J.C Penny New Challenges in the Changing Workplace Research Paper

J.C Penny New Challenges in the Changing Workplace - Research Paper Example J.C Penny experiences the challenge of attracting and retaining highly experienced knowledge workers, including, engineers, physical and computer scientists. Particularly, J.C Penny has had to struggle with increased labor turnover among the knowledge workers. Nevertheless, J.C. Penny has been aggressive in developing strategies for effective management of these knowledge workers. Firstly, J.C. Penny continues to provide effective reward systems that ensure that the knowledge workers are satisfied and motivated towards ensuring organization success. Secondly, J.C Penny provides intensive and specialized training for the knowledge workers with the aim of improving their effectiveness, productivity and ensuring that their skills do not become obsolete due to the highly dynamic technological environment. Another contemporary challenge that J.C Penny faces is the management of contingent and temporary employees within the workplace. Griffin (2012) defines contingent employees are those working for the organization in under different employment arrangements other than full-time or permanent basis. The biggest challenge for J.C. Penny is striking a balance between permanent and contingent workers, and designing differential reward and incentive strategy for these set of employees. J.C Penny has however implemented a number of strategies for effective management of contingent and temporary workers within the organization. Firstly, J.C Penny engages in careful planning before engaging and integrating these employees within the workforce. Secondly, J.C. Penny engages in continuous assessment and evaluation of the costs and benefits of engaging these employees before reaching major decisions on the composition of the human

Marketing Principles and Applications Coursework

Marketing Principles and Applications - Coursework Example 7 References 9 1. What Is The Current Target Market For Special K And Its Special K Crunch Bars? Should The Target Market For Special K Be Expanded? If So, Describe The Profile Of The New Target Market. Kellogg Company is a well-reputed name in the global food industry. It specializes in nutritious food section perpetually focusing on the low fat cereal based food items. As a leading brand, the company has many sub-brands under its umbrella, such as Special K and Special K Chocolatey Crunch Bars. Similar to other brands marketed by the company, Special K and Special K Chocolatey Crunch Bars are also based on the cereals and intend to serve the customers with a low fat breakfast item. For instance, Special K cereal is produced from the rice cereal and contains only 110 calories without any fat (Kellogg Company, â€Å"Special K Cereal†). Special K Chocolatey Crunch Bars are also manufactured from cereals and contains merely 90 calories (Kellogg Company, â€Å"Special K Chocolat ey Crunch Bars†). Considering the characteristics of these products, it is quite apparent that these products are mainly targeted to the young adults who also tend to be health conscious. Health consciousness is a growing factor among the adolescents and the young adults. With this concern, it can be stated that the marketing prospects for these sub-brands are quite significant and thus the company should aim at expanding its target market. With the purpose of expansion, the company can focus on both adolescents and young adults in the economy. However, this will require more aggressive promotional strategies along with few modifications in the products with due consideration to the nutrition required for the adolescents. 2. What Consumer Behavior Influences Play A Role Or Will Play A Role In The Marketing Strategy For Special K? Consumer behavior is referred to as the process undertaken by an individual or a group of customers in order to decide their consumption of a product at a particular quantity. The process involves the attitude of the customers, their income level, their spending power and also their lifestyles. As revealed from various empirical studies, favorable consumer behavior effectively enhances the growth of the product, whereas, consumer behavior opposing the product marketed shall lead to the abolition of the product within a short span of time. Thus, consumer behavior is termed to be quite significant in the modern day marketing (Sjoberg & Engelberg, â€Å"Lifestyles, and Risk Perception Consumer Behavior†). In relation to the Kellogg’s Special K and Special K Chocolatey Crunch Bar brands, it can be stated that the factors of consumer behavior such as the income level and spending power are less effective than the attitude and lifestyle choices of the targeted customers. It is due to the fact that the company offers its products at a competitive price with due consideration to the aspect of affordability of the targeted customers. In this regard, most of the marketing strategies adopted by the company in Canada are observed to be focused on the healthy living choices of the customers. In this regard, it intends to generate awareness among the targeted customers through various promotional activities. The company also focuses on its pricing and other promotional strategies, such as discounts, coupons and special services for the

Liberal and Mercantilist Theories of Political Economy

Liberal and Mercantilist Theories of Political Economy Contrast liberal and mercantilist theories of international political economy and consider which approach is most apparent in the contemporary world. The following seeks to contrast liberal and mercantilist theories that have developed to describe and analyze the international political economy. Once the contrasts have been made conclusions as to which theory is the most apt or apparent in the contemporary world will be drawn. Both liberal and mercantilist theories have advantages and disadvantages when used to understand the international political economy in the present global system. Perhaps it would be more apt to describe the liberal theory as being neo-liberal as it has undergone a recent revival in popularity. It must be remembered that whether a state is most influenced by liberal or mercantilists theories that trade will never be completely free of duty and tariffs, as they are useful sources of revenue for governments. Governments also have to have relationships with other governments and non-state actors that may or may not share their