Saturday, August 31, 2019

Pain Equals Success Narrative Essay

Pain Equals Success Emily Flores Ms. Hellerman English Comp. 101 February 11, 2013 Pain Equals Success Too much pain is never enough pain. Without pain, you truly cannot feel and enjoy real success. Jade Kat, a strong influential young woman, always strived for success. She knew with success it will create obstacles and tests to ensure one is absolutely ready for their dream. What she didn’t know was that those struggles were about to hit her fast. It all started when Jade finished her internship with a well-known successful retail company in Japan called JuJuPop, Inc.She was immediately hired to work as a fashion designer. This was only part of her dream; her real dream was to be C. E. O. As people would say, â€Å"do not get too used to things† or â€Å"it feels too good to be true† these phrases were about to make much more sense to Jade as certain situations were about to occur. One of her coworkers, a nice swell well-groomed fellow, caught her eye at first s ight. They immediately started talking and had similar hobbies, which turned into dates that turned into a potential relationship.This guy seemed so wonderful to her until she started realizing some strange activities going on with her credit card account. This prince charming was actually using her hard-earned cash to splurge on himself behind her back. She was hurt at first and did not think this would happen to her. She immediately confronted him; he admitted it and they ended their relationship. After a few months of getting back on her feet, Jade Kat was all about striving towards success. She was still working for the company for about 5 years. Her designs were being recognized by top fashionistas.Jade was so close to her dream, she could taste it. During one of the companies fashion shows, Kobe King, one of the top of the line tuxedo designers, was checking out Jade’s wedding line and loved it. The two met for dinner at one of the finest restaurants in Japan. They went over a few of her designs and he was very impressed. He offered Jade a position in his company and she accepted. The two started working together right away on a wedding spring line. With Kobe and Jade’s launch, the two made millions off their line together.The success of their launch has made their line the top 5 to choose from in Japan. After 2 years of being great colleagues, the two decided to host a huge party inviting many famous designers and celebrities to celebrate their success together. During the party, Kobe had told Jade, â€Å"Come with me to my office, we need to talk business. † Little did she know, Kobe always had great interest in her. â€Å"Come, sit down,† he called while he fetched her a drink. While she was busy looking over designs, Kobe had locked the door in his soundproof office.After a little small talk, his intoxicated-self made his way over her and handed her the drink. She immediately smelled and noticed pill pieces in her drink an d pretended to drink it. Kobe by then, was already all over her, harassing her and even tried to abuse her. She managed to knock him down, unlock the door and get help. He later was arrested, placed in jail and out of Jade’s life for good. A situation as hard as that is something very devastating to go through. Jade had to get psychological help to get back to the successful woman she was trying hard to be.She had to forgive the ones who insulted her, attacked her, belittled her, and took her for granted but before she did that, she had to forgive herself for allowing them to hurt her. (live, laugh, dream, 2013) Once Jade was well enough to leave the rehabilitation, she rented an apartment and her old job gave her leverage and time to keep to herself until she felt fully ready to come back to work. In the next 3 months, Jade fully recovered and was back creating designs no one has ever thought to create.This recovery won so many people’s hearts and concern for her, it brought all the success she wanted. Her pain and her realness was what gave her success. Jade Kat become a strong independent woman. She created her own retail line called â€Å"On The Prowl, Inc. † and is living the life of a successful entrepreneur. Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable†¦ Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. MLK, 2013) Despite the struggles she had to endure, success was all she ever wanted and received it. With all her success and good-will, God blessed her with true love and now she lives a happy life as a successful mother, wife, and entrepreneur. References live, laugh, dream (2013) Search Quotes. Retrieved from http://www. searchquotes. com/quotes/about/Abusive_Relationship/ Martin Luther King (2001-2013) Struggle Quotes. Retrieved from http://www. brainyquote. com/quotes/keywords/struggle. html Running Head: Pain Equa ls Success Pain Equals Success Narrative Essay Pain Equals Success Emily Flores Ms. Hellerman English Comp. 101 February 11, 2013 Pain Equals Success Too much pain is never enough pain. Without pain, you truly cannot feel and enjoy real success. Jade Kat, a strong influential young woman, always strived for success. She knew with success it will create obstacles and tests to ensure one is absolutely ready for their dream. What she didn’t know was that those struggles were about to hit her fast. It all started when Jade finished her internship with a well-known successful retail company in Japan called JuJuPop, Inc.She was immediately hired to work as a fashion designer. This was only part of her dream; her real dream was to be C. E. O. As people would say, â€Å"do not get too used to things† or â€Å"it feels too good to be true† these phrases were about to make much more sense to Jade as certain situations were about to occur. One of her coworkers, a nice swell well-groomed fellow, caught her eye at first s ight. They immediately started talking and had similar hobbies, which turned into dates that turned into a potential relationship.This guy seemed so wonderful to her until she started realizing some strange activities going on with her credit card account. This prince charming was actually using her hard-earned cash to splurge on himself behind her back. She was hurt at first and did not think this would happen to her. She immediately confronted him; he admitted it and they ended their relationship. After a few months of getting back on her feet, Jade Kat was all about striving towards success. She was still working for the company for about 5 years. Her designs were being recognized by top fashionistas.Jade was so close to her dream, she could taste it. During one of the companies fashion shows, Kobe King, one of the top of the line tuxedo designers, was checking out Jade’s wedding line and loved it. The two met for dinner at one of the finest restaurants in Japan. They went over a few of her designs and he was very impressed. He offered Jade a position in his company and she accepted. The two started working together right away on a wedding spring line. With Kobe and Jade’s launch, the two made millions off their line together.The success of their launch has made their line the top 5 to choose from in Japan. After 2 years of being great colleagues, the two decided to host a huge party inviting many famous designers and celebrities to celebrate their success together. During the party, Kobe had told Jade, â€Å"Come with me to my office, we need to talk business. † Little did she know, Kobe always had great interest in her. â€Å"Come, sit down,† he called while he fetched her a drink. While she was busy looking over designs, Kobe had locked the door in his soundproof office.After a little small talk, his intoxicated-self made his way over her and handed her the drink. She immediately smelled and noticed pill pieces in her drink an d pretended to drink it. Kobe by then, was already all over her, harassing her and even tried to abuse her. She managed to knock him down, unlock the door and get help. He later was arrested, placed in jail and out of Jade’s life for good. A situation as hard as that is something very devastating to go through. Jade had to get psychological help to get back to the successful woman she was trying hard to be.She had to forgive the ones who insulted her, attacked her, belittled her, and took her for granted but before she did that, she had to forgive herself for allowing them to hurt her. (live, laugh, dream, 2013) Once Jade was well enough to leave the rehabilitation, she rented an apartment and her old job gave her leverage and time to keep to herself until she felt fully ready to come back to work. In the next 3 months, Jade fully recovered and was back creating designs no one has ever thought to create.This recovery won so many people’s hearts and concern for her, it brought all the success she wanted. Her pain and her realness was what gave her success. Jade Kat become a strong independent woman. She created her own retail line called â€Å"On The Prowl, Inc. † and is living the life of a successful entrepreneur. Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable†¦ Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. MLK, 2013) Despite the struggles she had to endure, success was all she ever wanted and received it. With all her success and good-will, God blessed her with true love and now she lives a happy life as a successful mother, wife, and entrepreneur. References live, laugh, dream (2013) Search Quotes. Retrieved from http://www. searchquotes. com/quotes/about/Abusive_Relationship/ Martin Luther King (2001-2013) Struggle Quotes. Retrieved from http://www. brainyquote. com/quotes/keywords/struggle. html Running Head: Pain Equa ls Success

