Network Solution Essay Example

Network Solution Essay Background Nowadays, outside world are changing rapidly and no one can prevent it anymore. One of the factors’s that affecting today’s business is a simple shifting of managing employee’s performance in every organisation. Business organisations often rely on employees to complete business functions in a timely and efficient manner. The reputation of the business may also rely partly on the performance of its employees. Owners of businesses often develop an employee performance management to help them evaluate employees. 1. 2 Aims The purpose of this report is to evaluate the performance management in organisation by finding out their characteristics as an ‘ideal’ management system. It focuses on the Network Solutions, Inc. in order to determine their characteristics of performance management system. This report also will give explanation about basic concepts of performance management. 1. 3 Scope The report evaluates the overview of Network Solutions by providing organisation profile amp; their challenge, the concept of performance management, list correspond of ideal characteristics features system which implemented and identify of mislaid characteristics at Network Solutions. Moreover, this report will analyse the advantage and disadvantage outcomes at Network Solutions from the implementation system which chase by organisation. We will write a custom essay sample on Network Solution specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Network Solution specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Network Solution specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer By providing some future suggestion about critical issues that Network Solutions facing in performing ideal performance management system also will be discussed at the end of this report. 2. 0 Overview of Network Solution, Inc. 2. 1 Profile of Network Solutions’ As the primary provider of web-related services in North America and a forge in the Internet industry, Network Solutions recognise a lot to getting things done at web speed. Network Solutions, Inc. is a worldwide leader in hardware, software, and services essential to computer networking. Therefore, Network Solutions offers a full suite of web-related services, together with web site design, online marketing, email and web site hosting for more than 4million customers. 2. 2 Challenge faced by Network Solutions’ Recently, Network Solutions, Inc. used more than 50 different systems to measures performance within the organisation. Therefore, there are some challenges that augment in their performance system, such as: * Performance crush were not being tackled * Pressure from competitors was ineffectively escalating the outlay of managing human resource * Quality projects were driving change 3. Performance Management Performance management within the organisation grounded the organisation improvement of productivity, effectiveness and efficiency towards employee performances. Foot and Hook (2005, p. 264) defined the performance management as a process to share understanding about the needs to be achieved by managing and developing people to sharing an understanding in terms of the organisation objective. In addition, the process that line managers ensure that employees’ activities and outputs are aligning with the organisation’s goals can be defined as performance management (De Cieri and Kramer 2005, p. 24). As a result, performance management in Network Solutions are seen as an ongoing process of managing their employees for the aim to increasing job-related success (Holsworthy 2003, cited in Rees amp; McBain 2004, p. 17). In brief, as an HR studies it can be described that performance management are the continuous process of identifying, measuring, developing and aligning of organisation performance towards the strategic goals of the performance of organisation which are effective to accomplish in Network Solutions. The purposes of performance management in Network Solutions are to consider with the strategic business consideration and it relates with the ongoing feedback within the organisation. As a result, by performing excellent management it can improve employee performance that driven by all line manager. 3. 1 Overview of Performance Management System Managing employees is an important part of running a small business. The reputation of the organisation may also rely partly on the performance of its employees. Boice amp; Kleiner (cited in Goff amp; Longenecker 1990, p. 98) noted that owners of organisation frequently enlarge an employee performance management system to assist them evaluate employees by training development. A formal employee performance management system in Network Solutions is usually used for annual employee assessments. These systems usually include information detailed to the organisations operations and how well employees achieve under specific circumstances. As a res ult, it is important for Network Solutions which responds to and anticipates the changes in its environment by awareness on their strategic evel (Buyens et all. , 2001 cited in Blackman amp; Kelly,2006). 3. 2 Characteristics of an ‘ideal’ performance management system There are fourteen characteristics described by Aguinis (2009, pp. 26-27) as an ideal performance management system which accommodates to evaluates at Network Solutions. Therefore, this involves in particular, the characteristics to be congruent with organisational strategy, thorough, practical, meaningful, specific, identifies effective amp; ineffective performance, reliable, open and standardised. As a result, Network Solutions’ system provides a reasonable overlap with an ideal performance management system. Even though, the remainder characteristics are not visibly address such as, valid, acceptable and fair, inclusive, correctable, and ethical. 4. 0 Network Solutions’ Performance Management System 4. 1 Ideal characteristics which implemented at Network Solutions There are some characteristics which correspondent at Network Solution based on Aguinis (2009, pp. 26-27), such as: * Goal cascading and team building correspond with Congruent with organisational strategy characteristic. In other words, Network Solutions highlighted that one of the first step strategy in developing an effective performance evaluation system is to determine the organisation’s objectives (Boice amp; Kleiner, 1997). * Performance planning and Development planning correspond with thorough characteristic. All performance and development planning have been considered in Network Solutions. In this case study, the organisation trying to accomplish four dimensions of evaluation system based on Aguinis. The idea that the system is a joint year-round responsibility of managers and employees correspond with it being standardised. Standardised characteristic is good in every organisation to adopt that concept. Therefore, Network Solutions was decided this concept in evaluated their performance to achieve their goal. 4. 2 Identification of mislaid characteristics at Network Solutions There are some characteristics may be missing based on (Aguinis 2009, pp. 26-27) in performance of Network S olution such as: * Acceptable amp; fair In relates to the case study, it showed that the organisation and HR team was put in place to design and implement the new system. Well on the other hand, Network Solutions was missed this opportunity to breaking down their system to be accepted by their employees and it is also not fair for the board to expect good performance but all delegation task was not efficiently correspondent (Burgoyne, 1998 cited in Luoma, 2000). As result, an ideal system of to be acceptable and is perceived as fair by all participants is required to adopt by Network Solutions for a better future. Inclusive The valuation progression should symbolise the concerns of all the people who will be affected by the outcome in regard with this characteristics. Consequently, Network Solutions participants must be given a voice in the process of designing and implementing the system. For example, inclusive system is probable to lead to more successful systems to improve their performance preview. * Correctable  "Correctability† as ideal characteristics is a process of assigning ratings to create a system as an important component of the evaluation process. Furthermore, performance management system in which a set percentage of employees were classified in each several categories is required to listed inclusive employees rating in Network Solutions. For instance, as it mentioned in the case study, a rating of 1 to the top 20% of performers. As a result, with the individual ratings will determine the execution of annual objectives and job requirements as well as by comparison rating of others at a similar level at Network Solutions. * Ethical A superior system fulfil with ethical standards are described by Aguinis as an ideal characteristic of performance management system. In Network Solutions, the supervisor evaluates only performance dimensions for which has sufficient information and privacy of the employee respected. Regarding all points above, the board of Network Solution should review its performance in relates with those characteristics which are mislaid and agree on required changes to improve its operation. 5. 0 Implementation system from Network Solutions 5. 1 Advantages and positives outcomes Performance management systems are used to align employee performance with company goals. According to Davidson and Griffin (2006) a successful review system will include components for ongoing and consistent feedback, goal setting, communication between managers and employees, and motivation (Meyer amp; Allen, 1991 cited in Sahindis amp; Bouris, 2007). The ideal system ensures that everyone involved understands the process, its purpose, and any possible rewards that may stem from it. Numerous advantages that come out of this approach, such as: * Good and balanced standardised performance review system. * Structured performance reviews Employees will strive more to improve their performance knowing that good performance are rewarded * By streamlining employee goals with company goals, employees are happier knowing that their overall contribution will assist the company and ultimately, they feel ownership of the company 5. 2 Disadvantages and negative outcomes A well performance management system has become an innovative approach to accomplish organisational success. As su ch, a performance management system is complex because it involves employees, supervisors and strategic managerial personnel. As a system, according to McCarthy, Garavan amp; O’Toole (2003) its advantages have been broadly advertised, but the system has to be carefully monitored for smooth functioning and HRD can play their roles in regards to managing Network Solutions interfaces. As a result, there are listed some of disadvantages that evaluate in this approach, such as: * Having the same approach / standardised approach applied across all departments / areas may not be as effective as we predicted it to be. What may be applicable in one department may not necessarily be applicable in others. It may be a good idea to develop several scenarios for performance reviews, especially in different areas. * Having a set number of employees to be assigned with a given rating may not bring the encouragement effect. Employees may be stressed or under intense pressure to perform, in which case, usually the reverse will happen, i. e. worse performance rather than improvement 6. 0 Conclusion In conclusion, there has been constant change in the world of Human Resources in the past few years. The changes have been caused by the need to react quickly to severe pressures for survival. Regarding to the roles of HR, adopting an ideal characteristic by Aguinis is important for Networks Solutions to support their performance management system. Based on Network Solution, Inc. case, it is important for board system to concern with their task to train their staff by delegate their new system and avoid some of the barriers that happens in the organisations. 7. 0 Recommendations It is recommended that: * The board level should put more efforts to control Network Solution Inc. , performance by applying Aguinis ideal characteristic performance management system. Within the organisation should construct good communication to avoid any lack of information * Network Solution should provides routine orientation meeting program for their employees to construct any new system which applied and to educate employees about the new system to ensure all on track * All board Network Solution should give their employees motivation * Network Solutions should plan to continue reinforcing t he needed cultural change to support forced distribution ratings.

