Home Building Industry in the United States Essay

Home Building Industry in the United States - Essay Example Housing is globally recognized as productive sector of the economy rather than a form of welfare, because "housing and economic development are closely linked" and it acts as an instrument to improve the GDP. (Housing for Economic Development, 2005). Because a healthy housing stock provides safety for employees, taxes for state and local governments, and more customers for retail and service business, house building industry helps state and regional economy to flourish. Every individual aspire to own individual dwelling unit and buying a home is a major life event. Major life events such as marriage, birth of a child, changes in employment, or retirement particularly influence the decision to purchase a house though mortgage rates, income and expected returns on investment also motivate their decision to invest in residential property. Young adults in the population constitute primary source for home buying and when there is upward trend to housing prices these first-time buyers will be more attracted to enter into homeownership under the notion that rising prices will make future purchases unaffordable. Housing is an important basic need and focus of social concern and should be viewed as one of the key elements of social policy. Some of the U.S markets may not have sufficient housing supply to accommodate the influx of new residents, while the state and local governments may lack the resources to provide supportive services. The ability of Americ a's working immigrant families to obtain decent and affordable housing has implications for the social and economic well-being of the United States. Studies found that there is a direct proportionality between housing price and homeownership, establishing that "housing market's volatility is amplified by buyers' responses to the trends in market fundamentals." (Myers & Ryu, 2008, P.17-33). Housing market provides "mechanism for equity growth, liquidity and financial flexibility for individual households, while also providing relatively safe, productive investments for institutions through secondary mortgage markets." (Housing for Economic Development, 2005). "Housing shortages have historically gone hand-in-hand with rising housing prices and rents, higher housing cost burden, lower homeownership rates, increased crowding, and longer commutes." (Landis, 2000). It is admitted that State's economy is one of the chief determinants of producing more housing units, because when the economy goes into recession housing demand falls quickly and deeply. "Economic recovery revitalizes the housing market, though expansionary peaks rarely even out the recessionary troughs." (Landis, 2000) According to Professor Michael E. Porter of Harvard Business School, "the only reliable test of economic value is sustained profitability, measured by superiority in long-term return on investment" and "industry structure is a key driver of homebuilder profitability". However, he asserts that "market assessments of homebuilding stocks appear to be out of line with other industries that have similar structural characteristics." (Porter, 2003). "The conduct of monetary policy by the Federal Reserve has profound impacts on the housing sector and its contribution to the overall economy" as reducing inflationary

Shakespeare and His Tyrants Essay Example for Free

Shakespeare and His Tyrants Essay Do you know who any of these people are? Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein, Muammar al-Gaddafi or Osama Bin Laden? These men used their authority who exercised power oppressively or despotically. They are defined as tyrants. But even during William Shakespeare’s time there were similar men who terrorised countries. Shakespeare portrays tyrants so that they will always suffer the consequences for their terrible deeds. The most famous of his tyrants are Richard III and Macbeth. In his tragedy Macbeth the main character Macbeth was once a thane (a low-ranking nobleman) and a hero but a prophecy creates a powerful ambition within him for power which leads him to follow a dark path. He ascends the throne by murdering the king and also killed anyone who threatened to take him off the throne. His impending doom loomed over him when a man named Macduff fought Macbeth to avenge the death of his loved ones (who were killed under Macbeth’s order). Macbeth was beheaded in the fight. He was a doomed man at the start. He was prophesised to die at the hands of another man and this shows that tyrants will always suffer in the end. In popular culture tyrants similar to Macbeth are portrayed in remakes of plays, films and video games. A tyrant who was similar is Ulfric Stormcloak from Bethesda Game Studio’s game Skyrim. Ulfric Stormcloak was a Jarl (a chieftain) of the former capital of Skyrim. After learning ancient powers, he abused the knowledge by murdering the High King to take the throne. A war is waged to stop Ulfric. In the end Ulfric Stormcloak is beheaded in a siege on his fortress. This is very similar to Macbeth’s story because both of them are misled by their ambition for power which supports that Shakespeare has influenced the tyrants of popular culture. Richard III in the play of the same name is depicted as being deformed, self-absorbed and wanting nothing more than to gain power. His split personality developed his character. However his undoing and death occurred during a final duel with Richmond (later known as Henry VII of England) at the Battle of Bosworth Field. A tyrant comparable to Richard III is Queen Clementianna in the Snow White remake â€Å"Mirror Mirror†. The Queen is a very beautiful woman but she was narcissistic and cruel to her people. She believed that she was the rightful ruler of the land and orders the murder of Snow White (her step-daughter) which ultimately fails. The Queen talks in her spare time with her own mind (which is the mirror) except it is a much more wiser and younger version of herself. In the end she is foiled by Snow White and suffers her consequences for using dark powers against the King. She is transformed into a witch-like figure and Snow White rescues her long-lost father. Both of these tyrannical people are alike as they are both self-absorbed and deformed in many ways. They never have their happily ever after ending, lose their titles and are hushed away or killed (in Richard III’s case). This shows that tyrants always pay for their crimes. Unfortunately a small number of tyrants never suffer for the atrocious acts that they commit. This is outrageous as the wicked and selfish men and women of our society should suffer for their crimes. Shakespeare’s influence ranges from many popular topics such as love and violence but his portrayal of tyrants is cunningly similar to those of modern day culture. Would he have known that his view on tyrants was never going to change throughout the course of history? Who knows? But we will always know that tyrants were similar in both eras. Being a tyrant will lead to their own demise.

