Boundaryless organization

Jack Welch of General Electric (GE) coined the phrase â€Å"The Boundaryless Organization†. He believed and has been proven correct, that GE would be much more effective if the cultural, geographical and organizational barriers that separated the employees become more permeable. He put emphasis on the boundaries’ ability to enable business, rather than get in its way. In the next era of the information age, we will expect to have information from multiple parts of the enterprise at our fingertips, all integrated to suit our specific needs, instantly available, across geographies, time zones and organizational structures.In order to achieve that and to enable the information age to realize its full potential, we need to allow â€Å"Boundaryless Information Flow† – a continuous secure stream of information seamlessly flowing within and among enterprises, across permeable boundaries. To achieve Boundrayless Information Flow, a top manager in an organization n eeds to put in place infrastructure services that bring data sources together and provide that information to those users and applications that need it. Creating the environment for integrated information has been a challenge.What more once regarded as necessary boundaries between the different stages in operational processes designed to achieve the benefits of specialization, now represent silos delivering outmoded solutions, which do not allow for the sharing of information. Barriers at the business and technical level must be broken down. If we take the case and strategic history of JetBlue and put it in the concept of Jack Welch, in my opinion the easiest boundary to remove was the â€Å"cultural boundry† in the whole organization that diverted their direction from bottom to top.For e. g. , simply by implementing the snacks serving instead of food in the flight have ease the passengers of every region, since food is always region specific but snacks are commonly taken in every part of the world. Further this step removed trolley movement within the flight i. e. also a strong step towards passenger comfort. Secondly, the most difficult boundary to remove for JetBlue would be the geographical boundaries.Since, assessing in the synopsis the overall performance of JetBlue, it witnesses their success because of their operation in specific region. However, in my opinion it would be real difficult to further enhance their operations in other regions since the attitude and working environment JetBlue have developed, cannot be managed in every part of the world. (for more details, see the www. opengroup. org/downloads official site)

Conflict Scenarios

The model incorporates seven steps; define he situation, describe and collect needed Information, develop alternatives, develop agreement among those Involved, decide which alternative Is best, and determine whether the decision was a good one and follow up (Nickels, McHugh. & McHugh, 2010). In following the steps, eliminating steps that are irrelevant, the managers can develop a solution. The situation explains that the marketing department is no longer collaborating on an important project. The three members cannot decide on an ad visual causing the team to disband.An alternative solution Is to have the manager ecocide which visuals to combine for the final product. This resolves the disagreement between members because the choice was taken leaving no conflict. The Just Right Tire marketing team can now meet the deadline. Conflict is common in workplace teams and is not always bad. Conflict is important because it provides different strategies for completing a common goal. A common cause of conflict in a group is a breakdown in communication. Examples of communication breakdown are misunderstandings, cultural differences, and poor listening (Skills, Gulper, Shyness. 010).The manager's responsibility Is to find a solution and resolve the disagreement. Conflict resolution is important because too much conflict can lead to an impasse and effect performance. Since Jan, Sally, and Mark have been very successful in the past working on a team an effective conflict resolution process would be to have all the parties' compromise. The Compromise approach Is where each party would be bring forth their arguments and find a common ground, each would receive some and each would have to sacrifice a little as heir marketing project, compromising would be an effective way for the team to resolve their conflict.Another conflict resolution method that the manager could follow would be collaboration. Collaboration as defined by Winnable (2010), â€Å"is the parties attempt to r esolve their conflict by finding a mutually beneficial solution through problem. Collaboration Is a win-win situation compared to compromising where everyone loses a little, the Issue Is that collaboration can take more time to come too resolution. Since Jan, Sally, and Mark have worked effectively in the past gather collaboration would be effective.The reason is they all have the same goals in getting this marketing project completed however there was a breakdown in communication. Collaboration is the most effective when the parties have the same goals, have open communication, and have a shared level of trust (Wallace, 2010). In order to resolve the conflict with Jan, Sally, and Mark at Just Right Tire Company, ten manager snouts perform ten primary Tunnels AT management. I en primary functions of an effective manager consist of planning, organizing, leading, and monitoring (Nickels, McHugh, & McHugh, 2010).The first step of the manager is to setup a plan and approach the team to develop and to promote the new tires for the company. Once the team is aware of the plan, the manager should organize the responsibilities of each team member. The manager was aware of the strengths of each team member, that they worked well together, and produced successful ads in the past due to each member's different strengths. While Jan, Sally, and Mark are working together the manager should also be leading the team by guiding, coaching, ND motivating them to achieve their goal to produce a successful ad for Just Right Tire Company.

Assessing The Strategic Human Resource Management Preferences Business Essay

Assessing The Strategic Human Resource Management Preferences Business Essay Number of growing organizations believes that Human Resource (HR) provides them competitive advantage. It was understood by many organizations that competitive advantage can be obtained by quality work force/employees and culture. Approach of linking Human Resource Management to Strategic objectives of an organization is called as Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) (Bratton and Gold, 2001). It was cited by Bratton and Gold (2001, p39) strategic management is defined as ‘that set of managerial decisions and actions that determines the long-run performance of a corporation’. Strategic HR ensures that employees/human capital of an organization contributes to its achievements with their skills and performance. Traditional HR is concerned with implementation of policies and techniques like recruitment, staffing, remuneration, assessment etc (Klabbers, University of Bergen). But linking the general HRM and the organization’s strategy gives HR department more sc ope to enhance the abilities of their workforce and concentrate on the vision and mission. This connection is made to improve the organization performance and develop organizational culture which in turn facilitates innovation and flexibility. Overall the key principle of Strategic HRM is to achieve organization’s vision and mission. Bratton (2001) describes SHRM as a continuous process that requires constant adjustment in three major areas namely Value of Senior management, the environment and the resources available. Fig 1: Three major poles in strategic planning (Adapted from Bratton and Gold, 2001) Some authors believe that Strategic HRM is an Outcome and some believe that it’s a process. It was cited by Bratton and Gold (2004) that authors like Ulrich (1997) and Snell et al had different opinion on Strategic HRM. Snell et al believed that it’s an outcome designed to achieve sustained competitive edge through quality workforce. Ulrich (1997) also stated SHRM as an outcome of mission, vision and priorities of HR department. HR strategies are more concerned about matching the Five Ps that stimulates the employee roles for competitive strategy (Bratton and Gold, 2004, p46 and Cerdin and Ashok Som, 2003). It was cited by Cerdin and Ashok Som (2003) that Strategic HRM is identified in three levels namely Strategic, Managerial and operational level. Strategic level looks to the long term future, Managerial level looks at the mid term and the operation level looks at the short term focus. Different models and approaches were discussed in this assignment to understand the functionality of strategic HRM and how far the organization able to implement it. Models and Approaches There are several approaches and models by which Strategic HRM can be applied but basic strategic HRM model is widely accepted by many authors, researchers and even critics as well (Kane and Palmer, 1995). This basic model is based on the external and internal environment a nd basic organization strategies. Fig 2 Basic Model of Strategic Human resource Management (Adapted from Kane and Palmer, 1995) Strategic HRM models demonstrate how an organization links its business strategies and HR function to achieve it goals. Though SHRM adopts resource based philosophy, there are three different models defined by authors (Bratton and Gold, 2004, p49). These models are Control based, Resource based and Integrative model.

Marie Antoinette Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Marie Antoinette - Research Proposal Example The end result was that the "Widow Capet", as the ex-queen was called following the passing away of her husband, went into deep grief; she declined to eat or perform any exercise (Dwyer 2000, 182). Marie Antoinette was lastly tried by the Revolutionary Tribunal on October 14th, 1793. Unlike Louis, who had been offered some time to organise a defence, Antoinette was granted only one day (Hibbert 2004, 56). Among the things that she was indicted of (a majority, if not all, of the indictments were false and almost certainly lifted from rumours started by libelles) were planned orgies in Versailles, planning to murder the Duke of Orlà ©ans, transferring millions of livres of treasury funds to Austria, sexual escapades with her own son, announcing her son to be the fresh ruler of France, and planning the mass killing of the Swiss Guards, in 1792 (Parker and Schoenwald 1983, 448). The most famous accusation was that Antoinette sexually abused her own son (Parker 1990, 140). This was said by Louis Charles, who, during his schooling by Hà ©bert, accused his mother. Dwyer, Philip. 2000. â€Å"Napoleon Bonaparte and the Search for a Sense of Self: Clues to Behavioural Patterns in His Early Writings, 1785-1795.† Consortium on Revolutionary Europe 1750-1850: Selected Papers, pp.

Globalization and Its Impact on Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Globalization and Its Impact on Business - Essay Example Globalization can be therefore called international integration (Noam Chomsky, 2006) and can be explained as a practice by means of which the world community are unified into a distinct social order and operate collectively in a process which merges financial, technical, socio-cultural and political forces. (Sheila L. Croucher, 2004) The Driving factors of Globalization are reduction in travel costs at a global level, liberalization in trade policies, and the high rate of growth in Information technology. Globalization originates with the discovery and migration of the New World which is elucidated by Thomas L. Friedman, in his book, 'The World Is Flat', where he "examines the impact of the 'flattening' of the globe", or an international 'flattening' of competition in businesses facilitated by escalating global inter-connectedness. Friedman debates that globalized business and trade practices including outsourcing, off-shoring, supply-chaining, and economic, technological, and political forces have misused the face of the business world eternally (Friedman T. L., 2008). Business globalization refers to a company's undertaking of sales and assets across international borders and the resulting flow of capital, goods, services, and labor. Coca-Cola is a good example of a company that has successfully cultivated its international business, with more than 70 percent of its income originating from non-U.S. sources. The various tactics that Coca-Coca uses to achieve this include developing a global consumer market, establishing transnational corporations to reduce production costs, product branding and positioning, competition-based pricing, and more. Effects of globalization on business Cheap offshore production Offshore Production entails the... The Driving factors of Globalization are reduction in travel costs at a global level, liberalization in trade policies, and the high rate of growth in Information technology.Globalization originates with the discovery and migration of the New World which is elucidated by Thomas L. Friedman, in his book, ‘The World Is Flat’, where he â€Å"examines the impact of the ‘flattening’ of the globe†, or an international ‘flattening’ of competition in businesses facilitated by escalating global inter-connectedness. Friedman debates that globalized business and trade practices including outsourcing, off-shoring, supply-chaining, and economic, technological, and political forces have misused the face of the business world eternally (Friedman T. L., 2008).Business globalization refers to a company’s undertaking of sales and assets across international borders and the resulting flow of capital, goods, services, and labor. Coca-Cola is a good ex ample of a company that has successfully cultivated its international business, with more than 70 percent of its income originating from non-U.S. sources. The various tactics that Coca-Coca uses to achieve this include developing a global consumer market, establishing transnational corporations to reduce production costs, product branding and positioning, competition-based pricing, and more.  Offshore Production entails the fabrication of goods in a foreign country for import to the domestic market. One of the major effects of globalization is the cheap offshore production.

