Recording, Analyzing and Using Human Resource Information

Data collection within organization is vital especially in supporting Human Resource Management Systems. Data management is the science of collecting, analyzing, and properly storing data in line with the laws and regulations controlling data monitoring. Thus, this analytical treatise attempts to explain concept of data management especially on the facets of data collection, storage and accessibility in the department of Human Resources Management (HR).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Recording, Analyzing and Using Human Resource Information specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Scientifically, the process involves modeling unified data to provide accurate and single view of activities within the HR such as training, recruitment, compensation, performance, and employment management. For instance, ‘oracle leverage optimal workflow circles’ in multinational companies ensure easy and accurate accessibility of stored records within the shortest time possible. However, the major reasons for collecting HR data are to meet stringent legal requirements such as personal details of workers, number of workers, salaries, hours of service, and medical condition. Often, companies are obliged to give accurate details to governmental departments whenever there is a need. Besides, data stored in the HR server is essential for protection of company against claims in court of law. Since details of each employee are kept intact, proper documentation would paint a clear picture for every complaint registered. [1] The two types of data collected by HR department include the Operational Information Data and Tactical Information Data. Under Operational Information Data, HR management team should be conscious of it arrangement and storage medium. This data exist in the form of HR profile records and includes organization dependent and personal information of the employees such as sex, name, address, citize nship, marital status, seniority data, salary grade, minority status, employment history, retirement, experience, and education level. Besides, the records collected may be inclusive of special preferences by employees. In addition, the data captures skill inventory for each worker. In some cases, it contains information surrounding test scores, work experience, preferences, interests, and proficiencies or special skills. Besides, government reporting and compliance data avail information as indicated by laws that facilitate monitoring and observing compliance within regulations. These government initiated regulations aim at reducing costs and improving productivity. For instance, job analysis system provides data on guideline compliancy, safety measures, and relevancy of skills for every department in an organization. Generally, data contained in the Operational Information System include information on position control, placement, and application, performance management informatio n, and compliance to government standards information. [2]Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On the other hand, Tactical HRIS provides support information to managers on decision making process such as design and job analysis, development and training, and compensation plans for employees. Generally, Tactical HRIS data capture information on recruitment, design and job analysis, benefit and compensation, and development and employee training systems. Information on compensation and benefit records is vital in designing a comprehensive compensation program and fast tracking retirements and replacements. In decision making, properly collected and scientifically analyzed data provide accurate and reliable decision variables necessary in determining resource allocations for training, expansion, and structuralism to keep a competitive edge. Among the most reliable methods of data storage in HR, management include the electronic data storage and traditional filing. Electronic data storage devises are effective in terms of space and time. Under this medium, data irrespective of its magnitude can be stored in digital and analogue formats. After the desired data is encoded, the non-volatile computer storage system captures all details permanently and allows for editing. In the contemporary global arena, technology has made it possible to create backup systems that ensure safety of information. On the other hand, traditional system of filing records provides an alternative especially for small scale use. Under this system, data storage is organized alphabetically in cabinets and a reference sticker placed besides each record. This method is easy to monitor and safe especially when records are few. The United Kingdom has policies and regulations on data collection, storage and accessibility. For instance, the ‘Acas Code of Practice’: Discipline and gr ievances at work provide guidelines on training courses which equip HR professionals with proper management policies and monitoring records. In addition, the Regulation of Inventory Powers Act of 2000 cover limits placed for organizations for monitoring records in private and public networks. Reflectively, it empowers employees to benefits from organization’s carelessness with personal information. Also, the Data Protection Act of 1998 contains a code of conduct monitoring employer’s compliance. Specifically, part one of the act cover selection and recruitment rules. Moreover, part two is consistent in defining limits and ways of keeping employment records secured. Part three and four deal with observations made at work and confidentiality of medical records respectively. A breach of the above policies attracts hefty fines and penalties as defined in the law. Stated in the code, information obtained or stored via the monitoring system should be used within the purpose of collection and must be secured. However, employers may breach this especially where there is proof of crime detection or prevention.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Recording, Analyzing and Using Human Resource Information specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In a company of 200 employees, records analysis concentrates on the Absence Data Bank. This record is generated electronically and it records absence, time of reporting, details of each employee upon clocking in the thumb screen located at the entrance. On Monday, two employees are absent with permission, however, another employee is also absent without formal explanation. Among the present employees, there are four arrive late for work. In the afternoon shift, six employees are out on official duty. The above data can be presented in the pie chart below. From the above data, it is apparent that performance rate is slightly above 95%. Besides the Absence Re cord indicating three employees as absent, the computerized system captures the percentage of those who arrive late at 2%. This data captures general data as recorder in the system. Therefore, further analysis should give clear statistics and foster creation of monitoring framework for marking the absence list and defining instrumental aggregates of valid comparison. Specifically, the scope of this analysis provides finer details of each employee as generated over a five day period. Therefore, information obtained is vital for determining performance of each employee and managing payroll especially for late arrivals and absentees with no formal notification. Conclusively, HR Management is dependent on relevant data collection, proper record storage, and practical application in policy formulation and decision science. Reflectively, these actions must be in line with policies instituted by the government. Data on employees can be used in operation and tactical functions in an organiz ation. Generally, data collection and management as a science should embrace systematic approach and in-depth analysis to understand labor management and factors surrounding its functionality. Bibliography Brown, C., Arianne, H. Policy and practice in European human resource management: the Price Waterhouse Canfield survey. Rutledge, Alabama, 1994. Martin, J. Key Concepts in Human Resource Management. SAGE Publications Ltd, Alabama, 2010.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Taylor, S. People resourcing. CIPD Publishing, New York, 2005. Footnotes Martin, J. Key Concepts in Human Resource Management. SAGE Publications Ltd, Alabama, 2010. Brown, C., Arianne, H. Policy and practice in European human resource management: the Price Waterhouse Canfield survey. Rutledge, Alabama, 1994. This report on Recording, Analyzing and Using Human Resource Information was written and submitted by user Kash F. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

