Tuesday, August 25, 2020

A Pair of Tickets by Amy Tan Essay -- American Literature

A Pair of Tickets by Amy Tan In the story A Pair of Tickets, by Amy Tan, a lady by the name of Jing-mei battles with her way of life as a Chinese female. All through her adolescence, she vivaciously denied (857) that she had any Chinese under her skin. At that point her mom kicks the bucket when Jing-Mei is in her 30's, and just three months after her dad gets a letter from her twin girls, Jing-Mei's relatives. It is when Jing-mei hears her sisters are alive, that she and her father travel abroad to meet her family members lastly joins with her sisters. This story centers around a lady's philosophical battle to acknowledge her actual personality. The hero of the story is Jing-mei. She is a level character who ends up being dynamic. For an incredible duration, she has been obstinate about tolerating her personality. A case of this is the point at which she clarifies, I was 15 and had an overwhelmingly denied that I had any Chinese at all under my skin (857). She gives her dynamic trademark toward the finish of the story when she at last accepts her legacy. The fundamental clash of this story is Jing-mei's battle between tolerating her character dependent on her legacy and not on an individual picture. There is no genuine request where this contention is explained, on the grounds that the peak and goals come to fruition simultaneously. The contention is interior because of the way that she can't acknowledge her actual personality. The peak comes when she at last meets her twin sisters and says, I get past the entryway, we run toward one another, each of the three of us grasping, all waverings and it slipped desires' mind (870). It is then that the goals becomes possibly the most important factor and After so long, it can at long last be given up (870). It is by then, when she can at last a... ...Likewise a significant statement is the point at which she says, Yet today I understand I've never truly realized being Chinese. I am thirty-six years of age (857). Despite the fact that she was in her 30's and still had that character emergency, it was inspiring realizing that all it took for her to determine that contention was one gathering with her sisters. The story A Pair of tickets looks at a lady who has grown up with American impact for her entire life and battles to acknowledge her actual personality. Through the story you can see Jing-mei battles with her personality for more than 30 years, yet it at long last is settled once she can meet her twin sisters that have been absent from her life for more than 30 years. Works Cited Tan, Amy. â€Å"A Pair of Tickets.† The Longman Anthology of Short Fiction. Smaller Version. Ed. Dana Gioia and R.S. Gwynn. New York: Longman, 2001.

Saturday, August 22, 2020

MGMT 4370 Organizational Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

MGMT 4370 Organizational Design - Essay Example In the money related year finished December 2010 the organization had made incomes of US$ 99.9 billion and had utilized 426,751 workers around the world. Throughout the years IBM has kept on moving its business blend, leaving commoditized fragments while expanding its quality in higher-esteem zones, for example, administrations, programming and incorporated arrangements (IBM, â€Å"International Business Machines Corporation SEC Form 10-K† 1).Currently, the organization gives coordinated arrangements that use data innovation and the company’s information on business procedure to offer a different arrangement of administrations running from big business programming to counseling to usage of administrations to financing. To empower it to offer every one of these administrations seriously, IBM has isolated its significant activities into five significant business sections: Global Technology Services, Global Business Services, Software, Systems and Technology and Global Financing. IBM’s plan of action is worked to help two head objectives: first is to enable its customers to prevail with regards to conveying busines s esteem by getting progressively imaginative, effective and serious using business understanding and IT arrangements; and besides, is to give long haul an incentive to its investors (IBM, â€Å"International Business Machines Corporation SEC Form 10-K†

Friday, July 31, 2020

What to Do When You Have Too Much Medical Debt

What to Do When You Have Too Much Medical Debt What to Do When You Have Too Much Medical Debt What to Do When You Have Too Much Medical DebtIf you are suffering from crushing medical debtâ€"something that is all too commonâ€"try talking directly to your provider to get your bills under control.Recent reports that one-third of GoFundme’s campaigns are dedicated to medical expenses are a reminder that America’s medical debt problem is only getting worse. But if you’re struggling with medical debt, you certainly didn’t need any reminder. You probably can’t go more than a day or two without thinking about it.There’s lots of talk about what the future of the American medical system could look like, but whatever it is, that won’t make a difference to you if you have too much medical debt right at this moment. That’s why we spoke to the experts to find out what you should do when you’re dealing with too much medical debt (other than start a GoFundMe campaign). Talk to your provider.As is the case with many debts, talking won’t always help, but it likely won’t h urt either. Generally, anyone who is owed a debt would rather get a portion of that debt than none. Unless you’re dealing with an unbelievably spiteful collections agency, their ultimate goal isn’t too hurt you. It’s too recoup as much of the money you owe them as they’re able to. Which is why they might be more open to discussion than you might originally assume.“Call your providers,” recommended Holly Wolf, Director of Customer Engagement for SOLO Laboratories (@SOLO_labs). “Your providers have no idea of your financial situation until you tell them about it. Many will offer a sliding scale or payment plans. The key is being HONEST about what you can afford. Call for every bill and every service.”Financial Lifeguard Christine Luken (@FinLifeGrd) shared her own personal example of how reaching out to your medical provider about your financial difficulties can be worthwhile: “See if you qualify for income-based assistance. When my mother-in-law was going through he r bladder cancer treatments, she only had social security income. The hospital granted her an almost 90% reduction in her medical bills because of her low income.”Just be aware that you might have to provide some documentation to back up your case.“When someone has substantial medical debt, I recommend seeing what programs the doctor or the hospital have for helping with balances,” bankruptcy attorney Ashley F. Morgan (@AFM_Law) told us. “Sometimes the medical groups have programs for donations or will reduce your fees due to your income (or even due to really high balances). This often will require submitting income and financial statements to show a substantial hardship.The next option is often a payment plan. A medical facility may allow you to pay off debts over months or years, depending on the circumstances. If you have substantial other debts, this option may only provide minimal relief. If neither of those two options will help, then I recommend considering bankruptc y.”But as you’re probably aware, bankruptcy isn’t exactly a lucky “get out of debt free” card.File for bankruptcy.As is the case with most (but not all) kinds of debt, one way to handle your medical debt is by declaring bankruptcy. But it’s not an option that should be taken lightly.“Bankruptcy should never be your first option, but with substantial debts, it may be your best option,” advised Morgan. “A Chapter 7 bankruptcy would help you wipe away the medical debt and a Chapter 13 would allow you to restructure payments to all creditors over the course of 3 to 5 years. Chapter 13 payments are based on many factors including income and assets.“If you are considering bankruptcy and have substantial medical debt, then it is important to try and time your bankruptcy filing for after your medical treatment is stable. If you file bankruptcy and then need more medical treatments, you may find yourself in more debt and the bankruptcy was for not. This is often the most complicated factor for individuals who need on-going medical help.”But of course, the best way to handle having too much medical debt is to minimize what you rack up in the first place.Preventative medicine.While the following advice may not be very helpful for your current debt, it could help you limit additional medical debt in the future.“Be your own medical debt advocate,” suggested Wolf. “Many people shy away from revealing their situation. When my husband and I BOTH had $16K deductibles, I always said ‘Were paying out of pocket, what can we do to reduce our expense?’ Its amazing how people worked with us to find the lowest cost MRI. They offered HUGE discounts. A $1,200 procedure cost us $400 in cash just for asking. Call around and compare drug prices.”And that’s not the only question Wolf recommends asking: “Ask the questions ‘What will we learn from that test/procedure?’ ‘ Whats the worst that will happen if I dont take this medicine?’ ‘What woul d you do if you were guaranteed not to be sued?’ I know someone who got the answer ‘I wouldnt recommend chemotherapy.’ Three doctors recommended it for fear of being sued. But when the option of being sued was removed, the answer changed because they said chemo wasnt going to improve the outcome.”Finally, Wolf reminds you to: “Take personal responsibility for your health. Are you doing all the things you can to improve your health? If youve got COPD and are still smokingâ€"that doesnt make sense. Have heart issues? Are you watching your diet and getting some exercise? As a gastroenterologist told me, ‘Id lose 70 percent of my business if patients just made the lifestyle changes I recommend.’ He said maybe five percent actually make the changes.”Unfortunately, illness is part of the mortal condition, so you can’t just hope for perfect health forever. But with these tips, you can hopefully keep medical debt from taking over your life.Too much debt of any sort  can ta nk your credit score and drain your savings, leaving you with limited options in a financial emergency. This is why people end up relying on bad credit loans, which can be a fine way to go if you choose the right lender. (Hint, look for a safe, affordable installment loan.) But many other folks end up getting saddled with predatory no credit check loans like cash advances, payday loans, and title loans. Dont let debt bury your financial future. Learn more about handling your debts responsibly with these related posts and articles from OppLoans:Financial Priorities: Which Debts Should You Pay Off First?Does Medical Debt Really Go Away After Seven Years?Are Balance Transfers a Good Way to Pay Down Debt?Have you had to dig yourself out from underneath a pile of medical debt? We want to hear from you! You can find us  on  Facebook  and  Twitter.ContributorsChristine Luken (@FinLifeGrd) is a Certified Financial Coach, speaker, and author of Money is Emotional: Prevent Your Heart from Hij acking Your Wallet.  She’s an active member of the Financial Therapy Association, and the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.Ashley F. Morgan (@AFM_Law) is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is also authorized and admitted to practice law in the United States District Court and the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. She has dedicated the majority of her legal career helping clients file Chapter 7, 11, and 13 in the Eastern District of Virginia. Ashley works with both individual and business debtors to find the best solution to their debt problems. She is regularly in bankruptcy court in Alexandria, VA or attending 341s with our clients.Holly Wolf is an executive with over 30 years experience in banking and healthcare.

