RFP Response Roundtable Procurement Experts Divulge Best Practice Tips

RFP RESPONSE ROUNDTABLE: PROCUREMENT EXPERTS DIVULGE BEST PRACTICE TIPS Have you landed the world’s largest customer? The U.S. government is the largest single purchaser of goods and services in the world, awarding approximately $500 billion in contracts every year. And the government isn’t only interested in contracting with big corporations. Most government agencies set aside a percentage of their acquisitions for small businesses, sometimes focusing on specific designations like: women-owned small businesses (WOSB), service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB), and small businesses that are located in historically underutilized business zones (HUBZone). In fact, 23 percent of all prime government contract dollars (totaling over $90 billion annually) are directed to small businesses. But you have to jump through lots of hoops to get a share of those billions. The government contracting process is notoriously rife with legalese and red tape. Reading a complex RFP is challenging enough, but composing an articulate response that addresses all points can seem mindboggling indeed. So, we’ve rounded up a panel of experts to help cut through the jargon (also see the glossary at the bottom of this post). We interviewed experienced procurement professionals to determine the ins and outs of writing a show-stopping RFP response. They shared opinions on how to get your RFP response noticed as well as practices guaranteed to land your proposal straight in the trash bin. Meet the Experts Kyla Moore is a contracts specialist for the State of Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Brett Cook is a contract specialist for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Kelly Porter is Senior Multimodal Planner at Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Lourdes Coss is a procurement professional with over 25 years of experience, and the author of Procurement Methods: Effective Techniques. Beth Morley taught courses in Business Communication and Advanced Business Communication at the University of Texas at Dallas, within the Naveen Jindal School of Management. Carol Wilson is Director of Procurement for the State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services. Q: What are things you like to see in a proposal? Kyla: Well designed, professional proposals tend to visually stand out. However, that doesn’t always mean they contain the best content or are best suited to provide the services requested in the RFP. In the end, the proposal that best meets the requirements and is most advantageous to the State will be declared successful. Kelly: All tasks were addressed in the proposal response and a unique approach is clearly articulated. Clear budget with staff time allocations, project timeline, and an executive summary. Brett: An RFP response that stands out from the crowd is one that first and foremost has followed the â€Å"Instructions to Offerors† carefully. Many companies gloss over the instructions on what exactly they need to include in their response. Also a response that looks professional, organized, and one that is easy to navigate (table of contents, clear section headings, etc.). I personally like to see a company’s price quote separate from the technical proposal when submitting responses electronically. Beth: When responding to RFPs in general, make sure you do basic things like spell the company name right and take the time to explain to them that you understand their problem. Make sure it’s personalized and customized to their particular problem. Show expertise in their industry and that you’re not just providing generic solutions to the problem. Carol: Some companies have it together and present their information in a really organized format. You can tell they read the RFP, understood it, and are responsive. They took their time in reading it and knowing what they need to provide. Q: What are things that land a proposal in the reject pile? Kyla: Late proposals are the biggest cause for rejection in our agency. Additionally, incomplete proposals may be deemed non-responsive. Kelly: When a proposal is non-responsive or does not include required documentation. We follow our proposal format guidelines closely. Brett: Mistakes, such as not addressing all of the evaluation factors, not signing and acknowledging all amendments to the solicitation, and submitting responses after the specified due date and time, all send the proposal to the reject pile. Lourdes: Disorganized proposals because that forces the committee to spend a lot of time figuring it out so they could be a little frustrated. Canned proposals that are so general you can tell that no thought was put into it. Sometimes people use a previously submitted proposal and forget to change the name of the agency – this shows a lack of attention to detail. Incomplete proposals where they don’t submit all of the required forms. Q: What are the biggest mistakes you’ve seen companies make? Beth: You have to follow directions because [government agencies] will disqualify you for any little thing you miss. Whatever their requirements, make sure you’ve ticked off each thing and follow their specific format. Don’t get overly verbal. Look at the way you’re formatting your proposal so you don’t give them a novella. Carol: If the RFP includes a sample contract, read that, too, to make sure you can agree to the terms and conditions. Some companies just look at the price schedule and skim over the terms and conditions, which can lead to problems. This is usually due to a lack of reading. Lourdes: Sometimes [companies] are worried about meeting the criteria on financial capacity or don’t have all their financial information in order, so they don’t submit the required financial information. Here’s a suggestion: [Rather than leaving the information out altogether], say, â€Å"We’re privately held,† offer a ratio for your total assets, and add, â€Å"If you need more information, you’re welcome to coordinate a meeting with us, and we’ll show you our space.