Aetna: A Target Market Analysis Essay -- Market Research

Overview: With an evolving market in the various fields marketing, companies needed to readjust their and update their marketing strategies. Centuries ago, a company that needed to market for its products would just post a paper note at the main town street and if people liked the product it would be sold. In the 21st century, marketing became an essential field and necessary branch in any company that plans to succeed. Aetna recognized this necessity and while analyzing the company’s strategies and structure, one can recognize the un-doubtful organization in identifying their target market. Through the creation of different subsidiaries, Aetna, Inc. is able to organize its target market and classify their various services based on the target market’s specific demographics. Primary and Secondary Target Markets Being a giant in the insurance market in the United States, Aetna, Inc’s target market is widely spread and can’t be simply classified in primary and secondary targets. The company’s target market’s however, can be divided into two general markets with each having different classifications. Aetna’s target markets can be divided into an American market and an international one. Within the American market, Aetna divided itself into subsidiaries each concentrating on a specific target market. Outside of the American market, Aetna created Aetna International to specifically target various non-American markets. Within Aetna’s primary target market, there are seven subsidiaries that target the various American markets. Six of these subsidiaries aim at the various markets in the United States while the seventh aim towards improving the collective services offered by Aetna through the delivery of various health ... ... About Medicity. (2011). In Medicity. Retrieved March 10, 2012, from http://www.medicity.com/about-medicity.html About Us. (2012). In ActiveHealth Management. Retrieved March 10, 2012, from http://activehealthmanagement.com/ Aenta History. (2012). In Aetna. Retrieved March 9, 2012, from http://www.aetna.com/about-aetna-insurance/aetna-corporate-profile/aetna-history/index.html Aetna Subsidiaries: Standalone Companies Owned by Aetna. (2012). In Aetna. Retrieved March 9, 2012, from http://www.aetna.com/about-aetna-insurance/aetna-corporate-profile/subsidiaries.html Miles, J., & Armstrong, R. (Narrator). (2011). Rivalry: Aetna vs Humana [Online video]. Fox News: Business. Retrieved April 6, 2012, from http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/3893197/rivalry-aetna-vs-humana/ Our Mission. (2012). In SRC. Retrieved March 10, 2012, from http://www.aetna.com/src/about/index.html

Web Site Structure

The purpose of this paper is to discuss and compare three Web site structures from the student textbook â€Å"New Perspectives on the Internet† by Schneider and Evans. This student will identify the preferred structure and why; provide two Web site locations with URL addresses, and discuss advantages to Cascading Style Sheets in the creation of a web page. A hierarchical structure is where the â€Å"pages are linked going from the most general page down to more specific pages†¦In a hierarchical structure, users can easily move from general to specific and back again.† (Schneider/Evans. 2006. p. 65). A linear structure is where â€Å"each page is linked with the pages that follow and precede it in an ordered chain.† (Schneider/Evans. 2006. p. 64). Linear structure does allow for augmented pages â€Å"in which each page contains an additional link back to an opening page.† (Schneider/Evans. 2006. p. 65). The third type of structure is called Mixed structure where â€Å"the overall form is hierarchical, as users can move from a general introduction to individual†¦however, links also allow users to move through the site in a linear fashion. (Schneider/Evans. 2006. p. 66). A Mixed structure provides the up and down and side to side movement within a site. The preference of this student would be Mixed structure and Hierarchical structure as these two types of structures provide maximum movement throughout a Web site. Formatting links, home pages and paths are unique to each Website; but, however, are similar depending on structure. A web site that this student enjoys to peruse is the National Geographic Web site, with the URL located at http://www.nationalgeographic.com. This site appears to be styled in a hierarchical structure, as it allows general to specific inquiry. It also allows the movement of backward and forward. Another web site of interest to this student is Facebook, with the URL located at http://www.facebook.com. This web site is designed on the linear structure with augmentation. Facebook pages are linked with pages that â€Å"follow and precede it in an ordered chain.† (Schneider/Evans. 2006. p. 64) Because Facebook does support an augmented style, links to outside sources and other available pages are available to the user. This design, however, from the user opinion, is lacking in personality and compatibility with the user. The design appears to be generalized, and simplified, allowing for many users in many locations and of many cultures. It is, therefore, very generic. Both Web sites provide home page links; but, because of the differences in structure, movement within each web site page is different. After some research in Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), this student has discovered several advantages in creating web pages. âž ¢ Cascading Style Sheets are written outside of the HTML codes and are therefore easy to access, change and manipulate. âž ¢ Cascading Style Sheets provide the designer the ability to change one section within the one sheet and having all similar sheets change as well in numerous locations. In closing, Cascading Style Sheets are a must in the creation of a web site. They provide ease of movement; top to down, back and forward and specific movement side to side. This ability provides a user-friendly web site. Depending on the information provided by the Web site and the audience to which it is geared, determines how the structure of the web site is designed.

