How might cultural differences impact on the job application process Essay

How might cultural differences impact on the job application process - Essay Example Depending on the country and organization, job application process varies. In addition, the course also faces opposition from different factors ranging from legal to training requirements. People differ in attitudes, personalities, understanding and values around the world. Interestingly, consolidation of these differences is necessary to achieve a single working environment. People spend their lives working and moving from job to job frequently. This is partly to maximize their potential while at the same time maintaining their productivity and happiness. The diversity in working environments furthermore allows them to earn enough money for survival and maximize their potential (Blommaert 2010, pp. 113). The difference in self-identity and self-opportunity has initiated a strain in job application process. Notably, cultural differences pose challenges to the job application process in various ways. Understanding cultural differences can be a nightmare. In many instances, people fail to show up to the relevant jobs advertisement for fear of discrimination based on their culture. From this perspective, capacitated people fail to manifest their potential hence limiting maximization of profits. It, however, is imperative to note that not all people who fail to turn up have the technical requirements (Fiske 2011, pp. 67). Therefore, in as much as we try to harmonize the job application process, more attention should lean on quality and not culture. Despite the different priorities, the economy has to grow. It, however, cannot grow if cultural differences onset the application process. Maintaining a cultural fit is difficult, however, the separate cubicles of culture also needs attention. According to Boone and Kurtz 2011, ideal candidates can cause a disaster if a mismatch of culture exists in an organization. The multifaceted culture presents employees with different background, which subjects the job application process to tests. In terms of religion several laws exits, which govern people from given races and religious affiliations. In this regards, the laws prevent them from answering to or committing to some activities that contravene their faith. It, therefore, is the role of various application agencies to harmonize the job application process to limit stereotyping or the thought of discrimination (Samovar, Porter and McDaniel 2007, pp. 67). Notably, the job application process ought to be smooth and fair to all; however, cultural difference has developed it to be a nightmare for different people. The lifestyle job market requires women and men fit physically as well as emotionally. To ensure candidates qualify for the respective job advertisements, some recruitment agencies go to extra lengths of physically examining applicant bodies. In as much as it might be a challenge to all people, it mainly presents a challenge to the Hindu and Islam culture who disguise their bodies to be holy. In addition, their women cannot expose any part of their body except to the husbands (Avery, Lerman & Volpone, 2010, pp. 331). This is a major challenge to the job application process where one has to balance quality and culture. Notably, this is the same trend in military job application processes where several parts of the body have to undergo examination. Empirical evidence exists to support cultural diversity in workplaces under efficient management strategies (Samovar, Porter and McDaniel 2007, pp. 69). However, the differences play out in the job application process where different companies specify the nature of person required. In terms of race many black, Asian, white and Chinese people have faced problems in the application p

Case study on an historical Civil Engineering failure Essay - 1

Case study on an historical Civil Engineering failure - Essay Example The author also cites other definitions of failure in engineering projects to be occasioned by the lack of conformity between the design and the expectations. In these definitions of project failure in the civil engineering sector, the author comes up with a simplified and precise approach for civil engineering designs that takes care of two basic aspects. On one side of the aspects, the author states that everything likely to go wrong in the project is highlighted in the design while protection measures must be introduced on the other hand. It is therefore correct to state that engineering designs are prepared in contemplation of difficult and disturbing realities that perfect conditions of implementation are inexistent. Engineers proactively introduce certain measures to overcome the challenges of imperfect conditions at every stage of project implementation. However, certain factors not foreseen in design, foreseen but inadequately tackled in the design or totally uncontrollable factors present the most difficult challenge to an engineer. Failure in civil engineering sector has been a matter of debate since antiquity, yet how to completely avoid it still remains elusive. This case study enumerates circumstances and details of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse as a classical example of how devastating it could be in case of a failure in the civil engineering sector. Background information is complemented by causes and responses thereon have been included in the essay. In Tacoma, Washington, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge that is over 850 meters of span was designed and commissioned at a cost of about six and a half million US dollars to connect Seattle and Tacoma to Puget Navy Yard. It was seen as a major transport solution for both economic and military purposes around the Olympic peninsula. The University of Washington reported that the bridge was celebrated as a triumph of man’s ingenuity

