History and Origins of Wheat Domestication

History and Origins of Wheat Domestication Wheat is a grain crop with some 25,000 different cultivars in the world today. It was domesticated at least 12,000 years ago, created from a still-living ancestor plant known as emmer. Wild emmer (reported variously as T. araraticum, T. turgidum ssp. dicoccoides, or T. dicocoides), is a predominantly self-pollinating, winter annual grass of the Poaceae family and Triticeae tribe. It is distributed throughout the Near Eastern Fertile Crescent, including the modern countries of Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, eastern Turkey, western Iran, and northern Iraq. It grows in sporadic and semi-isolated patches and does best in regions with long, hot dry summers and short mild, wet winters with fluctuating rainfall. Emmer grows in diverse habitats from 100 m (330 ft) below sea level to 1700 m (5,500 ft) above, and can survive on between 200–1,300 mm (7.8–66 in) of annual precipitation. Wheat Varieties Most of the 25,000 different forms of modern wheat are varieties of two broad groups, called common wheat and durum wheat. Common or bread wheat Triticum aestivum accounts for some 95 percent of all the consumed wheat in the world today; the other five percent is made up of durum or hard wheat T. turgidum ssp. durum, used in pasta and semolina products. Bread and durum wheat are both domesticated forms of wild emmer wheat. Spelt (T. spelta) and Timopheevs wheat (T. timopheevii) were also developed from emmer wheats by the late Neolithic period, but neither has much of a market today. Another early form of wheat called einkorn (T. monococcum) was domesticated at about the same time but has limited distribution today. Origins of Wheat The origins of our modern wheat, according to genetics and archaeological studies, are found in the Karacadag mountain region of what is today southeastern Turkey- emmer and einkorn wheats are two of the classic eight founder crops of the origins of agriculture. The earliest known use of emmer was gathered from wild patches by the people who lived at the Ohalo II archaeological site in Israel, about 23,000 years ago. The earliest cultivated emmer has been found in the southern Levant (Netiv Hagdud, Tell Aswad, other Pre-Pottery Neolithic A sites); while einkorn is found in the northern Levant (Abu Hureyra, Mureybet, Jerf el Ahmar, Gà ¶bekli Tepe). Changes During Domestication The main differences between the wild forms and domesticated wheat are that domesticated forms have larger seeds with hulls and a non-shattering rachis. When wild wheat is ripe, the rachis- the stem that keeps the wheat shafts together- shatters so that the seeds can disperse themselves. Without hulls, they germinate rapidly. But that naturally useful brittleness doesnt suit humans, who prefer to harvest wheat from the plant rather than off the surrounding earth. One possible way that might have occurred is that farmers harvested wheat after it was ripe, but before it self-dispersed, thereby collecting only the wheat that was still attached to the plant. By planting those seeds the next season, the farmers were perpetuating plants that had later-breaking rachises. Other traits apparently selected for include spike size, growing season, plant height, and grain size. According to French botanist Agathe Roucou and colleagues, the domestication process also caused multiple changes in the plant that were generated indirectly. Compared to emmer wheat, modern wheat has shorter leaf longevity, and a higher net rate of photosynthesis, leaf production rate, and nitrogen content. Modern wheat cultivars also have a shallower root system, with a larger proportion of fine roots, investing biomass above rather than below ground. Ancient forms have built-in coordination between above and below ground functioning, but the human selection of other traits has forced the plant to reconfigure and build new networks. How Long Did Domestication Take? One of the ongoing arguments about wheat is the length of time it took for the domestication process to complete. Some scholars argue for a fairly rapid process, of a few centuries; while others argue that the process from cultivation to domestication took up to 5,000 years. The evidence is abundant that by about 10,400 years ago, domesticated wheat was in widespread use throughout the Levant region; but when that started is up for debate. The earliest evidence for both domesticated einkorn and emmer wheat found to date was at the Syrian site of Abu Hureyra, in occupation layers dated to the Late Epi-paleolithic period, the beginning of the Younger Dryas, ca 13,000–12,000 cal BP; some scholars have argued, however, that the evidence does not show deliberate cultivation at this time, although it does indicate a broadening of the diet base to include a reliance on wild grains including the wheat. Spread Around the Globe: Bouldnor Cliff The distribution of wheat outside of its place of origin is part of the process known as Neolithicization. The culture generally associated with the introduction of wheat and other crops from Asia to Europe is generally the Lindearbandkeramik (LBK) culture, which may have been made up of part immigrant farmers and part local hunter-gatherers adapting new technologies. LBK is typically dated in Europe between 5400–4900 BCE. However, recent DNA studies at Bouldnor Cliff peat bog off the northern coast of mainland England have identified ancient DNA from what was apparently domesticated wheat. Wheat seeds, fragments, and pollen were not found at Bouldnor Cliff, but the DNA sequences from the sediment match Near Eastern wheat, genetically different from LBK forms. Further tests at Bouldnor Cliff have identified a submerged Mesolithic site, 16 m (52 ft) below sea level. The sediments were laid down about 8,000 years ago, several centuries earlier than the European LBK sites. Scholars suggest that the wheat got to Britain by boat. Other scholars have questioned the date, and the aDNA identification, saying it was in too good a condition to be that old. But additional experiments run by British evolutionary geneticist Robin Allaby and preliminarily reported in Watson (2018) have shown that ancient DNA from undersea sediments is more pristine than that from other contexts.   Sources Avni, Raz, et al. Wild Emmer Genome Architecture and Diversity Elucidate Wheat Evolution and Domestication. Science, vol. 357, no. 6346, 2017, pp. 93–97. Print.International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium. A Chromosome-Based Draft Sequence of the Hexaploid Bread Wheat (Triticum Aestivum) Genome. Science, vol. 345, no. 6194, 2014. Print.Fuller, Dorian Q, and Leilani Lucas. Adapting Crops, Landscapes, and Food Choices: Patterns in the Dispersal of Domesticated Plants across Eurasia. Human Dispersal and Species Movement: From Prehistory to the Present. Eds. Boivin, Nicole, Rà ©my Crassard and Michael D. Petraglia. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2017. 304–31. Print.Huang, Lin, et al. Evolution and Adaptation of Wild Emmer Wheat Populations to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses. Annual Review of Phytopathology, vol. 54, no. 1, 2016, pp. 279–301. Print.Kirleis, Wiebke, and Elske Fischer. Neolithic Cultivation of Tetraploid Free Threshing Wheat in Denmark and Nort hern Germany: Implications for Crop Diversity and Societal Dynamics of the Funnel Beaker Culture. Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, vol. 23, no.1, 2014, pp. 81–96. Print. Larson, Greger. How Wheat Came to Britain. Science, vol. 347, no.6225, 2015. Print.Marcussen, Thomas, et al. Ancient Hybridizations among the Ancestral Genomes of Bread Wheat. Science, vol. 345, no. 6194, 2014. Print.Martin, Lucie. Plant Economy and Territory Exploitation in the Alps During the Neolithic (5000–4200  cal Bc): First Results of Archaeobotanical Studies in the Valais (Switzerland). Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, vol. 24, no. 1, 2015, pp. 63–73. Print.Roucou, Agathe, et al. Shifts in Plant Functional Strategies over the Course of Wheat Domestication. Journal of Applied Ecology, vol. 55, no. 1, 2017, pp. 25–37. Print. Smith, Oliver, et al. Sedimentary DNA from a Submerged Site Reveals Wheat in the British Isles 8000 Years Ago. Science, vol. 347, no. 6225, 2015, pp. 998–1001. Print.Watson, Traci. Inner Workings: Fishing for Artifacts beneath the Waves. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 115, no. 2, 2018, pp. 231-33. Pr int.