Safety project Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Safety project - Research Paper Example The procedure will be based on the present resources that include XYZ’s financial statements, official documents, workplace analysis, and interrogations with some of the workers. Various resources can be used to gather in-depth knowledge about the standards. The companys budget will be used to show the impact of low standards of safety and health at XYZ. Additionally, documents from external monitoring bodies such as Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) will also provide information on previous ratings. The companys official safety documents will also be used for the assessment. Finally, a visual assessment will also provide data on the overall condition of the workplace. This step will deduct core standard from the collected data through an analysis. It will provide information on the condition of the firm and the some of the major problems based on safety and health maintenance. Finally, the results will be presented to Ms. Black and other members of the safety committee. Recommendations form the final step that will include the provision of ideas that can be used to change the current situation of XYZ. The safety committee will later review them to ensure perfection and positive impacts to the firms. They will also include a chance for more ideas to be incorporated by other members. In the case of XYZ, being the first safety will provide me with the chance to assess the company through various steps on its safety standards, create a report and later provide recommendations that will ensure enhanced levels of health and safety. The assessment will require different resources from the company that includes the following. The company XYZ has an average of 300 employees that have the right to work in a safe place as stipulated in the corporate charter. However, a close examination on the budget shows that the organization has been

Mark and his Attacking Janet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Mark and his Attacking Janet - Essay Example For Mark, there are several laws that can be used to give advice to him. As by law, he can remain silent and not disclose his whereabouts during the night Janet was attacked. Silence is instructed by Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 and CJPOA 1994 s.34 and 37. The right to silence is given to Mark, through this law. The Right to Silence indicates that the accused does not have to answer questions during trial and hearing or before it in order to avoid self-incrimination.As by law, he can remain silent and not disclose his whereabouts during the night Janet was attacked. Silence is instructed by Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 and CJPOA 1994 s.34 and 37. The right to silence is given to Mark, through this law. The Right to Silence indicates that the accused does not have to answer questions during trial and hearing or before it in order to avoid self-incrimination. â€Å"[†¦] it is not the compulsion to answer questions which creates the breach of Art. 6, but the subsequent use of the evidence so obtained. In any event, for the most part, a suspect cannot be prosecuted for refusing to answer questions.† (KeyZone, Public Law). â€Å"(d) to examine or have examined witnesses against him and to obtain the attendance and examination of witnesses on his behalf under the same conditions as witnesses against him† (European Convention on Human Rights) This means that Mark has the right to cross-examine the witnesses that are testifying against him for the attack on Janet.

Contract Case Map Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Contract Case Map - Essay Example She alleges that because she had asked for two bedrooms in her suite and not two bathrooms, this in effect amended the contract. GE Marquette Medical Systems is a company that had engaged the Biomedical Systems Corp. to make home uterine activity monitors (a.k.a. HUAM) These medical devices are regulated by the FDA. The contract between GE and Biomedical contained stipulations which stated that GE had to obtain pre-market notification clearance from the FDA, which for that purpose, Biomedical needed to give 90 days notice of intent to market the device to the FDA. The 90 day notice is for the FDA to check if the HUAM is substantially similar to other devices already approved for sale. However, GE instead requested that the FDA reclassify the HUAM device, which is a process that took over three years to complete. Thus, Biomedical sued GE for breach of contract and the jury awarded it damages. GE filed an appeal on the allegation that that the clearance procedure Biomedical wanted in the contract violated FDA procedure. The Supreme Court affirmed the lower ocurt's ruling. The Court struck down GE's raising the defense of illegality because this defense is not available. The contract with Biomedical clearly stated that GE would apply for clearance which it failed to do. Furthermore, the Court held that the FDA itself would have decided if clearance was proper. Petitoner won the case Kain v. Bluemound East Industrial Park, Inc., 2001 WL 1042674 (Ct. App., Wisc., 2001) Bluemound East is in the business of real estate, and had sold to Kain a parcel of land, which had been filled. Kain had informed Bluemound that he intended to construct a building which would exert 3,000 pounds per square foot. Bluemound stated that the land was safe for that building, and even warranted it in the contract. Kain had built a building that exerted even less than 3,000 pounds per square foot, and in a few years had sunk 2 inches. This resulted in Kain having to pay substantial sums for damage repair and preventive measures against further sinking. He then filed suit against Bluemound for breach of warranty. The lower court dismissed the claim for lack of evidence, thus Kain appealed. The Supreme Court reversed the lower court's ruling. It held that Bluemound had made a warranty as documented in the contract of sale, which is an assurance by one party to a contract of the existence of a fact upon which the other party may rely. A warranty is intended to relieve the promisee of any duty to ascertain the fact for himself, and amounts to a promise to indemnify the promisee for any loss if the fact warranted proves untrue. Seeing as the warranty by Bluemound is clear and unambiguous, and proof that the sinking was not due to Kain's own fault or negligence, the lower court is reversed. Petitoner won the

Globalisation. Its causes and results Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Globalisation. Its causes and results - Essay Example This framework is the international strategy or strategic planning which is formulated by senior managers and executives detailing decisions regarding key issues such as where and how to produce goods or services, what products to sell, where to sell, and how and where to get resources for the production process. They must also decide how to compete with competitors and the key success factors for the company and product. Firms enter new markets for various reasons such as increased competition, discovery of new foreign markets, reaction to domestic market changes among others. Whatever the reason, the managers must chose the right market entry strategy and align it to corporate objectives (Andexer, 2008). Different strategies are linked to different entry modes depending on the situation, financial, economic, and environmental factors. The role of timely accurate marketing research and analysis to guide decision making is increasingly becoming critical. Depending on its situation, a firm may choose to use export, joint venture, direct investment, franchising, licensing, mergers and Acquisitions or global supply chains to enter new markets. The paper is going to analyse the market entry strategies of NatWest Bank since 2008. Company Background The National Westminster (NatWest) Bank is the largest retail and commercial bank in the U.K. It was established in 1968 after a merger of National Provincial bank and Westminster and District bank and began its operations in 1970. It has 1600 branches and 3400 cash machines across Britain. It also operates more than 7.5m customers and 850000small business accounts. It also has separate operations at Coutts & Co, Ulster bank, and Isle of man bank. It has been expanding over time and became a part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc (RBS) which is the second largest bank in UK in terms of assets and the fifth largest in the world by market capitalisation in 2000. However, it operates as a distinct brand though most fun ctions were merged with those of RBS. The bank has many subsidiaries and offers both banking and insurance services to personal, business and commercial customers across brands and channels. It is regulated and authorised by Financial Services Authority and it is also a member of the British Bankers’ Association (Worldwide web, 2012). Global Business Development Strategy International strategy is a comprehensive framework to help a business in achieving its fundamental goals (Andexer, 2008). It is more complex than a single country strategy for a firm in that it involves dealing with complex issues such as differences in language, culture, labour, political, legal, and currency among others. The strategy is aimed at attaining global efficiency, international flexibility and worldwide learning and can take the form of home replication, multidomestic strategy, global strategy and transnational strategy (Tielmann, 2010). Home replication focuses on transferring competitive advan tage from home market to foreign market. In this case, the firm develops a strategy and uses it in international firms. It is used when the need for flexibility and global integration is low. A firm may also use multidomestic str

Environmental Pollution Essay Example for Free

Environmental Pollution Essay 1. Effects on Climate Land pollution can affect the general environment of the Earth. Land pollutions leads to loss in the forest cover of Earth. This is in turn going to affect the amount of rain. Less rains mean lesser vegetation. The effect of all different kinds of pollution will eventually lead to problems like acid rains, greenhouse effect, global warming. All of these problems have already initiated and need to be curbed before the situation runs out of control. 2. Extinction of Species One of the major causes of concern is the extinction of species. Species are pushed towards endangerment and extinction primarily by two processes. Habitat fragmentation is the fragmentation of the natural habitat of an organism; cause primarily by urban sprawl. Habitat destruction, on the other hand, is when land clearing adversely affects animals special such that their natural habitat is lost. Both the actions can cause some species to go extinct and others to become invasive. 3. Biomagnification Biomagnification is the process in which certain non-biodegradable substances go on accumulating in the food-chain (in one or more species). The most common example is of methylmercury in fish and mercury in eagles. Not only does biomagnification put the particular species at risk, it puts all the species above and below it at risk, and ultimately affects the food pyramid. 4. Effects on Biodiversity Species extinction and biomagnification is going to overthrow the balance of nature very significantly. The main reason for this is disturbance created in the food chain. To give you a very simple example on account of biomagnification of mercury in eagles, they might go extinct in the subsequent years. However, we know eagles prey on snakes. Less (or no) eagles will then result in more number of snakes! As you may have realized, land pollution is indeed going to affect a lot more things than we though it will. Hence, I leave you with some corrective measure you can take on a personal level to reduce land pollution. Encourage organic farming buy organic food. Proper garbage disposal separate your garbage before you give it to the garbage collector; and strictly say NO to plastic. Encourage recycling buy recycled products, notebooks, paper, etc. Restrict use of herbicides and pesticides they are not only used in farm, but in your own backyard as well. If we reduce our contribution to garbage and litter, therein itself we will be able to significantly reduce land pollution and probably curb it entirely in the near future. Also do realize this isnt only about land pollution; it is about all kinds of pollution. We need to take steps to prevent damaging our Earth. We have no other place to go. Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/causes-and-effects-of-land-pollution.html

Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multi-systemic autoimmune disease that was first described in 1941, by Klemperer and colleagues (Gonzalez-Buitrago and Gonzalez, 2006). It is a disease that can attack almost any organ or system in the body, where imbalances in self tolerance create an abnormal immune response to self proteins resulting in autoimmunity (Male et al, 2006). SLE is a disease that has a strong correlation to defects in apoptosis; however no specific cause of the disease is known (Arbuckle et al, 2003). The prevalence of the disease is worldwide; however it commonly affects people of African descent, particularly in Europe and Northern America (Kumar et al, 2009). Environmental triggers are known to contribute to the disease manifestation; although genetic links have also shown association with all HLA classes (I, II, III) on chromosome 6. Other transcription factors such as IRF5, STAT and proteins such as PTPN22 have also been seen to contribute to the manifestation (Mal e et al, 2006). SLE is particularly common between the ages of 15-50, where patients present with positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA). ANA are a group of heterogenous antibodies that are capable of binding to components of the nucleus, resulting in damage of DNA. The initial screening method for patients with AIDs such as SLE is via the ANA test. 80-90% of patients with SLE present with a positive ANA (Bonilla et al, 2007), however other AID such as Sjà ¶grens syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, Autoimmune hepatitis, Scleroderma and Polymyositis Dermatomyositis, also see positive results. Antigen specific assays such as extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) and double stranded DNA (dsDNA) must then be performed to confirm a diagnosis, as approximately 70% of patients with SLE have antibodies to dsDNA (Rahman Isenberg, 2008). Positive results can be seen within the aging population as the immune system begins to deteriorate. Nilsson et al, (2006) supports this and found that positive ANA results were fo und particularly in elderly patients over 85 years. 90% of patients with SLE are women, suggesting a hormonal link (Rahman et al, 2008). Hormonal imbalances are seen in women with SLE, thus it becomes difficult to maintain immune tolerance. Increased oestrogen levels result in increased antibody production and Th2 response, whilst decreased levels of androgens depress the response resulting in an abnormal immune response (Danchenko et al, 2006). 1.2 The clinical significance of ANA testing The diagnosis of SLE is dependent on a variety of factors including clinical details, family history, age, race, sex, medication and infection (Stinton Fritzler, 2007). The classical symptom for SLE is a butterfly-shaped rash which is commonly seen on the face (Figure 1.1). In 1982 the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) described a set criterion (Table 1) (updated in 1997), for the diagnosis of SLE aiding clinicians to correctly diagnose patients. Four points of the criteria must be met, for a definite diagnosis of SLE. The criterion for SLE includes symptoms, immunological and haematological tests. Points 10 and 11 are of particular importance, as they are confirmatory of SLE. A study by Arbuckle et al, (2003) examined the onset of SLE in 130 patients and found that 115 patients had positive indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) ANA, before diagnosis. 1. Malar Rash A butterfly rash usually seen on the face 2. Discoid rash red, scaly patches on skin that cause scarring 3. Photosensitivity Skin rash as a result of unusual reaction to sunlight 4. Oral ulcers Oral or nasopharyngeal ulceration 5. Nonerosive Arthritis tenderness or swelling of joints 6. Pleuritis or Pericarditis Pleuritis inflammation of the pleura, the lining of the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs Pericarditis small amount of fluid builds up between the two layers of the pericardium. 7. Renal Disorder Persistent proteinuria Cellular castsmay be red cell, hemoglobin, granular, tubular, or mixed 8. Neurologic Disorder Seizures 9. Hematologic Disorder Hemolytic anemiawith reticulocytosis Leukopenia Lyphopenia Thrombocytopenia 10. Immunologic Disorder Anti-DNA: antibody to native DNA in abnormal titer Anti-Sm: presence of antibody to Sm nuclear antigen Positive finding of antiphospholipid antibodies on: 11. Positive Antinuclear Antibody An abnormal antinuclear antibody by immunofluorescence Once a positive ANA test has been performed there is no reason to repeat the test, however if clinicians have a strong suspicion of an evolving connective tissue disease (CTD) negative ANAs should be re-requested (Blerk et al, 2008). Other immunological tests such as complement components (C3 and C4), C-reactive protein, anti-phospholipid antibodies and anti-histone can also be tested to investigate SLE; however these may not always aid all patients (Egner, 2000). 1.3 History of ANA testing and how the diagnosis of SLE evolved The ANA test has been around for over 40 years and is the most widely performed autoantibody test, worldwide. The test is commonly performed within Immunology laboratories and has evolved very little over the years. ANAs originated from lupus erythrocytosms, also known as the LE cell phenomenon. LE cells were discovered in 1948 by Hargrave, who saw that patients with SLE have polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which had phagocytosed nuclei, within the bone marrow (Hepburn, 2001). Following the discovery, Lee et al, (1957) showed that the LE cells were formed by gamma proteins in leukocytes which were thought to be antibody. Fluorescent labels were also introduced in 1957, to show homogenous patterns on human tissue (Hughes et al, 2008). By 1961 rat sections substrates were introduced, enabling patterns such as homogenous, speckled and nucleolar to be seen in patients with rheumatic diseases. The use of rat substrates brought about a new discovery, which saw that washing cells in saline, c aused alterations to cells within slides, thus altering patterns seen, thus the precursor of the ENA screen was introduced. By the 1970-80s Human epithelioma type 2 cells: CCL-23 (HEp-2) substrates were widespread and National quality assurance schemes began to establish. 1.4 Techniques implemented in laboratories for ANA detection There are many techniques available for the testing of ANAs; these can be seen in the UK National External Quality Assessment Service (UKNEQAS) report found in Appendix 1. 1.4.1 Indirect immunoflourescent (IIF)-ANA Indirect immunoflourescent (IIF) is a general screening technique performed to identify patients with autoantibodies. It enables scientist to link autoantibody patterns present within a patient sera, to help diagnose and monitor their progress during treatment. ANA testing using IIF was developed by George Friou in 1957, where initially substrates such as chicken erythrocytes were used (Kumar et al, 2009). ANA substrates were traditionally prepared in-house using rodent tissue where thin layers of tissue were sliced using a cryostat. However as demand for the screening of autoantibodies increased (Figure 1.2), preparing slides was no longer feasible, as it was time consuming and laboratories could no longer manage rodent houses as they required expert attention. Commercial companies then began to produce ready to use tissues substrates, offering a greater sensitivity. However as many commercial substrates are now available, variability between kits, manufactures, substrate, conjugate and the degree of cellularity (good monolayer of cells and a number of mitotic spindles), make it difficult to standardise methods of detection and reporting. In order to produce accurate results, substrates must be present in the correct phase of the cell cycle (Figure 1.3). Identification of IIF-ANA patterns is dependant on the true state of chromosome. Most autoantibodies are directed against antigens expressed during interphase. Interphase is divided into 3 stages: G1, S and G2, where cytoplasmic organelles and fibres structure are most visible and the nucleoli appear well differentiated. A mix of mitotic and non mitotic forms of cells are needed in the metaphase stage as it is influential in interpreting IIF-ANA patterns, especially centromeres and homogenous patterns (Sacks et al, 2009). The HEp-2 substrate is commonly used in ANA detection and was introduced commercially in 1975 (Kavanaugh et al, 2000). HEp-2 provided a greater sensitivity for the testing of SLE as they were composed of human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, allowing the recognition of over 30 nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens (Gonzalez-Buitrego Gonzalez, 2006). HEp-2 substrate contains various organelles (Figure 1.4) allowing uniform distribution of cells, showing large nucleolus, meaning no interference of the intercellular matrix is seen (Gonzalez et al, 2002). The introduction of the HEp-2 substrate was a big step forward in identifying patients with the ribonucleoprotein complex (anti-Ro). The anti-Ro antigen is particularly significant in patients with SLE as it offers a poor prognosis. However this antigen is seen to overlap between different autoimmune diseases such as Sjà ¶grens syndrome, thus the detection of the antigen must be precise. The Ro (SS-A) antibody is seen to target protein antigens associated with small RNA molecules known as hY-RNAs11, 12 and are of unknown function (Cozzani et al, 2008). HEp-2 cells were seen to destroy the Ro antigens during fixation, so commercial companies began to devise ways around this. To overcome this problem, HEp-2 cells were genetically modified to produce extra Ro antigen and this substrate was known as HEp-2000. HEp-2000 substrate is uniquely produced by ImmunoConcepts (Sacramento CA, USA). The slides have 10-25% mitotic human epithelia and offer a greater sensitivity (Table 2) in the diag nosis of SLE. They have aided in reducing the number of ANA negative SLE patients; however detection of Ro is dependent on the stability of actin, as it can denature easily. Although HEp-2000 substrates were seen to be more beneficial in detection of Ro antigen, they limit the identification of the different epitopes of the Ro antigen. At present HEp-2000 substrate can only identify the 60kDA Ro antigen; but since the 52kDA Ro antigen also exists, patients with this epitope are missed. A study by Cozzani and colleagues (2008) looked at 5,949 people over a 5 year period. All participants were photosensitive and 2,315 of these had connective tissue disease (CTD) such as SLE. The study found that the anti-Ro was easy to identify on HEp-2000 slides with a sensitivity of 81% according to the Altman test, of accuracy. However a study by Bossuyt and Luyckx (2005) compared IIF to EIA and saw that patients with anti-Ro antibodies were missed using HEp-2000 slides, as the undetected patients contained the Ro 52 antibody; although they reported a sensitivity of 82.9%. One patient in this study was negative for IIF-ANA, but was shown to have a positive Ro antigen by EIA. A study by Dahle et al, (2004), looked at HEp-2 and compared three ANA methods; Enzyme immunoassay (EIA), double radial immunodiffusion (DRID) and IIF. 3,079 patients were examined and overlapping results between IIF and DRID were seen and 60% of IIF-ANA gave a positive homogenous pattern. However results for EIA showed that positive IIF results appeared negative by EIA. In 2006 the LGI performed a study looking at 18,320 samples, requesting ANA tests by IIF. The study found that 1 in 5 patients, identified as negative or weak positive by IIF, showed positive for anti-Ro via EIA. This proved that Hep2000 cells cant detect the different epitope of Ro, thus concludes that antigen-specific testing is required following the ANA test. This agrees with Morozzi et al, (2000), who suggest that a combination of 2 or more methods are required for the detection of the anti-Ro antibody in patients. This study looked at 64 people with connective tissue disorders and tested them by IIF, EIA and DRID. Results showed that 54 people were positive by at least one method and the specificity of each technique was good, whilst sensitivity varied. Sensitivity for IIF-ANA via HEp-2000 was 89%, EIA (Ro60) was 89%, EIA (Ro52) was 67% and DRID presented with a sensitivity of 76%. Although the NEQAS report shows that DRID is no longer used within laboratories, results from thi s study suggest that EIA has the ability to detect the different epitopes, preventing misreading of the anti-Ro antigen. Thus to ensure that all SLE patients are identified antigen-specific tests such as extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) should be used to detect the various epitopes (Cozzani et al, 2008). Conjugates play a significant role in the determination of IIF and EIA results. Fluorescein-conjugated antibodies produced from goat, sheep or rabbit are commonly used. These are usually bought from commercial companies, which produce pre-diluted conjugate, raised against mouse or human, which aims to achieve optimal sensitivity and reactivity. Immunoglobulin fraction can be also be used; however fluorescein conjugates such as fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) are preferred as they produce less background staining. A fluorescein/protein (FP) molar ratio is employed, with in-house diluted conjugates. The ratio varies between kits, however a 1:3 dilution with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) is usually used (Egner, 2000). At LGI the conjugate used for detection of ANAs is IgG, as it allows accurate diagnosis and monitoring of diseases such as SLE. IgM-ANA can also be employed, although this indicates milder or non-specific diseases, whilst IgA-ANA gives little information so arent used. Due to the use of fluorescence conjugate, slides fade overtime, thus it is particularly important to determine results as soon as possible as photographs are not taken. As IIF varies daily due to slides and condition of the microscope, it would be appropriate to carry out daily checkerboards to see which working dilution is best for the conjugate, improving consistency; however this is no longer feasible in high-throughput laboratories. When reporting ANA three factors require evaluation: the pattern observed; substrate used and the titre of the positive test. Experienced scientist can interpret ANA slides and distinguish titre levels; however this takes years of experience. The screening dilution is important in patients presenting with positive results, as it helps determine an individuals severity of disease and can prove beneficial to clinicians. Serial dilutions at 1:10, 1:20, 1:40, 1:80, 1:160 and 1:320 can be performed, where the titre value is the one at which positive sample becomes negative. 5% of a healthy population can present with a positive low ANA titre, with no disease activity and are commonly women aged over 60 (Shmerling, 2003). Peterson et al, (2009) found that beside patients with SLE patients, other diseases also present with positive ANA titres. 