Comparative Analysis of Elizabeth Bennett and Emma Bovary Essay

Elizabeth Bennett and Emma Bovary are two of the most famous literature female protagonists of the 19th century. They are both known for their strong personalities and beautiful physical appearances. Elizabeth Bennett is the beautiful young heroine in Jane Austen’s well known romantic novel Pride and Prejudice while Emma Bovary is Gustave Flaubert’s protagonist in the much controversial French novel Madame Bovary. These two novels include two of the most talked about female protagonists in English Literature. Despite the two characters’ distinguished characteristics and principles, there are remarkable similarities in their stories’ settings and social situation. Comparison between Elizabeth Bennett and Emma Bovary The comparison between Elizabeth Bennett and Emma Bovary is not merely limited to the physical appearances but also to the extent of their social status and role as women. Both Bennett and Bovary live in a setting when social status is considered a basic need of an individual. It is noticeable that both Pride and Prejudice and Madame Bovary include the setting of a gathering or a ball where people of high status gather and meet. In Pride and Prejudice, the story starts off in a ball where Elizabeth Bennett meets the seemingly proud and cold Fitzwilliam Darcy. Pride and Prejudice is one of the most popular novels written by Jane Austen which was first published in 1813. It is more than a story of love which revolves around the lives of the Bennett family and the wealthy male visitors of Hertfordshire. The wide variety of personalities in the story contributed to the novel’s attractive and compelling features to date. In this regard, Elizabeth Bennett’s character speaks much of a strong personality which is extremely opinionated and bold. Unlike her younger sisters, she does not allow social status and wealth to interfere with her standards for love. However, in her statement, prejudices toward Darcy are evident for she has already judged him without knowing him well first. However, at the end of the story, she regrets having misjudged the man upon knowing the real Fitzwilliam Darcy. Thoroughly reviewing the whole context of the story, the diverse personalities of the characters are what made it possible to arrive in a certain character transformation. Each character is provided a characteristic that is distinct to other characters. Elizabeth Bennett, an interesting character indeed, possesses traits which are very much different from her sisters. Here is one of her statements to Darcy included in Chapter 19 where she rejects him the first time he proposed to marry her and considered to be one of her most famous line which establishes her personality as a dignified woman: I do assure you, Sir, that I have no pretension whatever to that kind of elegance which consists in tormenting a respectable man. I would rather be paid the compliment of being believed sincere. I thank you again and again for the honor you have done me in your proposals, but to accept them is absolutely impossible. My feelings in every respect forbid it. Can I speak plainer? Do not consider me now as an elegant female, intending to plague you, but as a rational creature, speaking the truth from her heart (Austen 97). Meanwhile, Emma Bovary represents the immaturity that Elizabeth Bennett least possessed. Bovary is portrayed as a woman who is fond of romantic novels and hopes despairingly for a magical romance. With this mindset, she resorts to adultery upon getting bored with the kindhearted but dull husband, Charles Bovary. In Chapter 9, Flaubert describes Bovary’s disgust and resentment towards the tiny details of their worn-out kitchen: Mealtime was the worst of all in that tiny room on the ground floor, with the smoking oven, the creaking door, the damp walls, and the moist flagstones; all the bitterness of her existence seemed to be served up to her on her plate, and the steam from the boiled beef brought up waves of nausea from the depths of her soul. It took Charles a long time to eat; she would nibble a few hazelnuts, or leaning on her elbow, would assume herself by drawing lines on the oilcloth with the tip of her knife (Flaubert 81-82). The way Flaubert presented the kitchen in Bovary’s eyes; it becomes clear that Bovary feels trapped in the duties of domesticity. She longs for something more than being just a housewife which is why she engages in extramarital affairs with wealthier men because she thinks she can achieve such imaginary romance by staying with a rich man. Clearly, this premise is very contradictory with Elizabeth Bennett’s principles. Despite their similar poor status in the society, Bennett is more satisfied with her life than Bovary. Bennett accepts the life she is living and does not immediately grants Darcy’s marriage proposal for the sake of wealth and status. It is true, though, that Bovary and Bennett have their similar standards for love. Even Bennett dreams of the man whom she would love dearly however, the difference is Bennett is rational and is willing to wait. On the contrary, Bovary is more impulsive in her decisions that her efforts are mostly in vain. Conclusion There are many similarities and differences between the characters of Elizabeth Bennett and Emma Bovary. Both women live with poor social status in the society which is the very reason of the conflicts in their love stories. However, it is important to note that despite their similar poor situations, their stories end up differently. Bovary’s end becomes tragic while Bennett lives the fulfilled life. The reason for these endings is dependent on the personal characteristics and attitudes of the two women towards poverty. Clearly, between the two heroines, it is Bennett’s dignified principles and rational thinking that earned her the much favorable ending than Bovary’s. Works Cited Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice: A Novel. London: R. Bentley. 1853. Flaubert, Gustave. Madame Bovary. Trans. Mildred Marmur, Evelyn Gendel. New York: Signet Classic, 2001.

Determinants of a Demand Curve:

Movement along the demand curve: There are many factors determining demand- the prime one being price. Price and quantity are the two components which form the demand curve. Any change in these two variables doesn’t cause a shift in the demand curve but a movement along what is already existent. When prices vary, quantity is altered. Usually, applying the law of demand, more will be consumed when prices drop and vice versa. When more goods are consumed due to a drop in prices there is an expansion in demand and when less is consumed due to an increase in price, it is said to be a contraction in demand. A shift in the demand curve: Factors which do cause a shift in demand include: consumer tastes, fashion and trends, income, population, income distribution, consumer expectations and technology. When there is a change in any one of these determinants of demand there will be an alteration in the demand curve. Since these changes are not a cause of changes in price, there will be a shift in the demand curve. When more is purchased at the same price, the demand curve will shift to the right as demand increases. When less is consumed at the same price, the demand curve will shift to the left, as there is a decrease in demand. How the determinants of demand can alter the demand curve are summarised below: 1. Consumer Tastes: consumers tastes and preferences change, which may be in favour of a certain product, increasing and decreasing demand for other goods and services 2. Income: an increase or decrease of consumer income will affect their disposable income and discretionary spending trends- increasing or decreasing demand 3. Population: the population of an area will affect demand. A larger population means more consumers and greater demand and vice a versa. 4. Income distribution: an even distribution of income will mean an increase for demand of luxury goods by low and middle income groups whereas an uneven distribution would lead to increased demand for necessities by low and middle income earners and a decrease in luxury spending. 5. Consumer expectations: expectations of future course pries, economic activity and government economic policies may affect demand. If there are expectations of a drop of prices in the future, consumers may choose to postpone current spending for the future. 6. Technology: Technology allows the production of new and better quality products and services, making other products and services obsolete by substituting them. Consumers may switch their demand for a superior or more convenient product or service which technology may bring along. E. g. : a newer mobile phone or a labour saving device.

7 Things You Should Be Doing For Every Image On Your WordPress Site

7 Things You Should Be Doing For Every Image On Your WordPress Site Adding an image to your website is not as simple as just uploading and clicking the publish button. Of course, that is an option – you can do it the lazy way – but if you want a perfectly optimized website and favored search results, there are a few things you need to do to make sure that the images are optimized before you publish them. You may find it tedious and annoying, and time consuming, but taking the time to do this right will be worth it when you see your A+ grade on Google and Bing Webmaster Tools and are rewarded with stellar search rankings. Editing Your Images: If you don’t own an Adobe Photoshop license, don’t worry, there are plenty of free online photo editing tools that can help you get the job done. Using high quality photos on your website is as important as using proper grammar.  These websites offer free tools that make it easy to crop, resize, and edit your images:  Ã‚  PicMonkey https://www.picmonkey.comFotor http://www.fotor.comPixlr https://pixlr.com Optimise and Compress Your Images: Large image files take up a lot of valuable space on your website and will slow down your site speed and hinder its performance considerably. Before you upload any image to your site, compress it or at as a minimum, make sure you have the Ewww Image Optimizer Plugin installed as advised by Kyle in the lessons.  In Adobe Photoshop, select â€Å"compress for web† before saving the file. You can also achieve similar results using some of the free image compression tools available online. Site speed is a ranking factor so the faster the better.  TinyPNG -https://tinypng.comPNGGaunlet http://pnggauntlet.comPunyPNG http://www.punypng.comResults vary, but in one test, Adobe Photoshop reduced a 236 KB image to 108.1KB, while TinyPNG reduced the same file from 236KB to 110.4KB. So, Adobe Photoshop does perform slightly better, but you can get pretty close using other programs. Consider Your File Names:  Once you have readied the image for uploading, make sure to name it properly. Search engines use file names to identify and index results so this is a really important step. If you name a file with a bunch of letters and numbers that doesn’t give search engines any information about what the image portrays. However, if the file has a specific name such as, â€Å"New York at Dawn† then it can be categorized and indexed, whereas naming the file something like, â€Å"New York† doesn’t describe the image very well. Use keywords in the file name to boost your search results. Be sure to use hyphens in the file name to separate words.    Image URLs: When you upload your edited, compressed, properly named image to your website, WordPress will show the attachment details in a box on the right side of the Insert Media page showing the automatically generated permalink URL based on the file name, this is essentially the web address of the image. You can’t change this once it’s uploaded so if you forgot to change the file name before uploading your file, you’ll have to delete the image and re-upload the newly named image. Image Title Attributes:  The image title box is right below the URL box. Here, you can name the image whatever you like. This title should complement the Alt Text Attribute, but not repeat it. Though, Google primarily uses the Alt Text Attribute to determine information about an image file, it’s helpful to add additional relevant information about the image in the Title box. Something short and specific will do. Your Image Captions:  Ã‚  Adding a caption is not necessary for SEO purposes, but may be helpful for user experience. The content in this box will display on the front end of the site while the Alt and Title Attributes will not.  The Alt Text Attribute  The â€Å"Alt† is short for alternative. Search engines refer to the alt text when trying to determine information about the image – a textual representation of the image content. The best use of an Alt Text box is to provide a word pairing for the image. Specificity helps here, too. This is a very important element for SEO because it provides a description that lends to search results. Don’t use the same content for the Alt Text and Title Text or Description fields. They each need to be unique. This is the content that will appear if a browser is unable to display the image. Your Image Descriptions:  The description information will be displayed on the attachment page of your image. In this field, you can be as descriptive as you like, such as telling the story behind the image or what kind of camera you used to take the photograph. You can add links in the description field. Again, don’t just copy and paste the information from the Title or Alt Attributes. Hopefully this gives you an idea of best practice when adding images to your website.