Old English, Parvus sed Potens

Old English, Parvus sed Potens Old English, Parvus sed Potens Old English, Parvus sed Potens By Maeve Maddox Since I am currently participating in an Old English seminarwere translating BeowulfIm especially sensitive to anything that may seem like a slur on Old English, the fascinating language that was the origin of modern English. Todays post is inspired by a readers comment taken out of context. (See Sues remarks in context at Among/Amongst. Theyre really quite amusing.) Reflect on the fact that 50% of the words were using here were stolen from other languages and the other 50% were invented by Shakespeare to plug the gaps. The remark, taken literally, implies that Modern English vocabulary owes nothing to that of Old English and this is the idea that I want to address. True, its estimated that surviving native forms make up only about one-sixth of the enormous vocabulary of modern Englishalthough how this percentage is arrived at is not clear to me since no one seems to be able to agree as to how many words make up the vocabulary of Modern English. According to Michael Quinion at Worldwide Words, estimates of Shakespeare’s vocabulary vary from about 18,000 to 25,000 in various books, because writers have different views about what constitutes a distinct wordyou’d think it would be easy to assess [Shakespeares] vocabulary But estimatesvary from about 18,000 to 25,000because writers have different views about what constitutes a distinct word. Writing on this subject in Slate in 2006, Jesse Sheidlower mentions an entity called the Global Language Monitor. GLM claimed then that the English vocabulary consisted of 988,968 words. GLM is still counting. As of September 9, 2008, the total given on their website is 996,444. The point that Id like to make is that although the native OE vocabulary may be small compared to the Latinate words that came into the language during Shakespeares time, and the deluge of words from every language of the earth weve adopted since that time, the fact remains that wed be unable to say much without them. Take the comment quoted above as an example of our reliance on Old English vocabulary. The comment contains 33 words. Im counting 50% (fifty percent), were (we are), and Shakespeare (shake+spear) as two words each. Take out the repeated words and that leaves 27. Result: 70% of Sues vocabulary in this comment relies on good old Old English! Words of Old English origin: on, the, that, fifty, of, words, we, are, here, were, stolen, from, other, and, other, by, shake, spear, to Words derived from other languages: Latin: reflect, fact, percent, invented Old French: using, languages Dutch: plug Old Norse: gaps Here is Sues comment shorn of its Old English vocabulary. Reflectfact%usinglanguagesinventedpluggaps One of my favorite Latin expressions is Parvus sed potens (small but mighty). Old English vocabulary may have dwindled in proportion to the new words, but it remains the most useful and important part of the modern language. One of my favorite English quotations is this one from the Old English poem The Battle of Maldon: Hige sceal à ¾e heardra, heorte à ¾e cenre, / mod sceal à ¾e mare, à ¾e ure mà ¦gen lytlaà °. The poem describes the last stand of some English warriors fighting invading Danes in CE 991. Its an Alamo situation. The English lose, but they dont run. Freely translated it says: Our resolution will be the firmer, our hearts will be the keener, our spirits will be stronger as our power lessens. If words could be said to have attitude, Id say thats the attitude of Old English vocabulary in modern English. Vive Old English! Quinion article Sheidlower article Global Language Monitor Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the General category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:7 Types of Narrative ConflictGrammar Quiz #21: Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Clauses50 Synonyms for â€Å"Villain†