A Good Man is Hard To Find Essay - 903 Words

When are people responsible for their actions? According to Simon Blackburns theory of Soft Determinism people are responsible for their actions as long as true and available information is possessed. Blackburns short story revises the compatibilist definition several times. The revised revised definition reads as follows: The subject acted freely if she could have done otherwise in the right sense. This means that she would have done otherwise if she had chosen differently and, under the impact of other true and available thoughts or considerations, she would have chosen differently. True and available thoughts and considerations are those that represent her situation accurately, and are ones that she could reasonably†¦show more content†¦I recognized you at once(OConner 1208). She should have considered what would happen before she spoke. This may have saved her family from what was about to happen. The grandmother then tries to recover her mistake be saying I know youre a good man. You dont look a bit like you have common blood. I know you must come from nice people. (OConner 1208). By this time the grandmother is desperate, she seems to be saying these things only to fool herself, and her family is assassinated one by one. According to the revised revised definition the grandmother could have made a different choice with the true and available information that is provided to her by the misfit. A different choice may have led to a different outcome. Although she was not responsible for the murder of her family, her choices are the reason the family was on that particular road at that particular time. On the other hand Bailey knew his mother is pushy and manipulative. Bailey gives into his mother and his children by conceding to stop at the plantation at his mother’s request saying â€Å"All right, but get this. This is the only time we are going to stop for anything li ke this. This is the one and only time (OConner 1206). Bailey had the choice, he obviously didn’t want to take the detour, yet he complied with the help of his mother’s manipulation. According to Blackburns theory, Bailey is responsible once he has true and available information. BlackburnShow MoreRelatedIs It Hard For Find A Good Man?1739 Words   |  7 PagesHadleigh Garza Ms. Vernon English 1302.05 March 26, 2015 Is it Hard to Find a Good Man? In the short story â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† Flannery O’Conner introduces the story with the characters, the grandmother, her son Bailey, his wife, his two children June Star and John Wesley, and the baby, on the way to Florida for a vacation. Soon after the trip begins, the grandmother states that she wants to go Georgia to see a friend, but with her awful memory, she remembers it is actually in TennesseeRead MoreA Good Man Is Hard To Find1451 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿What makes a good man How many people do you encounter each day whom considers themselves to be a righteous person? Do you agree or disagree with this persons judgement of their own character? Often a person might hide behind his or her religion as a justification for the actions made in every day life. Perhaps some people may decide that commiting enough positive actions can some how cancel out their negative actions, allowing them to consider themselves a righteous person. In Flannery OConnorsRead MoreA Good Man Is Hard To Find1460 Words   |  6 Pages1102 Society and Class in â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† In Flannery O’Connor’s short story, â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† the grandmother and the Misfit become the main focus even though the other characters are involved in the story. Throughout the entire story, The Misfit is portrayed as the symbol of evil because he was in jail; he escaped from jail, and he committed murders. The grandmother believes to be greater than the people that she are around because of the â€Å"good† that she portrays. The conventionalRead MoreA good man is hard to find2182 Words   |  9 PagesThe Use of Religion in Flannery O’Connor’s â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† Flannery O Connor is a Christian writer, and her work shows Christian themes of good and evil, grace, and salvation. O’Connor has challenged the theme of religion into all of her works largely because of her Roman Catholic upbringing. O’Connor wrote in such a way that the characters and settings of her stories are unforgettable, revealing deep insights into the human existence. In O’Connor’s Introduction to a â€Å"Memoir of MaryRead MoreA good man is hard to find2745 Words   |  11 Pages#1 A Closer Look Into â€Å"A Good Man Is Hard to Find† By James ENC-1102 The short story I chose for my critical essay is a story that caught my attention with a gentle and inspiring title and as I began to turn pages it suddenly evolved into a theme that caught me off guard and I quickly became intrigued by elusive style of writing the author used to express this story in a unique form of literature. After reading Flannery O’Connor’s â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find†, I will discuss the vividRead More A Good Man Is Hard To Find Essay638 Words   |  3 Pages Good Man Is Hard To Find A Good Man is Hard to Find Flannery O’Connor’s A Good Man is Hard to Find is filled with foreshadowing which the first time reader will not grasp, but leaps out of the pages for repeated readers. When first read, A Good Man is Hard to Find, the reader does not value the importance of the grandmother charter and her warning. She is thought to just be a rambling, nagging old lady. Even the grandmother does not realize the importance of what she is saying. The grandmotherRead MoreA Good Man Is Hard To Find Analysis743 Words   |  3 PagesIn the Flannery O’Connor’s short story, â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† we find out that the title indicates of what the story is about. The title actually came from the lyrics of a song written by Eddie Green in 1918. The title of â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† by Flannery O’Conner is quite ironic really. The reader expects to eventually find a good man in the story, but is quite surprised at the ending of the story. The title A Good Man is Hard to Find is expressed clearly in this story by introducingRead MoreAnalysis Of A Good Man Is Hard To Find1071 Words   |  5 PagesFlannery O’Connor’s â€Å"A Good Man Is Hard to Find†, the definition of good can only be determined if we understand two things, the typical definition of good and what to make of the main character known as the Grandmother. The definition of good should first be noted as, â€Å"that which is morally right; righteousness.