Friday, August 30, 2019

Improving Organization Retention Paper Essay

Organizations often experiences staffing issues; therefore, one department will be asked to cover for another. However, these issues can be generated from several aspects within an organization such as staffing issues, financial issues, and organization retention. Subsequently, the organization administration must endeavor to sort out the best strategy to resolve these issues. In this particular paper the underlying issues involves staffing. â€Å"Strategies for improving the employee selection process include tracking recruitment sources; using realistic job previews (RJPs); using assessment tools and interviews to predict turnover; and hiring for fit and motivation (Barrick & Zimmerman, p.1 Para 6 2005). Moreover, an organization that implements a successful staffing approach will essentially establish a positive influence regarding employee retention. Nevertheless with this paper organization retention will be discussed in details, and work motivation theories will be applied to improve employee recruitment and retention at JC’s Casino. An examination of potential occupational stressors that are considered as a negative influence on recruitment and retention as well as a significant proposal will be demonstrated. Furthermore, the role of job satisfaction and its influence on retention at the casino, and recommendations for improving job satisfaction of the employees, and how that can play a part in successfully improving retention will be discussed. Ultimately, a discussing regarding counterproductive employee behavior occurring at the casino as well as what suggestions that would reduce the counterproductive behavior and increase productive employee behavior will be demonstrated as well. JC’s Casino This particular casino is in disarray as the result of unpredictable staffing issues, which essentially caused the casino dealers to leave. In fact, the dealers obtain employment with other casino that merely offered a lower wage rate in contrast to his or her former employment. Moreover, the casino housekeeping staff itself was experiencing issues because of the absenteeism and the high turnover of rooms. Consequently, this issue essentially impinged on other departments within the casino because of the required staff needed to manage the casino was lacking. Indeed, this concern did not impress the casino customers; in fact, it merely produced more chaos as the hotel had to adjust the check -in times, and hire additional staff to work in the luggage room. The customers who arrived earlier had to be accommodating as the organization policy entailed. However, the owner is unaware of the magnitude of the issues, which surrounds the casino itself. In essence, the owner merely knows of the specifics such as the dealers was dropping off like flies, and casino customers were becoming increasingly displeased regarding the untimely check-in transformation. Following, these issues and the whole story enlighten; one could understand why this particular organization desires urgent assistance as a means to improving the organization retention. Motivation Work theories One of motivation work theories that will be employed involves the Douglas McGregor’s X-Y Theory. Douglas McGregor (1906-1964) was the creator of one of the leading exceptional management theories without comparison. He hypothesized that a management position is considered as one of the most significant position within a corporation. In essence, he proposed that it was the manager responsibility to encourage and unveil the vast creative capability within people. McGregor introduced two significant forms of management approaches, which essentially started the development of his X and Y theories: the authoritarian and the participative. The Theory X authoritarian management style, employees are inherently lazy, and the individual would generally have to be forced to work. Nonetheless, under the Theory Y participative management style, employees would discover work as favorable. McGregor also emphasize that, under the proper management, all employees are naturally Theory Y employees (Kallio, 2006). The X Theory is primarily centered on a fashion of management and leadership that is authoritarian, whereas the Y Theory tends to employ more constructive aspects of leadership. Consequently, McGregor’s theory can relate to JC’s Casino situation as it expresses organization development. The Y Theory will allow the staff members to make progress and advance. This way of thinking, in view of this aspect it would be a plus to employ as a means to enhance recruitment and retention within The JC’s Casino. To embark on this journey first, the Y Theory will permit the manager to support employees’ incentives in place of reprimand and demerits. The Y Theory managers deem that each employee like work, and work for the good of the organization, which generates capitalization on competency between the employees. The Y Theory manager would give employees the chance of an independence of creativeness, which would form motivated and faithful employees who appreciate his or her job. The Y Theory managers also work toward building meaningful and productive relationships with their employees. These managers contend with McGregor understanding that the responsibility of management is to allow their employees to express their vast creative potential (Skidmore, 2006). One significant aspect, the Y manager would offer an open dialog with employees and other departments and through displaying leadership by leading with example. Domination and reprimand are not always the best, and the only method to create profitable workplace. In fact, the work itself should be asked and not commanded as a manager subscribing to the X Theory would be more likely to perform. However, the success of either of these theories would essentially depend on -the -job as well as the individual. Some people require unvarying direction and others will excel with little or no direction. In essence, it would fall back on what the individuals work best with regarding Theory X and Theory Y would come into play motivational wise. Another significant theory is called the Z theory founded by William Ouchi. This particular theory is identified as the â€Å"Japanese Challenge† within the management, which is employs the Y Theory and modern Japanese management principals. Although the employee within this theory must have the proper mind-set at all times for tasks with complete liability regarding the ultimate result of tasks. â€Å"Nevertheless, Theory Z essentially advocates a combination of all that’s best about theory Y and modern Japanese management, which places a large amount of freedom and trusts with workers, and assumes that workers have a strong loyalty and interest in team-working and the organization. An individual behavior and environment can change unexpectedly; thus, this particular theory lacks the strength, and direction contrasting to the McGregor X-Y theory that involves great motivational suggestions and reasoning. Occupational Stressors JC’s Casino organization have a high stress level profession as well as a high stress level that often surfaces between employees. This type of environment entails customers who are commonly inebriated and often irritated; thus, workers must intervene if necessary. Consequently, recruitment and retention should be meticulous because a casino environment can be challenging and not for everyone. According to researcher’s casinos that implement â€Å"Anger Management† courses that include procedures for recognizing and managing stress, which displayed a higher results regarding employee contentment (Internet Reference, Anger & Stress in Casinos-www.andersonservices.com). Role of Job Satisfaction To implement employee satisfaction the primary focus would be directed toward researching other successful casino such as Ki-Joon Back, a Korean casino. This casino successfully has applied an employee job satisfaction and organizational assertion. The Korean casino embarks on requiring the employees to engage in a survey questionnaire; consequence aided management by enhancing the condition of employee satisfaction. Moreover, this type of method can be employed within JC’s Casino with the same results. One must first follow- up on the results such as provide ongoing training, health care benefits, and maintain an open dialog with employees. Each aspect should be permanent to ensure employee satisfaction, recruitment as well as retention. Furthermore, the organization should also present employees with necessary supplies according to the resources. When employees are provided with the required supplies it will create a better atmosphere and enhance self-respect and retention. It is significant to bear in mind that integrity generally starts on the top of administration and can seep into the workers (Internet Reference, CQX.com-Cornell Hospitality Quarterly Management). Employee Behavior According to Global Gaming Business regarding employee’s behavior within type of environment by which it emphasizes that when counterproductive behavior occurs in a casino the management should tackle the issue immediately as well as the peoples involved instead evading the situation. Casino policy should be made unquestionably and sincerely to employees who in turn create an appreciation amid management and staff. Management must be the voice of logic when dealing with rumor or complex concerns. Management must take the led to sort out personally grievances and issues on the floor during his or her shift, and one should by no means leave issues unresolved. However, JC’s Casino has two key vital focal points here concerning behavior perceived as counterproductive, which starts with Joe, the tyrannical pit boss, and the above rate of absenteeism among the housekeepers. Management must correct the issue with Joe; in fact, he needs to be taught that his method of working and dealing with his coworkers is causing counterproductive. His behavior is essentially causing the employees to perform inadequately, and resulting in employees to leave the casino. Joe must be retrained and needs to from this point on apply a Y Theory approach in which he works with his employees instead of his former method. In case for some reason he refuses or cannot adjust management must consider reinstating him or shifting him to a position because his behavior is not complimentary to the organization. Another point counterproductive to the company is the above rates of housekeepers as absent from work. The casino pays a fair wage, but because of the shortage of staff the housekeepers undergoing overworked and underappreciated beliefs. The casino needs to employ a new management agenda in which the managers had a better mentality and could create an enhanced working environment for the employees. Conclusion Indeed, based on this finding manager knowledge, skills, and abilities are highly necessary. A management position is considered as one of the most significant position within a corporation. The JC Casino entails numerous significant facets and layers that could be perceived as challenging and are causes for concern. If management maintains this model, change decision-making methods and mindsets, aid employees with healthier working conditions and with respect. This will lead to longer retention and will eventually lead to a better more efficient recruitment process, which will aid the JC Casino as it continues to soar, and becomes profitable. Management must correct the issue with Joe; in fact, he needs to be taught that his method of working and dealing with his coworkers is causing counterproductive. Ultimately, the corporation expects the manager to be prepared to work harder, and to put forth more effort than the others leading by the example. The effectiveness of either of these theories would ultimately come to depend on- the- job and the workers. References Barrick, M. R. & Zimmerman, R. D. (2005). Reducing voluntary, avoidable turnover through selection. Global Gaming Business Vol.9. No. 2, (Internet Reference, CQX.com-Cornell Hospitality Quarterly Management. (Internet Reference, Anger & Stress in Casinos-www.andersonservices.com (Internet Reference, Motivational theories-www.businessballs.com. (Internet Reference, http://www.businessballs.com/mcgregor.htm. Journal of Applied Psychology, 90, 159-166. Retrieved April 4, 2011 Kallio, B. (2006). Mcgregor, Douglas. Encyclopedia of Educational Leadership and Administration. Retrieved on April 4, 2011, from http://www.sage-ereference.com/edleadership/Article_n368.html Skidmore, M. (2006). Theory X, Theory Y. Encyclopedia of Educational Leadership and Administration. Retrieved on April 4, 2011 from, http://www.sage-ereference.com/edleadership/Article_n566.html /

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Separation of Powers (Public Law )

The earliest government which is kingship as we all know of during Normandy times have inevitably becomes corrupt and passes into tyranny. The best men in the community then unseat the tyrant and institute an aristocracy. But their descendants are corrupted by the opportunity to gratify their desires and so become oligarchs. Thereupon the community overthrows the oligarchy and institutes a democracy. Next, the people are debauched by evil leaders, thus the end of the people brings in a monarch once more.It is recommended that the theory of the separation of powers grew out of the older theory of mixed monarchy as expressed by the Greek historian of Rome Polybius whose idea was simple. Instead of having an aristocracy, monarchy or democracy, a combination of any two of these forms of government would suffice to break away from this vicious cycle. However, the theory of the separation of powers as put forward by Montesquieu deals with the branches of government rather than the type of government. Lord Acton believed that ‘Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely'.Therefore, in order to eradicate the corruption of absolute power, Montesquieu identified three branches of government between which power should be allocated and separated: the executive which takes action to implement the law, defend the nation, conduct foreign affairs and administer internal policies; the legislative which makes law, and the judiciary which applies the law to determine disputes and punish criminals. According to the doctrine of the separation of powers, the executive cannot make law.Neither can the legislative determine disputes or any of the three branches exercise the power of the other. Nor can any one person be a member of any two of the branches. This is in order to protect our emancipation as according to Montesquieu: ‘When the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person, or in the same body of magistrates, there can be no libe rty†¦ there is no liberty if the powers of judging is not separated from the legislative and executive†¦ there would be an end to everything, if the same man or the same body†¦ ere to exercise those three powers. Indeed that might be true and rather desirable. To attain a pure separation of powers in theory is feasible though in practice however is almost impossible. The closest constitutional arrangements to the doctrine of separation of powers are found in the United States of America, is where the Congress is elected separately from the President, the President can veto legislation passed from Congress if one third of the house agrees with him and the Supreme Court can declare the acts non constitutional of both Congress and President.The constitution of the United States is arranged in such a way as to allow a complex system of checks and balances between the three branches of government while maintaining a clear separation of powers between them. However on the o ther side of the Atlantic however ,perhaps due to the history of the evolution of the British constitution and the absence of a codified constitutional text – the emphasis are more on checks and balances rather than a pure separation of powers.Yet, according to Hilaire Barnett, the doctrine of the separation of powers ‘runs like a thread throughout the constitution of the United Kingdom. It might be true that the doctrine of the separation of powers is deeply deep-rooted in our constitutional thought and tradition, but our constitutional arrangements and the implementation of these three powers in practice is far from separate. Sir Ivor Jennings interprets the doctrine of the separation of powers as suggesting that neither branch should execute the powers of the other, not that the three branches should not have any influence over each other.Sir William Blackstone seems to agree to some extend in suggesting that a complete separation of powers may lead to the dominance of the executive by the legislature. In my view it is believed it overlaps between the three branches may be illustrated by the position of Lord Chancellor who is a member of the cabinet while being the head of the judiciary and also chairs the House of Lords when they sit as legislature. The role of the Lord Chancellor is now being reformed by the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 to conform to the theory of the separation of powers.However, some see his role as a voice on behalf of the judiciary and pivotal in order to preserve the independence of the judicial branch. It is also argued that Lord Chancellor serves as a communicative bridge between the judiciary and the executive, especially when in times of pressure between the two branches. Another part being reformed by the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 is the relocation of the House of Lords.Some have been in doubt however that these reforms are merely formal by creating a Supreme Court only so that the House of Lords may be physi cally separate from the legislative body, thus one should also take into account that it is not easy to change a well establish body overnight as it takes time. For instance the Human Rights Act itself took two years to wholly come in to effect after the royal assent or the popular quote the Rome was not built in a day could be applied here.The matters on regards to the change of the House of Lords to Supreme Court are far from being the only overlaps between the three branches of government. The executive and legislature are seen as a ‘close union, nearly a complete fusion of the executive and legislative and this influence of which Baghot views as the efficient secret of the English constitution. Meanwhile, Lord Halisham suggests that the current electoral process which generally returns a government with a large majority of seats in parliament, contributes to an electoral dictatorship.It might be argued that this close union is exactly what Montesquieu warned us against as he states: ‘When the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person, or in the same body of magistrates, there can be no liberty; because apprehensions may arise, lest the same monarch or senate should enact tyrannical laws, to execute them in a tyrannical manner. ‘ The independence of the judiciary however seems to be deeply rooted in our constitution. It is not easy to dismiss a judge and by convention the executive does not criticise the judiciary.Some have argued that the constitutional reform jeopardises this independence due to the introduction of appointing commissions which leaves room for political selection rather than selecting judges on merit. Nonetheless, the judicial branch seems to be not only autonomous, it seems to also perform the functions of the other branches as although the judiciary is only supposed to apply the law, ‘every new meaning conferred on a word, every application of a rule to a new situation, whether by way of statu tory interpretation or under common law, ‘creates' new law.This very function of the judiciary is clearly illustrated by the case of Magor and St. Mellons Rural District Council v Newport Corporation (1965) where Lord Denning's answer to the accusation of Lord Simond of ‘naked usurpation of the legislative function' was: ‘The court, having discovered the intention of Parliament and Ministers too, must proceed to fill in the gaps. What the legislature has not written, the court must write. Barnett sees this as a ‘constitutional partnership' between the legislative and judiciary as when judges make law, Parliament may ‘tactically' approve by not interfering with it. When Parliament disagrees however, as it did when the House of Lords awarded compensation for the properties lost in Burmatic Oil v Lord Advocate (1965), Parliament overrules the decision – in this case by enacting the War Damage Act 1965. The relationship between the judiciary and the executive seems more controversial in the light of the doctrine of separation of powers.This relationship may be shown by the inability of the judiciary to punish a Minister of the Crown as demonstrated in M v Home Office [1994], In which an asylum seeker who was refused asylum applied for a judicial review which he failed. Later, he was advised by his lawyer to make another request for a judicial review on different and stronger grounds while his deportation was in half an hour. The only judge present on that afternoon was Garland J. who heard M's emergency application and asked for M to not be deported until the application could be fully heard; nonetheless M's flight took off.M's lawyers initiated contempt proceedings against the Home Secretary for ignoring the will of the court. This case therefore dealt mainly with whether the courts have any jurisdiction to find a minister of the crown in contempt of the court, which is a criminal offence. Simon Brown J, the judge who heard th e case, stated: ‘reluctant though any court must be to proclaim the crown beyond the reach of its ultimate coercive jurisdiction, it is, I believe, difficult to regard this as a black day for the rule of law or for the liberty of the subject.The court is not abrogating an historic responsibility for the control of executive government. Rather, it is recognising that when it comes to the enforcement of its decisions the relationship between the executive and the judiciary must, in the end, be one of trust. The word Trust! Whatever happened to ‘power tends to corrupt'. However, the ruling was overruled by the House of Lords which concluded, after thirty pages, that while the court has no jurisdiction to find the crown itself in contempt of the court, they have the power to do so for a servant of the crown.However, in the case of a minister of the crown, a mere finding should suffice as the court has no jurisdiction otherwise. Lord Wolf, who drafted the verdict, states that ‘the crown's relationship with the courts does not depend on coercion' hence confirming Simon Brown J's statement that the relationship between the crown and the court is of mere trust. When evaluating the British constitution it would be unwise to ignore the history by which it came to be. It should firstly be noted hat these constitutional arrangements were established one hundred years before Montesquieu wrote The Spirit of Laws, in a time of tension between Parliament and the Crown. Although Montesquieu was absent, there was no lack of eminent thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. According to WB Gwyn ‘no-one has been able to find an explicit statement of the separation of powers before it was discussed in the writings of seventeenth century Englishmen. Apart from that the Judicial Review plays a huge task in keeping the checks and balance of the executive by the judiciary.However, the seventeenth century doctrine of the separation of powers was more concer ned with accountability rather than preserving liberty. Parliament in those early days was keen to hold ministers of the crown under scrutiny, which is perhaps where the idea of ministerial responsibility comes from. It would therefore be safe to suggest that the separation of powers in the British constitution do not derive from the mixed monarchy theory as that is more concerned with the preservation and stability of the ruler rather than the quality of the government.Nor are these constitutional arrangements based on Montesquieu's doctrine of separation of powers, although he popularised the term. Thus the paradigm of the separation of powers in Britain are based on the ‘seventeen century style' separation of powers, which tries to hold a balance between the crown and parliament and allows for power to be used to check on the other powers rather than a formal and complete separation of the three branches in my view which is currently in place.Bibliography * Francis D Wormut h, The Origins of Modern Constitutionalism (New York Harpers, 1949) * MJC Ville , Constitutionalism and the Separation of Powers (Indianapolis 1998 2nd Edition) * Montesquieu, The Sprit of Laws , Translated and edited by Anne Cohler, Basia Miller, Harold Stone. (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1989) * Barnett, Hilaire, Constitutional and Administrative Law, 6th Ed( Routledge- Cavendish) * Commentaries on the Laws of England (1765-1769) Cambridge Law Journal Volume * Bagehot, The English Constitution * http://www. goodreads. com/story/show/31602-separation-of-powers * http://www. megaessays. com/viewpaper/47362. html * http://www. law-essays-uk. com/resources/revision-area/administrative-law/cases/separation-powers-doctrine. php ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Francis D Wormuth, The Origins of Modern Constitutionalism (New York Harpers, 1949) 22 [ 2 ].MJC Ville , Constitutionalism an d the Separation of Powers (Indianapolis 1998 2nd Edition) 36 [ 3 ]. Montesquieu, The Sprit of Laws , Translated and edited by Anne Cohler, Basia Miller, Harold Stone. (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1989) [ 4 ]. The Constitution of United States of America, Article II,III [ 5 ]. Barnett, Hilaire, Constitutional and Administrative Law, 6th Ed( Routledge- Cavendish) 105 [ 6 ]. Commentaries on the Laws of England (1765-1769), Volume 1 [ 7 ]. 17-330, Cambridge Law Journal Volume 63, No. 2 [ 8 ]. Bagehot, The English Constitution ,1867 ,67 [ 9 ]. Bagehot, The English Constitution ,1867,68 [ 10 ]. Albert Venn Dicey, John Humprey Carlile Moris, Dicey and Moris on the Conflicts of Laws, 129 [ 11 ]. Barnett, Hilaire, Constitutional and Administrative Law [ 12 ]. Ibid [ 13 ]. Gwyn, W. B,The Meaning of the Separation of Powers ,The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff, (1965),9 [ 14 ]. Sarah Barber , Regicide and Republicanism, Edinburgh University Press, 13-14