Essentials Skills for Business Projects Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Essentials Skills for Business Projects - Essay Example This overview affects all types of business projects excluding projects in distance education. Several project managers underutilize their skills about project management (Crawford, 2000). This paper evaluates the key skills required for the successful completion of business projects and reviews the common reasons for project failure. By acclimatizing with better project management skills, the modern-day project managers can improve their skills in executing and accomplishing the goals and objectives of business projects as defined by the senior management.   For any business project to take off and cruise through all the obstacles and challenges, proper project planning is a key factor and skill in completing the imminent objective successfully. Project managers have to develop clear prospective outcomes as well as execute desirable tasks needed to accomplish the objectives. The most significant initial step is identifying the scope of the project (Lavell & Martinelli, 2008). By doing this, project managers can estimate the size, boundaries, and purpose of the project in such a way that they â€Å"create a box† that facilitates the real components needed â€Å"in the box† while distinguishing them from the ones â€Å"out of the box.† Consequently, skillful project managers must ensure that they deliberate on every executable task in order to unearth ideas that can propel the business project to the final stage (Remington & Pollack, 2007). After brainstorming, the tasks should be arranged in the most consistent or der to get the business project running to its completion. However, new tasks might come up in the course of the business project, and skilled project managers should not hesitate to add them appropriately without changing the scope of the project (Fairholm, 2003). With the above measures, the budget of the business project needs accurate estimation.

Comparison of Two Short Stories Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Comparison of Two Short Stories - Essay Example To a person who understands and truly lives their heritage, such as Maggie Johnson, cultural items are for every day use. For others, such as Dee Johnson, these items are related to a culture she believes she has lost, and not to the reality of her life. Dee struggles with the apparent incompatibility of her family heritage and the Black heritage that is filtered through the context of American life, while Maggie has already successfully integrated her life and her culture. This is made apparent by the way in which the two sisters view their mother's quilts - Dee wants to use them as decorative pieces, while to Maggie the quilts are things to be used for their intended purpose, and more importantly to evoke memories of the ancestors who created them. In A Clean, Well-Lighted Place, Hemingway turns the story's setting into the theme of the story itself, in contrast to Walker, who exposes her story's theme in the way her characters interact with and attach meaning to everyday objects. In Hemingway's story, the caf is a "clean and pleasant" (Hemingway) place where consolation and comfort is provided for a few hours to the people who come to it. The light of the caf is comforting and welcoming and drives out fear and dread, and for a few hours, an old man who lives in dark and despair can feel dignity and peace.

Education. What issues can arise during 'transition' Essay

Education. What issues can arise during 'transition' - Essay Example The difficulties are based on mental growth development and educational curriculum demands which calls for young learners to make the transition, or else be left behind in the educational system. For most young learners, the transition difficulties are only seen during the first few days or weeks of the school year, however, for others, the difficulties may persist throughout the school year. There are different issues encountered during the period of transition for students and these issues shall be discussed in this paper. The transition focused on would mostly be on the transition from primary to secondary school in the UK. Possible suggestions on how the transition may be eased would also be discussed in this text in order to provide some clarity and recommendations based on the issues noted for transitioning learners. Body Transition, as was mentioned above refers to the child’s move and adjustment period from primary to secondary schools. The transition process here also includes not just the transition of students from primary to secondary school, but any other transitions these children may make which eventually causes a change in venue (change schools), including transfers to different schools due to family moving from one home to another. The transfers may also be attributed to a family death or parental divorce/separation. Various studies have been carried out on the issues encountered during the transition process (Graham and Hill, 2002; Galton, Gray and Ruddock, 2000). Reviewing studies on the subject matter has revealed various themes or issues during such transition period. Alston, Sammons, and Mortimore (1985) carried out a longitudinal study for children from 50 primary schools in the London area, assessing the transition experiences of the children. About 1600 students were evaluated for their study, evaluating their attitudes, behaviour, attendance before and during their transition period to secondary school. The study revealed that m ost of the students transitioned well into secondary school and had favourable attitudes towards secondary school (Alston, et.al., 1985). Most of them were also pleased with their work in their new school. Admittedly, most of the students initially had reservations about secondary school, however, most of them gradually settled well into their classes and were actually happier than was expected for transitioning students. This study however has contrasting results with the Fouracre (1993) study which indicates the presence of a discontinuity between primary and secondary school as teachers often underestimate the abilities of their pupils. There also seems to be a mismatch between the student’s expectations of the work in secondary school and their actual experiences in the classroom (Fouracre, 1993). One of the issues encountered during transition are elements relating to social class. Studies reveal that those belonging to the lower income communities are likely to have tro uble transitioning into the secondary school system (Keating and Hetzman, 1999). Socioeconomic status as well as parental social class has a huge role during the transition period as students with lower social status likely to have trouble transitioning and eventually leave the educational system early (Ferguson, Tilleczek, Boydell, Rummens, Cote, & Roth-Edney, 2005). As discussed by Keating and Hetzman (1999), there is less extracurricular participation among these students, as well as limited school personnel support for these students. Some of them also increasingly experience daily hassles from school personnel (Keating and Hetzman, 1999). It was also established by McGee, Ward, Gibbons, and Harlowe (2003) that children having higher socioeconomic status

Psychology at Work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Psychology at Work - Essay Example rs of the team are often guided by a leader who provides the necessary information in terms of task divide and receives feedback on the work progress. Grewal (2011) added that the team members may share a common goal but it is not necessary that all of the members in a team should have the same roles and responsibilities. Hollenbeck et al (1995) pointed out that a team can be differentiated from a group of people or students in terms of their individual roles. A group of people may share same skills and qualities and they may not be interdependent to each other for meeting the common goal. A group is often formed without a leader, whereas a team needs a leader in order to ensure that the team members are following the right direction. In order for a team to be efficient and yield the desired result, the team working competencies are more important than the individual personality traits. Individual personalities of the team members may have different characteristics but the organizati on has to ensure whether or not those members can coexist harmoniously in a team. Then only the team as a whole can be able to yield higher productivity. The concept of emergent state identifies the team as a whole and addresses its evolution and improvement in a holistic manner. The most vital emergent states for team building are mutual trust, holistic team identity and confidence in team’s ability (Nancarrow et al, 2013) . Team building helps a firm to efficiently organize its work flow. A complicated task can be efficiently achieved by breaking it down to smaller activities and allocating them to different members of the team. This as a result leads to proper skill utilization of the team members and the managers are able to accomplish a particular task in less time. Thus team building is quite effective in managing a work (Sutton, 2014). Gottlieb (2007) mentioned that building an effective team allows the members to achieve the goal quickly and in a resource efficient way.

Positivism and Interpretivism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Positivism and Interpretivism - Essay Example While positivism deals with the ideation of a plan and research concept, interpretivism is a function of perception in the philosophical context. They have been further defined and described in terms of epistemology and ontology as follows. Epistemology: Being related to philosophy, epistemology, through the definition of theories and concepts, depends on the presentation and perception of knowledge. Thus, as far as understanding knowledge is concerned, this field follows a subjective point of view and shares similarities with ontology. With the use of tools for interpretation, the use of epistemology depends on a body of ready to use knowledge rather than new knowledge creation, which gives it an interpretive outlook, making it different from ontology. (Duberley et al, 2000) In order to use various generalisations that have to do with facts, and beliefs, this field makes use of a philosophical perspective with a leaning towards reasoning and logic where findings of analysis need to be justified through statistical means. (Johnson et al, 2000) For example, the use of a LAWSEQ Questionnaire to study the self esteem level of students is the use of epistemology. Ontology: Being more objective in nature than epistemology is the first difference between the two. As ontology depends more on gathering first hand data, it adheres to the positivism approach as far as the use of philosophy and structuring of knowledge is concerned. It comes up with greater depth of research than epistemology due to the fact that it studies the hypothesis from the perspective of new data thus giving it a positivist approach and greater scope. The parameters that arise in this course are also different which give the generalisations a more accurate and deeper ring. (Duberley et al, 2000) (Johnson et al, 2000) For example, the use of literature in order to prove a hypothesis and garner data is based in ontology. Positivism Vs Interpretivism Epistemology and ontology are basically research designs that help in the collection, interpretation and analysis of facts for further presentation. It gives a structure to the vast knowledge base that one deals with during research and is thus philosophical in nature. Positivism and Interpretivism are the philosophical tools that are used in this regard. (Duberley et al, 2000) While ontology uses the objective way out, epistemology tends to incline towards the subjective thus making it more philosophical in nature. Ontology on the other hand that deals with and presents knowledge on the basis of hardcore facts and analysis from scratch. With a more objective outlook, ontology depends on the positivist approach in depicting facts while epistemology depends on using an already existing field of knowledge for analysis. (Lango, 1972) Research areas are better defined with the use of epistemology or the interpretivist point of view due to the fact that it depends on well researched work from the past where the data is simply customised for varied uses by various researchers. The writing and research method are an outcome of the various philosophical perspectives that individual researchers tend to follow. This gives it an interpretivist outlook as it is more subjective in nature. Epistemology manages to make best use of various philosophical perspectives within its research definition and design owing to its interpretivist approach as far as knowledge structuring and philosophy are concerned.