Experience That Influenced Your Academic Interests Essays - Surnames

Experience That Influenced Your Academic Interests Essays - Surnames Experience that influenced your academic Interests UT Texas at Austin The prompt is: Describe and evaluate one experience that significantly influenced your academic interests. Be sure to explain how this experience led to your setting the goals you know have for yourself and why you think the academic program for which you are applying will help you to reach these goals. He Opened the Door to Anywhere and Anything Mr. Trimble- the tall, bike-riding Calculus teacher who truly made me realize the value of education. As far as academics were concerned, I believed I had always tried my best in reaching my full potential. That is, until I met Mr. "T." He made me understand that I was not going as far as I was capable of Mr. Trimble offered to help me out on a couple of problems I had been experiencing with Pre-Calculus, and after a short while he became not only a tutor, but a true friend. I cannot even begin to imagine how many hours I spent in his classroom after the last school bell had rung. Posters of music legends and helpful math mnemonics covered his walls. It was a very spirited room for the lively man he stood to be. He went over the math in great detail while also informing me of how eminently important it was for academics to be my top priority. As an avid swimmer and loyal friend, I was greatly dedicated to the sport and my social surroundings, but Mr. Trimble would always be there to tell me to slow down and repeat his key phrase, "Studying always comes first." Although Mr. Trimble's main purpose was to perfect my Pre-Cal, he did so much more that he was unaware of doing. He convinced me into believing that anything was possible if I put my mind to it and had a brain-full of determinat ion. If I wanted to be the first woman President, he would say "Hey, the sky's the limit." After the year ended, my goals had unconsciously changed for the better. I believed in myself, my capability, and accomplishing anything as though the world was an open door to endless possibilities. I did not just want to be a newspaper reporter, my desire was to be sports editor of the New York Times. Since the University of Texas ranks as having one of the best academic curriculums in the nation, participating in such a program will challenge me tothe best of my ability, probably more than anything ever will. Under the mentoring and guidance of Mr. Trimble, I do not fear the intimidation that college puts forth, I welcome and look forward it.

Marketing research report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Marketing research report - Essay Example Figures are provided by various web sites, one of these is a reliable source from Mintel which conducts scientific and period reportage, with the aim of analyzing various industries and businesses affecting the UK and other countries. Not only this, the different incidents of global terrorism are briefly examined so that there can be an analysis on its impact on hotel and tourism industry. According to the EU, a hotel is defined as "a collective accommodation establishment, typified as being arranged in rooms exceeding a nationally specified minimum and as providing common services, including room service." The UK definition is made according to the holding of a licence to sell liquor. (Mintel website) Mintel defines tourism "as any travel which involves an overnight stay away from home." Tourism 'trips' divide between holidays (short breaks of 1-3 nights or long holidays), business travel, VFR (visits to friends and relatives (VFR) and miscellaneous travel purposes (eg shopping or religious trips), all of which may involve staying in a hotel. (Mintel website) When terrorists hijacked four U.S. ... The perpetrators - and indeed the entire world - may have thought that it was the end of America as an economic and military superpower. America under attack, America on its knees, Bin Laden, the anthrax threats and other security concerns, what would be the future of America and the world and the global economy Terrorism is a menace to society. It involves violence causing destruction and deaths for vague and questionable "religious causes" - love and service to God - never before heard in the annals of man as a religious being. The September 11 attack impacted on the lives of the American people and the economy, by creating fear and depreciating billions of dollars worth of man-made infrastructure, buildings and capital. Terrorism has spread all over, and where there is terrorism, profound effects impact on tourism, a direct victim along with the economy. From as far as the Philippines, to the small island of Bali in Indonesia, to the subways of London, to Spain, Egypt, Brazil, Nepal, and the skyscrapers of New York, terrorism wreaked havoc. There were instant reactions from countries and governments. Securities in airports and terminals were strict. People restricted their travel. Terrorism served its purpose - fear in everyone's heart. In the wake of the tragedy in New York, travel and tourism industry was reeling. Airline travel and hotel stays have plummeted worldwide. Industry revenues, profits, and stock values are all down. Industry workers are being laid off in large numbers. (World Economic News, 2000) The World Tourism Organization issued the "Report of the Secretary-General: Terrorist Attacks in the United States of America", and acknowledged that the "unprecedented and brutal act of terrorism is