John Dickinson essays

John Dickinson essays Born in Talbot County, MD., November 8, 1732, John Dickinson had a big effect on the way American History happened. He was born into a relatively wealthy family, his father being first judge to the Court of Pleas in Delaware. He got his education at the Temple in London, studying law. That was the most prestigious education that a student could hope for. John was very lucky as a young man being born into a rich family and getting the best education he could hope for. He was much better off then some of the people he would work for in later years. Not as many people have heard of John Dickinson as they have of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin and that is due to his steadfast opposition to the Americas becoming independent. Dickinson tried to mollify the language and actions of the congress because he was opposed to the separation from Great Britain. He also did not vote for or sign the Declaration of Independence. John Dickinson had a nickname, Penman of the Revolution, he was called this because he wrote many things about the revolution and how he felt about it. Some of the things that he wrote were Letters of a Pennsylvania Farmer, this was a series of essays published by Benjamin Franklin in 1768. These essays were also translated into French and published in Paris. John Dickinson had a big affect on the American Revolution and should be more remembered but, because he opposed the Declaration of Independence the history books dont care about him. ...

President Obama says he'd talk on GOP's terms if they raise debt Essay

President Obama says he'd talk on GOP's terms if they raise debt ceiling, fund government - Essay Example However, the Republicans, led by the speaker of the congress are against this position held by Obama’s administration. To him, what Obama is trying to do, is to force his point of view to the republicans, as a condition of engaging into talks with them (Acosta, Tom and Deirdre, 4). Mitt Romney disagrees with this method that Republican congress men are employing for purposes of preventing the implementation of Obama care (Pham, 2). Romney denotes that there are other methods of getting rid of the Obama care health plan, and this includes delaying its implementation for almost over one year (Pham, 1). According to Mitt Romney, this health care policy will ruin the American economy, and therefore it is necessary to prevent it. Romney further denotes that methods such as educating the population against this policy are also an effective method of preventing the implementation of President Obama policies on health. He gave an example of the 21 hour speech of Senator Cruz, in which he strongly criticized the Obama health care plan. To him, this plan would ruin the American economy, and state. Other methods that Romney proposes include working hard in the campaigns for purposes of ensuring that the republicans gain the control of the congress and the senate. By doing this, they will be able to prevent bills that would work against their interests. The reasons as to why the republicans are not right in forcing a government shutdown, is that the economy of the nation might go into a recession. There is a possibility that the country’s stock market might fail, and over 800,000 federal employees might lose their work (Pham, 3). Romney therefore urges his fellow Republicans to desist from using such draconian measures in forcing the government of president Obama from implementing his health care reforms. This is because such measures are not patriotic, and there effect will be felt through the collapse of the country’s economy. Lately, for purposes of ending the stalemate, the republicans agreed for a temporary measure of funding the federal government initiatives. This measure is attached with a condition that the government won’t attempt to fund any additional policies, other than what was in the budget. The temporary offer would last for six weeks, when both the government and the republicans negotiate on the way forward in regard to implementing Obama care, and reducing the country’s debts. President Clinton also opposes this move by the Republican congress men. According to Clinton, the Republican wants the government of America to fail by denying it money to fund its activities. This is not what the founders of nation advocated for, during the creation of the federation. He further denotes that the proposals by the Republican congress is draconian, and is meant to erase the gains made by President Obama in taking the country out of recession. This move by the Republican congress men will lead to an increase i n unemployment, and to higher standards of living, therefore President Obama is right to refuse negotiating with these congress men based on their demands. According to Clinton, the rate of unemployment has decreased, and the country is nearly reducing its deficit. On this basis, the action by the Republican to cause the shutdown of the government is unwise, and therefore uncalled for. One of the methods that I would suggest in ending this stalemate is for the President and the Republicans to

Ecology paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ecology paper - Essay Example The focus of study in the article was to understand how invasive species, pathogens and disease vector affect human health and determine appropriate measures to reduce disease emergence. The study depicts that invasive species and infectious diseases have become prevalent and widespread because of the increased connectivity in human population. The connectivity in the current world has attributed to the disease outbreak. The new developed trade routes in the previously disconnected countries increase human interactions. Crowl et al., (2008) demonstrated that the enhanced transport systems such as airplanes have increased spread of pathogens. The invasive species has become the second contributing aspect to extinction and endangerment of species in the United States after the increased human population and related activities. The United States government spends almost 120 billion dollars to cater for the non-native species in the country (Crowl et al., 2008). The evidence used to support contrasting point of view was the explanation of the spread of the avian-dispersed H5N1 avian influenza disease worldwide. In-depth and integrated network of research platform was es sential in full understanding of the spread and impacts of the invasion species. The point of view that I most agreed with was the fact that modern technology such as airplanes contributes to the increasing spread of pathogens and invasive species. Most disease in the world emerges from a single area and spread to the entire world. The point became convincing because of the evidence given involving the spread of avian-dispersed H5N1 avian influenza disease. Other points of view in the article such as cause of non-native species extinction became less convincing because of lack of material evidence. Crowl, T. A., Crist T.O, Parmenter, R. R., Belovsky, G., & Lugo, A. E. (2008). The spread of invasive species and infectious disease as drivers of ecosystem change.

