Critically review the situation at RestaurantCo and identify the Essay

Critically review the situation at RestaurantCo and identify the strengths and weaknesses of its approach to managing human reso - Essay Example Theoretically, the dimension of Human Resource Management (HRM) helps in linking the functions of human resource with the determined organisational objectives in order to improve the performance of the organisation on the whole. Apart from linking the human resource functions with the strategic objectives of the firm, it further assists the organization in establishing a proper understanding amidst the superiors and the supervisors working within it. HRM further helps in maintaining a coordinated relation between the external factors that contribute substantially to the organizational development and success (Bratton, n.d.). With the continually growing significance and complexities in the HRM dimension, the adaption of Employees Involvement and Participation (EIP) is often argued to contribute in differentiating a company’s internal strengths by enhancing the flexibility of the workforce to adjust with the external business environmental changes. The notion behind the concept of EIP concentrates on the fact that effective involvement and participation of the workforce would lead towards the achievement of the organizational goals and efficiencies. The concept of measuring the formal and informal EIP link further can be regarded as an important part of any organization, as it helps in evaluating the employees performances over a certain standard of time, in comparison with pre-set standards or goals. Formal EIP is further considered to be those practises, where the managers of a department consult with the employees before implementing a new work practice within the set working environment; whereas, informal EIP signifies that decision-making process, where the managers do not follow any formal procedure to gather suggestions from the subordinates (Storey, 2007). In this essay, the discussion henceforth will intend to critically evaluate the situation of RestaurantCo and to identify the strengths and weakness of its approaches thereon. The discussion wil l further aim at assessing links between corporate strategies, culture, HR policy and management practices at the workplace level of RestaurantCo with EIP. Corporate Strategies and Culture In corporate strategies, authority is considered to be highly important to practice an effective decision making procedure. Authority is generally considered as an obligation to act on behalf of a department or agency or any higher level of authority within an organization. Furthermore, authority is the key to the managerial job; they endure the right of indulging into the decision-making process being in the top level management. Delegation of authority is basically the process of allocating the work and transferring the rights from the higher authority to the lower level employees within an organizational context that inculcates EIP related aspects to a considerable extent. This form of strategy is usually adapted by the top level management when there is an over load of work or is viewed in lar ge industries where assigning managers for a single department is very essential maintaining a linkage between the organisation’s short-term or long-term objectives and the workforce performances. Correspondingly, it has been viewed that today’

Blue Crab Report Essay Example for Free

Blue Crab Report Essay The blue crab is named because of its sapphire – tinted claws. Its shell, orcarapace , is actually a mottled brownish color. Their scientific name, Callinectes sapidus, means â€Å"savory beautiful swimmer. † Large males can reach 9 inches in shell width. Crab claws are various shades of blue and mature females have red highlights on the tips of their pincers. These bottom-dwelling creatures have a prickly disposition and are quick to use their sharp front pinchers. Crabs can regrow pinchers or legs lost while fighting or protecting themselves. They feed on almost anything they can get hold of , including mussels, snails, fish, planets, and even smaller blue crabs. Blue crabs are also excellent swimmers, with hind appendages shaped like paddles. Blue crabs are found in brackish coastal lagoons and estuaries from Nova Scotia, through the salty waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Chesapeake Bay, and as far south as Uruguay. The blue crabs burrow in soft mud or hide in sea grass to lie in wait for prey or avoid predators. The blue crab migration pattern is closely connected to its lifecycle and really begins when the crabs mate and the female crabs release their eggs. It is hard to believe that female blue crabs mate only once in their lives and a males mate often. At 12 to 18 months, blue crabs have reached sexual maturity. Sexes can be identified by the abdominal flap or apron. In the male it is shaped like an inverted T, but in the female it is broader. Perhaps only one or two crabs survive to become adults. Blue crabs can live up to three years. Prized by humans for their sweet, tender, meat, these wide ranging, ten legged crustaceans are among the most heavily harvested creatures on the planet. Crabs are prepared and eaten as a dish in several different ways all over the world.

