A Look from “Dreams from my Father” by Barack Obama Essay Example for Free

A Look from â€Å"Dreams from my Father† by Barack Obama Essay Barack Obama’s narration of mostly his father’s life story transcends many debatable topics such as racism and socioeconomic classifications. Topics such as those brought out literally as needed in his accurate and factual description of their lives but not to create any arguable pointers of discussions. Two scenes in the book that shaped this memoir as a whole and could be enough to make a thorough study on how Barack Obama Jr. seek his sense of belongingness and his finding a way to form an ambition being a public servant were: first, how his black father Barack Hussein Obama Sr. of Kenya and his white-coloured mother Ann Dunham of Kansas, USA met, fell in love, got married and divorced; and second, his absentee father’s thoughts and activities as told by his mother and grandparents. Having been recalling his parents blossoming relationship could manifest a picture of success as he recounted episodes where his father’s intellectual charisma and ambitious thoughts won his grandparents heart irregardless of colour and racial differences after opposing Barack Sr. and Ann’s love story. He pointed out that the only reason of his parent’s broke up was the lacking of money in which during that time, Barack Sr. couldn’t afford to take his wife and son back to Kenya. Thus, he went home alone to his motherland along with his ambition to complete a promise to serve Kenya and the continent of Africa, as it is the reason of his methodical studies in US, specifically in Harvard University. It was merely a patriotic deed and nationalism of Barack Sr. as he absolutely believed that Africa and Kenya need him and his service. It is also noted that Zeituni, Barack Sr. ’s sister, mentioned that his brother really has a heart that was too big. As for the comparison of these two episodes of Barack Obama Jr. ’s account, it suggests love and charity accomplished in two dissimilar forms. Barack Sr. ’s love with his wife Ann and their son broke the difficulty of racial discrimination in which Barack Jr. brought out in the world and raised freely despite of living in the land of white men. It is the same as what Barack Sr. s decision to leave his family in US. Barack Jr. made a justification out of his parent’s decision to be separated with each other that it was due only because of his father’s charitable instinct to serve and help Kenya because it is where his whole ancestors belong. Hence, who could say that neither of the two kinds of love is wrong? Colour difference has never been a problem on Barack Jr. ’s parents, and it is totally contradictory to the completion of the second story where the Kenyan roots of Barack Jr. ’s father has been an issue. Everyone could agree that loving both the nation and one’s own family at the same time doesn’t mean sacrificing one for the sake of the other. As an effect of demonstrating these two kinds of love, Barack Jr. ’s journey to look beyond his roots and himself being a black man in the land of the white race created a similar motive with his father’s to serve his own country, though on his end it is America, whether in sociocivic works or in a political slot. R E F E R E N C E Obama, Barack Jr. Dreams from my Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance. New York: Three Rivers Press, 1995.

Warrington Environmental Pollution and Soil Health Risks

Warrington Environmental Pollution and Soil Health Risks Report on the environmental pollution and human health risks of soils in the former industrial area of Woolston, Warrington. 2.Introduction: As a result of rapid population growth followed by intense industrial activity and petrochemical development soils have suffered from contamination with substances of various origins (E.M.Garcia et al,2015).As a result of rapid industrialisation of cities such as Manchester, newly constructed canals were built all over the UK in order to increase trade as well as the exportation of goods. In the 1820s, a new canal was established along the river Mersey with the purpose of shortening the route of navigation through the meandering Mersey. 