† Q: What are contractors most confused about in the RFP process? Kyla: The question I tend to see most often is from independent consultants asking how to represent their team structure and/or internal controls. This part of our proposal asks the vendor to provide a description of the proposed project team structure and internal controls to be used during the course of the project. Many independent consultants are confused by this part because they are the sole person providing the task. We suggest that they simply identify themselves as a sole proprietor that will provide all services listed in the procurement, if that is the case. Brett: Many companies want to meet with contracting officers or end users at the hospital regarding specific upcoming requirements. We cannot discuss specifics before a solicitation is posted publicly on either FBO or GSA. This keeps certain companies from having an unfair advantage when responding to solicitations. The best thing a company can do is to view solicitation postings daily on GSA or FBO to see if there are requirements they are capable of responding to. Also, many small businesses do not know the best way to get their foot in the door with the government. The best first steps small businesses can take is to visit the Small Business Administration’s website, SBA.gov, or contact their local government agency’s contracting office to see if they can speak to their Small Business Liaison. Lourdes: [Companies] have trouble interpreting terminology. These forms are often drafted with legalese, not business language. As procurement officials, we advocate for simpler language but sometimes it has to be written a certain way. Procurement officials have trouble with forms that are filled out incorrectly or incompletely. Carol: Government doesnt make it easy. I was in private procurement for 15 years before I came here. The processes are the same but it’s different in government because of all the laws the attorneys implement in the contract. In Connecticut, our basic contract is over 30 pages long. It intimidates small businesses to look at that without hiring a lawyer. In each state there’s a PTAC, a Procurement Technical Assistance Center, funded by the state and federal government. While I cant help a vendor respond to an RFP, these centers can help them write and respond better. Q: What should companies do when an RFI is issued? Lourdes: This is your opportunity to offer strategies without revealing corporate secrets. The agency probably hasn’t even formulated the problem. You can present examples of technology that you’ve implemented somewhere else, and this helps the agency in their thought process as they’re developing the RFP requirements. This allows you to position yourself to make your technology and your products more desirable. You put yourself in a better position if you take advantage of this preview opportunity and respond to the RFI. Carol: For an RFI, [government agencies] just want information. [RFIs] dont end up as an award, so just share what you have, so we can learn from you and your product or service. This enables us to be better educated. Q: Tips for Women- or Minority-Owned or Economically Disadvantaged Small Businesses? Lourdes: The set asides for these are usually smaller projects, routine tasks that are not high profile. But it could be a multi-year contract. Sometimes these groups go beyond the scope of the RFP and end up being too [costly], making them less competitive. Instead of pricing a Cadillac, price within the scope. Ask questions to clarify the scope. Then if you have â€Å"value added,† you can price that separately. Carol: In Connecticut, we set aside 25% for small and minority businesses. Each state has a different spin on it. The federal government and state government have different requirements so there’s a lot to sort through if you’re a small local business. We try to help with educating them on requirements and on how to do business with the state. I would advise them to be as complete as possible and dont hesitate to call with questions. But call before the due date! Start working on your proposal as soon as possible. RFP Dos and Donts RFP Response Best Practice Provide clean and crisp writing, free of grammatical errors. Maintain a professional tone and incorporate industry jargon. Use substantive language without filler. Format the document according to RFP specifications. Fully understand the solicitation and address all points. RFP Response Red Flags Offering gifts, loans, or gratuities to government employees. Submitting a late proposal. Providing vague statements instead of specific details. Using fluffy language instead of professional wording. Overinflating your price. Including technical or grammatical errors. If you aren’t selected for a contract, consider asking for a debriefing to learn what may have influenced that decision and what you can improve on future proposals. GLOSSARY Proposal Jargon RFP: â€Å"Request for Proposal† – A formal invitation for contractors to submit a proposal to provide certain goods or services. RFI: â€Å"Request for Information† – Issued in advance of an RFP, an RFI is used to gather information about what contractors have the potential to offer. IFB: A formal request for contractors to submit a bid. The IFB selection is made strictly on price, whereas the RFP selection process considers other factors. RFQ: Similar to an IFB, the RFQ invites contractors to bid on a project. Selection is based on price without considering the more extensive factors involved in an RFP. Small Business Special Classifications Some of these classifications receive nearly 10% of federal contracts, making it well worth the effort to achieve certification. HUBZone: These businesses are located in Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zones. WOSB: Women-Owned Small Businesses. EDWOSB: Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses. SDVOSBC: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Concern Procurement Program. SDB: Small Disadvantaged Business. Procurement Vocabulary Offer: A reply to an agency’s solicitation. Acceptance: An action that forms a legally binding agreement. Consideration: The cause for entering into a contract. Mutuality of Obligation: Agreement that both parties are bound to the contract. Major Roles in Government Contracting Contract Manager: Drafts documents, communicates with the contractor, monitors progress and performance, and approves the final product. Contract Administrator: Handles contract changes, dispute resolution, payment approval, and contract closeout. Purchaser: The authorized purchasing agent who legally binds the agency and enforces laws, policies, and procedures.

