to intellectual analysis, role play, and control groups, based on the level of aversive noise each participant gave as punishment to a subje ct whenever a mistake was made on the learning task (p. 193). A louder noise administered meant higher feelings of aggression. Ebbesen, Duncan and Konecni (1974) tested whether subjects who were being laid off their jobs would increase or decrease in verbal aggression compared to those who were leaving their jobs for other reasons when induced to aggress verbally against the company, their supervisor, themselves, or to talk about neutral topics. The results indicated that when angered subjects directed verbal aggression at a specià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ c target, their subsequent verbal aggression increased only when it was directed at the same target. It was also discovered that individuals with higher levels of testosterone responded more aggressively to social provocations (Mehta Beer, 2009, p. 2363). Aggression is therefore relatively useless at getting rid of anger and frustration even though positive feelings are increased during the act of venting. Be it as it may, why is it that the ma ss media still constantly supportting the idea of the catharsis hypothesis through mediums like self-help books, magazines, and television (Shaffer Merrens, 2001)? Angry people feel better when venting their anger through a cathartic process. This popular belief is known as the catharsis theory (Bushman, Baumeister, Phillips, 2001, p. 18). The theory sees emotions as entities that will build up and cause internal pressure if they are not expressed, leading to physiological harm (Bohart, 1980, p. 192). The repression of negative feelings without release may be due to the fear of retaliation or punishment from the provocateur, like in the case of when the source is an employer, thus constraining direct aggression (Dollard, Doob, Miller, Mowrer, Sears, 1939). Aggression is any behaviour that is intended to inflict harm on an unwilling person (Bushman Anderson, 2001, p. 274). A study found that angry people did positively enjoy some of the cathartic activities, such as hitting a punching bag ( Bushman et al., 1999). Since catharsis supports rumination, which is study investigated whether if getting rid of anger by rumination works better than by distraction. angered participants hit a punching bag and thought about the person who had angered them (rumination group) or thought about becoming physically fit (distraction group). The venting of anger is thus considered a healthy act and people in anger would often hear advice like â€Å"let if off your chest† and â€Å"don’t bottle your anger up inside† from their friends (Bushman, Baumeister, Phillips, 2001, p. 18). The effectiveness of the expression of negative emotions on mood applies differently for different genders. Bushman, Baumeister and Philips (2001) conducted a study which examined how mood-freeze manipulation and pro-catharsis messages affect aggressive behaviour (p. 19). Half the subjects in the pro-cathartic group would read a counterfeit newspaper article supporting the venting of anger by hitting a pillow, while the other half in the anti-cathartic group would read one discouraging the venting of anger by hitting a pillow (Bushman, Baumeister and Philips, 2001, p. 25). Half of the participants in the mood-freeze manipulation group were told that the pill, Bramitol, would freeze their mood for an hour after consumption (Bushman, Baumeister and Philips, 2001, p. 20). The other half were free to control their moods. It was found that for women, the venting of anger improved their mood only when their believe that their moods are open to change, as observed from the female participan ts reporting that they felt more positive feelings following aggression in the changeable mood condition compared to those in the mood-freeze condition (Bushman, Baumeister, Phillips, 2001, p. 28). As for men, they were found to be generally more aggressive than women (Bushman, Baumeister, Phillips, 2001, p. 20) and that those who most believed in the efficacy of venting felt the least improvement in their moods after venting their anger in the changeable mood condition (Bushman, Baumeister, Phillips, 2001, p. 28). This observation can be supported by The evidence of how different men and women handle their emotions shows that the effectiveness of catharsis venting differs between genders. Angry impulses and hostile tendencies are not reduced by acting aggressively. It was found that when given the chance to aggress nonverbally against their tormentors, angry participants engaged in less nonverbal aggression afterwards (Doob, 1970; Doob and Wood, 1972; Konecni and Doob, 1972; Konecni, 1973). However, an opposite effect was witnessed for verbal aggression (DeCharms Wilkins, 1963; Kahn, 1966). the annoyer is still derogated and highly disliked at the end of the experiment (Konecni, 1973; Konecni and Doob, 1972). Konecni and Doob (1972) found that nonverbal aggression directed at a scapegoat reduced future nonverbal aggression directed at one’s tormentor. If verbal hostility does serve the same function as covert rumination about one’s plight, then generalization from scapegoat to tormentor might well be expected to occur. Doob (1972) found that nonverbal aggression directed at someone reduced future nonverbal aggression directed at one’s tormentor. Showed that verbally expressing one’s boiling anger toward a given entity increases subsequent verbal aggression towards the same entity but does not affect how their emotions are directed at others (p. 198-199) The angered subjects were more hostile towards the company after telling the personnel manager negative things about the company and that the increase in hostility was signià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ cantly enhanced by the comparable interview session. However, in Bohart’s study, the overall difference between catharsis and the other measures narrowed over several sessions, suggesting that venting through a cathartic process requires time and practice in order for the dilution of negative feelings to be effective (Bohart, 1980, p. 194). This is probably the reason why the belief in catharsis survives today despite all the contrary research findings. In essence, the common sense belief in the efficacy of catharsis can be proven correct by some psychologists and otherwise by others. The field of psychology really involves data collection of human thought process and behaviour though scientific or observational means to prove a common sense hypothesis either correct or false. Many of our intuitions have been rectified through the years and like the intuition that the release of anger on a pillow lessens feelings of aggression, we cannot always depend on common sense to reason things. Psychology is therefore not just common sense, but also based on proper research, meticulous testing, and applications of theory. References Ebbesen, E. B., Duncan, B., Konecni, V. J. (1975). Effects of content of verbal aggression on future verbal aggression: A field experiment. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. 11, 192-204. Retrieved from http://konecni.ucsd.edu/pdf/1975%20Content%20Verb.%20Agg%20JESP.pdf

Affirmative Action Essay -- Race Racism

As a Christian, I believe in trying my hardest to empathize with those in suffering and oppression to the best of my all to human ability. If I am honest with myself and God, more often than not I fail. My experiences in History 313: Black American History, have left an indelible impact on me. One of the ongoing themes in our readings, lectures, videos and discussions has concerned Christianity and the Black American experience. Thus, I thought it fitting to write this paper looking at affirmative action through a Christian perspective. Looking at affirmative action’s original intent and ultimate goals from a Christian perspective is extremely fruitful because it allows honest discussion to take place without fear of partisan bias or special privilege for one race over another, which in turn makes it easier to talk about practical solutions. Before I say anything else, I would like to say three very important things. First, I am not African-American. Second, I believe all people are people. And third, I in no way, shape or form represent all Christian views on this topic. Speaking for all Christianity is beyond my ability no matter what the topic. My experiences are just like anyone else’s in that they are unique, but limited. Thus, I can only speak of being Christian personally in America. And even then, I cannot speak for all of American Christianity because I only know what it feels like to be an American Christian with German, Norwegian and Swedish blood running through my veins. However, if I employ empathy and compassion I can have at least some idea of the suffering that exists when it occurs to someone besides myself, especially since my own spiritual journey has been anything but smooth. And though ... ...re much to big to be fixed by a short essay. As mentioned before I am not African-American. Thus, I do not consider my thoughts authoritative on this subject. Still, I believe that people, regardless of the color of our skin, our willing to do as Jesus did and forgive one another for past transgressions and replace hostility with love for the sake of a brighter future. James Baldwin urged his readers to, â€Å"Cease fleeing from reality and begin to change it.† In that spirit I close with a quote from a speech given by Robert F. Kennedy on the night that Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically and unnecessarily shot and killed. Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world. Let us dedicate ourselves to that, and say a prayer for our country and for our people. Affirmative Action Essay -- Race Racism As a Christian, I believe in trying my hardest to empathize with those in suffering and oppression to the best of my all to human ability. If I am honest with myself and God, more often than not I fail. My experiences in History 313: Black American History, have left an indelible impact on me. One of the ongoing themes in our readings, lectures, videos and discussions has concerned Christianity and the Black American experience. Thus, I thought it fitting to write this paper looking at affirmative action through a Christian perspective. Looking at affirmative action’s original intent and ultimate goals from a Christian perspective is extremely fruitful because it allows honest discussion to take place without fear of partisan bias or special privilege for one race over another, which in turn makes it easier to talk about practical solutions. Before I say anything else, I would like to say three very important things. First, I am not African-American. Second, I believe all people are people. And third, I in no way, shape or form represent all Christian views on this topic. Speaking for all Christianity is beyond my ability no matter what the topic. My experiences are just like anyone else’s in that they are unique, but limited. Thus, I can only speak of being Christian personally in America. And even then, I cannot speak for all of American Christianity because I only know what it feels like to be an American Christian with German, Norwegian and Swedish blood running through my veins. However, if I employ empathy and compassion I can have at least some idea of the suffering that exists when it occurs to someone besides myself, especially since my own spiritual journey has been anything but smooth. And though ... ...re much to big to be fixed by a short essay. As mentioned before I am not African-American. Thus, I do not consider my thoughts authoritative on this subject. Still, I believe that people, regardless of the color of our skin, our willing to do as Jesus did and forgive one another for past transgressions and replace hostility with love for the sake of a brighter future. James Baldwin urged his readers to, â€Å"Cease fleeing from reality and begin to change it.† In that spirit I close with a quote from a speech given by Robert F. Kennedy on the night that Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically and unnecessarily shot and killed. Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world. Let us dedicate ourselves to that, and say a prayer for our country and for our people.