Db3 =employee compensation and benefit Research Paper

Db3 =employee remuneration and advantage - Research Paper Example This is credited to the way that once workers are acquainted with the motivator programs, there would be an interest to expand the estimation of the impetuses after some time. As a rule, an association may not be in a situation to build the estimation of the motivators along these lines restricting the viability of this specific conduct change apparatus. Presentation of the motivator framework may have both negative and positive effects on an association culture. For example, Hope and Fraser (2003) call attention to that the system may build worker seriousness in an association and simultaneously increment unwavering quality of motivating forces to impact execution. There are constrained long haul advantages of actualizing motivations programs. With expanding request on expanding the estimation of motivating forces, an association might be confronted with expanded use and representative clash in a drawn out premise. Bratton and Gold (2007) in any case, bring up that an organization’s culture may profit by the expanding level of intensity of the worker regarding expanded yield. It is an undeniable suspicion that once a motivator program is executed, it would be a significant misfortune if the program is withdrawn. Workers in an association may have a mental idea dependent on dependence on impetuses for execution. Expectation and Fraser (2003) contend this would adversely influence the employees’ approach on

Mining In Space -- AIAA And New York Academy Of Sciences On December 1

Mining in Space - AIAA and New York Academy of Sciences On December 10, 1986 the Greater New York Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the building segment of the New York Academy of Sciences mutually introduced a program on mining the planets. Speakers were Greg Maryniak of the Space Studies Institute (SSI) and Dr. Carl Peterson of the Mining and Excavation Research Institute of M.I.T. Maryniak talked first and started by remarking that the quintessential bind of room flight is that everything propelled from Earth must be quickened to orbital speed. Identified with this is the conventional method to make things in space has been to fabricate them on Earth and afterward dispatch them into space on board huge rockets. The trouble with this methodology is the gigantic expense per-pound of boosting anything out of this current planet's gravity well. Moreover, Maryniak noted, since (in any event in the close to medium term) the space program must r ely on the administration for the greater part of its financing, for this monetary disadvantage essentially converts into a political issue. Maryniak proceeded by taking note of that the early pioneers in North America didn't endeavor to move over the Atlantic everything at that point expected to continue them in the New World. Or maybe they carried their instruments with them and built their natural surroundings from neighborhood materials. Subsequently, he recommended that the answer for the issue to which he alluded required less a move in innovation as a move in suspecting. Space, he contended, ought to be considered not as a vacuum, absolutely without everything. Or maybe, it ought to be viewed as a sea, that is, a threatening situation yet one having assets. Among the assets of room, he recommended, are promptly accessible sun oriented force and potential surface mines on the Moon and later other heavenly bodies too. The Moon, Maryniak expressed, contains numerous valuable mat erials. Also, it is twenty-two times simpler to quicken a payload to lunar getaway speed than it is to quicken the indistinguishable mass out of the EarthUs gravity well. As a functional issue the bit of leeway regarding the vitality required is significantly more prominent in light of the nonattendance of a lunar environment. In addition to other things this allows the utilization of gadgets, for example, electromagnetic quickening agents (mass drivers) to dispatch payloads from the MoonUs surface. Indeed, even crude Lunar soil is helpful as protecting for space stations and other space natural surroundings. At present, he noted, introduction to radiation will forestall anybody for spending a sum of over a half year out of their whole lifetime on the space station. At the opposite finish of the scale, Lunar soil can be prepared into its constituent materials. In the middle of steps are additionally of extraordinary intrigue. For instance, the MoonUs soil is wealthy in oxygen, which makes up the vast majority of the mass of water and rocket charge. This oxygen could be RcookedS out of the Lunar soil. Since the majority of the mass of the gear which would be important to achieve this would comprise of generally low innovation equipment, Maryniak recommended the likelihood that at any rate in the more drawn out term the extraction plant itself could be made to a great extent on the Moon. Another chance as of now being analyzed is the production of glass from Lunar soil and utilizing it as development material. The strategies in question, as indicated by Maryniak, are rough yet powerful. (In answer to an inquiry presented by an individual from the crowd after the conventional introduction, Maryniak expressed that he accepted the fragile properties of glass could be overwhelmed by utilizing glass-glass composites. He likewise proposed one more chance, that of utilizing Lunar soil as a premise of solid.) One potential use of such Moon-made glass would be in glass-g lass composite pillars. In addition to other things, these could be utilized as auxiliary components in a sun based force satellite (SPS). While enthusiasm for the SPS has melted away in this nation, in any event briefly, it is a significant focal point of consideration in the U.S.S. R. , Western Europe and Japan. Specifically, the Soviets have expressed that they will construct a SPS continuously 2000 (despite the fact that they plan on utilizing Earth propelled materials. Additionally the Japanese are directing SPS related sounding rocket tests. SSI

ADHD and Computer and Video Game Addictions

ADHD and Computer and Video Game Addictions The Internet, computer games, Facebook, Twitter, smartphones, texting, instant messagesâ€"these are just some of the ways we stay plugged in, have fun, and connect socially with others. None of these technologies are inherently negative, but for some individualsâ€"especially those with ADHDâ€"these cyber activities can easily lend themselves to compulsion. ADHD Increases the Risk of Excessive Computer or Video Game Use People with ADHD are more prone to  addiction  of all types, so they are particularly susceptible to cyber addictions that involve computers, video games, and the Internet. Offerings of the cyber world provide engaging stimuli that change consistently, giving ADHDers a medium that seems attuned to their cerebral hard wiring. Additionally, the social anxiety that is sometimes associated with ADHD can be a factor in cyber additions. A video game binge is often preceded by periods of intense anxiety.  For those who have  social anxiety, video gaming, and the Internet provide a safe interface through which to interact with people, but one which seems to limit the advancement of social skills rather than enhancing it. Signs of Computer or Gaming Addiction Here is a list of possible  warning signs: Timewarp, an inability to determine  cyber  timeLying about cyber behaviorsChanges or disruptions in sleepWithdrawing from family and friendsLosing interest in other hobbies and recreational activitiesPoor performance in school or at workTwo hours a day, more than four days a week of cyber activitySuffer from  backache, carpal tunnel syndrome, stiff neck, nerve pain, eye strainInability to see the negative consequences of  cyber  activityEating meals at the computerMood swingsWithdrawal symptoms after playing games or cyber activity, such as  headache, malaise, light-headedness Getting Help for Cyber Addictions First of all, you have to admit you have a problem. Once you take that most crucial step, you need to find an ally or support person who can help you figure out what resources might be needed to successfully confront your problem. Look for a local therapist who is familiar with cyber addictions. Often times, when people excessively spend time on the computer, Internet, or video games, it is just the tip of the iceberg. Other issues may very well be in play. Professional help may be necessary. How Parents Can Help Children Navigate the Cyber World in a Healthy Way Be aware of the potential danger and know the warning signs. Secondly, you have to ascertain what your childs motivations are: adventure, fantasy, escape, excitement, withdrawal, achievement, relief for anxiety, etc. Then you have to find ways of getting your child to meet that need in the real world. If your child needs intensity or excitement, maybe its time to look into paintball (paying great attention to the need for safety equipment)  and other intense sports. If  role-playing  seems to be the motivating factor, get your child involved in theater, acting classes, comedy classes, or a summer drama camp. Your childs motivations hold the key to intervention.? In addition, try to get involved in the cyber activities of your child when he or she is young so that you are tuned into that part of his or her life. Remember, it can be quite tricky to find motivational carrots for an ADHDer, so if cyber activities carry motivational potential, you may want to use them.