Friday, May 22, 2020

Evolution Just More Proof of God - 1178 Words

Evolution: Just More Proof of God The world around us changes. This simple fact is obvious everywhere we look. Streams wash dirt and stones from higher places to lower places. Untended gardens fill with weeds. - National Academy of Sciences Humans are inquisitive creatures. Throughout the centuries, we have thought, Why are we here? This one question has brought thousands of answers. Once Gods and Goddesses reigned. The many hands of Tishri and Buddha, Tao, Confucius, Muhammad, Huitzpotcly of the South Americas, Re of Egypt, and countless others have been worshiped. From these gods comes the creation of man. In our local, modern society, Christ is present in the vast majority of homes, and behind Christ,†¦show more content†¦This leaves lots of room for error. A severe problem for evolutionists is the absence of transitional forms in the fossil record. By transitional forms, we mean intermediate forms of life appearing in the fossil record that are in-between existing types of organisms found today or in the past, says davidll@cit-tele.com of the Evolution vs. Creation Resource Center about the probability of fossil evidence. This fact is the proverbial speed-bump in evolution. To examine one fossi l, or a group of fossils such as a hand, next to another, find similarities, and proclaim them to be of relation, requires an amount of faith (Bethel 170). Stop to think about it. A human hand has five fingers; a chimpanzee hand has five fingers. What within those bones proves that thousands of years ago, humans either were chimpanzees, or that chimp family A left chimp family B for some inexplicable reason, and grew to be humans? What disproves this? No one can go back and decide either way. It is a theory, nothing more nothing less. Some may say apparently harmless in comparison to the great religions of the world. Other creation theories provide more answers, regardless of their probability. Evolutionism, as a school of thought, does not discuss other facets of life. Beyond the origin of specific species, what of the solar system, of the universe? If our ancestors were primates, fish, or single-celledShow MoreRelatedUsing Proofs to Establish a Case for Gods Existence: McCloskey1374 Words   |  6 Pagesusing â€Å"proofs† to establish a case for Gods existence I would first agree with McCloskey that we should not use â€Å"proofs† for Gods existence since â€Å"proofs† cannot be a 100% proof of Gods existence. But there are two arguments that can help explain the existence of God. The first is the best explanation approach which is the best explanation for the things we witness. Another classical argument is cumulative case approach, in this approach we use more than one argument to make a case for Gods existenceRead MoreThe Argument Of God s Existence1737 Words   |  7 PagesBEST EXPLANATION Does God exist? This question has been in debate for centuries with many opposing views, some arising from philosophers on the same side while others refute Gods existence altogether. However for this particular paper I will be taking the best explanations approach. What I mean by this is I do not have proof of God’s existence but the existence of God is the best explanation for the universe around me. With this statement in mind we will discuss arguments in support of God’s existenceRead MoreThe Question Of God s Existence1575 Words   |  7 Pagesquestioned Gods existence myself. Arguments that have been used to support the existence of a divine being includes; the cosmological argument and the theological argument. However, there are some who oppose these arguments and philosopher H.J. McCloskey is among this group. In the article â€Å"On Being an Atheist† written by H.J. McCloskey, he argues that both these arguments are false and insufficient as it rela tes to â€Å"proof† of God’s existence. McCloskey believes that without proper proof, we must completelyRead MoreAnalysis Of The Article On Being An Atheist 1290 Words   |  6 Pagesinsufficient as it relates to â€Å"proof† of God’s existence. McCloskey believes that without proper proof, we must completely dismiss the idea of God’s existence. In his well-written article he offers a few reasons why he believes that atheism is a much more comfortable belief verses a belief in a God who allows the suffering of his people. He suggested that the problem of evil and the fact that evil exist, means that God could not exist. McCloskey urges that people should just help each other rather thanRead MoreThere Is No Scientific Proof That A God Or God?1280 Words   |  6 PagesThere is no scientific proof that a god or gods exist; therefore god is but a myth. There are many different types of beliefs in this huge world. No one is quite sure what will happe n after I die. They say that this will happen, or that, but at the end of the day, are those beliefs false? This is where atheists come in. Atheists do not believe in a god. â€Å"They argue that scientific evidence proves that life on Earth evolved over many millennia, not according to the literal timetable of the Bible.Read MoreAnalysis Of The Article On Being An Atheist 1558 Words   |  7 Pagesinsufficient as it relates to â€Å"proof† of God’s existence. McCloskey believes that without proper proof, we must completely dismiss the idea of God’s existence. In his well-written article, he offers a few reasons why he believes that atheism is a much more comfortable belief versus, a belief in a God who allows the suffering of his people. He suggested that the problem of evil and the fact that evil exists meant that God could not exist. McCloskey urges that people should just help each other rather thanRead MoreAnalysis Of The Article On Being An Atheist 153 8 Words   |  7 Pagesinsufficient as it relates to â€Å"proof† of God’s existence. McCloskey believes that without proper proof, we must completely dismiss the idea of God’s existence. In his well-written article he offers a few reasons why he believes that atheism is a much more comfortable belief verses a belief in a God who allows the suffering of his people. He suggested that the problem of evil and the fact that evil exist, means that God could not exist. McCloskey urges that people should just help each other rather thanRead MoreThe Theory Of Science And Christian Belief1345 Words   |  6 Pagesthere are claims of theistic evolution that offer a logical argument to a personal creation by the Living God. Arguments that God could take inert objects, add a dash of mutation, conceptualize and implement natural selection, and allow this to take course in His time all have the potential to be correct as stand-alones. Diane Bissen is a renowned biologist an d theologian; therefore she is as capable as anyone combining these fields into the idea of theistic evolution. In digesting her rather lengthyRead MoreEvolutionism : The Truth Behind Humans1647 Words   |  7 PagesEvolutionism: The Truth Behind Humans Is the evolution theory a fact or a myth? This is the question I pondered for quite some time as I contemplated on the idea of the origin of human species. Were we created by a higher power or are we descendants of ape like ancestors? Hundreds of articles and substantial proof have helped shape my belief that evolution in fact, does exist. What is evolutionism? The definition of evolution found in an article states that â€Å"evolution is that all life on earth is descendedRead MoreEvolution Should be Taught in Schools Essay678 Words   |  3 PagesEvolution and Creationism are both fact and theory but the question is which one should be taught in schools? Only a few school distracts have approved the teaching of evolution because it has more senitific evidence than creationism to prove that it is true. According to a new Gallup poll, just 39% of Americans believe in evolution. The Gallup polls also show that those Americans with higher education believe in the theory of evolution as opposed to those with only high school diplomas. The polls

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Limit Pricing and Oligopolies Free Essays

Limit pricing is the type of pricing wherein firms discourage entrants to the market by choosing a low price that is below short-run profit maximizing price but above the competitive level. Firms who engage in limit pricing are forfeiting current profits to earn future profits. The output is being maintained despite the presence of entrants. We will write a custom essay sample on Limit Pricing and Oligopolies or any similar topic only for you Order Now However, there are still issues whether the application of limit pricing models is profitable for firms (2002). A firm engages in limit pricing by choosing its price and output while an entrant cannot sufficiently cover the average total cost of the remaining market demand. An established firm that is threatened by an entry in a single-period could use limit price as the highest price. This will block the entry. As first explained by Modigliani in 1958, it was assumed that entrants would expect that incumbent firm will continue production at an entry-limiting output with an entry present. It is the same as the Cournot Competition wherein firms believe that its competitors will continue production at the current levels (McAuliffe, 1997). On the other hand, â€Å"classic limit pricing† is another pricing policy where limit pricing allows established firms to earn economic profits while they are preventing the occurrence of entry. It happens if there are economies of sale in production even if the entrants and the incumbent firms have the same costs (McAuliffe, 1997). Another model is explained by Gaskin in 1971, called the dynamic limit pricing. It happens if there are threats from potential competition to a firm for current and future periods. The firms would now depend the rate of entry from the difference between the current price and their marginal costs. If a firm would want to earn high profits at current period, it will set a high price. However, the number of entry will also increase while the price and profit are likely to decrease in the future. On the other hand, if an established firm decided for a lower price, both the entry and the profits will decrease. Moreover, if the firms do not have any cost over the entrants, it will lose its position then the market will be competitive. The competitive outcome of the market however is not astonishing at all since only the price is used by the firm (McAuliffe, 1997). Both in the classic and dynamic limit pricing, the market power of the established firms are restricted due to the potential competition. In the end, they have no choice but to set the price under monopoly level. However, the expectation from an entrant that a firm would always maintain its output is not always true. After the entry period, both firms would earn high profits through high prices and restricted output. An established firm therefore with maintained output after the existence of an entry is not always a threat for an entrant. Otherwise, the established firm should bind for the current period   in order to obtain high profits with high output for the next periods (McAuliffe, 1997). Successful limit pricing could affect the market structure however few firms do set prices equal to or below the monopoly level to discourage entry. Major American companies use different strategies such as advertising and product proliferation  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   to discourage entry (McAuliffe, 1997). Competition is important in the American economy system but what if there is only a small number of competing companies? This condition falls under the oligopoly market. Unlike the monopoly where there is only one seller and many buyers, in oligopoly there is more than one seller (Schenk). In oligopoly, there may be homogenous or heterogeneous products; however entry is deterred by legal restrictions such as banking, minimum efficient scale such as overnight mail service , or strategic behavior (2008). Oligopoly has different models such as the Cournot-Nash Equilibrium of Duopoly and the Collusive Oligopoly. Cournot focused only on duopoly where there are only two firms competing assuming that both sell the same products produced at zero marginal cost. Both firm engage in output that is profit-maximizing expecting that the output of the other firms is maintained or held constant (Lipsey and Crystal, 2007). Under Cournot-Nash equilibrium, duopolists are competing for the quantities where each produces less than a monopoly. However, the sum of the production of both duopolists is more than the monopoly but their economic profits are less than the monopoly. The price is always less than monopoly level but not more than the competitive price (2008). Under Cournot equilibrium, firms would earn less than a monopoly because the duopolists’ outputs are more then the monopoly output. They would earn however more than the perfectly competitive firms since they could decrease the price upon increasing output (Lipsey and Crystal, 2007). Each competing firm is expected to adjust their outputs. However, if they cannot make any more adjustments then equilibrium is reached (Hobbs, 2001). Unlike Cournot-Nash equilibrium with doupolists as competing firms, in collusive oligopoly the firms cooperate in order to have a monopoly power. They may agree in setting price and dividing the output therefore gaining the quantity a monopoly produces and earning the economic profits a monopoly can. The firms are now earning more than doupoly profits (2008). There are many factors for collusion such as the number of sellers, personalities, equality of shares, costs of each firm, and others. There is a possibly that a collusion might disintegrate especially if the firm begin competing and cheating with the other firms (Schenk). Monopolies in the U.S. are most likely to be regulated by the government unlike the oligopolies. Price-fixing by the collusive oligopolies however is not allowed unless for agricultural cooperatives and professional sports league (2006). Collusion oligopolies, just like the doupoly, could turn into competition as well. Firms begin violating the production limits and producing more than they have to. Besides, the price tends to be lower. In the end, the collusion becomes unsuccessful. Bibliography OECD 2002, Limit Pricing, viewed 6 May 2007, http://stats.oecd.org/glossary/detail.asp?ID=3246. NC State University 2006, Collusive Oligopolies, viewed 6 May 2008, http://www.ncsu.edu/project/calscommblogs/economic/archives/2006/11/collusive_oligo.html. 2008 Oligopoly, viewed 6 May 2008, http://209.85.175.104/search?q=cache:MKoUqwpjeZEJ:instruct1.cit.cornell.edu/Courses/econ301jpw/helps/oligopoly.ppt+collusive+oligopoly+versus+cournot+competitionhl=tlct=clnkcd=2gl=ph. Hobb, B.K. 2001, Cournot Equilibrium, viewed 6 may 2008, http://itech.fgcu.edu/faculty/bhobbs/bds7/index.htm. Lipsey, R. G. Crystal, A. 2007, Doupoly. Oxford University Press, viewed 6 May 2008, http://www.oup.com/uk/orc/bin/9780199286416/01student/interactive/lipsey_extra_ch09/page_02.htm. McAuliffe, R. E. 1997, Encyclopedic Dcitionary of Managerial Economics, Blackwell Punlishing, viewed 6 May 2008, http://books.google.com.ph/books?id=OWmaOlvT9XEC. Schenk, R. The Theory of Few Sellers, viewed 6 May 2008, http://ingrimayne.com/econ/Monopoly/Oligopoly.html. How to cite Limit Pricing and Oligopolies, Essay examples

