Themes in A Farewell to Arms

Themes in A Farewell to Arms A Farewell to Arms is a novel that is set during World War 1. It is the story of two lovers, Henry and Catherine and the impact of the war on their life and love. The novel has several strong themes that are continuous throughout the books.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Themes in A Farewell to Arms specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Tragedy The novel ends with Catherine’s death and Henry walking alone back home in the rain. He has lost his baby and the love of his life. When authoring the book, Hemmingway said â€Å"The fact that the book was a tragedy did not make me unhappy since I believed that life was a tragedy and it could only have one end† (Hemmingway, 1948, vii-viii) The author referred to the novel as his Romeo and Juliet. Unlike other forms of tragic narratives where the character suffers as a result of his wrong decision, Henry suffers for committing himself to love. He makes the de cision that the readers desire him to make. He decides to be with his love, and at the end, it turns out to be a sad affair when Catherine dies. As one reads the book, they sense an inevitable doom for the two lovers. The story will not end with them escaping to Switzerland to live a peaceful life. When the tragedy occurs, the readers come to concur with the author’s thoughts on life. It is indeed a tragedy (Merril, 1974). The tragedy is inevitable similar to the way Macbeth could not be forgiven his sins and restored to virtue or Lear be allowed to live his days with the faithful Cordelia. The author from the beginning of the story creates tragic expectations which must be fulfilled for the piece of literature to succeed. The author creates a sense of foreboding in several ways. When Henry thinks Catherine’s courage, he concludes that â€Å"If people bring so much courage to this world the world has to kill them to break them so of course, it kills them†¦it kill s the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially† (Hemmingway, 1948, pg258-259) When the lovers are in Switzerland and the seasons change from summer to autumn, Catherine also has a bad premonition. She tells Henry â€Å"I’m afraid of the rain because sometimes I see me dead in it.†(Hemmingway, 1948, pg131). The rain in the novel is symbolic of the tragedy that will occur.Advertising Looking for research paper on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The pattern of the book’s narrative structure is also a premonition of danger in the future. In the first book, Henry is deep in the war experiencing its horrors. In book two life gets better as he is off the battleground and taken to Milan. He meets Catherine and falls in love. However, in book three, it again changes, and he is back to the war. In book five and six, the couple escapes into Switzerland; however , the reader knows that it will not end well. He waits for the cyclic pattern of peace and turmoil to be fulfilled. War’s devastating effects From the beginning, as the author narrates the story in the setting of World War 1, the reader is shown the horrors and trauma of war. In the second chapter, the landscape is described as â€Å"the forest of oak trees on the mountain beyond the town was gone. The forest had been green in the summer when we had come into the town, but now there were stumps and the broken trunks and the ground torn up.†(Hemmingway, 1948, p6). The war changes the landscape from fruitfulness to barrenness. The first dialogue shows the baiting of a priest by Italian officers. Henry is blown up while consuming a piece of cheese. As he is being transported to the hospital, a dead soldier bleeds all over him. The bleeding soldier had been put above him in the ambulance. The man bleeds on Henry till he dies. Henry remembers that the stream of blood just k ept on flowing. â€Å"In the dark, I could not see where it came from the canvas overhead†¦ After a while, the stream from the stretcher above lessened and started to drip again and I heard and felt the canvas move as the man on the stretcher settled more comfortably. â€Å"How is he?† the Englishman called back. â€Å"We’re almost up.† â€Å"He’s dead I think,† I said (Hemingway, 1948, pg61). Two of his favorite subordinates, Passini and Aymo die, and he feels that they died unreasonably. By the end of the war, his best friend, Rinaldi ends up having a depression. When Henry asks Catherine what happened to his fiancà ©e the way she responds to the questions shows the devastating effects of the war. â€Å"He didn’t have a saber cut. They blew him all to bits† (Hemingway, p20). The author’s choice of words shows how he personally felt about the World Wars. The wounds that the characters get in the war show the way they af fect the individual’s life even when they are away from the battlefield. While Henry is in Milan, he runs into an American-Italian on his convalescenceAdvertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Themes in A Farewell to Arms specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More leave. Ettore Moretti had been injured three times in his body. He had a wound on the shoulder, on the leg, and the foot. Moretti describes his injury in lurid detail. â€Å"There’s dead bone in my foot that stinks right now. Every morning I take new pieces out, and it stinks all the time† (Hemingway, 1948, pg122). There are feelings of helplessness, defeat, and despair. Henry himself also suffers from an injury and has to take some time off recuperating in Milan. The doctor describes his wounds in detail. â€Å"Multiple superficial wounds of the left and right thigh and the left and right knee and right foot. Deep wounds of right knee and foot . Lacerations of the scalpwith possible fracture of the skull. Incurred in the line of duty† (Hemingway, 1948, pg59). Masculinity This is one of the main themes in the novel. Women are portrayed or treated as sexual objects. The reader encounters the first hero, Rinaldi in a brothel. Catherine Barkley is a nurse in the world of the Italians where all the women are viewed as whores. Rinaldi speaks to her and even fantasizes about marriage with her, but eventually, his attitude goes back to the standard attitude of male dominance and chivalry. â€Å"What a lovely girl†¦Does she understand that? She will make you a fine boy. A fine blonde like she is What a lovely girl.