The Westernization of Eastern Countries Is Increasing the...

Globalization is the integration of countries’ individual culture and traditions into one global, conglomerate culture. It leads to the spread of the dominant western culture into many eastern countries. Eating disorders are typically associated with industrialized countries primarily, but because of the globalization the economy and society they are appearing more and more in developing countries such as China and Korea. Eating disorders like Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa are fairly new psychological disorders comparatively, and did not originate anywhere else except for the Western world. For example, in the United States today, approximately 24 million people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder (â€Å"Eating . . . 2013). For the past 30 years, America has been developing the criteria for mental health especially concerning diagnosis and treatment (Watters, 2010). The westerniza tion of Eastern countries is increasing the frequency and severity of eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. The westernization of societies around the globe increases the likelihood of eating disorders. Eating disorders were extremely rare until the late 20th century, when Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa began to appear primarily in the United States during the 1970s. American culture was rapidly changing due to the Civil Rights Movement and Sexual Revolution; society became

Building A New Executive Manager For Toyota - 1504 Words

Coming into an environment that did not end well can be difficult because you must quickly react to the situation to make positive changes or there could be long-term consequences. Stepping into this role it was important to understand the company’s culture and objective when developing a plan that would benefit the organization as a whole. The first step of the process is to reorganize the department and develop goals for which provide the department guidance. From there I must determine what the department and company as a whole need to do in order to begin moving the department in the best direction. With that information, I was able to compile a plan that will help the organization achieve its goals while boosting the morale of the†¦show more content†¦With that perspective, the current structure of the Quality Control Department consists of seven different components that each have a director and a couple of managers supervising a group of inspectors. That means there are roughly seven directors, fourteen managers, and about fourteen groups of inspectors at a minimum. For an organization that expects all employees to be engaged in quality assurance, there a large department for quality control that could be better utilized to increase efficiency, reduce cost, and better align the organization to achieve its goals of quality. The restructuring of the departments would consist of three components: interdepartmental connections, quality improvement, and customer research and employee training. This structure is going to utilize the core organizational piece of culture that every employee is responsible for quality assurance. The old Quality Control Department contained a component for each part of the manufacturing process which is good, but unnecessary when you can integrate inspectors into the other departments to be more cost effective and remain focused on the company culture. The Interdepartmental Connections

Student Finance and Foods Market Free Essays

FI-516 – WEEK 2 – MINI – CASE ASSIGNMENT Select a major industrial or commercial company based in the United States, and listed on one of the major stock exchanges in the United States. Each student should select a different company. Avoid selecting an insurance company or a bank, as the financial ratios for these financial businesses are different. We will write a custom essay sample on Student: Finance and Foods Market or any similar topic only for you Order Now Write a 7 – 8 page double spaced paper answering and demonstrating with calculations and financial data the following questions: 1. What is the name of the company? What is the industry sector? * The company name is Whole Foods Market Inc. Whole foods market, Inc. is the Food Retailers Wholesalers industry. * The products include: grocery, seafood, bakery, prepared foods, meat and poultry, dietary and nutritional supplements, vitamins, specialty (beer, wine and cheese) body care products, floral and household products and pet products. 2. What are the operating risks of the company? * Organic foods market has several laws and regulations relating to health, sanitation and food labeling. * FDA, FTC, CPSC, USDA and EPA have set standards for the manufacture, packaging, and advertising of organic products. If failure to qualify these standards could result in the confiscation of marketing and sales licenses. 3. What is the financial risk of the company (the debt to total capita lization ratio)? Debt to total capitalization ratio = Debt / (Shareholder’s equity + Debt) ————————————————- 1,300,770 / 4,292,075 = 30. 31% 4. Does the company have any preferred stock? No, the Whole foods market, Inc. does not have any preferred stock. 5. What is the capital structure of the company? : Short term portion of Long Term Debt, Long Term Debt, Preferred Stock (if any), and market value f Common Stock issued and outstanding? * Capital structure: ————————————————- Total Debt to Total Equity: 0. 60 ————————————————- Total Debt to Total Capital: 0. 60 ——————————â€⠀Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- Total Debt to Total Assets: 0. 42 ————————————————- Long-Term Debt to Equity: 0. 58 ————————————————- Long-Term Debt to Total Capital: 0. 58 * The Whole foods market, Inc. does not have any short-term portion of long-term debt, and there is no preferred stock. Long-term debt: $17. 44 million * The Whole foods market, Inc. has 300,000 share authorized and $178. 89 million shares issued and outstanding at 2011. 6. What is the company’s current actual Beta? ————————————————- * The current actual Beta is 0. 66 7. What would the Beta of this company be if it had no Long Term Debt in its capital structure? (A pply the Hamada Formula. ) ————————————————- BL= B1 [1+(1-T) (D/E)] ————————————————- = 0. 66 / [1+(1-0. 35) (0. 43)] ————————————————- 0. 52 8. What is the company’s current Marginal Tax Rate? ————————————————- 35% 9. What is the Cost of Debt, before and after taxes? The cost of debt before taxes is 6. 7%, and after taxes is 4. 5%. 10. What is the Cost of Preferred Stock (if any)? The Whole foods market, Inc. does not have any preferred stock. 11. What is the Cost of Equity? ———————†”————————- Cost of Equity = (Dividends per share/current market value of stock)+Growth Rate of Dividends ————————————————- = (0. 40 / $86. 47) + 0. 56% ———————————————— = 0. 01 12. What is the cash dividend yield on the Common Stock? The cash dividend yield on the common stock is 0. 56 (0. 60%) 13. What is the Weighted Average Cost of Capital of the company? The Weighted Average Cost of Capital is 7% 14. What is the Price Earnings Multiple of the company? ————————————————- Current market value of stock / EPS ———————————à ¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- = $86. 47 / 2. 21 ————————————————- = 39. 13 15. How has the company’s stock been performing in the last 5 years? In May 2007, the price of common stock was $39. 74 per share, but it dropped to $8. 19 per share in 2009. Although after the recession of price drop, the price begins the raise up to $86. 47 per share now. 16. How would you assess the overall risk structure of the company in terms of its Operating Risks and Financial Risk (Debt to Capitalization Ratio)? Total debt/total equity| 0. 0063| Total debt/total capital| 0. 0063| 17. Would you invest in this company? Why? Or Why not? * Officially I would invest portion of my assets into the portfolio. Since the price has raise from the last two years in an even steady price. Even though they have two small period of time that drop for about 15%. Overall the stock market seems to be passive about the movement of the behavior optimistically. Therefore be hold within the smaller beta that show less variable of the changes. I believe this could be a chance to be rich! 18. The last page of your paper should be a Bibliography of the sources you used to prepare this paper. Bibliography: * http://www. wikinvest. com/stock/Whole_Foods_Market_(WFM) * http://www. thestreet. com/quote/WFM/details/company-profile. html * http://yahoo. brand. edgar online. com/displayfilinginfo. spx? FilingID=8260392-165255- 169255type=sectTabIndex=2companyid=10959ppu=%252fdefault. aspx%253fcik%253d865436 * http://www. investopedia. com/terms/d/debt-to-capitalratio. asp#axzz1v5caUyeq * http://www. marketwatch. com/investing/stock/wfm/profile * http://finance. yahoo. com/q? s=WFMql=1 * http://www. investopedia. com/terms/c/costofequity. asp#axzz1v5caUyeq * http://www. thestreet. com/qu ote/WFM/details/growth-rates. html * http://www. wikiwealth. com/wacc-analysis:wfm * http://markets. ft. com/research/Markets/Tearsheets/Financials? s=WFM:NSQ How to cite Student: Finance and Foods Market, Essay examples

