The Role Guilt Plays in Franz Kafkas The Trial Essay -- European Lite

What is guilt? Is Josef K. guilty? What is he guilty of? All of these questions come to mind when you read The Trial by Franz Kafka, but they are not easily answered. The question of guilt is a theme that runs through the entire novel, and it serves to enlighten the reader as to what, I believe, Kafka is trying to say. So what is Kafka trying to say? If one looks at the opening sentence, in the light of the rest of the novel, I believe that it helps to clue us into Kafka's message. The fact that K. believes he has not done "anything truly wrong" (3) harkens back to the question of guilt. So because K. feels he is not fully guilty of anything, why is he hounded by the law? This is where the main theme of the book comes into play in my opinion. Kafka wants us to recognize, with the help of the opening sentence, that K. has done something wrong: he has lived an unexamined life dominated by routine, normalcy, and other people. This is what K. is guilty of. Is living an unexamined life "truly wrong?" I think that Kafka is arguing that it is wrong because by leading that type of life one is merely walking through life blind and not reaching our full potential. The first inkling of the fact that K. lives his life with blinders on, focused merely on the day to day, is his lack of recognition about a number of things. He does not know if he might have committed some minor infraction for which he is now being arrested. He does not realize that the guards are men that work at the bank with him. Later on his way to the court for the first time he makes the realization that he noticed something he normally would not have. All these things point to the fact that K. just goes about his business and day to day affairs with out care for his su... ...comes quite evident. Kafka is calling for all of humanity to stand up and take control of their own lives. Through self-examination, Kafka believes, that we can come to terms with some personal truth that gives this life meaning. For years people have looked to worldly and spiritual vehicles to find meaning, Kafka is urging that we instead turn inside to within and find something in our own humanity that gives this life meaning. Much like Goethe, Kafka believes our free will is what makes us human, and the exercise of free will is what makes or lives truly meaningful. So, do not rely on the whims of the governing or even the church; make your own decisions. Kafka urges to decide every day how you are going to live your life and then do it because you never know when the Day of Judgment may come. Works Cited Kafka, Franz. The Trial. New York: Schocken Books, 1998.

Management studies Essay

Introduction Since starting the DMS in September I have found the workshop programme very useful. I have learnt many styles and techniques of management and from this have applied to my workplace with very effective results, also using my workplace as an experimental ground for practising my new techniques. From this, I have learnt from my mistakes and errors and rectified them to continually improve my own performance, and thus improve the performance of my department within the business. From leaving school with four â€Å"o† levels, I started my working career as an engineer; attaining an apprenticeship at Phillips Components. After four years of completing this, along with a higher national certificate in computer aided engineering, I acquired a position of Toolmaker in the Toolroom. I then continued working as a Toolmaker for the next eleven years without ever considering a managerial position. After many years of Toolmaking I acquired the position of Improvement Technician within the Sub-components department (press shop) and after Twelve months was offered the position of Shift Leader within this department. From taking the leap from Engineering to production/people management it was recommended that I returned to college to complete a Diploma in Management Studies to gain the academic qualifications to compliment my new role. Learning Style and Teamwork Theory One of the first workshop sessions was based on learning style and teamwork theory. For this we completed questionnaires on learning style and the Belbin self perception inventory, a questionnaire based on individual’s team role profile. The learning style questionnaire was designed to understand your preferred learning style and help you pinpoint your learning preferences so that you are in a better position to select learning experiences that suit your style. The results are broke down into four different styles: Activists, Reflectors, Theorists and Pragmatists. After scoring myself on the questionnaire, the results suggested that I had a very strong preference towards being an Activist, a strong preference towards a reflector and moderate preference towards Theorist and Pragmatist. An Activist is a person who is very open-minded and enthusiastic about new ideas or experiences. They tend to act first and consider the consequences later. They tackle problems by brainstorming and thrive on the challenge of new experiences. They are gregarious people constantly involving themselves with others but, in doing so, they seek to centre all activities around themselves. With the learning style of an Activist I find it very hard work to sit down and study, I also find it very difficult reading a book as I tend to find my mind wandering off on to other activities I could be doing. Analysing my learning style within the workplace, I would tend to agree with these results. I have a reputation at work for being very enthusiastic and passionate about my department and also about the company I work for, also preferring to physically â€Å"get stuck in† with problems we encounter, rather than sitting down and discussing them. Within each learning style there is a set path we need to progress through in order to get the most out of any learning experience, these are as follows: Step one, having an experience In step one there are two easy in which we can have an experience; one is to be passive and allow the experience