Starbuck Corporate Social Responsibility Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Starbuck Corporate Social Responsibility - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that Starbuck Corporation is an international coffee company with its headquarter in Seattle, Washington. Currently, the company has over 20,000 stores in more than 60 countries global wide. However, a majority of its stores are located in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and the large part of Asia among other parts of the world. The company offers the wide range of food services ranging from beverages (hot and cold), pastries, whole bean coffee, full-leaf tea and micro-ground instant coffee among others. Other stores also provide take away food like sandwiches and items like tumblers and mugs among others. Other than meals, Starbuck offers beers and wines although this restricted to stores located in favorite locations. The company growth has some negative business ethics implications on its own workers and even those in other companies. Such include illegal outsourcing, poor salary schemes and even negative environmental and soci al impact on the neighboring community. Despite the challenges faced by Starbuck, the company has adopted some of the best business or corporation to enable it to realize its goals and objectives. For instance, the company has a good number of stores in low economical countries to target the low earners who cannot afford services from more advanced coffee and fast food companies. The company also initiates numerous community projects to boost its relations with the locals, and this has positive impacts on its general income. Starbuck is well known for leasing with both national and international organizations as away from attracting more customers, hence increased income. The company involves the locals in major decision making and this makes them feel appreciated. For instance, the company asks the locals about their opinions with regard to environmental and social impacts before major constructions are conducted. The locals’ opinions are incorporated in the environmental ma nagement plan to help mitigate the negative impacts of such new projects.

Needs Assessment of Public Sector Organisation

Needs Assessment of Public Sector Organisation Table of Contents Page 1. Introduction. 1 2. The needs assessment to be carried out. 1 3. The Context. 1 4. Why a needs assessment would be useful. 1 5. The Needs Assessment Plan. 1 a. Process Outline. 1 b. Data Collection. 2 c. Data Analysis. 2 6. Plan for Evaluation. 3 7. Ethical considerations. 3 Bibliography. 3 Appendices. 3 1.Introduction. A needs assessment is a systematic approach used to identify the gaps in the current position, the factors that affect the performance and the changes needed to get it to the desired position. To achieve this there needs to be a clear and thorough understanding of the people who will be involved with the system or product, the activities involved and the goal of the system. The people who are involved or the stakeholders may have differing needs and this along with any unforeseen requirements or gaps should be captured in the assessment. There are three phases to the needs assessment process, the first phase is to make a plan, second phase is to gather and analyse data, and third phase is identify solutions and report back. 2.The needs assessment to be carried out. To develop a suitable IT system to capture, track and trace all stages and aspects of projects, from proposal to completion. With clear indications of where and how these link into the strategic and workplans and ability to provide a clear audit trails of all stages, documents, sign offs and authorisations relating to the proposal. 3.The Context. This is for a public sector organisation with over 50% of its budget being spent on projects. The projects mainly consists of research work which are outsourced using tendering processes. The current process is very disjointed, with different software being used depending on the stage, department and personnel preferences. There appears to be incomplete document audit trails. The current system has been in operation for a long number of years. The system needs to be able to provide information to various stakeholders about the current state of play of the project. Relevant information needs to be captured from multiple sources including the financial system. The system needs to comply with statutory regulations, corporate governance, public sector and EU guidelines and directives, and have suitable constraints to protect confidentiality and commercially sensitive information. 4.Why a needs assessment would be useful. There appears to be gaps in the processing of information and possible lack of guidance on the steps or next steps to be followed. A needs assessment would collect information about the stakeholders, target group or groups. It would establish what needs are being met, resources that currently exist and determine what needs are not being met. Following analysis of this information a proposed system plan will be furnished within the agreed timeframe. 5.The Needs Assessment Plan. a.Process Outline. The first step is to study and become familiar with the agreed terms of reference as set out by management. This will define the objective, scope, and limitations of the needs assessment. It will establish the lead person and contacts within the organisation, the resource requirements, expected costs and time frame for completion. This along with familiarisation of the mission statement, strategic plan, organisation chart, workflow chart and infrastructure of the organisation will help develop an understanding or concept of the organisations needs. Assessing the capabilities of the current system and gaining a clear understanding of the future needs of the system requires a comprehensive analysis. This analysis will be both qualitative and quantitative. This data gathering process will consisting of workshops, focus groups, interviews, and system observation. These methods will be used to produce information to analyse options and design the best possible system given the available resources. The organisation is relatively small and is divided into six departments headed up by a Senior Manager. A stratified random sampling method will be used to focus on identifying stakeholder needs, and involve all stakeholder groups and get the views of all the right people. a.Data Collection. Workshop. Initially a workshop will be held with the objective of getting senior managers to articulate a vision of the ideal system. This exercise will be a half-day facilitated by a consultant. It will attempt to succinctly define the scope of the system, the long-term functionality that the system is expected to have, and the major issues that the existing or new system must address. Security requirements, risk assessments, online approval processes and reporting requirements will be identified. Focus Group. Following on from the workshop a focus group consisting of at least two section managers, two project managers and two clerical / administrative staff from each department will be convened. It is expected that this will take a half day but may require a full day. The focus group will be led by a trained facilitator. This group is selected to provide a representative group of users of the system. It will provide an opportunity to identify, difficulties, gaps, expectations and establish what is working with the current system and what they feel is needed to meet the objectives identified in the workshop. Whether the difficulties experienced are due to obsolete technology or ineffective policies and procedures. The focus group will also provide an opportunity for this group identify missing or needed functions. Interviews. A number of stakeholders will be interviewed as part of the process to gain further insight public sector tendering and procurement processes and thresholds. Board approval processes along with relevant EU guidelines and directives. These will be semi structured interviews with stakeholders who may not have direct or regular contact with the system such as the Audit committee chairman, Comptroller and Auditor Generals officer, IT and Finance Managers. System observation. In order to gain further insight into the context, tasks, goals and to fill in the gaps it may be necessary to observe directly how specific tasks are preformed currently. It will involve selecting random proposed projects and following all stages from start to finish taking samples and examples of reports produced, authorisation requirements, technology used, time taken for specific tasks, and difficulties encountered. This step may require the use of video and photography. c.Data Analysis The data will be analysed using a grounded theory approach. This will incorporate both the qualitative (e.g. themes, patterns, quotes, pictures, descriptions etc.) and quantitative data (e.g. number of projects, number of people involved in projects, budgets, time taken to perform tasks, number of software packages etc.) . The data will be extracted in a systematic way to develop a conceptual model of the system required. This will be an iterative process. The data extracted from the workshops will be transcribed first, read, coded using an axial coding system. This is a two-step hierarchically process that will divide the data into major categories and subcategories. This will identify the critical objectives, work flows, interactions and communications. This will form the basis for guiding the focus groups and interviews. Following further analysis of these in a similar fashion the data will be assimilated. Essential Use cases will be compiled to capture what the new system is expected to do. 6.Plan for evaluation. Once needs and requirements have been established the results from the data analysis will be presented in a report and charts summarizing the findings and an outline of a conceptual model of the system. Initially a low fidelity prototype will be produced. This will allow the stakeholders to evaluate the product and allow for redesign. It is expected that this will be an iterative process until a suitable product is. 7.Ethical Issues It is important that the rights and dignity of participant in the assessment are protected. Participant are to be fully informed about the assessment being conducted and the purpose of the assessment. It is important to encourage staff to participate in this assessment but they must do so willingly. All participants should be encouraged to speak freely without fear of being penalised. They may withdraw at any time or refuse to participate in any part. The confidentiality of all participants will be protected and they will not be identified in any reports or published documents. Bibliography. Cairns, P. Cox, A.L. (ed). (2008). Research methods for human-computer interaction. Cambridge, UK. Cambridge University Press. [Accessed online 20/1/2017] Preece, J., Rogers, Y., Sharp, H. 2016. Interaction design: beyond human-computer Interaction. 4th ed. Chichester: John Wiley Sons Ltd.