Disney Constructs Childhood free essay sample

â€Å"Disney constructs childhood so as to make it entirely compatible with consumerism† (Smoodin cited in Giroux, 2002; 105). Discuss this statement in relation to TWO animated films from the Disney canon. The Walt Disney Company is a diversified international entertainment company (Disney, 2010) with ownership of many media outlets including radio, cinema, television and literature as well as consumer products such as stationary and toys.The Disney brand has huge recognition globally especially in the category of children’s entertainment with over 80 years of productions in this sector. With an obvious predominance and market leadership in children’s entertainment and consumerism, The Disney Company has an unparalleled capability to reach and influence millions of children globally with promotion and advertisement of its productions and consumer goods.Closer examination of Disneys projected and well protected image as a business focused at providing wholesome e ntertainment to the masses, â€Å"the happiest place on earth† (Giroux, 2000,100) reveals that within the entertainment lies an undeniable amount of self advertising and allusions to consumerist behaviours aimed at children. We will write a custom essay sample on Disney Constructs Childhood or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This harmony that Disney creates between Childhood and consumerism is accurately outlined in the following argument â€Å"Disney constructs childhood as to make it entirely compatible with consumerism† (Smooden, 1994: 14, cited in Giroux, 2002,: 105).This link between Disneys seemingly innocent entertainment, its meticulous image, hidden self advertising and promotion of consumerism to children can be highlighted with the example of two of its films, The Little Mermaid (1989) and Hercules (1997). The Disney Company holds a significant and influential place in society and entertainment culture around the world especially in the context of children and childhood. Children for many generations, since the establishment of the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio (â€Å"Company History†, 2010, para2) in the early 1920s, have been audiences to the entertainment that Disney produces.Since the company’s establishment and therefore over many generations, Disney has situated it self in a highly influential position culturally as an international storyteller and cultural icon. The Disney empire saturates every aspect of society and childhood with its films, products and advertisements which penetrate into the lives of everyone who is exposed to their influence. As argued by Giroux (2000, 100) â€Å"Disneys image as an icon of American culture is consistently reinforced through the penetration of the Disney empire into every aspect of social life†. The influence and appearance of Disney in society is undeniably wide spread, shown in the statistics taken from the Global Disney Audiences Project in which 97. 5 respondents had seen a Disney film (Wasko, J. , Phillips, M. , Meehan, E. R. , 2001, 358) With an almost monopolistic hold on childrens entertainment (Katy, 2009) and the entertainment industry, as well as iconic cultural status, Disney is able to further its popularity by advertising through its broad range of media platforms.With seemingly unlimited potential to broadcast itself and its products, advertising is a key component of Disneys harmonization of childhood and consumerist behaviours. Disney is a highly powerful media conglomerate that includes ownership of almost every imaginable media outlet; Disney uses this large number of medium as a platform to advertise its self and its products both explicitly and implicitly to its viewers. â€Å"It has the power to turn every element of communication and information into an advertisement† (Giroux, 2001, Chapter 5).Disney does not only use methods such as billboards, posters and television advertisements to promote its products, the company also use its films as advocates for consumerism of its products, these hidden messages are often clouded by the company’s reputation as innocent, wholesome family entertainment. â€Å"Commercialization is probably the most appalling thing about Disney movies† (Moody, 2001, chapter 5). Upon closer inspection it is obvious that the Disney films are not only there to entertain but also to promote consumerism to children.

Features of Bill Clintons Obituary

Features of Bill Clintons Obituary Obituaries are statements of information that follows a person’s death. They offer a brief biography of an individual for public knowledge. This paper seeks to offer a feature obituary of Bill Clinton. The paper will rely on existing published information about the subject for comprehensive review of his biography.Advertising We will write a custom article sample on Features of Bill Clinton’s Obituary specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Bill Clinton’s feature obituary It is with deep sorrow and humility that we announce the death of William Jefferson Bill Clinton. The former president of the United States passed away today at six hours local time. Though the exact cause of his death has not been confirmed, Bill is suspected to have succumbed to a heart failure. This is because he was previously diagnosed with a number of cardio vascular complications and has always been on medication. Career achievements Bill Clinton , as he was popularly known in the political field, made his achievements as a politician and a leader. He will also be remembered as a dedicated â€Å"scholar, teacher, politician, and a reformer† (Metz, p. 13). These features particularly contributed to Bill’s success as the governor for Arkansas. During this period, Bill Clinton instituted measures to ensure that education was highly prioritized in his state and the entire nation. His success as a governor is an indicator to his political achievements that followed (Metz, p. 13). Clinton’s highest career achievement was later realized in the year 1993 when he was elected as the United States president. In his capacity as the president, Jefferson succeeded in leading the nation through a political transition from cold war that had been a milestone to the United States history. Though his presidency was marred with media reports of failed leadership, he was a successful leader and was highly regarded by public opinion ratings. His career as a leader was as well felt after his presidency. He continually involved in the global fight against HIV and in initiatives to promote peace in conflict inflicted areas (Mobilereference, n.p.; Genovese, p. 99). Life history William Clinton was born to Jefferson Blyth and Virginia Dell on 19 August in the year 1964. His father, who was a resident of Hope, was a businessperson and was in constant travelling encounters. Blyth died in a road accident before Bill Clinton was born.Advertising Looking for article on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More His mother later got married to Roger Clinton and Bill was enrolled in â€Å"St. John’s Catholic Elementary School, Ramble Elementary School, and Hot Springs high school† all in his locality of Hope in Arkansas. He was actively involved in leadership and rugby (Mobilereference, n.p.). It was however in the year 196 3 that Bill derived his inspiration and will, to be actively involved in politics. This decision was influenced by his visit to the white house where he met the then president, J. F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther’s speech of ‘I have a dream’ that was delivered in the same year and popularized by the then media. He later joined Georgetown University and graduated in the year 1968 with a science degree in foreign services. He got married to Rodman in the year 1972 with whom he had one daughter, Chelsea and began his active political career in the year 1978 when he was elected to govern the state of Arkansas. Though Bill contemplated contesting for presidency in the year 1988, he withdrew his candidature and was later to win the seat in 1992 for two consecutive terms. He had a brother and his career life included legal practice (Mobilereference, n.p.). Conclusion Bill Clinton will be remembered for his leadership abilities that he demonstrated even in difficult times o f negative public criticism. Genovese, Michael. Encyclopedia of the American presidency. New tork, NY: Infobase Publishing, 2010. Print. Metz, Allan. Bill Clinton: a bibliography. New York, NY: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2002. Print.Advertising We will write a custom article sample on Features of Bill Clinton’s Obituary specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Mobilereference. Calendar of Historical Events, Births, Holidays and Observances. Boston, MA: MobileReference, 2007. Print.

