Saving the Rainforests Saving our Future an Example of the Topic Government and Law Essays by

Saving the Rainforests: Saving our Future Our planet is endowed with many resources from the mountains to the seas.We are very blessed because we have everything that we need to survive. But as time passed by, we noticed that our resources, our environment, is slowly degrading and depleting. Over the years, a great percentage of our environment has been lost due to human activities. And one ecosystem of our environment that has constantly been depleting through time is our rainforests. Need essay sample on "Saving the Rainforests: Saving our Future" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed Rainforests are defined ecologically by the Department of Sustainability and Environment of Australia as closed (>70 percent projective foliage) broad-leaved forests vegetation with a continuous rainforest tree canopy of variable height, and with a characteristic diversity of species and life forms. It is usually found in wet tropical regions around the Equator specifically in South and Central America, West and Central Africa, Indonesia, parts of Southeast Asia and tropical Australia where the climate is relatively humid with no marked seasonal changes (Britanica Encyclopedia). There are several layers that can be observed in a rainforest. The highest layer is called the canopy which extends across the treetops at a height of 100-165 feet wherein animals are found to reside in the leaves and branches of the trees. Beneath the canopy is the thick understory which is usually filled with trees, lianas and epiphytes. At the lowest level is the ground where a thin layer of humus soil and fallen leaves can be found. Most of the animals found in this layer are usually adapted to walking and climbing in short distances (Britanica Encyclopedia). These lush forests serve as an important habitat to many organisms from minute bacteria to huge mammals including wildlife. According to the Guiness Encyclopedia (182), there are at least two million different species of plants and animals that exists in rainforests and only one in six of which have been identified and named. Moreover, rainforests are important ecosystems that are needed to support the balance within the planet. Rainforests also helps in reducing global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Over the years, it has been recorded that the global rainforest is declining. According to Lanly, Singh, and Janz, 17 million hectares of forests are destroyed each year (qtd in Vanclay 4). Vanclay in his article Saving the Tropical Forest: Needs and Prognosis emphasized that Africa has the highest rate of destruction (1.7% per year) but the largest deforested area is in tropical America (4). The degradation of our rainforests could pose harmful effects to our planet and to us as well. Many abusers of our rainforests do not know or they just pretend not to know the possible consequences of rainforests degradation. A major effect of this, is the lost of habitat of many plants and animals which could lead to extinction. As mentioned, rainforests are one of the richest ecosystems in the world. If deforestation will continue with its current phase, numerous flora and fauna will lost its home and would probably cause an imbalance in the system. We are all connected in this what we call web of life. Thus, a loss in the system can cause deleterious effects to the other organisms. Aside from the loss of habitat, the continuous degradation of our rainforests could hasten the global warming. Trees are major users of carbon dioxide. They need it in order for them to survive. With this, the carbon dioxide that is present in the atmosphere is relatively reduced. In an editorial in by New York Times, it was emphasized that forests withholds carbon dioxide that would add to greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. With this, the more trees there are in the forests the more carbon dioxide will be reduced. There are many results of deforestation. Some of it we can directly feel its effects while others we need to wait for years before we can feel its results. One indirect result of deforestation is increase in flooding. In 1980, the height of the annual flood crest of the Amazon at Iquitos has increased together with the increased in deforestation in the area. The imbalance was caused by increased in water runoff due to deforestation (Gentry and Lopez-Parodi 1354). To date, about 14% of the Amazon is deforested (Wuethrich) and logging is still on going in the Amazon which could possibly mean that there is a constant increase in water levels in the area. In addition, landslides and flash floods also occur in areas where heavy deforestation is present. Trees strengthen the soil. It also absorbs water and prevents such disaster from happening. More importantly, trees also prevent soil erosion which is very important for the coastal environment. Soil erosion has a negative impacts or corals as it can cause siltation in the water. Siltation is a kind of situation in the marine environment where there are high concentrations of particles in the water column. These particles may block the sunlight that is needed by the corals and it may block the feeding apparatus of the corals. In this situation, it is not just the animals that are present in rainforests that gets affected but