Free Argumentative Essays: The Ethics of Euthanasia :: Free Euthanasia Essay

The Ethics of Euthanasia      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Euthanasia, also mercy killing, practice of ending a life so as to release an individual from an incurable disease or intolerable suffering. The term is sometimes used generally to refer to an easy or painless death. Voluntary euthanasia involves a request by the dying patient or that person's legal representative. Passive or negative euthanasia involves not doing something to prevent death-that is, allowing someone to die; active or positive euthanasia involves taking deliberate action to cause a death.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Euthanasia has been accepted both legally and morally in various forms in many societies. In ancient Greece and Rome it was permissible in some situations to help others die.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   With the rise of organized religion, euthanasia became morally and ethically abhorrent. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all hold human life sacred and condemn euthanasia in any form.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Following traditional religious principles, Western laws have generally considered the act of helping someone to die a form of homicide subject to legal sanctions. Even a passive withholding of help to prevent death has frequently been severely punished. Euthanasia, however, occurs secretly in all societies, including those in which it is held to be immoral and illegal.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Organizations supporting the legalization of voluntary euthanasia were established in Great Britain in 1935 and in the United States in 1938. They have gained some public support, but so far they have been unable to achieve their goal in either nation. In the last few decades, Western laws against passive and voluntary euthanasia have slowly been eased, although serious moral and legal questions still exist.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Critics point to the so-called euthanasia committees in Nazi Germany that were empowered to condemn and execute anyone found to be a burden to the state. This instance of abuse of the power of life and death has long served as a warning to some against allowing the practice of euthanasia.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The pro-euthanasia, or "right to die," movement has received considerable encouragement by the passage of laws in 40 states by 1990, which allow legally competent individuals to make "living wills." These wills empower and instruct doctors to withhold life-support systems if the individuals become terminally ill.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The medical profession has generally been caught in the middle of

President Barack Obama’s Communication Style Essay

During President Barack Obama’s climb to the White House, he and his campaign have utilized an effective and thought provoking communications strategy to provide a transparent and honest message to the American public. Through his powers of oration, his formidable writing abilities, his comfort on the stage of debate, and through the revamping of the White House website, President Obama has changed the way politicians relate and interact with the populace. This brief essay will outline the major tactics that have proved successful in his rise to power with an aim on his interpretive dominance and popularity throughout a fierce campaign and a mountainous uphill battle to win the public’s support in the midst of two wars and a global economic crisis. As a standout student at the University of Illinois and at Harvard Law School, the young Barack Obama cultivated a direct and honest approach to his communication style. His early days as an Illinois Senator proved that he could build a grassroots support system that did not have to rely on media campaigns for strength, but would grow and strengthen personal relationships through straightforward and honest discourse. In a 2008 US News & World Report article, Kenneth T. Walsh writes of Obama’s communicational outlook, â€Å"Beyond the hype and the spin, Obama has operated as a conventional politician who has demonstrated some very unusual traits—extraordinary communication skills, the ability to grow as a leader, and the good sense and savvy to recognize a zeitgeist, the nation’s powerful desire for change, when he sees one† (Walsh). In this spirit, Mr. Walsh is painting a portrait of the politician as an opportunist and clear-minded individual that is not afraid of speaking his opinion on important matters. This has been a key to his success as a believable and inspirational communicator and has paved the way for him to provide momentous messages that fueled his campaign and his career in politics. On President Obama and Vice President Biden’s homepage on the internet they have a banner quote by Obama that reads, â€Å"I’m asking you to believe. Not just about my ability to bring about real change in Washington†¦I’m asking you to believe in yours† (Organizing). The call for change and hope that were the hallmarks of Obama’s communication zeitgeist echoed throughout the voting polls, the town hall meetings, the local taverns and on the streets. This message proved so successful because it was not a one-way message. Obama’s campaign ideology does not stand outside of participation, in fact, in stands on participation. This quote that headlines the interfacing between the public and the White House demonstrates the necessity for people to believe not just in the power of words, but in the power of believing in politics, politicians, and ourselves. This discourse of interaction and participation has been a proven tactic in successful politics throughout history but President Obama did not rely on the traditional methods. He has demonstrated fluency in technological mediums such as his famed Blackberry cell phone, his YouTube video messages, the revamping of the White House website, his grassroots campaign financing that was largely based on small donations by a multitude of supporters through his website. That being said, his positive and optimistic personality has carried him a long way in successfully communicating his ideals and his platform in face-to-face conversations. As an example, his Presidential Acceptance Speech in Chicago has been viewed over 4,760,000 times on YouTube, his Inauguration Speech in Washington has been viewed over 3,770,000 times in addition to the two million people that turned out to witness it live (Obama). President Obama’s communication strategy has implemented a variety of mediums and platforms that politicians in the past either neglected or did not have access to. For example, President Bush and Presidential Nominee John McCain are notorious for their refusals to use E-mail whereas President Obama had to fight to keep his internet and Instant Messaging Blackberry. Furthermore, all of his books have become New York Times Bestsellers. Mr. Walsh, later in the article speaks of President Obama’s mass appeal and popularity that is thanks to his gifts as a successful and believable communicator, â€Å"Obama’s Chicago background has enabled him to appeal to many divergent groups, from poor African-Americans to white businessmen, working-class folks, middle-class professionals, wheeler-dealers, mainstream reporters, teachers, suburban parents, professors, and college students (Walsh). His reach is both focused and widespread and in this way President Obama has created long-lasting and personal relationships with his constituency that transcends the formulaic and generic mass media approaches. Through his unbridled ambition and his