†(Hemmingway, 1948, pg99). If one encounters a doctor, he would ask if he is excellent in surgery and can make a fine leg. However, in the novel, Rinaldi thinks whether the nurse is sexually adequate if she will be able to make a fine boy! When Henry comes back from Milan, Rinaldi asks him whether Cathe rine was of practical help to him. The question carries with it a strong sexual connotation. The soldiers visit whores and regard the women as nothing more as the nature of work that they do. When the whores are being loaded into a truck for a retreat, the men start talking about how much they are being overcharged for the women’s services. They speak of the low value they get from them. â€Å"Over in half an hour or fifteen minutes. Sometimes less. Sometimes a good deal less.† (Hemmingway, 1948, pg170-171).Advertising Looking for research paper on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The soldiers in another scene start baiting the priest with sexual jokes, totally disrespecting the nature of the life he has chosen and making him profoundly uncomfortable. There is hostility between Henry and the women in authority. He also shows chivalry and a domineering masculine nature when he interacts with the head of the hospital in Milan, Miss Van Campen. The nurse sees Henry as domineering and rude while Henry sees that she is jealous of the sexual relationship he has with Catherine. He considers Miss Campen as the old maid who persecutes those who have sex as she has never experienced sex herself. In the final struggle with her, he tells her she cannot judge him since she is not a man. Secondly, he does not view her as a full woman either because she has not had any sexual experiences (Fetterley, 1976). Henry does not like being dominated by any woman who is evident when he speaks of his experiences with whores. â€Å"Does she(the whore) say that she loves him? Yes if h e wants her to. Does he say he loves her? He does if he wants to† (Hemmingway, 1948, pg105). Catherine in speaking of her dead fiancà ©e tells Henry how he wanted them to have sex. However, Catherine was reluctantly bound by the traditional mindsets of the society at that time. This shows the difference in how men and women perceived sex at that time. It is a casual affair for the men while it carries significant weight for the women. Lack of heroism The author does not show the traditional kind of hero that is often portrayed in war literature books. When comparing Henry to these heroes, he immediately falls short or pales in comparison. In the period that Henry is first called to serve at the Italian Front, Henry does not show any heroic thoughts on the war or retribution. He spends idyllic days with his friends in brothels and cafes. â€Å"I watched the snow falling, looking out of the window of the bawdy house, the house for officers, where I sat with a friend and two gl asses drinking a bottle of Asti† (Hemingway,1948, pg6). There are feelings of detachment from Henry concerning the war (Silvester, 2002). He is not involved emotionally in the process. He goes ahead and naively thinks â€Å"well, I knew I would not be killed. Not in this war. It did not have anything to do with me. It seemed no more dangerous than a war in the movies†(Hemingway, 1948, pg37). Henry at the beginning of the novel is a naà ¯ve man on the war and its close devastating effects (Dodman, 2006). When Catherine asks why as an American he is fighting in the Italian army, Henry gives a lot of evasive answers. It is an odd thing which Catherine mentions to him, but Henry just comments that in life there are at times when there is no explanation for everything. This shows the lack of traditional heroism attributes in Henry again. A heroic individual would have taken the opportunity to elaborate on the importance of fighting in the war and the reasons for his actions . He describes how his injury occurred while he was eating cheese. There are no glorified stories as he narrates the incident. He does not show heroism or patriotism. They are almost irrelevant to him (Hatten, 1993) He also feels a lot of helplessness at his role as an ambulance driver in the war. He does not see how he plays a critical role in the whole process. Henry observes that â€Å"Everything seemed in good condition. It evidently made no difference whether I was there or not. I had imagined that the condition of the cars, whether, or not things were obtainable, the smooth functioning of the business of removing wounded and sick from the dressing stations depended to a considerable extent on myself. Evidently it did not matter whether I was there or not (Hemingway, 1948, pg16). Initially, he had thought he was important, and the smooth running of operations depended on him. Henry faces the reality of the war and its horrors in the battleground that totally shatters the way he used to see things. Certain concepts lose meaning. The value of a man’s life seems not to carry much weight as he sees the dead soldiers. His thoughts are now devoid of any heroism or similar concepts. He concludes that the â€Å"Abstract words such as glory, honor courage, or hallow were