6 Tips for Renegotiating Your Salary

6 Tips for Renegotiating Your Salary Whether you’re seeking more than a standard cost-of-living bump or have seen your job responsibilities increase over the past year, this may be a great time to open salary negotiations with your boss. The holidays are over and everyone’s settling in for the year ahead- so why not do everything you can to increase your bottom line? 1. Pick your timingIf your company’s year-end financial report just came out and it’s bleaker than an outdoor swimming pool in January, know that this might not be the best time to approach your boss about a raise. It’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, but definitely be wary that your request might not be met with an open checkbook.Knowing how the company is doing in general can help you frame your request. If things are a little lean, open with an acknowledgment that you know things are tough, but that you’d like to open a dialogue on your salary for [reasons xyz].2. Be realisticBefore you even bring up a salary chan ge with your boss, do the legwork by researching what the salary range is for your role within your industry. This can help you figure out a reasonable dollar figure, but can also show you where you stand on the compensation scale. If your salary is currently on the low end of the standard range for your job title and experience level, that gives you leverage when you talk to your boss.3. Don’t make threats/demandsSalary negotiation is a dialogue. Just as you’ll have a preferred outcome in your head, so will your boss. It may take some time to get to a middle ground that works for both of you, so you won’t do yourself any favors by going in guns a-blazing and asking for a particular number or else. That will only put your manager on the defensive, and will not make him or her likely to accommodate your request, however overdue or reasonable it might be at heart. At this point, the company holds the power- being overly aggressive at the start gives you fewer opti ons later on.4. Don’t forget benefitsWhile this is a chance to increase your base salary, it’s also a chance to revisit your benefits and perks, as well. If you seek more vacation time, comp time, or a flexible work-from-home arrangement a certain number of days per week or month, it puts more chips on the table. It could also help provide some middle ground if your employer is unable to meet your top salary goal.5. Document everythingWhen you ask for a raise, you’ll need backup to help justify the increase to your employer. Before you start any kind of negotiation, get these in order. Have a list of specific bullet points ready that you can bust out either in an email or in conversation with your boss. Successful projects that you’ve spearheaded, revenue increases, times when you’ve gone above and beyond†¦get ‘em all in that list. Remember, you’re offering a case as to why you deserve more. General comments like â€Å"I’m a hard worker† or â€Å"I’m good at my job† don’t offer specific enough reasons to give you more money.6. This time, it’s (im)personalKeep personal relationships and needs out of it. This negotiation process is about getting compensation you feel you deserve as a worker- not about how you need more cash for your speedboat down payment. Make sure you limit the discussion to your professional accomplishments, your worth in the workplace, and your relationship to the company.Also, if you’re friendly with your boss, remember that during your salary talks he or she  is no longer the friend with whom you share cat videos. This is the professional colleague who likely wants the best for you, but also has to keep the company’s best interests in mind, too. It’s unfair to expect special treatment based on personal BFFness- not only unfair to your boss, but to your other colleagues as well. You never want there to be even a hint of impr opriety, so keep things straightforward and professional. Then celebrate together later with a cat video.As with just about everything else, the motto for salary renegotiation is â€Å"be prepared.† Knowing your worth and having as much information as possible at your fingertips once you open the dialogue will give you a strong platform. You may or may not get the exact dollar figure you want, but going into the process with confidence and concrete reasons is the best way to start.

Marketing Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marketing Analysis - Essay Example It also identifies the key features of the different elements of the marketing mix for the restaurant. The UK pizza and pasta restaurants market has significantly developed over the last decade, with new entrants every successive year. According to Hall (2005), the sector has accomplished significant growth which is demonstrated by the current annual sales of  £2 billion. The full potential of this market has not been achieved and therefore it presents an important opportunity for investment. The market is developing through a two tire chain whereby one chain comprises full service restaurants focused on high end products while the other is based on low cost products sold in casual dining and small takeaway outlets that also deliver packed products to clients. The market trends indicate a tendency for consumers to find it convenience to eat out rather than waste time preparing meals, which has also increased takeaway sales. Sporting events also significantly contribute to the takeaway pizza and pasta sales where people congregate to watch games such as the European premier league at home. Younger consumers are the majority in the pizza and pasta market. Constant innovations in the market leading to the development of new packages in the menu and price promotions are positively influencing growth in the pizza and pasta restaurant market (Cagan & Vogel, 2001). Targeting is a critical aspect of marketing whereby the entrepreneur identifies potential consumers that the business can effectively accomplish its objectives. Hall (2005) notes that youth are an important target in the pizza and pasta market as evidence shows they are the majority among consumers of fast foods. New entrepreneurs in the market can effectively target households with young children, university students and emerging professionals. Lewis (2011) also highlights middle and high income households as an important target for medium to high end products. This consumer segment

CDA analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

CDA analysis - Essay Example Thus, the selected element is a discourse, and its analysis has three dimension: as a text, sentence-by-sentence, and the words and phrases evaluation. Firstly, the text as a whole is close to the genre of political speech, since its content is mostly based on the speech made by Michelle Obama. In this context, it has her direct quotations both in the text and in the video. However, the content and the comments on the speech make this discourse resemble the slice of life genre with casual style of writing, which means that the Guardian presented the speech itself with its subjective reflection on it. On the frames, the exact concepts that unite text are two main identities – on the one hand, it discusses â€Å"ethnicity,† â€Å"black race,† and â€Å"African Americans† (it refers to both the speaker and to Tuskegee University students); on another hand, the family values appear in the text as â€Å"my husband’s chances,† â€Å"my girls,† and â€Å"kids and families.† Moreover, these two identities are in different position in terms of foregrounding and backgrounding, because i n the end of the text there appears the conclusion that â€Å"folks like you and me† (meaning the race) must believe in their potential (meaning realization in family life). On the cases of omission within the text, it does not mention any justification of first lady’s words with the facts from her biography; in other words, readers have nothing but to fall under emotional impression in what is given in the text. In addition, the voice of white public is neglected by this discourse, as the African American first lady speaks to the â€Å"mainly black graduates.† Although, the text includes horizontal intertextuality, as it has two direct quotations from other famous people on the same topic. Even though they have opposite opinions, the article does not reveal any support to them and provides only brief information on their