thirst for honest discourse, President Obama has changed the way politicians will communicate with the public. He has changed it in the spirit of optimism and transparency without having to rely on attack ads, even though he has not been above harsh criticism of his opponents and the Bush Administration. He has not been afraid to speak his opinion, even when that has proved to be unpopular, as in the case of defending the controversial Reverend Jeremiah Wright, or when he said he would open forms of dialogue with Pakistan and Iran, or when he made the speech attacking the latent and blatant forms of racism. His popularity has been a direct result of his honesty and his gifts for communicating and as he was elected he continued this approach, even though some people wanted him to deliver a soaring speech at his Inauguration. This keen sense of setting and circumstance allowed President Obama to deliver not the speech of fantasy, but a sobering and directly honest speech about the current state of affairs we now find ourselves in, â€Å"That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age (Transcript). In this spirit, he has not abandoned optimism and the hope for positive change, but he is acknowledging the uphill battle and the fierce struggles that we are going to face. Although he could have delivered a speech that overlooked these struggles in the name of developing a popular national fervor of (false) support, instead he decided to continue his tradition of straightforward honesty, albeit in an eloquent and reassuring tone. This has led some critics to attack President Obama and his administration as our country is trying to climb ourselves out of a record national debt and widespread uncertainty as to the future of our country. The massive bailouts of the automotive industry and the large investment firms and banks have led critics to wildly label Obama as a Socialist and as a reactionary when in fact, as evidenced by the White House website, the Obama mission is to restore good faith and honest business practices to the industries that have helped to build up the United States in the first place. That being said, he has harsh words for executives that are receiving massive amounts of bailout money for their failed institutions while at the same time writing enormous bonus checks to themselves, as in the current example of AIG. In an attempt to restore justice and balance to both business and politics, President Obama has done something that no other President has – he has reached across the political isle and assigned three cabinet posts to Republicans. His spirit of unification cannot be denied and yet some critics still label him as a staunch Democratic Party ideologue and stalwart, when in fact he has made huge efforts to bridge the gap. As Mr. Walsh points out in his article this tendency goes back all the way to his community organizing in Chicago and to his days as a young Illinois Senator, â€Å"Overall, he built a respectable record, working with both Democrats and Republicans to win approval for a series of bills†¦He showed his potential when the Senate overwhelmingly passed a controversial law he sponsored on campaign finance reform in May 1998, prohibiting legislators from raising campaign funds†¦ (Walsh). His bipartisanship has proven to be beyond mere rhetoric in spite of the allegations that are distributed throughout the media. Overall, President Obama has changed the game of politics. He has instituted a communication style built on honesty and transparency while at the same time utilizing all the tools at his disposal in order to fulfill the missions that he promised to the American public. His communication strategy will be the model upon which future successful campaigns will be built. Works Cited Obama Speeches. (2009). YouTube. com. Retrieved 20 March 2009, from http://www. youtube. com/results? search_type=&search_query=obama+speeches Organizing for America. (2009). Retrieved 20 March 2009, from http://www. barackobama. com/index. php Transcript – Barack Obama’s Inaugural Address. (2009). The New York Times. Retrieved 20 March 2009, from http://www. nytimes. com/2009/01/20/us/politics/20text-obama. html Walsh, Kenneth T. (2009). Obama’s Years in Chicago Politics Shaped His Presidential Candidacy. U. S. News & World Report. Retrieved 20 March 2009, from http://www. usnews. com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/04/11/

The Five Pillars of Islam – Shahadah

The Shahadah (profession of faith) What is it? Specific, religious description Shahadah (testimony, oath) (witness, to know and believe without suspicion) Summary and declaration of Muslim faith One enters Islamic faith when reciting the Kalima (statement of faith) â€Å"I bear witness that there is no other deity but, Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah† (in Arabic) Muslims recite the Kalima with understanding and full internal acceptance It is not sufficient for anyone to just recite these words but one should believe in it by heart with a firm convictionReciting the Kalima, they proclaim that : 1. Allah is the only God and Muhammad is his prophet; 2. accepts that this is true -> Should be constantly and consciously present in the heart of every muslim 3. and that they will obey all the commitments of Islam in their life These words are the first words newborns hear, and the last words heard by the dying. A Muslim lives with these sentences, hea rs them and utters them at least once every day Part of the ritual prayer in the 2nd pillar of IslamFor sunni Muslims, it is the first of the five pillars of faith; while the Shi’a connects it to their lists of pillars of faith The Shahadah has certain conditions that makes a person benefit from the Kalima (testimony of faith) 9 Conditions of the Shahadah: Knowledge (‘ilm) having the basic and general knowledge of the shahadah what this testimony concerns? As a normal person would have to know what they are testifying about when making an oath. because not knowing what you are testifying about is absolutely unacceptable.It would mean nothing, basically. Certainty (yaqeen) In Islam, any kind of doubt is similar to disbelief (Kufr) Muslims have to be certain of the truth of the Shahadah Allah describes the believers in the Qur’an â€Å"the (true) believers are those only who believe in Allah and His messenger and afterward doubt not, but strive with their wealth a nd their lives for the cause of Allah. Such are the sincere. â€Å"? (al-Hujjarat : 15). Muslims have to be certain of the truth of the Shahadah and that there is no sense of doubt or wavering of hearts. oubts and suspicions are more dangerous than lusts and desires for a person’s faith cure: is the sound knowledge of the Qur’an and Sunnah Acceptance (qabool) after knowing and being certain of the shahadah, one must accept it believer accepts the implications of the shahadah = also means believing in what the Qur’an states or by the Prophet without any questions asked whatever comes from Allah or Muhammad, a true Muslim believes in it as the truth Submission (Inqiyad) he actual physical enactment with the deeds of the shahadah duties to be performed with sincerity to Allah and seeking forgiveness and guidance from him the meaning of Islam itself, â€Å"the submission to the will and commands of Allah† eg. performing the five daily prayers as it is compul sory for them to do so; and reciting the Kalima everyday of their lives Truthfulness (as-sidq) saying the shahadah honestly. One to mean it. Hypocrites -> not believing in it but saying it to protect themselves and gaining something from doing so Sincerity (ikhlass) eaning of sincerity is opposite of shirk (nifaaq)->(avoiding or neglecting a duty or responsibility) when making the shahadah, must