also other ecosystems as well. It should be noted that all things in this planet, biotic or abiotic, are connected with each other. Thus, destruction in one ecosystem could lead to the destruction of the other ecosystems. However, despite all the mentioned facts and effects of deforestation, many are still abusing the rainforests. Many industries that use trees are usually in opposition to those showing concern for our rainforests. They are looking at rainforests as an income generating material that needs to be used. In an online article, it was argued that rainforests are worth more money dead than alive (Fighting Deforestion 1). It was mentioned on this online article that in order to produce a Sunday edition of the New York Times, it takes approximately 7,500 trees to print it. Isnt that too many? Trees dont grow very fast and with the increasing demand for paper, the rate of recovery for our rainforests may not be enough to cope up with the growing demand. However, according to Vanclay (4), the real causes of rainforests degradation are poverty and over population, corruption and greed, imperialism, bureaucracy, ignorance and carelessness and international policy. According to him, the worlds populations are already using almost half of the terrestrial primary productivity which in the long run could be double or even tripled. He also emphasized that corruption and greed plays a vital role in the current situation that we are facing. He emphasized that landowners, influential elite and multinational corporations are also instrumental in shaping the future of the forests. He points out that these people are working underground so that it wont be noticed but to some extent the influence becomes very evident. Furthermore, the influence of highly developed countries to developing countries also plays a crucial role for rainforests. Develop countries usually imports numerous raw materials from developing countries without thinking of the possible effects it will bring. They take advantage over the innocence of the 3rd world countries. Industrialized countries are importing abundant raw forests materials but paying the under developed countries a very low amount which sometimes could not compensate for the gathered resources Aside from these, another cause of rainforests destruction is drought. According to scientists, climate has been varying through time. In the Amazon, nearly one-half of the rainforest is at its physiological minimum for water, receiving just enough rainfall to survive. Trees in the southern, eastern, and north-central regions send roots down through 8 or 10 meters of soil to soak up moisture during rainless months which makes them susceptible to drought. In addition, these are also the regions where El Nio droughts have great impacts. Aside from the Amazon, other areas such as Indonesia, is also affected by these droughts (Wuethrich). With global warming and El Nio, our forests are really in big trouble unless we do something. According to statistics, sixty-four acres of rainforest are cut down every minute and would probably be gone within the next fifty years ( Fighting Deforestation) if mitigating actions are not planned and implemented. Risks of our rainforests are caused by a combination of almost everything, both anthropogenic and natural causes. Interactions among fire, El Nio-driven drought, and fragmentation are increasingly putting tropical forests at risk (Wuethrich). In addition to this, logging and the use of fuelwood further increases the threats to our rainforests (Vanclay 2). Our rainforests is in a bleak situation unless we do something right to preserve it. Vanclay (10) in his article mentioned that much of the solutions in saving our rainforests lies in the application of a few simple and well established principles. He put emphasis on the idea that the principles are simple but the applications are a bit complicated. He stressed that successful implementation of any solution will require patience, understanding and the co-operation of many individuals and institutions. Plantations, portable sawmill, tropical timber bans, labeling, sustainable timber production are some of the possible solutions to our degrading rainforests. Alternative solutions could be land tenure, agricultural production, information, stability and outlook and research (Vanclay 10-12). These are possible solutions to the depleting rainforests in our planet. However, in implementing these possible solutions, one has also to consider human activities and interactions in the area. Social preparation is a very important tool in doing resource management. Local communities play a vital role in the implementations of these solutions since they are the first hand users of these resources. Information, education and communication campaign on rainforests is also necessary. Valuation or putting monetary values to live rainforests should also be done so that the populace will have an idea how much will be lost if the rainforests are destroyed. Moreover, eco-tourism would also be an important factor in preventing rainforests to be damaged. People need to appreciate the beauty of nature so that he can appreciate its value. A well manage eco-tourism in rainforests could provide jobs to local communities which in turn could lessen the pressure on the forests. The future of our rainforests lies within our hands. If we're going to save rainforests, we have to be motivated by something more powerful than money, but more rare: Love (Fighting Deforestation). Are we just going to let some few capitalists rule over the resources that everyone needs? Will we allow them to over shadow us? When our rainforests will be destroyed we are going to face one of the greatest catastrophes in the planet. And whether we like it or not, we will all face the consequences for the actions of the few. Would we allow this happen? This is a great challenge for all of us. Lets not lose our rainforests; much of our future depends on it. Works Cited Department of Sustainability and Environment. 