Research Methods - past exam paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Research Methods - past exam paper - Assignment Example He explained that variance process explains the relationship between the dependant and independent variables leading to an outcome while the process theory explains the patterns of events that led to the outcome of an event. Selection bias is the process of selecting group of objects or individuals in a manner so that the selected sample does not represent a particular segment of population. In such a case, the estimated sample would be biased in nature due to random approach of selecting the sample size. Selection bias is likely to occur more commonly as a result of the random sampling method. The given summary statistics could be used to interpret and compare the average scores of the class in the two tests and also comment on the dispersion of the scores from their average scores, the comparison among the highest and lowest scores in those two tests. The mean values suggest that average score for Test2 is more than Test1. The standard deviation shows that more number of students has variation from average score in Test1 as compared to that in Test2. The median suggests that the mid-point score for all students arranged in ascending order for both the tests is same. The 1st quartile shows that the lowest score for the two tests are different while the 3rd quartile shows that highest score is same for both the tests. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is a statistical method that could be used to test the relative dispersion among the variables captured by the researcher. As the measurement units are different, the data set may not follow normal distribution. For this reason, ANOVA method would be useful for testing the relative dispersion among variables. Sample distribution is the statistical distribution of a random variable selected from a sample size in a random manner out of the entire population. It is said to be normally distributed when the mean, median, mode are all equal and the

Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Technology in Intelligent Buildings & Research Paper

Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Technology in Intelligent Buildings & Engineering - Research Paper Example In Intelligent Buildings & Engineering, Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Technology is primarily being used to provide an effective means of monitoring and analysis of various real-time data that can help enhance the operational efficiency and reduce costs and energy expenses of smart buildings thereby making them to be more comfortable, safe, and healthy as well as enhance the productivity of the occupants. Unlike multispectral imaging which normally deals with numerous images at discrete, narrow bands, Hyperspectral remote sensing is primarily based on narrow spectral bands produced over a continuous spectral range. This is critically important as it makes the images more detailed. One of the areas of intelligent building and engineering where hyoerspectral remote sensing imaging can be used is to make buildings safer and more comfortable by providing reliable geological and rock information, seismic and environmental data regarding the construction sites prior to the commencement of t he construction of the buildings. Generally, this is critically important in helping choose the appropriate building and engineering project designs as well as materials that best fit a particular geographical area.