do it for the sake of Allah they are Muslims only for the sake of Allah, all of their actions are done only for the sake of Allah are they Muslims for their parents and would do whatever their parents would like them to do? or are they muslims for allah’s sake and would do whatever Allah wants them to do? Love (mahabbah) love of the shahadah, its meaning and being happy with it Denial of False worship orship only Allah and deny any false deities(Taghoot) Adherence (astaqeem) adherence or support of it until death reflects in the Hereafter the shahadah is a Muslim’s banner until death to be in complete state of surrender, submission, obedience to Allah Muftah ul Jennah (Key to Paradise) Proclaims it with sincerity and devotion and acts and lives in accordance to its requirements How and why is this pillar important for the everyday life of a muslim? Most important article of faith Reinforces(strengthens, promotes) the muslim faith and represents acceptance f Allah and Muhammad and the religion, Islam The significance of this declaration is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey Allah through the teachings and practices of Muhammad Reciting the Kalima is the most essential act of Islam The Second Pillar – Prayer The faithful perform ritual prayer – which is known as Salat – at least five times each day This the expression of gratitude and love towards Allah By practicing Salat is also the recognition of the greatness of Allah and the inferiority of man Prayer offers guidance and peace of mind for the faithfulTo pr epare for Sadat, Muslims perform wudu or ritual washing of the face, arms and feet. Formal prayer incorporates various postures such as standing, kneeling, bowing and touching one’s forehead to the ground. This demonstrates the act of submission and surrender before Allah The five prayer times are determined by the position of the sun in the sky, and not the clock, both men and women Muslims prayer at dawn, midday, mid afternoon, sunset and before going to bed. dawn; is known as fajr and is called when there is merely the slightest glimmer of light on the eastern horizon and homes are still in total darkness.The prayer must be performed before the sun appears over the horizon. It includes the words ‘prayer is better than sleep’ midday; is known as zuhr is just after the sun has reached its highest point or zenith mid afternoon; known as ‘asr, is just after the sun has reached the midpoint between the zenith and the western horizon sunset; known as the Maghr ib is performed when the sun has touched the western horizon Before bed; known as ‘isha when the last glimmer of red has faded from the western sky Muslims usually say their prayers on small prayer mat, known as sajjada, lways facing towards the holy city of Mecca. The recitation that is essential for every unit of every prayer is the al-Fatiha – the first chapter of the Qur’an. How to pray to Allah: Make sure your body and place of prayer are clean. Perform ablutions if necessary. Make the intention to perform your obligatory prayer. Standing, raise hands up and say â€Å"Allahu Akbar† (God is Most Great). Standing with hands folded over chest, recite the first chapter of the Qur'an in Arabic. Then recite any other verses of the Qur'an that you would like. Raise hands up, saying â€Å"Allahu Akbar. Bow, reciting three times, â€Å"Subhana rabbiyal adheem† (Glory be to my Lord Almighty). Rise to standing while reciting â€Å"Sam'i Allahu liman ham idah, Rabbana wa lakal hamd† (God hears those who call upon Him; Our Lord, praise be to You). Raise hands up, saying â€Å"Allahu Akbar. † Prostrate on the ground, reciting three times â€Å"Subhana Rabbiyal A'ala† (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High). Rise to a sitting position, saying â€Å"Allahu Akbar. † Prostrate again in the same manner. Rise to a standing position, saying â€Å"Allahu Akbar. † This concludes one rak'a (cycle or unit of prayer).Begin again from Step 3 for the second rak'a. After two rak'as, one remains sitting after the prostrations and recites the first part of the Tashahhud in Arabic. If the prayer is to be longer than these two rak'as, one now stands up and begins again to complete the prayer, sitting again after all rak'as have been completed. Recite the second part of the Tashahhud in Arabic. Turn to the right and say â€Å"Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah† (Peace be upon you and God's blessings). Turn to the left a nd repeat the greeting. This concludes the formal prayer. The third pillar of faith: The Poor Tax. Description:The Poor Tax is also known as Compulsory Charity or Zakat. It requires every financially stable Muslim to give to this charity. Zakat is viewed as â€Å"compulsory charity†, for those who have received their wealth from God are obligated to give to the community in need. Islam requires man to consider his personal wealth as belonging to Allah and, therefore, to set apart a portion for Him. No maximum limit has been prescribed, but a minimum limit has definitely been fixed. According to statutory Zakat, each individual must abide by this and spend a fixed minimum percentage of his wealth every year in the way prescribed by Allah.Zakat must be paid on different categories of property including gold, silver, money, livestock and agricultural produce. It also requires an annual contribution of 2. 5% of an individual’s wealth and assets. This money that is given as Zakat can only be used for certain specific things, like to support the poor and needy, free slaves and is a form of social security in a Muslim society. Importance: Islamics encourages the sharing of their wealth with others and helps people to stand on their own and become active members of society. In Arabic, Zakat literally means â€Å"purification† this is considered to purify one’s heart of greed.The Zakat is also a means of helping those poor Muslims. If all Muslims paid their taxes there would be no poverty in the world. It is a system made by Islamics to help poor people and to maintain balance between luxury and poverty. It’s main purpose is to discourage the accumulation of wealth within groups in society and to fix the uneven distribution of wealth in society. Zakat, first and foremost, makes it plain to people that their entire ‘possessions’ are gifts of Allah The Zakat has great importance in the life of Muslims: It is a test of their faithfulness.It tests how one will help a those in need with what they have been given by God’s wealth. It is obligatory for all muslims. Those who refuse to pay the Poor Tax have false claims about being Islamic It separates the believers from the non believers. Those who believe in God would not ignore their requirement to pay the Poor Tax A payment of the Zakat brings Muslims together. The money collected is spent for the welfare of needy persons It removes social evils. The poor tend to commit theft because of their lack of money and by giving them financial support the crime level is lowered.It spreads wealth throughout the community. It gets a proportion of the money that many richer Muslim’s keep hoarded and it is then circulated throughout the market Importance: Zakat is the third ‘pillar’ of Islam. Zakat means setting apart for Allah every year a certain portion of one’s savings and wealth (generally 2. 