to happen and you needing to react, two is to deliberately seek them out in a proactive manner. Step two, reviewing the experience I tend to think this is the one we most often miss out on, we tend to jump this one and come to a conclusion before we’ve reviewed an experience in a none judgemental manner (with an open mind and no preconceptions). Time needs to be taken out to properly review any experience to gain anything from it. Step three, conclusions from the experience This involves looking at the reviewed experience step to understand and see what lessons can be learnt. Step four, planning the next step There would be little point in reviewing or coming up with any conclusions from the experience if we did not apply this newly gained knowledge to future events. The Self Perception Inventory The Belbin self perception inventory specifies nine roles for the efficient working of a team. Once the questionnaire is completed, a team role profile is then calculated for the individual and a counselling report is created. The chart below shows how I scored: Roles and Descriptions Team-Role Contribution Percentage Score Specialist 93% Plant 81% Resource Investigator 73% Shaper 69% Complete Finisher 63% Monitor Evaluator 50% Team Worker 25% Co-Coordinator 9% Implementer 2% My profile shows that I gain great intrinsic satisfaction from the nature of work in which I am engaged. For me work is like a hobby, offering me a chance to exercise my creative disposition and achieving professionalism all at the same time. As far as the outside world is concerned, I will be known and respected for my knowledge and special skills and for the fact that I am in the forefront of most new developments. My limitations I may have to accept apply to my administrative and managerial skills. I may have to make a conscious choice in terms of the direction of my career. A wider arena would offer broader prospects of advancement, but would also face stiffer competition, with the chance of me loosing some of my professional expertise. The alternative would be to build up my personal reputation in my own special area and carve out my own job within it. Reflecting on my results from the self perception inventory, I must realise that to become a better team player, I must understand my allowable weaknesses from the roles I scored high in. Also I must work on increasing the lower end scores, by becoming a better co-ordinator and implementer, also increasing my team worker skills. Residential To start the course off, our first learning experience of working within teams was the residential activity at Dove Nest. After a brief introduction (and cup o’ tea) we were soon split into four groups and given the mine field activity to complete. This being a perfect ice-breaker to the course, testing our teamwork skills and also a perfect opportunity to get to know other students. Instantly, different individual’s personalities and trends were noticed and within minutes different traits were easily recognised as some members co-ordinated whilst others problem solved or challenged ideas. Our team decided it would be an advantage to amalgamate with the adjacent team to create a synergy were by we would attain greater power due to the creation of synthetic energy, i.e. the understanding that to join forces more than twice the power of each individual team would be achieved. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Although we did manage to complete task, we didn’t a ccomplish it in the fastest time. Before to long we were soon split into other groups and given different tasks to complete with goals clearly set. One task I thoroughly enjoyed and learned a lot from was a task where all team members had to run up a hill (about 20 metres) to a square marked out on the floor (approx 3m sq.). Inside the square was 18 randomly spaced tags pinned to the ground, numbered 1 to 18. Our task was for all team members to run up to the square, then all the tags had to be touched, respectively from 1 to 18, but only one member was allowed into the square at any one time. Once this was complete, all the team then had to run back to the start point and cross this point within a specified time. We were given an allocated time to plan the task and also only given three timed attempts to achieve our target. Instantly we conducted a brainstorming session to assess all our different options. Then after heated debate about which ideas we thought would be the most efficient we then decided to perform what we thought would be the fastest trials. After timing each option we then chose the fastest and analysed this to see if we could improve on the practiced times. Once we thought we couldn’t improve any more we then attempted to reach our goal. Of the three timed events, the first one was about twenty seconds overtime, the second just under, but by the third attempt we had shaved about forty seconds off our original time, also clearly beating the goal set. We achieved this through everybody committing to the teams needs to achieve the goal set, where everybody knew their place within the team, even though everybody did not agree with some of the decisions. A great sense of satisfaction and camaraderie was achieved by the conquering of this task, with all the team thoroughly motivated and geared up, ready for the next task. Finally on day one we were given the task of running our own business, the final goal, to manufacture and sail a raft on Lake Windermere. Different roles of team members soon developed, one person accounting, another designing, whilst others negotiated with opposing teams to acquire either more money or materials. Once enough materials were obtained, the raft was ready to be manufactured. Again, different team roles were seen, as some members built the raft whilst others delegated different tasks, and others stood back, saying â€Å"that’ll never float, you’ll not get me on that†, only to be proved wrong once the race got underway. For me, there were many learning points from Dove Nest even though at this point we had not covered these techniques at college. It was an excellent opportunity