3.Study site. According to Warrington borough council, the New Cut Canal was opened in 1821. This 2km long canal was built in order to improve the Mersey and Irwell navigation by creating a shortcut for barges carrying goods between Liverpool and Manchester. Historical ordnance survey maps from 1907 show an adjacent chemical works, a large tannery, a slaughter house, a metal works and a gunpowder mill. Sustained industrial activity meant that the canal sediment was undoubtedly polluted by spillages from ships and industrial effluents (Hartley and Dickinson,2010). Following the establishment of the Manchester shipping canal the New Cut Canal began to decline until it was left derelict (Warrington borough council) and eventually the Canal was disconnected from the river and abandoned in 1978 (Hartley and Dickinson,2010). In that year, it was decided that the site was to be used for tipping under emergency procedures to deposit road construction rubble (Hartley and Dickinson ,2010). Following this history, it has been estimated that the site contains 9800 tonnes of polluted anoxic sediment. It is known that this polluted sediment contains elevated levels of TPHs (Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons), PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) followed by highly elevated concentrations of metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr and Ni) and Arsenic (As) (Hartley and Dickinson,2010). 4.Methods: 4.1. Methods out in the field. 4.1.1 Soil samples To determine the degree of soil contamination at the site, soil samples were taken at various points along the New Cut Canal site. It was decided that a systematic sampling method would be used in order to record an adequate amount of data for the investigation. This sampling method had been chosen as it allowed one to determine the spatial pattern of contamination whilst limiting human errors (O1). Whilst at the site, transects had been established along the New Cut Canal site. Transects were established along a 700-metre stretch of the canal and each transect had been separated by 70 meters. In total there was 10 transects and along each transect,6 soil samples were taken approximately every 10 meters from the Northernmost point of the canal to the southernmost point closest to the river Mersey. Soil samples from each sampling point were taken just below the surface but in order to prevent large organic materials from interfering with the soil investigations later it was decided that each sample should be taken and the large organic matter (Roots etc.) should be removed. This was done using a measuring tape and a spade. The soil samples had been gathered in plastic bags. 4.2. Conductivity and resistivity values within the soil surrounding New Cut Canal. 4.2.1. Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) using ERT (Electrical Resistivity Tomography) The ERI was used to show the potential mobility of trace and toxic metals within the soil by analysing conductivity data from the ERT and the EM-31. Conductivity measurements were taken using an ERT along a single transect measuring 35 metres between the New Cut Canal site and the river Mersey. The ERT takes conductivity measurements through a series of electrodes which are placed into the ground. Once these electrodes had been implanted and connected to each other via multi core cables a current was then injected into the ground through these electrodes and as the current passed through the soil resistivity measurements were taken. Changes in conductivity reflect variations in subsurface materials and higher conductivity readings are associated with higher metal concentrations in soil pore waters. Figure 1: Below is an image that shows the standard setup of ERT. In this investigation the electrodes were inserted into the ground at distances of 2 meters apart. The transect of electrodes covered an area between the New Cut Canal and the river Mersey and was carried out at an angle of 0 ° (North to South). Image from Terra Dat:   http://terradat.co.uk/survey-methods/resistivity-tomography/ 4.2.2. Geonics EM-31 Ground Conductivity meter ERT maps out the geological variations associated with changes in conductivity (Exploration instruments) as well as the EM-31. Unlike the ERT, the EM-31 gathers its readings by creating an electromagnetic field in the air using a coil wire which is separated from a receiver coil by 3.66 meters. The transmitted energy propagates into the subsurface where a second electromagnetic field is created due to the effect of soil moisture, conductive earth materials and other buried objects (Reynolds international,2011). The EM-31 is useful to this investigation as it can take conductivity measurements below 2 meters of the Earths surface. The data collected by both the EM-31 and the ERT could then be combined to determine changes in conductivity up to a depth of 3-4 meters. 4.3. Soil sample experiments in the lab 4.3.1. Determining total metal concentrations Following the onsite extraction of soils samples, they were then taken to the lab for further processing. Before any more investigations were conducted the soil samples were dried in an oven at 40 °C for 48 hours in order to remove all of the moisture.   