danger world :: essays research papers

I cannot significantly improve on the assertion that it simply is proper for us, as intelligent members of the universe, to try to look after our fellow creatures, and evil for us to do otherwise. -- Colin Tudge, 1992 Last Animals at the Zoo Endangerment is everyone's problem. This Expedition presents an ample cross-section of the conservation challenges we are facing. However, trying to understand how the natural world operates is never an easy task. The effort to do so has been compared to watching a celestial chess game, played by the gods. We are allowed to watch games in progress, but the gods haven't given us the rule book. All we can do is try to make sense of the play by following the fate of individual pieces and working out the rules from there. For example, experience suggests that a species that was formerly widespread, but is now limited to a few individuals living in isolated pockets, is very probably in crisis. Unless something radical is done, in all likelihood this species will shortly disappear. But what, exactly, do we need to do? Tremendous efforts have been mounted to stabilize declining populations of species believed to be in imminent danger of extinction. In some cases, intervention and careful management have brought species back from the brink of extinction (see Bald Eagle, and American Bison). In other cases, despite enormous investments of time, money, and expertise, the species remain perched on a razor's edge (see California Condor). I cannot significantly improve on the assertion that it simply is proper for us, as intelligent members of the universe, to try to look after our fellow creatures, and evil for us to do otherwise. -- Colin Tudge, 1992 Last Animals at the Zoo Endangerment is everyone's problem. This Expedition presents an ample cross-section of the conservation challenges we are facing. However, trying to understand how the natural world operates is never an easy task. The effort to do so has been compared to watching a celestial chess game, played by the gods. We are allowed to watch games in progress, but the gods haven't given us the rule book. All we can do is try to make sense of the play by following the fate of individual pieces and working out the rules from there. For example, experience suggests that a species that was formerly widespread, but is now limited to a few individuals living in isolated pockets, is very probably in crisis.