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Walmart Diversity Essay Example

Walmart Diversity Paper | Wal-Mart’s Diversity| Course Research Paper| | Alicia B. Clennan| 647 Pilgrim Dr. San Antonio, [emailprotected] com210-912-4537GM 591: Leadership and Organizational BehaviorProfessor Marco  Faggione| 12/12/2010 | Wal-Mart’s Diversity Introduction The organizational that will be the topic of discussion in my final project paper is Wal-Mart Corporate. Wal-Mart was founded in 1962, with the opening of the first Wal-Mart discount store in Rogers, Ark. The company incorporated as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc on Oct 31, 1969. The company grew to 276 stores in all states by the end of the decade. In 1983, the company opened its first Sam’s Club membership warehouse and in 1988 opened the first supercenter. Wal-Mart became international company in 1991 when it opened its first Sam’s club. Wal-Mart serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at more than 8,692 retail units under 55 different banners in 15 countries. With fiscal year 2010 sales of $ 405 billion, Wal-Mart employs 2. 1 million associates worldwide. I am a sales associate at Wal-Mart in the jewelry department. I was hired in June of 2010 and I was not familiar with the corporation yet. However, I recognize how well the organization performs. Wal-Mart believes that business wins, when everyone matters and the true strength of diversity is unleashed, when each associate is encouraged to reach their full potential. As for as with Wal-Mart’s Diversity, personally I am not so familiar and only experience in a not so much with their purpose due to being employed in a span of four months. Research shows other issues with Wal-Mart’s ethical diversity. Wal-Mart is always under the microscope when it comes to discrimination. We will write a custom essay sample on Walmart Diversity specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Walmart Diversity specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Walmart Diversity specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Evidence shows that there are complaints about favoritism, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination. These unethical issues are a problem in today’s occupation society. Problem Statement Wal-Mart has been a target of criticism for its employment practices and its effect on the larger economy and community. There are several incidents mentioned on the web and in court cases. At my Wal-Mart, I have noticed favoritism. Favoritism between managers and employees is a big problem in Wal-Mart. One way of thinking of favoritism is getting called to do the more responsibility type of work. This is like trying to be friends with the boss to get higher in the employment ladder. The managers seemed to have certain picks between subordinates about who gets the special attention. Like I said, I have noticed this act at my Wal-Mart. Most of the night shift girls are friends with one of the night managers at my Wal-Mart. I noticed them going out of their way to please this supervisor. There is an organization called Wal-Mart Watch which began a nationwide public education campaign to challenge the world’s largest retailer, Wal-Mart, to become a better employer, neighbor, and corporate citizen. This organization lets employees (former and present) leave blogs on â€Å"Wal-Mart Speaks Out† discussing issues they see in their Wal-Mart. One individual with the initial RR wrote writes: I was passed over at least five times for promotions because the only people that were getting promotions were the drinking buddies of a manager. She has since been fired; I was a union steward for 20 years in California and have never seen such disregard for labor laws. In this town, in retail if you are injured at work you are fired; this doesn’t only happen at Wal-Mart in [Colorado], it happens at all the grocery stores. I am outraged that they aren’t being forced to treat their employee’s better. With this information, it is unaccepted in the workforce. This can be considered unprofessional relationship in the workforce. It is almost as serious as a manager or a supervisor is having an affair with one of their workers. Favoritism also leads to other problems. These other problems have been reported of happening. Sexual harassment and discrimination for males vs. females have been reported about Wal-Mart. Several cases have been seen through the court systems. One example that will be mentioned later on in the report is of a sexual harassment case that took place in Crosby, TX. Another example that I will mention about in the discrimination of female workers, is about a gender discrimination lawsuit that was the largest in U. S. history. It happened to be about women not getting promoted and pay equally to men. Sexual harassment in the workforce is unacceptable. Wal-Mart has its share of complaints. In Crosby, TX, a former Wal-Mart employee had sued Wal-Mart for sexual harassment from her supervisor. Theil (2008) reported that a former employee named Jenna Aryain of Wal-Mart was sexually harassed by her supervisor. The incident happened on February 25, 2005 as a cashier. Aryain said that for four months her supervisor, Darrel Hays allegedly subjected her to appalling remarks every day. Her supervisor committed her about her looks and made sexual advances to her. Ms. Aryain allegedly complained to another supervisor and no action was taken by Wal-Mart. On June, 20, 2005, her supervisor allegedly yelled at her during work. She left work early that day and told her parents what had happened. Her father called the store manager, Gwendolyn Furr and Chelly Whiddon, an assistant manager, to arrange a meeting to discuss what was going on. Supervisors are much as guilty as the employee. Most supervisors have favorite employees that they count on with certain tasks. When an energetic employee is in your organization, most supervisors call upon them to do the task because they know that it will get done. Your other employees may have the same qualities as the energetic person so they felt left out. (Bielous, 1997) Literature Review Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Manual for Managers and Supervisors by Gibson (1998) guides the upper management on the importance of a sexually harassed free work environment. It lets managers know that the best defense for the sexually harassment subject is an offensive approach. There are actions that companies must take in order to eliminate sexual harassment. By creating a zero tolerance policy against sexual harassment and other inappropriate conduct by company managers and supervisors. Why is it important that managers and supervisors learn this subject? There is an automatic liability on the company if a manager or a supervisor is accused of sexual harassment or doesn’t stop it from happening. There is a law that makes it clear that prevention and elimination of sexual harassment is a must in the workplace. Gibson (1998) also writes that if a victim started the conversation of sex talk that they can claim sexual harassment at any time. A hostile work environment can be considered abusive if the behavior becomes severe or pervasive. Flirting or vulgar language is merely annoying and may not be hostile enough to take legal action, but it usually considered prohibited by company policy. Also a romantic relationship between management and subordinates is not against the law. If one does exist it cannot get out of hand. Getting out of hand may be determined as favoritism in the workforce. The relationship must be consensual between both parties in order to prevent harassment. A hostile environment in the workplace can consist of sexual play while on the clock. In the handbook that Gibson (1998) wrote, he mentions steps a company can take in preventing sexual harassment. First off, a company needs to have a strict written policy prohibiting sexual harassment. The policy should also define, provide examples, outline a procedure for reporting with several avenues to bypass his or her supervisor, mention assurance that all cases will be taken seriously, guarantee all cases have adverse consequences like discharge to the harasser, and all supervisory personnel to immediately report and sexual harassment. Along with a written policy, the company must train each employee on sexual harassment to avoid any pitfalls. The company needs establish an effective procedure for handling sexual harassment complaints. One good idea mentioned is to designate two individuals, one male and one female, in handling the complaints. Some individual feel more comfortable talking to someone of the same sex. Monitoring your management staff for anti-harassment behavior is a good idea or even including EEO preventive practices in daily routines. The organization should quickly investigate all claims and observed conduct. Feel free to give the victim time off to gather their thoughts to prevent them from quitting or suing the company. Separating the victim from the harasser may sound like a good idea, but be careful in where you put the victim. If the victim doesn’t like the area because of disadvantages of moving, it could be considered retaliation. The organizations should take all complaints seriously, even though it did happen five years ago. The employee can’t sue because of the time length; still the organization can make sure that the incident still needs to be controlled. The organization needs to have all sexually harassment cases documented for legal reasons. Valid documents may consist of statement from witnesses, complainant, and the alleged harasser. Other documents may include what the employer did to resolve the conflict. The company should make sure all confidentiality be taken to prevent further liability. Upper management should make sure that no retaliation takes place. In chapter eight, Gibson (1998) mentions an effective way to handle the complaint of sexual harassment. The organization needs to take the complaint seriously. Don’t be judgmental about the case even if the complaint comes from a chronic complainer. The company can be liable on how they handle the sexual harassment complaint. Try to put the victim at ease and assure with confidentiality. Assure the victim that non-retaliation is intolerable and should be reported. Handle all cases with action even though the victim asks that no action should take place to the harasser. The company can still be held reliable. Conducting an in-depth sexual harassment investigation can be difficult Gibson (1998) mentions. An immediate investigation by a neutral person should be handled as quickly as possible. This person is usually a member of the HRO or EEO. Other managers or supervisors should know what is going on in case they are asked to assist. Keep an investigation under general guidelines such as treating all cases separate, keep them valid until proven frivolous, protect the victim from further harm, document complete and accurate, keep all fact a â€Å"need