The Case Of Paul Kornak - 1134 Words

In the case of Paul Kornak, he was found guilty on multiple accounts. He plead guilty to three criminal charges which are as follows, materially false statement, mail fraud and criminally negligent homicide. Kornak filled out an application for employment with the VA and falsely filled out that he had never been convicted or placed on probation. This was not true as he was convicted in 1993 for obtaining a false medical license and had to serve 3 years of probation. Kornak was employed by Stratton VA Medical Center in the oncology research program where he was a coordinator for the atherosclerosis study and a bladder cancer study. Throughout these two studies he submitted documentation about patients that was false and allowed subjects who did not follow protocol, to enter studies. He was charged with criminally negligent homicide when a study subject died. Kornak used false results stating that the individual blood analysis supported that the subject was able to go through with t he study, which was taking chemotherapeutic drugs. The actual results showed that the participate kidneys and liver were below average functioning levels, thus the patient should not have been allowed to go on with the study. Kornak admitted to the above charges. According to the case summary completed by the office of research integrity, Kornak was charged with a lifetime debarment to â€Å"protect the public interest overall† this is due to â€Å"his longstanding pattern of criminal behavior and his

Roger David Kornberg And The Biological Synthesis

Roger David Kornberg was born on September 24, 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri as the oldest of Arthur Kornberg and Sylvy Ruth Levy’s three sons. He grew up with very strong science roots as both of his parents were renowned scientists; his mother was a biochemist while his father, also a biochemist, gained notoriety as for his award-winning contribution to the science field. Like how Roger Kornberg would later achieve, Arthur Kornberg co-won the Nobel Prize (1959) in the division of Physiology or Medicine for discovering mechanisms involved in the biological synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Roger mentioned the significance that his parents’ careers had on his upbringing in an interview, stating that everything—from leisure activities to dinner conversations—revolved around the world of science. This early influence carried on further in to his life, as Kornberg eventually matriculated to Harvard University to study chemistry. He earned his bachelorâ €™s degree in 1967 and resumed his education as a graduate student at Stanford University. There, in 1972, he obtained his Ph.D. in chemical physics. Kornberg’s affiliation with Stanford brought him back in 1978 as a professor in structural biology; the six years since earning his Ph.D. having been spent on post-grad work in Cambridge University (England) and as an assistant professor in Harvard Medical School, where he conducted research in the field of molecular biology and taught biochemistry, respectively. He won his

Descartes’ Dualism Free Essays

The concept of Dualism or the theory that there is a division between the mind and the body is not a novel one. It originated as early as the time of Plato and Aristotle. Rene Descartes’ concept of Dualism, otherwise known as Cartesian Dualism, is considered one of his greatest contributions in the history of philosophy. We will write a custom essay sample on Descartes’ Dualism or any similar topic only for you Order Now He was the first to argue that the mind is a non-material entity which is distinct and separate from the brain. He also identified the mind with concepts such as self-awareness and self-consciousness. It is widely regarded that the sharp division between the mind and the body is the most basic fact of our human existence. This essay will focus on Descartes’ concept of Dualism. The very foundations of his philosophy which led him to the theory of dualism will likewise be tackled. Concepts such as Cogito Ergo Sum will also be discussed since it serves as the foundation for Cartesian dualism. At the concluding part of this paper, I intend to state my position on Descartes’ Dualism Descartes’ Dualism In his work, Meditations, Descartes began his journey by clearing the mind of all the rubbish knowledge that had been handed down from generations to generations. He was aware that the ideas of his contemporaries were all shaped by biases and prejudices. He challenged himself to eliminate these prejudices so that he could arrive at the very foundations of knowledge. He also refused to accept the Aristotelian and Scholastic philosophy which had dominated the traditional philosophical thought throughout the Medieval Period. (â€Å"Rene Descartes†) He thought that if true knowledge is to be attained then we must start from the very foundation of our knowledge. He thus began his philosophy by doubting everything that he could not be certain. Descartes doubted everything around him. He doubted the existence of the physical universe and even his body. He thought that it is very much possible that he could be hallucinating about the existence of this physical world or his physical self. He even doubted his senses, to wit: â€Å"All that I have, up to this moment, accepted as possessed of the highest truth and certainty, I received either from or through the senses. I observed, however, that these sometimes misled us; and it is the part of prudence not to place absolute confidence in that by which we have even once been deceived. † He cautioned us not to trust everything that our senses tell us since they are deceiving. He even argued that there is a thin line that separates the walking state from the dreaming state – meaning, we cannot be actually certain whether as of the moment we are imagining or not. (Bryan Kidd) Descartes argued that on many occasions, he had actually thought that he was awake when in reality he was merely dreaming. It is possible, according to him that our whole life could be a dream. He also questioned the truths of logic and reason since it is possible that he could be deceived by a demon which has the power to make things appear to be logical. Despite all these skepticisms, Descartes argued that there is one thing that he could be certain of and that is he doubted. The mere fact that he was uncertain whether he is dreaming or awake manifests that he is in a state of doubt. If he doubted then this could only mean that he is thinking. Because he is thinking, then he is a thinking being. Thus â€Å"Cogito Ergo Sum† or â€Å"I think therefore I am. † This expression summarizes Descartes philosophy. Unlike his contemporaries who adopted the philosophical attitude of skepticism and began to doubt everything, Descartes believed that in reality it is not possible for us to doubt everything. But it is possible to arrive at true knowledge of certain things. Descartes proceeds to argue that he is sure that he has a mind that exists. Since he has a mind that thinks then it follows that the mind could exist separately from the body. He argues that he is sure that he has a mind but he still is not sure about the existence of his body since it is possible for him to be in a state of delusion still. It is possible for him to doubt that his body exists but it is not possible for him to doubt that his mind exists. He then concludes that he has a mind that is distinct from the body. He then proceeds to make a distinction between the mind and the body. The body is unconscious and is only an extension which takes up room in space while the mind which is conscious and does not take up room. The body is divisible and is subjected to the laws of physical science. The mind, on the other hand, is indivisible and is not subjected to the laws of physical science. We know that the body exists because we can perceive it. On the other hand, we know that the mind exists because of intuition. â€Å"The Argument for Mind/Body Dualism: Descartes†) Despite these differences, however, Descartes is assured after sufficient reflection that the body exists because God gave us sufficient senses of perception and the capacity to distinguish what is real from what is not. In Meditation VI, Descartes states that: â€Å" For there can be no doubt that God possesses the power of producing all the objects I am abl e distinctly to conceive, and I never considered anything impossible to him, unless when I experienced a contradiction in the attempt to conceive it aright. Further, the faculty of imagination which I possess, and of which I am conscious that I make use when I apply myself to the consideration of material things, is sufficient to persuade me of their existence. † The fundamental problem with dualism is how does the mind, which is non material and is not subjected to the laws of nature, interact with the body, which is material and is subjected to the laws of nature. It is a reality that the mind is able to influence and affect the body. The same is true with the body which can affect the mind. Descartes attempted this solve this problem in his letter to Elisabeth of Bohemia, Princess Palatine, he explained that there is an organ that links the mind from the body which is the pineal gland, a small gland in the center of the brain. With the help of this gland, the mind can control the body by sending signals to the body which enables it to walk, run or sit. Descartes emphasized however that the end goal of man is for reason to get control of the body. Since the body is associated with passions and feelings it is important for the mind to take control so that it will be able to behave rationally and rise above the needs of the body. Comments on Descartes’ Philosophy Descartes’ flirtation with the Mind and Body problem is a thorny issue which is full of complications. This is because scientific evidence itself is against this view. They consider that that the mind and the body are only one thing. From the scientists’ point of view, what Descartes’ called as the activities in the mind which is caused by non-material processes is actually caused by the neurological and chemical reactions in the brain. Nevertheless, I fully argue with his concept of dualism. The mind is not simply a result of the chemical reactions in the brain. Consciousness and self-awareness are concepts that are beyond the capacity of the material body to comprehend. Also, I believe in the immortality of the human soul which is the theory that the soul continues to exist even after it is separated from the body. The dualism of Descartes sufficiently explains why the soul continues to exist after the person dies and why it is not affected by the processes in the body. On Descartes’ theory that it is difficult to determine whether one is awake or sound asleep, I find the same to be very objectionable. I believe that if a person is thinking, perceiving, feeling, drawing inferences and making conclusions then one can be certain that he is awake and that he is not dreaming. According to Descartes, on several occasions, he had actually thought that he was awake when in reality he was merely dreaming. I believe that it is erroneous for one to say that one cannot tell the difference between being in a state of dream and being awake. Indeed it is not possible to state that a person is awake when he is really asleep precisely because when one is reflecting or thinking then he is not asleep. It would not be possible for a person to think when he is sleeping or dreaming. When one feels something then it is not possible for him to be dreaming. Indeed, experiencing the sensations of pain and pleasure are manifestations that one is awake and is not dreaming. How to cite Descartes’ Dualism, Papers