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

E-commerce Transactions Scare Customers Research Proposal

E-commerce Transactions Scare Customers - Research Proposal Example This has necessitated the need to have a secure environment, over the internet, where sellers and buyers can safely transact the business. On the other hand, the private details of internet users are being accessed by unauthorized fakes, which make it mandatory to have in place the measures for combating such menace. In view of the above, the proposed research intends to investigate the privacy issues from social, psychological, economic and regulatory perspectives. Apart from this, the paper would investigate into the technical issues, related to the provision of security for e-commerce transactions. However, the personal information submitted at the time of such transaction by the customer can be misused by various fakes for committing many frauds, which include credit card and payment crimes. Hence, it is imperative to understand the effect of correctional methods that are needed to counter the challenges of privacy and security in e-commerce. Whether such measures have really hel ped the buyer and seller? On the other hand, it might have dampened the business prospects of sellers, as consumers fear that their personal data can land up in the hands of criminal elements. This is particularly relevant, considering the current terrorism threat, all-over the world. Research Question As businesses, around the world, are still trying hard to find a perfect solution to the above-stated problem, the proposed research question for this paper would be: â€Å"What steps companies should take, in e-commerce, to ally the fears of customers regarding reuse of their personal information?† Literature review Previous research studies conducted in this direction have reported in detail about various perspectives that relate to security and privacy issues. A poll conducted by business week revealed that 40% online shoppers were surprised to find their personal details being used by others, for different business purposes, while 57% of such online consumers favored mandat ory laws for regulating the use of such information. (Harris Poll, 200). The reason for these concerns could be traced to non-implementation of fundamental regulations with regard to fair information practices, by the online businesses. This has left only a few online consumers believing in the safety of their personal details provided to website owners, while many online businesses might sell such information to others.(Culnan & Armstrong 1999). (Ackerman & Davis) Privacy concerns, However, the subject of privacy being a debatable one, it is necessary to understand its definition. Culnan has defined privacy as an ability of individuals to have the control over the collection and use of their personal data. Nevertheless, there may be certain cases where disclosing private information is necessary. These would include cases involving access to credit or public health schemes.(Clarke 1999). While people feel the need to have control over the things which they want to share with others , the changing technology mandates new rules for safe conduction of business, particularly e-commerce. Clarke has discussed in detail various terms connected with the issue of privacy, which includes choice, identification, digital persona, trust, among others.  

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge - Term Paper Example A striking aspect of the story is the non-linear plot structure employed by the author. The story is divided into four compact parts. Chronologically they are arranged in this fashion – 2,1,3,4 – which means the background information about Farquhars allegiance to the confederate cause is placed next to the event of his hanging by Union soldiers. The last two parts are chronologically in the right places, and it is in the crisp and concise fourth part that we learn that the whole of preceding narrative were the final hallucinatory thoughts of Peyton Farquhar. The material for the thesis is contained in the third part which was only a matter of few minutes but takes up a large chunk of the narrative. This is deliberate on part of the author, for he is trying to show to the reader that there is so much life contained in each passing second. The author is also hinting that we mostly dont enjoy our lives to the fullest, probably because our attention is being diverted from really important things in life like family and children and toward superficial things like status, wealth accumulation, etc. (Powers, 1982, p.280) By showing to the readers that so much drama could be contained in a brief period of time, Bierce is suggesting that there is a great scope for happiness and enjoyment during human lifetime which we dont realize in the normal course. The high-adrenaline condition created by the thought of approaching mortality had taken Peytons imagination to a surreal zone. In this state of mind, the small hopeful signs of his escape from death looks magnified and magnificent. His powers of perception and the intake of sensory stimuli were taken to new heights. For example, â€Å"He felt the ripples upon his face and heard their separate sounds as they struck. He looked at the forest on the bank of the stream, saw the individual trees, the leaves and the

Competing by Strategic Management in Hong Kong Telecommunication Dissertation

Competing by Strategic Management in Hong Kong Telecommunication - Dissertation Example To test whether or not the ten identified factos (i.e. network quality, network coverage, market price, product and service quality, ease of using, compatibility with other network software, compatibility with other network hardware, traditional mobile function, function of the internet charting tools, and Hutchison Telecom’s licence to sell Apple iPhoneTM) could help improve the competitive advantages of Hutchison Telecom, this study conducted an online survey study through SurveyMonkey. Based on the importance-performance analysis, the company should make its 3G mobile services more compatible with other network software and hardware, establish wider network coverage and improve the market price of its 3G mobile services. Aside from market expansion and continuous investment on R&D, the company should also maintain its business alliances with Apple Inc. Table of Contents Executive Summary †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â ‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦.... 2 Table of Contents †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 3 I. ... Scope and Limitations †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 12 II. Literature Review †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 15 a. Market Structure and General Overview of Hong Kong Telecommunication Industry †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 15 b. Telecommunication Services Available in Hong Kong †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 17 b.1 Mobile Services (MS) †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 18 c. Industry Analysis of Hong Kong Telecommunication Industry †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 19 c.1 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 19 c.1.1 Threat of Entry †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 20 c.1.2 Threat of Substitu tion †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 22 c.1.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers †¦. 24 c.1.4 Bargaining Power of Buyers †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 26 c.1.5 Competitive Rivalry †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 29 d. History and Corporate Background of Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited (HTIL), Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) Limited (HTHK), and Hutchison Global Communication Limited (HGC) †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 31 e. Business Performance of Hutchison Telecom †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 33 f. Internal and External Environment of Hutchison Telecom †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 34 f.1 SWOT Analysis †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 34 f.1.1 Strength †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 35 f.1.2 Weaknesses †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 37 f.1.3 Opportunities †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 39 f.1.4 Threat †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 39 f.2 PESTLE Analysis †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 42 f.2.1 Political Issues †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 43 f.2.2 Economic Issues †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 45 f.2.3 Social Issues †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 47 f.2.4 Technological Issues †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 48 f.2.5 Legal

Monday, August 26, 2019

Module 12 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Module 12 - Essay Example Our friendship therefore was weakened and others emerged. Nevertheless, high school was totally a new environment. New friends came up and I had t make hook ups with new friends. All those we could share the same classes, same units and dorms became my intimate friends. Specifically, my closest friends were my classmates whom we shared cubes and classes. As the days passed by, and approached choice of future careers, friends changed as well. Those whom we shared common ideas before had unique careers hence different units pursue. Hence I found new friends too. When we finished high school, we got different grades, and we joined different universities and colleges to pursue different careers. Everybody went on his way to pursue his/her career. This weakened further the friendship and other new friends sprout up. From my middle school till now, friends have changed. My first friends and my current friends are totally different. From the dynamics of friendship, it is evident that friendship change very often and it is rare to get a long lasting friend whom you start from pre-school to university. Friends are subject to choice of careers in life and line of profession. Those whom you share things in common become your closest friends and those whom you have nothing much to share are distant automatically. Maintaining alive friendship is not easy. It is volatile and more often it has rewards and punishments. Indeed to appreciate somebody’s strengths and weaknesses calls for sacrifice. In essence, people have different personalities and to accept them to influence your life is challenging. According to social exchange theory, friendship is driven by decisions. Both parties are responsible for one another and entirely depend on each other. However, costs and rewards associate with decisions made. Usually, I dedicate my precious time to my friends. This time we could use to chat and implement constructive ideas

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Multinational Running And Study Of Spirent Communications Essay

Multinational Running And Study Of Spirent Communications - Essay Example The name Spirent was adopted by the company in the year 2000 and continued its business expansion process with the help of acquisitions and alliances by taking over firms such as Caw Networks, Scientific Software Engineering, Fanfare Software and Imperfect Networks (Morning Star, 2014). The customer offerings of the company are mainly focused on the growth of providing effective test simulations and solutions in networking and communications process (Spirent Communications Plc, 2013). However, the financial performance of Spirent in the year 2013 was not significant in comparison to their performance of preceding years.   The operating profit of Spirent went down from $118.3 million in 2012 to $50.1 million in 2013 (Spirent Communications Plc, 2013).However, based on year performance comparison; Spirent noted that the performance of 2nd half of 2013 had improved by almost 17% from that of the first half (Spirent Communications Plc, 2013). Considering the financial up-downs, strateg ic and operational planning objectives of Spirent, the report will focus on analyzing the concerned company to evaluate their competitive position. The business performance of Spirent will be observed with the help of data gathered from the financial documents of the company. Beginning with the revenue, Spirent experienced a steep fall in its net revenue in the year 2013 as it decreased by almost 13% after reflecting a steady growth curve for the preceding 4 years since 2009 (Spirent, 2014).