† This will be the analysis of the grandmother and the ultimate decision as to the definition of good throughout this story. In the Secular Meaning in ‘A Good Man is Hard to Find,’ the discussionRead MoreEssay On A Good Man Is Hard To Find851 Words   |  4 Pages Review on a story â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† In the story â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† by Flannery 0’Connor, a southern family planning a road trip to Florida portrays the hypocrisy of the society through their actions and dialogues. Major question that rose in the story was what is considered good and how there aren’t enough good men left in the world.† A social science major with several courses in English, O’Connor is remembered by her classmates as obviously gifted but extremely shy. HerRead MoreEssay on A Good Man Is Hard to Find708 Words   |  3 PagesSince the beginning of mankind there is been an unsolved issue of good verses evil. We see this controversial issue in everyday life, Such as Television, Newspaper, etc. It is not difficult to label the agent of evil in Flannery O Connors signature story, A Good Man is Hard To Find, says John, Desmond. The family is described as a typical modern family, which has all type of problems. Agreeing with each other is one of the biggest p roblems the family faces. The story starts of where Grandma

Essay on Net Present Value and Ocean Carriers - 613 Words

The Charles H. Kellstadt Graduate School of Business DePaul University FIN 555: Financial Management Prof. Randy Fisher Case Study Questions: Ocean Carriers These questions relate to the Ocean Carriers case in your course packet. You can find the data for this case on the course website in a spreadsheet named: Ocean Carriers Exhibits.xls. This case provides the opportunity to make a capital budgeting decision by using discounted cash flow analysis to make an investment and corporate policy decision. Ocean Carriers is a shipping company evaluating a proposed lease of a ship for a three-year period beginning in 2003. The proposed leasing contract offers very attractive terms, but no ship in Ocean Carrier’s current fleet meets†¦show more content†¦How are your results affected? What do you conclude? Useful Hints: a. You need to be consistent in the treatment of the timing of the cash flows in your analysis. To accomplish this, you should assume that all cash flows occur at the end of the year closest to the actual date of the cash flow, so for example if the case states that a cash flow occur in â€Å"January† or â€Å"early† in a specific year, you should assume that it occurs on Dec-31 of the previous year. This is what makes most sense from a financial perspective, as the Present Value of a cash flow will be almost exactly the same whether it occurred on Dec-31 in one particular year, or Jan-1 the following year, as those two dates are just one day apart. (When there is no mentioning in the case of when within a certain year a cash flow occurs, assume that it occurs at the end of the year.) b. As stated in the case, you should assume that operating costs will grow annually at 1% in real terms. You should however be consistently using nominal cash flows while making the cash flow projections. c. Assume that Ocean Carriers has a sufficiently high taxable income in each year so that any tax shields can be used immediately. d. Assume that the ship is depreciated straight-line for 25 years to a remaining book value ofShow MoreRelatedFinance--Ocean Carriers Inc1365 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Ocean Carriers Inc. is a shipping company specializing in the operation of capsizes bulk dry carriers. In January 2001, the vice president of finance for Ocean Carriers was evaluating a contract proposal. In the proposed contract, Ocean Carriers would lease one ship to a client for a three year time frame. The customer would begin utilizing the ship in 2003. In 2001, Ocean Carriers did not have a ship that would meet the needs of this customer, and thus was considering purchasing aRead MoreOcean Carriers829 Words   |  4 PagesOcean Carriers Recommendations and Analysis We have carefully reviewed and analyzed the proposal for Ocean Carriers to lease a ship for a three-year period, beginning in early 2003. Our extensive analysis included considering the cash flows over the lifetime of this investment. We concluded that based on the expected future cash flows of this project the opportunity to take on the contract would not be advantageous for Ocean Carriers. We first considered the future expectations of the spot andRead MoreOcean Carriers613 Words   |  3 PagesOcean Carrier Case Study Summary In order to accept the recently submitted leasing contract proposal, Ocean Carriers would have to purchase a new ship. The purchasing of a new ship is a considerable investment. We have analyzed whether or not Ocean Carriers should make this investment using Free Cash Flow and Net Present Value (NPV) analysis. Given the details of the contract, the forecasted daily time charter rates, and the costs data; we have concluded that Ocean Carriers should not acceptRead MoreOcean Carriers Essays1200 Words   |  5 PagesOcean Carrier Case Study INDEX Case Background ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·3 Dilemma ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·3 Scenarios under different tax rates and years  ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·3 Alternative ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·5 Decision summary ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·5 Appendix Ocean Carrier Case Study * Case Background Mary Linn of Ocean Carriers is evaluating the purchase of a new capesize carrier for a 3-year lease proposed by a motivated customerRead MoreOcean Carriers Case Report Essay1447 Words   |  6 PagesOcean Carriers Case Report Executive Summary Ocean Carriers is evaluating a