worldview. Liberalism itself can be dated back to the English, American and French revolutions of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, when the mercantilist economic system evolved into capitalism. Liberals were originally regarded as being politically centrist or left wing in outlook but favoring little or no state intervention in the economy. In its original form liberal economic theory strongly advocated a free market approach with states not using tariffs to prevent competition from other countries and not interfering in their own internal markets (Comfort, 1993, p. 345). The basis of liberal theory was the right to gain property or capital to be used however states, businesses or individuals felt appropriate combined with freedom of action and belief (Eatwell and Wright, 2003, p. 27). In classical liberal theory the free market sets the prices for goods, currency exchanges, resources and even wages. However fluctuations within the free market can have serious political as well as econ omic consequences such as unemployment and poverty that can be made worse by international competitors. Governments have attempted to circumvent these problems by setting up welfare states, imposing strict tariff restrictions on imports or subsidizing industries and businesses. The restriction of trade and the use of tariffs are the main basis of mercantilist theory (Harvey, 1995, p. 6). Liberalism was apparently strongest in the international political economy during the 19th century as Britain dominated world trade removing barriers in its way to free trade. Liberal capitalism seemed to be unstoppable during this period. The economic elites of the less developed states were content to play a subordinate role as they were still making profits for themselves (Hobsbawm, 1975, p. 38). However, there were moves away from free trade towards a more mercantilist or restrictive trade practices most notably in Germany and United States whilst even the British started to doubt free trade. After World War One liberal theory seemed to decline in prominence within the international political economy (Hobsbawm, 1987, p. 54). It was a great paradox that liberal theory would regain some of its prominence in international political economy after 1945 just as the free market within most of the world was either tempered by welfare states or communist takeovers. The United States promoted freer trade both out of self-interest and the desire to prevent the great failings within the international political economy during the inter-war period. Through the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Bretton Woods agreement the United States government ushered in an era of liberalism that is still in operation to this day. However, it was not the unrestrained free trade international political economy of the 19th century but without American aid it is doubtful if Western Europe and Japan would have recovered so well to play such key roles in the present global economy. However the World Bank and the IMF are founded on the principles of liberal theory and generally insist that all countries they loan money t o adopt those free trade policies that stem from liberalism. Governments that have to accept these loans leave their economies open to multinational companies and have to reduce spending on welfare and education (Keegan, 1992, pp.16-17). United States domination of the international political economy meant that it could promote the liberal theory of free trade even if it allowed its partners to have tariffs whilst it did not. United States share of world trade declined its share of global exports declining to 13% in the 1980s from its high point of 29% in 1953. However the American based multinational companies such as Coca-Cola and Microsoft have great influence on the global economy due to their size and profitability. Americans continue to believe that liberal theory holds the key to ensuring international prosperity and many nations either through choice or lack of autonomy pursue liberal policies as well (DuBoff, 1989.p.158). Liberal theory does not completely dominate the international political economy as tariffs were not completely removed from all countries and there was the establishment of trading blocs. Blocs such as the European Union (EU), The North American Free Trade Association (NAFTA) and Mercosaur in Latin America offer favoured trading terms to members but not always to non-members. The economic advantages offered by free trading areas act as an incentive for non members to adopt liberal policies, for instance the former communists states of central and eastern Europe. For much of the post war period there was also the apparent rival economic and political theory of communism represented by the Soviet Union and its Central and Eastern European satellites. The collapse of communism certainly made liberal concepts within international political economy more apparent in the contemporary world (Keegan, 1992, pp. 3-4). The former communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the Soviet U nion have all to some extent attempted the twin convergence to liberal democracy and capitalist economy. The opening up of these countries to liberal free trade led to unemployment, the closure of uncompetitive factories and inflation. Russia and its young reformers was not the only country to attempt shock therapy to cure the stagnation caused by central planning (Freeland, 1999, pp. 34-35). However, the economic and political transitions have been more successful in Poland, Hungary and the Baltic States that have since joined the EU. It could be argued that liberal theory of free trade proved attractive to reformers whilst ordinary, people wished to have higher standards of living as in the United States, Japan and Western Europe (Agh, 1998, p.3). The mercantilist theory is in effect the opposite theory to the liberal theory. Mercantilist theory equates to restrictions being placed upon free trade when governments are more prepared to intervene in the international political economy or if needs be to by pass it. Mercantilist theory and practice led to the creation (or explained it at any rate) of separate trading blocs and economic nationalism within the international political economy. Economists and historians have argued that modern capitalism developed from an earlier mercantilist period when the empires built up by the European states such as France, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal competed for global