1:20 healthy people presented with a positive ANA and the number of positives increased to 1:3, with a dilution of 1:40. To reduce the number of fals e positives, titres are commonly performed at 1:80. At LGI titres were performed on all positive samples and pregnant women, regardless of whether they are positive or negative. Pregnant women are closely monitored as a precaution as IgG antibodies cross the placenta, thus anti-Ro/La antigen is capable of causing fetal heart block (Rahman Isenberg, 2008). Patients who presented with symptoms for SLE were also titrated; however lots of weak positive results were seen as a dilution of 1:40 was employed. As workload increased titrations became laborious and impractical, thus performing titres routinely was abolished and titres are now only performed upon request. Cut-offs exist, however these are modified around the local population, to give a better sensitivity (Stinton Fritzler, 2007). Shmerling, (2003) has suggested that ANA titres can correlate with disease activity, but as positive samples undergo antigen specific testing via EIA, titres should be abolished, unless there are specifically requested by the clinicians to monitor changes to disease. Wieser et al, (2001) found that there was a lack of correlation between the clinical features of patients and laboratory results obtained. The study looked at 3 cases with varying antibody titres and established algorithms seen in Figure 1.5. Similarly Hanley et al, (2009) suggested algorithms help in diagnostics (Appendix 2). As a small number of cases were analyses, it appears that there is not sufficient evidence to develop an algorithm; however both the studies have been adapted in Europe as they were seen to prevent patients with detectable antibodies being missed and to avoid the unnecessary testing and time of laboratory staff. Slide processors are available to prepare IIF slides. They first appeared in the late 1990s and include platforms such as ASP1200 and AFT from Binding Site (Figure 1.6). These slide processors ensure that all samples are prepared quickly, reliably and accurately, avoiding cross reactivity in sample preparation. Slide processors perform IIF via indirect antibody reactions as seen in Figure 1.7. Patient serum is incubated with a substrate, followed by washing to remove any unbound protein. A second antibody, FITC is added and this reacts with immunoglobulins which have combined with the substrate. Another washing stage is performed and slides are ready to be mounted and interpreted manually, however this causes subjectiveness. IIF-ANA result interpretation is dependent on the operators setup of the microscope, type and number of hours the bulb (mercury) has been used, type of objective lens, filters and most importantly magnification. At the LGI the Leica DMRB mercury microscope is employed and allows cells to magnify at X200, X400 and X500. Positive results fluoresce an apple-green colour (Table 3), whilst negative samples have little fluorescence. Two independent observers interpret the slides to prevent reading errors and any conflicting results are followed by an anti-ENA and anti-DNA screen. Automated commercial slide readers are now available to allow interpretation of ANAs. Images are automatically scanned and stored within computer systems, where positive and negative ANA results are determined by the amount of flourenscene emitted. The operator can then scan through positive ANAs, identifying their patterns. This aims to improve the subjectiveness seen between scientists and aims to improve accuracy; however these are not robust so not widely used. The advantage of IIF-ANA is that it is easy, inexpensive, available from a wide range of commercial companies, sensitive, reliable and has reduced cross reactivity and background fluorescence. The disadvantages of IIF-ANA are that it is laborious and requires a high degree of technical expertise. Within most Immunology laboratories the ANA test is not linked to the pathology computer systems, so tests cannot be picked up via an interface. This can be problematic as wrong samples can be analysed and reported. The use of barcode readers can overcome this problem. Homogenous Homogenous Pattern is the most common pattern seen in 60% of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients. However it can be seen in drug induced lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis. Positive patients are then further evaluated against: Anti-dsDNA, Anti-Smith Speckled Speckled Pattern can exist as coarse expressing is Sm, U1-RNP antigen or fine expressing Ro or La. Sm positive is seen in 4-40% of SLE patients, whilst RNP is seen in high titres in patients with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD). Patients with Scleroderma and Sjogrens Syndrome also present with positive results. Centromere Centromere pattern is seen in 57-82% of patients with CREST syndrome and Raynauds. The suspected antigen is CENP A, CENP B, CENP C. Nucleolar Nucleolar Pattern seen in patients with Scleroderma. There are multiple nuclear antigens, such as fibrilliarin. Positive patients are then further tested against Scl-70 (Anti-Topoisomerase I). Table 3: Shows the various ANA patterns seen by IIF on the HEp-2000 substrate (Produced by Nisha Lad, 2010) As different laboratories use different substrates and conjugates, IIF-ANA lacks standardisation worldwide (Bonilla, 2009). A study by Blerk et al, (2008) showed that if laboratories employed the same cells, substrate and conjugate they were able to report the same staining patterns. Over 157 laboratories across Belgium participated and each looked at 9 different samples. Looking at the results it is clear that after considering the variable factors, participants that employed the same HEp-2 slide substrates (Medica, USA) and method of detection were able to produce consistant results, suggesting standardization can be achieved. Although IIF-ANA is subjective, replacement with EIA or bead technology is suggested to increase sensitivity. Bonilla et al (2007) performed a study in the USA suggesting that IIF had a sensitivity of 90.6%, whilst bead technology had a sensitivity of 41.9% and the specificity of IIF was lower at 76%; however for bead technology was 87%. Having tested 385 patients a conclusion was made saying IIF was a better technique for diagnosis of patients with SLE. Olaussen and Rekvig (1999) also produced similar results, where two commercial IIF assays and two commercial ELISA kits consisting of a range of antigens, significant in the diagnosis of SLE were used. The study showed correlation between IIF and ELISA, where sensitivity for IIF was 88%, whilst that for ELISA was 86%. Specificity however varied with 67% for IIF and 60% for ELISA. Another study by Gonzalez et al, (2002), analysed 709 samples comparing IIF and EIA for the diagnosis of ANA. Results showed good reproducibility in both as says, but found that the antibodies which produced a homogenous and speckled IIF patterns were best detected via EIA. On the other hand a study by Nifli et al, (2006) compared routine technology in a selection of Clinical Immunology laboratories and analyzed 11088 samples, using IIF and ELISA at the University Hospital of Heraklion in Greece. Results showed a highly significant correlation for ANA performed by ELISA; however it suggested that as IIF had a low sensitivity of 58%, this could be replaced by multiplex technology, allowing multiple antigen measurement. Looking at these studies closely it appears that although there were similarities between technologies, different kits and manufacturers were used, producing variable results. 1.4.2 Antigen-specific assays for the detection of ANA Many different patterns can be seen by IIF-ANA, however to determine autoantibody specificity further antigen-specific assays are needed. Antibodies against Sm, native dsDNA and chromatin are used in the diagnosis of patients with SLE (Hanley et al, 2009). Currently ANAs are categorised into two main groups; ANA to DNA and histones (dsDNA) and ANA to extractable nuclear antigens (ENA). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), also known as an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) are now available for antigen specific testing, providing a new horizon for SLE testing, as they are able to identify individual antigens. ELISA/EIA is the most commonly performed technique, implemented in laboratories today. In the past, ELISA plates were assembled in-house, however as a successful assay requires careful assembly of the different layers, this soon became difficult to achieve, thus commercial ELISA kits were developed in the 1980s to overcome assay failure and to overcome the subjectiveness of IIF-ANA. The ELISA assay can be performed either manually or via automated technologies. 96 well plates coated with the same antigens are commonly used, however Phadia produce an EIA platform, whereby pens containing singles wells with individual antigens can be used, allowing multiple antigen recognition and analysis. Both ELISA/EIA operate via immunometric methods of detection for anti-ENAs and anti-DNAs. The principle (Figure 1.8) of this technique is via microplates which are coated with purified antigens of interest. Patient serum is incubated in the wells and unbound antibody is then washed away, followed by the addition of a conjugate such as alkaline phosphotase (AP) or horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Another wash stage is performed and colorimetric results develop, which are proportional to the initial concentration of antibody in the patients sample. Results are dependant on kit standards, which produce a calibration curve and then the optical density of the wells is taken to give a q uantitative result (Branda et al, 2009). ELISA are a versatile assay, where the amplification of the signal, increases the overall sensitivity of the assay, as it uses an antibody which are specific to the type of antigen/protein being measured. Studies suggest that ELISA is a sensitive assay, however lacks specificity so false positives results are detected (Castro and Gourley, 2009). The advantage of ELISA is that it can be performed both manually and via automation. Analysers can also be linked to the pathology computer systems, preventing transcription errors in result interpretation. However disadvantages for ELISA are that purified antigens need to be prepared via HPLC, meaning assays are not cost effective and can be time-consuming. As microtitre plates are now purchased with one antigen, there is a limited dynamic range of detection; however EIA pens now overcome this problem. To produce successful assays, instrumental conditions need to be carefully considered. Washing errors, contamination of substrate or inadequa te incubation times may produce little signal amplification resulting in false negative results (Castro and Gourley, 2010). 1.4.2.1 Anti-dsDNA Anti-dsDNA were first described in 1957, by Ceppelini and colleagues. Anti-dsDNA are found in patients with SLE and are mainly found in the form of nucleosomes. Nucleosomes are fragments of chromatin that cells release during apoptosis. dsDNA antibodies bind to the nucleosome to form complexes which settle in the glomeruli, resulting in glomerulonephritis and increasing the risk of lupus nephritis flare, thus detection is crucial as it helps to determine the therapy required for treatment. à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¡-actinin (100kDA) is a microfilament skeletal muscle protein, which aids in maintaining the function of podocytes in the kidney. This protein is not specific for SLE, although it can act as a marker for renal involvement (Raheman et al, 2008). The dsDNA assay can be performed via (Figure 1.9); IIF with Crithidia luciliae substrate (CLIF), Farr assay also known as radioimmunoassay (RIA), however the most commonly used technique is EIA/ELISA as described in 1.4.2. The Farr assay is regarded as the gold standard technique for the detection of dsDNA (Launey et al, 2010). It uses cultured cells labelled with thymidine and idocythidine, which act as radioactive DNA. In the assay bound and free DNA is separated by precipitating immuglobulins and ammonium sulphate. Although this method is good, it misses low avidity anti-DNA antibodies due to a nitrocellular filter, which allows the passage of free DNA and however double stranded DNA (dsDNA) cannot be filtered. Thus the radioactivity is said to be proportional to serum anti-DNA (Isenberg Smeenk, 2002). The Farr assay can detect high affinity antibodies, with relatively high specificity; however it requires precision in pipetting as there must be sufficient labelled DNA to bind to samples in order to reach an endpoint. Although the use of radiolabels within the Farr assay provides highly reproducible results, it becomes very costly, dangerous and difficult to dispose of the radioactive isotopes. Other limitations with this assay are that it only detects IgG and cannot determine any other immunoglobulin isotopes (IgA/IgM), thus patients presenting with dsDNA antibodies to IgA/IgM can be missed (Egner 2000). UK NEQAS shows that the Farr assay is still being used (Figure 1.9), as it is a more accurate confirmatory test that can be used in the diagnosis of SLE. The accuracy of the Farr assay can be seen in many studies. A study by Launey and colleagues (2010) compared the Farr radioimmunoassay to three commercial enzyme immuoassays and CLIF staining. The study looked at 99 patients with SLE and found that the Farr assay was the best assay, offering greater sensitivity and specificity of 95%, than the three other ELIA and CLIF assays. Derksen et al, (2002) also showed similar results. He compared the Fa rr assay with the Varelisa EIA assay and found that the Farr assay was superior to the EIA assay as it presented with a specificity of 95% and a sensitivity of 72%, whilst in EIA specificity corresponded to sensitivities at 44%. Many laboratories also perform follow-up DNA tests by EIA, using CLIF to determine the avidity of anti-dsDNA antibodies. However CLIF can also be used alongside IIF to measure anti-DNA (IIF-DNA) and this does not requiring any specialist equipment, other than a fluorescence microscope. The CLIF assay allows detection of high affinity antibodies through titrations, however this requires precise pipetting. CLIF detects antibodies to kinetoplast of organisms, which consists of circular dsDNA and allows both IgG-anti-dsDNA and IgM-anti-dsDNA to be tested (Gonzalez-Buiterego Gonzalez, 2006). The test is highly reproducible and is particularly suitable for a limited number of samples. Although the assay offers the highest specificity for ANA testing, it has a relatively low diagnostic sensitivity for SLE. Due to the degree of accuracy of the Farr assay, it is undoubtedly the best assay for the detection of dsDNA and so has been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and operates under the WHO80-IRP standard. However due to the risk of handling radioactive substance and the cost of the assay; this is not routinely used within Immunology. 1.4.2.2 Anti-ENA Positive IIF-ANA are typically followed up by extractable nuclear antigens (ENA). ENAs were discovered in 1966 by Smith and colleagues, offering a greater specificity, to allow a more accurate disease diagnosis, in correlation to the initial IIF-ANA screen. Originally ENAs referred to proteins found in a saline extract of cell nuclei, however since then the components have been identified and these consist of cytoplasmic molecules. A whole spectrum of approximately 100 antigens can be screened; however most have no clinical significance. In order to cover the majority of inflammatory autoimmune diseases 6 clinically significant antigens (Table 4); Ro, La, Sm, RNP, Scl-70 and Jo1 are used within most laboratories across the UK. It can be seen that SLE is associated with many of the antigens in the screen. Although ENAs are commonly performed via EIA (Figure 1.10), other methods such as qualitative gel precipitation assays, passive haemagglutination, immunoblotting, counter current immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) and antigen microarray can also be used (Kumar et al, 2009). Sceening of ENAs is expensive in comparison to IIF-ANA as it allows specific antigen detection, offering a greater sensitivity as approximately 90% of positive IIF-ANA produce negative results via EIA (Dahle et al, 2004). Gel precipitation assays such as double immunodiffusion (DID) and counter current immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) are still being used within laboratories; however these were discovered over 5 decades ago. CIE uses an electric current to accelerate the migration of antibody