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Criminal Law Term Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Criminal Law Term - Essay Example He was released the next day when it was confirmed that he had paid the fine. He sued BCJ and ECCF under 42 U.S.C. Â § 1983. The case1 primarily challenged the authority on his rights under Fourth Amendment to strip search procedure on minor offense. The court upheld the appeal that strip search in minor offense violates the individual’s rights under Fourth Amendment. This verdict was reversed by the Unites States Supreme Court in 2012 and allows law authorities huge leverage to conduct search, including strip search even for minor offense. The court verdict was supported by 5-4 majority. Issue The main issue is that of rights granted to citizens of America under Fourth Amendment which challenges jail authorities to conduct strip search of individuals arrested for minor offense without solid reasons. The privacy rights of individuals are therefore at stake. Rule 42 U.S.C. Â § 19832, popularly known as Section 1983, provides citizens of United States, as injured party in the court of law, to sue and claim redress for violations of their rights, privileges and immunities as granted by the Constitution and Laws of the nation. The Fourth Amendment3 promotes privacy rights and explicitly forbids search of individuals including in their persons, house, paper, and effects that violates rights to be secure and says that no warrants shall be issued unless supported by oath and affirmation. Thus, authorities can conduct search only when they have reasonable suspicion or affirmation to the facts that individual has violated the law. Analysis The case is important because it questions the validity of Fourth Amendment and defines the parameters of rights of citizens under it. The verdict supported strip search. The petitioner contended that minor offense, which actually did not apply, was not sufficient reason for the humiliating strip search that he had undergone twice within a period of seven days in Burlington jail and Essex correctional center. The section 1983 and the fourth amendment, both call for reasonable suspicion for search. Indeed, rights if citizens under Fourth Amendments has been controversial for long. Supreme Court has yet to analyze and define the reasonable clauses that justify rights of citizens under Fourth Amendment for strip searches in jails and detention centers4. In Florence v. Board of Chosen Freeholders of the County of Burlington, the Supreme Court verdict upheld the legitimacy of strip search and declared that detention centers must have substantial power so as to maintain safety and order in the place. They also maintained that the threat of contraband being brought inside the jail or detention facilities is critical issue that substantially outweighs the privacy interests of the detainees or the petitioner. It can be argued that reasonable suspicion is important ingredient that needs to be considered within the wider scope of fourth amendment and was also considered in this case. The petitioner was already onc e arrested in 1998 in Essex for fleeing police and charged with obstruction of justice and use of deadly weapon. He was fined when he pled guilty. In 2005, he was arrested for defaulting in the fine, which was already paid but somehow not updated in the record. The petitioner was not searched in the police station but in the Burlington jail when was to share his cell with others. Thus, for security purpose, the search was necessary. Indeed, as

Friday, August 23, 2019

Nietzsche's program for a new europe Assignment

Nietzsche's program for a new europe - Assignment Example Nietzsche advocated the idea of â€Å"New Europe†, a utopian concept that described Europe as a continent without national boundaries which is united not on the basis of a common economic benefit and financial guiding principle but by the aspiration to cultivate the Dionysian, his basic principles based on the Greek philosophies and concepts of totality (Deleuze, 12). His idea of a new Europe was inspired by the Jewish populace in Europe. For him, the Jewish represented his description of the spiritually and mentally exceptional creatures. Nietzsche believed that such spiritual could perform creatively in a set up devoid of national institutions. . For this reason Nietzsche bestowed the Jewish with such a crucial role in the formation of an extraterritorial and a supranational (Golomb and Wistrich, 12) continent of the future where their bountiful power will surge into the great spiritual persons and their works, which would ultimately act as an everlasting consecration for Eu rope. He believed that the Jewish would turn out to be the creator and originator of values and also the catalysts in the transfiguration of values. He believed that the feeling of extreme nationalism often comes in the way of creative and spiritual emancipation. Nietzsche’s idea of a New Europe is inspired and developed on the basis of several factors which include his philosophies, the cultural, political and social influences and also the spiritual aspects that have been mentioned above. Nietzsche was fascinated by the history of the Jewish people and it was a great source of mystery for him. He was enthralled by the pattern of the Jews in the Diaspora and their aptitude as well as their capability to create a successful spiritual and cultural empire in Europe not on the basis of any nation or territory. Despite their apparent political and physical limitation, he referred to the Jews as the

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Ernest Hemmingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls Essay Example for Free

Ernest Hemmingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls Essay There is a lot of symbolism in the novel For Whom the Bell Tolls. Ernest Hemmingway characterizes the inner struggle that exists in men who engage in war. The motivations and passion begin to erode, leaving desperate men in a struggle about which they no longer feel strongly. As the novel progresses, the characters of Robert Jordan and Maria grow with the love they have for each other and the progression of their ideas about war. This growth carries them through the novel and eventually through very different paths. The character of Robert Jordan is brought to new depths of character when he meets Maria. Jordan liked to remain by himself, and he had no concern about dying on the battlefield. Additionally, the character Maria is at first a meek, traumatized victim of abuse in a prison camp. When Jordan and Maria meet, they change dramatically. Jordan’s love for Maria heals her from the wounds she suffered at the hands of men back in the prison. At the same time, Jordan comes to value his life more when he has new feelings evoked by his unity with Maria. Together they make plans to make a life with one another back in the United States, and that becomes the inspiration that carries Jordan through the war. Hemmingway’s genius for metaphorical depictions is further described by the a emotionless Robert Jordan, who has entered the war after leaving his professorship back in the United States. He takes up the Republican side of the Spanish Civil War, and his genius working with explosives earns him a higher position. At the start of his service in the war, he believes in the cause very strongly, but at the novel’s beginning, he has become worn down and disillusioned with the cause. The distinction between the Republican cause and the Fascist cause have blurred and he begins to wonder if both sides aren’t actually the same. His continued service in the war is almost robotic, he is no longer impassioned to the cause on either side. At the novel’s conclusion, Robert Jordan faces death, the denouement of his internal conflict being resolved as he finally is able to identify himself – not as a man of whose function lies only in his ruminations but rather, a man who acts on his instincts. He has been involved this war for too long despite becoming disillusioned long ago. He is tormented by the things he has done, but he ultimately realizes he needs to forget the past to refrain from making mistakes in the present. He focuses on his love for Maria and at the moment before his death, he is at peace and finally feels a connection with the world around him. The first metaphor was the snowstorm that occurred in May and hampered the progress of guerillas as they set out to detonate explosives on the bridge. The character Robert Jordan watches the snow whipping around him and describes the scene: â€Å"it was like the excitement of battle except it was clean† (Hemmingway, p186). He enjoys the fact that the snow and weather in general is beyond his control – unlike the war he is currently enduring. He is also glad that the hindrance of the snow can completely disable man’s technological innovations and stratagems for taking lives. The snowstorm is a foreshadowing element used in reference to the upcoming deaths of El Sordo and his band. It is the snow that leads the fascist soldiers on their trail and eventually leads to their demise, destroying any reinforcements for Jordan’s troops. The wildness of the snowstorm is mirrors the chaotic ending in which the soldiers run around aimlessly. Another metaphor in this novel is the bullfight. Bullfighting is referenced in the novel as a direct parallel to the senseless violence in war. The bull represents the powerful force and the matadors represent the bravery of men. In these fights, death may result but it is a minor risk for the ultimate reward of honor. Joaquin long dreamed of becoming a bullfighter, and when he tells this to his fellow guerillas, he suffers much ridicule for being too afraid to go through with his dream. This condemnation is indicative of the valor that men must have, putting their fears behind them and face death without flinching. Finito was described as cowardly – a matador who was terrified, but inside the ring, he had the courage of a â€Å"lion†, looking the bull in the face and confronting it (Hemmingway, p185). For Whom the Bell Tolls is a story about the hardships of war. As Robert continues through the war, he undergoes many changes and has his entire perception of the world changed through the lens of war’s devastation. At the end, a gentle peace takes hold of him as the character matures to his height of spiritual connectedness, and this is quickly followed by his death, the ultimate p

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Mortgage Essay Example for Free

Mortgage Essay 1. In 1932, the federal government’s intervention in the market for home ownership was desirable. Not only was it desirable, but it was needed. It has been the federal government’s desire to have every American become a part of the American dream and be a homeowner. In 1932 President Hoover signed the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to establish a series of discount banks for home mortgages. This would assist in increasing the likelihood of Americans owning a home and not feeling that they were restricted because of financial pressures. Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae, Freddie Mac were created to help bail out banks that had a growing number of defaults in mortgages. These three enterprises made it possible for banks to offer mortgages to riskier clients who normally would not qualify. This greatly expanded homeownership. It also shaped lending practices at banks and other mortgage lending firms by creating new forms of financing and creating the market of secondary mortgages. 2. Why did the U.S. Congress enact:Â  * Community Reinvestment Act – passed in 1977 requiring banks to lend in the low income neighborhoods * Mortgage Disclosure Act – passed in 1975 to provide the public with loan data that can be used to determine whether or not financial institutions are serving the needs of their community, identify possible discriminatory lending patterns and make this data publicly available * Depository Institution Deregulation and Monetary Control Act – passed in 1980 to provide gradual elimination of limitations on the rates of interest payable on deposits and accounts; authorize interest bearing accounts * Housing and Community Development Act – amended to create section 8 housing These methods were effective in expanding homeownership by making it easier and providing greater methods to become a homeowner. The government’s promotion of subprime mortgages created more problems that assistance. It was the initial cause of the 2008 financial crisis due to the rise in delinquencies and foreclosures. Basically many people were approved for houses that were not financially stable or capable of the long term obligation of buying a home. As subprime lending expanded, so did the crisis due to the over-regulation, deregulation and failed regulation that the government brought on. 3. Subprime mortgages made a contribution to the housing bubble. Since there were several more individuals approved to purchase homes, the demand for houses increased. This demand created many financial institutions and creditors to attempt to make a profit by approving loans, selling or enforcing short term buying. Once people got caught up in homeownership, but were beyond what they could afford and interest rates as well as lending practices went bad, the demand decreased, which resulted in a surplus, reduction of prices, rise in interest rate and the bubble burst. Borrowers will struggle with financing the purchase of a house, loan originators suffer from debt , MBS will suffer since the cash flow is not know in advance, the MBS investors may not receive payment and CDO holders because of the use of reserve funds due to the lack of incoming cash flow.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Cadburys Business Strategy and Human Resources (HR)