Disciple Of Paul Aristotle Correct Essay Example For Students

Disciple Of Paul: Aristotle Correct Essay Disciple of Paul: Aristotle correctAristotle: Yes, and you are?Disciple of Paul: I am a Christian disciple of Paul. It is an honor to meet you. Aristotle: why thank you. Now Pual, he was an apostle of Jesus and a leader of Christianity correct?Disciple of Paul: Yes he is known as the greatest missionaries of the early church. He endured sickness, rejection, and repeated attacks on his life to bring the message of Gods grace and forgiveness to gentiles. And yes Paul was largely responsible for the solid inception and growth of Christianity. Aristotle: You said a messenger of Gods grace. May I assume that you see Jesus as God on earth?Disciple of Paul: Of course. We believe Jesus is the form in which God took here on earth. Why, does this trouble you in any way?Aristotle: Well first you must understand this. I believe matter and form exist as one. But only form can present without matter. Matter cannot be present with out form. It is my belief that God exists in pure actuality. He exists in form, God, with the absence of matter, Jesus. In other words, God is only God, he is the first of all substances, and there is no formatio n of him on earth. Disciple of Paul: That is all very interesting, but it is Jesus who elected his people, and it is they who fulfilled the requirement of responding in faith. When I say elected I mean it is God speaking to his people, choosing them, as a part of his pre determined plan. Do you believe that your life is pre determined?Aristotle: No not really. It is everybody’s responsibility to live a good life and to be successful. There are those that are blessed with luck, but I do not believe God intrudes upon everybody’s life. Disciple of Paul: Then by what I am hearing success to you is very different. I find success in living out Gods words. It was revealed to us through Jesus that our mission was to follow God and have faith, and as a result good will come to us. Aristotle: You are right in that I believe differently. Happiness is the ultimate goal of life, and living is the process in which to get there. Anything astray from trying to achieve happiness I woul d consider a sin. Which is probably much different from what you would consider to be sin. Disciple of Paul: Sin or hamartia, in a sense, is right among us in the way that you think. I am not trying to be mean, but Paul says sin is the refusal to recognize God. You may not be aware of it but you do this when you say that Jesus is not the human form in which God has taken here on earth. Aristotle: I do not necessarily refuse to recognize God, I just don’t think that sin has any relation to God. My belief in God is centered on our existence as humans, not in the way we live our day-to-day lives. I see God as the initiator of existence. Because everything is the result of some kind of motion and change cannot occur by itself, the motion had to have started at one point. This is what I call God, or the Prime Mover, in other words. Disciple of Paul: In some ways that is very similar to what I believe about God as the creator, in that God not only was responsible for the initial motion but God created the world as we know it. Beginning with Adam and Eve and so on as explained in Genesis. Aristotle: Well, it was very nice speaking with you. Good luck in your life of faith to God. Disciple of Paul: You as well, and I hope you are able to reach ultimate happiness. Philosophy Essays