Gender relations after WWII Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Gender relations after WWII - Essay Example In the World War Two, women started doing more industrial jobs and even participated in the military actions in the front line. Before the war, men were considered as the breadwinners who need to work outside the homes, while the women’s role was ‘contained’ within the confines of the house. However, â€Å"as some sixteen million males were enlisted or were drafted into the military, employer’s recruited women to fill the roles on the assembly lines of what were referred to, as essential industry opportunities.† (Bryant 2009). During the war, there was also the need for heightened production from the industries to support the war efforts, and with only minimal men available to fill the vacancies, women were recruited in large numbers and were encouraged to play larger roles outside their homes. Even various propagandas were carried out thorough mediums including print, radio, films, etc., to entice women to join the workforce. However, there was a ca tch and that mainly led to some opposition, resulting in the changing of gender relations after the War. That is, â€Å"women's employment was only encouraged as long as the war was on. Once the war was over, federal and civilian policies replaced women workers with men. (PBS). With the plan of handing over the jobs to the returning men, the women were restricted from continuing in their jobs and importantly encouraged to take over their family roles. That is, after the war, there was a strong reassertion of long-established gender roles, with the working women asked to return to their homes, so they can rebuild and stabilize their families, as many families suffered some form of disruption due to the war. â€Å"Motherhood lay at the centre of post-war constructions of femininity, bolstered by theories of the damage suffered by children deprived of 'mothering', while men were constructed as breadwinners.† (Pears). Although sizable number of working women left their jobs and returned to their traditional roles inside their homes after the war, other sections of the women wanted to continue in their jobs. They felt liberated and also socially as well as financially independent because of the jobs, and wanted to continue in the same path. Thus, the women who were supposed to give back the jobs to the men started resisting because of their new found positive status. This led to gender confrontation, as the returning soldiers faced a lot of difficulties in finding jobs in post war societies in European countries and United States of America. After serving the country, the men expected jobs and comfort in their homes. However, with women wanting to continue in their jobs, they faced difficulties in both the fronts. This led to confrontation between the genders in both at the home and at the workplace. Due to the growing influence of the women, men felt threatened and they responded with harassment and discrimination against the women. â€Å"The independence given to women during the war and its removal with the advent of the returning men, had a definitive effect on gender relations† (Study World). This scenario also laid the ‘seeds’ for the raise of Women rights movements in various countries. With working women being confined to their homes, the women

Personal life Essay Example for Free

Personal life Essay Dance; a body of expression, a medium of communication, happiness and love. Dance is my passion. I am a trained Bharata Natyam dancer. I am proud to be an Indian because of its rich culture and heritage. In Bharata Natyam Bha i. e Bhaava (expression), Ra i. e Ragha (rhythm) and Ta i. e Taal (beat) are the basic components of a dance. There are seven different classical dance forms in india – Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Odissi, Mohiniattam, Manipuri and Kathak. I am blessed to be a part of this culture. It is my mother who developed this art in me. I have also learnt other dance forms such as Western and Folk. It is through dance that I find inner peace and true happiness. This art form gave me beautiful opportunities. I have represented my country in Dubai, France and Finland International festivals. Being a part of these festivals made me realize even if we have language barrier the language of dance bridged the gap between us. I’ve explored many cultures, their way of living, their way of life through this art. Dance needs no interpretation. Dance is also one of the strongest medium to pass a message. I believe one must use this art for a good cause. Famous dancers such as Hema Malini, Helen, Vayjantimala, Shri Gopal Krishna, Smt Rukhmani Devi, Shri Birju Maharaj are respected for their contribution. Dance taught me to correct myself. It has developed in me the ability of working towards excellence. I’ve acquired certain skills from this art which I believe are my competencies as a manger such as confidence, self-presentation, and an ability to cope with criticism and learn from it. As a performer I have an open mind and the ability to move beyond boundaries and experiment with different ideas. Every human being has a purpose for his existence. I believe my purpose is to spread love and happiness and do my bit for the society. I wish to make my parents proud. I wish to make this world a better place in my own little way. I wish to stay in your hearts forever!!