Japanese Americans internment :: essays research papers

Japanese Americans internment Just a moment before the final call for flight Belgrade-London-Los Angeles, my girlfriend gave me a wrapped gift and she asked me not to open it before I arrive to my final destination. I couldn’t wait so long and I opened it just after I arrived in London. It was the Easy English dictionary with dedication on the first page. She wished me the best with the quote: â€Å"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor to deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.† (The Constitution, Amendment XVI, passed by Congress June 13, 1866. Ratified July 9, 1868). All my sadness disappeared after I red it. â€Å"This is the beginning of new life and one-in-life opportunity†, I thought. I was tired of wars and corruptions; I was tired of people who were afraid of everything: they were afraid of losing their jobs, they were afraid of crime, disease, and death; they were afraid of foreigners, and of people who are different from them. In the world of Europe’s ex-communist transition countries, my country is the strangest creature of all and it cannot escape its uniquely painful recent past. I was dreaming so long about life in wealthy country, where all nations live together with no ethnic incidents and with equal opportunities; and my dream came true. But, just a few days ago, I realized how the process of naturalization for some nations in the United States was difficult and painful. Even though their rights were guaranteed by the Constitution more than a hundred and thirty years ago, more than 120,000 Japanese-Americans were sent from the West Coast and Hawaii to 10 internment camps in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. The only reason was that they were different. They had different color of skin and their language was different. Sixty years ago, these reasons were strong enough to cause a huge discrimination of Japanese Americans. White people didn’t want them in neighborhood. Almost every house in California own by white Americans had a huge notice that this is white country and it should stay exactly the same.