proposed lease for a ship over three years starting in 2003. Currently, Ocean Carriers does not have any ships that are available to meet this customer demand. This report will assist VP of Finance Mary Lynn to make a decision on whether or not to commission a new carrier and how long to hold on to this asset. Based off a financial analysis using the data Ocean Carriers has provided, the final recommendation is thatRead MoreCase Study: Ocean Carriers1563 Words   |  7 Pageswhich wants a contract of only 3 years. Based on the calculations of the costs of construction against the value of the contract, it is recommended that Ocean Carriers not go ahead with the construction. However, if a strategic alliance can be created with another carrier to lease their vessels, Ocean Carriers should accept the contract. If the strategic alliance is mutual, Ocean Carriers should build the vessel to add on to its own fleet. Key Financial Issues Mary Linn has to deal with the followingRead MoreCase Study1046 Words   |  5 PagesMemorandum To: CEO, Ocean Carriers Re: Ocean Carriers Capital Budgeting Mary Linn, Vice President of Finance, has been approached by a potential customer with a proposed lease of a ship for a three-year period, beginning in early 2003. The terms are very attractive but we currently do not have a ship that meets this customer’s needs. Ms. Linn has asked Group 4 to research three proposed scenarios to determine whether or not commissioning a new capesize carrier for this customer willRead MoreOcean Carriers751 Words   |  4 PagesCase 1: Ocean Carriers We think that daily spot hire rate will likely decrease next year. There are two reasons. First, there are 63 new vessels scheduled for delivery in 2001 to increase the supply of vessel and only few old vessels need to be retired, while the demand will not increase because imports of iron ore and coal would remain stagnant over next two years. Second, exhibit 5 shows that avg. spot rate of 2000 was higher than the rate of previous years and avg. 3-yr charter rate. In additionRead MoreA Case Study Of Ocean Carriers Essay1425 Words   |  6 PagesA CASE STUDY OF OCEAN CARRIERS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Ocean Carriers, a shipping company, is evaluating a proposed lease for a ship over three years starting in year 2003. Currently, Ocean Carriers has no available ship that meets the customer’s requirement, because the vessels available in Ocean Carriers fleet are either on lease or are too small for the required purpose. The goal of this report is to assist the Vice President of Finance of Ocean Carriers, Mary Lynn to make a decision on whether or notRead MoreOcean Carriers2562 Words   |  11 PagesOcean Carriers Inc. was approached in January of 2001 with a contract proposal for the leasing of one of their ships for a term of 3 years beginning in 2003. Ocean Carriers currently has no ship to accommodate the customer. To commission the construction of a new vessel would take 2 years from start to completion. The average rate in the spot market is $22,000 per day. Ocean Carriers deployed a younger fleet than average carriers and generally earned a 15% premium over the aver age daily rate

William Shakespeare s Twelfth Night - 1507 Words

Twelfth Night is a dramatic comedy which revolves around the classic Shakespearean traits of comedy, which are difficult to categorise but generally identifiable in that they often contain dazzling word play, irony, and a greater emphasis on situations than characters. While in many ways the play is a celebration of social upheaval through its characters, the play is very much characteristic to typical conventions seen in Shakespeare’s comedies when it’s identifying features are considered. By exploring the role of Malvolio within the play, it is evident of the subversive role he plays. Malvolio‘s character is introduced as one who feels he is able to obtain the hand of Olivia, who in the context of the play is only a steward let alone nobility, the social ambition is subversive for him to try and alter an establish social order of the court. Maria says that sometimes he is a kind of puritan, which aligns Malvolio with the religious group despised for its opposit ion to the theatre, winter festivals, and other forms of entertainment. The significance of this comparison of Malvolio and a Puritan may be Shakespeare’s attack on the rising ideology of strict social order, so by skewing the social order in which characters are portrayed he is able to recreate an environment which revolves around the Twelfth Night tradition where ‘roles are reversed’. Furthermore, Malvolio is the most socially ambitious character, as he is commanding of the Knights Sir Toby and Sir Andrew,Show MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Twelfth Night2005 Words   |  9 Pagesrole that gender plays in Shakespeare’s work. Focus on Twelfth Night or King Lear—or discuss both plays together. Do you see these patterns repeated? Or do you see them being challenged and somehow undermined (implicitly or explicitly) in the plots and language of the play s)?† wants to know if Shakespeare wanted to break the pattern of women being passive ob jects to men in the literature. In the story Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare all of the roles are played by men. In the fifteenth centuryRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Twelfth Night1967 Words   |  8 Pages William Shakespeare’s â€Å"Twelfth Night† or â€Å"What You Will† was written around 1601-1602 with the primary performance being in February 1602. It is known to be a high point of Shakespearian comedy as it is one of Shakespeare’s finest works. Twelfth night was written to commemorate the close of the Christmas season being possibly one of the first ever holiday specials, kind of like the Middle Ages version of â€Å"Love Actually†. The play centres on the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated duringRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Twelfth Night947 Words   |  4 PagesLove affection Recently, I’ve been reading an intriguing play, Twelfth Night, which was written by William Shakespeare. What interests me in this play most is the fact that there are a lot of love interests. Duke Orsino is greatly attracted to a gentlewoman called Olivia. However, despite his attempts