Human Gait Analysis and Recognition

Human Gait Analysis and Recognition Gait, as a promising unintrusive biometric, has attracted several researchers in recent years. In intelligent surveillance, the advantage of accessibility at a distance makes gait a promising behavior characteristic for recognition. Human identification from arbitrary views may be a terribly very drawback, particularly once one is walking at a distance. Over the previous couple of years, recognizing identity from gait patterns has become a well-liked space of analysis in life science and pc vision, and one among the foremost made applications of image analysis and understanding. Also, gait recognition is being thought of as a next-generation recognition identification technology , with pertinence to several civilian and high security environments like airports, banks, military bases, car parks, railway stations etc. For these application situations, its unimaginable to capture the frontal face, and is of low resolution. therefore most of ancient approaches used for face recognition fail; but, many studies have shown that its doable to spot human notwithstanding frontal face isnt visible, and its doable to ascertain the identity of the person victimization bound static and dynamic cues from face, ear, walking vog ue, hand motion throughout walking etc. If automatic identification systems may be engineered supported victimization these identity specific cues, itll be a good contribution to police work and security space. And our aim is to ascertain identity by victimization long vary gait biometric in conelike read points. Gait may be a behavioural biometric thats superior in person’s authentication. The attractiveness of gait as a biometric arises from the very fact that its nonintrusive and might be detected and measured even in low resolution video. Gait as a biometric technique has some blessings like being troublesome to cover, steal, or fake. what is more, gait may be recognizable from distance. However, most alternative life science may be captured solely by physical contact or at an in depth distance from the recording probe. Moreover, users dont ought to unveil extra info concerning them apart from already obtainable. Despite the benefits enjoyed by gait, it faces several chal lenges that the present gait identification strategies ar sensitive to such as: variety of garments, illumination changes, persons speed and directions. we tend to use human gait skeleton recognition system the peak of someone as another modality Windows 7 or Windows 8 (32 or 64 bit) Processor: 2.5 GHz (1.8 GHz recommended) 4 GB RAM (2 GB RAM recommended) High-speed USB 3.0 recommended Kinect XBOX 360 Sensor Camera Features: The Kinect works as a 3D camera by capturing a stream of colored pixels with data concerning the depth of every pixel. every component within the image contains a value that represents the space from the sensing element to an object therein direction. This hardware feature offer developers the means that for making a touch-less and immersive user expertise through voice, movement and gesture management though it doesnt inherently perform any chase or recognition operations, feat all such process to package. Skeleton chase is usually handled by the SDK with gesture recognition left to the developer, although multiple libraries exist to help in recognition of gestures. additionally, speech recognition is finished by external SDKs like the Microsoft Speech Platform. The Kinect sensor as shown in Figure 6.1 has the following properties and functions: An RGB Camera that stores three channel data in a 1280960 resolution at 30Hz. The camera.s field of view as specified by Microsoft is 43 ¢X vertical by 57 ¢X horizontal. The system can measure distance from a 500mm to 3500mm. An infrared (IR) emitter and an IR depth sensor used for capturing depth image. An array of four microphones to capture positioned sounds. A tilt motor which allows the camera angle to be changed without physical interaction and a three-axis accelerometer which can be used to determine the current orientation of the Kinect. Hardware Interface The sensor interface with the PC via a standard USB 2.0 port; however an additional power supply is needed because the USB port cannot directly support the sensors power consumption. Hardware and Software Requirements According to Microsoft, the PC that is to be used with the Kinect sensor must have the following minimum capabilities: (a) 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processors,(b) Dual-core, 2.66-GHz or faster processor,(c) USB 2.0 bus dedicated to the Kinect, and (d) 2 GB of RAM. To access Kinectà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸s capabilities, the following software is also required to be installed on the developerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸s PC: Microsoft Visual Studio 2010/2012 Express or other Visual Studio edition. The development programming languages that can be used include C++, C# (C-Sharp), and Visual Basic. Software Requirements Operating System: Windows 7 or Windows 8 Programming Tool: Mat lab MATLAB MATLAB may be a superior language for technical computing. It integrates computation, visual image, associate degreed programming in an easy-to-use surroundings wherever issues and solutions area unit expressed in acquainted notation. Typical uses include: Math and computation Algorithm development Data acquisition Modeling, simulation, and prototyping Data analysis, exploration, and visual image Scientific and engineering graphics Application development, together with graphical program building MATLAB is associate degree interactive system whose basic information component is associate degree array that doesnt need orientating. this enables you to unravel several technical computing issues, particularly those with matrix and vector formulations, during a fraction of the time it might desire write a program during a scalar no interactive language like C or algebraic language. The name MATLAB stands for matrix laboratory. MATLAB was originally written to supply easy accessibility to matrix computer code developed by the LINPACK and EISPACK comes. Today, MATLAB engines incorporate the LAPACK and BLAS libraries, embedding the state of the art in computer code for matrix computation. MATLAB has evolved over a amount of years with input from several users. In university environments, its the quality educational tool for introductory and advanced courses in arithmetic, engineering, and science. In trade, MATLAB is that the tool of selection for high-productivity analysis, development, and analysis. Image Acquisition Toolbox Acquire images and video from industry-standard hardware Image Acquisition Toolboxâ„ ¢ permits us to accumulate pictures and video from cameras and frame grabbers directly into MATLAB ® and Simulink ®. youll notice hardware mechanically and piece hardware properties. Advanced workflows allow you to trigger acquisition whereas process in-the-loop, perform background acquisition, and synchronize sampling across many multimodal devices. With support for multiple hardware vendors and business standards, youll be able to use imaging devices starting from cheap net cameras to high-end scientific and industrial devices that meet low-light, high-speed, and alternative difficult necessities. Together, MATLAB, Image Acquisition toolbox, and Image process Toolboxâ„ ¢ (and, optionally, Video and Image process Block setâ„ ¢) offer an entire atmosphere for developing custom-made imaging solutions. will acquire pictures and video, visualize information, develop process algorithms and analysis techniques, and build GUIs. Key Features Support for common OS interfaces for webcams, as well as Direct Show, QuickTime, and video4linux2. Support for a variety of business and scientific hardware vendors. Multiple acquisition modes and buffer management choices. Synchronization of multimodal acquisition devices with hardware triggering. Interactive tool for fast hardware configuration, image acquisition, and live video previewing. Support for C code generation in Simulink. Graphical Interface for Image and Video Acquisition The Image Acquisition Tool could be a graphical interface for operating with image and video acquisition devices and is similar temperament for interactive configuration of cameras. youll browse all hardware devices out there on your laptop, amendment device settings, choose an Region Of Interest (ROI), preview a buying deal, acquire pictures and video, and record knowledge. A preview window helps verify and optimize your acquisition parameters by mechanically reflective any changes created to camera properties within the video stream. The Image Acquisition Tool is a place to begin within the development of automatic and custom image acquisition and process systems. Image Acquisition in MATLAB Image Acquisition toolbox provides graphical tools and a programmatic interface to assist to figure with image acquisition hardware in MATLAB. youll modify repetitive tasks, produce workflows combined with tasks like image process, and build standalone feasible that acquire pictures and video with MATLAB Compilerâ„ ¢. The toolbox allows you to customize the acquisition method to incorporate integration image process practicality to spot objects, enhance imagination, or construct mosaics and birds-eye views because the information is acquired. Connecting to Hardware Image Acquisition toolbox mechanically detects compatible image and video acquisition devices. every device affiliation is encapsulated as associate object, providing associate interface for configuration and acquisition. youll be able to produce multiple affiliation objects for coinciding acquisition from as several devices as your laptop and imaging hardware support. Image Acquisition tool chest are often used on Windows ®, Linux ®, and Macintosh ® systems, sanctioning you to recycle code once connecting to an equivalent camera in several operational systems. Acquiring Image Data Image Acquisition toolbox supports many modes, together with background acquisition and continuous acquisition, whereas process the noninheritable information. The chest mechanically buffers information into memory, handles memory and buffer management, and allows acquisition from an ROI. The image acquisition engine is meant to accumulate imagination as quick as your camera and laptop will support, sanctioning analysis and process of high-speed imaging applications. Data are often noninheritable during a wide selection of information sorts, together with signed or unsigned 8-, 16-bit and 32-bit integers and single- or double-precision floating purpose. The chest supports any color area provided by the image acquisition device together with RGB, YUV, or grayscale. Raw sensing element information during a pain pill pattern are often mechanically born-again into RGB information. Performing Image Acquisition in Simulink Simulink could be a block-diagram based mostly setting unremarkably used for video system style and multi domain simulations. Image Acquisition tool case provides a Simulink block that allows you to capture pictures and video knowledge directly from any device supported by the tool case to be used in imaging system styles. Combined with Video and Image process Block set, the tool case helps you to perform simulation and verification of image or video process system styles with live image or video knowledge. Code Generation Image Acquisition toolbox enables you to generate a C code interface to a deployable library for the Simulink block. this permits you to style a video system and integrate acquisition practicality into your own applications while not having to perform low-level writing with hardware drivers. Code generation conjointly permits Simulink speedy Accelerator modes, that speed up simulations by providing higher performance and frame rates for image and video process simulations. Triggering and Acquisition Customizations Image Acquisition toolbox supports multiple trigger varieties to customise the acquisition process: immediate, manual, and hardware. Initiating a sale with a manual trigger offers in depth management over once to start acquisition. In some applications, youll need to record at a high frame rate, perform acquisition only Associate in Nursing object is detected, or once a proximity warning is issued as a trigger. In these things, youll write MATLAB code to form the logic to activate a manual trigger that may be controlled by the tool chest. Hardware triggers, that ar device-specific, allow you to synchronize your acquisition among many multimodal devices to an external signal. this allows you to record imagery together with alternative analog and digital input sources.