Programming :: Free Essay Writer

Programming A program is a sequence of instructions that tells the hardware of a computer what operations to perform on data. Programs can be built into the hardware itself, or they may exist independently in a form known as software. In some specialized, or "dedicated," computers the operating instructions are embedded in their circuitry; common examples are the microcomputers found in calculators, wristwatches, automobile engines, and microwave ovens. A general-pur pose computer, on the other hand, contains some built-in programs (in ROM) or instructions (in the processor chip), but it depends on external programs to perform useful tasks. Once a computer has been programmed, it can do only as much or as little as the software controlling it at any given moment enables it to do. Software in widespread use includes a wide range of applications programs-instructions to the computer on how to perform various tasks. Languages. A computer must be given instructions in a "language" that it understands-that is, a particular pattern of binary digital information. On the earliest computers, programming was a difficult, laborious task, because vacuum-tube ON-OFF switches had to be set by hand. Teams of programmers often took days to program simple tasks such as sorting a list of names. Since that time a number of computer languages have been devised, some with particular kinds of functioning in mind and others aimed more at ease of use-the "user-friendly" approach. Machine Language. Unfortunately, the computer's own binary-based language, or machine language, is difficult for humans to use. The programmer must input every command and all data in binary form, and a basic operation such as comparing the contents of a register to the data in a memory-chip location might look like this: 11001010 00010111 11110101 00101011. Machine-language programming is such a tedious, time consuming, task that the time saved in running the program rarely justifies the days or weeks needed to write the program. Assembly Language. One method programmers devised to shorten and simplify the process is called "assembly-language" programming. By assigning a short (usually three-letter) mnemonic code to each machine-language command, assembly-language programs could be written and "debugged"-cleaned of logic and data errors-in a fraction of the time needed by machine-language programmers. In assembly language, each mnemonic command and its symbolic operands equals one machine instruction. An "assembler" program translates the mnemonic "opcodes" (operation codes) and symbolic operands into binary language and executes the program.

Metoric Rise of Tommy Hilfiger :: essays papers

Metoric Rise of Tommy Hilfiger The Meteoric Rise of Tommy Hilfiger As a Recognized Brand Name "The Four Great American Designers for Men Are: R---- L-----, P---- E----, C----- K----, T---- H-------". When this Wheel of Fortune-style advertisement was unveiled in 1985, the public easily identified the first three designers as Ralph Lauren, Perry Ellis, and Calvin Klein, but who was this fourth designer? The fourth designer, to whom the ad belonged to, was Tommy Hilfiger. At that time, Tommy Hilfiger and his recently begun company specializing in men's fashions were unknown. However, in less that a decade since that first advertisement appeared, Tommy Hilfiger has become a hugely successful company at the forefront of the fashion industry. As Jack Hyde, a Fashion Institute of Technology professor, has stated, "It's Hilfiger, Hilfiger, Hilfiger." Tommy Hilfiger, 48, founder, designer, and honorary chairman of the Hong Kong-based company that bears his name, was born and raised in the small town of Elmira, New York. He was one of nine children. Even at a young age, his fashion and artistic talents were shown through his dress. "He's always wearing a shirt or a pair of pants that was a little different than what everyone else was wearing" a friend of his remarked. In 1969, Hilfiger and two friends opened People's Place, a store specializing in trendy fashions and other items. The store grew and expanded with People's Places opening in various upstate New York towns such as Ithaca and Corning. Hilfiger, wanting to design clothes rather than purchase them from the manufacturer, began to consider becoming a designer. When his People's Place chain went bankrupt in 1977, Hilfiger moved to New York and worked as a designer, even though he had never attended design school, for various companies until 1984, when Tommy Hil figer the company was born. Today Tommy Hilfiger labels grace everyone from President Bill Clinton to rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg and that wide range of clientele accounts for the company selling $756.9 million dollars' worth of merchandise each year. Last year, Tommy Hilfiger Corporation (TOM) was one of the top apparel firms traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Midterm for Information System