The Dynamic Nurse-Patient Relationship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Dynamic Nurse-Patient Relationship - Essay Example This essay discusses Orlando’s nursing model, the dynamic nurse-patient relationship, and analyzes how this theory can be applied to nursing practice at the individual, family/group, and community/population levels. Introduction Ida Jean Orlando formulated her theoretical models of nursing in relation to her theory of dynamic nurse-patient relationship, and expanded them to involve the distinctive role of nursing in patient care. She examined the aspects that reinforced or hampered the incorporation of mental health doctrine in the curriculum of basic nursing. She developed the dynamic nurse-patient relationship model to provide nursing practitioners a model of efficient nursing practice. She investigated nursing patient care on medical-surgical settings, not individuals with psychiatric disorders in psychiatric facilities (Orlando, 1961). She recognized three aspects of nursing practice: the uniqueness and creation of nursing knowledge, the professional role of nurses, and th e relationship between nurse and patient. A nursing context comprises the patient’s behavior, the nurse’s response, and all that does not alleviate the patient’s suffering. Patient distress is associated with the failure of the person to satisfy or express his/her needs. Orlando’s Nursing Model The dynamic nurse-patient relationship is derived from the assumption that the relationship between the nurse and patient is mutual, which means that the behavior or decision of one influence the other. Orlando (1961) argues that the nursing role is different from the medical role and that the response of nurses is based on the urgent needs, demands, and experience of the patient. Basically speaking, the theory claims that nursing is one-of-a-kind and autonomous because it focuses on the need of an individual for help or support, actual or probable, in an urgent condition. The manner by which nurses relieve this vulnerability is reciprocal and is performed in a clo sely controlled or profession way that requires education and expertise. Orlando (1961) argues that one’s behavior or response must be derived from reason, not set of rules. Her theory is regarded to be an interactive model for it suggests a particular practice of planned, purposeful one-to-one nurse-patient relationship to reinforce the best nursing care intended to take care of a patient’s needs. The nursing process is activated by the behavior of the patient. The behavior of a patient, regardless how trivial, should be seen as a call for help. Patient behavior could be expressed verbally and nonverbally. When a patient needs something that cannot be met without the aid of another person, vulnerability or helplessness arises. If the behavior of a patient does not clearly express a precise description of the need, then setbacks in the relationship between the nurse and patient may occur and make it hard for the nurse to sufficiently deal with the need of the patient. A better understanding, appreciation, or resolution of incapable patient behavior becomes a main concern for the nurse for the condition will probably deteriorate sooner or later and make sufficient care, or the delivery of required assistance or support, more and more problematic. The response, decision, and behavior of the nurse are aimed at alleviating unproductive patient behavior and satisfy urgent needs as well. Patient behavior triggers a nurse response, which is the beginning of the nursing process. Proper or correct nurse response is composed