Phenomenological Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Phenomenological Psychology - Essay Example As a result f this bracketing f the naturalistic positing f reality and the epoche f the beliefs that correspond to this positing, the how f the givenness f such outer and inner objects is to be phenomenologically investigated qua their status as the "meanings" (Sinne) f "that which is," meanings that are now given to "pure consciousness." For Husserl, Sinn designates that which is manifest to phenomenological reflection, subsequent to the "bracketing" f the "reality" f both "inner" and "outer" objects (and eventually the horizon f the natural world) and the epoche f the natural attitude's naive belief in the transcendent reality f these objects and world-horizon. As such, Sinn articulates the status f the phenomenologically "reduced" phenomena f these objects and world-horizon and the corresponding natural attitude which is manifested when the phenomenological attitude no longer "goes along with" the natural positing f these objects and world-horizon in terms f the taken-for-granted status f their transcendent reality. ... In the case f "meaning," there is the suggestion f "conceptuality," which brings along with it misleading connotations f "mental" and/ or "abstract" reality. In the case f "sense," there is the suggestion f "sense perception," which also carries with it "sensible" and/or "physical" connotations. Since the phenomena referred to by Sinn may include the phenomenologically reduced manifestation f both "concepts" and "sense perception" without, however, necessarily being exhausted by either, I will sometimes leave the word untranslated, as a reminder that the scope f its reference may exceed these possibilities. (The reference f Sinn to the phenomena f the nonobjectifiable horizon f the natural world and the attitude that posits its reality, for instance, is one such case f the term's scope exceeding both conceptual and physical phenomena.) The naturalistically posited external and internal objects are therefore not to be investigated in terms f their naturalistically posited statuses as "realities" transcendent to consciousness; rather, they are uncovered, in accord with their phenomenologically psychological "reduced" status as "meanings" manifest to consciousness "purified" f such positing (and belief in this positing) f transcendent reality, in terms f the "immanent" subject matter f the science f phenomenological psychology. And it is precisely the lived-experience f such meaning and its structure that articulates the positive account f the subject matter f psychology provided by Husserl's phenomenological psychology. Insofar as both psychological and transcendental phenomenology are defined in terms f the reflective securing and eidetic unfolding f "pure consciousness," their demarcation must be sought, then, not

Abortion Case Study Paper Essay Example for Free

Abortion Case Study Paper Essay The case that I chose to discuss is whether it is ethically right or wrong for parents to decide whether or not they wish to keep an unborn child. This essay will address several questions that have been raised as to whether or not an abortion is moral or immoral, and if it were immoral, in what circumstances it would be justified. These are all relevant facts that both physicians and parents have to take into account when they are making their decision. If one would look at this case by the care ethics point of view their main focus would be on the care of the patient. It is important to look at that person and understand their emotional and physical decisions. Care ethics differs from deontology and utilitarianism because care ethics makes the decision based on consideration for the individual instead of making a moral decision impartially. See more: Homeless satire essay If everyone looked at abortion in a care ethic standpoint they would look at the situation by identifying the people involved, the relationships and what the future may be produce. The most important object of the care ethic is that the person judging the other must put the act that he or she must be willing to put another person before him or himself. Whichever result is chosen, it is important to respect one another’s decisions. In the chapters of our text we have been given several different scenarios of abortion. Out of those a few dealt with the care ethic and the choices faced. An article that fully supports my ideas and opinions is Thomson’s â€Å"A Defense of Abortion†. Thomson was very realistic and down to Earth in â€Å"A Defense of Abortion.† She speaks of real life situations when the decision of the mother is taken into consideration; thus providing us an example of the care ethic. I like that Thomson spoke about a territory that not many writers want to speak about. Speaking about the right of life and a mother’s feelings and futures is important to me. The article by Margaret Olivia Little entitled â€Å"The Morality of Abortion† is by far the one that I agree with the most! Philosopher Little believes that the moral status of the fetus is only one aspect of the morality of abortion. She speaks of the relationship in motherhood and the process of creation. The line that I loved the most was â€Å"The pregnant woman has not made the fetus more vulnerable than it would otherwise have been: absent her procreative actions, it wouldn’t have existed at all.† This line alone really explains to me what she is trying to say to people. I am happy that she wrote such a powerful article. While examining the care ethic, it is important to note that if complications are present, a whole new set of ethical issues are opened up. Yet, abortion has been a controversial subject among everybody whether they are involved directly or indirectly, whether they are for it or against it. It is nearly impossible to find someone who doesnt have an opinion about abortion. Both those who favor or oppose abortion make superior arguments to defend their beliefs and views. Personally, I think every last person is entitled to his or her own opinions, beliefs, thoughts, and rights. And yes, women have rights too, and denying women the right to choose abortion in the early stages of fetal development is denying her rights as a US citizen.

Input Subsystems Three Input Subsystems Commerce Essay

Input Subsystems Three Input Subsystems Commerce Essay Human resources intelligence subsystem This subsystem has the responsibility for keeping current on environmental activities that are especially important to human resource activities (McLeod and Anctis, 1995). Data and information are gathered describing activities of the government, labour unions, suppliers, the local and financial communities, and even competitors (McLeod and Anctis, 1995). Employment firms function as suppliers, funnelling applicants to the firm. Applicants can also come from the local community and from competitors (McLeod and Anctis, 1995). The financial community provides data and information concerning the economic climate, which influences the human resource plans (McLeod and Anctis, 1995). Much of the intelligence data can be obtained from commercial databases (McLeod and Anctis, 1995). The HRIS database All of the data and information provided by the input subsystems is held in computer storage (McLeod and Anctis, 1995). The storage units can reside in IS, HR, or other locations (McLeod and Anctis, 1995). The data relates primarily to the firms employees, but also can describe the environmental elements with which HR interfaces (McLeod and Anctis, 1995). Database management system (DBMS) software performs the maintenance processes (McLeod and Anctis, 1995). HRIS Database consists of number of databases such as employee database, executive search firm databases, university databases, employment agency databases, public access databases, corporate job banksà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦etc. Output subsystems The output subsystems consist of various types of software that transform data in the database into information outputs. The software can include report writers, mathematical models, office automation packages such as e-mail and desktop publishing, and applications of artificial intelligence such as expert systems. According to the model, the output subsystems represent the six groups of HRSP applications. 54 Workforce planning subsystem is one of the output subsystems in HRIS model, which enables the manager to identify future personal needs (Figure 2.6). It facilitates organisation charting, salary forecasting, job analysis or evaluation, planning and work force modelling. Recruiting output subsystem enables applicant tracking and internal search. Workforce Management output subsystem work on performance appraisal, training, position control that ensures headcount does not exceed budgeted limits, relocation, skills or competency measuring, succession planning and disciplinary. Compensation output subsystem works on merit increases, payroll, executive compensation, bonus incentives and attendance. Benefits output subsystem defined contribution, benefits and claims processing. Environmental reporting output subsystem work on reporting firms personnel policies and practices to the government. Reports like union increases, health records and toxic substance produce through this system. The model (Figure 2.6) provided a good framework of HRIS components. It followed the three main concepts of system: inputs, processes, and outputs addressing the wide variety of HRIS applications as well. According to McLeod and Anctis (1995), the HRIS has provided strong support in the compensation and benefits areas, but other activities that occur during employment demand greater attention. For example, little attention has been directed at activities relating to organizational exit, or termination. Many firms have neglected applications for workforce management and recruiting. They further emphasised, if HRIS resources were aimed at building strong planning systems, up-to-date HRIS databases, and responsive information output systems, then the HRIS would support management in each of its workforce-related activities. This direct management support would contribute to the firms strategic objectives, whatever they might be. As the HRIS does a better job of providing management with in formation about people and their jobs, it will solidify its position in the firm as a valued information system (McLeod and Anctis, 1995). 55 2.4.6. HRIS Model McLeod and Schell Data Information Transaction processing system Human resources research subsystem Human resources intelligence subsystem Internal sources Environmental sources Input subsystems Output subsystems Users HRIS Database Recruiting subsystem Environmental reporting subsystem Compensation Subsystem Workforce management subsystem Work force planning subsystem Benefits subsystem Figure 2.7: A model of a human resource information system Source: McLeod and Schell, 2007 McLeod and Schell slightly modified the Resource-Flow HRIS Model in 2007 (Figure 2.7). The data processing sub system was named as transaction processing sub system. 56 2.5. Human resource strategy Thomas (1996) defined human resources strategy as a co-ordinated set of actions aimed at integrating an organisations culture, organisation, people and systems (Figure 2.8). He articulated human resources strategy as the cohesion and consistency of a distinctive pattern of behaviour. Its relationship to the corporate strategy determines its effectiveness and success. Figure 2.8: HR strategy Source: Thomas, 1996 IT Marketing Finance Sales Production R D Corporate strategy Human resources mission statement Human resources analysis Environmental analysis Organisation analysis Human resources planning Generation of strategic options/choices Objectives Culture Organisation People Systems Human resources functional action plan Implementation Review and evaluation HR strategy aids the organisation to achieve strategic goal in the medium to long term. It should emanate clearly from corporate business strategy aligning with organisational other plans and strategies (Figure 2.8). 57 The human resources function in todays organisation needs to think of itself as a business-operating unit, employing exactly the same marketing, technical and quantitative skills as those, which are employed, by other functions (Thomas, 1996). Figure 2.9: Human resources strategy planning Source: Thomas, 1996 HR strategic plan is influenced by four dimensions: culture, organisation, people and systems (Figure 2.9). Organisation structure, job roles and reporting lines should integrate with employee skill levels, staff prospective and management capabilities. Culture, which is key aspect of the organisational, is belief, value, norms and style. Organisation culture its measurement, monitoring and management provides the potential to enhance organisational performance (Thomas, 1996). Systems can be manual as well as computerised processes used to carry out the tasks within the organisation. Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) or Human Resources Management Systems (HRMS) play leading role in computerised HR Systems. Therefore, HR strategy plan should not only be inline with corporative business plan but also with organisational Information Systems strategic plan. The structure job roles and reporting lines of the organisation The process by which things get done in the organisation The skill levels, staff potential and management capability of the organisation The beliefs, values, norms and style of the organisation Generation of strategic Options Choices Organisation Systems People Culture HR policies and objectives 58 2.7. Conclusion Organisations use Information Systems in all three levels of information management: strategic, tactical and operational. HRIS is one of the information systems out which transforms the role of the HR department incorporating records for employee resource, rewards, training, etc. Many studies cited HRIS benefits, such as improvements in accuracy, cost saving, timely and quick access to information through HR reports, decision-making and increased competitiveness. Lack of top management support, funds, HR knowledge of system designers and HR solutions, are the main factors keeping organisations away from HRIS. According to literature, human resource planning, recruiting, and training are less frequent users within personnel perhaps reflecting greater use of the system for routine reporting than for decision support. HRIS is classified in to two types according to their usage: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¢unsophisticatedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬- and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¢sophisticatedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬-. Payroll and ben efits administration, employee absence records keeping electronically are listed as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¢unsophisticatedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬-. Use of IS in recruitment and selection, training and development, HR planning and performance appraisal, is classified as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¢sophisticatedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬-. Many researches were curious about the integration of HRIS with other emerging technologies such as MIS, ERP, eHRà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦etc. Due to the advent of Internet technology and the emerging concept of business intelligence HRM systems have changed to e-HRM systems. It is very hard to give a clear-cut view to distinguish eHR from HRIS since HRIS developed with most of the eHR features today. According to Alvarez-Suescun (2007), firm size or technical skills do not affect organisational sourcing decisions. The HRIS implementation sourcing decision may be influenced by previous experiences in the implementation of other systems and strategic contribution of the IS on the internal organization . According to some literature organisations gain competitive and strategic advantage if HRIS activities are undertaken internally. HRIS facilitates training and development and recruitment and section processes of the organisations. The training and development function is essential for changing behaviour and culture and reinforcing the new behaviour and culture in an organisation. 59 The training process consists of four phases. The first phase is the training needs analysis (TNA). The second phase is the design phase. The third phase is the implementation phase and the training evaluation is the final phase. HRIS mainly facilitate TNA and training evaluation phase. Succession planning which is facilitated by HRIS helps to identify key players in the organisation and develop them for future demand. Recruitment represents one of the core staffing activities that need to be planned efficiently and effectively. Pattanayak (2000) identified four sub functions: determining the nature of the job to be filled, type of personal required, sources of recruitment and selection process. HRIS facilitates all four of those sub processes using its job analysis, skill inventory and E-recruitment features. In the Sri Lankan context, literature relevant to HRIS, training and development and recruitment and selection cannot be found. Especially, how HRIS contributes to HR panning t hrough training and development and recruitment and selection is yet being studied. The systematic development of HRIS models is studied through the literature review. The first conceptual framework is the Hyde-Shafritz Model, which listed the modules as sixteen inputs and outputs presented in 1977 by Albert C. Hyde and Jay M. Shafritz. The Simon Input/Data Maintenance/Output Model was submitted in 1983 by Sidney H. Simon. It represented HRIS in terms of input, maintenance, and output functions. The Manzini-Gridley Hardware Network Model was presented in 1986 by Andrew Manzini and John D. Gridley. They viewed the HRIS in terms of interfaces with a corporate human resources database. The Fisher, Schoenfeldt, and Shaw Application Modules presented in 1990 by Cynthia D. Fisher, Lyle Schoenfeldt, and James B. Shaw identifying nine major application areas of the HRIS. The most recent and comprehensive model was a resource-flow HRIS model, which was presented by HRSP (Human Resource Syste ms Professionals) and McLeod and Anctis in 1995. Same model was presented with some miner changes by McLeod and Schell in 2007. This was more advanced than earlier models. There was some amount of focus to embed artific

