Book List Friends--The People Who Know and Love You

Book List Friends--The People Who Know and Love You One of the things that is, I think, fun about paying attention to all the new and buzzed-about books is seeing connections between books. I love hearing about an upcoming release and immediately being able to think of two or three other recent books that approach the topic from a slightly different angle, making the topic accessible and interesting to a variety of readers. My more recent topical obsession is friendship, so I rounded up a list of some upcoming and recent books on friendship and what readers I’d recommend them for. Friendkeeping: A Field Guide to the People You Love, Hate, and Can’t Life Without   Julie Klam is really starting to earn her keep writing books about our relationships, first families in Please Excuse My Daughter, next with dogs in Love at First Bark   You Had Me at Woof, and now our friendships in Friendkeeping. Fellow Rioter Rebecca praised this book when it came out, saying that Klam “has this amazing knack for saying the things the rest of us think but won’t say out loud for fear of sounding like horrible people, and when she says them, she manages to be funny and warm and charmingly candid.” Recommended For:  Nonfiction skeptics, fans of women’s magazines and essays Friendfluence: The Surprising Ways Friends Make Us Who We Are by Carlin Flora Evolutionary psychologists suggest that our need for friends is deeply rooted in our early dependence on other people for survival. Although we don’t tend to think about friendship as seriously today, research has shown that our friends have strong influences on everything from what we read to our sex lives. In Friendfluence  (out on Jan. 15, 2013 from Doubleday), Carlin Flora looks at what science says about friends. I’ve only read a few chapters in my galley of this one, but I’m already enjoying it immensely. Recommended For: Science nerds, fans of narrative nonfiction, living room sociologists Letters to a Friend  by Diana Athill For many years of her life, renowned editor Diana Athill corresponded with American poet Edward Field about everything from her lover, a  Jamaican  playwright to her work as an editor for authors like V.S. Naipaul and Jean Rhys. In Letters to a Friend, Athill selected, edited and annotated her letters to offer a portrait of a friendship and a young woman’s career in letters. I’ve read some slightly mixed reviews of this one, but the idea of an epistolary memoir is just too appealing for me not to explore. Recommended For: Readers who can take some risks, literature aficionados, Anglophiles Sign up for True Story to receive nonfiction news, new releases, and must-read forthcoming titles.

Modern Composers John Cage - 1251 Words

Modern Composers: John Cage Music is a very peculiar term. Everyone knows what it is, yet there are different interpretations and definitions of what it means to them as seen from the varying styles of composers over time. In Beethoven’s case, music to him was an escape from reality and his greatest ally in cooperating with deafness. However, there are other composers who sought to think otherwise. John Cage is an exemplary modern composer who believed that music doesn’t need to make sense. He simply loved music for the pleasure of hearing sounds just as what they are. Personally, I believe that music is not something that is optional or something that can be chosen. It cannot be defined by what the listener wills it to be. Music is a†¦show more content†¦John Cage is not an outlier to this idea, yet his philosophy of music and outlook on the difference of music and sounds are very different than most composers today. For starters, â€Å"John Milton Cage Jr. w as born in Los Angeles on September 5, 1912† (Nicholls 5). This fact may be insignificant at a face value, but it means that Cage grew up during World War I and World War II, and shortly right after the Romantic Period. He was blessed with talents of both music and academics, and saw his first symphony concert at the age of five which sparked his curiosity and awe for music (Nicholls 9). After graduating Los Angeles High School decorated as a valedictorian, Cage went on to pursue the further education in Pomona College in Claremont, California, but dropped out shortly after losing his interests (Nicholls 11). He then followed his curiosity in Europe, learning of all sorts of instruments and his passion towards composing was born (Nicholls 12). From childhood to adulthood, it is clear that John Cage had a late start to his composing career compared to composers such as Chopin, who was already a published composer by the age of eight (Michalowski and Samson 1). Through his later years, Cage developed an interest and idolized Arnold Schoenberg, the Austrian composer known for his innovations in atonality (Pritchett 1). Atonality refers to a style of music in which the piece