5 percent) and spending it upon reli gious duties and on needy members of the community. The fulfillment of this duty is, in fact, a kind of reminder that all one has is in trust for Allah. Man should, therefore, hold nothing back from Allah.Islam requires man to consider his personal wealth as belonging to Allah and, therefore, to set apart a portion for Him. No maximum limit has been prescribed, but a minimum limit has definitely been fixed. According to statutory Zakat, each individual must abide by this and spend a fixed minimum percentage of his wealth every year in the way prescribed by Allah. Zakat is a symbol of one’s obligation to recognize the rights of others and to be in sympathy with them in pain or in sorrow. Zakat, first and foremost, makes it plain to people that their entire ‘possessions’ are gifts of Allah.Zakat is an annual tax, or duty, in essence and spirit: it is recognition on the part of man of the share which Allah, and other men, have in his wealth. – Zakaah purifies and cleanses wealth, and purifies the soul from stinginess and miserliness. It strengthens the love between the rich and poor, takes away hatred, makes security prevail and brings happiness to the ummah happy. The Fourth Pillar: FASTING IN ISLAM: Who must fast? Fasting ramadan is compulsory upon every Muslim, male or female, who has these qualifications: 1. To be mentally and physically fir, which means to be sane and able 2.To be of full age, the age of puberty and discretion, which is normally about fourteen. Children under this age should be encouraged to start this good practice on easy levels, so when they reach the age of puberty they will be mentally and physically prepared to observe fasting. 3. To be present at one's permanent settlement, your hometown, one's farm, and one's business premises, etc. This means not to be on a journey of about fifty miles or more. 4. To be fairly certain that fasting is unlikely to cause you any harm, physical or mental, other than the normal reactions to hunger, thirst etc.Exemption from Fasting These said qualifications exclude the following categories: 1. Children under the age of puberty and discretion. 2. Insane people who are unaccountable for their deeds. People of these two categories are exempted from the duty of fist, and no compensation or any other substitute is enjoined on them. 3. Men and women who are too old and feeble to undertake the obligation of fast and bear its hardships. Such people are exempted from this duty, but they must offer, at least, one needy poor Muslim an average full meal or its value per person per day. . Sick people whose health is likely to be severely affected by the observance of fast. They may postpone the fast. as long as they are sick , to a later date and make up for it, a day for a day. 5. Travelers may break the fast temporarily during their travel only and make up for it in later days, a day for a day. 6. Pregnant women and women breast-feeding their children may also break the fast, if its observance is likely to endanger their own health or that of their infants. But they must make up for the fast at a delayed time, a day for a day. . Women in the -period of menstruation (of a maximum of ten days or of confinement (of a maximum of forty days). They must postpone the fast till recovery and then make up for it, a day for a day. General Recommendations ?It is strongly recommended by Prophet Muhammad to observe these practices especially during Ramadan: 1. To have a light meal before the break of the dawn, known as Suhoor. 2. To eat a few dates or start breaking the fast bu plain water right after sunset, saying this prayer Allah humma laka sumna, wa' ala rizqika aftarna. (O God! or your sake have we fasted and now we break the fast with the food you have given us). 3. To make your meals as light as possibe because, as the Prophet put it, the worst thing man can fill his stomach. 4. To observe the supererogatory prayer known as Taraweeh. 5. To exhange s ocial visits and intensify humanitarian services. 6. To increase the study and recitation of the Qur'an. 7. To exert the utmost in patience and humbleness. 8. To be extraordinarily cautious in using ones senses, one's mind and, especially, the tongue; to abstain from careless gossip and avoid all suspicious motions.No food, drink, smoke or sexual pleasures are aloud during this month of Ramadan. 5th Pillar of Islam: The Hajj Where did the belief originate from In Muslim belief, Mecca has a unique status that goes back to the dawn of time. The Qur’an tells the story of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden for eating the forbidden fruit, in much the same way as does the book of Genesis. There are a number of popular stories about where they fell. One is that Adam fell on Sri Lanka, on the top of what is now known as Adam’s Peak, and that Eve fell in Arabia.They spent many years looking for and at last met each other on the site of one of the great rituals of the Hajj, not far from Mecca: the plain of Arafat. Millions of pilgrims congregate here each year. The word Arafat in popular etymology means ‘recognition’, and the plain has this name as the place where Adam and Eve at last met, recognised each other and were reunited. Adam built the original Ka’ba, to be known as the House of God—the first place of worship on earth. It thus preceded any other sacred site on earth. Description of pillarHajj (pilgrimage) is a great annual event for Muslims. Hajj is an important ritual worship that should be performed by any adult Muslim (man or woman) at least once in life if one can afford it physically, financialy and safely. There are many reasons for why Hajj is important and for why Muslims perform hajj. First of these reasons is that Hajj is the fifth pillar of the Islam 5 pillars. You as adult Muslim (man or woman) is required to perform hajj at least once in your life if you can afford it financially, physically, and safely.Hajj (pilgrimage) is a great annual event for Muslims. Hajj is an important ritual worship that should be performed by any adult Muslim (man or woman) at least once in life if one can afford it physically, financialy and safely. Performance of the rites of the pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj to the seventh to the 10th day of dhu’l-hajja (12th month of the muslim calendar) Obligation for every Muslim to visit Mecca once in there life, who is of age, and of stable health, who has the financial means Significance of pillarThe pilgrimage to Mecca is an important aspect of the Islamic religion. Every Muslim person with the financial means to go to Mecca are expected to visit the sacred site. Mecca is the birthplace of Muhammad but this is not the central reason for its importance to Muslim people. The central reason for the significance of the 5th pillar of Islam is that Mecca is considered by the Muslims as the city of God. At the centre of Me cca is the Sacred Mosque, built around the Ka’ba. Mecca has its own unique status as it goes back to the dawn of time.The Qur’an tells the story of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden for eating the forbidden fruit, in much the same way as does the book of Genesis. Passage that relate to it The first House [of worship] established on earth is indeed that at Bakka [Mecca], [set there] as a blessing and guidance for all peoples. In it are signs that give testimony. [In it is] the place where Abraham stood. Whoever enters it is secure from harm. The Pilgrimage to the House is a duty humankind owes to God. (Sura 3:96–97) Proclaim to humankind the Pilgrimage! They will come to you on foot, hey will come on every scrawny camel, they will come from every distant valley to behold the blessings prepared for them and recite the name of God on the appointed days, [as they sacrifice] the beasts and cattle He has provided for them. T hen eat of these cattle, and feed the poor and destitute. (Sura 22:27–28) The ‘Five Pillars' of Islam are the foundation of Muslim life: Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad; Establishment of the daily prayers; Concern for and almsgiving to the needy; Self-purification through fasting; and The pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.