20 Key Writing Tips to Become a Better Writer Today

20 Key Writing Tips to Become a Better Writer Today 20 Writing Tips to Improve Your Craft â€Å"The pen is mightier than the sword.† Writer Edgar Bulwer-Lytton made this keen observation nearly 200 years ago, but it remains just as true today. Writing is one of the most powerful mediums in existence, and a seemingly simple story can change countless lives - which is why so many of us choose to be writers in the first place.But sometimes it can be difficult to find the right words, to tell the story the way you want, or to start writing in the first place. That’s why we’ve compiled these 20 essential writing tips for writers like you: artists who want to hone their craft to perfection, so they can tell their stories as effectively as possible.Some of these tips are directly narrative-related, while others are more about the mentality and setting you need to cultivate in order to write. But all have one crucial thing in common: if you take them to heart, they’ll help you become a much better writer - and maybe even pen the book of your dreams. We’ll start with the story tips, then move into more technique-related advice to help you on your writing journey.If you prefer your tips in watchable form, check out this video on great writing tips that no one else will tell you. 1. Even pantsers need to planLet’s begin with an age-old question: are you a plotter or a pantser?If you’ve never heard these terms before, allow us to explain. Pantsers are writers who â€Å"fly by the seat of their pants,† i.e. start writing without preparing too much and simply trust that everything will work out. At the other end of the spectrum are plotters, who plan and outline their story extensively before they begin to write.Which is the better way forward? Well, it’s different for everyone - what works for you may not necessarily work for another writer you know.That said, experience has taught us that a little bit of planning goes a long way. That’s why we always advise some form of preparation, even if it’s just a few nuggets of your plot, before you dive into writing. Pantsers, we know it’ll be hard, but you can do it!2. Keep your outline in mindOnce you’ve prepared an outline, it’s important to actually use it. This may seem obvious, but it's seemingly one of the hardest-to-remember writing tips out there - which is why we've put it so high on our list!Many writers find themselves led astray by subplots and secondary characters, wandering into lengthy supplementary chapters that don’t really go anywhere. Then when they try to get back to the main plot, they find they’re already too far gone.Keeping your outline in mind at all times will help you avoid these disastrous detours. Even if you stray a little, you should be able to look at your outline and articulate exactly how you’ll get back to what you planned. This is especially crucial late in the writing process, when it can be hard to remember your original vision - so if you have doubts about your ability to remember your outline, definitely write it down.3. Introduce conflict earlyOf all the core elements in your story, conflict is perhaps the most important to emphasize. Conflict lies at the heart of every good narrative, creating tension that prompts people to read until the very end. So make sure readers know what your conflict is within the first few chapters!The best way to do this is through an early inciting incident, wherein the main character has a revelation and/or becomes involved in something big. For example, in The Hunger Games, the inciting incident is Katniss volunteering for the Games. Though our heroine has always held anti-Capitol views, this incident forces her to take direct action against them, launching the conflict (Katniss vs. Capitol) that will drive the next three books.Finally, remember that there are many different types of conflict. So if you have no idea what your conflict is, don’t worry; it’s probably just unconventional. For instance, your main conflict might be one that unfolds within your narrator (character vs. self), or against some large, nebulous force (like character vs. technology). But whatever it is, try to be conscious of when you introduce it and how.4. Control the pacingNothing ruins a good story like poor pacing. Even if you’ve got the most well-rounded characters, interesting plot, and sizzling conflict in literary history, sluggish pacing can still make all of it moot. So make sure you control the pacing in your story, lest readers lose interest and put down your book in frustration!In order to combat slow pacing, you’ll need to increase the tempo by:A) Cutting down lengthy sentences and descriptions, and B) Increasing action and dialogue.The former strategy works for one simple reason: it gets rid of filler and fluff. In extreme cases, you may have to cut a great deal of exposition in order to get to the beating heart of your story. This may be painful, but trust us - your readers will appreciate not having to trudge through 50 pages of buildup before your inciting incident.As for the latter, it might seem like adding more content is counterintuitive to a quicker pace. But because action and dialogue move the story forward in a concrete manner, you can always rely on them to improve slow pacing.5. Fine-tune your dialogueSpeaking of dialogue,  it's pretty critical to most stories, especially in terms of drawing in readers. Indeed, a conversation between characters is usually much more intriguing and impactful than a narrator relaying similar information.But dialogue loses its impact if the conversation goes on for too long - so for better, sharper dialogue, be concise. Say youâ₠¬â„¢re writing a story in which two characters have an argument. You want to be clear what they’re fighting about and connect it to other events and themes in your story, so you write something like this:â€Å"I can’t believe you were late coming home again! This is so typical. Just like when you forgot to pick up the groceries last week. Sometimes I don’t think you listen to me at all. You say you care about my feelings, but you don’t.†Ã¢â‚¬Å"Well, maybe I don’t listen because you’re always yelling at me. No matter what I do, it always seems to be the wrong thing. I had a very important meeting tonight, for the record. You know I’m trying to get that promotion at work. I’m really trying my hardest here.†But this exchange is full of unnecessary details. After all, the reader should already be familiar with your characters, their relationship, and past events of the story - you don’t have to spoon-feed them the meaning of the conversation. So keep your dialogue short and pithy:â€Å"Nice of you to show up. What were you doing, if not getting groceries?† â€Å"Thanks for the warm reception. I had a meeting. Kind of an important one.†For more dialogue-specific writing tips, check out this post.You'll be back to writing in no time. (Image: Lonely Planet on Unsplash)17. Listen to feedbackNow for another one of those writing tips that we all have trouble with. Throughout the process of writing, and definitely after you’re finished, you should share your work with other people: your friends, family, writers’ groups, and your editor(s).Accepting and actioning critical feedback is, of course, one of the most difficult parts of being a writer. Yet it’s also one of the most important skills to have. Because the feedback you receive from friends and beta readers is the only window you have into other people’s views - until you publish and the reviews start flooding in, but by then it’s too late to change anything. So try not to view criticism as harsh, but as helpful. It might just save you from liter ary infamy later!On that note†¦18. Kill your darlingsSometimes you’ll pen a passage that’s so beautiful, so nuanced, so masterfully constructed that you want to frame it - but it doesn’t really contribute anything to the larger composition. It’s a tangential distraction, and you know in your heart that your work would be better off without it.What to do now? You probably know the answer, even if you don’t want to admit it: you have to kill your darlings. This most often refers to removing an irrelevant or otherwise distracting passage, but it may also be your title, an element of your narration, or even an entire character.In any case, if it doesn’t add to the narrative, consider dropping it. Of all our writing tips, this one is perhaps the most important for writers of short stories and flash fiction, since you really don’t have any room to waste! Painful as it might be, remember you can always save your â€Å"darling† t o rework for another project†¦ just not this one.19. Just keep writingHow do prolific, successful authors manage to turn out so many books? Basically, by keeping calm and carrying on. Stephen King writes 2,000 words every single day, even on holidays. Jane Austen wrote each day just after breakfast without fail. Kafka wrote in the wee hours of the morning, barely sleeping as a result.Now, as we’ve established, you don’t have to write every day, or with the same vigor as these authors. Jane Austen never had a smartphone distracting her, so that was kind of an unfair advantage. But you do need to keep writing with as much consistency and focus as possible!This is the best piece of advice we can give any writer, fiction or non-fiction, short-form or long. Remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and keep your head down until you hit that final blessed page.20. Keep publishing in mindLast but certainly not least on this list of writing tips, we’ll co ver the potential of publishing your book once it’s finally finished. Many writers and writing websites advise not to think about publishing while writing, to simply write what you know/love/would want to read yourself, and worry about publishing later.But thinking about it as you write can really help move the process along! For one thing, if you go the traditional publishing route, you should consider how you might pitch your book to agents. What makes your story unique, and why would they want to represent it? If you start writing with the aim to publish, you can consciously highlight these distinctive elements in the story itself.On the other hand, if you’re thinking about self-publishing, the adventure truly does begin once you’ve finished the manuscript! After a round or two of editing, and possibly investing in a book cover, you should be set to put your book up on Amazon and start raking in readers.There are pros and cons to both these sides. Luckily, if you’ve gotten to this point, the hard part is over; you’ve managed to write the book of your dreams, and now what you do with it is up to you!And if you haven't quite gotten there yet, know that it's never too late. Writing is a lifelong struggle, but it's also one of the most rewarding things you can pursue. So go forth and tell the story you've always wanted to tell - we believe in you. âÅ" Did we miss anything? Tell us your best writing tips in the comments below!