to know† basis, limit the number of people who have access to the information, tell all parties to keep the case confidential, and never broadcast the facts as a training tool. If the case of the harassment to be found true, take prompt corrective action. Consider case by case on the severity of punishment to the harasser. If the victim doesn’t get discharge, warn them that next time a discharge will occur. Inform all results to effective parties in order to protect privacy. Make sure you follow up on all cases to make sure no one has been retaliated. Sometimes the investigator may come to some special circumstance when trying to resolve situations. If the accused wants a lawyer, assure them that there is no need for one and they are not required to have one. Also if there was no witness to the alleged claim, the investigator must take the credibility of the parties when determining the outcome. If the claim can’t be determined if it happened or not, then education to both parties must take place about sexual harassment. Further assure the victim that his or her employment conditions won’t be retaliated. Make sure the complaint is filed for legal reasons. If the claim turns out to be false, determine if the person deliberately lied or simply misread the conduct. Disciplining someone who misinterpreted the action may think they were retaliated, and the company could be held responsible. The law for gender discrimination makes it clear on what is expected in the workforce. Corporations are abided to follow laws and regulations in the United States. US Code Section 2000E-2: Unlawful employment practices (a) Employer practices It shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employer (1) to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individuals race, color, religion,sex, or national origin; or (2) to limit, segregate, or classify his employees or applicants for employment in any way which would deprive or tend to deprive any individual of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect his status as an employee, because of such individuals race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Analysis Ethical concept in the workforce keeps the organization is regarded as good character and conduct. We need to make ethical decisions based on focuses of moral dilemmas. Moral problems is that of an ethical consequences of a decision that was made. Ethical leadership is a responsibility that managers and supervisors must abide by. These responsibilities may include caring, honesty, principled, fairness, and balanced choices. Favoritism, does not match under those qualities. Favoritism is the soul issue that Wal-Mart faces today. I have seen favoritism in my workplace. Also favoritism is being viewed at all Wal-Marts around the world. With the other issues that Wal-Mart faces, sexual harassment and gender discrimination, favoritism is usually the root of the problems. Favoritism is more likely to be inevitable in any organization. Organizations should try to reduce them as much as possible. Emotional conflict is difficulties within oneself that arises because of anger, mistrust, dislike, fear, and resentment. Emotional conflict can the energy out of a person and can be distracting. You may see this emotional distress in teams, among co-workers, and in superior-subordinate relationship. There are certain levels of the conflict. One level of conflict you may have is interpersonal conflict. This is a conflict between two or more people. Sexual harassment may become an interpersonal conflict. When your supervisor makes sexual remarks or advances to an employee, conflict arises. When sexual harassment occurs it puts emotional stress on the victim. The victim feels anger toward the incident. Sexual harassment is intimidation, bullying or coercion of a sexual nature, or the unwelcome or inappropriate promise of rewards in exchange for sexual favors. That person will start feeling resentment in that did she do something wrong to cause the harassment. Effects of sexual harassment can vary depending on the individual, and the severity and duration of the harassment. Often, sexual harassment incidents fall into the category of the merely annoying. However, many situations can, and do, have life-altering effects particularly when they involve severe/chronic abuses, and/or retaliation against a victim who does not submit to the harassment, or who complains about it openly. Indeed, psychologists and social workers report that severe/chronic sexual harassment can have the same psychological effects as rape or sexual assault. Stereotyping is a commonly held popular belief about specific social groups or types of individuals. The concepts of stereotype and prejudice are often confused with many other different meanings. Stereotypes are standardized and simplified conceptions of groups based on some prior assumptions. Gender diversity is the proportion of males to females in the workplace. Corporations may have more of an even distribution or the employee pool is composed of mostly males or mostly females. This can have an effect on how people interact and behave with one another in the workplace and would impact culture and social environment. Similarly other demographics such as population, racial characteristics and such all contribute to the work environment. Though gender discrimination and sexism refers to beliefs and attitudes in relation to the gender of a person, such beliefs and attitudes are of a social nature and do not, normally, carry any legal consequences. Sex discrimination, on the other hand, may have legal consequences. Though what constitutes sex discrimination varies between countries, the essence is that it is an adverse action taken by one person against another person that would not have occurred had the person been of another sex. Discrimination of that nature in certain enumerated circumstances is illegal in many countries. Currently, discrimination based on sex is defined as adverse action against another person that would not have occurred had the person been of another sex. This is considered a form of prejudice and is illegal in the United States. Wal-Mart’s reports on gender discrimination of women in their corporation are illegal and should be taken care of. Like every class-action ruling, the certification should not be construed in any manner as a ruling on the merits or the probable outcome of these cases. When these cases arose back in 2001, women were getting 79 cents to every dollar a man made. (Friedman, 2010) Solutions There are solutions that could be used in order to correct the problem Wal-Mart faces. Training, discipline, and monitoring of all employees of Wal-Mart are the best steps in the right direction. If done right, Wal-Mart can start becoming a more successful corporation that others can follow. The corporation needs to take steps in training everyone in the organization on the right and wrong things to do when it comes to diversity. Having quarterly training will give each employee an implant of the things that are wrong. Being an ethical corporation involves everyone. First, start with training your supervisors about the right and wrongfulness of favoritism in the workforce. Tell them that even the little things may be perceived as playing favoritism. Cautioned them about the negative reactions of an extra relationship between supervisor and a subordinate can lead in the wrong direction. Also keep reminding your employees the zero tolerance policy about sexual harassment. Assure people that there will be consequences if supervisors abuse their power. Wal-Mart needs to let their employees that there will be no retaliation if reports are being filed. Let your employees know that gender discrimination is all in the past. Your employees would like to know if they are being paid the same amount. Let you employees know what the pay scale is in your organization. Train your employees on the right and wrong of gender discrimination. Training has its pros and cons. The good thing about training the material is that it gets the information out there to the right people. A people need to here that there are rules and regulations that corporation has to abide by. The bad thing about training is that it can take up a lot of time while people are training. Discipline is another possible solution. Strict guidelines and closure of all cases will ensure everyone is treated equally. Make sure that if someone is sexually harassed that the supervisor or anyone in the organization will be punished. Make sure the punishment is fair and justified. Treat each case upon severity of the case. Like training, discipline also has its pros and cons. Discipline will let everyone in Wal-Mart know that the company is not playing around when it comes with sexual harassment. One thing bad about discipline is that one person may view the severity differently than another person in your organization. Then punishment may be differently and the victim may think that the harasser got off scot free. Frequent monitoring of all your employees is another way we can solve the problem at Wal-Mart. Managers should more frequently review those security cameras. Make rounds to your entire departments and ask questions about how everything is doing. Make sure you not just talk to the supervisors; also talk with all of your staff, even the janitor. The good thing about monitoring is that you can interact to your staff and it lets them know you care about them. Sam Walton would love this idea. The bad thing is that the manager will lose valuable time in his office handling paperwork. Reflection Viewing Wal-Mart after writing this report has a much more meaning to me when I go to work. I can start using my ideas to make a difference in the work place. I can spread my knowledge to my fellow workmates. I can let them know how important it is too seek help if there are any problems. Works Cited Alvarez, F. , Moser, A. (2010). Targeting Employers for Gender-Based Pay and promotion Discrimination: The Next Big Thing?. Employee Relations Law Journal, 36930, 46-53. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database. Bielous, G. (1997). Do you play favorites?. Supervision, 58(8), 9. Retrieved form MasterFILE Premier database. Friedman, E. (2010, April). Appeals Court Rules Wal-Mart Sex Discrimination Case Can Go to Trial. Retrieved from http://abcnews. go. om/WN/Business/wal-mart-sex-discrimination-case-trial/story? id=10480510 Gibson, P. , (1998). Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Manual for Managers ans Supervisors: How to Prevent and Resolve Sexual Harrassment complaints in the Workplace. Employment Human Resources management Professional Series. Chicago CCH Incorpated. Ozbilgin, M. Pringle, J. (2009). Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Work: a Research Companion. Cheltenham,UK , Northampton, MA Edward Elgar Publishing, Inc. Thiel, J. (2008). Harassment Claim Advances. HRMagazine, 53(10),99. Retrieved from Business Source complete database.