The Innumerable Meanings of Moby Dick Essay -- Moby Dick Essays

The Innumerable Meanings of Moby Dick Call me Ishmael. The first line of this story begins with an assertion of self-identity. Before the second page is reached, it becomes quite clear to me that within this assertion of self-identity lay an enticing universality. Ishmael represents every man somehow and no man entirely. He is an individual in his own right, while personifying a basic human desire for something more, something extraordinary. As his name implies, "he is an outcast from a great family" (p.18). Although we all share Ishmael's yearning for adventure (however deeply hidden it may be), to throw aside our civilization (despite its discontents ) could mean societal suicide. So, we look through his eyes, we cling to his desire, we dream of his escape. This world of ours in all its absurdity is seemingly as vast as an ocean beyond its horizon. Yet with all its opportunity, with all its splendor, we somehow manage to spoil the prospects it so generously offers. We pack ourselves into overcrowded spaces; we cram our brains with bits and pieces of irrelevancy; we herd ourselves along a well-beaten path; we cloud our souls with a veil of conformity. And yet there still remains, somewhere deep inside every one of us, the desire to cast aside restraint and venture into whatever indulgence tugs at our heartstrings and innermost fantasy. For Ishmael this was the sea: "Whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses...then I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can" (p. 18). For Ishmael to remain on shore would mean to "grow hazy about the eyes" and lose sight of what makes him happy, the drive that makes him human- his love of the sea. ... ...story of stories . However, its greatness does not lay in the particular formulation of particular words in particular sentences into particular paragraphs and so forth. As with any great story, Moby Dick is comprised of infinite, multifaceted, and often allusive levels of meaning. What makes a novel great is its interaction with its readers. The degree to which a story remains unguarded and flexible while simultaneously enticing and provoking its readers, is what makes it great. The meanings I find hidden within the text of Moby Dick are unlike any others. Yet, they are mine and mine alone. As in Moby Dick, the innumerable meanings that lie dormant within stories are like ungraspable phantoms. With Moby Dick representing an epitome, the beckoning ungraspable phantoms concealed in stories, are the key to their command. Works Cited: Melville, H. Moby Dick.

Stereotypes Essay -- essays research papers

RaStereotyping is a way of thinking about groups of people. It ignores the differences of the group, while emphasizing its similarity. One belief, that is a stereotype, is that red-haired people are hot tempered. Another belief is that Scottish people are stingy. Such thinking ignores many even-tempered redheads and generous Scottish people. Stereotyping emphasizes many differences between groups while ignoring their similarities to other people. It ignores that many blond and brown-haired people also lose their tempers. Stereotyping overlooks the fact that many American, Brazilians and French people are stingy. Stereotyping redheads or Scottish people usually does little harm. It typically leads to friendly kidding and good-natured jokes. Simple-minded stereotyping can be dangerous. The danger lies in exaggeration of differences in color, nationality, religion and language. We exaggerate the differences, ignoring what we share as human beings and become prejudiced. Prejudice is nourished by fear as it grows out of exaggeration. It is a profoundly negative emotion bearing the fruit of hatred. Racism is a form of extreme prejudice that leads to physical and psychological violence. Racists can be any color: white, black, brown, red or yellow. A white racist thinks all blacks are alike, while a black racist thinks all Hispanics are alike. In addition, a Hispanic racist may think all Native Americans are alike. The ethnic boundaries of racism "pigeon hole" anoth...

Freudian Analysis of Woman on the Edge of Time Essay -- Woman on the e

Freudian Analysis of Woman on the Edge of Time One can use the psychoanalytical approach to successfully decipher some of the complexities in Marge Piercy's novel, "A woman on the Edge of Time". The psychoanalytical approach stems from Freud and his belief that "... Most of our actions are motivated by psychological forces over which we have very limited control"(127 handbook). The two aspects of Freud's approach that relate to this story are the Oedipus complex and the struggle between the id, ego, and superego. The Oedipus complex of according to Freud is turned upside down in this novel, because there is no father, yet there are three mothers. The Oedipus complex believes that as a child grows up, he starts out loving both parents equally. As the child grows older he starts to lust after his mother. He then finds that his father is in the way of his goal, and so he decides to try and get rid of the father. In this story, however, there is no father. "Father?" Luciente raised her wrist, but Connie stopped her. "Dad. Papa. You know. Male parent." "Ah? No, not Bee or Jackrabbit. Comothers are seldom sweet friends if we can manage. So the child will not get caught in love misunderstandings."(68 novel) The child can't feel any rivalry because he has three mothers to satisfy his desires, and no father to compete with. The child obviously has very little to be upset about. This change in the balance of power, and the obvious love that a child gets from the three mothers also opens up a new realm to the people that are born to this age. The children feel more attuned to what they wa... ...int of changing the language so that it isn't sexist. The differences between the two sexes are so minimal that people can get along. The novel takes Freud's ideas on how the human conscious works and tries to change the world so that there is less conflict. The idea of creating humans that are less sexually dimorphic could definitely be beneficial to humans. The idea of having three mothers and no father is also an interesting idea that could prove helpful. The only concern that I have is that with everyone being so similar, won't our individuality be challenged so that we feel the same as every one else. Individuality is a characteristic that humans pride themselves on. If it is taken away, then people wouldn't feel as good about themselves, and most people would lose their drive to do anything constructive or inventive.