MIS EXAM – QUESTIONS 1) Developing a new product, fulfilling an order, and hiring a new employee are examples of business processes. Answer: True False 2) A fully digital firm produces only digital goods or services. Answer: True False 3) A business model describes how a company produces, delivers, and sells a product or service to create wealth. Answer: True False 4) Information technology (IT) consists of all the hardware that a firm needs to use in order to achieve its business objectives, whereas information systems consist of all the software and business processes needed.Answer: True False 5) Computers are only part of an information system. Answer: True False 6) The dimensions of information systems are management, organizations, and information technology. Answer: True False 7) In order to understand how a specific business firm uses information systems, you need to know something about the hierarchy and culture of the company. Answer: True False 8) Business processes are logically related tasks for accomplishing tasks that have been formally encoded by an organization. Answer: True False ) A substantial part of management responsibility is creative work driven by new knowledge and information. Answer: True False 10) Intranets allow firms to work easily with third-party suppliers and vendors. Answer: True False 11) An IT infrastructure provides the platform on which the firm can build its information systems. Answer: True False 12) The six important business objectives of information technology are new products, services, and business models; customer and supplier intimacy; survival; competitive advantage; operational excellence; and A) improved flexibility.B) improved decision making. C) improved business practices. D) improved efficiency. Answer: B 13) Which of the following choices may lead to competitive advantage: (1) new products, services, and business models; (2) charging less for superior products; (3) responding to customers in real tim e? A) 1 only B) 1 and 2 C) 2 and 3 D) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: D 14) The move of retail banking to use ATMs after Citibank unveiled its first ATMs illustrates the use of information systems to achieve which business objective? A) improved efficiency B) customer and supplier intimacy C) survival D) competitive advantageAnswer: C 15) The three activities in an information system that produce the information organizations use to control operations are A) information retrieval, research, and analysis. B) input, output, and feedback. C) input, processing, and output. D) data analysis, processing, and feedback. Answer: C 16) Output A) is feedback that has been processed to create meaningful information. B) is information that is returned to appropriate members of the organization to help them evaluate the input stage. C) transfers data to the people who will use it or to the activities for which it will be used.D) transfers processed information to the people who will use it or to the activiti es for which it will be used. Answer: D 17) Converting raw data into a more meaningful form is called A) capturing. B) processing. C) organizing. D) feedback. Answer: B 18) The fundamental set of assumptions, values, and ways of doing things that has been accepted by most of a company's members is called its A) culture. B) environment. C) atmosphere. D) values. Answer: A 19) The hardware and software used to transfer data in an organization is called A) data management technology. B) networking and data management technology.C) data and telecommunications technology. D) networking and telecommunications technology. Answer: D 20) Networking and telecommunications technologies, along with computer hardware, software, data management technology, and the people required to run and manage them, constitute an organization's A) data management environment. B) networked environment. C) IT infrastructure. D) information system. Answer: C 21) From a business perspective, raw data is transform ed systematically during various stages, transforming it into valuable information, in a process called A) the information value chain.B) the IT value chain. C) information processing. D) feedback. Answer: A 22) The costs for firms operating on a global scale have been drastically reduced by A) networking technology. B) investments in organizational complementary assets. C) the Internet. D) the rise of digital content. Answer: C 23) Which of the following are key corporate assets? A) intellectual property, core competencies, and financial and human assets B) production technologies and business processes for sales, marketing, and finance C) knowledge and the firm's tangible assets, such as goods or services D) time and knowledgeAnswer: A 25) Overproduction or underproduction of goods and services, misallocation of resources, and poor response times are the results of a firm's having A) poor relationships with suppliers. B) poor relationships with customers. C) inadequate information . D) a surplus of information. Answer: C 25) A firm that must invest in new information systems capabilities in order to comply with federal legislation can be said to be investing to achieve which business objective? A) customer intimacy B) operational excellence C) survival D) improved reporting Answer: C 6) Operational management is responsible for directing the day-to-day operations of the business and therefore needs transaction-level information. Answer: True False 27) You would use an MIS to help decide whether to introduce a new product line. Answer: True False 28) Transaction processing systems are most commonly used by the senior management level of an organization. Answer: True False 29) A transaction processing system is a computerized system that performs and records the daily routine transactions necessary to conduct business. Answer: True False 0) Management information systems typically support nonroutine decision making. Answer: True False 31) Functional systems tha t support business processes within a single functional group, such as human resources, are being phased out in favor of cross-functional systems. Answer: True False 32) Managers need TPSs to monitor the status of internal operations and the firm's relations with the external environment. Answer: True False 33) Decision-support systems help managers make decisions that are unique, rapidly changing, and not easily specified in advance.Answer: True False 34) Decision-support systems use internal information as well as information from external sources. Answer: True False 35) ESSs are designed to serve the middle management of the organization. Answer: True False 36) ESSs are designed to incorporate data about external events, but they also draw summarized information from internal MIS and DSS. Answer: True False 37) Enterprise systems often include transactions with customers and vendors. Answer: True False 38) Supply chain management systems are more externally oriented than enterpri se systems.Answer: True False 39) Which of the following is an example of a cross-functional business process? A) identifying customers B) creating a new product C) assembling a product D) paying creditors Answer: B 40) Which type of system would you use to change a production schedule if a key supplier was late in delivering goods? A) ESS B) TPS C) MIS D) DSS Answer: B 41) To monitor the status of internal operations and the firm's relations with the external environment, managers need ________ systems. A) decision-support B) knowledge C) transaction processing D) management information Answer: C 2) Which systems are typically a major source of data for other systems? A) transaction processing systems B) management information systems C) executive support systems D) decision-support systems Answer: A 43) Which type of system would you use to determine the five suppliers with the worst record in delivering goods on time? A) ESS B) TPS C) MIS D) DSS Answer: C 44) A relocation control system that reports summaries on the total moving, house-hunting, and home financing costs for employees in all company divisions would fall into the category of A) knowledge management systems.B) transaction processing systems. C) executive support systems. D) management information systems. Answer: D 45) The term â€Å"management information systems† designates a specific category of information systems serving A) integrated data processing throughout the firm. B) transaction process reporting. C) employees with online access to historical records. D) middle management functions. Answer: D 46) Non-typical business problems with causes and effects that are rapidly changing are typically handled by which type of information system ? A) MIS B) TPS C) ESSD) DSS Answer: D 47)________ systems are especially suited to situations in which the procedure for arriving at a solution may not be fully defined in advance. A) Management information B) Transaction processing C) Decision-su pport D) Knowledge management Answer: C 48) Which type of system would you use to forecast the return on investment if you used new suppliers with better delivery track records? A) ESS B) TPS C) MIS D) DSS Answer: D 49) ESS are specifically designed to serve which level of the organization? A) operational B) end-user C) middle managementD) senior management Answer: D 50) Executive support systems are information systems that support the A) long-range planning activities of senior management. B) knowledge and data workers in an organization. C) decision-making and administrative activities of middle managers. D) day-to-day processes of production. Answer: A 51) Which type of system would you use to determine what trends in your supplier's industry will affect your firm the most in five years? A) ESS B) TPS C) MIS D) DSS Answer: A 52) What is the most important function of an enterprise application?A) increasing speed of communicating B) enabling business functions and departments to share information C) enabling a company to work collaboratively with customers and suppliers D) enabling cost-effective e-business processes Answer: B 53) ________ are designed to support organization-wide process coordination and integration. A) Decision-support systems B) Management information systems C) CRM systems D) Enterprise applications Answer: D 54) Enterprise systems are also known as ________ systems. A) resource planning B) enterprise resource planning C) enterprise supportD)management information Answer: B 55) ________ systems are designed to help firms manage their relationships with their customers. A) CRM B) MIS C) CLE D) CLU Answer: A 56) Which types of systems consolidate the relevant knowledge and experience in the firm to make it available to improve business processes and management decision making? A) TPS B) extranets C) KMS D) CRM Answer: C 57) Which of the following types of system helps expedite the flow of information between the firm and its suppliers and customers? A) intranet B) extranet C) KMS D) TPS Answer: B 8) Which of the following is not one of the fifteen categories of collaborative software tools? A) file sharing B) event scheduling C) white boarding D) extranets Answer: D 59) You work for a highly successful advertiser that is just about to expand nationally. Of utmost importance will be finding a way to store and disseminate their clients' continually updated branding guides, which include multiple image files and text documents, to all of the firm's branches. What system will best serve these needs? A) an intranet with KMS capabilities B) an extranet with KMS capabilitiesC) a TPS with KMS capabilities D) a CRM Answer: B 60) You have been hired by a worldwide non-profit agency to implement a system to handle their donations. The system must be able to handle and record telephone, sms, and Internet donations, provide up-to-the-minute reports, and create highly customizable mailing lists. In addition, event fundraisers nee d to be able to quickly access a donor's information and history. Which of the following systems will best meet these needs? A) TPS B) TPS with DSS capabilities C) TPS with MIS capabilities D) TPS with ESS capabilities Answer: C 1) The interaction between information systems and organizations is influenced A) primarily by the decision making of middle- and senior-managers. B) by many factors, including structure, politics, culture, and environment. C) by two main microeconomic forces: capital and labor. D) primarily by the organization's business processes and culture. Answer: B 62) An organization is a A) stable, formal social structure that takes resources from the environment and processes them to produce outputs. B) formal, legal entity with internal rules and procedures that must abide by laws. C) collection of social elements.D) B and C E) A, B, and C Answer: E 63) How does the technical view of organizations fall short of understanding the full impacts of information systems in a firm? A) It sees information systems as a way to rearrange the inputs and outputs of the organization. B) It sees capital and labor as primary production factors. C) It sees the inputs and outputs, labor and capital, as being infinitely malleable. D) It sees the organization as a social structure similar to a machine. Answer: C 64) All of the following are major features of organizations that impact the use of information systems EXCEPT for A) business processesB) environments C) goals D) agency costs Answer: D 65) Business processes are collections of A) informal practices and behaviors. B) formalized and documented practices. C) routines. D) rights and privileges. Answer: C 66) The costs incurred when a firm buys on the marketplace what it cannot make itself are referred to as A) switching costs. B) transaction costs. C) procurement. D) agency costs. Answer: B 67) Which of the following statements is NOT true about information technology's impacts on business firms? A) It hel ps firms expand in size.B) It helps firms lower the cost of market participation. C) It helps reduce internal management costs. D) It helps reduce transaction costs. Answer: A 68) According to agency theory, the firm is viewed as a(n) A) unified, profit-maximizing entity. B) task force organization that must respond to rapidly changing environments. C) entrepreneurial endeavor. D) â€Å"nexus of contracts† among self-interested individuals. Answer: D 69) The ________ model is used to describe the interaction of external forces that affect an organization's strategy and ability to compete.A) network economics B) competitive forces C) competitive advantage D) demand control Answer: B 70) Which of the following industries has a low barrier to entry? A) automotive B) computer chip C) restaurant D) airline Answer: C 71) Which of the following is NOT one of the competitive forces? A) suppliers B) other competitors C) external environment D) customers Answer: C 72) A manufacturer of deep-sea oil rigs may be least concerned about this marketplace force. A) product differentiation B) traditional competitors C) low number of suppliers D) new market entrants Answer: D 3) A firm can exercise greater control over its suppliers by having A) more suppliers. B) fewer suppliers. C) global suppliers. D) local suppliers. Answer: A 74) The four major types of competitive strategy are A) low-cost leadership; substitute products and services; customers; and suppliers. B) low-cost leadership; product differentiation; focus on market niche; and customer and supplier intimacy. C) new market entrants; substitute products and services; customers; and suppliers. D) low-cost leadership; new market entrants; product differentiation; and focus on market niche.Answer: B 75) When a firm provides a specialized product or service for a narrow target market better than competitors, they are using a ________ strategy. A) product differentiation B) market niche C) mass customization D) proc ess efficiency Answer: B 76) ________ is the ability to offer individually tailored products or services using the same production resources as bulk production. A) Mass customization B) Size customization C) Magnitude customization D) Dimension customization Answer: A 77) Hilton Hotels' use of customer information software to identify the most rofitable customers to direct services to is an example of using information systems to A) strengthen customer intimacy. B) differentiate their service. C) focus on market niche. D) increase efficiency. Answer: C 78) An information system can enable a company to focus on a market niche through A) complex trend forecasting. B) tailoring products to the client. C) intensive product trend analysis. D) intensive customer data analysis. Answer: D 79) Upon which of the following industries has the Internet as a whole been a disruptive technology? A) bill payments B) air travelC) books D) real estate Answer: B 80) Internet technology A) makes it easy for rivals to compete on price alone. B) imposes a significant cost of entry, due to infrastructure requirements. C) increases the difference between competitors because of the wide availability of information. D) makes it easy to sustain operational advantages. Answer: A 81) The Internet raises the bargaining power of customers by A) creating new opportunities for building loyal customer bases. B) making more products available. C) making information available to everyone. D) lowering transaction costs.Answer: C 82) A virtual company A) uses the capabilities of other companies without being physically tied to those companies. B) uses Internet technology to maintain a virtual storefront. C) uses Internet technology to maintain a networked community of users. D) provides entirely Internet-driven services, or virtual products. Answer: A 83) The four key technical trends responsible for current ethical stresses related to information technology are (1) doubling of computer power every 18 months, (2) data analysis advances, (3) declining data storage costs, and (4) ________.A) advances in wireless networking B) international standards for data protection C) networking advances and the Internet D) increased ease in file sharing and copying Answer: C 84) The use of computers to combine data from multiple sources and create electronic dossiers of detailed information on individuals is called A) profiling. B) phishing. C) spamming. D) targeting. Answer: A 85) Accepting the potential costs, duties, and obligations for the decisions you make is referred to as A) responsibility. B) accountability. C) liability. D) due process. Answer: A 6) The feature of political systems in which a body of laws is in place that permits individuals to recover the damages done to them by other actors, systems, or organizations is referred to as A) accountability. B) responsibility. C) due process. D) liability. Answer: D 87) The feature of social institutions that means mechanisms are in place to determine responsibility for an action is called A) due process. B) accountability. C) the courts of appeal. D) the judicial system. Answer: B 88) Which of the following is not one of the five steps discussed in the chapter as a process for analyzing an ethical issue?A) Assign responsibility. B) Identify the stakeholders. C) Identify the options you can reasonably take. D) Identify and clearly describe the facts. Answer: A 89) The ethical â€Å"no free lunch† rule states that A) if an action cannot be taken repeatedly, then it is not right to be taken at any time. B) one should take the action that produces the least harm or incurs the least cost. C) one can put values in rank order and understand the consequences of various courses of action. D) everything is owned by someone else, and that the creator wants compensation for this work. Answer: D 0) European privacy protection is ________ than in the United States. A) less far-reaching B) less liable to laws C) much less stringent D) much more stringent Answer: D 91) The Internet has made the protection of intellectual property A) more difficult, because of the lack of enforcable regulations. B) easier, because of the proliferation of creative and professional software. C) more difficult, because of the ease of copying and transmitting digitized media. D) easier, because of the ability to track user behavior and visits to Web sites and file-sharing services.Answer: C 92) When a cookie is created during a Web site visit, it is stored A) on the Web site computer. B) on the visitor's computer. C) on the ISP's computer. D) in a Web directory. Answer: B 93) The Online Privacy Alliance A) encourages self-regulation to develop a set of privacy guidelines for its members. B) protects user privacy during interactions with Web sites. C) has established technical guidelines for ensuring privacy. D) is a government agency regulating the use of customer information. Answer: A 4) Intellectual property can b est be described as A) intangible property created by individuals or corporations. B) the expression of an intangible idea. C) unique creative work or ideas. D) tangible or intangible property created from a unique idea. Answer: A 95) A limitation of trade secret protection for software is that A) it does not protect against copying the underlying ideas behind the software. B) it is difficult to compare one piece of software to another. C) it is difficult to prevent the ideas in the work from falling into the public domain.D) few software programs contain truly unique elements. Answer: C 96) The strength of patent protection is that it A) puts the strength of law behind copyright. B) allows protection from Internet theft of ideas put forth publicly. C) is easy to define. D) grants a monopoly on underlying concepts and ideas. Answer: D 97) One of the difficulties of patent protection is A) that only the underlying ideas are protected. B) digital media cannot be patented. C) preventin g the ideas from falling into public domain. D) the years of waiting to receive it. Answer: D 8) In general, it is very difficult to hold software producers liable for their software products when those products are considered to be A) part of a machine. B) similar to books. C) services. D) artistic expressions. Answer: B 99) The most common source of business system failure is A) software bugs. B) software errors. C) hardware or facilities failures. D) data quality. Answer: D 100) Two of the three principal sources of poor system performance are A) software bugs and errors and outdated standards. B) hardware or facility failures and malware.C) hardware or facility failures and poor input data quality. D) poor input data quality and insufficient integration with legacy systems. Answer: C 101) The practice of spamming has been growing because A) telephone solicitation is no longer legal. B) it is good advertising practice and brings in many new customers. C) it helps pay for the Inte rnet. D) it is so inexpensive and can reach so many people. Answer: D 102) Which of the five moral dimensions of the information age does spamming raise? A) quality of life B) system quality C) accountability and control D) information rights and obligations Answer: A