Bristol 2015 Green Capital of Europe, impact report Essay

Bristol 2015 Green Capital of Europe, impact report - Essay Example London, UK: Penguin Books 10 Simpson, R. and Zimmermann, M. 2012. The Economy of Green Cities: A World Compendium on the Green Urban Economy. London, UK: Springer Publications 11 Introduction Following the recent alarming rate of global warming and subsequent climate change, there has been increased calls and even introduction of new national and international policies that aim at ensuring individuals, organisations both for profit and non-profit engage in practices that are environmentally friendly and do not endanger climatic conditions nor increase the rate of global warming (McKibben, 2012). Equally, to promote these initiatives of environmental conservation various awards have been introduced in order to recognize the individuals, organizations, government agencies, and places that promote eco-friendly practices, which greatly contribute towards a reduction of global warming and even the damaging effects of climate change (Simpson and Zimmermann, 2012). One such award is the Eur opean Green Capital Award that is normally awarded to a European city, which has proven beyond doubt that it has promoted and instituted eco-friendly practices within the city and this are demonstrated by the actions of the city residents as well as the organizations that operate within the city including the government agencies and departments. Cohen (2011) added that the European Green Capital Award is normally issued as a reward to the efforts that have been made within the chosen city in improving the economic and environmental conditions, and even the quality of life for the urban dwellers. This present paper is an impact report on the award that was issued to Bristol City for the year 2015 by the European Green Capital Award. The report is divided into a three part series of which the first part analysis the key aspects of corporate social responsibility on a business framework that incorporates economic, social, and environmental issues. The second part details on how McDonal d’s Restaurant, which is located in Bristol show evident of triple bottom line in its practices and how generally the European Green Capital Award encourage business managers to embrace more initiative in keeping with the triple bottom line. The third part of the report details on the operational benefits that are sought and achieved from the evidence gathered from McDonald’s restaurants that have been scrutinized from the parameters of triple bottom line. Part 1 Triple Bottom Line With reference to the writings by Louiseize (2006), he wrote that the triple bottom line was developed as a framework for measuring the concept of sustainability within organizations. Jeurissen (2000) on his part stated that the triple bottom line is an accounting concept that not only measures the traditional accounting figures such as profits, shareholders’ value, and return on investments but rather it spans further to measuring the social and environmental aspects of an organizati on. Savitz (2012) stated that the triple bottom line concept provides a perfect framework for calculating the level of sustainability of a business, which is calculated basing on three factors that are classified as profits, people, and the planet. Whilst calculating the triple bottom line, Epstein (2008) stated that there is no defined standard of measure that is universally accepted, this is