Why Switzerland and the United Kingdom Are Not Part of the European Union

Why Switzerland and the United Kingdom Are Not Part of the European Union Since World War II, Switzerland and Great Britain have gone through many political changes by reinforcing the foreign policy in their constitutions to protect the borders. When comparing these two governmental actions on policy, one can see the fate of the citizens in the two nations. The political powers these countries have are greatly interconnected with the world. It can be determined that the active role the United Kingdom plays in foreign affairs is superior to Switzerland in terms of creating economic political power and respect. However, Switzerland has had a long history of neutrality and has tried its best to not involve itself in European politics. This country has taken a neutral stance in regards to military action by maintaining and utilizing the Swiss military air force mainly for their protection. This is why these two rich and powerful countries are not part of the European Union. Recently, The European Union crisis has affected financially many different countries around the world. Therefore, the European Union has implemented the Euro as a common currency among seventeen countries.   Although there are many countries in Europe that may be part of the Euro zone, they will give very poor exchange rates.   Since 2008, the European Union has accumulated a lot of debt.   It has been struggling to pay their debt back to the Central Bank. This debt has damaged the European currency and has pushed many nations into recession.   This has lead to high unemployment rates and widespread poverty.   Countries like Switzerland do not want to be part of the European Union because the Swiss government feels that they will have to use their financial stability to help the economics of other countries. Switzerland has been an independent country since 1291; it is located between Germany, Italy, France and Austria.   The capital of Switzerland is Bern and the largest city is Zurich.   Switzerland has been considered to be one of the strongest countries in the middle of the European Union.   This is because a political institution that protects the nation maintained it aligned with the vision of its founders. â€Å"The Federal Assembly† is the primary seat of power. Although in practice the executive branch has been increasing its power at the expense of the legislative branch, the Federal Assembly has two houses:   the Council of states and the National Council.   In order for Switzerland to become part of the European Union, the Swiss government has to renounce their neutral power and financial stability. In 1992, the Swiss government applied for membership in the European Economic Area (EEA).   In a referendum on December 6, 1991, at a â€Å"historically high† turnout of 78.7%, the Swiss population narrowly rejected membership in the organization even though the liberals strongly supported membership†.   Subsequently to this, the Swiss government and the European Union permitted Switzerland to incorporate with the European Union without joining.   Switzerland’s foreign relations have avoided coalition that might involve military, political or monetary action. The Swiss constitution declares the preservation of Switzerland’s independence and welfare as the supreme objective of the Swiss foreign policy.   The structure laid down precise foreign policy to diplomatic consistence of the country to encourage high opinion for human rights, equality and the policy regulation. This was established to promote the Swiss economic interest around the world.  Ã‚   All through history, the Swiss have been known for their banks. There are many reasons for this, including privacy and good interest rates.   Europeans had accounts in the Swiss banks way before the war.   Jewish people in Germany put their money in the Swiss banks because they did not want Germany to steal it. This made many problems that are still trying to be solved today.   The Swiss government feels that they have an ethical responsibility to undertake social, monetary and humanitarian actions that contribute to world peace and harmony. Switzerland feels that they are able to participate without compromising their neutrality.   Switzerland is not part of the European nation which gives it its currency and economic power. Even though Switzerland’s view of isolation keeps it out of the European Union, it is not considered part of Europe.   Its solution to helping its neighbors with economic and security issues, is to do so in the most passive way possible. That is why the United Nations meets in Switzerland because of its state of neutrality and its constant involvement in peace with NATO.   According to a 2001 referendum, this can be done by the public in Switzerland.   Seventy percent of Swiss voters rejected any political movement towards European Union Membership.   Even with these numbers, the Swiss government is heavily divided over entering the European Union.   British and Switzerland voters see little benefits in the struggling European Union. The involvement of Great Britain in the Middle East along with other foreign affairs has secured many of their economic ventures, especially those in opening markets like British Petroleum oil companies. The economy gains and by doing this Switzerland influences the world. This world influence comes with more long term gains than that of short term and can have both positive and negative effects. Switzerland has very few enemies, receives less pressure from the world to get involved, and spends a large percentage of its budget on their military affairs.     The downside is that then Switzerland has to live by the rules of those who are more heavily involved in world affairs.   British foreign relations which mostly were inherited from England, originally pay to achieve stability of power from the inside of Europe.   No other country has achieved control over the relationships of the continent.      The British government relies heavily upon its foreign affairs policies.   The United Kingdom’s policy of being involved in world affairs greatly benefits the nation when it comes to monetary stability, world power, respect, and national security. The United Kingdom has a good relationship with Europe since the Second World War. Since then, Great Britain has become a member of the European Economic.   Even though Great Britain does not use the Euro and is not a member of the Euro zone, it still plays a leading role in the day to day working of the European Union. Great Britain had doubts when it came to being a part of the European Union and taking care of European Nations at the cost of the United Kingdom.   Great Britain was constantly pushing policies that furthered themselves from the European Union, including that of not using the Euro as their currency but rather keeping the British Pound, which was significantly stronger.   Joining the European Union was an uncharacteristic action by Great Britain.   In 1951, when the European Coal Steel Community was created Great Britain did not participate in it.   In 1957 it declined to join the six founding nations of the European Economic Community and in the signing of the treaty of Rome. Jean Monnet, one of the founders of the European Economic Community, said â€Å"I never understood why the British did not join†.   The conclusion that it must have been because it was the price of victory, the illusion that â€Å"You could maintain what you had, without change† as the United Kingdom constantly pushed itself away from Europe, it considered itself closer to the United States and maintained a special relationship with them. The laws of the land between the United Kingdom and Switzerland are drastically different. The United Kingdom’s common of formality with no real written down and unified constitution to Switzerland specifically states every right and liberty of the people and limitation of government power.   The United Kingdom’s constitution has evolved over the centuries, having a foundation of common law, Acts of Parliament, treaties, historical documents, and case law. It is not set out in any one clear and concise document which according to Justice Secretary â€Å"most people might struggle to put their finger on where their rights are† this is the problem with this type of law and rights of the United Kingdom.† However, the European Union has a concrete stone way to protect the economy of the European Union as well. The economy is integral in the European region which aims to unify its members.   The Economic and Monetary Union offers the exclusiveness of the single currency. This explains the gains, costs and qualifications of joining the European Union and the European Central Union Bank, its policies and implications with regards to the regional economic integration into the single currency. The gain and cost are very important to cover because the European region is not the only region that is trying to implement regional economic integration. The European integration policy relies within the members of the European Union.   The members themselves are the ones who make and decide policies. Members of the states are the ones who will either make the European Economic Monetary Union to succeed or fail and are the key of the regional economic integration’s progress.     They are the ones who know what is right and what is wrong regarding the policies to which the European Union stands. The European Union has a very particular way of selecting who can qualify for the European Economic and monetary union.   Criteria which was based on that the country satisfy the public deficit, interest rate and pass the qualifications. For countries to qualify for adopting the Euro, they have to sustain an inflation rate high enough to put up to the standards of others countries. Of course qualifications are not bias to just those counties that have high inflations.   The countries that qualified do not only have an increasing inflation rate but the need to sustain it.   At least every two years the European Central Bank Commission calls for a meeting to see the progress made and if the member’s states are fulfilling their obligations with regards to the standards of the Economic Monetary Union. These are stages they have to go through before they qualify for adopting the single currency. These criteria are all part of the stability and growth of the European Union.   A pact also covers the government deficit, which is the amount by which government spending exceeds government income within a given year.   The stability and growth pact requires ensuring their yearly deficits to not exceed 3% of their total annual production, thus keeping their economic balance. By keeping economic balance, the European Union would not have a problem when they implement the single currency. Countries who adopted the single currency and members of the European Union submit their budget plans to the European Commission who assesses them annually. There is also the public debt which is the total amount of accumulated government deficit which exceeds government income; the government concerned has borrowed money or raised taxes to fill the gap. The government ensures that they do not exceed 60 percent of their GDP (Gross Domestic Products) these rules are approved by all members of the European Union to demonstrate that the economic decision making is a matter of common concern and shared responsibility of all members of the European Union. According to the author Henseler Stephan (2008); â€Å"Reviewing European monetary unification† he stated that suppression of exchange rates would eliminate any risk regarding currency exchange, thus reducing interest rates.   This means that there will be no more conversion of money between countries that are members of the European Union. With the economic integration on route, the single currency could most likely be a very massive dream to come true. When crossing the borders of Europe, residents from the countries who adopted the single currency would most likely not be harassed by changing their currency.   In addition to this, economic and monetary union would project a push and pull scenario between all member states.   If the currency would increase its value it would be better for those who have less economic growth.   The playing field of integration of financial markets would be even. With this the currency of the European Union would be most the most independent with the US dollar. The independency on the US interest rate would be likely to fall with a strong European currency and economic area.   In conclusion, the political powers these countries have are greatly interconnected with the world. It can be determined that the active role the United Kingdom plays in foreign affairs is superior to Switzerland in terms of creating economic political power and respect. Excluding the fact that there are still areas to be changed by the European Union, as also the standards they set for the regional economic integration.   The European Economy that was created to protect the countries has been a success for them and it is still progressing up to this date.   In the future we can surely foresee that there will be more countries who will adopt the single currency offered by the economic union. The European Economy has been a great achievement for the members of the European Union, there are still a lot of adjustments that need to be done regarding the policies of the Economy until then Switzerland and the United Kingdom will remain independent from the European Union. References Henseler, Stephan  (2008)  Reviewing European monetary unification.   Diplomarbeit University of Vienna.  Fakultà ¤t fà ¼r Wirtschaftswissenschaften   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debt_crisis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland_during_the_World_Warshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_the_United_Kingdom Policy Exchange Home http://www.conservapedia.com/Switzerland