Blog discussions Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Blog discussions - Case Study Example We condemned those factory owners who employ workers in such hazardous workplaces at a basement wages as the main culprit of these horrible business practices. Unknown to us, we are part of the problem that caused such terrible working condition. We may be tempted to pass the blame on globalization but ultimately, but it is only the stage because ultimately the problem redounds to us as consumers in the first world? How? First, we have to understand that every time we make purchases, it is a vote on what kind of manufacturing set up or company we would like to exist in the market. In the market place, we, the consumers or customers are king and the businesspeople are only there to cater to our demands. So when we prefer to buy cheap clothes without knowing how and where it was made, it is tantamount to supporting this kind of business practice. In the same vein, every time we shun goods that have ethical practice because of their premium price, it is also tantamount to saying that we do not approve of their ethical business practice. If we want to stop inhumane practice of businesses, we should stop patronizing their products and only patronize products that do ethical business. And yes, the products of ethical business do cost more because doing business ethically that includes paying their workers right costs more. Unit 2: King of the Hill Dean Simon’s story is indeed inspiring. It embodied the entrepreneur’s unfaltering and never say die spirit to pursue a dream of building his ski resort. He faced many challenges which could make a regular businessman give up because they seemed to be insurmountable. Had it been for Dean Simon’s dream, I think he could have given up also. The challenges that Dean faced in building his ski resort typified the problems that a businessman faces in putting up a business. Except that in Dean’s case, his challenges were extraordinary because he has a big dream. The most obvious and persistent problem t hat Dean Simon had is the absence of capital to build the necessary infrastructures of his resort and pay his bills, the most nagging of which is his insurance bill. Such, he needs to perpetually raise it to fund the many activities of his starting business ranging from continuing the infrastructure of his ski resort, paying his bills, acquiring equipments etch. He is so short of money that he lives on hand to mouth existence that if not for family and friends, he would have nothing to eat. At some point, even his cramped trailer was repossessed for the obvious reason that he could no longer pay them. Since all of his money went into his business and even short at that, he had no salary and no social life. This kind of hardship went on for many years and his persistence is laudable to say the least. The documentary was incomplete because it did not show any update on what happen to Dean Simon now. The nagging question whether he failed or succeeded was not answered. It would have be en wonderful to know that his business has grown and is now successful to make him a good example that with dream, persistence and hard work, anything can be achieved even if the challenges seemed to be insurmountable. Unit 3: The new underclass The article may have discussed the issue of growing unemployment in Canada with s a â€Å"growing pool of well-educated twenty somethings scrapping it out for a limited

Discuss the details of the Marshall Plan in comparison with the Essay

Discuss the details of the Marshall Plan in comparison with the Morgenthau Plan.ReasonsRepercussionsProfits U.S. get - Essay Example It is worth mentioning that the Morgenthau Plan existed as an underprivileged policy choice. As a result, it forced Germany into a decline and deindustrialization hurting the rest of the world in relation to economics and world security. It may be argued that this was a major factor in initiating the Second World War. On the other hand, the Marshall Plan was noted to create righteous circles of growth resulting to being the most favorable policy that developing nations ought to use (Fulbrook 16). The Morgenthau Plan was not implemented because this plan stressed on reindustrialization. As a result, it depressed carrying capacity in relation to population, forced institutions to failure, and agricultural yields to severely decline. It is worth noting that globalization acts on all emerging nations in the same way the Morgenthau Plan operated on Germany post-World War I. While globalization brought nothing but regression to low-income countries, it conveyed more wealth and prosperity t o high-income states. Thus, instead of a merging of income, there is a rising divergence of nation’s proceeds. This was notably not in line to what the European countries required to save them from the effects of the war. It is worth noting that the war left Europe in dreadful economic shape. ... This resulted to the United States to implement the Marshall Plan to aid in the reduction of the awful aftermath of the war. The U.S., therefore, helped reconstruct the economic well-being and potency of European society. It is worth noting that this was not just a humanitarian aid, but was the finest way to combat communism in Europe. This is because the European nations accepting U.S. aid needed to function as an economic unit. Moreover, a reconstructed Europe would benefit the United States by yet again being able to purchase American factory and farm harvests. More significantly, a frugally strong Europe would halt the spread of communalism (Turner and Henry 209). However, the Soviets rejected Marshall’s request to help grow a plan to rebuild Europe. They (Soviets) said that his plan stood as an arrangement to rule Europe economically. The Eastern European nations that were under Soviets control, therefore, failed to participate. In a meeting that took place in Paris in 19 47, America was disappointed in the direction the plan was taking. This is because 16 Western European nations came with a distinct â€Å"shopping list," list†, other than taking a unified plan for Europe as a whole. Moreover, western Germany that was occupied by Britain, France, and the United States was thought to remain economically unstable hence not eligible to receive much of the Marshall Plan aid. The French assumed this would stop Germany from ever again going to combat. However, Marshall stressed the significance of full German participation. He saw it as essential for the economic recapture of Western Europe. The Marshall Plan was noted to do numerous necessary things. These were providing philanthropic aid for