The Spanish Settlement Essay Example for Free

The Spanish Settlement Essay During the 17th century, many nations started settling all throughout North America. Spanish conquistadors claimed much of the Southwest, while England began to occupy the Northeast. The Spanish and English colonies varied in terms of the impact of religion and control of the economy. The Spanish and English colonies varied in terms of religion such as immigration and opinions on salvation. Starting in the late 1500s and early 1600s, conquistadors such as Vasco Nunuez de Balboa and Herman Cortes of the Spanish empire first started to make their way into the New World. Known for their mantra, â€Å"Gold, Glory, God†, the main reason for their expansion was for power and wealth. In the Spanish church, the Pope decided who went to Heaven. This scared most Roman Catholics of the Spanish Empire into following the rules of the church. The Spanish ships arrived containing soldiers of the Spanish empire as well as Franciscan Friars, or priests of the Roman Catholic Church. The priests began converting Native Americans to Catholicism. The Spanish believed that by converting the Native Americans, the natives would be saved from an eternity spent in Hell. (This belief led them to demand tribute from the Native Americans.) Due to the notion that the Pope grants entrance into heaven, King Phillip III of the Spanish Empire fulfilled any demand the head of the church had. When the Pope insisted the Roman Catholic Church needed more money, King Phillip III made it a requirement for converted Native Americans to pay tribute to the Spanish using gold and silver bullion. On the other hand, English settlers came to the New World to practice their religion freely. After England broke away from the Roman Catholic Church in the 1500s, The Church of England was founded and all of England was forced to belong. The Puritans did not agree with ways of the Anglican Church. After years of being punished by King Charles I for not obeying the Church of England’s rules, the Puritans came to the New World. The colonists founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1629 as a way to reform parts of the Protestant religion. One major aspect of the Anglican Church that the Puritans wanted to reform was the belief that one’s actions on earth determined entrance into Heaven. The Puritans believed in predestination, a belief that God decides who will go to Heaven and Hell before birth. A Puritan’s actions on Earth were evidence of who was going to heaven. The Spanish and the English came to the New World for different reasons. The Spanish came to expand their empire through religion. The  English wanted religious freedom. The Spanish settlers had strong ties back the Spanish empire; all tribute that Native Americans aid to the Spanish settlers was sent back to the Spanish empire and Roman Catholic Church. Because the English setters came to the New World to distance themselves from England, the colonists of New England were mostly on their own. Because of this, English settlers were more independent and self-sufficient. The cultures also had different ideas about salvation. The Spanish believed that leaders of the church decide who goes to heaven. The English believed that their fate was predestined, and that God chose who will go to heaven before birth. Because of the Spanish settlers reliance on the church officials, the English settlers show more independence than the Spanish. Another difference between the Spanish settlers of the Southwest and English settlers of New England were their views on acceptable ways to treat the Native Americans economically and on proper handling of wealth. The Spanish used the encomienda system to acquire wealth. Under this system, an ecomendero was granted a specific number of Native Americans to protect from other tribes and teach the Spanish language to. In exchange, the encomendero could force the Native Americans to pay tribute in forms of bullion and labor. Eventually, the native people began to die off from the harsh labor and foreign diseases that the Spanish brought from Spain. The Native Americans rejected Spanish control and returned to their customs. Angered by this, the Spanish captured 46 Pueblo leaders, which started the Pueblo Revolt. After years of fighting, the Spanish regained control. In New England, relationships with local Native Americans started out peaceful. The Native Americans and settlers of New England began to trade with each other. Native Americans, who were used to their elementary weapons, acquired better weapons from the Europeans. This once beneficiary exchange between the two cultures eventually grew tense. As years went on and more settlers came to America, conflicts arose. An agreement formed between Dutch settlers of New York and the English settlers of New England about the division of the Pequot lands. When no immediate decisions were reached of who would gain the land, New Englanders started to settle in the area without notice. The Pequot took this unplanned invasion as a form of attack, and fought back. After a series of attacks, New England called for reinforcements from allies. By joining forces with Plymouth and the Narragansett people, the  English gained control of the lands. In Spanish settlements, the economy revolved around mercantilism. The colonies were founded to economically compliment the Spanish empire by sending all wealth back to Spain. Foreign ships were prohibited to enter Spanish ports to keep a positive balance of trade. On the other side of the New World, the English colony of Plymouth initially set up a communal society. The entire community shared the land and helped farm. This later proved to be unsuccessful, and the land was divided up. In New England, farming was possible, but not particularly successful. The rocky soil and short growing season made growing the majority of crops difficult. The English settlers found the most profit in fishing and large trading ships. Since the colonists of New England were independent, from England, all profit made from farming and fishing stayed in the colonies. The Spanish and English battled with Native Americans of the Southwest and New England. The Spanish settlers, coming from a large empire, already had the taste for conquering other nations. Defeating cultures was a foreign concept to the people of New England. Their humble victory over the Pequot people resulted in unexpected success. The Spanish and English had similar economies with major differences. The Spanish economy was based on mercantilism. This gives evidence of ties back the Spanish empire, who ruled Spanish settlements. The English colonists traded with Europe, but also raised crops and cattle for themselves. While the Spanish sent their gained wealth back to Spain, the English settlers were able to make a profit. Because the Spanish settlements economy was created to benefit the Spanish empire, English settlers are more independent than the empire reliant Spanish. The Spanish and English settlers varied due to the English settler’s independence. The Spanish settlers showed more dependent on Spain, while English settlers showed independence when it came to treatment of Native Americans and economically using resources widely. The colonists of New England were better prepared for life on their own, and eventually gained control of all of America.

World Trade Organizations or developed Countries Organization? :: Essays Papers

Organizations or Developed Countries Organization? World Trade Organizations or developed Countries Organization? In the 16th century, England had a lot of colonies, which were located in Africa. At that time, the primary function of colonies were to supply raw materials to England, and England can sold all the finished products to the colonies in order to make profits. This story is the beginning of international trade. In the 21st century, international trade is more busy than ever. According to comparative advantage theory, each country should specialize and produce those products if the country has a comparative advantage on those products, and use those products to trade with other countries in order to achieve specialization and exchange theory. However, during the trade process, it may have a lot of problems coming out, so a world organization were established in order to solve those problems and try to make trade into a smooth process. The World Trade Organization (WTO), was established in 1st, January, 1995, which was created during the Uruguay Round Negotiations. There are 146 countries as a member in the WTO. The main functions of a WTO are administering WTO trade agreements, as a forum for trade negotiations, handling trade disputes and monitoring national trade policies. One of the main function of the WTO are to enforce GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services) and TRIPS (Trade-Related Intellectual Property). But what is TRIPS? It is agreements, which protect invent innovation and design around the world. In other words TRIPS is used to protect copyrights, trademarks which developed countries already, owns most of the shares on these. According to WTO, although TRIPS will bring a short term cost to developing countries, and only short term benefits for developed countries. In the long term it can encourage innovation, discovery in the developing countries. Once the developing country reaches certain levels on protection copyrights or trademark, this TRIPS agreement will benefits to every single person. To explain the short-term benefits to the developed countries, as I have mentioned before, most of the patents, copyrights owned by developed countries, if developing countries want to produce a product that have patents on it, the develop ing countries need to pay a royalty to developed countries or the corporation owns the right. In this TRIPS’ agreement, my argument is this agreement really helps the developing countries to become more innovation, discover, or is just the industrial countries want more money from the poor countries.