Oven drying the sediment is crucial in this type of investigation as one can only compare the dry weight to the Soil Guideline Values (SGVs) (DEFRA, 2002). Once they had been dried, the soil samples were then processed further in order to analyse the total metal concentrations (Pb,Zn,Cr and As), bioavailability of those metals, organic matter content and soil pH. Soil samples were then sieved so that larger particles greater than 2mm in diameter were removed.   After the samples had been sieved, analysis of the bioavailability of metals was conducted. 10g of sieved sediment was then added to a conical where 50mL of 0.5mol acetic acid was added using a measuring cylinder. Once the acid was added the flask was sealed with Parafil m and placed onto an orbital shaker for 30 minutes. Whilst the samples were shaken, 2 30mL universal sample tubes were prepped (2 for every sample) and a Whatman no 1 filter paper was added to each of the tubes. After the cylinder samples had been shaken, they were left to stand for 10 minutes in order for the contents to settle (Beneficial to the investigation as it sped up the filtering process). Following 10 minutes, the supernatant liquid in the cylinder was then added into the universal sample tubes through the filter paper. Once one of the tubes was full the second one was then introduced to the filtering process. Eventually both universal tubes were sealed and then analysis of the metal concentrations was conducted by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). 4.3.2. Determining organic matter (OM) content Secondly, organic matter content needed to be measured, this was done using the loss on ignition method. This process began with the weighing of an empty porcelain crucible (W1). Soil was then added until it filled the crucible and was then weighed (W2). The air-dry weight was then determined by using the following calculation W2-W1. The minute that this was done the crucibles for each of the samples was then oven-dried at a temperature of 105 °C overnight and then placed in a desiccator the following morning. Afterwards, the samples were then measured again (W3). The crucibles were then placed into a muffle furnace and ignited at 450 °C for 8 hours and left to cool on a sand tray. After this, the crucibles were weighed again (W4). This was done to burn off any of the Organic Matter (OM) content. Muffled weight was then determined by using this calculation, W4-W1. The final method involved a simple calculation, shown below: OM content (% of dry sediment) = [oven dry weight (g) muffled weight (g) / oven dry weight (g)] x 100 4.3.3. Determining soil pH To begin with 10g of soil was added to a beaker using a spatula where it would then be mixed with 25mL of deionised water using a measuring cylinder. The beaker was then stirred well until all of the material had been suspended (To allow the contents to mix) shortly followed by a 15-minute period whereby the beaker was left to stand. Following the 15-minute period a pH strip was dipped into each of the samples. Using a pH reference card, the colours recorded on each of the pH papers was noted. 4.3.4. Determining Total (T) metal concentrations using XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy) Finally, 10g of each sample was added into a small plastic bag and then shaken until all of the soil reached the bottom. The bag was then placed onto the test bed and then the XRF machine determined the % values of Pb, Zn, Cr and As. 5. Results 5.1. Figure 2: The table below shows all of the data collected from the field as well as metal concentrations in mg/kg-1 for each of the soils samples. OM or organic matter was measured in grams. Total Chromium concentrations when analysed however the concentrations were too low when measured using X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF). SiteID x y OM pH PbT ZnT CrT PbB ZnB CrB A1 363081 389035 4.66 5.50 29.00 199.00 nd 0.01 12.71 0.21 A2 363081 388969 14.81 5.80 15.00 80.00 nd 0.09 1.90 0.20 A3 363087 388919 15.28 6.00 20.00 130.00 nd 0.01 11.95 0.26 A4 363064 388867 6.26 4.70 645.00 417.00 nd 2.44 35.99 0.45 A5 363070 388823 10.67 4.50 40.00 205.00 nd 0.18 5.87 0.17 A6 363079 388737 8.76 4.50 58.00 299.00 nd 1.05 19.16 0.04 B1 363137 389021 23.24 5.00 178.00 32.00 nd 0.41 26.42 0.18 B2 363139 388973 6.83 5.00 79.00 16.00 nd 0.01 0.01 0.18 B3 363140 388941 7.02 5.00 126.00 24.00 nd 0.01 5.37 0.16 B4 363145 388882 13.11 4.70 128.00 27.00 nd 0.01 9.92 0.11 B5 363160 388808 10.16 4.70 96.00 26.00 nd 0.30 10.23 0.15 B6 363186 388731 13.57 4.70 184.00 32.00 nd 0.00 9.57 0.18 C1 