17 October 2006. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria, Australia. Retrieved on November 26, 2006 Fighting deforestation of the Rainforest. CNN.com. October 19, 2001. Retrieved on November 25, 2006 Gentry, A. and Lopez-Parodi, J. Deforestation and Increased Flooding of the Upper Amazon. Science. Vol. 210. Retrieved on November 26, 2006 Rainforest. Britanica Encyclopedia. 2000. Britanica Concise Encyclopedia. Retrieved on November 26, 2006 Reforestation and Deforestation. New York Times. November 20, 2006. Retrieved on November 26, 2006 The Guiness Encyclopedia. Guiness Publishing Ltd., 33 London Road, Enfield, Middlesex. 1993. Vanclay, Jerome. 1993. Saving the Tropical Forest: Needs and Prognosis. AMBIO 22: 225-231. Retrieved on November 26, 2006 Wuethrich, B. 2000. Combine Insults Spell Trouble for Rainforests. Science. Vol. 289. no. 5476, pp. 35 37. Retrieved on November 25, 2006

Life Cycle of Fireflies and Lightning Bugs

Life Cycle of Fireflies and Lightning Bugs Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, are part of the beetle family (Lampyridae),  in the order Coleoptera. There are about 2,000 species of fireflies worldwide, with over 150 species in the U.S. and Canada.   Like all beetles, fireflies undergo complete metamorphosis with four stages in their life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Egg (Embryonic Stage) The firefly life cycle begins with an egg. In mid-summer, mated females will deposit about 100 spherical eggs, singly or in clusters, in the soil or near the soil surface. Fireflies prefer moist soils, and will often choose to place their eggs under mulch or leaf litter, where the soil is less likely to dry out. Some fireflies will deposit eggs on vegetation rather than directly in the soil. Firefly eggs usually hatch in 3-4 weeks. The eggs of some lightning bugs are bioluminescent, and you may see them glowing dimly if youre lucky enough to find them in the soil. Larva (Larval Stage) As with many beetles, lightning bug larvae look somewhat worm-like. The dorsal segments are flattened and extend to the back and sides, like overlapping plates. Firefly larvae produce light and are sometimes called glowworms. Firefly larvae usually live in the soil. At night, they hunt slugs, snails, worms, and other insects. When it captures prey, the larva will inject its unfortunate victim with digestive enzymes to immobilize it and liquefy its remains. Larvae emerge from their eggs in late summer and live through the winter before pupating in the spring. In some species, the larval stage lasts well over a year, with the larvae living through two winters before pupating. As it grows, the larva will repeatedly molt to shed its exoskeleton, replacing it with a larger cuticle each time. Just before pupating, the firefly larva measures about  ¾ in length. Pupa (Pupal Stage) When the larva is ready to pupate, usually in late spring, it constructs a mud chamber in the soil and settles inside it. In some species, the larva attaches itself to a trees bark, hanging upside down by the hind end, and pupates while suspended (similar to a caterpillar). Regardless of which position the larva assumes for pupation, a remarkable transformation takes place during the pupal stage. In a process called histolysis, the larvas body is broken down, and special groups of transformative cells are activated. These cell groups, called histoblasts, trigger biochemical processes that transform the insect from a larva into its adult form. When the metamorphosis is complete, the adult firefly is ready to emerge, usually about 10 days to several weeks after pupation. Adult (Imaginal Stage) When the adult firefly finally emerges, it has only one real purpose, to reproduce. Fireflies flash to find a mate, using a species-specific pattern to locate compatible individuals of the opposite sex. Typically, the male flies low to the ground, flashing a signal with the light organ on his abdomen, and a female resting on vegetation returns his communiquà ©. By repeating this exchange, the male homes in on her, and the rest of the story is happily ever after. Not all fireflies feed as adults- some simply mate, produce offspring, and die. But when adults do feed, they are usually predacious and hunt other insects. Female fireflies sometimes use a bit of trickery to lure males of other species closer  and then eat them. Not much is known about firefly eating habits, however, and it is thought that some fireflies may feed on pollen or nectar. In some species, the female adult firefly is flightless. She may resemble a firefly larva but have large, compound eyes. And some fireflies dont produce light at all. For example, in the U.S., species found west of Kansas dont glow.