Process Essay - How to Recognize and Eliminate Macro Viruses

Process Essay - How to Recognize and Eliminate Macro Viruses Imagine starting up your computer only to see the image on the screen melt while eerie music plays. The hard drive crunches away. What is it doing in there? Before you turn off the machine, most of your files have been deleted. Your computer is the victim of a computer virus. But where did the virus come from? It may have been that game you borrowed or, more likely, it came from an electronic document. Most viruses infect programs, but newer viruses can infect documents as well. This is the case with macro viruses that infect Microsoft Word files. In fact, the number of these viruses has increased from 40 in 1996 to over 1,300 in 1998. Anyone who reads Word files created by others can be at risk. Infected documents spread easily and quickly, especially in environments where documents are shared. What is a macro virus? A macro virus is a program that infects documents and spreads by copying itself. When a document containing a macro virus is opened on your computer, the virus copies itself into something called the global template, which is used to save Word settings. Once this template is infected, all documents you save will contain the virus. If you distribute an infected document, the virus will spread even further. Besides making copies of themselves, viruses can have other harmful effects. They can delete or change document contents, change Word settings, set passwords on your documents so that you can’t read them, or delete all of your files the next time you start your computer. How can I tell if my computer has a macro virus? Many viruses are so good at covering their tracks that you may not even realize they are t... ...e all macros found in a document. Unless you need to use the macros in a document, you should disable them. †¢ Make the normal.dot file read-only. This file is where viruses reside in an infected system. A virus can’t copy itself into this file if it is read-only. Here is how to do this in Windows 98: - First click the Start button, then click Find, and then click Files or Folders. - Type â€Å"normal.dot† into the Named box and then click Find Now. - At the bottom of the window should be the normal.dot file with an icon next to it. Click on this file with the right mouse button and then click Properties. - Check the Read-only box and click OK. Preventing macro viruses is easy compared to the amount of time and frustration involved in removing them. For more information on macro virus prevention, read the Macro Virus FAQ at http://www.look.com/mfaq.html.