How to prepare for university

How to prepare for university Throughout your GCSEs and A Levels it probably seems like your teachers never stop going on about university. All this talk of grades, UCAS, and personal statements can be tiresome, especially when university seems like such a long way away. But once you've finished your A Levels and the grades come out in August it all happens so fast. Hopefully you've worked hard enough to get onto your chosen course at your chosen university, but if you didn't there's always the clearing process. Once you find out where you'll be going it all becomes very real; you're leaving home and going it alone for the first time! Even if you've only got a couple of weeks between finding out which university you'll be going to and the date that you actually have to go and enrol, there is plenty you can do to prepare for this amazing time in your life... Decide what to take: Most first year students are placed into university accommodation so start by checking what equipment is provided in halls. Your accommodation should hopefully provide the big things like bedroom furniture, microwave, toaster, and kettle so there's no need to take these with you. You'll probably need your own bedding, crockery, cutlery, and cooking equipment though. Money and time will be in short supply once the semester starts to leave the food processor at home and just make sure you have a few basic pots and pans for now. You might find that your new housemates have things you can share and vice versa. Open a student bank account: Unlike a regular current account, a student account will usually offer some perks like a bigger overdraft facility for free. Some banks will also offer incentives such as railcards or discounts on broadband, so do some research and pick the best one for you. Sort out your gadgets: Your university's library will have computers that you can use, but a laptop will make things easier for you. If you're using a pay as you go phone you might want to consider switching to a contract that offers free minutes so that you can keep in touch with family and friends back home easily. Once you've decided what you're taking you'll need to get it insured. Contents insurance policies for students start from  less than  £5  per month so it won't break the bank but it'll give you peace of mind. Get a part time job: If you already have a retail or bar job in your hometown you could ask about a transfer to a branch near to university. If you don't already have a job then your students' union is a good starting point. A job isn't necessary but it will certainly make your financial situation easier, and it'll look good on your CV too. Learn how to cook: If you've been relying on your parents to feed you up to this point it can be a huge culture shock to suddenly start having to prepare your own meals! Start off basic and learn how to boil pasta, boil an egg, bake a potato, and how to follow cooking instructions and simple recipes.

Conjugation of the Spanish Verb Seguir

Conjugation of the Spanish Verb Seguir Seguir is a fairly common verb that usually refers to continuing to do something or to following. The only other verbs that follow the same conjugation pattern are verbs based on seguir such as conseguir (to attain or achieve) and perseguir (to pursue, prosecute or persecute). The conjugation of seguir is similar to that of verbs such as vestir and pedir in that the -e- of the stem sometimes changes to -i-. Irregular forms are shown below in boldface. Translations are given as a guide and in real life may vary with context. Infinitive of Seguir seguir (to continue) Gerund of Seguir siguiendo (continuing) Participle of Seguir seguido (continued) Present Indicative of Seguir yo sigo, tà º sigues, usted/à ©l/ella sigue, nosotros/as seguimos, vosotros/as seguà ­s, ustedes/ellos/ellas siguen (I continue, you continue, he continues, etc.) Preterite of Seguir yo seguà ­, tà º seguiste, usted/à ©l/ella siguià ³, nosotros/as seguimos, vosotros/as seguisteis, ustedes/ellos/ellas siguieron (I continued, you continued, she continued, etc.) Imperfect Indicative of Seguir yo seguà ­a, tà º seguà ­as, usted/à ©l/ella seguà ­a, nosotros/as seguà ­amos, vosotros/as seguà ­ais, ustedes/ellos/ellas seguà ­an (I used to continue, you used to continue, he used to continue, etc.) Future Indicative of Seguir yo seguirà ©, tà º seguirs, usted/à ©l/ella seguir, nosotros/as seguiremos, vosotros/as seguirà ©is, ustedes/ellos/ellas seguirn (I will continue, you will continue, he will continue, etc.) Conditional of Seguir yo seguirà ­a, tà º seguirà ­as, usted/à ©l/ella seguirà ­a, nosotros/as seguirà ­amos, vosotros/as seguirà ­ais, ustedes/ellos/ellas seguirà ­an (I would continue, you would continue, she would continue, etc.) Present Subjunctive of Seguir que yo siga, que tà º sigas, que usted/à ©l/ella siga, que nosotros/as sigamos, que vosotros/as sigis, que ustedes/ellos/ellas sigan (that I continued, that you continued, that she continued, etc.) Imperfect Subjunctive of Seguir que yo siguiera (siguiese), que tà º siguieras (siguieses), que usted/à ©l/ella siguiera (siguiese), que nosotros/as siguià ©ramos (siguià ©semos), que vosotros/as siguierais (siguieseis), que ustedes/ellos/ellas siguieran (siguiesen) (that I continued, that you continued, that he continued, etc.) Imperative of Seguir sigue (tà º), no sigas (tà º), siga (usted), sigamos (nosotros/as), seguid (vosotros/as), no sigis (vosotros/as), sigan (ustedes) (continue, dont continue, continue, lets continue, etc.) Compound Tenses of Seguir The perfect tenses are made by using the appropriate form of haber and the past participle, seguido. The progressive tenses use estar with the gerund, siguiendo. Sample Sentences Showing Conjugation of Seguir and Related Verbs Hay nueve reglas no escritas de Facebook que todos necesitan seguir. (There are nine unwritten Facebook rules that everyone needs to follow. Infinitive.) Mi experiencia como nutricionista me dice que muchas personas han seguido dietas de adelgazamiento que no les han funcionado, (My experience as a nutritionist tells me that many people have followed weight-loss diets that havent worked for them. Present perfect.) Si sigo estudiando estarà © lista para mi examen pero muy cansada. (If I keep on studying I will be ready for my test but be very tired.  Present indicative.)  ¿Estamos siguiendo las recomendaciones de la maestra? Are we following the teachers recommendations? Present progressive.) Un enjambre de abejas persiguià ³ durante 48 horas a un auto. (A swarm of bees chased after a car for 48 hours.  Preterite.) Los manifestantes seguà ­an con sus gritos. (The demonstrators continued with their shouts. Imperfect.) Nunca pensà © en renunciar y seguirà © luchando. (I will never think about giving up and I will keep on fighting.  Future.) Las encuestas indican que el presidente conseguirà ­a la reeleccià ³n en Repà ºblica Dominicana. (The polls say that the president would win his re-election in the Dominican Republic. Conditional.) Todo est organizado para que sigas jugando. (Everything is organized so you can keep on playing. Present subjunctive.)  ¿Y quà © si persiguià ©ramos nuestros sueà ±os? (And what if we were to pursue our dreams? Imperfect subjunctive.) Sigue tu propio camino sin mirar atrs (Continue on your own path without looking backwards.  Imperative.)