to improve my listening and negotiating skills, as well as improving my delegating techniques. The best learning experiences for me were teamwork and motivation. Working within teams were nobody knew other people’s knowledge or capabilities, or what specialities they may possess created an atmosphere were by to achieve the goals set, individuals roles had to be rapidly appointed. I also found the problem solving activities very stimulating, probably through my engineering background. Dove nest was also an excellent starting point to the course as many students (myself included) were novices to the styles and theories ahead, thus giving everybody a perfect foundation to the year ahead. Reflecting on how each team member performed on the residential, I think it would be an excellent idea to perform a similar residential exercise at the end of the year to recognise the improvement of individual’s performance. Presentation Skills A great learning point for me was the workshop on presentation skills. When confronted with the task of presenting to the group I was keen to improve my ability as presentations are a key role in my position at work, whether presenting a fortnightly team brief or a project presentation to senior Management. Previous to workshop I have encountered some bad experiences in the workplace, due to inadequate planning beyond my control. After watching the video on presentations, I came away with a greater knowledge of what creates a good presentation. The key learning points for me being preparation, content and delivery. What is the purpose of the presentation and why? Know your subject – do your homework. Know your audience, the objective being to keep them interested. A good presentation should have a suitable introduction, main theme and conclusion. The delivery is also essential, confidence being the key, keep to a specified time and remember that you are the person presenting and the effect of it is upon your audience. I found it very beneficial to be able to watch and judge people’s presentation skills reflecting with the rest of the group on how to improve these skills, not feeling under any pressure whilst doing so; an option not available at work. The experience of having someone give feedback to a presentation allowed me to fully focus myself on the need to learn from, and understand my shortcomings, is also gave me the opportunity to scrutinise the way in which I should deliver a presentation. As I have a learning style of an Activist, and therefore wanting to try anything once to gain a new experience, I chose to give my presentation on a non-work related matter. I decided to give my presentation on what I labelled â€Å"The Millionaire Lifestyle Weekend† – a presentation on how to live a millionaire lifestyle for the weekend working within a budget that most people would find affordable. Fortunately I wasn’t presenting until the third week, which gave me plenty of time to plan my presentation. Also gaining more knowledge on this subject through analysing other student’s presentations and making observations as to how their presentation could be improved. A key observation from myself was never apologise when presenting as this may come across as being negative. Also, try to keep the audience interested and keep within the time specified. Provide a handout for any important information, but don’t distribute until the end of the presentat ion. When the time came to delivering my presentation, I was at first nervous, due to previous experiences, but after the first two slides I felt more at ease due to the environment in which the workshop was held and also due to the fact that I felt confident about what I was presenting thanks to sufficient planning and preparation. I think another added contribution was the fact that the first couple of slides grabbed people’s attention and instantly they were thinking â€Å"this looks interesting†, a very important learning point, grasp people’s attention on the first two slides. I realised that in doing this, people sit up and listen, thus giving the presenter more confidence in what he/she is presenting. I also learnt that the rehearsal of a presentation is extremely important; I practiced this presentation about Ten to Fifteen at home in front of the mirror, finding this to be a great benefit to delivering a good presentation. Overall it gave value to me as I now know how to structure presentations. I felt, as did the others in the group that their subject would be boring for anyone else but to the contrary, as I listened to other presentations they were entertaining, informative, and all had flow to them. This tells me that if the subject to be presented is put over in the way we have been shown then the information within it is retained by the audience. Since this workshop, I have presented to management at work and felt a lot more at ease, having greater confidence in myself by understanding the correct way to performing a successful presentation, understanding the emphasis on planning as well as delivery. I have now learnt to improve my presentation skills at work a lot more by watching and analysing others present in the workplace. Time Management The time management workshop was also of great use to me with respect to my position at work. I am responsible for the production of nine different sub-components all used in the manufacture of a cathode, with present cathode production running at 300k per day, although due to losses on automation, with some components I have to produce 160 good components to make 100 good cathodes. I am responsible for a workforce of 45 people as well as providing assistance in other departments as and when required. I find myself in a position where I am constantly fire-fighting on a daily basis, going home feeling that I have taken two steps back rather than one step forward. When we had the workshop on time management I was instantly keen to increase my knowledge on this subject as time at work is sparse. I found the video a great learning tool, by watching the situation with the manager who never seemed to have any time. I instantly related