A Swot Analysis Of American Airline

A Swot Analysis Of American Airline Abstract The airline industry has always been and continues to be the most fiercely competitive business sector in all facets of its operations. Operating on paper thin margins the drop in passenger traffic brought on by the events of September 11th, 2001 have affected domestic United States airlines as well as all global carriers. The events of that day have caused governmental intervention in the form of loan guarantees, compensation for terrorist attack losses, as well as insurance related to war risk (Shane, 2003). The Associate deputy secretary of Transportation stated that the industry is in its à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦worst financial crisisà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦(Shane, 2003), since the industry was deregulated in 1978. It is important to understand that two differing types of airline carriers exist in the United States. The majors refer to airlines earning revenues in excess of $1 billion USD annually and generally they provide national as well as international service. These airlines cater to the bus iness class customer and passengers who either expect or desire full in flight services such as meals and related amenities. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Air Lines, U.S. Airways, Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines fit these designations (Mayer, 2002). The discount air carriers have changed the face of the airline industry with their no frills, low-cost airfares and have put pressure on the majors in terms of eroding their market share. The preceding battle between discount carriers has further exacerbated the majors thin operating margins and has resulted in Delta, Continental, Northwest, United and US Airways (Beck, 2005) filing for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States bankruptcy laws while they restructure and renegotiate union contracts and creditor agreements. United States Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John McCain has stated that the United States government should be à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦reluctant to do anything that might keep inefficient businesses afloat (Shane, 2003). This is the climate in which the subject airline, American Airlines operates. Chapter 1 American Airlines PEST Analysis The utilization of a PEST analysis with regard to American Airlines takes into account the political, economic, social and technological (NetMBA, 2004) environment the industry is embroiled in and how this has, is and will threaten to impact its operations and profitability. It must be remembered that the number of possibilities concerning macro-environmental aspects is almost limitless, thus concentration will be paid to those areas perceived to have the highest impact. Political The political stability of the United States was severely shaken by the terrorist events of September 11, 2001, and this directly resulted in a catastrophic drop in business as well as personal air travel (Ito et al, 2003). The preceding along with the following areas have impacted negatively on earnings as well as profitability among the majors: Pricing regulations Wage legislation and union requirements Deregulation policies of 1978 Increased emphasis on national and airport security Economic The overall economic climate in the United States prior to the events of September 11, 2001 called for a mild recession and the airline industry was wrestling with discount carriers. The pre 9-11 airline climate forecast a slight contraction as a result of the reversionary climate which was dramatically impacted by the events of 9-11 and the resulting economic aftermath (Ito et al, 2003): Dramatic slowdown of the economic growth rate Increase in fuel costs Balance of trade accounts Inflationary and fluctuations of the dollars against the Euro, and Yen Social The emphasis on September 11th throughout these varied analysis is due to the sweeping impact that event had on global events in all theatres. The social implications thus shaped or amplified are as follows (Mayer, 2002): Increased layoffs impacting all income groups Sharp decrease in lower and middle class travel Decline in airline related vacations destinations Negative impact of air travel safety brought on by the events of 9-11 Decrease in general airline related travel plans by consumers Low-fare travel stigma attitude shift to an acceptable alternative Technological The Internets impact on business and consumer purchasing habits heralded in a new age of information exchange which changed the manner in which airline tickets are sold. Airline SABRE system Decrease in airline travel agencies Introduction of Internet airline ticket reservations and ticketing Entry of Travelocity, Orbitz, Cheaptickets, Expedia and other best price shopping services The availability of the Internet as a consumer and business fare and flight shopping tool Porters Five Forces Michael Porters Five Forces model (QuickMBA, 2005) provides a framework to view the airline industry from the perspective of five forces that influence it: Rivalry American ranks as the worlds largest airline in terms of passengers carried, however is rated number 11th in terms of overall airline quality (Holderbach, 2004). Low-fare airlines garnered three of the top four spots in airline quality ratings, 1. Jet Blue, 2. Alaska, 3. Southwest, 4. America West. All but Alaska Airlines are low fare carriers. The remaining airlines are 5. US Airways, 6. Northwest, 7. Continental, 8. AirTran, 9. United, 10. ATA, 11. American, 12. Delta, 13. American Eagle and 14 Atlantic Southeast (Holderbach, 2004). Some of the more important facets within this category of the Five Forces model are: slow market growth since 9-11 high fixed operating costs low relative levels of product differentiation among the majors inroads of the low-fare