Strategic and Operational Planning

Strategic and Operational Planning Introduction There are various reasons for the success or failure of companies. Companies operating in the same line of business may perform differently due to their varying circumstances in business. Marketing strategies, management strategies, and innovation are some of the aspects of business that have been examined by this article.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Strategic and Operational Planning specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Johnson Johnson And Pfizer Johnson Johnson is an American company with its headquarters in Delaware, and deals with various consumer commodities. The company is known for its pharmaceutical products, which sell around the world. Moreover, the company is known for the scholarships it offers for students (Czinkota Ronkainen, 2004). While the company primarily deals with pharmaceutical products, it has endeavored to diversify its products to include sanitation products and toilet ries. The company initially started its business by manufacturing wound dressings in the nineteenth century, but continued to expand into production of other pharmaceutical commodities. Pfizer Inc. is an American pharmaceutical company founded in the middle of the nineteenth the century. This company has centered its marketing efforts on research (Rodengen, 1999). This means that innovation has been the company’s main marketing tool (Kotler, Armstrong, 2012). Moreover, the company has experienced several mergers leading to its expansion. The research projects at Pfizer have helped the company forecast future market trends (Zikmund, 2010). A research project in cooperation with the Massachusetts institute of technology has helped the company move more into the field of research. This field is important to the company since it deals with pharmaceutical products (Rodengen, 1999). Both Johnson Jonson and Pfizer are pharmaceutical companies. In addition, they are public companie s with large capital base. In recent years, both companies have faced scandal allegations after some people died after taking pharmaceutical products from both of the companies. Some products from Johnson Johnson were found to be laced with cyanide while defective hearts valves from Pfizer inc. caused many deaths in the United States. On the other hand, the two companies have some differences in the products they offer to their customers. While Pfizer has succeeded in business through innovation in manufacture and processing of pharmaceutical products, Johnson and Johnson succeeded mainly due to diversification of its products.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Organization at Microsoft Microsoft Corporation is a multinational company that ranks among the biggest single business enterprises in the world. Recently, particularly in the twentieth century, Micr osoft has succeeded in dominating the world software market. Among other things, organization of the business and proper business structure are the major reasons for success of Microsoft as a multinational company. Steve Ballmer, the CEO oversees all business operations of the company, while Bill Gates the more outspoken of the founders of the corporation, is the chairperson and the chief software architect (Wallace Erickson, 1992). Moreover, a board of directors elected by the shareholders governs the company. This structure is consistent with the laws of the federal government and the state laws. The reason for the success of Microsoft is the specialization of its departments in specific products (Guffey Loewy, 2010). The corporation has divisions, which have their own management separate from other departments. A chief executive officer is assigned to each division, and is answerable to the chief executive officer only. This kind of an organization is said to be costly to maint ain due to the reduced economies of scale, but simplicity in management is enhanced (Feigenbaum, 2009). Besides, this organizational structure is more appropriate for the company since it sells products that require research and brain power to produce. Employees of the company are near each other and are able to interact with each other in the course of development of the products. Alternatively, it can be said that this organizational structure enhances communication between employees working in the same line of production (Guffey Loewy, 2010). Furthermore, this kind of structure reduces the bulk of management work for the company management (Feigenbaum, 2009). The major advantage of this strategy by Microsoft Corporation is that the company is able to direct its various divisions to specialize in certain lines of production without having to abandon production of some products (Wallace Erickson, 1992). In other words, the company has been able to expand into other lines of busin ess rather than reduce the number of products that it had been dealing with previously. Management at Wal-Mart (Newsletter) Wal-Mart is one of the few companies, which have a good financial management and have a history of a stable financial base. The company is known for its financial stability (Wheelen Hunger, 2008). Profits at the company have been on a steady rise for a long time, and the company still intends to continue to improve on the pricing of its products (Loveless Morter, 2011).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Strategic and Operational Planning specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Dominance of the company in the pricing of products has been a useful tool in realizing success at Wal-Mart. In 2011, the company announced that despite the increased revenue and profit, it would reduce prices for its products in a move to strengthen its hold on the retail market (Roberts Berg, 2012). Wal-Mart has rece ntly dedicated 500 billion dollars to reduction of the level of fuel consumption for its vehicles. The overall effect of this move is the reduction of overhead costs and increased revenue. This is a more permanent solution to the increasing operating costs, especially after the recent market recessions. Furthermore, the fuel consumption reduction is a part of a larger scheme to reduce consumption of energy at Wal-Mart over a number of years. To minimize the cost on energy, Wal-Mart has chosen to keep all services that demand power functional, but reduce wastage of energy at its stores (Loveless Morter, 2011). Wal-Mart has forecast that consumers will increasingly demand cheaper and healthier food products, which are a major commodity for the company stores. In this regard, the company has set on to stock its stores with cheaper foodstuffs, which are projected to make a profit of over 14 billion dollars annually. This is a high but achievable target, which takes considerable effort in innovation in order to accomplish (Loveless Morter, 2011). Wal-Mart has also ventured into the stock market, and has been trading since 1970. While the company has been doing well in the stock markets for decades, there have been several recent revelations of scandals in its stock market sector. The company has experienced a setback due to revelations of bribery at the stock market (Roberts Berg, 2012). This is a serious drawback for any stock trader, and the company is likely to lose a significant advantage brought by its enormous size at the stock market. In order to spread the risk in the capital markets, Wal-Mart should venture into other financial services (Loveless Morter, 2011). This will help the company succeed in managing its capital base and cater for the financial deficits that may arise in the company in seasons when business is not doing well. Hewlett Packard, Huawei Technologies and Their Operating Environments Hewlett Packard is an American company dealing with computer products. In recent times, the company has faced difficulties in managing operating cost for its factories in America. This has made the company to start shifting its operations to Asian countries. While Hewlett Packard is, a major manufacturer of computer products, recent competition from the Asian counterparts has made it outsource its operations in order to survive (House Price, 2009).