Turnover Rate in Corrections

The Nation Wide Dilemma in Corrections CJ 2500: CORRECTIONS Professor November 04, 2012 Running Head: Turnover Rate in Corrections Abstract Throughout the years, there has been one major dilemma that continues to hassle the administration whose sole purpose is to provide institutional sanctions, treatment programs, and services for managing criminal offenders. This dilemma is the high turnover rate of the Corrections Officers, whom agencies nation wide are losing at an extremely high rate.Recent statistics indicate that nearly half of all Corrections Academy graduates will have left their agency within a two-year period (â€Å"State questions high, â€Å"2004). This high turnover rate is causing a staff shortage, which is forcing agencies to put new officers on the job immediately while being untrained. Though the amount of Corrections Officers departing from their agencies continues to rise, the amount of inmates entering prisons remains the same.This of course can become a seriou s safety issue for the departments employing these new hires that are inadequately trained. Throughout this paper I will explore the numerous possibilities of what’s causing Corrections Officers to depart from their agencies at such a high rate. Whether it’s the demanding hours associated with shift work, the high stress and burnout, or the inadequate pay and benefits, all possibilities will be discussed in an attempt to understand why the retention rate of Corrections Officers is lower compared to various other careers across the nation.The Department of Corrections (DOC), privately owned jails, parish jails, and local city jails not only face the hardship of maintaining inmate property, specific calorie counts from meals provided, medicine dispensing, doctor visits, and numerous other tasks required that Corrections Officers tend to on a typical day of work, but these facilities also face the hardship of retaining these Officers for extended lengths of employment. As stated in the Abstract of this paper, â€Å"Recent statistics indicate that nearly half of all Corrections Academy graduates will have left their agency within a two-year period† (â€Å"State questions high, â€Å"2004).This has become a major problem for agencies that have a continuous increase in the number of inmates entering these facilities each year, while becoming almost impossible to keep enough manpower to operate shifts in a safe and secure manner. It is stated that in 1999, the turnover rate of Officers and Corporals within an agency was 29. 6 percent, while the average tenure of Officers was 3 years (â€Å"Department of corrections,†). The turnover rates in 2000 ranged from a low of 3. percent in New York, to a high of 41 percent in Louisiana (Lommel, 2004). Typically, once an Officer has been hired and accepted the job, they are to be trained in some type of Corrections Academy. The department hiring the Officer may host this Academy, or the Officer may have to travel to receive their training. Either way, prior to an Officer actually beginning their job monitoring the walkways of a prison or jail, the Officer should first be well trained to ensure theirs, the inmates, and other Officers safety.However, due to the high number of vacancies within Corrections, Officers are being hired without any experience, while hoping to receive this training academy shortly after becoming employed. Some agencies have established a policy that once the Officer has completed their training at an Academy, they are to sign a contract stating that they will remain with the department for a set amount of years. This is due to the high costs that an agency incurs by having these Officers sent to an accredited Academy to receive their training.The dollar amount that an agency may spend on an Officers training may range anywhere between a few hundred dollars, to a few thousand dollars. To elaborate on the amount of vacancies within Corrections, this coul d very well be a contributing factor to the increased amount of Officers who resign due to stress and burnout. Officers are being ordered in on their off days or holidays, forced to work mandatory overtime, a higher inmate to Correctional Officer ratio, as well as experienced Officers having to work with an extensive amount of â€Å"rookie† or inexperienced Correctional Officers.This combining of experienced officers with new hires, who have not received any type of prior training, raises the stress level during dangerous interactions with inmates, as well lowering the morale of the Officers who remain and attempt to complete their careers with a specific agency. This may be due to long term employees realizing that many of the new hires are using their time as a Correctional Officer to gain experience, or as a stepping-stone to eventually become a road or patrol Officer, which may involve more experienced Officers not spending the time necessary to assist, or provide â€Å" On the job training† to the new hires.Additional causes of stress may include the threat of inmate violence, actual inmate violence, inmate demands and manipulations, problems with co-workers, as well as having a poor public image. For example, â€Å"Between 1990 and 1995, the number of attacks on correctional officers in State and Federal prisons jumped by nearly one third, from 10,731 to 14,165 (Lommel, 2004). An additional stress added to a Correctional Officers life is being able to balance and separate work from their personal relationships.Workdays at a correctional facility often involve long hours of uneventful and routine procedures. This â€Å"routine† may quickly be disrupted by a brief period of crisis. Some Officers have issues with being able to return to a calm state once a crisis occurs, often times bringing their problems home to their families. This may lead Officers to substance abuse, or alcoholism. Law Enforcement careers can be an extremely diffic ult, stressful, yet rewarding career, even when referring to Corrections Officers.However, due to the long work hours associated with shift work, combined with the stressful and strenuous workdays officers are exposed to, it seems as if all Law Enforcement, to include Corrections officers do not receive the pay and benefits that they are entitled to. A large number of Corrections Officers are leaving this career field due to struggling with raising families while trying to balance and survive on the annual salary of a Corrections Officer. It seems as if economically speaking, the value of everyday necessities ontinues to rise in value, except for the officers’ paychecks. This dilemma, combined with the additional stress an Officer encounters on the job, could possibly explain why many Officers leave their jobs due to stress and burnout. The benefits that an Officer, or Corrections Officer receives is usually the highlight of their employment contract. Officers usually do rece ive good insurance and retirement plans. Not just for them, but for their families as well. However, the type of insurance that an Officer receives depends on the plan that the agency has purchased.Some agencies will have top of the line benefits, while others may have insurance carriers with extremely high deductibles and rates, due to tight budget restraints and cutbacks within the department. In addition to the stress, burnout, long hours, and low pay, many officers are never set on retiring within corrections. As previously stated, numerous officers, such as myself, use corrections as a stepping-stone, or training prior to being hired for a patrol position.Numerous agencies such as Sheriff’s Offices of various Parishes within the state, require that an individual hired first serve one to two years within the parish jail prior to being sent to a Police Academy and ultimately landing a position on patrol. Many agencies have come to realize this, which is why they may not sp end the time, effort, and funds to train the individual to become a more efficient Corrections Officer. By reflecting on the issues presented in this paper, it is determined that turnover rate in Corrections Officers will likely continue to be a rising problem for agencies.Administrators seeking seminars on retention strategies, which may depend on additional funding, can combat some of these issues. Agencies can improve their policies, improve management, increase criteria of the screening process, as well as address the wage and benefit issue. However, no matter what an agency decides in attempting to retain there officers, there will always be the Officers that slip through the cracks and ultimately cost the department more funding in training the individual, only to have them leave the agency before reaching their desired and previously stated commitment.WORKS CITED Department of corrections background and statistics. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http://legisweb. state. wy. us/proge val/reports/2000/turnovr/Chapter4. htm High turnover of corrections staff, excessive priosoner head counts attract media attention. (2006, Sep 06). Retrieved from http://www. bcgeu. ca/node/1314 Lommel, J. (2004, August). Turning around turnover. Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com. ezproxy. liberty. edu:2048/docview/215699356 State questions high turnover among prison officers. (2004, 04 05). Retrieved from http://www. corrections. com/articles/1862