Friday, March 20, 2020

ESL Shopping Vocabulary Exercise to Fill in the Gap

ESL Shopping Vocabulary Exercise to Fill in the Gap Put each of the following words or phrases in the correct gap. tag, label, cashier, bargain, receipt, exchange, take back, try on, fit, advice, shop assistant, credit card, check, select, cash, refund, size, sale If you want to go shopping there are a number of things you have to consider. If you would like to find a _____ you should make sure to go to a _____. The only problem with a sale is that it is sometimes hard to _____ something once you buy it. Many stores also refuse to give a _____ on anything you have bought. If you are looking for clothes, make sure to _____, check the _____ to make sure that it is a good _____. Another good idea is to look at the _____ and _____ to see instructions for washing, etc. Its always a good idea to also ask the _____ for _____. Finally, when you go to the _____ you can usually pay by _____ or _____ if you dont have the _____. Never forget to get the _____! Answers tag, label, cashier, bargain, receipt, exchange, take back, try on, fit, advice,  shop assistant, credit card, check, select, cash, refund, size, sale If you want to go shopping there are a number of things you have to consider. If you would like to find a  bargain  you should make sure to go to a  sale.  The only problem with a sale is that it is sometimes hard to  exchange  something once you buy it. Many stores also refuse to give a  refund  on anything you have bought. If you are looking for clothes, make sure to  try them on,  check the  size  to make sure that it is a good  fit.  Another good idea is to look at the  tag  and  label  to see instructions for washing, etc. Its always a good idea to also ask the  shop assistant  for  advice.  Finally, when you go to the  cashier  you can usually pay by  credit card  or  check  if you dont have the  cash. Never forget to get the  receipt!

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Vengeance and Vindication

Vengeance and Vindication Vengeance and Vindication Vengeance and Vindication By Mark Nichol Vengeance, vindication, and a few related words are derived from a Latin word pertaining to punishment and retribution. These terms and their definitions are listed in this post. The forebear, the verb vindicare, means â€Å"avenge† and â€Å"claim,† though for each of its English descendants, the former sense holds almost exclusive sway. (Interestingly, vindicare may in turn stem from vim dicare, meaning â€Å"show authority†; the first word, meaning â€Å"force,† has been preserved in the first word in the phrase â€Å"vim and vigor,† while the second is the source of dictate, diction, and the like.) The verb avenge suggests righteous retribution (one who does so is an avenger), while the connotation of revenge suggests malicious retaliation. Revenge is more common as a noun than as a verb (though revenger is not employed to describe one who commits an act of revenge), while vengeance is employed as a noun in place of avenge; the adjectival form is vengeful. In a political context, revanche, adapted from the French verb revenchier, meaning â€Å"revenge,† refers to a policy of reasserting status or recovering territory; the practice is revanchism, and a revanchist is an adherent. Vindication is synonymous with vengeance, but usually it has the sense of â€Å"confirm,† â€Å"defend,† or â€Å"justify,† or â€Å"free from blame†; one who has been accused, then exonerated, is vindicated, and one who performs the vindication is a vindicator. The adjectival form is vindicative, which should not be confused with vindictive, which means â€Å"vengeful† or â€Å"spiteful.† For the most part, these terms entered the English language by way of French, but an exception is vendetta, adopted from Italian. Originally, it denoted a feud, especially a deadly one between families or clans that involves back-and-forth retaliation. Now, the sense is of a malignant campaign to discredit or harm someone. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Grammar Test 1Probable vs. PossibleHow Do You Determine Whether to Use Who or Whom?

Monday, February 17, 2020

Through her Play Trifles, What is Susan Glaspell Trying to Teach us Essay

Through her Play Trifles, What is Susan Glaspell Trying to Teach us About Traditional Gender Roles - Essay Example Women in most cases hence were not paid for the services they offered. They were charged with child rearing, cooking and ensuring that the house together with the compound were clean. At the same time women were to provide for the family especially in matters relating to clothing. They had to work very hard to make sure their husbands and children had something to wear hence in most cases they spent quality of their time sewing. Despite them accomplishing this entire task they were thoroughly beaten by their husbands even without a concrete reason to do so. These women were in real sense oppressed until one of the wives Mrs. Wright decided to free herself from the abuse. She planned to kill her husband and claimed that a stranger did it (Glaspell 11). Women were denied a chance to express leadership skills in several official positions. They were not involved in the process of voting within the society since voting was seen as men’s responsibility. At the same time women were not elected for any position in the Government. They were to listen and obey the men. In times of mistreatment, women were to keep it to themselves and not complain about it. The talents and abilities they had were wasted at home in the kitchen. Men didn’t allow their wives to exercise such powers in the society assuming that they were not worthy. At the same time husbands were afraid of being manipulated by women (Glaspell 20). Few women had chances to work in offices and in most cases they did low status job such as being secretaries and clerk. Women were paid very little wags to the extent that there was no specific minimum wage for them. Any important and executive work in the society was associated with men while the tiresome and little paying jobs were left for women. They were rarely given a chance to work as lawyers and physicians (Glaspell). Most women belonged to lower and medium class, this meant that they had to seek for men’s opinions in their duties. In t he play we see that women were knowledgeable since the two of them Mrs. Peter and Mrs. Hale were in a position to discover the evidence that Mrs. Wright killed her husband (Glaspell 27). Since women were devalued in the society they decided to keep the secret in order to protect their fellow woman from the punishment of the law. The society limited the women’s talents and abilities. Minnie was a singer but she was denied a chance to express her talents. She was forced to perform household duties in stead of developing her passion. This made her to develop negative attitude towards her husband hence decided to free herself by committing murder of which she denied. The play shows that women could secretly plan things in order to free themselves. Women had sixth sense that enabled them to see things that men were not in a position to do see. They thought first hence made many quick discoveries. Having been oppressed for so long women decided to seek for their freedom. They prote ct each other from mishandling. This instinct made the women to have a different perspective towards the crime that one of them committed. Women planned to withhold the proof that sheriff and county attorney called for so as to set up a case for Mrs. Wright’s alleged crime (Glaspell). In conclusion societies that discriminate their women normally become underdeveloped since the active participation of their women is under utilized; hence whatever they could have

Monday, February 3, 2020

Included in attachments Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Included in attachments - Assignment Example The process occurs in a cycle that recurs. Chet Richards suggests that a decision maker who has the knowledge and ability to process the OODA cycle quickly while identifying and reacting to the issues that arise, is likely to circumvent his or her opponent’s decision cycle; hence, give him or her an advantage over his/her rivals (27). The OODA Loop is instrumental in the conversion of records into information and subsequently into knowledge. Decision makers need to have a good understanding of what data represents if they are to be able to transform it into useful information; this information can then be used to impact knowledge into individuals. This can be done by analysing data, and information using the OODA Loop. The person studying the data analyzes it, orients it to filter information, makes a decision, and then acts based on the decision he/she makes. System analysts ought to have a good understanding of how workstations, networks, operating systems, databases and software operate. This should include knowing their operation potential s and limits; it is easier for a person to analyse what he knows than that which he has no idea about. Technical skills are, therefore, of great importance to any system analyst. In commercial enterprises, system analysts are most likely to work in information technology departments that are tasked with the duty of developing and maintaining systems for the enterprises. They could be could be employed as system developers, designers, or system administrators. Those of them with appropriate technical knowledge could also undertake system maintenance. d. Charge Nurse: Charge nurses are individuals with a lot of experience in nursing; hence acquiring a lot of acquaintance in the process. They can, therefore, be grouped under the category of knowledge employees. e. Software Engineer: This position can be placed under knowledge

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Report Of Business Organizations Tesco And Oxfam Business Essay