obscene†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Hemingway, 1948, pg185). He is under such trauma that he says â€Å"I had seen nothing sacred, and the things that were glorious had no glory, and the sacrifices were like the stockyards at Chicago if nothing was done with the meat except to bury it† (Hemingway, 1948, pg185). The honor and glory of the dead soldier are not expressed by Catherine either when she speaks of her dead fiancà ©e. She tells Henry that her fiancà ©e was killed and that was the end. Her actual words are that he was blown to bits. There is no portrayal of the woman who despite her loss speaks of her brave and patriotic man who participated in the war and lost his life. In the end, He nry gives in to his desire to be with Catherine and deserts the army. He feels a lot of shame though for what he has done and tells Catherine that they live like criminals. l wish we did not always have to live like criminals, I said. Darling, dont be that way. You havent lived like a criminal very long l feel like a criminal. Ive deserted from the army. Darling, please be sensible. It s not deserting from the army. Its only the Italian army. (Hemmingway, 1948, pg251) Escapism There is the element of individuals seeking escape in A Farewell to Arms. Catherine meets Henry when she is mourning for her dead fiancà ©. She does not really deal with her pain but immediately starts flirting and engaging in a romance with Henry. She uses love to escape from the pain. Similarly, Henry has seen the horrors of war which have had a significant impact on him. He also escapes into a love relationship with Catherine. In the end, he even escapes from his duties and goes with Catherine to Switzer land where they can live an idyllic life. He, however, does feel guilty for the decisions that he has made. They, therefore, find a form of temporary solace from the pain they have experienced. What started as a pleasant distraction for both of them soon becomes what sustains them and prevents them from going crazy in their minds. The novel portrays that love has some curative properties for the ones who choose to use it in order to escape from pain. However, the individual who still uses love to escape pain can never really be wholly healed; he will always to some extent be in pain. Love, therefore, is shown as a metaphor for illness and cure (Lahrmann, 2006) Love In the book, love is a recurrent theme that plays a significant role both in Henry’s and Catherine’s lives. The way the couple relates shows the depth of their feelings for each other. Looking at what Catherine tells Henry concerning her feelings, they are now past the age of flirting to deep feelings for ea ch other. Initially, they had been playing and flirting with each other which Catherine knows very well. â€Å"I did not love Catherine Barkley nor had any idea of loving her. This was a game like bridge, in which you said things instead of playing cards This is a rotten game we play, isnt it? What game? Dont be dull. Im not, on purpose. Youre a nice boy, she said. And you play it as well as you know how. But its a rotten game. Do you always know what people think? Not always. But I do with you. You dont have to pretend you love me. Thats over for the evening But I do love you. Please lets not lie when we dont have to. I had a very fine little show, and Im all right now. (Hemmingway,1948, pg 30- l). Catherine’s fiancà © had been killed in the war, and after nearly a year in mourning, she was still in pain. Henry was initially a diversion, a stand-in for the time being to play with. When Catherine slaps Henry in another scene, he gets angry but is certain of conquering her . He plans to achieve mastery of the game, seeing their interaction together as moves in a chess game. Later, they fall in love and their conversation changes. Catherine, deep in love tells Henry â€Å"Ill say just what you wish and Ill do what you wish, and then you will never want any other girls will you? There isnt any me any more. Just what you want. (Hemmingway, 1948, pg115) Catherine is very submissive even as she expresses her love to her man (Lockridge, 1988) â€Å"There isnt any me. I m you. Youre my religion. Youre all Ive got (Hemmingway, 1948, pg 116). Henry, in the beginning, had portrayed himself as an individual who does not love at all. He had told the priest that he does not love. In the course of the novel; however, he falls deeply in love with Catherine, abandons the army and escapes with her into Switzerland. Dodman, Trevor. â€Å"Going All to Pieces: A Farewell to Arms as Trauma Narrative† Twentieth Century Literature,52.3 (2006):249-274. Print. Fett erley, Judith. â€Å"A Farewell to Arms: Hemingways â€Å"Resentful Cryptogram† The Journal of Popular Culture, X:1 (1976): 203–214. Print. Hatten, Charles. â€Å"The Crisis of Masculinity, Reified Desire, and Catherine Barkley in A Farewell to Arms Journal of the History of Sexuality, 4.1(1993): 76-98. Print. Hemingway, Ernest. A Farewell to Arms. New York. 1948. Print. Lahrmann, Jessica. â€Å"Metaphorical Illness in Hemingways Works.† College Undergraduate Research Electronic Journal (2006): 1-30. https://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=httpsredir=1article=1016context=curejseiredir=1#search=%22escape%20from%20pain%20farewell%20arms%20journal%22 Lockridge, Ernest. â€Å"Faithful in Her Fashion: Catherine Barkley, the Invisible Hemingway Heroine†. The Journal of Narrative Technique, 18.2(1988): 170-178. Print. Merril, Robert. â€Å"Tragic Form in a Farewell to Arms.† American Literature, 45. 4(1974): 571-579. Print. Silvester, K atie. â€Å"The Wound in War Literature: An Image of Heroism† Chrestomathy: Annual Review of Undergraduate Research at the College of Charleston, 1(2002):214-231. Print.