Night World : Secret Vampire Chapter 12

Poppy was lying there on the white velvet lining, eyes shut. She looked very pale and strangely beautiful-but was she dead? â€Å"Wake up,† James said. He put his hand on hers.Phillip had the feeling that he was calling with hismind as well as his voice. There was an agonizingly long minute while nothing happened. James put his other hand under Poppy's neck, lifting her just slightly. â€Å"Poppy, it's time. Wake up. Wake up.† Poppy's eyelashes fluttered. Something jarred violently in Phillip. He wanted togive a yell of victory and pound the grass. He alsowanted to run way. Finally he just collapsed by thegraveside, his knees giving out altogether. â€Å"Come on, Poppy. Get up. We have to go.† James was speaking in a gentle, insistent voice, as if he weretalking to someone coming out of anesthesia. Which was exactly how Poppy looked. As Philwatched with fascination and awe and dread, sheblinked and rolled her head a little, then opened her eyes. She shut them again almost immediately, butJames went on talking to her, and the next time she opened them they stayed open. Then, with James urging her gently, she sat up. â€Å"Poppy, â€Å"Phil said. An involuntary outburst. His chest was swelling, burning. Poppy looked up, then squinted and turned immediately from the beam of the flashlight. She lookedannoyed. â€Å"Come on,† James said, helping her out of theopen half of the casket. It wasn't hard; Poppy was small. With James holding her arm, she stood on theclosed half of the casket, and Phil reached into the hole and pulled her up. Then, with somethinglike a convulsion,hehugged her. When he pulled back, she blinked at him. A slightfrown puckered her forehead. She licked her indexfinger and drew the wet finger across his cheek. â€Å"You're filthy,† she said. She could talk. She didn't have red eyes and achalky face. She was really alive. Weak with relief, Phil hugged her again. â€Å"Oh, God,Poppy, you're okay. You're okay.† He barely noticed that she wasn't hugging himback. James scrambled out of the hole. â€Å"How do you feel, Poppy?† he said. Not a politeness. A quiet, probing question. Poppy looked at him, and then at Phillip. â€Å"I feel†¦fine.† â€Å"That's good,† James said, still watching her as ifshe were a six-hundred-pound schizophrenic gorilla. â€Å"I feel†¦hungry,† Poppy said, in the same pleasant, musical voice she'd used before. Phil blinked. â€Å"Why don't you come over here, Phil?† James said, making a gesture behind him. Phil was beginning to feel very uneasy. Poppy was†¦ could she besmellinghim? Not loud, wet sniffs, but the delicate little sniffs of a cat. She was nosingaround his shoulder. â€Å"Phil, I think you should come around over here,† James said, with more emphasis. But what happenednext happened too quickly for Phil even to startmoving. Delicate hands clenched like steel around his biceps. Poppy smiled at him with very sharp teeth, thendarted like a striking cobra for his throat. I'm going to die, Phil thought with a curious calm. He couldn't fight her. But her first strike missed. Thesharp teeth grazed his throat like two burning pokers. â€Å"No, you don't,† James said. He looped an arm around Poppy's waist, lifting her off Phil. Poppy gave a disappointed wail. As Phil struggled to his feet, she watched him the way a cat watchesan interesting insect. Never taking her eyes off him,not even when James spoke to her. â€Å"That's your brother, Phil. Your twin brother. Remember?† Poppy just stared at Phil with hugely dilated pupils.Phil realized that she looked not only pale and beautiful but dazed and starving. â€Å"My brother? One of our kind?† Poppy said,soundingpuzzled. Her nostrils quivered and her lipsparted. â€Å"He doesn't smell like it.† â€Å"No, he's,not one of our kind, but he's not forbiting, either. You're going to have to wait just a littlewhile to feed.† To Phillip, he said, â€Å"Let's get this hole filled in, fast.† Phillip couldn't move at first. Poppywas stillwatching him in that dreamy but intense way. Shestood there in the darkness in her best white dress, supple as a lily, with her hair fallingaround her face.And she looked at him with the eyes of a jaguar. She wasn't human anymore. She was somethingother.She'd said it herself, she and James were ofone kind and Phil was something different. She belonged to the Night World now. Oh, God, maybe we should just have let her die,Phil thought, and picked up a shovel with loose and trembling hands. James had already gotten the lid back on the vault. Phil shoveled dirt on it withoutlooking at where it landed. His head wobbled as ifhis neck were a pipe cleaner. â€Å"Don't be anidiot,† avoice said, and hard fingersclosed on Phil's wrist briefly. Through a blur, Philsaw James. â€Å"She's not better off dead. She's just confused rightnow. This istemporary,all right?† The words were brusque, but Phil felt a tiny surgeof comfort. Maybe James was right. Life was good,in whatever form. And Poppy had chosen this. Still, she'd changed, and only time would tellhow much. One thing-Phil had made the mistake of thinkingthat vampires were like humans. He'd gotten so comfortable with James that he'd almost forgotten theirdifferences. He wouldn't make that mistake again. Poppy felt wonderful-in almost every way. She felt secret and strong. She felt poetic and full of possibility. She felt as if she'd sloughed off her oldbody like a snake shedding its skin, to reveal a fresh new body underneath. And she knew, without being quite sure how sheknew, that she didn't have cancer. It was gone, the terrible thing that had been running wild inside her. Her new body had killed it andabsorbed it somehow. Or maybe it was just that every cell that made up Poppy North, every molecule,had changed. However It was, she felt vibrant and healthy. Notjust better than she had before she'd gotten the cancer, but better than she could remember feeling inher life. She was strangely aware of her own body,and her muscles and joints all seemed to be workingin a way that was sweet and almost magical. The only problem was that she was hungry. It wastaking all her willpower not to pounce on the blondguy in the hole.Phillip.Her brother. Sheknewhe was her brother, but he was alsohuman and she could sense therichstuff, lush with life, that was coursing through his veins. The electrifying fluid she needed to survive. So jump him, part of her mind whispered. Poppyfrowned and tried to wiggle away from the thought.She felt something in her mouth nudging her lowerlip, and she poked her thumb at it instinctively. It was a tooth. A delicate curving tooth. Both hercanine teeth were long and pointed and verysensitive. How weird. She rubbed at the new teeth gently,then cautiously explored them with her tongue. Shepressed them against her lip. After a moment they shrank to normal size. If shethought about humans full of blood like berries, theygrew again. Hey, look what I can dot But she didn't bother the two grimy boys whowere filling in the hole. She glanced around and triedto distract herself instead. Strange-it didn't really seem to be either day ornight.-Maybe there was an eclipse. It was too dim tobe daytime, but far too bright for nighttime. Shecould see the leaves on the maple trees and the graySpanish moss hanging from the oak trees. Tiny moths were fluttering around the moss, and she could seetheir pale wings. When she looked at the sky, she got a shock. There was something floating there, a giant round thing thatblazed with silvery light. Poppy thought of spaceships,of alien worlds, before she realized the truth. It was themoon.Just an ordinary full moon. Andthe reason it looked so big and throbbing with lightwas that she had night vision. That was why shecould see the moths, too. All her senses were keen. Delicious smells waftedby her, the smells of small burrowing animals andfluttering dainty birds. On the wind came a tantalizing hint of rabbit. And she couldhearthings. Once she whipped herhead around as a dog barked right beside her. Then she realized that it was far away, outside the cemetery. It only sounded close. I'll bet I can run fast, too, she thought. Her legsfelt tingly. She wanted to go running out into thelovely, gloriously-scented night, to be one with it.She waspartof it now. James,she said. And the strange thing was that shesaid it without saying it out loud. It was somethingshe knew how to do without thinking. James looked up from his shoveling.Hang on,hesaid the same way.We're almost done, kiddo. Then you'll teach me to hunt? He nodded, just slightly. His hair was falling overhis forehead and he looked adorably grubby. Poppyfelt as if she'd never really seen him before-because now she was seeing him with new senses. Jameswasn't just silky brown hair and enigmatic gray eyesand a lithe-muscled body. He was the smell of winterrain and the sound of his predator's heartbeat andthe silvery aura of power she could feel around him. She could sense his mind, lean and tiger-tough but somehow gentle and almost wistful at the same time. We're hunting partners now,she told him eagerly,and he smiled an acknowledgment. But underneath she felt that he was worried. He was either sad or anxious about something, something he was keeping from her. She couldn't think about it. She didn't feel hungryanymore †¦she felt strange. As if she was having trouble getting enough air. James and Phillip were shaking out the tarps, unrolling strips of fresh sod to cover the grave. Hergrave. Funny she hadn't really thought about thatbefore. She'd been lying in a grave-she ought tofeel repulsed or scared. She didn't. She didn't remember being in there atall-didn't remember anything from the time she'dfallen asleep in her bedroom until she'd woken upwith James calling her. Except a dream †¦ â€Å"Okay,† James said. He was folding up a tarp. â€Å"We can go. How're you feeling?