363196 388941 9.10 4.70 73.00 21.00 nd 1.55 8.20 0.22 C2 363194 388975 10.60 5.00 107.00 19.00 nd 0.01 11.02 0.31 C3 363185 389022 11.20 5.00 79.00 24.00 nd 0.15 10.72 0.24 C4 363205 388828 13.10 4.70 75.00 20.00 nd 0.01 9.09 0.12 C5 363201 388854 8.90 4.70 93.00 20.00 nd 0.26 11.13 0.12 C6 363187 388888 9.60 4.40 95.00 24.00 nd 0.01 8.71 0.16 D1 363251 388969 7.51 6.10 126.00 298.00 nd 0.69 61.88 0.41 D2 363250 388965 10.55 5.80 111.00 278.00 nd 0.01 17.75 0.20 D3 363256 388999 11.45 5.50 109.00 312.00 nd 0.16 18.38 0.16 D4 363247 388907 12.92 6.10 32.00 45.00 nd 4.75 36.60 0.37 D5 363250 388898 9.32 5.00 34.00 56.00 nd 4.50 25.35 0.30 D6 363252 388887 3.86 4.40 23.00 32.00 nd 4.59 27.91 0.34 E1 363398 388984 7.70 5.50 38.00 298.00 nd 0.52 21.28 0.17 E2 363389 388997 8.90 5.90 55.00 433.00 nd 0.21 25.96 0.22 E3 363380 389003 5.60 5.10 38.00 532.00 nd 0.01 3.60 0.15 E4 363445 388929 11.20 4.50 21.00 56.00 nd 0.11 0.01 0.09 E5 363444 388919 11.90 5.10 19.00 48.00 nd 0.58 0.42 0.09 E6 363447 388907 12.10 5.20 33.00 63.00 nd 1.22 5.42 0.14 F1 363519 388982 9.77 5.80 33.00 225.00 nd 2.01 11.29 0.63 F2 363510 389010 11.16 5.50 22.00 134.00 nd 0.37 16.08 0.35 F3 363512 389029 5.70 6.50 55.00 489.00 nd 0.07 23.22 0.17 F4 363519 388973 6.89 5.00 37.00 220.00 nd 1.75 16.22 0.58 F5 363525 388946 6.18 4.70 21.00 80.00 nd 0.01 0.01 0.14 F6 363533 388923 6.75 4.40 20.00 52.00 nd 0.01 2.59 0.12 G1 363573 389056 21.17 5.80 43.00 287.00 nd 0.00 13.66 0.41 G2 363564 389032 12.76 5.50 45.00 289.00 nd 0.01 10.49 0.44 G3 363561 389022 8.53 7.00 32.00 212.00 nd 0.09 9.90 0.34 G4 363564 389001 8.32 5.00 23.00 176.00 nd 0.07 2.10 0.15 G5 363559 389022 6.67 4.70 21.00 76.00 nd 0.05 2.30 0.17 G6 363569 388965 8.35 4.70 19.00 34.00 nd 0.03 2.10 0.18 H1 363685 389056 6.26 6.50 1047.00 1639.00 nd 16.57 49.79 0.67 H2 363674 389036 2.22 5.50 49.00 1156.00 nd 0.17 38.15 0.22 H3 363669 389016 3.01 5.30 46.00 153.00 nd 8.73 23.47 0.44 H4 363632 388981 4.96 5.00 23.00 77.00 nd 0.24 2.97 0.06 H5 363631 388971 7.34 5.00 31.00 143.00 nd 0.46 6.01 0.11 H6 363632 388959 4.84 5.00 48.00 78.00 nd 2.44 0.64 0.13 I1 363697 389018 21.17 5.80 32.00 819.00 nd 0.74 40.06 0.39 I2 363703 389044 12.76 5.50 51.00 483.00 nd 1.65 32.53 0.60 I3 363694 389078 8.53 7.00 32.00 202.00 nd 2.10 25.27 0.81 I4 363718 388982 8.32 5.00 23.00 91.00 nd 0.48 9.23 0.12 I5 363720 388981 6.67 4.70 19.00 68.00 nd 0.01 0.01 0.05 I6 363723 388978 8.35 4.70 31.00 126.00 nd 0.01 7.46 0.09 J1 363775 389003 6.26 6.50 33.00 224.00 nd 2.22 26.49 0.80 J2 363770 389053 2.22 5.50 24.00 104.00 nd 0.01 0.37 0.13 J3 363767 389104 3.01 5.30 36.00 401.00 nd 0.40 25.69 0.33 J4 363771 388972 4.96 5.00 24.00 176.00 nd 0.01 10.96 0.18 J5 363771 388973 7.34 5.00 23.00 128.00 nd 0.01 11.93 0.19 J6 363772 388970 4.84 5.00 17.00 79.00 nd 0.01 4.30 0.09 Figure 3: The image below shows the spatial pattern of Lead (Pb) contamination across the New Cut Canal site. The image was created using Arc Map software. It is clear that the highest levels of Pb were found around sample site A3-5 and H1-2. Figure 4: The image below shows the spatial pattern of Zinc (Zn) contamination across the New Cut Canal site. The image was created using Arc Map software. Based on the spatial image, it is clear that the highest levels of Zn were found around sampling sites H1 and H2. Figure 5: The image below shows the spatial pattern of pH levels across the New Cut Canal site. The image was created using Arc Map. The most acidic pH readings were located towards the Southwest of the site whereas pH readings in the Eastern part of the sampling site increased to a pH of 5.3 and above. Figure 6: The graph below represents the changes in the Total (T) metal concentrations of various metals as well as indicating how bio available these metals are in the area. Figure 7: The stacked column below allows one to determine the bioavailability of Zinc as a percentage when compared to its total (T) metal concentrations for each of the sample sites. Upon observing the data, it is clear that (in terms of percentage) Zn bioav

A Tale of Two Cities Essays: Irony -- Tale Two Cities Essays