issues on the video to my workplace and started to understand the important factors of managing time efficiently. Learning to identify, and then change, any bad practices such as taking on too much work that I could possibly delegate out to others, or failing to plan and organise my day correctly, understanding the difference between efficiency and effectiveness. The key points of time wasting have stayed fresh in my mind since this session understanding that I need to prioritise, delegate, plan and communicate more effectively. From watching the video, I returned to work ready to try out my latest technique. Understanding that to manage my time for that day I must spend the first five to ten minutes planning my day a head, prioritising what jobs have to be done, what jobs should be done, what jobs need not be done and what jobs I could delegate out to others. Also deciding which jobs are important, urgent, urgent and important and so on. Once I have done this, I then write a priority list in order of which jobs I shall do when, ranging from must do to least important. Since doing this on a daily basis I have found that I get through a lot more issues at work and seem to find a lot more time to take on extra tasks without the worry of not being able to complete in the required time. This has taken a large amount of pressure of my working day. Although I am sometimes still rushed off my feet, at least I’m not leaving for home with my head in a spin. Conclusion When first discussing the DMS to work colleagues, who had once been students on the course. They described the workshop sessions to me, explaining about people’s learning styles and teamwork theory and I have to admit I was very sceptical about the whole thing, not understanding about Activists and pragmatists, etc. But since attending workshop I have realised that what we have learnt is true to life and have found very useful. I do have the opinion that people who become successful managers do have that special gift and that managers are born and not trained. My opinion is that to be successful not only must you have that gift but you must also learn the different techniques learnt on workshop and understand how and when to apply them to daily life. I have found that a lot of what I have learnt a necessity in the role I am in at work. I also realise that not all situations in the workplace are the same, as people’s attitudes and characteristics all vary, some on a daily basis, and to be able to handle any situation without causing upset to the individual or the business is a skill only acquired over time. Dealing with issues can be a very delicate and tricky art, but with the correct personality, integrity and knowledge gained from the workshop, success is a not such a fantasy as a nearby reality. Bibliography. KELLET, P. (2002) Presentation Skills Workshop lecture notes KELLET, P. (2002) Effective Teamwork Workshop lecture notes KELLET, P. (2002) Time Management Workshop lecture notes KELLET, P. (2002) How to Improve Your Learning Style Learning style questionnaire BELBIN (2002) Self Perception Inventory Mk2 BELBIN (2002) Self Perception Team Role Profile

Discussion About Multimeter Essay

Discussion. 1. When we want to measure voltage reading, the multimeter must be parallel with the component that we want to measured. The red on the high voltage side, and black on the lower. When measuring current, amperes, the multimeter must be in series with the component. Remove one side of the component and connect the black multimeter lead to the board where the component was plugged in and the red lead connects to the loose component. The difference between the two is that if we measure the voltage, the internal resistance of the multimeter is set to what is essentially infinity. If it was anything less then it would be acting as a resistor and drawing its own current which would reduce the current on the component being tested, which would in turn reduce the voltage reading we get. When we measured current, the internal resistance of the multimeter is set to almost 0. This is to ensure that it does not contribute to the resistance of the series it is in. Increasing the resistance of a series of components can cause current further â€Å"upstream† to flow into other branches which throws off our current reading.In short, for voltage tests the mm is placed in parallel with the components and acts as an open line to take a reading. For current readings the multimeter is placed in series with the component and it acts as a simple piece of wire with zero resistance. 2. There are many types of errors that maybe encountered in the measurement process and measures to minimize it. For examples random error, systematic error and gross error are static error (i) random errors Random errors are ones that are easier to deal with because they cause the measurements to fluctuate around the true value. If we are trying to measure some parameter X, greater random errors cause a greater dispersion of values, but the mean of X still represents the true value for that instrument. (ii) systematic error A systematic error can be more tricky to track down and is often unknown. This error is often called a bias in the measurement. In chemistry a teacher tells the student to read the volume of liquid in a graduated cylinder by looking at the meniscus. A student may make an error by reading the volume by looking at the liquid level near the edge of the glass. Thus this student will always be off by a certain amount for every reading he makes. Systematic error can be classed by three different error such as: -instrument error -environment error -observational error (iii) gross error Gross error is usually made by human mistakes. As example, error when taking measurement reading, incorrect recording and improper use of instrumentation. We can minimize this error by taking at least three separate readings and take proper care in reading and recording. 3. The significance of using the correct range for measurement are to get the more accurate and precise reading and to reduce the percentage of error when taking a reading.