† â€Å"Ummm. . a little weird. I can't get a deepbreath.† â€Å"Neither can I,† Phil said. He was breathing hardand wiping his forehead. â€Å"I didn't know grave digging was such hard work.† James gave Poppy a searching look. â€Å"Do you thinkyou can make it back to my apartment?† â€Å"Hmm? I guess.† Poppy didn't actually know whathe was talking about. Make it how? And why shouldgoing to his apartment help her to breathe? â€Å"I've got a couple of safe donors there in the building,† James said. â€Å"I don't really want you out on thestreets, and I think you'll make it there okay.† Poppy didn't ask what he meant. She was having trouble thinking clearly. James wanted her to hide in the backseat of hiscar. Poppy refused. She needed to sit up front and tofeel the night air on her face. â€Å"Okay,† James said at last. â€Å"But at least sort ofcover your face with your arm. I'll drive on backroads. Youcan'tbe seen, Poppy.† There didn't seem to be anyone on the streets tosee her. The air whipping her cheeks was cool andgood, but it didn't help her breathing. No matter howshe tried, she couldn't seem to get a proper breath. I'm hyperventilating, she thought. Her heart wasracing, her lips and tongue felt parchment-dry. And still she had the feeling of being air-starved. What'shappening to me? Then the pain started. Agonizing seizures in her muscles-like the crampsshe used to get when she went out for track in juniorhigh. Vaguely, through the pain, she rememberedsomething the P.E. teacher had said.†Thecrampscome when your muscles don't get enough blood. A charley horseis a clump of muscles starving to death.† Oh, ithurt.It hurt.She couldn't even call to James for help, now; all she could do was hang on to thecar door and try to breathe. She was whooping andwheezing, but it wasn't any good. Cramps everywhere-and now she was so dizzythat she saw the world through sparkling lights. She. was dying. Something hadgone terriblywrong. She felt as if she were underwater, tryingdesperately to claw her way to oxygen-only therewas nooxygen. And then she saw the way. Or smelled it, actually. Thecar was stopped at a redlight. Poppy's head and shoulders were out the windowby now-and suddenly she caught a whiff of life. Life.What she needed. She didn't think, she simplyacted. With one motion she threw the car door open and plunged out. She heard Phil's shout behind her and James'sshout in her head. She ignored both of them. Nothing mattered except stopping the pain. She grabbed for the man on the sidewalk the waya drowning swimmer grabs at a rescuer. Instinctively. He was tall and strong for a human. He was wearinga dark sweatsuit and a bomber jacket. His face wasstubbly and his skin wasn't exactly clean, but thatwasn't important. She wasn't interested in the con tainer, only in the lovely sticky red stuff inside. This time her strike was perfectly accurate. Herwonderful teeth extended like claws and stabbed intothe man's throat. Puncturing him like one of thoseold-fashioned bottle openers. He struggled a little and then went limp. And then she was drinking, her throat drenched in copper-sweetness. Sheer animal hunger took over as she tapped his veins. The liquid filling her mouthwas wild and raw and primal and every swallow gaveher new life. She drank and drank, and felt the pain disappear.In its place was a euphoric lightness.When she paused to breathe, she could feel her lungs swell withcool, blessed air. She bent to drink again, to suck, lap, tipple. Theman had a clear bubbling stream inside him, and shewanted it all. That was when James pulled her head back. He spoke both aloud and in her mind and his voicewas collected but intense. â€Å"Poppy, I'm sorry. I'm sorry.It was my fault. I shouldn't have made you wait solong. But you've had enough now. You can stop.† Oh†¦confusion. Poppy was peripherally aware of Phillip, her brother Phillip, looking on in horror. James said shecouldstop, but that didn't mean she had to. She didn'twantto. The man wasn't fightingat all now. He seemed to be unconscious. She bent down again. James pulled her back upalmost roughly. â€Å"Listen,† he said. His eyes were level, but his voicewas hard. â€Å"This is the time you can choose, Poppy.Do youreallywant to kill?† The words shocked her back to awareness. To kill†¦that was the way to get power, she knew. Bloodwas power and life and energy and food and drink.If she drained this man like squeezing an orange, shewould have the power of his very essence. Whoknew what she might be able to do then? But†¦he was a man, not an orange. A humanbeing. She'd been one of those once. Slowly, reluctantly, she lifted herself off the man.James let out a long breath. He patted her shoulderand sat down on the sidewalk as if too tired to stand up right then. Phil was slumped against the wall of the nearestbuilding. He was appalled, and Poppy could feel it. She couldeven pick up words he was thinking-words likeghastly andamoral.A whole sentence that went something like†Is it worth it to save her life if she's lost her soul?† James jerked around to look at him, and Poppy couldfeel the silver flare of his anger. â€Å"You just don't get it,do you?† he said savagely. â€Å"She could have attackedyou anytime, but she didn't, even though she wasdying. You don't know what the bloodlust feels like.It's not like being thirsty-it's like suffocating. Your cells start to die from oxygen starvation, because your own blood can't carry oxygen to them. It's the worst painthere is, but she didn't go after you to make it stop.† Phillip looked staggered. He stared at Poppy, thenheld out a hand uncertainly. â€Å"I'm sorry†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. â€Å"Forget it,† James said shortly. He turned his backon Phil and examined the man. Poppy could feel himextend his mind. â€Å"I'm telling him to forget this,† hesaid to Poppy. â€Å"All he needs is some rest, and he might as well do that right here. See, the woundsare already healing.† Poppy saw, but she couldn't feel happy. She knewPhil still disapproved of her. Not just for somethingshe'd done, but for what shewas. What's happened to me?she asked James, throwingherself into his arms. Have I turned into something awful? He held her fiercely.You're just different. Not awful. Phil's a jerk. She wanted to laugh at that. But she could feel atremor of sadness behind his protective love. It wasthe same anxious sadness she'd sensed in him earlier.James didn't like being a predator, and now he'dmade Poppy one, too. Their plan had succeeded brilliantly-and Poppy would never be the old PoppyNorth again. And although she could hear his thoughts, itwasn't exactly like the total immersion when they'dexchanged blood. They might not ever have that togetherness again. â€Å"There wasn't any other choice,† Poppy. saidstoutly, and she said it aloud. â€Å"We did what we hadto do. Now we have to make the best of it.† You're a bravegirl.Did I ever tell you that? No. And if you did, I don't mind hearing it again. But they drove to James's apartment building in silence, with Phil's depression weighing heavily inthe backseat. â€Å"Look, you can take the car back to your house,† James said as he unloaded the equipment and Poppy's clothes into his carport. â€Å"I don't want to bringPoppy anywhere near there, and I don't want toleave her alone.† Phil glanced up at the dark two-story building asif something had just struck him. Then he cleared histhroat. Poppy knew why-James's apartment was anotorious place, and she'd never been allowed to visitit at night. Apparently Phil still had some brotherlyconcern for his vampire sister. â€Å"You, uh, can't justtake her to your parents' house?† â€Å"How many times do I have to explain? No, I can'ttake her to my parents, because my parents don't knowshe's a vampire. Right at the moment she's an illegalvampire, a renegade, which means she's got to be kept a secret until I can straighten things out–somehow.': â€Å"How-† Phil stopped and shook his head. â€Å"Okay.Not tonight. We'll talk about it later.† â€Å"No, ‘we' won't,† James said harshly. â€Å"You're nota part of this anymore. It's up to Poppy and me. All you need to do is go back and live your normal lifeand keep your mouth shut.† Phil started to say something else, then caughthimself. He took the keys from James. Then he looked at Poppy. â€Å"I'm glad you're alive. I love you,† he said. Poppy knew that he wanted to-hug her, but something kept both of them back. There was an emptiness in Poppy's chest. â€Å"Bye, Phil,† she said, and he got in the car and left.