Irony in A Tale of Two Cities Someone once said "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." This is a compelling message upon which many writers have built their literature. One effective work which employs this theme is A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens. This novel is set in Paris and London during the late eighteenth century. During this period, France was engaged in a revolution in which the otherwise common man rose up against the country's aristocracy. In its outset, the novel reveals the motives behind the plebeians' actions. Dickens focuses upon the strife the townspeople experience at the hands of the merciless nobility. By the novel's end, however, Dickens achieves an about-face. The working class wields its new source of power to reek vengeance upon the aristocracy. In an ironic twist, Dickens displays how power can corrupt those even were once threatened by it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To convince the reader of the oppression the townspeople face, Dickens employs motifs. By providing a reoccurring phrase, the reader gains a sense of the distress which makes up every aspect of their lives. On such example of this is as follows: "Hunger was pushed out of the tall houses, in the wretched clothing that hung upon poles and lines; Hunger was patched into them with straw and rag and wood and paper; Hunger was repeated in every fragment of the small modicum of firewood that the man sawed off; Hunger stared down from the smokeless chimneys, and started up from the filthy street that had no offal, among its refuse, of anything to eat. Hunger was the inscription on the baker's shelves, written in every small loaf of his scanty stock of bad bread; at the sausage-shop, in every dead-dog preparation that was offered... ...nd the reader. One man in particular approaches Darnay. The narrator says, "'In the name of the assembled companions in misfortune,' said a gentleman of courtly appearance and address, coming forward, 'I have the honour of giving you welcome to La Force [Prison], and of condoling with you on the calamity that has brought you among us. May it soon terminate happily!'" (p. 254-255). Remarkablely, Dickens succeeds in turning the merciless noblemen into martyrs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The ironic role reversal is very effective in displaying Dickens' theme. People naturally try to find a protagonist and antagonist in any story. The reader soon becomes perplexed, until finally she decides that it is simply human nature to both abuse positions of power and require them in society. Works Cited: Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. London: Orion Publishing Group, 1994.

Comparing Apocalypse Now by Franice Coppola and Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad :: Literature Francis Coppola Joseph Conrad Essays

Comparing Apocalypse Now by Franice Coppola and Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad Francis Coppola’s Apocalypse Now was inspired by Joseph Conrad’s novel Heart of Darkness that informs the film throughout. A comparison and contrast can be made between the two. Both have the same themes but entirely different settings. Heart of Darkness takes place on the Congo River in the Heart of Africa while Apocalypse Now is set in Vietnam. The stock characters in both have the same general personalities but have different names. Of course, Kurtz is Kurtz, Willard parallels Marlow, and the American photojournalist corresponds to the Russian Harlequin. Willard is a lieutenant for the US Army and Marlow is a captain of a steamboat of an ivory company. The first images of Willard and Marlow differ to some degree. The movie begins with Willard lying in an apartment room lost from reality with the song ‘The End’ playing by The Doors. He is haunted by his earlier deeds and he is getting very drunk. Willard smashes the mirror while fighting himself and cuts his hand. He collapses on the bed weeping. Marlow is portrayed as a wanderer of the sea. The narrator described him to somewhat of a hero. Their mission is to find Kurtz and take him down at all costs. In both stories Kurtz is a psychotic rebel, worshipped as a god, who threatens the stability of his original unit, but in one it is an ivory trading company and in the other it is the US Army. Kurtz, who had begun his assignment a man of great idealism and the highest morals, had become strangely savage. Tribes of natives worship the man who lives in a hut surrounded by fence posts topped with recently acquired human skulls. Kurtz has undergone a total breakdown of the physical, psychological, and spiritual. Along the trip into the wilderness, Willard and Marlow discover their true selves through contact with savage natives. As Marlow ventures further up the Congo, he feels like he is traveling back through time. He sees the unsettled wilderness and can feel the darkness of its solitu de. The movie ends quite differently than the novel. The movie ends with a spectacular scene. During a native tribe’s ritual sacrifice ceremony of a water buffalo, The Doors’ The End playing on the background, Willard finally kills Kurtz with a machete. Willard exits to find the natives begin to worship him.