The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the USAID

The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the USAID The World Bank Group (WBG) The World Bank is a global institution that supports many countries to realize economic growth. The World Bank funds the developed and developing states research, grants guidance as well as financial aids (World Bank Staff, 2011).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the USAID specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The background of WBG The WBG constitutes of more than five organizations aspiring to engage in development. The World Bank launch took place in Washington DC in the fiscal 1944 and has 188 members currently. The establishment aimed to support the restoration of several Asian and European nations that were economically torn apart by the Second World War. In fact, the rational originators of World Bank included Dexter Harry and Keynes John (World Bank Staff, 2011). The WBG does not symbolize a physical bank but an amalgamation of two separ ate growth organizations namely IDA (International Development Association) and IBRD (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development). The World Bank goals The main goal of the World Bank is to heighten the shared proclivity and bring to an end intense poverty in international arena. This goal helps in stimulating the endeavors of global nations in ending the cohorts’ poverty since it is attainable and ambitious. Thus, WBG sustains the amplification of the welfare of societies suffering from poverty and shared propensity. Conversely, modernization and diminution of poverty is the contemporary and outwit goal of the World Bank in the comprehensive and protracting globalization (World Bank Staff, 2011). By the fiscal 2030, WBG aspires to reduce the fraction of people with a living wage below two dollars to three percent. Equally, the World Bank seeks to increase the growth of income of each nation falling below forty percent in development in order to boost their income. For instance, the World Bank has currently initiated a project in Cambodia (A Basic Need to Help Children) in order to help the underdeveloped community having no toilets and those with deprived growth. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) IMF is an intercontinental conglomerate dealing with money matters with the aim of propping up the potency of finances across nations. The corporation also engages in decreasing poverty levels, sponsoring sustainable development within an economy, facilitating levels of employment and making international trade possible (International Monetary Fund, 2013).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The background of IMF The International Monetary Fund was found in the fiscal 1945 at a conference in the United States. When approximated, the member states forming IMF all over the world encompass more than 188 nations. Indeed, both the Briti sh and United States governments laid hand in the creation of IMF. In the main, IMF has played a greater role in outlining the economy of the entire world. The institution engages in lessening poverty levels, subsidizing economic development, and ensures the eradication of unemployment in member states. Similarly, the originators of the IMF were Dexter Harry and Keynes John during a Conference held at Britton Woods (Clift, 2001). The goals of IMF The utmost goal of IMF was to lend hand in the global payment scheme during global re-enactment, which occurred after the Second World War. The International Monetary Fund aspires to develop the member states’ economies with autonomous policies and economic surveillance. Besides, IMF seeks to help different people to transact freely through ensuring global financial stability in matters related to payments and exchange rates. Hence, IMF essentially trims down poverty, advances standards of living, and props up economic developments t hat appear sustainable. In fact, IMF has projects in diverse nations (Clift, 2001). For example in Japan, IMF has improved policy-making flairs of over six hundred junior officers working with the government through the ‘IMF-Japan Cooperation in Capacity Building (International Monetary Fund, 2013).’ The United State Agency for International Development (USAID) The USAID is an organization in charge of the development and assists various overseas inhabitants. The agency is run via the central government of the U.S. The corporation functions in Europe, Latin America, and Africa to encourage democracy, maintain disaster and support the living standards of citizens (Melito, 2010). The background of USAID John Kennedy who was the U.S President by then founded the USAID in the year 1961. Its endorsement via the Foreign Assistance Act enacted by the Congress aimed at facilitating growth and support of foreign countries. Through legislation and yearly Acts on funds appropriati on, the Congress brings up to date the consent of USAID (Melito, 2010). However, USAID as a procedural federal organization works under the leadership of the United States National Security Councils, Secretary of State, and the President. The goals of USAID The USAID possess diverse goals that serve different purposes all over the world. In fact, it has spread out various sets of connections that cover up the occupier countryside operations. The USAID as an agency administers the agenda on goals ranging from socio-economic growth, the United States mutual interests, and worldwide matters in technical business such as atmosphere. Besides, its goals are based on the liberation of poverty as well as aiding states during harsh conditions.