American Islam Female Converts Essay

Islam is the world’s fastest growing religion by number of conversions each year. Despite’s Islam beginnings in Arabia, today more than 80% of all Muslim believers life outside the Arab world (Records, 2009). Surprisingly, many of this new converts are women who despite Islam’s numerous female restrictions, many have affirmed a new found joy and harmony in their lives. Islam laws for women are seen by many as coercive because they regulate important aspects of women’s life such as clothing, social relationships, marriage, divorce, inheritance, etc. I would be examining the different reasons why this western women converts decided to make such a radical change to their lives. To achieve my goal successfully I would like to use various qualitative and quantitative methods to identify eligible individuals to interrogate further and to measure multiple variables that might be interconnected. I will be examining different factors such as age, education, time living in the US, time they have been a Muslim, marital status, religion of their significant other, religion of their parents, and degree of religiosity while growing up. Many of these new converts are fellow Americans who have found multiple benefits practicing their new religion. I therefore think my research is important because it portrays what Islam teacher and has to offer to its believers from people that we can easily relate to. Literature review Many people claim that Muslim women are restricted by their religion because of the immense amount of rules that it is imposed to them. One particular research conducted by Zaidi and Shuraydi (2002: 507) interviewed 20 Pakistani women in the United States in an attempt to study the different perceptions of arranged marriage among women living in western society. The study concluded that â€Å"Muslim feminist have to cope with a prevalent double standard governing the behavior of males and females†. This means that while the Koran claims that men and women are the same, in reality they are treated with fewer privileges than men. To support their claim they presented that while women are prohibited from courting potential mates, men are given tacit approval. Despite the many claims against Islam, new women converts often argue that the Islamic religion and the Arab culture are sometimes confused. Researchers Maslim and Bjorck (2009: 98) claim that many times â€Å"the culture rules try to oppress women while the religion in turn promotes positive cultural views of gender roles and ethnic diversity†. Their research mainly focused on the reasons why so many women were switching to Islam. To study this topic, the authors to contact the editors of a North American Magazine to get the sample group and then posted an online surveys that the participants could answer. The results showed that while there are a variety of reasons why women switch their religion to Islam, the most common ones included dissatisfaction with their previous faith, marriage requirement, and because of Islam’s significance and meaning. To understand further their point of view we have to compare Islam to other religion practices at the time Islam was instituted. One study performed by J Sechze (2004, 263-274) tried to evaluate different religious practices against women at the time Islam was created. The research found that many practices such as female infanticide, traditionally common in Christian communities, was ruled out when Islam was implemented. Additionally, it is suggested that polygamy was instituted in Islam to protect Muslim widows, whose husbands were killed during wars. This historical comparison makes us understand that Islam does support some feminist principals that lacked in other religions at the time. Methodology My study will use a quantitative and a qualitative method to gather the data necessary to answer the research question presented on the introduction part. I have organized a short ten question essay that will allow me to collect quantitative information. The survey will ask for variables age, education level, time living in the US, time they have been a Muslim, marital status, religion of their significant other, religion of their parents, and degree of religiosity while growing up. All of these questions will try to find different correlations among the different variables that might be important to consider when creating interview questions. The interview will be based of the survey taken by the individuals here. The idea is to contact people that took the survey that might be interested on meeting with the researcher and let us learn more about them. Interview will hopefully provide insight information about the survey answers that will further help us identify patterns that might answer why they switch to Islam. The interview place will be up to the participant, they will sign release paperwork and the interview will be recorded for further analysis. I would like to base my research question entirely on the survey correlations and therefore I do not have the interview questions pre- prepared. However, I will provide a list of possible interview questions that will be pose to change with the survey answers. Conclusion This paper is a proposed research study of the different reasons why western non –Muslim born women change their religion to Islam in their adulthood years. This is a fairly controversial topic since many people see Islam as oppressive to women because of its countless provisions regarding women’s clothing, marriage and other social affairs. While many previous researches support this notion and further give evidence of Islam women having to live in a double standard, other numerous studies suggest that Islam religion does not support such a thing and instead argue that it actually protects women that have help many women find faith and peace in their lives. To be able to conduct my study I will be using surveys and interviews that will provide me with quantitative and qualitative data to analyses and further interpret.

Human Resource Management Policies and Practices That Can Support Business Strategies and Contribute to Improved Performance of the Organization