Influence of Women on American History Through the Civil War

The Influence of Women on the Founding of America and Through 1877 Kelley Swatsenbarg Wayland Baptist University – San Antonio Center Mr. Thomas Gaj May 4, 2010 The Influence of Women on the Founding of America and Through 1877 Throughout the many years of history, women have always had some kind of influence over man. Whether it be coercing him, tricking him, or demanding of him, they changed the actions of men. Sometimes it has been completely unintentional; sometimes intentional. Sometimes it has been covertly; sometimes overtly. Sometimes it has been the mothers of great men making decisions about their upbringing; sometimes it has been the choices made by female leaders or leaders wives. The United States in no different; women have been influencing, directly or indirectly, the decision and actions of the men in America starting from the choice to fund Christopher Columbus’s misguided exploration. Famous foreign rulers have influence America, from the beginning of the history of the United States. The first, of course, is the famous Isabella, Queen of Spain, who convinced King Ferdinand to finance Christopher Columbus’s exploration to find a route to Asia by traveling west. Then Elizabeth, Queen of England, decided to try to colonize the Americas to get tax revenue thus causing great numbers of Englishmen to colonize the United States. Some women did what they could within the confines of their traditionally established role of nurturer and were involved in the medical field. Two examples are Susie King Taylor and Mary Edwards Walker. Susie King Taylor traveled with her husband who was in E Company 33rd United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. She was a former slave who became their nurse, laundress, cook, teacher, and even comforted the sick soldiers even on their deathbed. Mary Edwards Walker was also a Union nurse during Civil War who finally won a commission in the army as a surgeon, and was the only woman to receive a Congressional Medal of Honor. Dorthea Dix helped organize the Union Army Corp of Nurses and was appointed superintendent of the Union nurses. There was the teacher, Clara Barton, now a famous humanitarian, who, after the outbreak of the Civil War, remained in contact with many former students in the New England Volunteer Regiment that went south. Their mothers gave her gifts for their sons as they thought that she, as a nurse, would be able to get packages to them. She realized that these were not gifts, but rather necessities like soap; from this she created the American Red Cross. She was also a Union nurse who bravely stayed to help surgeons under fire when all the male assistants fled. Some women personally aided soldiers and the underprivileged. One such woman was Margaret Corbin who traveled with her husband to take care of him during the war, doing woman’s work, but was in a battle with her husband. When he died in battle, she took over the cannon; she was wounded and later received the first retired disability pension for a woman. Some women created inspiration in various forms of literature to give hope to the men of this nation. One was Ethel Lynn Beers who wrote poetry and published a poem she'd titled â€Å"The Picket Guard. † The poem was adapted to music and sung by soldiers on both sides in the Civil War. Another woman of inspiration is Lydia Maria Child who wrote An Appeal in Favor of That Class of Americans Called Africans_ _that was a key to persuading many Americans of the need for abolition of slavery. Some women were acclaimed worldwide, like Catherine Maria Sedgwick, who wrote numerous historical sketches and biographies. Her writing is considered to be completely American in both thought and feeling; it captured the all of the characterx and manners of New England. Another American author was Mercy Otis Warren, the wife of politician, James Warren; the couple had a close friendship with Abigail and John Adams. John encouraged her to write the history of the American Revolution. Ironically, he ostracized her and her husband because of candid accounts of atrocities against women and children during the war. By far the most famous writer to influence politics was Harriet Beecher Stowe who became a celebrity when she published Tom's Cabin in 1851 depicting the atrocious lives of black slaves in the South. In 1852 she was introduced to President Abraham Lincoln who greeted her â€Å"So you are the little woman who wrote the book that started this Great War! † Other women created patriotic symbols which would inspire generations of Americans. Betsy Ross, operated an upholstery shop, became legendary for making the first stars-and-stripes at the request of George Washington which was adopted as the national flag by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. Another example of a woman who inspired is Julia Ward Howe, a famous writer who wrote the celebrated Battle Hymn of the Republic. Many women inspired men through their patriotic activities. One great patriot that inspired Georgia was their most famous female patriot of the Revolutionary War, Nancy Hart, whose steadfast endeavors get rid of British and their sympathizers. However the most famous heroic female patriot, in spite of her flaws, is Dolly Madison, the wife of James Madison and acting first lady for Thomas Jefferson. She could have influence them in their politics, but she inspired the masses with her patriot deeds. During her husband’s tenure as president, the British attacked Washington, D. C. She had the foresight to save not only the silver but also secret documents and a portrait of George Washington which would have likely been destroyed. Another patriot was Molly Pitcher, originally named Mary Ludwig Hays. During the Battle of Monmouth in 1778, she was with her husband on the front lines. Seeing that the soldiers were thirsty, she made her way through ferocious fighting to carry pitchers of water to the artillery gunners, and she even took over her husband’s job as rammer when her husband was wounded and could no longer man the gun mission. Sometimes women invented machines or assisting others in their endeavors to invent. For example, Martha Coston developed an elaborate system of flares called Night Signals that allowed ships to transmit nocturnal messages which was later purchased by the U. S. Navy. Also, Mary Walton patented a method of deflecting smoke stack emissions through water tanks later adapted the system for use on locomotives and invented a noise reduction system for elevated railroads. On the other hand Catharine (Kitty) Littlefield Greene helped Eli Whitney set up his workshop and was among the few people to see his first prototype of the cotton gin. At the time it was able to remove the seed, but the cotton fibers kept getting stuck in the mechanisms. Kitty simply suggested sweeping the fibers off and the rest, shall we say, is history. Some women have taken steps out of the boundaries of the traditional role by being the first woman to surpass a man in a particular field. Among these was Lady Deborah Moody who, because of lack of religious freedom, led a group of followers to the Dutch colony of New Netherland where she founded the settlement of Gravesend in Brooklyn. Also because of views about standard religions, Mary Baker Eddy founded Christian Science as well as the six time Pulitzer Prize winning newspaper, The Christian Science Monitor. Still other women inspired men to think of women as more equal by making the same achievements as men. First there was Mary Katherine Goddard, the first woman publisher who was asked by the signers of the Declaration of Independence to print the first official copies of the document. There was also Margaret Fuller, the first female foreign correspondent. In medicine, Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to graduate from medical school, and Sarah Hackett Stevenson was the first female member of the American Medical Association. Sometimes women influence men by political activism like Harriett Delille who campaigned for children’s labor rights or Ester Deberdt Reed who formed a women’s organization that collected $300,000 for Washington’s army. Still others campaigned for workers’ rights like Sarah Bagley who fought for a ten-hour workday. Of course now the laws state that a workday must be no longer than eight hours a day or forty hours per week, but we would not have progressed to where we are without her protesting. Others spoke out for women’s rights like Susan B. Anthony, Isabella Stowe Beecher, Lucretia Coffin Mott, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, just to name a few. Yet others spoke out against slavery like Abby Folsom, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Maria Stewart, and Truth Sojourner. Victoria Woodhull took activism a step further when she became a politician and was the first women to campaign for president of the United States in 1872. Sometimes their influence has simply been by virtue of the fact that they were married to famous men and they have influenced their husbands’ actions. Martha Washington, as we all know, was the wife of President George Washington. She was the first first-lady forming the model for all first ladies to come with her abilities to balance managing a plantation, arranging state dinners and function, visiting troops, and maintaining her relationship with George by supporting and advising him. Abigail Smith Adams was the wife of Samuel Adam and mother of John Quincy Adams who would later become president. She was his confidant, counselor, and advisor sharing her political views with him and even warning him about future problems including women’s rights. Their son, John Quincy Adams married Louisa Adams. Louisa, the only first lady not born in America, is reputed to have made many social calls to help him get elected. Deborah Read Franklin was the common law wife of Benjamin Franklin. She also took over his responsibilities as owner of a printing business and as postmaster while