Human resource management of McDonald Essay

MCDONALD’S CORPORATION: McDonald’s Corporation is the world’s largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants which serves approximately 68 million customers on daily around 119 different countries and haves 30,000 restaurants worldwide. McDonald’s headquarter is in Oak Brook, Illinois, USA and company was started as a barbecue restaurant in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald. In 1948, owners of the company reorganized the business to a hamburger stand and thereafter in 1955 businessman Ray Kroc joined the company as the first franchise agent. Ray Kroc purchased the chain from the McDonald brother and made it grow worldwide. (McDonald Corporation) The corporation itself either operates a McDonald’s restaurant or by a franchisee. McDonald’s Corporation revenues are obtained from the rent, fees paid by the franchisees, royalties and the sales from the restaurants operated by McDonald’s Corporation. McDonald’s Corporation had annual revenues of $28.15 billion in the year 2013 whereas their profits were $5.6 billion. (Yahoo finance) McDonald’s product line includes selling hamburgers, cheeseburgers, french fries, chicken items, breakfast items, desserts, milkshakes and soft drinks. Due to changing consumer taste and to survive in this competitive and ever changing environment McDonald’s Corporation has added salads, wraps, fish, fruit and smoothies to its menu list. (McDonald Corporation) PURPOSE OF MCDONALD’S CORPORATION: The main purpose of McDonald’s Corporation is to serve fast food and to do everything that can be done to respect the  customer and to have customer trust in their brand. WHY I CHOSE MCDONALD’S CORPORATION: Following are the reasons why I choose McDonald’s Corporation 1. McDonald’s Corporation is one the world largest and leading fast food chain 2. McDonald’s Corporation employs 1.8 billion people worldwide and they have one of the best HR practices 3. McDonald sells almost 75 hamburgers every second which attracts any HRM student to study their HR practices BUSINESS MODEL OF MCDONALD’S CORPORATION: McDonald earns its revenues from investing in properties, as a franchiser of a restaurant and as an operator of restaurants. Almost 80% of the company restaurants are operated by franchisees, which are bound to pay 4% of their revenue to McDonald, as well as the rent. In most of the cases, McDonald owns both the building and land which results in a stable flow of income making the franchisees bear most part of the risks. The remaining 15% of restaurants are owned and directly operated by McDonald. Considering the business model of other fast-food chains the business model of McDonald is different. Other than franchisee fee and the marketing fees that are calculated as sales, McDonald do sometimes collect rents that are also considered as sales. Other than revenues generated from the franchise agreement, McDonald may also own or they can lease the property where McDonald’s franchises are located. According to the policy of McDonald, the business does not involve itself in making any direct sale of food or any other material to its franchisees but it organizes the food and materials required for the franchises through an approved third approved logistic operators. McDonald’s is also involved in identifying the locations, developing new products and quality. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: Human resource management is an approach by which company’s most valued assets (people) are managed. For any company to achieve success its human resource has to individually and collectively contribute and this can only be achieved through proper management. Proper management of company human resource not only help the company to achieve its objective, but they achieve it with greater efficiency. Human Resource Management helps the organization to achieve its desired goals and success  by the help of its people. Human Resource Management, therefore, is utilized in the creation of decision on the plans of the organization. These plans are linked with employee relationships, recruitment, training and development, performance management and rewards for employees. Therefore, human resource strategies developed are to be in line with organization business plan to help the business to be successful. MCDONALD’S HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: McDonald’s Corporation in order to achieve success and competitive advantage developed it human resource management strategy focused on four areas A) STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: McDonald’s human resource strategies and practices were synchronized to the company business strategy and thereafter the HR department helped to realized the business plan or strategy by forming it into company HR practices in relation of personal development and hiring. B) MANAGEMENT TRANSFORMATION AND CHANGE: One of the way HR function of McDonald helped organization to achieve competitive advantage is by identifying the changes required and thereafter implementing it. This strategy served as a catalyst for company successful growth. C) EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT: HR department tried to understand the problem which employees face daily and what are their needs and thereafter making an effort that their problems are solved and their needs were met. D) MANAGEMENT OF ORGANIZATION ADMINISTRATION: It was made sure by HR department that the process of employees hiring, training, evaluating, rewarding and promotion were designed in such a way that they were in line with the strategies of McDonald. In order to align these four focus area following things were done by McDonald 1. PERSONNEL STRUCTURE: As the business model of McDonald shows that it generates most of it revenues from franchising, therefore, there are three categories in their structure which are corporate staff, restaurant workers and franchisees. The control staff which either operates from company headquarter or regional offices is responsible for controlling and managing the franchises to make sure that standards of McDonald are maintained and the products are delivered at time. Restaurant worker constitutes the biggest part of company structure. They are controlled through supervisors who report to assistant manager. Most of this staff works on part time basis and are paid on an hourly basis. Finally, the  franchises that are managed by their owners but according to the standards set by McDonalds. 2. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT: In order to make sure that productivity is always high the HR department has put a process in order to know which staff is not working according to the desired expectations and what solution is to be implemented to bring that staff up to the required expectations. This is done by performance review of employee that can be done anytime or the interim performance review which is carried out after each six months. Based on these performances reviews it is decided which staff will get promoted which staff requires training so his performance can be increased. This way of management not only serves as motivation for employees, but it also creates a competitive environment among the staff which in turn helps the productivity of employees to increase. 3. MOTIVATION & REWARD: Since most of McDonald staff have low wages and are paid on an hourly basis which results in large staff turnover, therefore, company has to make sure that their staff is motivated and they keep them motivated by awarding staff with different reward schemes and other perquisites. This not only increases their motivation to work for McDonald but also helps them to increase their productivity 4. TRAINING: McDonald spends almost $10 million each year and trains approximately 55,000 employees to make sure that make sure that their employees have valuable skills that are needed. At first all new employees are given introduction about the company and thereafter staff trainers train them properly to make sure they develop all required necessary skills to work in the organization. It is made sure thereafter that these employees know how to use the latest foodservice equipment and they understand all McDonald’s operational procedures. To make training much easier McDonald has published step-by-step manuals, video tapes and quality reference guides which explain each and every detail of the job process. Employees are also taught communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. This enables their employees to do their job at the best possible way and, therefore, they serve the customer with highest standards making McDonald’s customer  service as one of the best in fast food supply companies. 5. MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT: McDonald has designed McDonald Development Program (MDP) to develop leadership skills within employees so they can be successful leaders. Various courses of this programme are held for employees of different level of management and for franchisees. CONCLUSION: McDonalds now a day is one the fastest growing corporation and this is due to the reason of proper management of their human resources. This clearly shows that the corporation is on the right track and they have been able to keep the motivation levels of their employees high. This has been done by proper reward schemes for the employees based of their performances. Proper training is provided to the newcomer making it much easier for new employee to pick up and to get comfortable with the job quickly. However, if McDonald’s Corporation continuously strives to further improve its HRM strategies then McDonald can continue to grow at much more faster pace. Hence it can be concluded the HRM strategies of McDonald’s Corporation is in line with their business model and growth strategies and this can be verified from their success up to this date. REFERENCES Ingmar, B., Carl, F., & Hyeon, J., (2007). Institutional theory and MNC subsidiary HRM practices: evidence from a three-country study. _Journal of International Business Studies,38,_430-436 Paula, C., (2014). Many moving parts: Factors influencing the effectiveness of HRM practices designed to improve knowledge transfer within MNCs. _Journal of International Business Studies,45,_ 63-72 Seeking Alpha (2014), McDonald’s: Business Model, Valuation And Minimum Wage Legislation, ​Retrieved March 22, 2014, from http://seekingalpha.com/article/2052223-mcdonalds-business-model-valuation-and-minimum-wage-legislation UK essays (2003), Evaluating Human Resource Strategies Implemented by McDonalds, Retrieved March 22, 2014, from http://www.ukessays.com/essays/business/evaluating-human-resource-strategies-implemented-by-mcdonalds-business-essay.php McDonalds (2014), Corporate Info, Retrieved March 22, 2014, from, http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/our_story/Corporate_Info.html Yahoo finance (March 2014), Income Statement​, Retrieved March 22, 2014, from, http://finance.yahoo.com/q/is?s=MCD+Income+Statement&annual