Impact Of Globalization On Business Operations - 2244 Words

Globalization has been an economic trend for the past few decades. According to Pologeorgis(2014), globalization is defined â€Å"as a process that, based on international strategies, aims to expand business operations on a worldwide level, and was precipitated by the facilitation of global communications due to technological advancements, socioeconomic, political and environmental developments†. Globalization has increased the emigration and trades between countries. It has also lead to the flourish of multinational corporations due to the effects of offshoring and outsourcing. Many companies from advance countries have been offshoring and outsourcing overseas to maintain competitiveness in the global market. The trend became possible due to the technological advancements in transportation and communication. Therefore, more and more domestic workers in these advanced countries became unemployed due to the effects of offshoring and outsourcing. Improvements in transportation a nd communication have made offshoring and outsourcing more convenient. People were able to communicate directly through the internet to provide instructions and advices worldwide. According to Reich (1991), AT T had been hiring routine producers overseas to assemble phones starting in 1970s (p.209). Reich (1991) also found â€Å"this shift of routine production jobs from advanced to developing nations is a great boom to many workers in such nations who otherwise would be jobless or working for much lowerShow MoreRelatedPolitical Factors That Affect International Business1020 Words   |  5 Pagesoverseas markets there is often a risk, the risk is referred to as political environment risk, and these factors can facilitate or hinder business operation. Some of the political factors that affect international business include† (Justin Ervin. Zachary Smith A.2008). One significant political environmental factor that influences international business operation is trade agreements. Countries frequently enter into trade treaties to further facilitate trade between themselves. Case in point, a EuropeanRead MoreGlobalization Is A Key Component Of A Corporation s Global Business Strategy1196 Words   |  5 PagesGlobalization is a particular process driven by international trade and investment intentions that works to integrate the companies, people, and governments of different nations. Globalization has an impact on several key factors of the global nations and citizens. Just a few of the things impacted by globalization are the environment, political systems, culture, economic development, prosperity, quality of life, and the well-being of people in societies around the world. Information technology hasRead MoreNestle : The Largest Food And Beverage Multi National Corporation1741 Words   |  7 PagesGlobalization is the dominant force by which the world has become interconnected significantly as a result of extremely increased trade and decreased cultural differences. Globalization has made crucial changes in the production and trade of goods and services. The giant companies are now multinational corporations with subsidiaries in many countries. They are no longer national firms with their operations limited to the boundary of just one country. Such companies’ growth and operations are notRead MoreGlobalizations Impact on Government Business Relations1845 Words   |  7 PagesHow has globalization impacted on government business relations? What is globalization? Globalization is the increasing interdependence and connectedness of the world, its businesses and it markets, as well as flow of goods, ideas, technology, people etc. This phenomenon has increased vastly over the years due to technological advances, telecommunications and internet. As the world becomes a global economy, countries have the opportunity to advance more but with the catch that there is also increasedRead MoreThe Future Of Global Work Essay1457 Words   |  6 PagesThe Future of Global Work The modern business environment is characterized by the concept on internationalization or globalization, which has become a definitive characteristic of today’s workforce. The concept of internationalization can be described as a process through which the global presence of a firm increases. In this case, a local company expands its activities to overseas markets and develops new operational units overseas that enhance its ability to generate added value. One of theRead MoreGlobalization : Operations Management And Globalization991 Words   |  4 PagesGlobalization Globalization refers to the practice of combining the budget of a country with that of the rest of the world. To develop globally, organizations must dramatically transform their management tactics. Because operations management plays a serious part in the general business plan of global organizations, it is vital for operations managers to consider the different trials and tribulations existing in different countries and develop strategies based on those findings. (Glassmeye/McNameeRead MoreGlobalization And Competitiveness : The Impact On Future University Of Alberta Bcom Graduates Essay982 Words   |  4 Pages Globalization and Competitiveness: The Impact on Future University of Alberta Bcom Graduates Nickia Kwan 1468914 University of Alberta Globalization and Competitiveness: The Impact on Future University of Alberta Bcom Graduates Globalization continues to impact how countries connect with each other. This impact can clearly be seen in changing social, technological and economic spheres. As globalization continues to expand its influence, it results in greater international competitionRead MoreEssay on The Globalization of Nestle1612 Words   |  7 Pages Globalization is the dominant force by which the world has become interconnected significantly as a result of extremely increased trade and decreased cultural differences. Globalization has made crucial changes in the production and trade of goods and services. The giant companies are now multinational corporations with subsidiaries in many countries. They are no longer national firms with their operations limited to the boundary of just one country. Such companies’ growth and operations are notRead MoreHuman Resource Planning and Development Leads to Success Essay examples1396 Words   |  6 Pagesestablishment of apprenticeship programs in the 18th Century (Werner DeSimone, 2011, p.5). The significance of human resource development in today’s business environment is attributed to its role in organizational profitability. Human resource planning involves the use of business activities to forecast how management strategy changes will impact human resource needs in t he future. On the contrary, human resource development activities help an organization to ensure its workforce has necessaryRead MoreGlobalization Has A Long History1578 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Globalization has a long history. According to National Geographic Society (2015), globalization grew when the Europeans began establishing colonies overseas. Many of the early European explorers were eager to spread the Christian religion to the regions they visited. â€Å"The globalization of Christianity spread from Europe to Latin America through Christian missionaries working with the local populations† (â€Å"Globalization,† 2015). Globalization was accelerated in the 19th century with the