domination and tried to restrict trade to within their own empires. Each country would try to increase its power by gaining colonies, economic influence and more consumers for its goods. Britain by virtue of its naval supremacy and earlier industrialization was able to dominate the international political economy. Where possible Britain removed mercantilist restrictions to trade, allowing workers, businesses and investments to flow more freely (Hobsbawm, 1975, pp. 36-37). However, mercantilist theory and policies remained and still remain in the international political economy. Countries such as Germany, Russia, Japan and the United States used protectionism to start up and enhance their industrialization preventing more efficient rivals from shutting it down. Japan would become the role model for importing superior foreign goods, copying them and them exporting cheaper versions. Meanwhile a renewed wave of imperialism at the end of the 19th century increased the competition for colonies and captive markets. Mercantilist theory was popular then and is attractive now because of its emphasis on national self -interest and gaining at the expense of others. However, the advantages of domestic popularity and employment protection need to be considered in relation to consequences within the international political economy. The United States is as keen to pursue free trade liberal policies as the British used to be, because they gain the most from those policies. Smaller nations on the other hand are dependent on the richer nations and might prefer to restrict trade to protect their industries and jobs but often have that choice taken away from them (Hobsbawm, 1987, p. 54). There are various ways in which mercantilist theory can be put into effect. Methods include the imposition and weighting of tariffs (more restrictive towards unfriendly nations, less restrictive for friends or allies), the restriction or complete ban of certain goods and quotas. Not only can restrictions be used to gain economic advantage they can also be used as political and economic sanctions against states that have transgressed in some way. The effectiveness of sanctions in forcing countries to change their behaviour remains largely unproved both in the past and in the contemporary international political economy. The possible exception to this is the supply of crude oil, which is so crucial to the economies of North America, Europe and Asia. This reliance upon oil gave the oil embargo of 1973-74 such damaging effects on the global economy. The further price rises following the Iranian revolution in 1979; the Gulf War of 1990-91 and more recently the invasion of Iraq demonstrate the vulnerability of the international political economy to the restriction of essential resources. However the governments of the oil producing states are normally happy to take part in free trade even if liberalism is the last thing they would support at the domestic and national level (Harvey, 1995, pp. 288-89). The inter-war period provides the best examples of the bad consequences of an imbalance between liberal and mercantilist influences on the international political economy. Tariffs were raised through out that period yet offered little but short-term advantage at the expense of international co-operation and trade. Whilst Britain and France increased their exports to their colonies and restricted imports from rivals, Italy, Japan and Germany looked at conquest as a means of economic expansion. These mercantilist measures did little to protect and in fact further harmed the international political economy following the great depression after 1929 (Brendon, 2000, p. 165). Added to the instability was the harshness of the Versailles settlement that prevented Germanys economic revival and badly effected the economic fortunes of the rest of Europe. Resentment of the settlement assisted the Nazis Party aided by economic weakness (Smith, 2003, p. 160). The events of the inter-war period are relevant to an understanding of the contemporary international political economy due to the way in which governments and organisations have tried to prevent similar events happening again. Liberalism is seen as the best means of achieving stability and prosperity just as much now as it did in the past (Smith, 2003, p. 161). After 1945 the United States government extended aid not only to its allies such as Britain and France but also defeated enemies in the form of Germany, Italy and Japan. Under the Marshall plan $17 billions of American aid boosted reconstruction in Western Europe (Central and Eastern European countries were forced to refuse by the Soviet Union) that ensured long term stability and prosperity. This is relevant to the present international political economy because it assured the predominance of liberal theory even though it did not completely eliminate mercantilist theory (Ambrose Brinkley, 1997, p. 87). The post-war economic growth of Germany and Japan (the Western part anyway) was aided by the selective use of subsidies and tariffs to promote the most effective parts of the economy rather than the least effective. Germany of course also had to set tariffs in line with its EU partners whilst Japan has not such constraints (Keegan, 1992, p.145). Countries within the international political economy have to find a balance between national self- interest and maintaining worthwhile international trading relationships. Whether guided by liberal, mercantilist or any other theory governments are often guided in their approach to the internationalist political economy by pragmatic considerations. Decisions made on pragmatic basis can later be justified in the mane of liberal or mercantilist theory. The rise of international trading blocs has generally led to a liberalization of trade within those blocs most notably within the single market and single currency of the EU (Smith, 2003, p.230). The cost of failure or the benefits of success of liberalization of trade within the international political economy are great. The General Agreement on Trade Tariffs (GATT) has often been involved in complex trade deals and tariff reductions. Failure to agree can lead to the costly maintenance or extension of trade restrictions. Reductions in t ariffs have been substantial. For instance the cuts agreed to at the Uruguay round of GATT amounted to a $744 billion reduction in tariffs across the international political economy. Such deals demonstrate the intentions of many governments to make the international