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES THAT CAN SUPPORT BUSINESS STRATEGIES AND CONTRIBUTE TO IMPROVED PERFORMANCE OF THE ORGANIZATION PREPARED BY: ROLAND GBENGA STUDENT NUMBER: 0075DSDS1011 MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINITRATION CARDIFF METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY MARKETING MANAGEMENT DR. GEORGE KOSHY 6TH DECEMBER, 2011 Table of Contents Table of Figures4 1. 0. INTRODUCTION4 2. 0. LITERATURE REVIEW6 2. 1. Recruitment and Selection (Toyota)6 2. 2.Training and Professional Development (Singapore Airlines)15 2. 3. Performance Management (Quantum)18 2. 4. Employee Benefits and Compensation ExxonMobil19 2. 4. 1. Salary & Compensation:20 2. 4. 2. Additional Benefits21 3. 0. RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION21 Bibliography23 Table of Figures Figure 1 Recruitment and Selection Process7 Figure 2 Job Analysis Model9 Figure 3 Toyota Sales Result 201012 Figure 4 Toyota Recruitment Process for Graduate13 Figure 5 Toyota Recruitment Process for Graduate14Figure 6 Singapore Airline Organizational Hier archy16 Figure 7 Performance Management Model18 Figure 8 Performance Management Process19 Figure 9 Benefits and Compensation Model20 1. 0. INTRODUCTION Gilmore & Williams (2009) said â€Å"People are the most valuable asset†, it is a cliche resounds over and again in the heart of the Human Resource department of an organization. The height of completion in recent years does not leave room for simple executive standard of practices [ (Agawarwala, 2003) ].Different companies inculcates different range of human resource practices and policies because some of them employ certain interwoven practices which has become their attributes and are known to be the root of their achievement through the way the company manage people [ (Pfeffer, 1996) ]. The religious policies imbibed by businesses provides them with the techniques to manage human resource error or risk by keeping up to date with trending things happening in employment standards and required legislation.Business Management Study GuideThis research work seeks to examine different companies who have achieved success through certain characterized human resource practices, a broad overview and a comprehensive analysis into the functions performed by the selected companies as regards maintaining a competitive advantage through concentrated human resource activities. There is difficulty in identifying a company who does all the human resource practices correctly [ (Pfeffer, 1996) ], however there are some companies who have been sustained over the years and are still able to maintain their workforce and also keep them happy and motivated.Organization success and performance are popularly measured assessed by the outlook of the financial statement; the structure behind the system are neglected meanwhile it is the one of the most important aspect of an organization and its harnesses to optimum performance. We neglect the contributions of Human Resources and the various practices put into play in the organizat ions’ success. It is as simple as to say that consumers as happy because there are happy employees who take care of their needs for the company.Why are some employees happy with and are ready to stick with the organization while there are some who wishes for a quick change. The answer to the question above is far fetched but can be streamlined; some organization knows how to take good care of their staffs by creating an enabling and conducive environment them thereby retaining their identity, know-how loyalty while they continue to grow and prove their selves with time. This paper seeks to explore different organization and heir Human Resource practices and how it has helped them to in the establishment of a motivated and highly satisfied workforce which has been a contributor to their performance and their sustainability. It is believed that some company’s strategies and or practices are their strength because the ability to attract, manage and retain vast knowledge a nd experiences are in their best practices. * Performance Management * Employment Security * High wages * Incentive Pay * Employee Ownership * Information Sharing * Participation and Empowerment * Selectivity in Recruiting * Participation Employment Information Sharing * Wage Compression 2. 0. LITERATURE REVIEW 3. 1. Recruitment and Selection (Toyota) [ (recruitment. toyotauk. com, 2011) ] Hiring the best people is paramount to the success of any organization more so is the ability to retain a high quality workforce; if there is a vacant position in an organization there should not be panic because it provides the organization with the opportunity to examine the position, set the description and determine the qualifications. [ (hr. uoregon. edu, 2010) ] Recruitment is the preceding step in the selection method in an organization. Read also Analyze the Ways in Which British Imperial PoliciesIt is seen as an activity directed to earn suitable workforces whose qualifications and skills match roles of the pertinent posts in the Organization. While it is defined also as â€Å"the process of identifying that the organization needs to employ someone up to the point at which application forms for the past have arrived at the organization† [ (businesscasestudies. co. uk, 2010) ]. The success of a business is subjected to the skills and competencies of its workforce [ (Gilmore & Williams, 2009) ], it does not stop once it commences, and it gives the rganization the opportunity to pick from a pool of qualified candidates. Among the purpose of recruit to an organization, it ensures a decrease in an organization and individual effectiveness; it even aligns the selection rate by limiting the number of evidently over qualified otherwise under qualified applicants. [ (Bliss, 2012) ] Figure [ 1 ] Recruitment and Select ion Process [ (lyonsshers. com, 2012) ] Man Power Planning The planning of staff of an organization need that the present and future situation of the organization be assessed and compared to the present and the future forecasted resources.Proper steps would then be put in place so as to bring the demand and supply in equality. Hence the first step is doing a review of the whole existing workforce and their profile which include the total number, gender, age, sex, experience, flexibility, forecast capabilities and characters of the existing staff of the organization and plans are made ahead for like a period of like 3, 5, 10 years as the case may be taken into consideration normal staff turnover, retirements and planned staff movements along with company plans for the same time frame. accel-team. com, 2012 ) The Human Resource manager is faced with the obligation to scrutinize and modify other mangers crude predictions in accordance with the organizational need and forecast along wit h the organizations future demands as regards workforce.Below are the scenarios the Human Resource Manager must take into consideration, forecast of sale and production; the effects of technological change on task needs, variations in the efficiency, productivity, flexibility of labor as a result of training, work study, organizational change, new motivations; changes in employment practices ( for instance Toyota outsourced the recruitment and selection to Kentucky Department of Employment in 2007); differences, which respond to new legislation, for instance the payroll taxes, safety requirements and new health; the changes in Government policies (investment incentives, regional or trade grants, etc. ) Job Analysis Job analysis is concerned with the formal process of determining the characteristics and what a job entails and the specific qualities or attributes required to perform the job. (Gilmore & Williams, 2009) Job analysis is the primary tool in human resource management (www. managementstudyguide. com, 2012); it is also defined as the procedure required to obtain information regarding the responsibilities, duties, results, essential skills, and the working environment of that particular job.The human resource manager requires a lot of data to gather up job description which is the eventual result of job analysis. (Dessler, 2012) Figure [ 2 ] Job Analysis Model [ (www. managementstudyguide. com, 2012) ] Job Description Job description is based on information gathered from job analysis; it is a list that can be used for general tasks, or functions, and responsibilities of a position. Sometimes it includes to whom the position reports, specifications such as the qualifications or skills needed by the person in the job, or a salary range; it helps employees understand their responsibilities Job Specification It is also known as employee specification [ (www. managementstudyguide. com, 2012) ].It is further explained to be a clearly stated level of experienc e, educational qualifications, specific qualities, techniques, communication skills, physical and emotional state needed to perform the job, another responsibility involved in executing the job and other uncommon demands. They comprise of general health, intelligence aptitude, memory, leadership skills adaptability skills mental health, manner, creativity ethics and values and many more as the case may be. Other processes are as follows: Sources of Selection Advertising Short listing Interview Health Examination Induction [ (Murthy, 2010) ] Every company has their well-defined employment and recruitment policies and hiring procedures among which gives them a competitive edge while searching for quality skills.Toyota Motor Company is renowned for their recruitment process, and generally its management philosophy. Being the largest car manufacturer [ (www. theweek. co. uk, 2011) ] the company sold 8. 42 million vehicles in 2010 has a total employee of 300,734 all over the world. The s uccess the Toyota Motor Corporation can also be attributed to their recruitment and selection programme which is designed to fetch the best people. The Toyota recruitment and selection procedure helps to illustrate how the process itself can interpret into better performance for the whole organization. Toyota Motor Corporation is searching for foremost interpersonal skills, due to the company’s importance on the interaction of the team.In addition the company’s whole process is to advance job processes through employee dedication to quality, and reasoning and problem solving skills are also vital manpower requirements. [ (Piatkowski, 2004) ] Furthermore since quality is the Toyota Company’s central value and so it is also seeking a history of quality commitment to the people it employs. The Toyota production system is based on consensus flexible career path decision making and Job rotation. [ (recruitment. toyotauk. com, 2011) ] Figure [ 3 ] Toyota Sales Result 2010 [ (www2. toyota. co. jp, 2011) ] Figure [ 4 ] Toyota Recruitment Process for Graduate [ (recruitment. toyotauk. com, 2011) ] Figure [ 5 ] Toyota Recruitment Process for Graduate Table [ 1 ] Toyota Selection Process Phases| | Objective| Conducted |Phase IApplication/Orientation | The phase includes filling of application forms and a 1 hour video showing the selection system process and Toyota work environment | To familiarized potential employees about the company while collection information about work experience and skills| Kentucky Department of Employment Services| Phase IITechnical Skills Assessment | Paper and Pencil Test General knowledge assessment (2hrs)Tool and Die general assessment (6hrs)| To test general Knowledge and potentials | Kentucky Department of Employment Services| Phase IIIInterpersonal Skills Assessment | Individual problem solving ability test (4hrs)Production assembly simulation (5hrs)| Assess decision making and interpersonal skills| HR Toyota Motor Ma nufacturing | Phase IV Toyota Assessment | A general Interview and evaluation (1hr)| Discussion of achievements and accomplishments| HR Toyota Motor Manufacturing| Phase VHealth Assessment | Physical test and drug or alcohol test (2. 5hrs) | To ascertain the physical condition | Scot County and General Hospital & HR Toyota Motor Manufacturing| Phase VIOn-the-Job observation | Guidance and coaching on the job after being employed | Assessment of Job performance and development skills | HR Toyota Motor Manufacturing| 3. 2. Training and Professional Development (Singapore Airlines) Organizations see training and development and as a vital human resources activity as they consider it as a motivator for employees to do their job better and consequently contributes to their career development.Improvement of an employee’s capabilities plus their professional development as well as the organizations is part of the purposes of training and development Types of training: Aviation remai ns a large and growing industry. It facilitates economic growth, world trade, international investment and tourism and is therefore central to the globalization taking place in many other industries (syl. com, 2006). In the past decades Air travel has grown by 7% per year, travel for both business and leisure purposes grew strongly worldwide; the large aircraft such as the Boeing 747 (Boeing , 2012 ) made it convenient and affordable for people to travel further to new and exotic destinations.The airline industry in Asia Pacific Region is highly competitive and price wars are a common occurrence. (Chan, 2000) There is constant fighting for territory and expansion which has led to the merger of Air Asia and Malaysian Airline, a merger which was fronted based on being a major player in the industry   along with Qatar Airline, Emirate Airline and more who have concentrated on lowering their costs and improving service to customers thereby posing as a strong competitor. However Singap ore Airline has risen to the challenges and are therefore one of the biggest players in the airline industries by going extra miles in their strategies and they are basically the trend setter of the airline industry.SIA has employed many innovative strategies since it began. These strategies have been supported and strengthen over the years, and have led to the success, the company enjoys today. To be successful in the airline industry you have to employ superior efficiency, quality, innovation and customer responsiveness. Figure 6 Singapore Airline Organizational Hierarchy [ (singaporeair. com, 2012 ) ] Human Resource Management in Singapore Airline inculcated a system that helps their worker achieve the best they can be, the culture of the company ensures that their employees have full opportunity of extensive learning and development which enhances their personal and professional development.Joining the company gives the employees to be open to experience a full experience rangin g the normal orientation programs, visiting of the company sites and attachments so they can exposure to the company and the industry as well, further also the company would embark on leadership and general management programs on the average each employee receives eleven days of training each year. Some employees may be assigned to a mentor in their first year who might be their line manager who plays the role in imitating training relating to job skills, a system in place to help the employees adapt to the working life and adjust to the Company’s culture.The company is committed to helping its employees develop into â€Å"true airline professionals†. The company thrive in the business due to the diverse nature of the business require a different scope for development. SIA involves its employees in job rotation schemes which ensure that employees perform their duties in their field of specialization or across functional areas. It is so planned that throughout the caree r stages and advancement employees will have to interact with his/her colleagues as well as senior management staffs across the whole organization and globally, through involvement in the committees and task forces. Even opportunities for overseas duties are available to Employees of Singapore Airline.Employees after working for a period of experience years can apply to join the company’s Overseas Manager Scheme. This is a good career development as they have the opportunity to become one of the Airline's General Managers oversees. Such manager would be in charge of the company’s overseas business interest which ranges from sales and marketing, Human Resource, finance, management and government relations. As a graduate entry at Singapore Airline would start from the junior management level but can rise to the senior management positions such as vice-presidents and above with experiences, training, exposures, and stellar performance as they case may be. [ (singaporeair. com, 2012 ) ] 3. 3. Performance Management (Quantum)Figure [ 7 ] Performance Management Model [ (hr. cornell. edu, 2012 ) ] Performance Management, according to Dessler, (2012) is a â€Å"continuous process of identifying, measuring, and developing the performance of individuals and teams and aligning their performance with organizational goals† some schools of thought still refers to performance management as performance appraisal while some say it is just a branch of performance management that deals with reward for performance (Dessler, 2012). Quantum Corporation manufactures and renders services of recovery, and archive solutions for customers ranging from small businesses to multinational enterprises (investing. businessweek. om, 2012); it came into computing business as a supplier of hardware to manufacturers and end users in 1980. The activities below are the regular practices of Quantum Corporation that seemly infer they are practicing performance management. * Maint aining a result Focus * Decision Making with the best interest of the Company in mind * Working together Collaboratively * Finding problem Troubleshooting and fixing them * Setting high standards * Being open, honest and direct * Staying flexible and adaptable * Taking initiative for one’s own development * Resolving issues in an objective manner Figure [ 8 ] Performance Management Process [ (Office of Personnel Management, 1999) ] 3. 4.Employee Benefits and Compensation ExxonMobil ExxonMobil a multinational oil and gas corporation was formed from the 1999 merger Exxon and Mobil, the corporation was rated as one of the largest publicly traded company by market capitalization. In 2011 the company recorded a revenue of 354,674,000 and a sale of 30,460,000 [ (money. cnn. com, 2011) ] and recently ExxonMobil was rated by Forbes as the number 1 largest company among 200 [ (DeCarlo, 2012) ]. The amount of employee in the company is 102,700 [ (CNN, 2010) ] happened to be the second after Wal-Mart. The Human Resource Department of ExxonMobil places high emphasis on the benefit and compensation of its employees.It stresses the fact that that to stay at the top the corporation has to attract retain and develop the best man power that would meet their business needs, hence the strategy the company is to stay aloof in their HRM activities is the attractive and competitive compensation and benefits. Figure [ 9 ] Benefits and Compensation Model [ (trueinfos. com, 2012 ) ] ExxonMobil is aware of the effect of reward is, in terms of remuneration and benefits which they are given to employees for their intelligence, passion and ingenuity in performing their duties to the company. The company feels there should be satisfying balance in what the employees seeks in their career and personal pursuits while outside work; hence the company provided necessary resources that would meet their various needs. At ExxonMobil there is this believe that employees should be properly re warded because of their hard work. 3. 5. 1. Salary ; Compensation:A very competitive salary (including 13th ; 14th month) – regular salary for staffs are paid with concrete research into salaries paid by other competing companies in their various positions all over and a benchmark is set. Further in that extra months pay to workers. A Pension Savings Plan – The Company contributes to the pension saving plan of each employee which would be added to the government pension payout. Commuting Allowance – Every mileage used from home to work every day are reimbursed by the company. Even on business trips, travel cost are burn by the company no matter the time duration. 3. 5. 2. Additional Benefits ExxonMobil adds some tokens as benefits on top of the interest and their competitive salaries paid to their employees.They range from savings plan, pension plan, medical plan, dental and vision plans, disability plan, life insurance plan and other programmes such as vacation , global fit discount program, product discount, flexible work arrangements and leaves of absence: Medical Coverage (for you and your dependents) – this is an insurance plan in place for medical cost not provided for the employees basic policy (BE) or medical cost contribution. Accident ; Disability Insurance – Insurance plan in place for employee accident both during worry and outside work area, industrial accident insurance police Product discounts – Rebates of 10% (excluding taxes) given off to employees for using ‘Esso Card’, rebates on heating oil, and many more Savings Plan- ExxonMobil employees are provided with a saving scheme where they contribute a certain percentage of their pay and receive the return even with interest.Disability Plan- the programme is in place for employees who are absent from work for both short-term and long-term due to illness or injuries that happened on or off the job. Dental and Vision Plans – dental servic es and vision service are done for both preventive and corrective ones. The cost of incurred would be shared between the company and staff. Employees are eligible for this programme once you start working with ExxonMobil. Pre- Tax Spending Plan – All the staff of the company that participated in the dental and a vision plans are all involved in pre-tax spending plan. Holidays – ExxonMobil pays for 8 designated holidays and each employee is eligible to go for 2 paid ones. Scheduling of holidaying varies for company paid for some locations.Global Fit Discount Program – the scheme paves way for the company employees and retiree and their families to join top rated health club at a discount rate. 3. 0. RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION A careful look at the companies best practices and policies in human resource management as discussed in the previous section, it is observed that there are many practices and policies a company can decide to use to strengthen the organiz ation with its success only depends on their contribution to organizational performance. It has assumed that one of these practices is the sole contributor to organization performance however all the functions of human resource cannot be neglected considering their roles collectively as none of the practices can even function without the other.The competitiveness and success of an organization can not only be determined by human resource activities, the fact cannot be ignored that without human effort an organization can function but so far the companies have been singled out as successful through their revenue, sales, market share and market growth. ExxonMobil is an oil and gas company and they happen to be the number largest company dues because of their revenue. My 3 years experience has given an idea in which human resource practice that has proven to be successful; it is evident in success of Quantum corporation even ExxonMobil. I have had a good performance because at every cl osing hour of the day there is always a review and report writing where the Executive director would sit and redress every variances and also set a target for the next day.Furthermore all the practices of human resource management are applicable it only depends on the human resource executive to choose know which one is best suited for the company and its employees. Bibliography accel-team. com, 2012 . ACCEL. [Online] Available at: http://www. accel-team. com/human_resources/hrm_01. html [Accessed 11 August 2012 ]. Agawarwala, T. , 2003. Innovative Human Resource and Organization Commitment: an Empirical Investigation. The International Journal of Human Resource, 14(2), pp. 174-197. Bliss, R. , 2012. How to Pitch a Campaign (Watching AMC's The Pitch Doesn't Count! ). The Washington Times, 2 June. Boeing , 2012 . Boeing. [Online]Available at: http://www. boeing. com/commercial/cmo/ [Accessed 8 August 20012]. businesscasestudies. co. uk, 2010. The Times 100 Business Cas Study. [Online ] Available at: http://businesscasestudies. co. uk/business-theory/people/recruitment-and-selection. html [Accessed 2 August 2012 ]. Chan, D. , 2000. Capstone summary – Insights and implications for management development. Journal of Management Development, 19(6), pp. 543 – 569. CNN, 2010. Cable News Network. [Online] Available at: http://money. cnn. com/magazines/fortune/global500/2010/snapshots/387. html [Accessed 8 August 2012]. DeCarlo, S. , 2012. Forbes. com LLC. [Online] Available at: http://www. orbes. com/global2000/ [Accessed 1 August 2012 ]. Dessler, G. , 2012. Human Resource Management. 13 ed. Essex: Pearson. Gilmore, S. ; Williams, S. , 2009. Human Resource Management. s. l. :Oxford. hr. cornell. edu, 2012 . Cornell University. [Online] Available at: https://www. hr. cornell. edu/life/career/performance_management. html [Accessed 4 August 2012 ]. hr. uoregon. edu, 2010. University of Oregon. [Online] Available at: http://hr. uoregon. edu/recruit/recruitment -and-selection/guidelines-recruitment-and-selection [Accessed 1 August 2012]. hrfundamentals. co. uk, 2011. HRFundamentals. [Online] Available at: http://www. hrfundamentals. o. uk/employment-advice/introduction-to-hr-policies. php [Accessed 11 August 2012 ]. investing. businessweek. com, 2012. Bloomberg BusinessWeek. [Online] Available at: http://investing. businessweek. com/research/stocks/snapshot/snapshot. asp? ticker=QTM:US [Accessed 8 August 2012]. lyonsshers. com, 2012. LyonsShers Incorporated Sdn. Bhd.. [Online] Available at: http://www. lyonsshers. com/Wizard/WebsiteConsulting/ManPowerPlanning. asp [Accessed 10 August 2012 ]. money. cnn. com, 2011. Cable News Network.. [Online] Available at: http://money. cnn. com/magazines/fortune/global500/2011/full_list/ [Accessed 6 August 2012 ]. Murthy, D. , 2010.Orange County Files civil lawsuit against Toyota Motors. TopNews. in, 14 March. Office of Personnel Management, 1999. Performance Management Process Handbook. s. l. :s. n. Pfe ffer, J. , 1996. Competitive Advantage through People: Unleashing the Power of the Work Force. 3 ed. s. l. :Havard Business School. Piatkowski, M. , 2004. People Selection Process for Implementing Lean Manufacturing. In: s. l. :s. n. , p. 5. recruitment. toyotauk. com, 2011. TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING (UK) LTD. [Online] Available at: http://recruitment. toyotauk. com/graduates/recruitment. jsp [Accessed 9 August 2012]. recruitment. toyotauk. com, 2011. Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) LTD. Online] Available at: http://recruitment. toyotauk. com/graduates/recruitment. jsp [Accessed 9 August 2012 ]. recruitment. toyotauk. com, 2011. TOYOTA MOTORS MANUFACTURING (UK) LTD. [Online] Available at: recruitment. toyotauk. com [Accessed 9 August 2012]. singaporeair. com, 2012 . Singapore Airlines. [Online] Available at: http://www. singaporeair. com/jsp/cms/en_UK/global_footer/career-development. jsp [Accessed 9 August 2012]. syl. com, 2006. Search Your Love. [Online] Available at: http://www. syl. com/travel/overviewoftheairlineindustry. html [Accessed 2 August 2012]. trueinfos. com, 2012 . Trueinfos. [Online] Available at: http://trueinfos. com/compenandben. html