he was away on diplomatic affairs. On the other hand, Elizabeth Schuler Hamilton spent her entire life dedicated to memorializing her husband’s heritage. She even ensured a brass plaque was placed on their son’s grave in Sacramento, California dedicated to Alexander’s patriotism. Sarah Livingston Jay would pass valuable information, and gossip, to her husband, John Jay which helped him while he was secretary of foreign affairs – this position was also the head of Congress and thereby the de-facto head of state. Mary White Morris and her husband Robert Morris were close friends of John and Sally Jay, often having many a long political discussion. While Rebecca Ann Felton, the husband of William Felton, helped him write his speeches while he served as a congressman between 1875 thru 1881. Still other women were simply involved with activities which have influenced domestic politics like, Irene Sanford Emerson who was sued by a former slave, Dred Scott. Mr. Scott traveled with Mr. Emerson while he was in the army stationed in the North; he claimed he had been emancipated as a result of having lived with his master in the free state of Illinois. The court ruled in favor of Mrs. Emerson; Mr. Scott appealed to the Supreme Court where the decision was upheld, but it set the precedence that blacks had a legal right to file suit in a civil court, as previously blacks were considered property and therefore, like a chair, could not litigate. There were also many Native American women who assisted and acted as diplomats for the settlers and colonists. One was Mary Musgrove, an American Indian interpreter, diplomat, and businesswoman. She was raised by Colonists and, because she knew both languages well, she interpreted for James Oglethorpe when he founded the colony of Georgia. She also inherited land from her Native American mother, as their tradition was to pass property down the matriarchal line. The English refused to accept the legality of her property ownership and she took them to court. They negotiated and came to a compromise; some of the land was sold by the British with her receiving the proceeds. Then there was Pocahontas, Native American princess who helped the Jamestown settlers by bringing them food and warning them of her father’s attacks. She was held prisoner by the settlers in an effort to force her father into a peace agreement, but he refused; she eventually converted her to Christianity and married John Rolfe. Because of her position as wife of John Rolfe and daughter of an Indian chief, she was able to maintain peace between the two communities. Sacajawea was another Native American who influenced American politics. She was married to a French man, Toussaint Charbonneau, the guide hired by Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition. Sacajawea went with her husband and interpreted with the Native American Indians. She would translate to Charbonneau in French and he would translate to Lewis and Clark into English. During her trip she gave birth to a son, and, all the while taking care of him, guided the explorers trough Indian lands, protected them from Indian attacks, kept valuable items from being lost–her husband was a klutz, and even found them food to supplement their all-meat diet. Other women covertly did the jobs of men such as Deborah Champion, a teenage girl who bought parcels, messages and pay to General George Washington when soldiers could not. Some other messengers were Behethland Moore and Sybil Ogden Ludington, dubbed the â€Å"female Paul Revere† (she rode about twice as far as he did on his famous ride). Still other women, like Harriet Tubman–a conductor on the Underground Railroad, acted secrectly. The history of the world abounds with famous female spies like Pauline Cushman, a Union spy, became a camp follower of the Confederate army. She was discover, tried in a military court, and sentenced to hang; they delayed her sentence due to her health and she was rescued by Union forces. Upon her return North, President Lincoln made her an honorary major. Elizabeth Van Lew was a famous and effective Union spy. She entered the Confederate Libby Prison on the pretense of humanitarian reasons, and, since the guards thought she was harmless and crazy, she gained information about the strength and disposition of the troops. As her work continued, she devised a way to send coded messages inside eggs. Belle Boyd used her feminine wiles to gain secrets and trap Union soldiers. Others posed as soldiers and fought in war. During the Civil War, Ann Clarke dressed as a man in the Confederate army. She was wounded, taken prisoner, and later released. Prudence Wright gathered a women’s troop and dressed in husbands’ uniforms to defend their city from the British. They captured a British spy and turned him over to the Colonial Army. Deborah Sampson Gannet dressed as man in order to fight in Revolution; her husband received land and was granted the pension of a soldier. During her career she was wounded several times and caught a fever which nearly took her life. If it were not for the fever she would have remained a soldier longer, but a doctor finally discovered her secret, but he did not publicly release the fact, instead he sent her to General George Washington who immediately discharged her. Then there was the famous story of Sarah Emma Edmonds who enlisted in the Union army as Frank Thompson, a male nurse. She effectively guarded her secret for many years even taking on disguises of men and women, blacks and whites to spy. She left the army for medical treatment in an area where she was unknown, when she did this, Frank Thompson was viewed as a deserter. Afterwards, she fought to be recognized for her achievements, and, with a special act of Congress, she was honorably discharged and given a pension. The Confederacy had plenty of female spies too. Included in this number is Antonia Ford who passed along to Confederate J. E. B. Stuart information on Union troop activity. Rose O’Neal Greenhow was such a successful spy that she was imprisoned twice, and then exiled to the Confederate states. She was to tour Britain and France as a propagandist for the Confederate cause; her memoirs were published with a wide sale throughout the British Isles. She obtained more and more sympathy for the South. There was also the case of Loreta Janeta Velazquez who enlisted in disguise and served at Manassas/Bull Run, Ball's Bluff, Fort Donelson, and Shiloh under the name Lieutenant Harry T. Buford. She also claims to have served as a spy and worked working as a double agent for the Confederacy in the service of the U. S. Secret Service. To this day no one can determine if in fact any of these accounts are true,, although a newspaper report mentions a Lieutenant Bensford arrested when it was disclosed â€Å"he† was actually a woman giving her name as Alice Williams. Even in Colonial times America was full of willing female spies and messengers such as Dicey Langston was a teenage colonial spy who forded a river, up to her shoulders, to get details of British troop movement to the colonial army. And then there was Emily Geiger a messenger for General Greene in the Colonial army. Coming from the direction of Greene's army, she was suspected and confined to a room. The officer sent for a woman to search her for papers. She sought to destroy the letter; once the door was shut, she ate up the letter, piece by piece. Lydia Darragh was a mortician and would watch British troops from the window of her house. She sent messages about their activities through one of her sons and then to another soldier to get information to Washington’s Army. British officer Major Andre commandeered her house, but allowed the family to stay in the house. She could then listen in on their plotting and send word of their plans. Others’ influences were merely accidental like Peggy O’Neale Eaton, married Senator John Eaton in 1828 during Andrew Jackson’s presidency. Many gossiped about her colorful past and seeming infidelity with her first husband, when she married Eaton, she shunned by cabinet members’ wives due to her assumed sordid past. The behavior of the ladies towards her and the influence upon their husbands created such a disaster that the cabinet fell apart–Jackson fired them all. An unintentional influence on men’s actions was Betsy Loring who was General Howe’s mistress; although she was the wife a loyalist, she distracted General Howe by â€Å"entertaining† and distracting him from battles with General Washington. The United States of America owes an enormous debt to Mary Ball Washington. She set the example of solid morals and religious opinions, and even read to her children aloud. We need to thank her for one incidentally decision that she made regarding the future of her son. When George was fourteen years old, his half-brother Lawrence obtained a midshipman’s warrant for him in the English naval service. George was already packed and ready to go, but his mother refused to give her consent at the last minute. So, because of an inadvertent decision, George Washington became the Father of Our Country and our first President instead of an English naval officer. In conclusion, in all nations, including the United States, women have been influencing, either directly or indirectly, the decision and actions of the men. Regardless of whether we believe that changes women have made are good or bad, they have helped define this great nation of ours, and, as the French say, â€Å"Viva la difference. Collins, G. (2003). America’s Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines. New York: HarperCollins Publishers Roberts, C. (2004_) Founding Mothers: the Women Who Raised Our Nation. _ New York: HarperCollins Publishers Roberts, C. (2008). Ladies of Liberty: the Women Who Shaped Our Nation. New York: HarperCollins Publishers Taylor, S. K. (2004). The Diary of Susie King Taylor, Civil War nurse. Tarrytown, NY: Benchmark books Zall, P. M. (1991). Founding Mothers: Profiles of Ten Wives of America’s Founding Fathers. Bowie, MD: Heritage Books