Social impact of the DIAMOND INDUSRTY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Social impact of the DIAMOND INDUSRTY - Essay Example Diamond stones additionally may be structured under the high weights and temperatures at the site of shooting star sways. The precious stones structured throughout an effect may be generally junior, however a few shooting stars hold star dust, garbage from the demise of a star, which may incorporate jewel gems. One such shooting star is known to hold small precious stones in excess of 5 billion years of age. The bonds are framed when carbon is at high temperatures and under high weights. Characteristic precious stones are made where it counts down in the earth, about 180km underneath the surface, where high temperatures and weights exist commonly. Under the worlds hull is the shelf, which is made up of liquid shake, metals and different materials (Zoellner, 2007). Diamond stones are utilized for cutting glass and off and on again in the coarseness of streamlined sandpaper. Jewels are known for being the hardest characteristic known material on Earth. They must be scratched by an alternate precious stone consequently they are utilized for cleaning devices. Diamond mining or any kind of mining is obviously not reasonable. You burrow an opening; you take stuff out of the gap, and take it someplace else. In the long run, the gap uses up the stuff you were uncovering. That is not economical. In any case as a movement, precious stone mining might be made to help manageability. Firstly, we distinguish that advancement is important to dispense with destitution and to give monetary decisions to northern people groups (Davis, 1999). Incomes from Diamonds stones assume a key part in driving budgetary improvement. They are our single greatest investment affect, and invigorate development and venture. Our associations with governments and groups help us to change characteristic assets into imparted and enduring national fortune. The worldwide Diamonds stone industry utilizes in the ballpark of 10

Short Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Short Paper - Essay Example The female characters, on the other hand, are wives to the male characters and they play unofficial roles in the unearthing of the murder. The thoughts, feelings, and reactions that one gathers while reading the play range from empowering to inspiring, considering the critical roles that women play in the story and in the society at large, particularly when it comes to their forensic knowledge. As one reads the story, some of the ideas that emerge are the role of women in driving key agendas of the society. Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale, though lacking official roles in the play, offer insightful ideas on the case and help the investigation take a logical course. The clumsy looking kitchen described by the playwright is a depiction of the condition under which the Sherriff and the County Attorney were living under, together with their wives. The farmhouse that Susan Glaspell describes as having been recently abandoned shades more light about the setting of the story and one cannot agree more about the plight of the investigators. It is hard to deviate from the thought of the perfect setting for investigation but again one will understand that the story was set based on a 19th century incident. One would expect the investigation to have taken place at the actual crime scene, which was the bedroom. Perhaps the officers investigating the murder of Margaret Hossack’s husban d did not want to interfere with the evidence at the crime scene. When it comes to the feelings, reactions, and responses to the story, it is worth noting that the setting of the play is rather unique, considering that the storyline is a murder investigation. It is quite weird for a murder investigation to take place in a domestic setting. One would expect the collection of evidence to take place at the crime scene before the investigators proceed to the forensic lab for further

Money Laundering and corruption Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Money Laundering and corruption - Essay Example Another important aspect of Money Laundering is that it is ipso facto illegal i.e. the acts that produce the money are always criminal in one or the other. Now in simple words when some criminal activity generates great and heavy and huge amount of profits then that particular group of people involved must think of a way to take care of the funds without gaining attention. Criminals control their large amount of funds by not telling the correct source, moving the money to a place where they won’t get any attention and some even change the format. Criminals move their money between various banks, financial instruments and they keep on changing the size and shape of their holdings by using distinct currencies and also by accumulating to and subtracting from their funds so that it becomes more difficult and extremely hard to identify. Money laundering is basically an intimidation to the better functioning of our financial system and at the same time it can also be regarded as the Achilles heel of the criminal activities.(Web: Fatfagi) It is a widely known fact that Money Laundering is prevalent and unavoidable in Europe. The EU (European Union) which is a political and an economic union has 27 countries which are located primarily in Europe. Now corruption and Money Laundering is at the highest level in Europe. To control this, the EU has come up with various policies, law and regulations but to no use.   For example there is FATF (The Financial Action Task Force) which is an intergovernmental group. It issued a list of countries recently who fail to keep a track of the financial crime. Then there is MONEYVAL which was previously known as PC-R-EV. This basically was established to perform assessment exercises (both self and mutual) of the money laundering activities in Europe. It also reviews the procedures of The Financial Action Task Force. There is a