How Marketing Is Done On an International Scale Research Paper

How Marketing Is Done On an International Scale - Research Paper Example This paper illustrates that culture is the â€Å"collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from another.† It is a phenomenon that involves the values, ideas, practices, â€Å"artifacts and other meaningful symbols† that enable people to understand each other for easier communication. Culture in itself also encompasses the goals that are shared by a community. It embraces the way of life of a group of people, which may differ from the next group. Some of the factors that contribute to such differences are the behaviors and practices of previous generations, which are in turn passed on to the next generation by way of tradition. All of these factors, embodied by culture, influences how one treats a fellow human being, how one communicates and negotiates, how one processes information and formulates a decision. The values that are inherent in culture help mold an individual in making important decisions such as wo rk and may be the determining factor in helping that individual achieve success. Understanding the culture of a group of people is very important in marketing, especially in such a field as complex as international marketing. This is because everything that a consumer does, even down to the way the consumer thinks, is heavily influenced by his/her culture. This is what makes marketing quite challenging, because cultures vary from one to another, and there are always changes introduced to groups of people that would also modify their culture. Indeed, the culture in the 19th century is different from how it is currently. In the same way, marketing strategies are also bound to change.

Market monopoly and Oilygopoly market Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Market monopoly and Oilygopoly market - Essay Example In market monopoly the producer is in a state to bargin with government and the customers. He can set his own arbitrary policies and everyone is bound to follow as there is no other option In market monopoly the producer spends very minimum amount on marketing and advertising In market monopoly the producer makes enough profit which can be further invested for the betterment of the company Disadvantages of Market monopoly Since the producer can set price according to his own wish as there is no competition, this can be harmful for the customers, they tend to pay high prices Exploitation of labor can take place in market monopoly In certain cases absence of competition leads to inefficiency and the company doesn’t progress much. There is not much variety available for the customers No substitutes available Oilygopoly market: Oligopoly is a common market form. In Oilygopoly market there are more than two producers who are manufacturing the same product with very less difference. There is cut throat competition in the market. Characteristics of Oilygopoly market Because there are more than two producers of the same product and there is cut throat competition, each producer keep notice of what other is doing. They are likely to aware of each other’s actions and that’s how they set their policies and market strategies for example, Company A launched a new advertisement campaign to promote their product. Now even Company B and Company C will launch some new market strategy or advertisement campaign to ensure that their sells don’t drop because of company’s a new advertisement campaign. The decision of one producer... Micro economics deal with individuals and how they earn their livelihood whereas macroeconomics deals with aggregate issues or the economy as a whole. Macroeconomics consists of concepts that can be applied to the entire world. according to Economic Glossary â€Å"Macroeconomics is derived from (from "macro(o)-" meaning "large" + "economics") is a branch of economics dealing with the performance, structure, behavior, and decision-making of the entire economy. This includes a national or global economy". In economics a financial market is a place which allows buying and selling activities, there are many manufacturers and consumers available in the market. There are many products available for the same type hence that raises competition in the market. There are different types of competition and different types of markets available in an economic sense. Let us discuss the different market structures in detail market monopoly: The word â€Å"monopoly† means one or â€Å"the only†. The monopolistic market is when there is only one producer and there is no one else who manufactures the same product. A market monopoly exists when the single firm/company is the only supplier or producer of a certain product. The monopolistic market is when there is only one producer and there is no one else who manufactures the same product whereas in Oligopoly market there are more than two producers who are manufacturing the same product with very less difference. In market monopoly the producer has the divine power and market share, he can set his own arbitrary policies.

Ergonomics with Hand and Power Tools Essay Example for Free

Ergonomics with Hand and Power Tools Essay Ergonomics, derived from the root word ergon which means work and nomos which means laws, is the study of the related interaction of humans and the objects being used to perform a specific task, process, or function. It is considered system-oriented regulations and practices applicable to various facets of human activities. Its main concern is on optimizing human performances and well being at the same time achieving a desirable system output or performance. In a simple term, correct ergonomic design will prevent humans or workers from repetitive or continuous injuries due to strain or stress on a specific part of their bodies, which if not corrected will lead to a possible long-term injury or worst, disability. To achieve this objective, humans or the workers must â€Å"fit† to the given tasks or work. Their limitations and capabilities are given into account to ensure that the equipment, tasks, output information, and the environment will suit each worker. To access the person and their related work, the ergonomists (individual specializing on ergonomics design) considers the tasks being done and its related demands towards the worker; the necessary equipment (shape, size, process); and the information being used (how it is accessed, changed, or presented). Usually, ergonomists utilizes references from other field of disciplines such as mechanical engineering, industrial engineering and design, anthropometry, physiology, psychology, and biomechanics. Often times, the principles of Ergonomic can be seen on the innovation of the equipment or machine, and the creation or enhancement of safety procedures. The field of ergonomics is actually divided into three major domains: The Physical ergonomics, which is concerned with the human physiological, anatomical, biomechanical, and anthropometric characteristics, as they are associated to specific physical activities. Examples of which are the postures during work, layout of the workplace, health and safety, handling of materials, continuous repetitions of movement; the Cognitive part of ergonomics which is concerned with the mental activities such as memory, perception, reasoning and psychomotor responses, as these influences the inherent interactions