Compare and Contrast role model: Richard Dawkins Essay

When choosing a role model according to my Christian worldview there are several positions taken into account. Their position and belief on Sexuality, Social Issues, and the Nature of God are areas in which our agreeing or disagreeing is a major contributing factor throughout the decision making process. Because of our foundational beliefs, Richard Dawkins does not meet the most lenient of qualifications according to my Christian worldview in order to serve as a role model. According to my Christian worldview a role model can be defined as a person whose belief system being based upon their acceptance that God is the creator of the universe, has sent his only begotten Son as the sacrifice for sin, and trusting the Holy scriptures are the inerrant and infallible word of God. Richard Dawkins once stated, Genetic engineering is important for the future of the human species and that our emerging technology of altering certain human cells will affect individual gene pool in order to dictate human behavior and gender (Harris, 1984). This statement implies humankind posses the knowledge of what it takes to create a person and to determine their sexual behavior outside of the Christian worldview. In believing human behavior has a genetic basis whereby altering specific genes we can create individual as we see fit is the very premises that Adolf Hitler used when attempting to create a master race. Professor Dawkins believes the possibility of engineering human being exist where my Christian worldview says, biblical scriptures provide the necessary truth on God not only creating humankind but also that Gods Holy Spirit will affect human behavior without gene manipulation. The Christian worldview beliefs on sexual behavior differ from Professor Dawkins suggesting it is genetically based. Christianity teaches, humanity was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), God determines the gender of a child, and God has the ability to change the deviant behavior of people. As I continued efforts towards invalidating Richard Dawkins as a possible role model his questionable stance on abortion came to mind as I read an article entitled â€Å"Abortion and Dawkins’ Fallacious Account of the So-called ‘Great Beethoven Fallacy’. The article discussed Professor Dawkins ethical and moral understanding on abortion as it relates to the Great Beethoven Fallacy and religion. Though he bible does not speak about aborting a child directly, scripture does make a distinction between killing as a result of an act of God and killing as a result of premeditation (Exodus 21:12). Christianity foundational belief in Jesus and the teachings of Jesus stands against all forms and efforts to stop procreation among humankind. God while speaking words of encouragement to Jeremiah says, â€Å"Before you were in the belly I formed you and before you came out I gave you purpose or a reason for living† (Jeremiah 1:5). In other words, the Christian worldview stands against supporting abortion or any form of human population control efforts that cause the death of Gods children. Professor Dawkins opinion differs from a person sharing in the Christian worldview by claiming, â€Å"The measuring stick for abortion is the suffering of the fetus (McLachlan, 2009). Professor Dawkins proposing questions such as â€Å"Does the pregnant woman or the family suffer† is immaterial when God identifies with the fetus before the birthing process begins. In addition to the fetus or the family suffering in respect to aborting the child, consideration was also placed on the mental aspects of the family. For instance, terminating pregnancy due to psychological issues, health of parents or number of children could also be a deciding factor in aborting the child. The final area used to rule out the possibility of Professor Dawkins serving as a role model for me or anyone with a Christian worldview was his foundational belief concerning the existence and nature of God. Professor Dawkins book entitled The God Delusion, characterization of God in saying, â€Å"The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak, a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogymstic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, fihcidal, pestilential, megalomamacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully (Baker, 2009, p. 75). † During his childlike rant Dawkins proved, he was incapable of serving as a role model to anyone whose foundational belief was Christianity. By questioning Gods absolute authority, Dawkins implied God was unable to judge humankind righteously. A person with a limited understanding of scripture yet posses the Christian worldview may feel challenged as they read Dawkins statement of God as being jealous. In all actuality the Biblical scriptures contained in the book of Exodus speaks of God being jealous but not in the context of Professor Dawkins statement. By definition, Dawkins reasoning meant someone that is envious of another because of his or her achievements and advantages. The difference in Dawkins definition of jealousy and the Holy Scripture is in the interpretation of Exodus 20:5, which does not pertain to the sin of jealously but rather the act of giving someone else something (Worship) that only belongs to God. In closing, Professor Richard Dawkins is not a person I would choose to be a role model based on the following facts, his belief that gene manipulation will determine the outcome of human behavior as compared to my believing God created us individually without gene manipulation. Professor Dawkins stance for supporting abortion says the measuring stick should be the suffering of the fetus, mother and father, as compared to my believing God identifies with us before we are formed in the mother’s womb. Finally, the argument that nullifies any chance that Professor Dawkins meet the qualification of serving as my role model was his characterizing God as having the same sinful nature of humanity.

Of mice and men dramatically conveys to us the vital importance of dreams in helping us to deal Essay

â€Å"Of mice and men dramatically conveys to us the vital importance of dreams in helping us to deal; with the often difficult realities of our lives.† In this novella by John Steinbeck, some characters had dreams to get them out of difficult realities, their dreams helped them to combat the loneliness and hopelessness of there existence. George Milton and Lenny Small, two poor homeless migrant workers who belonged nowhere and to know one were doomed to a life of wandering and toil, in which they will neve be able to reap the fruits of there labour. The one thing that that kept them strong through this repetitive and useless life was a dream. â€Å"Someday we’re gonna get the jack together and we’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres an’ a cow and some pigs† (George- pg 14). It was a dream that was shared by every American worker, to have a place of their own, the opportunity to work for themselves and know one to give them orders. For Lenny the dream was very much real, it helped him to cope with the boredom that he faced and he always went to sleep happy thinking about tending the rabbits. For George on the other hand, the dream was at first like a fairytale he told Lenny to bring a smile upon his face and the promise of tending the rabbits helped him to stay out of trouble but all the while he was very optimistic about the dream and felt that there was no way it would become a reality. George’s first views towards the dream were soon changed when Candy found out about what they were planning, he offers financial help and suddenly a new view is seen of the dream. This unexpected offer by Candy means that the dream is no longer a fantasy and finally all the pain and suffering might have payed off for George, Lenny and Candy but the threat to the fulfilment of this dream is ever present in Lenny’s behaviour and in the end its Lenny’s uncontrollable actions which finally destroy dream. The dream is constantly changing, at first it was just a story told by George to cheer up Lenny, then in the middle it seemed like it would come true and finally in the end it was apparent that everyone’s dreams were shattered with Lenny as the only exception, because he dies happy with the picture of the dream in his head. Candy wishes to share in the dream with George and Lenny because he is becoming old and useless like his dog, he has nowhere to go to and now one to care about him and unlike his dog they’re not going to take him out and shoot him, instead there going to put him in an old folks home where he will feel lonely and have no freedom. By joining Lenny and George he can live out his days happy and free, forever safe knowing he won’t be canned. Once Candy realises that the dream is more or less a reality he stands up for what he believes in with dignity and courage, something he didn’t do before he realised the dream was within reach. Candy realises that he doesn’t have to be the useless old cripple anymore because he can live the rest of his life happy, without being told what to do. Candy’s dream ended in a pessimistic way because all he wanted got destroyed leaving him with nothing and hence left in the same way he was before the dream- old, useless and hanging onto his job by a thread. Crooks dream was to be respected and not judged by his colour, he too wanted to live on the ranch with Candy, George and Lenny. Crooks is an example of the bitterness, anger and hopelessness that a black American struggling to be recognised as a human being is faced with. At first Crooks was most cynical about the dream of owning a ranch but the dream was powerful enough to convince him that it was the real thing for a few moments only to be shattered by Curley’s wife who made it clear that there is no way a black, crippled outcast such as himself would ever make such a dream a reality. That statement that Curly’s wife made, made Crooks realise that he was nothing more than an outcast and what she said was in a way true, with that all the hopes and dreams of Crooks were crushed. Like Crooks, Curley’s wife is stricken with isolation and sadness. She was out of place on the ranch and because of that she was a really lonesome person with lonesome feelings and hence was often desperate for someone to talk to. Throughout the novel Curley’s wife stirred up many emotions among the workers of the ranch, such as the way she looked and acted lead other characters in the novel to see her as a â€Å"tart†. Curly’s wife indulged in a dream which had already passed her by, leaving her with a life of empty hope. Like many young women, she aspired to stardom in films after being wrongly told that she was a â€Å"natural†. At first she seemed cold hearted and set herself to make trouble but then it became apparent that she was just lonely adn wanted someone to talk to and as Curley was not interested in hearing about her hopes or dreams, the only person she found willing to listen to was Lenny.