Original definition of faux intimacy Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Original definition of faux intimacy - Term Paper Example The bond developed in faux intimacy often appears to be similar to the strength of that holding a house of cards. It is created as we work to collaborate with others regardless of whether we want it to be created or not. The characteristic of faux intimacy is brought out when a ‘friend’ calls out an event and the ‘friends’ do not show up or come only a handful. Recognizing the type of intimacy, genuine or real, that you share with someone can go a long way in helping recreate the relationship with other people (Sobonfu and Some, 2004). Taking a strong and enduring interest in the wellbeing of you colleagues is the proper domain that faux intimacy lies in. Workplaces and society are among the larger class of things that this concept belongs. Employees may develop this kind of relationship with their bosses and with the intent of getting pay rises, remuneration, leave etc. Jobs and social interaction are platforms for the development of faux intimacy. Witnessing a setting which encourages people to sincerely care about each other would help see a different workplace. This is likely to achieve more genuine intimacy and closeness of individuals. It is frequently said that the test of a friendship is when one is in hard times. Thus, if a person has been through a traumatic experience they would hope that their work colleagues send a message or call to check up on

SLP 5 MGT - 411 MANAGING WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH Essay

SLP 5 MGT - 411 MANAGING WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH - Essay Example Accidents can occur when complexity emerge in technology leading in breakdown in the whole system. Others occur as a result of disruptions, in such situations people have the tendency of regarding the blame to be a technological disaster since technology is subject to human manipulation. All these may result to fall down of the organization. Crisis may also arise from the decision of the management in an organization. Sometimes management takes actions that it knows will harm or place stakeholders at risk for harm without adequate precautions (Fink, 1986). These occur when managers favor other stakeholders who may lead them to short term gain while neglecting other investors. This lopsided value state is rooted in businesses that mainly focus on the interests of stockholders while disregarding the interest of other stakeholders who include the employees, customers and the community as a whole. Due to increase population, climate change, and environmental degradation, there has been a global increase in natural disasters. Phenomena such as; earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and volcanic eruptions threatens property and life itself. Such occurrences lead to breakdown of organizations (Fink, 1986). For example the tsunami that occurred in Japanese led to a certain shut down of factories that had been supplying automotive parts to Japanese automakers, among them a large customer of Ryder who was forced to cut the production of vehicles due to shortage parts. Confrontation crisis occur when discontented individuals fight a businesses, government, and various interest groups so as to win acceptance of their demands and expectations. The most common type of confrontation crisis is boycotts, and other kinds are picketing. In battle crisis faced by an organization, stakes are high since different groups challenge each other. Such situations occur when a labor union goes on strike for example activists may picket in front of a

Listen actively Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Listen actively - Essay Example Listening to Olivia my childhood friend becomes a task when she has full five minutes to speak and I could not utter a word. Initial one-two minutes went good and I focused as much as I could, but the rest three were impossible to pass. She had been reading Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code and since, I have already read it before; the story entailed minimal interest for me. Secondly, I was having this surging urge to check my cell phone for facebook, twiter, email, messages updates. Overall, this experience taught me I am not a good listener and I rather like to interrupt the speaker to add my piece of mind. On the other hand, Olivia is good at listening according to her those five minutes were significant. Since, I shared my thoughts about bullying issues, which I have been facing in the school lately. I must say it feels refreshing to be listened intently and I shared the stuff, which I was not intending to share with her. Question 2: Recalled an encounter in which you were saying something important but the other person gave you negative feedback. How did the feedback affect your communication? Your relationship? Is negative feedback ever appropriate? If so, under which circumstances? I was out with a friend in the mall and we were just discussing some relationship issues she recently had. I do not like to share my personal issues with people as they do not understand how I establish actions to secure myself. After more than half an hour of sharing done by her, she started asking me a lot of questions. Initially, I tried to give secure answers by not giving answers which would depict me as a loser about my situation, but later on I shared a bit of my dilemma. Exactly after my sharing she abruptly started concluding pessimistically the whole story without empathizing. Her negative feedback made me more defensive and I got a little angry too and eventually this made me regret the sharing I did. For the next time, I

Do Mergers and Acquisitions Fulfil Desired Objective?