The Five Phases of the Project Lifecycle Assignment

The Five Phases of the Project Lifecycle - Assignment Example A project has to be approached in a systematic way that will ensure there is minimal time wasting and deviation from the main goals and objectives of the project from the time it was initiated. To do so, there are a number of approaches used that guide the progress of the project to completion. The most common used approach is the traditional phased approach that has five phases explaining the activities involved in each phase form the time an idea is conceived to the time the project is closed. The five phases include initiation, planning/ design, execution, monitoring and closing of the project. Each step has its unique activities that make it possible for the project to be completed successfully. Initiation is the first phase of any project. This phase seeks to define the project or a new phase of an already existing project. It also involves the process of gaining authorization from the relevant authorities for the project to be commenced (Indelicato, 2013). To achieve the goals of this phase, there is need to first develop a project charter and then identify the stakeholders. The project charter contains, project success criteria and objectives, constraints/assumptions, high level budget and schedule, the list of stakeholders, project justification or purpose and lastly assign a project manager. A well-developed project charter, will provide adequate information to the authorities and convince them to commit an organizations resources towards achieving the goals and objectives of the project. It gives them a knowhow on the amount of resources needed to complete the project, hence guiding the decision making of the authorities on whether the project is achievable or not. At the same time, it provides one with its contribution to the organization in achieving its primary goals without violating their mission, vision, values and

Gilgamesh And The Legend Of King Arthur English Literature Essay

Gilgamesh And The Legend Of King Arthur English Literature Essay Synthesizing is bringing together of multiple texts. In this case, we shall compare and contrast two legends by different authors, epic of Gilgamesh and the legend of King Arthur. Although these two literary texts have comparisons, they also have differences. The outstanding difference is that one is an Epic and the other is a legend (Danny 4). To compare and contrast the epic of Gilgamesh and the legend of king Arthur, one must first know what the words epic and legend mean. Basically, epic is a long narrative poem about the deeds of a semi-god, also known as a superhuman hero whose actions are depended on as fate of a nation, tribe or human race ( Danny 6).This usually consists of adventure of a filled plot and is concerned with timeless human challenges ranging from honor, jealousy, hatred and war. These contain gods and goddesses and the setting is fixed in a far distance place at a time long past. Epics are based on legends and myths. A legend, consist of a superman who manages to solve some problems that a group of people have encountered for long. It also consists of an adventure filled plot. Having known that, there is now a better understanding of these two stories (Danny 10). Eric of Gilgamesh is a story that revolves around Gilgamesh king of Uruk, who was two thirds god and one third men. He was physically beautiful and, very strong and very wise. His kingship was so cruel and he lorded over his subjects, raping any woman whether a wife or a daughter of his noblemen or warrior (Danny12). He accomplished building his projects through forced labor. His subjects complained to the gods and they decided to keep him under checks by creating Enkidu magnificent just like Gilgamesh. The two became good friends and Gilgamesh felt so bad when Enkidu dies from an illness inflicted by the gods. Upon the death of his friend, Gilgamesh travels to the end of edge of the world and learned about the days before the deluge and other secrets of the gods, and he recorded them on stone tablets (Danny 14). The epic begins with Enkidu. He lives with animals, suckling their breasts, grazing meadows and drinking at their watering places. In a bid to tame him he is meant to sleep with a woman but this does not happen as he is rejected since he is part of human world. He would later fight with Gilgamesh only for him to be defeated. They become friends and set off looking for an adventure to share (Danny 18). The legend of King Arthur is a narrative that revolves around Roman Empire and its fall as their armies flee the British isle. Arthur, a heroic knight and devoted Christian, is torn between his desire to travel to Rome to serve his faith and his royalty to the land of his birth. As England falls apart, Arthur throws his lot with a band of knights who hope to restore order to their fair and pleasant land and hopes to win freedom for his comrades. With time, Arthur and his men join forces with Merlin, a shaman whose band of renegade knights were often pitched in the battle against roman forces. Forming a united front as loyal English men against the invading Saxon armies, Arthur, Merlin, and the brave beautiful Guinevere are determined to unite a sovereign Britain under one army and one king (Morris et al 55). The legend of King Arthur is in comparison to the epic of Gilgamesh because Arthurs closest companion was Merlin while Gilgameshs closest companion was Enkidu and neither of these two forgot their friends. Enkidu only came into contact with Gilgamesh after becoming a man. Enkidu released the animal traps when they are caught, so to make him a man the prostitutes slept with him so that the animals would be ashamed of him and reject him. King Arthur became aware of Merlin when he was still a young man (Morris et al 62). When Arthur was born, Merlin placed him in the care of sir Ector, throughout his boyhood; Arthur learned the ways of chivalry, knighthood and how to become a gentleman. At the tournament one day Arthur pulled Excalibur from the stone and this is what brought upon Arthur meeting Merlin once again. In the legend of King Arthur, Merlin exclaimed that if men forgot it was their doom. Gilgamesh along with Enkidu together fought and killed humbaba, protector of the cedar forest, and the bull of heaven, sent as punishment to Gilgamesh for killing Gilgamesh. Neither King Arthur nor Gilgamesh forgot their faithful friends. King Arthur fought many battles with Merlin at his side, supporting him using magic to help Arthur gain a better understanding of the world. Upon the death of Enkidu, Gilgamesh searched a long time before finding the secret of eternal life, but he was unable to return it to Enkidu to restore his life to him. When Merlin was frozen from Morgannas twisted magic, King Arthur thought that Merlin deserted him. (Morris et al 68). In conclusion, there are many distinct comparisons as well as contrasts that are seen in these two wondrous narratives. Some of which include the diverse contrast of the type of literary writing and the correspondence of the faithful companions of both Gilgamesh and King Arthur. This is why The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Legend of Arthur are the same yet unlike. Although there are so many similarities between The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Legend of King Arthur, there are so many differences. One outstanding difference is that Gilgamesh was a tyrant while Arthur was a hero. Gilgamesh thought he was better than everybody else for he did not allow the brides to sleep with their husbands until Gilgamesh was with them first. Gilgamesh split Uruk up, the elders stayed at the marketplace, the animals were less than people, there was n any hunting laws (Morris et al 72). Because Enkidu fled the animals from the hunters traps Gilgamesh sent a prostitute to make Enkidu a man so that the animals would not accept him. King Arthur was a hero because he believed in the equality of man. Instead of being at the head of the table he made all the knights sit at the round table so that there was an equivalency among the knights and their mistresses. King Arthur slept only with and what he thought to be his wife. This is one reason why The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Legend of King Arthur are distinct (Morris et al 78). Work cited: Danny P. The epic of Gilgamesh.2nd ed. Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, 1997 (2-100) Morris, Albert, Paul. The Epic of Gilgamesh: An Old Babylonian Version. Book Tree, 2003 (3-112) Arnold C. Legends of the Arts: 50 Inspiring Stories of Creative People. Good Year Books, 2007