China’s Foreign Policy Towards International Actors Essay

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY China has one of the four oldest civilizations in the world and a written history of 4,000 years. China’s long history includes eras of primitive society, slave society, feudalism and semi feudalism, semi-colonialism and the present socialist society. The Chinese are very proud of their society. They value their own culture and religion but are open and pragmatic towards the religions and cultures of others. Chinese people in general are peaceful, hardworking and easily contented. They respect authority and elders and are patient with their fellows. They will, however, push and sacrifice for their children. The Chinese value modesty, reserved behavior and humility. They believe in harmony and tend to avoid confrontation. Chinese culture gives the Chinese people their basic identity. These core values are unique and consistent, shaped by a tradition of four thousand years of history and maintained by the same language. There is only one set of core values in the Chinese national culture, despite all the differences among these people and their societies. This cultural value system is uniquely Chinese that distinguish itself not only from Western cultures, but also from other Eastern cultures (for example, Japanese culture). China is now a global actor of significant and growing importance. It is involved in regions and on issues that were once only peripheral to its interests and it is effectively using tools previously unavailable. It is no longer necessary to emphasize integrating China into the existing constellation of norms, rules, and institutions of the international community; by and large, China is already there. It is influencing perceptions, relationships, and organizations all over the world. China’s international behavior is clearly altering the dynamics of the current international system, but it is not transforming its structure. China’s global activism is driven by an identifiable set of perceptions, objectives, and policies—some are long-standing and others are more current. Both China’s foreign policy objectives and its policies have evolved in the last decade but with more change in the latter than the former. In this sense, China has a distinct foreign policy strategy, to the extent that any nation has one. China’s strategy is best understood as comprising multiple layers, each adding to an understanding of the totality of it. This monograph analyzes these layers, assesses the challenges for China in implementing its strategy, and evaluates the implications for Bangladesh and other countries interests and policy. The monograph analyzes the content, character, and execution of China’s foreign policy towards International actors. It examines how China views its security environment, how it defines its foreign policy objectives, how it is pursuing the objectives and the consequences for other countries economic and security interests. The breadth and the rapidity of change in China’s international activities are daunting to analyze, let alone to understand.