Choosing Good Good Persuasive Essay College Topics

Choosing Good Good Persuasive Essay College Topics An argumentative paper is part of the persuasion. Quite simply, you've got to persuade your strong idea is more legitimate than all other relevant thoughts. On the opposite side, acquiring a list of good persuasive essay topics is insufficient. To compose a persuasive paper, you will want to use evidence and excellent reasons to convince other people to agree with your point of view on a certain subject. Finding the Best Good Persuasive Essay College Topics Then you're interested in figuring out how to compose persuasive paper. A seasoned professional will make an error-free assignment right away and can help you boost your grades. While attempting to know how to compose a persuasive essay step-by-step, students forget about another crucial activity. While trying to understand how to create a paper step by step, they can miss another critical activity. Don't neglect to bring a strong hook at the beginning (introduction p aragraph) and wind up with an impressive conclusion to create the reader want to go over the interesting persuasive essay topics of your pick. Use the term counter to make sure your essay meets all of the college requirements. The major element which produces a persuasive essay in English stand out from the remainder of assignments is the use of reasoning. Where to Find Good Persuasive Essay College Topics When you revise your essay, you've got to make sure its organization is totally appropriate to your intended audience, the paper context, and the goal. The primary purpose of persuasive essays is to earn reader do or believe something. The body should contain all of the information or argument you mean to convey to your readers. The purpose of this kind of essay is to encourage readers to accept a specific viewpoint or act in a certain way. Essay writing is an essential portion of your academic education or a writing career if you decide to go like that. You might also se e literacy essay. When most students regard essay writing as a dull and hard assignment, it isn't necessarily accurate. Childcare is also quite a marketable skill. Being a real college or university student, you're find how important it's to be a fantastic orator and understand your intended reader. Whether you're interested in how to compose a crystal clear paper for middle school or college, you've got to begin with the topic. Being a real college or university student, you'll realize how important it's to understand your reader. Unlike topics for middle school or higher school, fantastic college topics are somewhat more challenging to discover. You're able to locate a lot of persuasive essays in the world of politics. Our life is about words. Most people don't stop to introspect about what reality actually is. Though they believe education is a right and will make society, on the whole, a better place for everyone, others feel there is no true way to offer a free coll ege education as colleges would still need to be funded (likely through tax dollars). Type of Good Persuasive Essay College Topics All of the primary points ought to be concisely mentioned in the preview. In your introduction paragraph, it is sufficient to introduce the topic and supply meaningful background data. When you're choosing an essay topic, it's important to pick one which has a lot of information and statistics to strengthen your viewpoint, and don't exaggerate any info which you've chosen to write about. Take note of those points. What Is So Fascinating About Good Persuasive Essay College Topics? There are several good persuasive essay topics to select from. It's important to define this kind of academic essay correctly to learn how to compose a persuasive essay. You could also see scholarship essay. You might also see synthesis essay. Importantly, you ought to think about how to compose argumentative essay introduction and help it become effective. You might also see essay writings. You might also see essay examples. There are distinct methods of structuring different kinds of essays. One of the most usual varieties of writing is essay writing. As tempting as it might appear to skip past the extra info and go straight to the list of persuasive essay topics, don't do it. The multiple topics might be found, for instance, in the dissertation abstracts international database. Don't forget that any argumentative essay sample you'll discover on the internet will require a whole persuasive to be able to skip plagiarism. Before writing any form of academic paper, it is crucial to choose the subject, and the persuasive essay isn't the exception. Writing an excellent persuasive essay is not a simple job, however, it's achievable. The finest persuasive short essays often concentrate on controversial problems. Using Good Persuasive Essay College Topics In order to strengthen your arguments, you should supply your readers with the persuasive evidence. If you can select the matter all on your own, it's possible to think of the issue of interest! To choose which subject you're likely to discuss, it's crucial to see the complete collection of good persuasive speech topics from the specific area of study. Furthermore, the persuasive essay topics ought to be connected with some modern issue to provide the impression of freshness and actual info.