Taylors and Fayols Principles of Management

Taylors and Fayols Principles of Management Question A In 1909, Taylor introduced The Principles of Scientific Management. In this theory, he proposed that by optimizing and simplifying jobs, productivity would increase. Taylor also believe that all workers were motivated by wages, so he published the idea of fair payment with a fair work. In other words, if a worker didnt complete their task, he didnt deserve to be paid as much as another worker who was highly productive. Taylor is a mechanical engineer, he tried to improve industrial efficiency. Taylor is considered as the father of scientific management, he was the first well-known management consultant and director of the company. This theory is just a slight way, because it applies only to the factory. Majority of this theory is on between workers and machines. Taylors scientific management consisted of four principles: First â€Å"They developed a science for each element of a persons work, the rule of thumb is to replace the old way.† This principle tell us that the manager needs to simple habit and general knowledge, and instead use the scientific approach to study work and determine the most efficient way to complete specific tasks. Second  Ã¢â‚¬  They scientifically select and then train, teach, and develop workers, while in the past, he chose his own work and training the best he can.† We can understand this theory as not simply random work is assigned to employees, based on matching workers skills and enthusiasm for work, and develop their work at maximum efficiency. Thirdly they heartily cooperate with the men so as to ensure all of the work being done in accordance with the principles of the science which has been developed. This principle shows that the manager needs to supervise staff performance, and provide direction and oversight to ensure that the most effective way to use on their work. Fourth. â€Å"There is a work of almost equal division of responsibilities between management and workers. Management to take over all the work, they are better fit than the workers, and in the past, almost all of the work and responsibility, most men were thrown out by the.† Assignments between management and workers, the manger spend time planning and training, make sure that employees re able to perform their complete their duties with their maximum effectively. Initially, the cause of science and technology project management is used. This is due to the fact that, Taylor, its inventor, is concerned that these industries. But then operate the technology attracted the attention of other businesses as well. Principles of scientific management can be applied to all types of organizations, including both men and materials to carry out effective management. Scientific management techniques can be used by all economic and social organizations can effectively use. We can conclude that the scope of scientific management is very wide and that is why Taylor himself emphasised that â€Å"the same principle can be applied with equal force to all social activities to the management of our homes; the management of the business of our tradesmen, large and small, of our churches, of our philanthropic institutions, our Universities and our Governmental departments.† Under the Taylor’s theory, it has both advantage and disadvantage. The advantages of this theory is that the conditions of management are clearly defined, cause of the managers job become more easier. Secondly this theory will improve the efficiency of the employees. On the other hand, Taylor’s theory also have disadvantage which are this theory is comparing the performance with each other, it will lead to discontented. Secondly this theory without considering the needs and requirements of the employees, to treat them as machines. Question B Henri Fayol was born in Istanbul in 1841 when he was 19 years old, he started as an engineer at a major mining company in France. He eventually became a director, but this time the mining company employs over 1000 people in the time. Over the years, he began to develop Fayol considered the 14 most important principle management. Essentially, it explains how managers should organize and interact with staff. Fayol was developed 14 principles of management in order to help managers manage their affairs more effectively. Today, these principles are still use but are often interpreted differently. These fourteen principles include: Division of work- when employees are more professional, output can be increased caused by their increasingly skilled and high efficiency. Delegation of Authority- Managers must have the right to give orders, but they also must keep in mind, and authority from responsibility. Discipline- Discipline must adhere to the organization, but the situation may different. Chain of commands- Employees should have one and only one direct supervisor but one manager may have many employers. Congenial workplace- Team has the same target should work under the guidance of a manager by planning. This will ensure proper coordination of movement. Interrelation between individual interests and common organizational goals- A benefit of employees should not be allowed to become more important than the group, includes the management staff. Compensation package- Employee satisfaction depends on everyone equitable remuneration. This