Destructive Jealousy in Iago and Othello Essay -- essays research pape

â€Å"Jealousy has the power to destroy† Discuss the ways in which Shakespeare uses both characters Othello and Iago to convey this message. Following the recent study of Shakespeare’s play â€Å"Othello†, we found a lot of information about the play and the theme jealousy. Shakespeare wrote tragedies, comedies and histories, all were in five acts of poetry. My definition of jealousy is where someone has something or is able to do something that another person can do. They are jealous because the other people are able to and have the things they want but can’t get. The play ‘Othello’ is in Shakespeare’s group of tragedies, because of the deaths and misfortunes. The main characters in â€Å"Othello† are Othello himself, iago, Cassio, Desdamona and maybe Emilia the play has jealousy and gullibility in it. â€Å"Othello’’ is a black man in a white society. Iago is jealous of cassio because he became Othello’s lieutenant. Iago is jealous because he felt that he was the one to get that position, because he believed that he deserved it, but did not receive what he wanted. Cassio has turned into a bit of a playboy and slept with women, possibly iagos wife. Here are a few quotes about Othello, iago says, â€Å"I do suspect a trusty moor hath leaped into my seat†. I do think this is saying, that iago is thinking that Othello has slept with his wife emilia. The next quote shows that, iago wants to do to Othello what he did to him. Revenge. â€Å"Till i've evened with him, wife for wife†. Iago shows his potential of jealousy to become so destructive. Iagos wife emilia says to Desdemona (Othello’s wife), â€Å"who would not make her husband old to make him a monarch?† Iago also starts to say things about cassio like, â€Å" for I fear cassio with my night cap too.† Iago... ...ed in the extreme†. Here iago is admitting to being manipulative. At the end othello again feels isolated and feels completely vunerable throughout. The audience could see him as a mix between confident and in charge as well as being very insecure. Othello stabs iago wanting to wound him, iago’s reply is, â€Å"I bleed sir, but not killed† – which was what othello wanted.. iago ends up being taken away to be tortured and othello wants this as living is more of sa punishment. Iago is clever and manipulative and has a good understanding of people. He is evil throughout shakespeares play and he knows it. He also blames others for active manipulation of them. â€Å"demand me nothing, what you know, you know.† Iago plants the idea of desdamona in othellos mind. Initially othello does not believe him, but iago continues to manipulate othello and othello lets him do it.