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the USAID specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The projects designed and implemented by the USAID sprea d out in the entire world. In Pakistan for instance, the USAID has provided assistance to countless lives that were affected in the course of flood and clashes (Melito, 2010). The recent PPII (Pakistan Private Investment Initiative) is a groundbreaking agenda by the USAID meant to seed private equity finances and control the investment proficiency in corporations with private equity. References Clift, J. (2001). What is the international monetary fund? Cambridge, UK: International Monetary Fund Press. International Monetary Fund (2013). IMF research bulletin, March 2013. Cambridge, UK: International Monetary Fund Press. Melito, T. (2010). International food assistance: USAID is taking actions to improve monitoring and evaluation of non-emergency food aid, but weaknesses in planning could impede efforts. Darby, PA: DIANE Publishing. World Bank Staff (2011). The World Bank groups response to the global economic crisis: Phase I. London, UK: World Bank Publications.

Berlitz Kids German Language Pack

Berlitz Kids German Language Pack It is an unfortunate fact that very few elementary schools teach foreign languages, despite research indicating that children age 12 and younger are much more receptive language learners than older students. The Berlitz Kids Language Pack series is aimed at parents who know this, and want to offer their son or daughter the benefits of a second language. The Berlitz Kids German Language Pack program targets children ages five and up. The Language Pack comes in a colorful cardboard briefcase package with handle that kids can carry around. The Berlitz Kids German package includes the following: The Missing Cat/Die verschwundene Katze story bookAudio CD for the story book and songsFirst 100 German Words picture dictionaryHelp Your Child with a Foreign Language guide bookBerlitz Language German Club certificate The Berlitz Kids German Language Pack materials teach the language in a natural, familiar way that is suited for young learners. In a reading and story-telling format, along with songs in German, kids are introduced to German vocabulary, grammar, and the sounds of the language (on CD). Berlitz has repackaged its 1998 Language Pack edition, dropping the former flashcards, and putting the audio on CD rather than cassettes. The story book is in German with English in smaller print. The accompanying audio CD has excellent sound and includes eight sing-along songs that go with each chapter of the story book. The story of Nicholas and Princess, his missing cat, is a typical illustrated childrens tale that manages to introduce basic German vocabulary and grammar without seeming to teach them overtly. Berlitz offers two additional German story books (The Five Crayons and A Visit to Grandma, also with audio CD) at extra cost, which is one of the few complaints I have about this $27.00 package. For that amount, it should include more than just one story book. Besides The Missing Cat, the only other printed material for the young student is a thin 26-page picture dictionary called the First 100 Words. But parents are offered some real help in guiding their young learner. Besides being able to learn and read along with their youngster, the included 210-page book Help Your Child with a Foreign Language by Opal Dunn helps parents do a better job of introducing a new language to their kids. The book is a comprehensive guide that includes pedagogical information, language activities and games, Language Time ideas, German phrases, mistakes to avoid, suggested teaching strategies, and other resources to help mom or dad enhance the childs learning experience. It encourages parents to participate in their childs language learning by offering good ideas and practical strategies for young learners that they can use. I have awarded the Berlitz Kids Language Pack German program four stars (out of five) because it offers a good introduction to German for kids, but it should include at least one more story book instead of offering it at extra cost. I found the German songs a bit irritating (all sung by the same artists), but most young kids will probably love them. Children and their parents will enjoy learning German with the Language Pack. It is also available for Italian, French, and Spanish. Berlitz Kids German Language PackStory book/audio CD, picture dictionary, parent guide, certificateBerlitz Publishing/Langenscheidt$26.95 SRP