political economy as liberal in nature as possible but without losing too much of their own position (Ambrose Brinkley, 1997, p. 410). Arguably the liberal theory is the most apparent within the contemporary international political economy. However this has to be considered with remaining vestiges of mercantilist theory. Liberal theory received a revival from the 1970s onwards with the emergence of neo-liberalism. Neo-liberalism became most closely associated with Margaret Thatcher in Britain and Ronald Reagan in United States being referred to as Reaganomoics and Thatcherism. They wished to turn the clock back to unrestricted free trade internationally and the free market domestically with reduced welfare states (Keegan, 1992, p.25). Ronald Reagan in fact increased public spending particularly in a renewed arms race with the Soviet Union. An unintended consequence of that policy was the collapse of the Soviet Union and the communist regimes of Central and Eastern Europe (Carroll Noble, 1988, p.433). The re-emergence of liberal democracy and capitalism in the former Soviet Union and Central and Eastern Europe stren gthened the role of liberal theory in the international political economy. This strengthening happened because of the liberal minded policies of reformers in those countries even though the transitions proved far from straight forward (Agh, 1998, pp. 2-3) Therefore within the present international political economy liberal theory is more apparent than mercantilist theory. The apparent dominance of liberal theory can be explained by the continued strength of American and other major multinational companies, and the political, economic and military might of the United States. Liberal theory is further promoted by institutions such as the IMF that influence developing states into pursuing free trade policies. Developing and former communist states such as Poland also see that adopting liberal theory can be to their political and economic advantage, especially if it allows them access to trading blocs like the European Union. Trading blocs may operate liberal theory within the confines of their members but they can display mercantilist tendencies by restricting trade with non-members. Liberal theory is also promoted by the process of globalization that makes it easier for multinationals to operate within. The increasing use of information technology allows trade to be carried out faster with less chance of governments intervening. Yet mercantilist theory is not likely to disappear from the international political economy just yet as governments are as likely to be guided by national self-interest and pragmatism as they have always been. Bibliography Agh, A. (1998) The Politics of Central Europe, Sage Publications, London. Ambrose S E Brinkley, D G (1997) Rise to Globalism American Foreign Policy Since 1938, Eighth Revised Edition, Penguin Books, New York Brendon, P (2000) The Dark Valley A Panorama of the 1930s, Jonathan Cape, London Carroll, P. N and Noble, D. W (1988) The Free and the Unfree A new history of the United States 2nd edition, Penguin Books, New York Comfort, N. (1993) Brewers Politics A Phrase and Fable Dictionary, 2nd edition, Cassell, London. DuBoff, R B (1989) Accumulation Power An Economic History of the United States, M E Sharpe Inc. New York Eatwell, R and Wright, A (2003) Contemporary Political ideologies, 2nd edition, Continuum, London Freeland, C (2000) Sale of the Century -the inside story of the Second Russian Revolution, Little Brown and Company, London Harvey, J (1995) Mastering Economics 4th edition, Macmillan, London Hobsbawm, E (1975) The Age of Capital 1848-1875, Weidenfeld Nicholson, London Hobsbawm, E (1987) The Age of Empire 1875-1914, Weidenfeld Nicholson, London Keegan, W (1992) The Spectre of Capitalism the future of the World economy after the fall of Communism. Smith, D (2003) Free Lunch -Easily Digestible Economics, Served on a plate, Profile Books, London

Foreign Borrowing in 16th Century Spain :: European History Essays

Foreign Borrowing in 16th Century Spain This paper examines the lending by Genoese-led cartel to Phillip II of Spain in the 16th century from the viewpoint of sovereign debt. The Genoese linked specie deliveries from Spain to the Low Countries to lending in order to cartel created a penalty to enforce their loans. If the king tried to renege, the Genoese applied the penalty and the king eventually repaid. I. Introduction Sovereign lending, throughout history, has been marked by occurrences of partial default and repudiation by governments of all kind; from medieval princes to dictators to democratic regimes. In the 1970s lending to lesser-developed countries led to the rescheduling and partial defaults in the 1980s. Even the sustainability of the debt of nations such as Belgium, Canada, Italy and even the United States is not free from suspect. The reign of Philip II of Spain provides a good example to extend our knowledge of sovereign lending. Philip II fought wars through out his reign. To finance fluctuations in military expenditures, he had to borrow extensively. Repeatedly, Philip II’s Genoese lenders had imposed debt ceilings on the Crown. Once after reaching the debt ceiling, the Genoese suspended lending. They further punished Spain by executing a penalty in order to force payment of loans; an embargo on specie delivered to Spain’s armies. The military consequence of the embargo was severe. â€Å"Spain was the predominant military power of the age, and Philip II was the last sovereign to credibly threaten to dominate Europe until Napoleon.(Kennedy p30)†. This played a significant role in testing Philip II’s aspirations in Europe and eventually caused Philip II to cede to the lenders. Sovereign debt theories first must assume the premise that there is no third party enforcers and that lenders must be able to enforce claims on their own. In addition these theories use reputation arising through repeated interaction to generate equilibria. It is only then that lending agreements are made and self-enforcing. Bulow and Rogoff (1989b) show that no lending will occur if the only threat is to cut off future lending. This is because merely the threat to withdraw credit is not a severe enough penalty to prevent the Crown from repudiating his debt. Lenders would then anticipate this, and consequently, they do not lend. There are two classes of models that elaborate on Bulow and Rogoff’s result and provide environments where repudiation does sustain positive debt.