Recruiting, Selecting, Orienting, and Training

| |Recruiting |Selecting |Orienting |Training | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |Company’s Web site |Job interview by human resources |Explanation of the |Apprenticeship training | | | |department |organization’s levels of | | | | | |authority | | | | |>>Interested applicants will be | |>> A supervised training and | | |>>Most large companies have their |interviewed as initial screening |>>A large company organization |testing of a new employee is very | | |own websites which usually |by the human resource department. |usually has the hierarchy of |common in large companies. Some | | |includes a section for job |Prescreened applicants will go |the authorities. The new |large companies even require | | |opportunities. Online job |through supervisor’s interview for|employee must be aware of the |apprenticeship training as a | | |application has become a popular |selection. The interview will be |certain level of authority and |requirement prior to signing of | | |method of recruitment. Interested |either a structured where the |the organization. This is |the work contract. An employee is | | |applicants who meet the |questions re prepared or |usually done by the human |trained and tested for a specified| | |requirements can post an |unstructured interview where |resource department or a |minimum period of time until the | | |application and the specified |random questions are often asked. |representative from the higher |desired work skills are achieved. | | |requirements. The human resource | |authorities. An employee who fails to show | | |department may choose or contact | | |satisfactorily may possibly be | | |the candidates for screening | | |disqualified from the job. | | |interview and list candidates for | | |Training is usually carried out by| | |final interview by the supervisor. | | |designated personnel in | | | | | |coordination with human resources | | | | | |department. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |Large company | | | | | | | | | | | | |Class ified ads in newspaper |Job interview by immediate |Rules, regulations, policies, |Computer-assisted instruction | | | |supervisors |and procedures |(CAI) | | |>>Classified ads are frequently | | | | | |used by large companies as a |>>Pre-screened qualified |>> Large companies have a set |>> Computer assisted instruction | | |recruitment tool. The human |candidates will be interviewed by |rules, regulations, policies, |is similar to programmed | | resource department gets in |the supervisor for final |and procedures which is very |instruction but in more modernized| | |contact with certain newspapers to|employment decision. Immediate |important for any new employee |technology. Materials and | | |post the vacant post with few |supervisors are usually involved |to know. This usually is given |processes and relevant | | |details of the required employee |in final hiring of prospective |priority during the orientation|instructions are computer-based | | |to fill in the vacancy. |applic ants subject to approval of |period as any employee needs to|where the new employee are | | | |the higher authorities. work according to the company’s|required to read and review the | | | | |standards and in accordance to |instructions and answer the | | | | |the set guidance. |related questions after looking at| | | | | |the materials. Some | | | | | |computer-assisted instructions are| | | | | |sometimes internet-based. This | | | | | |instruction is done by human | | | | | |resource department or designated | | | | | |personnel. | | | | | | | | |State or private employment |Screening by state or private |Skills training |Classroom training | | |agencies |employment agency | | | | | | | | | | |>>Some large company gets in | | | | |>>Many large companies use |contact with state or private |>>Large companies follow their |>> Classroom training which is | | |employment agencies to hire for |employment company for hiring a |set standards and the |common in large companies is | | |needed employee. Employment |staff who is already prescreened |accomplishment of these is only|usually a continuation of | | |agencies have their screening |based on agency tools. Human |achieved if the employees use |orientation. It includes lectures,| | |method for choosing skillful |resource department gets in |their skills accordingly. To |exercises, visual presentations, | | |applicants. The human resource |contact with th e agency to hire an|ensure accomplishment of the |and skills enhancement activities. | |department gets in contact with |employee which is usually placed |company standards, though the |The human resource department | | |employment agencies to bring in |on temporary contract terms. |newly hired staffs are |usually organizes the training | | |some of the prescreened skillful | |skillful, skills training |with coordination of related | | |employees. | |remain a basic part of |department and designated | | | | |orientation. Skill training is |personnel. Some part of | | | | |usually done by the education |orientation program, | | | | |or staff development department|apprenticeship training, and other| | | | |in collaboration with the human|related program such as safety | | | | |resource department. |program are usually incorporated | | | | | |in classroom training. | | | | | | | | | | | | | |Job postings within the company |Employment tests |Job functions and |On-the-job training(OJT) | | | | |responsibilities | | | |>>This is usually done by human | | |>>On the job training is usually | | |resource department posting the |>> Employment tests which is also |>> Small companies usually have|implemented by small companies | | |details of the requirements for |conducted by large companies, is |short and simple orientation |especially when no formal training| | |the vacant post. Interested |commonly used by small companies |program for the new employees. |is offered by a company. | | |applicants will then contact the |as well. The test is usually given|Rules and regulations are |On-the-job training is simple and | | |human resource department for more|by company supervisor if human |usually not exhaustive and |is usually done by designated | | |information and application |resource department is not |orientation requires very basic|staff as the mentor of the new | | |requirements. |available. The results of the test|things. Job functions and |employee or by the supervisor | | | |will take a part in hiring |responsibilities however are |himself/herself. Any regular staff| | | |decision. |usually among the main |can also do the on-the-job | | | | |priorities in orientation. |training through accidental | | | | | |teaching while at work. | | | | | | | | | | | | |Small Company | | | | | | | | | | | | |Employee referrals |Employment applications |Introduction to fellow workers |Job rotation, or cross-training | | | | | | | | | |>> Employment application is a |>>Working in small companies |>> Job rotation or cross training | | |>> Employee referral is very |universal tool used by all |requires establishment of good |is a very common training practice| | |common in small company |companies. The small companies |rapport among all the workers. |in small companies, though it is | | |recruitment. Trusted employees |particularly those with limited |Introduction of a new employee |also observed in large companies. | |usually spread out the news of job|facilities largely depend on |to fellow workers is much |Job rotation maybe on monthly, | | |vacancy to any of his /her |written employment applications |highlighted in small companies |bimonthly or at any specified | | |contacts and recommend a |along with other required |as compared to large companies. |period basis. Job rotation and | | |prospective candidate to the |employment certificates. |It is not surprising for small |cross training is usually aimed at| | |employer. A major drawback on this|Applications are usually reviewed |company to throw a welcome |developing staff that can be | | |process s that referrals are |by company supervisor or human |party to a new employee during |placed at any job that has staff | | |sometimes not based on skills or |resource department if available. |the formal introduction. |deficiency such as during any the | | |what they know but on who they | |Introduction is usually done by|absence or leave of some s taff. | | |know. | |the department head or a | | | | | |designated staff. | | | | | | | | |Job bidding |Resumes |Benefits and compensation |Programmed training | | | | | | | | | | |>> Small companies may or may | | | |>>Job bidding is very common in |>>Resume which is also universally|not state the benefits and |>> Programmed written instructions| | |small companies mostly based on |required by most companies large |compensation in the written |are usually provided to new | | |seniority, job skills, and other |or small, is often one of the main|contract. The details of the |employee. A time is provided for | | |qualifications that give certain |bases of small companies in |benefits and compensation are |the new employee to read and | | |employee advantage over the |selection of applicants. Small |therefore usually included as a|review all the instructions in | | |others. Senior and highly |companies are usually not |part of orientation. This is |materials provided. A programmed | | |qualified employees usually bid |exhaustive in conducting |usually done by the company |training is usually done by the | | |for higher vacant positions. interviews and most of the time |supervisor or human resource |company supervisor or designated | | | |after careful review of resume |department if available as part|personnel. The employee considered| | | |with the supporting documents, |of orientation. |to be on training will be required| | | |applicants are chosen for final | |to answer questions based on the | | | |interview. | |materials provided thereafter. |

Understanding W.E.B. Dubois essays

Understanding W.E.B. Dubois essays Few men have influenced the lives of African-Americans as much as William Edward Burghardt DuBois. He was a scholar, activist, writer, and an international diplomat. During his time, he was at least involved in if not in the forefront of every movement advocating equal rights for African Americans. DuBois inspired the creation of numerous organizations and periodicals. Dubois dedicated a part of himself to numerous worthy causes, but that same generosity had a detrimental effect on the outcome of his efforts. As a result of distributing his efforts amongst many worthy causes, DuBois rarely followed his individual dreams to complete fruition. Although DuBois may not have taken every step he could, he went farther than many people will ever go to better the lives of their people. DuBois made monumental contributions to history, politics, and to lives of African Americans that have been paralleled by few and eclipsed by none. In his work, The Souls of Black Folk, DuBois described the life and problems that black people in America faced. He had a very different plan in the struggle for black equality and for the abolishment of racism. Some leaders spoke of a "separate black nation" while others wanted blacks to simply stay submissive. DuBois believed that assimilation was not the best means of treating discrimination against blacks. Work, culture, liberty, - all these we need, not singly but together, not successively but together, each growing and aiding each... in order that some day on American soil two world-races may give each to each those characteristics both so sadly lack (DuBois 220). Education was a key to a diverse and cultural society. Being a well-respected intellectual and leader, he worked to reach goals of education and peaceful resolutions between the races and classes. The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color-line, - the relation of the darker to the lighter races of men i...