between humans and the system (tasks, machines or equipment, and information). Examples of which are the human and computer interactions, decision making, and mental work stress and work load; the Organizational ergonomics which is concerned in optimizing systems with respect to organizational structures, processes, procedures, and policies. Examples of which are ergonomics within the community, crew communication and resource, quality management, virtual organizations, and teamwork. Aside from this three major domain, there are five aspects of ergonomics, which concerns on the following: Aesthenics – example is the signage used in the workplace in such a way that it would be pleasing and at the same time provides information will be very much accessible to the workers. Comfort – example is the design of an alarm clock should give emphasis on its contrast in the dark so that eyestrain can be avoided. Safety – example is the labeling on the bottle of medicine should be ergonomically designed in terms of color and size of letters so that the patient with impaired visions can see more clearly the dosage. Ease of use – example is the street light should be strategically and visually located to be accessible to the motorists so that possible accidents may be prevented. Performance and productivity – example is the use of a specific machine in the sense that the worker must be ergonomically situated to prevent accident and maximize performance and productivity. Consequences of ignoring ergonomics include some but not all of the following: strain and injuries, increase lost time, less output in production, high material and medical costs, absenteeism, increased probability of work-related errors and accidents, and low quality of work (Holland, 2000). History The foundation of ergonomics have been seen in the culture of the Ancient Greece around 5th Century in the design principles of their hand tools, and workplaces. Very eminent were the hand tools in the form of axes, adzes, cramps, vices, benches, planes, gouges and chisel, pliers, pincers saws, rasps, and files. The usual handle at that time was made of wood and the antlers of reindeers were sharpened to create a sharp edge. The wooden handle was not smooth and has curvatures to fit the grip of the user. The sharp edge was almost tied to be perpendicular to the handle so that the worker’s arm can have a thrust on the object being cut. Since ergonomic was not prevalent at that time, the design of the handle as well as the orientation of the sharp edge illustrates the principle of ergonomics. These materials were used during 6000 BC then at around 3000 BC bronze and copper materials replaced the sharp edges. Screw vices were eminent during the 17th century Roman and Greek period. pegs were driven unto pre-bored holes on top of the bench. Again these were made of wooden parts not until the early 19th century that it was replaced by metal cramps and the design was changed to a â€Å"G† cramp structure. Planes during the 17th and 18th century manifests carved decorations and scrolled handles. During the 19th century major improvements were made wherein double cutting edge and iron were designed to prevent tearing. Early hammers were in the form of simple hand- held stones and made of iron, bronze, and steel. The early Romans used nails that lead to the development of the claw hammer at present (Marmaras, 1999). The evolution of power tools began in 1813, when a shaker in the name of Sister Tabitha Babbit, had a vision of a teeth ringing around a rim of the wheel spinning. This led to the development of the principles of sawing. Before Babbitt’s vision, sawing usually comprised of two-long ripsaws handled by two workers from one end to another. The spinning wheel were soon incorporated by circular blade then later on being run by machines through electricity rather than being actually performed by humans. The principle of the spinning wheel design contributed to the innovation of the sawmill. Ergonomically, the two-long rip saw proved to be very inadequate for two workers were needed to accomplish the task. In the development of the spinning wheel, one person is only needed to accomplish the task enhancing productivity. In 1867, Wilhelm Fein developed the first power hand drill through incorporating a minute electric motor to able to drill. Ergonomically, both hands were used to hand drill cast- iron and heavy metals, and shoulder strap and breastplate were used to prevent injury. Justus Traut, an employee of Stanley Rule and Level co. , developed the first ergonomically designed handles designed to make tools easier to hold such as block planes and levels. The patent was known to be the â€Å"Hand-y† grooves. Edmund Michel and Joseph Sullivan, in 1923, created a circular saw, which was in the form of a power hand tool to cut specifically lumbers, which was eventually called the â€Å"Skillsaw†. The evolution of hand and power tools is vast that only brief descriptions are given above. The principles of ergonomics can be seen on every design with emphasis on the functionality and safety of the user. Innovations on the materials used were obvious and technology changes the type of materials, design, and procedures, in conjunction with sound ergonomics principles (Sanders, 1993). Ergonomics applied to Hand and Power Tools Tools are considered one of the equipment being used in everyday activities. Whether it is intended for work, house hold activities, or creating something during leisure times, the necessary knowledge on the nature of the tools, how it is being operated, its corresponding risks, and the proper ergonomic procedures should be considered. Usually, tools are manufactured with safety taken into consideration when it is being used by humans or by the workers, but it can still possibly pose relevant hazards when used inappropriately. Tools are categorized into two parts: The non-powdered tools which includes screw drivers, pry bars, wrenches, axes, etc. ; and the power tools, which utilizes electricity to become functional, includes, hydraulics, electric- pneumatic, and powder actuated. The applications of Ergonomics manifested on the safety of the user and to their co-workers, to the quality of work and the overall process. Hazards should be considered as a basis for an ergonomic recommendations and approaches. Hazards of Using Hand Tools The hazards of using hand tools may emanate from the user itself: improper handling and maintenance, and misuse. Ergonomic Recommendations Since the hazard on using hand tools greatly depend more on the nature and awareness of the user, the following ergonomic solutions are advised: †¢ The worker or the user has a direct responsibility for the maintenance, proper use, and safe conditions of the hand tools being used. †¢ The workers must be trained that sharp ends of the hand tools such as those of knives and saw blades should be kept directed away from other nearby workers. †¢ Scissors and knives should be kept sharp at all times since dull tools can be more dangerous than sharp ones. †¢ The working area or specifically the floors should be kept dry and clean at all times to prevent workers from accidentally slipping with a sharp hand tool on their hands. †¢ On working inside a flammable substance environment, spark-resistant tools should be made for hand tools such as aluminum, brass, plastics, or wood. Power Tools Hazards When not