to court her, she rejects his approaches as she claims to be in a period of mourning for her dead brother which has been going on for seven years. Olivia forms a tight friendship with Viola, a womanRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Twelfth Night Essay2147 Words   |  9 Pagesaffection for another person,† love takes on many forms throughout life and literature (Merriam-Webster). Through its passionate drama and witty repartee, Twelfth Night, by William Shakespeare, explores the intricate, and often complicated, realm of interpersonal love. By tracing the intertwining storylines of four unique characters, Shakespeare communicates the futility of self-love, the desperation of hopeless love, and the immeasurable virtue of selfless love. An after-effect of human’s sinfulRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Twelfth Night1436 Words   |  6 PagesWilliam Shakespeare is perhaps one of the most famous writers of English literature. His writings and plays have touched the lives of many people. At some point in our lives, whether we are aware of it or not, we have all come across a poem, play or perhaps even an old adage that was written by William Shakespeare that has captured our attention. I still remember the very first time I read Romeo and Juliet in high school. The story was one of the most memorable pieces of literature that I recallRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Twelfth Night1502 Words   |  7 PagesThe very ï ¬ rst word following the dramatis personae in the text of William Shakespeare s comedy, Twelfth Night, or What You Will, is Music. The first thing that playgoers hear at the beginning is music. This music is being played for a duke, a powerful lord residing over the setting of all the characters. He is surrounded by other lords and his attendant, Curio. The duke, Orsino, cannot help but comment: If music be the food of love, play on, Give me excess of itRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Twelfth Night1155 Words   |  5 Pagesmany aspects. Sometimes they may try to force people to act upon certain rules that define their place in society. They often try to meet expectations that society has made for them based on gender and social status. William Shakespeare reinforces these ideas in his play Twelfth Night, which introduces many meaningful messages about situations that still occur in society today. He clearly develops important themes worthy of analysis. A few of these strong themes are about stereotypes and society’sRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Twelfth Night1218 Words   |  5 PagesTwelfth Night, a romantic piece by William Shakespeare expresses a complex love triangle in the village of Illyria. One of the primary protagonists, Viola is washed up onto the shores during violent storms that separate her and her biological twin brother Sebastian. Viola is uncertain if her brother Sebastian survived. It is a coincidence, that the tragic shipwreck carried Viola to the enemy state (Illyria). Unfortunately, this forces the character to go into disguise in order to survive on the maleRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Twelfth Night1979 Words   |  8 Pageshas died. This is extremely emotionally tolling both on the nurses and the patients and lying seems like a kinder option. A situation such as this one would be deception to gain something but is helping the person being lied to. In William Shakespeare s Twelfth Night, one main characters, Viola, wakes up on the shores of Illyria after a shipwreck in which her brother has presumably died. She formulates a plan to work for the Duke, Orsino who is hopelessly in love with the sought-after Olivia. ThisRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Twelfth Night1106 Words   |  5 Pagescharacters. Before movies, people learned about love in literature. Even in the old literature, love was a common theme. In Shakespeare’s play â€Å"Twelfth Nightâ⠂¬ , different types of love between the characters are investigated. Each of the characters’ relationships play a role in the development of the story. The first and main type of love in â€Å"Twelfth Night is true love. The story’s plot is driven by the complicated love triangle between Orsino, Viola, and Olivia. However, Viola’s love is the only true

Role of Key Players and Labour Management

Question: Discuss about the Role of Key Players and Labour Management. Answer: Introduction: Labour Management Relations (LMR), also known as industrial relations, refer to the interactive system between employees, trade unions, employers and the government that creates governing rules for these relationships as well as the study of the same(Trebilock, 1998). A sturdy industrial relations system ensures a harmonious and cooperative relationship among all parties involved so as to create a conducive environment for economic efficiency(de Silva). It blends societal value, such as freedom of association, and techniques, including negotiation methods, to achieve this(Trebilock, 1998). An LMR system is necessary to address the various issues arising in the labour industry; these include issues on management policies, working conditions, and inter-personal issues. Questions of wage increments, recruitment and retrenchment, indiscipline, working hours, retirement among others can only be adequately tackled when a good LMR system is in place. The most common features of these systems include; freedom of association, protection from discrimination, right to strike among others. In Singapore, the LMR system is tripartite led by are the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF). These institutions collaborate to tackle the above-mentioned issues so as to ensure Singapore can maintain its competitive advantage. The National Wages Council also plays the role of recommending wage guidelines to all these actors to ensure uniformity and flexibility. The following report will analyse the roles played by these actors and their significance to the quest for competitive advantage in Singapore. An Analysis of the Role of Key Players Employees, their representatives (trade unions), employers and the government make up the key players in any LMR system. In Singapore, the system is tripartite; that is, a collaboration between workers, the government and employers(Min, 2012). The