includes financial and non-financial compensation. Centralization- This principle refers to the closeness of the staff of the decision making process. Its goal is to provide an appropriate balance is very important. Scalar chains- employees should know that their standing levels of the organization, or the command Order- Workplace and facilities must be keep cleaning, tidy and safe employees. Everything should have its own position. Equity- Managers should be fair to staff at all times, both maintaining discipline as necessary and acting with kindness where appropriate. Job Guarantee- managers should strive to reduce staff turnover. Talent planning should be a priority. Initiatives- Employees should be given the necessary level of freedom, establishment and implementation plans. Team-Spirit- Organizations should strive to promote team spirit and solidarity. In additional, Fayol also has six primary functions of management, which go hand in hand with the Principles, which are Forecasting. Planning, Organizing, Commanding, Coordinating, And Controlling. Fayor is the father of management principles, because he set up the principle of modern management. It has a macro point of view, focusing on management, applicable to the basic principles of management in various fields. The Fayol’s philosophy has advantages. First, in addition to workers division of work, work should be divided, so that workers specializing in a particular job, but also improve the work efficiency. Secondly, there should be a balance of power and responsibilities between management and workers. In addition, he stressed that all staff fairness, kindness and justice organizations. By the action, it promotes a friendly atmosphere between superiors and subordinates. Material is disposed of ideas that he came all should be properly placed, and where everything should be. Loyalty and dedication to the members of solidarity organizations. If employees are loyal, dedicated their time to improve the organizations management also will be looking for afters so their employees welfare and well-being. However, there are some shortcomings in Fayol theory. The drawback is that he is divided into six categories are divided into five business activities and management functions and implement these features into fourteen principles. Another is that when it comes to equity, where workers receive fair and kind to work has become a regular. It also did not pay enough attention to workers. Managers ordered material without consulting staff responsible for this work. Without proper consultation is doing. Some theorists call this inconsistency, very open policy, lack of organization to use. Question C Both of two person have contributed to the development of management science. In these two pioneers in the field of management science contributions were reviewed for Taylor and Fayol manage theory job, of course, especially complementary. They have achieved a key staff and management at all levels of the problem is personal success, whether it is the application of scientific methods to this problem, Taylors work is mainly from the operational level, from the bottom up, while Fayol focused on the general manager and work down, but they are very different careers, a kind of expression. They are different from each other in the following aspects: Taylor looked at the management, from a regulatory point of view and trying to improve the management level of efficiency. He developed the theory of moving upwards. On the other hand, Fayol senior management level down analysis and management. Therefore, Fayol can afford a wider field of vision than Taylor. Taylor said his concept of scient ific management, while Fayol describes his method is the general theory of management. Taylors main purpose to improve labor productivity and eliminate all types of waste through standardization work and tools. Fayol trying to develop a general theory of management, and stressed the need for teaching management theory. Taylor to focus on the fact that the attention of management and his principles are applicable to the workshop. But Fayol general principles of centralized management and administration wheel can also apply at all. Similar both emphasize mutual cooperation between employment and employees. Areas of human activity Fayol theory compare to Taylor’s theory more widely used, but Taylors concept has undergone great changes in the impact of modern development, but the principles of management Fayol withstood the test of time and still be accepted as management theory core. According to psychologists, Taylors research has the following disadvantages: Ignore the human factor think they are machines. Ignoring the demands of humanity, hopes and aspirations. Separation of planning and doing. Dissatisfaction compare performance with others. Not the best way to solve the problem of scientific management is not an optimal way. REFERENCES http://www.ukessays.com/essays/commerce/important-elements-of-taylors-philosophy-commerce-essay.php http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/scientific-management/scientific-management-nature-and-scope-of-scientific-management-explained/25839/ http://www.studymode.com/subjects/contribution-of-henri-fayol-to-management-theory-and-philosophy-page1.html http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/henri-fayol.htm