Do Mergers and Acquisitions Fulfil Desired Objective? Do Mergers And Acquisitions Fulfil Their Desired Objective? And How People Are Affected By the Result of These Mergers? Dissertation Table of Contents CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND Restructuring of a firm has become a major area in the financial and economic environment all over the world. A company may grow internally, or externally. The aim of the management is to maximize the profit. Most firms grow through internally which take place when firm’s existing divisions grow through normal capital budgeting activities.(S.Vanitha 2007) The industrial restructuring has raised important issues both for the business and for public moreover merger and acquisitions may be critical to the strong expansion of business firms as they evolve through successive stages of growth and development and most important for new product markets by a firm may require M and As at some stages in the firm’s development . The successful competition in international markets may depend on capabilities obtained in a timely and competent fashion through M As. (M Selvam 2007) Merger and acquisitions continues to experience dramatic growth. Record breaking mega mergers have become popular in the world. In the last ten years and onwards some of the largest mergers and acquisitions took place in Europe. This was underscore by the fact that the largest deal of all time was a hostile acquisition of a German company by a British firm.(Beena P.L 2000) Since the start of twenty first century the nature of merger and acquisition even more common in the economical growth. It becomes even more global especially in Asia, Latin and South America. Over the past quarter of the century we have noticed that merger waves have become longer and more frequent in between shrunken as well when these trends combined with the fact that MA has rapidly spread across the modern world, we see that the field is increasingly becoming as ever more important part of the worlds of corporate finance and corporate strategy. (Canagavally , R.2000) Merger and acquisitions are plays very important part in corporate strategy. They are the interesting and controversial tools if the firm do not want to grow internally by capital investment and it can affect the shareholders wealth of both the firms (Legare.1998). The management of the target companies is worried about their jobs that can be affected; the cost reduction strategies consists of reduction in labour force (Gould, 1998) the strategies at both local and national levels are important and concerned at transactions in their industries. e.g (defence utilities etc.) Customers and suppliers are interested , as they want to know who they will be dealing with in the future (Buono. 2003). All the big deals are therefore reported in the media, receive a large coverage, and get the attention of the public as well. People are very important part of any organization but due to the increasing numbers of mergers between the companies they are largely affected and most of them get caught up in a merger or acquisition-by chance, Many of the people after working four –to five years period are losing their jobs and facing severe reductions in status and responsibility and, in general, being confronted with major questions about their careers, As a result , at times we are unsure whether our own feelings about what is happening to these individuals are biasing our interpretation of what is going on. In this project the writer going to research on mergers between the professional services firms. According to Steven et al (2000) mergers and acquisitions decisions that are undertaken based on financial analysis, influence and legal positions , However , it has been proved by a number of researchers that factors like informal power, low productivity , poor quality , reduced commitment , hidden costs and voluntary turnover prevent the combined banks from reaching expected performance levels (Legare 1998). This is the reason that many companies face difficulties then they pass through their post-integration processes (Buono 2003) According to Catwright Cary (1995) that mergers and acquisitions should be seen like marriages where both parties will is very important for the success of new entity. At the time two different companies decide to come together as a result of MA activity, then the levels of instability in the macro and micro environment of both companies is challenged. So it is therefore been recommended that companies should chose the most appropriate merger and acquisition process and strategy. However Buono (2003) has suggest that each possibility has its own strengths and weaknesses and therefore context of MS and its main objectives play important role. Cartwright and Cooper has pointed out that MA depends upon combination of related functions like integration of people, systems, practices and culture. The critical review of the literature has recommended that most of research has been focused at studying single characteristics of MA in isolation. Moreover the dynamics of MA variables that impact on success and failures ratio has not been undertaken in the literature and there is a gap for research. This study will be focus to explore the major drivers and variables and their effect on the success of merger and acquisitions across industries from a corporate strategic perspective. 1.2 Rationale behind Research: Mergers and acquisitions is one of the common strategies in today’s business world. Gould (1998) has conducted a survey involving 12000 managers from different countries and according to the result of his survey more then 1000 companies were involved in acquisitions or a merger in two years between 1995 and 1997.moreover merger and acquisitions has become the leading strategic options. However, the performance of the combined companies has been lower than expected. According to Buono (2003) the basic drivers of MA only involved in financial, operational and strategic aims and objectives. So therefore my main area of focus of this research is to explore the major drivers and variables and their effect on the success of merger and acquisitions across industries from a corporate strategic perspective. 1.3 Aims and Objectives: The basic aim of this project is to understand whether mergers and acquisitions always fulfil desired objective. The aims specific areas are as follows. To explore the major variables that impact on the success of merger and acquisition different industries from a corporate strategic perspective To explore the corporate strategy in achieving desired results from MA activities To evaluate the impact of the mergers on an employees and examining the programmes for dealing with separation anxiety for employees. 1.4 Dissertation Structure: The official Structure of the dissertations is being applied which is provided by the university and analysis has been done which suit the theme and the objectives of the research. The structure of this report is summarized as follows: Chapter 1 Introduction of the research topic and lays the basis for the rationale of selection of the theme under scrutiny. It introduces the effect of MA on business and effects that they expected. The chapter also summarizes the rationale for selection of topic and states the aim and objectives of this research. Chapter 2 Consists of review of the literature that has been produced in the domain of mergers and acquisitions and their desired effects for companies. It has highlighted some of the highly respected literature in the field of aims and objectives of this research. Chapter 3 Provide the methodology and strategy adopted by the researcher to undertake this research. It points out the strength and weaknesses of using different data collection mechanisms and has shown how they fit in the larger context of aims and objectives of this research. Chapter 4 very important chapter consists of analysis and findings regarding the importance of strategic alignment within a merger or an acquisition activity with the help of a range of case studies. The chapter developed recommendations for companies under the light of macro indicators, theories and qualitative data gathered through this research. Chapter 5 provides a comprehensive conclusion from this research and gives a list of recommendations for companies that can be drawn from this focused research. Chapter 2: Literature Review In this chapter an attempt has been made to briefly review the research already undertaken and methodology employed moreover the study has been produced in the domain of aims and objective of the project and it has been divided into number of different sections so that reader understand with ease. 2.1 Overview: Concept of Merger and Acquisition: Over the last few years different companies have engaged in domestic and international mergers and acquisitions to match the macroeconomic trends operating on a worldwide scale in the market place. Up till now the ultimate success of a company’s global strategy may depend on how well it manages the dangerous human resource â€Å"fit† issue associated with strategic customer cantered decisions and strategies. The literature presents the understanding and resolving interpersonal management issues that result from organization, team, and individual misalignments. An actual merger and acquisition integration project is used to discuss the application of this approach (Thomas L. Legare in his paper â€Å"Understanding and Managing Human Resource Integration Issue†) M A defined by Arnold (2002) as â€Å"combination of two firms of roughly equal size on roughly equal terms and in which the shareholders remain as joint owners† M A activities in late 20th century: In 1960’s Mergers and acquisitions first became an important topic within the organization management meetings. It is usual to consider merger and acquisition in terms of the extent to which the activities of the acquired organization are related to those of the acquirer. The most common classification proposes four main types (Walter 1985; Hovers, 1973; Kitching ,1967). These being: 1- Vertical The process in which two organizations combined within the same industry. 