Victorias Secret Free Essays

Store location is an important decision for retailers because location is â€Å"typically one of the most influential considerations in a customer’s store-choice decision† (Retailing, 167). Most consumers choose which store to visit based on close proximity to home or work, comfort level, and other surrounding retailers so shopping stays relaxing and a lot of driving isn’t needed. Victoria’s Secret in the Beverly Center is in a shopping mall. We will write a custom essay sample on Victorias Secret or any similar topic only for you Order Now Reasoning behind the store being placed in the mall across from the elevators in the center is because malls have high amounts of traffic. Another reason why a mall location has its advantages, because malls provide the chance to combine shopping with entertainment, a great place to walk around catch up with friends while getting your shopping done, bringing in large numbers of people a day. Victoria’s Secret in the Beverly Center is a leader in lingerie, with Fredrick’s of Hollywood as their largest competitor is far from this location. Therefore shoppers at the Beverly Center who are looking for affordable lingerie will venture in to Victoria’s Secret. Victoria’s Secret is a multi-channel retailer, from stores, to online, to catalogs. This an advantage to the company because if a customer cannot find an item, or color they are looking for in the store, they have two other methods of how to purchase that item, still making Victoria’s Secret a profit and keeping the loyalty of the consumer. Victoria’s Secret is a leader in the retail industry not only because of the products they put out but because they understand the â€Å"3 most important things of a retail chain, location, location, location†(Retailing, 167). Work Citied Levy, Michael, and Barton A. Weitz. Retailing Management. Boston: McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2009. Print. How to cite Victorias Secret, Essay examples

Tom Jones Finds Sophia free essay sample

This paper is an account of the amoral nature of the character Tom Jones in Henry Fieldings classic novel of the same name. This paper contrasts the selfless amoral actions and the motives thereof of Tom Jones with the other characters of Henry Fieldings classic novel Tom Jones, most notably with that of Blifil (Jones rival suitor). This paper looks at exactly why the amoral doings of Jones leads to his attainment of Sophia (Greek for wisdom), and why the moral doings of Blifil do not. This is all explained as a conflict between morality which serves to augment the self and that of amoral action which is desire driven and thus lessens the effect of self-awareness. This unconsciousness then, that Jones lives in is proved to be wisdom; this fact is then proved through references from William Blake, Carl Jung, and Fredreich Nietzsche. Virtue and happiness (wisdom) oppose one another. We will write a custom essay sample on Tom Jones Finds Sophia or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Fielding himself writes in the first chapter of book fifteen of Tom Jones, if by virtue is meant (as I almost think it ought) a certain relative quality, which is always busying itself without Doors, and seems as much interested in pursuing the good of others as its own; I cannot so easily agree that this is the surest way to human happiness (601; bk.15, ch.1). The fulfillment of desire then, leads to happiness and true wisdom; this wisdom being an unconscious realization of the universe at large; a wisdom that is Sophia.

Strategies to gain a competitive advantage through managing cultural diversity within a service sector organization.