Cadburys Business Strategy and Human Resources (HR) 1.1 Access the fit of Cadburys approach to managing its human resources and its business strategies with reference to relevant models of SHRM. The approach in which Cadbury manage its human resources and its business strategies lies in the ability to identify the core competence of their people and use these resources with each individuals capability to create a competitive advantage for the Company to stay ahead among its competitors in the industry. Cadbury Schweppes employs more than 50,000 people and has manufacturing operations in more than 35 countries. It is the worlds third largest soft drinks company and holds either the top or second position in the market share of 24 of the worlds top 50 confectionery markets. This illustrates that this large Quaker company has its value in the market where it is important for HR to manage their employees performances, working culture and management in an efficient and positive way. Resource based model, the SHRM role becomes one of the creating systems and procedures that focus not on external relationships but on how staff and their abilities are used. The resource based model recognizes that many aspects of capability can be formally defined in skill terms and allows the integration of the intangible aspects of work alongside other more visible areas such as patents, trademarks and other intellectual. The core competencies include many things such as aspects change of the management, capability of staff, strategic development capability and speed of response. The RBV of the firm argues that a firms growth (Penrose, 1959) and competitive advantage (Wernerfelt, 1984) are function of the unique bundle of resources that it possess and deploys (Barney, 1991, 1997). Firms acquire critical human resources and then establish HR system to enhance the potential of these human resources that are most difficult to imitate (Paauwe and Boselie, 2002; Jackson et al., 2004) As the business has grown and acquired a wide range of non Cadbury originated businesses the strategy has been adapted to fit the worldwide competitive situation it finds itself in. Cadburys goal is to deliver its superior shareholder performance, just as simple as that Cadbury focused on its shareholders which ranked 26th in the FTSE and they achieved its goal in the year of 2004 by showing the turnover business from  £6,738 million to  £1,115 million for its underlying profit. The success of a best fit model depends on its ability to integrate into the strategic plans of the organization, provide horizontal or vertical integration or the key policy areas. How far organizational objectives will be met is also dependent on the level of fit between the business strategy and the environment at one level, HR strategy and business strategy at a second level and the internal coherence of the policy. Best fit allows organizations to determine whether a hard or a soft approach needs to be taken given the prevailing circumstance and the success of a best fit model depends on its ability to integrate into the strategic plans of the organisation and provide horizontal or vertical integration of the key policy areas. There is no one single perfect SHRM model to be applied in Cadburys and the Company needs to take into consideration the nature of business of the Company, the external environment of the industry and in this case the resource based view and best fit model is more suitable. 1.2 Using your knowledge from Unit 8 and the related information about managing effective change evaluate the organisations approach to change assessing its impact and the role played by SHRM techniques and processes? It is important for Cadbury to use its SHRM techniques and processes to manage effective change and evaluate the impact by helping the company in establishing or executing various strategies, provide alternative insights. HR requires people management skills but also in depth understanding of the current situation of the Company and provide value creating proposition accordingly. The HR departments strategies, policies and activities must support and align with the companys corporate and competitive strategies. The strategies of Cadbury for managing their peoples value is to aim to increase employee understanding on how company be profitable and make sure employees in the company is result oriented focused. Cadbury can carry out employees surveys and use the feedback obtained to make necessary future strategy planning. Any sort of feedback -negative or positive feedback makes huge impact in the company as HR can use this to address people management issues. Any discovery of dissatisfaction can be used to minimize existing conflict and personality or culture clash happened in the company. Furthermore, the top management formulates its strategy by supplying competitive intelligence that may be useful in the strategic planning process, supplying information regarding the companys internal human strengths and weakness by conducting employee survey, feedback regionally. By doing such, HR builds a persuasive case that show how the HR can implement several strategies that can be evaluated in a mea surable terms and contribute in creating value for the company. After the merger, there is another group of employees joining the Company with different age (gap) and technology skills which plays a huge part of their working responsibility daily no matter in operations or communications area thus, there will be an internal restructuring and consolidation of workforce to be carried out. With the given transition period after the merger, and the increasingly competitive market and the continuous evolution of technology together with the different generation who may have joined the Company (Gen Y and Gen Z or NetGen), therefore HR can be able to implement workplace training to address to skill gap between employees. These trainings must also be evaluated accordingly by doing a pre training evaluation of performance and post training evaluation. It is important to ensure that the focus of the evaluation is to analyse the performance of employees as well as providing information on how to manage the different categories of people and improve on their performance .A systematic training literature indicates which techniques might be the best for which behaviour in which situation. Changes in job as new technologies develop can have similar effects and more effective training programs can also affect other systems in the work organization. For example, when a employee in C adbury change his or her current position into new position as a result of a career change or promotion, they need to enter into training program. It is important for them to understand the effects of training experiences as part of the organisation. Merger and Acquisition in Cadbury Schweppes shows difference its difference before and after the merging with Schweppes (a.k.a Cadbury Schweppes) is that they managed to show the people how strong both the company and they are worth 4.2 billion after the merging with their new HR director, Andrew Gibson whom was promoted for Cadbury Schweppes for GB and Ireland to drive the company further as HR isnt usual. Managing for Value was invented in year 1977, which this is a programme that employees have to go through on a five-day training course that linked their work to those goals. Cadburys HR director Andrew Gibson practice the use of the 3As which include Accountable, Adaptable and Aggressive which in this context is about being results-focused and tenacious. Results-focused is certainly something every Cadbury Schweppes employee has to be according to Gibson. However, HR have to ask several question such as how has the programme able to show measurable result and overall impact for the Company and whether the programmes reflect on current issues or interest that applies to their work? The impact can be measured through designing a performance management system with quantifiable elements as the staffs key performance index (KPI). Different reward system (monetary and non monetary) can be designed to motivate the staffs further and retain the overachievers in the Company. Managing the people for their value added is extremely important for HR to consider in every level in the business such as their employees have the freedom to do what is right, bottom up their initiatives where staffs can recommend to management their ideas either locally or globally. With this merging, Cadbury had gained their competitive advantages and also in the same time improved and maximize the companys resources as the company went through a major reorganization, moving to a more decentralized way of operating business units within a new structure. In order to reinforce that message of value added for the people, Cadbury Schweppes has two share schemes, ShareSave that has been operating since 1974 and the companys share worth having for Cadburys employee. The impact can be accessed through analyzing the overall staff turnover of the Company and also conduct a staff satisfaction survey relating it to their performance results. Working Better Together is a framework designed by their HR director himself, Andrew Gibson is to encourage employees to undertake in order to work more collaboratively than they were used to a more decentralised business structure both company have different working culture after merged. Cadbury Schweppes have some tough managers who would usually only talk about hard nose financial results where they focus on behaviour and unlocking the potential of people at different levels of the business had really paid dividends. The impact can be measured by the overall team performance and the reduction in conflict or people issues. Passion for People was introduced for directors to look closely of their peoples managing performance and also their skills of enhancement. Adding to the impression that the people who work there with full satisfaction, Gibson reveals that the climate survey (staff attitude survey) where the employees said they understood the businesss purpose and values and its local priorities, were proud to work for the company and felt part of team. Cadbury is successful because their HR are able to unlock employees potential and they focused on their strength and implement the growth of people within the organisation. Both companies has different cultures and it is important for HR to develop a similar benefits in the company for the peoples consideration to get used to the culture of the business and the nature of the way may undertake change. The result of those implemented programme by HR of Cadbury, showed that training and communication among employees and management is important in order to get the ball rolling within the company and also the business regionally. 1.3 From your knowledge of the course how does the HR Function seem to be supporting the Business Strategy at Cadburys? In general how can HR best support an organisations going through change? HR function important in organisation to help them formally evaluate the effectiveness of the performances within the Company. HR seems to be supporting the Business Strategy in Cadbury by bringing in Bob Stack as the companys HR director whom has being so geared towards companys dividends such as bringing more shareholders and create a positive working environment among their employees. After the merging, Cadburys business indeed been through a huge amount of change as the acquisitions of confectioners Trebor Bassett and Adams which at $4.2 billion, the purchase of Adams in 2003 was the biggest acquisition Cadbury Schweppes has made. HR function is often linked between HR department and business such as developing people, bringing out talent, supporting the organisational strategy and being guideline to the people in the Company. System value like communication, training and development should be carry out in HR function too. The changing business environment could bring employees some uncertainty towards the organisations such work is becoming unsecure, the notion of organisational boundaries is sometimes less clear, employees long term relationships with organisations could stopped due to redeveloping access in between. The change process in organisational need to make sense for the management and employees which involve communication between people of more understanding the objective and how change can be achieved. The main areas under HR function are Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Industrial Relation / Employee Relation, Compensation and Benefit, Health and Safety. Under Recruitment and Selection stage, it show how effective will HR be in planning decision such as what are the recruitment planning, career planning, succession and workforce planning of staff where they will be given chance to expand their skills or ability within the Company freely. Staff selection should be integrated as the main key task for the organisation as a whole while HR department do the selection. Training and Development is also required whether it is foundation or introduction planning for new entry level staffs, professional development for executives, leadership and management training for managers and HOD in order for the people to improve and grow together with the Company. Industrial Relation / Employee Relation reflect on areas for employees assessment such as teamwork, mentoring, communication between people within an organisation. Compensation and Benefit stage is where the staffs need to know what are the equitable of themselves such as promotion, rewards, insurance, employees deduction of funds and etc. Lastly but not least, Health and Safety is being considered because the employees need to have sort of security during working hours in case if any accident might happen and the Company will have the responsibility to take care of it. In general, HR department is like a consultant of the Company where they assist people to solve their problems or difficulty working among colleagues, provide guidance, explaining or create ruling (SOP) in line with the labour laws and human rights to support organisation which is also called as HR Chain Management. Section B Question 2 What is the value to organisations in creating a learning organisational culture? How can organisations work towards creating this culture through its HRM/HRD Strategies? The value and the importance of an organization in creating a learning organisational culture is to encourage the interaction and friendship between the families in the company. Skills training programme and also advanced system that can simplify work yet promoting a happy workplace is the criteria that HRM/HRD (Human Resource Management / Human Resource Development) should consider in order to help staffs maintain a healthy balance between work and their personal life as we know we spent most of our time in workplace from 9am-6pm (average 8 hours per day). A company should be enriched by the staffs creativity, brilliant ideas and initiative in order to grow or move forward thus, taking care of their needs and potential has to discover and what matters is the quality of staffs work, results together with their passion that is always noted and rewarded by the company. Organisational culture can be reflected in person related objectives and bring in the cultural change or culture reinf orcement. For example, the HR department in an organisations will need to work closely with Corporate Culture department on how to bring their staffs together as one family such as setting up activities that are designed to build their characteristic and leadership skills by understanding their job more in various area. Culture is a set of shared meanings that influence or determine behaviour on how decision are taken care of, how rules are made, what and what information is being shared. All these elements can also prescribed by organisations in term of say their mission statements or in the informal ways, individuals and groups develop ways of thinking about working behaviour and these is an attitude that grows over time in response to organisational events. By creating a healthy culture, an HR must consider few things such as the structural control within the Company, co-ordination and job design can be influenced thoroughly thus standardisation of jobs or flexibility of job (free thinking), formalisation of communication channels and flows, division of labour between departments or teams, term and conditions and the degree of rules and also the ability to work beyond contract. The dimension of HRM in managing cultural behaviour according to strategic aspects will be discuss as follows:- What are the key to organisational relations (customer service)?, create initiatives for integrated strategic change, fast speed of making decisions, transformational leadership working to bring positive change, facilitation or prized management skills involving employee support and encouragement to employees. Teamwork and communication is always important in working culture especially it need to be handled through managing culture and being harmonised with overall business strategy objectives. Question 4 To what extent can performance management systems stand alone from an organisations overall approach to developing and managing people? How can organisations integrate the performance and developmental aspects of managing people? Use case examples to illustrate your answer. Performance Management Systems (PMS)., Bevan Thompson (1992) is a set of techniques and procedure on how to improve an organisation performance such as how to communicate the vision of an organisations objectives to the employees, providing departmental or business unit and individual performance targets that are drawn from the wider organisational objectives or a formal review process of how the objectives have been met. A fully integrated PMS (objective setting, review process and linked development and review system) provides the basis for evaluating the effectiveness of the whole performances process in providing enhanced organisational performance. As case examples, AirAsia Bhd is a low cost carrier or budget airline in Southeast Asia and they still a growing airline for 8 years now but yet theyve started to implement the 360 degrees of performance appraisal among its employee so that the company can know well as well as provide its employees with unparalleled opportunities for career development and to achieve a multi-skilled workforce which a lot more other established company has not practise this 360 degrees appraisal program. The role of HR under PMS is to consult and formulate its schemes in consultation with line of managers and staff, monitor and evaluate PMS based on stakeholder use on what are the outcomes and process effectiveness, review organisational capability as a result of PMS and design policy action in HRD and recruitment. PMS distinguishing in an organisation is seen as a series of steps linked to an overall business strategy such setting objectives, on going review on the objectives, development of personal improvement plans, formal appraisal with feedback, a competence based organisational capability review and pay review for result oriented. In this world of business today, managing people could be tough and challenging especially in a huge organisations where there are employees from different countries, different culture and also the language barriers. The features that can make up PMS as a series of steps linked to an overall business strategy as follows: Figure 1: Features of a Performance Management System As illustrated in Figure 1:Features of a Performance Management System, a performance management system has six (6) distinguished features, namely: i) Objective setting this would be the area where long term objectives would be set for the employee and are normally stated in a formal Key Performance Indicator/Index (KPI) and is normally set by the immediate manager or by the management team. ii) Ongoing review of objectives this would be the area where KPIs are reviewed periodically either every 3 months or quarterly to ensure that the employee would be able to meet the said long term objectives. iii) The development of personal improvement plans linked to training and development this area is to ascertain the targeted development that the employees wish to go through and to allow personal development to takes place to help improve productivity of the employee. iv) Formal appraisal with feedback this area is to review the progress of the employee against personal skills development and personal experimentation in trying out new tutoring systems or skills. Also to ascertain the level of self improvement the employee had managed to gain throughout the period of the objective setting. v) Pay review this area would allow the management to see how best fit the employee would be rewarded for the effort that they had shown over the period of the appraisal. vi) A competence-based organisational capability review this area would be more to organisational strategies where the organisation would be able to place resources where they are more suitable to able productivity to be increased. Learning and Development objectives should also be measured in order to contributes to better productivity, improved job performance and eventually a high performance culture. LD objectives is bring employees in an organisation to link directly with the skills and core competence requirements of the business and help to achieve organisational development goals. All these include how the employees behaviour in term of the job is being carryout, positive teamwork attitude or communication among colleagues or customers. Thus, HR department is responsible to emphasize on quality behavioural factors of the people, differentiation of individual performance (resource based view), increase bottom line (profit/cost) prioritisation to be fed down to each employee and get to understand the importance of communicating with employees themselves that can align their behaviour and attitudes. The concern to improve individuals potential in their workplace is necessary for HR because the future of th e organisations will become more dependent on the people and their ability will effectively help the company grow stronger. Despite of providing external training, staffs within the organisation can often have swapping lesson where opportunities is opened for self directed learning experiences from different colleague, different field. As for conclusion, the organisational culture will be influenced by the decisions taken by PMS on matter such as the relationship the relationship of dependence or interdependence formed by managers and employees and how this influences change through the design and delivery of the scheme. References Irwing L.Goldstein K.Kevin Ford., Training in Organisations (Fourth Edition), 2002. Derek Torrington, Laura Hall Stephen Taylor., Human Resource Management. Strategic Management of Human Resources,. University of Sunderland BA (Honours) Business Management, Version 3.0, Unit 1 Definition and Purpose of SHRM., pp.13-22. Strategic Management of Human Resources,. University of Sunderland BA (Honours) Business Management, Version 3.0, Unit 8 Managing Change: Culture and Performance., pp. Managing Human Resource Capabilities for Sustainable Competitive Advantage www.emeraldinsight.com/reseachregister The Strategic Managing of Human Resources., John Leopold, Lynette Harris Tony Watson, 2004.