key partners in this collaboration are the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF)(MOM, 2016). It is through this concept of tripartism that Singapore has maintained competitive advantage and a long streak of harmony in its labour market. The collaboration ensures re-creation of employment, an effective retirement age, training of workers, proper employment policies and a versatile wage structure(MOM, 2016). Ministry of Manpower (MOM) In Singapore, Manpower is the only resource as well as a restricting component towards growth and could as well become a hindrance to new investments and business growth(NAS). The aim of establishing this ministry was to rely on the involvement and contribution of the labour crusade and employers unions to form and implement guidelines aimed at strengthening the tripartite model. It represents the government in the tripartite collaboration and as such takes on the role of custodian of labour and economic planner(NAS)(Geocities). The Ministry of Manpowers roles include: planning human resources to sustain competitive advantage, constant training of workers, ensuring industrial relations are amicable, luring foreign manpower and regulating its admission and managing foreign workers as they offer their services in Singapore, as well as providing a friendly, effective and efficient welfare structure suitable for workers in the country(NAS). By carrying out its obligations, MOM creates a national framework for other agencies and parties in the industry to follow as they perform their day to day activities. National Trade Unions Congress (NTUC) A trade union is any temporary or permanent organisation of workers with the aim of promoting industrial relations, improving workplace conditions and increasing productivity(Trade Unions Act, 1941). The NTUC in Singapore is at the centre of the Labour Movement, which is made up of fifty-eight partner unions, two offshoot associations, eleven social enterprises, six allied organisations as well as an expanding ecosystem of U Associates and enterprise partners. It is the umbrella body for trade unions and other professional associations with the aim of enhancing workers social status so as to maintain the countrys competitiveness(NTUC, 2017). NTUC promotes good industrial relations by working closely with MOM and SNEF to ensure a conducive business environment. It also works to ensure employee grievances are handled correctly by representing them where required and utilising collective bargaining agreements to get better employment conditions for members. Additionally, this body plays the role of ensuring proper working conditions and the improvement of workers quality of life through various programmes such as cooperatives, the Workplace Health Programme and the Employment Assistance Programme. All these efforts go into increasing productivity which is to the benefit of all parties involved(Geocities). Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) Inaugurated in 1980, SNEF is an association of employers driven by the objective to preserve industrial amity and assist employers to achieve success in their employment policies, so as to increase productivity, competitive advantage and the standard of their employees' work life. It garners the support of over two thousand businesses and has been very diligent in enabling the tripartite partnership among the Government, employers and unions(UWEEI, 2010). Its roles are highlighted as follows(SNEF, 2017); The representation of the primary concerns of employers in any national forums or committees that are tripartite. To provide expert advice and any consultation where needed on issues or regulations, policies or tripartite guidelines to businesses. To update employers on recent significant developments in policies affecting labour, employment or manpower through meetings, briefings or other available platforms. To offer programmed through the Training Institute and other productivity programmes so as to equip employers with the knowledge to grow a strong and ambitious labour force. The federation is tasked with assisting employers to create a comprehensive and growing workforce through programmes such as; WorkPro, which focus on workplace health and safety, quality of employee life among others. SNEF is also expected to avail employers with competitive, expedient and relevant research and information on current employment trends so as to ensure they keep up their competitive edge. National Wages Council (NWC) The NWC was established out of necessity in 1972 in Singapore as since then it has played a key role in harmonising the tripartite relationship that is the baseline for Singapores competitive success(Lee, 2013). Mr Lee Kuan Yew credited the National Wages Council with strengthening and nurturing tripartism in Singapore over the years by considering and developing guidelines on wages to be implemented by the relevant players; he refered to tripartism as a distinctive system that greatly contributed to Singapores competitive edge(Yew, 2013). The NWC is tasked with the role of formulating guidelines for wages which should go hand in hand with long-term economic growth so as to ensure continued economic and social development in Singapore and maintain its competitive advantage in the labour market(STF, 2017). It formulates these guidelines by taking into account productivity, employment situations, public opinion, international competitiveness as well as economic expansion at the time. These guidelines are then used as references as well as negotiation guidelines in matters of employee wages by the various parties in the labour market. An Analysis of Singapores Competitive Advantage through LMR Competitive advantage refers to the supremacy an organisation gains over its rivals by providing similarly valued commodities at a lower price or higher prices for greater value established through uniqueness(Patwardhan, 2016). Where a company experiences profits higher than those within the industry after matching its core competencies to the available opportunities, it is said to have achieved competitive advantage. In order to achieve competitive advantage, it is important for all key players to ensure they take make strategic decisions in exercising their roles in the industrial relations system(Patwardhan, 2016). As