Essay --

â€Å"Knowledge is Power.† When people are asked what the key to success in life is, a few things come to their mind: being charismatic, being born into a wealthy family and knowing the right people, have a high paying job, or just plain luck. Although all of the above are true, the true key to success is knowledge. To have knowledge is to have options is to have power. Illiteracy is derived from the lack of knowledge or awareness from people. To eradicate the social divide and economic decline people must first be informed of the causes and effects of illiteracy to draw an affective solution. The impending threats to global infrastructure are not economic collapse, terrorism, climate changes, overpopulation, poverty, or even lack of fossil fuels; it is a deeper and simpler threat- illiteracy, (Top Ten List). The estimated cost of global economy is USD 1.19 trillion dollars. One-fifth of the world is suffering with illiteracy, which means there are more than 796 million people who unable to read or write, (Cree, Kay, and Steward). This large number can be attributed to many causes such as attitudes towards learning, geographical factors, disabilities, and gender bias, (Nayak). Problems are present in third world countries as well as first world countries. These people are â€Å"trapped in a cycle of poverty with limited opportunities for employment or income generation,† (Cree, Kay, and Steward). This cycle of poverty leads to other problems such as crime, dependence on welfare, health issues, unemployment or debt. Illiterate people earn about â€Å"30%-40% less than literate counterparts,† (Cree, Kay, and Steward). The income they make stays consistent throughout their lives. On the other hand, literate people make 2 or 3 times more than wha... ... affects economy because of lost profitability and productivity, (Cree, Kay, and Steward). Constantly having to fix mistakes and losing potential customers are an opportunity cost from having illiterate employees. The cost of finding a skilled staff to fix issues is very difficult for smaller businesses. Illiterate employees make communication harder and often miscommunicate causing internal problems. Illiteracy â€Å"costs a developed nation 2% of its GDP, an emerging economy 1.2% of GDP, and a developing country 0.5% of GDP,† (Cree, Kay, and Steward). Illiteracy limits the ability to access, comprehend, and apply health related issues thus resulting in a household with poor personal hygiene and nutrition. Illiterate people are trapped in a â€Å"cycle of poverty† and are more likely to turn to a life of crime and depend on social welfare and charity, (Cree, Kay, Steward).

Case Study Ryanair and Virgin Atlantic

Case Study Coursework LEADERSHIP and ORGANISATIONS BABA SDL 2012-13’B’ Virgin Atlantic and Ryanair This case examines two organisations that have many similarities as well as a number of significant differences. The essential technology and systems behind each organisation may be very similar, but the nature and style of management and its consequent impact on the way people working in these organisations think, feel and behave have created very different organisational cultures.So what are the similarities and what are the differences? The most obvious similarity is that both Virgin Atlantic and Ryanair operate in the UK passenger air transport industry. Both are relatively recent creations and might be seen as new entrants to the sector: Virgin's air transport business was founded by Richard Branson in 1984 and Michael O'Leary took over as Chief Executive at Ryanair, a small Irish airline which had been founded as Guinness Peat Aviation in 1985 (Creation, 2004).Both s tarted life in competition with major national flag carrier airlines (British Airways and Aer Lingus respectively) and grew to be major challengers to these established companies. As they grew, their scale of operations brought them into competition with a much larger number and range of airlines operating from the UK: Branson's Virgin Atlantic competes with some major US and other intercontinental companies such as American Airlines and United Airlines; O'Leary competes with the likes of Flybe and EasyJet in the short-haul market.Both Branson, who was born in 1950, and O'Leary, who is ten years younger, are individuals with strong and distinctive personalities, who have a relentless appetite for media presence and who make extensive use of themselves in their frequent marketing communications. They engage in advertising stunts, readily appear on the news media in relation to stories about the industry, and their faces and personalities are easily associated with their companies. Ch arting different courses There are, however, some major differences. First, they differ in their choice of markets.Virgin's air transport business originated in the long-haul, mainly transatlantic market which might be highly profitable but is also extremely competitive. As the business grew, offshoots were founded as independent companies; for instance, Virgin Blue in Australia and Virgin Express which has its hub in Brussels and serves European destinations outside the UK and does not compete directly with Ryanair. Ryanair started as a short-haul carrier and has remained so, focusing on European destinations from a small number of airports in the UK and Eire. The two companies' competitive positioning is also very different.Ryanair is well known as ‘The Low Cost Airline'; the first thing that hits you in its publicity material is the price and this is very clearly the core of its business strategy (Ryanair website). The ‘no frills' approach means just that: even the in -flight food is limited to sandwiches and costs extra. Virgin, by contrast, attracts passengers by offering a superior experience and is firmly positioned at the quality end of the market: Publicity material emphasises style and comfort, and there is a range of in 1/4 Case Study Coursework LEADERSHIP and ORGANISATIONS BABA SDL 2012-13’B’ light extras which, even at the economy end of the price range, includes in-flight food and drinks and packs of ‘amenities' such as flight socks, eye shades and lip balm. As was noted, both men love publicity stunts and often use humour in their public communications. Branson