American Culture and Childhood

American Culture and Childhood Introduction Action figures, dolls and cartoons are an ubiquitous part of the childhood of most people within the U.S., with various individuals owning/ watching some variation of these aspects of popular culture in one form or another. Based on various studies of childhood development children actually looked up to and tried to emulate the attitudes and characteristics of the cartoons they saw on television.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on American Culture and Childhood specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More When examining past and current trends in cartoons, action figures and dolls a rather strange phenomenon was noticed wherein over the years since the 1980s action figures and cartoon heroes took on greater degrees of musculature and size resulting in almost freakishly large heroes as compared to their counterparts prior to the 1980s. Even dolls for girls took on greater degrees of overtly sexual characteristics with e mphasis being placed on looks, sexuality and fashion. Behavioral Development While most individuals merely categorized this as a changing trend which was a direct result of the shifting nature of popular culture it must be noted that such changes had a distinct impact on the mannerisms, attitudes and manner in which children believed they should act and mature into. Studies examining the resulting developmental characteristics of children who grew up prior to the overly muscular and sexual trend of the 1980s showed nearly opposite developmental beliefs compared to children who grew up during and after the 1980s trend. It was noted that male children who grew up during and after the trend developed the notion that being overly muscular was normal and a state to develop into. It was a notion that was completely at odds with the idea of children who grew up prior to the trend who believed an average non-muscular physique was normal and what should be attained. This particular differenc e was also noted in female children who believed that the overtly sexual style and concentration on appearance, fashion and sexuality was what they needed to become in order to be considered normal as compared to the popular notions among children prior to the 1980s which showcased a vastly different and more conservative view on what was considered normal. Cultural Impact What must be understood is that the resulting cultural impact of the change in the depiction of toys and cartoon heroes into either overly muscular or overly sexual characters was noted as being one of the reasons behind the prevalence of various individual behavioral characteristics today such as the belief that looking muscular will make a person popular, that overly sexualized clothing is normal and that violence is a regular aspect of life. While it may be true that such characteristics do not define a majority of the population it is still prevalent in large percentages with various studies confirming that on e of the reasons behind their prevalence is their connection to the trend mentioned throughout this paper that began in the 1980s and continues to this day.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Gender Roles Another aspect to take into consideration were the various methods in which gender roles were established at the time of the trend. It was noted that while various cartoons and toys for young girls did place an emphasis on sexuality with toys today possessing even greater levels than they did before, they also placed emphasis on various aspects related to female independence and the importance for girls to become independent from relying on men. Cartoons and action figures geared towards young boys on the other hand gave a more traditional version of gender roles wherein women were often portrayed as needing saving and being dependent on men resulting in the development of the early onset idea that women are inherently in need of and are dependent on the help of a man. These differing portrayals could be considered one of the reasons behind the apparent split in attitudes between men and women characterized during the early 1990s to the present wherein differing ideas existed between perceived responsibilities and gender roles as noted by various studies examining behavioral and thought characteristics of adolescents at the time.