A&P summary essays

A&P summary essays In "As transition to adulthood in a much more innocent time. In the story, Sammy begins the story bored and despondent and ends up as hero, if only to his own knowledge. Here, the characters and setting of the story work together to establish a theme of maturation. This is done by showing what Sammy does and is early on, how the girls affect him, and what he eventually does not just for them, but also for himself. When we first meet 19-year-old Sammy, he is working for the summer at an As bored with his town and its "two banks and the Congregational church and the newspaper store and the three and three real-estate offices" (16). We suspect he thinks there must be more to the world than his small town "north of Boston" has to offer. (16) This change, however, when three girls stroll into the At quite frizzed right, and one of those sunburns right across under the eyes, and a chin that was too long" (15). The one that really catches Sammys eye, however, is "the queen," the one who "kind of lead" the other two. (15) Sammy is captivated by Queenie, as he calls her, with her beige bathing suit with a little nub all over it," her "white p ...

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How to Find a Job With Public Relations Expert Ryan May Ryan May has 12 years of public relations experience under his belt, and it’s taught him quite a bit about finding a job, something he shares among other insights on the Minnesota Public Relations Blog. We spoke with Ryan about what PR can teach us about a job search. What can job seekers learn from public relations?Public relations or PR is a unique industry, as it touches on so many different industries. To be in PR means you have to be prepared to learn about every industry your clients need.How important is your online footprint? Can you really lose out on a job thanks to a tweet?Having a strong online footprint is very important, but ensuring that it is strategic and thoughtful is more important. Don’t post stuff to social media that is not good for your long-term reputation. Job seekers have definitely lost out on job opportunities because of their tweets or Facebook posts.What mistakes  do you see employers making when they’re looking for job candidates? Employers often overlook excellent candidates because they don’t have a high enough GPA. If a candidate has a solid B average and has been working three jobs while going to school, they should not be overlooked because they don’t have a 3.5 GPA.What are some urban legends you’ve seen floating around about hiring mistakes these days, and is there any truth to them?There are plenty of urban legends about today’s job search. My favorite is that the more resumes you send out, the better your odds of finding a job. This idea is completely wrong. Find a job you want, and then thoughtfully work on networking your way into the job.What should everyone looking for a job be doing to better promote themselves?Not everyone needs a blog, but everyone today should have a website to outline their skills.

What have you learned about Asian culture (you may wish to distinguish Essay

What have you learned about Asian culture (you may wish to distinguish between various countries and cultures) in this course - Essay Example The discussion will be based on the analysis of a number of films being produced in the region. The films chosen for the analysis are: Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa, Hanabi by Takeshi Kitano, Apur Sansar by Satyajit Ray, Salaam Bombay! by Mira Nair, Red Sorghum by Zhang Yimou, and Chungking Express by Wong Kar-Wai. The paper will examine how the variations of Asian culture are presented in these films. Before going into any further discussion on the nuances of Asian culture, it is important to understand what culture means. A general definition of culture argues that the concept of culture can be best described as â€Å"a shared, learned, symbolic system of values, beliefs and attitudes that shapes and influences perception and behaviour. It is an abstract ‘mental blueprint’ or ‘mental code’.† Concepts and ideas of culture can be studied by means of exploring behaviour, customs, material culture (artefacts, tools, and technology), language, etc. of a particular community or region. So to say, culture is a learning process through which a community or society can be studied both at individual and collective levels. This process of learning one’s culture can be labelled as enculturation. One of the characteristic features of culture studies is that there is nothing like a ‘culture of one’, it is a collective possession shared by a ll the members of a society. Commonness in behaviour, customs and other traditional practices can be achieved by mutual construction of a culture by means of a constant process of social interaction. Besides, culture, language and thought are based on symbols and symbolic meanings. Apart from this symbolic nature, the definition of culture features arbitrariness and habitualness as culture is internalized and created by humans. Coming to the more specific discussion of the Asian culture, it is characterized by the concept of cultural variation. Some of the most important ingredients of Asian culture are: Asian art,

Risk management in Toyota Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

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