Strategies to gain a competitive advantage through managing cultural diversity within a service sector organization. Introduction Culture has been defined by different authors differently, but what is perhaps the most common definition is that culture is the collective programming of individuals’ minds, which distinguishes members of a particular group or category from the rest of the population.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Strategies to gain a competitive advantage through managing cultural diversity within a service sector organization. specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More A model by Edward Hall involved the division of cultures according to the communication patterns of individuals into a high context where much of the information is implicit, and a low context where the information is explicit (Harris, 2004). Talcott Parsons and Edward Shils also came up with their own model that suggested that all human actions are influenced by five pattern variables. These pattern variables include: the need for gratification versus the restraint of impulses; self-orientation collectivity orientation; universalism versus particularism; ascription versus achievement and; specificity versus diffuseness. Florence Kluckhohn and Fred Strodtbeck also came up with another model after conducting a field study on five communities in the US that were geographically close. Their model distinguishes communities by five value orientations which are: the evaluation of human nature; the relationship between an individual and the environment; the orientation in time; the orientation toward activity and; the relationships among people (Chavan, 2005). The cultural dimensions model of Geert Hofstead is based on a study of IBM as a company in regard to their employees in 40 countries. He identified a number of problems that the employees had to cope with and from their coping mechanisms formulated his model of cultural dimension. He identified that the solutions that the employees had to these problems were different from those pr oposed by the old workplace which they had all been presented with (Burnes, 2003). He, therefore, came up with five dimensions of national cultures. These dimensions include: power distance, which is the degree of inequality among different people and which, the population of a particular country may define as normal; uncertainty avoidance, which is the degree to which a particular population prefers structured situations over unstructured ones; individualism versus collectivism; masculinity versus femininity; and long-term versus short-term orientation (Carmichael, White, and Jayawardena, 2008).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Strategy for Managing Cultural Diversity It is important to note that different organizations have different organizational cultures and in as much as a new manager would like to increase the competitive advantage of the organization in the market, his or her strategies may not fit into the inherent culture in the organization. For a Swedish manager moving into Hong Kong it is important to note that he or she has to identify the differences in culture between the two countries first, before a decision to adopt a particular competitive strategy is made. The careful evaluation of the cultural differences allows the manager to come up with a management strategy that incorporates a balanced human resource selection and recruiting process (Hughes, and Rog, 2008). This will also allow the manager to reduce the conflict that may exist between two different cultures by identifying that the market has been predisposed to particular cultural aspects, which if changed will lead to customer dissatisfaction and reduce competitive advantage (Wildes, 2008). It is important to note that any competitive strategy has to be formulated with the customers’ preferences in mind for it to be successful. Selection The process of select ion in a culture that has a high power distance and a high level of masculinity has to incorporate a structure that will complement the formulated strategy meant to increase competitive advantage. Among the components to be identified are clear rules and procedures since the organizational culture in Hong Kong has a high preference for bureaucratic structures. This increases employee loyalty which in turn increases productivity and the organization’s competitive edge in the market. The recognition that people are assets is also vital in the boosting of employee morale and this is transferred to the employees who then identify with the customers in the same way (Scott, and Revis, 2008). The result is a highly aware customer who is loyal to the business and this increases the business’ competitive advantage. The selection of managers who can motivate the other employees is crucial especially in a culture that identifies with achievement such as the one in Hong Kong. This requires that the manager to be flexible and a fast learner for him or her to quickly adapt to the new culture.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Strategies to gain a competitive advantage through managing cultural diversity within a service sector organization. specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The reduction of conflict is also important for managers since cultures such as that of Hong Kong identify conflicts as offences against efficiency. The threat to efficiency has a direct impact on the productivity of employees and the general productivity as well as profitability of the business (Wildes, 2008). Recruiting The process of recruiting employees has to be consistent with the chosen or the existing organizational strategy for it to be successful. This has to incorporate a shift in culture from the original culture of the already selected employees to that of the new country or organization. The culture in Hong Kong requires that businesses instill superior differentiation structures in their recruitment programs, where division of labor and leadership structures that complement the inherent bureaucracy are put in place (Hughes, and Rog, 2008). The structures are supposed to increase efficiency and output which in turn gives the business a competitive edge in the market. This has to take place in an environment where the new employees can recognize with the new culture for it to have a quick and efficient success rate (Carmichael, White, and Jayawardena, 2008). The identification of employees who may already be conversant with the new organizational structure and nurturing them to train the others increases cooperation and team work in the workplace. This ensures a higher success of the recruiting process as new employees who have moved into a totally different culture are able to comfortably adapt to the new culture (Burnes, 2003). The recruiting process should ensure that the managers are ab le to identify the particular aspects of the new culture that they can combine with their own without creating conflicts that may lead to both employee and customer dissatisfaction. The identification of the strong aspects of culture that can be exploited further is important especially in an environment where competition is stiff and business practices are almost similar, either due to standardization or similarity in cultural preferences (Chavan, 2005).