properly used, power tools can cause harm and injuries, since it is utilizing electricity to operate. Ergonomic Recommendations †¢ Avoid carrying the tool by using hose or cord. †¢ Do not attempt to pull the hose or the cord to disconnect it from the receptacle. †¢ Tools should be disconnected from the power source before charging or servicing parts. †¢ Both hands should be used to operate the tool; secure the work with a vise or clamp. †¢ Keep the finger away from the on button unless the tool is to be operated. †¢ Keep the manufacturer’s manual for maintenance instructions on lubrication and changing parts. †¢ Always maintain good stance or balance when utilizing power tools. †¢ Avoid wearing accessories that may interfere when using power tools. †¢ Tag tools that are defective and keep it away from the working tools. Different ergonomic approaches are also considered on Guards, electric tools, powered abrasive wheel tools, pneumatic tools, powder-actuated tools, hydraulic tools, and jack hammers. Guard †¢ The safety guard should never be removed whenever a power tools is in operation. Electric tools †¢ These tools should have a three-wired cord with the third wire being the grounding wire to avoid electric shock. †¢ Always operate electric tools within the limit of their design specifications. †¢ Always wear protective gloves, and safety shoes. †¢ Store the tools in a dry and secured place. †¢ Do not operate the tools on wet or damp places to avoid electric shock. †¢ The working area should be well illuminated. Powered Abrasive Wheel Tools These tools are used for cutting, grinding, and polishing where when utilized may throw off fragments that can harm workers. Whenever this kind of power tool is used, always bear in mind the following ergonomic recommendations: †¢ Always use protection goggles for the eyes. †¢ Do not stand directly in line with the front wheel not until it reached its full working speed. †¢ The wheel should be inspected before mounting it to the tool. †¢ Turn off the power when the tool is not in use. †¢ Never use vise on clamping hand-held grinders. Pneumatic Tools The different types of pneumatic tools are hammers, drills, sanders, and chippers, and usually use compressed air to operate. The hazard of which is that a worker may be stroked by one of the tools fastener or attachments. Given below are some of the ergonomic recommendations. †¢ Always wear eye goggles for protection, ear buds for protection and a face guard. †¢ The hose should be checked if it is fastened securely †¢ A retainer or a safety clip must be installed to prevent the attachments from being drawn towards the barrel. †¢ Protective screens should be set up to protect nearby workers from the fragments †¢ Avoid pointing pneumatic tools directly towards another person or workers. Powder- Actuated Tools This kind of power tools should be treated with extreme caution and only trained personnel can use such tools. Hydraulic Tools †¢ Only use approved fire resistant fluid that can retain its properties when exposed. †¢ Do not exceed the recommended manufacturer’s operating pressure. Jacks †¢ All jacks must always have a form of a safety device that will enable the tool to stop. †¢ The load limit must not be exceeded. †¢ Secure the base to be stable and on a level surface. †¢ Proper maintenance should be observed: regular lubrications and checking on parts for damages. Given above are only some, but not all, of the safety procedures that must be observed in using hand and power tools. These relatively illustrate several safety practices based on the probable hazards among the workers. Since one of the major concerns of ergonomics is the safety of the workers, the procedures above â€Å"fits† workers and equipment to achieve desired result with minimal loss or injury. Generally workers using hand and power tools can be categorized into three model groups: the professionals who are skilled on using such tools; the so-called itinerant worker who is considered to be skilled and trained but with less experience and mostly self-thought; and the last is the one who only purchased a power tool for home use with no professional training after all. Since the first model comprised the professional groups, they can be considered as a skilled worker having sufficient knowledge and training on using such tools. Ergonomic considerations for such users should be emphasized on the safety functions of the tools such as limiting shields, retracting guards, safety catches, locks, and automatic stops. However, on the second and on the third model group, an awareness of the safety standards is a must aside from the safety features of the tools. These safety standards usually contained in the Occupational Safety and Health Hazards lists the minimal requirements on power hand tools. Examples of such are the following: Portable Circular Saws – These tools should be equipped with a guard below and above the base shoe or plate. Swing or Sliding Cut-off Saws – these tools should be provided with a hood that will totally enclose the upper half portion of the saw. Electric Power operated tools – these tools should have double insulation or be grounded accordingly. Hand Tools unsafe hand tools should not be given permit; impact tools should be inspected free of mushroom heads; wooden handles should be free from defects or cracks. Aside from the safety standards, practices and procedures for hand and power tools, several ergonomic innovations are being created to increase the safety of the workers especially for the third model group. Several examples of ergonomic innovations on hand and power tools are the Craftsman’s Twin cutter (Fig. 1), the Arbortech Allsaw 150 (Fig. 2), and the Saw stop system (Fig. 3). These innovations, intended mostly for the third model group, provides safety, and improved functionality to achieve comfortable handles, better balance, and self-holding triggers. Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Conclusion To eventually avoid the possible hazards associated in using power tools, the workers must learn how to recognize the relevant risks in using such equipment and its safety procedures on handling and using such. All workers must be trained in using hand and power tools to avoid accidents. Safety helmets, goggles, ear buds, and uniforms must be provided to workers exposed on splashing fragments caused by the power tools. Hazardous areas where the power tools are being used should also be in consideration to avoid accidents. Different power tools innovations are now being considered to provide safety and functionality to those who are not a skilled user or worker. Over all, principles of ergonomics apply to broad applications: safety and innovations are some of the very applications of this in relation of utilizing hand and power tools. REFERENCES Hollands, James (2000). Engineering Psychology and Human Performance. Prentice Hall. Karl, Kroemer (2001). Ergonomics : How to Design for Ease and Efficiency (2nd Ed. ). Prentice Hall International Marmaras, Nathaniel (1999). Ergonomic Design in Ancient Times. Prentice Hall. Sanders, Mark and McCormick, Ernest (1993). Human Factors in Engineering and Design (7th Ed. ). McGraw Hill International. Stanton, Nate (2005). Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics Models. CRC Press Tilley, Alvin (2002). The Measure of Man and Woman: Human Factors in Design. McGraw Hill.