Clamoring and Clambering

Clamoring and Clambering Clamoring and Clambering Clamoring and Clambering By Maeve Maddox Paul Russell calls our attention to confusion between the verbs clamor [klÄÆ'mÉ™r] and clamber.[klÄÆ'mbÉ™r]. I just found the phrase F1s sponsors were clambering for a presence in the USA. One clamors for attention or, in this case, for a presence. Used as both noun and verb, clamor comes from Latin clamor, a shout. As a noun, clamor means Loud shouting or outcry, vociferation; esp. the excited outcry of vehement appeal, complaint, or opposition: commonly, but not always, implying a mingling of voices. As an intransitive verb, clamor means To make a clamour; to shout, or utter loud and continued cries or calls; to raise an outcry, make a noise or din of speech. Said of persons, animals, and instruments of noise. Clamber, on the other hand, is related to the verb climb. It means To climb by catching hold with hands and feet; to creep or crawl up (or down); to climb with difficulty and effort. Speakers who apparently make no distinction in the pronunciation of the the two words substitute clamber for clamor in contexts intended to convey the idea that people are making an outcry over something. As the most outspoken yoga advocates clamber for more recognition in the scientific community, it is they who become so much more sure of their own beliefs. The Girl Scout troops that cover Celina, Prosper and Frisco schools are clambering for members this year. As we mentioned in our last email, after our speech at Mike’s event, we were surrounded by rings of people clambering for  more information†¦ There are many voices out there today, each one clambering for our attention. She was making a nice little profit on it and kept selling stuff she wasnt planning on it because people were clambering for more. Its not a surprise that Europeans and Americans are clambering for Asian elements. Even if one pronounces both words as /klÄÆ'mÉ™r/, its easy to choose the correct one. Try substituting the word climb or call and see which one makes more sense: There are many voices out there today, each one climbing for our attention. There are many voices out there today, each one calling for our attention. If climb makes sense in the context, clamber is the word you want. If call makes more sense, clamor is the word you want. 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 Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Cost-Effective vs. Cost-EfficientHow to Play HQ Words: Cheats, Tips and Tricks5 Ways to Reduce Use of Prepositions

Man Caused Environmental Problem essays

Man Caused Environmental Problem essays Air pollution and air quality has been a topic of concern for decades in the United States. While great progress has been made toward cleaning up our air, there is still much left to do to make air quality healthful for the country's citizens. These experts note, "The United States has achieved remarkable progress in reducing air pollution since the Clean Air Act was established in 1970" (Mangun and Henning 229). However, most large cities still experience many days each year where air quality is unhealthful, and these days can lead to health and breathing problems for What causes air pollution' One of the major causes of unhealthy air is automobile emissions, and emissions from factories, power plants, and other industries. Fossil fuels are one of the biggest problems in controlling air pollution. Industries and homes that burn fossil fuels also contaminate the atmosphere, and these fuels must be replaced with cleaner technologies, such as solar and wind power, and other forms of power that are less costly in monetary and air pollution terms. The remainder of these dirty fuels accumulates in the atmosphere. Often they are invisible, but more often, when the accumulate in enough numbers; they become the glaze of smog that hangs over most large cities in the United States. In times of temperature inversion, when heat rises and traps colder air underneath, air pollution and ozone emissions can be trapped in valleys, creating a dangerous situation for the area's air quality. As the Utah Air Quality Web site notes, "Ozone is an invisible gas caused by vehicle emissions in the presence of sunlight and hot temperatures. [] Continued exposure to ozone can cause breathing problems, reduce lung function, irritate eyes and nasal passages and reduce resistance to colds and other infections" ("Air Quality"). Poor air quality can also exacerbate existing condit...

Executive summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Executive summary - Essay Example However, he did not provide concrete assurance of the accounting tactic. This puts the financial position of pension companies at stake. In addition, this is controversial since the move could undermine governments efforts to support, by placing against something solid or rigid, the pension system. As a result, workers worry on the strain the tactic will put on other government agencies designed to protect the retirement of workers. The policy make companies pile up pension bills. In the end, companies struggle to keep up with the mounting bills. It therefore, becomes hard for them to compensate their clients ending up losing customer trust. They become insolvent and unable to meet their obligations to retirees down the road (Monga, 2). Decline in interest rates increases the present value of the deferred pensions. This increases corporate pension deficit since the monetary value of money decreases with time. This is clearly confirmed by Millan who asserts that the largest pensions in U.S have accrued up to $252 billion funding deficiency, which has shot up by $66 billion within a period of one year. Furthermore, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation encounters significant financial challenges. It is funded by premiums paid by pension plans that depend on how many beneficiaries are in a plan. However, those premiums are not enough to cover the costs. When the trust funds are finished, the most likely solution will be a transfer from general revenues, meaning that taxpayers will incur the bill (Monga, 2). Financial management and accountancy for a company is fundamental. With the implementation of the policy, corporations are compelled to channel their cash to activities they had not planned for. For instance, International Paper Company had set aside $ 1 billion to fund its $12.5 billion plan. With this policy, the money had to be put to other investments and projects not

Perceiving The Problem Of Poverty In Modern Society Essay

Perceiving The Problem Of Poverty In Modern Society - Essay Example Acceptance of poverty, however, has not been an easy fact that the people can easily accept (Stark 381). Stimulating stereotype among poor people is a factor that would increase inequality in societies. Even though people have the right to different opinions concerning poor people, the stereotype of individuals based on poverty has brought limited freedom among low-income families. People stereotype the poor based on education. The poor people have the view of being uneducated individuals (Peck 15). The society views the poor as people who were not ready to work towards achieving given goals in school. People in the society view education as the last option of eliminating poverty. This implies that there is an attachment of essentiality on education as the only way for gaining access to wealth. This leads to stereotyping among poor people in society. The biased individuals view the poor as people think that the poor people are in the circumstances due to their liking. This is an aspect of stereotyped behavior. With this respect, there has been a widened gap concerning the different class of people that base on education practices. It gives rise to the learned and unlearned in the society. Such activities have created low freedom among low-income families within the communities. For example, they do not have access to certain urban sectors where people go to stu dy due to low self-esteem and an inability to achieve the same. Additionally, there is bias in evaluating the position of the poor such as lazy in society (Rank 63). They do not recognize poverty as part of life. Some people believe that poor people are individuals who are not ready to take on opportunities that come their way.