carriers in the changing perception of air travel shake out of the industry since 9-11 in terms of bankruptcies and failures Threat of Substitutes Within Porters model substitute services come into play when demand exceeds supply, or vice versa. In the airline industry the excess supply has been attacked by low-fare carriers who have continually gained market share. Buyer Power The airline industry suffers from oversupply as well as fixed costs which served as the foundation for low fare carriers who offer no frill flights in return for discounted fares. This approach effectively pulled the casual traveler and spread to frequent travelers and some classes of business travel for companies seeking to cut costs. Buyer demand is re-shaping the airline industry as a result of these options. Supplier Power In terms of this category, fuel is the single largest airline cost expenditure item which affects all firms equally. Low Fare carriers by eliminating frills lower their per flight operating costs which have and is attracting scores of travelers to their fold. Barriers to Entry / Threat of Entry Traditionally, the high cost of entry in the airline industry reduced the treat of entry by competitive companies. However the business model offered by low fare carriers exploited the lower end segment of the market via price and provided a foundation for the entry of Southwest, Jet Blue, America West and others (Ito et al, 2003). SWOT Analysis The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities or threats internal to a company represent the strategic environment known as a SWOT analysis (QuickMBA, 2004). Strengths Some of the advantages that American Airlines has in comparison to its competitors are (American Airlines, 2005): Recognizable brand name Largest global airline in terms of passenger traffic National and International routes serving all corners of the globe Perception as a major carrier with the commensurate levels of service Weaknesses internal flight amenities draining profits inability to compete with low fare carriers on price lack of competitive pricing to attract casual traveler base vulnerability to pricing Opportunities (American Airlines, 2005). code sharing agreements with domestic and international airlines SABRE ticketing system Presence at most airports American Eagle regional routes Lucrative route structure Threats thin operating margins favoring low fare carriers public acceptance of low fare carrier concept customer quality perception of low fare carriers that exceeds the majors prolonged slow economy favors low fare carrier pricing structure segmentation of the industry into business and discount carrier classifications high fuel prices government intervention Chapter 2 Conclusion The intense competition in the airline industry along with thin operating margins and fuel costs along with other expenditures existed before the dramatic events of September 11th. The strengths of American Airlines in being the worlds largest airline provides it with a huge customer base that is familiar with the airline. This represents the core of all marketing, customer retention as well as the foundation to attract new customer trial. Customer retention and utilization represent the primary advantage that American Airlines enjoys and needs to utilize to protect its position as well as build upon. The American Eagle division provides the company with an additional customer convenience marketing tool via intra city (regional) destination traffic. In order to accomplish the preceding objective the company must increase its quality of service from its current 11th position to increase customer satisfaction. The 50/50 mix of business and leisure travelers that comprise its customer b ase has remained relatively constant and business class travelers contribute heavily to profits as a result of the higher fares paid for first class and business class seating (American Airlines, 2005). Utilization of target marketing with concentration on the frequent flier base represents Americans primary advantage to capitalize upon since is does not compete in a low fare platform. Tightened restrictions on fares has closed a lot of the gap, thus consumer perceptions in the higher income categories represent a huge customer base for American to capitalize on in stealing customers from the other majors as a primary strategy and eroding the fringe low fare customer base as a secondary target market. Technology in terms of software advances along with code sharing, peaking and Americans route and connection structures offer convenience. Increased international travel also helps the company as a result of its global routes and destinations. Americans size, reach, reputation, fleet and presence at over 154 airports reinforces the preceding (American Airlines, 2005). The companys corporate vision states its objectives are to: set industry standard for safety and security, provide superior customer service, produce returns for stakeholders and shareholders by increasing business and thus revenue opportunities for vendors and allied firms further solidify the brand name and image as a premier carrier increase creative ticketing, promotions, vacation packages and associated areas to distance the company from low fare carriers and thus minimize their effects, capitalize upon inherent advantages As the worlds largest carrier American Airlines business and leisure base provides the customer foundation to enable it to compete successfully against other majors as well as differentiate itself from low fare carriers. This ability to be the choice in the full flight service category along with the number of airports, seamless domestic and international route structure that enable it to offer direct service to the most destinations via its own branded airline represents a key convenience and thus marketing factor to garner success in this highly competitive environment.