Renaissance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Renaissance - Essay Example His history reveals those factors which played a major role in the lives of Florentines as they stood on the threshold of the Renaissance. The Chronicle of Giovanni Villani demonstrates that Florence exemplified Renaissance Italy with its emphasis on commerce and the advancement of artistic creativity and was greatly affected by the devastation caused by the plague. Villani’s account of Florence as a thriving commercial center demonstrates that it was this economic prosperity which was one of the driving factors of the Renaissance in Italy. As typical of Renaissance Italian city-states, Florence is a flourishing center of commerce and an integral part of the trade network with the Eastern Empire. As fitting in any description of a commercial center, Villani holds â€Å"the income and expenditure of the commune of Florence in this period† to be one of the â€Å"great features of our city† (41). He goes on to give a detailed account of the income generated by the c ity’s manufacturing guilds, which are obviously the power houses of Florence’s economy and the foundation of its wealth and power. Villani demonstrates the dominance of the city’s largest industry, the woolen cloth makers by asserting that their workshops â€Å"were 200 or more, and they made from 70,000 to 80,000 pieces of cloth which were worth more than 1,200,000 gold florins --- and more than 30,000 persons lived by it† (42). In addition to the manufacture of cloth, the importers and sellers of Transapline cloth â€Å"imported yearly more than 10,000 pieces of cloth, worth 300,000 gold florins† (42). Villani glosses over the noble magnates and knights and gives the greater importance to the merchants, mercers, bankers, bakers, stone and carpentry masters and â€Å"many other masters in many crafts† (42) who make up the guilds. This supports our knowledge of Renaissance Florence, in which the members of a craft or merchant organization fo rmed the commune which wielded authority over the political and economic affairs of the city. Villani confirms the erosion of the power of the traditional landed aristocracy in the Italian Renaissance, saying, â€Å"but from the time that the people began to rule, the magnates no longer had the status and authority enjoyed earlier† (41). Villani makes it clear that it is the members of the manufacturing guilds and professionals who are at the top of the social hierarchy. Renaissance Florence’s dominant position in the trade network is supported by Villani’s account of the city’s ability to meet the famine. Unlike other towns which ejected their beggars at this time of want, â€Å"the commune of Florence --- received and provided for a large fraction of the poor mendicants of all Tuscany† (39). The commune arranges for grain to be bought from Sicily and the regions surrounding the city (Romagna and Arezzo), to be transported at great expense and use d to feed all the citizens. Villani pays tribute to Florence’s economic power by asserting that â€Å"in mitigation of this famine the commune of Florence spent in those two years more than sixty thousand golden florins† (39). Villani’s chronicle bears testimony to economic power and trade being the main cause for Florence’

Quality Pioneers (F) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Quality Pioneers (F) - Essay Example Edwards was the symbol of quality, he always insisted on the quality way of doing things more on the roots. He believed in the principal of putting efforts on the production part rather than concentrating on making profit. The fitness for use theory proposed by Joseph Juran has been embraced all over the globe. Joseph insisted on meeting the customers expectations in terms of quality and explained the advantages of the product meeting or even exceeding their expectations. Being a prolific author, Joseph emphasized on customer satisfaction and shifted his focus on technical and management level. He believed in three principals, quality of planning, controlling, and improvement (K. Heldman & M. Heldman, 2007). Joseph made greater contributions in shaping the business world; he is seen as a mentor to many. His principals of ensuring the quality and customer satisfaction has made it easy for organizations to embrace his theory (Bou, and Beltran, 2005) Philip Crosby who tolerated the zero defects theory. For this to be achieved he proposed that the prevention is more important than anything is, so there must be a balance at the start of the project for quality results. He strongly believed it was wiser and cheaper to meet quality standards rather than redoing the process again. The zero defects in accordance with his book Quality free says that it must be planned (K. Heldman & M. Heldman, 2007). Researchers have found it necessary to appreciate the role he played in shaping the economic factors. Philip in his writings insisted on the need of serving the interests of customers first before that of the organization (IFLA Satellite Meeting, Savard , International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, 2002). Professionalism in the field of business economy must be guided by ethics. This means that each organization has to follow certain rules for its growth. The theories have raised more confusion as compared to solutions. This is because some