Words About Feeling and Suffering

Words About Feeling and Suffering Words About Feeling and Suffering Words About Feeling and Suffering By Mark Nichol English has adopted a rich store of words about feeling and suffering from the classical languages. The Greek pathos, for example, has come down to us intact to mean, in English, an evocation of pity or compassion, but that’s just for starters. Pathology (the word literally means â€Å"the study of feeling or suffering†) is the branch of medical science concerned with investigating the nature of disease. It also refers to deviation in not only physical and mental health but also, by extension, environmental and social ills. A class of terms referring to specific physical and mental ailments uses the root -pathy: They include allopathy, the name for the conventional treatment of disease, often with pharmaceuticals that counter or alleviate symptoms, and its complement homeopathy, which refers to treatment by natural substances. Words like arthropathy (joint disease) and cardiopathy (heart disease) identify ailments of specific organs or body systems, while noun and adjectival forms of the names of the mental disorders psychopathy and sociopathy (referring to behavior marked by antisocial behavior), have transcended the medical milieu to be used loosely in popular culture. Phytopathology, or plant pathology, meanwhile, is the study of plant diseases. These ailments, and those affecting animals as well, are generally caused by pathogens (there’s that root word again, followed by another common root, which stems from the Greek term meaning â€Å"to be born†). Forms of other -path terms besides psychopath and sociopath are also used outside of the medical realm: Sympathy, the sensitivity to others’ feelings, and empathy, the action of, or the capacity for, vicarious experience of others’ feelings; sympathetic and empathetic are the adjectival forms. Then there’s apathy, meaning â€Å"the lack of feeling,† and antipathy, which means â€Å"aversion.† Each has a corollary adjectival form, though antipathetic is less commonly used than apathetic. Speaking of -pathetic, that’s a word in its own right, with several distinct meanings: It can mean â€Å"sad,† â€Å"laughable,† â€Å"inadequate,† or, less often, â€Å"able to arouse compassion or contempt.† Note, too, related terms derived from -pati, the Latin equivalent of -path: Compatible is essentially a synonym of sympathy. Meanwhile, passion (â€Å"suffering†) and both forms of patient the noun referring to someone under medical care or treatment and the adjective for the quality of forbearance stem from this root. 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:50 Slang Terms for MoneyTelling a Good Poem from a Bad One50 Synonyms for "Song"

Pro Gay Marriage Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Pro Gay Marriage - Research Paper Example Recognition of gay marriage will pave the way to truly equal and accepting society where all people share the same freedoms and get the opportunity to love, be loved and create a family regardless of their sexual orientation. All arguments against gay marriage are ideological in their nature and they can be easily disapproved. According to Kellard, gay marriage does not threaten the institution of tradition marriage because not all traditional marriages are based on love. Many couples decide to marry in order to get money, social benefits or the access to healthcare. The rate of divorces in the USA tends to climb high and, obviously, it is not an indicator of a solid traditional marriage. Despite common beliefs that gay marriages are harmful for children, they serve as a better alternative to families where children have only one loving parent. Conservative religious beliefs does not apply to those who do not share them so it is not fare to take away freedom of love and religion from those who are granted to have it constitutionally (Kellard). Overall, there is no reason to think about gay marriage is something harmful and threatening; it is just a union of people who want to live together as a family. Objections to same-sex marriages are usually expressed by extremely conservative people who reinterpret information and even lie in order to present the issue in negative light and persuade Americans that they will ruin everything by supporting gay marriage. For instance, Dana Loesch, who is a well-recognized columnist, often writes about lawsuits filed by gay couples against certain organization in different states. In her articles gay couples sue with people who deny taking photos of their wedding, baking a wedding cake or renting a pavilion for their marriage (cited in Lampo). However, according to Lampo, all these cases have nothing to

International Human Resources Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

International Human Resources Management - Essay Example Foreign Trade has received great impetus due to these factors and companies looking towards expanding their organisations are employing norms and policies to facilitate proper monitoring and maintenance of their employees. Due to growth in commerce and management, strategy planning and execution has become an integral part of organisation. Due to this, International Human Resources Management has come to the forefront. International Human Resources Management seeks to lay down common rules, solutions to problems and personnel management systems to help this new phase of global expansion transform into a success story and to help organisations adapt and procure better results. Working in a country that one is not familiar with, is a great challenge in itself. More so, when it involves the establishment of a branch office of your company or deals with the successful initiation of an extension of your company, in a scenario completely different from the one you are familiar with. Heading these operations that delve into international horizons and expansion plans of your company build up more responsibility that needs to be fulfilled, on your part. Therefore, a great amount of thought-processing and execution must go down into such plans, before embarking on a conclusion. Vancouver Communications is an established organisation with its headquarters in Canada. It is involved in the production and sale of office communication equipment. Mike Ansell, the CEO of the company for the last 15 years had come up with the proposal to expand the operations of the company. This led to the establishment of the company in Wolverhampton. The work procedures and functioning of the office has been similar to the Canadian office. Furthering the expansion plan, the CEO has come up with the proposal to set up an office in Turkey, for which Helen Reeves, the Deputy Head of Marketing shall head the operation. At this stage, how should the company proceed with its expansion plans Should it follow the same old conventional method of work, even in its subsidiary as suggested by Mike Ansell How should Helen Reeves evaluate and formulate an action plan for successful functioning of the subsidiary under her in Turkey These are some of the questions that need to be answered befor e a headlong jump into the setting up and organisation of the new subsidiary. Evaluation of Mike's Proposal Introduction: Mike's proposal needs evaluation and assessment, since the plus and minus points of the same need to be identified and worked upon. Here are the various facets of evaluation, that could either accentuate or diminish the quality of Mike's proposal. Turkey is one of the favorable fast-growing sites for international expansion of business, trade and commerce. Transfer of technology, the extent of involvement of the local resources, the net currency profit, etc. are some of the factors that are looked into, before the green signal