Report Of Business Organizations Tesco And Oxfam Business Essay Term of Reference: I have investigated two organizations 20/10/10 one from profit sector which is Tesco and one from non profit sector which is Oxfam. Procedure: I am going to collect relevant material of these two by using internet and textbooks. FINDINGS: I have chosen two contrasting organizations TESCO and Oxfam. Tesco is a shopping mart where we can purchase our essential things. It can also be define as a global grocery and general merchandising vendor headquartered in UK. Sir Jack Cohen founded Tesco in 1919, when he began to sell extra food stuff from a stall in the East End of London. Tesco first appeared above a shop in Edgware in 1929 and since then the company has grown and developed. Tesco is the third largest retailer in the world measured by income Tesco private limited corporation (PLC) is the biggest super mart in UK which has 29% of shares in market compared to other companies like asda which has 17% shares in market. PLC private limited company and dont allow its shares for sale publically. Plc company makes profit more than public companies. A Plc company has no limits of share and share capital and there is no limit to the members liability because there is no limitation on members liability Purpose of Tesco is to make money and invest and sale quality products. And provide reliable materials to consumers. Why do Tesco exist? Tesco exist to provide the goods and services that people and earning money and profits from business .it provides jobs for people the Tesco provides daily need products . Products that customers demand like food, clothes, Home electircs,Sound and vision ,Bed and bath, Furniture and kitchen, Clothing and jewellery, Toys and gift, Baby and toddlers, Garden needs. Products and services supplied at profit, at cost and below cost. Tesco is getting profit by introducing new brands and also selling goods at lease.tehy are getting profit on products by supplying them to other countries and at whole sale. They can sell products by introducing off packages to customers at low prices for a specific duration which means to make them as a regular customers to gain profit in future. And also out of seasons sale which shows selling at low cost. Objectives of TESCO are as tesco is UKs finest food retailers having 519 stores in England, Wales, and Scotland. And 105 stores in France managed by wine producer and 44 in Hungary managed by international. Tesco offers best reasonable prices. Tesco meets the need of customers opinions regarding advance product quality, choice, store facilities and service Tesco is the main profitable investment with progressive return. Tesco is introducing young talents and sound management of workers and training practices and giving job on marit basis not by personal relations.Tesco maintaining its relationships with product makers supplier on quality and price criteria. Tesco is co operating on making of food in industry. also Providing good environment and protection. Ownership can be defined as Employee or executive who has the principle responsibility for a business, or project The public sector in this type of ownership only British people can get ownership in Tesco to gain profit. Sole Traders controlled and financed by one person. Least expensive form of ownership to organize. Sole proprietors receive all income generated by the business to keep or reinvest. Partnerships contains 2 -20 members who share their assets and profits from business. Public Limited Companies (PLCs) shares to the general public it contains Minimum of 2 but no maximum number of shareholders Private Limited Companies contains financed and controlled by between 2 and 50 shareholders. Franchises .A business which has bought the right to trade under established name in different cities.e.g McDonalds, KFC. Co-operatives it contains Groups of people who enter business and share the benefits customers Co-operatives, Producer Co-operatives, Worker Co-operatives. Charitable trust for helping famines and collect funds from rich .and also receives funds from GOVT. OXFAM It is a trouble reliever organization which includes 14 countries organization with 3,000 partners in around 100 countries to decrease poverty and injustice .It can be define as an International organization which helps and provide training and financial aid to people in developing countries and disaster areas. A UK based organization which was established in the 1942. Oxfam is campaigns, development program and emergency response by co operation of internationally connected associations. Oxfam international was formed in 1995 by an independent non government organization. Development Works with local partner organization And helps poor and poverty. And realizing People Their rights e.g. education, health Emergency Oxfam provides life saving aids during Emergency and help people for Future Crises Campaigning Putting the pressure on leaders to make long lasting change Oxfam International is group of 13 independent association contains Germany Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, , Great Britain, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Ireland, The Netherlands, Quebec, Spain and the United States. Why Oxfam exist? Oxfam exists to make a global impact on the causes of poverty. Today mostly countries areas are facing problems and Oxfam is the most efficient organization to help them. Campaign initiatives, planning and putting into practice new tactics and strategies to spread climate change.oxfam is trying to make relationships globally with international NGOs to develop prosperity. Objectives of OXFAM: Relieve suffering caused by natural disasters.Oxfam supports peace and understanding based upon mutual tolerance and respect. Strengthen peoples capacity to help them. Oxfam works for trade justice, fair trade, education and aid, health, HIV/AIDS, conflict ,campaigning and natural disasters, human rights, and climate change. Oxfams International purpose. The main purposes of Oxfam are Promote, assist and manage relationship between the Oxfam international to do help all disasterd people globall.and earning name at international level And removing poverty OXFAM has its committee in different countries which are as under Oxfam GB (Great Britain) .Oxfam Canada.Oxfam America. Oxfam GB (Great Britain) independent non-profit organization is the biggest family for help and has large capacity of workers and income for famines . In UK OXFAM GB was originated in 1942. Oxfam Canada is first member of Oxfam International, and was developed in 1963.in at start Canada Oxfam faced troubles soon Canada began to analyse its role in the development process. OXFAM in AMERICA an independent non-profit organization was developed in America in 1970 and fight for independence and shelter. Advantages of Oxfam are they dont have to pay tax. they get ready to help other. they receive money from businessman and Government. TESCO Stakeholder Stakeholder can be defined as a person, group or organization that has direct and indirect position in organization. It is affected by organizations rules, polices and decisions. Tesco has many stakeholders. Government, Customers, Employees, Local Community, Suppliers, and Pressure Groups: they all have equal importance in building of Tesco Customers. Usually a customer wants quality goods at a low cost. They would also want a variety of products to choose from key holders Diagram of stakeholder in organization Supplier Owners Government Creditors Customer Directors Workers Community Unions Key stakeholders in a business organization Customers. These are the people who buy products from shops and to save lives of needy people. Customers want reliable products and at low prices. Employees its how you manage in any situation; understand the customer; be first with the customer use your strength to deliver unbeatable value and look after the staff so they can look after the customer, teamwork trust and respect. Directors they are responsible for business objectives and managing all strategic decisions .director holds discussion at board meetings. Where they make strategy for improving business, Managers they are responsible for obtaining goals creating atmosphere of work among workers, each manager has handles accounting, law marketing, and sales production. Suppliers they supply products at commercial level like banking .they supply goods to different branches. Owners they are the business, assets holder, and pay the workers. Pressure groups not put up candidates for election, but seeks to influence government policy rules. Trade unions function is discuss pay and working conditions and creates discipline among workers Employee Associations they set up pay packages and employees for resolving argument. Stakeholders of Oxfam Stakeholder can be defined as a person, group or organization that has direct and indirect position in organization. It is affected by organizations rules, polices and decisions. Volunteers they are the workers who help in building Oxfams strength. Volunteering is a personal Choice, not a compulsory job. Express values in activities that are meaningful. And co operates for helping in medicine, education, or emergency rescue. Campaign supporters The Individuals, celebrities, politicians and organizations across the run campaign for collecting funds and to remove illiteracy and poverty. Individual donors this types of donors can make decisions faster, they mostly work in under developed countries to make them growing countries, and feel this easy to work alone. Donate personally money, clothes for removing poverty. Customers are the main participant in organization. They help by buying food, drinks, and also help organization by used drink bottles and wrappers for recycling and make collection for Oxfam. Without their involvement it is not possible collecting money for Oxfam. Employees they are workers of Oxfam and work in flood relieving, food preparation, palcing people in save places when they get infected. Pressure groups they help in protesting if Government is not funding properly.ank manage strike on roads, institutes, cites and encourage people for infected s help from Govt. FUNCTIONAL AREA OF TESCO Board of Directors Finance department Marketing sales department Production department Finance manager Accountant Marketing manager Area sales manager Sales staff Production manager Production supervisor Production workers Human resource department Human resource manager Clerical assistant ICT department Board of directors people are the people of tesco who have decision-making rights, voting rights specific responsibilities which in each case are separate and distinct from the authority and responsibilities of owners and managers of the business entity. Finance department is responsible of balance sheets, profit and loss of tesco and responsible to keep records of fund and all planning of Tesco financial income and loss. Finance manager duties are to make investment sheets ,financial reports, activities, and implement cash management strategies. Accountant helps managers to make reports, investments (savings), and tax implementations. Handles profit loss details, cost production, financial statements. Marketing sales department function is to understand users needs and fulfil requirements with quality of goods and also pay attention to their demands and fulfil that correctly. Sales manager sales out products and provide services to the customer for the profit and want to become finest retailer. They ake products available for all customers. Production Tesco is to make sure that the goods of Tesco are formed on time and is in a suitable quality for the customers. And maintain furniture. Production managers duty is to handle all kind of goods preparation demands and duration when product will get ready for customers and at given time and at exact time and standard. Production workers made goods according to the user demands and works exactly in uniform way. They have to know all about what customer wants and what kind of material should use. Human resources keep hold of good experienced staff and only choose hardworking employees and They deal with the recruitment, employees, planning, training and paying to employees. ICT (International Computers and Tabulators) its main function is to check that all data of Tesco is stored properly. All computer software are working, all business websites are accessing.(tescopls.com) FUNCTIONAL AREA OF OXFAM Oxfam ambassadors Political counsellors Deputy Chief of mission Defence attached Economic counsellor Public affairs Chief security assistant Administrative counsellor Director Counsellor office Agency representatives Director Peace Corps Ambassadors are the highly ranked representative within a nation for other organization. and directly linked by Government. Political counsellors/ Deputy Chief of mission/ Defence attached they all are directly attached with ambassador an communicate all society problem with each other and make decisions Director is a group of people nominated by the owners of a business who have decision-making authority, voting authority specific responsibilities which in each case is separate and distinct from the authority and responsibilities of owners and managers of the business entity Deputy Chief of missionHe or she acts like a ambassador in absence of chief of mission. He handles matter in absence of chief of mission Political, Economic, Public Affairs, Management) at the Embassy,. Director Peace Corps US company that sends American volunteers to developing countries for educational, agricultural improvements. Tesco Mission and values Planning, calculating and the passing of information form rival is called mission. Tescos mission is to earn profit and sale pure goods. And to sale goods online by using website tesco.com and public dealing in good manner to make regular customers and create significance for customers to earn their lifetime reliability. Values Values of an organization defines it standards. They show Respect to each others Try to give their best. Want to be energetic and fit. Tesco strategies to become are successful international trader, to become famous business party. To be good food provider to put community at the heart of what we do. Objectives Tesco increasing customers by offering buy 1 gets 1 free. Tesco offers best reasonable prices. Tesco meets the need of customers opinions regarding advance, product quality, choice, store facilities and service Tesco is the main profitable investment with progressive return. Tesco is introducing young talents and sound management of workers and training practices and giving job on merit basis not by personal relations. Tesco maintaining its relationships with supplier (product makers) on strict quality and price criteria.Tesco is co operating on making of food in industry. Provides good environment and protection Strategic Planning Tesco is trying to make shopping easy and comfortable. Seeking to low price to help people Lessing prices. Smart objectives of Tesco Specific Tesco wants to make profit its sale. Measurable Tesco is leading in business by its major shares in market. Achievable Tesco achieve its goal by increasing its customers and making profits. Tesco has achieved it by good quality products. Realistic Tesco is third big company in world. OXFAM Mission It acts for attitudinal change to facilitate in development, socially and economically. It helps famine and giving life to them. Values satisfactory behavior within organization. Behavior of individuals within the organization. And Flexible commitment. Use time and resources efficiently Strategic aims and objectives Oxfam works for trade justice, fair trade, education and aid, health, HIV/AIDS, conflict ,campaigning and natural disasters, human rights, and climate change. and supporting children by educating them and providing food. Oxfam strategic planning process Oxfam is worlds 3rd largest nonprofit organization and Oxfam strategic planning process is to works for the removal of poverty. To fight homelessness and also for the development of undeveloped area and for progress of organization. Smart objectives of Oxfam Specific Reducing Poverty is specific objective. Measurable Oxfam is responding to 26 emergency situations worldwide. Relevant skills Oxfam is finding people who have skills to tackle problems. Time-based Oxfam includes 14 countries union working in more than 100 countries. M1 Point of Views of different stakeholders Directors the business through meetings with top managers and managing stretegies for progress of tesco.Employees should work hard on making good quality products that will make profit and also increase pay and conditions of Employees and also helpful for safety, health and pension arrangements. Customers views are to getting latest brands and saving by low price products. D1 Evaluate the influence different stakeholders exert in one organization Stakeholders stand for great influence in organization. Developing countries employees make fashionable clothes and brands to exert little power over their employers to give them jobs and getting new products. Owners are the organizations main stakeholders and gain profit and pays all bills and wages to workers and remain profit shares with shareholders directors pay attention to make strategy and decisions regarding organization Government influences by law rights to change behaviour of environmental or health and safety. Employees exert main role in business profit or loss. When the economy is active they work hard and make extra products. Customers also create great influence within an organization by purchasing products from store or online at low prices. Conclusion I was given an Assignment of two contrasting organizations Tesco and Oxfam. I found that both organizations are serving better in their departments and both are for people. in both organizations stake holder are more important participant because if you dont have too many stake holder and your profitable and non profitable organizations will not succeed in their missions. Recommendations I would like to recommend the both different organization one is profit gaining Tesco and nonprofits gaining Oxfam have good customer connection because Oxfam is an international charity which is focused on fighting poverty and providing them shelter.and Tesco is providing daily needs products for customers and also providing funds to Oxfoam so that they can participate in decreasing poverty. So both plays important role for customers.