aforementioned, Singapores competitiveness depends on the effectiveness of its tripartite model. As a key player in this model, MOM has contributed to achieving competitive advantage by formulating and implementing policies that ease labour relations, promote employee rights and safety in the workplace, regulating foreign manpower supply and promoting tripartite programmes(Gwee, 2013). The ministry has been able to achieve success in ensuring competitiveness through strategy alignment, innovation, development of core strengths and the competency and commitment of members(MOM, 2011). The government is however faced with the challenge of regulating foreign participation in the labour market in a balanced manner that ensures economic growth and benefits to all parties, Additionally, the aspect of globalisation poses a challenge as there is less control over economic planning which results in the need to change policies, albeit reluctantly, to maintain competitiveness. Competition for investments can also create challenges in securing employee rights. Additionally, NTUC as a key player in Singapores labour management relations system plays a key role in achieving competitive advantage. It has been previously mentioned that workers are Singapores most important, if not only, resource(NAS). As such, ensuring they are healthy and have quality life is paramount to achieving competitive advantage. Well cared for workers are highly productive and as such highly profitable. As a trade union, NTUC ensures this through health programmes, collective bargaining, pushing for legislation that ensures workplace safety among other employment conditions(Geocities). However, a challenge arises from the symbiotic relationship between the ruling Peoples Action Party (PAP) and the NTUC(Export.gov, 2016). This relationship is close to the extent that once can say the views of the NTUC reflect those of the PAP(Lepoer, 1989). This relationship means the independence of the union is in question and as such employee rights can be compromised to maintain good relations with the government. In 2012, four Chinese drivers were held and charged with instigating a strike to protest poor living conditions and low wages. Additionally, Singapore has no laws that prohibit antiunion discrimination or retaliation on strikers(Export.gov, 2016). It is possible that if the NTUC had a more independent relationship with the ruling party it would be able to better advocate for employee rights such as these and as such boost productivity leading to a greater competitive advantage. SNEF, as a player in the tripartite model, contributes to the quest for competitive advantage by offering programs such as Sapphire that help employers to transform workplaces to boost competitive advantage(SNEF, 2017). These programmes assist employers to tackle the issues of age, proper HR policies to boost employee productivity, changes in skill and requirements in the workforce, foreign manpower as well as technology. Ensuring employers are well equipped to deal with these and more issues goes a long way in achieving competitive advantage for the country as a whole. As aforementioned, the NWC has played a major role in strengthening the tripartite relationship that is key to Singapores competitive success. Its wage recommendations, though not binding to members of the model, have been widely implemented and referenced by both unionised and non-unionised companies(Export.gov, 2016). This creates a sense of uniformity which is key for ensuring harmony in the business environment. The guidelines it provides are geared to allow for flexibility in wage negotiations as well as speedy wage reforms so that wage increments are reflective pf the economys performance(STF, 2017). Flexibility is key as it enables companies to adjust responsively to the dynamic business environment thus ensuring the country remains globally competitive. Conclusion This report was commissioned to identify the role played by Singapores key participants of the industrial relations system in achieving competitive advantage. It has succeeded in identifying the tripartite model that has been the backbone of this system and the key to its competitive success. This model, as aforementioned encapsulates the collaboration of workers, employers, unions and the government in the labour industry. In Singapore, this collaboration is through MOM, NTUC and SNEF. However, as identified, wages play an important role in easing this relationship especially in Singapore where the sole resource is manpower. As such, the NWC also plays a key role in ensuring the three bodies achieve their objective by setting out guidelines for wages. The analysis of the role played by these organisations shoes that they face various challenges in achieving their goal by way of factors such as globalisation, foreign manpower, technology among others. However, it is evident that so f ar, and well into the future, the key players of Singapores LMR system will continue to play a significant role in ensuring the countrys competitive advantage. References Abbott, K. (2006). A Review of Employment Theories and Their Application. Problems and Perspectives in Management, 187-199. Blum, A. A. (1993). Labour-Management Relations in Singapore: A Brief Analysis. Indian Journal of Industrial Relations, 228-235. de Silva, S. (n.d.). Elements of a Sound Industrial Relations System. Bangkok: ILO. Export.gov. (2016, June 3). Singapore Labour. Retrieved from Export.gov: https://www.export.gov/article?id=Singapore-Labor Geocities. (n.d.). The Role of Trade Unions. Retrieved from GEOCITIES: https://www.geocities.ws/michi190898/erminor.pdf Gwee, J. (2013). Case Studies in Public Governance. Singapore: Routledge. HR Law Academy. (2017). Industrial Relations Institutions, Processes and Practices in Singapore. Retrieved from HR Law Academy: https://www.hrlawacademy.com.sg/workshops/industrial-relations-institutions-processes-practices-singapore/ Lee, T. C. (2013). The Story of NWC: 40 years of Tripartite Commitment and Partnership. Singapore: Straits Times Press. Leggett, C. (2005). The Fourth Transformation of Singapore's Industrial Relations. AIRAAZ, 347-356. Lepoer, B. L. (1989). Singapore: A County Study Labour. Retrieved from Country Studies: https://countrystudies.us/singapore/34.htm Macdonald, D. (1997). Industrial