Versatile Change Strategy: Thriving in a Complex World Essay -- busine

Abstract This paper presents a perspective of the multifaceted components associated with change and offers insight on the strategy to effectively manage the change. For the purpose of exploring an actual change process, I have chosen the area of increasing productivity and the rising demands organizations have today to do more with less. I have chosen the subject because of the critical nature of the requirement to change and the firm belief that organizations that do not take a pro-active and holistic approach are destined to fail. Surviving and thriving in a multifaceted world requires a versatile change strategy. There must be more variety in the strategy than in the system you are trying to change (Bennet & Bennet, 2004). This is similar to a common saying that implies we cannot envision the future or change the present with the same thought or intellect processes that we carry from the past or that we used to get to the present. One way of looking at accomplishing the task of breaking out of the old mold is to use a combination of past experiences and adding them to current realities and then projecting a vision of the future to be created with the synergy created by the all of the joined forces. The ICAS (Intelligent Complex Adaptive System) change strategy refers to a connectedness of choices. This means having a clear direction for the future with a cohesive understanding of why that direction is desirable coupled with individual decisions, support, knowledge and sharing and some common beliefs and values (Bennet & Bennet, 2004). Conventional wisdom cannot alone sustain the strategy, and is many times restricted by habit and pre-conceived notions. Habits are funny things. We reach for them mindlessly,... ...Natural Intelligence. Boston. Red Wheel/Weiser. Moore, Christopher. (1996). The Mediation Process. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Robbins, S., & Judge, T. (2007). Organizational Behavior. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education. Senge, P. (1990). The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization. New York: Doubleday. Chapter 11 Page 11 Shani, A, & Pasmore, W., (1985). Organization Inquiry: Towards a New Model of the Action Research Process. Glenview: Scott, Foresman. Van de Ven, A., (1986). Central Problems in the Management of Innovation. Management Science. pp. 590-607. Wells, S., (2001). Making Telecommuting Work. HRMagazine. October. pp. 34-45. Zivnuska, S., Kiewitz, C., Hochwarter, W., Perrewe, P., & Zellars, K., (2002). What Is Too Much Or Too Little? Journal of Applied Social Psy

How to Get Motivated Essay

Motivation is literally the desire to do things. It’s the difference between waking up before dawn to pound the pavement and lazing around the house all day. It’s the crucial element in setting and attaining goals—and research shows you can influence your own levels of motivation and self-control. So figure out what you want, power through the pain period, and start being who you want to be. 5 Keys to Unlock Your Creative Motivation Motivation is a much more complex process than just â€Å"wanting† to do something. When you’re working on a creative project and the going gets tough, if you’re not motivated enough, you’ll quit. And it always gets tough, whether you’re a novelist, artist, musician, or even a creative entrepreneur. In my own research with highly experienced writers, I found that motivators are often combined for best effect. Here, then, are 5 ways to raise your motivation level: 1. Increase the challenge of your project. Try something you’ve never done before. When I interviewed bestselling novelist Diana Gabaldon, she told me that she once gave herself the challenge of writing a â€Å"triple-nested flashback.† For many of us, concocting an ordinary flashback is challenge enough, but those are a snap for her. 2. Change your creative method for the stimulation of a fresh approach. I f you typically write with an outline, try not to. Or begin writing without an ending in mind. If you never write with a plan, see what happens if you plan ahead. Even if it doesn’t work, you’ll learn something. Here’s Wells Tower, author of a volume of short stories, Everything Ravaged Everything Burned: I can never coldly write a story; it doesn’t work. I’ve tried it where I have an outline, and I’ll think this is going to be so easy, but when I sit down of course it’s not. You have to get into a state of autohypnosis and let the story be what it wants to be. 3. Create from a different point of view. Do you always write in first-person? Do you never write in first-person point of view? Try the opposite. Or create something artistic from the point of view of the bicycle, or the car, or the dog or cat, or the new immigrant or the alien from outer space. 4. Look deeper to find your intrinsic motivation. Here’s how poet Ralph Angel put it: As much as I hate to admit it, I’ve learned in recent years that writing, even more than some of the most important relationships in my life, is where I am most in touch with myself, and, worst case scenario, people I love die and my life goes on. But if anything took me away from the work, I would be separated somehow from myself. 