Ikea Company Culture: Comparison to Hofstedes Model

Ikea Company Culture: Comparison to Hofstedes Model INTRODUCTION Researchers have never been able to agree on a common definition of culture. Culture is something intangible, something abstract that is difficult to understand and identify exactly what it consists of. The cultural definitions that are focuses on two dimensions: culture systems of shared ideas, values, beliefs and meanings, that is, culture as cognitive systems, or culture as objects and events in a group, that is, culture as transmitted behaviour patterns (Bang, 1999). Culture is a collective phenomenon since it is shared by all people living in the same social environment. It is the collective mental programming which distinguishes the members of a group or category of people from one another. Furthermore, you can divide the cultures after various degrees of mental programming. National Culture is the mental programming at the national level, derived from ones country (Hofstede, 1991). Hofstedes theory:- In 1980, Hofstede conducted research internationally with the company IBM (through 64 countries) to highlight the role of cultural factors (Hofstede, 1991). These factors, called national dimensions, distinguish national cultures. His studies enabled him to distinguish the scales of values to classify, compare and group the countries according to their responses. These scales, which he named dimensions (4 for the first publication of his studies in 1980 and 5 for the edition of 2001) are as follows: Strong uncertainty avoidance / low uncertainty avoidance. Large Power Distance / Low Power Distance. Masculinity / Femininity. Individualism / Collectivism. Long-term Orientation and Orientation short term. The results of his investigations led him to establish indices for each dimension. Then he was able to place the surveyed countries (50 countries) based on their responses to a particular point of these indices. National dimensions of Hofstede are as follows: in terms of power distance (power distance): This concept refers to social inequality, including relations with authority. This can be defined as the degree of acceptance of those who hold less power in the institutions or organizations in a country where power is unevenly distributed. Individualism or collectivism (individualism): collectivism is the rule or not the collective interests over individual interests Masculinity (masculinity) in companies say male behaviours are clearly differentiated: the man must be strong, prevail and s of interest in material success, while the woman is supposed to be more modest, tender and concerned with the quality of life. Conversely, in societies so-called feminine roles between men and wom en become interchangeable. Tolerance for ambiguity (Uncertainty Avoidance): This is the level of acceptance of gray areas in society, relativism at the level of ideas. Temporal perspectives (long-term/short-term orientation): a country can be rated high on this criterion, which means a country with a high degree of long-term orientation corresponds to a culture that values strong perseverance and thrift. Conversely, a short-term orientation means being turned toward the past and present (Hofstede, 1991). These studies are recognized as classics for understanding cultural differences. According to Hodgetts and Luthans, they are a tool starting point to recognize cultural differences and give a direction to achieve business around the world in an efficient. Conversely, it should be noted that Hofstedes work has often been criticized. The main criticism is based on Hofstedes generalization. A countrys culture is a combination of its average citizens properties, or some sort of modal personality . It is a set of likely reactions of citizens with a common mental programming. The reactions leading to the results of Hofstedes study do not occur in the same persons, but only occur statistically more often in the same society (Hofstede, 1991). To confuse the individual level with community level is called the social science of the ecological mistake. It is based on confusion between personality and culture (Hofstede, 1991). These questionnaire data were made in the IBM study is collected from individuals, but for the study of cultures must be compared at the country level. This means that the average values calculated from the dimensions of the responses to each question for respondents from each country. Hofstede do not compare individuals, but what is called central tendency of responses from each country. There is hardly any individual who answer each question