Internet bank failures :: essays research papers

Product failures happen more often than many people would think. The failure can result from many elements of a products campaign such as the introduction to a stale market, missing the target through improper ad campaigns, and most importantly, not modifying a products concept to appeal to a foreign market. Web banks, also known as internet-based banks, are one such example where the success that originated in the United States was not transferred to Europe. Instead, failure occurred because of three main reasons: the money plant, the lack of access points, internet fraud, and lack of unity among neighboring countries. Banking in Europe before the introduction of web banks was very basic. People were drawn to the personal attention they received from the customer service staff, the multiple access points such as ATM’s and local branches, and the ability to use new technology such as the internet to check balances and transfer funds. The banking structure was very similar across borders of countries and was what people were used to since the evolution of banking. People trusted their banks and showed a great deal of brand loyalty, an important factor that was overlooked when introducing web banks in Europe. Web Banks very quickly turned into a large failure for many companies across Europe. The initial concept of web banks was that they would provide many services to you in the comfort of your own home, often at far lower rates than traditional banks. While many traditional banks such as Vontobel Holding AG have many requirements to hold accounts with them such as a minimum balance charge and low interest rates, web banks main concept was to offer banking for free with no balance requirements, multiple loan opportunities, and the tracking of many separate accounts under one umbrella. Realization soon came that most banks were built on the personal customer service that it provided and the money that kept the bank afloat was the money earned off loan interest and account charges. This left many bankers in Europe to second guess the new web banks. "It would have been hard for us to establish full relationships with new customers, and we couldn't really see where the revenue was going to come from." With no solid revenue stream and no personal attention, a cornerstone for banking success, it is any wonder that the proposed web banks even were invested in.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Wealth of the United States Essay -- essays research papers

Wealth of the United States   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There is a problem in the United States that is growing and is causing issues in our country, but not everybody knows about it. The problem is the distribution of wealth in our society and the world as a whole, and how it is getting worse. Some people would say that it is an inequality due to the needs of the society, while others would say it is to the needs or individuals. This causes even more problems because of there being more than one supposed reason for the issue at hand. The problem is that the distribution of power is possibly starting to be lopsided, and for many reasons. There are two main views of why this is happening, the functionalist perspective and the conflict perspective, and they differ in many ways on what is wrong, why it is wrong and what to do about it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of these groups, the functionalists, view that the uneven distribution of wealth is due to the fact that the cream rises to the top and the people who have money and prestigious positions are the ones who are capable of getting the job done. Functionalists see that there are 3 things that are intertwined with each other; wealth, power, and prestige. These three things are rewards for people who are of good character, eg: people with advanced knowledge, hard workers, and people who can take on responsibility. This whole perspective is more merit based than anything and tells people in the society that they get w...

Sunday, August 18, 2019

The Future of Computer Technology :: Exploratory Essays

The Future of Computer Technology Where is the future of computers and computer intelligence heading? Is it good? Is it the wrong direction yet the right track? A look into the past, the present, and the future of computers will likely make up the mind of a person who hasn’t thought about this topic. From a humanist stand point, I do not think the future is bright but from a computer development stand point, the future look endless. The computer was first thought up by a guy named Alan Turing who figured there could be a machine that could do mathematical equations without human interaction. Without the technology available, this thought was just that, a thought. However, in the 1930’s IBM built a calculating machine called the Mark I. Although still not quite a computer because it had to read punch cards, it would set the stage for the future. The next big step in computer technology was the building of ENIAC. The first successful, general digital computer was finished in 1945 and weighed 60000 lbs. and housed more than 18000 vacuum tubes. This computer could not permanently store information however so a new development had to be made and in 1952 EDVAC was born. Now machines could â€Å"remember† information. Technologically, this was a huge advancement but could the developers see what might come of the future if a computer can remember what it has done? But walking talking computers that could think and speak on their own were a far cry considering these machines covered more than an acre in size. The invention of the integrated circuit in 1959 was the biggest development until 1971 when the microprocessor was developed. The microprocessor can house thousands of transistors on an area the size of a pencil eraser. With the creation of the microprocessor(fig.2) came an explosion of computer technology. Now computers could be made to perform thousands of calculations a second and could fit on a desktop (fig.3). But could these computers think on their own and do things without being told? On a secondary level, yes. If a user gave a command to the computer, the computer could carry out a series of task and give the user a result. However, a computer cannot do something without being told to first such as pick up objects and destroy things. That is until the birth of AI or artificial intelligence. The Future of Computer Technology :: Exploratory Essays The Future of Computer Technology Where is the future of computers and computer intelligence heading? Is it good? Is it the wrong direction yet the right track? A look into the past, the present, and the future of computers will likely make up the mind of a person who hasn’t thought about this topic. From a humanist stand point, I do not think the future is bright but from a computer development stand point, the future look endless. The computer was first thought up by a guy named Alan Turing who figured there could be a machine that could do mathematical equations without human interaction. Without the technology available, this thought was just that, a thought. However, in the 1930’s IBM built a calculating machine called the Mark I. Although still not quite a computer because it had to read punch cards, it would set the stage for the future. The next big step in computer technology was the building of ENIAC. The first successful, general digital computer was finished in 1945 and weighed 60000 lbs. and housed more than 18000 vacuum tubes. This computer could not permanently store information however so a new development had to be made and in 1952 EDVAC was born. Now machines could â€Å"remember† information. Technologically, this was a huge advancement but could the developers see what might come of the future if a computer can remember what it has done? But walking talking computers that could think and speak on their own were a far cry considering these machines covered more than an acre in size. The invention of the integrated circuit in 1959 was the biggest development until 1971 when the microprocessor was developed. The microprocessor can house thousands of transistors on an area the size of a pencil eraser. With the creation of the microprocessor(fig.2) came an explosion of computer technology. Now computers could be made to perform thousands of calculations a second and could fit on a desktop (fig.3). But could these computers think on their own and do things without being told? On a secondary level, yes. If a user gave a command to the computer, the computer could carry out a series of task and give the user a result. However, a computer cannot do something without being told to first such as pick up objects and destroy things. That is until the birth of AI or artificial intelligence.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Importance of Visual Elements in Art Essay

Visual elements of design are the basic vocabulary of design that helps the artist to communicate with the viewer. Those visual elements are line, shape, texture, value, and color. The importance of the elements has a great effect on the meaning art throughout the history. The line which is the track between two points usually takes different forms such as straight and curves. It helps to connote motion, direction and the orientation of a picture or drawings. This can be seen most especially when four dots are arrange or placed on a paper. The interpretation of this is most likely to be that of a square. It also helps to lead the viewer’s eye and create specific meanings. The second visual element is the shape and it is usually form from closed lines. Some basics or common shapes include triangles, squares and circles. It defines space and it is usually help in establishing a balance between positive and negative space. Color is the most important visual element in that it has a great impact on human’s perception and emotions. It is the first element that attract viewer. This element can also create illusion of depth in that some colors tend to create the feeling of being closer while some being far. It also affects men and women in different ways. There are some colors that are termed short colors and these set of colors affect human nervous system. Texture can be defined as the surface quality of a material. In the real sense most artistic works or drawings have textures that help to depict some forms of meaning. This texture can be appreciated in two different ways; these are either actual or implied texture. The actual texture can be felt while the implied can be perceived in the way the art work has been created. Value is also known as the tone of a color. It results from the apposition of light and dark and it usually define the intensity of these two forms of color. Value can be classified as a component of color while others are hue and saturation. Values of an art work depends mostly on each eye perception, and there different gradation to which the values can be categorized. Examples of roles of visual elements in history