2- Horizontal The process in which two similar organizations combined within the same industry 3- Conglomerate In this process acquired organization is in completely different field of business activity 4 Concentric In this process the acquired organization is in a different but related field in to which the acquiring company merge its business. According to Schweiger and Ivancevice, 1987 mergers and acquisitions can be considered to differ in terms of Motive and transactional type The envisaged degree of integration Common objectives behind M Activity According to Napier (1989), in a review of the literature, draws the distinction between financial or value maximizing motives, and managerial or non value maximizing motives. Mergers known as financial or value maximizing motives when the main objective is to increase the profit and decrease the risk involved in business moreover non value maximizing motives relate to merges which occur primarily for other strategic reasons ( Halpern, 1983). Moreover according to handy (1993) creation of shareholder’s value is the underlying aim behind any MA activity. However , there is a range of strategies involve to improve financial performances and consequently increase shareholder’s value. According to Marks, (1988b). There is lots of risk involved in activity like Mergers and acquisitions involving the collective annual investment of billions of pounds and affecting the working lives of millions of employees. It has been recommended in future that 50 to 80 percent of all mergers are considered to be financially unsuccessful (Marks 1988b), most probably in financial return, represent ‘at best an each way bet’ (Lorenz, 1986) The popularity of Merger and acquisitions is still strong despite of the fact that it has been frequently fail to achieve the financial growth (Hovers 1973 Farrent 1970; Jemison and Sitkin, 1986). Indeed there is lots of evidence that Britain and the USA are currently experiencing an unprecedented wave of merger activity (Morgan, 1988; Hughes, 1989). In the last 10 years , there have been over 23000 registered acquisitions in the USA , and before the end of this decade one in four of the Us workforce will have been affected by merger activity ( Fulmer, 1986) with the approach of 1992 , a similar trend is predicted for Europe. The Merger and acquisition is facilitated by number of factors. Market Conditions Market conditions are changing day by day and in this environment there is a need to consolidate or capture new market so strategic mergers and acquisitions become more attractive and expedient alternative response to the setting up new outlets, and at the same time provide a tool to finish the competition ( Meeks , 1977) Increasing Availability of Capital Mergers and acquisitions activities has been increased because the organization and financial institution may need of capital from outside countries because of low interest rate. More companies for sale. There are lots of companies come in to the market because of number of reasons like successful entrepreneurs of the post war years reach retirement age , because of families issues and there is not natural successor within the family. The Easing of Regulations. According to McManus Hergert, 1988. Gartrell Yantek suggested that acquisition activity is related to political climate in that right of centre administration stimulate activity. The Need to share Risk Mergers and acquisitions is very important if u need to share risk like new product development often results in the formation of joint ventures , mergers and other types of strategic alliance. The existence of complex Indivisible Problems All of these can be considered to be logical economic and marketing factors, which make possible the decisions to acquire, These conditions , particularly the need to share risk and problems solving, have also contributing to the increasing trend towards the formation of joint ventures and Mergers (Harrigan, 1988) (vii) Unrecognized Psychological Motives According to Levinson (1970) suggests one such motive to be fear of risk McManus and Hergest (1988) suggest that the decisions happens when ‘CEO is bored and wants to find a new game to play’ or to create some excitement amongst senior managers (Hunt, 1988) 2.2 Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions Merger and Acquisitions have the prime aim to maximise the firm’s profit and shareholders wealth like any other strategic growth option, but there has been a risk of failure so the debate in the literature among theorists and practitioners as to the real strength of the strategy in creating shareholder’s value worth the risk of failure. The review literature that surrounds different prospects like shareholders, acquirer , targets has been studied on short , medium and long term value creation through the MA activity . The following different categories of studies can be highlighted. Affect of MA Activities on People The Human Side of Mergers and Acquisitions is about to impact that mergers and acquisitions have on people in the workplace: the psychological difficulties that people experience, the culture clashes that can emerge in organizations that can emerge in organizations during the post –merger integration period, and the ways in which these problems can manifest themselves –such as communication breakdowns a â€Å"We-they† mentality between the component organizations in a merger, lowered commitment , drops in productivity , organizational power struggles and office politicking , and loss of key organizational members. We adopt primarily and organization development (OD) perspective on mergers and acquisitions: given the myriad problems (Thomas L Legare) The Existing evidence on the effects of mergers and acquisitions on efficiency or value comes from two basic types of large sample studies: event studies and performance studies Event studies consider the returns to the shareholders of targets and acquirers in the days before and after an acquisition announcement .These studies consistently find that the combined returns to acquirer and target stockholders are unequivocally positive .These positive returns imply that the market anticipates that acquisitions on average will create value. These studies and reactions do not, however, provide insight into the sources of the value changes in mergers or whether the expectations of value changes are ultimately realized. Furthermore, the combined returns cover a broad range of responses from very positive to very negative. Cross sectional analyses of event period returns provide some evidence that the broad range of combined announcement period returns reflects the market’s ability to forecast an acquisitions success. For example both Mitchell and Lehn (1990) and Kaplan and weisbach (1992) find the there is a relation between (1) acquirer and combined returns and (2) the ultimate outcome of the acquisition. Other studies examine a number of different determinants of the cross-sectional variation in returns associated with acquisitions. (see e.g Lang , Stulz, and Walkling 1991 . Maloney , McCormick , and Mitchell 1993; morock, Shliefer , and Vishny 1990)These Cross-Sectional analyses of event –period returns provide some understanding of the nature of the market reaction to acquisition announcements.They do not , however , examine whether the anticipated value creation or improved productivity materializes, Nor do they have a great deal to say about the organizational mechanisms and manage ment practices that drive acquisition success or failure. Studies of post merger performance attempt to measure the longer-term implications of mergers and acquisitions using both accounting and stock return data. Studies of accounting data fail to find consistent evidence of improved performance or productivity gains. (see e.g, Healy , Palepu, and Ruback 1992 and Ravenscraft and Scherer 1987) similarly , studies that focus on acquirers long term stock performance find mixed results abnormally negative stock returns after the acquisition ( agraqwal , Jaffe, and Mandelker 1992), no abnormal returns (franks , Harris , and Titman 1991) and negative abnormal returns only for stock mergers (Mitchell and Stafford 1996) Like the announcement period event studies, longer term performance and event studies document substantial cross sectional variation in performance , but do not study the sources of value changes in mergers and acquisitions. In sum , there are a number of questions that the existing economics and finance literature on mergers and acquisitions leaves unanswered , Existing work provides mixed results on the average impact of mergers and acquisitions More importantly , existing work offers little insight into the determinants of an acquisitions success or failures. Research on the basis of Capital Market Capital market is one of the research category used as central information point. According to Healey (1992), the stock market data reflects the effects of MA as it reflects future profits and dividends expected by the post integration entity moreover these researchers believe that the result has been found swayed by the researcher’s personal orientation an hypothesis. It is been analyse that majority among studies that have been covered lower then desired effects created through analyses based on capital market data. Event Study Methodology According to data et al (1992) have indicated that these studies are based on the hypothesis that markets across the industrialized world are highly well-organized and therefore soon after the MAn announcement moreover it depends on the future financial benefits or losses. The result of such studies have highlighted the majority of MA activities do create affects that can range from significant to normal (Sudarsanam 2003) but the people working along with the field and many other critics have argued that the methodology is only affective for small projects to obtain the desired affects and does not represent long term desired affects in the medium to long term. Short Run Objectives: A large number of organizations plan for financial gains within a short period of time when the merger date is finalized they are looking to achieve this objective, 30% and 10% abnormal returns have been found for the target shareholders Sudarsanam et al (1996) Long Run Objectives According to Agarwar (1992) the organizations long term desired affect through MA activity that has gained an increasing interests among researchers after the data is available for the last wave of MA in the 1990’s. There has been a mixture of results as- 10% abnormal returns over 5 years MA periods; Fama French (1993) showed positive 9% abnormal returns for the acquired and negative -4% abnormal returns for the acquirer; and sudarsanam Mahate 2003 showed a range of negative -18% to positive+1% abnormal returns in MA situation. Although it has been found out that many of these studies have used different models, benchmarks and organizational data, but there is a general consensus that MA abnormal desired affects in the long term. Operational Planning Research: The best way to analyse the affect of MA activity is to study the operational performance of the firms involved. The operational data consists of accounting data like cash flow and profit and loss statement are used by such studies (Healey 1992) Herman and Lowenstein (1988) used these technique on data gathered during 1975 to 1983 and found that no significant improvements in the performance of post MA entities. Healey et al (1992) found a meagre 3% operational performance among companies analyzed. However the same data was later analyzed under improved methods and found no operational performance. The results show large number of failures in creating substantial desired affects through operational analysis. Recent Merger and Acquisitions trends In the above table shows the recent trends in the field, let us being with our full dissertation of the subject of MA. This will be begin with a discussion of the basic terminology used in the field. 