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On the other hand, Huawei Technologies is an Asian electronic giant. The reason for growth of Huawei is the cheap labor and materials from the Asian continent and particularly china. Due to the lower operating costs in Asia, the company was able to make profits before the American electronics manufacturers decided to shift their major operations to Asia. The reason for the disparity between HP and Huawei is the labor they use for production and distribution. Labor force in American countries is highly paid and requires a high pay to maintain (House Price, 2009). On the other hand, labor in the Asian countries is cheap and may be used to produce cheap goods of reasonable quality, which are particularly suitable for the developing countries (Wheelen Hunger, 2008). While Hewlett Packard relies on its reputation as a computer maker, Huawei depends on cheap labor to create a stiff pricing competition for manufacturers based in the west. Vertical Integration General Electric (GE) is one of the companies that have adopted a strong vertical integration process (Slater, 2000). The firm consists of multiple subsidiaries, which deals with electronics manufacturing and healthcare services. Based on the nature of the firm in relation to its suppliers and buyers, one can establish the degree of integration pattern that has been adopted (Harrigan, 2003). The firm employs the upstream supplying processes and downstream retailing processes. Some of the types of vertical integration include backward (upstream), forward (downstream), and balanced vertical integrations. The healthcare company, which is a derivative of the General Electric Company, exhibits the backward vertical integration (Slater, 2000). On the other hand, forward vertical integration concerns the company’s involvement in delivery of their products and services (Eisenmann, 2006). This form of integration has led to good relationships within the organizational structure of the firm. Forward integration e ntails the company’s involvement in supply chain at retail level. Through this process, the company can influence the pricing of their products and services. In this regard, the company can lower their prices relative to their competitors to increase their market share. On the contrary, backward integration involves the company’s participation in supply of resources (Eisenmann, 2006). Under this case, the company acts as a retailer, where the company flows back in the supply chain to source for products and services. The balanced integration involves the company’s involvement in all processes of the company, from the sourcing of raw materials to the final delivery of products. Through the various companies that form the whole organization, vertical integration has enabled the organization to focus on its goals and objectives. Some of the vital missions of the organization have been the concentration on high productivity, and enhancement of workforce morale. Base d on the leadership employed, the company has focused on its multiple goals. As a result, balanced integration made the company expand and grow its market share. Flow chart of vertical integration The flow chart below illustrates the manner in which organizations adopt balanced integration in the organizations. In this case, they have both forward and backward integration. This helps the organization to reduce the costs of production while enhancing the revenue from its products or services (Harrigan, 2003). Diversification strategies An appropriate company that illustrates the importance diversification strategy is Google Inc. The company, which initially began as a search engine provider, has grown and diversified its products and services. The company has diversified to engage in manufacture of software for mobile handsets, offering advertisements services, and acquisition of various subsidiary companies in the capital markets. This form of diversification has enabled the compan y to reduce risks attributed to single investment while increasing the overall earnings of the company (Eisenmann, 2006). Through the diversification, their reputation has grown in the market and earned it respect from its competitors. As a result, the company is able to expand and attract more partners and customers. Memo To: All management staff From: Project manager CC: Director Topic: List of recommendation for diversification Through diversifications, companies should always minimize the risks associated with different forms of strategies to yield anticipated returns. Diversification strategies should consider the objectives of the companies and needs of its stakeholders to prevent future problems. Diversification is critical for the success of businesses, especially, when the economic conditions fluctuate over time. The implementation costs of the diversified strategies should not exhaust the capital base of the company. In this case, the anticipated returns from the strategi es adopted should be higher than the cost of implementation. The alternatives chosen for the diversification strategies should be critically evaluated to yield the expected returns for shareholders. In addition, the project manager should evaluate the project over time to ensure it conforms to the investors’ needs. Organizational Alliances Effective organizational alliances between organizations have been crucial for the expansion in the market embedded in competition. Microsoft Corporation and Hewlett Packard (HP) Company have strong alliances with regard to computer software and hardware respectively (House Price, 2009). Microsoft Corporation focuses on software production, which encompasses various products and services. On the other hand, Hewlett Packard is a multinational hardware company that focuses on all types of computer hardware such as laptops, palm tops, desktops and other computing devices. Since the two companies fall under the same line of business, they hav e alliances with regard to their products (Culpan, 2002). In addition, the complementary relationships between their products enhance their alliances. In this case, HP produces the hardware before recommending Microsoft products to be used in their products. As a result, they have enhanced their market and expanded across the globe (House Price, 2009). The benefits derived by organizations from alliances are