Friday, August 16, 2019

Alto Golf Course

Alvor, home to breathtaking white sand beaches, a blue sea clear beyond compare, and spectacular cliffs, is also home to the Alto Golf Course—the last golf course by Sir Henry Cotton, the legendary three-time winner of the British Open. Upon his passing, the Alto Golf Course project was continued by the golf journalist, Peter Dobereiner. For its backdrop, the course has the beautiful Monchique mountains. Adding to its beauty are two valleys, fairways, and greens that gently wind and undulate. In the first nine holes, the players are treated to a breathtaking view overlooking Lagos Bay.In the last 9 holes (which face inland) is the famed hole number 16, nicknamed the â€Å"Giant,† which is probably the longest hole in all of Europe. For all of its 604 metres, it is a Par 5 challenge. It is so challenging, that anyone who can do 5 strokes or under for this is given a certificate and his or her name is added to Alto Golf Course's roll of honour. For a golf course designed by two major greats, packed with challenges and decorated by amazing scenery, this is a golf course one just cannot afford to miss.If making a pilgrimage to the golf capital Algarve, the Alto Golf Course should be among the top of one’s list. Course Facilities Bar and Restaurant, Driving Range, Golf Academy, Golf Clubhouse, Men’s and Ladies’ Locker Rooms, Practice Bunker, Pro Shop, Putting Green, Resident Professional Course Details Location: Alvor, Portimao, Algarve Course Type: Championship Course Category: Championship Architect/Designer: Henry Cotton Required Handicap: Certificate preferred Men’s Handicap: 28 Women’s Handicap: 36 Holes: 18 Par: 72 Yards: 6,699Length: 6,215m Pestana Gramacho Golf Course Course Information and Presentation Almond groves, olive trees, fig trees, pine trees, and Carob trees all decorate the landscape of Pestana Gramacho Golf Course, a rolling 6,107 meters of golf challenges. Pestana Gramacho is an eighteen-hole won der, with nine holes added in June 2002. Designed by Ronald Fream, it is situated in the midst of the golf capital of Algarve. Pestana Gramacho is a member of the Carvoeiro Club, which is a fishing village 60 kilometres from the Faro Airport.This means that if one aims to finish a game in the Gramacho, at least an hour and a half of travel allowance should be observed if one is to catch a flight elsewhere after a game. Pestana Gramacho Golf Course is a very challenging course and one would need to negotiate the dense vegetation during a game. A deft drive to the fairway's right would be needed in hole number 2, which, at par 5, requires a ball dodge to the tall pine trees. Hole number 6 is much of a challenge too, because a drive to the tee over a body of water at par 3 is needed.A real challenge, the Pestana Gramacho Golf Course is a par 72 course off the back tees, reminiscent of the St. Andrews double greens. It has 18 large double greens, making it an unparalleled experience for even the veteran golfer. Course Facilities Bar and Restaurant, Basketball Court, Bunker Practice Area, Chipping Green, Driving Range, Football Field, Golf Academy, Golf Shop, Lawn Bowling Green, Pro Shop, Putting Green, Tennis Court Course Details Location: Quinta do Gramacho, Lagoa, Algarve Course Type: Resort Architect/Designer: Ronald FreamRequired Handicap: Certificate preferred Men’s Handicap: 28 Women’s Handicap: 36 Holes: 9 Par: 36 Yards: 6,473 Length: 2,980m Vale do Milho Golf Course Course Information and Presentation The Vale do Milho Golf Course is perfect for those wanting a short game but don't want to compromise on the challenges golfer might face: it is only 970 meters, but is packed with challenges that would test even golfing champions. Designed by David Thomas, this 9-hole course is located two kilometres from the coastal village of Carvoeiro. This golf course is great for practising one's short irons.What it has is a good number of bunkers, and even water hazards, to keep a golfer challenged all throughout the golf course's 970 metres. The Vale do Milho is not just a challenging course; it also features breathtaking spots such as waterfalls, and a wonderful view of the sea. With views and spots to relax and just breathe nature in, a golfer would be treated to a truly delightful time on the green in Vale do Milho. A trivia: David Thomas is also the designer of the Brabazon Course. It is located at The Belfry, just near Birmingham, England.The Brabazon Course had enjoyed the honour of playing host to the Ryder Cup, for three times at that, in 1985, 1989, and 1993. This is the world's most prestigious golf tournament, a biennial convergence of American and European golfing teams. With designing credentials like David Thomas's, and its own natural charm, the Vale do Milho is a golf course worth taking a trip to. Course Facilities Bunker Practice Area, Chipping Green, Driving Range, Golf Academy with Computer and Video Swing Analys er, Pro Shop, Putting Green, Snack Bar, Snooker Room Course Details Location: Praia do Carvoeiro, Lagoa, AlgarveCourse Type: Resort Architect/Designer: David Thomas Required Handicap: None Men’s Handicap: None Women’s Handicap: None Holes: 9 Par: 27 Yards: 1,012 Length: 926m Balaia Golf Course Course Information and Presentation Located within the confines of Balaia Golf Village (a resort and holiday establishment) between Albufeira and Vilamoura, the Balaia Golf Course caters to golfers of all ages and ranges of skill. Dubbed as the â€Å"Executive Course†, the Balaia Golf Course’s title indicates the high quality of its layout, with subtle changes that present great challenges for gofers of all handicaps.The Balaia Golf Course opened as a 9-hole course in 2001, its compact layout designed to challenge the golfer’s precision and shot length control—the course boosts the demands of a game and golfers are expected improve their iron shots and short games as a result. With subtle changes in the terrain and holes ranging from 58 to 160 meters, the ability to hit precise shots and deliver accurate puts are the secrets to scoring well on any game. The course is lovely to behold with its wooden bridges, lakes, manicured greenery, and elegant clubhouse serving as a backdrop.Located within a resort village, the Balaia Golf Course arguably has one of the most extensive amenities among the courses in the Algarve. A weekly 9-hole friendly tournament, the Stableford Tournament, is also open to all golfers every Wednesday. Course Facilities Bar and Restaurant, Beach Resort, Beauty Parlour, Bunkers, Chipping Green, Driving Range, Gift Shop, Golf Academy, Hairdresser, Health Club, Hotel, Indoor and Outdoor Swimming Pools, Medical Clinic, Men’s and Ladies’ Locker Rooms, Pitching Green, Pro Shop, Putting Green, Resident Professionals, Souvenir Shop and Tobacconist, Supermarket, Tennis Courts Course DetailsLocation: Balaia Golf Village, Albufeira, Algarve Course Type: Resort Architect/Designer: South Golf Required Handicap: Handicap Certificate Men’s Handicap: 28 Women’s Handicap: 36 Holes: 9 Par: 27 Yards: 1,076 Length: 984m Pine Cliffs Golf Course Course Information and Presentation The spectacular cliffs of Algarve, a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean, a 9-hole golf course with the 9th hole affectionately called the â€Å"Devil's Parlour†Ã¢â‚¬â€all these are elements of the Pine Cliffs Golf Course, which is just a stone's throw away from the Sheraton Algarve Hotel. The Pine Cliffs was built in a pine woodland edging the cliffs of Algarve.It was opened in 1990, and was designed by Martin Hawtree, from Hawtree & Son of England (also the designers of the Cerregueira course). The â€Å"Devil's Parlour† is a hole located over a cliff with a 200-foot drop. Its Par 3 ninth is the signature hole, as it is 140 metres over the deep chasm. Par 4 is no less challenging, beca use the golfer's drive must go through a narrow gap between pine trees. But what makes Pine Cliffs a golf course worth going on a â€Å"pilgrimage† for is the challenge it poses to its players: nine holes, 2274 metres in length, and the famed 9th hole—the one over the ravine.Add to that the tempting beaches of Algarve and the fact that the Sheraton Algarve Hotel is a 5-star hotel. With all these amenities and features, a golfer would not want to miss playing this amazing Algarve golf course. Another â€Å"attraction† to the Pine Cliffs golf course is that its president is the British Formula One motor racing star Nigel Mansell. Course Facilities Bar and Restaurant, Chipping Green, Driving Range, Golf Academy, Golf Clubhouse, Golf Shop, Hotel, Men’s and Ladies’ Locker Rooms, Private Beach, Pro Shop, Putting Green, Swimming Pool, Tennis Court Course DetailsLocation: Pinhal do Concelho, Albufeira, Algarve Course Type: Links Course Category: Links Arch itect/Designer: Martin Hawtree Required Handicap: None Men’s Handicap: None Women’s Handicap: None Holes: 18 Par: 33 Yards: 6,690 Length: 2,274m Vilamoura Old Course Course Information and Presentation Vilamoura Old Course is a Frank Pennink masterpiece. One of the most popular on the Algarve, it is set on property that features a luxuriously green landscape, with tree-lined fairways that make it a challenge for golfers. Situated in the outskirts of Vilamoura, it is nestled close to Algarve's breathtaking beaches.The Old Course (Vilamoura l) was inaugurated in 1969, and then renovated in 1996. The Vilamoura Golf Courses, which feature three separate layouts, are part of the places-to-be in terms of where to golf in Europe. It had played host to the 1979 Portuguese Open, in which Brian Barnes won. The fairways had been renovated in 1997. Pine trees run through the verdant and lush fairways, and these add challenge to the game. The course starts with easy Par 4 holes. Th is would be a breeze for those who keep their golf balls on the fairway, as the green of the Par 4 holes can be reached with a deft drive.The highlights of the golf course include the highly challenging Par 3 holes, which would stretch a player's skill, for the player has to have great control over the ball, and his irons selected carefully. The trees make the game more challenging and the greens are small, making little room for error on the player's part. The behind-the-scenes are to be credited for the excellence of the Vilamoura Golf Courses: the excellent irrigation system keeps the green healthy, while the excellent staff is attentive to the golfers' needs.It is no surprise, then, that the Vilamoura Golf Course is one of the most favoured golfing destinations among all the other golf courses in Europe. Course Facilities Bar and Restaurant, Driving Range, Golf Clubhouse, Golf Shop, Men’s and Ladies’ Locker Rooms, Pro Shop, Putting Green Course Details Location: Vi lamoura, Quarteira, Algarve Course Type: Championship Course Category: Championship Architect/Designer: Frank Pennink Required Handicap: Certificate preferred Men’s Handicap: 28 Women’s Handicap: 36 Holes: 18 Par: 73 Yards: 6,970 Length: 6,254m Vilamoura Victoria Golf CourseCourse Information and Presentation Designed by renowned architect, Arnold Palmer, the Victoria Golf Course is considered one of Europe’s best, and is comparable to the creme de la creme of golf courses such as Oitavos. It one the latest golf courses to have opened in the Vilamoura area, it is currently one of the longest 18-hole courses in the whole of Portugal, with holes featuring a minimum of 5 tees for golfers of all handicaps. The Victoria Golf Course’s terrain is virtually flat, with a series of man-made mounds specially designed to mimic the shapes and outlines of inland hills.This feature gives a feeling of harmonious motion. Bodies of water have been etched on the landscape t o serve as an attractive backdrop to the course. Existing wetlands and native vegetation were also carefully preserved. The design of the Victoria Golf Course is one of the most sophisticated in Europe. Not one green among the 18 greens of the course is alike, as its design team created them to have totally different shapes, sizes, and consequently, difficulties. Local knowledge of the course layout and landscape is therefore an advantage.The 2005 World Golf Championships took place in the Victoria Golf Course—a testament to its excellent quality. Course Facilities Bar and Restaurant, Buggy Bar, Driving Range, Golf Clubhouse, Golf Shop, Men’s and Ladies’ Locker Rooms, Pro Shop, Putting Green, Valet Service Course