Laura Briggs Reproducing Empire: Race, Sex, Science, and U.S. Imperial

Laura Briggs' Reproducing Empire: Race, Sex, Science, and U.S. Imperialism in Puerto Rico In Reproducing Empire, Laura Briggs provides her readers with a very thorough history of the mainland U.S. and Puerto Rican discourses and its authors surrounding Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans, from Puerto Rico's formation in the mainland elite's "mind" as a model U.S. (not) colony in 1898* to its present status as semi-autonomous U.S. territory. Briggs opens her book by discussing the origins of globalization in U.S. and western European colonialism, and closes with a review of her methods, in which she calls for a new focus on subaltern studies, including a (re)focus on the authors of information (who she claims as the subjects of this book) as a lens through which to circumvent the "neglect and obsessive interest†¦in the service of the imperial project in Puerto Rico" (207). Briggs identifies herself in her epilogue- "I am a US. Anglo whose ties to the island are only love and a relentless sense that that just as the history of the island is inescapably tied to the mainland, so the mainland's history is reciprocally tied to the island" (206). Briggs notes that there is an active history of dissociation of Puerto Rico as part of the U.S., and that to speak only of Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico as true Puerto Ricans, or to construct Puerto Rico as economically unconnected to the U.S. is a misconception, which has been historically employed to blame Puerto Rico for the U.S.' subordination of it. Briggs' records Puerto Rico's history as a "model," "testing site," or "laboratory' for U.S. colonial rule, centering on the ways in which this has functioned in relation to or through (control of) Puerto Rican working class women an... ... note that island organizations that supported birth control for other reasons often utilized funding from these larger foundations. *****While Briggs condemns the stance of most radical to conservative mainland organizations in terms of the sterilization/anti-sterilization debate, she notes at length the ways in which a variety of Puerto Rican activists, such as the Young Lords, circumvented the racist culture of poverty arguments and the dominant tendency to deny agency to their subjects in their political activism outside of this debate. Her judgments on the subject of engagement with a culture of poverty argument are complex, as are the usefulness of deciding what activism is better from her perspective as an academic outsider. I will return to this in terms of the potential usefulness of the intersections between internal and (external?) colonial theory.

Lockie Leonard Proflie Essay

Lockie Leonard is 13 year old boy but he turns 14 in the book. He lives in a small town called Angelus with his family of 5, his dad’s name is Sarge and his mum’s name is Joy, he has a little brother and sister named Phillip and Blob. Blob is just a todler who can not walk or talk yet, Phillip thinks heis a mad scientist and likes to check girls out â€Å"A note from the teacher saying that he was obsessed with sex†p. 184, and he also still wets the bed and he is 11 years old. His best friend is Egg but he moved away, but they still talk by letters. Lockie is in love with Viki Streeton, according to him she is the hottest girl in school. His mum was depressed and crying all the timeand no one had any idea what was going on especially Lockie, Lockie was very troubled by this he was confused. Joy used to do all the things around thehouse like clean, wash and cook dinner but after she left Lockie had do all these jobs. In doing all these jobs and doing them well and his mum being sick Lockie and Sarge grew closer in there relationship in trusting each and talking to each other. After a while in hospital his mum was gradually getting better, Lockie went to talk to her every day because he missed her and wanted to make sure she was alright. Eventually she got out and she was felling great and had never felt better so Lockie’s life was back to normal, his mum was alright and his relationship with his dad was great and him and Viki had sort of started things again so it was going perfect.

The Incas essays

The Incas essays The Incas were South American Indian people who ruled one of the largest and richest empires in the Americas. The capital of the Incas was centered in Cusco, Peru. The Inca empire was conquered by Spanish forces soon after their arrival in 1532. The Inca were skilled in engineering and in crafts. They built a network of roads linking distant provinces of the empire, and their architecture is known for its great size and skillful construction. Overall Incas were very highly skilled people or professionals at heart. The Incas way of life was not like the Northern Americans way of life. The Incas may have been skilled in craftworks but they were not the most literate people around. They did not develop a writing system so until after the Spanish conquered them there were no written records about them. The Incas survived off of their farms. They did not have plows pulled by animals, in turn they had irrigation systems of their own they built. The main crops of the Inca were corn, potatoes, and oca. They used the corn to make chich, a type of beer. There were many different types of clothing styles for the Incas, it basically depended on what region you lived in. Some of the outfits consist of: alpacas, and llamas made of wool, cotton clothing, fine cloth and jewelry. Another different way of life of the Inca was that they lived in extended-families. The Incas back then were just like people now a days in ways too. Point being that they were determined by social rank. Religion back then was another way they were similar to todays society. They believed that their most important God, Viracocha created them. The Inca had no system of money. They normally would trade things to pay people, although the government controlled that. Other ways to get around other than their network of roads consisted of things such as suspension bridges that still are visible today. The government of the Inca were ruled b...