so that the average size for his or her group received. Average person from a country does not exist, only an average tendency to respond in a certain way for the whole group of respondents (Hofstede, 1991). This should be a warning not to use the land points that emerged from IBM examination to stereotype. Stereotyping occurs when assumptions about the collective properties of a group applied to an individual from the group (Hofstede, 1991). Another criticism is all about timing. Are Hofstedes research, commissioned by more than 30 years ago still relevant? Hofstede says that although the national characteristics of our modern times gives the impression of having that changed and we wear the same clothes all over the world, we see the same movies, eat the same food, consuming the same products, performing the same sport, so has our deep-seated values are not changed and will not do it for centuries, despite an increasingly globalized world (Hofstede, 1991). It should also be taken into consideration that the four dimensions was chosen precisely because they differ between countries. Hofstede mentions nothing that is unique to a particular culture, indeed in this respect should each country be free to establish their own unique cultural dimensions. Trompenaars Hampden theory:-Trompenaars is another Dutch business author who is considered an authority on international culture and its effect on organizational work. Quite like Hofstede, Trompenaars Hampden Turner divide the cultural differences across six specific dimensions: particularism universalism collectivism individualism overall vision vision for detail ascribed status status acquired exogenous motivation motivation endogenous synchronic time time sequence Particularism universalism The first dilemma raised by the authors is the dilemma between sameness and uniqueness. Universalist cultures, like the United States, Switzerland, Canada, Sweden, Australia, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, emphasizing the similarity impose common laws. Insisting on equality, they welcome diversity without discrimination, supporting access to voting for all and making everyone, even the political leaders to the same rules. In these cultures, the practical application of scientific discovery promotes rapid technical progress and development of production and mass consumption (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Among individualistic cultures, there are particular to the side of France, Brazil, Poland, Mexico, China, Japan. Celebrating difference, these cultures energetic foster innovation, product development, sophisticated, refined, and customized. The situations are experienced in a non-industrial: they are personal, intimate and incomparable. However there may rise to xenophobic and discriminatory (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Collectivism individualism Competing values individualism / collectivism is the source of the action and be open about the competition (individualism) or on cooperation (collectivism). In individualistic cultures, like the United States, Great Britain, Australia, the predominance of individual freedom encourages people to take charge. Emerge out of the ordinary people who mobilize immense resources to realize their dreams and explore the unknown, standing out strongly and the community. However, when this is concentrated in the hands of a strong man and greedy, these companies begin exploiting the weak (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Collectivism is based on sharing. France, Singapore and Japan are cultures where it is believed to share the wealth of the surrounding world, so it forces companies to do the training of their employees, it supports long-term bank loans and are motivated by a desire to pass on to future generations a healthy environment. However overprotection may lead to attitudes of free riders and laziness for example, the social support system in U.K. which can easily be exploited by cons to gain financial support from the government. The individual, community member, is trapped in a generous system which requires him to share his wealth if necessary (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Overall vision vision for detail Cultures advocating a vision of the whole are rather sensitive to quality than quantity. South Korea, Japan, France, Venezuela, Mexico are examples of countries with this holistic representation. The benefits of this vision are clearly in the importance given to quality (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). The vision of detail, the culture of precision, are for example the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and recently in Eastern Europe. These cultures analyze problems to find the defective component, and repairing it, arrive at a functioning level. Based on feedback, they increase the satisfaction of individuals constantly responding to specific requests of customers(Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Ascribed status status acquired Cultures are characterized by two basic approaches concerning the social position: the status and acquired the status assigned. Individuals with assigned status often have a strong awareness of their duties towards society, either in financial terms or in moral terms. Their