Introduction to the Economic and Management Environment

INMALL-N/301/3/2004 FACULTY OF ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES Introduction to the Economic and Management environment Module 1 (INM101-3) and Module 2 (INM102-4) ? ? ? ? ( INMALL-N: TUTORIAL LETTER 301/2004 GENERAL INFORMATION 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INMALL-N/301 PAGE 1. Student number 3 2. Tutorial material 3 3. Inventory letter 4 4. Tutorial letters 4 5. Queries and problems – what do I do? 4 6. Examination: 5 6. 1 Examination admission 5 6. 2 Examination date and centre 5 6. 3 Examination paper 5 7. Why assignments? 8. Assignment system 6 8. 1 The support/enrichment stream 6 8. 1. 1 Information: Self evaluation assignments 7 8. 2 The ordinary stream 7 8. 2. 1 Information: Multiple choice assignments 8 3 INMALL-N/301 Dear Student A big welcome to the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences! You have registered for a unique course which gives you the opportunity to become acquainted with all the disciplines offered by the Faculty and combinations of them before deciding wha t direction you wish to follow in your studies.Five departments in the Faculty, namely Business Management, Industrial Psychology, Economics, Quantitative Management and Accounting, have joined forces to give you an idea of each one's field of study and to show you how the disciplines can complement one another in a management setup. So in one course you are exposed to various management aids which are used by the professions (eg accountants) as well as business enterprises. Most Unisa students start their university studies a relatively long time after leaving school. Along the way they often forget how to study.Studying in the right way is not something we do automatically – and so we considered it very important to include a section on study management (see Topic 1, in the study guide of INM101-3). This topic is presented by the Student Services Bureau. Besides an academic introduction to the core courses, we also concentrate on career management since you are embarking on the present study with a view to your future career. Topic 2 in the study guide of INM101-3 (Career Management) gives you an overview of the various phases in the process which culminates in making sensible career, course and subject choices.Career Management is therefore relevant for anyone beginning their studies in the Faculty, whether or not you have decided on a career. It is, however, more useful for those of you who are uncertain about your choice of career and we strongly recommend that you work through the study guide of INM101-3 very carefully. This tutorial letter is very important because it contains important general information. Please keep it in a safe place. We hope that you will find this course most useful! 1. Student number Every Unisa student receives a unique student number the first time he or she registers.You should have this student number with you AT ALL TIMES and should always mention it in any communication with the University. 2. Tutorial material The t utorial material for this course consists of: † The study guides Module 1(INM101-3): One Study Guide Module 2(INM102-4): One Study Guide † Tutorial Letter 301 – General information † Tutorial Letter 101 for INM101-3 – Assignment questions Tutorial Letter 101 for INM102-4 – Assignment questions † Tutorial letters which will be sent to you during the course of your studies with feedback on the assignments and other important information. INMALL-N/301 3. Inventory letter On registration you will have received, together with the available tutorial material, an inventory letter for the current academic year. This inventory letter lists only those items that are available on the day you register from the Despatch Department in Pretoria or the University's regional offices. Those of you who registered at a regional office will receive the rest of your tutorial material by registered post from Pretoria as it becomes available. Please check the tu torial material that you have received against the inventory letter.Unless the letter indicates otherwise (eg â€Å"out of stock†), you should have received all the items listed. If some of the items are missing, please immediately follow the instructions on the reverse side of the inventory letter. Please note! Use only the telephone number that appears on the inventory letter when you phone the Despatch Department to inquire about tutorial matter that you do not have. 4. Tutorial letters Tutorial letters are Unisa's principal means of communication and teaching. Please read ALL tutorial letters.The brochure Unisa: services and procedures explains the numbering of the different types of tutorial letters. 5. Queries and problems – what do I do? ; – Problem ( – Solution a. Course related queries about the contents of the study material / assignments Lecturers: Mrs Ria van Helden F(012) 429-8643 Mrs Jacoleen Vogel F(012) 429-8513 Mrs Suzette Ragadu F(012) 4 29-8609 Mr Adolph Rasengane F(012) 429-8650 b. Any other queries about the assignments Secretaries: Mrs Tersea Dalporto Mrs Helene Louw All other administrative queries e. g: Change of address nd/or exam centre Marks and credits for assignments etc. Write to: The Registrar (Academic) UNISA P O Box 392 Pretoria 0003 c. F (012) 429-4114 F(012) 429-8635 F(012) 429-8750 5 INMALL-N/301 Please remember! You may include more than one letter in an envelope, but please do not address the lecturers responsible for the course, another department, the Library and/or an administrative department all in the same letter! This will only cause delays. Write a separate letter to each and mark each clearly for the attention of the department in question.Do not include correspondence in an assignment envelope, and please never write to Unisa without clearly indicating your student number, subject and paper code at the top of your letter. WE ASSUME THAT YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE FOLLOWING BROCHURES: (1) CALENDAR PART 2 and 3, 2004: GENERAL INFORMATION GENERAL REGULATIONS (2) UNISA: SERVICE AND PROCEDURES 2004 6. Examination 6. 