5. Forget about the goal and find the fun. This is the most crucial key to entering flow. Put all thought of audience aside for the time being and find something pleasurable about what you’re trying to create. If it’s not fun, figure out why not and make it more engaging for yourself. There’s nothing trivial about fun, as I’ve found in my talks with great creative individuals. It’s one of the many motivators that bring them back to the work they do, day in and day out. The 3 Biggest Myths About Motivation That Won’t Go Away Just Write Down Your Goals, and Success is Guaranteed! There is a story that motivational speakers/authors love to tell about the Yale Class of 1953.Researchers, so the story goes, asked graduating Yale seniors if they had specific goals they wanted to achieve in the future that they had written down. Twenty years later, the researchers found that the mere 3% of students who had specific, written goals were wealthier than the other 97% combined. Isn’t that amazing? It would be if it were true, which it isn’t. I wish it were that simple. To be fair, there is evidence that getting specific about what you want to achieve is really important. (Not a guaranteed road to fabulous wealth, but still important.) In other words, specificity is necessary, but it’s not nearly sufficient. Writing goals down is actually neither – it can’t hurt, but there’s also no hard evidence that writing per se does anything to help. Just Try to Do Your Best! Telling someone, or yourself, to just â€Å"do your best† is believed to be a great motivator. It isn’t. Theoretically, it encourages without putting on too much pressure. In reality, and rather ironically, it is more-or-less permission to be mediocre. Edwin Locke and Gary Latham, two renown organizational psychologists, have spent several decades studying the difference between â€Å"do your best† goals and their antithesis: specific and difficult goals. Evidence from more than 1,000 studies conducted by researchers across the globe shows that goals that not only spell out exactly what needs to be accomplished, but that also set the bar for achievement high, result in far superior performance than simply trying to â€Å"do your best.† That’s because more difficult goals cause you to, often unconsciously, increase your effort, focus and commitment to the goal, persist longer, and make better use of the most effective strategies. Just Visualize Succe ss! Advocates of â€Å"positive thinking† are particularly fond of this piece of advice. But visualizing success, particularly effortless success, is not just unhelpful – it’s a great way to set yourself up for failure. Few motivational gurus understand that there’s an awfully big difference between believing you will succeed, and believing you will succeed easily. Realistic optimists believe they will succeed, but also believe they have to make success happen – through things like effort, careful planning, persistence, and choosing the right strategies. They don’t shy away from thinking â€Å"negative† thoughts, like what obstacles will I face? and how will I deal with them? Unrealistic optimists, on the other hand, believe that success will happen to them, if they do lots and lots of visualizing. Recent research shows that this actually (and once again, ironically) serves to drain the very energy we need to reach our goals. People who sp end too much time fantasizing about the wonderful future that awaits them don’t have enough gas left in the tank to actually get there.

Marketing Strategies for Brave Software Company Free Essay Example, 1000 words

Using the Brave Software Company s brand name for the new range of products (software based products) will be useful in maintaining a wider customer base. The brand extension makes the acceptability of new products easy. Moreover, it will enhance the parent brand image as well as saving the cost that would have been incurred in developing a new brand. Multi branding extension The company will also employ multi-branding as a method of soaking up some of the market shares. This approach will help the company in occupying a large shelf space leaving little room for competitors. Another upper hand of this method is that it will saturate the market by filling all quality and price gaps. The approach will also obtain a new set of customers who prefer experimenting with different brands. New brands The Company may also develop a new brand that will focus on improving the faults of the products already in the market. A new brand will give the company an opportunity of setting their rules and interacting in a more personalized manner with the customers. Also, the company will enjoy the benefit of being highly flexible if they adopt a new brand. We will write a custom essay sample on Marketing Strategies for Brave Software Company or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now The flexibility of the company will be because they can be able to change the product to suit the customers preference based on the feedback they receive from early adopters of the product. The brand logo for Brave Software Company positions the company in the market as the ultimate software solution for businesses. It creates a sense of uniqueness that the customers can identify with and feel a connection. The logo also is bold and stands out hence can quickly capture the attention of people. Positioning StatementBrave Software Company is the only one of its kind offering one-on-one software solutions custom made to meet our customer needs. Our products ensure you get nothing but the best and at pocket-friendly rates. Marketing strategies Cause marketing This type of marketing will aim at linking the product to a social cause. The custom made calendar will address the issues of economic recession as well as increase business efficiency.