numerous. Initially, the companies that have alliances benefit from the forces inculcated into their business that meet their required rate of growth. This is mainly due to change from a competitive environment to a collaborative environment. Based on this factor, the organizations’ organic growth is enhanced (Culpan, 2002). Moreover, the speed and efficiency in market is vital, and partnerships greatly enhance it. Due to the collaboration created by alliances, organizations can share their visions and missions. Similarly, the complexity in the market industry increasing has necessitated most organizations to go for alliances. The inability of single companies to gather all the essential resources for addressing customers varied needs has bolstered alliances. Notably, the growing costs of research and developments have driven organizations to go for alliances. Due to the varied needs of customers, organizations spend huge funds on research and development intending to tailor its products and services according to customers’ desires. Therefore, to defray the increasing costs of RD, organizations adopt alliances. Under these agreements, they can cost-share the expenses and achieve their objectives as anticipated. For small companies, alliances allow them to enter into an equal platform with large companies in the global market. This indicates that companies would be able to compete and expand their market share (Culpan, R. (2002). Another benefit attributable to alliances is the consolidation of customers of organizations involved. Since compa nies come up with shared mission, they aim to attract the customers of their immediate partner to their products or services. As a result, the market share will grow dramatically. In addition, companies could undertake shared advertising combining their products and services, which boosts the overall performance of the companies (Culpan, 2002). Importance of alliances within organizations Organic growth independently is not adequate for required rate of growth in an organization. Alliances improve the speed of performance and positions in the market. Search of relevant expertise in the complex market demands alliances. Alliances defray the costs of research and development. Alliances allow expansion and growth to international markets. Alliances consolidate individual organization’s customers. Conclusion The management approaches of various organizations are vital for their successes. By integrating all essential types of approaches, they can expand and grow in the market. As a result, managers should be very skillful in selection of appropriate patterns for their organization. References Culpan, R. (2002). Global business alliances: theory and practice. Westport, CT: Quorum Books. Eisenmann, T. R. (2006). Google, Inc.. Boston, Mass.: President and Fellows of Harvard College. Feigenbaum, V. (2009). The power of management innovation: 24 keys for sustaining and accelerating business growth and profitability. New York: McGraw-Hill. Guffey, M. E., Loewy, D. (2010). Essentials of business communication (8th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western/Cengage Learning. Harrigan, K. R. (2003). Vertical integration, outsourcing, and corporate strategy. Washington, D.C.: Beard Books. House, C. H., Price, R. L. (2009). The HP phenomenon innovation and business transformation. Stanford, Calif.: Stanford Business Books. Kotler, P., Armstrong, G. (2012). Principles of marketing (14th ed.). Boston: Pearson Prentice Hall. Loveless, R., Morter, A. (2011). Walmart inside out: from stockboy to stockholder. Las Vegas, Nev.: Stephens Press. Roberts, B. R., Berg, N. (2012). Walmart: key insights and practical lessons from the worlds largest retailer. London: Kogan Page. Rodengen, J. L. (1999). The legend of Pfizer. Ft. Lauderdale, FL: Write Stuff Syndicate, Inc.. Slater, R. (2000). The GE way fieldbook Jack Welchs battle plan for corporate revolution. New York: McGraw-Hill. Wallace, J., Erickson, J. (1992). Hard drive: Bill Gates and the making of the Microsoft empire. New York: Wiley. Wheelen, T. L., Hunger, J. D. (2008). Strategic management and business policy: concepts and cases (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall. Zikmund, W. G. (2010). Business research methods (8th ed.). Mason, OH: South- Western Cengage Learning.

Learn How to Conjugate Sécher (to Dry) in French

Learn How to Conjugate Sà ©cher (to Dry) in French Meaning to dry, the French verb  sà ©cher  will be a good addition to your vocabulary. In order to say she dried or we will dry, however, you will need to study its conjugations. That is the focus of this introductory French lesson. The Basic Conjugations of  Sà ©cher Sà ©cher  is a  stem-changing verb  and that does throw a wrench into the conjugations. However, it is relatively easy to handle when you know what to look for. Pay close attention to the indicative mood forms of  sà ©cher  and youll notice that sometimes the accented  Ãƒ ©Ã‚  changes to  Ãƒ ¨. This happens most often in the present tense and the future gives you an option between the two. Other than that,  sà ©cher  follows the conjugation rules of  any  regular -er  verb. You can use the same endings you know for words like  tomber  (to fall) and apply them here. To study these, simply find the conjugation that corresponds to both the subject pronoun and the tense of your sentence. This results in  je sà ¨che  for I am drying and  nous sà ©chiez  for we dried. Present Future Imperfect je sche scheraischerai schais tu sches scherasscheras schais il sche scheraschera schait nous schons scheronsscherons schions vous schez scherezscherez schiez ils schent scherontscheront schaient The Present Participle of  Sà ©cher The  present participle  of  sà ©cher  does not get the stem change. Instead, you will simply add -ant  to the stem to form  sà ©chant. Sà ©cher  in the Compound Past Tense Passà © composà ©Ã‚  is the French compound past tense. This is where youll use the  past participle  sà ©chà ©Ã‚  along with the help of an auxiliary verb. To form it, begin by conjugating  avoir  into the present tense, then add the past participle. This gives us  jai sà ©chà ©Ã‚  for I dried and  nous avons sà ©chà ©Ã‚  for we dried. More Simple Conjugations of  Sà ©cher You will need to pay attention to the stem change in these forms of  sà ©cher  as well, particularly in  the subjunctive, which calls the act of drying into question.  The conditional  gives you the choice between the two forms because it implies that something will only be dried in the future if certain conditions are met. There is no stem change in either  the passà © simple  or  the imperfect subjunctive, both of which are literary tenses. Subjunctive Conditional Pass Simple Imperfect Subjunctive je sche scheraisscherais schai schasse tu sches scheraisscherais schas schasses il sche scheraitscherait scha scht nous schions scherionsscherions schmes schassions vous schiez scheriezscheriez schtes schassiez ils schent scheraientscheraient schrent schassent For short sentences, you may use  sà ©cher  in  the imperative.  Beyond the stem change in the  tu  form, youll also need to remember that the subject pronoun is not required here. Imperative (tu)           sà ¨che​​ (nous)  Ã‚  sà ©chons​​ (vous)  Ã‚  sà ©chez