status allows them to transcend the daily battles for them success is not worth any price. They often occupy important positions, some deserved, others falling into the hands of incompetents (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Exogenous motivation motivation endogenous Moral choices of an individual are often guided by virtue, which can sometimes be seen as quality inside sometimes outside the individual. Endogenous motivation often leads the individual to remain faithful to his convictions and his conscience, leaving him free to choose their goals and how to achieve them. People who belong to the British or American culture, feeling in control of their destinies, looking to move up the social order. The action is therefore a predominant value at the expense of others as the trigger for example. In this context, the heroes are often the figure of fantasy creatures or cruel (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). The advantage of cultures based on an exogenous motivation based on their contact with the living environment. Thus the Japanese and the Chinese are trying to imitate nature, while objects from manufacturer of dreams, seeking harmony. Instead of being depleted by opposing adversaries, they use their own energy to fight them (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Synchronic time time sequence The final dilemma raised by the authors is the approach time. While the time sequence is divided into seconds and minutes that follow, the time is synchronic repetitive or cyclical events and opportunities repeating. American and Scandinavian cultures, belonging to cultures that measure time in sequence, attach great importance to the time: every minute is important because time is money. Thus, these cultures give rise to many studies on the time and movements. Youth will take some highly valued in a race against time to try to escape death. The individual, trapped in the prison of his employment time, no longer able to enjoy the moment (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Central to the vision of synchronic time is the idea of right time, which is causing such methods just-in-time (JIT). Death does not represent a threat, being followed by a new birth. Several activities can be conducted in parallel, which may lead to permanent distraction. The time is determined by the situation: instead of arriving on time, it is more important to arrive at the right time, which requires an adjustment to others and involves allow time for others (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). IKEA COMPANY CULTURE COMPARISION TO HOFSTEDE MODEL Company Profile: IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad, who gave his name to the company based on his initials, as well as from the first letters of Hemgà ¥rden Elmtaryd outside the parish Agunnaryd where he grew up in Smaland (Tore Kull, 1998). IKEA was originally a mail order company which after looking at the exhibited furniture could order them through a catalog. The catalog was to play a central role and came out for the first time in 1953 just in time for the first furniture exhibition opened (Tore Kull, 1998). The foundation had been created for IKEA concept, a catalog at the bottom to attract people to an exhibition, what is now the department store. The first store was built in Smà ¥land Älmhult 1958 and the second store was started up at Kings curve just outside Stockholm. This newly opened department store was a success, self-service was IKEAs sales model and so it has remained. Rational tag-self-storage, efficient and number of checkout counters and a lower pro portion of sales orders gave great impetus to the profitability and turnover. (Tore Kull, 1998) Today, IKEA has 202 stores in 32 countries with more than 127,000 employees worldwide. As of 2009, IKEA had net revenues of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 23.1 billion and net income of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬2.5 billion. IKEAs Cultural Analysis: IKEA is known the world over, not least for its strong corporate culture. It has its roots in Smà ¥land and in the Swedish culture and is characterized by a number of values. In IKEA we talk about organizational culture as something unique. The so-called Ikea spirit as the founder of IKEA, Ingvar Kamprad is humility before the task and cost-consciousness, should permeate the entire company. As a bearer of culture to management to maintain and disseminate the IKEA cultures values, which is essential for the company and its cultures survival. The maintenance of an organizational culture based on co-workers. In order to attract new employees, retain and develop existing staff have the organization and culture is constantly evolving. According to Salzer (1994), it is a problem for IKEA to maintain the organizational culture and achieve what you stand for in the organization of an international expansion. The IKEA culture is an informal type of culture that is based on a few core values. The values that best describes the IKEA culture is simplicity, cost-consciousness and humility. Their culture may be built around the values but the key is that the words are dressed in action. To IKEA, they mean nothing unless they are translated into action, as a manager you preserve the culture by being