2.3 MAJOR STRATEGIC ISSUES: According to Cartwright and Cooper (1995) in order to get the desired objective during the MA activity the internal environment of firms should be synchronized. It can therefore recommend that integration of people, their systems, procedures, practice and organizational culture is extremely important in order to get the desired objective. Mr David (2007) suggest that the internal aspects of firms that are going to merge can be divided into two core competencies that can help to minimize the factors involved the failure of MA strategies. These core competencies lie in the field of corporate strategy which usually lack coordination during MA activities. The main limiting aspects of MA in terms of strategic importance that can play a vital role by using their core competencies have been highlighted as follows Organizational culture The cultural differences is the single largest cause of lack of proposed performance, achieving the desired target and objective and time consuming issues in the running of successful business ( Bijilsma frankema , 2001) according to him culture plays a important part in employees motivation in the development to new business he says that cultural clash is the most dangerous factors when two companies decide to combine moreover the things like styles , values and missions is the part of factor influencing the MA. According to (Covin et al, 1997) the employees required five to seven years after the merger to feel truly incorporated. Due to the multitude of these changes many problems arises like loss of job, also financial debt and fears of jobless.(Mirvis and Marks 1992) moreover he says that after merger the new team is also distressing and anxiety for the people other fear include the loss of effective and close team members, as well as the uncertainty about the new team members and supervisors to be inherited the employees when forced to deal with new team members and managers they may develop fears of taking risks and raising sensitive subject. This may adopt us verses them thinking, where trust for the new team members will be minimal (Mirvis and Marks, 1992).Management facing this kind of behaviour may have to pay the high price of loss of coordination and initiative among the employees of the new business combination. Moreover the issues and disagreement will be more difficult to resolve, so the time after the merger is the most difficult time for the management and new team members to move forward as a whole. Appelbaum etal, (2000) Stress According to (Datta et al , 1992) the process of merger and acquisitions consists of biggest change at the individual and organizational level in the history of organizations because of this the process is stressful. When one culture combines with another the employees feel as through they have lost control over important aspects of their loves, and in an attempt to regain control, they often withdraw. So it creates stress within individual , i.e reduced performance and job satisfaction . ( Berger and Ofec 1996) According to Schweiger Denisi (1991) the employees after the MA go through a time of increased anxiety uncertainty and stress. They are concerned about their new position it will create more stress in them so communication plays the vital role during the merger so that employees know what is going on and how they might be affected during and after the post integration period. Thus it can be suggested that while negotiations have been compared to flirting before marriages , and the closing of the deals to forming a new family , employees reaction can be associated with â€Å"bereavement† (Katinka , 2004) Organizational change and resistance Changes after merger announcement like stress, symptoms, work related factors, health status, and lifestyle. Personal characteristics were composed of age, sex, height, weight, and marital status in both surveys. Moreover stress related symptoms like anxiety, impatience and depression were dichotomized by either having a complaint or not so following a MA , a complex set of organizational , managerial and personal changes or inevitable. Jensen Rubock (1983) claim that in order to cope with the changes and resist with the changes there is a way to select a strategy and a set of specific approaches for implementing an organizational change effort. It is very important for managers to implement changes successfully in order to cope with the changes. The researchers have introduced six different strategies in order resist the changes after the merger and four major reasons why peoples resist changes. Image, Identity and confidence According to (Ravenscraft and Scherer 1988) image , identity and confidence of the human resource may reduced after the combination process it has been send that most of the employees will feel uncertain and will need some relaxation environment . It can be recommended that the peoples effected by this process can prove dangerous for the management they can change the ownership moreover the employees who are affected by the process tend to protect their identity and confidence through tolerance and humble and hence they try to maintain their status and confidence with experience that they are the part of new entity, if the cultural factor is not adequately taken into account at this stage of the merger , there will be so less time to contain it after the merger. Weston et al (2001) discuss the fear and stress associated with a merger. Schwert (1996) argue that when the objectives after the merger are not met , the managing teams of both companies are the employees of the acquired company enter a â€Å"cycle of escalating and distrust†. In other words, managers of the acquiring company press for increased control, while employees of the acquired company resist and demand their autonomy. Others view mergers and acquisitions as power games , which create some excitement fro bored CEOs. Communication Tompkins (1984) defined organizational communication as â€Å"the study of sending and receiving messages that create and maintain a system of deliberately corresponding activities or forces of two or more persons† Organizational communication is the exchange of messages through collective creation maintenance and transformation of organizational meaning. Members develop commonly understood patterns of expectations of organizational action through communication. Moreover communication with the employees is a very important factor throughout the entire MA process and creates a positive effect on employees through the trying time. According to John et al (1999) that communication plays a vital role in the combination of different and various cultures. The cultures can be at conflicting ends and therefore should be understood by the top management during integration period moreover according to Richard et al (1999) the human resource department should plan for the change in organization and they should know before this process that what going to happen with the company when two cultures combine as the result of merger. So in the process of merger only decision is not enough but the proper communication of these decisions among the company is very important moreover management works horizontally and vertically through leadership, control and organization.(Sudarsanam and Mahate, 2003) FLOW OF CASH Despite of the fact that many people loss their job in the process but the same time high rate of voluntary turnover linked with the process moreover it includes substantial outflow of talent and expertise. According to Ravenscraft and scherer, 1988) report executive turnover rates as high as 75% in the first three years of post acquisition period. Unplanned personnel losses are not necessarily confined to the more senior levels of the organization. Typically, acquired or merged organizations experience on overall rate of staff turnover of at lest 30% in the first two years post merger period (Cartwright and Cooper 1995) 2.4 Success and Failures A large number of mergers and acquisitions are unsuccessful .Over the last fifteen years, 23% of all merged firms worldwide reported lower profits than comparable non-merged firms (Gugler et al.(13)) Daimler Chrysler, the effect of the largest industrial merger ever, for example , has only posted low or negative profits since its birth in 1998-including the biggest loss in German business history in 2001. The disappointing results of mergers have been puzzling commentators and academics alike. In the management literature, poor merger performance has often been connected to unsuccessful addition of different corporate cultures. Cultural differences, however, are not enough to explain failures. First, firms seem to be aware of organisational difficulties when taking merger decisions. DaimlerChrysler, for example, anticipated post –merger Challenges. Second, mergers between partners with closer corporate cultures sometimes perform worse ( Morosini et