Details Location: Vilamoura, Algarve Course Type: Championship Course Category: Championship Architect/Designer: Arnold Palmer Required Handicap: Handicap Certificate Men’s Handicap: 28 Women’s Handicap: 36 Holes: 18 Par: 72 Yards: 7,215 L ength: 6,560mVilamoura Pinhal Golf Course Course Information and Presentation A Frank Pennink masterpiece, the Vilamoura Pinhal Golf Course, also known as Vilamoura 2, is a beautiful course set on a rolling, meandering, countryside. It is lined with umbrella pine, and is more open than the Old Course. The greens are much smaller, however, and would require your shots to be 100 percent accurate. The Pinhal Golf Course is located on the outskirts of Vilamoura. It had to be redesigned by Trent Jones in 1985, due to urban development.He incorporated both British and American layout concepts in the remodelling of the golf course, thus, the golfer needs to employ different styles of playing to negotiate the layout of the course. The most challenging hole has to be hole 17. For a Par 5 championship tee, it has all of 502 meters, and is a pretty complicated shot, even to veteran golfers. But nonetheless, playing the Pinhal remains an extraordinary experience. One very attractive feature of the Pinhal Golf Course is the fact that it was built in the midst of breathtaking pine woodland.It also has a spectacular view of the sea, which makes playing on this course an absolutely delightful experience. A trivia: The Pinhal Golf Course was chosen for the use of the 1988 Portuguese Ladies' Open, a part of the professional European circuit for women. Course Facilities Bar and Restaurant, Chipping Green, Coffee Shop, Driving Range, Golf Clubhouse, Golf Shop, Men’s and Ladies’ Locker Rooms, Pro Shop, Putting Green Course Details Location: Vilamoura, Quarteira, Algarve Course Type: Championship Course Category: Championship Architect/Designer: Frank PennickRequired Handicap: Certificate preferred Men’s Handicap: 28 Women’s Handicap: 36 Holes: 18 Par: 72 Yards: 6,400 Length: 6,300m Vilamoura Laguna Golf Course Course Information and Presentation The Vilamoura Laguna Golf Course (also known as Vilamoura 3), designed by Joseph Lee and William Roquemore, i s located on the periphery of Vilamoura, near the breathtaking coastline of the Algarve. The Laguna Golf Course opened its doors in 1990. It sports three nine-hole courses, with ten lakes scattered all throughout the grounds. For the greenery, the designers chose Bermuda grass.Being close to the sea, the Laguna Golf Course has wet, marshy grounds, which pose a challenge to even the most serious of players. Water is a constant contention, and bunkers have been strategically placed to provide challenge to the players. Precision in the placement of both the tee and the fairway shots are needed, and the greens have to be approached accurately. The course is a Par 72 game in all the 18-hole courses. Water hazards have been scattered all throughout the course, not to mention that the grounds are marshy and near the sea. Care is to be taken with choosing the clubs to use, because of the challenges that dot the course.While the course is challenge-filled, it is not that long a course, relat ively—a golfer can thus play without straining himself too much. Pleasure—sports-wise and aesthetics-wise—await the golfer out for a relaxing time on the green. Every second you spent in the course is a sheer pleasure. Course Facilities Bar and Restaurant, Buggy Bar, Bunker Practice Area, Chipping Green, Driving Range, Golf Shop, Pro Shop, Putting Green Course Details Location: Vilamoura, Quarteira, Algarve Course Type: Championship Course Category: Championship Architect/Designer: Joseph LeeRequired Handicap: Certificate preferred Men’s Handicap: 28 Women’s Handicap: 36 Holes: 18 Par: 72 Yards: 6,746 Length: 6,133m Vila Sol Golf Course Course Information and Presentation The Vila Sol is in between Vilamoura and the Quinta do Lago. Opened in 1991, it is already one of the main places to go to in terms of golfing in Portugal. The Vila Sol Golf Course, a sprawling course designed by Donald Steel, is home to 27 holes categorized as Prime (holes 1-9), Challenge (10-18), and Prestige (19-27). It operates as three 9-hole loops, and requires accurate shots in its pristinely kept green.The Vila Sol is wrapped around a massive pine woodland, where fig, oak and almond trees abound. The architectural style used here is that of the British school—this poses a bit of a challenge to the golfer's strategic skills, especially with the trees, lakes and bunkers dotting through the entire golf course. The most difficult holes on the entire course are always the first four holes. If a golfer wants a low overall score, he better work hard on those four early in the game. The Vila Sol features sceneries of diverse woodlands and a challenging game to boot. Its charm partly lies in its great variety of trees.What makes it the ultimate in golfing experience however, is the fact that it is home to excellent and well-kept facilities. In the years 1992 and 1993, it was selected for the Portuguese Open, which sealed its international acclaim. Cour se Facilities Bar and Restaurant, Beach Club, Chipping Green, Driving Range, Golf Academy, Golf Clubhouse, Golf Shop, Men’s and Ladies’ Locker Rooms, Pro Shop, Putting Greens, Sauna, Tennis Court, Tennis Court, Turkish Bath Course Details Location: Vilamoura, Quarteira, Algarve Course Type: Championship Course Category: Championship Architect/Designer: Donald SteeleRequired Handicap: Handicap Certificate Men’s Handicap: 27 Women’s Handicap: 35 Holes: 18 Par: 72 Yards: 6,762 Length: 6,242m Vale do Lobo Ocean Golf Course Course Information and Presentation Vale do Lobo Ocean Golf Course, situated east of Vilamoura, is one of the most famous courses in Europe, with its 16th hole (which features a tee over two ravines) being arguably the most photographed hole in the world. The hole plays to a green located over a deep ravine in the cliffs. As one of the oldest golf courses in the province, it has placed the Algarve on the map as one of the best golfing desti nations in the world.It opened in 1966 and served as a venue for the Portugal Ladies Open (part of the WPG European Tour) in 1987, as well as the Portuguese Open in 2003. Much of the Vale do Lobo Ocean Golf Course is situated near the Atlantic sea, which serves as a breathtaking backdrop for golf games. Winding through thick pine forests before getting to the Ocean holes, the winds passing through the Vale do Lobo Ocean Golf Course is challenge to even the most experienced golfer. With narrow fairways, precision and accuracy are important for a getting a good score.Olive, pine, orange, and eucalyptus trees abound, creating excellent and challenging training conditions. Course Facilities Bar and Restaurant, Beach, Chipping Green, Driving Range, Golf Academy, Golf Clubhouse, Golf Shop, Men’s and Ladies’ Locker Rooms, Practice Balls, Practice Green, Practice Net, Pro Shop, Putting Green, Swimming Pool, Tennis Court Course Details Location: Vale do Lobo, Almancil, Algarve Course Type: Championship Course Category: Championship Architect/Designer: Sir Henry Cotton Required Handicap: Certificate preferred Men’s Handicap: 28 Women’s Handicap: 36 Holes: 18 Par: 72 Yards: 5,799Length: 5,495m Pinheiros Altos Golf Course Course Information and Presentation The Pinheiros Altos Golf Course is located eighteen kilometres east of Vilamoura in Quinta do Lago. Designed by American architect Ronald Fream and opened in June of 1992, this over 6-kilometer long golf course is the site of professional golfer pilgrimage before tournament seasons begin. The point of seduction is the spacious practice ground that includes three putting greens, bunker areas, and chip shots, along with several other greens. There are also comprehensive golfing programmes for golfers of all skill levels.Included in these programmes are video analyses of golfers' swings. The Pinheiros Altos is so constructed that the first nine holes are built on sandy, hilly ground lined with umbrella pine trees, while the back nine are on level ground peppered with lakes that translate into water hazards, and even sticky sand traps that challenge even the most skilled of players. What makes the Pinheiros Altos Golf Course extraordinary is not just the fact that it is an avenue for golfers to practice; what is more alluring about it is that it is just beside the Natural Park of Ria Formosa, home to a diverse array of bird species, and intriguing flora.Beyond the exotic charm of the nature park beside it and its use as a practice ground, the excellent upkeep of the Pinheiros Altos is what makes it a golfing destination worth going to, especially for the most devoted of golfers. Course Facilities Bar and Restaurant, Buggies, Bunker Practice Area, Caddy, Chipping Green, Club Fitting Centre, Driving Range, Golf Academy, Golf Clubhouse, Golf Shop, Pro Shop, Putting Green, Trolleys Course Details Location: Quinta do Lago, Almancil, Algarve Course Type: Championship Course Cate gory: ChampionshipArchitect/Designer: Ronald Fream Required Handicap: Certificate preferred Men’s Handicap: 28 Women’s Handicap: 36 Holes: 18 Par: 72 Yards: 6,615 Length: 6,049m Quinta do Lago North Golf Course (formerly Ria Formosa) Course Information and Presentation Located in heart of town, the Quinta do Lago North Course is considered to have the best finishing holes in the Algarve. The course provides an excellent test of ability for players of all handicap levels. Its terrain—with sandy soil, dense umbrella pine forests, and various vegetations—offers very different challenges.Three architects designed it: William Mitchell designed holes 1-5 and 15-18, while Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore designed holes 6-14. Accuracy and the right selection of golf club is an important aspect of winning a game. The course features four par 5 holes that require hard and solid drives, as well as great accuracy, to play well and get good scores. The Par 4 holes are m ostly doglegs, with the exception of the 10th and 13th holes. The ability to negotiate winds plays a big part when playing in the par 3 holes.The lakes on the 13th and 18th holes pose as daunting obstacles and have claimed many balls. The bunkering is top-notch, both on the fairways and the greens, and gives the course an edge over many other courses of similar quality and design. Course Facilities Bars, Boutique, Chipping Green, Driving Range, Golf Academy, Golf Clubhouse, Golf Shop, Men’s and Ladies’ Locker Rooms, Pro Shop, Putting Green, Restaurants, Tennis Court, Trolleys Course Details Location: Quinta do Lago, Almancil, Algarve Course Type: Championship Course Category: ChampionshipArchitect/Designer: William Mitchell Required Handicap: Certificate preferred Men’s Handicap: 28 Women’s Handicap: 36 Holes: 18 Par: 72 Yards: 7,074 Length: 6,205m Sao Lourenco (San Lorenzo) Golf Course Course Information and Presentation The Sao Lourenco is a very celebr ated golf course, rated the second best golf course in Europe by the Golf World magazine. It was designed by Joseph Lee and William Roquemore, and is exclusive to Dona Filipa and Penina guests. Situated beside the Atlantic Ocean, the Sao Lourenco boasts a diverse terrain of pine trees, and even lakes and beaches.What adds more charm to this golf course is the fact that it is beside the Ria Formosa Park in Quinta do Lago. The Ria Formosa is home to exotic flora and fauna, thus, golfers who want to unwind can enjoy nature at its most enticing just a stone's throw away. The entire course is a challenging Par 72, at 6,238 meters in length. The 5th hole allows the golfer to catch a glimpse of the Ria Formosa, while the 6th and 7th holes flirt with the wetlands. It also has the legendary 8th hole, which requires three absolutely perfect shots to get to the green.Even the best players of Portugal had trouble negotiating this 8th hole. Course Facilities Bag Drop, Bar and Restaurant, Boutiqu e, Buggies, Bunker Practice Area, Chipping Green, Club Hire, Driving Range, Golf Academy, Golf Clubhouse, Golf Shop, Men’s and Ladies’ Locker Rooms, Practice Balls, Pro Shop, Putting Green Course Details Location: Vale do Lobo, Almancil, Algarve Course Type: Championship Course Category: Links Architect/Designer: Joseph Lee Required Handicap: Certificate preferred Men’s Handicap: 28 Women’s Handicap: 36 Holes: 18 Par: 72 Yards: 6,860 Length: 6,238m