is usually smiling and in poses which indicate fun and a desire to show close links with his staff and popularity with employees, customers and the public in general. O'Leary is much more likely to be acerbic, critical and uses what might euphemistically be called ‘colourful' language in his public statements.He seems to care little about public opinio n of him as an individual and has been in trouble with the advertising standards authorities in the UK and Eire on more than one occasion for ‘offensive' adverts that have upset people from British Airways (who were accused of being ‘Expensive ba * * * * ds' in an Evening Standard advert in 1999) and the Catholic Church (the ‘Fourth Secret of Fatima’ advert of 2000 featured the Pope) (Creation, 2004). The brand values are also very different. Virgin as a collection of businesses does everything from running trains, manufacturing contraceptives and cosmetics o offering financial services. All these enterprises are linked by the single powerful central image of the founder and the characteristic red livery; Ryanair does one thing and one thing only, but in doing so sets an almost buccaneering tone, readily taking on authorities such as the European Union over competition policy and the British Airports Authorities over charging practices. Branson has certainly had his conflicts with British Airways, notably over the ‘dirty tricks' affair of the early 1990s, but is not likely to challenge governments.Virgin tries hard to build customer loyalty and gain repeat business through brandrelated service values; Ryanair's repeat business (and for some customers the Ryanair experience is one which inspires the thought ‘never again') is on price, not loyalty to the brand. These differences have a significant effect on the nature of employment relations and the psychological contract between the two companies and their employees. Working for Richard and Michael Each company's brand image and treatment of customers have a bearing on the nature of organisational relationship with staff, and vice versa.Aspects of organisational behaviour therefore show through in a variety of interconnected ways to create consistent and very different cultures. At Virgin Atlantic, cabin crew are there to be helpful and welcoming; they are important projecto rs of the brand image and their job is partly to encourage the allimportant customer loyalty which generates continuing profit. The importance of staff as carriers of company values is clearly reflected in the recruitment material and other statements about the nature of work at Virgin Atlantic.Virgin Atlantic brings together all manner of people in all manner of roles, all playing a crucial role in the smooth running of a very complex operation. But whoever you are and wherever you join us, you'll never stop thinking of our customers and what 2/4 Case Study Coursework LEADERSHIP and ORGANISATIONS BABA SDL 2012-13’B’ we can do for them. From frontline cabin crew to IT analysts, everyone here plays a role in delivering the Virgin brand. That means using initiative, taking responsibility for your actions and being ready to support those around you at all times.Similarly, you'll play your part in maintaining the friendly, unconventional professionalism that makes Virgin A tlantic such a unique place of work (Virgin Altantic website). The recruitment process is lengthy and includes a group interview which acts as a filter for further tests before job offers are made. Training programmes for cabin crew and other staff are run from a dedicated training centre, and there is a wide range of benefits for full-time staff including seven free flights a year, private pensions and medical schemes and discounted goods and services across the Virgin group.At Ryanair, the cabin crew work for a supplier organisation called Crewlink. You can discover whether you qualify to apply for a job by answering a series of 11 on line questions. Successful applicants for cabin crew posts are trained at one of Crewlink's centres and are expected to pay an up-front charge of â‚ ¬1,200 for the fiveweek course (or with a â‚ ¬400 deposit it can be offset against initial year's salary at a total cost of â‚ ¬1,300). Students are not paid to attend the course; successful gra duates get a three-year contract with Crewlink to work on Ryanair flights on a shift-work basis.Ryanair crew are not expected to make overnight stops at its destinations. Post-tax starting salary is listed as being ? 1,100 per month (? 13,200 pa); Crewlink suggests that after the initial three years, and subject to satisfactory performance, a permanent job with Ryanair itself might be available at a salary of up to ? 25,000 pa. Staff must be flexible in terms of their work location across the 15 European centres and Crewlink does not guarantee work if individuals specify a preferred work location (Crewlink website).By comparison with long haul, a short-haul operation involves very tight turnaround times and Ryanair aims for 20 minutes. This creates a very different pace and set of pressures on the workforce compared with those at Virgin, which is likely to have higher staffing levels and to give crew longer rest breaks in the destination locations between flights. The nature of cust omer relations, by contrast, might be more demanding at Virgin than at Ryanair – staff and customers are together for longer and the brand image must be maintained.Complaints and horror stories can be found about work at both organisations; however, Ryanair is subject to a more systematic and organised campaign of criticism for its employment practices by trade union organisations. In particular, the International Transport Workers' Federation has run a major campaign on its website since 2004 called ‘Ryan-be-fair', the purpose of which is to pressurise the management at Ryanair into accepting the role of trade unions in representing the workforce.It collects comments from disgruntled crew and former workers which give a flavour of the operational stresses and organisational culture. Both organisations have been successful – Ryanair has turned in significant profits for several years in a sector which is prone to disruption and financial loss and which has seen a number of brands disappear (Buzz, Go and Debonair) (BBC, 2005). Virgin also continues to go from strength to strength commercially. But the cultures and values which get them off the ground could hardly be more different (BBC, 2006). /4 Case Study Coursework LEADERSHIP and ORGANISATIONS BABA SDL 2012-13’B’ References Creation, S. (2004) Ryanair – How a Small Irish Airline Conquered Europe. Arum Crewlink website www. crewlink. ie International Transport Workers’ Federation website www. iftglobal. org Ryanair website www. ryanair. com Virgin Atlantic website, Working for Us, http://www. virginatlantic. com/en/gb/careers/workingforus/index. jsp BBC News articles: News website: www. news. bbc. co. k Profits Jump at Virgin Atlantic (27 May 2005) Ryanair Profits Jump on Hot Spots (1 August 2006) Question: Using relevant leadership and organisational theory, explore the impact of organisational features and external environment influences on the leadership and management styles and performance of Richard Branson and Michael O’Leary. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of their leadership approaches in their specific context with their specific set of strategic challenges. (1500 words) Closing date: 1st April 2013, submit on StudyNet by 23. 30 UK time 4/4

Online Courses: the Pros and Cons

Online Courses: The Pros and Cons By Melody More and more students are taking online classes. They are advertised on the radio, television, and billboards, promising convenience and opportunities. Even traditional universities are now offering online classes in conjunction with their normal â€Å"brick and mortor† classes. In actuality, online classes only appear to be easier and more convenient. Online course are more difficult and time-consuming than traditional classroom courses although they have afforded many bright and industrious students unprecedented opportunities to further their education.The stigma behind online classes has led them to be less respected than traditional classes. In an effort to increase enrollment, many universities advertise that they offer online courses in which a student can quickly and conveniently earn their degree. This has two potentially negative consequences. First, employers who have never experienced a classroom setting in an online env ironment assume that these degrees are not as reputable as those from schools that exclusively offer traditional courses. Secondly, students enroll in these online courses with the mistaken belief that they are going to be quick and easy.Unfortunately, this could not be further from the truth. Online classes are more time consuming than in-classroom courses. In almost all courses, participation makes up a portion of everyone’s grade. Most professors count participation points as 10% of a student’s total grade. This 10% can easily be obtained in a classroom environment where a student can speak to peers and professor about a particular topic. However, online courses use a discussion board for communication, where the students and professor post responses to a discussion.The continuous posting by the students and professor makes spelling, grammar, and punctuation an unprecedented factor in a student’s participation points. Although online professors typically over look spelling and grammatical errors when responding to students’ posts, they are liable to take away points. Most of the time they deduct participation points if the grammar and spelling is so bad that they cannot understand the point the student is attempting to make. Students whom normally struggle with spelling and grammar are forced to improve their writing skills.In turn, the necessity of grammar, spelling, and punctuation benefits a student’s overall education experience. Moreover, the increased writing in a classroom environment can be a double-edged sword. The replacement of writing rather than speaking in a classroom can yield a negative effect on a person’s life. Online environments inadvertently encourage social isolation. A student who may have had social challenges or anxiety about speaking in front of a group of people in the past can easily continue isolating themselves from others rather than facing their fears.When the student graduates, findin g employment can be increasingly difficult without these necessary interpersonal skills. The socially awkward alumnus of a particular university negatively represents their university and discredits other alumni that could be applying for the same position. Despite this potentially disastrous effect, there are opportunities online courses have presented to so many people around the world. Online courses open doors to people who would otherwise have to give up on their dreams of higher education.An example is a single mother who barely survives by working two jobs to provide for her children. She does not have the money to hire a babysitter while she attends night classes. However, with online classes, she can work on a college degree while her young children sleep. Online classes are more convenient for the worker that works until 3:00 am and has little time before and after work to study. Driven, disciplined, non-traditional students can derive great benefit from the ability to att end class when they can, wherever they have internet access.Furthermore, potential students should not shun the idea of online classes if it can help them further their education. Students who may be considering online classes should think carefully about what it is they need from a course. If they want to speak to a professor directly to get their questions answered, have the availability at the same time each week to attend a course, and prefer not to perform additional writing assignments each week, then an online course may not be for them.On the other hand, if a potential student works for a company that is not willing to work around a school schedule, childcare is not available, or they simply do not want to drive to class in the evening, an online course may be the perfect solution. There are many pros and cons that are part of the decision-making process on whether or not to take an online course. Taking an online course should not be a decision that a student jumps into wit hout carefully considering all the factors involved.