Relations and Globalisation Challenges for Employers and their Organisations. Turin: International Labour Organisation (ILO). Min, S. T. (2012, August). The Future of Tripartism in Singapore: Concentration or Dissonance? Retrieved from Civil Service College: https://www.cscollege.gov.sg/Knowledge/Ethos/Issue%2011%20August%202012/Pages/The%20Future%20of%20Tripartism%20in%20Singapore%20Concertation%20or%20Dissonance.aspx MOM. (2011). MOM SQA Executive Summary. Singapore: MOM. MOM. (2016, May 17). Industrial Relations. Retrieved from Ministry of Manpower: https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/trade-unions/industrial-relations MOM. (2016, October 27). What is Tripartism? Retrieved from Ministry of Manpower: https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/tripartism-in-singapore/what-is-tripartism NAS. (n.d.). Ministry of Power. Retrieved from National Archives of Singapore: https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/speeches/view-html?filename=1998022502.htm NTUC. (2017). International Relations Landscape in Singapore. Retrieved from National Trade Union Congress: https://www.ntuc.org.sg/wps/portal/up2/home/industrialrelations/irlandscapeinsingapore NTUC. (2017). Who We Are: NTUC. Retrieved from National Trade Unions Congress: https://www.ntuc.org.sg/wps/portal/up2/home/aboutntuc Patwardhan, V. (2016, March 13). Strategic Industrial Relations for Competitive Advantage. Retrieved from Vivek's World: https://vivekvsp.com/2016/03/strategic-industrial-relations-for-competitive-advantage/ Rowley, C. (2005). Human Resource Management in the Asia Pacific Region: Convergence Questioned. London: Frank Cass. SNEF. (2017). About: SNEF. Retrieved from Singapore National Employers Federation: https://www.snef.org.sg/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=SNEF/ccms.r?pageID=122#.WI-mdn_CdMQ STF. (2017). National Wages Council. Retrieved from Singapore Tripartism Forum: https://www.tripartism.sg/page/National-Wages-Council/ Tan, E. K. (2011, November 4). Tripartism and Industrial Peace in Singapore. Retrieved from If Singaporeans Stopped to Think: https://ifonlysingaporeans.blogspot.co.ke/2011/11/tripartism-and-industrial-peace-in.html Trade Unions Act. (1941). Singapore. Trebilock, A. (1998). Labour Relations and Human Resources Management. ILO Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety. Retrieved from ILO Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety. UWEEI. (2010). Tripartism. Retrieved from United Workers of Electronics Electrical Industries: https://www.uweei.org.sg/wps/portal/uweei/home/aboutus/ourwork/tripartism/!ut/p/a0/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfGjzOI9PF09Xd08jAzczR0tDTy9DEIdPQwsPcMMjfULsh0VAd03VAM!/ Wong, E. S. (1983). Industrial Relations in Singapore: Challenge for the 1980s. Southeast Asian Affairs, 263-274. Yew, L. K. (2013, July 10). Message by Mr Lee Kuan Yew. In T. C. 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That One Evening free essay sample

Evaluate a significant experience or achievement that has special meaning to you. This is a topic I dont even have to think twice about. On April 20, 1996, my mother, her fianc, my grandmother, and I went to Boston. We met up with Mr. Telicki, his wife, and his parents at Northeastern University. It was the most nerve-racking night of my life because I had to do something I am deathly afraid of. When I think of reading something in front of a class, I become all nervous and my hands get sweaty. My face turns many shades of red from embarrassment. But this was nothing compared to reading my essay about someone very important to me in front of a room full of strangers and television cameras. All night I felt like I would lose it. My stomach felt like it had popcorn kernels popping. I couldnt eat a thing and my mother was afraid that I would faint before I even got up to speak. We will write a custom essay sample on That One Evening or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page When it was finally my turn, I felt numb. I read my essay, but hardly realized what I was doing. When I read the last line, I realized what a big thing had just happened. Mr. Telicki is definitely an outstanding teacher, despite other things, and truly deserves to be Educator of the Year. After this last line, there was applause and then a hug from my Educator of the Year. We had our picture taken with Gov. Michael Dukakis, and received plaques. When I looked into Mr. Telickis eyes, I saw how touched he was by this award. And I couldnt be more happy to be involved in this big night for him. During my junior year, I realized that Mr. Telicki was a big part of my education. After having him as my English teacher for two years, I noticed how much he had taught me. Previously I knew nothing about and had little interest in English until he was my teacher. And as an avid reader of The 21st Century, I told myself I should definitely take this opportunity to submit an essay for their contest. Of course I never thought that anything would come from this. I was amazed at the fact that from over 600 entries, only 20 educators would be chosen, and Mr. Telicki was one of them. I was ecstatic at the news, and was very pleased to see the expression of happiness on Mr. Telickis face when I told him the good news. He told me it was a credit to my writing. My ideas were different though. My writing could only be as good as what I wrote about. And all I did was write the truth, that Mr. Telicki was a great teacher. Even though I was very nervous that night, I never once regretted what I did. Id walk over hot coals barefoot if thats what it would take to proclaim that I have a great teacher. And to this day, he is still a big inspiration to me. Teacher of my AP English class, he has given me the knowledge that will greatly be needed for my college experiences. The night of April 20, 1996 will be an experience I shall never forget in all my life. What Mr. Telicki has taught me will be a permanent reminder of that night, and a reminder that we have many great teachers in our school systems. They deserve all the recognition that students are capable of giving. This experience has also proved to me that I should never doubt my abilities. I should never give up. Ill try no matter what, because who knows what the outcome could be.