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This is because it allows managers to introduce new practices that are unique in the market and increase their competitive advantage in the market. Pre-departure For new managers to adapt to a new environment effectively, they have to be briefed on the particular aspects of the new environment before leaving. This gives them the opportunity to prepare themselves adequately for the new workplace (Salama, Holland, and Vinten, 2003). In this case, role orientation would be of great help to any such managers since it gives them a firsthand idea of the capacity they will have to work at and what is expected of them after they join the new workplace (Harris, 2004). It is also important for the new employees to be conversant with cross-cultural communication especially if the diversity is high. This is meant to reduce the effects of culture shock as the new employees identify channels of communication they are conversant with and have had some experience with. It also increases their effic iency as communication is critical in the productivity of the employees (Littlejohn, and Watson, 2004). With increased efficiency and output, the manager can increase the competitive advantage of the business in the new market with ease. Challenges faced by expatriates due to different cultural backgrounds In the case of multinationals, both the local processes at the headquarters of the company and the processes in their national and global subsidiaries are often at work. This is after their managers realized that some of the cultures differentiate individuals as well as groups in their own unique way and can’t, therefore, be shared (Scott, and Revis, 2008). In this case, expatriates have to be ready to change their thinking and quickly adapt to the new culture and organizational practice of the new country they are posted to. They will obviously need some guidance from locals since some of the cultural characteristics may be too distinct and region specific. For managers wh o always insist on the strict adherence to their home management structures in their new workplace, they often fall out with some of the loyal customers and employees who feel that they are too conservative and rigid to the different challenges that are involved with the different culture in a different country (Wildes, 2008). This means that organizations may lose their competitive advantage in the market if they are too rigid or conservative to change their thinking and the way they come up with solutions to common organizational challenges in the new setting. The identification of the advantages or rather strengths of a particular cultural aspect is sometimes a challenge for foreign managers. The strength of a particular culture often translates to different levels of employee turnover and where a foreign manager may not understand the strength of the culture, he may try to change it by bringing in his own foreign culture into the new organization. This leads to employee dissatis faction and increases their turnover as they no longer feel comfortable and some may have a hard time adjusting to the new culture (Hughes, and Rog, 2008). Ways of Motivating and Leading Staff to Gain a Competitive Advantage Expatriate managers could motivate the new staff by first understanding the cultural practices that are inherent in the new country and in the new organization, and try to incorporate those new practices in their relationship with the new staff (Carmichael, White, and Jayawardena, 2008). This is meant to identify the potential of the staff that the manager manages and especially their cultural potential. With the full exploitation of this potential the managers will be able to gain a competitive advantage over the competitors (Burnes, 2003). This also increases harmony in the workplace as employees complement each other’s potential as they are culturally predisposed and this increases their output. They may also have to allow the new staff to take a leadi ng responsibility is dealing with the new challenges that are unique to their particular position especially where the foreign manager may have a problem adjusting or understanding the particular cultural practices and market needs (Salama, Holland, and Vinten, 2003). This will obviously require the expatriate managers to be flexible and recognize that cultures do change. This should, however, not mean that they should drop all the practices that are in place in their own home country, but rather incorporate them into the practices of the new organization by balancing some of the new cultures to fit into it (Hatch, and Schultz, 2003). Since they have to deal with unique market needs and patters that they may not have been used to in their home country, expatriate managers have to identify the particular successful aspects of the new employees’ culture that have a higher success rate in giving the business a competitive advantage (Chavan, 2005). They should then substitute the strong strategies that have led to successes in their home country with the weaker aspects of the new market. Conclusion The ease at which new managers adapt into a new environment is identified as critical in increasing the productivity of the employees that he or she manages and this has a direct effect on the competitive advantage that the business enjoys in the market. This can only be achieved if the new manager is conversant with the new culture in the new environment before moving. An efficient selection and recruitment process ensures that the manager is not only capable to adapt in the new environment, but is also prepared for the different challenges that he may come across due to cross-cultural differences. Reference List Burnes, B. 2003. Managing change and changing managers from ABC to XYZ. Journal of Management Development. 22(7). Pp. 627-642. Carmichael, C, White, A, and Jayawardena, B. 2008. Binational tourism in Niagara: insights, challenges and the future. Interna tional Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. 20(3). Pp 347-359. Chavan, M. 2005. Diversity Makes Good Business. Equal Opportunities International. 24(7/8). Pp 38-58. Harris, P., R. 2004. European leadership in cultural synergy. European Business Review. 16(4). Pp 358-380. Hatch, M, and Schultz, M. 2003. Bringing the corporation into corporate branding. European Journal of Marketing. 37(7/8). Pp 1041-1064. Hughes, J., C, and Rog, E. 2008. Talent management A strategy for improving employee recruitment, retention and engagement within hospitality organizations. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. 20(7). Pp 743- 757. Littlejohn, D, and Watson, S. 2004. Developing graduate managers for hospitality and tourism. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. 16(7). Pp 408-414. Salama, A, Holland, W, and Vinten, G. 2003. Challenges and opportunities in mergers and acquisitions. Journal of European industrial training. 27(6). Pp 313-321. Sc ott, B, and Revis, S. 2008. Talent management in hospitality: graduate career success and strategies. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. 20(7). Pp 781-791. Wildes, V., J. 2008. How can organizational leaders really lead and serve at the same time? International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. 20(1). Pp 67-78.