1 † 6. 2 † 6. 3 Examination admission Due to the implementation of the new modular system, all students registered for modular courses will be granted automatic admission to the examinations in 2004.Examination date and examination centre Please see the Undergraduate Information Brochure of 2004 Examination paper In the examination you can expect questions similar to those set in the multiple choice assignments. The examination paper will consist ONLY of multiple choice questions. 7. Why assignments? ; We realise that it is difficult to have to rely entirely on distance education. You do not always have a lecturer right there to explain the learning material to you. You have to depend on yourself and need considerable self discipline.The way to an academic qualification is narrow and steep – Unisa's motto is not â€Å"Hope through hard wo rk† for nothing. There are, however, also advantages to studying in this way. You can earn while you study, and you can study at your own pace. And although we might be far from you, we are always available to give you guidance and support. Always bear this in mind. We know from experience and research that assignments are one of the most effective ways in which we can offer guidance and support to make you part of a meaningful learning experience.Although you do not have to submit assignments in order to earn credits for examination entry, we recommend that you do all the assignments. It will help you to work in a structured way throughout the academic semester and to achieve success. We should like to explain why assignments are so useful in the hope that it will inspire you to approach yours with enthusiasm. 6 INMALL-N/301 † They provide a study programme which, if you follow it carefully, will help you to work through all the tutorial material and still have enough t ime to revise for the examination. They are a reasonable periodic check of your knowledge. † Assignments help you to prepare for the examination. The examination paper will consist of similar questions to those in the multiple choice assignments. For this reason it is also a good idea for you to practice answering multiple choice questions on a mark reading sheet. † You have to obtain 50% in the examination to pass regardless of the marks you earned for your assignments. † Assignments are a good means of teaching. It is therefore to your advantage to do assignments.You not only acquire knowledge in the process but also learn from the feedback we give you on your assignments. ( Try to keep to your study programme – it will definitely be to your advantage! Academic ethics require that students submit their own original work. You are only cheating yourself if you copy other students' work or do an assignment haphazardly. 8. Assignment system In order to help yo u with the submission of assignments, we have designed a system that makes provision for two assignments in each module. One assignment is in the ordinary stream and the other one is in the support/enrichment stream.Each assignment has a due date. The due date is the date on which the assignment must be at Unisa and not the date on which you post it. Be sure to plan for possible delays in the post! 8. 1 The support/enrichment stream – Assignment 1 of INM101-3 and INM102-4 The assignment in this stream is made up of paragraph and essay type of questions and must be answered on the assignment writing pad. This stream has a double purpose. † Firstly it is exactly what the name indicates – an opportunity for enrichment. Here you have a chance to improve your reading and writing skills.As you will see in Topic 3 (Communication) in the only study guide for INM102-4, reading and writing skills are very important tools for anyone and not something one learns automaticall y – you have to acquire them. This enrichment stream serves to prepare you for the essay type assignments you can expect in later years of study. The assignment in this stream is an opportunity for enrichment. † Secondly, this assignment has been designed to develop your ability to evaluate your own work. This ability is a very important component of independent study. Although we shall not be marking this assignment, we shall read it.You should therefore make a copy of your assignment before posting it to Unisa. You will receive guidelines for this assignment (after the due date) to help you evaluate it yourself. 7 8. 1. 1 INMALL-N/301 Information: Self evaluation assignment This is assignment 1 of INM101-3 and INM102-4 in the support/enrichment stream. This assignment does not have an unique number for the computer. Very important! We shall not return the self evaluation assignment to you. Please make a copy of your assignment before posting it so that you can evaluat e it yourself using the guidelines for the solutions.Remember! † † † † † † † † † † † † Work carefully through the relevant tutorial material before tackling an assignment. Read the question carefully and underline the key words – this will help you with the interpretation. Think about the question! Plan your answer before beginning to write. To sketch a framework for your answer, you need to use headings and subheadings. Set out your opinions clearly. Write legibly and use full sentences. There is no excuse for an untidy and illegible assignment. Fill in your student number correctly on the assignment cover.Fill in the assignment number correctly on the assignment cover. You will receive a set of guidelines and solutions for all the assignments. You get no marks for assignments which you submit. Because the support stream option is so lenient, we will not grant extensions for assignments. 