Definitions and Discussions of Medieval Rhetoric

The expression medieval rhetoric refers to the  study and practice of rhetoric from approximately A.D. 400 (with the publication of St. Augustines On Christian Doctrine) to 1400. During the Middle Ages, two of the most influential works from the classical period were Ciceros De Inventione (On Invention) and the anonymous Rhetorica ad Herennium (the oldest complete Latin textbook on rhetoric). Aristotles Rhetoric and Ciceros De Oratore werent rediscovered by scholars until late in the medieval period. Nonetheless, says Thomas Conley, medieval rhetoric was  far more than a mere transmission of mummified traditions that were poorly understood by those who transmitted them. The Middle Ages are often represented as stagnant and backward . . ., [but] such a representation fails dismally to do justice to the intellectual complexity and sophistication of medieval rhetorics (Rhetoric in the European Tradition, 1990). Periods of Western Rhetoric Classical RhetoricMedieval RhetoricRenaissance RhetoricEnlightenment RhetoricNineteenth-Century RhetoricNew Rhetoric(s) Examples and Observations It was Ciceros youthful, schematic (and incomplete) treatise De inventione, and not any one of his mature and synthetic theoretical works (or the even fuller account in Quintilians Institutio oratoria) that became the shaping influence on so much medieval rhetorical teaching. . . . Both the De inventione and the Ad Herennium proved to be excellent, coherent teaching texts. Between them they conveyed complete and concise information about the parts of rhetoric, topical invention, status theory (the issues upon which the case rests), attributes of the person and the act, the parts of a speech, the genres of rhetoric, and stylistic ornamentation. . . . Oratory, as Cicero had known and defined it, had declined steadily during the years of the [Roman] empire under political conditions that did not encourage the forensic and judicial oratory of earlier periods. But rhetorical teaching survived through late antiquity and into the Middle Ages because of its intellectual and cultural prestige , and in the course of its survival it took on other forms and found many other purposes.(Rita Copeland, Medieval Rhetoric. Encyclopedia of Rhetoric, ed. by Thomas O. Sloane. Oxford University Press, 2001) Applications of Rhetoric in the Middle Ages In application, the art of rhetoric contributed during the period from the fourth to the fourteenth century not only to the methods of speaking and writing well, of composing letters and petitions, sermons and prayers, legal documents and briefs, poetry and prose, but to the canons of interpreting laws and scripture, to the dialectical devices of discovery and proof, to the establishment of the scholastic method which was to come into universal use in philosophy and theology, and finally to the formulation of scientific inquiry which was to separate philosophy from theology.(Richard McKeon, Rhetoric in the Middle Ages. Speculum, January 1942) The Decline of Classical Rhetoric and the Emergence of Medieval Rhetoric There is no single point when classical civilization ends and the Middle Ages begins, nor when the history of classical rhetoric ends. Beginning in the fifth century after Christ in the West and in the sixth century in the East, there was a deterioration of the conditions of civic life that had created and sustained the study and uses of rhetoric throughout antiquity in courts of law and deliberative assemblies. Schools of rhetoric continued to exist, more in the East than in the West, but they were fewer and were only partially replaced by study of rhetoric in some monasteries. The acceptance of classical rhetoric by such influential Christians as Gregory of Nazianzus and Augustine in the fourth century significantly contributed to continuation of the tradition, though the functions of the study of rhetoric in the Church were transferred from preparation for public address in law courts and assemblies to knowledge useful in interpreting the Bible, in preaching, and in ecclesiastical disputation. (George A. Kennedy, A New History of Classical Rhetoric. Princeton University Press, 1994) A Diverse History [A]s the history of medieval rhetoric and grammar reveal with special clarity, all the significant original works on discourse which appear in Europe after Rabanus Maurus [c. 780-856] are merely highly selective adaptations of the old bodies of doctrine. The classical texts continue to be copied, but new treatises tend to appropriate for their purposes only those parts of the old lore which are of use to the one art. Thus it is that the medieval arts of discourse have a diverse rather than a unified history. The writers of letters select certain rhetorical doctrines, the preachers of sermons still others . . .. As one modern scholar [Richard McKeon] has said in relation to rhetoric, in terms of a single subject matter--such as style, literature, discourse--it has no history during the middle ages. (James J. Murphy, Rhetoric in the Middle Ages: A History of Rhetorical Theory from St. Augustine to the Renaissance. University of California Press, 1974) Three Rhetorical Genres [James J.] Murphy [see above] outlined the development of three unique rhetorical genres: ars praedicandi, ars dictaminis, and ars poetriae. Each addressed a specific concern of the era; each applied rhetorical precepts to a situational need. Ars praedicandi provided a method for developing sermons. Ars dictaminis developed precepts for letter writing. Ars poetriae suggested guidelines for composing prose and poetry. Murphys important work provided the context for smaller, more focused studies of medieval rhetoric.(William M. Purcell, Ars Poetriae: Rhetorical and Grammatical Invention at the Margin of Literacy. University of South Carolina Press, 1996) The Ciceronian Tradition Conventional medieval rhetoric promotes highly formalized, formulaic, and ceremoniously institutionalized forms of discourse. The major source of this static richness is Cicero, the magister eloquentiae, known primarily through the many translations of De inventione. Because medieval rhetoric is so extensively committed to Ciceronian patterns of amplification (dilatio) through the flowers, or colores, of figured speaking that decorate (ornare) the composition, it often appears to be a ponderous extension of the sophistic tradition in a moralistic framework. (Peter Auski, Christian Plain Style: The Evolution of a Spiritual Ideal. McGill-Queens Press, 1995) A Rhetoric of Forms and Formats Medieval rhetoric . . . became, in at least some of its manifestations, a rhetoric of forms and formats. . . . Medieval rhetoric added to ancient systems its own generic rules, which were necessary because documents themselves had come to stand in for the people as well as for the Word that they meant to convey. By following articulated patterns for greeting, informing, and taking leave of the now-distant and temporarily removed audience, the letter, sermon, or saints life acquired typical (typological) forms.(Susan Miller, Rescuing the Subject: A Critical Introduction to Rhetoric and the Writer. Southern Illinois University Press, 1989) Christian Adaptations of Roman Rhetoric Rhetorical studies traveled with the Romans, but educational practices were not enough to keep rhetoric flourishing. Christianity served to validate and invigorate pagan rhetoric by adapting it to religious ends. Around AD 400, St. Augustine of Hippo wrote De doctrina Christiana (On Christian Doctrine), perhaps the most influential book of its time, for he demonstrated how to take the gold out of Egypt to fortify what would become the Christian rhetorical practices of teaching, preaching, and moving (2.40.60). The medieval rhetorical tradition, then, evolved within the dual influences of Greco-Roman and Christian belief systems and cultures. Rhetoric was also, of course, informed by the gendered dynamics of medieval English society that isolated nearly everyone from intellectual and rhetorical activities. Medieval culture was wholly and decidedly masculine, yet most men, just like all women, were condemned to class-bound silence. The written word was controlled by clergy, the men of the cloth and the Church, who controlled the flow of knowledge for all men and women. (Cheryl Glenn, Rhetoric Retold: Regendering the Tradition from Antiquity Through the Renaissance. Southern Illinois University Press, 1997)