Kindergarten Chats – Architecture

This reading has introduced me to various factors in architecture regarding what it represents and should be in society through Louis Sullivan words. A Terminal Station: The Masculine Implies forceful, direct, clear and straightforward, The Feminine Implies intuitive sympathy, suavity, grace, and qualities of soothe, elevate, and refined. Should be easy to get in and out (efficiency) Outward aspect of the style takes on the ambulance of architecture. I agree, a terminal station should be able to tell us what it is and from the outside, where are the entrances, exists, etc†¦This is a public figure and needs to be clear. The Key: Each buildings external aspect represents character and it's up to us to unlock the architecture behind the building. The Architect represents or misrepresents society at large; what his plain duty is, if any what society has demanded and expect. There is a particular trust between the society and the Architects. Whichever way our architecture goes, so wi ll our country go However the architecture is rotten to the core, according to Sullivan, the illusion of American architecture.I agree how the public in large is not heavily involved in how their architecture is designed, thus we are putting trust on architect's hands. Nature: Is visible, objective forms, contains aspects of beauty of form and color. The elements of earth and air shaped by delicate hand of time A creative impulse of origin In conclusion, buildings are made of materials, but the elements of the earth are removed from the matrix of nature, and reorganized and reshaped by force; mechanical, muscular, mental, emotional, moral, and spiritual.Character: Not confined to the individual, it is also defined by the municipality, the nation, rent trends, and qualities that we the people are demanding in the marketplace. Values: We recognize values in medals, diplomas, or monuments. Brings a sense of community Curtain values in which money cannot measure. Take for example a buil ding, any builder can tell you the estimated value of the property in money terms. However, the value of the building is based on subjective value and Dollar value.Sullivan recommends that both come into play. Human nature determines the subjective value, which is more permanent, but money value is inseparable from the a Roman temple: affairs of life. Sullivan talked about how roman temples are place in great modern cities, at the same time having a strenuous sight, sound, that remind the people of their god. Such a holy precinct shall be doubly sacred to us in our reverence for this union of old and new. An example of how a building can be highly subjective, take for example a bank.Just as we discussed in class, a Bank wants their building to seem powerful with strong values. Sullivan disagrees that banks in America should not resemble a Roman Temple. He believes that it should belong to ancient Romans and that banks an make as much money in any kind of bank. Thus no need for imita tions . It was a part of Roman life and their culture, and that goes along with the Roman glory, thus building temples all over resemble a roman death. Taste: It expresses a familiarity with current persons of the culture, or trends. Ђ When an architect loses trust from the people at large, this is called weak taste. I always consider taste as what the market demands, for example having garages in suburban houses because of the demand for car and storage area. A Department Store: Sullivan describes a department stores as a structure that is logical, though, and states directly its purpose, and unmistakable though not wholly gratifying index of the business conducted within its walls. It's directness of statement is its chief virtue.Expanse of glass and light and displays In other words, it stands to reason that a thing looks like what it is and outward appearances resemble inner purposes. This is a great example of Function and Form. Function and Form: Every form we see there is a vital something or other which we do not see, which makes itself visible to us in that very form. A state of nature the form exists because of the function and behind the form is neither more nor less than a manifestation of what you call the infinite creative spirit, called God. Ђ A building is properly designed when you are able to read through and know the reason for that building. The details are not the same as the parts and the mass. Logical vs.. Organic growth Logical is scholarship, or taste, or all of them combined, cannot make organic architecture Logical is common sense, a thoroughly disciplined mind, a perfect quinine, and a gracious gift of expression. Logical can not deal with creativity process, for the creating function is vital, as its name is pure-reason. Ђ Organic correlates to organism, structure, growth, development, and form. Organic implies the pressure of a living force and a resultant structure or mechanism. The pressure is Function and the result ant is Form. Ornaments in Architecture: Sullivan explains ornaments as a decorative application of enhanced beauty of our structures. It's what gives charm to a building. I agree with Sullivan that it's a luxury, to a necessary, because of the great value of the masses.Take for example a garage; to me it does not need ornaments, because Just the building itself provides the required beauty. However I agree that a certain type of ornaments mixes well with certain buildings, examples: retail, industrial, residential, office, etc. Beautiful building may be designed that shall bear no ornaments A decorated structure, harmoniously conceived, well considered, cannot be stripped of its system of ornament without destroying its individuality. The luxury of this inquiry becomes necessary; our architecture shall have neared its final development. Ђ Ornament design will be more beautiful if it seems a part of the surface or substance that receives it than if it looks â€Å"struck on. â₠¬  Both the structure and ornament obviously benefit by this sympathy; each enhancing the value of the other. Also a curtain kind of ornament should appear on a certain kind of structure. Buildings should posses an individuality as marked as that which exists among men, making them distinctly separable from each other, however a strong the racial or family semblance may be.If I stare at my house, I will see all types of Ornaments that have been chosen because of my Hispanic culture, Ecuadorian family, sports, hobbies, and each room has a certain type of style. Thoughts about this Reading I personally did not like this reading as a narrative, because there were many parts filled with a lot of fluff. I prefer to read a reading that is more straightforward and provides real examples and has pictures. Overall, my favorite parts talking about we the people have trust and give total control to developers and architects of designing our lives.