8. 2 The ordinar y stream – Assignment 2 of INM101-3 & INM102-4 The assignment in this stream is made up solely of multiple choice questions and must be answered on a mark reading sheet. Mark reading sheets are read into the computer immediately when they are received at Unisa and are marked by the computer on the due date.Unisa does not work according to a system of semester marks, and marks for assignments are not taken into account when the final examination marks are calculated. The percentages obtained for assignments indicate to you how well you have mastered the work. After the due date for each assignment all registered students will receive the solutions, or guidelines for solutions to, or a discussion of the assignment received. 8. 2. 1 Information: Multiple choice assignment This is assignment 2 of INM101-3 and INM102-4 in the ordinary stream. This assignment has an unique number for the computer.Very important! † † Work carefully through the relevant tutorial material before you tackle the assignment. Work out your answers on a separate piece of paper before you complete the mark reading sheet. 8 INMALL-N/301 Instructions on how to use mark reading sheets to answer multiple choice questions are contained in the 2004 â€Å"Unisa: Services and procedures†. Read these instructions CAREFULLY and follow them EXACTLY to avoid making mistakes. Remember! † † † † † † † † There is only one correct answer to each question. Only mark reading sheets may be used. Colour in the correct block with an HB pencil.Fill in your student number correctly. Fill in the assignment number correctly. Fill in the unique assignment number correctly. Every assignment which is marked by the computer is given a unique number. The number contains information on the course code and assignment number. When the computer reads the mark reading sheet with, say, the unique number 198415, it â€Å"knows† that it is Assignment 02 for INM101-3 in the first semester. Send only your mark reading sheet to the Assignment Division in the appropriate envelope. You do not have to complete an assignment cover.Make sure that you have enough mark reading sheets. Do not: † † † † † † † † Do not Do not Do not Do not Do not Do not Do not Do not make more than one mark per question tear or fold the mark reading sheet staple the mark reading sheet to another piece of paper colour outside the block colour in the blocks with a pen make corrections with Tipp-Ex submit answers on a written sheet of paper try to repair a torn mark reading sheet with sticky tape – use another one The assignment questions and due dates will be included in Tutorial letter 101 Good luck with your studies! Your INM101-3 / INM102-4 lecturers

living with your parents advantages Essay

Still living with your parents? Thinking about moving in with your folks because you are unable to pay your own rent, lost your job, just divorced, studying again, can’t afford a house of your own or any other reason? Your move is likely to be driven by a circumstance and a situation you have found yourself in. And as an adult in his/her 20s or 30s, there are advantages and disadvantages of living with your mom, dad or both. Know them before you move back in. Advantages of living with your parents 1) Living on a tight budget: You will save money One of the biggest advantages of living with your parents is that you can save a lot of money. From rent, utility bills, renovations, shared grocery bills and a lot more. If you have just graduated and can’t find a job, if you are out of a job and struggling to pay your debts, if you are facing financial problems – living with your parents could be you answer to saving money on everyday expenses. Think of it as a stop gap arrangement until you get back on your feet. 2) You don’t have to do all the housework Doing the laundry, putting the dishes in the washer, putting them back when they are done, vacuuming, cleaning the living areas from time to time and taking out the trash are just some of the daily chores that need to be done around the house. If you are still living with your parents, you may find yourself exempt from some of these mundane tasks as your mom or dad may be doing them to keep themselves busy. If you are lucky, your mom may even do your laundry while she is at it. 3) You have someone to cook you a nice meal when you can’t As a working professional or a busy student, you may not always have the time to come home and fix yourself a homemade meal. If you were living on your own, you would probably have grabbed a takeaway or a quick bite the local joint. Along with living with your parents comes the added benefit of enjoying warm home cooked meals even if you don’t get the time to cook. Your mom may have something ready on the table by the time you come home from work. 4) Your parents can help with little kids: Big plus for single moms and single dads Single moms and single dads going through a rough patch in life may find it financially, mentally and physically more comfortable to live with their parents until their troubles are sorted out. Only a single mom will know what it takes to work and manage a child. Only a single dad will how it feels to play the dotting dad and the caring mommy at the same time. If you find yourself in a similar situation and are burdened with financial troubles, you could think about the option of living with your parents, at least for a while. From picking up your little kids from school to giving them food when they want, your parents could be the guardian angels that swoop in to help you scrape through when your life hits rock bottom. 