a good role model and act in accordance with company values. The values conveyed through symbols. Example of the small power distance related to IKEA, the way in which IKEA managers hands-on participation in daily work. For example, go down to the warehouse and help when something goes wrong, this would be unthinkable for a for a manager in a high power distance index. IKEAs managers are of different nationalities around the world and use different, individual leadership styles, which is not necessarily resemble a Scandinavian leadership model. The key, again, is that it has ikea in the bottom and that ones actions and leadership are based on IKEAs values. The importance of managers working in accordance with the culture illustrates that for IKEA culture takes precedence over the short-term profitability. Based on Hofstedes (1991) dimensions can be IKEAs organizational culture described by a small power distance. IKEA has a relatively flat organization where hierarchy is barely noticeable, the authority comes from knowledge and personality and not from the title and status (Nygaard Bengtsson, 2002). Salzer (1994) argues that the informal clothing style that prevails at IKEA is another example of this low power distance. Managers and employees operate at the same level, eat together and park in the same place (Salzer, 1994). IKEA managers way of hands-on participation in daily work illustrates the low power distance that exists at the company. Contributing down on the floor if something goes wrong is natural for managers at IKEA, it would however be unthinkable for say a director of an Indian or Chinese or French company. At IKEA, establishing a strong group cohesion with its employees is stressed on from the induction itself which is generally applicable in collectivist societies (Hofstede, 1991). At IKEA the attitude is to say we rather than I. I believe this is a clear proof that the IKEA culture is collectivist. IKEA culture is described, however as a feminine culture. What should characterize the relationship between manager and employee is an open, honest dialogue. Cooperation between colleagues to work well. Managers in feminine cultures are more intuitive than the firm (Hofstede, 1991) which fits well into IKEA, which is, as mentioned earlier, applying the decentralized decision-making. IKEA is characterized by low uncertainty avoidance, which is mainly manifested in the decentralized decision-making. Employees at IKEA are encouraged to make their own decisions, they are given freedom with responsibility and is expected to take initiative. (Internal IKEA materials, 1999) CONCLUSION IKEA HOFSTEDE ANALYSIS Small power distance Collectivism Femininity Low uncertainty avoidance IKEAs universal values

Comparing The Speckled Band and Neighbourhood Watch :: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Colin Dexter Essays

Comparing The Speckled Band and Neighbourhood Watch In this essay I' am going to compare & contrast two detective stories. A pre-twentieth century story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle called 'The Speckled Band' & a modern story by Colin Dexter called Neighbourhood Watch. I will describe the language, characters, social and historical context, Style, the plot, similarities and differences between the two. I will also state which I prefer & why. The Speckled Band starts off with Miss Stoner going to Sherlock Holmes's house and asking for his help. She tells him of her sister's death and of how her sister had heard a whistle at night for the past week or so. On the night of her death there was a loud scream of terror and just after a whistle Miss Stoner went to inspect quickly but as she neared her sisters room she stumbled out and said silently a 'speckled band'. Miss Stoner was quite worried because her sister was soon to be married and now so is she. As soon as she left Dr Roylott came barging in wanting to know what Miss Stoner had come to see Holmes for. Holmes tried to put off answering Dr Roylott and answered with something about the weather. In disgust Dr Roylott picked up Holmes's poker and bent it then he left. Once Dr Roylott left Holmes picked up his poker and bent it back as straight as possible in one go. Holmes and Watson soon left for Stoke Moran which is the home to DR Roylott and Miss Stoner who live with one servant. But they told the dog cart driver that took them there that they were archaeologists and were interested in the building itself. They got off the dog cart near the plantation that was on Dr Roylott's land. He let some gypsies live there and often used to go with them on voyages and trips. When Holmes started to look at the rooms he began in Miss Stoners room which was supposed to be having some repairs done to the wall because the builders punctured the wall while doing repairs in the other wing of the house. When Holmes looked at it there wasn't any repairs done to the wall and nothing wrong with it either. Holmes soon went on to the next room which was currently being used by Miss Stoner Holmes automatically noticed the ventilator and told Watson that he knew that it was somewhere near due to the fact that the dead sister could smell Dr Roylott's cigars and could hear things that Dr Roylott was doing and that meant there was some kind of connection between the rooms and