Friday, January 17, 2020

Second Foundation 8. Seldon’s Plan

MATHEMATICS The synthesis of the calculus of n-variables and of n-dimensional geometry is the basis of what Seldon once called â€Å"my little algebra of humanity†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Encyclopedia Galactica Consider a room! The location of the room is not in question at the moment. It is merely sufficient to say that in that room, more than anywhere, the Second Foundation existed. It was a room which, through the centuries, had been the abode of pure science – yet it had none of the gadgets with which, through millennia of association, science has come to be considered equivalent. It was a science, instead, which dealt with mathematical concepts only, in a manner similar to the speculation of ancient, ancient races in the primitive, prehistoric days before technology had come to be; before Man had spread beyond a single, now-unknown world. For one thing, there was in that room – protected by a mental science as yet unassailable by the combined physical might of the rest of the Galaxy – the Prime Radiant, which held in its vitals the Seldon Plan – complete. For another, there was a man, too, in that room – The First Speaker. He was the twelfth in the line of chief guardians of the Plan, and his title bore no deeper significance than the fact that at the gatherings of the leaders of the Second Foundation, he spoke first. His predecessor had beaten the Mule, but the wreckage of that gigantic struggle still littered the path of the Plan- For twenty-five years, he, and his administration, had been trying to force a Galaxy of stubborn and stupid human beings back to the path-It was a terrible task. The First Speaker looked up at the opening door. Even while, in the loneliness of the room, he considered his quarter century of effort, which now so slowly and inevitably approached its climax; even while he had been so engaged, his mind had been considering the newcomer with a gentle expectation. A youth, a student, one of those who might take over, eventually. The young man stood uncertainly at the door, so that the First Speaker had to walk to him and lead him in, with a friendly hand upon the shoulder. The Student smiled shyly, and the First Speaker responded by saying, â€Å"First, I must tell you why you are here.† They faced each other now, across the desk. Neither was speaking in any way that could be recognized as such by any man in the Galaxy who was not himself a member of the Second Foundation. Speech, originally, was the device whereby Man learned, imperfectly, to transmit the thoughts and emotions of his mind. By setting up arbitrary sounds and combinations of sounds to represent certain mental nuances, be developed a method of communication – but one which in its clumsiness and thick-thumbed inadequacy degenerated all the delicacy of the mind into gross and guttural signaling. Down – down – the results can be followed; and all the suffering that humanity ever knew can be traced to the one fact that no man in the history of the Galaxy, until Hari Seldon, and very few men thereafter, could really understand one another. Every human being lived behind an impenetrable wall of choking mist within which no other but he existed. Occasionally there were the dim signals from deep within the cavern in which another man was located-so that each might grope toward the other. Yet because they did not know one another, and could not understand one another, and dared not trust one another, and felt from infancy the terrors and insecurity of that ultimate isolation – there was the hunted fear of man for man, the savage rapacity of man toward man. Feet, for tens of thousands of years, had clogged and shuffled in the mud – and held down the minds which, for an equal time, had been fit for the companionship of the stars. Grimly, Man had instinctively sought to circumvent the prison bars of ordinary speech. Semantics, symbolic logic, psychoanalysis – they had all been devices whereby speech could either be refined or by-passed. Psychohistory had been the development of mental science, the final mathematicization thereof, rather, which had finally succeeded. Through the development of the mathematics necessary to understand the facts of neural physiology and the electrochemistry of the nervous system, which themselves had to be, had to be, traced down to nuclear forces, it first became possible to truly develop psychology. And through the generalization of psychological knowledge from the individual to the group, sociology was also mathematicized. The larger groups; the billions that occupied planets; the trillions that occupied Sectors; the quadrillions that occupied the whole Galaxy, became, not simply human beings, but gigantic forces amenable to statistical treatment – so that to Hari Seldon, the future became clear and inevitable, and the Plan could be set up. The same basic developments of mental science that had brought about the development of the Seldon Plan, thus made it also unnecessary for the First Speaker to use words in addressing the Student. Every reaction to a stimulus, however slight, was completely indicative of all the trifling changes, of all the flickering currents that went on in another's mind. The First Speaker could not sense the emotional content of the Student's instinctively, as the Mule would have been able to do – since the Mule was a mutant with powers not ever likely to become completely comprehensible to any ordinary man, even a Second Foundationer – rather he deduced them, as the result of intensive training. Since, however, it is inherently impossible in a society based on speech to indicate truly the method of communication of Second Foundationers among themselves, the whole matter will be hereafter ignored. The First Speaker will be represented as speaking in ordinary fashion, and if the translation is not always entirely valid, it is at least the best that can be done under the circumstances. It will be pretended therefore, that the First Speaker did actually say, â€Å"First, I must tell you why you are here,† instead of smiling just so and lifting a finger exactly thus. The First Speaker said, â€Å"You have studied mental science hard and well for most of your life. You have absorbed all your teachers could give you. It is time for you and a few others like yourself to begin your apprenticeship for Speakerhood.† Agitation from the other side of the desk. â€Å"No – now you must take this phlegmatically. You had hoped you would qualify. You had feared you would not. Actually, both hope and fear are weaknesses. You knew you would qualify and you hesitate to admit the fact because such knowledge might stamp you as cocksure and therefore unfit. Nonsense! The most hopelessly stupid man is he who is not aware that he is wise. It is part of your qualification that you knew you would qualify.† Relaxation on the other side of the desk. â€Å"Exactly. Now you feel better and your guard is down. You are fitter to concentrate and fitter to understand. Remember, to be truly effective, it is not necessary to hold the mind under a tight, controlling barrier which to the intelligent probe is as informative as a naked mentality. Rather, one should cultivate an innocence, an awareness of self, and an unself-consciousness of self which leaves one nothing to hide. My mind is open to you. Let this be so for both of us.† He went on. â€Å"It is not an easy thing to be a Speaker. It is not an easy thing to be a Psychohistorian in the first place; and not even the best Psychohistorian need necessarily qualify to be a Speaker. There is a distinction here. A Speaker must not only be aware of the mathematical intricacies of the Seldon Plan; he must have a sympathy for it and for its ends. He must love the Plan; to him it must be life and breath. More than that it must even be as a living friend. â€Å"Do you know what this is?† The First Speaker's hand hovered gently over the black, shining cube in the middle of the desk. It was featureless. â€Å"No, Speaker, I do not.† â€Å"You have heard of the Prime Radiant?† â€Å"This?† – Astonishment. â€Å"You expected something more noble and awe-inspiring? Well, that is natural. It was created in the days of the Empire, by men of Seldon's time. For nearly four hundred years, it has served our needs perfectly, without requiring repairs or adjustment. And fortunately so, since none of the Second Foundation is qualified to handle it in any technical fashion.† He smiled gently. â€Å"Those of the First Foundation might be able to duplicate this, but they must never know, of course.† He depressed a lever on his side of the desk and the room was in darkness. But only for a moment, since with a gradually livening flush, the two long walls of the room glowed to life. First, a pearly white, unrelieved, then a trace of faint darkness here and there, and finally, the fine neatly printed equations in black, with an occasional red hairline that wavered through the darker forest like a staggering rillet. â€Å"Come, my boy, step here before the wall. You will not cast a shadow. This light does not radiate from the Radiant in an ordinary manner. To tell you the truth, I do not know even faintly by what medium this effect is produced, but you will not cast a shadow. I know that.† They stood together in the light. Each wall was thirty feet long, and ten high. The writing was small and covered every inch. â€Å"This is not the whole Plan,† said the First Speaker. â€Å"To get it all upon both walls, the individual equations would have to be reduced to microscopic size – but that is not necessary. What you now see represents the main portions of the Plan till now. You have learned about this, have you not?† â€Å"Yes, Speaker, I have.† â€Å"Do you recognize any portion.† A slow silence. The student pointed a finger and as he did so, the line of equations marched down the wall, until the single series of functions he had thought of – one could scarcely consider the quick, generalized gesture of the finger to have been sufficiently precise – was at eye-level. The First Speaker laughed softly, â€Å"You will find the Prime Radiant to be attuned to your mind. You may expect more surprises from the little gadget. What were you about to say about the equation you have chosen?† â€Å"It,† faltered the Student, â€Å"is a Rigellian integral, using a planetary distribution of a bias indicating the presence of two chief economic classes on the planet, or maybe a Sector, plus an unstable emotional pattern.† â€Å"And what does it signify?† â€Å"It represents the limit of tension, since we have here† – he pointed, and again the equations veered – â€Å"a converging series.† â€Å"Good,† said the First Speaker. â€Å"And tell me, what do you think of all this. A finished work of art, is it not?† â€Å"Definitely!† â€Å"Wrong! It is not.