Native Son - Segregation, Oppression and Hatred Essay -- Native Son Es

Native Son - Segregation, Oppression and Hatred The novel, Native Son, portrays the struggle one black man faces while trying to live in a segregated society in the late 1930s. Growing up poor, uneducated, and angry at the whole world, Bigger Thomas seems destined to meet a bad fate. Bigger lives with his family in a rat-infested one-bedroom apartment on the South Side of Chicago, known as the "Black Belt." His childhood has been filled with hostility and oppression; anger, frustration, and violence are a daily reality. A the age of twenty, Bigger lands his first real job as a chauffeur for a rich white man, Mr. Dalton. On his first night on the job Bigger takes Mr. Dalton's daughter, Mary Dalton, to secretly meet her boyfriend, Jan Erlone, a self-admitted Communist. Everyone gets a little drunk, especially Mary, and after a while Bigger drops Jan off at home and takes Mary home. As he carries Mary up the stairs and puts her into bed, Mary's blind mother walks in the room. Bigger panics and accidentally kills Mary while trying to keep her quiet so Mrs. Dalton would not notice that he was in the room, too. When Mary's body is discovered people initially blame Jan, but as evidence is discovered, the facts point to Bigger and he flees. He is soon caught and put on trial for murder. Throughout Bigger short life, he strives to find a place for himself in society, but he is unable to see through the prejudice and suppression that he encounters in those around him. The bleak harshness of the racist, oppressive society that the author, Richard Wright, presents the reader closes Bigger out as effectively as if society had sh... ... because they fear, and they fear because they feel that the deepest feelings of their lives are being assaulted and outraged. And they do not know why; they are powerless pawns in a blind play of social forces." Despite Max's efforts, the oppressors got their bitter vengeance and a jury of twelve white men sentenced Bigger to death. The segregation and oppression that exists between the whites and blacks has created a feeling of hatred that has torn these two groups apart, and succeeded only in perpetuating the tension and violence between them. Through Bigger's hatred and discomfort around whites, the naivety of white society, and his violent murder of a young girl, Wright demonstrates the intensity of the hatred created by the segregation and oppression that Bigger was forced to endure every day until the end of his life.