5) Familiarity: The feeling of being at home and not with random strangers Besides being cheaper and more convenient, another advantage of living with your parents is that there is a big sense of familiarity. The house is probably the one you grew up in, and you may find sharing your living space with familiar faces more comforting than with random strangers. Dealing with an annoying roommate or housemate is a pain and if you feel like taking time off from renting and sharing, living with your parents could be your stop gap arrangement and peace of mind. 6) The bond of family: You can feel the satisfaction of helping your parents As you live with your parents, you will possibly get many chances to help them and make them feel better. From taking your mom to the doctors to helping your dad do his silly antics in sprucing up the garden, spending time with your parents as they age gracefully can possibly the memories you cherish forever. If your life is going through a rough patch and you are forced to move out of your own home and live with your parents, look at it as an opportunity to share a few extra memories rather than complain. Disadvantages of living with your parents 1) You don’t have privacy or your space Living with your parents will strip you of your space and privacy and that can be a psychological burden if you have been used to living alone for a long time. No longer will you have the freedom to walk straight out of bed and head to the kitchen in your underwear nor will you be able to go naked from one room to another. While these were just two quirky and humorous examples, you should remember that you can say goodbye to your privacy and the concept of having your own space. 2) You can’t call friends over or have house parties Have you always been the guy/girl at whose place friends crash every now and then? That could change when you move in with your parents. A big disadvantage of living with your parents especially from the perspective of someone in their 20s or 30s, is that you can’t call your friends over. You can also forget about hosting parties, whether it is a cozy get-together of your college buddies or some of your office colleagues coming over for a round of after work drinks. 3) You will be given unnecessary advice on your life Whether you move in with your mum, dad or both, you are likely to receive advice on your life even if you don’t ask for it. From the stuff that you eat, the time that you sleep or the number of hours you play video games for, be prepared to get unsolicited advice for just about everything. 4) There will be clash of opinions: You could fallout with your folks Always remember that there is a big generational gap between you and your parents. Don’t expect them to think like you and most importantly, don’t expect them to behave in a certain manner. They will talk and walk in the same way as they have been doing since decades. The difference in outlook towards life will be amplified if there are arguments and petty nit pickings over trivial household issues. One small problem can lead to another, possibly leading to a fallout with your parents. Be prepared for a clash of opinions, keeping in mind that it is you who will have to compromise and let go of many things. 5) Your friends and colleagues will make fun of you The inevitable disadvantage of living with your parents is that your friends and colleagues are likely to make fun of you. You will be known as the 29 year old guy who still lives with his mom or the 31 year old single woman who lives with her folks. There is a certain social baggage that comes along with moving in with your parents once you are an adult, but you will have to take it head on. There is no escaping this and you should prepare yourself for a taunt or two every now and then from the people you are around every day. 6) Your love life is likely to take a tumble Your parents are not likely to be fond of you calling your dates over at their place, especially if the both of you lock yourself in the bedroom for hours. No longer will you be able to think of quirky date ideas within the confines of your own home. Women may not be most impressed if they see you as the guy in his late twenties still living with his parents. Even men may be put off if they form a certain image of a 30 plus year old woman doing the same. 7) You won’t learn the hard lessons of life This applies especially to guys and girl in their twenties who have never moved out of the house. There are a lot of tough lessons and curve balls that life throws every now and then. And by living with your parents, you could be shielding yourself from some of the hardships life has to offer. When you eventually move out, living alone could turn out to be an unpleasant experience as you may have not been used paying rent, struggling to pay bills or not having to do the dishes by yourself every single day of the year. 8) You will not make your way into the property market A financial disadvantage that most discussions overlook is that the longer you live with your parents, the longer it is going to take you to enter the property market yourself. Regardless of the economic situation or the state of the property market, the sooner you buy a house for yourself, the quicker you are going to be done with mortgage repayments. If don’t think of this as a big deal, ask a single dad in his 40s about the burden of a ballooning mortgage and you are likely to get an eye opening reply. 9) Your parents will always treat you as their child You may be 29 years old now but you must remember that your parents will always look at you as their child. You will always be the little guy or girl who held their hands with his/her tiny fingers while taking a walk in the park. No matter how old you get, you will likely be treated as a child. Your mom may continue behaving like the dotting mom while your dad can continue acting like a father figure. Your ego may take a hit when this happens, but it is just another thing that you will have to deal with until you find a place for yourself.