Ozone depletion, greenhouse effect, acid rain essays

Ozone depletion, greenhouse effect, acid rain essays Everyone knows that the atmosphere and the pollution in the world is very dangerous to everything and everyone. But how bad are these different things that affect us and everything around us? This paper will specifically look at the effects, global effect and the treatment on acid rain, the greenhouse effect and the ozone depletion. Acid rain has been around for a long time. It was first noticed around the 17 century during the industrialization period. Scientists have been paying attention to acid rain since that time and the effects it has had on the plants, animals, humans etc. Acid rain is very dangerous as most people know. First off the term is not totally correct and scientists prefer the terminology acid depositions. The reason these scientists believe that it is called acid depositions instead of acid rain is simply because the acid which was formed by pollution can in fact return to the earth as either solid or a gas and not only in the form of rain. Acid depositions can come in rain, fog or even snow. Industries, factories, vehicles, aerosol cans, etc are all causes for acid rain. This is because all of these things increase the level of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen in the air we breathe in. These chemicals will later transform into sulphuric acid as well as nitric acid which in the long run will co me down in the form of acid rain. Electric companies have to burn a lot of coal, which contains a very low amount of sulphur, in a days time which will increase the level of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere. But the electric companies are not the only ones to blame; a lot of other companies and industries have to process raw ore (a mineral or a numerous amount of minerals which a valuable or constituent can be profitably mined or extracted) so they can obtain copper, zinc, and nickel. The problem with that is that copper, zinc, and nickel are also causes of acid rain. Most poll...

1. Are social networking Web sites appropriate for teenagers Or should Essay

1. Are social networking Web sites appropriate for teenagers Or should their access to such Web sites be restricted - Essay Example It is even appropriate for teenagers if they use it wisely, and should not be restricted. One of the major concerns relating to social networking websites is that teenagers without realizing it a public domain, post personal information. Parents especially are concerned about teenagers posting personal information such as sexual behaviors, religious orientation, violent information and substance abuse for the public to read. They become prey to pedophiles and other adults who can direct them towards negative social behaviors and lifestyles. However, according to Dr. Moreno, an assistant professor of pediatrics at University of Wisconsin-Madison (Gordon), such information can be used by parents and others who are concerned about teenagers to communicate with them. They can email teenagers to inform and guide them how to remedy risky behaviors and substance abuse. Another major concern regarding teenage access to social networking web sites is its impact on the teenagers in the future. Around 90 percent of teenagers in the United States have access to the Internet (Gordon) among which 55 percent have used social networks with online profiles. The majority of the profiles belong to older teenage girls registered with sites like MySpace and Facebook (Madden). Since these teenagers use the web sites to connect with friends, make new friends and flirt around, they generally maintain a casual attitude towards their personal information. Parents are concerned about the impact such information lying in public domain have on their future careers and life. But such concerns are also baseless because Maddens survey indicates that teenagers today are wiser than before. They have restricted access to their profiles and only let those who they are acquainted with to view them. These aspects lead the author to conclude that social networking web sites are not such a threat to teenagers as adults believe them to be. With a wise approach and

Myocardial Infarction Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Myocardial Infarction - Research Paper Example When a portion of myocardium is affected thus, the function of the whole heart is affected resulting in blood supply to other parts of the body like brain and vital organs (Fenton, 2008). This leads to multiorgan dysfunction. Arteries that supply the muscles of the heart are known as coronary arteries. These arise from the aorta and lie on the surface of the heart. There are 2 main coronary arteries, namely the right and left coronary arteries. The right coronary artery supplies the right ventricle and the left one supplies the lower parts of the heart. Most of the left ventricle is supplied by left anterior descending coronary artery. The circumflex artery supplies the back portion of the left ventricle (Zevit, 2006). Atherosclerosis, which results in coronary artery plagues is the most common cause of myocardial infarction. Other causes of myocardial infarction are respiratory failure, profound anemia, cocaine abuse, carbon monoxide poisoning, anamolous coronary artery and coronary artery vasospasm (Fenton, 2008). Risk factors for myocardial infarction are advanced age, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, male gender, abnormal lipid profile, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, family history of ischemic heart disease and hypertension. Compensatory mechanisms Physiological response to myocardial infarction include increased heart rate, increased mean arterial pressure, increased respiratory rate and raised serum cortisol levels (Cherrington et al, 2002). Medical treatment The goals of treatment in a patient with myocardial infarction are to restore oxygen supply to the heart, to prevent worsening of ischemia, cause relief of pain and finally to prevent and also manage various complications related to myocardial damage. Treatment of patient diagnosed to have myocardial infarction includes oxygen administration, aspirin, sublingual nitrate, betablockers and pain relief using morphine. Administration of aspirin in the prehospital phase or even after immediate arrival to t he hospital has shown to decrease mortality and chances of reinfarction. Those allergic to aspirin must be administered clopidogrel. Sublingual nitrate decreases preload and also decreases paon. However, this drug must not be administered in right ventricular infarction and hypotension. Betablcokers decrease the heart rate and hence decrease the oxygen demand of the myocardium. Morphine decrease pain and thus demand of oxygen. Further treatment depends on the type of infarction (Fenton, 2008). In STEMI, immediate reperfusion therapy must be initiated and this includes either percutaneous coronary interventions or thrombolytic therapy. NSTEMI patients must receive antiischemic treatment along with percutaneous coronary interventions. Reperfusion therapy must be started immediately in STEMI patients. Percutaneous coronary interventions are better than thrombolytic therapy (Fenton, 2008). These are done after angiogram. Adjunctive intravenous heparin therapy is given for maintenance of patency of the arteries (Fenton, 2008). The patient under discussion was given aspirin, heparin, Vitamin E,B and D and protonix. Protonix is proton pump inhibitor and it is give in conjunction with aspirin therapy because of risk of gastrointestinal complications following aspirin therapy. Nursing management Nursing management