† This, with sharpness. â€Å"It is the first lesson you must unlearn. The Seldon Plan is neither complete nor correct. Instead, it is merely the best that could be done at the time. Over a dozen generations of men have pored over these equations, worked at them, taken them apart to the last decimal place, and put them together again. They've done more than that. They've watched nearly four hundred years pass and against the predictions and equations, they've checked reality, and they have learned. â€Å"They have learned more than Seldon ever knew, and if with the accumulated knowledge of the centuries we could repeat Seldon's work, we could do a better job. Is that perfectly clear to you?† The Student appeared a little shocked. â€Å"Before you obtain your Speakerhood,† continued the First Speaker, â€Å"you yourself will have to make an original contribution to the Plan. It is not such great blasphemy. Every red mark you see on the wall is the contribution of a man among us who lived since Seldon. Why†¦ why-† He looked upward, â€Å"There!† The whole wall seemed to whirl down upon him. â€Å"This,† he said, â€Å"is mine.† A fine red line encircled two forking arrows and included six square feet of deductions along each path. Between the two were a series of equations in red. â€Å"It does not,† said the Speaker, â€Å"seem to be much. It is at a point in the Plan which we will not reach yet for a time as long as that which has already passed. It is at the period of coalescence, when the Second Empire that is to be is in the grip of rival personalities who will threaten to pull it apart if the fight is too even, or clamp it into rigidity, if the fight is too uneven. Both possibilities are considered here, followed, and the method of avoiding either indicated. â€Å"Yet it is all a matter of probabilities and a third course can exist. It is one of comparatively low likelihood – twelve point six four percent, to be exact – but even smaller chances have already come to pass and the Plan is only forty percent complete. This third probability consists of a possible compromise between two or more of the conflicting personalities being considered. This, I showed, would first freeze the Second Empire into an unprofitable mold, and then, eventually, inflict more damage through civil wars than would have taken place had a compromise never been made in the first place. Fortunately, that could be prevented, too. And that was my contribution.† â€Å"If I may interrupt, Speaker- How is a change made?† â€Å"Through the agency of the Radiant. You will find in your own case, for instance, that your mathematics will be checked rigorously by five different boards; and that you will be required to defend it against a concerted and merciless attack. Two years will then pass, and your development will be reviewed again. It has happened more than once that a seemingly perfect piece of work has uncovered its fallacies only after an induction period of months or years. Sometimes, the contributor himself discovers the flaw. â€Å"If, after two years, another examination, not less detailed than the first, still passes it, and – better still – if in the interim the young scientist has brought to light additional details, subsidiary evidence, the contribution will be added to the Plan. It was the climax of my career; it will be the climax of yours. â€Å"The Prime Radiant can be adjusted to your mind, and all corrections and additions can be made through mental rapport. There will be nothing to indicate that the correction or addition is yours. In all the history of the Plan there has been no personalization. It is rather a creation of all of us together. Do you understand?† â€Å"Yes, Speaker!† â€Å"Then, enough of that.† A stride to the Prime Radiant, and the walls were blank again save for the ordinary room-lighting region along the upper borders. â€Å"Sit down here at my desk, and let me talk to you. It is enough for a Psychohistorian, as such, to know his Biostatistics and his Neurochemical Electromathematics. Some know nothing else and are fit only to be statistical technicians. But a Speaker must be able to discuss the Plan without mathematics. If not the Plan itself, at least its philosophy and its aims. â€Å"First of all, what is the aim of the Plan? Please tell me in your own words – and don't grope for fine sentiment. You won't be judged on polish and suavity, I assure you.† It was the Student's first chance at more than a bisyllable, and he hesitated before plunging into the expectant space cleared away for him. He said, diffidently: â€Å"As a result of what I have learned, I believe that it is the intention of the Plan to establish a human civilization based on an orientation entirely different from anything that ever before existed. An orientation which, according to the findings of Psychohistory, could never spontaneously come into being-â€Å" â€Å"Stop!† The First Speaker was insistent. ‘You must not say ‘never.' That is a lazy slurring over of the facts. Actually, Psychohistory predicts only probabilities. A particular event may be infinitesimally probable, but the probability is always greater than zero.† â€Å"Yes, Speaker. The orientation desired, if I may correct myself, then, is well known to possess no significant probability of spontaneously coming to pass.† â€Å"Better. What is the orientation?† â€Å"It is that of a civilization based on mental science. In all the known history of Mankind, advances have been made primarily in physical technology; in the capacity of handling the inanimate world about Man. Control of self and society has been left to chance or to the vague gropings of intuitive ethical systems based on inspiration and emotion. As a result, no culture of greater stability than about fifty-five percent has ever existed, and these only as the result of great human misery.† â€Å"And why is the orientation we speak of a nonspontaneous one?† â€Å"Because a large minority of human beings are mentally equipped to take part in the advance of physical science, and all receive the crude and visible benefits thereof. Only an insignificant minority, however, are inherently able to lead Man through the greater involvements of Mental Science; and the benefits derived therefrom, while longer lasting, are more subtle and less apparent. Furthermore, since such an orientation would lead to the development of a benevolent dictatorship of the mentally best – virtually a higher subdivision of Man – it would be resented and could not be stable without the application of a force which would depress the rest of Mankind to brute level. Such a development is repugnant to us and must be avoided.† â€Å"What, then, is the solution?† â€Å"The solution is the Seldon Plan. Conditions have been so arranged and so maintained that in a millennium from its beginnings – six hundred years from now, a Second Galactic Empire will have been established in which Mankind will be ready for the leadership of Mental Science. In that same interval, the Second Foundation in its development, will have brought forth a group of Psychologists ready to assume leadership. Or, as I have myself often thought, the First Foundation supplies the physical framework of a single political unit, and the Second Foundation supplies the mental framework of a ready-made ruling class.† â€Å"I see. Fairly adequate. Do you think that any Second Empire, even if formed in the time set by Seldon, would do as a fulfillment of his Plan?† â€Å"No, Speaker, I do not. There are several possible Second Empires that may be formed in the period of time stretching from nine hundred to seventeen hundred years after the inception of the Plan, but only one of these is the Second Empire.† â€Å"And in view of all this, why is it necessary that the existence of the Second Foundation be hidden – above all, from the First Foundation?† The Student probed for a hidden meaning to the question and failed to find it. He was troubled in his answer, â€Å"For the same reason that the details of the Plan as a whole must be hidden from Mankind in general. The laws of Psychohistory are statistical in nature and are rendered invalid if the actions of individual men are not random in nature. If a sizable group of human beings learned of key details of the Plan, their actions would be governed by that knowledge and would no longer be random in the meaning of the axioms of Psychohistory. In other words, they would no longer be perfectly predictable. Your pardon, Speaker, but I feel that the answer is not satisfactory.† â€Å"It is well that you do. Your answer is quite incomplete. It is the Second Foundation itself which must be hidden, not simply the Plan. The Second Empire is not yet formed. We have still a society which would resent a ruling class of psychologists, and which would fear its development and fight against it. Do you understand that?† â€Å"Yes, Speaker, I do. The point has never been stressed-â€Å" â€Å"Don't minimize. It has never been made – in the classroom, though you should be capable of deducing it yourself. This and many other points we will make now and in the near future during your apprenticeship. You will see me again in a week. By that time, I would like to have comments from you as to a certain problem which I now set before you. I don't want complete and rigorous mathematical treatment. That would take a year for an expert, and not a week for you. But I do want an indication as to trends and directions.*** â€Å"You have here a fork in the Plan at a period in time of about half a century ago. The necessary details are included. You will note that the path followed by the assumed reality diverges from all the plotted predictions; its probability being under one percent. You will estimate for how long the divergence may continue before it becomes uncorrectable. Estimate also the probable end if uncorrected, and a reasonable method of correction.† The Student flipped the Viewer at random and looked stonily at the passages presented on the tiny, built-in screen. He said: â€Å"Why this particular problem, Speaker? It obviously has significance other than purely academic.† â€Å"Thank you, my boy. You are as quick as I had expected. The problem is not supposititious. Nearly half a century ago, the Mule burst into Galactic history and for ten years was the largest single fact in the universe. He was unprovided for; uncalculated for. He bent the Plan seriously, but not fatally. â€Å"To stop him before he did become fatal, however, we were forced to take active part against him. We revealed our existence, and infinitely worse, a portion of our power. The First Foundation has learned of us, and their actions are now predicated on that knowledge. Observe in the problem presented. Here. And here. â€Å"Naturally, you will not speak of this to anyone.† There was an appalled pause, as realization seeped into the Student. He said: â€Å"Then the Seldon Plan has failed!† â€Å"Not yet. It merely may have failed. The probabilities of success are still twenty-one point four percent, as of the last assessment.†