gatwomen gatmyrtle Great Gatsby Essays: Similarities of Gatsby and Myrtle :: Great Gatsby Essays

Same Goal, Different Route in The Great Gatsby A more thorough investigation of The Great Gatsby is necessary to uncover a well-disguised theme by Fitzgerald in this work. Upon a simple read through one would probably not notice the great similarities of Jay Gatsby and Myrtle Wilson, but the two characters seemed to have the same agenda for their lives. While Gatsby took the route of acquiring money at all costs to join the upper class of society and to be acceptable in the eyes of a woman, Myrtle chose to make her way up in society at the cost of her marriage by attaching herself to money. The underlying question is who had the most success. As a young man, Jay Gatsby was poor with nothing but his love for Daisy. He had attempted to woe her, but a stronger attraction to money led her to marry another man. This did not stop Gatsby’s goal of winning this woman for himself though, and he decided to improve his life anyway he could until he could measure up to Daisy’s standards. He eventually gained connections in what would seem to be the wrong places, but these gave him the opportunity he needed to "get rich quick." Gatsby’s enormous desire for Daisy controlled his life to the point that he did not even question the immorality of the dealings that he involved himself in to acquire wealth. Eventually though, he was able to afford a "castle" in a location where he could pursue Daisy effectively. His life ambition had successfully moved him to the top of the "new money" class of society, but he lacked the education of how to promote his wealth properly. Despite the way that Gatsby flaunted his money, he did catch Daisy’s attention. A chaotic affair followed for a while until Daisy was overcome by pressures from Gatsby to leave her husband and by the realization that she belonged to "old money" and a more proper society. Myrtle eventually had similar goals as Gatsby, but her life did not begin the same way. She was of the lower class of society and married a simple man. The two pursued a poor life, but Myrtle’s husband George was a decent man. Nevertheless, Myrtle became unsatisfied, and when the opportunity arose to better the quality of her life, she took it. Daisy’s husband Tom, an unfaithful, rough man not very committed to his marriage, began an affair with Myrtle.

Are People Unwise to Pursue Love Even When They Know It Will Cause Them Pain? Essay

Love is an important aspect of life, as it is a powerful bond of closeness, trust and understanding. History, literature and science are filled with examples of people aspiring after their love when consequences can be seen easily. These historical figures achieved great height and are remembered by people. Loss and pain are inevitable, and they are worth it when love, whether of a person , a cause or a country, is pursued. Facing pain is not unwise but rather heroic. Love can be sudden attraction that could pull people in, even when they know this love will not last and is forbidden. Marie Curie was a passionate physicist and chemist who is famous for her pioneering research on radioactivity, as she was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. Her husband was also an instructor at the school of physics and chemistry; it was their mutual interest in natural sciences that drew them together. However only after eleven years of marriage, Pierre was killed in a road accident, leaving Marie devastated by his death. After five years of his death, in 1911 it was revealed to the public that she was having an affair with physicist Paul Langevin, who was already a married man and a former student of Pierre’s. After the news broke, the Swedish Academy of Sciences even banned her from receiving her Nobel Prize. Marie challenged the Academy and attended the ceremony and this perhaps was her most courageous act. If then she had retreated, her career would have been over. She did not fear and staunchly believed that eventually her reputation and honor would be restored. Marie Curie, knowing the consequences of what her love might lead her to, decided to pursue it publicly, knowing it will risk her entire career. We can certainly not call her love unwise. It is a passionate love and it is to be remembered for ever. Even though pain of loss is an unavoidable consequence of love, it should not stop people from being in love. Life is followed by opposites: if we gain success then we also must be ready to lose something we possess. If we have good morals, then they will be ultimately challenged by corrupt forces. However these negative forces should not be a reason to stop us from reaching our goal and cherish every moment of love we can pursue. Recently I have received heartbreaking news from a relative saying his friend’s partner passed away from a fatal car accident. The woman clearly loved the man a lot, even after he was gone she suffered mental depression for several weeks. But the times they were together were the most prized moments of his life. They had a wonderful journey in life together, and even though they are forever apart, he can keep the thought of his wife in mind to gather courage and overcome difficulties in life. This shows determination and also shows that love is never unwise to pursue as long as it is true love. There is no doubt that a life pursuing love is greater than one that is blend. Love is a natural emotion that every living creature experiences. It will only be selfish and an act against way of life to deny the wonderful experience of closeness, peace, and happiness that everyone is meant to have. History, literature and life itself bear witness to that idea every day.