Ten tips for better sales proposals - Emphasis

Ten tips for better sales proposals Ten tips for better sales proposals Remember your prospect Dont get so carried away with what youre offering that you forget the person that youre trying to persuade. Always put the prospect first, by starting with their situation and the problems they need to solve. Remember other readers Are there other influencers and decision-makers who might read your proposal, and have you met them? If you havent, your proposal will be all they have to go on, so its vital that you address their needs too. Show understanding Impress your prospect by showing an understanding of their problems and how to fix them, rather than trying to dazzle them with how wonderful your company is. Your company facts and testimonials should just confirm that you know what youre talking about. Persuade You still need to sell the solution(s) youre proposing, so remember to write a persuasive sales argument dont just let the spec speak for itself. Check your facts Simple mistakes will seriously undermine even the best offering. One senior buyer of billion-pound contracts told Emphasis that he always circled the stupid mistakes first such as spelling product or place names incorrectly. Factual inaccuracies create a poor impression thats very hard to shift. Get the basics right Likewise, dont let your spelling, punctuation or grammar let you down. Basic errors do nothing to create a good impression. Dont waffle You may be very proud of your proposal, but your prospect probably has several others to read alongside yours. Even if they dont, theyll certainly have a backlog of other documents to read through. In a recent Emphasis survey, some buyers said that 90 per cent of what they read was badly written or hard to follow. So write to express, rather than to impress them with your splendid vocabulary. Cut and paste with care Cutting and pasting can be a good short cut if two proposals share common material. But its also fraught with danger. One Emphasis client told us of how theyd forgotten to take out a rival clients company name when they did this. It sounds obvious, but its easily done. The answer is to get someone else to proofread what youve written, as youll miss many of your own mistakes. Remember: love is blind. Take care with layout No matter how persuasive your argument, presentation is key and a poor layout can still let you down. Keep your layout uncluttered, crisp and professional. Use plenty of white space, and resist the temptation to cram too much information into every page. Less is definitely more. Talk them through it Finally, if you want to win, take it in. Make an appointment to talk your prospect through your proposal if at all possible. That way youll be able to handle any objections there and then, and maximise your chance of a successful close.