Viewing Mrs. Dalloway Through the Lens of “Modern Fiction”

In â€Å"Modern Fiction,† Virginia Woolf comments on the flaws of modernist writers such as Wells, Bennett, and Galsworthy.   Their narrow focus on the material and lack of affinity for the spiritual or realistic, is evidence enough that they have fallen short in the literary sense.   In Mrs. Dalloway, Woolf explores connections with truth, reality, and that which is above the material through her narrative techniques, complex imagery, and provoking themes, thus emphasizing through Mrs. Dalloway what she has so adamantly called for in â€Å"Modern Fiction.†Woolf possesses the ability to create a work of fiction that evokes a pleasant reading experience for the reader without utilizing a central plot.   In Mrs. Dalloway, Woolf chooses to explore the narrative possibilities of bringing several characters through one single day in time.   This narrative technique works well in a text that mainly focuses on Mrs. Dalloway’s world view, her inner workings, and her exploration and sensory experience of the world surrounding her.The organizational structure of the novel challenges Woolf to create characters that are deep enough to be realistic while dealing with only one day of their lives.   Woolf creates within the character of Clarissa the inherent sense of the magnanimity of living one day in time.   Clarissa â€Å"had a perpetual sense, as she watched the taxi cabs, of being out, out, far out to sea and alone; she always had the feeling that it was very, very dangerous to live even one day† (16).Through Clarissa, Woolf creates a sense of the complexity each day is capable of bringing to individual characters, thus calling her readers to â€Å"look within life†¦examine for a moment an ordinary mind on an ordinary day.   The mind receives a myriad impressions—trivial, fanstastic, evanescent, or engraved with the sharpness of steel† (3).   Clarissa, through her sensory perception of the world around her, feels the danger of living even one day.Woolf’s embrace of the realistic and spiritual aspects of the world, asserted in â€Å"Modern Fiction,† are set up within this novel so that those views will be challenged.   Through the character of Clarissa, struggling through one day in time, Woolf compels the reader to consider the possibilities beyond the material world.   This narrative technique moves the action forward, and simultaneously delves into the life and inner workings of Clarissa, baring her soul to the reader and opening up the possibilities and realities of the spiritual world.Woolf also employs imagery that similarly challenges the reader to explore the possibilities of what lies beyond the material.   The imagery of death is quite prevalent in the text, and these images are mainly viewed through Clarissa, as she makes sense of her life.   Critic Jacob Littleton, in his article, â€Å"Portrait of the Artist as Middle-Aged Woman,† asserts that b ecause Clarissa possesses a â€Å"heightened view of existence,† she always possesses a â€Å"preternaturally vivid awareness and fear of the termination of the existence she loves so much† (38).Clarissa’s â€Å"fear of termination† resonates most clearly in her isolated attic bedroom.   The image of her bedroom symbolizes loneliness and death, and serves as a place where Clarissa frequently contemplates these subjects.   Her bed, â€Å"no longer the marriage bed symbolizing fertility, is symbolized by her fertile mind as shrinking into her world in a way that other outlooks available to her do not† (40).   She has no one but herself in which to rely, and this is evidenced through her continual fascination with the concept of death and the end of existence.Clarissa’s transcendental theory, which she uses as a reference to inform herself of the realities of the spiritual realm, causes her to surmise that â€Å"since our apparitions, th e part of us which appears, are so momentarily compared with the other, the unseen part of us, which spreads wide, the unseen might survive, be recovered somehow attached to this person or that, or even haunting certain places after death†¦perhaps—perhaps† (79). The image of the spiritual transcending death through means of apparitions is another powerful image within the text, and interlocks with the image of death and presents itself simultaneously.In the case of Septimus, Clarissa is able to feel a connection with him after he has died that seems to transcend death.   She assimilates herself with him after he took his life.   She knows that â€Å"she felt glad that he had done it; thrown it away†¦He made her feel beauty; made her feel the fun.   But she must go back.   She must assemble† (185).   Mrs. Dalloway sees herself in Septimus, even though she has never encountered him face-to-face; she sees something in Septimus that she desires fo r herself.Woolf, through Clarissa’s transcendental theory and interactions with the image of Septimus, uses Clarissa’s experience to assert her own views on the spiritual aspect of reality.   There is something far above the material that causes Clarissa to feel this affinity with Septimus.   There is something beyond herself that calls her to him, thus causing her to desire his fate for her own.   The power of the imagery of death and the ability to transcend it is fully realized in the doubling of Clarissa and Septimus.Lastly, Woolf uses themes that connect reality with the spiritual realm in an attempt to further her thesis in â€Å"Modern Fiction,† for fiction to be modern and worth reading, it must explore that which is above the material world.   Woolf’s main concern in the novel seems to be the inner workings of Mrs. Dalloway, her thought processes, and how she engages with the world surrounding her.   Woolf juxtaposes Clarissa’s i nternal self with her external world, thus setting up one of the most prevalent, resonant themes within the text, and it is â€Å"against this system that Woolf places a world of private significance whose meaning is wholly irreducible to facts of the external world† (37).This struggle between the internal and external surrounds not only Clarissa, but her double, Septimus, and thus permeates the novel.   Personality, according to Ellen Bayuk Rosenmann, in her article, â€Å"The Invisible Presence,† seems to be a â€Å"private fact,† which is far â€Å"alienated from public and political culture† (77).   Society at large is able to neither appreciate nor understand the inner workings of the soul, and thus stands at a distance.Woolf asserts in â€Å"Modern Fiction,† that â€Å"Whether we call it life or spirit, truth or reality, this, the essential thing, has moved off, or on, and refuses to be contained any longer is such ill-fitting vestments as we provide† (3).   In essence, the separation between the internal (soul) and the external (material world) is not navigable.   Mrs. Dalloway is forced to break down the material barriers that bar her from knowing herself, and delve into the depths of her soul to find the spiritual, the truth.Another fascinating theme within the text is the intriguing concept of human interaction.   Characters within the novel are being continually merged together through their experiences and through their own imaginations and memories as well (Littleton 39).   One of the most interesting examples of this is the relationship between Mrs. Dalloway and Septimus.   Clarissa never visually sees Septimus, yet he is the most significant part of her day.   Clearly, Woolf is merging the two characters together, yet she blurs the lines a bit, thus furthering her assertions in â€Å"Modern Fiction,† that â€Å"life is not a series of gig lamps symmetrically arranged; life is a lu minous halo, a semi-transparent envelope surrounding us from the beginning of consciousness to the end† (4).Septimus is a part of Clarissa’s consciousness, even though she does not realize it.   His life has a large impact of Clarissa, and he is the sole character that compels her to remain true to her soul. Critic J. Hillis Miller, in his article, â€Å"Repetition as Raising the Dead,† explains that â€Å"no man or woman is limited to him or herself, but each is joined to the others†¦diffused like a mist among all the people and places he or she has encountered† (173).   The characters are connected on various levels, and Woolf shows this connection quite acutely through the lens of Lady Bruton as she muses about the way in which Hugh and Richard remain with her after they leave, â€Å"as if one’s friends were attached to one’s body, after lunching with them, by a thin thread, which†¦became hazy with the sound of bells, striki ng the hour† (112).This statement furthers Woolf’s ideal that there is an inherent spiritual connection within human beings, a â€Å"thin thread† which connects humanity.   The interaction between the characters is remarkable, as Woolf continues to assert that there is a spiritual connection between human beings that surpasses any material, physical connection (8).Through means of narrative technique, fascinating imagery, and compelling themes, Woolf continues to assert her thesis in â€Å"Modern Fiction,† that fiction must be concerned with the reality of life, its inherent truth and spirituality.   If fiction is only willing to explore the material, it will do a disservice to humanity, for there is a world beyond the material that begs to be explored.   In Mrs. Dalloway, Woolf explore this other world, and brings to light fascinating possibilities that lie far beyond that realms of the material.Works CitedLittleton, Jacob. â€Å"Mrs. Dalloway: Por trait of the Artist as a Middle-Aged Woman.† Twentieth Century Literature. Hempstead: Spring 1995. 41:1, 36-48.Miller, J. Hillis. â€Å"Repetition as Raising the Dead.† Virginia Woolf. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea, 1986.Rosenmann, Ellen Bayuk. â€Å"The Invisible Presence: Virginia Woolf and the Mother Daughter Relationship.† Baton Rouge: Louisiana State UP, 1986.Woolf, Virginia. Mrs. Dalloway. New York: Harcourt, 1925.Woolf, Virginia. The Common Reader. 1st edition. 1925.